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smythesm · 4 years ago

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You and I Were Fireworks- Fourth of July Weekend, 2020.

Para: - You and I Were Fireworks

Rating: PG.

Pairing: Seblaine.

When: Fourth of July Weekend, 2020

Location: Smythe Family Lake house, Ohio.

Notes: Sebastian and Blaine get a much needed escape from Massachusetts for some Summer fun. Sebastian’s favorite time of the year.

Warnings: A nice little calm before the oncoming storm. ;)

Sebastian's POV:

Sebastian’s family owned a lake house a few hours away from Westerville. He grew up going to the lake at least twice every summer (if he were in the states, of course.) and his father regularly went on fishing trips with his brothers there (Sebastian was never interested. He tried fishing once when he was 9 and almost threw up when he saw the worms.) Over the years, The Smythe’s had celebrated the 4th of July at the lake house off and on. It was always a giant bash filled with Sparkler burnt fingertips and ice cold lemonade. This year, Sabine decided to make a weekend out of it since the 4th happened to fall on a Saturday. She had invited Sebastian and Blaine and other random family members most of which he couldn’t care less about (none of the Aunts would be there, they were going on a ‘Wine Weekend’ Thank GOD.) .

What he did care about was fireworks, the smell of charcoal in the air, the sun soaking into his skin, and his feet floating in cold water. Seb loved Independence day though it didn’t really have anything to do with patriotism. It had to do with summer, melted popsicles, grilled hamburgers with heaps of charred cheese, campfires and gooey marshmallows, the scent of heat soaked asphalt mixed with sunscreen. He was a child of summer, his skin glowed when the sun touched it and he didn’t have to wear much clothing if he didn’t want to because it was always hot. No sweatshirts, or blankets, or socks. The 4th of July as the most sun drenched, sticky summer day of the year and Sebastian loved that feeling.

He was excited for Blaine to see the property. The house basically floated on the water, had an open bay where they kept the boat, a dock, and a spacious wrap around porch. The house was surrounded by trees and yellow flowers in the front that complemented its grey color. The lake itself was basically the backyard and seemed to stretch on forever. It was everything that his boyfriend loved. Sebastian even surprised the other man with some new amber colored jars so that he could collect lake water and sand when the others weren’t around.

Blaine and Sebastian drove to Ohio with Enjolras. They took turns driving, stopped for lots of snacks and to let Ras walk around, and they only bickered over the blue tooth once. Blaine sang almost every song that played and even talked Seb into singing a little bit. Blaine had kept Ras calm with his vibes and the pup sat in the back seat calmly and happily looking out the window as other cars and buildings and green grassy fields flew by.

It was a successful trip and they arrived in the evening in time for dinner on Friday night. It looked like Wick and Luke, Sebastian’s most un problematic Uncle and little cousin were there along with other random cousins and family friends of Thomas. Sebastian never felt much appreciation for his family, except for his mother. But, since meeting Blaine, he had a newfound gratitude for some of them. His boyfriend loved Wick and Luke and he liked to attend social events, since he didn’t really do anything besides magical business or arguing with his own father. Which wasn’t very different for Seb (minus the magic) but, at least he had his mother and his Uncle Wick and Luke.

Blaine’s POV:

Sabine inviting Sebastian and himself to Ohio couldn’t have come at a better time for Blaine, it was also the cause of a rather emotional argument. Tensions had already been rising between him and his father at LeFay and Blaine’s anxieties and fears were beginning to catch up to him. He hated the bickering and the knowing, frustrated looks Will Anderson threw at him every time he mentioned that he had some sort of gig or that he wouldn’t be back for the night for some reason or another. He hated it even more when Will threw Sebastian, without saying his boyfriends name, back into his face. He could still hear the echoes of his father’s voice when he told him he wouldn’t be home much this weekend.

You must really think I’m stupid, Blaine. I know where you go. I know who you’re seeing and I know what he is. Blaine had given him a firm head shake and an even firmer proclamation that he didn’t know what the hell Will was talking about. Blaine’s hands had shook, and his voice grew thick when he’d spoken, but he stood his ground. For his part, Will had thrown his hands up, yelled a few more things about Blaine’s life being worth more than some silly fling and then, and this still surprised Blaine, his father’s words cut off like he didn’t have any steam left in him and he looked for a moment like his face might break into tears before turning away from Blaine and waving a dismissive hand at him. Mumbling for him to just be safe. Blaine quietly promised he’d check in to keep himself from getting into trouble again and left the room. As Blaine packed for the trip, he had to wonder if Will knew that, even though it was supposed to be impossible, Sebastian was his Fate. His soul mate. That he was so much more than a fling.

Blaine tried his best not to ponder too hard about this or else it would eat him up the whole weekend and that was the last thing he needed. He needed to calm down and relax, he needed to not think about LeFay or his father’s haunted face as he spoke about Sebastian and Blaine. He needed to focus on this trip, and being away and spending time with people that didn’t make him feel like he was an awful person for being in love. It made him feel selfish and guilty because he could still see that look in his dads eye and it reminded him just a bit of when his mom died but… he pushed it away and replaced his worries with an easy, warm smile and embrace for Sabine, a firm handshake accompanied by a clap on the shoulder for Thomas, open laughter for Wick and Luke and a wide eyed wonder over the enchanting slice of nature that was the Smythe family lake house. He made a promise to himself to tell Seb about his worries and the argument with his dad later, but for now he needed this peace. Besides, he had a few new lovely jars that needed to be filled and he didn’t want to tarnish their trip and Seb’s gift with a melancholy memory.

The dinner had gone by fast, the night ending with drinks for the adults by the fire, Sebastian had even relaxed enough and rested his head on Blaine’s shoulder, and there were sparklers for the younger ones. There was an openness among the family that seemed to be missing from the two Thanksgivings Blaine had spent with the Smythe’s and he wondered if it might have to do with the absences of the infamous Aunts. The night ended slowly and they fell asleep in a room with open windows, and lake breeze reminding him of their first trip to the island together. They fell asleep wrapped around each other with Ras snuggled at their feet and he could feel that Freya, sneakily, was nearby keeping watch.

The next morning brought fresh fruits and rich coffee for breakfast and a warm Summer breeze rustling through full green trees sending ripples throughout the massive lake. The gentle sway of their boat, warmed by Sebastian’s favored sun almost lulling Blaine to sleep as he lay on his stomach on the boats deck, his head propped up on his left hand, his right hand idly connecting the dots of Sebastian's star dusted freckles, his leg hooked just so over Seb to keep them close. It was just the two of them out there, everyone else felt a million miles away for just a moment and Blaine could have stayed this way forever. It was so close to perfect. He could hear the splashes of water as Ras and seven year old Luke, Wick and few of the other cousins played near the shore. It brought Blaine back to a soothing reality and he gave a little laugh and a lazy smile as he sent little magical splashes of lake water towards the shore, making it seem as if the water were chasing Luke and Ras and the rest. He probably shouldn't have been doing it, but the delighted giggles from the boy and the barks from Ras made Blaine happy and not much could ruin this moment.

He could feel Sebastian's green gaze and he turned his head, his smile still lazing around on his face. “What?” He laughed, leaning in to nuzzle at Seb’s shoulder. “Mm, you don’t suppose your mom would let me cook breakfast for everyone tomorrow, do you?”

Sebastian's POV:

Sebastian had all of his favorite things in one place; summer, his favorite holiday, and Blaine. The moment felt perfect; the sun beating down onto his skin, the boat gently swaying, the scent of algae and coconut from the sunscreen Sabine kept in the boat. It was Blaine’s strong fingertips tracing over his skin, the sound of his youngest cousin and his dog barking, Blaine humming and laughing a little himself. He lifted his head up and noticed Blaine gently moving his hand back and forth. Sebastian sat up a little more to look back at the shore where it seemed tiny waves were chasing a glee filled Luke around as Enjolras playfully bit and stomped on the waves. He slid his black RayBan sunglasses down the slope of his nose to look over at his boyfriend. “You better be careful,B. Luke’s gonna be on to you.” Sebastian smiled a lazy smile, calmed by the sun’s rays and lulled by the lake’s rhythm. He stretched out his long legs, wiggled his toes, and turned his face up towards the sky. “I think she’d love that. Though, she might insist on helping out. You really wanna cook for all these people?” Seb let his eyes rake over the other man’s muscular body. They were both starting to tan already. Sebastian sighed a happy, dazed sigh. “Of course you do.” He reached out and poked Blaine’s ribs gently. “You’re sweet. We should probably head back. We have the crab boil and Wick’s fireworks tonight.”

Sebastian and Blaine chased Luke and Ras around in the water for a little bit before heading in to take showers, get distracted by each other in said showers, only to change into new swim trunks and tank tops. Sabine had caterers come in to make a crab boil for the family. She had picnic tables set up, filled with buttery crab legs, corn on the cob, and red potatoes. There were cold beers for the adults and even a sno-cone machine set up by said caterers for the kids. Sebastian would be damned, though, if he didn’t get his hands on a cherry sno-cone. They ate too much and laughed and drank until it was dark enough for the fireworks to begin.

He and Blaine helped set off a few small fireworks at the beginning of Wick’s display. Sebastian stooping low to light the little fuse on whatever weird firework his uncle had picked out, only to take off running with Blaine so that nothing sparked on them. The three of them laughing and jumping around like they were all teenagers again. Sebastian had gotten a spark on his grey Sperrys and danced around like a crazed duck, his adrenaline spiked, laughing so hard after that his sides hurt.

The two of them found themselves on a blanket in the warm green grass, looking up at the colorful explosions in the sky. Sebastian felt a little tipsy from the adrenaline of setting off fireworks and the crisp beers and the scent of lake breeze trapped in Blaine’s curls. His younger cousins and family friend’s children ran around with sparklers and Ras was asleep at Sabine’s feet as she lounged in an Adirondack chair. “You keeping him calm?” Seb pointed at the sleepy pup.

Blaine’s POV:

Blaine had to fight to keep from smiling too big and he gave a shrug in regards to Seb’s statement, his grin a little mischievous. “Ah well, he’s seven. Sometimes kids need something to believe in. This isn’t the first time I’ve given Luke a little glimpse though, remember?” He asked, his hand resting on Seb’s sun kissed thigh as his boyfriends shifted positions so he could watch the activities on the shore. He thought back to the Thanksgiving he’d met Luke, the five year old had seemed fascinated with Blaine from the get go as if he were someone akin to Santa Claus. Sometimes human kids just knew when a person had magic whether they showed it off or not. The memory of making the curtains dance was a fond one for Blaine and he’d put it on the shelf along with this boat and the pup biting at his magical little waves and the kid chasing them. “Besides, he’ll forget all about it as he gets older. Kind of like most kids do with Santa Claus and so on.” All children grow up and sadly most of them didn’t take their imaginations with them into adulthood. Blaine just wanted to bring a little bit of happiness into a world that was sometimes incredibly dark.

He thought for a moment, taking a visual headcount of all the people he’d have to cook for and nodded to Seb. A sheepish smile creeping over his face at Seb’s sighing of course you do. “Yeah, I want to. Everyone here has been so welcoming, especially your mom. I suppose I don’t actually have a say on whether she helps me or not. It’s her kitchen after all. I just want to do something nice. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed but food is one way that I show appreciation.” He laughed, a little thrill shooting though his body when Seb poked him, the gesture tickling him. His cheeks flaring up in a blush at being called sweet. He nodded, and moved to sit in the proper seat so Seb could steer them back with a silly, “Aye, Captain.” and a wink.

The holiday went on in a blur of Luke and Enjolras running around in circles from the two of them. Wick tipping a couple of the younger kids into the Summer warmed lake water. Ras whined when he could follow Sebastian and Blaine back into the bathroom while they shared a shower that somehow turned more intimate than intended with mouths and skin touching skin. Blaine’s cheeks were red when they emerged back at the gathering a short time later and not from the sun. He sipped on a beer during dinner, hoping the lot would think it was just from the drink and the sun. And they laughed at each other’s Sno-Cone stained mouths. Seb’s cherry red and tempting and Blaine’s an unnatural shade of blue as he happily ate the sticky sweet cotton candy flavor he’d chosen. The smell of fireworks and sunscreen and lake water filled the air and Blaine couldn't stop laughing at his boyfriend for all of his hopping about, the laughter pouring out of him as Seb squeaked and giggled like a teen as his shoe was singed. And for just this moment, remember why he’d been so upset before coming here.

He found himself relaxed on their blanket, following Seb’s line of sight to where Ras and Sabine sat close by. Red, white, blue and a tangle of other colors crashing overhead, lighting up the sky as he slipped his hand into Seb’s, giving his boyfriend a squeeze to reassure him. “Yes.” Blaine had made it his mission to make sure Ras didn’t get too nervous with all the fireworks. He’d been sending out a pleasant wave of energy to Seb’s companion all night long. Blaine turned his head and pressed a kiss to Seb’s shoulder before pulling back to smile up at him. The taller man tasted like the sun that he loved so damn much and Blaine was quiet for a moment as he basked in his glow. “Yeah, I have and well, Frey’s here also. She’s been hiding and watching him since we got here. I think the water and the fire are making her nervous.” He chuckled lowly, scooting a little closer to Seb. “She’s been watching all of us actually, I think. She knows a few of your favorite people are here so she feels obligated to keep us all safe. But, between you and me I think she’s mostly ere for Ras as well as your mom.” He paused, his thumb running over Seb’s knuckle gently. “Speaking of your mom- she’s gonna let me cook!” He laughed again, warmly. “She’s insisting on helping, so you were right about that. But, I get to cook. So, I guess I’ll be getting up a couple hours early tomorrow.” He leaned up and kissed Seb’s jaw. “Try not to miss me too much.”

He thought back to when he’d approached Sabine about doing breakfast, somewhere between dinner and Sno-Cones. She squeezed his hands comfortingly, her pretty face lighting up in a smile and a little eye roll that was reminiscent of Sebastian’s as she said of course you want to help. And of course you can. It pleased Blaine so much and again he struggled to remember what he’d been so worried about. But, he supposed that was the point. “Hey.” He mumbled and nudged Seb’s shoulder in an attempt to get him to look away from the colorful sky. “I love you so much, you know? In case I haven’t told you today.” He smiled fully,a little goofy, his face open and worry lines gone for the moment. “I’m sorry, it’s all just so romantic right now I just can’t help myself.”

Sebastian’s POV:

Sebastian nodded. “Thanks for doing that. He usually has to stay inside anytime there are fireworks.” He chuckled and shook his head because of course Freya was at the lake. “She’s magical, though. She’d be fine, right?” Sebastian looked at the lingering smoke in the night sky. “I mean, it is probably for the best that she stays hidden. Luke might try to take her home and how would we get out of that one?” He laughed a little to himself, picturing seven year old hands clutching the massive white fluff of Blaine’s familiar. Sebastian could imagine her bitchy face perfectly. He caught Blaine’s hand in his, “I’m glad. You’ll have fun together, I’m sure. She’s not the best cook but she tries. Not that I’m one to talk.” Sebastian smiled and looked down into Blaine’s warm eyes, they were practically sparkling with excitement. “You know I’ll be sleeping in.”

He looked back up after a loud ‘boom!’ sounded above them, the night sky filled with green and gold bursts of light. Sebastian looked back at the other man when he felt the nudge. He smiled, “I love you so much back.” Seb couldn’t help but chuckle and roll his eyes playfully. “That is one of the most you things you’ve ever said. Today was pretty great. Thanks for coming with me.”

Seb leaned in and gave Blaine a kiss as a big red firework exploded above them, painting their skin in a faint scarlet glow. “We should probably head inside soon since you have to get up early. Ras will probably stay out here with my mom. He loves her and doesn’t get to see her often.” He stood up and held his hand out to help the other man up. They walked over and said goodnight to Sabine, Sebastian gave her a kiss on the cheek and ruffled his pup’s shaggy fur. He felt the only kind of tired that you feel after a long day of sun and water. The kind of tired where skin has summer heat trapped inside and your bones feel water logged. Seb knew that he was going to fall asleep fast and soundly.

He had hardly stirred when Blaine left for the kitchen with a kiss but the smell of bacon definitely brought him out of his heavy slumber. Sebastian’s stomach growled and he could hear the din of dishes, the click of paws on tile, and his mother’s laughter float from the kitchen. He ran a hand over his sleepy eyes and stretched his limbs, threw on his tank top and green trunks from the night before and headed towards the welcoming sounds and smells. Sebastian walked in to see his boyfriend and mother finishing up the impressive spread, laughing and talking like old friends. Wick was working on pouring himself some coffee and nudged his own cup towards Sebastian. He took it with a grateful smile. Luke was sleepily nursing a bowl of watermelon. The rest of the family and guests were still asleep. “Smells great in here.” Seb’s voice was low and sleepy, he was sure his hair was still a mess. “Can I steal some of that bacon before Ras gets it all.”

Blaine’s POV:

After bidding Sabine and the pup and a few of the other adults a goodnight (the kids had fallen asleep in a haze of fireworks and excitement) Blaine let Sebastian lead him up the stairs and the two of them fell asleep hard, their energetic, sun soaked weekend catching up to them. Blaine’s arms wrapped tightly around Sebastian. He hardly even stirred when not even an hour later the door opened and an equally sleepy Ras padded in and fell asleep at their feet again. Blaine jerked awake once sometime around four in the morning, his subconscious telling him he was forgetting something. He pulled himself from Seb, and grudgingly popped himself back into his LeFay room to check in, making sure the magic in the school knew that he was around before he let himself go back to Sebastian’s arms for the night. The next thing he knew he was being quietly nudged awake by a bright eyed, fresh faced Sabine Smythe, already dressed and ready to conquer the day. She left the room so he could get ready and he couldn’t help but smile to himself as he got dressed and made his way down to the vast, open kitchen.

A familiar tug pulled at his heart as he thought back to all the times his own mother would wake him up so they could cook for his dad. And while he knew that Sabine wasn’t his mother it still lifted his heart knowing that she was there for him with the gentle way she showed him around the kitchen and the warm way she spoke to him. Plus, it made him happy knowing how much she loved Sebastian and seemed to be fond of Blaine himself. It meant a great deal to him and he hoped his smile and gratitude showed it. She’d even let him show her how to make the pancakes so that they’d be extra fluffy and she showed him how to brew a better pot of coffee, which was saying something as Blaine prided himself on his coffee and tea skills. Blaine had given Luke a bowl of watermelon to tide him over while they cooked. Both him and Sabine laughing as the kid all but fell asleep into his bowl. He smiled shyly up at his boyfriend as he heard his familiar sleep raspy voice coming down the stairs. He piled a generous amount of bacon on a plate for Sebastian and slid the plate over to him. He even managed to sneak Enjolras a piece.

“Good morning!” He greeted, and pressed an almost shy kiss to Seb’s lips as a hello. His cheeks were a little red knowing they had an audience, but Sabine’s energy seemed pleased, and Luke just huffed like children did when adults did adult things and Wick was too busy sucking down his coffee to even seem to notice. Slowly, one by one, the rest of the group arrived all of them seemingly impressed by the spread the two of them had prepared. Even Thomas Smythe, who rarely seemed impressed unless you presented him with a two hundred year old bottle of wine, was impressed. Giving Blaine a nod and a half smile over his morning paper. They ate, and talked and laughed for the next hour, the Sunday morning going just as smoothly as the rest of the weekend had and Blaine found himself not wanting to leave just yet. Alas, the two of them had a twelve hour drive ahead of them and if they wanted to be back before midnight they needed to leave soon. It wasn’t practical to magic travel with Ras in tow so a long drive it was. After their meal Blaine and Sebastian both helped leave the kitchen in the condition it was in when they arrived and went off to pack up.

They said their goodbyes, hugging Sabine and promising they’d be back around soon. A handshake for Thomas and Wick, and nods of farewell to the rest. Blaine had a breif talk with Luke about Star Wars and Harry Potter that Seb even joined in with where he could and they promised they’d see him on Thanksgiving this year. And maybe, yeah, maybe Ras could come. By eleven that morning they were off and on their way home. Ras was already snoring lightly in the back seat with Blaine’s help. Promises of Freya waiting for him when he got home lulling him. Though Blaine knew that Ras knew she had been nearby the whole time.

Somewhere around the six hour mark, after stopping for dinner, Blaine managed to let himself think about his dad and their disheartening conversation on Friday night. He reached for Seb’s hand before he started the car back up to finish their drive and quietly told him all about what had happened. Telling him that he didn’t want to tell him before because he didn’t want to ruin the weekend with his worries. His boyfriend had listened intently, a little frown on his face before cupping Blaine’s face and kissing him gently and telling him that he understood, and that he was there for him and made Blaine promise not to keep his worries to himself anymore in the future. It wasn’t going to ruin things, if anything Seb could make Blaine feel better about it if he’d let him. Blaine had promised and they finished the drive in a flourish of loud music and bad gas station coffee. The clock reading 12:06 am when they finally let themselves into Seb’s apartment. Ras bound over to Freya and licked her face like he hadn’t seen her in weeks. She then gave both Blaine and Seb a sniff before settling down on the couch with a sleeping Ras, apparently she was tired from the weekend too. Blaine and Seb managed to pull their luggage into the bedroom before sharing a quick, exhausted shower to wash the traveling away. The two of them fell into bed exhausted, eyes already closing, arms pulling each other close and their mouths pressing together in a sleepy kiss that promised something more tomorrow night.

/fin.

#seblaine #seblaine para #seblaine witch rp

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hiddenwashington · 2 years ago

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@mixcdemotions said : char ( aria montgomery, blaine anderson, claire novak, emma mountebank, evie grimhilde, jeremiah fisher, katie matlin, landon kirby, prince eric, sebastian de poitiers, serena van der woodsen, stefan salvatore, tandy bowen, theo raeken ) is requesting a hiatus from 6/30 - 7/9. next week will be a bit busy for me, so just to be on the safe side!

alright, no worries! i’ll mark you down on the hiatus page. good luck with your busy week, and we’ll see you back on july 9th!

#mixcdemotions #hiatus #admin ollie

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subtextures · 3 years ago

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2021 books

I have seen a couple of people post what they read this year. So, being the follower that I am, I decided to post my list. I read constantly, some books I have been reading for years, and have never finished, but am still reading off and on. Some books I stop reading for various reasons: I lose interest, I lose the book in the house somewhere, the book gets shelved, I get bored, I know where it is going, the writing is just too pathetic to continue. Here is the list of books I finished (from beginning to end) this year. I stress finished, because this is not a complete list of what I have been reading. The pictures are current book piles around the house I am reading from.

Fantasyland—Kurt Anderson

Bestiary—Guillaume Apollinaire

Educated—Tara Westover

The Historians (twice)—Eavan Boland

Poetry as Insurgent Art— Ferlinghetti

Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

At the Existentialist Cafe—-Sarah Blakewell

An Indigenous People’s’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Under the Dome: walks with Paul Celan by Jean Daive

Norma Jean Baker of Troy by Anne Carson

The selected poems of Wendell Berry

Living Nations, Living Words edited and selected by Joy Harjo

An Unnecessary Woman—Rabid alameddine

Selected Poems of Guiseppe Ungaretti

Jimmy’s Blues by James Baldwin (selected poems)

How to be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

Stone Lyre, poems by Rene Char

An Oresteia (Aiskhylos, Sophocles, Euripides) translated by Anne Carson

Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror by John Ashbery

Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee

Sing Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward

First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami

The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

Finna by Nate Marshall (twice)

Debths by Susan Howe

Dark City by Charles Bernstein

The Essential Jim Harrison, by Jim Harrison

Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X Kendi and Keisha N Blain

The Big Seven by Jim Harrison

Goldenrod by Maggie Smith

Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith

Glottal Stop by Paul Celan

Asylum by Jill Bialosky

The Pill Versus the Springhill Mine Disaster by Richard Brautigan

After Ikkyu by Jim Harrison

#reading #book list #my reading #literature #2021 books #read in 2021

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deadlydollies13 · 7 years ago

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The Potion Master's Grace ch. 22

The four pushed their carts through the crowd at King’s Cross Station. There was no rush, they wouldn’t miss their train, but they wanted to get a good cabin. They reached the brick column between Platforms 9 and 10 and stopped for a moment to catch their breath. “Ladies first,” Rolf said gesturing to the wall. “You’re just afraid that this is the time it won’t work,” Luna said, running towards the wall and disappearing. “It would be funny if it suddenly didn’t,” Grace said before doing the same. Moments later, the boys joined them on Platform 9 3/4.

The platform was bustling with students pushing their carts and getting on to the train. Many families stood watching as their young witch or wizard said goodbye. For the first time, Grace didn’t feel sick to her stomach as she watched the other children hug their parents goodbye because she knew hers was waiting for her at Hogwarts, and she’d get to have them all year-round. She also realized she had lately been referring to Severus and Phoebe as “parents,” plural. Severus her dad and Phoebe her mom. But, only in her thoughts. A small yip from her bag brought Grace out of her thoughts. Merlin was currently in her bag that she’d take with her on to the train and Cas was in Luna’s. No one would bat an eye to the cat, but the dog was a completely different story. “Ssshh, Merlin,” they couldn’t take any chances of him being seen.

They got on to the train rather early. “We’ve got to go to a Prefects meeting, but it never lasts long and we’ll meet up with you later, okay?” Draco said handing the bag full of junk food to Grace. “Okay. I’ll go find us a cabin,” she said. This would also be the first time Draco didn’t lock himself in the back car with all of the other Pureblood Slytherins. It occurred to her that Draco may face some serious heat for dating a Muggle-born Ravenclaw. She knew how Pureblood families worked; they liked to keep the bloodline pure and she had even heard rumors of some families arranging marriages. It was a dead tradition, but that didn’t mean that families still didn’t heavily influence their children to marry a certain person. The three Prefects made their way to a separate car while Grace squeezed through the narrow hallway to find a cabin. She finally found one that was completely empty. She set the bag that Merlin had been smuggled in down on the seat, only to find he had fallen asleep and wasn’t moving anytime soon. She began putting her bags on the storage shelf, along with her uniform to change in to later. For now, she was wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and Draco’s Slytherin Quidditch letterman jacket she finally found while digging through his stuff. Despite it being summer still, she liked how big it was on her and wrapped her in an embrace of soft, fleece lining and Draco’s scent. She was standing on her toes, struggling to push her bag on to the shelf, when someone much taller came up behind her and helped her with her bag. She turned around to see who it was, and her face lit up at the sight of him, “Charlie!” she exclaimed, jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck. “Hello, love,” he returned the gesture and squeezed her tightly. Finnegan Charles Ackerman was the definition of the high school teen movie jock. He was tall, dark, and extremely handsome. His family had moved to the U.K. from Australia before he turned eleven so that he would be able to attend Hogwarts, and despite the move, his accent seems to get thicker every year. He came from a very rich and influential Pureblood family, though their influence was held more in Australia rather than the U.K. like the Malfoy's. He was a Gryffindor, Chaser, and Quidditch Team Captain. He was every girl at Hogwarts' dream, and could often be seen with a posse of drooling girls trailing behind him, just to get a chance to sit directly next to him during meals. The fact that the only girls he really paid attention to where Grace and Luna really made the entire female student body resent them. Going only by Charlie because he hates the name Finn, he made the acquaintance of the two Ravenclaws on their first day of First year on this train. He had walked into their cabin, rather confidently, and introduced himself. “I was trying to find a cabin to sit in, and it looks like I’m the luckiest mate alive because I believe I’ve found the two most beautiful women to ever bless this school we’re going to,” he said with a heartwarming grin. Even at eleven, he was ever the charmer. The girls blushed and giggled, but they didn't swoon over him. Instead, they treated him as any other person, not some god. Even though Charlie wasn’t in the same house as Grace and Luna, their friendship never faltered. In fact, they rather liked it because then at least they had different gossip from other houses to discuss. They soon met Alfred Honeycutt, or Alfie, a Hufflepuff. Since their first year, it’s always been the four of them. The quartet practically went everywhere together, and they were lucky enough to have all of their classes together as well. Since there are usually two people to a table, Grace and Luna would sit together and Charlie and Alfie would sit together behind them. Charlie would always insist on sitting directly behind Grace, and at first she thought it was so he could copy her notes or look over her shoulder during an exam, but on the contrary. Charlie would often reach up and play with Grace’s copper curls; stroking them, twisting a lock around his finger, and sometimes even scooting as close as he could and braiding her hair. It was undeniable that Charlie had an immense crush on Grace since day one. The tables had turned and now he was the drooling admirer and she was the one who just shrugged his flirting off. It only made him even crazier for her. He would do every trick in the book to try and win her over, but she’d just come back with her beautiful smile and glistening blue eyes and say, “Oh, Charlie, you’re so sweet! I couldn’t ask for a better friend!” Friend. It was all Grace ever saw him as. A friend. A brother-type. It broke Charlie’s heart every time, but he never gave up. The whole school actually thought that they would end up together because of how close and touchy the two were. Even on the Quidditch Pitch, they’d tease each other and playfully shove one another around. Everyone would surely be in for a surprise when they found out Grace and Draco were actually a thing. “How was Australia?” Charlie went to Australia this summer to visit with his extended family, which is unfortunately why they didn’t get to see one another all of holiday. “It was wonderful. Though, I missed you, love! I couldn’t bear being away from my favorite girl for so long,” he was always this dramatic. “Well, you have me now!” Grace finally stepped back out of his embrace and Charlie’s eyes averted to a certain emblem on the jacket she was wearing. “The bloody hell are you wearing?” “Hm? Oh, it’s Dray’s jacket! It’s mine now until Quidditch starts,” she said rather proud of herself that she had made that deal with Draco. “Who the hell is Dray and why do you have his jacket?” “It’s Draco’s, Char. And I have it because he’s my boyfriend,” she didn’t mean to put even the slightest bit of emphasis on the last word and regretted it even more when she saw the pain flash in Charlie’s eyes. “You’re dating Malfoy?” She nodded. “But you hate him… All he did was tease you!” he had to sit down. He felt himself rocking and the train wasn't even moving yet. “I teased back. And I always sort of liked him, it’s just this summer I saw a new side of him and… I don’t know.” “I should have stayed here this summer…” his voice was low and somber. “Charlie, we’ve talked about this.” “I know but-“ “You’re still one of my best friends, Charlie. And I wouldn’t want anything to change that. What if we had a huge fight and started hating each other— not that I could ever hate you— but I’d be devastated! You mean too much to me to lose you,” she reached her hand out and touched his cheek before placing it on his shoulder. At her gentle touch, he grinned. “Alright, love. But, if Malfoy hurts you in any way, I’m going to actually kill him.” “I wouldn’t expect any less,” she wrapped her arms around him, squeezing his middle. Her head went up to his chest, whereas with Draco, her head fits perfectly under his chin. “And nothing has to change between us. It shouldn’t change between us.” “And what will Malfoy have to say about that?” “Well, he’ll just have to fucking deal with it,” she shrugged. In the midst of their discussion, they didn’t realize someone walking up to their cabin before they cleared their throat, grabbing the attention of the other two. “Alfie!” they both exclaimed. “Yes, I have arrived,” he flipped back the nonexistent hair that would fall on his shoulders. Alfred Honeycutt, better known as Alfie, was a Half-Blood Hufflepuff in the same year as Grace, Luna, and Charlie. They had also met their first day on the train. Even then he was so lanky and had a rather feminine figure, even for an eleven-year-old boy. There was no denying Alfie was gay. The only interest he’d ever shown Grace and Luna was their style choices. The best way Grace would describe him is Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson’s love-child from Glee. While being the biggest diva in Hufflepuff and being a runner-up for all of Hogwarts, Alfie was an amazing friend. He was always there when someone needed to talk, even if he had never spoken to them before. The younger Hufflepuff students tended to stick close to him the first few weeks of their first years because he had such a maternal instinct. He could also sympathize with Grace on some Muggle-related things, unlike Luna and Charlie. “Grace, Charlie,” when he said Charlie’s name, a blush appeared, but he tried to cover it up by pushing his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. Alfie had a crush on almost every boy in their year and older. This included some of the most recently mentioned names: Davies, Draco, Rolf, Professor Lupin, and his current crush, Charlie. The good part about having a crush on Charlie was that Charlie really didn't care. He didn’t make Alfie’s life hell for it. Instead, they often joked about it. Charlie knew he was irresistible to everyone, and stated that he simply couldn’t help it. So if Alfie had a crush on him, so be it. “How was your summer, mate?” Charlie asked as Alfie shoved his bag in a storage cubby. “Nothing too special. We just did some small day trips here and there. My brothers never stopped being assholes.” Alfie had two younger brothers, and strangely enough, neither of them were wizards. This was a huge relief to Alfie’s mom, who is very religious and didn’t even know her husband was a wizard until they were married and with child until Alfie came along. It was bad enough Alfie was discriminated against by his own family for being a wizard, Alfie didn't dare tell them that he was gay. He was sure they had to have known, but simply ignored it or hoped that he’d “grow out of the phase.” He was afraid of how they would react if they ever found out. “You could’ve called to come over, ass.” “Um, apparently you’ve had a very interesting summer according to the two rumors I just heard your name mentioned!” “Oh god, what now?” Grace rolled her eyes. Charlie sat straighter, “Who is making rumors about my girl?” “Down boy.” “Well, the first was that you’re with Malfoy, and judging by the Slytherin jacket you’re wearing, I’d say that’s been proven. By the way, green isn’t your color. Makes you look like Christmas personified with your red hair.” “Bitch!” “And the other one, which of course can’t be true, is that Professor Severus Snape adopted you!” At that, both boys started giggling in disbelief. But Grace’s eyes went wide and she quickly shut the door to their cabin. “Who’d you hear that from?!” “What’s it matter? It’s just a dumb rumor,” Alfie shrugged. “It’s not a rumor though!” “What?!” everyone in that train car could have probably heard the two boys scream. “Sssshhhhh! Shut up, fuckheads!” “I’m sorry, you’re telling us to calm down after you just told us Snape adopted you?” “Yes! We’re trying to keep it on the down-low!” “Do you have Stockholm Syndrome or something? Blink twice for yes!” “Charlie, could you be any more stupid? He didn’t kidnap me, I don’t have Stockholm Syndrome, I wasn’t brainwashed, and I’m not a robot and/or alien.” “You can be a robot and an alien?” Alfie muttered. “Yes,” both replied. “Gracie, have you gone Slytherin?” “I would’ve gone Slytherin if I didn’t tell the damn hat to put me in Ravenclaw!” “But it’s Snape! Snape, Grace!” “And he’s an amazing father! He’s been there for me and Luna all summer! If you’d just give him a chance, you’d see that he's actually cool… Okay, he was cool, but he’s still really great! Why can’t you just be happy for me that my life is finally good for once? I’m happy, I have a family, I have someone who loves me, and I have the bestest friends in the world! I’m finally in a place where I’ve wanted to be for a very long time.” Charlie and Alfie exchanged a look, and then both gave Grace an apologetic smile. “Of course we’re happy for you, love,” Charlie said pulling her into his chest. “It’s just a lot to take in is all,” Alfie joined the hug, sandwiching Grace in the middle.

The Hogwarts Express departed exactly on time, as usual. The three sat in the cabin waiting for Luna, Draco, and Rolf to join them. They talked about their summers and how they were excited for the new school year, but also nervous because O.W.L.s were this year.

At Hogwarts, the teachers scrambled to finish any last minute preparations for the students’ arrivals. Except Severus, who sat in the solitude of the Potions Lab, lost in thought. His private rooms were redecorated to look homier, and Grace’s room was almost an exact copy of her room at Snape Manor, save for the windows because they were in the dungeons. She had moved too many times in her life, she didn’t need to feel like everywhere she went she had to adjust to a new living space. Ever since he arrived back at Hogwarts, he couldn’t stop thinking about her and how this year would be so much different. He had hoped that for once, she’d have a year with no troubles at all. He wanted her to focus on her school work, the Quidditch team, and have a social life like any teenager should have. But after meeting the new staff, he knew that wouldn’t be too easy. He knew Grace and Luna would love the new male teacher Dumbledore brought on. He was probably just out of school getting his Masters. Practically all of the female staff was drooling over him from the moment he walked in and introduced himself. Even Phoebe said, “Oh, the girls are going to absolutely love him!” with a wink. Severus rolled his eyes at this and was thankful that they both had boyfriends now to keep them grounded. But the new Defense teacher… Honestly, where did Albus find these people? The Ministry found out that Lupin was a werewolf and deemed him dangerous to be around children. Who were they to pass judgment like that? Out of all of the Marauders, Remus was the most civil to Severus. So, in a strange way, Severus and Remus could be called close acquaintances? But Remus has never harmed a student when the full moon came. And the students loved him because he loved what he did, and he cared about the kids. He wondered where Lupin was now. Would he find a new job? Would he ever take back his position if offered? Telling by his replacement, would Severus have to go fight the Ministry on its position? Possibly. The replacement was horrid, and a prime example of why the government should never be involved with schooling. “Knut for your thoughts?” her voice caught his attention. He hadn’t even noticed she’d come in. “Do you think we should just homeschool Grace and Luna?” “I think that’s probably the worst thing to do,” she sat on top of the desk that was directly in front of his. This was usually Grace and Luna’s desk, and he thought they had always rushed to sit there because Grace wanted to answer all of the questions and show off. But one day, somebody had taken their seat and they had to sit a few rows back, and Severus realized she had sat front and center simply because she couldn’t see. Everyone was too tall and it was hard for her to see the board because of the heads blocking her view. By the end of the period, though, she had dragged a chair, rather loudly and while shooting death glares at the two Hufflepuffs who took her seat, to Severus’ desk and continued taking notes. Then that was the first time a Hogwarts teacher had ever implemented a seating chart for the entire class. “We’ll worry about it when— if— it comes to it. Until then, you need to chill,” she continued. “I suppose you’re right,” he glanced down at his phone sitting on his desk. It hadn’t buzzed in a while, and he guessed that it was because Grace was too busy catching up with her friends. Or she was dead. “She’s not dead! And I know I’m right. I always am,” Phoebe smirked. “Isn’t reading my mind some form of harassment?” “Isn’t reading my mind some form of harassment?” she repeated in a mocking tone.

After about an hour, the Prefects finally made their way back to the cabins. “Finny!” Luna exclaimed as she slid open the door. “Hello, darling,” Charlie replied as she gave him a tight squeeze around his middle. Draco and Rolf soon followed and their initial reaction was shocked at the sight of Charlie. It was well-known that the girls were friends with Ackerman, they just didn’t expect him to already be in their cabin. And it is also to be noted that there was absolutely no animosity between Charlie and Draco. They kept up appearances for their houses and pretended to want to rip each others’ heads off during Quidditch matches, but both boys got along relatively fine. And everyone got along with Rolf; you probably couldn’t find one person at Hogwarts who disliked the Scamander boy. “Hello, mates,” Charlie flashed them his perfect smile. “Hey, Charlie,” they both replied. “Oh, hey, Alfie!” Rolf peered around Charlie to see his younger housemate. Alfie, scrunched up in the corner with his phone looked up momentarily and waved before putting his face back down into his screen before they could notice his blush. The six of them got situated; Alfie, Draco, and Grace on one side, Rolf, Luna, and Charlie on the other. They passed around snacks and exchanged summer tales. “Wait, so who’s Prefect with you?” Grace asked Luna. Luna rolled her eyes, “Christopher Raves.” “Oh, you poor dear.” “He’s barely even in class! He’s always in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom getting high! I don’t even know how he got Prefect!” “He makes Dumbledore laugh,” Rolf said. “The man’s borderline senile,” Charlie added. “Dad sometimes tells me all of the crazy shit Dumbledore says or does,” Grace’s hand was currently tangled with Draco’s who kept intertwining his fingers different ways with her’s. Charlie blinked a few times, “Sorry, the whole Severus-Snape-is-your-father-thing is still a bit shocking.” “Honestly, we should have seen it coming,” Luna giggled. “They act like they’re biologically father and daughter too. In the length of the summer, they’ve gotten closer than he and I are, and he’s my godfather,” Draco looked up from his preoccupation of cracking Grace’s knuckles with whatever he was doing. “It’s only been the bloody summer!” “And they’re best friends.” “We look nothing alike, though. Except, his mother did have light hair and light eyes, so I can always say I get it from her. And of course, Phoebe also has light hair and light eyes. In the end, I get nothing from him but his intelligence.” Charlie gave Grace a baffled look. After a moment, Alfie said, “Honestly, if I didn’t know you, I’d believe that shit.” “Wait, who’s Phoebe?!” Charlie asked once his mind caught up with him. “My aunt,” Luna said. “And Severus’ girlfriend. He’s practically my uncle now. Which would make Grace and me cousins!” “I think you’re all fucking nuts! Should’ve stayed in Australia.”

That evening, the train finally pulled into the station. The students exited the train, went through the gates, past the pile of luggage, and the older students climbed into the carriages, while the First Years followed Hagrid to the boats. Luna gave the front of the carriage a sad smile. “What are you looking at?” asked Draco. “You don’t see them?” Luna didn’t look away from the front of the carriage. “See what?” Grace nudged her boyfriend and shook her head. Now was not the time. She’d explain to him later that the reason Luna could see the creatures was that she has had a close experience with death. Luna didn’t even notice. She was staring off into the distance, but now holding Rolf’s hand.

Hogwarts’ lights reflected onto the water below in the dark night as they pulled up to the castle. “Why do we always have to wear those stupid dunce hats?” Charlie muttered as he put his on. “Because you are a dunce. Jesus, Char, can you seriously not dress yourself?” Grace took to make him look presentable. He hated the uniforms and always tried to look as horrible as possible when he had to wear them; as if he thought that if Dumbledore saw that if Finnegan Charles Ackerman couldn’t make the uniforms look cool, they shouldn’t be implemented at all. She straightened his tie, tried to smooth out the wrinkles, and button up his robes. She gave her final approval with a nod. Draco tried not to let it bother him too much. They all shuffled into the Great Hall, and as soon as Grace saw Severus, she beamed. She wanted so badly to run over to him and hug him. She hadn’t realized how much she really missed him. He smiled back; it was a quick, slight smile. Oh, right. Gotta keep it a secret. Everyone made their way to their House tables, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin. Grace sat next to Luna towards the end closest to the head table, and Draco sat behind Grace like he had done for the past five years.

The First Years slowly filled the Great Hall. They were all so tiny and wide-eyed. They stared around the room in amazement, but at the same time looked terrified. Did we look like this when we first came here? McGonagall called off their names, the children were sorted, everyone cheered, and the houses that gained a new member cheered even louder. When the new students had been sorted, McGonagall paused but remained standing next to the Sorting Hat, “A rare occasion has come upon us, students. This year, we welcome a transfer student from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. I want you to welcome her just as you would any other new student. Remember, things may have been different at her school, and it will take time for her to adjust. Rose Martell!” Her name was called differently than the First Years’ was; first then last, unlike last comma first. A girl, still clad in her Beauxbatons uniform floated in. The pale blue of her dress and hat perfectly contrasted her olive skin and long chestnut hair was thrown over one shoulder. She walked with such grace and poise, she looked goddess-like. She gave a closed-mouth smile to McGonagall before taking off her uniform hat and sitting on the stool; hands folded in her lap and legs crossed at the ankles like a queen. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head. A few seconds passed and Grace secretly hoped she’d be sorted into Ravenclaw. It would be fun to have a trio of Ravenclaws. Maybe they could be like the Heathers, but not total bitches and everyone survives. And then she thought she heard the Sorting Hat say Ravenclaw, but then it continued to contemplate where to place the French girl. Though, Rose sat even straighter when the hat said Ravenclaw. “GRYFFINDOR!” it shouted. The Gryffindor table fucking lost it. The Lions gave the new girl a standing ovation, the boys whistled, a few girls already started to look jealous, and Rose looked utterly confused. But still, she kept her poise and her kind smile as she made her way to her new table. Grace decided that no matter what her house, she had to meet her.

As the excitement died down, Grace finally noticed exactly who was at the head table. “Where’s Professor Lupin?” “Surely he’s up there,” Luna scanned the table and then rescanned it again and again. “What the hell?” “He’s not there!” “What are you two freaking about already?” Draco turned around. “Professor Lupin isn’t here!” Luna sounded seriously distraught. Lupin was her favorite professor. Draco gave her a doubted look, but after looking across the table himself, his eyes widened, “Holy shit, he’s really not there.” Luna snatched Grace’s phone that was sitting on the long table and quickly sent a text.

Grace watched her father jump slightly and then look down at his phone. She watched the conversation on her own phone over Luna’s shoulder. Luna: Where the hell is Remus Lupin?! Luna: It’s Luna btw but I DEMAND answers, Severus Snape! Severus: If you’d just be patient, Dumbledore will explain that the Ministry did not see fit for a werewolf to be teaching children.

Wouldn’t you know, Dumbledore had begun his speech, and had just started to explain the situation.

Luna: Doesn’t the Minister have anything better to do than to fire the most awesome teacher ever?! Luna: Of course, second to you. Severus: You can’t even lie through text message. Luna: Can't prove it was a lie! Severus: I saw you panic as soon as you sent the text and try to cover it up. Luna: Whatever! Who the fuck is the giant flamingo? Severus: Luna!

“In place of Professor Lupin, Dolores Umbridge will be filling in as your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher,” it looked as if it pained Dumbledore to say that. Severus gave the lady a practical death glare, as did many of the other teachers behind her back. Grace had to fight herself not to laugh. The lady was wearing an all-pink pencil skirt and blazer combo. Her undershirt was pink, her hat was pink, her shoes were pink, even her stockings had a pinkish hue! Grace couldn’t even focus on what she was saying, she couldn’t believe her eyes. What she did get from this first impression was that she had a bad aura about her, her heart was cruel, and she didn’t even like Grace and they had yet to meet. This lady just kept going on and on and on and on about fucking bullshit Grace didn’t understand. She glanced back at the conversation still pursuing on her own phone.

Severus: She’s from the Ministry. Luna: Again, why is the government putting their influence in the school? Severus: Been asking myself that same question since I got here. Luna: AND SERIOUSLY WHAT’S UP WITH THE PINK?! Severus: It’s all she wears. I haven’t seen her wear any other color yet. Luna: Ew. Severus: You know, all the BS Dumbledore is saying is meant for you to hear. Luna: Don’t go into the Forbidden Forest, don’t track in mud, leave Filch alone, blah blah blah. You will remind all of us of the damn rules ten billion more times before Christmas. Severus: You’re all talk when it’s not face-to-face.

“Your dad can be such a bugger, do you know that?” she whispered to Grace. Dumbledore pulled both girls’ attention, “Please welcome your new Professor of Magical Art and Music, Evan Maes.” The new professor stood and Grace and Luna’s jaws nearly dropped, along with Grace’s phone. He was tall, blonde, with blue eyes. He had a perfect little smile and a strong body. When he said hello, Grace could definitely hear an accent. Central European, like German or Belgian or something. “Magical Arts and Music will be an elective course available to all students and a sign-up sheet will be available in all four common rooms tonight.” Draco leaned back, “I assume you girls are signing up for the class?” “Uh-huh,” they replied in a daze. He just rolled his eyes, “I’ll text the boys to sign up too then.” “Aw, babe, you don’t have to. You have N.E.W.T.s this year, I don’t want you to be distracted.” “I won’t be. It’s just art and music. And with the way you two are drooling, no way are we leaving you unsupervised.” Grace watched as he quickly sent a text and then saw Rolf, Alfie, and Charlie snicker at their tables. “Do you seriously have a group chat with the boys?” Luna asked. “Yeah. We’re gonna use it to talk about how ridiculous you girls are,” he joked. Luna acted offended but Grace smiled, “I’m glad you’re making new, better friends, Dray.” She looked over at the group of Slytherins Draco used to “associate” with. He was never friends with them. But their parents were friends, rather, their parents were Death Eaters, and Draco said that since his father was put in Azkaban, as tragic as it is, he felt a weight lifted off of his shoulder.

The feast began and Grace and Luna talked amongst their fellow Ravenclaws. They discussed the upcoming Quidditch season, and Stretton, the oldest member and only Chaser left, kept giving her dirty looks. He had expected to become captain when Davies left, but he had left the position to Grace instead. Grace glanced over to the Gryffindor table where Rose sat. She still looked confused, and now that she wasn’t presented in front of everyone, she looked slightly afraid.

Grace: Charles, make friends with the new girl! Charlie: No, you! Grace: Are you afraid of her? Charlie: No! I just don’t wanna look desperate. Grace: You’re unbelievable.

“Luna, c’mon.” “Where we goin’?” Luna asked, her mouth full of treacle tart. “To make friends with the new girl.” Both girls got up, taking off those stupid dunce hats, and walked over to the Gryffindor table, sitting down on either side of Rose. “Hello,” they said in unison. Rose’s eyes widened and she froze, “B-bonjour.” “I’m Grace McClivert and this is Luna Lovegood. We’re both Fifth Year Ravenclaws,” she said gesturing to Luna and both girls held out their hands for Rose to shake. Rose finally relaxed and she smiled her absolutely perfect smile; all of her teeth were straight and unbelievably white. Instead of turning to each Ravenclaw, she crossed her arms in front of her and shook each girl’s hand at the same time, “Rose Martell. I was in Ombrelune at Beauxbatons but it seems now I am a Gryffindor. I am a Fifth Year as well.” Her French accent was thick. “Ombrelune is, what I assume, is sort of like Ravenclaw. At least that was the impression given to me by Hogwarts: A History. But I didn’t expect to be a Gryffindor.” Luna shrugged, “You’ll be surprised at how right the hat can be.” “Well, at least we may have some classes together, being in the same year. We won’t know until tomorrow morning, though.” Rose looked over at the head table, “Could you tell me about some of the professors?” “Why, certainly! Well, of course, you already know Dumbledore, the Headmaster.” “He’s a bit of a coot,” Grace added. “And then Professor McGonagall for Transfiguration.” “McGoogles,” Grace smirked. “She gets awfully cross when we call her that, but not too much.” “Because she loves us.” “She’s head of your house, so you ought to just suck up to her ASAP.” “Seriously, it’ll help you in the long run.” “And then there’s Professor Sprout.” “Head of Hufflepuff.” “And the Herbology professor.” “Another one of those school mums.” “She loves everyone, though, And she loves to bake. So, if you’re really nice to her, she bakes you cookies and muffins.” “Professor Trelawney is absolutely bonkers.” “She’s the Divination professor and I happen to like her!” Grace rolled her eyes, “Bonkers,” she whispered to Rose. “Professor Binns for History of Magic is dead.” “No, we’re serious. Dead. He’s a ghost. There are lots of ghosts here, but he still teaches and his class is the worst. It’s like nap time.” “Speaking of ghosts, beware of Peeves.” “Oh, you poor dear.” “Who’s Peeves?” Rose asked. “Peeves the Poltergeist. He’s a ghost in Gryffindor Tower and he’s a bugger.” “He likes to pull pranks.” “Oh, dear.” “Anyway, before the feast ends, Professor Flitwick is the Head of Ravenclaw and the Charms professor.” “He also runs the school choir, but seeing as we have Professor Hottie over there, we may have a new choir director.” “Grace, you have a boyfriend!” “As do you, Luna, but that doesn’t mean we can’t admire him.” “Who are your boyfriends, if I may ask?” “We’ll get on to that later.” “Last, but not least, Potions Master-“ “Prince of Darkness-“ “Notorious for being a hardass-“ “King of Dad jokes-“ “Professor Severus Snape!” both girls said loud enough for Severus to hear even on the other side of the Great Hall. They heard both Rolf and Draco snort, and a girl laughing, whom they assumed was Phoebe. Severus just glared at the girls and shook his head. “He looks mean…” Rose whispered, afraid that he had ears like a hawk and could now hear their every word. Grace was the first to break into laughter, followed by Luna. “Mean? I mean, yeah he has a resting bitch face-“ “RBF!” Luna doubled over. “And he wears all black-“ “Bastard looks like he’s attending a funeral every. single. day.” “But he’s actually very kind. He’s tough on his students, but that’s only because he expects a lot out of us. So long as you try your best, you’ll be fine.” All three turned around to meet Severus’ glare. It was a terribly fake glare and was trying his best not to crack a smile. Then Grace and Luna waved, grinning at him. Rose looked at them like they were insane. Severus finally had to look away; he looked in Phoebe’s direction, who was giggling uncontrollably now. He was helpless. Grace’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She took it out and read the message aloud, “Stop being such insolent little girls.” “He’s no fun,” Luna pouted. “I am so confused.” “I suppose we might as well tell her.” “The secret is practically out.” “Snape is my father.” “Wait, really?” “Adoptive father. But yes. And it’s a secret, so we mustn’t tell anyone.” “Except our closest and dearest friends because now Grace has private rooms down in Slytherin, and what good are they if we can’t invite people over?” Rose nodded in understanding, and was extremely happy to find that they already considered her a “close and dear friend.” “Are you Ravenclaws going to leave anytime soon? You’re making the table boring,” it was Charlie who had moved down to across where they were sitting. “Rose, I’d like to introduce you to Finnegan Charles Ackerman.” “You can call me Charlie,” he took Rose’s hand, but instead of shaking it, he kissed her knuckles. Rose’s cheeks were now of a deep rose color, “Pleasure to meet you, Charlie.” Luna rolled her eyes, “Oh, so now you wanna come sit with us? Charles, don’t go ruining our new friend. She’s too good for you.” “Nobody asked you, Luna darling” “‘Nobody asked you, Luna darling.’ I asked me.” “Rolf! Your girl is mocking me!” Rolf turned around, looked at Luna, and then looked at Charlie, and smirked, “You’re very mockable, Ackerman.” “You’re whipped, mate.” “I’m not starting any fights this early into the relationship.” Rolf leaned back and shook Rose’s hand, “Rolf Scamander— yes, of Newt Scamander, he’s my grandfather— nice to meet you, Rose. Welcome to Hogwarts.” “Thank you, Rolf,” she smiled. “And I’m Alfred Honeycutt, the most fashionable person in this bloody school,” Alfie turned around in his seat and took Rose’s hand in his. “And I must say, I may have a bit of competition this year for best dressed.” “Thank you. Although, it’ll be hard to make this uniform fashionable. No offense.” “Oh, no, don’t worry. We all know it’s ugly,” Luna said. “We never wear our uniforms under our cloaks unless there’s something special going on.” “I wish Hogwarts would take notes from literally every other Wizarding school and update their uniforms,” Alfie rolled his eyes. “I feel left out because Slytherin is literally on the other side of the room,” Draco made his way across the Great Hall and sat next to Grace. “Hello.” “Hello,” Rose replied. “This is Draco Malfoy.” “Biggest Arse of Hogwarts.” “But he’s my arse.” “I think I’ve rather matured since last year.” “It also helps to distance yourself away from them,” Grace glared over at the group of boys Draco once associated with. “I can’t avoid them forever, you know.” “I know. But if they try to say anything, I’ll knock their teeth out.” “Mhm, my little fighter,” he wrapped his arms around her middle and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Get a room,” Alfie smirked. “Bugger off! Hey, so we’re all signing up for Art and Music, right?” “That’s the new professor, oui?” Rose asked. “Yeah, but that’s not the only reason we’re signing up. It’s the only class we’ll have with students, not in our own year!” “Unless you take Arithmancy so you won’t be cramming it in next year,” Rolf nudged his girlfriend. “Why the hell would I take that?” “I signed up for it,” Grace shrugged. Draco's head bobbed with her shoulder. “You bitch! Why didn’t you tell me?” “You said you were signing up for Care of Magical Creatures, and I said, ‘Okay, I’ll sign up for Arithmancy then.’” “I didn’t think you were serious!” “I’m taking the class, Luna, so you won’t be alone,” Rolf placed a hand on her shoulder. “Now’s the time for you to start choosing classes based on what you want to do after you graduate, anyway. And Grace just doesn’t need CMC. Neither do I,” Draco said. “I bloody signed up for Astronomy! Neither of you told me the plans!” Charlie propped his elbow on the table and leaned on his palm. “You need to focus on your core classes, you dunce,” Alfie said. “Astronomy is easy enough and you need to pass your O.W.L.s if you want to be an Auror!” “I guess I will see what class I have tomorrow when we get our schedules,” Rose looked across the head table one more time, hoping for a smoother year.

“Why didn’t you tell me Professor Lupin was gone?!” Grace began unpacking half of her casual clothes and uniforms into her room in Severus’ private rooms. “I told you she’d be angry,” Severus whispered to Phoebe. “Leave me out of it, I had nothing to do with it,” Phoebe held her hands up. “Of course I’m angry! He got replaced by a toad! A pink toad! Ugh, I’ve never been more repulsed by the color pink!” “Grace, you don’t have to love your professors, you just have to pass the class.” “But Lupin wasn’t a bad professor! We’ve had worse!” “The Ministry thought he was a danger to the students.” “He hasn’t been a danger to the students in all the years he’s been teaching! Why the hell is the Ministry sticking their nose where it’s not wanted now?” She stepped up onto her trunk to put something on the top shelf of her closet. “You should take it up with the Ministry then.” When Grace turned around, she was almost eye-to-eye with Severus. Still shorter, but at least she didn’t have to crane her neck, “Don’t tempt me, father. I’ll floo right to Fudge’s office this instant and wait all night for an audience if I have to!” They had a stare down for a few seconds with their arms crossed before Severus smirked, “Stubborn little girl.” “You missed me though,” she held her arms out in front of her. “Actually, it was pretty quiet,” he smirked but still pulled her into a hug. “Okay, but seriously, why’s it so cold down here?” “We’re in the dungeons of an old castle, there was no insulation when they built it!” “We are goddamn magical people! Why can’t it be warm?” “You’ll live.” “Barely. Can I stay down here tonight?” “No, you’ve got to stay in Ravenclaw Tower. At least on school nights.” “Wait, seriously? Phoebe!” “Listen to your dad!” she called from the living area. “It’s such a far walk…”  “You’ll get your steps in. Go on,” Severus started leading her to the door of his quarters, then stopped. “Where’s Merlin?” “He’s staying with Hagrid tonight.” “Okay, that’s good,” he opened the door that led into the extremely dim dungeon. “Goodnight, see you in the morning, love you.” “Love you-“ she was just finishing her sentence when the door shut, “-too.” She stared at the door for a minute, “Bastard.” “They’re probably doing the… y’know,” a voice said behind her. “Oh, shut up, I don’t wanna think about that!” “Well, it’s probably true! Think about it; they’ve had three days without you around,” Draco smirked. “La la la la,” Grace covered her ears and shut her eyes. “I’ll walk you up to your common room, though.” “Oh, you’re so sweet. Such a gentleman. My knight in shining armor,” she wrapped her arm around his. They both walked all the way from the Slytherin common room in the dungeons to the Ravenclaw common room in the highest tower of Hogwarts, along the way battling the moving staircases and being the gossip of the portraits. Though, the spirits did not bother them, as they probably had the first years to tease anyway. “Thanks for doing my rounds with me,” Draco said as they reached the large door with a golden eagle knocker. “It was my pleasure, since I really had no choice,” she smiled into their chaste goodnight kiss. “I love you,” she wondered if she was even heard, she whispered it so softly, but she saw Draco smile when she glanced up through her lashes. “I love you too,” he kissed her once more before stepping away. “I’ll see you at breakfast. Sweet dreams.” “You too,” when Draco disappeared from sight down the spiral staircase, she turned her attention to the door of her common room. It started with its usual crap, “What is-“ “Not doing this bullshit every night this year, let me in.” The door creaked open.

#harry potter #harry potter au #modern au #The Potion Masters Grace #Grace McClivert #severus snape #original character #luna lovegood #draco malfoy #draco malfoy x original character

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daltonblaine · 2 years ago

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And then the admission came, like it was a bandaid that Kurt couldn’t wait to rip off: Have you noticed how exhausting it's been ever since you moved back in?

In that moment, the rain was deafening.

Exhausting.

or, a character study on Blaine Anderson, and a medley of attempts to piece together his narrative across the seasons.

#i never posted her on this blog ... (the 6k char study i feverishly wrote of blaine in like 3 days)#glee #blaine anderson #shh sapphire #my writing #meta

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damagefamily7-blog · 6 years ago

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12 days: on the twelfth day of christmas: kostow… (2017)

–

It always seems to end before it begins.

For five years now, I’ve had the pleasure of recording and reporting from one of the most magical corners of the culinary world during one of the most magical seasons of the year. It is an annual gathering of extraordinary talent and goodwill that has also become one of the most anticipated culinary events among spectators, and one of the most coveted invitations among chefs.

The many personal observations and sentiments about the Twelve Days of Christmas that I’ve shared along the way, especially those that I recorded at the end of 2014, still apply today. I know they are inadequate, partly because the scope and wonder of it all defy words, but mostly because improving upon them exceeds my talent as a writer. So, dispensing with unnecessary flourishes, I bring forward all past marvel and deep-felt thanks to my colleagues, friends, and family at The Restaurant at Meadowood. Your goals are admirable, your mission noble, and your standards ever higher.

–

Today, as we arrive at the Epiphany, the true end to the Twelve Days of Christmas, I draw close another very special set of a dozen days. This year’s twelfth night marks my 60th and hosting chef Christopher Kostow’s 108th dinner of the Twelve Days of Christmas at The Restaurant at Meadowood.

–

December at The Restaurant at Meadowood is a nonstop blur of activity, excitement, and wonder. If you blink, you will surely miss something.

No matter how hard I pay attention to what’s going on in the kitchen during the day, every night, unexpected things still magically appear out of nowhere.

Nathaniel Dorn, too, is always up to something in the front of the house. He is both general manager and the principle architect of awesome at the restaurant. He makes things happen, like twinkling lights, cozy corners, and snow, every night of this year’s run of dinners.

After five years of having an all-access pass, every day at The Twelve Days of Christmas is still full of surprises, even for me.

–

As head chef, Christopher Kostow gets the credit (and the burden) every day at The Restaurant at Meadowood. But, on the last night of the Twelve Days of Christmas, when all of the guest chefs have cleared the stage, Kostow hands the show over to his cooks, who write the final menu.

The Restaurant at Meadowood’s kitchen is comprised of a diverse group.

These talented and hard-working men and women come from the Philippines, Trinidad, Québec, Brazil, and all over the United States – Nevada, Oregon, Georgia, and California to name a few. Many of them have worked in kitchens across the world. More significantly, their culinary curiosity know no borders.

This was reflected in the melting pot of flavors presented on the last night.

–

I’ll share a few highlights for me from this twelfth night:

I particularly liked Fréderic Comeau-Boisvert’s canapé – pâté of foie gras sandwiched between shortbread biscuits, rolled with dried rose petals. They were beautiful and delicious.

Cook Ali Matteis presented two notable dishes. The first was a bowl of crab with thin slices of matsutake mushrooms. It was elegant and simple. She also presented a stunning dessert that played with the texture of pear and sunchoke, blurring the line between them. They made a smart couple, and Matteis balanced the starchiness of both well with both sweetness and acidity. I loved it.

I also really liked Nick Sobiek’s plate of lamb tongue with porcini and potato purée. It was classic and comforting, a flavorful mid-meal pause.

Guests drink very well during the Twelve Days of Christmas. But on this last night, the wine team, headed by Micah Clark, pull out some particularly weighty and aged bottles. The curated wine list from this last night included Harlan Estate’s “The Maiden” (2012), as well as a pour of 1986 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, and an imperial of 1978 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon.

–

Per annual tradition, Christopher Kostow concluded this year’s Twelve Days of Christmas in the dining room with a word of gratitude to the guests and to his team – every member vacated their station and crowded into the dining room for one, final farewell and round of applause.

Below, you’ll find the menu from the twelfth and final night of the Twelve Days of Christmas, featuring dishes created by the cooks at The Restaurant at Meadowood. To see all of the photos from this final dinner, CLICK HERE.

Canapés

Foie Gras Roses. (Frederic Comeau-Boisvert)

Taro-Fried Garden Vegetables (Juliana Thorpe)

Koji-Cured Scarlet Turnips (Nick Sobiek)

Cured Aji Dragon’s Tongue (Michael Izzard & Daniel Kim)

–

First Course Caviar Charred onions, buttermilk, yeast rolls. (Frederic Comeau-Boisvert)

Second Course Crab Matsutake. (Ali Matteis)

Third Course Black Cod Spot prawn roe butter, cabbage. (Michael Izzard)

Fourth Course Lamb Tongue Porcini, potato purée. (Nick Sobiek)

Fifth Course Beef Broth With our Sonora wheat shio koji. (Michael Izzard and Daniel Kim)

Sixth Course Wagyu Beef Black truffle, oyster. (Daniel Kim)

Seventh Course Cremeux de Citeaux Black apple, white truffle. (The Restaurant at Meadowood)

Eighth Course Sunchoke-Pear Cardamaro, caramel. (Ali Matteis)

Mignardises Pumpkin Nougat (Juliana Thorpe)

Winter Citrus Pâté de Fruit (Ihzyan Muhd)

– Napa Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, 2015

Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils “Les Caillerets” Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru 2014

Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors Russian River Valley, 2015

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard, Napa Valley, 1986

Harlan Estate “The Maiden” Napa Valley, 2012

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1978

–

Below are links to my posts and photos from all of the Twelve Days of Christmas dinners I have attended over the past four years at the Restaurant at Meadowood. Each chef is listed with the restaurant with which they were cooking at the time they participated in the event (some have moved on to other projects and restaurants).

2012

Scott Anderson (Elements; Princeton, New Jersey) John & Karen Shields (Formerly of Townhouse; Chilhowie, Virginia) Phillip Foss (EL Ideas; Chicago, Illinois) Stuart Brioza & Nicole Krasinski (State Bird Provisions; San Francisco, California) Jason Franey (Canlis Restaurant; Seattle, Washinton) Matthias Merges (Yusho; Chicago, Illinois) Mori Onodera (Formerly of Mori Sushi; Los Angeles, California) James Syhabout (Commis; Oakland, California) Nick Anderer (Maialino; New York, New York) David Toutain (Agapé Substance; Paris, France) Josh Habiger & Erik Anderson (The Catbird Seat; Nashville Tennessee) Christopher Kostow (The Restaurant at Meadowood; St. Helena, California)

2013

Andy Ricker (Pok Pok, Portland, Oregon & New York, New York) Rodolfo Guzman (Boragó; Santiago, Chile) Carlo Mirarchi (Blanca and Roberta’s; Brooklyn, New York) Tim Cushman (O Ya; Boston, Massachusetts) Ashley Christensen (Poole’s Diner; Raleigh, North Carolina) David Chang (Momofuku; New York, New York) Matthew Accarrino (SPQR; San Francisco, California) Mark Ladner & Brooks Headley (Del Posto; New York, New York) Rasmus Kofoed (Geranium; Copenhagen, Denmark) Nicolaus Balla & Cortney Burns (Bar Tartine; San Francisco, California) David Kinch (Manresa; Los Gatos, California) Christopher Kostow (The Restaurant at Meadowood; St. Helena, California)

2014

Matthew Orlando (Amass; Copenhagen, Denmark) Frank Castranovo & Frank Falcinelli (Frankies 457, Prime Meats; New York, New York) Kobe Desramaults (In de Wulf; Dranouter, Belgium) Alexandre Gauthier (La Grenouillère; La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil, France) Blaine Wetzel (Willows Inn; Lummi Island, Washington) Joshua McFadden (Ava Gene’s; Portland, Oregon) Virgilio Martinez (Central; Lima, Peru) Grant Achatz (Alinea; Chicago, Illinois) Corey Lee (Benu; San Francisco, California) Esben Holmboe Bang (Maaemo; Oslo, Norway) Ignacio Mattos (Estela; New York, New York) Christopher Kostow (The Restaurant at Meadowood; St. Helena, California)

2015

Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park, NoMad; New York, New York) Nenad Mlinarevic (Focus; Vitznau, Switzerland) Christian Puglisi (relæ; Copenhagen, Denmark) Jorge Vallejo (Quintonil; Mexico City, Mexico) Joshua Skenes (Saison; San Francisco, California) Matthew Wilkinson (Pope Joan; Melbourne, Australia) Kim Floresca and Daniel Ryan ([One]; Chapel Hill, North Carolina) Isaac McHale (The Clove Club; London, The United Kingdom) Kyle Connaughton (Single Thread; Healdsburg, California) Atsushi Tanaka (A.T. Restaurant; Paris, France) Justin Yu (Oxheart; Houston, Texas) Christopher Kostow (The Restaurant at Meadowood; St. Helena, California)

2017

Mark Lundgaard Nielsen (Kong Hans Kælder; Copenhagen, Denmark) Manish Mehrotra (Indian Accents; New Dehli, India; New York, New York; London, U.K.) Jeremiah Stone & Fabián von Hauske Valtierra (Contra & Wildair; New York, New York) Jeremy Fox (Rustic Canyon & Tallula’s; Santa Monica, California) Ben Sukle (birch & Oberlin; Providence, Rhode Island) Sean Brock (McCrady’s, McCrady’s Tavern, Husk, & Minero; Charleston, South Carolina) Yoshiaki Takazawa (Takazawa; Tokyo, Japan) Thomas Keller (The French Laundry; Yountville, California) Eric Werner (Hartwood; Tulum, Mexico) Jock Zonfrillo (Orana; Adelaide, Australia) Alexandre Couillon (La Marine; Noirmoutier, France) Christopher Kostow (The Restaurant at Meadowood; St. Helena, California)

–

Photos: It’s snowing! The view from the dining room during the Twelve Days of Christmas; Christopher Kostow plating; Daniel Martin surprised guests by walking through the dining room during dinner in a full ski outfit and skis slung over his shoulders; buttery black cod coated in prawn butter; lamb tongue with porcini and potato on the pass; Kostow thanking guests and presenting his entire kitchen and staff at the end of the twelfth night; the curated wine list; the fully-signed board in the kitchen at the end of the twelfth night; one, final team photo.

~ by ulterior epicure on January 6, 2018.

Posted in Uncategorized

Source: https://ulteriorepicure.com/2018/01/06/12-days-on-the-twelfth-day-of-christmas-kostow-2017/

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