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#Remedy for Inner Peace
alokkhandelwal · 1 year
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Astrological Remedies for Finding Inner Peace and Calm - Alok Astrology
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In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, locating inner peace and calm can feel like an elusive goal. However, astrology, with its profound insights into celestial energies, offers precious treatments to assist us to cultivate an experience of tranquility and concord. By aligning with the cosmic forces, we will discover customized tactics to locate internal peace. In this weblog, we can discover powerful astrological treatments that may guide our journey towards tranquility, assisting us navigate existence’s demanding situations with grace and serenity.
Know more about Astrological Remedies to find Inner Peace. Get an online astrology consultation by the world-renowned astrologer Mr. Alok Khandelwal.
1 – Understanding the Role of Astrology
Astrology is a sacred science that recognizes the connection between celestial bodies and human live. It offers us deep insights into our inner selves and the energies that form our lives.
By studying our birth charts, astrologers can pick out key elements influencing our emotional nicely-being and guide us in the direction of finding inner peace. Let’s delve into powerful astrological remedies that could assist us in this transformative adventure.
2 – Embracing the Power of Meditation
Meditation serves as a powerful tool for calming our thoughts and connecting with our inner selves. By incorporating meditation practices aligned with our astrological factors, which include grounding for Earth signs and symptoms, visualization for Water signs, breathwork for Air signs and symptoms, and confirmation for Fire signs, we will domesticate a deep experience of peace and tranquility inside.
3 – Nurturing Balance with Elemental Energies
The factors of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water keep particular energies that impact our emotional well-being. By incorporating sports that resonate with our dominant element, which includes spending time in nature for Earth signs, conducting highbrow pursuits for Air signs, exploring creative stores for Fire symptoms, and immersing in water-primarily based activities for Water symptoms, we will repair balance and foster inner calm.
4 – Harnessing the Healing Power of Crystals
Crystals own particular energies that may assist our quest for inner peace. By selecting crystals aligned with our zodiac sign or specific intentions, together with Amethyst for spiritual readability, Rose Quartz for self-love, or Citrine for wonderful power, we can faucet into their recuperation vibrations to create a harmonious and serene environment.
5 – Utilizing Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy may have a profound impact on our emotional nation. By incorporating important oils aligned with our zodiac sign or desired intentions, consisting of Lavender for relaxation, Bergamot for anxiety remedy, or Frankincense for religious connection, we can harness the healing residences of those oils to promote internal calm and tranquility.
7 – Practicing Mindfulness Based on Zodiac Elements
Mindfulness entails being absolutely a gift at the moment and cultivating focus. By integrating mindfulness practices tailored to our zodiac elements, together with grounding sporting events for Earth symptoms, remark of thoughts for Air symptoms, appreciation of sensations for Fire symptoms, and emotional awareness for Water signs, we can domesticate a deeper experience of peace and calm in our daily lives.
Read Also:- Astrological Connection of Instagram’s Thread Feature, Twitter, and Elon Musk
8 – Engaging in Breathwork for Tranquility
Conscious respiration strategies, including deep stomach respiratory or trade nose breathing, can help modify our worried device and result in a country of calm. By incorporating breathwork practices aligned with our astrological trends, we will launch anxiety, lessen stress, and invite an experience of internal peace.
9 – Embodying the Healing Energy of Colors
Colors have a profound impact on our feelings and well-being. By incorporating colourations associated with our zodiac signal or desired energies, consisting of soothing blues for calming power, vibrant oranges for innovative thought, or grounding browns for balance, we can surround ourselves with colourations that promote inner peace and harmony.
10 – Tapping into Lunar Cycles for Emotional Balance
The moon’s stages affect our emotional panorama. By aligning with the one-of-a-kind lunar stages and harnessing their energies, which include putting intentions during the New Moon, practicing launch and letting cross during the Full Moon, or reflecting and introspecting during the Waning Moon, we can foster emotional balance and locate internal calm.
11 – Creating Sacred Spaces for Serenity
Designating a sacred space in our houses permits us to retreat and locate solace. By developing an environment that displays our astrological factors and personal choices, inclusive of incorporating nature-inspired elements for Earth signs, intellectual stimuli for Air signs and symptoms, fiery accents for Fire signs and symptoms, or calming water features for Water signs, we can domesticate a serene and non-violent surrounding.
12 – Seeking Guidance from Spiritual Practices
Engaging in spiritual practices that resonate with our astrological inclinations, together with connecting with deities, working towards gratitude, appearing rituals, or exploring divination tools like tarot or astrology, can offer guidance and deepen our connection to a better strength. These practices can support our quest for inner peace and foster an experience of non-secular concord.
By incorporating astrological treatments into our lives, we can embark on a transformative journey towards finding inner peace and calm. Through meditation, elemental stability, crystal restoration, aromatherapy, mindfulness, breathwork, color remedy, lunar focus, sacred areas, and spiritual practices, we can align with the cosmic energies and cultivate a harmonious nation of being. Embrace those effective astrological remedies, tailor them to your particular delivery chart, and invite tranquility and serenity into your lifestyles.
Read Also:- The Impact of Mars in the Fifth House of Kundali
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alokastrology1 · 1 year
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Astrological Remedies for Finding Inner Peace and Calm
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In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, locating inner peace and calm can feel like an elusive goal. However, astrology, with its profound insights into celestial energies, offers precious treatments to assist us to cultivate an experience of tranquility and concord. By aligning with the cosmic forces, we will discover customized tactics to locate internal peace. In this weblog, we can discover powerful astrological treatments that may guide our journey towards tranquility, assisting us navigate existence’s demanding situations with grace and serenity.
Know more about Astrological Remedies to find Inner Peace. Get an online astrology consultation by the world-renowned astrologer Mr. Alok Khandelwal.
1 – Understanding the Role of Astrology
Astrology is a sacred science that recognizes the connection between celestial bodies and human live. It offers us deep insights into our inner selves and the energies that form our lives.
By studying our birth charts, astrologers can pick out key elements influencing our emotional nicely-being and guide us in the direction of finding inner peace. Let’s delve into powerful astrological remedies that could assist us in this transformative adventure.
2 – Embracing the Power of Meditation
Meditation serves as a powerful tool for calming our thoughts and connecting with our inner selves. By incorporating meditation practices aligned with our astrological factors, which include grounding for Earth signs and symptoms, visualization for Water signs, breathwork for Air signs and symptoms, and confirmation for Fire signs, we will domesticate a deep experience of peace and tranquility inside.
3 – Nurturing Balance with Elemental Energies
The factors of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water keep particular energies that impact our emotional well-being. By incorporating sports that resonate with our dominant element, which includes spending time in nature for Earth signs, conducting highbrow pursuits for Air signs, exploring creative stores for Fire symptoms, and immersing in water-primarily based activities for Water symptoms, we will repair balance and foster inner calm.
4 – Harnessing the Healing Power of Crystals
Crystals own particular energies that may assist our quest for inner peace. By selecting crystals aligned with our zodiac sign or specific intentions, together with Amethyst for spiritual readability, Rose Quartz for self-love, or Citrine for wonderful power, we can faucet into their recuperation vibrations to create a harmonious and serene environment.
5 – Utilizing Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy may have a profound impact on our emotional nation. By incorporating important oils aligned with our zodiac sign or desired intentions, consisting of Lavender for relaxation, Bergamot for anxiety remedy, or Frankincense for religious connection, we can harness the healing residences of those oils to promote internal calm and tranquility.
7 – Practicing Mindfulness Based on Zodiac Elements
Mindfulness entails being absolutely a gift at the moment and cultivating focus. By integrating mindfulness practices tailored to our zodiac elements, together with grounding sporting events for Earth symptoms, remark of thoughts for Air symptoms, appreciation of sensations for Fire symptoms, and emotional awareness for Water signs, we can domesticate a deeper experience of peace and calm in our daily lives.
Read Also:- Astrological Connection of Instagram’s Thread Feature, Twitter, and Elon Musk
8 – Engaging in Breathwork for Tranquility
Conscious respiration strategies, including deep stomach respiratory or trade nose breathing, can help modify our worried device and result in a country of calm. By incorporating breathwork practices aligned with our astrological trends, we will launch anxiety, lessen stress, and invite an experience of internal peace.
9 – Embodying the Healing Energy of Colors
Colors have a profound impact on our feelings and well-being. By incorporating colourations associated with our zodiac signal or desired energies, consisting of soothing blues for calming power, vibrant oranges for innovative thought, or grounding browns for balance, we can surround ourselves with colourations that promote inner peace and harmony.
10 – Tapping into Lunar Cycles for Emotional Balance
The moon’s stages affect our emotional panorama. By aligning with the one-of-a-kind lunar stages and harnessing their energies, which include putting intentions during the New Moon, practicing launch and letting cross during the Full Moon, or reflecting and introspecting during the Waning Moon, we can foster emotional balance and locate internal calm.
11 – Creating Sacred Spaces for Serenity
Designating a sacred space in our houses permits us to retreat and locate solace. By developing an environment that displays our astrological factors and personal choices, inclusive of incorporating nature-inspired elements for Earth signs, intellectual stimuli for Air signs and symptoms, fiery accents for Fire signs and symptoms, or calming water features for Water signs, we can domesticate a serene and non-violent surrounding.
12 – Seeking Guidance from Spiritual Practices
Engaging in spiritual practices that resonate with our astrological inclinations, together with connecting with deities, working towards gratitude, appearing rituals, or exploring divination tools like tarot or astrology, can offer guidance and deepen our connection to a better strength. These practices can support our quest for inner peace and foster an experience of non-secular concord.
By incorporating astrological treatments into our lives, we can embark on a transformative journey towards finding inner peace and calm. Through meditation, elemental stability, crystal restoration, aromatherapy, mindfulness, breathwork, color remedy, lunar focus, sacred areas, and spiritual practices, we can align with the cosmic energies and cultivate a harmonious nation of being. Embrace those effective astrological remedies, tailor them to your particular delivery chart, and invite tranquility and serenity into your lifestyles.
Read Also:- The Impact of Mars in the Fifth House of Kundali
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gordiicore · 4 months
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organichealingoils · 4 months
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thespiritualparrot · 6 months
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Healing Crystals For Uterine Fibroids
Welcome to the enlightening world of crystals, where ancient wisdom meets modern healing. In this guide, we delve into the transformative power of crystals for uterine fibroids, offering hope and holistic healing options for those seeking relief. Crystals, with their unique vibrational energies, have been revered for centuries for their ability to promote healing, balance, and well-being. As we…
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shamanflavio · 7 months
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Why Psychedelics Are Not Necessarily Therapy's Next Frontier
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and connection with the universe doesn’t always require the aid of psychedelics. Many of the profound transformations and experiences attributed to these substances can also be achieved through shamanic practices and exercises, offering a natural and substance-free pathway to similar states of consciousness and enlightenment. Imagine tapping into the deep…
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livingwellnessblog · 9 months
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Integration: Uniting Eastern Medicine, TCM, and Yoga in Western Standard Treatment for Holistic Well-being
The integration of Eastern medicine, TCM, and Yoga into Western standard treatment marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of healthcare.
Integration: Uniting Eastern Medicine, TCM, and Yoga in Western Standard Treatment for Holistic Well-being The pursuit of holistic well-being has become increasingly vital in modern healthcare. As Western medicine continues to advance, there is a growing recognition of the inherent value in integrating Eastern traditions such as Taoist medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Yoga.…
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ezekiel-krishna · 5 months
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☘️ 9th Lord in All Houses { Part 2 }
◇◇ Fortune, Prosperity, Higher Learnings & Spirituality ◇◇
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⇝ Your Guide to Check Your Placement > Refer here
9th Lord in 8th House
This placement is quite challenging when it comes to ownership. Even if you're a billionaire or anyone with the ninth Lord in Eighth House, you may still feel a sense of lack in your life. The desire for more wealth can ironically lead to misfortune. The ninth Lord in the Eighth House signifies spiritual wisdom, deep occult knowledge, and sometimes even renunciation. If Jupiter is in this placement, it can bring tremendous spiritual growth in this lifetime, which is truly a blessing. While it may create feelings of insecurity for many, there are remedies to overcome this psychological barrier. Subconsciously, you may feel the need to give away excess wealth as a way to find balance.
When you receive more, you may feel unworthy, but it's not a mental barrier - it's simply the karmic challenges you face. Your past life may have been filled with good fortune, but it didn't necessarily lead to spiritual fulfillment or inner happiness in this life. By remembering this, you can truly benefit when you give back to charity.It's important to share your wisdom, wealth, and fortune. The more you give, the more you receive, as your current fortune is connected to the 12th and fourth houses. Some of you may even find luck in foreign lands, so traveling abroad can be quite beneficial.
While venturing into foreign lands can bring good fortune, staying there can also be advantageous. The main obstacle to your prosperity may come from your friendships and social circles. Not all friends are genuine, but not every friend is an enemy either. Choose your companions wisely, and you'll be just fine.Your relationship with your siblings is bound to be challenging. They have the potential to create obstacles and difficulties for you, which is why it is crucial for you to practice patience and maintain open communication with them. As for your career, you will face demanding bosses or superiors who will have high expectations of you. It is natural to feel like quitting at times, but try not to make a habit out of it, as it will only hinder your progress.
However, your greatest karmic responsibility lies in your children. They will require a great deal of effort and dedication from you, as is the case with every parent. But for you specifically, it holds a deeper karmic significance. Giving so much to your kids will require an enormous amount of energy and attention from you. In the event that you do not have children in this lifetime, your karmic duty will be fulfilled by assisting younger individuals, most likely students, as a teacher or mentor. They will demand a lot from you, and it is essential for you to fulfill this karmic debt. Educating, helping, or mentoring them is a wise choice for you.
9th Lord in 9th House
This position offers the potential for great wealth and good fortune, allowing you to develop your talents and skills. The influence of the first house will also enhance your physical appearance, making you incredibly attractive. Your siblings, especially your younger siblings, will bring blessings into your life, and there is a strong positive energy surrounding you due to your past life actions. While this placement suggests that traveling to foreign lands will generally be favorable, it is important to consider the entire birth chart as it may not always be the case. Home life can be challenging, regardless of your wealth, as there may be obstacles in finding peace and security in your domestic situation. Additionally, there may be karmic struggles or difficulties in your early home environment, including issues with your mother or even the loss of your mother.
In most cases, your father will be a source of happiness for you. However, if the 9th lord is a malefic planet such as Saturn, Mars, Rahu (North Node), or Ketu (South Node), you may encounter extreme difficulties with your father.It is crucial to adhere to your religious beliefs or philosophical principles when seeking the truth, as this will bring about positive outcomes in your life. Your passion for learning is commendable, and it is important that your education aligns with your interests. However, if the ninth lord is malefic or if there is a malefic influence on the ninth house lord, there may be a significant delay in your higher education. Nevertheless, this delay can still be seen as fortunate for you. The ninth house not only signifies learning but also teaching, and individuals with this placement often excel as teachers. You may receive fortune through your own children or from your students.
However, there may be obstacles in the form of your elder siblings. If your elder sibling is part of your social network or friendship circles, it can become a test of your moral duty or dharma. It is not necessarily that they are false friends, although that can happen. The challenge lies in not being able to discern who is a genuine friend, as you tend to be trusting and overlook their motives. Your friendship networks and circles can greatly impact your fortune. With this placement, you often have responsibilities and obligations towards non-human beings, not just pets but all living creatures. Additionally, there may be a significant legal dispute or court case that arises in your life. However, as long as you remain righteous and truthful, it will not disrupt your overall fortune.
9th Lord in 10th House
This placement offers incredible opportunities for growth and advancement in your life. You will receive recognition and respect from your superiors, possibly even attaining a high position in your career. Regardless of your current status, people will admire and look up to you, which is truly fortunate. Your past life Karma will play a significant role in your promotion and career success, allowing you to achieve your goals with less effort compared to others.
While this may bring some instability in your domestic life, with frequent moves, it is important to prioritize your home life as well. Neglecting your family can strain your relationship with your mother. On the bright side, you will have a wide network of friends and connections who will constantly present amazing opportunities for you, ensuring a steady stream of income.
You will encounter numerous adversaries along the way, and the more rivals you face, the greater your fame and success will be. However, be wary of the toll it may take on your health - you could become overly indulgent, lazy, or even obsessed with fitness to the point of neglecting your well-being. With the ninth Lord in the tenth house, a strong ego may arise, and you might even have hidden children, posing ethical challenges in dealing with them. Foreign affairs can bring about various difficulties, so be mindful of your expenses when abroad. Watch out for extravagance and debt, as they could lead to your downfall. Your karmic duty lies in fulfilling your responsibilities to your spouse, presenting tests that you must face with integrity. Remember, maintaining honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in your relationships is crucial for preserving your good fortune.
9th Lord in 11th House
When the 9th lord enters the 11th house, a multitude of blessings can come your way. Specifically, you will experience an increase in wealth and income from various sources. New opportunities will continuously present themselves to you, catering to your needs and desires. It is quite common to have multiple streams of income with this placement.Not only will you receive the favor of your father and elder siblings, but sometimes even by simply wishing for good fortune, it will come to you. Your family, siblings, cousins, and spouse will shower you with blessings. In return, you will go above and beyond to help others, including your spouse. This creates a mutually beneficial dynamic.
Having the ninth lord in the eleventh house endows you with exceptional talent. You possess the ability to quickly learn and excel in any skill. Whether it be in the artistic or literary field, such as writing, media, communication, blogging, or criticism, you have the potential to become highly skilled. Additionally, you have a natural aptitude for artistic endeavors like singing and drama. Furthermore, you make an excellent financial advisor, making this placement particularly advantageous for business people.Even if one door of opportunity closes, another one consistently opens for you. This ensures that you always have avenues to explore and opportunities to seize.
As you become highly successful and influential, you may unknowingly evoke jealousy within your family circle. It's important to be cautious of your enemies and competitors, as they may try to undermine your position out of envy. This placement also tests your willingness to reach out and assist others, as the 11th house is all about helping people. Additionally, the first house emphasizes your commitment to supporting others throughout your life. The great news is that the more you extend a helping hand and support others, the more your fortune will grow. It's truly a win-win situation.
When the 10th house is 8th House of Crisis transformation, you have the potential to become a counselor, psychotherapist, mentor, or someone in the medical field by helping others in difficult times. When you face crisis, trauma, or transformation yourself, you emerge stronger and wealthier. You have the knack for turning challenging situations into opportunities, embodying the saying 'when life gives you a lemon, make lemonade' - this is clearly linked to the ninth Lord in the eleventh house.
9th Lord in 12th House
When the ninth Lord moves into the twelfth house, it may lead to a sense of uncertainty and lack of direction in your life. However, one thing is certain - foreign lands will bring you good fortune. Your wealth and gains will come from overseas sources, and there is a high likelihood of pursuing higher education in foreign countries. Working in institutions like prisons, asylums, hospitals, or schools can also be beneficial for you. These organizations provide structure and organization to your life, unlike self-employment which may pose challenges. Remember to consider the seventh house Lord to confirm these effects. Additionally, the twelfth house signifies charity, so the more you give to charitable and educational causes, the more your fortune will grow.
This position is deeply spiritual, granting you intuitive abilities and an understanding of occult sciences like astrology and tarot. With the 9th lord in the 12th house, challenges may arise in your relationship with your father, or he may be absent from your life. Family dynamics can be tough, but you share a strong bond with your mother, who provides support. Spousal relationships may be demanding, requiring patience and understanding. Health issues could also be a concern. Education may not come easily, but pursuing higher education will be highly beneficial. You were born to acquire special wisdom, and you will encounter spiritual teachers or mentors who will guide you towards profound knowledge. Embrace this experience fully and don't hesitate to immerse yourself in the learning process.
Remember This is a General Analysis
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fabulouslyflamboyant5 · 7 months
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The Unrighteous Knight Part 2
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pairing: azriel x second archeron sister!reader
summary: After the events that occurred between Azriel and you, nothingness seems rather appealing. (Also some insight into readers past, and how becoming fae has affected them)
warning: su**ci*al thoughts, canon typical violence, nesta slander…inner circle slander?
word count: 1.3k
a/n: Sorry for delay, my drafts got deleted! This chapter is a little slow, but necessary for character development. Turns out, reader isn’t such a meek character after all…
Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five
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To be, or not to be.
That is the question. The simple question, as mortals would insist. But what hold do the claws of mortality have upon an immortal being? How far must a cauldron made fae go to completely rid themselves of their humanity, with no guarantee that they will find solace in immortality?
Nowhere.
That is the answer, the simple answer your youngest sister and her dashing mate insist upon.
You must go nowhere, because simply put, the act of searching for serenity is sure to attract confusion.
But the answer is surely not so simple. Is nowhere not anywhere when you have been dragged to a land different from the one you’d grown to love?
The soil of Prythian feels foreign beneath your feet. Then again, your own skin feels foreign against your blood, which feels volatile within your soul.
Prythian, the continent home to Feyre Cursbreaker, Lady Death, and the most beautiful of the three sisters, Elain, cannot possibly be home to you, (y/n) Archeron, the sister who stands out for no reason other than her own lack of brilliance.
While the cauldron may have lent your younger sister the power of a seer, you were left with nothing.
Not brave enough to take it for yourself, you have come to terms with the fact that you are once again, left behind.
The forgotten sister. Perhaps that is what you are. What you always have been.
They insist that this is your home, that Velaris will bathe you in its light and rid you of your struggles. But you have found that you quite hate the light. It is darkness that you seek. It is nothingness you yearn for, the absence of everything in its entirety.
You try not to let these thoughts fester for too long.
Writing, for all you know, is the only way to remedy the situation. After all, it is considerably easier to distract yourself when you have something to look forward to.
Something that you enjoy.
Perhaps it is the nothingness within your leather bound notebook that brings you peace. The unfilled pages are not lonely, but instead, freeing.
The cruelty of your reality leaves no mark on the pages of your worn book. Nothingness, or in this case, fiction, is all that lines its pages.
Stories of the past, present, and future are maimed into something foreign. You are the narrator, you are the creator, you are in control.
Control.
That is your answer. Supplied by none other than yourself, of course.
It is control you seek. The ability to lead a life you choose, without ever having to bow down to forces external to your own psyche.
Forces beyond the harsh stare of Azriel, the Night Court's Shadowsinger, and the bane of your eternal existence.
In the many years you’ve known him, he has never failed to remind you just how deep his hate for you went. Like a raft sailing down an empty river, your efforts to mend your relationship are continuously shut down.
Not that any of it matters, not anymore.
The second his blade made contact with your abdomen you knew, just knew that the two of you would never make peace.
Even now, days since the incident, a phantom pain remains, pulsing within the thin scar below your left rib.
It’s frustrating really, how do you move on from something you never want to forget?
Staring down at the tea stained pages of your journal, you let the question linger.
A whole bunch of nothing.
That is the answer you arrive at.
It should be familiar now, this nothingness within you. This nothingness you embody.
Your sisters, bless them, will never grasp the emptiness that resides within you. But how could they, for all they know you appreciate solitude, find serenity in the freedom this world has provided you.
But it is not freedom you embody, it is loneliness; nothingness in its purest form.
“What is it exactly you are working on?” Nesta’s cool voice asks you. Had you not known her better, you’d surely mistaken her inquiry for judgment. But you do know her, so you send her a hum too weak to be mistaken for one of contentment and forbid your eyes from leaving the shadow filled paper below you.
“Nothing,” you are working on absolutely nothing.
Had you looked up, you would have seen the two cups of tea in her hands.
Had you looked up, you would have seen the sheer weight of determination resting on her shoulders.
Had you looked up, perhaps the shadows moving slowly across your hands would have stopped their movements and removed themselves from your proximity.
But alas, your eyes remain on the dark creatures, hoping, praying, that they leave the library and take your loneliness with them.
“I know what you're doing,” she spoke once more, clearly set on making her presence felt.
“And what may that be?”
“You’re overthinking,” she moves across the shelves, elegantly placing herself onto one of the cushioned chairs in front of you.
“I can assure you, that is not the case.” Nothing, that is what you are doing, and have been doing since you were forced upon this planet.
“Come back to the training ground tomorrow, I’d like for you to be there,” her voice is sincere but it is dissatisfaction that overtakes you. Of course that is what this is about. You’re foolish for assuming she had come here with the answers to the questions you seek.
“I’ll consider it,” you say dryly, reverting back to the page below you, noticing the shadows have seemingly disappeared.
Whether or not Nesta is satisfied with your response means nothing to you.
It means nothing, really.
Nothing does.
“I don’t think he meant it.” And so Lady Death strikes again. As is if her words tore open your jugular, you find yourself recoiling into the chair. Of course she would think that, it’s not as though she were present to witness the hatred in his eyes, the malice within him as he raised his sword, the eagerness of his actions against the vulnerability of your torso.
“Oh?” The paper crinkles under your tight fist, its sound serving as a reminder of your demeanor.
“He was wrong to do what he did. He hurt you and I hate him for that,” she halts, carefully thinking of what to say, “That said, I don’t believe he meant to hurt you. Had he known your skills in combat, I think the situation would have been avoided.”
It’s your fault really, you should have guessed as much. The path of wrongness will always lead back to you. You shouldn’t have expected Nesta, of all people, to see through the situation.
“I’ll see you on the training grounds before sunrise tomorrow, because from what I am gathering, I cannot trust anyone here to not kill me if I don’t refine my skills.”
For a moment, guilt can be found on the face of your sister, though it is quickly replaced by something akin to anger.
Looking as though she intends to say more, Nesta rises from her chair and makes her way towards you. You find comfort in this, it reminds you of home, or something that once was home.
“If you despise your life that much then perhaps it is best you leave.” Too far, she’d gone too far. In typical Nesta fashion, she expresses her guilt through absence. The two filled tea cups serve as the only indicator she had even been present.
This is on you, completely your fault. You dared to welcome presence into nothingness and allowed for tension to fester. How foolish you were.
So with that, you begin to write.
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tags: @sidthedollface2 @marvelouslovely-barnes @impossibelle @chessebookgirl
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writers-potion · 6 months
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Plot Type 1: "The Quest"
A part of the Plot Type Series: The Quest, Revenge, Love, Adventure, The Chase, One Against, One Apart, Power, Allegory By @writers_potion
This is the oldest pattern of plot
Sir Arthurian stories where knights search for a sacred item or Greek heros who set out to achieve a certain goal - all of these fall under this category.
The quest for inner peace or knowledge (The Catcher in the Rye) is also included.
Rudiments of The Quest
The Lead is somene who is incomplete in his ordinary world
The thing searched for must be of vital importance
There must be huge obstacles preventing the Lead from gaining it
The quest should result in the Lead becoming a different person at the end; a fruitless quest, however, may end in tragedy for the Lead
Structure of The Quest
Act I
Introduction to the Lead's world
Show the inner lack that the quest will help remedy
-The Doorway of No Return- Lead commences the quest
Act II
series of enounters (episodic feel)
the Lead will suffer setback (conflict) and struggle to overcome it, making progress with each milestone.
-The Doorway of No Return- (1) major crisis or (2) discovery of a major clue
Act III
The quest comes to an end (win or lose)
The final image: the hero returns to the original story world, having accomplished what he lacked.
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lick-me-lennon22 · 5 months
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How they'd comfort you after a SH episode
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(thank you to anon for this request!! I know this is a sensitive subject for many so I understand the decision to skip this one ❣️ those who choose to read on, I hope you enjoy!)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ TW: SELF-HARM ⚠️⚠️⚠️
John
John is immediately panicked and uneasy at the sight of you this way
he's seen his fair share of blood, but never that of someone he loves so dearly
for once he's at a loss, no longer his usual smooth and confident self
he stumbles over his words and mumbles reassurances under his breath, hoping to provide you some sense of comfort while he gets his thoughts in order
he knows this isn't something he can joke his way around
John cleans and bandages you up, having done the same for himself countless times following the frequent fights of his youth
he gives you one of his T-shirts to borrow and settles onto the bed next to you
he shares his own thoughts and struggles with you, wanting you to feel less alone
John doesn't have much to offer in the way of coping strategies or outlets, as he isn't exactly the best at managing his own emotions
instead he rubs your back and shushes you, rambling and sharing mindless stories to take your mind off of things until you're able to drift off to sleep
Paul
Paul's doe eyes fill with tears at the sight of your fresh wounds, threatening to spill over before he takes a deep breath to calm his nerves
he mentally scolds himself, knowing he has to hold it together so as not to upset his beloved any further
he takes a gentle and nurturing approach the delicate situation at hand, slowly stepping closer to you and placing a comforting hand on your shoulder
Paul offers endless words of reassurance, telling you how beautiful you are and reminding you that you're the light of his life and the strongest person he knows
he helps you clean up if you allow him, gingerly patting your skin with a dampened cloth
he places gentle kisses on your forehead and strokes your hair, using his thumbs to wipe away your tears as he finally lets his own slip down his ruddy cheeks
when you're clean and settled into bed, Paul picks up his guitar and begins to strum
he plays you a soothing melody, hoping the soft chords and lilt of his voice will lull you to sleep so you can rest and recover
George
George approaches the situation with a calm but serious demeanor
he is deeply concerned for you, but understands your pain and doesn't want to push you to open up to him before you're ready
he soaks a washcloth in cool water and dabs it on your skin to clean you up
he'll fetch you a clean set of clothing to make sure you're comfortable and cared for
though he doesn't want to pry, a quiet voice in his head urges him to help you work through your overwhelming emotions
the man of few words suddenly finds much to say, offering wisdom from his own spiritual practices and beliefs
he emphasizes the importance of finding inner peace and grounding yourself before granting you some time to process his words
when you're ready, George walks you through a guided meditation and some mindful breathing techniques, hoping to bring you some peace of mind
Ringo
Ringo is devastated and doesn't quite understand the situation or what may have led you to do this
he wonders how the one he adores so much could ever want to cause such harm to themselves
he offers to do or bring you anything you need, desperate to remedy the situation
he rifles through the bathroom cabinet for bandages, finally coming across a small metal tin
Ringo rushes over to kneel by your side and begins to place the adhesive bandages over your wounds
being the supportive partner he is, he's so blinded by his dedication to caring for you that he doesn't seem to notice the bandages are far too small
when he gets to the fifth one you fail to stifle a laugh, amused by his determination to make them fit
his face lights up when he hears you laugh - the most melodic sound he could ever imagine
he tries to cheer you up with his usual nonsensical Ringo-isms, lightening your mood and easing your worries with talk of silly fantasies and reminders of your happiest memories together
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luckshmi · 7 months
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Ayurvedic Oils for Planetary Energy: Enhancing Wellness and Balance ✨🌿
In the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, oils are not just nourishing elixirs for the body but also potent carriers of planetary vibrations, offering a holistic approach to wellness and balance.
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1/Sun Energy: Coconut Oil
Benefits: Harness vitality and strength with coconut oil. Its nourishing properties promote healthy skin, hair, and digestion, enhancing overall vitality and radiance.
How to Use: Incorporate coconut oil into daily cooking, skincare, and hair care routines for a boost of energy and vitality.
2/ Moon Energy: Almond Oil
Benefits: Embrace nurturing and soothing energy with almond oil. Its moisturizing qualities calm the mind and nourish the skin, promoting emotional well-being and tranquility.
How to Use: Massage almond oil onto the skin before bed or add a few drops to bathwater for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
3/ Mars Energy: Sesame Oil
Benefits: Channel fiery energy with sesame oil. Its warming properties stimulate circulation, boost immunity, and promote courage and strength.
How to Use: Use sesame oil for self-massage (abhyanga) or as a cooking oil to invigorate the body and mind.
4/ Mercury Energy: Jojoba Oil
Benefits: Embody communicative energy with jojoba oil. Its balancing properties support clear thinking, mental agility, and adaptability.
How to Use: Apply jojoba oil to the scalp and hair for hydration and balance, or use it as a carrier oil for essential oil blends to enhance focus and concentration.
5/ Jupiter Energy: Grapeseed Oil
Benefits: Align with expansive energy with grapeseed oil. Its light texture and antioxidant properties support growth, prosperity, and optimism.
How to Use: Use grapeseed oil as a moisturizer or massage oil to promote vitality and well-being, or add it to homemade skincare products for a radiant complexion.
6/ Venus Energy: Rosehip Seed Oil
Benefits: Embrace harmonious energy with rosehip seed oil. Its rejuvenating properties promote beauty, love, and creativity, nurturing inner and outer radiance.
How to Use: Apply rosehip seed oil to the face and body to reduce signs of aging and promote a glowing complexion, or use it as a natural alternative to moisturizers and serums.
7/ Saturn Energy: Castor Oil
Benefits: Embody disciplined energy with castor oil. Its detoxifying properties promote endurance, responsibility, and resilience.
How to Use: Use castor oil for oil pulling or as a massage oil to promote detoxification and grounding, or apply it to the scalp and hair for nourishment and strength.
8/ Rahu Energy: Neem Oil
Benefits: Harness transformative energy with neem oil. Its purifying properties help release toxins and negative patterns, promoting clarity and spiritual growth.
How to Use: Use neem oil as a natural remedy for acne or fungal infections, or incorporate it into skincare products for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
9/ Ketu Energy: Frankincense Oil
Benefits: Embrace mystical energy with frankincense oil. Its grounding properties support meditation and introspection, promoting spiritual insight and inner peace.
How to Use: Diffuse frankincense oil during meditation or add it to skincare products for its rejuvenating and calming effects, promoting overall well-being and spiritual growth.
Incorporate these Ayurvedic oils into daily life to align with planetary energy, enhance well-being, and promote balance and harmony. 🪔🌿
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leoprincess777 · 2 months
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DHANISHTA NAKSHATRA
23º 20’ Capricorn – 6º 40’ Aquarius “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” The Dolphin: Alpha Delphini, Beta Delphini, Delta Delphini, Gamma Delphini Ruled by Mars Star of Symphony. Power to give abundance and fame. Symbols: empty drum, an hourglass, bells and bulbs.
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Dhanishta is like a death of the inner child. Its essentially inert like sand, of coal or oil. Even the system is a dead thing unless the people actual show up to support it. The death of the spirit begins in Dhanishta and is completed in Purvabhadrapada. The machine  is just a dead thing. There is a suffering here as one is constantly striving to stay ahead of the curve.
Struggles of being controlled by other people, feelings of emptiness and superficiality. They devote themselves to a purpose or a person to deal with emptiness.
As it is within Dhanishta's power to give fame, they enjoy popularity and are often local celebrities. If well placed, they have a good reputation and are loved by people. They tend to mask their inner struggles with a bubbly persona, become an entertainer for other people, play the jester (performative) and seek out external stimuli as a way to fill the emptiness.
Major karma with marriage. Ashlesha is direct across so they often get into manipulative relationships do things they don’t want to do. They display big devotion towards their spouse and are service orianted, however they can get manipulative and use marriage as a means to an end. Often as a result, they are prone to getting controlled by their spouse. They enjoy material comforts.
Planets here are more likely to have feminine characteristics. It may also be seen that women with this placement have a somewhat easier time with the energies of this nakshatra.
Rakshasa: Belonging to the clan of the demons. Less practical, more hedonistic, often many ups and downs in life as the guru of the demons has the power to raise from the dead. Rebirth, transformation, redemption are all part of the system. Cyclical sense of time; mystical sense of reality. Marriage matching with another Rakshasa is best.
Dhanishta's stars form the diamond shaped Delphini constellation. Dolphin’s are unique creatures thought to be even more intelligent than human’s, and with that intelligence comes a childlike nature, playfulness, understanding, and selfless nature. They have a unique way using sonar & echolocation for communication, navigation and understanding the world around them. They are friendly, curious, peaceful, carefree creatures who live in harmony with humans as well as most other creatures of the sea. But they are also fearless in the face of predators and will sacrifice themselves to protect the pod rather than show any fear.
The Vasus such as Agni (fire), Vayu (wind), etc helps lord Indra in his fight with the demons and hence this nakshatra can also indicate some type of fight, competition, and competitiveness in a person’s life. Dhanishtha is also linked with land, real estate and may attain multiple properties. Suitable for real estate business.
Dhanishtas should keep musical insturments in their house as a remedial act and practice performance arts, music, communication and diplomacy.
"Most scientists and historians are born in Dhanishta. Since there is an inherent talent of keeping secrets, you are quite suitable for secret service, private secretaries to senior executives. Whatever may be your academic background, your intelligence is beyond question. In argument you are much ahead of others. Lawyers profession is excellent for you. From the 24th year onward will show progress in the earning field. Any improvement in the financial field will be only after marriage."
Shil-Ponde Female with Dhanishta Ascendant: “This is a talkative and interesting person, particularly successful in lecturing and debating. She is capable of writing mystic novels and is good at story telling. She will be happy in domestic life. She loves nice dresses, especially blue, pink, and purple, and likes curios and antiques.”
pada 2 (virgo): They can do very well in public service, administration, communications, or managing public affairs. They can be very good at the rhetorical, persuasive side or languages, marketing, and communications.
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haydenigmatic · 9 months
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Lady Jasira (Jah-see-RA) Oursbar (Awrs-bɑː.)
Meet Jasira, as her journey unfolds in the intricate tapestry of court politics and familial tensions. The clash between duty and personal conviction echoes in every step she takes, leaving us to wonder where this unyielding spirit will lead her in the tumultuous realm of the eight kingdoms.
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For her face claim I had i mind Rachel Hurd-Wood as laura richis, Emily Browning and then in the sketch appeared Scarlett Johansson that her voice fits Jasira actually. (I didn't include the more realistic version as I loooved how this turned out)
Main Family Dynamics:
Duke Cal (Father):
Respects her father's encouragement of pursuing passions but sometimes feels pressured to conform. She appreciates his open-mindedness but struggles to balance it with the traditional expectations pushed by her mother.
Duchess Priscilla (Mother):
The clash with her mother is a recurring theme. Jasira's independent nature and outspokenness often lead to conflicts with her mother's emphasis on reputation and societal expectations. This tension forms a backdrop to their relationship.
Raylon (Eldest Brother):
Jasira and Ray, the heir, have a complex relationship. While she respects his dedication to their father's legacy, his stubbornness and short temper irritate her. They often lock horns over differing opinions on how to handle diplomatic matters.
Quillon (Second Brother):
Jasira appreciates Quent's fierce and honourable nature, but their differing desires create tension.
Fieryo (Third Brother):
They share a warm bond. She values his ability to build alliances but sometimes questions the sincerity behind his charming demeanour. Despite this, Fieryo's affectionate nature makes him a comforting presence in her life.
Helio and Jaydon (Twins):
The twins, with their carefree and mischievous ways, often serve as Jasira's escape from the seriousness of court life. While their antics occasionally exasperate her, Jasira secretly appreciates their ability to inject joy into their often solemn environment.
Phrewenia (Young sister):
Jasira is touched by Phrewie's admiration and looks out for her younger sister. She wants Phrewie to have more freedom than she had, even if it means challenging their mother's traditional values.
Some details about her:
Memorable Quote: "The only thing worse than a person who doesn't speak their mind is one who speaks it but doesn't mean it."
When stressed, she instinctively wraps her arms around herself, a visible indicator of her inner turmoil.
Growing up, she defied societal norms, preferring swords and boyish clothes.
In her pre-teen years, her face was completely adorned with freckles. While less prominent in her teens, they still add character to her features.
Is unapologetically outspoken, expressing her opinions without filter. Her directness might be mistaken for harshness, but it reflects her honesty.
Apart from her arch-bow being a gift from her late grandfather, it has intricate carvings and symbols that tell a family story.
Has a special bond with her horse, a beautiful black mare named Shadow. The two have grown up together, sharing adventures and forming an unbreakable connection.
She finds solace in nature. She enjoys taking long walks in the woods, finding peace and inspiration among the trees and wildlife.
Maintains a small garden with a variety of medicinal herbs. She has learned the art of herbal remedies from an old family guidebook.
Has a bodily mark (tattoo) that spans from her collarbone to the end of her left side rib, a rite of passage in her culture, signifying her transition into adulthood.
Her mother is adamant about securing a prestigious marriage alliance for Jasira. However, Jasira is determined to choose her own path in matters of the heart. This clash between familial expectations and her desire for autonomy creates a significant source of tension.
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A Nest of Vipers Ch7. (Cormac McLaggen x Original Female Character - Slytherin)
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Rating: Explicit 18+
Word Count: 6.6K
Warnings / Tags: Canon atypical descriptions of violence, parental abuse, pure-blood supremacy, tragic romance
Summary: Una and Cormac's activities at Slughorn's party last night have caused a stir. A scandal from Una's childhood comes back to haunt her.
A/N: Please take heed of the warnings because, damn, Una is actually pretty normal all things considered.
Masterlist
Chapter 7: Scandal
The usually frantic corridor of the Hogwarts Express felt less chaotic to Una as she walked down holding Cormac’s hand. Perhaps she was achieving a thus far unprecedented sense of inner peace. Or maybe it was just because the crowd was parting and hushing each other as they passed. 
Last night’s events at Slughorn’s Party had spread like fiendfyre - Una Montague and Cormac McLaggen were caught cheating with each other and thrown out. Then to top it all off, Una had been attacked by Ginny Weasley for stealing Hermione Granger’s date. 
It was the scandal that everyone was talking about on the train ride home but Una was on top of the world. Ginny might have been popular amongst her Gryffindor classmates but she was notorious for her fired temper throughout the rest of the school. Una had even received sympathy for her twisted ankle from the Hufflepuff prefect, Zacharias Smith, who had been on the receiving end of the Weasley girl’s hexes more than once. 
Una stopped outside a compartment when she saw Sabine and Meredith sitting inside and Cormac almost walked right into her.
“Woah,” he said, realising that she was intending on sitting with them. “I’m not going in there.”
Una laughed. “Oh, come on. I need to patch things up.” But Cormac stood resolutely still. “You’re not scared, are you? They don’t bite.”
“Sure about that?” asked Cormac and they both glanced through the compartment window to Sabine and Meredith, who looked as if they might as well have been sharpening their fangs. 
“Alright - I’ll find you again before we get to London,” she said. “I need to smooth things over first.”
“You’re welcome to come and sit with us, y’know, if the ‘patching up’ doesn’t go to plan.” 
“And Eddie Carmichael would be happy about that?” asked Una, raising an eyebrow. 
“Well, he definitely doesn’t bite if you change your mind.”
Una smiled and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. Cormac pulled her close by her waist and kissed her back, his tongue slipping into her mouth unashamedly. They broke apart and Cormac squeezed her hand as he made to walk away but Una pulled him back for one more. 
“You’re making it very difficult to leave,” murmured Cormac, his lips smiling against hers.
“I can’t help it. It’s so unfair I won’t see you for two weeks after this.”
“Think of all the time we’ll have in detention next term,” he said, grinning.
“As if Snape will let us be in detention together,” groaned Una. “Detention. I can’t believe I need to tell people I’m doing remedial Defence Against the Dark Arts. As if everyone wont guess that I’ve got detention anyway after Snape paraded us in front of everyone.”
“It was worth it,” said Cormac as if that settled it. “Come and find me when we get to King’s Cross, yeah?” He pressed a kiss on her forehead and this time turned and walked down the corridor to find his friends Eddie, Leanne and Katie.
Una let out a happy sigh as she watched him walk away. Things were finally going her way. But the sigh dissolved in her throat when she saw Sabine and Meredith glaring at her from behind the compartment window. Sabine mimed shoving a finger down her throat as if she was being sick.
She slid the compartment door open and sat down. 
“PDA much?” shot Sabine.
“Thanks for ditching me at breakfast,” said Una sarcastically, ignoring her comment. The pair had left the dormitory before she was even dressed this morning.
“You seemed pretty cosy at the end of the Gryffindor table with Cormac McLaggen and Katie Bell,” Sabine sneered. “And that seat is taken.”
“By who?” asked Meredith obtusely.
“Anyone except her,” snapped Sabine while Meredith recoiled in fear.
“Well, I don’t see anyone else clamouring to share your compartment,” said Una. “Come on, Sab. It doesn’t have to be like this. You don’t see Blaise and Draco telling Graham to piss off.”
“That’s because Blaise and Draco are idiots. I told you what would happen if you went with Cormac so why don’t you go and find his friends and sit with them?” Sabine grabbed her magazine from the empty seat between her and Una and snapped it open, holding it in front of her face.
“I suppose I could…” said Una. “You know, it would be a pretty unstoppable group if I did.”
Sabine just tutted and turned a page of her magazine.
“I mean Carmichael is in Ravenclaw, Cormac and Katie are both in Gryffindor and their friend Leanne is in Hufflepuff. Who knows what kind of information would just slip out before it gets to us on the usual grapevine? I mean, think about it - if it wasn’t for Cormac, I never would have found out about what the Weasleys did to Graham.”
Sabine lowered her magazine slowly. “And what kind of information would you give them?” she asked, raising a perfectly threaded eyebrow.
“Only the type of information we choose to divulge. Information that would directly benefit us... Or me, I suppose if we’re not friends anymore,” Una pouted playfully.
Meredith looked between Sabine and Una as they stared each other down. “Sab, please, I hate that we’re all fighting -”
“Shut up for two seconds, Meredith,” groaned Sabine. She pursed her lips, surveying Una for a moment. “You know what, Una? You really are a conniving bitch.” 
“Maybe… but you know, there’s no one else I’d rather connive with,” sang Una, scooting closer into the empty seat as Sabine’s lips curled into a small smile. Could she actually be pulling this off? Just the right amount of flattery with a subtle threat seemed to be working. And she should probably get in Meredith’s good books too, for good measure. 
“You too, Meredith,” she added and Meredith’s face cracked into a smile.
“If you backstab us, I’ll tell your parents about Cormac,” said Sabine casually, leaning her head on Una’s shoulder so they could both read her magazine.
Her parents. They’d never approve - would they? Cormac had all the appearance of being well-off but he had mentioned that his dad and his uncle both worked at the Ministry. Surely, if his family worked, they couldn’t be from old money like the Montagues. 
And the name ‘McLaggen’ wasn’t on the old tapestry in her father’s study detailing the lines of the sacred twenty-eight pure-blood families. That didn’t mean that he wasn’t though - he could be from a pure-blood family that was extinct in the male line. But she didn’t want to ask Cormac this - she didn’t care if he was a pure-blood at all but her parents on the other hand absolutely would. And Sabine knew it.
But Una pushed that thought to the back of her mind. She’d cross that bridge when she came to it. For now, Una had it all. Her best friends were speaking to her, she no longer hate to date Cormac secretly and her plans for revenge against the Weasleys were primed and ready to go after the holidays - everything was coming together nicely.
“Fair enough,” agreed Una, looking at the magazine. “Please just be cool when you see them at the Minister for Magic’s Christmas lunch,” she said. 
“Ugh, I’m not going,” Sabine huffed. “My mother is engaged again - we’re spending Christmas with her husband-to-be.” She lifted her head and looked at Una. “You can tell your new friends that - if you need a piece of gossip to get them on-side.”
Una nodded.
Meredith, feeling left out, got up from her seat and plopped down on Una’s other side. “I won’t say anything about Cormac. I promise,” she added unnecessarily, overestimating her own self-importance in Una’s plans.
“Thanks, Meredith,” said Una, taking pity on her and deciding to throw her a bone
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cormac McLaggen continued down the train looking for Katie, Eddie and Leanne. To his horror, Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger emerged from the compartment next to theirs just as he was about to slide the door open.
“Oi, McLaggen,” said Ginny, and Cormac’s hopes of slipping in quietly evaporated as her sharp voice cut through the air.
He turned slowly, forcing a neutral expression. “Alright?” he asked. 
“Alright?” repeated Ginny angrily, while Hermione’s jaw tightened. “Your little girlfriend should have been expelled.”
Cormac laughed derisively. “Una? You’re the one who should be expelled. You attacked her.”
The compartment door opened, revealing Eddie, Leanne, and Katie, with Graham Montague looming behind them. He hadn’t seen Graham since last night and was now wondering if he should have asked Una if her hulking brother was the overprotective type.
“What’s going on?” asked Katie.
“Look,” Cormac began. “Hermione, I’m sorry for ditching you last night. That was poor form. But there’s no excuse for the pair of you attacking Una -”
“Oh, really?” asked Ginny, rolling her eyes. “I didn’t think you were the type to excuse that sort of behaviour… unless she didn’t tell you what she said to Hermione?”
Una hadn’t mentioned anything about provoking them.
“She -” Hermione swallowed. “She called me a Mudblood.”
There was an immediate uproar of dissent in the corridor as everyone started arguing and clamouring over each other. Eddie, who was muggleborn and never liked Una anyway, was immediately outraged. Katie and Leanne were shocked. And Cormac felt slightly dazed, stunned silent by the accusation.
“Woah, woah, wait a second,” said Graham. “Una would never say that.”
More than anything right now, Cormac wanted to believe him. But Graham, after all, was -
“Well, obviously you’d defend her. She’s your sister,” Ginny retorted.
Graham’s defensiveness grew. “I swear, she isn’t like that. She hates that word.”
“I know what I heard,” Hermione insisted. 
“So you can stop covering up for her -” said Ginny.
“He isn’t covering for her,” said a quiet voice behind Ginny and Hermione. Blaise Zabini had arrived in the corridor and was looking intently at Ginny. “Una tells people off for saying that sort of thing in the common room.” 
Ginny glared at him. “Stay out of this, Zabini.”
“I’m serious,” he said, addressing Cormac directly. Ginny and Hermione also looked at Cormac expectantly.
“I think,” said Cormac carefully. “You were looking for an excuse to pick a fight and misheard her.”
Ginny groaned in fury, and Blaise touched her arm. “Weasley, listen to me -” he started, but she shrugged him off indignantly.
“Why am I not surprised you’re covering for her?” she shot. “You lot are all the same.”
Linking arms with Hermione, the two of them pushed past Blaise and marched away down the corridor, in the direction of the trolley witch.
Blaise closed his eyes and sighed before turning his attention to Graham. “Montague, Draco is looking for you. We’ve saved you a seat in our carriage. Are you coming?” 
“Get in here, everyone’s staring,” Eddie urged as more curious faces peered around the surrounding compartment doors.
“And you’ve got some explaining to do, Cormac,” said Katie.
“Ugh. Yeah, I’m coming, Blaise,” said Graham, squeezing Katie’s hand in farewell. “I really don’t want to hear McLaggen explaining anything about my sister.”
Comac drew his shoulders back, standing aside to let Graham pass. Should he say something? Apologise for snogging his sister? But Graham just gave him a curt nod as he exited.
“Montague, I -”
“Look, McLaggen, I’m not exactly thrilled you’re dating my sister but if you’re waiting for me to say something like ‘If you hurt her, I’ll jinx you,’ don’t hold your breath. It’s not gonna happen. She can handle herself - I mean - not  -” He sighed before adding in a low, solemn voice, “I grew up with Una and I know her. Really know her. She’s not what people like Granger or Weasley think. She wouldn’t say that word.”
Cormac felt the deep worry sinking like a stone in the pit of his stomach lighten considerably. Graham Montague had a point. Eddie might argue that Graham was biased, but somehow Cormac didn’t think so. As he watched Graham walk away with Blaise, Cormac’s mind raced. Could Una really have said something so horrible?
There was an irritating niggling feeling in the back of his mind as he remembered how Una had taunted Myrtle in the bathroom. The vicious things she had said to get a rise out of her. He himself had called Una a bully that night. He’d even once jokingly told her he thought she might be evil. 
But being mean to Myrtle was nowhere near as bad as calling someone ‘mudblood’. And she had been sorry about what she’d said to Myrtle, hadn’t she? And after that Una had been so vulnerable with him - opened up to him. He couldn’t reconcile that image with someone who would use such a hateful word.
He glanced at Eddie, who was still fuming, and at Katie and Leanne, who looked concerned and confused. This was a mess, but the sincerity in Graham’s eyes and Blaise’s calm assertion gave him hope. They knew Una better than anyone, and they were adamant she wouldn’t do something like this.
Taking a deep breath, Cormac made his decision. He believed the people who knew her best. He had to trust them. 
“Look,” he said to his friends, “Let’s get inside. I don’t believe Granger and Weasley.”
Eddie opened his mouth to protest, but Cormac held up a hand. “Graham and Blaise know her better than you lot.”
“Graham wouldn’t lie,” said Katie slowly. “But I know Hermione and Ginny. And I can’t see them attacking her for no reason.”
Leanne pursed her lips. “Ginny smashed into the commentator’s box just because Zacharias Smith’s commentary about Gryffindor was less than complimentary. And I heard Hermione sent a swarm of birds after Ron Weasley just for snogging Lavender Brown.”
“Sounds like I got off lightly, then,” said Cormac, trying to deflect the subject to something less serious.
But as they all filed back into the compartment, Cormac couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gripping him. He hoped he was right to trust his instincts. For now, though, he had made his choice. He would find out the truth from Una when he saw her again after the holidays.
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On Christmas morning, Una stood in front of her ornate bedroom mirror smoothing down the front of her dress - a short, black velvet number adorned with pearls along its sweetheart neckline. 
“You can’t wear that to St Mungo’s,” said Una’s mother, startling her. Una hadn’t even heard her stealthy footsteps enter the room which was no small feat in her high heels.
“You - you bought me it,” Una stammered as she watched her mother’s reflection approach. Morgana Montague, with her features drawn tight in perpetual scrutiny, examined Una’s choice with evident disapproval. 
“To wear to an event where you might find a husband - not to visit a hospital,” she said, rolling her eyes, lined with dark eyeliner. Morgana Montague was a beautiful woman when she smiled, not that ever Una saw it, for when she spoke to Una, her face was always twisted with disdain. 
“I thought it might be nice to wear to the Minister’s Christmas party… It’s just that I won’t have time to get dressed into something else if we’re going straight from St Mungo’s,” said Una in what she thought was a reasoned argument. 
Her mother disagreed.
“Well, whose fault is that?” her mother sniped, priming herself to dredge up the event that hung over their family like a dark shadow. “Whose fault is it that our entire family needs to spend every Christmas morning visiting the Marchbanks boy in the hospital?”
“Mine,” she said resignedly. “I’ll change.”
“We won’t have time for that - you’ll make us all late. Just put on some tights and a jacket to cover yourself up. We don’t want the healers to think we’ve brought him a prostitute as a Christmas gift.”
That stung unexpectedly. She hadn’t spoken to her mother since summer - she’d almost forgotten how her cruel comments could come from nowhere like a slap in the face. Una felt tears welling up in her eyes. Stupid, she thought. Don’t ruin your makeup.
“Oh, don’t pout, Una,” said her mother, putting her hands on her shoulders as she stood behind her and watched her face fall in the mirror. “It’ll all be over within an hour or two.” Of course, her mother thought her tears were from guilt about what happened to Everett Marchbanks all those years ago, rather than her own cutting words. “His family are still content to believe it was an accident,” she added, seeing only what she chose to in Una’s reflection.
Una bit her bottom lip.
Una’s mother’s eyes met her own. “Your father tells me you’re doing very well at school now. And I suppose that means you’re much more in control of your magic these days.”
“Y-yes. I told you I was made Head Girl. I wrote to both of you -”
“Well, someone who was made Head Girl shouldn’t accidentally blow someone up if she were to be betrothed again.” Her mother smiled. A different smile than the sort she reserved for Una’s brother. “The consequences would be much more severe now that you’re of age.”
“Mother, you promised after what happened last time that you wouldn’t.”
“Una, you’re eighteen years old and you still haven’t met a boy from a decent family. Tiberius Ogden is bringing his nephew to Rufus Scrimgeour’s party this afternoon and -”
“Tiberius Ogden?” asked Una in disgust. “From the Wizengamot? Isn’t he about a hundred? How old is his nephew?”
“Do not interrupt me,” her mother hissed in her ear, her grip tightening on her shoulders. “Tiberius is a friend of your father’s and he’s very sympathetic about what happened. No other families have dared offer their sons as a suitable match after they heard about what you did to Everett Marchbanks.”
What kind of horror must Tiberius Ogden’s nephew be if he was unmarried and willing to be matched with her? Una shuddered to think.
“Mother, please, I’m begging you. I don’t want to be bartered like livestock -”
“You should be grateful.” Her mother cut across her, her tone sharp as steel. “Meredith’s mother was just telling me that Meredith was desperate to secure a betrothal. You know, there aren’t many pure-blood families left.”
“I don’t care about that,” said Una, picking up her lipgloss from the dresser. The little talisman that made her feel in control. Made her feel powerful. How would she break it to Cormac if she came back from the Christmas holidays betrothed? “Tell Meredith’s mother she can have Tiberius Ogden’s ugly, old nephew - ow!”
Una’s mother grabbed a fistful of her hair from behind and pulled her head back, forcing her to look her in the eyes. She wrenched the lipgloss from Una’s hand and threw it with such ferocity against the mirror that it cracked.
“Listen carefully,” said Una’s mother venemously. “If you don’t have a suitable match by the time you graduate you have two choices. Either you’re no longer a member of this family - and that means no inheritance and no trust fund. Or -” She let go of Una’s hair roughly and walked towards the door. “- I will inform Mr and Mrs Marchbanks that you’re willing to fulfil your obligation to Everett”
“You expect me to marry someone who’s a permanent resident in St Mungo’s?” asked Una, horrified. “He’s lost his mind - he’s -”
“And I ask you again: whose fault is that?” repeated her mother, turning around to look at her. 
Una said nothing. Instead, she sniffed and opened her chest of drawers to find a pair of tights. 
“Una?” called her mother in a voice so gentle that Una’s shoulders relaxed, hoping beyond hope that maybe she’d changed her mind. She looked up into the mirror to where her mother stood by the door. She held her breath, waiting for her mother to take back her harsh words. 
“Forget the tights. You’ll want Tiberius’s nephew to get a good look at you.”
And with that, she shut the door, leaving Una to stare at her distorted reflection in the fragmented mirror.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Is it too early for Firewhisky?” grumbled Cormac, eyeing up the drinks cabinet as they walked into the reception room of the Minister for Magic’s official residence.
“Oh, come on, m’boy. It won’t be too terrible,” said his Uncle Tiberius, slapping him on the back.
“It’s already terrible. I’m wearing a shirt for Merlin’s sake. I’d much rather be spending Christmas in my pyjamas.” Cormac looked around the room, observing all the Ministry types and wondering if they too would rather be spending Christmas at home than mingling with their higher-ups. “I don’t get why you brought me instead of Dad.”
“Well, er…” Uncle Tiberius looked around shiftily. “I’ve been meaning to tell you. You’re here to help me get Ministry approval for our next hunting trip.”
“Oh no. No way. What, do you want me to ask for sponsors or something? On Christmas Day?! I’d rather empty my own vault at Gringotts if money is the issue -”
“Keep your voice down,” hushed Uncle Tiberius, putting his arm around Cormac’s shoulder and taking him aside. “Gold isn’t the problem. But a culling licence for Nogtails is - and I need you to get old Ulysses on side. He’s a Ministry benefactor and, more importantly, friendly with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.”
“What’s that got to do with me?”
“Well, these sorts of things can’t be bought with money. They’re bought with favours and I said I’d do him one…”
Cormac had a feeling where this was going and he didn’t like it one bit. “Get to the point, old man.”
“He’s trying to marry off his daughter into a pure-blood family and -”
“Oh, right. No big deal. Just get married to some pure-blood supremacist hag. Cheers, thanks, Uncle Tiberius.”
“You don’t have to marry her. But I did promise you’d at least have a conversation with her. Apparently, she’s very beautiful.”
“Sure, that’s why her parents are desperate to find her a blind match,” Cormac heaved a sigh. “And I have a girlfriend, by the way.” He added, and thinking of Una sent a pang of longing through him.
“Well, your girlfriend might be old news when you see Ulysses’s daughter.”
Cormac dragged his hand down his face. This was unbelievable. “You feel good about whoring me out for a hunting licence?” Uncle Tiberius just grinned. “Fine - I’ll endure one conversation. That’s it. But I am actually going to need a Firewhisky then.”
“That’s the spirit, Cormac.”
“Spirit is right,” said Cormac, pouring two large Firewhiskys from Rufus Scrimgeor’s drinks cabinet. “You know the whole concept of arranged marriages is messed up, right? I can’t wait until these old traditions die out.”
“Well, they worked out for your great-aunt and me,” said Uncle Tiberius, looking delighted despite the joke at his expense and raising his glass slightly in a toast. “And don’t hold your breath waiting for old traditions to die out. I’ve got plenty of years left in me.”
Cormac drained his Firewhisky in one and winced. “I wouldn’t be so sure, Uncle. Try and set me up again and you may just have a suspicious hunting accident.” His eyes searched the room as he swirled the ice around the bottom of his empty glass, not entirely sure what he was looking for. “What’s the spinster’s name anyway?”
“Quiet - there’s Ulysses there,” hushed his Uncle nodding and Cormac froze. Uncle Tiberius laughed at his stunned expression and waved to the family of four who had just entered from the other side of the room. “See? I told you she was a looker,” he said out of the corner of his mouth.
Across the room, Cormac watched Graham Montague elbow Una in the ribs and point to where he and his Uncle were standing. Una’s eyes widened as she and Graham followed two people, who Cormac assumed to be their mother and father, in their direction. 
“Tiberius!’ said Ulysses Montague, a short, amicable sort of man who let go of his regal-looking wife to shake Uncle Tiberius’s hand. “Good to see you. You know my wife, Moragana, of course. This is my son, Graham - he’s the Slytherin Quidditch Captain. And this is my daughter, Una.”
Cormacs brows knitted together slightly. He didn’t fail to notice the lack of plaudits before Una’s name.
“Well, this is my nephew, Cormac,” said Uncle Tiberius and Cormac extended his hand to Graham. 
“We meet again,” said Graham, shaking his hand. 
“Of course! Cormac plays Quidditch too. You must have crossed paths on the field,” said Uncle Tiberius but Graham just grinned.
“McLaggen hasn’t had the pleasure yet. How many games have you had this year?”
“The same as the amount of goals you scored in your last game, Montague.”
Cormac turned his attention to Una. “You know they’re trying to marry us off to each other, right?” He asked.
“Cormac,” groaned Uncle Tiberius behind him.
“So I’ve heard,” said Una quietly. He thought that his question would amuse her but on the contrary - she looked anxious.
“Do you two know each other too?” asked Una’s father and Cormac didn’t miss the way Una’s mother observed them shrewdly. But there was something else there when she looked at Una. Something worse. Something like disgust. 
Una’s eyes widened in what Cormac understood to be alarm.
“Hardly,” said Cormac, quickly correcting his misstep. “We have a few classes together.”
Graham Montague raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
“Cormac, why don’t you show Miss Montague the library while I catch up with my dear friend, Ulysses?” asked Uncle Tiberius jovially. “I hear the Minister has a fine collection of books on hunting Nogtails.”
Una looked at her mother, waiting for permission and Mrs Montague’s jaw tightened for a moment. “Graham - go with them please,” said Una’s mother sharply. “It’s not proper to have them meandering off on their own.”
And so, Una, Cormac and Graham left the reception room and entered the polished marble foyer. The double doors shut behind them, muffling the hum of distant conversation.
“Honestly,” said Una scathingly. “A chaperone. What does she think will happen?”
“The same thing that happened at Slughorn’s party?” suggested Graham.
“She doesn’t know about that. And besides that was different -“
“Gross - don’t tell me any more. Just - come and find me before lunch is served. I’ll get it in the neck from Mum if she thinks I’ve left you alone.”
“You can come with us if you want?” offered Cormac but secretly hoping he’d say no. 
“Not a chance. I’d rather jump off the Astronomy tower than watch you two snogging.”
“Graham, we’re not -“
“I’m going to see if Albie Selwyn is here yet. He might have cigarettes,” said Graham cutting across and waving his hand dismissively behind him as he left.
Una and Cormac began walking to the library, the footsteps creaking on the antique hardwood floorboards of the Minister’s residence. “So… you never told me you’d be coming back from the Christmas holidays betrothed,” he said, with a sideways glance.
“You’re one to talk,” said Una. “I only found out this morning.”
“So did I,” admitted Cormac. “I didn’t even know arranged marriages were still a thing.”
“Lucky you,” grumbled Una. “My mother -” She stopped abruptly, already feeling that she’d said too much. 
“What about her? You can tell me.”
“Not here,” she said, looking around edgily. “I don’t want to be overheard.”
They continued walking and, when they found the library, Cormac shut the door behind them. The stately room was walled with towering bookcases and had a grand piano in front of the large bay window. It was snowing outside and cold winter sunlight danced on the lid of the piano. Una’s shoulders immediately relaxed when Cormac pulled her into an embrace. She slumped her forehead against his chest and Cormac felt tears against his shirt as she let out a shuddering sob.
He made a soothing noise and held her tight. He had known something was wrong the second she and her family had been introduced to him.
“I’m - I’m so relieved it was you,” she choked in a muffled voice. “Cormac - you - you have no idea what it’s like.”
“It’s okay. I’m here,” he said quietly, now feeling guilty about joking about their situation in the foyer.
She took deep breaths before pulling back. Cormac studied her mascara-streaked face. The dark trails cut through her skin like spilled ink on paper.
“Your shirt,” she said, her voice strangled with hopelessness. “I’m sorry. Here - ” she fumbled, looking for her wand in her handbag. “Scourgify,” she added, pointing her wand at his white shirt and the black makeup stains vanished. Una wiped under her eyes and sniffed. “I didn’t mean to go to pieces like that. I’m fine. It’s just been a rough day.”
“Unes, what’s going on?” asked Cormac, his concern deepening. He’d never seen her cry before. Una was formidable. If something had brought her to tears, it had to have been serious.
“It’s a long story,” she said. “And you’d think the worst of me if you heard it. Everyone does. Well… except Graham. But he’s the only one who doesn’t think I’m a fucking terrible person.”
Cormac said nothing for a moment. He thought hard about what happened on the train and was certain at this moment that Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley, like Eddie Carmichael, like everyone else, were blinded by their preconceptions of Una.
“I don’t think you’re a terrible person,” he said simply.
Una sniffed and sat down on the piano bench. “Maybe we should keep it that way. Let’s talk about something else.” 
She stared at the floor but Cormac crouched down in front of her and held her hand, putting himself in her line of sight. “Try me,” he said gently. She bit her bottom lip worriedly, just like she had done when her mother glared at her earlier. “Is it your parents? Una, we can just tell them where to stick their betrothal.”
Una snorted a dismal laugh. “Yeah, right. You might be able to say stuff like that to your uncle but my mother would… My mother is a difficult woman.”
“Graham told me at Slughorn’s party that they tried to set you up with someone before and it didn’t work out,” Cormac said slowly, recalling the confusion he had felt during that particular conversation.
Una paused. “Cormac, I almost killed him.”
Cormac’s words of reassurance were momentarily erased from his mind in shock. 
“See?” said Una with a pained smile. “I told you it was bad.”
He needed to understand. His heart pounded in his chest. “Una… how? What happened?”
She sighed heavily. “It happened when I was eight -”
“Then it wasn’t your fault,” said Cormac immediately. “Kids don’t have control of their magic.”
“Oh, I had control alright. But I’d never shown any signs of magic until that point. My mother and father thought I was a squib. Graham had been showing signs of magic since he was a toddler So they called out experts from St Mungos, my dad even used his connections to have the Head of the Department of Mysteries come and take a look at me. They said I was a late bloomer. But my parents didn’t listen. They were so worried about their reputation. Having a squib in the family would taint their bloodline,” she added bitterly.
“But you do have magic,” said Cormac, his voice filled with conviction. “Loads.”
“But they weren’t to know that. So, to secure my future, they betrothed me to a boy a year older than me, Everett Marchbanks..”
Cormac frowned. He had heard of the Marchbanks family but never an Everett. “Was he in the year above us?”
Una shook her head. “He never got to go to Hogwarts. You see, my parents kept my lack of magical abilities hidden. But Graham knew. And he was only seven so he wasn’t great at keeping his mouth shut. And Everett found out.”
“And he told his parents?” asked Cormac.
She shook her head again. “Nope. One day, we were over at the Marchbanks house. Graham and I were playing in the garden and Everett came out and told him our parents were looking for him. Everett and I were alone outside and he -”
Una took a deep breath and Cormac squeezed her hand reassuringly. 
“I didn’t really understand what being betrothed meant. But he did. He said he didn’t want a squib for a wife and would make me his house elf instead. He told me to eat dirt. I refused, of course. That made him angry. He called me names, and I called him plenty back.”
“I bet you did,” offered Cormac with a small smile but Una didn’t return it. She continued.
“But then… Then he pinned me down, grabbed a handful of dirt and tried to shove it in my face. I opened my mouth to scream for my brother and he shoved it in my mouth. He pinched my nose and covered my mouth, forcing me to swallow it.” 
Cormac felt his pulse quickening, his stomach turning at the awful image Una was painting. His heart ached for her, a mixture of horror and pity washing over him. 
Una squeezed her eyes shut. “And I did. It was - it was disgusting. I vomited immediately, thinking it was over. But then he shoved another fistful into my mouth. I started choking. I couldn’t see anything through the tears and the dirt falling into my eyes.”
A mixture of horror and pity washed over Cormac, he had to make a conscious effort to breathe. “Una - that’s awful. I’m so sorry that happened to you. You need to remember, though, that kids have magical accidents all the time. Especially if they go through something traumatic. If you did something uncontrollable when he was choking you, nobody could blame you.”
“It wasn’t uncontrollable. I didn’t even hear Graham shout Everett’s name until he was pulling him off me. I was sick again. On my hands and knees - retching until there was nothing left. And when I looked up, my parents and Everett’s parents had come out to see what the commotion was. And then I saw her face. My mother. She was furious. But not at Everett. She was looking at me - disgusted by the mess all down the front of my dress.”
Cormac was horrified. He felt a surge of anger towards Una’s parents. How could they have been so blind?
“And so I stood up. And I felt it. Magic. For the first time. I really felt it. Rising up inside me like it was boiling. And I saw Everett. He took one look at my mother then back at me and smirked like he knew I was in trouble. And then…” Una looked up from the floor. “I remember all I wanted was to hurt him. I'd never wanted to hurt anyone or anything before. And I just exploded. I don’t remember how - I can only remember a bright, searing light and the next thing I remember was Everett’s mother sobbing over his body. He was unrecognisable.” 
She sat up slightly, her voice trembling. “But I do remember one thing. It felt good. Really good. I meant to hurt him. Badly. And I did. I didn't feel any guilt... I felt powerful. Powerful because I fought back.”
Cormac’s heart was pounding, his mind reeling from the weight of Una’s confession. He felt a wave of horror at what she had done, mingled with an overwhelming pity for the child who had been so brutally mistreated and pushed to the brink.
“He deserved it,” said Cormac.
“No, he didn’t. It was stupid kid stuff -”
Una, it wasn’t just kid stuff. It was fucking sick,” Cormac insisted, his voice low with intensity.
“My mother knew I meant it. My father blamed her for a while - it was her idea to betroth me so young. They haven’t mentioned marriage for years, until this morning.”
“Why do they care about you getting married now? I mean, you’re only eighteen.”
“The same reason your family cares.”
“Well,” said Cormac, realising that his problems from this morning paled in comparison to Una’s. “My uncle only set this up because he wants your dad’s help getting a hunting license.”
Una laughed unexpectedly. “Wow,” she said. “Well, my parents want me to marry into a traditional family.”
“A pure-blood family,” confirmed Cormac with a tight-lipped smile.
“Yep. And the whole awful ordeal with Everett spread pretty quickly amongst the sacred twenty-eight. And none of them wanted to put their sons at risk with someone like me. So that only leaves minor houses - the ones whose names became extinct in the male line.”
“Like mine,” finished Cormac.
“Yep,” said Una bitterly. “And my mother told me this morning that unless I find a marriage match before I leave school, she’ll force me to honour my obligations to Everett.”
“Where is he now?” asked Cormac.
“In St Mungos. Permanently.”
“Una, they can’t just force you to marry him.”
“They’ll disinherit me otherwise.”
“Fuck their inheritance. You’ll make your own way.”
“It’s not the money I care about. It’s Graham.”
“Look, I don’t know Graham but from what you’ve told me, he’s a decent guy. He’d understand.”
“They’d disinherit him too. And he missed so much of last year when he was in the hospital wing that he’ll be lucky if he leaves Hogwarts with a handful of O.W.Ls. - who’s going to give him a job? And besides, I don’t want to force him to choose between them and me.”
“Fine. Let’s tell them we're getting married then,” Cormac said fiercely. Instinctively. He couldn't not.
Una blinked at him. “Cormac, that’s very gallant of you but we hardly know each other. I mean, what are we? Are we even boyfriend and girlfriend? I can’t let you do that.”
“You can,” Cormac insisted. “And maybe we don’t know each other well.” He pressed his lips to the back of her hand. “But I know how I feel about you. You're my girlfriend and I care about you enough that I don’t want you forced into a marriage with Everett Marchbanks.”
A bell rang some distance away and the door to the library opened.
“Oi, you two. You were supposed to come and meet me - woah, Una, are you alright?” asked Graham as he stumbled into the scene before him. Una’s face, streaked with tears and Cormac kneeling in front of her.
“I’m fine. I just - I was telling him about Everett Marchbanks.”
Graham’s face darkened. “It’s been ten years and I still want to punch his stupid face. Even if he’s only got half of it left.”
“Well, we’ve worked out a solution,” said Cormac.
“A solution to what?” asked Graham but Una stood up abruptly.
“It doesn’t matter,” she said and shot Cormac a warning look as he got to his feet too. “Thank you for the offer, Cormac, but I can sort this out myself.”
“Sort what out?” asked Graham, increasingly perplexed.
“None of your business,” said Una, pulling a compact mirror from her bag and touching up her appearance with a tissue. She snapped the mirror shut and swiftly moved past him, bumping his almighty frame with her small shoulder as she exited the room.
Graham stared after her incredulously. “She’s always like this. Never walks anywhere - just stomps ominously.”
“I heard that!” called Una from the corridor.
“I hope you know what you’ve let yourself in for, mate,” said Graham, clapping Cormac on the shoulder in condolence. 
Cormac straightened himself up and followed Graham from the room. He wasn’t sure what he was letting himself in for. Not really.
But he had a feeling he was about to find out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Integration: Uniting Eastern Medicine, TCM, and Yoga in Western Standard Treatment for Holistic Well-being
The integration of Eastern medicine, TCM, and Yoga into Western standard treatment marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of healthcare.
Integration: Uniting Eastern Medicine, TCM, and Yoga in Western Standard Treatment for Holistic Well-being The pursuit of holistic well-being has become increasingly vital in modern healthcare. As Western medicine continues to advance, there is a growing recognition of the inherent value in integrating Eastern traditions such as Taoist medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Yoga.…
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