#anakin’s grade a parenting

[aspenstarflare]

Anakin losing Ahsoka for the first time on a mission:

Anakin clearly stressed and frantically looking around: I lost it!

Rex: Lost what sir?

Anakin: The.. thing!

Rex: Sir I have your lightsaber right here.

Anakin: Nonono..

[Ahsoka pounces on Anakin from the ceiling knocking him to the floor]

Anakin: Oh there it is!

Rex:

Rex: Sir did you mean ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN?!

[luminoustarlight]

As Fate Would Have It | Chapter Two

It's your first day of work at Skywalker Enterprises.

◂ chapter one ▸ chapter three

rating: mature | pairing: dilf!anakin skywalker x afab!reader | wc: 3.7k | read on ao3

warnings: swearing, age-gaps, sexual fantasies

The moms at St. Lucas Preparatory School are shameless. Single, divorced, and married women (and some men) alike can’t help but hold their breath when Anakin Skywalker steps onto campus. The dads are intimidated by him and the moms… well, let’s just say the moms have less than school appropriate thoughts about the billionaire. 

Anakin detests the end of the year. He hates being involved at the school. He doesn’t want to spend 2 hours of his day off packing meals in a crowded gymnasium with other parents who also don’t want to be there. 

He doesn’t want to make small talk or ask about Luke and Leia’s classmates because frankly, he doesn’t give a crap. The only children he likes are his own and he won’t pretend otherwise. 

“Mr. Skywalker,” Leia’s teacher, Ms. Clark sighs, “you are the only parent in my class who has yet to sign up for a slot at this year's Cranberry Sauce.” Cranberry Sauce is just the name the school gives the Thanksgiving Drive to make it sound more “fun”. 

Anakin gives his children a kiss on their foreheads and sends them through the school gates. Once they’re out of earshot, he addresses Leia’s teacher. “I already wrote a check to buy the damn food. Isn’t that sufficient?” 

“Mr. Skywalker,” Ms. Clark repeats with annoyance. If it were up to her, she’d let Anakin donate all of the money he wants in order to keep him from volunteering at school events. She thinks he’s arrogant, stuck-up, and far too handsome for any man to be. So she decides to loathe him since she can’t fuck him. But Headmaster Franklin is adamant Anakin attends the event. 

“I really insist that you participate for at least an hour at Cranberry Sauce next weekend. It is important for your children to see you involved at the school. At their school.” 

Anakin’s tall and broad stature seems to grow even larger at this statement. How dare this woman insinuate anything about him as a father? 

“You think I’m not involved in my childrens’ lives?” Anakin has just enough self-control not to completely raise his voice at his daughter’s fourth grade teacher. Especially since parents are continuing to drop off their kids. “You think I’m an absent father who gives the school money to compensate for my lack of paternal instincts?” 

“I didn’t say that,” Ms. Clark answers cautiously. “There is no need to make a scene. I have no doubts you are an excellent father, Mr. Skywalker. I don’t think Leia would be the young lady she is if you weren’t. One hour. That's all we ask.” 

Anakin raises an eyebrow. “We?” 

“Oh, um, well-” Ms. Clark stammers. Busted. She sighs with defeat. “Headmaster Franklin would very much like to see you there.”

“I’m sure he would,” Anakin replies smugly. Headmaster Franklin wants him there for publicity. Anakin should be more pissed about that than being accused of not being a present parent, but he’s not. He likes his ego stroked every now and then. “One hour.” 

“Thank you,” Ms. Clark smiles tightly. “Does 10-11 work for you?” 

“Fine,” Anakin waves his hand dismissively as he gets a message on his phone. 

Ben Kenobi 

Your new secretary is here. 

Shit. It’s Anakin’s first day without Dorothy. No wonder the morning has gone the way it has. Between Luke spilling orange juice on his shirt, Leia’s uncooperating French braids, and his conversation with Ms. Clark, Anakin can’t help but fear the change in routine with a new assistant. He types his response. 

Anakin Skywalker

Assistant. Not secretary. I’ll be there in 20 minutes. 

Ben Kenobi 

If you say so. 

Ben Kenobi is Anakin’s closest friend. Some might even call them brothers. Ben is fifteen years older than Anakin, married to the mayor, and enjoys fly fishing on the weekends. He’s also Luke and Leia’s godfather. Should anything happen to Anakin, there is no one else he’d trust to raise and watch over his children than Ben Kenobi. 

And Ben knows better than anyone that Anakin doesn’t like change. He’s been dreading Dorothy’s last day since she told him she was retiring a year ago. How was he going to find someone as good as her? Someone who anticipates his needs before he does? 

That’s why he tasked her with finding her own replacement. He’s just too busy to interview a replacement for Dorothy himself. He wouldn’t know what to look for, anyway. If he doesn’t know what he wants in a woman to date, how is he supposed to know what he wants in a new assistant? 

.

.

. 

“Mr. Skywalker is not in at the moment. Can I take a message?” You’ve uttered that exact sentence at least seven times since you arrived at the office at 8:00 a.m. Now, as it nears 9:00, you expect to see your new boss very soon. 

Each time you hear the elevator ding, you look up with hopefulness at the arrival of the esteemed Anakin Skywalker. What will you say to him? How will you introduce yourself? Will he be nice and welcoming? God, you hope so. You’ve read just about every article, watched every interview, and listened to every podcast he’s done to prepare yourself for the job. The consensus is the same in all of them. 

Anakin Skywalker is generous, he’s polite, and generally gets along with everyone— if you don’t get on his nerves. And, according to Dorothy, he’s a charmer. 

“Yes, absolutely,” you say while taking notes of the message on a legal pad. Your head is down so you don’t notice Anakin walking out of the elevator. He stops 5 steps away from your desk. His ribs feel like they’re collapsing around his lungs because of that voice. Why does he know that voice? 

“I will let Mr. Skywalker know you called as soon as he gets into the office.” You hang up the phone and as you look up, there he is in all of his gorgeous glory. 

You actually have to tell yourself to take a breath because he’s even more handsome in person. Faint lines around his eyes represent years of life he lived before you were born. His dark blonde hair is combed back effortlessly and is it wrong that you want to run your hands through it? Yeah, probably. He’s your boss and over twenty years older than you. 

“It’s-” Anakin can’t even say more than that because holy fuck. Is he dreaming? He squeezes his eyes and then opens them, only to see you now standing with your hand extended to him. “It’s… you.” 

“Um, yes,” you say while awkwardly returning your arm to your side. “I’m Y/N. Your new assistant. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Skywalker.” 

“I- um, yes,” Anakin clears his throat. Christ, that wasn’t even a sentence. “I need to take care of something,” he says on his way towards his office. “I am not to be disturbed until I come out. Do you understand?” 

“Y-yes. Yes, sir,” you barely answer before Anakin’s office door is shut violently. Well, that certainly wasn’t the introduction you were expecting or hoping for. You’re starting to think not meeting him beforehand was a bad idea. It honestly should’ve been a red flag but Dorothy insisted it was fine. 

It doesn’t seem fine. 

And things definitely aren’t fine. For Anakin, that is. To say he’s freaking out is putting it lightly. He paces the length of his office, shoving his fingers through his hair and muttering to himself. “It can’t be. There’s no way it can be her.” 

Maybe he’s hallucinating. Maybe he’s having an incredibly vivid dream where his favorite OnlyFans performer, who he has known as HoneySuckle for the last three years is his new assistant. What did you say your name is? Anakin couldn’t hear you over the erection that was forming in his pants because he knows your voice. He’s cum from your voice alone. He’s cum because of you so, so many times. 

This can’t be happening. 

He’s never seen your entire face but he knows it’s you. He’d recognize your lips in a police lineup. He hears your voice in his wet dreams. He just knows it’s you. 

And the fact that he has a hard-on is a problem. A problem he wishes you could take care of but you can’t because now you work for him and he’s your boss. This is all so, so wrong. 

Anakin doesn’t so much sit on his leather chair as he does collapse into it. This was never supposed to happen. Yes, he has dreamed about meeting you on more than one occasion. He’s thought about telling you who he is during your countless direct messages so many times. He’s thought about using his infinite resources to find out who you really are on more than one occasion.

But he always concluded that it would be so insanely wrong and borderline creepy if he did that. You were always supposed to remain a fantasy. Just a nameless woman on a screen who doesn’t live in the same country, state, or city as him. 

Yet here you are— sitting outside of his office, taking his calls, calling him Mr. Skywalker and being even more beautiful than he could have imagined. 

You are no longer the woman on his tablet spewing filthy words as you make yourself orgasm. You’re tangible. You have a name- although he can’t remember what it is. He replays the interaction over in his head. The feeling he felt when he saw you was reminiscent of seeing his wife walk down the aisle at their wedding. He was a blundering mess then, just as he is a blundering mess now. 

He doesn’t even want to think about your first impression of him. He’s supposed to be Anakin Skywalker for crying out loud! The suave, handsome millionaire who has the ability to make men cower and women fall to their knees. The embarrassment he feels from that interaction is enough to subdue his hard-on. He pours himself a bit of Bourbon, shoots it back like it’s a normal thing to do at 9 in the morning, and prepares to reintroduce himself to you. 

Anakin smooths his hands down his slacks before opening his door. As his eyes are magnetized to you, his heart starts beating irregularly. Get a fucking grip. 

You stand attentively when you notice Anakin walking towards you. Worried you made a terrible impression on him, you wait to speak. But Anakin doesn’t say anything either and now he’s standing in front of your desk, all tall and lean and smelling like Cedar and Whiskey. He’s looking at you with an expression you can’t read. Did Dorothy tell him anything about you? Or did he go into this just as blind as you did? 

His eyes seem to dance all over your body which makes you feel like he’s studying you. Or criticizing every single thing about your appearance. From your simple burgundy dress to the pearl studs you bought with some of Skyguy81’s most recent (and overly generous) tip. 

Finally, because his gaze on you was becoming too much to bear, you are the one to talk first. “Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Skywalker?” 

Yeah, you can remind him of your name for starters. “Do you have messages for me?” is what he asks instead. 

“Yes,” you answer, picking up the pad you’ve been scribbling notes on for the last hour. “Rex sent over the final schematics for the 0525 project that needs your approval by 3 p.m. today in order to begin production. Mayor Kryze’s office called about the upcoming Gala in December and wanted to know if you would be in attendance. And if so, how many tickets should they reserve? Oh, and someone from St. Lucas Preparatory School called to let you know that your son ripped his pants and needs a new pair brought to school because they don’t have any new pants in his size.” 

Anakin taps his index finger on your desk while he listens to you. He barely registers anything you say because it’s really hard to hear your voice without getting aroused. It’s hard even looking at you without automatically picturing you naked. There’s not an inch of your skin he’s never seen. Well, except for the top half of your face which now, of course, he has seen. And God, does he love what you have to offer. 

You’re still relaying messages but suddenly you’re bent over your desk, gripping the edge of it with pale knuckles as Anakin slams into you over, and over, and over. He’s making you yelp his name so loudly the whole building can hear you. 

“Mr. Skywalker?” 

Anakin snaps back into reality where you’re still fully clothed and definitely not moaning his name. “What?” comes out a little harsher than he intended. And he immediately regrets it when he sees you visibly shrink right before him. 

“What- what would you like me to tell the Mayor’s office?” 

Anakin has gone as a bachelor to the last two Christmas Galas. Ben stays close to Satine the whole night and he really doesn’t see the point in asking a woman he has no interest in to be his date. Plus, going alone lets him leave the party with whomever he wants or to call it a night and go home early to watch ELF and drink peppermint cocoa with his kids. 

“Have them put me down for 2.” 

You nod whilst making another note on the pad. “And what about your son’s pants?” 

“Did they say where he ripped them?” 

“Right down the middle,” you answer. 

Anakin shakes his head. “Oh, Luke,” he mutters to himself. “Alright, I’ll go home and get him a new pair.” 

“Icandoit,” rushes out of your mouth. 

“What?” 

“Sorry, my mouth moved faster than my brain,” you reply, hoping Anakin will find it endearing instead of annoying. “I said I can do it. I don’t mind. It’s my job, isn’t it?” 

Anakin opens his mouth but doesn’t say anything. Yes, technically it’s your job to do this sort of errand. But Anakin doesn’t want you going to his house alone, sifting through his son’s drawers, and bringing him new pants to his school. 

Primarily because he’d much rather you be in his home under different circumstances. 

“We’ll go together,” Anakin decides against his better judgment. “I’ll drive.”

.

.

.

So, Anakin definitely didn’t think things through when he said he’d drive. 

In what world did he think sharing a close, confined space with you was a good idea? This whole morning has been a cluster-fuck. Honestly. He’s still struggling to wrap his head around who you are. When you announced Squirting for Sky was going to be your last video, he thought what a devastation it would be to not look forward to your videos every week. Who would’ve thought you’d be the one replacing his dear old assistant the very next week? The odds of it all are overwhelming. 

But isn’t this what he’s always wanted? The opportunity to meet you? To know your name and know you personally? Every wish of his has been granted— except for the fact that he is your boss and you are technically his subordinate. He says technically because Dorothy always felt more like family than an employee. 

You could be family. 

You could be so much more than his assistant.

Oh, Jesus Christ, Anakin. Be reasonable. She’s your employee. She’s practically a kid. 

Anakin looks over to you for the first time since getting in the car. You’re pressed against the side of the passenger door, knees angled away from him and arms crossed over your chest. “Are you cold?” 

“Oh,” you say, looking at him with a tentative smile. “A little.” 

“You should’ve said so,” Anakin turns on the heater and your seat warmer. “My kids call seat warmers butt toasters. Let me know if your butt gets too toasty.” 

You have to bite your lip to keep from laughing. 

There’s an awkward pause as Anakin realizes what he just said. He absolutely cannot think about your butt any longer than he has to because we all know how that will end.

 (A hard cock, in case that wasn’t clear). 

 “I mean, uh- shit,” Anakin briefly closes his eyes to compose himself. Let me know if your butt gets too toasty? 

“Just turn it off yourself if you get too warm.” 

Do you make him nervous? No way. You decide to let it go. “Kids? Plural?” 

“Yeah.” Anakin drapes his right arm over the center console and taps his fingers against the gear shift. Long, dexterous fingers at that. You have to look away before you start thinking about something completely inappropriate of your boss. “I have twins. A boy and a girl. Luke, he’s the silly one. Right now he’s big into archeology. He’s also pretty clumsy, hence the rip in his pants. And Leia, my daughter, she’s far too serious for any 9 year old to be. She says she wants to be a senator when she grows up.” 

This is the longest you’ve been able to look at Anakin without feeling your cheeks burning. Now, they’re just hot because of the heater blasting in your face. “You light up when you talk about them,” you say. “You must love them a lot.” 

“More than anything,” Anakin doesn’t hesitate. “Here we are.” 

You should’ve been paying attention on how to get to his house from the office. Surely, you’ll be running these errands on your own if things go well with your employment. Oh, well. That’s what the Maps is for. 

Anakin’s house is a stunning Eichler. It looks straight out of an Architectural Digest cover. The lawn outside is perfectly cropped and perfectly green but littered with a soccer ball, football, a baseball bat and whiffle balls. You wouldn’t have pegged Anakin for a mid-century modern kind of guy. You would’ve thought he’d opt for an insanely modern, sterile house. 

As you walk through the atrium and into the main body of the house, it’s clear it is a family home. Anakin uses his foot to sweep his kids’ shoes out of the way so you don’t trip over them. “Sorry about the mess.” 

“It’s okay,” you shrug. Anakin’s house isn’t even all that messy. It just looks like a home. There are so many pictures on the walls, it would be impossible to look at all of them in one go. One in particular, though, catches your eye. It’s the largest out of all of them and the only one in black and white. A significantly younger Anakin is at the bedside of who you presume to be his wife with two bundles of babies in their arms. They are both looking down and smiling. His wife was stunning. They definitely made an attractive couple. 

It’s not lost on you that there are no other pictures of Anakin’s kids with their mom. He’s only spoken about his wife’s death in one interview, about a year after her passing. If you remember correctly, she died shortly after the twins were born. 

You can’t imagine the kind of pain and heartache Anakin must have felt losing his wife. You don’t know what it feels like to experience that kind of grief. You want to tell Anakin you’re sorry for his loss, but what good will that do? Is there any consolation in that at all? 

You’re still looking at the photo when Anakin returns from Luke’s room with a new pair of tan pants. You can feel his presence right beside you and the silence is louder than words. 

He shouldn’t have brought you back here. It’s only your first day and you’ve already seen too much of his life. 

“Let’s go,” Anakin orders. You nod without a word and follow him out to the car. 

The tension in the air is palpable on your way to St. Lucas Prep. You feel like you’ve done something wrong by simply stepping foot in Anakin’s house. His whole demeanor shifted when he came back to the front room with Luke’s pants. Does he regret bringing you to the house? If so, why? Dorothy clearly laid out your responsibilities to you. Tending to personal matters at Anakin’s house is part of the job. You are not just a professional assistant, but a personal assistant, too.

You can’t stand not knowing why someone is upset with you. “Did I do something wrong?” 

Anakin’s grip on the steering wheel tightens. “No.” 

Wow, how reassuring. “Okay, then why do I feel like I did something to upset you?” 

You’re really pressing your limit with him right now. You’ve only just met 2 hours ago. See, this is why meeting him should’ve been part of the hiring process. You’d be a lot more acquainted with each other than you are right now. 

If only you knew how acquainted Anakin is with you… 

“You didn’t,” is all he says. But with a twitch of his jaw, you still feel like he’s not telling you the truth. 

“Look, Mr. Skywalker,” you begin. “I understand Dorothy meant a great deal to you, and her leaving is going to be an adjustment. But I promise you I am capable of this job. I’m never late, I’m up late all the time so if there was anything you needed, I’d be able to fulfill it. I love kids, I’m a hard worker and I would really appreciate it if you gave me a chance before making any decisions about me.” 

“You’re right,” Anakin says. “I’ll give you a chance.”  But he’s already made up his mind. He doesn’t have to ‘give you a chance’ to know that he wants you. He is crawling out of his skin with how badly he wants you. And he knows it’s wrong, probably immoral, but he really doesn’t care. Because now that you’ve been inside of his home, the boundary that should exist between him as your boss and you as his employee feels impossibly blurry.

◂ series masterlist ▸ chapter three

[burntblueberrywaffles]

the desperate anidala bitches shall rejoice, because i come offering a second rec list 😌 /lh

My Anidala/Vaderdala rec list! (part 2)

You can find the first rec list here!

sorry I took so long this got buried way down in my drafts but it's finally out 🫡

some of these are not complete so do check chapter count and pls dont yell at me asdfhgkjfh

Modern AUs

The Bet

Anakin's had a crush on Padmé since fourth grade, and after putting up with his pining for seven years, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka are finally stepping in and making a bet that he can't ask her to junior prom in the spring. Meanwhile, Padmé is realizing that Anakin isn't as annoying as she'd always thought. In fact, her feelings towards him are starting to go in quite the opposite direction...

Snow Place Like Home

For genre-typical convoluted reasons involving ill-timed blizzards, Padmé is forced to spend the holidays at Anakin's house. Anakin isn't as upset about his boss staying with him for Christmas as he probably should be.

Second Chances

When Luke Amidala and Leia Skywalker meet at summer camp, they're shocked to discover that they're long-lost twins. The logical next step? Getting their estranged parents back together.

I usually avoid Parent traps AU just because I dislike it as a setup, but when it comes to Anidala a bitch is desperate, and this was a cute and fun one, I really enjoyed it!

Lemon

“What other secret fantasies do I have that are glaring neon signs for you?” Anakin asks. “You’re conflicted,” Padmé says, “because on one hand you want to be a very good boy for me, but on the other you want to misbehave so I have a reason to punish you.” He blows out a plume of smoke and taps the ash off his cigarette. “You know, I really thought you were a nerd. I thought I'd have to be like, ‘Hey, how about you tie me up sometime.' Get you into this stuff little by little. But no, you’re diving right in like we met on a BDSM subreddit or something.” Or: Padmé has car problems. Thankfully she knows a good mechanic.

normally, I probably never would have checked out this fic, (mommy kink is just not my thing) but as previously stated, A BITCH WAS DESPERATE and you know what it actually slapped 😌

Rebound

Padmé Naberrie has just been broken up with. She wasn't prepared for a night out with her girls to find her a rebound. She certainly wasn't prepared for Anakin Skywalker.

Sith-Raised Anakin

the inevitable end of dancing with the devil

"Maybe it was too crass to compare the devil to such a creature—Lord Vader wasn’t the devil, he was worse." Senator Amidala was undoubtedly one of the most respected and adored public servants to walk the galaxy. Lord Vader was not. Vaderdala AU. Arranged Marriage AU

A Worthy Sacrifice

Chancellor Palpatine has dropped the act and decided to rule the galaxy openly as Darth Sidious. His reign wouldn’t be half as successful without his unhinged attack dog Darth Vader, a much rumoured warbringer who appears in black robes with a saber red as blood and brings even the strongest revolutionaries to their knees. Padmé is not only fighting for her home country but the freedom of the known regions and she is desperate to turn the tides of this war which is why she agrees to the deal Sidious offers her: A child with this favourite Sith Lord in exchange for her home: Naboo.

This is one of my favourite fics with this trope!

Pearl in My Head

Padmé's just starting her career as a Senator when she attracts some unwanted attention from the Emperor, who has decided on a very different role for her in the Empire. [empire already exists, arranged marriage/forced proximity au! loosely follows some aotc/rots events]

What Was I Made For?

Darth Vader was not a man made for love, but this was not love. Or, Basically, Padme and Vader are friends with benefits, but she's so nice to him that it makes him question his entire existence.

FOR YOUR LOVE (i’ll do whatever you want)

𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐢'𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐢 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐡, 𝐢’𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐢 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐢’𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 He gave her that devilish smirk of his. The one that had gotten her into this mess in the first place. “I’ll give you what you want.” OR, A rare moment of intimacy happens for Padmé and Anakin – whose relationship is strictly carnal.

I have yet to read the second chapter (will get on that when I get out of the snowbaird hole lol) but I really enjoyed the first one!

Vaderdala

love me, love me (like you used to do) 

In which Vader fails to capture his son, but gains a daughter, his wife, another pair of twins... and the past.

this fic was SO GOOD holy shit literally made me feral when i fiorst read it

Love Like Ghosts

There are very few people who know the location of the Rebel Alliance’s base on Naboo. Even fewer who know the names of any of the people who work there. So when Padmé gets up on a cold morning, the windows frosted and harsh wind rattling the doors of the large house that’s been the headquarters of the Alliance for nearly two decades, to see a package with her name on it sitting on the doorstep, her heart stops in her chest.

loved this fic but as a heads up it doesn't provide "they get back together" closure so be ready for that

news of old by @ineedausernamel829

Padme is a member of the rebel alliance. During a mission, her past relationships with darth Vader comes to light

No vaderdala interactions, but exploration of the relationship through Padme talking about it - It’s so so good

Sad Vaderdala hours

Imperial Socialite

In a timeline where Darth Vader doesn't face immolation and Padmé Amidala lives, their marriage continues in a form that is at once far more honest and deeply dysfunctional. Though Padmé tries to remain within the Imperial Senate, the trauma of her husband's betrayal--and the apparent deaths of her children--force her into early retirement. Too much of a liability to aid the emerging Rebel cause directly, Padmé seeks out new avenues of defying the Empire: by leveraging her connection to Vader to mess with the Imperial Elites of Coruscant.

it could be sweet

an interconnected collection of stories based on the idea of what would have happened if Padmé had lived. (aka me finally writing down my self-indulgent vaderdala daydreams aka me living my best life)

This series is so good in a "rip my heart out of my chest and steps on it" way

all joy sucked dry

Her husband had fallen, her life’s work had crumbled, and her own babies were strangers to her. But she didn’t even care, and that was the worst part. Or: Padme deals with postpartum depression, and Vader is ill-equipped to help her

Others

Across the Seas

Padmé Amidala - the daughter of the royal governor of Jamaica - never expected her life to be much more than it already was. Her routine is to dress in her finest clothes, put on a pretty face, and ensure she is presentable to not only the people but to the many men attempting to court her. However, Padmé's world is flipped around when pirates attack, and the young woman finds herself in the company of their fearsome, brash, (dashing) Captain. Initially sickened by the roughish man, Padmé will quickly learn there is so much more to the mysterious Captain Skywalker. A pirate's life for me

The pirate AU I didn’t know I needed. So good

Right & Wrong

After they watch a holoshow that portrays reprehensible content, Anakin unwittingly reveals the concerning way Chancellor Palpatine acts towards him. Padmé will not let anyone harm her husband — and she’ll make this Obi-Wan, the Jedi Council, and even the whole galaxy’s problem if she needs to.

when the grooming is actually adressed >>

cestrum nocturnum

Summer on Naboo, the Clone Wars have yet to begin, and Anakin is tasked with protecting Senator Amidala after an attempt is made on her life. It's too bad that every moment with her has him in agony, and every moment apart is even worse—especially after that night in the courtyard ... Or: Anakin spends a torturous time on Naboo in the company of the person he loves because he doesn't know how to tell her his true feelings.

Naboo smut 🤭

And that's it! if anyone has recommendations for a fic that isn't in either of my rec lists, please let me know! I am so so desperate I need my anidala fix

Since I was deep into the Star Wars hole and desperate, I’ve also been reading non-Anidala/non-Anidala centric fics about Darth Vader/Anakin/the Skywalker family, so I will be posting a rec list for that soon! (When i say soon it can mean anything from a day to months, my brain is not always great at tasks, if anyone wants to be notified when I do post it lmk and I’ll tag you ❤️)

[samasmith23]

Why Revenge of the Sith remains my personal favorite Star Wars movie

I think one of the main reasons I have such a fondness for Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith in particular amongst the entire saga (controversial opinion I know, but ROTS is my personal favorite Star Wars film period...) is because of the experience I had with this movie as a kid growing up!

This film came out in 2005 when I still would have been in the 3rd Grade, and I had already grown up loving the Star Wars franchise, watching the unaltered VHS copies of the Original Trilogy, as well as Episodes I & II on DVD constantly as a child. So when I started seeing tons of trailers and promotions for Episode III popping up, you'd better believe that I was incredibly huped about this film! I still remember seeing the initial teaser trailer for Revenge of the Sith when I first saw Pixar's The Incredibles back in 2004, and you'd better believe that little kid me was excited as all heck!

I personally remember the build-up and anticipation for Episode III being wild back in the day, since not only was this being promoted as the "final entry in the Star Wars saga" since George Lucas stated his intentions to not make an Episode VII at the time (hindsight can be funny sometimes... lol!), but this would be the film that finally answered the question of how exactly Anakin Skywalker turned to the Dark Side and became Darth Vader! Episode III was also promoted as the darkest film in the entire franchise since it was the first to ever receive a PG-13 rating (all the previous movies were rated PG here in the US…). Heck, I remember the PG-13 rating causing a lot of caution and concern among both parents and teachers, since not only did one of my teachers state that my 3rd Grade class was "too young to watch Star Wars Episode III," but when my Dad and I finally saw in cinemas, he calmed my Mom down by telling her he would cover my eyes if any scene got overly violent. Fortunately, my Dad did not end up not having to shield my eyes... although funnily enough he almost did so during the scene when Anakin ignited his lightsaber in front of the younglings before it immediately cut away (so their deaths occurred offscreen...). It wasn't until I was much older that I later learned that the primary reason Episode III was given the PG-13 rating was that in addition to Lucas’ personal recommendation due to the film’s darker tone, the rating was specifically aimed at the immolation scene on Mustafar when Anakin is burned alive by the lava after losing his duel with Obi-Wan.

When I finally saw Revenge of the Sith in theaters in May of 2005, to say that I was completely blown away by the film would be a massive understatement! Not only was I completely immersed in the sheer epic scale of the space and lightsaber duels, but the aesthetics of the planets like Utapau & Mustafar, as well as creatures & droids like General Grievous, captured my imagination to entirely new levels that surpassed even the previous Star Wars films. Heck, General Grievous in particular was a character that I became completely obsessed with as a kid in a similar manner to how countless other Star Wars fans are completely enamored by Boba Fett (both for his badass character design, as well as his status as a Jedi-killing cyborg who wields 4 lightsabers simultaneously while also foreshadowing Anakin's similar future transformation into a being "more machine than man")!

However, the elements of Revenge of the Sith that especially captivated my young mind in the theater were the portrayal of Anakin Skywalker's turn to the Dark Side, as well as Chancellor Palpatine's rise to power as the Emperor. Before the movie's release, I would constantly speculate about what exactly would cause Anakin to become Darth Vader (little kid me came up with wild theories such as him being mind-controlled into being evil via Sith lightning or some such bullcrap... lol!) and the revelation that Anakin turned to the Dark Side primarily out of fear of his wife Padmé dying at childbirth was certainly not what I was expecting back then. At the same time though, this plot point made perfect sense to me and I couldn't help but be engrossed in the whole Greek/Shakespearean tragedy portrayal of Anakin's descent into darkness being motivated primarily out of love. Additionally, as I continued to rewatch Revenge of the Sith on DVD and Blu-Ray as I grew older, I began noticing more of Anakin's growing frustration and distrust with the Jedi council, and how it heavily correlated with the political themes about the corruption of democracy and the rise of fascism (which makes both the Order 66 montage and Padmé’s line, “So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause,” hit even harder)! Furthermore, Palpatine himself made for such a phenomenal main antagonist & master manipulator, with scenes such as him telling Anakin the legend of Darth Plagueis story at the Coruscant opera house as well as his reveal as Darth Sidious being particularly chilling standouts for me!

While some of those more complex themes went over my head as a 3rd grader, Revenge of the Sith was probably one of my earliest exposures to darker forms of storytelling dealing with flawed characters & complex themes. Elements that I now actively search for in my consumption of media, ranging to films, comics, TV, and video games. Additionally, as a child these aforementioned elements made me rewatch Episodes I & II with an even greater appreciation and attention to Anakin’s gradual downfall and Palpatine’s manipulations which all culminated in Episode III. As a kid, I used to primarily focus on the action scenes in Star Wars films above all else, but as an adult elements such as the corruption of bureaucracy with the Jedi Order, the downfall of democracy & the rise of fascism with the Old Republic's devolving into the Galactic Empire, and the Shakespearean tragedy of Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader are the elements of the Prequels that continue with stick with me!

It's for this reason that despite whatever flaws Revenge of the Sith might have along with the rest of the Prequel Trilogy, it honestly still remains my personal favorite Star Wars film in the entire saga, followed closely by both Return of the Jedi and The Last Jedi (which means that my Top 3 Star Wars films include one from each trilogy! Lol!)! And for the longest time I thought that Episode III would have been the ONLY Star Wars movie I'd ever get the chance to see in theaters... thank goodness I was wrong with the release of the Sequel Trilogy a decade later! Still though... I will forever cherish that initial hype of Revenge of the Sith as my first-ever theatrical Star Wars experience!

[tup0ika]

Clone Wars characters as quotes I have heard

Pt. 7???

“That kid just dropped his garbage on the ground, someone should kidnap that kid” - Mace Windu

“Echo can you get me a milk of water” - Fives

“Smells like sweaty flowers” - Bly

“Cinnamon Almond?” - Anakin

“What other stuff do wolves eat? Cinnamon almond?” “Other cats” - Rex and Fives

“For example shut up” - Cody

“My shoulders are to sexy” - Ahsoka

“I love how I said it starts with F you and said incomplete” - Obi-Wan

“So if I have 2 abiotic squirrels in my fridge” - Hardcase

“Ooh that’s nice here and ooh it’s not nice here” - Gree

“If both of my parents are blonde how does my brother have green eyes” - Fox

“Is poop yogurt?” - Jesse

“Yo how big are your feet?” - Thire

“People over there shut up” - Rex

“I don’t get payed enough for this” - Ponds

“Omg the scars are so prettty” - Kix

*talking about a mission plan* “why are you here?” - Luminara

“A capacorn?” - Tup

“You guys need to take your meds” - Depa

“I have ADHD and I didn’t take my medication” - Hardcase

“Can I get my apples?🙁” - Echo

“Because your baby doesn’t work” - Gree

“Grades,Graduation,Future” - Alpha 17

[xspeter]

𝟎𝟎𝟎: 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐄

𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

peter parker is, and always will be, your best friend.

you’d met in the second grade when your family moved next door to him and his aunt, and your mom invited them over to dinner. peter had been dressed in a nice button up and a pair of jeans, and you had worn a nice flower dress.

you and peter seemed to automatically hit it off, both having the same nerdy interests and traits.

“what’s your favorite star wars movie?” a seven year old peter asks.

you rub your chin and pretend to be thinking, “hm… probably revenge of the sith.” you hum, shoving a spoonful of spaghetti into your mouth.

peters eyebrows furrow, “everyone knows return of the jedi is the best.” he argues and you shrug, “maybe, but that one doesn’t have anakin skywalker.”

peter giggles at that, and his laugh forces you too laugh too, until you’re both eventually wheezing and your parents are looking at you both like you have two heads.

“what’s so funny?” peters aunt asks, and you and peter both laugh a little harder.

that was ten years ago, and your opinion still hasn’t changed.

you slam your locker closed with a sigh, excited to finally be going to MoMA after months of waiting.

“you look happy.” peter hums, and you smile.

“i am.” you reply.

ned shakes his head, “i really don’t understand why you’re so obsessed with this place- like i get it’s famous and all but it’s just a museum.”

you scoff, “it’s not just a museum. it has some really famous art peices in there that i have been dying to see for the longest time!”

ned shrugs, “i still don’t get it.”

“no, you’re just a hater.”

ned rolls his eyes and you shake your head, you turn to peter, “what do you think?” you question.

peter shrugs, “i think it’s pretty cool- i mean, i like how it’s all up for interpretation.” he answers and you smile at that.

you couldn’t say that you had never imagined you’d be in the middle of an alien attack, but this was kind of the norm for New York at this point.

alien attacks weren’t exactly a common thing, but they weren’t uncommon either. they were just something that happened.

you swallowed as you all piled into the safe room. peter was gone- ned had said he had gotten taken to a different saferoom but you could’ve sworn he didn’t get off the bus with the rest of you.

ned said you were in shock and probably just hadn’t seen him, but you knew better. peter had been doing this lately, disappearing with no explanation, and every time you brought it up he blew it off.

it was starting to bother you.

you didn’t have time to argue with ned though, because as soon as you opened your mouth your hands began to feel tingly.

you scrunched your nose and looked down, your breath catching in your throat as you saw your body turning into literal dust.

“ned?” you gulped, looking up for your friend, but all you were met with was a cloud of ash.

you looked around the room, watching as your classmates began to float away, eyes filling with tears as your body was fully engulfed and you took what you were sure would be your last breath-

and then it wasn’t.

i said i didn’t want to have to write the fake dating au myself but here we are!

𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ❤︎︎

[youeverjustmarryabountyhunter]

Figured I might as well start actually posting about this Au I made- 

The au in question is a Star Wars modern au that I plan to one day turn into an actual fic, but as of now it's just one poorly put together chapter and a lot of brainstorming!

It's sort of a slice of life/everyone lives/happy ending story. It's centered around Boba Fett and started as a joke about his name and how in a modern setting when people first meet him they say 'Like the tea?' And he gets irrationally annoyed by it. Hence the name "No, Not The Tea" (but shortened to "Not The Tea" because removing 1 word suddenly makes it less of a mouthful)

But let's meet the characters, yeah?

The star of our show, Boba Fett, is 15 years old and the story starts with his first year of highschool.  He's grumpy (your typically moody teen) and the youngest of his brothers unless you count Din (14) and he does because he's tired of being the baby. (It does have its perks, though) Din isn't actually his brother, but he and the rest of their little rag tag group might aswell be family. (Peli 17, Fennec 16, and Cobb 15) 

Next up we have everyone's favorite dad, Jango Fett! (He's a very good father in this) Father of 3 boys(or so he thought) Kote "Cody" (23), Rex(19), and Boba, he has his hands full despite two of them being grown. He works as a bounty hunter (cause that's an actual profession) and his hobbies include annoying his family, and crushing on his kids history teacher. At the age of 18, he signed up to be a sperm donor unaware of just how much they would be using his DNA. Turns out? A lot. And the majority don't seem to have a good home life. He's sufficiently pissed, when he finds out. 

Coming in as the eldest child of the Fett household we have Cody! (That was until 17 and Fox showed up at least) Any legal document you find will say "Kote" but people are stupid and difficult and can't pronounce it (it's exceedingly simple, really) so Cody was born. Cody is a caffeine addict (though what Fett isn't?) and will jump at any opportunity to bother his younger brothers. (He once got Obi-Wan to buy Boba a boba-tea..Obi-Wan thought it was sweet! Boba almost committed a murder. They do not speak of that incident) 

The middle child that somehow became a father to twins before anybody else could even think of utter the words "grandchildren" would be Rex. It's not like it's his fault! He figured having his 8th period of his senior year would be fun. He didn't anticipate that helping his gym teacher out would involve talking a sophomore down from a panic attack. (Echo, 16 at the time. 17 when our story starts) It's absolutely not Rex's fault that he and his twin followed him around like little ducklings after that. (Fives called him dad as a joke, so Rex took it upon himself to tell Jango that he had grandkids and almost gave the man a heart attack.) It doesn't help the Echo and Fives look suspiciously like Boba- hey wait a minute! Yeah, you guessed it. Long lost kids^^ 

Alright speed round let's go,

Arla's kids are the Bad Batch boys(she adopted them, they have no relation to Jango. Hunter 21, Wrecker 20, Crosshair and Tech 19) Omega is 11 and her biological daughter. Her big brothers love her to death. 

Ahsoka is 19 and Rex's bff. 

Luke and Leia are also 11, and they're their parents (and Uncle Obi's, and auntie soka's) pride and joy. Anakin and Padme have basically adopted Han (15. Was in Boba's grade but got held back) as their own at this point. 

Wolffe is Cody's age, and the oldest of his brothers (Sinker, Boost, and Comet). They were put into the system (Yes, they came from Jango's DNA) and Plo Koon adopted them. When Jango and Plo first met they exchanged numbers and gushed about their children. (There is much more to that story but that's for a later post)

Ima-gun Di is an ex war general and currently married to Keeli. These two have absolutely NO role in the story whatsoever, I just love them. Jango has only met them once and it was because Ima-gun mistook Jango for Keeli at a grocery store once. 

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a tired, loving man who teaches history at a highschool and has a not so secret crush on one of his student's fathers. (He's actually taught all the Fett boy's, lord help him.)

Jaster Mereel just wants to know how his ad keeps ending up with kids. He was already confused where the first three came from but now there are 7??(Alpha-17. Oldest. Jango is more of a brother to him if anything. Fox, did not intend to be apart of this family in the slightest and that was fine up until he met Boba and they bonded. Now he's an Ori’vod?? Yeah that checks. Then of course Cody, Rex, Echo&Fives, and Boba.) Best grandfather ever.

Mando'a is a language, because I actually love it sm- 

There is so much more lore to this au than I realized, and this isn't even all of it. I fully plan on posting more, and I have a lot of art that I've done for it if I would ever get around to finishing it/posting it. Feel free to ask questions, and I hope to post more! 

(Fun fact, I accidentally deleted all of this the first time I type it. So this is the second time I've typed it- I'm not bitter.)

[localowlhousefanatic]

Continuing my war :]

Obi wan kenobi

Rey

Amity 

Harley Quinn

Jason Todd 

Tim Drake

I’d spread my propaganda ab OLS but I don’t wanna harass you while you’re sick so instead I will just make you do 6 character dissertations

Yours,

Dick and Balls

and now, my dear, we have entered the thuderdome. lets duel. Obi-Wan:

1: he is so snarky sometimes i love him (i assume we are talking about clone wars era kenobi here)

2: no romantic ships (for the reasoning behind that- 'reasoning'- please defer all questions to my anonymous star wars friend)

3: anakin&obi-wan, of course.

4: unpopular opinion? ugh. hes not as good a negotiator as people make him out to be i guess?

5: i wish episode three ahdnt happened. Rey:

ooh boy. speak your litany against toxity, everyone.

1- i dont have any strong opinions on rey, i dont think. im sorry, were you expecting a barrage of hellfire?

2- that being said, theres a lot of things i dont have about rey. like romantic ships.

3- or platonic ones, for that matter.

4- so actually, thats also my very unpopular opinion- i do not actually mind her as much.

5- although by the gods do i wish she'd have thought of a cleverer solution to the death star problem than that stupid fucking knife.

Amity blight!

1- i love her so much. Parental angst my beloved.

2- need i actually say it aloud? lumity ftw. next

3- willow is of course the easy answer. i just want her to be best buds with masha.

4- hmmmm. She shouldve killed hunter, i guess? no witnesses?

5- she should have punched odalia through a european-grade wall.

Harley!

1 she is so cool.

2. ivy.

3. bruce. They jsut seem like very funny friends.

4. shes not very funny in her animated show? idk.

5. she deserves to shoot joker. as a treat

Jason Todd!

my acquintance has infected me with jason-love. guy's great. love him as a big brother to my boy tim as well (blame @motleyfam. then go read their tim drake works, theyre bloody genius)

hm. none, sorry. as you may be noticing, i am suprisingly tough to get in on romatic ships (some people are laughing their asses of rn, but its true!)

Tim drake any day. see above for reference to the reason why

hes far more edgy in some comics tahn is in any way productive.

which, canon. lol? i just need him to make friends with his family,

INTRODUCING TO THE STAGE: TIIM DRAAAKEEE.

MY BOY. YES. i love him so. parental angst is so tasty yum yum.

bernard, i suppose? maybe kon?

i could answer jason, but im going with my girl stephanie brown.

see the thing is i dont know enough about the wider batman fandom to know waht popular opinions would be. Whats the rules for when such a situation happens? i think hes less obsessive than how hes commonly portrayed?

WHICH. Canon? anyways i need him to not have had the dealio with jay.

now, this took me half an our. but now it is my turn to move

[talesfrommedinastation]

As a mom, educator, academic, and Scout leader, I can't get enough Echo Stank Face and its unyielding power. Truly unused and that's unfortunate.

That's a face that tells a floundering English class to sit down and finish their essays. That's a face that cancels 8th grade class trips to Six Flags. That face adds +20 damage at parent teacher conferences. That face ends fist fights at Chuck-e-Cheese.

Echo should've given that face to Anakin on Mustafar instead of Obi-Wan showing up and hacking off his legs but what do I know.

Honestly it worked so well on Emerie that I think we need to just let Echo go at more of the bad guys with the Disappointed Face. Like it won't work on everyone but they probably would have won over at least one CX with that face of complete "I expected better of you."

Maybe if Echo had talked to him instead of Hunter, Crosshair would have gotten on the damn ship at the end of season one.

[aspenstarflare]

Tales of the Jedi Ahsoka looks so freaking cool and I can’t help drawing Ahsoka because SHE ALWAYS LOOKS SO FREAKING COOL

[just-dreaming-marvel]

A Painful Secret

MAIN MASTERLIST

Obi-Wan Kenobi x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 3,815ish

Summary: You have a secret chronic illness, unwilling to share the information out of fear. Obi-Wan knows you are hiding something.

Notes: This is based on my real life, so please be kind with the comments. (Obviously with some exaggeration.) I am a 4th grade teacher with Rheumatoid Arthritis and this week has been hell (because of students, parents, and my body).

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath as you tried to use the Force to push away your pain. You hated that meditation was doing nothing to ease any of your discomforts. With a sigh, you opened your eyes and glanced at the clock. You needed to get going to be down in the training rooms before your class of younglings got there. It took you a moment to gain your bearings before standing up. A whimper slipped through your lips as the moment hurt your aching joints even more. You knew that you should probably cancel your class or get another Jedi Master to sub, but that would be the third time in a week, and the Jedi Council—mainly one certain member—would be questioning you more than was already happening.

Only a few medical droids and two of the Jedi Healers knew of your illness. It was an illness of the joints and even with all the medicine in the Galaxy, there was no real treatment or cure for it. And, of course, it would only it worse with age. You had good days and bad days, right now though there seemed to be more bad days than good. You were known throughout the Jedi Order as a fighter, in actions and words, so giving in to this illness was not an option. Especially since you had the future of the Jedi Order relying on you.

As you walked through the Temple to reach the training room that was your classroom, you weren’t moving as fast as you like. You had your shields up around your Force signature to keep other Jedi from finding out your pain as you passed them. 

“Hello there, Master Y/N,” Obi-Wan Kenobi greeted as he came to walk beside you.

You pressed out a smile. “Hello, Master Obi-Wan,” you responded. “How are you doing today? Anakin cause you any trouble today?”

“Not yet,” he chuckled lightly. “I am good. I have been worried about how you have been, though.”

“Oh?”

“You have canceled classes twice this week. And your guards are up more often than not. It is unlike you.”

“I am fine, Obi-Wan.” The look in his eye made it clear he wasn’t believing you. “I promise.”

“Y/N,” he sighed, gently touching your arm as a signal to stop with him. You did. “We’ve known each other since we were younglings. I know when you are keeping something from me. You have been for a while and I have let you, allowing you to deal with whatever it is on your own time. But now you are missing your teaching assignment and your guards are up and you are holding yourself as if you are in constant pain. Y/N, I am begging you, tell me what is wrong. I just want to help.”

For a brief moment, you thought you might tell Obi-Wan. He could help you, and support you on your bad days. Then your mind got the better of you. Your thoughts quickly spiraling. What if he sees you as weak? What if he tells the Council and you are banned from helping with the war effort? Banned from teaching your younglings? Or worse, thrown from the Order because of it?

“I’m fine, Obi-Wan,” you lied, trying to convince him with a smile. “I do need to go. I am going to be late.”

You rushed off, ignoring your joints screaming in pain as you headed for your training room. You sighed in relief once you were there and it was clear that Obi-Wan hadn’t followed you. Though your body needed a moment's rest, you needed to set up the room for your lesson. 

~~~

Obi-Wan watched with concern as you rushed away from him. He could tell that you were in pain, just by the way your body was moving. For months, Obi-Wan had been able to sense that you had been keeping something from him. It pained him to know that you felt the need to do so, as the two of you had always confided in each other since your days as younglings. The two of you had always sought each other out when you needed, but for some reason this was different. If you were in pain—if you were sick—he believed he had the right to know. You going through anything alone wasn’t an option for him.

Obi-Wan knew that you were a fighter, it was one of the reasons he fell in love with you. His love was the secret he was keeping from you—wisely, he believed. You were a strong and wise Jedi, someone many looked up to. Every youngling you taught ended up loving you, though you were strict and yet fun. You knew the importance of hard work though had a balance of play as well. Another reason Obi-Wan loved you. 

You were a Jedi that was looked upon with great pride and even envy. Obi-Wan believed that you would never break the Code for him. That is why he was content to just be your friend—close friend, albeit—but a friend nonetheless. So this secret you were keeping from him was not sitting well with him. Not at all. 

Once he was sure you were in the training room, readying it to teach your younglings a lesson, Obi-Wan went in search of his former Padawan. You and Anakin had bonded as Obi-Wan trained the boy. You were more of a mother figure to Anakin and the two of you could be found together often when you were both free. Obi-Wan found Anakin talking to Ahsoka in the hangar as the two of them looked over one of Anakin’s ships.

“Master Kenobi!” Ahsoka greeted.

“Hello, Ahsoka,” Obi-Wan responded with a nod. He turned to her Master. “Anakin.”

“Obi-Wan,” Anakin said with a smile as he wiped some oil off of his hands. “What brings you down here?”

“It’s about Y/N.”

Anakin immediately straightened with worry. “What is it? Is she okay? What’s wrong?”

“I am afraid I don’t know. I was hoping you did. Have you noticed anything different about her lately?”

Anakin took a few seconds to think over Obi-Wan’s question before responding. “Well, Y/N hasn’t been willing to spare with me like she used to. She always comes up with excuses.”

“She does the same with me,” Ahsoka added. You had taken her under your wing as soon as she became Anakin’s Padawan. You knew she needed a strong female influence in her life. “Now that I think of it, I haven’t spared with her in months.”

“Same. I have also noticed that sometimes when I touch her, she winces or tenses.” Obi-Wan nodded, having noticed the same things himself. “Do you think she’s sick?”

“I do not know,” Obi-Wan replied honestly.

“Have you tried looking up her medical records?” Ahsoka suggested. “You are a member of the Jedi Council, you do have access to them.”

“I could not break her trust like that.”

“Yet, you could ask us if we knew anything?” Anakin asked, in a slightly teasing tone.

“This is different, Anakin.” Obi-Wan sighed, running a hand down his face. His hand stopped, stroking his beard. “I am worried.”

“I’m sure Snips doesn’t mind trying to pry information out of her with me.”

“No, no,” Obi-Wan shook his head, “there’s no need for that. I will figure this out on my own.”

~~~

Teaching had worn you out. There were a few younglings that were still struggling with the ways of the Jedi Order and decided to wreak havoc today. The actions of the younglings forced you to stop your lessons and call in another Master to help you deal with the problem. Once the problem had been dealt it, you were not feeling up to teaching anymore and it was getting late anyway. You let your younglings go, telling them to meet at the same time and place the next day, before slowly making the trek up to your room.

Every joint in your body was screaming at you and begging for you to just lay down in the middle of the Temple corridors. When you reached the hallway where your room resided, you were practically using the wall to stand.

“Y/N?” Obi-Wan called, coming up from behind.

“Kriff,” you muttered under your breath.

Before you knew it, the man was at your side. “Are you alright? You don’t look so well.”

“I’m fine, Obi-Wan. Just tired. It was a long day of teaching.”

“Are you sure? You seem to be barely able to—“

“I just need rest. I’ll be fine in the morning.” You went to continue to your room but Obi-Wan moved to stand firmly in front of you.

“I do not believe you. Something is wrong. Why aren’t you willing to tell me what it is?”

“I’m not—“

“Stop lying to me. We’ve known each other for the majority of our lives. I know when you are keeping a secret from me.”

You bit your bottom lip briefly as you tried to reign in your quickly overwhelming emotions. “I’m handling it.”

“You don’t have to handle it on your own though. I’m here… or there’s Anakin and Ahsoka. Just, please, talk to someone—if not me—about what you are going through. I am worried, and I know that I am not the only one. Please, Y/N—“ He went to take your hand but you flinched away like he had hurt you. His eyes grew sadder if that was even possible. “Did someone hurt you?”

“No,” you shook your head, immediately regretting the movement.

“Because if someone hurt you, I will not stand for it. Tell me who—“

“No one hurt me, Obi-Wan. It’s not that.”

“Then are you…” He paused, swallowing. “My dear, are you sick?” 

You looked away, unable to meet his gaze. “Please, Obi-Wan, drop it.”

“Not when you are clearly struggling. Let me help you.”

“You can’t.” You finally looked at him with watery eyes. “No one can.”

Then, while Obi-Wan processed what you had said, you hurried to your room. The door slid shut behind you before you quickly locked it and leaned back against it. You began to cry as you slid down to the floor. Obi-Wan had pulled himself from his thoughts too late but had moved to stand at your closed door. He could hear your muffled cries behind the door and longed to hold you and help you. But Obi-Wan knew that he truly could not help you if you would not let him in—to both your room and the secret.

~~~

You woke up in the morning, having fallen asleep on the floor near your door. The position did not help your pain, only worsening it. You whimpered as you shakily tried standing. You were forced to use the door as a steady place to lean on as you slowly stood up straight. Breathing heavily, you leaned against the door with your eyes closed. You tried to use the Force to help control your pain as the Healers had taught you, but your brain was too scattered to focus properly.

It took you too long to get yourself to the refresher, then even longer to actually freshen up for the day. You tried to control your pain and trembling as you made your way down to the training room, where your younglings were already waiting. As you started your lesson, you could tell that the younglings were concerned about you. Your speech was slow, your body was shaking, and your face kept contorting in pain with even the slightest movement.

After about an hour and a half of teaching, your heart felt like it could beat out of your chest. Your hand came up to brace yourself against the column as black spots started in your vision.

“Master Y/N!” A youngling exclaimed. “Are you alright?”

“Jaki,” you breathlessly panted, “go get Master Kenobi… now please.” 

The youngling, Jaki, rushed out of the training room just as you had fainted.

~~~

Obi-Wan was dressed in his armor as he listened to the latest briefing about the war. He and Anakin were the only ones physically in the war room while a few of the Jedi Council joined via hologram. Obi-Wan had his hand on his beard as he tried to listen to what his fellow Council members were saying, but his thoughts kept coming back to you. He was broken out of his trace when the war room door slid open and a youngling rushed in.

“Master Kenobi! Master Kenobi!” The youngling shouted. Anakin and Obi-Wan spun around to face the youngling at the frantic tone of their voice.

“Jaki?” Obi-Wan questioned, recognizing the youngling as one of yours. “What is the matter?”

“It’s Master Y/N! There’s something wrong!”

The youngling didn’t get to say anything else before Obi-Wan was running out of the room and down the halls toward where he knew you to be. When he arrived in the training room, your other younglings were surrounding you, trying to wake you. Obi-Wan was quickly at your side.

“What happened?” He asked the younglings, eyes never leaving you for a second.

“We don’t know,” a youngling responded. “Master Y/N seemed to be in pain all day and then all of a sudden she told Jaki to get you and she collapsed. We haven’t been able to wake her.”

“Master Kenobi,” another youngling called. “Will she be alright?”

Oh, how Obi-Wan wished he could answer the youngling’s question. But he didn't know the answer himself. While he knelt beside you, not knowing what to do, Anakin arrived with Jaki.

“What’s happening?” Anakin asked as he came over. “What’s wrong?”

“I—I don’t know,” Obi-Wan stammered.

Anakin could tell how worried and frazzled his Master was becoming. “Obi-Wan, we need to get her to the Healers.”

“Right,” Obi-Wan gave a single nod before his arms went under you. He lifted you into his chest as he stood.

“I’ll take care of the younglings and join you when I can.” 

At any other moment, Obi-Wan would have teased Anakin for saying that he’d stay with the younglings, but you were currently laying unconscious in his arms for some unknown reason. Obi-Wan barely muttered a thank you before racing out of the room and toward medical. Once he had arrived, everything quickly became a blur. 

Despite his protests, you were ripped from Obi-Wan’s arms and taken away by the Healers. He had tried to follow after you but was stopped by a few Healers and medical droids. Though he could easily get through them, he heard the doors lock that would allow him into the room you were in and he knew it was pointless. He needed to let the Healers and droids do their jobs without getting in the way, no matter how much it pained him.

Obi-Wan found a seat near the doors, though he never sat down for too long. He found himself pacing, which is exactly what he was doing when Anakin and Ahsoka joined him after dealing with the younglings.

“Any news?” Ahsoka asked though she knew the answer already by how Obi-Wan was acting.

Obi-Wan shook his head. “Nothing,” he answered quietly. “They haven’t been out of the room at all.”

“She’ll be fine,” Anakin said, more for his own comfort than anything. “She’s a fighter.”

Obi-Wan stayed silent, though nodding along to Anakin’s words. He was fearing the worst. That maybe you wouldn’t survive. Obi-Wan didn’t know what he would do if that was the case. He had lived with you by his side for so long, that knowing anything different seemed next to impossible.

~~~

It was too long for anyone’s liking before a Healer had exited the room they had rushed you into. Anakin, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan were quickly standing and giving the Healer their full attention.

“How is she?” Obi-Wan asked nervously. He hadn’t felt your loss in the Force, but that didn’t mean you were okay.

“Master Y/N will survive,” the Healer answered. The choice of words was unsettling to the group. “Master Kenobi, as a member of the Jedi Council, may I speak to you alone?”

Obi-Wan glanced at Anakin and Ahsoka. Ahsoka nodded, having to drag Anakin out so that Obi-Wan and the Healer were alone.

“Master Kenobi, I want to be clear that when Master Y/N was first diagnosed that she specifically asked for her condition to be kept a secret, despite our advice,” the Healer carefully stated. “Now though, as the Healer over her, I feel the need to tell you what is going on with your friend.”

“What diagnosis?” Obi-Wan questioned.

The Healer sighed. “It was almost eight months ago when Master Y/N arrived feeling pain in various joints. We gave her something for it and sent her on her way, thinking that it would simply go away with time. A few weeks later, she was back in here with worse pain than before and in even more joints. After running more tests, it was determined that Y/N has a rare joint disease. It is not something we know a lot about. There is no real cure or treatment for it.”

“Will she—“ Obi-Wan had to stop himself from finishing his thought for a moment. “Will this kill her?”

“It might, eventually.” Obi-Wan took a deep inhale as his hand went up to cover his mouth. “But we will cross that bridge when it nears.”

“What happened today?”

“Y/N’s body couldn’t handle the pain and decided it needed to do something about it. This is the first time this has happened, and I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s not the last.”

“There has to be something—anything you can do for her.”

“We are doing our best to find a treatment. Y/N has been taught ways to handle the pain by using the Force. We do understand that it is not a long-term solution or that it might not work every time, but it’s what we can do right now.” Obi-Wan shook his head. “I know that you believe it is not enough, trust me, I agree. Y/N is a fighter though, I know she won’t give up.”

“That’s part of my fear,” Obi-Wan mumbled.

“When Y/N wakes, I will tell her that I told you and that the Jedi Council will be informed of her condition. I recommend that she stay out of anything that has to do with the war efforts. She may continue to teach, but staying close to the Temple would be the best option for her.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “I agree… may I stay beside her until she wakes?”

“Unfortunately, the droids are doing one last round of some pain remedy and no one else is allowed in there while they work. I will get you as soon as you can come in.”

~~~

You were frustrated—mainly at your body—when you woke. The Healer over your case informed you about what had happened and the steps you needed to take going forward. You were unhappy about Obi-Wan and the Council knowing, more so that you couldn’t tell them yourself, but you understood the need for it. You were still in pain and exhausted when Obi-Wan was allowed to enter the room. Despite his stern expression, you knew that you had worried him. His expression was only because you hadn’t told him about your condition.

“How are you feeling?” Obi-Wan asked, keeping his distance from you.

“Exhausted…” you responded honestly. “In pain.”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “You should have told me. The moment you found out, you should have come to me.”

“I know.”

“I thought that we were closer than this.”

“We are.”

“Then why keep this from me? This is not some childish secret, this is your life we’re talking about. Your health!”

Tears formed in your eyes. “I know, Obi-Wan. And I am sorry. Though I know that there are not enough apologies in the world to make up for what I did, please just listen to me… I was scared. Scared that the Council would kick me out of the Order. Scared of what this disease would do to me and my ability to be a Jedi… But I was more scared that this would change your opinion of me.”

“Do you really think that little of me?”

“No… I think the world of you… that’s the problem.”

Slowly, Obi-Wan came up to stand beside your bed, closer to your feet than you would like.

“You mean the world to me,” Obi-Wan whispered. “I have been so worried and then when Jaki came rushing in saying something was wrong I— I thought the worse and then to see you laying there… it had all became a reality.”

“I’m so sorry, Obi-Wan,” you said quietly and tearfully. “I really am.”

“I can’t do that again.” 

Your heart dropped. This was it. He was ending your friendship because of your disease. The great Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi couldn’t handle it. He couldn’t handle you.

“I can’t do the fear of the unknown like that again,” Obi-Wan continued. “And I can’t stand by and watch you suffer.”

“I… I understand,” you whispered.

“No, I don’t believe you do. What I am saying is that I can’t handle the secrecy. I need to know when you are in pain. I need to know what’s going on with you and how I can help you. I know that this will be a long and painful and unknown road, but I will not allow you to go through it on your own. Not anymore.”

“Obi-Wan—“

“I love you, Y/N. And I know it is against the code, but I feel that you need to know that.”

“Oh, my…”

“I understand if you cannot reciprocate it. I can handle it and it will not stop me from helping you through this.”

“Obi-Wan,” your hand gently took his, “I love you, too. I have for a long time.”

He broke out into a smile. “Really?”

“Really.” You copied his smile.

Obi-Wan leaned down and kissed you gently, careful as to not touch you much due to your pain. When you parted, he sat facing you on the bed.

“No more secrets,” he told you. “That’s an order.”

“Yes, General,” you teased. “Whatever you say.”

[anidala-for-ever]

Anakin would absolutely be one of those parents, that tell everybody about that one time their kid won a spelling contest in third grade! He is a proud brother -dad

"Anakin spoke highly of you".

Sorry but now I am imagining Anakin being super obnoxious about Ahsoka in front of every Jedi who didn't manage to escape him.

[tup0ika]

Clone Wars characters as stuff I’ve heard people say

Pt 2

“How did I get spaghetti on my hand?” - Kix

“You can’t stay mad at Tup.” -Fives

“See I can’t speak… I no English” - Hardcase

“Captain, Jesse is verbally abusing water” - Echo

“… I have a cougar at my house” - Jesse

“This looks like my 7th grade badminton tournament” - Ahsoka

“Don’t mess with an emo” - Anakin

“Fuck…ow” - Obi wan

“I have pizza coming and I’m high” - Fox

“I hate Americans so much” - Cody

“Where do babies come from?” - Tup

“Bad parenting.” - Rex

[otnesse]

Yeah, no kidding (though to be fair regarding Palpatine, his father WAS himself a really horrible excuse of a human being, one who demanded absolute fealty to himself without any loyalty to even his wife if the reference to a mistress in Palpatine's final spat is to be believed, one with actual delusions of grandeur despite blatantly being incompetent enough to have his House basically be low-grade, and only gave any darn about his own eldest son purely for his family's reputation that would be tarnished by any scandal that occurred rather than any ACTUAL care for him. In fact, Cosinga had Palpatine NOT killed him was very clearly going to kill him first at Palpatine's goading. Just goes to show you don't need to be a Sith Lord to be trash. And while his slaying of his siblings and mother was definitely inexcusable by any stretch, they weren't exactly good to Palpatine either, basically othering him and basically being complete doormats to his father's appalling behavior overall, effectively enabling him.). I'd even argue that if anything, if Palpatine was taken in by the Jedi instead of the Sith, he'd arguably turn out even WORSE since his behavior ironically enough IS consistent with Jedi Council teaching. Even use greater good rationale to cause carnage with Light Side abilities, especially when their teaching style is uncannily similar to Cosinga's parenting style.

That said, as much as Palpatine was evil in the story, and certainly a LOT eviller than Anakin EVER was by any objective measure, I can name real world villains who were MUCH worse than Palpatine by any day of the week (like the founder of the Soviet Union Vladimir Lenin. Unlike Palpatine, he DID have actual loving parents, yet going by his sisters note, he was already going to be a complete psychopath by tormenting his siblings well beyond sibling rivalry standards as well as taking joy in destroying his own toys, and was such that his own family feared him, even his parents, who unlike Cosinga actually DID care for his well-being. And was a huge egotistical and pretentious narcissist that anyone who dared suggest even a slightly different path from what he wanted to take it on was at best thoroughly browbeaten and humiliated in front of everyone, at worst outright killed.). At least Palpatine had the excuse of a thoroughly abusive and completely uncaring father for how he turned out, Lenin doesn't. Same goes for Karl Marx as well, he turned absolutely demonic later in life despite his father, unlike Cosinga, actually GIVING a darn about him as a father ought to (and even being scared that Marx was possessed by a demon). Ironically, Cosinga's behavior if anything was VERY similar to Karl Marx's behavior to his own kids (and let me tell you, Marx was an absolutely TERRIBLE father to his kids, resulting in them committing suicide, and he even cheated on his wife with his maid, with hints that he may have raped the latter, after treating her like a slave, and refused to even acknowledge his bastard son either). If I had to choose between Palpatine and the likes of Marx or Lenin, I'd rather side with Palpatine. At least Palpatine is actually WILLING to encourage people to be the best they can be, even if it's above his own level, as a good trait of his (something even his actor admitted was a good trait of his), while those guys are more likely to act like sore losers if their followers show any progress at all due to automatically indicating they're going to lose out in the process. Might as well note Che Guevara among those real life villains who were MUCH worse than Palpatine as well (and he unfortunately actually gets hero worshipped).

And quite frankly, I'm a bit unsettled by the implication that The Force is also Palpatine's actual father, since it creates some rather bad implications about the Force itself. Also doesn't help that he's the only person to explicitly directly communicate with the Force in the In-Media-Res prologue showing his murder of Plagueis, something not even Anakin apparently had despite being the Chosen One.

@ those people who consider Anakin to be just as bad or worse than Palpatine, are you ok? Like is everything alright up there? Got to be one of the most out there takes I’ve ever heard.

[tennessoui]

I just had a stressful day of applying to be a substitute teacher. And I was wondering what your thoughts on a Teacher AU would be. Like Obi-Wan is Luke and Leia's long suffering teacher (in my head he is either their English teacher or their very sweet 1st grade teacher) who really doesn't mind because it gives him the chance to call their dad in for a meeting. Or something like the Smithson AU were they teach different subjects all the students think they hate each but they just need to bang.

ah i hope you get the position!!!! applying for jobs + interviewing is like. the worst.

i actually have an au where obi-wan is luke and leia's teacher and anakin is a single parent. It's one lil ficlet + another little follow up. i keep meaning to add something else, but i keep forgetting :<

[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.”