#but yeah the story would Not Go Well if Willow was in MC's place

[thelonelyshore-if]

I imagine some parts of this might be spoiler territory, so answer to the best of your abilities:

If Willow ended up in MCs place and trapped in the town, how would the ROs react to them and which of the ROs would Willow get along with, where would they stay and with who and what kind of deal would they agree to with Dove?

I feel like Willow/Beck/Perri would be a powerful trio

Ohhhhh this is a fun ask. Very, very fun. Not spoiler-y, much, but very interesting to think about. I'll answer under the cut because I'm sure this is going to get a little long!

Okay so I've mentioned this before but Willow in MC's place would be. Bad. For them and for the story lmao. Willow wanted very very badly to get into the 'ghost town', but a) they wanted to do it with MC, and, more importantly, b) they would not want to be trapped there forever.

So Willow would be. Not doing well, in MC's shoes.

I think they would stay with Jay, and then switch to Perri. If Willow and MC had a good relationship they'd be kind of sad staying with Jay, because seeing them interact with Cricket would make them think of the big sibling they left behind. They like Perri, though, so they'd be eager to stay with them.

Beck- Willow wouldn't like them. At first Beck would try to be friendly, but as soon as it became clear that Willow had some kind of weird grudge, Beck would dislike them just as much. Willow doesn't get along well with people who are similar to them, personality-wise.

Croft- Willow hates Croft lmao they hate Croft's vibe and really, REALLY don't trust Croft's magic. Plus I think Willow has read Croft's books and would be a hater--they think Croft is pretentious. Croft would hate Willow in this situation they'd find them pesky and irritating.

Jay- as mentioned, probably positive, if MC and Willow have a good relationship! I think Willow would see Jay as a bit of a big sibling figure if MC wasn't in town, even if Jay and MC are super different people. If Willow and MC's relationship is bad, I think they'd find Jay a little overbearing. Jay wants to keep an eye on Willow on instinct--they remind them of Cricket.

Perri- Willow loves Perri, Willow wants to be Perri's best friend. They love people who are Quirky and are also deeply into magic and cryptids and aliens, so they would have a lot to talk about. However, as mentioned, Willow doesn't like Beck, so that would cause some issues lmao. Wills would just be like...........I need to replace Beck as Perri's best friend. Perri would think Willow is cool! Though they wouldn't like the whole 'hates Beck' thing.

Ravi- they don't trust Ravi nearly as much as they don't trust Croft, but they'd be interested enough in Easthaven's magic and the fog that they'd put up with Ravi. However they also don't like his vibe. They think he's hiding something. Ravi thinks Willow is a funny little clown lmao he wouldn't take them seriously and would find it deeply amusing that they seem to have something against him.

Yasmin- Willow thinks Yasmin is cool! And Yasmin would think they're silly. Yasmin likes people who are a little mean lmao she'd find Willow's whole personality appealing. They'd hang out, though I do think Willow is way too immature for them to ever be like. Close friends.

And for the Doe choice, Willow would do the favor. They wouldn't resist, and I don't think they'd even negotiate all that much--they'd be much too curious about Doe...and also the whole ~deal with the devil~ thing would be too fascinating to pass up!

[hphmmatthewluther]

HPHM April Prompts 2021: Day 7: When Your Reflection Plots Against You (Part 3)

What is this, a crossover episode?

Okay, so funny story! The end to the story I’ve been doing recently and today’s prompt are about the same thing, so I sort of have to have them both be the thing for today because yeah! Part 1/3 Part 2/3

Anyway, onto...

Prompt 7: MC’s First Kiss

When Matthew finally came to, he had a pounding headache. He pushed himself up with the guitar case, getting back onto his face, before noticing the mirror. He wasn’t in it. Of course, Matthew thought, I’m the reflection now. He looked behind him, hoping to see where that light had come from. There was nothing. Apart from him, the bathroom was empty. Suddenly, he heard a door creak. On the other side of the mirror, in the real world, Charlie Weasley had walked in. Matthew moved towards the mirror.

“Charlie!” he tried, but to no avail, “Charlie!” 

But there was nothing. It was like he was a ghost. Actually, I’m less than a ghost now. He sighed, moving back towards the guitar case. With nothing else to do, he picked up the instrument and slung it onto his back, before leaving the boys’ toilets. It occurred to him that he needed to find Edwin before he did anything too embarrassing, or before he got to his friends.

It was bizarre to see the halls of Hogwarts empty, but with all the same buzz of people moving up and down. It was rather like there being a conversation happening in the other room, but you couldn’t for the life of you find that room. He tried to marshal his thoughts as to where Edwin would go with his body. The lake, obviously, he thought to himself. But something rather strange happened to this alternate Hogwarts as Matthew approached the school grounds. What should have been the quidditch lesson area and the whomping willow, and the Forbidden Forest, was instead an inky black void, with large tubes of light jutting into it from various windows. It was solid, and Matthew couldn’t pass through it. A good way away he could see the grass around the Black Lake.

“So I can’t go anywhere that isn’t reflected.” he deduced aloud. Matthew tried to relax his breathing. This was just another riddle, and he would have to solve it. And for that, he’d need to focus.

“Shut up, Barnaby!”

Matthew twisted around, noticing the images of Merula, Ismelda and Barnaby hanging in the air through a small shield-shaped window. A Prefect’s badge, Matthew thought before leaning in to take a closer look.

“What is it?” Barnaby asked quietly.

“I just...I thought I heard him...” Merula said, her violet eyes scanning the corridor.

“Who?” asked Ismelda, irritated at having to stop.

“Luther, of course!” she snapped. Matthew’s eyes widened. “He was saying something about reflections...”

“Yes, I’m over here!” Matthew yelled. He didn’t care how it had happened, he was just happy that it did.

Merula moved up and down the corridor. “Luther, where the hell are you?!”

Ismelda and Barnaby watched, both very much confused by all of this.

Matthew felt relief wash over him. “Merula, I’m-”

“I’m right here.” came his own voice. Coming into view from the side of the badge was Edwin, wearing his body.

“Oh, there you are.” she said stiffly. Matthew watched as Edwin flicked his braceletless hand at the badge, and he knew he had placed a Silencing Charm on it. Matthew could only pray Merula could sniff Edwin out.

“What’s got you so happy?” she asked with a scowl on her face.

“Oh, nothing really...” Edwin said absentmindedly. “Anyway, what did you want?”

“W-What did I want?” she asked incredulously. “You’re the one who called me over!”

“I’m pretty sure I didn’t.” he said, shrugging. Matthew felt a surge of anger at him.

“Yes you did!” said Merula, exasperated.

Edwin cocked his head, then turned to the other two Slytherins, “Did either of you hear anything?”

“No, I didn’t.” said Ismelda.

“No, nothing.” said Barnaby. 

“Well, there you go.” Edwin concluded, “Maybe you’re hearing things.”

“I am not!” Merula yelled, going slightly red.

“Sure. Whatever.” he said, running a hand through Matthew’s hair, “So, you going down to the lake later?”

“W-What? No...” said Merula, confused. Barnaby, however, nodded.

“I am! It’s gonna be great fun!” he exclaimed.

“I don’t care.” Ismelda sneered.

“Mm, it’s just that everyone is going to be there. And I thought, seeing as you can’t go to Hogsmeade, you’d want to go to a party when you could.”

Matthew felt his heart break as he saw Merula’s expression. This wasn’t fair. Nobody treated his mortal enemy like this, especially not someone like Edwin.

“F-Fine, I’ll go.” Merula conceded. “C-Come on, you two.” They stepped into the inky void, Merula wearing an expression that Matthew knew all too well. Fear.

“You could have been a bit nicer, Matt.” came a voice. Matthew realised just which Prefect’s badge he was looking through. And Edwin had no idea.

“Oh...I guess I could.” he admitted, “But I got her to go to the party, and isn’t that what matters?”

“It does if she doesn’t actually want to go.” said Bill Weasley, “You of all people should know that.”

Edwin shrugged, before heading into the void too. Bill must have followed him, for the Prefect badge vanished too. He had to get to the lake quickly, and find Merula and tell her what was happening. From there, however, he was at a bit of a loss. Maybe if he got the book back and managed to reveal the ink, he could find a way to return to his body. That would explain why he didn’t want me to get the book back, he thought. But before all that, he had to actually get to the lake in the first place. He looked up at the tubes of light which splintered the void. Matthew grinned. He’d had an idea, and it wasn’t half bad. He headed up towards Ravenclaw tower at breakneck speed, avoiding the void that appeared in corridors with less mirrors. Eventually, he found his way up to the door to the Common Room. The Eagle knocker looked up at him.

“You are here, yet you are not here.” it said. “Curious. Now, I am at the start of every race, the end of every Bludger, and in the middle of Paris. What am I?”

Matthew thought for a moment, before smirking. “R.”

The eagle nodded, before the door opened.

“Hmm, that’s odd.” said Rowan,as Matthew came in. “ Wonder why the door’s opened...” Matthew sighed as he and the other Ravenclaws looked up and saw right through him.

“I’ll tell you when I get out, Rowan.” he said. There was no reaction. Matthew headed up to his dormitory, where he found his Cleansweep resting against his four-poster bed. He reached for it, hoping, and while his left hand went straight through it, his right hand gripped the wood, the silver bracelet’s carvings glowing as it happened. Matthew grinned, before looking back at the mirror. In it, he could see the Black Lake out the window. He also saw the Cleansweep floating in midair. This gave Matthew another idea. He crept back down to the Common Room, and saw the Ravenclaws’ expressions of pure shock at a floating broom.

“Hey, isn’t that Matthew’s Cleansweep?” said Andre. Matthew couldn’t help but grin as he twirled the broomstick in his hands, causing it to spin. Then, he started to back up into the boys’ dormitory. Rowan, Andre, Tulip and Talbott all followed it until they came to Matthew’s four poster bed. He used the broom to wave at the four, then tried to make a beckoning gesture. After that, he hopped on and flew out the window, leaving them flabbergasted as the pilotless broom headed towards the lake.

It was an odd sensation, flying down a thin strip of the Hogwarts grounds, going over a small fraction of the Whomping Willow, watching students blip in and out of existence. He sped down the hill until he was over the lake, when he noticed a large gathering of students reflected in the water near the shore. He saw that there was a table with food laid out before them. He slowly moved down a few yards away, landing his broom and resting it against a nearby tree. He couldn’t risk Edwin finding out he was here again. Matthew shook his head. He had hoped that third year would be a little less eventful than last year, though he should have known that this would be impossible. Rueing his bad luck, he headed towards the party, not registering four Ravenclaws show up behind him.

“I’m so glad you all made it!” he heard Penny cheer, as the party got underway. At least, it did in the waters of the Black Lake. Matthew, meanwhile, only had a few feet of ground to work with before it gave way to the void. He saw people enter and exit the darkness, until he finally saw Merula. He knew he couldn’t just talk to her, as much as he wanted to. No, he had to find another way. Then, it occurred to him that he had Edwin’s guitar on his back. He set it onto the floor and undid the zip on the leather, before pulling it open.

For an acoustic guitar, it was pretty impressive. It had several magical runes on the wood, and the strings were a brilliant blue, just like the ropes which had pulled him through the mirror. He silently thanked his father for being part of a band when he was younger and pulled out the guitar, putting the strap around his shoulder. Even from here, he could see Edwin moving everyone’s groups away from the lake, especially Merula’s. Matthew had been where she was several times before, feeling like everybody knew how to act at a party except for you. Matthew gritted his teeth,  moved towards the lake, both him and the guitar invisible, and started to play.

A A A A, D D, Em Em Em Em, D D…

***

Merula looked up, hearing the sounds of a guitar. It wasn’t a song she recognised, so she assumed it was some Muggle music. She could recognise the chords though. A A A A, D D, Em Em Em Em, D D… though she couldn’t see anyone playing. She walked through the students, ducking out of the way when she saw Matthew. He was talking with Chiara and Penny, but it didn’t look like how Matthew usually talked. Normally, he was reserved, quiet, a little hunched over. Not here. No, here it reminded her of some of the irritating sods in Preston’s gang. Merula scowled, before heading towards the music. Strangely enough, it seemed to be coming from inside the Lake… but that couldn’t be…

“Psst, Merula!”

She looked down into the water. There was her reflection, but next to it stood Matthew Luther, with a rune covered guitar.

“Don’t look at me!” he hissed, “Turn around and act like you don’t see me!”

Merula obeyed, turning on the spot. Secretly, she had been hoping for an explanation for his behaviour today; he had been amicable enough at first, but over the last few hours or so he had become rather cocky and boastful.

“Merula, that isn’t me.” he said, still playing the guitar, “That arse took my body!”

Her eyes widened. “He’s a changeling?!”

“If...if that’s what they’re called, yeah.”

Merula found it in her to smirk. “Really Luther, I forget how little you know about the Wizarding World.”

“It’s not my fault our Defence against the Dark Arts teachers have been rubbish.” he remarked.

“Eh, you’re not wrong there, they have been awful.” she admitted. “So how the hell did this happen?”

“Long story short: Some guy named Edwin appeared in the mirror saying he was trapped and needed help escaping.” Matthew explained, “I agreed, though I didn’t realise just how I’d be helping him.”

Merula stared at Edwin. Yes, she saw it now. It was like a Metamorphmagus had turned into him, or someone had used Polyjuice Potion. That’s why she’d felt so uncomfortable around him. Because it wasn’t Matthew. “So, how do we get him out?”

Matthew looked a little surprised. “Oh, I thought you’d suggest leaving me here.”

She laughed, genuinely, before shaking her head. “Luther, if I left you there this Edwin would have to be my rival. And I don’t like the sound of that at all. You’re my mortal enemy, Luther, and nobody gets to doom you for eternity except me.”

Matthew grinned through the water. “Thanks, Merula. Now, do you have anything reflective on you?” She shuffled through her pockets until she pulled out a silver comb.

“By the way, since when could you play guitar?” she asked, as Matthew appeared in the comb.

“Oh, my Dad taught me. I just know a few songs, though, not much.” he confessed.

“Alright...” began Merula, nervously moving towards the throng of students, “What do we do?”

“There’s a book in my bag called The Ramifications of Our Reflections.” Matthew explained, “It has some text in invisible ink that Edwin really didn’t want me to see, to our best bet is grabbing the book and finding out what it says.”

“Ah, so we’re stealing from him!” she declared quietly.

“Well, no, it’s my book!” Matthew yelled, before adding, “Well, it’s technically Snape’s, but he took it from me, so there.”

They neared the pile of everyone’s bags, and Merula bent down to grab hers, before manoeuvring towards Matthew’s satchel. Slowly, while eyeing the changeling, Merula bent down and grabbed the book, quickly placing it in her own bag. She took a sigh of relief, and quickly walked away.

“Now what?” she whispered, before seeing Ismelda.

“This party's boring. I’m heading back to the common room.” she declared.

“Good idea.” Merula said, walking with her. 

“Don’t worry, she can’t see me.” Matthew reassured her, “Now all we need to do is heat up the book and we can see the information.”

Merula nodded as they headed away from the party, but they were stopped on their way back by Edwin.

“Hey, wh-where you going?” he asked, his usual cocky demeanour in full swing.

“We’re leaving.” Merula declared, “This party is boring, and you shouldn’t have invited us.”

Edwin stared at her for a moment. “Is that so.” he said, not even trying to make it a question.

“Yeah...I’m leaving now...bye.” she said, heading off. Ismelda looked at her, then at Edwin.

“Wow, she really doesn’t like you.” she said, “What’d you do to her?”

“I would worry more about what I’m going to do.” Edwin growled.

“Merula...” Matthew began, “Get to my broom. It’s right by the lake.” When she looked at the comb, confused, Matthew just shouted “GO!” and that got her moving.

She sprinted back down the hill, where she saw the Cleansweep resting by a tree. She grabbed a hold of it and saw Edwin racing after her.

“Just wait a minute!” he yelled, as Merula kicked off the ground. Matthew quickly put the guitar onto his back as the ground fell beneath them, and soon they were soaring over the grounds once again.

“Now how’d she know the broom was there?” Rowan asked aloud. “Matthew, do you-”

“Curse them!” Edwin bellowed, heading off after her, wand in hand. Ismelda hissed.

“Oh no you don’t...” she muttered, running after him. Bill stood nearby, very much concerned.

“Something’s going on here...” he deduced, before joining the chase. Of course, Merula and Matthew had the advantage of having a broomstick, which allowed them to get to the other side of the school in very little time. They ended up on the second floor, just above the Great Hall.

“Nobody uses these toilets.” Merula explained, “Myrtle’s always kicking up a fuss.”

They headed into the girl’s bathroom, which was oddly quiet.

“That’s strange.” said Merula, “I wonder where she’s gone.” Matthew appeared in a mirror near the sink.

“That was close.” he admitted, looking on as Merula pulled Ramifications out of her satchel. “Now all we need to do is heat it up and we’ll be set. Be careful though, we don’t want to set it on fire.”

“Right.” Merula said, placing the book on the ground. Matthew moved closer, appearing in a puddle of water. “Incendio Parvus!” A small flame appeared on the tip of Merula’s wand, which she moved down towards the paper. “Hey, it’s working!” she said excitedly.

“Great! Find the part about freeing people from mirrors!” Matthew implored, placing down the guitar.

“Okay, okay...” she said, flicking through the pages.

“Um...Merula...” Matthew began, “Sorry for dragging you into this.”

“Hmph...it’s...I mean, it wasn’t you, was it? It was that changeling who was the arse.”

“I know, but I made the deal with him...” he lamented.

“Yeah, I know, but...” she paused, looking over at Matthew’s puddle. “Oh come on. He gave you what you wanted, right?”

Matthew considered this. “Yeah. I guess he did.”

Merula smirked again. “What’d you even ask for?”

Matthew suddenly looked nervous. “I...um, I just wanted advice. We’d had that argument yesterday, and so I was just...I didn’t want to make things worse every time I saw you, or anyone else.”

Merula frowned. “Th-That’s it?!”

“Yeah...that’s it.”

She looked at him through the water, before bursting into laughter. “What?” he asked, more confused than ever.

“Sorry, it’s just...” she paused to wipe her hair out of her face, “It’s weird how little you trust yourself. I mean, you make friends all the time. I’m the one who can’t make friends and can’t go to Hogsmeade.”

Matthew frowned at her. “You don’t have to talk about-”

“It’s alright.” she reassured him. “I-I just...it’s my aunt. She says I’m not doing well enough in Defence against the Dark Arts.”

“But that’s not fair, the teachers are total tw-”

“I know that.” said Merula, “But my aunt thinks that I need to revise more...and she’s my legal guardian...so...”

“Merula, I’m sorry. You know...if you wanted to, I could give you a hand with...you know, studying and stuff.”

“Is that so?” she said, flicking through the pages with her other hand. “I don’t know...we’re mortal enemies. I don’t know how I’d feel about- Ah ha!” she exclaimed suddenly, “Freeing those trapped in the Reflected Realm! Bingo!”

Matthew craned his neck to see, but to no avail. Merula seemed to notice. “Oh, right, sorry. If a wizard or witch has been trapped within the Reflected Realm, they must be freed by breaking the contract forged between them and a changeling. To do this, one must return to the mirror of entry, destroy the surface they made the deal with and recite the phrase “Contractus est inanis. Corpus meum.” From there, the changeling will return to the Reflected Realm once it touches any reflective surface.”

“Brilliant!” said Matthew, “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

Merula extinguished the flame. “Okay, okay! You remember the phrase, right?”

“Course. Contractus est inanis. Corpus meum.”

“Good. Where’d you make the deal?” she asked, packing the book away.

“The boy’s toilets. Sixth floor.” This caused Merula’s face to scrunch up.

“Look, it won’t be for long. Once I get to the mirror, we can leave right away and find Edwin.” he explained.

“...Fine. I’m gonna get you for this one day, Luther...”

“I hope you get the chance, Merula...I really do...”

A minute or two later, Merula had made her way to the sixth floor, and was standing right outside the boy’s toilets.

“C-Can’t I just wait outside?” she asked. Matthew nodded, before heading inside on his own, the guitar still on his back. He instantly came back out.

“I’m afraid you can’t, Merula.” he said nervously. Merula groaned, before poking her head into the room. Standing in the U-bend, in front of a large magical field, was the body of Matthew Luther, and the vile grin of Edwin.

“We meet again. I’m so glad I don’t have to hide from you anymore.” he said. Matthew sneaked into view on one of the nearby mirrors, glaring at the sphere.

“Listen to me, Edwin. I am the Most Powerful Witch at Hogwarts,” Merula announced, “,and unless you vacate my mortal enemy’s body this instant, I will rain hell upon you!”

Edwin stared for a moment, before bursting into maniacal laughter. “Ooh, that’s a good one! I see why Matthew likes you!”

“I’m getting to that mirror, Edwin,” declared Matthew, “And you won’t stop me.”

Edwin pointed Matthew’s wand at Merula. “I somehow doubt that. I haven’t had a wand of my own in so long, I-”

“You still don't!” Matthew butted in.

“Silence!” Edwin yelled, sending Charm after Charm at the various mirrors. Merula watched as Matthew tried to mouth his words, before opting for a simple hand gesture. Merula pointed her own wand at Edwin.

“Sorry, I don’t take orders from you.” she sneered. “Flipendo!”

A burst of magic shot out of her wand at Edwin, who quickly moved out of the way, before yelling “Incendio!”, causing fire to leap towards Merula. She moved quickly out of the way, before pointing her wand back at Edwin, but he was faster. “Petrificus Totalus!” he shouted, sending a wave of paralysis at Merula, who felt herself fall to the ground. Matthew leapt towards the field of magic. He stepped through it, ending up on the other side with relative ease. Oh, the joys of the Reflected Realm, he thought to himself before reaching the mirror. Now he had to destroy it. He loosened his silver bracelet until it became a sort of fisticuff around his hand, and pulled back his arm.

“No!” roared Edwin, pointing Matthew’s own wand at him. “CRU-”

“Expelliarmus!”

Matthew’s wand flew out of Edwin’s hand over to the other side. Into the room came Rowan, Bill and Ismelda. But it wasn’t them that fired that disarming spell. It was Merula.

“It’s funny.” she said, “I never bought into that ‘wand chooses the wizard’ crap. But I think it well and truly has this time...changeling. Now, Luther!” she yelled, as the three newcomers looked around confused. Matthew took the bracelet and bashed it into the mirror. There wasn’t a scratch on the silver, but the mirror cracked into a thousand pieces.

“Contractus est inanis. Corpus meum!” he recited, as the several shards of the mirror began to glow. Blue ropes appeared between Matthew and Edwin, which snapped in two with a loud twang. Rowan pointed at the mirror. 

“Matt! What are you doing in a mirror? With a guitar?” they asked, flabbergasted.

Edwin glared daggers at his double. “Matt...my guy Matt...” he snarled, wiping the hair out of his face. “If you think getting that mirror broken was difficult, you’ll have one hell of a time putting me back-”

“Glacius Maledictus!” Matthew yelled, having picked up his wand. His bracelet glowing, ice began to coat the floor of the toilets. Perfect Ice.

Edwin looked down at his blue reflection. Matthew looked back up at him.

“...It’s a fair cop.” Edwin admitted. He looked at Merula. “A very fair cop...You know what Matt, I’ve changed my mind about you. You’re no coward. You just needed a push is all. And here I am to give it to you.” he stepped forward to Merula, grinning. “It’s been fun. You’ll thank me later.” Edwin leaned forward. There was a great flash of light, and Matthew was pulled up from the ice and into the motion. When he opened his eyes, his lips were on Merula’s. Rowan audibly gasped. Ismelda actually stopped picking her nails. Bill took a deep breath, knowing what was about to come next.

“Uuurgh!” They both said, disconnecting instantly, Matthew bringing a hand from behind Merula and her placing her feet firmly back on the ground. They both, however, couldn’t hide their very red faces.

“Oh, that bastard!” Matthew groaned, wiping his mouth.

“Yuck, yuck, yuck!” said Merula, spitting onto the ground. Suddenly, they heard his laugh. Rowan pointed downwards. Inside the glass was a boy in denim and a flannel shirt, scowling.

“I was just the first of the monsters of the mirrors.” he announced, “There’ll be more, trust me! And when they get out, they’ll-” “Incendio.”

There was a horrifying screech as the ice suddenly melted, until the bathroom floor was covered in water. Then there was silence. Ismelda smiled, before placing her wand back into her pocket. “That’s for messing with my friends.” she droned, before turning to Matthew. She looked at him for a moment, before slapping him across the face. “And that’s for kissing Merula.”

“I didn’t do it on purpose!” Matthew said, rubbing his cheek, which was red for a completely different reason to Ismelda. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw two figures appear in the mirror for a moment, nod, then vanish.

“Ok, now can someone please explain what’s going on?” Bill asked.

“I can try.” said Matthew, stretching his jaw. Merula was still a bright pink, and was still wiping her mouth. “Was I really that bad?” he snickered.

“It was...just a surprise, Luther.” Merula said stiffly. “Don’t worry. I won’t slap you. Just don’t get any ideas.”

Rowan looked at them all, aghast. “Sorry, but are we overlooking the fact that Ismelda just killed a man?!”

***

“So, in summary...” said Dumbledore, sitting at his desk, “It’s been quite an eventful day or two for you, hasn’t it?”

Matthew nodded rapidly. They were all now in the Headmaster’s Office, along with Professors Snape, McGonagall and Flitwick.

“I am just glad that you are okay, Matthew.” squeaked the smallest wizard. “Changelings are very dangerous forces of nature.”

“I would like to remind Mr Luther,” sneered Snape, “That the next time he sees something unusual in the mirror, he is to come straight to a Head of House...and that goes for all of you, too.”

The students all nodded. “Well, if that’s everything,” said McGonagall, “I do believe you will all need sleep after a long day like this.”

“Minerva is correct.” said Dumbledore, “Though, if you have any questions or concerns...”

“Actually...” said Merula, “There’s one thing I still don’t understand. Why was I the only person who could see Matthew in the Reflected Realm?”

Dumbledore smiled. “Now that is a very interesting stroke of luck. You see, a very powerful Artifact of Protection can sometimes lend its protection to others around them. It is likely that Matthew’s bracelet,” he explained, leaning towards the boy, “Has seen your connection as the closest, and has decided to protect both of you. And perhaps, more. I imagine Mr Khanna was unable to find Edwin while he was in Matthew’s body for a reason.”

“So...what does that mean?” asked Merula

“It means you, Matthew, are Merula’s Artifactidal Guardian.” he declared. Matthew looked down at his bracelet. Was that why he gave it to him?

“Hang on...how much of a guardian?”

Dumbledore’s eye twinkled knowingly. “Enough of one, Matthew.” he said.

Merula looked at him, turning a little pink still. “What does- What do you-” But Matthew understood. He pulled out the sheet that the riddle was written on, as well as his pen, and began to scribble on the back of the parchment. Then, he gave it to Merula. She read it. Her jaw dropped.

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I Matthew Luther, Artifactidal Guardian of Merula Snyde, hereby give her permission to visit Hogsmeade.

Merula passed the letter to Dumbledore in silence, who read it and nodded. “Very well. Now, off to bed, chop chop.”

As they all walked down the stairs, Matthew felt Merula grab his shoulder.

“Thi-” she stammered, “Th-Thank you, Matthew. I don’t… You know, I-”

“Don’t worry about it, please.” Matthew said, smiling. “This changes nothing. You and I can still be mortal enemies.”

Merula grinned. “Gotcha.” she said, smiling. “Also...um...that was my first kiss.”

Matthew nodded. “Oh. Um...mine too.” He could see something flicker over her expression after that.

“Oh...well, I’m going to say it was with you, because if I don’t it would have been with Edwin, which is even worse.”

“Yeah, I understand.” Matthew said, a smile forcing its way onto his red face. “Well...there’s another Hogsmeade trip tomorrow...see you then...”

“Y-Yeah...see you then.” Merula said, before marching off. It took only a few days for them to get back to their usual bickering selves, but people noticed that for some reason they never argued and never insulted each other when they were in Hogsmeade. The few who knew why kept that secret close to their chests.

[endless-vall]

Don’t fall in love with me - Dakota x MC fanfic

Summary: Mateo comforts Alex after they learn Dakota’s cancer is back.

Author’s note: Even though we all knew it was coming, the character in the story obviously didn’t. I kinda liked that deal Dakota made with MC about ‘not falling in love with each other’, not only because it’s a good trope, but also because it makes sense he’ll be very cautious with her. He didn’t date anyone since coming to that school either, for that exact same reason. God I just love the writing on that book so much!

Alex’s world felt as if it was crumbling under her feet.

Dakota’s cancer was back.

Tear welled up in her eyes.

He was fine now. The doctors were running some tests, but it would be hours before Alex will be able to see him, seeing as she wasn’t family, after all.

His mom and dad looked at her symphatethically, after updating her of his status and turning to go back into his room.

Alex nodded, gulping. She caught a glimpse of Dakota when the door swung open, but he wasn’t able to see her.

Maybe it was for the better, for now.

She wandered the halls of the hospital. She couldn’t bring herself to go home. Not just yet. And besides… Her mother still had hours left before her shift was over.

Alex couldn’t bear to be home alone now, again. So she wandered without a destination in mind.

And her mind… Well, it wandered on it’s own.

A certain memory flooded. And everything started to fall in place.

‘You have to promise not to fall in love with me, though.’ Dakota’s charming features smiled at her, winking.

‘Huh. As if. You have to promise not to fall in love with me.’ She countered, sticking her tongue at him playfully.

‘Deal.’

‘Deal,’.

…

That deal she’s made with Dakota before they decided to throw it away in the fall festival…

It was never about it being their senior year or her not wanting to commit to someone before moving away for college.

Dakota didn’t date anyone since moving to Willow Creek for a reason.

And while he revealed he had cancer in the past to her, something about it coming back has made everything feel so much more… Real. 

He made that deal with her… Because he didn’t want her to fall in love with him, just to find out that the cancer’s back, didn’t he?

Just for them not to end up…

Here.

Exactly where they were now.

But Alex was having none of that.

She’d rather have Dakota for a few, marvelous years instead of not having met him for a lifetime.

Now she couldn’t stop the tears rolling down her cheeks. She was full on crying and not able to stop.

It was a good thing her legs carried her to a deserted wing of the hospital.

She stopped in her tracks, turning to let her back rest against the wall, and slowly sliding until she sat on the floor.

“Alex, there you are!” A familiar voice called.

Looking up and trying to wipe off her tears, she saw Mateo getting closer towards her.

“Alex?” he stopped when he noticed she must’ve been crying up until now.

“Oh, Alex.” He immediately fell down to his knees beside her and collected her into a hug. 

The hug was exceptionally tight, compared to the normal hugs he used to give her. “I know, I know.” He was comforting, but it wasn’t clear if it was aimed at Alex, or at himself…

After finally growing calmer, Mateo sat across from her on the floor. “You wanna talk about it?”

“I don’t know what to say. I’m such a loser for crying and feeling down when he’s the one fighting cancer right now.” She started talking, thinking she was finally calm but her voice turned out more emotional than she intended.

“Hey, you’re not a loser. You hear me?” Mateo looked her intensly in her eyes. He looked so passionate about it Alex couldn’t help but nod and agree.

“It’s fine to feel sad. And helpless, and terrified. Dakota isn’t the only one who’s terrified. We’re terrified too. Of losing him. And he knows that too. He know that feeling all too well. So don’t ever beat yourself up for feeling the way you feel.” Mateo knew how she felt, didn’t he? He cared for Dakota just as much as she did. In a platonic way, but it wasn’t any easier, was it?

Alex nodded again, her eyes finally stopped watering.

“You’re right. I am terrified.” Alex finally sorted out her thoughts, finally able to speak.

“I’m terrified and I want to be there for Dakota. And be strong for him. But what it I make it harder on him? Is that why he pushed me away in the beggining? Why he asked me not to fall in love with him? Did he think I’m too weak? Am I too weak?”

“He asked you not to fall in love with him because he was terrified back then, too. He was about to hit his five-year mark but it’s still so terrifying, knowing the cancer can come back any time. And you know what? My boy had fallen for you since day one. He probably hoped you wouldn’t fall in love with him to make it easier on you, not him. But tell me something, Alex. Would you rather not meeting Dakota, than having to be by his side while he fights?” Mateo makes everything clear. Everything makes sense now.

“Because if that’s the case then you should leave and never come bac–”

“No, absolutely not! I wouldn’t trade Dakota for the world. I… I want a lifetime with him, Mateo. I’m going to fight with him.”

“Good.” Mateo’s face lighted up with a smile. “That’s our girl. Now let’s go rest, and meet tomorrow morning to greet that sleepyhead, what do you say?”

“I say… Hell yeah.” Alex’s voice was still weak and emotional from crying all that time. But she was determined. She’d made up her mind.

She’s going to be there for Dakota. In better or worse.

[clan-sayeed-fic]

Let me earn your trust (Kamilah Sayeed & MC)

Previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Book: Bloodbound (property of Pixelberry Studios) Pairing: Kamilah Sayeed & MC: Amy (I do not own those characters, they're the property of Pixelberry Studios as well) Warnings: a lot of angst, dealing with a traumatic experience, might be hard to read for a sensitive people  Rating: Mature Author's note:  I'm not a native English speaker, I'm sorry for any mistakes (feel free to correct me).

This chapter was the hardest to write so far. I hope you'd like the result of my struggle😊   

I need to ask for your patience😌  

I'm leaving tomorrow to the city that I study in. So half of the day I'll spend packing/ on the go/ unpacking. What's more, from Monday I'm going to have a lot of new things to do. So honestly, I don't know when I'll upload the next chapter of the story...

~ 2500 words

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Chapter 17

Amy jumped when someone touched her shoulder, waking her up.

She looked around, disoriented about the house she found herself in. Her eyes couldn't adjust to the light, so she rubbed them slightly to have a clear view of the surroundings.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Kamilah's voice woke her up even more than the previous pat on the shoulder.

Memories of the last day hit Amy within a second, making her pay close attention to Kamilah's appearance.

The woman was still weak even if the fever was over, and her skin went back to its natural color. She wore a light grey t-shirt and black trousers. Amy looked over her shirt, searching for any sign of blood, which, thankfully, she didn't find.

The girl smiled proudly to herself. Kamilah was clearly feeling better, and that meant the stitches worked.

Amy stretched her arms, leaning back in the chair. Her muscles were hurting because of sleeping with her head on the table.

"You should be laying and resting," Amy said, pausing to yawn.

"Thank's to you, I don't need to," Kamilah put the cup of coffee on the table for her.

Amy took the cup and smelled the sweet aroma of coffee. It made her smile softly before she took a small sip. It was like a miracle drink for her. The thing she needed the most at that moment.

"Amy," Kamilah's voice serious. "I have no words to express my gratitude for what you did for me yesterday."

Kamilah's words referred only to the previous day's situation. But her expression and eyes were apologizing for the way she treated her during past weeks. Amy knew that, and she also knew that she shouldn't point it out. Especially since it must have been already hard for Kamilah to show such surrender. That's why the girl only nodded slightly, accepting the apology.  

"You don't need to thank me," Amy stood up after hearing Kamilah's words. She started cleaning up the books that she spread all over the table. "Besides, we are not done yet."

Kamilah's eyebrows raised as she considered what Amy had in mind.

"I'm not understanding," the woman said, waiting for the explanation.

Amy stopped what she was doing, paying her attention back to Kamilah.

"I read about feral's bite," she gestured the books as an example, "a lot. And it's not looking good for you. Most of the vampires turned into ferals after they were bitten."

"He didn't bite me," Kamilah reminded patiently.

"Yeah, I know," Amy rolled her eyes, "but according to some vampires, the scratch can also cause turning."

The woman already had an answer to that. She didn't want the girl to worry.

"It is more likely to occur in younger vampires," Kamilah explained. "Since I'm over two thousand years old, there is a small chance that I will turn into feral."

"But, there still is," Amy interrupted, then Kamilah's words hit her mind, making her think. "Wait, you're that old?"

Kamilah smiled slightly and nodded.

"Anyway..." the girl focused on her next words, "I'm a Bloodkeeper, my blood is in some way special to the vampires, so I made a decision." Amy brushed her hair away from her neck. "I want you to feed on me."

There was silence in the room after her words.

Kamilah stayed still, surprised by this offer.

She looked at Amy's exposed neck, feeling the need rising inside her throat. She could hear the girl's pulse, smell the blood under her skin. Imagine how delicious it must taste.

The woman shook her head, trying to control her desires.

"I won't do it," Kamilah said, looking intensively into Amy's green eyes.

Eyes that within a second lost their gleam, because of her words.

"Why?" Amy looked disappointed. "What's wrong with me?"

That made the woman laugh ironically.

"I'm a blood-sucking monster, and you're asking what's wrong with you?" Kamilah couldn't stop the pain in her heart.

Knowing her own nature was one thing. Admitting it was an entirely different matter.

"I don't think of you as a monster," Amy's eyes didn't lie, she was sure of her words. "You helped those people in Paris, you..."

"I killed more in my life, believe me," Kamilah held her gaze, interrupting.

But she couldn't find the fear or disgust in the girl's face.

"It doesn't matter," Amy told, undoubtfully. "What matters is that you changed. And I won't go out of here before you drink my fucking blood."

Amy stood there with arms crossed on her chest, acting more stubborn than ever. Her eyes were sending a clear message: giving up her idea wasn't even an option.

"Oh, Amy," Kamilah couldn't stop a smile after hearing Amy's passionate voice. "What about... I'll consider your offer in exchange for a conversation."

"About what?" Amy felt suspicious and curious at the same time.

Kamilah moved the chair from the table and slowly sat on it, keeping Amy's gaze. She gestured on the other chair, so Amy sat down too, next to her.

"You," Kamilah answered.

"What kind of deal is this when you're getting both things, and I none," Amy laughed, but she made her decision. Everything was worth trying as long as the woman would feed on her and get better. "Okay, ask me anything."

Kamilah took her time to take in Amy's features. She wanted to ask her properly about what concerned her the most. Without scaring her off this time.

"What about..." Kamilah said, "where did you learn how to stitch up the wound."

Amy gulped at this question. She knew that Kamilah wanted to know way much more. The girl considered for a second if she should give up her secrets.

Secrets that she managed to keep safe for such a long time.

Finally, something broke inside of her, and she let go.

"My mum taught me," words left Amy's mouth. "She's a nurse... somewhere," her throat tightened for a moment, preventing her from continuing.

Kamilah gently placed her hand on Amy's. She wanted to add her courage, but at the same time didn't want to push her.

"If it's too hard to talk about, I won't force you," the woman's whisper sweetly sounding in Amy's ears.

For a moment, Amy rethought her words. Under any other circumstances, she would take the opportunity to avoid this subject. But, one look at Kamilah's eyes, which at that moment were showing an unbelievable devotion and support, made her fight her past.

"I have to tell this," Amy closed her eyes for a second, gathering her thoughts. "There is a lot I need to explain to you."

After a deep breath, she opened her eyes and looked deeply into Kamilah's. Like she was afraid that after her first words, the woman would disappear.

"Let me start with my name," Amy said, searching for the reaction. She saw a little nod from Kamilah, but no judgment in her expression. "I've had a lot of them, but my first one was Amelia Moore."

Memories of her regular and ordinary at first life hit her immediately.

How she was playing as the kid in the garden under the old weeping willow. Her parents, who were sitting on the blanket which was spread on the wild, not equally mown grass.

Their smiles.

She remembered, with how much love they were looking at each other.

At her.

"I told you before that I moved a lot in my life," Amy continued. "That wasn't exactly what happened."

Screams and loud noises echoed in her mind.

Before her eyes grew a dark forest. Amy felt the cold wind brushing her hair from this night. She remembered how scared she was, being only six years old back then.

"We were on the run," Amy stated a fact, "Ever since I can remember."

"Hide her! I'll come as soon as I can," words of her father when he disappeared into darkness to cover up their tracks.

Sound of her mother's voice when she was humming a song to help her fall asleep. The constant fear that they both would disappear from her life, and she would be left alone.

"And it was all because of me," tears threatening to escape her eyes. Kamilah tightened grip on her hand, trying to keep Amy safe from the shadows of her past. "They would never admit it, but I knew it all along. They were protecting me," she looked at the wall, getting lost in thoughts. "Back then, I didn't know our enemy. Now, I've had the time to think about it. And I'm sure that it had to have something to do with me being a Bloodkeeper."

"Do you think they knew about vampires?" Kamilah asked slowly, she was picking words carefully this time.

"They never told me, probably because they tried to keep me safe from this world," Amy had her chance to be angry at them for doing so. Now, all she felt was gratitude. "I've never seen the vampire before, or I did but never knew what I was up against," she had so many questions to her parents. "We had traveled under different names since then. We had never stayed anywhere for too long."

Amy's gaze moved to her own wrist, looking at the scar. The memory visualized before her.

"You're a brave girl, aren't you?" Her mother's whisper.

Amy could still feel how her fingers were gently stroking her skin. She could understand how heartbroken the woman must have been to do such a thing to her own daughter.

"But why?" Amy was seven years old at that time.

She was shaking from fear and lack of understanding. Those emotions were mixed with endless trust in her parents.

"Do you remember what we were telling you before?" her father sat beside her, patting her on the shoulder reassuringly. "You're a special girl, and some people might not understand that. So this mark will..." he waited for her reaction.

"Make a fool of them!" Amy laughed at her own words.

"Amelia!" her mother couldn't stop a grin since Amy was so adorable, even while repeating such awful words at her age.

"I'm sorry, mummy," the little girl hung her head, meaning her words.

Amy lifted her head to look into her father's eyes, waiting for him to explain.

"This mark will hide you," his words full of the pain of what was about to happen.

"Like in hide-and-seek?" Amy asked, but she was a smart little girl and knew when was the right time to stop joking. "Is it going to hurt a lot?"

Her parents shared an uneasy look.

"I'm afraid that it will," her mother didn't lie, there was no need to. "But we got you, you know that?"

"We will always be here for you," her father's words were the last she remembered before the unbearable pain took over her little body.

Amy breathed slowly, getting out of those thoughts, trying to concentrate.

"They must have known that the Bloodkeeper's can not have scars because of the fast healing process," Amy showed the wrist. "Since my mum was a nurse, she knew what exactly had to be done to create one. Despite how badly the skin wanted to be healed," she remembered pain from constant cutting with an infected knife till the scar stopped disappearing. "I was just a child when it happened."

"It must have been so hard and painful," Kamilah's stomach tightened. She couldn't imagine such torture at a young age.

"It was, but it helped us survive," Amy's heartbeat increased at the next memory. "Till it didn't."

"You're going to be fine," her mother's voice on the day of their separation. "And you don't need to worry about us, we will take care of ourselves."

"I'm sorry that I'm the cause of all of this," tears were flowing unstoppably down Amy's cheeks. She was eighteen years old at that moment. "I didn't know that they were the ones looking for me."

"Hey, you don't need to apologize," her father's hand laid on her shoulder to make sure she would listen carefully. "Never, to anyone, do you understand?"

Amy nodded, unable to speak.

"We are so proud of you, Amelia," they didn't call her this name for a long time.

"I'm proud of you too," they hugged each other one last time before separation.

Amy closed her eyes, and a single tear escaped without her permission.

"I trusted the wrong people," her voice shaky. "Going in different directions was our best chance. For me, and for them," she gulped nervously. "It was all my fault."

Kamilah's fingers moved under Amy's chin as she gently made her meet the woman's eyes. When the girl didn't look away, Kamilah wiped the tear with the same hand. She smiled at the girl softly.

"It's not your fault, Amy," Kamilah spoke honestly. "Your parents loved you infinitely. They still do, and you love them as much. There's no one to blame for that."

Amy nodded slightly, words moved straight to her heart.

"How did you meet Lily?" Kamilah asked, trying to get Amy's thoughts to a more positive subject.

And she was right to do so since Amy smiled instantly at the sound of her best friend's name.

"We knew each other since this craziness started," Amy never stopped smiling softly. "Our families were friendly with each other, and even after I was running away with mine, we tried to stay in touch." Amy's heartbeat slowed down, she felt calmer. "Then, I bumped into Lily in the college where I was undercover. Already as Amy Cambell. Starting a new life," she remembered the feeling of safeness when she recognized her best friend after not seeing her for such a long time. "She helped me with making sure that all my personal data was changed and no one would get to know the truth. Somehow, it didn't work," Amy smiled at the woman meaningfully. "After college, we moved to New York, and the rest of it, you already know."

Amy finished her story, and the silence fell in the room. Kamilah wasn't prepared to hear something like that. She couldn't imagine what the girl must have gone through during her short life. Moreover, she was impressed by how powerful and independent, Amy ended up being.

Finally, Amy broke the silence, speaking with difficulty. She took her hand away from Kamilah.

"I get this if you don't consider me worth your attention or trust," Amy exposed herself entirely to this woman. She told her everything, and now she was expecting the harsh judgment from her.

Kamilah didn't leave her gaze, reaching again for Amy's hand. This time, taking it with both of hers.

"You are worth more than you can even imagine..." Kamilah said, "...Amy."

She emphasized the name on purpose. By doing so, she let the girl know that whatever she would decide, Kamilah would follow her lead.

It didn't matter under which name they met in the beginning. What truly mattered was the person that Kamilah had a chance to get to know. And she wouldn't change a thing about her.

Amy smiled at her, feeling the warmth spreading in her chest.

Then, she reminded herself about what this whole conversation was for in the first place.

"I don't want you to turn into feral," Amy said with pleading eyes. "Now's your part of the deal."

Kamilah sighed quietly but nodded.

Ready for what's to come.

Next chapter: 18 (nsfw)

----------------------

tag list: @onyxgaytrash, @lightning-fury, @scarlet-letter-a0114, @caliseds

[lins-fandom-hub]

HPHM Friendship quizzes!

Inspired by @hogwartsmysterystory ‘s earlier post, I decided to give this a try! I made friendship interaction quizzes featuring my main MC, Clara Xing-Hui Lin, and her little sister Emily Wen-Hui Lin! For those reading “Etched, Engraved, Everlasting”, you’ll know Em is Clara’s little sister and the youngest sibling of the infamous Jacob. But how well do you really know them? Can you answer these correctly without searching through their directories/profiles?

Feel free to give these a go! If you want to make your own, by all means do so! I’m excited to see how many people try this. :)

Quizzes are below the cut!

Clara Lin friendship quizzes

Meal with a friend

“I’ve grown up playing music for as long as I can remember. Let’s see what you know…”

Which of these is a string instrument?

Violin

Piano

Bassoon

Which of these is a wind instrument?

French Horn

Harp

Timpani

Who keeps an orchestra in line?

The Conductor

The Concertmaster

The Headmaster

What is my primary instrument? 

Violin

Piano

Gobstones

Which instrument was most recently developed?

Xylophone

Saxophone

Flute

What genre of music does the Weird Sisters play?

Disco

Classical

Rock

How many keys are on a piano?

88

100

76

---

Gobstones

“Good luck, [::FirstName::]. I don’t intend to lose…”

Let’s play, [::FirstName::]!

Let’s bang on some drums! 

Let’s ride a bike! 

Let’s focus on the game.

Don’t try to distract me...

Wouldn’t imagine it.

Is that your sister?

Is that a conductor’s baton?

I really need to focus...

Just think about Beethoven

Just think about Binns

Just think about your next move

You might win!

I might secretly be a writer

I might secretly be a pianist

Indeed, I might be

How do you like Gobstones?

It requires my complete attention

It’s better than music

It’s better than Butterbeer

What happens if I lose?

You’ll never see your siblings again

You’ll be kicked off of the Frog Choir

You’ll have another chance!

Wait until you see this move!

Wait until you see my sheet music!

Wait until you see my cat!

I’m paying attention...

---

Butterbeer

“Let’s see how well you know me…”

How many siblings do I have?

One

Two

None

What am I most known for?

Being a musician

Being a rebel

Being an engineer 

What was my mom’s profession?

Grade school teacher 

Psychology writer

Healer

What’s my younger sister’s name?

Erica

Ellen

Emily

What house am I in?

Gryffindor

Ravenclaw

Slytherin

Who do I fancy?

Diego Caplan

Tabott Winger

Barnaby Lee

Where do I normally practice piano?

In a spare room in the East Towers.

Near the Prefect’s Bathroom.

In the Quidditch Changing Room.

~~~

Em Lin friendship quizzes

Meal with a Friend

“You seem to know a lot about my sister--maybe even more about my brother--but what do you know about me?”

What house am I in?

Gryffindor

Hufflepuff

Slytherin

Who helped me found the Arts and Crafts club?

Dawn Everett

Cedric Diggory

Beatrice Haywood

How do I stand out from the crowd?

With flowers in your hair

With Flobberworms on your shoes

With birds circling around your head

Who’s volunteered to protect me at Hogwarts?

Barnaby Lee

Penny Haywood

Diego Caplan

What was my first injury?

Fractured elbow

Broken nose

Sprained wrist

What’s my worst trigger?

Arguments

Blood

Spiders

What’s my favourite subject?

Astronomy

Herbology

Transfiguration

---

Gobstones

“After all the stories surrounding my siblings and the Cursed Vaults, I’m not sure it’s an entirely safe place to be.”

Didn’t the statue curse start in the courtyard?

Think of the statues on the fountain as your guardians

Think of the fun you’ll have playing Gobstones.

Think about the friends that will have your back here.

I wish I can stand up to those who bully me...

There’s no reason you should.

Have faith and summon your courage.

Maybe ask your sister to deal with them.

Would the curses from the past return?

Your sister will be prepared to break them again.

Yeah, and there’s no hope for you.

Can we guarantee that they’ll stay away?

Why should I focus on my classes right now?

You can use what you learned to help your siblings in their cause.

You can join the Death Eaters--they’ll want someone of your talent.

You probably shouldn’t--the professors are useless here.

Maybe I should just go home.

Don’t think too much about it.

Hogwarts will feel like home soon enough.

I never thought you’d be a quitter.

Is there anyone who can help me fit in?

Yes, your friends

Yes, the house-elves

Yes, the Whomping Willow

What can I do to make the best out of Hogwarts?

Make new friends and study hard!

Take a lot of risks and get into trouble once in a while!

Worry about your siblings and the Cursed Vaults!

[judediangelo75]

Style Witch: Judith Harris

Inspired by the ask from @kc-needs-coffee to @that-scouse-wizard​  

Here’s a little story to go with this as well.

MC Friends: David Willows ( @that-scouse-wizard​ ), Katriona  Cassiopeia ( @kc-needs-coffee​ ), and Lizzie Jameson ( @lifeofkaze​ )

-----------------------

David was taking a small kip on the couch in the Hufflepuff Common Room when he was rudely awaken by the loud slam of a door. 

Slightly dazed and annoyed, he sat up to see the fuming little figure of his best mate, Judith.

“Where’s the fire, Little Tigress,” he yawned. The young witch paused upon hearing her dear friend’s voice. The fire that burned in those pale gold eyes dimmed when she looked at her friend’s sleepy face.

“Sorry, David. I didn’t mean to wake you,” she said softly. David stretched a bit.

“Don’t worry about it. Something’s bothering you, what’s wrong?” Judith crossed her arms with a huff.

“That bloody style wizard,” she grumbled. David arched a brow, waiting for her to continue. 

“He had the nerve to talk about my outfit today, saying it’s burning his eyes,” she supplied. David studied his friend from head to toe.

Her brown black hair was in twists, partially hidden under a dark blue bandanna. Her usually gold accessories were clipped onto her ears. Her face was make up free. A blue and white V-neck shirt, light gray 3/4 camo pants and white Converses clothed her body.

David didn’t see anything wrong with her look. He always thought she looked nice regardless.

“I don’t see anything wrong with it,” he mumbled. Judith walked over and sat on the couch next to him, angrily pouting.

“My point exactly. I told him that’s rich coming from a person who tried dressed me as someone’s mother for the Valentine’s Day Ball.” David snickered. 

David remembered that day clear as day. It was hard not to, seeing how peeved Judith looked when she was looking in the mirror. 

‘You lost ya damn mind if you think I’m going to the Ball like this, Egwu. I look like a mother whose in her mid thirties, demanding to speak to your manager to file a compliant.’

 David laughed to the point his sides hurt and he had tears in his eyes. 

“You’re not wrong, that pixie cut definitively wasn’t your style, Little Tigress,” David chuckled. He got a glare for the nickname but he knew there was no real hostility towards him.

“It sure as hell wasn’t. Andre had the nerve to look like I told him Pride of Portee was the worst team in the league. Then he said ‘I’d like you see you do better. Everyone knows I’m the Style Wizard around here.’ Damn title went to his head a little bit,” she grumbled. 

David looked at her curiously. One of the things he knew about his Little Tigress was being told that she couldn’t compare to someone else.

“Well, why don’t you show him? I’ll even let you use me as your little art project,” he offered. Judith gave her a glance.

“Are you sure,” she asked, slightly hesitant. She never styled another person before...

David offered her a smile.

“Positive.” Judith returned it with a shy one.

“Okay...”

----------------

David sat in her dorm room as Judith was taking notes.

She asked questions in regards to his shirt size, preferred jacket size, pant size, and shoe size.

“What’s a look you want to try again,” she finally asked, twirling the quill in her hand. David looked thoughtful for a moment before saying,

“I admit, I did like the Valentine’s Day look from last year. Ya know, the punk look?” Something shined in those pale gold eyes.

“Gotcha... I think I can work with that...”

--------------

Few days later, David was called back into Judith’s room. He spied the shopping bags that sat on her bed. He rose a brow at them.

“So I’m assuming you got something.” Judith looked up at him with a shy smile.

“Yeah... but I want it to be a surprise. So you’re gonna have to close your eyes. David shrugged.

“First off, hair,” she said. She pointed to her vanity, a chair already waiting for him.

“Sit.” Doing what he was told, he sat and allowed his friend to style his hair. His face would occasionally scrunch up when he felt the water from her spray bottle hit his face but relaxed at the feel of her fingers massage his scalp. 

After some fluffing, combing and adding gel, Judith step back to admire her handiwork.

“Perfect, now stay still. I’m gonna add a bit of color.” David nodded as Judith fetched her wand.

“Colovaria!” David felt the faint traces of magic dance over him before it fading. Judith was dancing on the balls of her feet, the biggest smile on her face. 

“I’m guessing it looks good,” he asked, ready to turn around to face her mirror. Only for Judith to take ahold of his face.

“No looking! I’m just about done... just need a few more things...” Judith grabbed something from her vanity. 

“Close your eyes,” she said. Doing so, David could feel something cold being stuck onto the skin near his right brow and right ear. 

“Open.” David’s eyes fluttered open, to find Judith’s smile. 

“It’s slowly coming together... but there’s one more thing. You’re okay with facial hair, are you?” David blinked.

“I, uh, never thought about it...” Judith giggled.

“Don’t worry, it’s only gonna be a little. I can’t see you with a full grown beard.” They both shared a laugh at that, and Judith casted another spell on her fellow Hufflepuff. David could feel the hair solely grow on his chin. 

He rubbed it, feeling the new addition of Judith’s look on his face. 

“Wow, you look older. But in a good way. Huh,” she said thoughtfully. David chuckled.

“So, are you done with my face?” Judith laughed and nodded. 

“Now clothes, but remember keep your eyes closed. I’ll hand you the clothes one by one and you can change behind the screen over there. Got it?” David gave her a mock salute.

“Yes ma’am.” The young witch rolled her eyes. 

“Hush and hurry up and strip,” she demanded, shoving him behind screen. Making quick work of his running shoes, jeans and gray V-neck, David shouted that he was done.

“Remember-”

“Yes, eyes closed, I heard ya the first time, Little Tigress,” he sassed, closing his eyes yet again. He heard her annoyed grumble as she placed each article of clothing into his outstretched hand.

He could feel the rips in the pants she gave him and the leather texture of the jacket as well. He felt more and more excited to see what he looked like.

“Step out, I’ll help you put on the shoes,” Judith said. Doing so, he could hear Judith clap rapidly.

“Holy shit! You look great David! Oooohhh, I can’t wait for you see,” she cheered, grabbing his hand to lead him to her bed. David sat down and felt Judith slip on a pair of boots to his feet. They feel a bit heavy but not in a bad way...

“And done! Come, I’ll lead you to the mirror.” Following his little friend, he heard a door opening and Judith saying,

“Okay... you can look now...” 

Brown eyes opened to stare at his reflection only to widen in surprise. He stepped closer to the mirror to take a closer look at his reflection. 

His normally neat hair was now a styled mess, red dye blending into his brown hair, flaring at the tips. Two shiny piercings sat near his brow and a bigger one of his ear. The little bit of facial hair did age him well.

His outfit consisted of a plain white T-shirt, a red leather jacket, black fingerless gloves with a red wristband, black acid washed ripped jeans and black combat boots. He turned his gaze to a suddenly shy Judith.

“Well,” she asked, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. She let out a squeal when she pulled off the ground and into a tight hug.

“I look badass! Thank you so much, Little Tigress,” David cheered, nuzzling her hair. Judith blushed and giggled.

“There’s one more thing, Hound...” David perked up at this, setting her down so she can retrieve it. 

Judith went over to the bags on her bed to pull out a black box the size of her hand before returning to David. Handing the box over to him, Judith bit her lip anxiously to watch her expression as he opened it.

David’s eyes widen before softening. In the box was a silver necklace. On the chain was a ram’s head, a aquamarine gem replacing its eye.

“It’s beautiful, Little Tigress,” he mumbled. Judith smiled softly at her tall friend before taking it out and putting it around his neck. Judith stepped back to admire her work.

“There, you look great...” David glanced at the mirror. The necklace definitely a nice finishing touch to his new look.

“Thanks Judith... why don’t we pay our resident Style Wizard a visit?”

--------------

Andre was in the Courtyard, talking to Talbott. 

“Then she said I made her look like someone’s 30 year old mother, can you believe that,” he ranted to his fellow Ravenclaw, who in turn snorted.

“Considering that she’s my girlfriend and have come backs for days, yes,” Talbott shrugged. Andre pinched the bridge of his nose.

Maybe ranting to Judith’s boyfriend wasn’t his most brightest idea...

“I’d love to see her try to do better,” he grumbled. Talbott’s red eyes trailed off him for a brief moment only to widen slightly at something behind him.

“Apparently she accepted that challenge. And it’s fair to say you lost, mate.” Andre let out a nose of confusion before turning around to see what Talbott was talking about.

Only to stiffen with wide eyes.

Approaching the two Ravenclaws was David and Judith. However, the attention was focused on David.

...At least they were pretty sure that was David.

“Cheers, Tal. Andre,” the guy greeted them as he stood before them. 

Yup, that’s definitely David Willows.

“Wha-?! How-?! Who-?!” Andre spluttered over his words as he took in David’s new look. 

“What do you think of my new look Judith created for me? Pretty badass, right,” David smirked. He glanced at his best mate to find her sharing a similar smirk on her face as they stared at the dumbfounded Style Wizard.

“Yeah, Andre? Pretty cool, right,” Judith teased. Andre shut his mouth and stared at the two Hufflepuffs with an unamused glare.

Damn it, he forgot how often they loved to push his buttons.

Talbott chuckled and walked up to his little bird to hold her hand. 

“Impressive work, little bird. If it wasn’t for the impish look in David’s eyes, I wouldn’t have recognized him,” he said, placing a quick peck on her cheek. Judith beamed up at him with a small blush on her cheeks.

“Thanks, Talbott...” Andre let out a cough, bringing attention to himself.

“I guess I know when I’m beat. Nice work, Judith,” he mumbled. Judith and David snickered at his sulking form.

---------------

Andre was at the pre-game party, sipping his Butterbeer when he felt a hand grasp his shoulder.

“Cheers, Andre!” He turned to greet David only to pause when he took in his outfit. 

A plain black T-shirt, a custom made letterman jacket, white and yellow track pants and tri-petal running shoes clothes the Hufflepuff Beater. 

“Wha...” David smirked.

“You like? Judith made this for me to wear at pre-game parties. Check out the back,” he said, turning around to show the Ravenclaw Quidditch player. The word ‘HOUND’ flashed at Andre before David spun back around. 

Andre narrowed his eyes.

“Yeah... pretty cool...” 

“Daaaaavvvvvviiiiiiddddddddd....” The two wizards turned to find the short figures of KC and Lizzie approaching them.

“Where is she?! I want to place a custom order of that jacket. I’ll even pay,” KC pouted. David chuckled.

“Sorry KC, Judith decided she didn’t want to show up this time,” he apologized. Lizzie groaned.

“David, you lucky bloke! You have a best mate to designs stuff for you. No fair...”

“You know you guys could ask me to make something you,” Andre quipped. Lizzie and KC looked at each other before looking at Andre.

“Did you think to make a letterman jacket before David showed up in his,” KC asked with an arched brow.

“No, but-”

“Okay, case closed,” Lizzie said. David laughed at Andre’s disgruntled expression as the girls fawned over his jacket.