#WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOBODY LIKES THE OWL BEAST--

[acaciapines]

back in my owl house era but its specifically and only about my daemon au jdfgdfg I MISSED THEM........adding some new scenes to better set up things down the line + just general rewrites and my GOD i forgot how much i!! loved!! working on this!! woag.....

the sillies :)

[slightly-sad-sloth]

So like we already know Toh makes fun of Harry potter in a ton of ways and subverts all of its tropes but I haven't seen anyone bring up the way Toh treats magic disability Vs the way HP treats magic disability.

Specifically thinking about the fact that squibs in HP can't use magic but their whole family can and instead of being allowed into school to learn potions, astronomy, beast keeping etc etc (literally any class except charms and defense against the dark arts really) they're ostrichisised from the whole wizarding community and presumably not given any education whatsoever, not even a Muggle one. And while yeah HP treats this as tragic it also doesn't pose this treatment as wrong or smth in need of change just 'oh the poor disables are born so sad and that sucks but oops what you gonna do'.

Vs the owl house where Luz is similarly magically disabled (she literally can't do magic according to boiling isles conventions). But instead of the show going whoops guess you were born unlucky shoulda had better genes, Luz learns a different way of doing magic and while the community is shocked by this they still accept this new form of magic and allow her into their society. Hunter also falls into this, he's born a powerless witch so instead he uses a staff and artificial magic until he gets a palisman. While toh acknowledges that the world is harder for people like Luz and Hunter it doesn't frame that as the end of the conversation and instead shows that just because you can't do things like other people can doesn't mean you can't find a new way that works for you that nobody has thought of before

God I love this show

[bananaactivity]

How is Ben different from his canon self aside from not being the High King of a union/federation of kingdoms and a bit older? How is his relationship with his parents different especially with that awful father of his?

I’d say both his parents are stressing him the fuck out. I decided that the beast curse was given to Ben as a baby because King Adam was cocky about how he beat his just in the nick of time. And there is no way to break it this time which Ben has a lot of trama about.

Think of it like Edas curse from the owl house… it’s something he’ll have to learn to work with for his whole life. It’s not a big secret though, everyone knows. His mom was in a situation like Mal in D2 where she was trying to assimilate into a world she didn’t fit in. Unlike that movie she actually completed the transition and has lost a lot of OG Bella’s kindness and quick wit. She’s obsessed with Ben finding the perfect partner and that’s why Ben has always felt that he couldn’t be alone. King James is distant with his son due to the curse even though it was HIS fault.

Auradon is no longer a bunch of kingdoms together either. It’s one kingdom and it has the barrier around it. Other fairy tale and fable kingdoms found in the Disney universe have their own kingdoms all around the globe. Including Atlantis and other planets. Think of Auradon like the Hamptons, a beautiful place where the wealthy go to visit and the extreme elite get to live. (That would mean Ben created extremely selective affirmative action 😅) I do like it better this way because it’s easier to understand. Every location in Disney cannon can exist if they get their own space. Yes that means the VKs can leave the isle but no other place would let them live a good life. Or at least a liveable life. So they all congregate there.

Here’s an excerpt from that Benjay fic im working on it needs lots of reworking though…

Being a Prince was a tough job. There was so much pressure on him to be a great future king. One major aspect of that was his future spouse; his mother was always bothering him relentlessly on the topic as he grew up. “ Benjamin, Darling you must choose a good spouse, it is imperative to the people's perception of you.” his mother would often say. The constant narrative of “dont be alone” was always pressed on him so hard in fact that he couldn't bare the thought of being alone. It got so bad that that he went with the first present options of someone to court. It was stressful when he and Audrey were courting, the constant trailing during dates stressed him out as well as the media coverage analyzing their every move. Aubrey herself seemed more concerned with the respect that comes with being a queen. Nobody really liked her very much, but she was pretty and she was sweet during those first years. Unfortunately that all faded as the years went by and he felt there was no way out. He couldn't be alone.

Then came Mal, she was beautiful and sweet. But she was hopelessly in love with her best friend and her best friend felt the same. It almost became this mad rush to him to wed her before she could leave and yet he felt so bad about it. He didnt want to be alone. But he pushed it and was alone any how. The big ass walls in his dorm felt like a cage. What was he to do but sit in his room and cry. And he was alone which he didnt want to be. Then Jay showed up. Jay. handsome, good at Tourney, an excellent swords-man and his closets friend. Looking into his concerned brown eyes he remembered leaping into his arms. There wasnt much conversation to be has as he was a bawling mess. All he could remember from that night was staring into those eyes for as long as he could and making a move that even he didnt expect. He kissed his best friend. And it felt good, really good. The best part of this situation was that the amazing feelings completely washed over the awful ones that led him to that very moment.Until Jay moved away, he was expressing concerns about the sudden atmosphere; yet he was into it. He had kissed him back and moved his face to kiss him again once they got over that little hurdle. The time spent felt… really nice. It was more intense than anything that had happened before for him. But maybe that was because he had thrown himself so totally into the sensations at play so that no semblance of sadness could worm their way back into his heart.

It was such a drug that they both implored to keep it up. He defended this continuous indulgence with the belief that it was allowing him to show his face on campus.Spending time suffocating in his fancy prince class: “ Kinging 101: The study of Class Disparity” waiting for the pleasant feeling of rough calloused hands pushing him into the corridor just near the lecture room. Every time he felt those hands he breathed a sigh of relief.

Jays perspective is on my page somewhere… anyone that’s all I got

[candyskiez]

just realizing I never posted this here so oops but yall wanna know one of my favorite things about belos' death scene?

thats not how curses work.

no, seriously. that's not how curses work at all.

let me explain. the curse hurting others is very specifically characterized as a fear response. the owl beast is reminded of the collector abducting them by the sudden flash of the party popper. they perceive "danger danger danger DANGER" and attack dell, thinking they're about to be hurt again. not maliciously, but because they're absolutely terrified for their life and all they can see dell as is a threat. the raven beast comes out when lilith is under severe emotional turmoil because it interprets distress as meaning Danger, time to fight or run.

curses are not malicious. they are heightened emotional responses and not calculated in any way shape or form whatsoever. the only time it's calculated is becoming harpy eda or harpy lilith, and that's when they accept the curse as part of them. not some horrific evil force dead set on ruining their life. but a fractured part of them thats terrified, just like them.

we see SOME times where belos loses control over the curse. I honestly believe it's the palisman trying to fight back against belos, honestly. because it's when something happens they don't want. belos talking about the day of unity? they're in his head. they know what that means and they're terrified for their witches. desperately trying to break out. collector brings up that he can hardly keep his human shape from all the palisman he eats? palisman reminded of their trauma, fighting against him again. those are times he loses control.

allow me to emphasize that.

there is a very strong difference between eda and lilith losing control of their curses, and what belos chooses to do.

a very important thing about hunting palismen is that it let's us see what belos looks like when he actually loses control of the curse at the beginning. thanks to this, we know that what he pulls at the end of the episode? completely calculated. he doesn't look nearly as in pain or uncomposed. he *chose* to hurt his nephew.

another very, VERY important thing?

curses do not force you to plan an elaborate genocide.

him killing his brother in cold blood? choice. him making grimwalkers? choice. him planning genocide? choice. him manipulating everyone around him? choice. him emotionally and physically abusing children under his care? choice. him being a bigoted piece of shit? all choice, buddy!

I do not mean this as "born evil", I mean this as belos chose to become irredeemable. nobody forced him to. none of the palismen, none of the curse, none of the people who wronged them- at the end of the day, he made his choice.

and he had the nerve to claim he was forced into it. forced to be a monster for his own conscious and calculated decisions, and blamed his victims all the while.

he had it coming.

(this is probably incoherent. I apologize in advance.)

[dreamingbrownie]

Shards Masterpost

Prompt list by ao3commentoftheday, these are all unrelated Grindeldore oneshots.

Works:

Off to save the world again?

“You do not want to do this.”

“I thought we were past stating the obvious. Besides, you could have knocked.”

“Yeah, not gonna risk you apparating to Timbuktu or somethin’ just to avoid talking to me,” Aberforth huffed rounding the table. Sometimes Albus saw their father in the way he crossed his arms, the steel in his eyes, the set of his jaw that made ardently clear that he didn’t need magic to take zero bullshit from anyone. Even from his brother. Especially from his brother.

//

The night before everything comes to a head in Bhutan, Aberforth decides that he's had enough of Albus' secrets.

Prompt: A conversation you wish had happened in canon.

Canon for Fantastic Beasts 2, the Dumbledore brothers talking about their shared trauma.

Under a lilac canopy

Summary: To say that Gellert had not expected to wake up on another day at the western front to the Statute of Secrecy finally blasted to smithereens was a bit of an understatement. It fell as silently as a night-time truce: nobody knew who had fired the first shot that brought down the entire thing. To the stench of antiseptics and laudanum was added the cloyingly sweet scent of pain relief potions; the highest dose available in France was handed out like Penicillin: worth its weight in gold. After the initial shock of that surreal day had faded, he’d been ecstatic, of course, eager to write a woefully short, passionate letter to Albus about the possibilities this unlocked in the late war-effort – and not a single letter returned to him from Britain. In spite of the Royal Mail Service, those utter madlads, in spite of every owl and pigeon he could find in bumfuck nowhere, France – silence. He would have to find Albus himself, once he finally got to go home, but amidst London that was torn to shreds and filled with the hungering, grieving masses, nobody wanted to talk about the day Albus Dumbledore disappeared. The day the Statute fell.

Prompt: an expression of love.

Edwardian WW1 AU, hurt/comfort heavy on the comfort side. Hospital reunion fic.

The earth of me

Summary:

Maybe it had been foolish, then, of Albus to think himself safe from surprises. The kind which rocked the very ground underneath his feet, that was, a sort of shock that travelled up and down his spine and shot adrenaline through his entire system. Safe from war, if not from politics, he had considered himself hidden from Death’s crows upon his doorstep. He wasn’t.

He had long known the five stages of grief to be thestral dung. On that particular afternoon in late January of 1931, he appeared to have shot right past denial into depression, or directly into acceptance, perhaps, if one took into account that he had always known that this had had to happen eventually.

Prompt: Character meta

Albus ruminates on the death of his father in Azkaban and what this means for himself. Canon missing moment I guess.

Remnants

Summary:

“You could have mentioned that this dragon hoards eggs.”

In the darkness, Gellert was a mere shade. The ragged rocks cut the howling wind apart into ribbons that slashed the air: high, haunting sounds dancing over the wet grass. No human lived up here, not anymore. The next village was miles and miles away. Albus felt the ground vibrate with the dragon’s steps inside the castle ruins that spanned an entire hilltop. The bare bones of a grand church stuck up into the grey sky that had lifted away the roof from its ribs long ago; of the keep, only the northern and the eastern wall still stood. Everything else was naked stone filed down by the weather littering the grasslands like teeth. Here the remains of a hall as big as a lord’s manor, there circles in the mud: watchtowers, or what was left of them. Bones were scattered in between those trampled histories. The earth only yielded bushes with berries on them that should not be touched by anything that wished to live, no fields survived here. It was so cold Albus could feel his jaws jittering.

“Theseus said nothing of it. I presume that he did not know, else he would have. He only stressed how very unwise it is to go near a nesting dragon.”

Prompt instead of the origina prompt that didn't work for me was three lines of conversation, link lost, unfortunately.

Canon divergence, could be seen as a cousin to my Constellations series in as much as Albus and Gellert live togther throughout their life as professors on Hogwarts.

The red grief

Summary: In 1625, King James I of England and Scotland died, leaving his lover George de Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, behind. Historically, the Duke decided to sack Cadíz on the Spanish coast soon after. In another world, a pair of immortal husbands are none too pleased about being asked for magical help on what others would call a thinly veiled act of piracy intended to escalate political tensions into outright war. How to cope?

Prompt: an emotional moment that you can't find a plot for.

Smut and fluff, immortal wizards AU, the most established of relationships

Golden mornings come again

Summary:

“I know for a fact that you have never asked me to go to the coast with you, but I dream of it, sometimes, finding you at the sea, and when I wake up, I am overcome with such a visceral urge to do exactly that; as if you were waiting for me with your hands in your coat pockets and your back turned to me, facing the sea – in fact, all of these… strange, inexplicable… Merlin, I don’t even know what to call them – these glimpses, these pictures I have of you in my mind that seem so impossibly real – you are waiting for me in all of them. Looking over your shoulder whenever I come close enough to touch, and there it always ends. As though I have been chasing and losing you for a very long time.”

//

It always takes a while for the memories to come back to them.

Prompt: a scene fully without context.

Reincarnation AU, established relationship, a lot of fluff with a side of emotional smut served gently

Historically proud

Summary: The man at the counter had hair so light it was almost white, looking natural, not dyed, but who really knew; his t-shirt had three lines of ancient Greek on it that Albus only realized had to be the first line of the Iliad after staring at it for way too long, toned muscles – arms, hello, damn – and he was oozing confidence. Well, that was all of Albus’ boxes ticked, ta very much. Fuck.

“I’m sorry, I kind of couldn’t not listen – you’re Professor Albus Dumbledore, yes?”

Puzzled, he gave a brief nod.

“Indeed I am. I like your t-shirt.”

The man looked down at it like he’d forgotten he was wearing it, grinning a bit.

“Thanks. I read your last article that you published – what was it, a few months ago? – Anyway, the way you dissected the outdated communist pirate theory with such poise and elegance, that was beautiful.” Then he cleared his throat and straightened from his casual slouch against the counter which looked entirely like a nervous act. “Sorry, where are my manners? Name’s Gellert Grindelwald, I’m the new Ancient Greek History Doctorate researcher and teacher at King’s College.”

“Oh!” Well, Albus was fucked. That beautiful, clever man was going to be his new colleague.

Prompt: The meeting part of a meet-cute AU

Modern AU, historians, getting together, uni colleagues AU with a side-dash of ToG characters mentioned

Candle Stains

Summary:

The different paths that their lives had taken so far had not merged upon accident: they’d worked to make it work. Once Aurelius was fully grown, theoretically, there was no reason why Gellert should still live with him then. The thought seized Albus' heart and held it captive.

“You must know that your continued support has been vital to me. I value you far, far beyond your excellent job as the tutor of my nephew.”

To his puzzlement, Gellert gave a breath of amusement that fast turned fond.

“I do believe that is British for ‘I love you.’”

“And if it is,” Albus responded, half question, half declaration.

Prompt: a shocking announcement (or the reaction to it)

Regency AU, Albus is a Lord living in London with his nephew Aurelius, Aberforth and Aurelius' tutor Gellert. Getting together fic.

All aflame (The fire has found a home in me)

Summary:

“When we are going on our tour together, I am going to make you scream above the Seine and you’re going to have me under the Venice moonlight.”

“Gellert,” he breathed out the pearling laughter in his chest, light as air, “I can’t wait.” Then he turned around, and awkward as the angle was, they made it work for a lingering kiss. Gellert nudged his big nose into Albus’ cheekbone smirking like the cat that got the cream.

“Better?”

“Much. Thank you. I’d say sorry for having woken you up, but in truth…”

“Don’t be,” he grinned, “I’m not."

Prompt: A missing moment from canon

Canon summer of 1899, smut, idiots in love, fluff and intimacy, no bad things in this one.

Heaven

Summary: “I am not used to how you look at me anymore.”

“And how do I look at you?”

“Like you would burn the world to have me again. I am not sure if I would call it love.”

I do, Gellert wanted to scream, I do, I do, I do, throbbing in his chest in a double-stutter. //

Prompt: an alternate ending to a scene from canon.

The restaurant scene from Fantastic Beasts 3 do-over, canon divergence, what if these two had actually talked and gotten their shit together?

Stay a thousand years

Summary:

“Gellert is blessed with foresight, wisdom, a cunning mind for strategy, and charms enough to have the whole court fall for him; he is a just and intelligent man and… I love him dearly. Anyone else but him would make no sense for me to marry.”

Percival gazed at him with something like trepidation in his watery eyes.

“He is powerful enough to match you, Albus. Having him so near you could be a dangerous decision… or the only wise thing to do.”

“He would never hurt me. Never,” Albus vowed with all the conviction of late-night conversations about spells that did not exist yet and the long-lost relics that haunted them both from the side-lines of their childhood fairy tales. The court might not know it yet, but Gellert was his, and he belonged to Gellert as firmly as any priest could profess; more so, they were made from the same stardust. It was the one thing that did not made him tremble these days, that knowledge.

“Very well,” sighed the dying king, and let go of his hands. “Get him for me, please.”

Prompt: Someone just having the worst luck.

Medieval Fantasy AU, proposal under rather difficult circumstances fic, royalty AU.

By your leave

Summary:

Captured. The thrice damned teenagers had gotten themselves captured. Bowed over Albus’ tombstone as he was every morning and every for longer than he cared to actively recount, Gellert took the news from one of his many birds scouting the grand, wide world out there for him without moving from his spot. Though he wanted nothing more than to rest his forehead on the white marble painted golden by the sunset until he faded into the stone itself, slowly, painfully slowly, his folded hands detangled to settle on the cool surface instead.

“My heart, I must do something,” he rasped over the polished stone. His knees creaked and hurt as he forced them to move like rusted hinges. “To the snake pit I go, is that not the funniest thing you ever heard – this might finally be my last sunset, my love.”

//

Albus Dumbledore was dead, Harry Potter captured at Malfoy Manor, but the last King had not yet been let off the chess board.

Prompt: An exchange of gifts or mementos.

Canon divergence, hurt with very little comfort, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows alternate ending.

in from the cold

Summary: Gellert comes back home to Camelot in the weeping rain to a row between Master Merlin and King Arthur. Nothing new there, though this time, a dragon is dead, the King is injured, and Gellert would simply like to squirrel away Albus from under Merlin's watchful eyes, thank you very much.

Prompt: That awesome line you simply can't find a plot for.

Camelot medieval fantasy AU. Reunion fic with a side of Merlin/Arthur.

Stained-glass window laments

Summary:

“I cannot bear the thought of life here without you. My head weighs heavy with the crown upon it, and that weight is not made to be carried alone. You must pull through now, my love, and be not afraid of my temper. I see how unusually quiet you are.”

Gellert’s eyes briefly flickered heavenward.

“I got stabbed.”

“After pushing an army of three thousand; twelve clans united despite that they’re squabbling in front of my doorstep now; through the murderous mountains, yes.” He kissed Gellert’s fingers, feeling the cool metal push smoothly into his lips, feeling the shape and weight of them in comparison to Gellert’s roughened skin. Eye contact kept him quiet. “You are thin, my heart. Have they who followed you into battle not treated you to every comfort?”

Prompt: The aftermath of a scene you’ll never actually write

Medieval Fantasy AU, King Albus and loyal knight Gellert, hurt/comfort.

Asja

Summary:

It had been Europe, they agreed on that much. Gellert remembered birches, and Albus still sometimes blinked at sunspots falling through oak leaves dappled with dew in dreams lost before he was fully awake. Sensual memory, that was what stuck the longest. Visuals, feelings, sounds.

Once, they had been like gods.

Prompt: the scene that would bring you personally the most joy.

Pre-historic Smut, rated E.

[tyanis]

Out of Context Quotes FanFic Game!

Rules:

Post funny/weird out of context quotes and/or thoughts from your fic(s) with the only context given is what character the quote is from.

Post as many or as few as you want. But maybe keep it under 50.

Tag other fic writers. You don't need to be tagged to join, however.

Optional: Add a link at the bottom to the fic(s) the qoutes and thoughts came from.

Sound good? Ok, I'll start.

Quotes under the cut. And all these are from a currently incomplete Resident Evil 2 Remake fic.

"Don't know. But I walked through there earlier and now I feel a little offended that a mythical beast was mooning me." - Leon

"Thanks, I dressed myself." - Claire

...what do I say? I was sure you were dead? I hated being here without you? Did it hurt when you fell from the fence? - Leon

"Yes, yes... if my tiny woman muscles give out over something that's less than ten pounds, I'll let ya know." - Claire

Good job, brain. Proud of you. - Claire

"Yeah but... with beer?!" - Leon

I mean, the only way I can top all that awkwardness is by blowing up. - Claire

"Ah, prom night... I can already tell this is gonna be bad." - Leon

"Look, how about this. You believe in me enough for both of us and maybe I'll succeed and not horribly maim you. Deal?" - Claire

"Now take that owl over there. Unlike you, he actually had a brain. Removed it myself..." - Irons

"Yes sweety. He blew up the car." - Claire

"Well, I'm starting to suspect I'm not gonna have a future here in Raccoon City considering everything is on fire and the populace is eating itself..." - Leon

"I was scooting around screaming like a chimp with his dick stuck in a mousetrap." - Claire

"Hey! You like my heels?! 'Cause I sure as fuck do!" - Ada

"Hey, here's a little secret, Leon. I'm kinda stupid." - Claire

A vending machine... A fucking vending machine! - Leon

"I have eyes and a memory that spans more than ten minutes." - Claire

"It made acid." - Sherry

"Ahh... just enough room, I'll probably only bump my head a few times. But that's ok, I got a pretty thick skull. Had to sacrifice a lot of brain space for that, but nobody's noticed so far." - Claire

Hey legs? I know we almost died again but maybe start working?! - Claire

"You want me to throw some toothbrushes at it?" - Leon

"Oh no, not dust! The horror! How will we ever survive?" - Claire

"You fell out the same window twice." - Leon

Whoa, hey there buddy! Where's that hand goin'?! I know you're excited to get that shotgun, but goddamn. - Claire

"I don't take orders from you. I will land on that pavement like a man!" - Leon

No, don't stop yet! I spent most of "nice comfort time" all pissed off. - Claire

"This thing is jiggling and I don't know what that means!" - Claire

"I'm not supposed to hit people with flashlights!" - Sherry

"Speaking of balls to the face... I got beaned in the head with a baseball once." - Leon

"My ass hurts." - Claire

---

And done! Sure were a lot from Claire lol. But yeah, all of these quotes came from this incomplete Cleon fic. Now, to tag people...

Let's go with @brokenangelwings22 @leonisdumbasallhell @nspired1fanfiction but anyone can join!

[altairattorney]

[SEKIRO] Dust Hymn

The fury in Owl’s eyes is unparalleled. And a thought without precedent, somewhere from the newly loose soil of his mind, makes something in Wolf snap.

Little voices left to rot and plot The crunching of your teeth may help you sleep, but will not lift you Always wished you'd walk through another song Hang you like a lullaby - Purity Ring, Dust Hymn

[AO3]

“Forsake him”.

The tone of Owl’s words is familiar and new at once. The commanding tone of a man who is not used to waiting, tinged with the slightest hint of an urgency that was never there before. The hesitation between them hangs heavier with each passing second.

A terrible risk to take with someone who is, by any means, not patient.

Wolf tries to say something, but no words are found in his mouth. He has never even considered responding to an order before. His gaze slides to the door instead, then to the stairs, and there is no stopping what comes next – the images fill his mind one by one, faster than lightning.

He is thirteen, curled into a corner of their modest home. The filth on the floorboards he lies on does not bother him. Soft voices converse just outside the walls, and he is a ball of tension as he tries to catch as many words as possible. His rest hinges on what Lady Butterfly will say – every night her lips hold his fate, the fine line between sleep or fifteen minutes of blinding pain. She will scold his father if he dares, that is true. It will not matter. Enraged Owl is a beast, and for good reason, he says; the monster in him is what pushes Wolf onward, as there is no mercy on the road to perfection. He strains to listen until his ears ache. Then, defeated, he closes his eyes, wishing he could fall asleep without having to think about anything.

He is in his twenties, and the screen door opens on nothing more than an infant. The creature in front of him knows a life he could never have pictured; as revered as it is defenseless, his frail frame looks like it could snap in half under Owl’s hands. Wolf kneels as he was raised to do, without the need to ask about anything. But the way boy wanders towards him, accompanied by an attendant in his bumbling little steps, is rewriting something in the way he understands the world. Maybe one day this child will grow into a different kind of man, one with insights and stories nobody ever cared to tell him. Maybe, somehow, Wolf will capture a hint of something new, by just standing at his side.

He is some years older, already dying alone. He failed to expect the unexpected, and it is all his fault – if he could so carelessly be struck from behind, he deserves to die just the way it happened. Shame is the last trace of life in the trail of his breath, and occupies each thought of deprecation. He thinks of how he failed his master, his family, but above all his own father. The pain of his burns echoes that of the past, when he was a young boy in constant need of punishment. He deserves it, he knows. He deserves exactly what he got. He does not deserve – nor could he expect – the small hand that holds his out of nowhere, and the pleading voice that brings him back to life.

He is a few days younger than today, and he staves off exhaustion by chewing on bits of the sweet rice ball throughout the night. Kuro is sleeping just behind him, so tired from carrying such a huge weight on his lean shoulders. He cannot ask for more – he would never dare – but every fiber of him wishes he was allowed to. The food is lending him restoration he has not felt in years, like a hot spring in the middle of a cold Ashina winter. Though it still feels beyond his comprehension, Wolf begins grasping some of it – the care that must have gone into making this food, the time spent for the sake of someone else, for his own sake. It is a small idea, newborn and fragile, somewhat like the child he first met so many years ago. That too, Wolf feels, is something worth protecting. And he chews on it with the food, alone in the night, with the sound of Kuro’s light breathing as his only company.

He is back, to the here and now. The fury in Owl’s eyes is unparalleled. And a thought without precedent, somewhere from the newly loose soil of his mind, makes something in Wolf snap.

He is alive. He breathes and thinks and talks, despite the machinations of the monster he called father. He is alive, but not thanks to him. He is no longer a scared boy curled on a filthy floor. And he may never get what he wished for – a duel, even a word, on the same level as him – but he is aware that his father’s approval, of all things, is not what he needs anymore.

He does not need his father. He does not need to give an answer, either. He can do better than that.

Wolf takes a deep breath, and then – for the first time – he chooses to draw his sword.

[ravenwitch45]

Imagine if Stella and Bayonetta met, and thanks to their personalities, they clash and this witch ends up on this demoness's shit list.

For the fun of it all, what words do you think are being spoken to each other here? What script would you write for them? (Well, apart from the whole 'Flock off, feather face'-schtick! 😖)

Part 1/4:

Part 2/4:

Part 3/4:

Part 4/4:

And if you want to up the ante further, what do you think would be Stolas's thoughts if he were observing this all?

(I mean, 'bread and circuses', am I right?)

Oh lord Bayonetta would drag Stella for filth like nobodie's buisness, I know Stella is pretty vicious herself but Bayonetta is a whole different beast, like "Punch you into oblivion for endangering her girlfriend's soul" vicious, speaking of Alarune, I could easily see Stella reminding Bayonetta of her, entitled, bitchy, talks way more trash then she should. Now being a bitch ain't gonna make Bayonetta murderous, but oh some shade to be thrown around so let's do this.

(PS I'm very sorry this took so long XP)

I could see this happening with a random run in, Bayonetta's strutting about (In her Bayo 1 outfit cause I fully believe she brings up her old looks up at times) Checking out this quaint little piece of the Inferno she discovered recently, Stella's on a shopping trip she happened to drag Stolas on, cause it's not like she's gonna carry those bags herself and they happen to walk by another, Bayonetta barely noticing the dysfunctional pair aside from Stolas's owl like qualities, Bayonetta a bit fond of owls considering Jeanne's owl within but she struts along, not intending to start a conversation.

Stella on the other hand, takes note of Bayonetta's very provacative skintight outfit, and since she judges everyone she feels entitled to speak it, "I must say it looks like your trying to impress someone" Stella says looking back as Stolas sighs, Bayonetta stopping in her tracks before gracefully turning on her heel, narrowing her eyes at the hen "You know, I believe in wearing what I please, and I hardly care what you think, and why should I? In that outfit, I don't think you have the right to judge others fashion choices."The witch states matter of factly after looking over Stella's gaudy dress and tiara, getting a fuming glare from the demoness

Stolas silently steps back as Stella goes off into a rant about her status, and how disrespectful it is to treat her like that, pointing her finger accusingly at Bayonetta as she approaches her, who just sighs, pulling out Scarborough Fair and firing a precise shot to shut Stella up, the bullet whizzing past her face and leaving a hole in her feathery hair, Stella too stunned to respond as Bayonetta walks up to her, getting in her face and saying "Flock Off Feather Face" before turning around once more intending to leave it there.

That is until Stella grabs the nearest thing that's not nailed down and throws it at her, Bayonetta of course turning back and dodging it, fully glaring at the actual attack this bitch just tried, kicking away another projecttile, Stolas trying to tell Stella to stop but she of course doesn't listen, not like she ever does, again berating the witch for the disrespect walking back up to her and trying to slap her before getting her hand slapped away with Scarborough Fair, which actually hurts making her look at the very pissed off witch who just sighs once again as Stella clutches her arm "What's that phrase again? Oh Right. "Fuck around and Find out" I'd say you take that toheart, if you have one, cause you do not want to find out how I get when I'm actually angry~"Bayonetta states with a smugly threatening tone, looking the demoness eye to eye as the Umbran Sigil flashes overs her's, Madama's Butterfly's laughter echoing and only Stella hearing it as her eyes go wide as she steps back a little in surprise and a bit of genuine fear.

Stammering and attempting another rant before she get's tongue tied and with a huff Stella storms off "Your going to regret this slight! Come along Stolas!"Stella demands only for Stolas to cross his arms as he drops her bags "I don't think I will, cause frankly this has been the most enjoyable part of my day."Stolas admits with a glare, only making Stella bite back a frustrated scream as she grabs the bags off the floor, glaring back at the two as she finally leaves, Stolas sighing as she does.

"I must apoligize for Stella, she believes she has the right to insult anyone, trust me..."Stolas says tiredly, Bayonetta approaching him in a much friendly way "Not your fault your... sister is such a bitch?"The witch states with a tone and raised brow to make it clear she's guessing "Wife actually, not willingly mind you, far from it" Stolas admits awkwardly, "Oh, well then I hope your in the process of divorcing her"The witch says bluntly making Stolas chuckle "Trust me I am. I must say it was nice to see someone stand up to her, not many do"

"Well I do suppose I have a habit of putting some entitled people in their place, it's enjoyable at times at least"Bayonetta jokes, earning another chuckle "Prince Stolas by the way, it's an pleasure to meet you Miss...?"The prince greets offfering his hand "Bayonetta, or Cereza, I go by both, take your pick"The Witch says, shaking his hand "I'll go with Cereza, quite a lovely name" And over all it ends up a pleasant encounter for these two, Stolas inviting her over for tea some time when ever Stella is away.

Also little bonus I thought up, if Stella sends Striker after Bayonetta, she just sees his blessed weapons and nearly falls over laughing, like she's gone toe to toe with the cardinal virtues and won, she'll be pratically insulted someone thinks some enchanted trinkets could bring her down XP

[canoncompanions]

UPDATE: New Playlist: Musical Gems

After two years of resisting watching Steven Universe followed by four years of not being able to find the whole thing, I finally watched it in 2020 and that is what solidified my choice to resurrect Canon Companions. Yes, it inspired me that much. This is also the fifth playlist to reach over 100 songs as well as the first time two works of the same medium type have had over 100 songs.

Note: For the next several playlist updates, I will not be including artists that passed a 10 and new duplicates in the note section, but I will compile a complete list of each after getting through them all.

SU Season 1

Smalltown by Chumbawamba [Tubthumper]

The Middle by Jimmy Eat World [Bleed American/Jimmy Eat World]

Seven by Tijuana Sweetheart [Public Display of Infection]

Bad Reputation by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts [Bad Reputation]

Lesson Number One from Mulan 2

Got My Own Thing by Liz Phair [Somebody’s Miracle]

Foil by Weird Al Yankovic [Mandatory Fun]

I Don’t Understand You by They Might Be Giants [Apollo 18]

Bitchin’ Summer by Avril Lavigne [Avril Lavigne]

Walk and Chew Gum by Optigonally Yours [The Powerpuff Girls: Heroes and Villains]

The Simple Things from Hey Arnold [The Best of Nicktoons]

Overjoyed by Matchbox Twenty [North]

Dirty Little Secret by the All-American Rejects [Move Along]

Nobody’s Home by Avril Lavigne [Under My Skin]

Oceans by Evanescence [Evanescence]

Unaffected by Hoobastank [The Reason]

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk [Discovery]

Invader Zim Theme Song from Invader Zim [The Newest Nicktoons]

Harlow’s Song {I Can’t Dream Without You) by Good Charlotte [Cardiology]

Hit the Floor by Linkin Park [Meteora]

Something Else by Good Charlotte [Good Morning Revival]

In My Eyes You’re a Giant by Sonata Arctica [The Days of Grays]

Your Guardian Angel by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus [Don’t You Fake It]

SU Season 2

Perfect by Simple Plan [No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls]

I Don’t Like You from Galavant [Galavant: Season 2]

Oops!... I Did It Again by Britney Spears [Oops… I Did It Again]

Broken Hands by Bright Light Fever [Bright Light Fever Presents the Evening Owl]

For the Sake of Revenge by Sonata Arctica [Unia]

2 Minutes to Midnight by Iron Maiden [Best of the Beast]

Open Your Heart by Crush 40 [True Blue: The Best of Sonic the Hedgehog]

Dreaming by System of a Down [Hypnotize]

Ruby by Kaiser Chiefs [Yours Truly, Angry Mob]

Tyranny of Normality by Papa Roach [Getting Away with Murder]

Do It Again by the Chemical Brothers [We Are the Night]

SU Season 3

On the Run by 3 Doors Down [The Better Life]

Shame on Me by Ryan Cabrera [Take It All Away]

Perfectly Perfect by Simple Plan [Taking One for the Team]

Smoothie King by Bowling for Soup [A Hangover You Don’t Deserve]

I Push Her Buttons by Honest Bob and the Factory-to-Dealer Incentives [Second and Eighteen]

Happy (Without Me) by Resident Hero [Look]

Stronger by Britney Spears [Oops… I Did it Again]

Know Who You Are from Moana

She’s So Mean by Matchbox Twenty [North]

Wisk by Bowling for Soup [Rock On Honorable Ones]

Had Enough of You by Breaking Point [Beautiful Disorder]

A Reunion by Gentle Giant [In a Glass House]

Always Creating by Shoeless Revolution [From the Inside Out]

Architects by Rise Against [Endgame]

Road to Bloodshed by Sanctity [Road to Bloodshed]

Do What You Have to Do by Sarah McLachlan [Surfacing]

Without a Fight by Hoobastank [Every Man for Himself]

Never Walk Away by Breaking Point [Beautiful Disorder]

Holy Mountains by System of a Down [Hypnotize]

Hero Takes a Fall by the Bangles [The Bangles Greatest Hits]

Peacemaker by Green Day [21st Century Breakdown]

Take It by Staind [Break the Cycle]

SU Season 4

Hero of War by Rise Against [Appeal to Reason]

Lacrymosa by Evanescence [The Open Door]

Lost in Space by PressureHead [Sci-Fi Café]

The Land of Do What You’re Told by Chumbawamba [A Singsong and a Scrap]

Shiny Happy People by R.E.M. [Out of Time]

Stranded by Julien-K [Death to Analog]

Don’t Cry Out by Shiny Toy Guns [We Are Pilots]

Torn by Natalie Imbruglia [Left of the Middle]

Outsmarted by the Hives [Veni Vidi Vicious]

I Will Deny by Honest Bob and the Factory-to-Dealer Incentives [Second and Eighteen]

Strange by R.E.M. [Document]

When It Rains by Paramore [Riot!]

SU Season 5

Worthless from the Brave Little Toaster

Broken by Bad Religion [The Process of Belief]

Bring Me to Life by Evanescence [Fallen]

Just a Taste by Scary Kids, Scaring Kids [The City Sleeps in Flames]

Hello Heartache by Avril Lavigne [Avril Lavigne]

I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band) by the Moody Blues [Seventh Sojourn]

Everything Had Changed by Barenaked Ladies […Are Me]

Never Go Back by Evanescence [Evanescence]

Secrets by Mission of Burma [vs.]

Let Me Go by 3 Doors Down [Seventeen Days]

Lucky by Britney Spears [Oops!... I Did It Again]

Inside by Vertical Horizon [Go]

Marry You by Bruno Mars [Doo-Wops and Hooligans]

Final Wars by Buckethead [The Elephant Man’s Alarm Clock]

The Damage in Your Heart by Weezer [Make Believe]

Home by Daughtry [Daughtry]

Welcome to the Machine by Pink Floyd [Wish You Were Here]

Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Parts VI-IX) [Wish You Were Here]

Now or Never by Stagehands [The Silent City]

The Time Has Come by Roger McGuinn [Back from Rio]

SU The Movie

A Real Life, Happily Ever After from Galavant [Galavant: Season 2]

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye [Making Mirrors]

Amnesia by Chumbawamba [Tubthumper]

The First Cut Is the Deepest by Sheryl Crow [The Very Best of Sheryl Crow]

SU Future

Whenever You Need Somebody by Rick Astley [Greatest Hits]

Farewell to Arms by Five Iron Frenzy [The End Is Near Here]

Never Leave by Seether [Karma and Effect]

Life Changes by Good Charlotte [Youth Authority]

You’re the One by Hoobastank [For(n)ever]

Scars by Papa Roach [Getting Away with Murder]

Problem Child by Simple Plan [Taking One for the Team]

A Killer Inside by Bleed the Dream [Killer Inside]

Reprehensible by They Might Be Giants [Long Tall Weekend]

Do or Die by Papa Roach [Getting Away with Murder]

We Are Broken by Paramore [Riot!]

Al’s War by Less than Jake [Hello Rockview]

New artists: Mulan [in-universe], Optigonally Yours, Hey Arnold, Daft Punk, Invader Zim, Galavant, Bright Light Fever, Kaiser Chiefs, Chemical Brothers, Sanctity, PressureHead, Brave Little Toaster, Bruno Mars, Buckethead, Pink Floyd, Gotye, Rick Astley

Formerly unique artists: Tijuana Sweetheart, Ryan Cabrera, Resident Hero, Moana, Shoeless Revolution, Bangles, Natalie Imbruglia, Mission of Burma

Welcome to the Club!

[acaciapines]

#420 BLAZE IT

oh of COURSE

Hard of Hearing – Radical Face (Redux)

sraf doesn’t have nightmares, ‘cause nightmare is a stupid dumb witch-word and he’s not a witch and also it makes people look at him sad sad sad and he HATES that, and so nightmares ARE NOT IT. OKAY. NOT NIGHTMARES KING.

but sometimes still he.

sleeping is new too. even as the days become weeks months one-day-years and all the time kinda seems the same but it goes goes goes, as it goes on sleeping is a thing he can do. he makes himself a nest like grr-click-growl’s, balancing himself on her back to get all the twigs and leaves and also blankets ‘cause the owl lady please-call-me-eda said he also needed those too. so sleeping and nest are good things ‘n they like the owl words for them best-of-all, ‘cause the rolling grumbling growly mine mine mine is something held close to their chest.

but despite that sometimes the sleeping is.

it’s like he’s back-there again. tablet sometimes. the tablet never really goes away but that’s been so always, ‘n so what really gets to him, the kinda stuff that means all the sounds he can make are bad bad bad and hiding small-scared how he never wants to be, is when he’s back in the trap and looking at king and feeling the stinging burn of claws across their cheek.

like he’s back-then and he knows what happens, knows how titan’s blood sizzled crackle-pop and the trap was shattered, and king growled in a way that meant both anger anger but also you-here-good, and they didn’t know what to do, and so much happened, but it’s the stuff that leads to him here and he likes here. and he knows now he’s safe even if safe is sometimes something he has to bite onto ‘cause elsewise he loses it.

but in the bad-seeing-story there is no blood and there is just the trap, like the tablet. there are all the witches who were there around him and their magic that cut sharp, ‘n him staring down there and the way the barrier shimmered between them and king, and he couldn’t breathe.

those are the things that send him bolting up so fast he smashes his head on the ceiling and there trembling in the air has to remember here here here and that here is a place he doesn’t want to blast apart. that here is good safe mine and nobody hurts him anymore.

he never tells king about them ‘cause he doesn’t know how to say sometimes i see you and think you’re gonna put me back there again.

he never tells king ‘cause sometimes when it’s real dark and empty he thinks at least back then it was easy to know how you felt about me.

Commentary

okay so i was going to do haha silly joke but then i saw what song is actually 420 and went FUCK and so instead its very sincere explorations of sraf instead lol.

first off! i've clarified in the other posts but sraf is indeed the collector--sraf is the translated version of what firefly (the owl beast, here sraf calls her 'grr-click-growl' which are the sounds for her name) calls him and that he eventually adopts bc he's never been particularly attached to 'the collector' as a name.

and now what even to SAY like.

sraf is. Dealing With A Lot Post-Canon Yes Yes? he and king have a REALLY messy relationship, and here sraf is thinking of and referring to a specific event that happens between them in for the future--it's a big scene so i won't elaborate on it due to spoilers, but there are pieces here and there to put together at least a sketch of it.

but that event is this moment of like--it is SO CLEAR to sraf that king is only using him. and like, obviously this isnt true and its so much more complicated than that, but at the moment its like a repeat of all the other times people have betrayed sraf in the past, that the black-white of it all becomes very sharp.

and now post-canon they share a mom and a house but they arent really friends and neither of them are really able to deal with that. its messy!

also if you cannot tell sraf thinks a lot in owl-terms--he's very very close to firefly and IS indeed otherkin, being an owl beast, though he does not have those words lol since he really just talks to firefly about this and she is very helpful, but also a big owl. his identity has always been pretty messy but here its easy for him to work at being a good owl, because its a goal that isnt tied up in all his past which he is for sure nowhere near dealing with.

basically: sraf my beloved they are the best owl house character and i love them so so much <3

[campbluelake]

Not Today, No, Not Today | CH5 (3/?)

Unlike Kyousuke, you remain in the clearing. Though not by chains, your body remains bound, limbs made leaden by an unnatural force while the scene of Kyousuke’s imminent demise plays out in the flames before you.

Is this how it goes, then?

Are you to be afforded only one small victory before it is made obsolete by the dark machinations of this place?

Of course not.

The voice of a human that still emanated from the beast among you is lost entirely, overcome by the deep sound of a primal and ancient fury. In the air around you, there is a sound like the whine of thread stretching to its limit.

“Do not– insult me–”

It grows. You feel the force pushing down on you grow heavier and taught.

Looking to him now, you can see Max’s form slowly pushing itself back up, wings and limbs flexing and straining against the heavy air.

“With these petty– magicks–”

A mighty call that settles somewhere between the screech of an owl and the roar of a beast fills the air, and with the sudden spread of Max’s wings, there’s a snap. Whatever force held you in place has broken.

Before you can think too deeply on it, the beast before you becomes nothing more than a black blur as it plunges itself into the fire–

Disappearing into the scene still playing out within.

Kyousuke grimaces – he’s not the type to simply give up. Stubborn to an absolute fault. His muscles coil and tense as he screams for his body to move, faster than he ever has, even if he has to throw himself out of the way, but–

He’s just human. How could he?

But there’s nothing wrong with knowing your limits.

It’s a good thing. By knowing one’s limits, a person can overcome them through other means. One of those means– perhaps the most important to learn–

[♪♪♪]

Is accepting the help of a friend.

The sound of creaking metal and smoldering cinder is joined by the distant cacophony of something crashing its way through whatever stands in its way, but it doesn’t stay distant for very long. It grows louder just as the shadows of falling beams grow larger, larger, larger–

It’s too fast to fully make out what you see next. A blur of black and red, of fur and feather, zipping across what the fire lets you see. One moment, Kyousuke is there. The next, an onslaught of metal beams crashing into the floor is all the fire shows you.

Nobody could survive being crushed by something like that. Not man, not beast– nobody. You’re sure of it.

You might think to dwell on this were it not for the sudden burst of flame and embers in the middle of the clearing as Max emerges from the fire with a twisting, winged flourish into the air. He is unharmed by the heat of it, and soon lands on the ground nearby.

Thankfully, you are spared the anxiety of uncertainty for once; clearly visible in Max’s arms is Kyousuke, bloody and beaten, but…

Alive.

Those of you huddled around the fire, and the already departed similarly crowded around the TV in the lodge, had been resigned to a fate too cruel; a murder agreed upon by two people to save another, and the loss of both of those lives. Though it felt too much to bear…

Max and Kyousuke were still here. 

This game would take no one else from you. Not anymore.

[shimmerbeasts]

Unlike Ekko, Jinx did not fully split herself into the Hound and who she was when that mindset had not been triggered. Because Silco encouraged violence with such ease and spoke of it as a natural part of a Zaunites' everyday life, in her mind some small elements of the Hound would always bleed into everyday life. For Jinx, that part of her Vastayan heritage - the wild, untamed animal - was always the closest in fights or when she consumed human meat, something she did so proudly, she often preferred the special meat stews to a hearty meal of fish and potatoes, and of course, whenever she fantasised, even in her most private moments.

Though, of course, there was having the beast be a backside passenger and bleeding subtly into your everyday life and interests, and then there was what being triggered into the Hound mindset actually allowed you to do: The complete and total domination of the beast over your body and mind, the indulgence of its every whim. This pure embrace of the primal might be regarded as the greatest state of bliss, you could possibly experience. There were no worries of the future, there were no unsettling whispers of the past; there was nothing but the here and now and the blood on your hands and the meat between your teeth.

Monsters needed proper care if they were to thrive. Overindulge them, and they would sneakily retaliate by destroying your body and deforming you until hunting and killing became almost impossible. Like a lion with broken teeth, all you could do was prey on easier and lonely targets. You had to employ backhanded tactics and strategies, mean tricks, to be able to get even a vial of Shimmer to ensure the beast and you were tended to.

However, underfeeding the monster had consequences too. Particularly if you had given it a steady supply of Shimmer before. Cut it off from that supply as abruptly as those did, who tried to quit Shimmer - as if you ever wanted to stop feeding your monster! -, and you had to fight with crippling withdrawal syndromes. Your body would shiver and shake, you'd burst into bouts of sweat and your innards would feel like they'd be cooked alive. A lot of former Shimmer addicts had absolutely ruined their claws as they took to chewing them short to mitigate the growing hunger and need for the purple substance. Even Ekko's own nails, upon closer inspection, had been utterly ruined.

Jinx had met Ekko's monster briefly once before she had conditioned him into a Hound. Back then, both of them had still been teens and learning that they had claws and fangs, which were for a bit more than just climbing. Jinx dimly remembered the puppy crush love, Powder had been having for Ekko. The type of love, she had not known what to do with but also had not indulged in because Mylo for sure, would have poked fun at it. When Jinx had laid eyes on Ekko's monster though, that love had come back possessively and twisted into one burning thought: I must have you! You are mine!

However, with the emergence of the Firelights and their owl-masked leader, Jinx had been forced to confront the realisation that Ekko had not just stopped feeding his inner monster, but had even locked it up. The fact that he not only rejected Silco's gift but downright sought to destroy it was infuriating in and of itself. Nobody, who had ingested the Undercity's purple gold, was allowed to turn around later and decry it as vile and evil when it had saved their life mere days prior. Every broken jar of Shimmer, every ounce of the liquid burned in malice was an attack on not just Silco's operation, but an attack on her father. Jinx had already shown no tolerance for such behaviour by lesser ruffians, but to see it be committed by Ekko out of all people, was the last straw!

Something had to be done about the error of her former friend's ways! Something, which would make him cease such actions and also allow his monster to be given the care and nourishment, he refused to allow it to have. Jinx quickly turned to Hounding as her possible answer. She remembered her own conditioning process. Surely, she could replicate what Silco had done with his help and assistance. It had taken a bit of planning and a lot of willpower on Jinx's part, but eventually, Ekko had been broken down and his Hound had reemerged - and Jinx had embraced the monster like an old friend.

The blood on Ekko's face and hands was not the only sign that they had waited far too long. His scales had burst out too. Whereas Jinx had the DNA of an ocelot in her Vastaya lineage, Ekko had had a chameleon. It made his scales look rough and coarse, almost like unpolished pearls embedded in rock. His scales were a gorgeous blend of green and red, sprinkled across his shoulders, the sides of his neck and even replacing one of his eyebrows. Jinx felt like he never looked more beautiful.

"That's my Wolver", Jinx said with a gentle smile as she watched Ekko squat down and yank the mask from his head. His sloppy eating - the hasty chewing and swallowing - reached her ears as she went over to pick up his mask. Tying it back to her utility belt, she gave an encouraging chuckle as Ekko ripped open another carcass and went for its heart.

"My poor Hound", Jinx purred, "Ekko must have kept you famished. There, there. It's all good now." She caressed the conditioned man behind his ear. "I'm here. I got you." Her eyes widened in surprise and she chuckled breathlessly, cheeks flushing as Ekko scampered around and brought her a dripping wet liver, freshly plucked from another corpse. "For me? You are too kind!"

She sat down cross-legged and sniffed at the fresh organ. The bloody smell made her growl softly. Jinx licked over the liver, using the sharp hooks on the surface of her tongue to pull away some of the flesh. Chewing it around, the juicy flavour caused the Loose Canon to moan. "Oh, that is delicious", Jinx whispered and rubbed her mouth with the back of her hand, "I forgot how good liver tastes when freshly harvested."

Their chewing filled the air as Jinx and Ekko's Hound sat among the carnage and ate their fill. Slow steps reached Jinx's ears as the Chem-Tanks came marching up towards them. Their passengers were still spasming and twitching unnaturally inside the cockpits. Their eyes were wide and their mouths agape. Saliva crusted in the corners of their lips. Unlike Jinx and Ekko, they were overindulgent monsters, who had gotten their bodies so ruined that dumping them into one of the Chem-Tanks felt like doing them a favour.

"Calm down, boys", Jinx told them as she waved a hand at the Chem-Tanks, "He is one of us. He is not a threat. You can stand down."

Despite the fact the hound was a separate part of Ekko, it shared the gift that Ekko had. Empathy. While Ekko did his best to hold it back, to hide from the feelings it presented, the hound didn’t. The hound openly embraced a gift it didn’t fully understand or even register. It was because of that that it was so eager, the fear feeding the monster in ways that made it more violent. Violence it had been craving for nearly a month in which its host had been pushing it back.

For its part, the hound didn’t suffer in silence during that time. In fact, it promptly punished Ekko in the form of nightmares. Leading up to today the Firelight leader had been plagued with dreams of endless violence every night. These were times that hound took control of the mind, made him see his family killed by their own hands. Each night only getting progressively worse in experience.

This wasn't the first time Ekko had been punished for his actions. The monster existed before the hounding, back when Ekko still willingly took shimmer. During that time they had truly been one. So, when Ekko tried to stop the shimmer, the withdrawal was it's way of punishing him. But after that it been tucked away, to never see the light of day. Until Jinx conditioned Ekko into a hound, and it felt more alive than ever, only to find that Ekko rejected it. When Jinx wasn't there to let it out, Ekko would shackle it... It's needs were all but ignored.

Today it had finally been released from those shackles, a gift bestowed upon it by it's savior. One who understood it and gave it what it needed. Unlike the other times Jinx had brought it out for a hunt, it had been starving. The blood that coated Ekko's arms and chest, even the blood splattered all over his face, was a direct result of waiting so long. The hound eyed was still hungry, however, and was fixing to attack the innocent factory workers.

The whistle, however, instantly caught its attention as the hound turned it's head to focus on her immediately. It's eyes were immediately drawn to the wet liver in her hand, mouth already salivating at the thought of ingesting it. The hound caught the liver one hand and squatted down. However, the mask was in the way of consumption. This was not the case long as the hound used a clawed hand to pry the mask off. Said mask fell to the ground, already forgotten.

Once the mask was off there was nothing stopping it from eating the liver, savoring it's taste while it did. One liver seemed to not be enough as it was already digging claws into the corpses below, this time ripping out a now still heart. The hound let out a satisfied hum, both at the taste and at Jinx's gesture.

To return the gesture it took out a liver from one of the other corpses and offered it out to Jinx. It knew that she'd been tempted to join in on the hunt but hadn't. That didn't mean she couldn't have a piece of its meal. Shimmer laced were brimming excitement, hoping she would take the offered organ.

[thedelolos]

Neverafter Episode 5 Live Thoughts

Under the cut

I WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE GEMS ARE YOU SILLY MAN 

“The mechanic of confusion” you said it ally

Ooo we got updated icons for the characters that we didn’t see last episode 

Lou Wilson I love you never change 

BEATS TO STUDY TO im cryig 

Seriously the new dome effects are cool as hell

So this is “You and your party walk into a tavern” opening?

I can’t take the cock and toad seriously bro

“A bunch of woodland creatures in a cloak” ah yes three racoons in a trenchcoat

Rosamund’s hair is so curly wow

I really want to know her subclass PLEASE i’m thinking it might be beast now because of the cloak of beasts?

YLFA DRUID

YLFA DRUID???

I AM IN LOVE WHAT SUBCLASS

I’m thinking moon or wildfire? 

The fire on her cloak in her dream makes me think wildfire Also they have another person who can heal thank goodness 

The owl getting scared is really funny

The disappearing glass jar

So pib 

Okay yeah red blowing the fire hotter makes me think wildfire, that’s actually a really cool way of skinning it 

“Why does everyone think I’m flirting?” Gerard got that autistic boy swag 

Lou you're killing me with that description of pinocchio

YES PLEASE TELL THEM ABOUT YOUR MOM

She’s awful and i hate her 

“How did we know to come here?” Zac asking the big brain questions

Calling it now the bad fairy that pinocchio is talking about is the step mother

Psa do not trust the fairies at all 

Do you think brennan practices crow noises just randomly? 

Zac’s little dance when PIb is getting scritches is so cute 

I KNEW IT WAS THE DISH FROM HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE

Ally and Lou playing keep away with the invisible book is so funny

Committed arachnid i’m dead these are so funny

THE SPIDER TALKS

Wait does this mean we’re gonna get miss muffit too??

“Honking like thunder”?? Hmmm the gander??

It’s really funny bc i just finished crown of candy where we had ranger liam and now we have ranger rosamund and it’s just really funny to me

Rangers really are the best in campaigns like this 

Wait does that mean that we don’t get anymore cindy??

Oh okay nvm

Ooo this is very interesting, there’s someone writing in the book

WAIT THIS IS DOPE SCHEHERAZADE

So does this mean that the other owners of the magic books are just people who have collected tales in different cultures? 

WOMEN IN ARMOR AGENDA LET’S GO

Aesop too?? So it think there might be some kind of truth to my theory my game theory

Yes babes pls make a better plan 

Stray together, stay together 

“Im just kinda pushing on your frog abdomen” ALLY

Okay okay so we need to find a laughing dog and a cat with a fiddle 

The goodberry thing is so smart, i’ve never thought of that before

Senator i miss you

Senator i love you keep prancing 

“This is all temporary” okay take a shot he said the thing 

No no con saves only vibes 

WHAT ARE THE BEANS are they like levels of exhaustion that you carry through your lives?? If you hit 6 levels typically you die so maybe at 6 beans the character is perma dead? 

Is the boar one of the 3 little pigs??

I like geese and the gander is terrifying 

Okay okay they got a good stealth let’s just hope that they learn from last time and dont get caught, please y’all be safe 

YO THE DARK LIGHTING THAT’S SO COOL

WE 110 percent are getting the spider that sat next to miss muffet, “nobody wants to be friends with me”, the town name sounds similar to tuffet, i think i’m right???

[alpaca-clouds]

Fluffcember Day 15: You (Don't) Choose Family

Today's prompt was Wool Socks.

Fandom: The Owl House

Characters: Amity, Hunter, Edric, Emira, Alador, Darius

Genre: Fluff and Humor

Length: 983

[Ao3 Link]

The logic of the world was still not quite clear to Amity. How had Emperor Belos trying to kill all the witches ended her in this situation.

“Just take an extra pair of socks,” her father beckoned. “It's cold out at the Knee.”

“Dad.” She groaned, her fingers at the bridge of her nose. “I've been out at the knee before. You remember. With Ed and Em?”

Her father blinked, looking at her with an empty expression. He did not remember. Of course, he didn't. But until everything had gone down, he had barely ever noticed anything going on outside of his laboratory, did he?

Now Darius walked through the living room, too. “Ah, don't worry, Alador. The kids will be fine!”

This prompted her father to mirror her expression, fingers at the bridge of the nose. “The kids will get themselves in trouble. I am telling you. The next thing we'll know…”

Darius came over to him, putting a hand onto his shoulder. “Relax, Alador. The kids will be just fine.”

“We will be out there for only two days. I mean, come on, dad. I can fight for myself.” And she would make sure that this time nobody would accidently wake any wild beasts while they were out there. No, this was just a little excursion. Just her, Luz, Gus, Willow – and Hunter of course. Speaking of which. “Where's Hunter?”

“Still packing,” Darius replied with a shrug.

Amity groaned. One should think one additional brother would not make that much of a difference, but somehow it did. While Hunter had the appearance of a teen maybe a year or two older than her, he was still like a child in many regards. Leaving her dad – and whatever Darius was meant to become – alone, she stormed off to Hunter's room, only to find her worst fears confirmed.

Hunter was sitting there on a bag way too big for a two day trip surrounded by the twins, who were now leaning onto him, brabbling along.

“See, Hunter,” Emira said, “if you want to win the heart of a lady, the best way to access it is through her stomach! So what you want to do…”

Edric interrupted her. “Quite literally, actually. So if you try to go and open up her mouth.”

“Ugh. El. Now you're getting disgusting.”

Edric laughed. “I am just saying. There is more than one way to win a heart.” He cast another illusion, summoning a beating heart into his hand.

Even Emira chuckled at this. “What I was saying, Hunter. You need to woo her. Somehow. Like, just bring her some nice food. Or maybe, I don't know… That girl, Willow, she likes flowers, right?”

Amity cleared her throat. “Hunter, we wanted to leave now, didn't we?”

He stared at her, his eyes wide with desperation. “Uhm. Err. Yes. Leaving. We wanted to…” He tried to hoist up his bag – and failed.

Seeing his desperation Amity went over to him. She cast a simple spell as well, changing the bag into a much smaller one. “You won't need all that stuff. Trust me.”

“Are you sure? I mean, what if something happens and we end up…”

“Don't worry.” She put a hand onto his shoulder and smiled.

There was still glee on her sister's expression. “Don't forget what I was telling you! To win her heart…”

Amity turned around to her. “He'll figure that out on his own.”

 A little sigh escaped Hunter, as they made their way down the stairs. She was not even sure what to say to him. After all everything was quite new for him, wasn't it? So she just put one hand onto his shoulder. “I know Em and Ed can be a lot, but you'll get used to this.”

His smile was faint, but still there. “I guess I will.”

“Are you sure you don't want to pack an extra pair of socks? I had the abominations make two pairs just for you!” Her father got out two pairs dripping with abomination goo, just as they were crossing the living room.

She stopped herself from sighing as well, thankful for Darius' hand on her father's shoulders.

In a way she got it. Her father was trying to make up for the time he had been mostly an absentee dad. But still… This was a bit much. She went over to him, taking his hand with a smile. “Really, dad. We will be fine. We will just go out there, have a nice evening around the fireplace, enjoy nature and sleep in tents.” She would share a tent with Luz! “Nothing major is going to happen.” She gave him an encouraging smile. “Or how big do you think the chance for another egomaniacal maniac trying to destroy the world just showing up months after the last one is?”

Her father frowned. “Well, I do not quite know the exact formular, but with probabilities there is always the thing that even one beneath 1% is never quite zero. So…”

“I think she was being hyperbolic, Alador,” Darius muttered.

“I was,” Amity replied and smiled at her father. “Really, dad. Nothing is gonna happen. You just... relax and build some new abomination or something. And we will be back by tomorrow evening, alright?”

A deep and tired sigh came over her father's lips. “Yes. Yes. Alright. I am sorry, Amity. I am just…” Now he put both hands onto her shoulders. “Take care, will you?” He looked over to Hunter. “Both of you.”

Even now Hunter did clearly feel awkward about their little family. “Sure,” he muttered.

Now she allowed herself to break apart from her dad, picked up her own back and turned towards the door. “You take care as well.”

“We will.”

With that Ghost turned into her staff, allowing for her and Hunter to sit on it. Before they both took off.

[magicalforcesau]

Dancing with Ghosts in Your Garden~ Year 3: June

Ao3 link

Though all of the horror of Dooku’s attack was over for the time being, leaving behind only a myriad of memories and questions in its wake, there was still a very critical and very scary beast that lay before them: finals. Anakin knew he didn’t even have it as horribly as he could too. He could be a fifth year and taking his OWLS or he could be a seventh year tackling NEWTS. Still, that didn’t make him all the less excited for test taking season.

Especially for Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Nobody really knew what the protocol was going to be, since the year itself was a wash. At least last year when they lost Professor Fisto, he had prepared them and taught them a whole lot so they would be ready anyway. Now, the only people who really had any grasp on the course material were those who had attended Obi-Wan’s tutoring sessions.

As Obi-Wan was discussing the concept of a personatus with Anakin as well as other transformative beings such as changelings and werewolves, he was never more grateful to have him as a resource. They’d all been working around the clock for their respective exams, practically living in the library for much longer than he fancied.

It had been a revolving cycle of wake up, eat, study, sleep, and that didn’t include the classes they already had. Thankfully, there wasn’t much new material being passed at this point in the year. Most professors had transitioned into reviewing the content of their exams.

Obi-Wan had reportedly already gotten a near-perfect score on his sixth year makeup exam for Magical Creatures, so that felt like one bridge was crossed. Anakin didn’t even know why he was worrying when he’d been able to teach everyone else how to do the work that Gunray couldn’t accomplish even in his dreams.

With Gunray gone, Anakin didn’t understand why they hadn’t resumed the more extensive classroom sessions, especially with Obi-Wan’s natural talent for teaching. Though Anakin admittedly didn’t always listen to his former mentor, he could respect that he generally knew what he was talking about.

However, he knew Obi-Wan wouldn’t so easily go for it. He was way too humble to assume it was he that the grades of younger students relied on. Not to mention, the threat of detention or worse had been enough to ward him off for the time being. He hadn’t wanted to rustle any feathers and that was understandable at the time when Gunray and the Ministry had their hands in the Hogwarts bucket. Now, this was not the case.

So, he had gotten to work in assembling his arguments, using valuable sleeping or more importantly, playing time, to develop his tactic. It only took one night’s time, thankfully, but he couldn’t see how Obi-Wan could possibly deny that he was needed.

Not one to hold back exactly what he’d been thinking, Anakin cut off his diatribe on the differences between a personatus and a changeling- which Anakin didn’t think he was going to grasp today anyway, and kickstarted the topic.

“You should start up the DADA classes again,” He said.

Obi-Wan frowned, though he looked more flustered than displeased, “Anakin, I am not in the position to make that sort of decision. That’s why they’re reducing the content on the exam so that it’s a bit more fair.”

“Even with that in mind, we’re still not going to get it!” Anakin insisted, “I mean, they didn’t even get us a replacement yet.”

“Supposedly, something is in the works,” He corrected, “You have to be mindful that it’s quite intimidating for any professor to hop in during the final hour. Excluding the fact that the subject wasn’t taught all year to begin with. It’s a setup for failure.”

“Which is why we need you,” Anakin said, “You clearly could care less if you’re a failure! You didn’t care about losing the tournament and you really don’t care what your parents think of you.”

Something twitched on Obi-Wan’s face, like his nose had itched, but he retained a neutral expression and shook his head, “I still wouldn’t want to lead anyone down the wrong track.”

“Oh come on, the only reason anyone knows even a fraction of this dribble is because of you.” He argued. “Rex didn’t know the difference between a vanishing cabinet and a vanity cabinet before you came along!”

“What’s so vain about a cabinet anyway?” Rex grumbled from beside him before straightening, “He’s got a point there, Kenobi.”

“I’m truly flattered that the two of you want me to teach,” Obi-Wan tried a different approach, “But not only do I have my own NEWTS to worry about-”

“As if you’re not going to ace those,” Cody snorted from beside Obi-Wan, who earned a reproachful look from him. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea at all, mate.”

“It’s not fair that I’m the only one who gets to hear all this stuff. Plus, you liked doing it, I know that you did.” Anakin knew he was teetering on whining, but he was not above such things when he believed he was pursuing what was right. “Don’t tell me you’re scared!”

“Of course I enjoyed it,” He said, his mouth tight with restraint, “I’m not frightened for me or the consequences that could befall me. I wouldn’t want to do anything that might get Headmaster Yoda in trouble.”

That much was as fair a point as any, even if the political discourse that had taken shape seemed to be utter chaos with Minister Valorum’s mysterious statement of resignation followed by practically vanishing off the face of the earth. The only thing that kept it from being explored as a missing person’s report was that Yoda and other reputable sources said that Valorum had been discussing resignation for months now.

Apparently, he’d felt so shameful that he left behind his wife and children without so much as a second thought. No, Anakin didn’t know why he ever believed that man would ever care to find his mother. Clearly, he had no regard for what loyalty really was.

“I thought you might say that,” Anakin smirked as he pulled the scroll he’d been working on and unrolled it until the entire table was draped in parchment, the end hitting the stone floor with a clunk. Signatures of all different varieties ranging from first to seventh years alike littered the pages. Some people Anakin didn’t even know were on there. “So, I brought in some reinforcements.”

“All of these people want me back?” Obi-Wan asked in disbelief, filtering through them all, paying mind to each name as though committing them to memory. However, it was the three fingered claw with green ink print next to it that captured Obi-Wan’s attention. He looked up at Anakin with wide-eyed shock, “ Yoda signed this?”

“Sure did,” Anakin grinned and then pointed out several other professors, “Windu was a bit of a hard sell, since he hates all that is fun and good with this earth, but he gave in with my words of persuasion.”

“Anakin kept saying “please please please” over and over again,” Rex corrected.

“Whatever works,” He shrugged and then looked pleadingly at Obi-Wan, who was back to inspecting the petition perhaps for any traces of fraud, but mostly with reverence and honor to have been considered worthy by so many. “Look, Obi-Wan, everyone loved you as the substitute teacher. Do you know how hard that is? Subs are usually the targets of pranks, taunting, and sometimes even attack!”

“To be fair, he’s undergone quite a bit of that on his own,” Cody said.

“But the point is, I’m not the only one who thinks so,” Anakin said, “So, what do you say?”

After another moment of silence, just Obi-Wan quietly sifting through each signature in amazement, he sighed heavily. He looked unbelievably moved, though wasn’t teary eyed. Anakin was grateful for this. He wasn’t the sort who dealt with criers very well. Instead, Obi-Wan seemed to ponder just about every course of action that led him here and whether or not he deserved to be in such a place.

As if he wasn’t the Head Boy of the bloody school.

“I say class will be in session this Thursday,” He cleared his throat, trying to maintain all appearances of sternness, “Don’t think that just because I’m extending my reach means you can reduce your time studying.”

“Yeah okay” Anakin rolled his eyes. “And you’re welcome, by the way.”

“I’ll thank you if you show up on time,” Obi-Wan quipped.

“Ah, no promises there then,” He smirked.

It was a beautiful day, one that obligated basically everyone to be outside, whether it be for studying or for recreational activities. Several classes were even held outside that day to commemorate such lovely conditions. Obi-Wan had followed that line of thought and had done the same thing for his DADA group, which had kickstarted again rather seamlessly.

It had been a lot of running around and obstacle courses today, which only increased the momentum and excitement that was already at play, but Obi-Wan was just happy to see everyone so eager to learn. Yes, he knew that finals were rapidly approaching and no one wanted to fail, but it was still exhilarating to make a difference.

And to be able to do so out in the light.

“Good job with those hex-deflections,” He smiled, clapping his hands together as the fourth year group began to gather their things, “Next class, we’re going to discuss hex-breakers and the intricacies of replacing negative energy with positive energy.”

His mood was only heightened when the sea of students parted and he noticed Satine Kryze leaning against the oak tree not far from where he’d been teaching, watching him with quiet amusement as he left his things behind and jogged towards her.

She was dressed for the weather- choosing knee socks over stockings and lacking a gray sweater or vest on top of her white button-up. Her tie was loosened a tad and her sleeves were even pushed up in a show of rare informality. It suited her, just as anything did, and he couldn’t help but fixate on how lovely she looked with her hair pushed from her face with a navy headband.

The sun caught her hair perfectly, making it look like it literally glowed a bright yellow, but it was the toothy smile she offered him that caused him to pick up the pace in shortening the distance between him.

“Good morning, professor,” She teased loftily, though her hands cradled his face in acceptance of the quick kiss he bestowed on her mouth.

“I missed you at breakfast this morning,” He said, propping an arm against the tree so that he leaned in her space, “Catching up on some beauty rest?”

“Have you noticed a need for it?” She arched an eyebrow at him.

“Not at all,” He smirked, “I was just going to ask you your secret on the matter.”

“Very smooth,” She retorted.

“I thought so,” He said, “So, what kept you from the most important meal of the day?”

“Actually, I was conferring with Almec, the Minister of Muggle Relations for the Ministry of Magic,” She said casually, adding a shrug to the end in hopes of seeming even less affected by this very pivotal news. “You know, discussing the state of the world and what can and should be done about it.”

“Oh is that all?” He laughed a bit, though his mind went in several different directions for all the possibilities, “When did you set this up? What did he say? What did you say? How did it go?”

“Calm down,” She chuckled, placing her hands on his chest, though Obi-Wan could tell she was absolutely buzzing with excitement beneath her carefully crafted exterior, “He was quite impressed with my paper on the Muggle Protection Act and why it’s grossly outdated.”

“Truly some of your best work,” He vehemently agreed, “Your choice in utilizing a second person point of view was bold, but dearly worked for your exquisitely personal perspective, my dear.”

“Almec felt so too,” She said, “Though he wasn’t quite as intricate with his feedback or notes as you were.”

“Glad I’m not being replaced quite so soon out the gates from school,” He joked.

“Never,” She tugged gently on the knot of his tie, “But anyway, he said that he’d never met someone quite as passionate and knowledgeable about the history of wizards and muggles and their respective differences.”

“I learn something new from you every single day,” He said.

“Sometimes it’s something simple like the fact that rubber bands exist, but yes, I rest my case.” She said brightly, “I did offer some counsel on how I believe the Ministry should be reacting to Dooku’s stance. It’s the time to get ahead of the subject and to fight bigotry from high points first.”

“Like with my parents,” Obi-Wan scoffed.

“I didn’t mention them, but I was certainly thinking it,” She grimaced before practically bouncing back into her good mood, “He loved everything I had to say and completely agreed on all accounts. And… That he just had to have me on board for his internship program this fall.”

“Oh my God!” Obi-Wan was so taken by excitement that he picked her up into his arms, shaking her just a bit before setting her back down, “That’s amazing news!”

She laughed, “I know and this will actually be a perfect tract for me to enter if I want to pursue a law path, which is basically the only way to get any standings of power around here for any real change.”

“Indeed,” Aside from being born into it, you had to forge your own path by fighting the good fight with lawyers on occasion. Satine would be absolutely brilliant at whatever she put her mind to and Obi-Wan couldn’t seem to stop smiling at the image of her defending those who could not defend themselves. “Congratulations! I’m so proud of you!”

“Thank you,” She beamed, more radiant than the sun above them and he couldn’t remember the last time he felt so warm, “It’s a year long program and with Almec’s recommendation, I could truly get into one of the better wizarding law firms for muggle outreach programs.”

“I have been doing my research and it seems the best are those that are based in muggle areas.” He said, “Which is interesting and not surprising.”

“I have to try and stay central to the Ministry,” She said, “As much as I loathe politics, I don’t want to drift too far to the outskirts. That’s how people are forgotten about.”

“I’d never forget you,” He said, “Though I wouldn’t necessarily mind seeing you around the office every now and then anyway.”

“Oh no?” She smirked, looping her arms around his neck and bringing him closer, “You wouldn’t be ashamed to be the Auror with the loud, anti-violence, difficult girlfriend? I certainly won’t be making your life easier, I imagine.”

“Nothing new there anyway,” He laughed when she playfully tugged at his hair, “Besides, I couldn’t be more proud and humbled to even be considered in your orbit, let alone a part of it.”

“Yeah?”

He pressed his forehead to hers, looking deep into crystalline eyes, “I am positively thrilled for you and cannot wait to see you change and make the world better just by you being in it, just as you’ve made mine better.”

“Oh, you sap,” She sighed dreamily and kissed him again, more thoroughly and much more distractedly, before he could have the chance or presence of mind to respond. Oftentimes, when she kissed him like this, his brain simply stopped and melted into a pile of useless goo. He’d very nearly forgotten what they were even talking about when they broke away quite flushed and with swollen lips.

“Shall we go break the news to Cody and friends?” He finally asked after a moment or two of just staring at each other and briefly considering forgoing all responsibility for the day and resuming where they left off.

“Indeed,” She cleared her throat and reached for his hand, “Though I highly doubt he’s going to understand most of what we’re talking about.”

“He’ll be excited anyway.” He said with a smile, “It’s your future, after all.”

When Padmé found Satine, she’d been walking hand in hand with Obi-Wan debating casually about the pros and cons of having a corner or central booth in an office space. Sensing that this conversation, though engrossing to the top two students of the school, wasn’t all that imminent at the moment, she and Bail Organa practically rushed them before they’d been able to cross through the main archway.

“What’s going on here?” Obi-Wan was the first to ask, a slight pinkness to his cheeks likely from being in the sun all day. Both halves of the couple looked immediately wary as they gaged how surprised both she and Bail looked. To be fair, they’d had more than their share of surprises this year alone.

“They’ve officially introduced who is going to be the new DADA professor for next term!” Bail beat her to the punch, “And you’ll never guess who they’ve gotten!”

“You’re right, we won’t, because at this rate, I’d call anyone crazy for taking up that position with how horrible its reputation is getting,” Satine drawled, “I mean seriously! There’s been treachery, murder, and incompetance in the past three years!”

“That is a pretty horrible track record,” Padmé agreed, “But it’s not like we can’t have a DADA class, right?”

“Right,” Obi-Wan said before Satine could likely go off on a full scale debate about how they should really reconsider the curriculum of the subject and how it was framed to be more about offense than actual defense at times. He, like the rest of them, was not prepared for such a tirade at the moment. “So, who’d they manage to get?”

“You’ll like this one, Kenobi, it’s Eno Cordova!” Bail said.

Just as Bail had predicted, Obi-Wan’s intrigue had piqued, “Spanish archaeologist and explorer of the dark and infamous Zeffo Vaults?”

“Is there another?” Satine gasped, her distaste for the subject already gone and replaced with interest, “But wait, how does that add up? I thought he went missing in the vaults years ago.”

“Like any spectacular explorer,” Bail, a big fan in his own right, went on to explain, “He’d recently found his way out, surviving on little more than his own wits.”

“If anyone could, it would be Cordova,” Obi-Wan pinched his chin, “I’ve read a great deal about him through the years. He’s the only known human to survive the scourge of a sarlacc pit’s stomach!”

“How horrid,” Satine shivered but then snapped back into enthusiasm, “Well, we ought to meet him, right? It’s not as though we will have many other opportunities since we are graduating.”

“That’s actually why we were looking for you,” Padmé said and focused on Obi-Wan, “Especially you. With Cordova being around, everyone is uncertain about the fate of your recently resumed classes.”

Satine looked to Obi-Wan too, her expression understanding of either outcome and sympathetic to Obi-Wan’s own feelings on the matter. She knew better than either Bail or Padmé did, but it seemed obvious that Obi-Wan liked teaching the study sessions. They’d learned a lot from him too, but knew that most would drift towards someone with official qualifications.

“Oh!” Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows. The thought hadn’t come to him, obviously, but he played it off with nonchalance, “Don’t worry about me! I was always of the understanding that my position on the matter would be temporary and I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that someone so qualified will be stepping in.”

“I mean, I don’t see why they couldn’t have waited until next year,” Padmé said, “There’s been enough chaos here, not including bringing in a whole new professor.”

“Maybe to spare everyone from Windu’s DADA summer school,” Bail suggested, “And while I’d normally agree, Cordova isn’t just any replacement.”

“He is amazing,” Obi-Wan said, “He’s made just about every issue of “Archeologist Annual” for the past fifty years.”

“In all fairness, how many archeologists are there, really?” Satine asked. “He does have a fair bit to catch up on. It’s a heavy task, taking over at this rate.”

“He will more than manage,” Obi-Wan smiled dutifully, “Better than I ever could.”

Satine looked to have her doubts about that, though Padmé’s heart always warmed at the seamless confidence the two had in each other. Though they did quarrel a fair share before and after they got together, there was one thing that was never disputed and that was their faith in the other.

“I’m sure people are going to miss it all the same,” Bail said earnestly, “Though I am admittedly a bit saddened that I won’t get to experience Cordova’s lesson plan in full.”

“Instead they had that fake, Gunray this year,” Padmé scoffed before rolling her eyes, “Last Anakin said, he was moving his things into Gunray’s old office.”

“And there are lots of artifacts,” Bail said and Padmé couldn’t help but smile at how giddy he seemed. Obi-Wan was excited too, pulling Satine by the hand in that direction to go meet the new professor with haste, leading them all with charge. However, he was a bit quieter than before.

“No one would blame you for being disappointed,” Satine murmured from ahead, keeping her voice low in an attempt to spare him from explaining to the rest of the party.

“I’m not,” He answered, “This is good news.”

“If you say so,” She agreed mildly, though if Padmé knew Satine like she thought that she did, the discussion wouldn’t be permanently closed. As they made their way to through the halls in relative quiet save for Bail Organa’s occasional bursts of facts about the remarkable accomplishments of Eno Cordova, Padmé couldn’t help but ponder the fact that of this group, she was really going to be the only person affected by this change in professors. She wasn’t sure she could handle yet another change and hoped that Professor Cordova, with all the challenges he’d overcome, was ready for the true challenge of teaching.

Padmé had never actually seen pictures of Eno Cordova, so she didn’t know what she was expecting really. Upon seeing him in person, she decided it wasn’t what he actually was. When she thought of exciting explorers, she thought of tall, dark and handsome. However, this was not the case, for while he did have a dark tan complexion, he was also short, bald, and rather skinny.

This did not deter the older kids’ eagerness to meet him. She thought that Bail might launch himself at the man for a moment, but seeing as he was always more of a diplomat at heart, had been able to reel it in.

“Sorry to intrude, sir,” Padmé spoke when she found that Bail might pass out first, “I’m Padmé Amidala and we just wanted to introduce-”

“Dr. Cordova, it is an honor,” Bail said, sticking out his hand for the new professor to shake, completely cutting off Padmé, “My name is Bail Organa and I have always been a huge fan of your work.”

His eyes lit up and the wrinkles around his eyes scrunched even further as he smiled warmly and returned the handshake, “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Organa.”

He also nodded at Padmé, “And you too, Miss Amidala. Your parents are wonderful people.”

“Thank you,” She smiled, “I think so too.”

“I look forward to having you in class!” He said.

“I’ve read just about all of your books, sir,” Bail said, “I’m extremely disappointed that I won’t have you in class.”

“A seventh year, yes?” Cordova nodded sagely and then wagged a finger at him, “You have been greatly deprived of the wonders of the world this year, Bail. Can I call you Bail?”

“You can call me whatever you want,” Bail said in an enthralled voice that caused Padmé and Satine to snort.

“Then you shall call me Eno,” He said, “I’ve seen too much of this beautiful rock not to share my findings. So please, come to my summer catch-up session. All are welcome.”

“I- I will, yes! There is nothing that would make me happier,” He said.

“Aside from your recent engagement, you mean?” Padmé gave him a gentle shove.

“Engagement?” Cordova’s brown eyes rounded and he patted Bail on the shoulder, “There is no greater thing to explore than that of love.”

“You should come to the wedding,” Bail said instantly, “I don’t know when it is or where it is or really anything other than who I’m marrying, but you should come.”

“That’s a pretty big deal seeing as he hasn’t invited any of us yet,” Obi-Wan snarked.

He glanced over to Obi-Wan and Satine and moved to exchange matching gestures with them, “And you must be Obi-Wan Kenobi and Satine Kryze, Head Boy and Head Girl, respectively.”

“I told you all he was a genius,” Bail whispered.

“That’s amazing,” Obi-Wan grinned, a bit starstruck in his own right, “How did you know that?”

“I make it a point to do my research,” He winked at him before flicking to his Head Boy button, causing the boy to blush and for Satine to roll her eyes, “Not to mention, you performed admirably in the tournament.”

“Thank you, sir,” He said, “I trust that the department couldn’t be in better hands.”

“Your approval is more meaningful than you know, Obi-Wan,” Smiled Cordova, “Because I have heard you make a mighty mean professor on your own.”

“I don’t know about-”

“-He does,” Satine confirmed resolutely, “He’s been tutoring a big chunk of the student body for their exams, and frankly, everyone is taking to them quite well.”

“And you’ve no interest in teaching, Obi-Wan?” He asked.

“Well…” Feeling a bit under the microscope, Obi-Wan scratched the back of his neck and searched the small office for his answer. It was a bit tough being asked by the newly hired professor why he didn’t go for his job. “It’s not that I don’t, it’s that I believe my calling is to pursue the path of an Auror.”

“Then you must answer it,” He made a tight fist, “And extradite every piece of knowledge you can from it. That is the only way to make life experience.”

“Yes, absolutely,” Obi-Wan nodded firmly.

“And you, Miss Kryze? Your name is not familiar to me as all these others are,” He said and Padmé could see Satine stiffen ever so slightly. However, any rigidity evaporated when he scratched his white goatee after studying her for a moment, “The best treasures are often those unheard of.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence,” Satine said, “What has pulled you over to teaching?”

“I’m getting too old for rock climbing and dwelling in the bellies of beasts, my dear.” He said kindly, “Not that I expect teaching to be any easier.”

“Not at this school,” Satine said.

“You’ll find your position in particular to be most exciting,” Padmé said.

“Well, that’s good then,” He clapped his hands together jovially, “I can’t quit cold turkey, after all!”

“So, when do you think you’ll be starting?” Bail asked, “Today?”

He laughed, “Absolutely not.”

“Tomorrow then,” Obi-Wan said with just as much eagerness to see what the old explorer had to relay.

“You see, I am mostly just moving some of my belongings here.” He explained. “I still have to finish some loose ends regarding my findings in the Zeffa Vaults. So, I don’t expect to start until summertime.”

“But what about exams?” Padmé asked.

“I think there’s someone here who is more than up to the task,” He nodded towards Obi-Wan, “At least until I grab the reins this July.”

“Are you sure?” He asked incredulously.

“Positive, my boy,” He clasped his shoulder and then looked to Satine, who was watching Obi-wan with a bright smile, “And I don’t think I’m the only one who feels that way.”

He took a deep and settling breath, “I’ll try to ensure none of them fail, sir.”

“Eno.” He corrected and looked at each of them with sincerity and kindness, “I can tell just by looking at all of you that you are promised for infinite greatness. It is just waiting for you right outside that door. I cannot wait to see all you explore. Whether it be the highest of peaks or the lowest of realms. It will be tremendous.”

What they didn’t hear when they left and the door shut and locked behind them, was a wary Rael Aveross rip off the Cordova face with contempt, sliding it to the side of his desk. He leaned over a map that had been recovered from the actual Eno Cordova’s dead body, “Now, Cordova, what were you actually doing in the Zeffo Vaults? And what does it have to do with immortality?”

“Big day for you, mate,” Fives said as he clapped Cody on the back in passing to the loo. Echo reiterated this statement by digging his hands into Cody’s shoulders, as though he were revving him up for battle. This was anything but the case and only further irritated him, earning Echo a prompt shove to the ground when he tried to tickle him.

“I don’t think I can do this,” Cody gripped the red and gold fabric so tightly between his fingers that it could have disintegrated beneath his touch if he were a more powerful wizard. Cody never was great shakes at magic at the end of the day. He was good enough to pass, but his strengths had always lied with a broomstick in the air.

“You’re giving your jersey away, not your lungs,” Echo grumbled as he climbed to his feet again.

“That’s easy for you to say, you get to wear yours today,” Cody fired at him, “I’m the only one on the squad who won’t.”

“I thought it was supposed to symbolize welcoming newcomers,” Skywalker, also dressed in his Quidditch jersey on top of his collared shirt and tie. Though his timing was as uncouthe as usual, the kid was right. Traditionally every year on the last day of class, the graduating seventh year’s gave their jerseys to someone they cared about to wear for the day.

He knew it was meant to be a passing of the torch, but it still made him feel unwell to part with his jersey, which had been through a lot with him for the past six years.

“You know you’ll get it back at the end of the day, right?” Rex asked, hoisting himself on his own bed so he could tie his shoes. “It’s not like you’ll never have the chance to wear it again.”

Graduation would be the last official time. The idea was for a team photo with and without the graduating teammates would be taken and hung in the locker room. Then, the captain for next year would be announced. Logically, Cody knew that this day was coming, but he hadn’t made peace with just how soon it all snuck up on him. It felt like mere days before he had just landed his spot in second year.

“Not if Cody sleeps in it,” Fives snorted and then softened when he saw the look on his face, “Ease up, mate, it’s going to be alright. One step at a time.”

He knew it was all in good humor that his friends and family teased him for how focused he was on Quidditch, just as he teased them for their intense interests. However, a small part of Cody was having a hard time reconciling who he would be if he wasn’t on Gryffindor’s Quidditch team.

What if he didn’t land a slot on a professional team? What if this was the only jersey he would ever own that represented his love for the sport? What if he never got to be a part of a team ever again?

“Any idea who you’re giving it to?” Skywalker asked and then winced, “Sorry, lending it to?”

“I know a bunch of girls who would be interested,” Caleb said, leaning against the bedpost, “Though I know that’s not going to be your style.”

“Anyone who I would trust with it would already have one!” Cody complained, finding another frustration with the tradition, “My brothers have their own and I’m the only graduating seventh year! It’s not like I can just trade with someone else. Satine no doubt is wearing Kenobi’s since that’s what the couples all do!”

“Some people give it to a favorite professor,” Suggested Ackbar, but then shook his large amphibious head as he remembered who he’d been speaking with.

“What about your date to the Yule Ball?” Skywalker asked.

“You mean the one that Cody ditched?” Fives asked.

“And went back to Beauxbatons?” Echo supplied.

“You lot aren’t helping,” Cody said.

“It’s not supposed to be easy, Cody,” Caleb said with a somber look in his green eyes, “Letting go, that is. If it were, we’d all be good at it. This is just a chapter for you, it’s not the ending point.”

“If your whole life is hinged to that shirt, then maybe you need to live more,” Scoffed Gerrara as he passed and exited the dormitory.

Well, he knew one person that wasn’t getting the jersey.

“Don’t listen to him, Cody, you know he’s just jealous not to be on the team,” Caleb rolled his eyes.

Cody looked back down to the shirt, tracing a finger over the golden fabric that spelled out his last name, matching the three other Fetts in this room. Though he thought it was silly when they were really little and their parents would dress them up in the same outfits, now, he could see why they did it. It made them look like the unit that they were.

“I’ll figure it out,” He sighed, still finding the idea of parting with the jersey very difficult. Most people thought this through to some degree, especially those that didn’t have an easy answer lined up. He slung it over his shoulder, walking to class while raking his brain to figure out who he should give it to.

Breakfast was expectedly a bit of a mad house on the last day of classes. Not because anyone was in a rush to go complete any last minute assignments, but because it meant that the onset of summer had arrived. The last hurdle of the year would be exams and then underclassmen could be free from school for a couple of months.

Satine had never been thrilled about the end of classes, but she’d always looked forward to the time free with her family and friends back home. However, now that there was a finality to her final day of classes in Hogwarts, she found herself quite nostalgic over every rapidly passing moment. Each class today would be her last of that subject in this setting. She’d prepared handwritten cards for each professor, thanking them for their dedication and patience through the years. She hadn’t even realized that the homework she did last night for Charms was the last she’d ever complete and submit. The detention she’d given to Sebulba for dumping his omelet on a second year could have been the last time she ever issued one at this hour (though she did have strong doubts about that judging by the feral energy in the room).

This would be the last breakfast before class with friends.

Oh, that thought nearly made her cry if her somber moment hadn’t been interrupted by the obnoxious way Aayla and Stass dropped their bags dangerously close to her bowl of oatmeal.

“I can’t believe that arsehole !” Aayla said, clearly heated about something or someone.

“I don’t think he meant anything by it, Aayla,” Stass shot Satine a pleading look that told her this line of frustration had been going on for quite some time.

“That’s the problem, isn’t it?” She fired, clutching her fork a bit too tight for comfort, “He doesn’t even know he’s messing with my head!”

“What are you on about?” Satine asked.

“Eeth Koth, the know-it-all bastard we call our Quidditch captain!” She groaned, finding distaste in even mentioning his name, “You know he gave his Quidditch jersey to that ditzy Koyi Mateil?”

“What’s wrong with Koyi?” Stass asked. “I thought you were always pretty unified with the other twi’leks.”

“She’s bad for the brand. Not only is she a rich girl who cheats on tests, but she’s also someone who doesn’t know anything about quidditch.” She huffed, “Her and Miraj Scintel are the sort who have been clambering for upperclassmen jerseys just for the clout.”

“Clout?” Satine wrinkled her nose, “I thought you were supposed to give the jersey to someone you cared about as tradition and to show the players are moving on.”

“That is the intent,” Stass nodded, “But being in the know enough to wear someone’s jersey today? Kind of a big deal.”

“That’s so juvenile,” She crossed her arms. “The only person it should matter to is the wearer and the person who gave it them.”

“Kinda easy for you to say as you’re wearing the Kenobi jersey as we speak,” Aayla snarked as she gestured to the slightly loose-fitting Ravenclaw jersey that Satine wore on top of her regular uniform. “I’m just saying. It makes a statement.”

“Well, I don’t care about any of that,” Satine looked around her, catching the eyes of more people than she expected, who had eyed her with a sense of awe that needn’t be there, “And neither should you.”

“Yeah, well you also hate the sport,” Stass laughed, “That doesn’t exactly add to your enthusiasm.”

“No, certainly not,” She agreed and looked to Aayla, “Remind me why you’re upset again!”

“Because he didn’t give it to me!”

“So,” Satine pressed. Last she checked, nothing had happened between Aayla and Eeth at the dance, nor did Aayla want anything to happen. Since then, the subject had mostly cooled down and they’d returned to normal.

“So, I was ready to give mine to him!” She stabbed at her eggs, “It’s only right! He’s the one who asked me to be his stupid date and then his stupid valentine!”

“I didn’t know that!” Satine’s eyes widened, “About the valentine part, anyway.”

“Do you know how embarrassing that is?” She asked, “Besides, I’m pretty sure it was a big joke.”

“But… What if it wasn’t?” Stass asked slowly, “What if you're the only one who has been acting like this is a big platonic joke?”

“And Eeth might actually like you.” Satine finished.

“Then he’s even more of a fool than I thought!” She said, “I mean, really, who waits seven years to make a move?”

“Good morning, ladies,” Obi-Wan said cheerily as he dropped into the seat beside Satine, “How are we this morning?”

“Nevermind,” Aayla snorted and Satine shot her a withering look while Stass could only laugh. Ben, for his part, looked between the three of them with alert blue eyes, visibly confused to what he walked into.

“Is everything okay?” He asked.

“No, absolutely not.” Aayla said.

“That’s a bit of a loaded question,” Stass admitted.

“Yes, please pay them no mind,” Satine said and took a bite of her toast.

After surveying all three girls, he sighed, “Good, I thought my morning was going a bit too smooth for comfort.”

“You wouldn’t happen to know why Eeth Koth is a no good prick, would you?” Aayla asked with the casual aplomb of someone asking how the weather was.

Ben spluttered as he sipped at his pumpkin juice, nearly spilling on one of his best robes, which Satine had noticed he’d pulled out for the last day of classes.

“Aayla!” Satine chastised.

“What?” She shrugged, “I’m in need of the male perspective and Kenobi is about as close as it gets at the moment.”

“I- Hey!” He furrowed his brow.

“Trust me when I say in this moment, that’s a compliment,” Aayla added sagely.

“I’m not sure I chose the right seat this morning,” He muttered as he built up a plate of breakfast foods, quietly pardoning himself as he reached across from Satine to take a cinnamon bun. Before he could debate over it mentally in his head, Satine went ahead and grabbed him a blueberry muffin as well. The last time he thought too much about it, the food disappeared.

“Just as I’m not sure Eeth Koth chose the right person to give his Quidditch jersey to,” She said, “But we all have to live with our mistakes, don’t we?”

“Ah, that’s what this is about,” He said and looked to immediately regret it when Aayla pounded a fist against the table. Even Stass looked interested at Obi-Wan’s apparent knowledge of the subject.

“So he did say something this morning.” Aayla said.

“You must understand that I can’t just spill the secrets of the boy’s dormitory,” He explained, “Eeth is my friend and everything that was and wasn’t said was in confidence. A confidence that I, as his teammate and friend, respect.”

“We’re supposed to be friends too!” Aayla urged and then pointed to Satine, “And not only that, but I’ve got control over whether or not Satine will ever kiss you ever again!”

“No, you don’t.” Satine said, “Ben you don’t have to say anything to them. This is all silly nonsense anyway.”

“Treachery is silly nonsense?” Aayla gasped, “Betrayal? Mutiny? Are those silly words to you, Satine?”

“Okay, you need to calm down,” Stass said, placing a hand on their friend’s shoulder, “Damn, maybe you do like Koth.”

“I do not!”

“It kind of seems like you might,” Obi-Wan weighed in, “But you know, you don’t have to give your jersey to someone you fancy.”

“You did,” She crossed her arms and looked to Satine, who really was tired of this conversation, and felt that their last breakfast before class could be served to better purposes.

“Well, yes,” Obi-Wan smiled a bit shyly at her, briefly appreciating the view of Satine in his jersey before turning back to Aayla, “But many people give it to close friends, family, professors even.”

“If only Kit were still here,” Aayla said softly.

“Way to go, Kenobi,” Stass grimaced.

“Just, don’t play into the headgames,” Obi-Wan said, “It should be about who you want to give it to and who will wear it proudly, not out of some weird jealousy scheme.”

“Wait a second, is Koth doing this to make me jealous?”

“No, I didn’t mean-”

“But you kinda did,” Aayla said, “Oh that jerk .”

“Once again, that’s not what I was saying. I just meant that you seemed a bit jealous-” Obi-Wan desperately tried to course correct and Satine rested a hand on his back.

“Give it up, dear, quit while you’re ahead.” She said.

“He is so not getting this jersey now,” Laughed Aayla, “Well, the jokes on him. If he wants to give his away to someone who’s nothing more than a pretty face, that’s fine by me. I’ll give mine to someone I care about.”

“That is what I was trying to say,” Obi-Wan said.

“Yes, I know, but she’s realizing that on her own now,” Satine added as they watched Aayla connect the dots and somehow twist in her head that giving her jersey to someone meaningful would be the biggest revenge of all. It just went to show that even the brightest of Ravenclaws failed to see the forest through the trees at times.

“Here, Stass!” She handed the blue fabric over dramatically to their friend, who looked completely and utterly dumbfounded.

“What?” She looked at her with wide eyes, “Me?”

“Yeah, I mean you’re my best friend,” She smiled, “You’ve been there for me through thick and thin ever since we fought over bedspace in first year.”

“I still say you cheated during that coin toss,” Stass commented.

“I’ll never tell,” She smirked, “But anyway, I can’t think of anyone else who would wear it better, especially not that slug, Koth.”

“Thank you, Aayla,” She said with a bit of a watery smile, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” She said and then frowned after they were staring at each other for a long beat, “Don’t get any snot on it, okay?”

“And the moment is ruined,” Satine beamed at the two of them before reaching across the table and squeezing Aayla’s hand, “I think you chose the better person, if you ask me.”

“Me too,” Obi-Wan smiled, “Don’t tell Eeth I said that though.”

Cody hadn’t bothered going to breakfast that morning, instead opting to take a walk around the pitches, just giving himself a few lasting moments of peace before he had to come to terms with this rite of passage that he hadn’t realized he’d been dreading.

“Hey captain!” A voice from several meters back called and he turned to see the Head Boy and Head Girl jogging to catch up with him. Kenobi’s robe billowed in the warm summer breeze while Kryze expectedly wore Kenobi’s Quidditch jersey. As much as he loved seeing them, it did serve as a reminder of his own indecision.

Still, he stopped and waited for them. It would be impossible to get away even if he was the most athletic of the three of them.

“What makes you think you can skip breakfast on the last day of classes?” Satine admonished, though her tone was as light as the day around them. She watched him through careful and understanding eyes, suspecting that something was amiss.

“I just wanted to get some fresh air,” he shrugged and looked up at the magnificent hoops that towered above them, so high from here that it looked like the clouds might drift through their openings. He remembered standing here as a first year student with ambitions and dreams that stretched even higher. He’d been so hopeful, so excited, and hadn’t considered a time where he wouldn’t be wearing the crimson jersey that was slung over his shoulder.

“Taking it all in?” Kenobi asked with equal kindness as his girlfriend.

“Yeah, something like that,” He said quietly.

At first, he expected a lecture of some nature, as it wasn’t completely out of line for the two of them. Then again, even after seven years, it wasn’t impossible for this quick friends to truly surprise him.

“May we join you?” Kenobi asked.

“Yeah, of course, I don’t own the field,” He added, trying to maintain some levity. He was already feeling so heavy at heart and didn’t want them to experience the same thing.

“I would argue differently,” Satine said, “I’ve watched all your matches, after all.”

He smiled, thinking about how much he felt like his truest self when he was alongside his team, playing the sport he loved, hovering above an energetic crowd. Even when the conditions were dreadful, Cody only saw it as more of a challenge.

They walked for a while, mostly in silence, their hands dangling at their sides as they made their way around the perimeter of the field. It was a bit smaller than a professional scale, but it served its purpose in teaching children the crucial aspects of the game. He couldn’t help but revel in the memory of the first time he’d ever actually played. He’d failed miserably, at least from a technical standpoint. However, he’d scored more than any other underclassmen due to being a bit of a show-off back then.

It had been the best moment of his life. Well, save for the day he got captain. That day still played as the memory when he conjured his patronus for class.

He didn’t see how it could be topped, as it was the culmination of all his ambitions. Even if he’d been a bit of a dick about it, perhaps Gerrara was onto something. Maybe he did have to live more.

“You know, this isn’t the end for you,” Satine said, “There’s going to be plenty of life and Quidditch in store for you.”

“But not with this,” He said, the red fabric balled up in his hands, “And I know it’s kind of lame, but-”

“-It is not lame!” She asserted, a level of familiar fierceness overcoming her, “You know, just this morning, I very nearly started crying in my breakfast simply because I didn’t take last night to treasure that it was the last time I’d be doing homework. I love learning and education, Cody, but even for me that’s a stretch.”

“And you know, as I was fastening my Head Boy pin today, I couldn’t help but think about how my time in the role is waning and if I really was the best I could be,” Kenobi said, fiddling with the blue pin ever so slightly, “Or how my last patrol is coming up.”

“So, we’re all lame,” Cody deduced.

“No, we’re just feeling the shifting plates beneath us,” Satine explained, “It’s totally normal to experience growing pains, to be unsure of the future and afraid of letting go. But the most important thing to note is that you’re never alone in doing it.”

He looked at each of them, so earnest and wise in their own ways. He used to think that there would come a point where he would simply feel stupid or inferior parading around with two of the smartest kids in school. However, whether it was from his own strengths or their humility, he never felt that way. At the end of the day, they were all going through the same thing, and even when their paths took them in different directions, he knew it would be worth it.

He took in a deep breath then released it, “I never thought I’d grow up to be so sappy.”

“I did,” Kenobi smiled, “Ever since that first match where you saved the bandages they gave you when you busted your head open.”

“Your first Quidditch injury is a big deal!” He said and then frowned, “What ever happened to those?”

“Yeah big mystery,” Satine coughed before leading them along, “I don’t think anyone would blame you for not participating in this tradition, you know.”

“But I’m the captain,” He said, “And the only graduating member of the team. Deep down, I want to do this, but it’s also about who . I’m not just going to toss it at some Quidditch groupie, you know?”

“Many appreciate that care and consideration,” Obi-Wan said smartly and though Cody didn’t understand the context of Satine’s exasperated look, he didn’t bother himself with whatever debate they’d found themselves in that day.

“I’d give it to you, Kenobi, but you’re kind of the enemy.” Cody said.

“Gee, thanks, our friendship has always meant so much to me too,” He replied sarcastically, which Cody gave him a playful shove to the side. Kenobi fell almost immediately right back in step with them as they walked back to the castle.

“Come off it,” He said, and then looked to Satine, “And you’re obviously spoken for.”

“No one speaks for me, thank you,” She stuck her chin up, “But if I could wear two at the same time, you know that I would.”

“And as I said to the guys earlier, my brothers have their own!” He sighed.

Satine frowned, stopping in her place, “ All of them?”

“Yeah, you’ve seen the team,” He said, “There are rumors everywhere that I play favoritism since half the starting team are Fetts.”

“Cody,” Kenobi shook his head, catching on to whatever Kryze was trying to spell out for him, “It doesn’t have to be a student. It can be anyone. A professor, coach, staff member.”

Cody stared at both of them like they’d truly lost it before the dots connected in his head and he snapped his fingers together.

“Oh!”

Ninety Nine had slept in uncharacteristically late that morning. Soft, summer days had that effect on him and he couldn’t be upset that they were approaching better weather. Though he’d lived in the UK his entire life, he did grow tired of the dreary days that came in plenty. He yawned and stretched, ready to prepare himself for the day.

He’d be staying at the castle all summer, cleaning and readying it for the next batch of eager young wizards who would be arriving come September. So, there was really no rush to wake up early in the month of June. It was a much more relaxed schedule.

He’d always fancied himself a heavy sleeper, which in many ways was a blessing, seeing as he grew up with so many little brothers running around. So, it was to no surprise that he missed the knock that must have come at his door.

Sitting on his front step was a package wrapped in brown paper and twine. It was addressed to him in quick handwriting without any direct indication of who it had been from. He grabbed it by the string, dropping it on his coffee table before getting to work cutting the twine. As it slowly unraveled before him, he removed a Gryffindor team Quidditch jersey.

“What in the-” It was just then that he noticed the letter that had been dropped to the ground in his haste.

“Dear Ninety-Nine,

Today is a day where graduating Quidditch players give their jerseys to someone they care about. It serves as a reminder that though our time playing Quidditch for Hogwarts is done, we carry the memories we made through the people who got us to where we are. There is no one more deserving than you.

So, while it’s usually only for the day, I want you to keep it for good, because you’ve always been a part of the squad.

Love,

Cody”

His eyes had grown too blurry to read thoroughly and had to scan the page several times before he understood the message in full. It was too girly to be Cody’s handwriting, as his was notoriously atrocious, but the sentiment was still there. The heart was still obvious.

He picked up the jersey again and tugged it over his head, something he never imagined he would get the chance to do.

The first thing that came to his mind, was how terribly it smelled.

He coughed, “Oh, Cody,” He smelled his armpits, getting a proper whiff of dirt and body odor before immediately pulling it off.

“We’ll be washing this first.”

Obi-Wan had tried not to allow himself to grow too much melancholy over their approaching departure from Hogwarts, even if there were plenty of signs lingering in just about every direction he turned. All the seventh years were starting to develop “graduation goggles” as Cody had referred to it. Obi-Wan, for the most part, remained level. To be sad something was ending meant that it was lucky to be had at all.

Still, as he gathered up his belongings and stowed them away in his trunk, leaving just a few sets of clothes to get him through the final couple of days, he could not help but take a quiet moment to himself, letting it sink in that this would be the last time he packed to leave Hogwarts for the summer.

It did not sting as deeply as it could have, for he was also reminded that he would not be returning to cold marble floors and stone walls, but to a series of adventures at the Fett household. He would only receive more freedom, even if a small part of him feared what that could mean. By large, though, he was excited for what came next.

It was only when he sifted through the variety of books he’d collected over the year, as he did every year, he felt a pang at his chest. Most were in relation to the TriWizard Tournament or magical restraining orders. However, there was a fair few that had allowed him to escape into a new world when such a thing was necessary.

It dawned on him then that he hadn’t read nearly as much as an extracurricular in the past few months. Logically, this was due to the tightening time crunch that two tasks, near death experiences, and NEWTs could bring. However, he also knew it was because he did not need the escapism anymore, not in the direction he was going. That was liberating in its own right, and while he would always read likely a bit too much, it would be purely for enjoyment.

“Knock knock,” A perky voice interrupted his train of thought and he looked up to see Satine standing in the doorway of his bedroom, a golden glow of light pouring in from the hallway behind her.

“What are you doing here?” He asked, not at all displeased to ever be offered the opportunity to see her, especially as she practically lit up at the sight of him. However, there were rules forbidding this: two students of opposite genders in any sleeping quarters alone together.

“Head Girl business,” She stated and for a moment, he straightened, just in case anything serious had transpired, but her own smile gave her away, “I request the assistance of the Head Boy for library duty.”

Ah, how in the blazes could he forget? Every year, he and Satine offered their assistance to Madame Nu to sort through the influx of overdue library books. He and Satine often took guesses about what each book was about by the titles alone, making a fun game of it. It was always a joy to spend time with the wise librarian, not to mention get a closer look at the compendium.

“Do you think she’ll let me touch it this year?” He asked, not caring if he sounded like a child in a candy store. Especially when Satine’s own elation lit her features so beautifully that he could hardly resist crossing the room in two strides and kissing her soundly. He might have, if he wasn’t eagerly awaiting the answer to his question,

“She promised us third year that she would, after you wrote that lengthy proposal about it,” She said, “Personally, I was convinced, so I do hope she holds true to her promise.”

“Well, what are we doing lollygagging then?” He pushed himself to his feet, “We’ve got books to sort!”

“I wasn’t the one daydreaming,” She reminded him.

“I was not daydreaming!” He scoffed, bending down to retrieve some of his collection, “I was organizing while reminiscing!”

“Oh that’s very different,” She teased, a gleam in her eyes as she stepped further into the room to look at the books in his arms, eyes scanning over each title before piquing with interest at a book towards the center of the pile. Skillfully, without displacing any of the others, she removed it and rolled it around her hands, “I was wondering what happened to this!”

Upon catching what she’d referred to, Obi-Wan felt his cheeks stain pink. Pride and Prejudice , the book she’d gifted him just before the start of the school year. He’d intended on sharing his notes with her, except for one, which still felt a bit embarrassing looking back on it.

“Well, you know I’ve read it,” He said, moving to take it back, but ultimately failing as she slipped out of reach and flipped it open, “Is now really the time for this? Madame Nu is expecting us.”

“Up until I reminded you, you’d forgotten,” She said archly and then nudged him as she took a seat at the foot of his bed, “What’s the problem? You know I like reading your notes.”

Realizing there would be no talking her out of this, Obi-Wan did the one thing he could think to do: he didn’t think at all. So, when he swiped the book from her hands and made a run for it, he hadn’t anticipated the potential quickness of her reflexes as she instinctively stuck a leg out to trip him, sending him tumbling to the floor with a heavy thunk.

Satine leapt into action from there, climbing on top of him in a duel for the book. Suddenly quite grateful that they didn’t have an audience, since Satine crawling up the length of Obi-Wan’s form in the middle of his bedroom floor until she was straddling him, was hardly becoming for anyone, but especially the Head Boy and Girl. This was all good and fine when they were children, but now that they saw each other in a different light, it added another element of awkwardness on top. One that caused Obi-Wan’s pulse to increase dramatically.

It was for his own distraction at their compromising position that she was able to wiggle the book from his clutches.

“Okay, sir, what are you hiding from me?” She breathed deeply, her own cheeks bright red, and he was helpless as he watched her flip through the pages. There were a lot of regular notes, commenting on the archetypes, foreshadowing, wordplay, and more.

None of that was incriminating, though and it wasn’t until she looked back at the cover, near her own inscription, that she found what she’d unknowingly been looking for.

“Satine,” She read aloud, “In typical fashion, I return this book to you not with answers, but a question. Just one this time, though. I have scoured over every line, every word, of this book, but truthfully it is being around you every day that has allowed me to understand its meaning. Its true meaning. You see, it is you who makes me happier than I deserve- a fact I can only be content with should you afford me the opportunity to try and return the favor, regardless how long it may take or how hard it could be. Will you do me the honor of being my date to the Yule Ball?”

When her eyebrows shot to her hairline, he answered her silent question, “I had planned to give this to you before the first task.”

“Stupid Ventress,” She muttered in a low voice and they hung in suspended silence that started to unnerve him.

“So er… Will you?” He asked tentatively, trying for levity.

She lowered the book, her eyes wide before narrowing and for a moment, he wondered if she was angry with him for not giving this to her sooner. That didn’t seem to be the case when she bent down and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. If it was, it was an angry reaction he hadn’t seen from her yet.

“You’re an idiot,” She sighed, shaking her head. “Why wouldn’t you want me to read this?”

“Because I don’t know, isn’t it a bit embarrassing?”

“How?” She furrowed her brow, “Don’t you know how long I agonized whether or not you read this? Whether or not you got the hint? I underlined the particularly romantic bits.”

“I know, I thought that was adorable,” He couldn’t help but smile, “Do you truly find me as infuriating as Mr. Darcy?”

“Absolutely,” She said vehemently, “Especially right now!”

“Hey, it’s a memory of a flubbed attempt at properly asking you,” He shrugged, very difficult to do while lying beneath her still. She shifted off of him so she said beside him on the floor and he sat up, running a hand through his hair, “Plus, a part of me thought you would have been displeased with defacing the book like that.”

She rolled her eyes and whacked him gently in the arm with it, “I’d have absolutely melted at this . I never needed fanfare or public displays of affection. I just needed you to understand the message I was trying to send.”

He felt a bit of pride at that- even if it hadn’t gone according to plans, it was nice to know that he knew her the way he thought he did.

“Well, I heard it,” He said, “Loud and clear. Even if a bit too late.”

“You weren’t too late,” She conceded, eyeing him softly, she nudged him in the ribs, “Almost, but not quite.”

“That is always good to hear,” He said with a nod, leaning back on his hands.

“So, you really loved it, hm?” She smirked, emulating his position beside him, “It seems you’ve analyzed and studied it to death, which I’m always hoping for. It provides for better discussion and debate.”

“Personally, no book or tome could ever compare to how much more enjoyable it is to analyze and study you,” He smiled, feeling that warm and gooey feeling that was starting to become a regular occurence washing over him by looking into her eyes, “Because I learn far more from you than I have from any book.”

“Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Her voice was grave, very serious considering she regarded him with enough heat to kindle a fire, “Are you telling me you love me more than reading?”

“I am,” He said, feeling the severity of his statement. In a sense, it betrayed how a younger version of him strongly felt, but that didn’t make it any less true. It should have been startling, but it was anything but that.

“I feel the same,” She said it as though she was just realizing that for herself and didn’t leave any more space between them as she kissed him- a difficult feat when they were both smiling so wide it almost hurt. “Though we don’t have to tell Madame Nu that later, right?”

“It can stay between us,” Obi-Wan laughed, holding her face in his hands and surveying every feature, “Can’t let anyone know we’ve gone too soft.”

“Yeah, I’m sure they’d never know otherwise,” She rolled her eyes again, but accepted another quick kiss. She looked a bit emotional still as she stood, extending a hand out to him, “Come now, Mr. Darcy, I do believe we’ve got some important business to attend to.”

“Yes indeed, dear Elizabeth,” He took her hand and climbed to his feet, “And though I yearn for yours more, I will be touching that compendium.”

NEWTs had been… invigorating. All the time Obi-Wan had spent working up towards his goals and then finally getting to show off all he knew, could there be anything better. Tests were always something to reach for. A simple way to know just how much they’d managed to learn in a set amount of time. Numerical value, letter value, logically devised. So it of course was a bittersweet moment as he handed off his final essay to Professor Windu before exiting the room.

He’d finished first, went ahead and triple checked his spelling and grammar, but there had been no real reason to further put off the inevitable. It wasn’t long before he was joined by Satine who looked equally dejected.

“I don’t know Ben,” She sighed leaning her head on his shoulder, “But I think that might have been the best damned essay I’ve ever written, and it’s going to be my last.”

“I’m sure it’s lovely,” He leaned his head on top of hers, “I can’t wait to read it when we get them back over the summer.”

“What about you,” She looked up at him through golden eyelashes, “Did you remember the sources you wanted to cite?”

“Yes of course,” He sighed, “Of course it’s not necessary, but how could I not reference the best damn wand mechanics paper ever written.”

“It’s a good thing you have a perfect memory,” She reminded him, “I couldn’t get away with remembering anything verbatim.”

“They’re not expecting it,” He assured her, “I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who’s doing it.”

“You’d better not beat me in the last minutes here,” Satine moved her head up to fix him with a faux glare, “I didn’t work this hard for 7 years just to fall behind you right at the end.”

“Oh please,” He rolled his eyes, “You’re infinitely more clever in your word choice.”

It was then that the bells rang from the clock tower and the doors opened wide. The Head Boy and Girl stepped back to the wall as excited chattering students with a little bit too much pent up energy rushed past. Cody amongst them, although he waded through the sea of seventh years to greet them with a wide gleeful grin.

“Now that that’s all finally over with-” He paused, eyeing their more sullen mood, “What did you forget to dot your ‘i’s or something?”

“That was our final test Cody,” Satine clutched Obi-Wan’s arm.

“Yeah? I know? Let’s go celebrate, yeah?” Cody threw a thumb behind him where most were rushing towards Hogwarts grounds.

“I’m going to miss them,” Obi-Wan gave a mournful look towards where Windu was leaving with stacks of parchment.

“ You’re going to miss them,” Satine let go of him and gave him a hard look, “ You get to take classes again next year.”

“You know it’s not the same,” He threw a hand towards the great doors, “These are standardized .”

“You’re both lunatics ,” Cody matched his tone with heavy sarcasm, “This is supposed to be the best part of leaving school behind.”

“Yes, but if I learn about the Banshee Barricade, how will I know if I get something incorrect?” Satine grabbed Cody’s arms to better shake some sense into him, literally.

“Don’t worry,” Obi-Wan put a gentle hand on her arm, “We could always still learn together.”

“But there will be no reason to study!” Satine realized in a near panicked voice while Cody just pressed his hands to his face.

But a thought occurred to Obi-Wan and he looked at Satine carefully, “What if… I made you a test?”

“You?” Satine put a hand over her heart, “You would do that for me?”

“I mean it seems only logical, if we can’t get them any other way-”

“That’s so kind of you,” Satine wrapped her arms around him and pressed a firm kiss to his cheek. Obi-Wan felt his cheeks go red, but he still wrapped his arms around her, “I’ll do the same for you of course, brilliant . What a brilliant idea!”

“I love you,” Obi-Wan said reverently.

“Oh I adore you,” Satine squeezed him so hard he might pop, “You’re absolutely brilliant you know!”

“I’d say you’re both absolutely delusional,” Cody was watching them with wary caution and at a distance that might save him from a creature with rabies, but not from two Ravenclaws.

“You sure you don’t want in?” Satine teased, “We could send you some by mail!”

“ Please no,” Cody begged.

“Oh but Cody learning never has to stop!” Obi-Wan added.

“Yeah in my nightmares maybe,” Cody rolled his eyes, but their friend didn’t complain as they continued to come up with ideas on the way outside. Nor did any of them complain when they settled down in the grass buying a couple butterbeers off Hondo to celebrate. After all, they did finish their NEWTs, they did make it through the year, and they certainly had all survived to tell the tale.

While usually quite elated once finals and exams were over for the school year, Anakin couldn’t help but feel a tad gloomy as he looked around him at all the faces that had made his Hogwarts experience what it was and how many of them wouldn’t be returning come fall. Though September felt ages away, he knew better than that, as he already couldn’t believe he was on the precipice of his fourth year. He’d told Rex he would catch up with him in celebration later that evening, but for once decided upon finding a quiet spot to clear his thoughts.

There were many parties going on that night, all of the unofficial variety in all four houses and while Anakin had been invited to all of them, he’d experienced enough excitement for one school year. After much wandering around and greeting various ghosts as he passed, he situated himself at the top of the North Tower, one leg strewn over the ledge as he leaned against the side wall.

Professor Sifo Dyas wouldn’t mind, and even if he would, classes were officially out of session and the only thing ahead of them was graduation for the upperclassmen and the train ride home for the rest of them. Those who wished to stay for the ceremony could do so, as long as they had transportation back home. Anakin had decided to skip the train this time for a number of obvious reasons. The Kenobis wouldn’t be present, but Rex ensured he could go home with them.

In his hands was an official envelope stamped and signed from the Ministry of Magic, no doubt from Valorum’s desk before he’d decided to resign. He’d actually received a number of letters, many from various columnists and sponsors asking how he’d managed to defeat Dooku or the Eye of Webbish Bog at such a young age. Now he had the (now-former) Minister of Magic writing to him. Not long ago, that had seemed like the golden ticket to finding his mother, but as he came up with dead ends and more questions, he’d found that quite the opposite.

Still, it was difficult to come to terms with opening the letter. It felt in a sense like giving up, especially if his suspicions did prove correct. He knew this shouldn’t change anything, because in spite of everything, he did still firmly believe his mother was out there. No one knew her like he did, not in the ways that matter.

He may not have known much about her time at Hogwarts, but he did know her heart, and he knew she would never ever just pick up and leave him without the slightest bit of notice. She wouldn’t have left him at all, unless there was a threat so big she didn’t want to drag it back to him.

Yeah, that possibility did sound like his mum. She’d been selfless and giving his entire life, dedicating everything to him.

But none of that was credible to the Ministry of Magic or even muggle law enforcement. Wizards viewed that she’d abandoned their world and her entire family. To muggles, they saw the narrative that was painted for them- a single mother who was behind on rent in a dingy part of town.

He took a deep breath and resisted the urge to crumple the letter in his hands and throw it into the furnace. That wouldn’t do him any good on the slim chance there was anything useful in it.

“Anakin?” A soft but welcome voice called from behind him. “What are you doing up here?”

He turned, looking over his shoulder to see Obi-Wan, who had a worried crease between his brows. He was dressed in prim Ravenclaw fashion, most likely for the last time, and his Head Boy button glinted in the moonlight. He looked so much older than he did before, wiser and ready for the coming future. Anakin could never imagine being ready for change, especially after everything that had happened so far.

Unless that change involved things returning to the same, which his mother in one way or another already taught him not to be possible.

“Oh, hey,” He said, not sure what else to say and he didn’t bother asking how Obi-Wan had found him, because he always seemed to, “Just taking a minute before going to watch Cody do a keg stand with butterbeer.”

“That does require quite the stomach to bear witness to,” Obi-Wan chuckled quietly before wordlessly sliding next to him on the ledge, their legs dangling and while untouching, he could feel the security that Obi-Wan’s presence often brought. It gave Anakin the courage to silently pass the letter over to him after a pregnant pause passed between them.

Looking down at the envelope and then back at Anakin, he raised his eyebrows in surprise before understanding what was expected of him and began carefully peeling the tab of the envelope. It didn’t rip beneath Obi-Wan’s touch; he was far too gentle for that. Instead, the clear seal popped off with ease and he removed the neatly folded letter.

Blue-gray eyes quickly scanned the page before reading it out loud, before giving Anakin a guarded look that asked if he really wanted to hear this right now and Anakin only nodded. It was better to hear it from Obi-Wan than anyone else- even himself.

He cleared his throat before beginning.

“Dear Mr. Skywalker,

Upon further investigation and thorough examination of case file #19051999, the disappearance of Shmi Skywalker, our Auror department reports that there are no signs of foul play presented, including the possibility of magical motive. While this case will not be permanently closed, it is no longer in active consideration.

We have taken appropriate measures and communicated the information we have received to the local muggle authorities, whom we have no doubt will be thorough in their search. I am writing you personally with my condolences on your loss and do hope that Ms. Skywalker chooses to return someday.

Please reach out to the Aurors should any additional information regarding possible magic-related evidence arises.

I wish you all the best in your search and believe you have quite a future in our world someday.

Sincerely,

Finis Valorum

Minister of Magic”

They sat in relative quiet for a long period of time. Obi-Wan seemed to be weighing on just what to say and continued staring at the letter or more accurately, the envelope with the seal on it. Anakin didn’t know how he was feeling.

“He must have written this before he resigned,” Obi-Wan ran his finger over the seal, his frown obscured by the bright moon, “I’m so sorry, Anakin.”

“It’s alright,” He sighed, “I can’t say I’m shocked by this. He didn’t even know who she was when I spoke to him. He probably just wrote this to clear his own conscience.”

“Maybe,” He nodded and then opened the letter, reading it over again, “There is one thing that comes from this, I suppose.”

“What’s that?” Anakin asked, peering over his shoulder to try and see what he was seeing.

“Case numbers aren’t released to the public,” He said, tapping the parchment, “Especially not with how tight lipped they’ve been about your mother’s disappearance.”

“Maybe they really do believe nothing related to magic or wizards happened to her,” Anakin said, even if he still had strong doubts that it wasn’t someone from the wizard world.

“It took them quite some time to make that assessment,” Obi-Wan pursed his lips, “I would be very interested to see what’s on that file.”

“They won’t tell me anything,” Anakin said glumly before looking up and over at Obi-Wan suddenly, realization dawning on him, “Are you still trying to be an Auror?”

“That’s certainly in the plans,” He said, “If they’ll have me.”

“Oh, they better,” Anakin said, “It sounds like a one-horse show over there. They need some brains! And I need someone I can actually trust on the inside.”

“There is something wrong about this,” Obi-Wan said, “And while I cannot promise the results you desire nor anything immediate, I swear to you I will do my best.”

“That’s more than anyone else has done for me all year, Obi-Wan,” Anakin said, “I mean, look at this letter. Could it be less personal? I’m surprised he even spelled our names right.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Obi-Wan said quietly, still looking at the seal, “Would you mind if I held onto this? I’d like to develop a file on my own.”

“Go right ahead, I was going to burn the damn thing before you got here,” Anakin admitted and then smiled at his mentor as he watched the gears already turning in his head. He hadn’t gotten his own acceptance letter yet, but he was already there. He was perfect for the position- everything an Auror should be.

And Anakin realized then that he wanted to be that way too.

“I can’t believe it used to bother me that you’re always saving me,” Anakin joked, “It’s becoming quite useful.”

“You are more than capable of saving yourself, my friend,” He said with a wry smile, “You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

“Some might say I give myself too much of it,” He snorted.

“Well, some things could use improvement, as it could with everyone,” Obi-Wan nodded sagely, “Namely, remembering to comb your hair and writing your name on your homework.”

“At least I’m doing the homework now.” Anakin retorted.

“Yes, that is an upgrade I suppose,” Obi-Wan pinched his chin, “Not sure it’s very useful if you aren’t taking credit for your own hard work, though.”

“I’ll work on it,” He waved a hand at him, “But you know I wouldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for you.”

“Anakin, you are a very bright wizard, even if you don’t always properly apply yourself,” Obi-Wan said, and at first it sounded like a lecture he’d doled out time and time again during their three years of knowing each other, “But you have taught me just as much, if not more, than I’ve taught you.”

“Really?” Anakin scoffed, “About what? Comic books?”

“I feel I’m much braver after knowing you,” Obi-Wan admitted, “As well as a bit more laid back than I’ve been in previous years.”

“You’ve been stricter ?”

This time, Obi-Wan outwardly laughed, “Yes, do ask Cody and Satine how rigid I used to be in the past. I’m sure they’ve got much more to say on the subject than I ever could. But everything changed when you came around. You challenged me, made me think outside of myself, and gave me something to be courageous for. I’m incredibly sorry if it ever came across that I doubted you.”

“No, I said it before!” Anakin said hastily, “I was being a-”

“-It was myself I doubted, always,” Obi-Wan continued, looking out to the stars, “And that’s still something I’m working on.”

“Still,” Anakin said in a quiet voice, “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you here. You’ve kind of made this place for me.”

“And you for me,” Obi-Wan smiled, “I’m certainly for the better thanks to being Anakin Skywalker’s mentor, but now we move on and I go off to pursue this quest of becoming an Auror and hopefully a good one at that while you make this place your own.”

“I’ll do my best,” Anakin echoed his previous statement, “I don’t want to fail you.”

“You could never fail me,” He promised, “It is I who could fail you.”

“Nonsense,” Anakin shook his head, “But now that you’re not going to be around and you won’t be my mentor anymore, what does that mean for us?”

“I suppose we’ll have no choice but to be friends,” Obi-Wan said with a sly smile, “But do be careful, because I’m just as much of a nag to my friends. If not more.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Cody and Satine have plenty to say on that too,” Anakin smiled, feeling a bit fuller and a bit better about the days that would follow. Obi-Wan would never really be gone, especially not when he needed him.

“Satine! You made it!” Padmé rushed over to the Head Girl.

“Padmé, hello!” Satine beamed as she entered Gryffindor’s common room alongside Cody to embrace the ongoing festivities that Hogwarts’ loudest house was throwing in commemoration of the graduating seventh years. Countless red balloons rained down from the ceiling, joining gold and crimson confetti that already obscured the carpet. Music blared loud enough to be heard over the raucous talking and singing that had taken shape since the party had begun. There was a cake that had largely been consumed, which Padmé wouldn’t be going anywhere near since Hondo grabbed a fistfull of cake with his bare hand.

All in all, it was fun, controlled chaos.

“Hi! I was wondering if you’d come here tonight!” She smiled and was extremely grateful that she had. She really didn’t want to wait and ask her question tomorrow, which would undoubtedly be even busier for Satine with graduation and rounding up the younger students. Admittedly, she’d been nervously putting it off.

“Ravenclaw house was doing trivia night!” She said excitedly, “It got a bit out of hand when the category of socio-economic politics came up, but that’s not atypical in the slightest.”

“No, of course not,” Padmé laughed. It was always funny how the houses tended to celebrate exactly as one might imagine.

“Besides, I had to go to Hufflepuff after that since that’s where the good food is,” She said, to which Cody instantly confirmed.

“They had just about every kind of meat you could imagine! And the appetizers were out of this world!” He said excitedly, “Kenobi’s going to lose his mind when he sees the sweets too.”

“Then, I felt obligated to pop into Slytherin’s cocktail hour.” She said, “Very lowkey, but elegant.”

“Stuffy, if you ask me,” Cody rolled his eyes and gestured to several Slytherins that were breaking it down on the makeshift dance floor at the center of the room, “That’s why the fun ones came here.”

“Cocktail hour doesn’t exactly have the same ring to it without actual cocktails either.” Satine smirked, “Despite Hondo’s grandest efforts, I did ensure they were clear of booze. It might be my final night, but that doesn’t mean anything is getting by me.”

“Yeah, if you’re going to be lame, you’ve got to be consistent with it,” Cody patted her on the back before parting from the two girls and going off to greet his Quidditch friends with a loud roar.

Satine rolled her eyes before smiling ruefully, “I’m not sure why I keep him around.”

Cody was now attempting to spin on his head, with all of his brothers egging him on. Even Ninety-Nine was in the mix, still wearing Cody’s jersey for the occasion.

Padmé grinned, “He’s got spirit, that’s for sure.”

“So do you, by the looks of it,” Satine looked at Padmé’s outfit, which had been made special by her friends.

“I better be!” Padmé said, clapping her hands together, “You’re looking at the prototype uniform for Hogwarts’ brand new cheerleading squad!”

“Oh!” Satine’s eyes widened, “I hadn’t heard of that.”

“It’s still in deliberation,” Padmé explained, “But, if all goes as planned, each Quidditch team will have a gaggle of gals cheering them on, instilling spirit!”

“Dressed like that? All year round?” Satine nodded slowly, “Whose idea was this?”

“You’ll never believe this, but Hondo was the one to suggest it!” She said, “And then Professor Saesee Tiin loved it.”

“Hondo suggesting girls in tiny skirts waving pom poms around for all to see?” Satine shook her head, “I can’t exactly say I’m shocked. I’d like to believe Professor Tiin’s enthusiasm comes from a place of school spirit.”

“Regardless, I think it’ll be fun!” She said, “I’ve never loved playing Quidditch, but it’s always a good time to watch. I think it’ll do me well to have a well-rounded batch of extracurriculars anyway if I stand a shot at making Head Girl.”

“I would argue you’re a very strong contender even without it,” Satine said.

“That kind of brings me to what I wanted to ask you, actually,” She said, feeling a bit of nerves creeping up on her, “So, I’ve officially put my hat in the ring to be a prefect.”

“That’s wonderful!” Satine immediately perked up at that.

“Yes, but… and there’s no rush on this, since I believe the deadline is actually in July. Anyway, I wanted to ask if you would maybe consider writing a letter of recommendation for me?”

“Oh, Padmé-” Satine started.

“-You know, since you have such a strong writing voice and have immeasurable respect around here.”

“Okay, but-” She tried again.

“-It would just really mean a lot to me.” Padmé went on, “I know it’s kind of embarrassing, but I really look up to you and-”

“-Padmé!” Satine placed two hands on her shoulders, making her focus, “Breathe!”

She did as the older girl instructed and breathed in and out for a moment.

“I’ve already written you a letter of recommendation,” Satine confirmed, a slow smile growing on her face.

“Wait,” Padmé shook her head, “What? You have? When?”

“Oh, I’ve had it drafted for months,” Satine scoffed, “I had to make sure it was perfect, of course.”

“You- You did?”

“I did,” She said, “And not because you look up to me or because I have any inflated sense of importance, but because I believe you truly deserve the role. I think you will go on to do wonderful things, just by being you.”

“Thank you so much!” Without thinking much on it, Padmé dove into her arms, relieved when she was immediately met with a reciprocated hug and a laugh.

“Don’t mention it,” Satine said, “But remember, it’s not my words that will get you in, but your own merit. I want this school taken care of in my absence.”

“I’ll do my best to be up for the job.”

“I’ve no doubts of that.”

“It’s kind of weird that this will probably be the last time this many Fetts will be in school at the same time as each other,” Rex said as he swept up confetti, “What with Cody graduating.”

“Then, it’s just two more years for us and we’re out,” Echo agreed, looking at Fives while they were all tasked with cleanup duty. It was one of the downsides to having such a great big party. Cleaning up, even with magic, was still a pain. Historically, the seventh years never helped.

“Then, it’s up to Rex to uphold our family’s legacy,” Fives said.

“Until all of our kids show up here,” Cody, on the other hand, did linger around, helping lift some heavier items to make himself useful. If Rex had to guess, he’d say it was to be with them for a bit longer.

“Oh man, then there’s going to be even more of us,” Fives grinned, tossing a bag of trash at the eldest Fett in the room, who caught it without looking and disposed of it.

“I think the new goal would be to accumulate enough to make up all four Quidditch teams,” Cody nodded and though he laughed as he said it, Rex really didn’t think he was completely joking. “Between seven of us? That’s gotta be possible even if everyone doesn’t end up with anyone.”

“Cody, that’s 28 kids without including backups,” Rex winced. “The rest of you can pick up the slack. I’m good.”

“We better get busy then,” Echo teased, to which Cody shoved him to the couch.

“Not until you graduate, you won’t be getting anything .” Cody said, “Dad would kill you where you stand!”

“As he should, since saddling up with imaginary friends is the true sign of insanity to begin with!” Laughed Fives, who was then tackled by Echo, leaving the two of them scrambling on the floor- caught between actual competition and just horsing around. It was no wonder to Rex why very few others participated in the cleanup tonight.

“Are you nervous to leave?” Rex asked for the first time.

“Nah, frankly, I don’t think it’ll be much different than all the other years,” He said, “Kryze is going to be the crier of the bunch, I’m sure. She and Kenobi were already bemoaning the fact that tests are over.”

“And I’m sure they did wonderfully.” Rex chuckled.

“No, they were just upset that they won’t have to take another one,” Cody rolled his eyes in good nature, “Besides, now that I’m certain that the team is going to be okay without me, I think I’m ready to try new things and never wear a tie ever again.”

“I’ll be sure to tease you the moment you do.” Rex said.

“You’re entitled to it, tiny.”

“I’m not tiny!” Rex insisted.

“You’ll always be tiny to me,” Cody’s eyes sparkled, “And without going too soft on you, I’ve enjoyed having you around these past couple of years. I missed you before that. It really feels like we’re all family.”

“We are.” Rex confirmed. “It is strange that I’ll be here all alone when they graduate,” He said quietly to Cody.

“What do you mean?” Cody asked. “You’ll have all your friends!”

“Yeah, I know,” He said, trying to figure out what he meant, because this was truthfully a realization he hadn’t obtained until Fives made his comment earlier. It hadn’t bothered him, per say, because it was only the truth, but as the baby, Rex had always been accompanied by someone . Many of his experiences at Hogwarts were with some sort of pretense. Very few were without previous input or guidance to some degree.

“The last Fett who was on his own at school was Boba during his first few years.” He said, “And then Dad before him.”

“What am I? Roadkill?” Ninety Nine laughed.

“Truthfully, I hadn’t realized you intended on staying that long,” Rex said.

“Brothers never leave each other behind, Rexy,” Ninety Nine smiled in his usual kind way and Rex instantly felt better about the prospect.

“Besides, you’re never alone anyway,” Cody said, placing a hand on his shoulder, “I might be busy touring the world, but I’ll never be too busy to show up and beat a bloke’s face in for messing with my little brother!”

“Even if I think Rex stands quite well on his own as it is,” Ninety Nine nodded knowingly and Rex joined him.

“Yeah, I’ll be okay. Like he said, I’m never alone.”

“There you are.” A gentle voice stirred Obi-Wan out of his gaze, which had previously been stretching over the glorious expanse of water and surrounding mountains, appreciating how the golden sun glimmered splotches onto the surface.

Nothing was more impressive than turning to see Satine standing in the entryway of the astronomy tower, dressed in full graduation garbs. She held the cap in her hand, revealing golden locks that were perfectly curled to brush her shoulders. Her robes rivaled his in how particularly pressed and neat they looked and like him, adorned several tassels that indicated both her academic and extracurricular success. One was from a set of only two- the Head Student tassel, which he knew matched his own.

The graduation robes and cap were entirely black and the ties that poked through were similar to those that were given to them for their first day as first years- neutral and no longer indicative of house. However, this was replaced with an ornate navy stole that had the Ravenclaw house crest marked into the bottom.

“You look lovely.” He said with a swelling pride that threatened to expand his chest and she took the opportunity to walk forward, craning her head around to appreciate the magnificent space, before lacing their fingers the moment he was within reach.

“So do you.” She grinned.

“Are they waiting for us?” He asked.

“No, we have a minute,” She said. “I half-expected to find you in Qui-Gon’s old office.”

He nodded, because he’d considered lingering there too, but it didn’t feel quite right. He turned his head back towards the horizon.

“I’m not sure Qui-Gon would have wanted me to lament over the past.” He said carefully, “So, I wanted the highest point possible to finally consider the future.”

Satine nodded and looked out to whatever point he’d been gazing at, resting their still-joined hands on the railing. At first, he wondered if she was going to speak, because he had to admit that he felt content to just be here with her for as long as they were allowed. That was it, though, they would not be students of this school for much longer. Like so many before them, their sun was setting and the school would always remain. They had not defined it, but it had certainly defined them.

“Are you afraid?” She finally asked and it had not been the question he was expecting from her.

He turned to her again, running his thumb over her knuckles, and despite the fact that he would indisputably miss everything this place had given him, answered in resolution, “No.”

She eyed him suspiciously, clearly trying to detect any sense of denial or repressed emotions, which was fair, but Obi-Wan’s heart was not burdened with those weights any longer.

“I’ll miss it.” He said gently, barely audible over the soft breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees below them. “Of course I’ll miss it. Hogwarts gave me so many things. So much love that I never even believed I deserved.”

Had he not spirited along, she was a breath away from asserting that he did , and he smiled at her encouragingly, “But for the first time in my life… My future isn’t decided for me. For the first time, I’m free.”

A slow smile of realization spread across her lips and it matched the glimmer in her brilliant azure eyes, which seemed to soften the longer she looked at him. She squeezed his hand, “You are.”

“We are.” He corrected, “Seeing as I would like for you to be a part of whatever the future has in store for me.”

It used to be overwhelming for him to admit things like that, but he found that his heart felt so light and brimming with hope, that words of affirmation and love were like a second language to him. This sensation was only further emboldened by the look of pure delight that filled her gaze, which roamed his face in what he could only deduce was reverence.

“Oh? Keen on keeping me around?” She teased lightly, but he didn’t miss the way she’d scooted closer to him so their shoulders were touching.

He played along and shrugged, “I mean, lecturing tendencies aside, you’re a pretty good catch.”

Her jaw dropped, “ Lecturing tendencies? You’ve got a lot of nerve! If you didn’t go and self-sacrifice yourself at every left turn-”

Unable to prevent the chuckle that escaped his lips, he promptly cut her off with a kiss that turned whatever argument she’d been ready to fire off into a sigh. When they parted, he didn’t go far and observed, with deep satisfaction, how flustered she looked.

“That’s not always going to work.” She said in a low voice, but was betraying her own words with a smile that fought to break through.

“That implies that sometimes, it does.” He pointed out cheekily.

“Well, you’re lucky I’m not in much of a mood for quarreling.” She said.

“That’s a first.” He quipped.

“Are you trying to make me in the mood for quarreling?” She arched an eyebrow and he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him.

“Me? Never , my dear.” He assured with a laugh.

“Good, because they’ll want us down by the field soon.” She said, “I didn’t get you that watch so you could be needlessly late, Mr. Head Boy.”

“Actually, Mrs. Head Girl, if you had a watch of your own you would know that we have…” He looked at his wrist, “Approximately 15 seconds before we should be on our way.”

“Ah, silly me. Best to make every moment count then.” She retorted before tugging on his Head Student tassel and bringing his mouth back down to meet hers. And he really couldn’t think of a better way to kick off his final victory lap. Satine abruptly cut off the kiss with a pop and reached for his wrist to check his watch.

“Now, we’re running behind.” She tsked with fake disapproval.

“It’s okay, we’ve got all the time in the world.” He said as he unraveled them from their embrace and stuck out his arm, “How do you feel about one last patrol?”

She looped her arm in his, “I would love that.”

A graduation was a lesson in finality. Lining up like students, last name order, houses forgotten for the time being. Rows and rows of chairs to put them all at center stage as their loved ones and friends sat along the sides with cameras. Headmaster Yoda said a few words before letting Windu give a speech. He spoke of the talent that sat among them, of young minds now officially considered molded, and of future prospects that would hopefully reach the tallest mountains.

Then Obi-Wan was called to the stand. Hogwarts Head Boy and Salutatorian gave a quite passionate speech. It detailed the highs and lows that their graduating class had gone through. It covered everything from Maul to a particularly memorable prank that happened their fourth year.

“Hogwarts is a home to many, but today it is no longer our home. We all carved a life for ourselves here amid the stone walls and now it's time to do it one more time to form our futures.”

It was beautiful and Satine had to fan her eyes to keep her makeup from running. It would have looked rather odd considering she was called up next, Head Girl and Valedictorian. Satine had written her speech with similar tones, though hers focused more on the future than of the past. She did take time to highlight the muggleborn students among them. They of course had, had to work harder than a lot of their peers and she would not let them forget it.

“Moving forward I hope none of us will forget, where we came from does not dictate where we will go. It is your hardwork and dedicated passion that will define you.”

It felt like she was finishing her speech before it even began, walking back to her seat. Obi-Wan let his hand brush against hers as she passed, just a couple seats down. There was an invited guest, a kind eyed witch who brought her perspectives from the business of international travel. Her speech was honest, detailing the workplace life and how Hogwarts had prepared her for it. When Satine looked around at her peers she could tell they hoped they’d be prepared too.

And then names were called. Row by row, one by one each student walked across the stage as their name was announced. Students and audience alike, cheering as their friends and family made their way across to shake hands with Headmaster Yoda who was on a rather tall stool and receive their diploma from their Head of House.

“Cody Fett; Quidditch Captain!”

Satine cheered, clapping loudly as she watched him take the stage. Her first friend in a strange new world. He’d helped her up when she’d been knocked down and he’d taught her about Hogwarts. Cody never held any judgments. He was brave, loyal, and dedicated. Satine would always be grateful to him for making her feel welcomed in a world where she knew people wanted her gone.

Cody had shook Yoda’s hand and moved to Windu who had a few quiet words to say that she couldn’t make out. When he turned and held his diploma above his head she could tell he was a little misty eyed, though he would most certainly deny it. His family perhaps were the loudest cheerers of the day, Fives and Echo had found some kind of horribly loud horn and they used it for all it was worth until Professor Mundi silenced it from his spot alongside the other professors.

It was a long while and yet no time at all when she found herself standing, in line for the stage with her fellow K’s and surrounding letters.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi, Head Boy, Salutatorian!”

Ben graced the stage with poise and grace, but in an entirely opposite way from when he’d approached the sorting hat their first year. He no longer made himself hold an air of disdain, instead he was smiling softly. His hair was not pressed back, it was styled, yes, but fell loosely. His robes were pressed, but no longer out of obligation, but out of preference.

“For the first time in my life… My future isn’t decided for me. For the first time, I’m free.”

He’d just told her that, high up in the school towers. The sentiment echoed in every step he took. He shook Professor Yoda’s hand. Then, in a way that was so painfully Obi-Wan, he stuck his hand out to Professor Windu, then Professor Ti, Professor Palpatine, and finally his actual Head of House, Professor Tahl. He took the diploma carefully in his hands and he turned to face the audience looking a tad shy for someone who had just given a speech. He let his eyes roam the crowd before finding her, off to his right. He smiled and waved the little roll at her and she grinned back giving a thumbs up, making sure to cheer as loudly as she could.

In barely a moment it was her own turn.

“Satine Kryze, Head Girl, Valedictorian!”

As she took the stage she was reminded of the first time she’d entered the Great Hall. It’s enchanted ceiling and floating candles had stolen her breath and amazed her. Magic continued to amaze her every day. Walking through that room for the first time, seeing the castle for the first time, her first night away from her mum and sitting in the Ravenclaw common room. It all was the opening chapter in a now well loved and completely cherished book. Here, crossing the stage and facing Headmaster Yoda, she was writing the last chapter. There would be an epilogue, she supposed right afterwards, but this here? This was the final chapter, the final page.

She shook Headmaster Yoda’s hand and nodded at the Heads of Houses before approaching her own. Professor Tahl shook her hand and handed her a small bit of rolled parchment that would mean without any debate, that she was a certified graduating witch. In primary school she’d been asked of course what she wanted to be when she grew up. Never in her wildest dreams did little logical, overly realistic Satine Kryze expect that the answer would be a witch.

She turned and gazed across the audience, she found Ben easily and then Cody, and then her mum. This was the final sentence, the final words. As she carefully stepped off the stage, the book was closed.

The festivities for graduation were much tamer than the festivities of the night before. A small luncheon had been provided and it was mostly time for mingling with family and friends. Really it was a time for final farewells. Obi-Wan was fine sitting back and observing, a ridiculously large slice of chocolate cake in front of him. He thought it was poetic justice, after all, it was another ridiculous rule of his parents he’d broken through. He didn’t have to wonder too much about what it would have been like if he hadn’t been allowed to go to school. He would be forever in the debt of Hogwarts, the castle itself and the professors who worked there. They’d given him the space to grow, they’d given him help when he needed it.

He let his eyes drift to Cody who was surrounded by his brothers and Satine who was hugging her mum tightly. Anakin had come too, he hadn’t expected it. The soon to be forth year was currently piling his plate up sky high at the buffet table. If there was one thing for certain, Obi-Wan no longer had to lay awake at night wondering what it would be like to be loved.

Things changed over the years, but after all this time, he certainly had grown to enjoy it.

“Oi,” Anakin slapped down his plate next to Obi-Wan’s, “Look how many sorts of meat they have!” He was currently debating between two of them, “I’m not even sure what half this is.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s bantha,” Obi-Wan suggested helpfully, but Anakin just shrugged and piled them all into a roll.

“Whatever it is I’m starving,” Anakin took a large bite, “Graduation ceremonies take forever!”

“Keep your mouth closed Anakin,” Obi-Wan sighed, shielding his cake from any flying condiments.

“Ben!” He whipped his head up at Satine’s call. She was standing next to Cody and her mum waving him over.

He didn’t waste any time joining them.

“I’m so proud of you,” Satine tried to say, but was definitely getting herself choked up.

“Come now, I’m second best,” He cheekily reminded her, “Someone seems to always be around to beat me to the punches.”

“I don’t think Satine’s throwing any punches mate,” Cody shook his head, “Though she’d be might dangerous if she did.”

“Oh shut up,” She sniffed, frantically swiping at her eyes to keep her makeup from running, “We’re going to get pictures now, okay? Cody don’t you dare complain,” She stopped him before he could start, “You’ll want one anyways.”

“It is our last chance to all be in one place,” Obi-Wan said wistfully, “Come fall we’ll be running around in all sorts of directions.”

“ Please don’t remind me right now, Obi-Wan,” Satine admonished swiping more furiously at her mascara, “Damn I knew I shouldn’t have worn this today.”

“Uh did you guys already forget?” Cody was looking between the two of them inquisitive and Obi-Wan racked his brain.

“I can’t think of anything I’ve forgotten,” Obi-Wan hesitated, “Satine?”

“No don’t worry I remembered to turn in all our library books,” Satine took a shaky breath, “I don’t want to think about that either.”

“Mates, my best mates in the whole world,” Cody sighed deeply, but eagerness to remind them poured through his words, “You’re forgetting that this is going to be the best summer of our lives. ”

Obi-Wan blinked blankly and shot a confused glance to Satine who shook her head, “Not that I’m not looking forward to hearing of your Quidditch workout, but what does that have to do with anything.”

“Oh bloody hell, I’m not talking about Quidditch… for once,” He grinned, “We’ve got all summer to do anything we want before real life starts next fall! And this is the first time we have complete access to this guy ,” He threw an arm around Obi-Wan, “It’s going to the summer.”

Obi-Wan had never considered the possibility of a summer where he could simply do whatever he wanted… but Cody was right, and he was free.

“I don’t even know what people do in the summer,” Obi-Wan said in his slow dawning realization.

“Don’t worry,” Satine grinned, throwing her arms around the two of them, “I have some ideas!”

Just on the edge of Loch Carron in the Scottish Highlands, a young girl runs through a spectacular field of shrubbery of all makes and colors with one destination in mind. The air is fresh and warm on her umber skin, with the ever present sprays of seasalt saving her from any lingering humidity. She doesn’t stop, though despite her focus, takes care to greet any familiar townspeople along her way. Most are fishermen, as that was and always will be a marketable trade in Plockton, but also she’s known them the majority of her life.

Whether or not they truly know her, is a whole other question.

Her dark hair whips behind her in tight braids as she sprints, her fists pumping to propel herself faster and towards the charming little cottage that rested on the outskirts of Plockton. A day hasn’t gone by where she doesn’t call this home, but right now, it also serves as a golden gate to new possibilities. She does not tire, even as she runs the entire distance from the schoolyard. She doesn’t know how she knows, but she knows today is the day.

The town is quaint and regarded as quite beautiful by visitors, and she never regretted growing amongst the quiet reverie offered to her. However, since she was a small girl, she has been forced to keep a secret about herself. One that is much bigger than her or her uncle that has raised her from her days as a small tot. It is one that will one day very soon be explored.

Though it likely takes her but a few minutes, she feels as though her trek along the visionary mountainside took years, but she finally cuts through to where the buildings start to gather and rounds the church at the end of her street to catch sight of home.

She sticks her hand through the mailbox posted at the front of their lawn, briefly disgruntled that it’s already empty. This does not reduce her fervor. Despite how many times she’s been scolded for it, she swings the screen door open with little care for if she rips it off its hinges and lets it slam with equal carelessness.

“Must you be so barbaric?” A muffled voice from the bathroom predictably calls down to her. “You’re like a bull in a china shop!”

“Sorry!” She calls, even if she’s anything but. She races towards the dining room table, not taking the time to kick off her shoes or put down her book bag as she normally would. She’s not bogged down by the weight, for not only is it the last day of school, but she simply could not be bothered.

How could she? On a day like today? There were so few moments in a person’s life where they knew everything was about to change tremendously for them. But this was one of them. In many ways, it felt like an origin story.

Instead, she scans the floral lined tablecloth, as the mail is as neatly organized as it always is, divided into piles. She hardly ever gets mail save for the occasional magazine that might wind up in her name due to some accidental subscriptions at the supermarket. Her heart doesn’t stop beating until she realizes that nothing is in her name and then all the excitement of the climactic build up falls and seeps from every pore on her body.

She drops into a seat- her usual when eating meals or doing homework, and tries not to be too disappointed. Today was only the first day she could receive her news. In retrospect, it was probably very rare to get yours in the first batch, even if she did feel her uncle could have something to say about getting hers sooner rather than later.

She blows out a heavy sigh, the exhaustion of her run finally catching up to her and the emerald green necklace around her neck suddenly seems to weigh a thousand pounds. She takes it off, watching her skin go from brown to orange and reaching to feel the familiar cool texture of striped montrails in lieu of hair on her head. She catches her reflection in the antique plates and cutlery on display and smiles, always liking her true appearances.

“Looking for something?” Her uncle appears, his face kind and understanding behind the breathing apparatus he regularly wore.

“I thought it might come today,” She shrugs. “But I guess I was just being impatient.”

“Perhaps,” Uncle Plo says, removing his hand from behind his back to reveal a letter with a cherry red seal on the back. He hands it out to her, “But I’m sure that’s something we’ll be able to assist you with at Hogwarts.”

The timing was perfect. All departing students were home at last for the summer, sharing the first of many meals alongside family and chattering about the conquests of an eventful school year. The travels of the day would render them exhausted early, many falling asleep even where they sat if they could not make the long climb to the safety of their beds.

Fireplaces were cooled and blankets were tucked tight. The full moon rose high across an otherwise oblique sky, glowing a strong yellow. Save for the song of the crickets, who came out to dominate the night, there was silence.

Until the heavy hand struck 12 and every radio in every wizarding household clicked on .

At first, there was merely a soft whirring that crackled through speakers, only loud enough to stir the lightest of sleepers. It drew on for a long minute, driving at the very least, the restless mice of the house, insane with the thought of whether this was a dream or reality. For those with stronger sleep defenses, the abrupt start of a children’s rhyme blasting through their house surely jostled them out of bed and tumbled towards the song.

Families briefly quarreled, surely, since they all demanded to know who would play such a prank and awake them from their precious rest. It was not as though everyone had off from responsibility the entire summer, after all. They switched every knob, pushed every button, and tried smothering the devices. However, the more they intensified their efforts, the more present the sounds grew.

“Ring around the rosie

A pocketful of posies

Ashes, ashes…”

Eventually though, it became abundantly clear that no one present had started it, for the song that played on the radio wasn’t on any station or recording in the actual mechanism. It was merely a conduit for a sound beyond their control.

The voice was high-pitched and distorted, with the vague sound of a piano out of key playing beneath the chorus. Repeatedly, this song was played, a click in between each time it circled around and around. It seemed endless and the underlying music delved into further chaos. It never sang the final line in the song, each time just cutting off and returning to the beginning again.

To the youth of the muggle world, this was but a chant sung by gleeful children on the schoolyard, dancing in circles in delight of good weather and better company. Even the youngest of witches and wizards of pure descent knew that there was nothing jovial surrounding the ominous warning of what was the black plague.

It was an omen, showcasing that darkness usually preyed on those most innocent before finding its way slowly to those more deserving. It was a threat but also a promise to take and take until there would be little left behind. They were losing their culture, their history, to hypocrisy and spinelessness.

They had to know what was coming and what the price would be to those who weren’t willing to stand against the true mark of evil: ignorance.

There was brief silence, just enough to sustain a sense of misplaced relief in the listening audience before Dooku’s voice filled their ears. He used his classroom voice, diffusing some of the dark reputation that had slandered his name these past few years. Many expected the Sith to sound like demons, to behave like invalids.

“I can remain silent no longer on the nefarious propaganda that has weighed down my reputation for these long years. I have hidden in the shadows for too long, simply for having differing beliefs from those in power.”

He paused, speaking slowly, but with increased momentum, knowing full and well he would have their attention next if he hadn’t already, “And I’ve watched as they try to make me out to be a monster, to group me and my cause in with the likes of Maul. It is not I who freed that satanic brute. It is not I that infiltrated Hogwarts with a useless squib teaching our children. It is not I that covers up fires and death and mutiny every single day by means of censorship.”

He breathed, addressing what was surely the elephant in the room in a voice lower than before, “And you might ask yourselves, Dooku, you had tried to kill Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker that night in the graveyard. To which I admit, it may seem that way.”

Oh the madness those pearl-clutching plebs must have divulged into.

“But while my methods in this TriWizard tournament may hold the perceptions of cruelty to those unwilling to understand, it was meant to stand as proof of the inadequacy of this current administration. There was no protection on those boys in this watered down tournament. There was no accountability or proper investigation to the several claims of possible sabotage. Like with anything else, it was buried, just as their bodies would have been had I not seen my point already proven.”

The smile in his voice was evident as he spoke further, “What sort of Ministry do we have? That allows maniacs to run loose and target our most prized children? While protecting and even paying for the safety of those who do not? We spend more in the defense of muggles than we do in wizards.”

He could not see the responses from his audience, but there was a fear that radiated through the air that Dooku could practically smell. It was delicious and waiting to be consumed, “We delude ourselves with lies from the censorship that radiates through the Daily Prophet all the way to the top! We tell ourselves it’s all okay as though we stand a chance if there were to be revolution. The muggles are planning. Do you think they seek to share this world with us any longer?”

“I will no longer be operating from the shadows, hiding as though what I think is wrong, not when hypocrisy drenches our hands like blood. I have no shame nor fear to douse myself entirely if it means putting an end to this heinous ludicrousy. I know I am not the only one.”

He imagined applause, those standing from the safety of their own homes, away from judgment or the media to criticize how they felt. It was how true revolution was made.

“And I will be running for Minister of Magic, to ensure that nobody is.” He said gently, “We will target those who stand in our way of freedom. Because if we don’t make this stand, if we don’t rise …”

The song clicked on again, playing the final part and leaving everyone with that familiar whirring sound from earlier.

“We all fall down.”

[candyskiez]

Wait actually I wanna talk about this because I really love it. I love when it goes into actual depth on what the monster transformation means.

Let's start with Eda.

She turns into the owl beast, very animalistic and sometimes violent. This happened in her childhood. It came with ridicule from her peers, making her a sudden target for bullying and rumors. Sound familiar? It becomes a part of her every day life. Everyone's spreading rumors about her. People make her into this malicious horror movie monster. And she resents this creature. She dehumanizes it completely and hates herself for it. She makes herself be constantly fine and chill and unshakable so she never has to deal with the "ugly" parts of herself. What comes out when she's scared or feels threatened or when she's so fucking sad she wants to rip herself apart. She hates these parts of herself, even if she tries to use them ironically as a part of her "brand", so to speak. She uses it as armor. She hates that her first reaction to fear is to do something stupid that fucks everything up, she hates how mean she gets when she's angry, she hates that she processes emotions Wrong.

Her healing comes from recognizing the source of this reaction. Not her or some horrible creature in her mind being broken or being out to ruin her life. It's her emotions going haywire at any form of stress because she's so used to danger that ANY stress gets treated as danger. Understanding herself and why she acts like this is the first step to changing it. Seeing the owl beast for what it's actually like is the first step to changing it. It's also notable that the owl beast is very small. I know it's partly because y'know. Owls are small. But it very much reminds me of the healing the inner child thing.

Onto Steven. While Eda's feels like the representation of a trigger response, Steven is more so self hatred.

He's not the perfect image he's created in his mind of who he used to be, so in his mind he's irredeemable. He has bad thoughts now that he's been exposed to traumatic experiences, so he's a horrible person. Nobody told him how to deal with his problems, nobody ever taught him how to deal with his emotions in the way he needed. And nobody taught him that feeling like this isn't something absolute monsters do. Nobody told him that everyone feels like this. Nobody told him what a intrusive thought was, or how to handle them, or that sometimes you want to beat the shit out of the person who almost killed you. So these flaws have been festering for *years*, because he didn't feel like he could say them. And he got no help.

This is him going absolutely apeshit because he's fucking terrified. He thinks now that everyone sees what he "really" is, it's all over for him. Everyone hates him now because he's let them down. He's not the sweet, helpful little angel, he's a horrible horrible HORRIBLE person and he DESERVES to be treated like it.

The line "As long as he believes he's a monster, he'll stay one." Very much hits with the trauma allegory. As long as he believes he's not worth saving, he won't let himself be saved. As long as he thinks this is him being a horrible person, not him having issues, he's going to view any attempts to get through to him as them not realizing who he really is. As them letting him get away with it. So them seeing him like this and going, no. Let us help you. Not "this isn't you!" Not "snap out of it!" That's what saves him. We see you. This part of you. We still want to help. Please let us help?

Last, but definitely not least, Nimona. Hoo boy. Hoo fucking boy.

The transformation scene looks extremely, extremely involuntary. I know you're going "yeah, no shit", but what I mean is she did not MEAN to go "yeah, fine, I'll be your goddamn monster." It was thousands of years of emotions finally taking form. All the resentment and hatred, all the depression, all the anger, all the loneliness and grief and betrayal, it all becomes so much she literally cannot keep her shape anymore and transforms. She's that massive because that's how much she's been holding in and carrying alone for *years.* It all finally blows up. She finally can't take it anymore. So distressed she can't keep her shape anymore, she goes to the quickest place to die: the kingdom that despises her. It's notable she's not attacking anyone. She's wrecking things in her path just by walking. Just because of the sheer *amount* of build up she just can't keep it in anymore. She attacks the building telling her she deserves to die. She's just...a ball of grief and self hatred.

Like Stevens, I love that her coming back isn't "I know you're still in there." Because...this is Nimona. This is Nimonas self hatred. This is Nimonas depression. What saves her is someone SEEING that. Someone fucking seeing that. Seeing it for what it is. Not violence for the sake of violence but her grief and loathing and *pain* physically embodied. Someone telling her, I see you're in fucking agony. And you're not alone. I know you're hurting. And I'm so sorry I pushed you over this edge.

I fucking love stories about monsters.

Big fan of monster transformations as a visual representation of trauma. Even BIGGER fan of when the media goes into depth on the implications and the symbolism of it.