#didn’t feel like drawing Atticus’s hat

[laughableillusions]

How it started vs how it’s going

[snackara]

Mageborns Character Descriptions

@signed-sapphire Here you go, since you want to draw the gang so badly. It’s not terribly detailed, since I wanted to give a general idea of what everyone looks like. I’ll work on full character profiles later that go more in-depth on them.

Atticus: Atticus is a pretty average guy. Minus the huge burn scar on half of his face that has claimed his eye. He has messy dark brown hair and permanently tired brown eyes. He looks constantly exhausted, but tends to perk up around his friends. Especially Jesse and Clara.

Jesse: Unlike Atticus, Jesse is much more approachable. His light brown hair is combed back neatly and his short beard is well-trimmed. His blue eyes are always very bright and curious. And generally he has an air of confidence and friendliness that makes him very approachable. Though, rarely, you can catch his staring into space with a distant and hollow look in his eyes.

Clara: Clara is probably looks the most professional and no-nonsense of the group thanks to her job as a teacher. Her dark brown skin is unblemished, and her curly black hair is usually tied up in a long ponytail or a bun. Her deep brown eyes are always look very thoughtful. Her demeanor makes her seem like a very stiff woman, but she’s really pretty alright.

Florence: Florence looks like she just stepped out of a magazine. Short blonde hair, emerald green eyes, even a cloche hat to really complete the look. She often has a little notepad and pencil handy because of her job as a journalist. She always has a pep in her step, and you can tell from watching her for just a little bit that she’s a very spirited young lady.

Edward Donahue: Donahue can make anyone and everyone feel uncomfortable around him. He always has a stern expression on his face, but will occasionally crack a shit-eating grin. (Atticus hates the way he smiles so smugly.) His black hair is combed back neatly and his dark brown eyes pierce right into your soul. Generally he is not someone you want to mess with.

Sorry if there wasn’t much detail with the clothing, I didn’t see a reason to mention anything in particular to them aside from Florence’s hat. They’re all basically wearing a typical 1920’s getup with the long coats and such

[dtyfp]

Chapter 2.5

Lily masterlist

Not all love stories have three perfect chapters, no, sometimes it's messy and they diverge off the main path. One can only hope, though, that they'll come back to us some day soon.

You flinch as you recall the last time you were in that bed, gripping the covers so tightly your knuckles turned white as you wept. The nightmares after your parents death had subsided a long time ago while you were still a kid, but the sudden emergence of all the details sent your mind into a haze. You had cried so much Mark had to switch out his pillow for yours. Now, you stared up at the ceiling, wide awake as Mark's gentle snores filled the room. They'd usually lull you to sleep but you hadn't been able to sleep in this bed all week. Not without sleeping pills to quell the nightmares, but Taeil had recently taken them from you because he didn't like how dependant you had become on them. He was right, of course he was and you didn't fight him when he took it, but now you were wide awake. Terrified of sleep. Terrified of the dreams and nightmares that would follow.

With a sigh, you sit up and grab your phone. It had just passed midnight and after a long day of practice your members had dropped like flies once they got home.

As you scroll through all the news articles concerning your life, you come across Atticus’s number, given to you just that week. Your finger hovers over his number, debating on actually using it. When he had given it to you, you figured it was just a nice gesture, but how could he blame you if you took him up on it?

One text wouldn't hurt, right? So you send it before you can second guess yourself. Within minutes, you get an answer so you creep out from your bed, close the door gently behind you, and leave.

A cab drives you all the way to the apartment complex. You were in a large coat, mask, and hat so no one would recognize you. In the foyer, Atticus stands when you walk in, in a similar disguise and motions for you to follow. It all felt so secretive, part of you wondered if it was wrong to be here but he didn't seem to mind. In fact, he seemingly radiated calmness.

"Couldn't sleep?" he questions once in the elevator.

"Not really, I'm sorry if I bothered you-"

"Don't be. I gave you my number to use, and I'm glad you did," he says simply as you step out of the elevator, following him towards his penthouse apartment.

"Are you hungry? Thirsty?" Atticus asks as you look around, admiring the view from his windows.

"Oppa, this place is really nice," you compliment in awe. He lived up high so the lights looked like ants beneath you. It even overlooked the river, and you were certain that if you listened close enough in the silence you might even be able to hear it. Surprisingly, the place was well decorated. You didn’t know what you were quite expecting, but this wasn’t it.

"Thanks, Winnie did it all," he chuckles in amusement as he heads into his kitchen. You follow, feeling awkward wandering his home without him.

He hands you a water and you sit up on the same counter as you take a few sips. He grabs a water himself and leans against the same counter with one hand as you both look out at his home. His hand, it’s hard not to notice, is barely 3 inches from your thigh.

“So, members overbearing?” Atticus asks, drawing you from your thoughts.

“No, I just couldn’t sleep. I didn’t want to wake any of them,” you admit as you look over at him. He nods understandingly and surprisingly, this time, he is the one to break eye contact and look away. He clears his throat awkwardly and shifts his weight under your gaze.

You don’t know what compels you to stretch your foot out and gently nudge him closer to you, where he stumbles into the space between your legs. He’s surprised at the feeling of your lips against his, nimble fingers grabbing at his cheeks to hold him close. She pulls back slightly with eyes filled with doubt as if she’s worried she did something wrong, but all worry is cast away when Atticus pulls her back.

With Lily on the counter they were finally face level with the other. His hand grabs the back of her calf and wraps it around his hip as the other holds the back of her head. He nearly moans at the feeling of her hands in his hair, down by the nape of his neck gently tugging at the short hairs there. He felt intoxicated. Her chest was flush against his as his tongue crept into her mouth, easily dominating the kiss. Part of him wonders why he agreed to be just friends with you. Was this what he was missing out on?

His free hand slides under her shirt, just desperate to touch some skin. She’s soft underneath his touch and he takes his time, thumbs rubbing gentle circles on her stomach. She turns her face and Atticus finds himself leaning forward, chasing the feeling of her lips against his. Her fingers press into his cheeks, eyes wide as if trying to commit the image to memory. He does the same, he hadn’t even realized how hard he was gripping her waist.

“I, um, I’ve never done this before,” she admits, breathing heavily. Her eyes close as if in embarrassment.

“Done what? I thought we were just kissing,” Atticus teases at her insinuation. He laughs when her hands raise to cover her face and her legs disconnect from around his waist.

“I was joking, Lily,” he hums as his hands gently grab at her wrists and pull them down. He presses a kiss to her cheek, to ease her discomfort. He never wanted her to hide from him, not from this.

“We can take things slow if you want to continue. But I want you to be sure, don’t feel pressured to do anything with me,” Atticus says, the last thing he wanted to do was take advantage of her.

“I’m sure,” she nods eagerly, she just wanted to feel something else. He chuckles and raises a hand to her lips, his finger gently grazing over her upper lip, a little red and swollen from his pressure.

“You can tell me to stop whenever you want,” He assures her as his reaches for the hem of his shirt and lifts it above his head. He tosses his shirt to the side as her fingers hesitantly touch his bare skin. The air in the room felt hot, thick. He keeps his eyes trained on her as she trails down the outline of his chest. When her brown eyes meet his, Atticus can’t help but admire her beauty for a moment as she bites down on her lip. Under his gaze, she takes off her shirt as well.

“Please Atticus,,” she whispers, so quiet he might not have heard her if he wasn’t right there. He liked the way she said his name.

“We’ll go slow,” he promises once more as he carefully lifts her off the counter and walks her towards his room as she peppers kisses up and down his neck.

Perhaps, just maybe, he was her new sleeping pill. Her moment of peace she could control when the rest of her life was a whirlwind. On some level he knew too, that she needed a distraction, and that’s exactly what this was, but for now, that was enough.

[redeemed-au]

Atticus watches quietly as everyone seems to have drifted off go sleep in the parlor. Christmas and Aria's birthday went off without a hitch, no villains attempted to draw them out this year, all in all a peaceful Christmas and birthday.

He walks into the parlor and covers Aria and Prisma with a blanket, as well as Vin and Alex. He sighs softly, even with the peacefulness - he was not at ease.

"You could kill them all, we could start over again, I'm sure Flug and Demencia are on standby just waiting for my return" Black Hat purred in his head.

"Will you just shut up?!" Atticus yelled.

Vin woke with a start, which Atticus did not notice as he continued to talk to himself. "We are not the same person. I am not you, you tricked me once into becoming your host, I won't go back!"

"You're still my host."

"Didn't I tell you to-"

"Atti-?"

Atticus jumps in surprise as he hears Vin's voice, followed by a dark chuckle in his mind "h-hey, Vin. Go back to sleep love, it's late..."

Vin shakes his head and gets up, crossing the room to Atticus and wraps his arms around him "He's still here isn't he? Black Hat? You don't have to lie to me. I can handle the truth."

Atticus clings to Vin "I - yes...yes he is. He's - slowly losing influence but - he's still here and I don't know how to get rid of him."

"I already told you, you'll never get rid of me"

"Shut it Black Hat." Atticus and Black Hat both go silent and stare in disbelief as Vin glares up into Atticus's eyes "I've known you've been hear all this time. You didn't think a witch, with a demon keeping them alive - as well as having a heart inside the body of the person you're tormenting would be able to feel your ugly ass presence? I've just been waiting for Atticus to admit it on his own terms. Now - you listen - and you listen real good - you WILL be leaving Atticus's body. We WILL find a way, and you're gonna lie down and take it like the little bitch you are."

Atticus blinks "V-vin..."

"I know- language..."

"No - I... I'm sorry. I should have said something sooner..." Atticus sighs as he holds Vin close.

Vin rubs his back gently "I'm guessing the only reason you didn't say anything is to keep us safe. Especially Prisma. It's okay I don't blame you. But now that you've finally admitted it. We can move forward. I'll talk to Alex later. I'm sure she'll have some tricks up her sleeve."

Atticus smiles and looks up before chuckling "You know - we're still decorated for Christmas and the mistletoe is hanging right over our heads"

"Then shut up and kiss me"

---------

Atticus finally confesses! Let's all hope he can be rid of Black Hat once and for all.

[kikithefox231]

Thank you so much for asking! I had a lot of headcanons for them but didn’t jot it down qwq, i’ll do my best to compile them!!! Also im so happy you asked!! I always wanted to scream ideas about them lmao XD See @jessmt​ for some seriously amazing headcanons!!! Seriously, i GOBBLED them up when i first finished book 2 they’re SO GOOD (I headcanon Lake as nonbinary so i will refer to Lake as them/they here) (also I will add other characters occasionally) So i had a long convo with my friend @mell0bee​ about halloween outfits for the whole gang(™) and we concluded: Lake is Bowser Jesse is Luigi Nate is Mario Hazel is princess peach Tulip is Toad Atticus is prince daisy One-one is a question mark block Amelia,,,just wears a hat to humor hazel lol Grace is Pauline Simon is a rat,,,rat man (bc Samantha is a cat,,,so symbolism) Samantha is magikoopa Also another halloween Lake, nate, and Jesse all collectively go as AD, Jesse’s in the front bc he wants to wear sunglasses XD We also discussed how Lake’s first halloween would go down:

Also, we discussed what would happen if Jesse, Nate, and Lake went into a haunted house:

Some of my ideas: -Lake steals Jesse’s clothes, it’s canon, you can’t change my mind -Lake teaches Nate how to swear, Jesse tries to stop them XD

-Lake and Jesse sleep best when they’re near each other bc of nightmares, im pretty sure this is fanon at this point haha (and a good thing too!! :D ) -Jesse is ALL about small lil romantic gestures, kisses on the forehead, soft hand holding, compliments anywhere, anytime (Lake DIES every time though they would never admit it XD ) -Lake is subtilty romantic?? Like?? They will accept compliments and make things for Jesse here and there and Jesse will SOB SO BAD bc he’s so touched qwq -Jesse also will put post-it notes ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, near Lake with lil sweet compliments or just REALLY bad jokes XD (Lake is fond of them but they will never admit it haha) -Nate ships them so MUCH and one time he set them up on a date without them knowing and he was very proud of himself,,,even if he had to do their chores for 2 weeks XD -When/if they have kids, I feel like Jesse would be the over protective parent and ask 20 questions to them before and after school and call them during class XD -Lake is 100% the cool parent that’s okay with like anything and every kid in school WISHES they had Lake as a parent

-OKAY BUT i love the idea of Hazel and Nate meeting and becoming bffs and Lake and Jesse becoming their honorary parents QwQ -Jesse will make the WORSE jokes in the world and Lake will still tolerate him XD -Lake rarely cries but when they do, Jesse is always there to comfort them

-Jesse cries,,,everyday,,,over almost anything,,,,like he’ll cry over a picture of a cute cat or a really emotional movie (those ALWAYS gets to him) -random idea that just came to me, Jesse writes poems and they’re actually pretty good and after he meets Lake 90% of them are about Lake (hMMM i wOnDeR wHy??)

-(Lake one day finds them and teases Jesse about them but they secretly are very impressed haha) -Lake sometimes draws?? Idk i feel like they would for some reason??? And really well too so Jesse compliments them over it and Lake always gets flustered haha

-Okay so for confessions,,,it’s hard to say hmm,,,i feel like it would be Jesse bc he’s so emotional and would be an absolute MESS when he finds out he Like Lake romantically -Lake would DIE when he confesses -okay nvm they BOTH die -they figure it out later on tho :’) how? ,,,somehow,,,,idk how relationships are supposed to work i’ve never been in one X’D

-Jesse will 100% find the weirdest screenshots or pictures and send them to Lake with little to no context XD -Jesse will find a bunch of different wounded animals and try to take them home and take care of them XD -Lake tolerates bc they secretly got really attached to a tsundere kitty named Dracula 2 (yes ofc they named it that XD ) -I LOVE the headcanon of Alan Dracula just,,,appearing at Lake and Jesse’s wedding tho OMG, i don’t need logic i need FLUFF -Also Bee mentioned the idea of Jesse and Lake platonically marrying for tax benefits and they WOULD OMG -If Lake is ever upset Jesse take them outside and shows them nature and it ALWAYS helps them feel better, even if they’re very huffy about it haha -also, when they get into big arguments, Jesse always breaks down into tears and apologizes a lot and Lake would just hug him and say it’s okay, they were stupid and they forgave him ;; (I feel like they wouldn’t unless it was something really huge, but,,,i love my angst sorry XD )

-Lake will sense whenever Jesse has nightmares or just generally distressed and help him calm down qwq -Lake loves watching scary movies with Jesse bc a) Lake loves seeing how scared Jesse can get XD b) Lake enjoys the thrill of it c) usually needs to cling onto Lake for emotional support and Lake secretly likes that XD -idk why but I feel like Jesse can cook well? Lake would be absolutely TERRIBLE tho lmao -Jesse has 3782578485 stuffed animals and Lake has exactly 1 -Lake and Jesse really love taking relaxing walks around nature, this is fanon and canon, i will not change my mind

-Lake and Jesse love any amount of physical interaction, it helps them calm down :’)

-LAKE’S FIRST CHRISTMAS AU!!!!! -Christmas is like,,,Jesse’s FAVORITE HOLIDAY EVER and he gets extra excited about everything (he starts singing christmas carols in NOVEMBER okay) -He starts decorating mid-November and Lake is just deadpanning at him as he’s super giddily setting up the christmas tree XD  -Jesse would 100% use the mistletoe to kiss Lake and catch them by surprise :’DDD  (i feel like Tulip wouldn’t like Christmas that much and probably spend the whole time avoiding family as MUCH as possible and just coding till like 4am) -Jesse buys EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING for Lake, he does a really bad job of hiding them lol -Lake doesn’t really get why Christmas is so special since Tulip,,,yeah we all know how that went down so Jesse takes it into his hands to show her how special it is and some of Jesse’s family comes over (i feel like he has some cousins that love hanging out with him and Nate) -Lake is very uncomfortable with so many people at first but they later learn how to have fun with Jesse’s cousins and they basically just play video games for the rest of the day haha (Lake MURDERS them at Smash lmao) -ALSO, Nate and Jesse LOVE cheesy Christmas movies and rom-coms they will watch them for hours XD (Lake secretly likes them later on) -Jesse would 100% get them matching T-shirts or friendship bracelets or those matching friendship pendants :’DDD

-Jesse and Lake sharing a soft blanket and sipping hot cacao, YES -When Jesse gets sick, it’s up to Nate and Lake to get him healthy again so they find all types of foods to help poor sick Jesse and try to cook,,,is chaos but they end up being able to feed him chicken soup and bread and some mashed potatoes,,,bc i feel like Nate really likes them?? So he’d make them for this brother when he doesn’t feel well 

-Lake comforts Nate whenever he’s sad or get bullied or pushed around by others, Lake is basically his honorary protective sibling -Nate is SO happy to have someone as protective and cool as Lake, they sometimes just all hangout and build pillow forts and Jesse pretends to be a big monster -Lake is SUPER good at sneaky flirty comments that make Jesse turn BEET red XDDD -Jesse will 100% say the most DUMB CUTE COMPLIMENTS and make Lake blush and cry over them QwQ -Jesse will cry over fictional characters and that is CANON okay, Lake tolerates XD -Lake and Jesse will sleep anywhere, they just feel so safe near each other qwq Hope you like these headcanons!! Not really my best sorry, but i tried my best :) Thank you for the ask again!!!!

[lupinlongbottom]

Burning Bridges pt. 2

Neville Longbottom x Reader

Summary: First day of school! First day of fighting! Wait what? Neville convinces (Y/N) to chat with him, explain what had been going on for the last five years. It’s not much, but it’s a start.

Word Count: 3.3k

Warnings: some swearing, angst if you squint idk

A/N: i’m not good at angst. i’m also not good at plot? dunno. trying hard, my dudes. i have like, 6 plot points i want to hit but this chapter hits none of them. filler? idk. angst? who’s to say? enjoy!

Part 1 ... Part 3 ... Part 4 ... Part 5 ... Part 6 ... Part 7

__

It had taken nearly all day to get her classroom in order. McGonagall wasn’t joking, the previous Potions Master, Atticus Barclay, was a bit of a hoarder and a terribly messy one at that. To (Y/N)’s knowledge, Slughorn had retired only a year after the Battle of Hogwarts, leaving a rather necessary spot to be filled quickly. Not exactly the wisest choice, she noted. (Y/N) finished dusting the final shelf, turning the label on the fluxweed jar outward.

“Atticus you swine,” (Y/N) groaned, stretching her back. “Honestly, any worthwhile Potions Master would’ve taken much better care of their workspace…”

She took a step back, admiring her handiwork. No more did the dungeon feel like it had in her school years. (Y/N) had opened the curtains, allowing the little bit of sunlight to filter in. A few waves of her wand allowed ivy to grow, following the curvature of the ceiling, dangling ever so slightly. Felt homey. Inviting. A barn owl rested on (Y/N)’s shoulder, nuzzling her face slightly.

“Hello, Edgar,” She smiled, petting him gently. “You like the place? Seems more my style, no?”

The barn owl sputtered a response, flying over to the window.

“I know you want to go fly, but I haven’t got any letters to send,” (Y/N) sighed. “As usual. You can make laps around the castle, right?” 

Edgar’s black eyes bore into (Y/N)’s, almost as if he was cross. No, (Y/N) decided. Her owl, best friend, was cross.  

“If you want me to send a letter so bad, I could convince myself to send mum one. I know how much you love flying through Bristol to get to her,” Edgar stood silent. “Right. I’ll think about it,” (Y/N) turned to her owl. “Maybe I should cast a warming charm in the winter…”

-

“(Y/N)!” Neville smiled, practically running into the Potions classroom. He sat down next to (Y/N). “Got here early, as usual it seems.”

(Y/N) grinned widely at her friend. “Never late, to Potions at least. I want to pass my O.W.L’s somehow.”

“If anyone had to worry about not passing their Potions O.W.L, it wouldn’t be you,” Neville laughed.

“You flatter me, Longbottom,” said (Y/N), watching a wisp of her breath escape her lips. “You’d think Snape would put a warming charm on this room when snow’s on the ground, right?” She rubbed her arm slowly, trying to warm up.

“You’re cold?” Neville’s eyes widened. “You should’ve worn your cardigan! I tell you that every time we have class.”

“You know I like the look of vests much better,” (Y/N) teased, moving her hand to her nose, pinching it lightly. “Besides, someone jinxed my jumpers. Shrink every time I touch them.”

“Again?” Neville brought his voice to a whisper. “You’ve got to stop letting them bully you like that…”

“You’re one to talk!” (Y/N) quipped, giggling slightly. “I tried enchanting my chest to keep them out, but maybe I need to try something different.”

“In any case,” Neville stood up, walking behind (Y/N). “You should at least be warm in your favorite class.” Suddenly, (Y/N) felt a slight weight on her shoulders. Intrigued, she glanced down to see a familiar gray cardigan. Gryffindor cardigan. Neville sat back down, sans jumper, his cheeks dusted pink. From the cold, of course.

“Snape’s going to dock at least 10 points from Gryffindor when he sees you not wearing the proper uniform,” (Y/N) said, fighting back the biggest smile from her face.

“It’ll be like any other class, then,” Neville shrugged, moving to fix the jumper now atop of (Y/N)’s shoulders, wearing it like a cape. “Y-you can keep it, if you want.”

“What? No, I can’t keep it! It’s—”

“Keep it until you can un-jinx your jumpers. It’s bloody freezing.” 

-

“On second thought… the cold builds character.”

__

It had only taken three outfit changes for (Y/N) to finally settle on a pair of matching robes and a hat, mauve in color. They were once her mother’s, passed down in hopes (Y/N) would make better use of it at Hogwarts. 

“I guess she’s right,” (Y/N) hummed, readjusting her hat. “Don’t you think I look just ghastly in hats?” Her head turned to the barn owl, sitting on his perch adjacent to the full length mirror. The owl cooed. “Exactly right. I do look like my grandmother. Always the observatory owl, Edgar,” (Y/N) glanced at the clock. “Shit! I’m going to be late!”

Flying out the door, (Y/N) hardly had the moment to recognize the figure exiting his door as well. The two collided, knocking both parties to the ground.

“I’m so sorry!” (Y/N) blurted, grabbing the wall to steady herself upward. “Are you alright?” 

“Been better,” Neville groaned, rubbing his forehead.

“Oh, Professor Longbottom,” (Y/N) readjusted her robe, reluctantly offering her hand.

“Thanks,” Neville forced a smile, his lips drawing a fine line. He took her hand, fingers lingering for a moment too long. He pulled away at the realization. “Running late?” 

“Old habits,” she shrugged. “I see you’re not exactly punctual tonight either.”

“Gran sent me an owl, had to reply before I forgot,” said Neville, smiling at the thought. “Wished me luck on my first day.”

“That’s sweet of her, how is she—” (Y/N) stopped herself, coughing lightly. “Well, by any means it’s not wise for the two newest professors to be late on the first night.” 

“Of course not, that’d be barbaric. I doubt McGonagall would let us hear the end of it,” He laughed, expecting a response. Nothing. “Is that your hat?” Neville pointed to the mauve pile to the left of her.

(Y/N) glanced downward. “So it is,” She gently leaned down to retrieve it, placing it again on her head. “Is it on straight?”

“Isn’t it a circle? How could it be on straight? Is there a wrong way to wear a witch hat?”

“I’ll go check my mirror then—”

“You look spectacular,” Neville grabbed (Y/N)’s hand, stopping the witch from re-entering her room. “We’re running late as it is, come on.”

The run to the Great Hall wasn’t the most graceful, but years of practice and memorization of the hallways of Hogwarts allowed the two to arrive just before the rest of the students. McGonagall eyed the two of them down, almost disapprovingly.

“I see you two made it,” she said, slightly sour. Her eyes glanced down between the two wizards, noticing their hands were still intertwined from the run. “I do suggest, however, that you keep any and all personal relationships between the two of you absent from the students,” (Y/N) realized what she had meant, immediately pulling her hand away, almost angry at the lack of warmth.

“Oh, we’re not—”

“Students tend to gossip,” Minerva smiled, glancing down at (Y/N). “I would assume you of all people would know that much, Professor (L/N).”

“Yes, Headmistress.” (Y/N) responded meekly, dipping her head down, eyes disappearing from the brim of her hat, hopefully covering the growing pink in her cheeks.

Neville laughed. “Sorry for that,” his hand moved to fix his rather perfectly gelled hair, a strand had flown loose. “I had to stop you from going back into your room somehow.”

“You didn’t have to grab my hand, I know my way around the castle,” (Y/N) huffed, marching up to the faculty table that sat in the front of the hall.

“You didn’t let go, though,” Neville smiled slightly, if only to himself.

(Y/N) found one of two empty seats, thankfully not next to one another. The wizard that was sitting in the seat next to hers was unfamiliar to (Y/N). His dark brown hair was tied together with a gold ribbon, the hair touching nearly the bottom of his robe hood. He looked young, maybe a few years older than (Y/N), slight wrinkles dancing the corners of his violet eyes.

“Is this seat taken?” (Y/N) asked, smiling gently. The wizard shook his head.

“Of course not,” He hummed, gesturing for (Y/N) to sit down. “I must say, I can already tell you’re going to be better company than Barclay.”

“This was his seat?” (Y/N) asked again, finally settling into her seat. The students had started filing into the hall, sitting at their respective  house tables.

“He smelled of murtlap bile and cigars half the time,” He hummed, looking at (Y/N). “I enjoy your perfume much better,” the wizard sniffed deeply. “Mint. Slightly musty.” 

“It’s not perfume,” (Y/N) flamed. “I hardly wear any. It must be my toothpaste, or potions ingredients.”

“Alright Minty,” the wizard laughed, enjoying his new nickname for (Y/N). “I assume you have a name?” 

“(Y/N) (L/N), Potions Master,” She nodded. “You are…?”

“Lancelot Knight, Muggle Studies,” He shook (Y/N)’s hand. Firm, almost constricting.

“Lancelot…Knight?” (Y/N) fought back a laugh.

“Most people call me Lance, I actually prefer it,” He laughed. “My parents, bless their hearts, really had it out for me I reckon.”

“Strong name,” (Y/N) hummed. “Nice to meet you, Professor Knight.”

The first years had finally filed in, ready to be sorted by the ever elusive hat. (Y/N) had to fight back the tears each time a student was claimed to her house, like a proud mother. She had never met these kids, but was sorely excited to do such, to teach them. As the dinner went on, (Y/N) tried to memorize every moment she could, raking in her first night as a professor.

Neville had been staring at (Y/N) for quite some time. He really didn’t intend to. Why had she been trying to ignore him? All he wanted was his friend back. They were practically best mates years ago, what happened? Surely their fight couldn’t have left scars that deep on (Y/N), right? He swallowed hard, crossing the now empty hall over to the mauve-clad witch.

“(Y/N) I really think we should talk,” He started, smoothing his robes. Neville caught the eye of the wizard sitting next to her, he looked like he hadn’t taken a proper bath in weeks. “Please. Hear me out.”

“Professor Longbottom,” (Y/N) sighed. “I really don’t see—”

“Please. Just one conversation and then you can go back to ignoring me,” Neville pleaded. “I need closure. We need closure.”

“Closure?” (Y/N) stood up. “Closure to what? If the last five years were any indication to what sort of relationship we could possibly have—”

“We don’t need to be friends,” Neville felt particularly bold, cutting (Y/N) for the second time. “We don’t need to go back to where we were before, but I want to at least… I don’t know. Clear the air.”

Lance laughed. “Wow. The tension in this room is… pliable. Could run a knife through it,” He stood up. “I dunno, Minty. I reckon you should give plant-boy a chance, at least a walk in the moonlight.”

She groaned lightly, feeling both sets of eyes digging deep into her. “One lap."

Neville’s ears perked up, grinning lightly. “One lap?"

“Around the grounds. Clear as much air as you need,” She stood up, pushing her chair back hard. “You can meet me in the courtyard, I don’t think I could stand another minute in this hat.”

“Right,” Neville fought back his growing grin. “See you in a few.” He darted out, practically running to the teacher’s wing.

Lance laughed again. “Ex-boyfriends can be a pain, can’t they? Been there, done that,” He flattened his kerchief. “Though, ex-girlfriends are much messier. ‘Bout fifty-fifty, really.”

“He’s not my ex-boyfriend,” (Y/N) stated matter-of-factly. 

“Right,” He smirked. “Whatever the case, I hope you enjoy your walk, Minty.”

(Y/N) took her time returning to her chambers. Neville could wait a moment, he could wait a thousand moments. She knew he would. Was it unfair of her? Perhaps. She tried not to dwell on it, as she really needed to change into something less constricting.

Filtering through her dresser, (Y/N) had found the black trousers she had been searching for, but was distraught on a top. “It’s a windy night, better wear something warm…” she mumbled, opening her jumper drawer. She owned too many sweaters for one person, as they were her favorite thing to wear. The scratching wool felt comforting, warm. “I know I have that blue one in here somewhere…” Flinging through her collection, her hands stopped, reaching a gray one, the trim gold and maroon. (Y/N) allowed her fingers to trace the messy stitching underneath the tag.

N . L

“Stupid,” (Y/N) mumbled, throwing the cardigan to the side, revealing the blue jumper she had been searching for. “Edgar, what do you think?”

The owl clicked his beak twice, floating down to the discarded cardigan. 

“Eddie…” (Y/N) strained. “No, I’m not going to return it! Not now, anyway. It’s been seven years,” Edgar stared at his owner, fluffing the jumper with his talons. “Well don’t ruin it...” (Y/N) whispered, clawing it out of the owl’s grip. She folded it gently, placing it on her nearly empty counter, next to an old Honeydukes box. An old gift. (Y/N) hesitated for a moment, almost begging herself to pry it open.

“I shouldn’t keep him waiting any longer,” she decided, pulling the blue wool over her head. “Like a plaster, rip it off quickly.”

__

The moon was almost full, only a sliver missing from the round figure, allowing the entire courtyard to shimmer in its light. The fountain still babbled as always, water tricking down to the pool below. Neville focused on his reflection as well has he could, his hair still neatly gelled back. Well, as neat as it could be.

“She’s taking a long time…” Neville hummed, twirling a finger in his reflection, distorting the water. “Is she trying to pull a prank on me?Never going to show up? No,” Neville clicked, shaking his head. “Shut up, Longbottom. She’s your friend—was your friend.”  

“Sorry I’m late,” said (Y/N), finally entering the courtyard. “Couldn’t decide on a jumper.” 

“Miss wearing uniforms?”

“All the time,” (Y/N) groaned. “Never have to worry about what to wear, always put on the same thing.” 

Neville smiled, standing up to meet (Y/N) in the middle, hands again in his pockets. “You look nice, as usual.”

“Trying to butter me up?” (Y/N) smirked, teasing the Gryffindor slightly.

“Compliments never hurt,” he shrugged. “Thank you, for agreeing to this (Y/N).”

“I only did it because Professor Knight was listening to our whole conversation, it would’ve looked poor on my part if I didn’t”

“So that bloke’s name is Knight?”

“Lancelot Knight, if you can imagine.”

“His parents must’ve really had it out for him.”

“Must’ve.”

Silence.

“Well? We should get walking,” (Y/N) began to leave the courtyard, headed towards the open fields surrounding the castle.

Neville followed suit, allowing (Y/N) to stride at least five steps ahead. Her hair was pulled into her signature low ponytail, wrapped neatly with a bow. Neville could count on one had the amount of times he had seen her without her bow, her hair down. One of them being at the Battle of Hogwarts. It was in a pink ribbon, just like the one she was wearing now. Somehow it fell out in all of the commotion.

“Do you ever get tired of your bows?” Neville asked, almost absentmindedly. 

“We’re not here to discuss my hair choices, Professor Longbottom,” said (Y/N), not turning around. “If we were, we’d start with your horrendous use of gel.”

“Horrendous?” Neville choked. “My Gran loves it when I gel my hair back!” 

“Your Gran needs better spectacles,” (Y/N) slowed her pace, allowing Neville to get closer to her. “You used too much of it.” 

“I’ll tone it down,” said Neville, fingers now trying to mess up his hair. “(Y/N), I’ve missed you,” she didn’t respond. “I know that you probably think that I’m the dumbest bloke to walk these grounds after the way we left off, but I just wanted you to hear that.”

“I wish I could say the same.”

“I know you’re lying, (Y/N).”

“You don’t know anything, Longbottom,” (Y/N) quipped, allowing herself to turn around just once. “You don’t know how badly I needed a friend that day, how badly I needed someone to care about me.”

“I see we’ve dropped the formalities,” said Neville, noting her lack of their shared title. “(Y/N), I didn’t know what you needed. You can be really good at avoiding conversations… or people.”

“You…” (Y/N) fought back the tears, trying hard to give herself the restraint she had years ago. “You never asked!"

“How was I supposed to know?” His voice rising.

“How were you supposed to know, what? That my dad escaped from Azkaban? That-that he joined the Dark Lord again? A man I had never met in my life?” She felt the hot tears stream down her cheeks. “You knew all of that!”

“I didn’t know he was there! The battle was a bit hectic, loads of people were dying, (Y/N).”

“Including him! My own father!” (Y/N) seethed, her eyes forcing themselves to meet with Neville’s. “My own father died and I never got to meet him, never got to say hello, let alone goodbye.” 

“I’m so sorry, (Y/N). I didn’t know at the time, I was—”

“Preoccupied with Lovegood. I know.”

“That’s a bit uncalled for,” He quipped. (Y/N) sat with her knees tucked under her chin. Neville’s tone softened. “You’re hurting right now. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, then, I mean,” He sat down next to her. “But I’m here now.”

“That man,” (Y/N) continued, as if Neville wasn’t staring her down. “He was the reason I tried so hard to be good. To be everything he wasn’t. Kind, caring, loving,” she wiped a stray tear. “Why did it hurt so bad when he died?”

“I don’t know,” Neville admitted. That was a question only (Y/N) could answer. He felt like she knew that. “I found out when reading about the dead. Your dad’s name stuck out. I sent an owl—”

“I know.” 

“What? I thought you said—”

“I lied,” (Y/N) chuckled airily. “I got them. All of them.”

“But why would you lie?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged, hugging her knees harder. “I never opened them.”

“Why?”

“I dunno,” another shrug. “I was being dumb. I wanted so badly to cut you out of my life for good. To forget that I ever—” she stopped.

“I know I wasn’t the best of friend in that moment,” he rested a hand on her shoulder. “I’m damn well trying now. I know we can’t get back to where we were before, but I want to at the very least give it a go,” he sat down, gingerly, as to not disturb (Y/N). He pushed his arm to the other shoulder, resting his head atop hers.

“Thank you,” (Y/N) whispered, leaning into his touch, enjoying the embrace.  

“Do you think you could start calling me Neville again? As a step in the right direction?” (Y/N) nodded wordlessly. “Good. I’ve missed it.”

“My father dying…” (Y/N) loosed her grip on her knees, opening up slightly. “Isn’t the only reason we fought.”

“No. I guess not,” Neville knew exactly what she was talking about. He couldn’t find the words to express that day, that argument in full. “ We can pretend it is for now. We should talk about it. Another day,” he smiled lightly.

“Another day,” she repeated. “Neville.”

__

General Tag List: @maralisa124 , @leighxlover , @hey-its-me-rai , @missihart23 , @biatheintrovert , @luna-xxxxx , @chocolaterumble, @why-am-i-sad-and-sleepy , @steve-thotgers

want to be added to a tag list? hmu in the replies or ask box with what characters you’d like to be tagged with!

[jolie-goes-downton]

The Downton Abbey Oppositions Tag Game

Thank you for tagging me, @naevery !

1. Favourite plotline from your least favourite season?

My least favourite season (so far) is S5 (except its Christmas special, of which I love every single minute). S5 gave way too much screen time to characters that were neither interesting nor likeable to me, such as the Prince Kuragin saga and the Denker/Spratt feud, and intolerably drew out other plotlines that could have advanced a lot faster, such as Edith’s distress at the Marigold situation, Tom’s uncomfortable friendship with Sarah Bunting and Mary getting rid of Gillingham for good. But the two plotlines of S5 that I liked unequivocally were Rose growing up and finding Atticus, and Isobel and Lord Merton’s romance, which I find incredibly touching.

2. Least favourite plotline from your favourite season?

Favourite season is a draw between S2 and S3. In S2, I hated everything about Richard Carlisle, even when it served the plot and ultimately helped to advance Mary x Matthew. That guy made me shudder!

In S3, I hated the very idea of Mrs Patmore marrying the disgusting grocer. And I also disliked the whole continuation of the Ethel storyline, which would have been so much stronger IMHO if it had ended with the heartbreaking farewell when Charlie’s grandparents take him away.

3. What’s a quality that you actually like about (one of) your least favourite main/regular character(s)?

Like everyone else, I loved to hate Sarah O’Brien, but I was really touched by how protective she was towards Mr Lang the poor shell-shocked valet, and how she genuinely regretted having been a witness for the prosecution against Bates. That hidden, caring side of her was a real surprise.

4. What’s your least favourite quality of your favourite character?

My favourite character is Thomas, and while I totally understand where his bitterness and his mistrust of everyone and everything comes from, I’m not sure I can easily forgive his behaviour against Anna. To be scheming to get the same woman into prison who had put her arm around him when he cried about Sybil’s death, and who was the only one to offer him words of comfort when Jimmy had to leave, was just beastly. Ugly as Thomas’ systematic bullying of Miss Baxter was, at least there was a clear (if ignoble) purpose behind that. But Thomas’ cruelty to Anna, who has never done or even wished him anything bad, is just gratuitous. So, gratuitous nastiness to people who haven’t even remotely deserved it probably sums it up.

5. What’s your favourite thing that your least favourite main/regular character has done?

Not to repeat myself about Sarah O‘Brien (see no. 3), I‘ll say that I was also really touched by how grim Lord Sinderby acknowledged that he‘s human and not infallible at the end of the S5 Christmas Special. (I hope he qualifies as a main/regular character.)

6.   What’s your least favourite thing that your favourite character has done?

Probably Thomas‘ wine stealing in S1. Because that was neither understandable, nor clever, nor entertaining from the viewer‘s perspective, but just plain juvenile stupidity. I guess I‘m just miffed that it was nowhere near as clever as his later plots, nor accidentally beneficial, as they usually are.

7. What’s a positive aspect about (one of) your least favourite ship(s)?

I hated the whole Prince Kuragin storyline, that guy was such a creep. The only positive thing about it was how it took Violet down a peg or three!

8. What’s an aspect about your favourite ship that you don’t like?

My favourite ship (keeping in mind that I’m currently at ep. 6.02, so I can’t officially ship Thomas x Richard yet) has to be Mary x Charles Blake. The bit that I hate about it is that it didn’t happen! I was so disappointed that even the possibility just fizzled out and Blake, although he said he’d put up a fight, gave up just like that, even once Mary had rejected Gillingham. They would have been so well suited, and they’d have made such a power couple.

My other favourite ship is Isobel x Lord Merton, and if her (very understandable) “no” at the end of S5 will turn out to be final, I’ll cry. The fact that he turns up again in the hospital subplot at the start of S6 has given me new hope though.

9. What’s your favourite and least favourite styling/outfit of your favourite and/or least favourite character? (feel free to add pics if you want!)

Least favourite outfit is easily Thomas in a bowler hat. The shape just doesn’t suit him at all IMHO. Makes him look like a clown.

I also love his military uniform less than many other people do. It makes him look like such a hulk when he really is no hulk.

And while I love the cricket sequence in S3 for storytelling reasons, I’m not fond of the cricket whites either. (On anyone, TBH.)

Most favourite outfit - so hard! I won’t say no to any of those sharp suits and liveries, the Brancaster livery and the under-butler livery probably being my favourite. They’re his suits of armour, and boy does this poor man need armour. But deep down, my all time favourite outfit is probably when Thomas looks most relaxed and at ease, so I’ll go for the waistcoat & shirtsleeves look of the S3 tug-of-war scene or the S4 CS day by the sea. I also won’t say no to the t-shirt & pyjama pants of the famous “you know why” scene with Jimmy in S3. Maybe it‘s the hair, even more than the clothes.

OK, who to tag who hasn’t done this yet? @soft-in-my-old-age, @misunderstoodnotevil , @oleander4 , @thedanceronthestreets , @sgt-barrow, @bitletsanddrabbles , if you haven’t already, let us know your thoughts! And of course anyone else who feels like having a go.

[the-kings-of-games]

GX Month 2020

SUper late and I’m too lazy to do anything (as always), but this seems like fun to think about. So let’s go!

Day 1 (August 31): “Game on!” (It’s Judai/Jaden Yuki’s birthday today! Let’s celebrate!): 

Jaden is a great protagonist. I love dumb but OP main characters, especially when they got lucky-go attitudes. 

Day 2 (September 1): “Red, Yellow, Blue!” (Ah, the tier system at Duel Academy. Which dorm is your favorite?): 

I’m attached to Slifer Red, lol. They got a cat for mascot, what more do I need? Also, they serve tempura for lunch.

Day 3 (September 2): “Rule the School” (These kids might be saving the world, but they’re still students with homework to do and exams to pass. Celebrate the school life today!):

Don’t know what to put here, but I was a terrible student because I didn’t study or do things in a timely manner. Do better than me, kids. 

Day 4 (September 3): “Sometimes I Can’t Believe We’re Related” (10Join! Today is all about the iconic brother-sister pair, Fubuki Tenjoin/Atticus Rhodes and Asuka Tenjoin/Alexis Rhodes!):

I love this sibling pair! ^^ Alexis is really cool, and Atticus is so far out of the left field. I really thought Atticus was going to be cool like his sister, or edgy like Zane, but nah, this guy is, like, I just want to support my sister and play this ukulele. They make such a contrasting pair, so it adds to the humor.

Day 5 (September 4): “Pass The Salt” (No story is perfect. So what is something you wish you could have seen in the story of GX?)

I can’t think of anything. 

Day 6 (September 5): “Going Down With The Ships!” (You know what I’m talking about. We all have an armada parked in the bay, but there’s that one ship, that one ship, that you would die for. Today is all about OTPs and OT3s!)

I really like Rivalshipping. I don’t really have that many ships for GX. 5D’s and Zexal are more of my jam. 

Day 7 (September 6): “Bring the THUNDER” (Ichi! Juu! Hyaku! Sen! Chazz it up! Today the world does in fact revolve around Jun Manjoume/Chazz Princeton.)

HANDS DOWN, one of my two top choices for favorite rival. (Jack’s the other.) My favorite things about Chazz are his name, his energy, and that fact that he’s a baby brother. He’s so cute! ^^ I just want to make fun of him.

Day 8 (September 7): “The Power of Friendship!” (Favorite dynamic duo, two characters you think would have been friends if only they met, how friendship saves the day, or maybe a friendship fail. It’s up to you!):

Chazz and Pharoah, lol. I need Chazz to hold that cat and pet it. Why didn’t he? :’(

Day 9 (September 8): “Born to be Bad” (Inherently evil, brainwashed, misguided, or misunderstood. GX boots a colorful cast of villainy. Who’s your favorite bad guy?):

I haven’t finished season 4 yet, but Nightshroud. 

Day 10 (September 9): Free Day/Introductions (Tell us about yourself and your GX experience! Your favorites, why you like it, how you got into it. Or leave the day open to do whatever you want!):

I’m known as kappa. I got Hulu, and Hulu has almost all the YGO series excluding VRAINS and SEVENS which is fine because I also have Crunchyroll and the internet, lol; so, I watched all the YGO series simultaneously, skipping back and forth between series. I did not watch any of them in order. GX was number 5 or 6, but it’s the one series I’m putting off. 

Day 11 (September 10): “Cyber Legacy” (No Yu-Gi-Oh! show is complete without a pair of brothers. Today’s stars are Sho Marufuji/Syrus Truesdale and Ryo Marufuji/Zane Truesdale!):

I love these guys! It was great to see them grow and become their own people. ^^ They had, I think, the most realistic relationship.

Day 12 (September 11): “But What If We Had Bikes?” (That’s right! It’s time for the GX crew to rev it up on their very own D-Wheels/Duel Runners!):

I CANNOT DRAW. SORRY LMAO

Day 13 (September 12): “And You Are…?” (Got a favorite OC? Or one you’ve been hiding in the closet? Introduce them to the world today!):

I only have a Rivalshipping OC baby. Her name is Mira Princeton, and she has Jaden’s brown hair and Chazz’s dark eyes (with a bit of a golden glow). Since both her parents can see spirits, it’d make sense that she can too, lol. Her companion is Yata-Garasu, a rare card that her mama won at a tournament. She likes pink and flowers. She is very close to Aster and calls him Uncle Aster. She’s four, and most of her life, she knows her dad as the “Slifer slacker but a really good duelist.” 

I love her. :)

Day 14 (September 13): “The Perfect Formula” (He duels with the power math and science! Today, show the world that you still remember Daichi/Bastion Misawa!)

Bastion is a funny character. “Everything is science. I’m going to disappear for several months. Don’t forget to forget me,” I think. 

Day 15 (September 14): “Insert pun here” (It’s meme day! Recreate your favorites! Make some shitposts! Be the troll you’ve always wanted to be!):

Bastion: SIr, I’m afraid your DNA is backwards.

Jaden: AND?

Day 16 (September 15): “Creation and Destruction” (The Gentle Darkness and the Light of Destruction. The eternal struggle. And also the Darkness that tried to drown the world. Huh. Feels a little unbalanced.):

It’s pretty cool to have darkness and light reverse, and then watch as darkness conflict with itself, lmao. The Light of Destruction would be a chaotic good, and the Gentle Darkness as chaotic neutral. (Don't quote me on that, I don’t do personality quizzes.) 

Day 17 (September 16): “Putting the D in Destiny” (Pro duelist by day and crime fighting vigilante by night. Today is Edo/Aster Phoenix’s day!):

He’s great. I like him. He’s the precursor to Declan Akaba’s D/D/D archetype. Maybe not. Can you believe that he actually said “Shmaden Shmuki on national TV???? LMAO

Day 18 (September 17): “In Another Life” (It’s AU day!):

Currently trying to write a fantasy-ish AU in which Jun marries the Supreme King. Trust me, I have no idea what I’m doing.

Day 19 (September 18): “I Was Here Too!” (GX has a vast array of unique characters, some of which we only saw once. Pick a “one shot” character and show them off!):

I really like Princess Rose. She was pretty, and her spirit monsters care for her. I appreciate that. 

Day 20 (September 19): Free Day 2/Support Fellow Creators (Show some love for your favorite creators, or leave the day free for whatever you please!):

Literally @ everyone whose work(s) and/or post(s) I’ve reblogged. Keep up the good work!

Day 21 ( September 20): “Prehistoric Predators” (The dino duelist with a fossil in his leg. Today is all about Kenzan Tyranno/Tyranno Hassleberry!):

Dino DNA is so funny; I’m sorry, Hassleberry, but I don’t like dinosaurs. At least you were cute as one. 

Day 22 (September 21): “Stop Blowing Holes In My Ship!” (Some ships are popular and some are…not. Today is all about rare pairs and crack ships! Give those underdogs some love!):

Tanya/Bastion is kind of cute. And I guess Chazz/Atticus too. ^^ 

Day 23 (September 22): “And For Today’s Lesson…” (The teachers at Duel Academy have their work cut out for them, but they still take care of their students. Show the DA staff some love today!):

Fonda Fontaine!

Day 24 (September 23): “Legend of the Seven Gems” (Resurrect the greatest light in history today with Johan/Jesse Anderson and the Crystal Beasts!):

Johan is very cute! I’m so glad they gave him a Southern accent in the dub. ^^ It makes him extra soft and lovable. I can’t believe that Johan/JIm is called Cowboyshipping, but I love that name so much.

Day 25 (September 24): “For The Glory of Academia!” (We got to see Asuka/Alexis and Edo/Aster over in Fusion Dimension, but what about the rest of the cast? Show us some Fusion counterparts today! What are these dorks up to and what part do they play in the war?):

I’m bad at rewriting canon. ^^: Sorry. 

Day 26 (September 25): “Dream Team From Overseas” (Austin O’Brien/Axel Brody, Jim “Crocodile” Cook, and Amon/Adrian Gecko. Today is all about them!)

I absolutely love Jim Cook, from him being Australian to having a crocodile as his best friend to getting burned with a mysterious object to cowboy hat. xD 

Day 27 (September 26): “Duel Monster Spirit Day!” (The world of GX is full of spirits. Do something fun to celebrate your favorite!):

Mine would be Scapeghost and Rose Garden Maiden! 

Day 28 (September 27): “Gold Eyes in The Darkness” (Today’s all about the Supreme King! Unleash the Darkness and create your content!):

I like his aesthetic. I’m into Chazz/Supreme King for sure.

Day 29 (September 28): “Don’t Forget Me!” (Have an underappreciated character you wish you’d seen more of? Give them some love today!):

Miss Dorothy! She’s wonderful, she’s friend shaped. 

Day 30 (September 29): Free Day 3 (Share anything. Anything at all. It’s free game.): 

The Chazz/Supreme King fic I’m working on: The Supreme King’s Husband (Prologue)

Day 31 (September 30): “Gotcha!”:

Is this a Pokemon reference? O_o