#aligned with wizard values

[remus-poopin]

The “A very frosty Christmas” chapter in HBP is so interesting to me in terms of understanding Lupin’s relation to the werewolf community. The standout line to me is this:

“‘I am not complaining; it is necessary work and who can do it better than I? However, it has been difficult gaining their trust. I bear the unmistakable signs of having tried to live among wizards, you see, whereas they have shunned normal society and live on the margins, stealing — and sometimes killing — to eat.’” (HBP, 334)

The framing of this is interesting, he didn’t say: “wizards have shunned them from normal society therefore marginalizing them so they have to steal and sometimes kill to eat”, no he puts the werewolves in the active role as if they are making a sort of choice. It effectively takes the blame off of the wizards that oppress them.

I think he might feel that it is a choice they are making. He has tried very hard all his life to fit into wizarding society. Everything he does is in an attempt to appear non threatening. He has made a choice to not live in the werewolf colonies, he’s made a choice to hold jobs, he’s made a choice to socialize with other wizards, he’s made a choice to appear civilized, he’s made a choice to conform into wizard society-

yet he is still not accepted.

The issue is not the werewolves disregarding society but a society that fundamentally disregards their humanity.

On some level he must know this yet the way he speaks about his community is dripping with a sort of self loathing that pushes for a drive for assimilation (something you can find in most groups of marginalized people).

He holds these views of achieving social mobility through the appearance of civilization while being walking proof that werewolf assimilation is futile, so he has to construct mental barriers to avoid being crushed under the weight of his own hypocrisy.

[o-wild-west-wind]

While I’m still a bit bummed that they didn’t go with a more book-aligned POC Fiyero for the Wicked movie, I’ve been thinking (heheh) about how his being white highlights the really interesting foil relationship between him and Glinda (and, in many ways, the audience yourself).

At its core, Wicked is a cautionary tale about propaganda, (literal) scapegoating, and what it means to uphold the status quo. The audience is watching through Glinda’s eyes—it is through her, arguably the most beautifully tragic character of the show, that we learn how lonely life becomes when you forfeit your values in favor of systemic power and likability (“No One Mourns the Wicked” is, in many ways, about HER).

Now, this is where Fiyero’s whiteness can get interesting—if you consider him and Glinda to share roughly equal footing at the beginning in terms of privilege/how much they have to lose (applying our real-world lens of race and power here, where whiteness is the apex), his storyline essentially represents what could have happened if Glinda had made the brave (and arguably wise and loving, if you’re picking up what I’m putting down 👀) choice to go with Elphaba and fight the good fight (this is also why I feel like a queer reading of G&E’s relationship is almost implicit to the story, but I digress).

As the POC/marginalized allegory, Elphaba has much less of a real choice in her curtain-pulled-back turning point. But Fiyero and Glinda—both representing privilege—get to choose. So in Act II, we see the consequences of both the choice to stay (Glinda) and to go (Fiyero). In Fiyero’s case, his ultimate rejection of his own power, privilege, and even beauty leads to immense physical loss—including his own body—but that is then compared to the loss of love, community, and identity that we see Glinda left with by the end. And this brings us to the question that the audience is left grappling with: in an unjust system where loss is inevitable (a.k.a. our own world, as the Wizard himself represents), which of these things are YOU more willing to give up?

It’s important that Glinda is an empathetic character because, in reality, most people are going to be Glindas (obvi this is nuanced among us Elphabas of marginalized identities, but I’d still argue that there’s some level of Glinda in us all)—and it’s important to be rattled by the end of the show when you realize that she is the one who has the sad ending. But it’s also so important that Fiyero is empathetic (which I’m SO glad this movie leaned into)—because he’s ultimately who Glinda—and thus we, as the audience—should have been.

And especially given the state of US politics right now…this is just all more relevant than ever.

[pawthorn]

It’s kind of funny how certain Ashton is that knowledge of what really happened at the fall of Aeor is going to overturn society.

I think that expectation comes from the classic Taliesin PC Pride (affectionate.)

Ashton has always mistrusted authority. Ashton has always believed the gods weren’t really interested in helping the little guy. They figured it out a long time ago, because they understand the world better than all these normies.

And now, here’s proof for all the normies that the gods don’t care about mortals as much as they care for their siblings— even the evil ones. And Ashton thinks it’s totally gonna blow their minds and rewrite everything. People won’t know how to handle it!

Which, even within their group is demonstrably not the case.

Ashton is so certain of his unique perspective being truer and clearer because of their trauma (and that’s… not really how trauma works) that he can’t fathom that people of faith may have already grappled with the fact that the gods are messy. That seeing what happened in Aeor might be heart wrenching, terrifying, but ultimately will likely still fit into most people’s view of the gods.

After all, the fate of Aeor and the gods’ role in its downfall (lol) has never been a secret. The new information is how oppressive Aeor was, how much the choices of its wizards contributed to the total loss of life there; the flight of the Cognoza and Selena’s Wish, specifically.

But Ashton has a deep sense of superiority toward the faithful, as well as a very specific value system that doesn’t take into account the values of others. (Hell, of the ten gods whose will was active in Aeor, only three were even “Good” aligned. Saving people was never gonna be this group’s priority.)

Not everyone in the world is concerned with individual freedom and wellbeing first and foremost. Many will see the collective good that came from Aeor’s fall and conclude that the ends justify the means.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

sugar sugar rune x twst au word salad

“The heart is yours to take, but you must not allow yours to be taken.”

The concept of this AU borrows a lot of ideas from the animanga Sugar Sugar Rune! ^^ It’s an older shojo series that I always think of when Halloween season arrives. Sugar Sugar Rune is about two years witches who are best friends, Chocolat and Vanilla, who compete to capture the most hearts in the human world. Whoever is victorious will become queen of the Magical World—but with love comes danger. If their own hearts get stolen, then they can lose their lives.

I should add, I currently don’t intend to write a fic based on this, I just wanted to braindump my ideas out and speculate on how this AU would work.

And now, without further ado…!

I think a good place to start is to explain the key points about the world and other relevant lore! Then we will get into the characters. (No story spoilers though, this AU won’t follow the original plot of Sugar Sugar Rune to a T!)

So the Magical World of Sugar Sugar Rune is where all magical creatures, including witches and wizards, reside. In the Magical World, ecure (or hearts), crystallized emotions, serve as an energy source and currency. Mages must frequently venture into the Human World in order to "harvest "pick up"/harvest ecure since humans have the unique ability to regenerate their hearts even when already stolen. Contrasting humans, mages only have one heart. That means if a mage's heart is taken, they will surely die. When mages fall in love with one another, they exchange their hearts during their wedding vows. They have to be careful who they fall in love with, as they can literally "die of a broken heart" if their partner betrays them. It's ill-advised for a mage to fall in love with a human, as while humans lack the ability to "pick up" hearts, a mage has to voluntarily hand their heart over if they reach a certain point (the color red)

Speaking of red!! Ecure/hearts can come in various colors depending on the emotion associated with it. Each color (and thus emotion) is associated with a different value, which roughly aligns with the value of the Japanese yen. The values are, as follows:

Yellow or Jaune - surprise, fear (5 ecure)

Orange - love at first sight, crush, infatuation (300 ecure)

Green or Vert - friendship (350 ecure)

Rainbow - happiness, delight, amusement (500 ecure)

Pink or Rose - the beginning stages of love, sweet love (1000 ecure)

Purple or Violet - lust, forbidden love (2500 ecure)

Blue or Bleu - respect (3000 ecure)

Red or Rouge - passionate love (5000 ecure)

Black or Noir - hatred, jealousy (no known value, hurts mages) I think this works really well with the concept of Blot in Twst—

White or Blanc - innocence (no known value, purified black heart; has restorative or healing properties)

Besides serving as energy and currency, ecure are also a way of counting points for Queen Candidacy. In the Magical World, the ruler is determined not by birth by through a competition in which candidates compete to see who can collect the most ecure (I believe over the span of a year). In the original Sugar Sugar Rune, the two candidates are Vanilla and Chocolat. The former is shy, sweet, and sort of a crybaby, with her mother being the current queen. Chocolat is the daughter of the queen's former competitor and comes off as more of a brash tomboy.

So what I'm proposing for the Sugar Sugar Rune x Twst AU is :DD basically keep all the lore but replace the two protags with MALLEUS (as Vanilla) AND LEONA (as Chocolat). They won’t be besties like the original MCs were, but more like traditional rivals because it would be funny lmao

Malleus is the more regal and composed of the two (he is literally a crown prince), so he has that obvious parallel with Vanilla. Not only that, but he's more withdrawn and has deep insecurities about being alone (also similar to Vanilla). I think his reputation could play well into the AU as well; in the Magical World, everyone fears him so he’s used to being alone—but in the Human World, he’s beloved for being awkward and mysterious (reflecting the international Twst fandom’s adoration for the guy). Malleus would feel obligated to win to carry on his family’s legacy but also because he feels like if he doesn’t, he has nothing left. No friends, no people to keep at his side—but if he has the status of King, then he’ll have a whole nation looking to him. Since his mom is uh… “with the stars”, the current Magical World queen could be his grandmother, and Malleus may feel like he has that legacy to live up to.

Leona, like Chocolat, is the underdog. What he lacks in status (as crown prince) he makes up for in intelligence and charisma, which nets him many followers in the Magical World. He comes off as tough and hard to approach to humans who aren’t used to his demanding attitude though, so it puts him at a disadvantage in the competition. He’s very much the “bad boy” similar to how Chocolat wasn’t a traditionally girly girl, but it’s ultimately the heart of gold buried underneath his hard edges that will eventually put him toe-to-toe with Malleus. I think Leona’s reasoning for wanting to be King would be similar to what he expresses in his original source material—to prove himself worthy, regardless of the family or order he was born in. Maybe he was almost not considered to be a candidate at all and his brother Falena was supposed to compete? Or alternatively, Falena is Malleus’s real competitor but Leona snuck into the Human World as an upstart/self-imposed third entry 😂

Chocolat and Vanilla have a mentor mage in the Human World named Robin (who is a famous rock star fjsvwisnksks). He’s the one who explains things to them and serves as their guardian figure while they room together and study at a human school for the Queen Candidacy.

What I’m thinking is that Leona and Malleus will venture into the Human World under the guidance of… Crowley 🤡 LISTEN, IT WOULD BE FUNNY Crowley does a lot of the exposition in Twst, so he could reprise that role here. He is also vain and thinks highly of himself (but ultimately cherishes his students) like Robin. Picture Crowley having to mediate between Leona and Malleus fighting every second of the day while living together—

That’s honestly all we need to replace to get the AU rolling. If we want to, we could expand the Queen (King now I guess) Candidacy to have more candidates. Then maybe the other Twst characters could also participate but the story could still center on Malleus and Leona as the two to “keep an eye on”/audience favorites.

I don’t really know where I’m going with this 🤔 but I do think this could be a fun AU for like. Yume/self insert scenarios so you can angst about whether your feelings are real or fabricated so [insert mage of choice here] can harvest ya like a plant… Or angst about not being able to be with [insert mage of choice here] because they might literally perish… Many possibilities!

[forestdeath1]

One of the interesting aspects of Tom Riddle is his attitude towards humiliation. For example, the existence of Horcruxes placed him above others and inherently humiliated them.

However, Tom himself is not susceptible to social humiliation because he has his own value system, where humiliation is defined differently. Despite spending seven years in Slytherin, he still chose to work in a shop because it aligned with his goals, even though his rich classmates would likely have considered it humiliating. Social approval and status are not his goals. He skillfully uses his past at school in front of the teachers, not trying to hide it — on the contrary, we see he "flaunts" it before Slughorn. Manipulating, flattering, etc, things a proud person (like Sirius Black) would not do, Tom did easily, and he saw no humiliation in it.

Horcruxes represent elevating himself and humiliating ordinary mortals. Only he should have Horcruxes. Only he can be immortal.

The Dark Mark also humiliated "pure-bloods" because pure-bloods are essentially no different from Muggles.

A Lord is a form of humiliation. Wizards don't have lords, so they must have a Lord. Pure-bloods bow to no one, and bowing to a Lord is a form of humiliation.

He is aware that he is a half-blood, and this also gives him satisfaction — to see how pure-bloods call him "My Lord". He skillfully creates the image of someone obsessed with blood purity. He doesn’t care actually.

When someone succumbed to his influence, he saw it as their humiliation and a confirmation of his superiority. With Hepzibah Smith, he felt no humiliation because, in his eyes, he was humiliating her.

Taking a life is the ultimate form of humiliation for him.

[saintsenara]

What is your rationale for disagreeing with the fanon that the horcruxes affected Voldemort's sanity?

that it's literally canon that they don't!

i obviously don't have an actual problem with people using the idea that the horcruxes affect voldemort's sanity as a trope, if that's what works for their story, but what irks me is that this idea is often repeated by voldemort enjoyers as canon fact, when the impact of horcruxes on cognitive function is spelled out clearly in half-blood prince:

Harry sat in thought for a moment, then asked, “So if all of his Horcruxes are destroyed, Voldemort could be killed?”  “Yes, I think so,” said Dumbledore. “Without his Horcruxes, Voldemort will be a mortal man with a maimed and diminished soul. Never forget, though, that while his soul may be damaged beyond repair, his brain and his magical powers remain intact. It will take uncommon skill and power to kill a wizard like Voldemort even without his Horcruxes.”

in half-blood prince - as in every book prior to deathly hallows - dumbledore functions as the "word of god" character, which is to say that the information he provides us - as long as it relates neither to harry nor himself - isn't up for interpretation, it's understood within the narrative as correct. we can also be sure that he's done his research on horcruxes, knows exactly how they work, and is speaking as an expert when it comes to their impact on the mind - and we can also note that slughorn [who also seems to know what he's talking about when it comes to horcruxes and their function] doesn't mention them causing any cognitive damage when discussing them with the teenage tom riddle.

but nobody has ever made as many horcruxes as voldemort! maybe one doesn't affect the mind, but seven certainly could.

except this doesn't align at all with how the series understands the relationship between the soul and the will.

one of the central themes of the harry potter series is the value of choice. all of its main characters have narrative arcs which hinge - in some way or other - on them making a choice, very often the choice between what is right and what is easy. ron chooses to leave and then chooses to come back; hermione chooses to stay. sirius chooses to take a stand against the life his family expect of him. snape chooses to repent of his sins and work forever to atone for them. harry chooses to walk into the forest and die. lily chooses to ignore voldemort's request for her to stand aside.

all of these choices are made of the character in question's own free will - and the same applies to everything voldemort does in the series. he chooses to kill and to keep killing of his own free will, with the full capacity to understand his actions, and he refuses, right until the very end, to show the slightest bit of remorse for what he's done - and it is this, in the narrative's view, which makes his behaviour so heinous and which causes his behaviour to have such an impact on the state of his soul.

if we assume that voldemort's grasp on rationality declines with the number of horcruxes he makes, we are also assuming that his capacity to understand the full wickedness of his actions also declines - but his motivation for killing myrtle to make a horcrux and his motivation for killing frank bryce to make a horcrux are exactly the same: he wants to, and he doesn't give a solitary fuck about the life he's just taken.

and this stands in contrast to something else we see in canon - the idea that killing does not automatically have an impact on the soul:

“And my soul, Dumbledore? Mine?” “You alone know whether it will harm your soul to help an old man avoid pain and humiliation,” said Dumbledore.

this - the set-up to snape's mercy-killing of dumbledore - suggests that your soul is not harmed if you know without question that the death you cause is justified.

snape kills dumbledore of his own free will, but this suggestion also implies that it would be perfectly possible for the soul to remain unharmed if a killer was understood to be non compos mentis. that is, if someone lacked the capacity to understand their actions were not justified, then their soul would see them as "not guilty by reason of insanity" and not splinter.

voldemort's ability to make so many horcruxes in the first place, then, must depend on his capacity to understand exactly what he's doing - to know he could choose not to kill and then still do it anyway.

and we do actually see in canon that - while he's shown to be someone who kills with the slightest provocation in the films - the voldemort of the books is clinical and methodical in his violence:

“Nice costume, mister!” He saw the small boy’s smile falter as he ran near enough to see beneath the hood of the cloak, saw the fear cloud his painted face: Then the child turned and ran away... Beneath the robe he fingered the handle of his wand... One simple movement and the child would never reach his mother... but unnecessary, quite unnecessary...

the canonical voldemort's known kill count is actually surprisingly low, and each of his victims is clearly selected with a rational [in the "does he have a disorder of thought?" sense, not in the "is this morally justifiable?" sense] motivation driving his decision to attack them - even if his actions are also affected by an emotional trigger [he does not, for example, kill his father or massacre the goblins who tell him that the cup was stolen for reasons which are irrational or delusional - incandescent fury or fear that your secret is out are not insanity].

voldemort kills and makes his horcruxes out of choice, and the series is clear that his capacity to understand that choice does not degrade across the course of his life.

ok, but you have to admit that he's definitely not... all there, personality wise...

sure. but i don't think this has anything to do with the horcruxes...

the idea that voldemort runs around shrieking and cackling to himself is an invention of the films. the canonical voldemort is shown to be lucid and thoughtful even in deathly hallows, he remains a formidable strategist right up until the end - and i think it's also worth noting that the films really gloss over just how successful his takeover of the government is - and his prodigious intellect and magical talent are acknowledged by the order throughout the series.

his more volatile personality traits - his fondness for monologuing, his rapid switching between being superficially charming and feral, his tendency to get lost in his own obsessions, his emotional brittleness - are all ones the eleven-year-old riddle is shown to possess, and i think it's much more interesting to explore the idea that they remain aspects of the person he once was which the adult voldemort cannot hide behind the mask he has constructed.

but - yes - its certainly true that the resurrected voldemort of order of the phoenix onwards is more paranoid, harder to soothe, crueller to his death eaters, more inflexible in his thinking and so on than he is implied to have been in the 1970s, and so i understand why many readers interpret this as evidence that his last two horcruxes [harry and nagini] - plus the arcane horror of his resurrection ritual - might have sent him round the bend.

but i think that the implication of canon is that this behaviour has much more mundane causes.

in october 1981, all the evidence we have is that voldemort is about to win. he is an unassailable terrorist kingpin with an army of highly-trained, highly loyal minions and - we can assume - widespread popular support.

and then only four of these supporters try to find him.

it's clear - as we can tell from the fact that barty crouch jr. is so shocked to discover that he didn't massacre the reassembled death eaters where they stood - that voldemort is livid that none of his "loyal" servants came to rescue him from the tree in albania his soul piece was hiding in, choosing instead to pretend they were under the imperius curse and that they'd never have been seen dead supporting him had they been in their right minds. it's also clear that he has no choice but to welcome these death eaters back to the fold once he's resurrected because he'd have no core supporters otherwise.

but it's also clear that he doesn't trust any of them one single bit once their commitment is proven to be so fragile - and that it is this, this evidence that he's just a human being with human feelings, rather than a creature of pure magic whose mind has been warped by that magic, which provides a much, much more interesting explanation for his increasing volatility as the war draws to its conclusion.

voldemort is at his most interesting - in my opinion - when his humanity [and his failure to outrun it] is foregrounded. this isn't incompatible with his creation of the horcruxes at all. but it is, i think, incompatible with the idea that they warp his mind.

[maxdibert]

Lily. Is she just a popular Petunia? On the surface they’re two sisters that could hardly be more different, the elder unattractive, dull and untalented and the younger beautiful, vivacious and magical. But they both chose domineering upper class bullies. They’re both concerned with social respectability. They both place themselves in physical danger for their sons. And while I can’t see Lily shoving a child in a cupboard, she also seems to operate within the framework that violence is acceptable if she can justify to herself the victim deserves it. Lily gets called a Mary Sue a lot and I get why but I think JKR put just enough in there to make the case that that she’s as grey as her chosen company lol

This take on Lily as a “popular Petunia” gains even more depth when we consider their working-class backgrounds and how each ultimately chooses a partner who offers social mobility—though in questionable ways. Petunia finds security and an upward social shift by marrying Vernon, a man who embodies traditional middle-class respectability with all its rigid, judgmental values. Lily, on the other hand, ends up with James Potter, who, by magical standards, is akin to a wealthy, privileged elite. James’s status, confidence, and the power that comes with his family’s legacy mark a clear jump for Lily in the wizarding social hierarchy, just as Petunia’s life with Vernon marks a leap into conventional middle-class security in the Muggle world.

Both sisters align themselves with men who embody aspects of control and social status within their respective worlds, suggesting they value security and social respectability—even if it means overlooking or accepting certain flaws. Petunia tolerates Vernon’s small-mindedness and cruelty, while Lily accepts James despite his past as a bully and privileged figure. Yet Lily’s decision is often portrayed in a highly idealized way, with Rowling rarely delving into her motivations or background beyond her role as Harry’s mother. This lack of context is perhaps one of the biggest issues with Lily’s character: she’s preserved as an almost saintly maternal figure, untouchable and morally pure, which can feel one-dimensional and even hypocritical, especially when we learn about her past friendship with Snape. Rowling’s reluctance to explore Lily’s complexity leaves her moral standing somewhat hollow, given that she rejects Snape for his darker choices while forgiving James for his own troubling traits.

In the end, both Lily and Petunia are driven by a desire for social respectability and stability, but their different worlds shape those ambitions in distinct ways. By elevating Lily to an untouchable status as Harry’s “perfect” mother, Rowling misses the chance to flesh out the complexities that make her choices relatable, instead framing her as a near-flawless martyr. This leaves her character feeling almost like a “Mary Sue” figure, unable to reconcile the murkiness of her past or the double standards within her relationships.

[welcometotheravenclawcommonroom]

(South) Indian Harry Potter Headcanons:

Harry knew he was Indian (mostly because the Dursley’s used to say racist shit to him) but he didn’t know where in India the potters were from until he went to Hogwarts. He finds out from the Patils, who were close with the potters because desis stick together.

The Patils are from the north and use Hindi to speak to each other. Neither of them knows Telugu/Tamil/Marathi/Malayalam/insert Southern language of choice here (I personally headcanon Telugu because it’s the only Indian language I speak and because there’s a huge diaspora of telugumandi in the west, but feel free to choose whatever you’d like). So Harry has to rediscover his heritage language on his own.

He also studies Sanskrit, and it opens up a HUGE world of spells that they don’t teach at Hogwarts (because of course Indian wizards don’t do spells in Latin). He and the Patils know a bunch of spells that nobody else does.

Harry’s pleat game is ON POINT. It makes sense, since he had to do all the chores at the Dursley’s and that includes perfectly folded and ironed laundry with the edges aligned neatly, or else he would risk being punished. But the result is that if you want your saree drape to pass the inspection of even the most judgemental auntie, you go to Harry to help with your pleats.

Even when they’ve graduated and all have their own homes, it’s a pretty regular sight for the Patil twins to come through Harry’s floo, half dressed, to have Harry pleat their sarees or their lehenga dupatta for them.

Harry LOVES spices. The dursleys only liked bland food, but Harry has always liked flavorful foods, and has no problem with (hot) spicy food either. He uses lots of spices in his own cooking now. His food is very flavorful, but when he’s cooking for himself, it’s too spicy for all his friends (even the Patils). So nobody can eat his leftovers unless he was specifically cooking with other people in mind. Ron learned this the first time he rummaged through Harry’s fridge after a night of drinking. Now Harry labels all his food as to whether or not it’s “Harry spicy”.

James LOVED to buy Lily sarees. He’d order them with custom, wizard-themed designs from weaving villages in south India. The women who made them assumed he was just very imaginative, so he wasn’t violating the statute of secrecy since saree patterns are often vibrant and unique. Harry finds some of them in the old potter manor, and they still smell like the perfumes and scented oils his mother would wear when James took her to the local temple for Hindu holidays.

Indian witches often store extra magic in or enchant pieces of their copious jewelry with spells that can keep them safe if they’re ever in a situation where they don’t have their wands. stuff like, each bangle can function as an emergency portkey that can take you to different safe locations if you say the activation word, or ones that create an instant magical shield when you tap them. Harry finds some of his mothers gajulu, gives them to his female friends.

He ties Rhaki on Ron and Neville, and all the weasley boys. Ron was the first person he ever tied it on, because Ron was the first person who he ever bonded with, and his closest brother.

Harry always cooks idli sambar or dosa for his friends for breakfast the next morning after a night of drinking together, and it’s the perfect hangover food because it definitely brings you back to full alertness/knocks the last bit of post-hangover grogginess right out of your system.

Harry’s parselmouth abilities are valued in his native culture because of the sacredness of snakes in Hinduism, and it comes to be something he’s really proud of (personally I think the ‘parselmouth connected to the horcrux’ thing is dumb, so I’ve always imagined Harry was just naturally a parselmouth).

As the number of Indian immigrants/expats continues to grow after they graduate, Harry helps some of his students (he’s the DADA teacher) start the Hogwarts “South Asian Student Union”.

He always has snacks out for his students when they come to visit his office hours, and they’re all Indian snacks and sweets. His personal favorite is kaju barfi, but he always has a good variety of both sweet and spicy treats, especially for stressed out owl and newts students.

He collaborates with Hermione, who works in the ministry, to make it mandatory for Hogwarts students to a “foreign magical language” course so they can broaden both their minds and their spell repertoires. Padma Patil becomes the “Sanskrit Spells” teacher, and Seamus teaches “Irish Gaelic”. (It took him a little longer to get his course started, since it turns out that at least 40% of Gaelic spells are just increasingly complicated and violent ways to repel the English).

Hermione and Harry also work together to make sure there are employees in the international magical cooperation department who specialize in post-colonial relations, because the magical world also has its issues with that colonialist mindset towards countries that were formerly part of the empire.

Just south Indian Harry embracing his heritage, learning about what was ripped from him, and using it to enact meaningful change in a multicultural magical society.

[alenablack]

This is deeply inspired by various conversations with some friends! namely Zöe (@/ladystardog) and @metalomagnetic , thank you both for encouraging my insanity about both of these families!

EXCEPTIONALISM

Both families think they are fundamentally unique and deserving of power, respect, and independence from other great houses/pureblood dynasties.

Examples:

Sirius parents were convinced that to be a "Black' made you "practically royal." A belief that seemed widely shared by various Blacks throughout history based upon they strict values and motivation to eliminate members who didn't upheld the family name - HP lexicon

The doctrine of exceptionalism in the asoiaf universe proclaims that Targaryens are other from ordinary men; this allowed them special privileges outside of claiming the throne. (Incestous marriages, claiming dragons, wide held beliefs that Targs didn't get ill as other men did)

BLOOD SUPREMACY & INCEST

Both families value bloodline supremacy/keeping their respective bloodlines pure. Although the asoiaf universe gives many more examples of incestous marriages to keep their bloodline pure we have canon relationships within the HP universe that show the Blacks also follow incestous marriages to keep their bloodline pure (Orion and Walburga are cousins through their fathers and would go on to have two children together)

The Black family's core value is blood supremacy as shown by their motto Toujours Pur "Always Pure" and while the Targaryen's aren't as outward there's many in universe examples of their share belief in blood supremacy; only allowing people with Targaryen blood access to dragons, intermarriage to keep power consolidated etc.

TRAGIC ENDINGS

This parallel was the first to jump out to me when making this essay; both families experience exceptional short lifespans for wealthy upper class families (and in the case of the blacks much shorter than the average wizard lifespan), and not only short life spans but often tragic deaths.

Examples:

Regulus Black: died age 18 by drowning/dragged under by inferi

Prince Aegon **the uncrowned": died age 17 killed by his uncle Maegor & his dragon Balerion. Died with his dragon Quicksilver.

Sirius Black: Died age 35, killed by his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange.

Princess Araea Targaryen: Died age 14, officially ruled as death by fever however witnesses claim there was moving creatures under her skin causing the princess great pain.

Nymphadora Lupin: Died age 25, killed by her aunt Bellatrix Lestrange.

These are only a few examples of each lineage suffering losses but a pattern of young often violent deaths is visible throughout both family trees.

FALL FROM GRACE/LOSS OF POWER

Both families suffer from hubris and a general distrust to outsiders which makes both of their eventual collapses interesting. In the case of the house of Black the family line ended due to infighting by various members joining opposite sides of a war, with most members ending at the hands of each other. In the case of the Targaryen's their line would continue for 200 years, however the power they held that granted them the throne was lost in one generation due to a civil war which ended the lives of 90% of the family as well as the total loss of dragons.

Both of these collapses can be contributed to outsiders working their way into the respective families; for the Targaryen's it was the intervention of the Hightowers and their various schemes that set the stage for a civil war, and for the Black's it was their alignment with Lord Voldemort that spelled their demise. Both families fought on opposing sides, violating the shared core value of family loyalty.

COMMON TRAITS

The similarities between the two families go beyond parallels of circumstances. The Black family and the Targaryen family both are described as passionat, confiden, and charismatic people. Many members of both households suffer from large egos and a reckless disregard for their lives, as well as a sense of superiority even among their peers.

Many members are known as powerful warriors/wizards and are sited to be born with innate abilities or genius. Both families are also described as otherworldly beauties, and despite their opposing color schemes are even depicted with similar features.

CHARACTER COUNTERPART

(*My personal opinions based on similar personalities and experiences*)

Bellatrix Lestrange = Daemon Targaryen (Both impulsive, powerful, loyal to a fault, violent, charismatic)

Andromeda Tonks = Saera Targaryen (disowned for engaging in relations deemed inappropriate by their families, built lives outside their respective families, never returned to the fold)

Regulus Black = Lucerys Velaryon (Both signaled the start of a shift in their respective wars, neither of them served as a strong political power but are important to the narrative, died young and tragically)

Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I) = Narcissa Malfoy (Powerful women within their own families, uninterested in the lives of others beyond their children, inherently distrustful, withdrawn and detached)

Daeron I (the young dragon) = Sirius Black (Reckless charismatic warriors, considered talented but ultimately lost their lives due to avoidable circumstances, considered great by some but mad by others)

[dinarosie]

Still, to appease the more radical purebloods and future death eaters, Snape must have internalized some of that anti muggleborn propaganda that Voldemort was spewing and the hatred his Slytherin friends were spreading. Although I'm aware that majority of the wizarding society held some superiority over muggles and I even believe many of the so called good purebloods (like the Potters) were condecensing to muggleborns sometimes, tho unknowingly, there is a difference between quiet prejudice with no ill intent and the radical bigoted beliefs that some of the wizards held. The death eaters clearly believed that muggles were human sickness and muggleborns were no better and Snape was around that rhetoric every day and later became part of its circle. I always just saw Snape as a selfish person who tried to gain more power and a sense of belonging and he was insecure enough to believe many of the bigoted beliefs that was part of Voldemort propaganda or just the overall hardcore prejudice. He called muggleborns mudbloods even when he was Lily's friend. I always imagine him as someone who would dismiss Lily's feelings about slytherins and even gaslight her about Voldemort's propaganda and her worry behind anti muggleborns rhetoric. Like he downplayed it while participating in it at the same time. We can see this with any real life prejudice existing in our world. Many people who are homophobic try to create reasons for disliking gay people and when gay people complain about their hatred, they just downplay it, make it seem like its not that big of a deal or just continue with their excuses. I can see Snape being like that. And even if his reason for joining death eaters had nothing to do with violence and hatred, he became part of it anyway and being part of something like that influences the way you think especially if you wanted to be part of it. He also became part of it during the time the violence was already known and that certainly did not stop him so he must have had some prejudices or highly ignorant beliefs towards muggleborns.

It seems like you're very determined to apply a strictly logical, real-world mindset to a fictional, fantasy world. I get that imagining a Severus Snape with deeply ingrained, extremist, anti-Muggle biases would make more sense in a real-world context and may feel more "realistic". But that wasn’t the point of Snape’s character. This is a story, and not everything needs to follow real-world logic exactly. Even in reality, not everything unfolds as expected. Snape’s character is, in many ways, an exception—he surprises audiences frequently and makes choices that don’t always align with his past actions or logical expectations. Some of these contradictions seem deliberate; Snape has to exist in this gray area for the story to hold its depth and ambiguity.

So, while Snape does associate with future Death Eaters and, at times, seems to justify their actions, that doesn’t mean he fully internalized all of their views or intended to act exactly like them. Lily did a similar thing, in a way: she mentions that she often tried to excuse Snape’s behavior or overlook his mistakes. But we wouldn’t conclude that Lily agreed with or had adopted Snape’s beliefs. Another example is Peter Pettigrew, who is almost Snape’s opposite. Peter was sorted into Gryffindor, the very house that upholds Dumbledore’s ideals and values. He surrounded himself with people destined to be future Order members, yet look at what he became. Peter didn’t just reject his friends’ beliefs; he betrayed them completely and was loyal to Voldemort for years, even plotting his friends' deaths and stayed loyal to Voldemort for years afterward, to the point of risking Harry’s life for Voldemort's return.

I don’t deny that Snape held biases and some prejudiced views, whether as a teenager or a young Death Eater. But, as I mentioned in my previous post, there’s no solid evidence that he was an extreme racist, a torturer of Muggle-borns, or someone who delighted in the idea of “cleansing” the wizarding world.

As a personal opinion, I also feel that comparing real-world homophobia to anti-Muggle sentiment in the wizarding world isn’t quite the same. Muggles and wizards have a long, tumultuous history, and at one point, Muggles persecuted wizards to the extent that they had to hide their world to ensure safety and survival. This isn’t a distant past—Hagrid even mentions in Philosopher’s Stone that Muggles would likely exploit wizards if they discovered their powers. So, while homophobia is irrational and baseless, anti-Muggle sentiments in the wizarding world, however wrong, are somewhat rooted in historical fear and survival. It’s no surprise, then, that the wizarding society hasn’t fully let go of its anti-Muggle biases, even after the wars.

[owlhousetarot]

Seven of Cups: Adegast Tempting Luz

Upright: Choices, opportunities, wishful thinking, illusion, fantasy, daydreaming, indecision, searching for purpose

Reversed: Confusion, distraction, diversion, overwhelmed, clarity, personal alignment, making a choice

The Seven of Cups is the card of choices and opportunities, but also illusion and wishful thinking. It represents a moment where you're faced with a myriad of different options for the future, each seeming more exciting than the last—though you must be careful what you wish for, because all that glitters is not gold. The Seven of Cups may suggest your expectations for the future aren't grounded in reality, and that you're prone to wishful thinking and unrealistic ideals. This is exactly the situation in which Luz finds herself in Witches Before Wizards: she's followed the pipe-dream adventure Adegast set up for her, playing masterfully into her preconceived notions of being a fantasy protagonist, unknowing that she's being led by illusions straight into a trap.

The Seven of Cups reminds you that while wishing and dreaming are all well and good, there comes a time where you need to let go of your fantasies and face reality. Luz does exactly this by choosing Eda and King over Adegast's puppets, breaking free from the fantasy illusion and saving them both. This is Luz's first step on her journey of deconstructing her fantasy-hero complex and maturing into a more grounded person whose actions are guided not by unrealistic fantasies, but by her personal values and convictions.

Deck Order:

< Previous: Six of Cups | Next: Eight of Cups >

Show Chronology:

< Previous: King of Wands | Next: Six of Wands >

[shellem15]

Was scrolling through the Ludinus tag because I enjoy seeing critters drag his bony ass, and suddenly had some thoughts about ludi and the gods. Keeping the narrative roles of gods and myths in mind, I want to talk about the gods' role in Exandria on a metatextual level, and how it ties into why Ludinus is a big stupid idiot (to put it in simple terms).

So, some preface: in real life religion and mythologies, gods aren't real people (shocker, I know). But the things they represent are real; gods and myths are just ways of explaining real world phenomena. This is why their characterization can be really whack. Zeus, for example, is a dick because in real life, kings are dicks. Artemis is both a protecter of hunters and their killer because, in ancient greece, when you went out into the woods to hunt, either you came back alive or you didn't. You can't analyze the gods as real people because they're not people-- they're concepts. You always have to keep these narrative roles and the historical context in mind when reading these myths. You can't judge them by our modern morals and values, because for one these myths are from ancient times, and also because the characters in these myths aren't humans that follow human moral codes or ethics.

So, in Exandria, the gods are real. And from what we've seen so far, they exist in a weird sort of space. They are both people, and concepts; mortal-like but also not. When analyzing the gods as concepts and roles in a narrative, it's pretty clear that the gods act in ways that align with their domains. The Everlight is merciful because she represents the concept of redemption; Asmodeus is hateful and cruel because he represents tyranny and domination; the Wildmother is both nurturing and brutal because nature is both of these things. You can't remove their actions from their domains, it is an intrinsic part of themselves.

Additionally, the actions they take represent certain themes. The Changebringer defeated Asmodeus in the calamity because freedom is the only way to beat tyranny. Same with the Everlight and the Dawnfather being the ones to strike down the Crawling King (with help from the Moonweaver and the All-Father), because these two gods represent hope, which defeats despair and suffering (I know despair isn't technically Torog's domain but it fits with the rest of his character so I'm gonna throw it in there.) The Raven Queen's ascension is representative of the Age of Arcanum as a whole, of the dominance of wizards over the world. The actions of the gods cannot be separated from their domains, and they cannot be separated from the general narratives seen in Exandria.

These overarching narratives can also be seen in the actions of mortals, too. The Age of Arcanum fell because of hubris. Because mortals thought they could best the gods and the world itself and it backfired on them. It's those rich guys who tried to go to the Titanic and their submarine got imploded by the water pressure. If you fuck around, you're gonna eventually find out. You can't beat the world you live in.

This detail of besting the gods is one I want to focus on with Ludinus. His whole thing is killing the gods to get revenge and "free" Exandria. But how is killing the gods freeing Exandria? The gods are Exandria. Even if they can't physically manifest avatars, they're still a part of it. The gods, being concepts, are written into the fabric of Exandria itself; you can't separate them from the world because they are the world and the world is them.

This fact is why the complete banishment of the Betrayer Gods didn't work; they are a fundamental part of Exandria and how it functions. Their return was, narratively, inevitable, because you can't remove concepts like violence or tyranny or betrayal from the world; they are here to stay, whether you like them or not. That doesn't mean you can't minimize their impact, just that you can't remove them entirely.

This is also why the Matron's ritual did work. When she killed the god of death, she wasn't destroying the concept of death itself, just putting it under new management. The same with Vecna ascending and becoming the god of secrets-- he took over an already existing domain. No fundamental concepts were created or destroyed, it's just that the faces that represented them changed.

Ludinus, in his denial of the gods, is denying the world itself. Both the good and the bad parts of it. He thinks he can remove the gods but keep Exandria mostly intact, but that's not how that works. He's so caught up in his trauma and revenge that he misses the bigger picture. In forsaking the gods, he forsakes the world. In killing the gods, he would be killing Exandria as we know it. (And that's why he's a big dumb idiot).

[obsidianpen]

Harry Potter's green eyes are one of the most iconic aspects of his character, often remarked upon throughout the series. From a literary perspective, the choice of green, particularly in contrast to his black hair and round glasses, is more than just an aesthetic detail. J.K. Rowling herself highlighted the significance of Harry’s green eyes, repeatedly drawing parallels between his eyes and those of his mother, Lily Potter. This connection is emotionally loaded; Harry’s green eyes serve as a visual reminder of the love and sacrifice that saved his life. Green, a color commonly associated with nature, growth, and life, takes on additional layers of meaning in the context of the wizarding world. Harry, throughout his life, is aligned with values that champion life, protection, and nurturing—qualities that echo the symbolism of green.

Moreover, green eyes, rare in real life, add a unique allure to Harry’s physical appearance, setting him apart in a magical world teeming with distinct characters. This rare hue seems fitting for a boy marked by destiny. In the symbolic language of color, green can also be linked to balance and renewal. As a character, Harry continually seeks balance between good and evil, grappling with his role in a fight where his very existence is tied to both forces. While the color green is often associated with Slytherin House—seen in their house emblem and uniforms, which at first seems contradictory to Harry's affiliation with Gryffindor—it actually deepens the complexity of his character. He is, after all, revealed to have qualities that made him a suitable candidate for Slytherin, even though he ultimately chose Gryffindor. This duality in the green eyes reflects the internal struggle Harry faces throughout the series.

Beyond these thematic elements, the green of Harry’s eyes adds to his personal magnetism and the visual imagery that defines him. In terms of literary contrasts, green stands out vividly against the dark undertones that surround Harry—his traumatic childhood, his encounters with the Dark Lord, and the shadow of death that hangs over him for much of the series. Green here could be interpreted as a beacon of life and hope, a brightness that shines despite the darkness Harry constantly faces. His green eyes mark him as someone who, even in the bleakest of circumstances, carries the potential for growth and renewal, qualities that echo throughout his journey from orphaned child to heroic leader.

In addition, from a more emotional angle, Harry’s green eyes embody the deep familial connection between him and his mother. Many characters who knew Lily Potter—such as Professor Snape, who harbored complex emotions about her—comment on the uncanny resemblance between Harry and his mother, often with particular reference to his eyes. This familial link, represented by the shared color, not only solidifies the emotional core of the series but also makes green the most fitting choice for Harry Potter. It is through his mother’s sacrifice that Harry was protected as a child, and her legacy is forever reflected in his gaze.

wow this eye color debate inspired a real thesis! Very impressive anon, spot on

[theashesofthefirststar]

Genuine question: why do people argue that Gale couldn’t have known Mystra during his adolescence?

I made a Reddit post a week back discussing the relationship between Gale and Mystra and merely the implication that she revealed herself to him at a young age set a bunch of people off for (insert lore related reasons here). The thread got way too big and overwhelming for me to keep reading through, but the gist of their arguments, I think, was that the timelines didn’t line up. Not a timeline given in game, but the timeline created by the preexisting canon.

Which, okay. I think bg3 values thematic clarity more than it does making a 1 to 1 replica of the 5e canon, but it had been a while since I played act 1, so, I thought, maybe I misremembered.

Well, I’ve been doing a new play through and I finally got to the part when Gale reveals the story behind his arcane hunger, and i guess I was expecting something more subtle, but it’s actually more explicit than I remember. Does Gale look at the camera and say “Mystra groomed me”? No, but the implication of what he does say is pretty damning.

{paraphrasing} “I was a child prodigy. That’s what caught Mystras attention. She revealed herself to me and became my teacher. Later, my muse. Later still, my lover”. I guess you could interpret it as her becoming his teacher when he was already an established wizard/adult, but that seems like a really overly generous reading. Like, bordering on bad faith, because the sentence is structured in a way that’s meant to imply cause and effect. ‘My talent as a child caused Mystra to pay attention to me, which had the effect of her becoming my teacher’.

I know that bg3 is supposed to follow the canon of 5e, but some people were arguing she couldn’t have revealed herself to him any earlier than five years ago because (insert more lore reasons here) and that just isn’t the vibe he’s giving at all. it’s more likely to me that they made tweaks to the timeline so that it worked within the individual stories they were trying to tell.

I get that dnd super fans are going to want to defend the integrity of this world that they love. That’s fair. But I’d rather judge characters and relationship dynamics based on the themes of a story than how perfectly they align with pre-established world building.

[elrondsimp]

The hobbit modern reader

After falling into middle earth the company learns a thing or two about you, the fact that you don’t do conflict is one of them.

So when you tell them that “my mom told me to never throw the first punch, but be dame sure to throw the last one” is something you live by, and have yet to have someone try you???

Well, let’s see the before and after reactions shall we???

Various hobbit reactions!

“I’ll finish what you start.”

Bilbo Baggins: Bilbo, being more reserved and inclined towards avoiding conflict, may initially be taken aback by y/n's statement. However, as he witnesses y/n's skills in action, he might develop a newfound respect for their ability to defend themselves and their determination to stand up for what they believe in.

Gandalf: As a wise and experienced wizard, Gandalf might understand y/n's perspective on conflict and the importance of self-defense. He may see y/n's actions as a necessary means to protect themselves and their companions, and he could potentially offer guidance and support in honing their abilities.

Thorin Oakenshield: Thorin, being a proud and fierce leader, might appreciate y/n's willingness to fight for their beliefs. He might see y/n's actions as a sign of strength and courage, and their display could earn their respect as a valued member of the company.

Dwarves (Fili, Kili, Balin, etc.): The reactions of the other dwarves would likely vary. Some may be impressed by y/n's combat skills and view them as a valuable asset in their journey. Others might be more cautious or skeptical, as they may not fully understand y/n's approach to conflict or how it aligns with their own cultural values.

Elves (such as Legolas): Elves, known for their grace and skill in battle, may find common ground with y/n's approach. They could appreciate y/n's determination to defend themselves and their friends, and may even offer guidance or training to further refine y/n's combat abilities.

Other: (Bard, Beorn, etc.): The reactions of characters like Bard the Bowman or Beorn would depend on their own perspectives and experiences with conflict. They may have different opinions on the use of violence, and their reactions could range from admiration to caution.

Overall, the company members would likely be intrigued and impressed by y/n's statement and subsequent display of their abilities. It could lead to deeper discussions and a better understanding of y/n's approach to conflict, forging new dynamics within the group as they navigate the challenges of their journey through Middle-earth.

[divaofmads]

Part VI: Morsmordre | All Parts

Photos by Pinterest

Fancast: Luke Evans as Reinhard Lestrange

A/N: I apologize for the mistakes I made in English that is not my native language and I am trying to improve my writing skills.

A/N 2: Can those who read and liked the series interact? Your comments can include constructive criticism instead of positive criticism. I write to improve myself in the field of writing and also to have fun. Your comments make this job more fun

Warning: Toxic relationship, Dark Magic, Violence, Greed, Non-canon but does not affect Canon, There are historical inaccuracies, I wanted to write the character as an anti-hero but this is my first attempt. So please excuse me.

Word Count: 4.1k

When dinner was over, Melania Black was finishing her glass of wine with all her elegance, Arcturus stood up solemnly and invited his son and wife to join their guests in the office. Ophelia could not understand what was happening, but she did not have the courage to question her strict family. Orion walked slowly behind his father. Melania followed behind everyone and entered the office. Arcturus' office was a room that symbolized the history and grandeur of the Black family; from the family crest above the fireplace to the dark oak bookcases, every detail reflected the grandeur of this noble family.

Tom Riddle sat in his chair, his gaze carefully scanning the atmosphere of the room. He knew that his presence here was a challenge, but with his confident stance, he had the strength to meet it.

Arcturus sat down behind the desk. “Tom, your presence here is an interesting development for us. I know we’re going to talk about Ophelia. However, I still have some concerns about where this conversation is going.”

Tom responded in a gentle yet firm tone.

“Mr. Black, I completely understand your concerns. However, rest assured that the sole purpose of my visit is to discuss Ophelia’s potential and offer her a brighter future.”

Melania interjected, frowning slightly.

“You’ve mentioned Ophelia’s potential many times, Mr. Riddle. But what I’m really curious about is how that potential differs from the Ophelia we know.”

Tom turned to Melania and carefully replied.

"Ophelia stands out not only for her magical abilities, but also for her leadership qualities and sharp intelligence. At Hogwarts, I observed her interest in the dark arts and her natural talent for them. Such power can only be truly beneficial if channeled in the right way."

Orion spoke without taking his eyes off Tom. "However, does this require removing a student from a school like Hogwarts? Isn't the education she receives there an opportunity for her to control the abilities his noble blood has given her?"

Tom respectfully responded to Orion's concerns. "Mr. Black, Hogwarts can be a wonderful place to start. But you must admit that sometimes the traditional paths are not enough for the development of extraordinary individuals. Ophelia is no ordinary witch. There is a much greater light and darkness within her. Achieving this balance requires guidance beyond the boundaries of Hogwarts."

Arcturus leaned back slightly and eyed Tom carefully.

"So how will you shape her potential? We, the Black family, care about preserving our lineage's legacy. We would not want Ophelia to stray from a path that would run counter to her family's values."

Tom smiled slightly and continued speaking in a relaxed manner. "That is exactly why I am here. Ophelia is someone who can further the Black family's values. My vision aligns perfectly with those values. For pure-blood wizards to regain their rightful place. I assure you that under my guidance, Ophelia will not only be a person your family will be proud of, but will also determine the direction of the wizarding world."

Melania glanced at her husband Arcturus and began to speak. "What about Hogwarts? Will her education be cut short? This could tarnish our daughter's reputation in the future."

Tom seemed to have anticipated Melania's concern. "Ophelia's education will be completed. But right now, she needs an opportunity to put that education into practice in the real world. I will ensure that she returns to Hogwarts. However, in the meantime, I need to provide guidance that will strengthen her leadership skills."

Orion turned to Tom with a serious expression. "You mentioned your pure-blood community. Is it aimed at creating change in the magical world? Or is it simply a group of idealists?"

Tom took a deep breath and replied firmly.

"Mr. Black, this is not just an ideal, it is a movement. And everyone who is a part of this movement will leave a lasting legacy in the magical world. Ophelia's participation in this movement will engrave her name and the Black family's name in history."

Arcturus was lost in thought, while Melania was busy voicing her concerns. "What about Ophelia's safety? Wouldn't taking part in this movement put her in danger?"

However, Tom's calm and determined stance had taken over the atmosphere in the room.

"Madam, Ophelia's safety is also my priority. I will take every precaution to protect her. Also, the only people involved in this movement are pure-blood wizards. They are all a community that shares the same values and protects each other. Ophelia will not be alone in this community."

Arcturus leaned back in his chair with a deep sigh. For a long time, the only sound in the room was the crackling of wood from the fireplace. Finally, meeting Tom's determined gaze, he spoke. "Mr. Riddle, we in the Black family have always defended pureblood values and tried to make the right decisions for the future of the wizarding world. I believe that Ophelia's participation in this movement is important for her future and the honor of our family. However, we would like to see you carry out your words. If Ophelia does not return to Hogwarts, I will hold you accountable."

Tom bowed his head respectfully. "Mr. Black, I value your trust immensely. I am certain that Ophelia's participation in this action will bring great honor to both her and your family. I will not disappoint you."

Orion broke his silence and added, "I will support this decision for Ophelia's future. However, remember your promise that she must return to Hogwarts, Mr. Riddle. My sister must complete her education there."

Tom smiled slightly. "Of course, Mr. Black. I will keep my word."

After this conversation, the Black family cautiously increased their trust in Tom. The decision regarding Ophelia's future had now been made. Now it was time for Tom to present his plan to Ophelia.

Ophelia was in the library, which was covered with heavy velvet curtains and dominated by dim light. She was absorbed in studying an old text in her hand, while the smell of dust from the old spell books lined up on the shelves filled her nose. The thoughtful expression on her face as she turned the pages reflected the conflict within her. The argument with her family had exhausted her mind, and she was stuck on the thin line between freedom and belonging.

At that moment, a shrill voice broke the silence. Bellatrix Black quickly opened the library door and entered.

"Are you still here, Auntie? Grandfather wants to see you in his office," she said with a thin smile. The mocking expression on Bellatrix's face was trying Ophelia's patience.

Ophelia slammed her book shut and stood up, approaching Bellatrix. "Learn to knock first, Bella," she said coldly. Bellatrix responded even more sassily at this reprimand. "Ah, shouldn't you be a little faster when talking about our family?"

Rolling her eyes, Ophelia walked towards the door and pushed Bellatrix out. "Get out of my way, or I'll stop talking and explain it to you in another way," she threatened. Bellatrix started to say something, but Ophelia was already heading down the hall.

When Ophelia knocked on the heavy wooden door, her father Arcturus' authoritative voice was heard from inside.

"Come in."

When she opened the door and entered, she was met with an unexpected sight. Tom Riddle was sitting in the room with his family. The serious expressions of Melania, Arcturus, and Orion stood next to Tom like allies. Ophelia's face showed surprise. "What's going on here?" she asked, staring at Tom.

Tom stood up gracefully and spoke.

"Ophelia, it's great to have you here. We're having an important conversation with your family about your future."

Ophelia stood in the middle of the room, frowning.

"You're making a decision about my future without calling me?"

Melania intervened, speaking softly.

"My dear, we are your family. Of course, everything is for your own good. We want you to listen to what Mr. Riddle has to say."

Tom walked slowly towards Ophelia. His tone was calm and confident.

"Ophelia, your family only wants the best for you. And so do I. I've seen your potential for a long time, and I can't let it go to waste."

Ophelia paused for a moment when she saw the determination in Tom's eyes. But then she pulled herself together and spoke.

"So what do you want from me? Tell me."

Orion spoke in a stern but concerned tone. "Mr. Riddle says that you can uphold his allegiance to the Black family and their name. But only if you accept his offer."

Ophelia turned to Tom, looking suspicious. Tom nodded gently and continued.

"There is a society, Ophelia. A society of pure-blood wizards, with a vision for the future of the wizarding world. I want you to join this society. But only for a while. I will have you return to Hogwarts and elevate it through your education. Together we can achieve much."

Ophelia's eyes narrowed. "The society? Is this something that supports my escape from Hogwarts? Even my father was just telling me about my disobedience. What has changed now?"

Arcturus rose from his desk and approached his daughter.

"Ophelia, this is not a thoughtless rebellion. This is an opportunity to further our family's legacy. Tom Riddle's vision is impressive, and your role in this movement is critical."

Melania added sweetly. "My little one, this is only the beginning. Give us a chance to understand you. You promise to return to Hogwarts, don't you?"

Ophelia was silent for a moment. She fixed her eyes on Tom. "What about you? What is your real purpose in this action?"

Tom spoke with confidence. "My goal is to create the best in the wizarding world. And you will be one of the best in this world, Ophelia. Follow your heart when making your decision."

There was a deep silence in the room. Ophelia's eyes shifted from her family to Tom. Although it was difficult to hide the conflict inside her, she finally took a breath and spoke slowly.

"Okay. If this is so important to you, I accept. But only for a while."

The triumphant smile that appeared on Tom's face caught everyone's attention. However, Ophelia felt the uneasiness inside her grow even more with this decision.

After Ophelia agreed to join the dark society at the insistence of her family and Tom, she curiously asked when the meeting would be held. While a storm was brewing inside her, questioning whether she was right to accept, her face wore a calm mask. Tom turned to her calmly. "Tonight," he said. His words were like a soft but firm command.

Ophelia's heart began to beat rapidly. Tom's haste showed the seriousness of the situation. The calm, confident tone of voice he had used to persuade her was now more determined. He felt that this had to happen soon, before Albus Dumbledore had a chance to intervene. Tom looked into Ophelia's eyes and added, "It all depends on your readiness, Ophelia. But tonight is the right time. I don't want to wait for you to meet the people who will truly understand you and accept you into their midst."

Ophelia avoided his gaze for a moment. She could feel a dark weight growing inside her. She tried to appear strong on the outside, but she didn't know exactly what would happen tonight. Lost in her thoughts, she noticed Tom take a step towards her.

"You have nothing to fear," Tom said, his voice calm but powerful. "This is a journey of accepting who you are. You are Black. The power within you is not only yours, but your family's legacy. And... with my guidance, you will use it to the fullest."

The confident look on Tom's face seemed to temporarily drown out any doubts in Ophelia's mind. His leadership charisma gave his words an unwavering authority. Arcturus Black nodded in agreement and joined the conversation. "Tom is right, Ophelia. Look at our family's history. You were born a powerful pureblood, and it will be a source of pride for us to be a part of this community. Hogwarts is a means, but your true place... is your true purpose."

Melania Black smiled as if to support her husband’s words. “This is your destiny, Ophelia. Remember who you are. We are the Black family. We must never give up our power.”

Ophelia felt even more constrained by her family’s words. Still, she nodded silently, understanding that this conversation had to be concluded. But Tom’s eyes had noticed her hesitation. He leaned forward and spoke in a low voice, almost a whisper. “Remember that you are not alone. I promise you, I will be with you on this journey.”

These words complicated the conflict within Ophelia even more. But Tom’s firm and gentle tone also gave her a sense of security. Caught between her family’s gaze and Tom’s, she decided she had no choice.

“Okay,” she said finally, her voice low but determined. “What do I need to do?”

Tom smiled, a look of triumph spreading across his face. “Just trust me and get ready. We’ll be leaving when night falls.”

Ophelia's hands were shaking a little as she prepared for the night. The excitement she was trying to calm had been replaced by a strange uneasiness. She chose a dark cloak from her wardrobe and silently placed her old elm wand on her belt. Tonight, she would face the dark side of the wizarding world for the first time in her life. Although her mind was confused, a sense of courage was leading her step by step to the meeting point on the manor grounds.

In the darkness of the night, the vast grounds of the Black Manor were covered in silence. Tom was waiting for her in the dark corner of the grounds. His black cloak fluttered like a shadow in the depths of the night. Ophelia looked at his calm and determined stance with both admiration and fear. When she approached, Tom looked at her with a slight smile.

"Are you ready?" Tom asked in a low and smooth voice.

As if Ophelia had not heard the question, she asked another question. "How do we get there? Is it possible to get from here to where the community is in such a short time?"

"You'll see," he said in a calm voice. He gently placed one hand on Ophelia's shoulder and repeated his first question. "Are you ready?"

Before Ophelia could answer, Tom suddenly picked her up. At that moment, millions of thoughts raced through Ophelia's mind; fear on one hand, curiosity on the other, and a strange feeling of being so close to Tom. Despite all the lustful and passionate moments between them, the ambivalence in her feelings was causing her to become excited.

Tom's robe suddenly lifted up and surrounded them. Thick, black smoke rose from his body and surrounded Ophelia. When she found herself in the darkness, she instinctively stopped breathing for a moment. But then, she felt herself become lighter, as if she were part of the smoke. They were flying.

As she moved through the black smoke, she realized that the world around her was starting to blur. She felt the humidity in the air, the cold night breeze. But Tom's reassuring, firm grip kept her grounded. Ophelia's heart pounded. "This... How is this possible?" she whispered, her voice lost in the wind.

Tom’s voice seemed to echo directly into her mind. “Anything is possible, Ophelia. When you have infinite power.”

As these words echoed through Ophelia’s mind, she felt both fear and awe. Flying without a broomstick… It was as strange as her casting a powerful spell without a wand on the night of the duel. She knew that this could only be done by the most powerful wizards. Tom moved with such mastery that every step seemed deliberate and every movement purposeful.

Ophelia watched the shooting stars pass around them, the forests and villages sleeping below. It was impossible not to be captivated by the magic of the moment. Tom’s powerful presence and charisma, radiating light even in the darkness, had completely taken over Ophelia’s mind. Tom’s words from earlier echoed in her mind. “With me, you will find the power you deserve.”

“How much farther?” Ophelia asked, trying to steady her voice.

“Not far,” Tom said, a tentative smile on his lips. "Follow me, Ophelia. Only me."

Ophelia considered the meaning behind these words. The wind blew her hair, the moonlight on her face. As she looked at Tom’s strength and determination, she felt deep down that she had no choice but to trust him.

When they passed over a majestic peak, Tom slowed down suddenly. “We’re descending,” he said, his voice like a misty echo. Before Ophelia could comprehend what was happening, the black smoke thickened and they plummeted toward the ground.

When her feet finally touched the ground, Ophelia stumbled for a moment. Tom patiently held her steady. “You’ll have to get used to it,” he said solemnly. “This is the beginning of your new life.”

Their journey had ended in the ruins of an old castle, hidden deep in the forest. This place would be the birthplace of the new order Tom planned to establish, the dark brotherhood of pure-blood wizards.

Ophelia felt a chill as her feet touched the ground. The ruins of the castle seemed to be surrounded by a powerful magic; ' she felt both fear and a strange attraction inside her. Tom whispered as he led him up the stone steps.

“This place is a place where only the worthy can step. Being here with you is the beginning of a new era.”

As Ophelia looked around curiously, she noticed a light coming from one of the rooms hidden in the ruins. When they entered, several Pureblood wizards and witches were waiting for them. All of their gazes were on Tom, but when they shifted to Ophelia, she felt an air of evaluation. This group approached her with a balance between suspicion and respect.

Tom raised his hand to break the silence. “My friends, I have brought a new person into our midst today. One who has proven himself with Pureblood blood, sharp intelligence, and determination. This group only embraces those who deserve his strength and loyalty. Now is the time to show them who you are.”

Standing to one side of the mysterious gathering led by Tom, Ophelia began to examine the faces around her one by one. These core members of the Pureblood community came from the most respected and ancient families of the society. Even the whispered names of Lestrange, Rosier, Yaxley, and Travers sent a shiver through Ophelia. It was common hearsay at Hogwarts that these families were prone to the Dark Arts. Now, to see them all gathered in a circle, guided by Tom Riddle's eyes, was a moment of truth for Ophelia.

The Lestrange family? Ophelia thought. The name had always been associated with honor and nobility for her, but now she was seeing another side. Their loyalty to the dark arts seemed to overshadow the prestige of their family name. And her closest friend, Velora, was also a member of the family.

Tom stepped into the center of the circle and spoke in a calm but authoritative voice. “My dear friends, I would like to introduce you to a new addition to our ranks. Ophelia Black is a witch who has proven both the nobility of her lineage and her individual strength. Her place in this community is unquestionable.”

Tom’s voice snaked into Ophelia’s ears as his eyes turned to her. “Ophelia is no ordinary sorceress. Her abilities… are astonishing. As you can all witness, the ability to cast spells without even needing a wand is rarely born. Ophelia is before you with this innate power.”

Ophelia’s face flushed slightly, but she felt a tremor as she met Tom’s eyes. The cold expression on his face held a warmth deep in his eyes. These words were not just to impress her; Tom truly cared about her abilities.

“Our power is not just in our past,” Tom continued, taking a step closer to her. “Some of us are born with superiority. Ophelia, you and I are far beyond the ordinary rules of this world. You already know that, don’t you?”

Ophelia was confused, but Tom’s words rang strangely true to her.

“Tom, I… I don’t know if I’m ready to be a part of this,” she said weakly.

Tom smiled slightly and replied in a low voice. “Are you ready, Ophelia? You are already a part of this dark journey. Your power has brought you here. And with these abilities, you alone can rule the world.”

Tom’s words only increased Ophelia’s confusion. The eyes of the Pureblood community were still on her, and everyone nodded in agreement with Tom’s every word. Even though Ophelia felt lost in this world, Tom’s presence gave her a strange sense of security.

She was both frightened and fascinated by Tom’s praise for her. She had begun to see herself as a part of this world, but the restlessness inside her was whispering back.

Ophelia felt cornered by Tom Riddle’s deep, persuasive voice. The eyes of everyone in the meeting room were on her. Tom approached Ophelia with the intoxicating gaze of a snake, and spoke in a low voice. “Loyalty, Ophelia. The foundation of this community is absolute devotion and faith. I ask something of you here, but it is not just a promise. It is a commitment of your life. The price and the reward for committing to this path are the same: power.”

Seeing Ophelia swallow, Tom softened his voice even more. "I see your potential. But you cannot be a part of this community fully until you take the oath of allegiance. That means forming a bond with all of us, not just me. Do you have the courage to do that?"

Ophelia's eyes met those of everyone else in the room for a moment. The faces of Yaxley, Rosier, and Travers were expressionless, but the silence that reigned in the air was oppressive. A young face from the Lestrange family caught her attention. Reinhard Lestrange was looking at Ophelia with a dark smile.

Ophelia saw the conviction that shone in the depths of Tom's eyes like a trap. Despite all her hesitation, the feeling that Tom saw her not only as a leader, but as an ally and protector strengthened her resolve. She bowed her head slightly and spoke in a low voice. "Yes... I will take the oath of allegiance. I will join the community."

Tom's face lit up with a look of triumph. He nodded in approval and took a step back.

“You have made a decision that I am proud of, Ophelia,” he said. Then, turning to the other members of the room, he added, “You are all witnesses. Ophelia Black is now with us.”

Reinhard Lestrange leaned forward after Tom’s retreat and spoke in a mocking tone. “Good. But the proof of true loyalty is not yet complete.”

Ophelia turned to him and looked at him with a stern expression.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

Reinhard gently pulled her arm up to reveal the dark mark exposed under her left elbow. The serpent skull etched in black ink on her pale skin hit Ophelia like a punch to the gut. “You cannot be a full member of this society until you earn it,” Reinhard said. “The Dark Mark seals your oath. If you do not receive it, all that remains is words. We demand true loyalty.”

A sense of unease rose within Ophelia. She turned her eyes to Tom, but Tom’s gaze seemed to approve of Reinhard. He spoke softly. “Ophelia, this is a sacrifice. But it is also an honor. Only the elite carry the Dark Mark, remember. You are a Black, and this is your place.”

Ophelia took a deep breath, feeling the magnitude of the challenge before her. However, under Tom's trust and manipulative charm, she felt she had no choice but to submit once more.

Tom Riddle was there, cool enough to show everyone the necessity of the dark ritual, yet sadistically patient enough to see Ophelia's suffering as both a test and a triumph. Reinhard Lestrange stepped forward at Tom's command. His strong hands gripped Ophelia's shoulders and arms tightly. The young witch knew that if she tried to escape, she would never be able to escape.

The room where the dark mark would be performed was as dark as if it had been dug underground. An emerald vial and a thin snake dagger stood out on a single silver tray on the table. These symbols reflected how old and deadly the ritual was. The stone carvings in the walls created dark shadows that danced in the light of the flickering flames. Ophelia could not suppress the fear that rose within her as she felt the cold grip her left arm.

Tom Riddle slowly raised his wand and spoke in a gentle yet commanding voice. "Loyalty and power are only gained through pain. I believe those of Black blood can handle that burden, Ophelia."

The witch looked away at the grim conviction she saw in Tom's eyes. Tom nodded to Reinhard as he muttered a silent spell. Reinhard's iron grip tightened around Ophelia's body.

Tom's voice rose as Ophelia's arm was exposed.

"Morsmordre."

A black, smoky spell came from the tip of the wand and seared the thin skin on the inside of her left arm from wrist to elbow. In the first moment when the snake began to coil around her skull, Ophelia felt as if a red-hot iron had been pressed into her arm. Her eyes closed involuntarily and every muscle trembled. She tried to flee, but Reinhard's strong arms held her like a wall.

"You must show that you are strong enough," Reinhard whispered mockingly, as if he were belittling the pain.

The texture of the dark magic spread like a poison penetrating the skin. The dazzling black inks felt like a fire reverberating through Ophelia's veins.

Tom Riddle watched with pleasure. The corners of his lips curled slightly; this was a moment of triumph. "This is only the beginning," he told Ophelia, as if he didn't understand her pain. "This mark will be a symbol of strength and loyalty. We all carry it. Now you are a part of us too."

Ophelia let out a low scream as she clenched her teeth, but Tom's eyes looked at her defiantly. He wanted her to believe that her pain was a sign of her strength. Reinhard let go of Ophelia's arm and stepped back when the spell was complete.

Tom touched the mark lightly. He admired the serpent skull embedded in her skin.

"Ophelia," he said, almost softly, "this is nothing more than a testament to your bravery. Your past loyalties are behind you. You are with us now."

Ophelia looked at the mark carved into her arm as she struggled to breathe. The pain continued, but she understood that the weight it brought was not merely physical. This was a path of no return.

As the dark ritual drew to a close, Tom Riddle rose slowly into the center of the assembly. Like a ghost emerging from his shadow, the candlelight in the room dimmed as the edges of his dark robes moved. The air thickened as if an unseen hand had squeezed it; each breath carried the echo of a grave decision.

"I am more than a name," said Tom, his voice echoing off the stone walls of the room like a magical echo, "I am more than a name. Tom Riddle is an echo of my past, but you will serve my future. I will be known as Voldemort. That name will echo throughout the wizarding world. That name will symbolize fear, loyalty, and power."

Ophelia stood in a corner of the room, speechless at what she saw. Tom's, no, now Voldemort's, presence weighed heavier than anything else in the room. He was not just a man; he was the representative of the unsaid. He was an ideal, a shadow.

Tom's eyes met Ophelia's as if they had turned a deep brown that shone with a blood-red glow. He took a few steps toward him, and every movement was graced with the predatory grace of a hunter. The crowd was silent; interrupting Voldemort felt like an impossible crime.

“Ophelia Black,” he said, his name coming from his lips almost poetically. “You have one of the greatest powers I have ever seen. But it is not just the purity of your blood; deep within your soul you carry the same fire as I do. We are cut from the same cloth, you and I. The world does not understand us; but this community… this community is our true place.”

Tom opened his hands slowly as he spoke. His words echoed darker with each word.

“I have come to see your true purpose. We have a reason to rule not only the magical world, but beyond. Power is what I promise you, Ophelia. But only if you are loyal to me, your path will never be lost in the darkness.”

Ophelia could hardly breathe with the intensity of these words. The overwhelming seriousness and darkness of the moment seeped into her soul as Voldemort drew closer.

“And what about you?” Tom asked, as if he were whispering a spell that would shape the future. “Are you ready to stand beside me in this new world?”

A slight tremor rose from the corners of the room, like the wind's howl echoing off the stone walls. Tom's words were both a command and a blessing. The silence that echoed throughout the room created a moment when only Ophelia would respond. This was not a moment when she would simply make a choice; this was the moment when she would seal her fate.

The heavy silence of the room was broken by the dark but compelling voice of Tom Riddle - or Lord Voldemort, as he was now known. Voldemort turned to Ophelia and spoke before all the Death Eaters, the red light in his eyes rippling. "Ophelia Black, from this day forward you will serve not only yourself, but also me and our cause. You will be a dark lady, a name spoken of with power in the wizarding world, emerging from the shadows."

A low murmur spread through the crowd, but no one dared to raise their voices. Voldemort took a step closer and studied Ophelia's face closely; That moment was special, as if it was created just for him.

"The power I have bestowed upon you is only given to those who know true loyalty," he said, and his voice took on a lustful tone. "Will you reign as my lady, or must I leave this chance to another?"

Ophelia knelt down without hesitation, entranced by the intensity of the atmosphere. Her eyes were bright with determination; it was not only a test of self-assertion, but also an acceptance of her destiny.

"My Dark Lord," she said, her voice trembling but full of devotion, "I swear to serve you and your cause. I will fight in the shadows, I will do anything to magnify your power."

As these words echoed through the Death Eaters, Voldemort bowed his head with a satisfied smile. He placed his hands on Ophelia's shoulders and slowly lifted her to her feet. When he touched her in front of everyone, it was as formal as a crowning ceremony, and as personal as that.

"My Lady," said Voldemort, his voice now barely a whisper, but every ear in the room could hear him, "You are no longer alone. This community will be with you, along with me."

The crowd roared in approval at Voldemort's words. Reinhard Lestrange and the others looked at Ophelia with eyes of admiration or envy. Voldemort raised Ophelia's hand and formally introduced her to his side as the Dark Lady.

"Ophelia Black, the spirit of darkness, the essence of power. From this day on, she will be loyal only to me, and rule by my side."

Ophelia took a shaky breath in the crowd. The support she had received and Voldemort's trust in her had allowed her to take another step toward her dark destiny. But deep down, a dark whisper questioned whether she should surrender completely to this path.