#any theories??

[ravenclair]

In the Shadow of You | Hogwarts Legacy

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Chapter 10: Return

(Word count: 2,437)

“…find the tombs of Arcus and Livius.”

It had been a week since your run-in with Niamh’s messenger fairy in the portrait, and you still hadn’t found out anything about Arcus or Livius or their respective tombs.

You and Sebastian had spent time researching the names, even took a trip to Hogsmeade to ask if Sirona had heard anything, but came up empty-handed. In the meantime, you’d spent any spare moments you had between your search and schoolwork to practice with your ancient magic.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t coming as naturally as it had during fifth year. Whether it was due to the resealing of the repository or your unresolved feelings toward the magic, you weren’t sure. You had made slight progress over the last few days, but the power felt nowhere near as strong as it had before.

Sebastian had discovered a few books on protective enchantments, and, mercifully, you were able to imbue your ancient magic into the locket to strengthen its existing charm. While dueling with Sebastian in the Undercroft, you found that the newly improved charm aided greatly in your shielding spells.

You’d also found yourself no longer experiencing nightmares since the locket’s enhancement. Whether that was pure coincidence or an added bonus of the charm, you didn’t care. At least you were getting a good night’s rest.

You hadn’t had a chance to fully test its strength against the Legilimens, however. It had been silence from your enemy since you had managed to somehow sneak into their mind almost two weeks ago. Perhaps you managed to spook them off for a bit.

Or the locket’s protection was working better than you anticipated.

You now sat in Sharp’s Potions class, brewing a Veritaserum potion. It would take a full lunar cycle to mature and be completed, so Sharp said you would all be storing the potions in the classroom to be graded next month.

As you added a Jobberknoll feather to your brew and stirred, Garreth spoke.

“Are you lot excited for the first game of the season? I can’t believe it’s been almost two years since I’ve gotten to play quidditch!”

“Not excited to lose,” Samantha sighed as she absentmindedly stirred her own potion. “I hate to admit it, but you guys are totally going to kick our–”

“Less talking, more stirring, Miss Dale,” Professor Sharp demanded as he passed by your station. He was roaming between the groups in observation, eyes like a hawk.

Samantha flushed and glared at his back as he walked away. You pressed your lips together to hide your smile.

The first quidditch match of the season would be held at the end of the week. It was Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw, and, unfortunately, you agreed with Samantha. The odds weren’t exactly in your house’s favor.

“It will be an interesting match, to say the least,” Natty quipped, keeping her voice low.

Once class was dismissed, you walked with Sebastian and Ominis to Charms. They were both quiet, seemingly on edge.

Then you realized: Anne was returning to Hogwarts today.

She was likely already at the castle, meeting with Professor Weasley. She had written to you a few days ago, saying Professor Weasley had given her a similar plan to yours in fifth year; other professors would be giving her extra assignments throughout the term to get her up to speed with the current sixth year students.

Professor Weasley had also asked if you’d be willing to lend a helping hand in the matter, to which you agreed wholeheartedly.

“I’m guessing neither of you bumped into Anne in the common room this morning,” you spoke, addressing the tension.

Ominis shook his head, and you noticed his grasp on his wand tighten slightly. “Her last missive stated that she wanted to meet after dinner, in the Undercroft. With all three of us.”

Sebastian said nothing.

⋆｡°✩

“Your shield is still weak,” Professor Sharp chastised later that afternoon.

You had a splitting headache after yet another failed attempt to block him from your mind. You’d been practicing for a while now and you were starting to feel light-headed.

You discovered that the newly enhanced locket did aid in your Occlumency, though. Sharp admitted to having a more difficult time accessing your memories, describing it as a ‘fog’ that clouded his path and seemed to intentionally lead him astray. But it still did not completely keep him barred from your mind.

“Once more,” you said, breathing heavily.

“I think that’s enough practice for today,” Professor Sharp disagreed.

You slumped onto a stool, too tired to argue. The professor observed you for a moment.

“Perhaps we are approaching this the wrong way,” he pondered aloud.

“What do you mean, Professor?”

“Traditionally, Occlumency relies on hiding your memories behind a shield, like we’ve been practicing. Instead, I want you to try shifting your focus to removing the threat altogether.”

You considered his words. Most of the time you had used your ancient magic to attack, not protect. You were definitely more adept at being on the offensive side of a fight.

Something inside you seemed to resonate at that.

“Alright, one more go,” you stood, shaking out your hands in preparation.

In an instant, he had you in his hold. You kept your mind clear and searched for his magic. You felt it, moving through your memories haphazardly, the locket’s enchantment confusing him.

As if on instinct, your magic struck.

It grabbed onto Sharp’s presence, almost aggressively, and you tried to will it to remove him. Instead, your subconscious shifted into his.

Flashes of memories floated toward you. His time as a student, his Auror training, his first class lecture as a professor. You felt his nervousness in that memory, his anxiety.

You released your magic immediately.

You were both breathing heavily. Professor Sharp looked…stunned. You never imagined you’d see that look on his face. Horror roiled in your gut when you realized what had happened.

“I–I didn’t mean to, Professor, it was an accident–”

“We’re finished for today,” Professor Sharp interrupted. “You may see yourself out.”

⋆｡°✩

“Sebastian, it was awful,” you muttered, head in your hands.

You were sitting together on a bench in the Bell Tower courtyard, where you had been pacing across the lawn to calm your nerves since leaving Sharp’s classroom. Sebastian had run into you on his way back from quidditch practice.

You felt so incredibly guilty about what you’d done to Professor Sharp, even if Legilimency hadn’t been your intention. Merlin, how were you supposed to face him again after that?

“Don’t worry–I’m sure Sharp understands it was an accident,” Sebastian assured.

“He probably hates me.”

“He hates everyone.”

You peeked sidelong at Sebastian from behind your hands. He was lounging back on the bench, giving you an amused look. You removed your hands from your face and stood with a sigh.

“You better not start pacing again,” he teased. You glared back at him. He seemed to be in better spirits than earlier on your walk to charms, thankfully.

“Enough about my troubles,” you waved his words off and crossed your arms. “How are you feeling?”

The amusement on his face shifted into slight apprehension. “Anxious, mostly, but also relieved. I’m just thankful she wants to see me at all.”

“Well, she can’t very well avoid you the whole school year,” you joked lightly, hoping to ease the tension between his brows. Instead, he went quiet again. Contemplative.

“Do you think…she’ll ever forgive me?”

Sebastian was staring down at his hands, interlaced across his stomach. He refused to meet your gaze. You looked at him sympathetically and re-took your seat beside him.

You thought about how moved Anne was when she showed you the letters he had left for her. How, even though she had said she wasn’t ready to face him, her eyes had been filled with longing.

“I do,” you replied earnestly, placing a comforting hand on his knee. “And I think she’s wondering if you can forgive her, as well. For leaving.

“There are still feelings you both need to sort through, yes, and lots of amendments to make,” you continued, “but I believe it will change your relationship for the better. Make it stronger.”

Sebastian placed a hand over yours, squeezing lightly.

“Thank you,” he responded. The gentleness of his voice sent the butterflies in your stomach to flight.

“Anytime,” you said back with an encouraging grin. “Now, come on, let’s get to dinner.”

After a quick walk to the Great Hall, you and Sebastian parted ways. Samantha waved you over as you made your way to the Ravenclaw banquet table. Andrew and Everett sat across from her.

“...Weasley is their Keeper, and that new seventh year transfer is their Seeker,” Andrew was saying as you took your seat next to Samantha. “Not quite sure what his skill level is, but he played well enough at tryouts.”

Discussing strategy for this week’s game…

You felt a small ache in your chest at the thought. Samantha seemed to notice your troubled expression.

“Enough quidditch chatter, let’s move onto a more interesting topic,” she declared, “like the new seventh year. What have you heard of him?”

“Not much,” Andrew scratched his chin in thought. “Rumor has it that he comes from some haughty pure-blood lineage.”

Samantha glanced over her shoulder at the Gryffindor table. “He’s quite handsome, and seemingly mysterious. I wonder if he left someone back home in America...”

You followed her gaze and found Emrys chatting with Natty and Nellie at the other end of the table behind you. The two girls seemed to be laughing at something he said.

Samantha wasn’t wrong, per say, about his looks.

As if he could feel your stare, his eyes met yours. You looked away instantly, embarrassed that he had caught you.

“His name is Emrys,” you said, returning your attention to your housemates. “We ran into each other–literally–a bit ago. I haven’t spoken to him since, though.”

Samantha hummed in response.

“I don’t care what his name is,” Everett said sourly, “so long as he doesn’t catch that snitch at the match this week.”

The rest of dinner was spent filling your plates and chatting about your classes. Once dinner had ended and you all stood to leave, you were surprised to find Emrys standing behind you.

“Hello, Savior,” he said smugly. “A word, if you please?”

Samantha’s eyes widened as she took in his tall frame and green eyes. She gave your arm a quick squeeze, as if to say ‘you’d better tell me all about this later.’

The two of you stepped off to the side of the Great Hall as students filed out the doors.

“Nice to see you again, Emrys,” you said casually. “Can I help you with something?”

“As fate would have it, yes,” he replied. “Natty says you’re rather familiar with the restricted section of the library…care to share any tips I should know before I attempt to visit it, myself?”

You just stared at him in surprise. “You’re…planning to sneak in?”

“Maybe,” he shrugged innocently. “I can’t very well admit to that, don’t want you getting caught in the cross-fire if things go poorly.”

“I appreciate the consideration,” you smirked. “Well, if I were going to sneak into the restricted section, which I most certainly haven’t and would never dream of doing, I would have to remember that the lock is charmed against Alohomora or any other unlocking spells.

“I’d also recall that Scribner keeps a key to the lock in the middle drawer of her desk,” you continued. “Watch out for Peeves, he’s a tattletale.”

“Brilliant!” Emrys smiled.

“Can I ask why you’re not paying a visit to the restricted section?”

He hesitated before leaning in closer to you to whisper, “I made a bet with Garreth. I have to bring him an old potioneer’s scroll as proof.”

You shook your head, laughing at the ridiculousness of it. “Hope it’s worth a detention.”

“Only if I get caught,” Emrys winked.

After bidding Emrys farewell, you joined the crowd exiting the Great Hall and slipped off toward the Undercroft. You were surprised to find Sebastian lingering outside the entrance.

“Sebastian? Are you alright?”

He looked up, startled from his thoughts. “Oh, yes, I was just…waiting. Ominis went ahead already to see Anne, but…I didn’t want to overwhelm her.”

He was still nervous. You could tell by the way he was restlessly shifting his weight back and forth on his feet.

“I noticed you talking with the Gryffindor Seeker after dinner,” Sebastian went on, a slight edge in his tone. “I didn’t know you two were friendly.”

Is he…changing the topic to avoid meeting with Anne…?

“We’ve only met once before, he seems nice,” you shrugged. Sebastian just gave you a curt nod in reply.

“Shall we go inside?”

“What did he want?”

You blinked. You both had spoken at the same time.

“Nothing, really,” you answered, raising a brow. “Just asking for some advice about getting into the restricted section, some bet he made with Garreth–are you sure you’re alright, Sebastian?”

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “No, and this is only making me feel worse. Let’s go.”

Before you could question what he meant by that particular statement, Sebastian waved his wand and the door swung open. He gestured for you to enter first. As you descended the stairs to the Undercroft, you heard Anne’s light laughter.

Sebastian sucked in a breath behind you.

When you emerged from the staircase, you saw Anne and Ominis chatting casually. She was in a Slytherin uniform, leaning comfortably on the wooden desk on the left side of the room, face still split into a grin from her laughter. Her eyes lit up when she saw you enter.

As you walked closer to her and Ominis, you saw her smile fall when she noticed Sebastian walking quietly behind you. You were suddenly a bit anxious about the direction this reunion might take.

Anne pushed off the desk and took a reluctant step around Ominis. You moved to the side as well, giving the twins a clear path to each other.

You and Ominis both seemed to be holding your breath.

“Anne…” Sebastian said breathlessly, breaking the tense silence that had fallen over the Undercroft. Your heart ached at the tenderness in his voice.

A mixture of emotions seemed to flash across Anne’s face as she took in her brother’s presence. His sorrowful expression. His shallow breaths. His hesitation to approach her, respecting the space she might need.

Her eyes began to fill with tears before Anne quickly closed the space left between them. She threw her arms around Sebastian in a tight embrace.

Sebastian, dumbfounded, waited a few breaths before returning the hold. The twins stayed like that for a while, letting the wordless moment convey everything they felt.

You and Ominis sagged with relief, exchanging soft smiles.

The Sallows had finally returned to one another.

A family made whole once more.

[westidia]

these new stills don’t sit right with me. Gar crying, Connor in distress, Tim don’t know what the fuck to do,Rachel…, and then we have dick…HES CRYING, THERE ARE LITERAL TEARS ROLLING DOWN HIS FACE 😭😭😭

Kory either got taken or she’s has sacrificed herself and flew (🤞🏽) off. I can’t take it 😭

(I guess Rachel could just be suppressing her emotions and comforting dick )

[datshitrandom]

😭💀😭💀

[chloesimaginationthings]

The true meaning behind FNAF princess quest

[khruschevshoe]

There is a conversation to be had about the fact that Taylor Swift's album is being played in its entirety across all of iHeartRadio's 868 stations, pushing out the opportunities other artists might have had to get radioplay. That's the literal definition of a monopoly. No wonder she'll hit the top of the radio play charts with this maneuver, because at least 65 minutes (if not the back side of the album, which would take it to nearly twice that length) across EIGHT HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT STATIONS will be dedicated to her, artificially boosting her radio play and decreasing everyone else's. In this essay I will—

[xx-sketchy-xx]

I kept thinking about how Mabel said she thought he was dead while being possessed… and it doesn’t take long for blood flow to stop. So I had a thought that none of the injuries caused by bill would truly appear until dipper was back in control. So any fork stabs, bruises, scratches, would only appear when his blood was flowing again.

just a thought

[hinamie]

big fan of panels where they look like they wld beat me up

[nenoname]

It's still interesting that TBoB called more attention to Stan's control over his mindscape (And if you go with the interpretation that the lost pages are partial truths that are heavily influenced by Bill, then he's the one insisting that only someone with training should be able to have that much control over the mind.)

Meanwhile we have a memory!Stan. Someone who apparently knows too much and is rather aware for being a simple memory.

From the Wheel of Shame, we know Bill was able dig up all kinds of dirt on Stan but... that wasn't why he was there in the first place, was it?

Bill couldn't find the code immediately despite a memory of Stan opening the safe being a few hours old at most and decided to have Mabel try find it for him (The original concept of the ep had it far more hidden but this was likely cut because of time constraints)

Ford did experiments on Stan's mind which likely meant using Project Mentem and actually looking around his mindscape, and his only reaction was to comment on his jokes-- despite what little we the audience know being enough to render us sobbing wrecks

(yes I refuse to shut up about this part cos the book's intro is extremely underrated)

Stan was able to replace his memories of Ford with the swingset instead and managed to hide Ford in his Bar Mitzvah memory. And that's not even mentioning the lack of visible Portal and Stan o' War which noticeably show up in Ford's dreamscape (the broken swingset manifesting anyway pains me tho)

He subconsciously has misdirects for his secrets that are both silly and manages to disturb everyone too

And while Bill-as-Soos being bored by the vending machine memory is a joke that's basically the crew's way of going "hey remember the thing way back in the first ep that's going to show up in the next one?" and in-universe appears to be Stan slipping up, it's interesting that they had Stan input the wrong code when it's consistent literally every other time its inputted (especially when it shows up correctly in the very next episode)

It's even possible that the safe code that Bill found could have been a misdirect too but we'll never know since the safe got blown open by dynamite.

Stan was able to buy time by making his mind blank despite being genuinely terrified when Bill enters his mind (to the point that he breaks character and uses his own voice to yell), and could conjure up his living room (in colour opposed to his mind's regular greyscale) to make sure Bill didn't have enough room to flee, slamming the door in his face before the effects of the memory gun kicked in.

(EDIT: Random door analysis here)

And maybe the twins eventually told him that Bill had already been inside his mind after their W3 reunion, but all we know was that his conscious self was left in the dark for ages and wasn't really aware of Bill until Weirdmageddon.

TBoB showing McGucket's dreamscape also brings up the idea of the effects of the memory gun manifesting differently to each person. To Stan's mindscape, the memory wipe manifests as blue flames which immediately brings to mind Bill's powers but it's a far lighter shade (maybe to more closely match the memory gun and its eventual fade to white?)

The end of TBoB and the website poem also firmly reminds us about Stan's connection to fire but there's also the question if Stan himself is actually aware of it...

[hextecht]

jayce talis and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day several months

[lucabyte]

monologue

[ale-arro]

been going a little bit insane about this sentence from Ace by Angela Chen for the past week

[marisashinx]

"Why hasn't Silver woken up yet...?"

[xxplastic-cubexx]

with these hands i can draw whatever i want

[magentasnail]

spoon theory

[chloesimaginationthings]

William Afton has top tier FNAF parenting skills