#elephant corridors

[insightfultake]

India's Wildlife Conservation: Triumphs, Trials, and the Path Forward

India’s wildlife is at a crossroads, teetering between spectacular conservation successes and looming ecological crises. Home to 7-8% of the world's recorded species, the country shelters Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, elephants, snow leopards, and a vast array of flora and fauna across its 106 national parks and 567 wildlife sanctuaries. Project Tiger, the Asiatic lion’s revival in Gir, and elephant conservation efforts are hailed as global success stories. Yet, beneath these triumphs lie critical concerns—shrinking habitats, increasing human-wildlife conflicts, illegal poaching, and climate change-induced disruptions. In 2023 alone, 142 tigers died, and over 600 sea turtles washed up dead on the eastern coast. Government funding for conservation has been slashed, and encroachment threatens vital corridors. As India strides toward rapid urbanization, the battle for coexistence intensifies. Can the nation balance its economic aspirations with preserving its rich biodiversity, or are we staring at an irreversible loss of our natural heritage?

[townpostin]

Dhalbhumgarh Airport Project Faces Hurdles as Forest Clearance Returned for Revisions

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change requests more details on Dhalbhumgarh Airport’s forest clearance proposal, clarifying the site isn’t within the Elephant Corridor. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has returned the Dhalbhumgarh Airport project’s forest clearance proposal to the Jharkhand government, seeking additional information and…

[synthetickitsune]

Tiger In A Cage ✧ k.sy

Pairing: Ghost!Hoshi x reader Genre: fluff Summary: You just wanted to get a new chair but fate had different plans. Also, noise cancelling earphones are useless against wailing ghosts. Word count: 1.7k A/N: for my forever muse coming after my life and (real!) future tiger wife @hanniedream ily 🥺🫶🏻

It’s not supposed to be loud. In fact, you should be able to hear only your playlist, so what the hell. You wince once more at the loud wail that threatens to split your skull in two. Exactly what you hoped to avoid by plugging your ears with earphones.

If there is one thing noise canceling doesn’t help with, though, it’s ghosts.

Must be one of the poor, long forgotten souls that went mad with eternity spent alone. Its screeching is incoherent and echoes through the corridors. It’s fitting, though, for it to be stuck in the middle of the furniture store with its twisting paths and confusing layout that makes you feel like you’ll get lost and die in there too.

Turning the corner from the kitchen section straight into the kids section you discover that the noise is even worse. You don’t have to wonder why for long. The source is right in front of you.

The kid standing in front of two piles of toys, choosing carefully, it seems, between a tiger and an elephant, has no idea that above him a ghost is floating. And screaming on top of his lungs. Now that you’re closer you understand that the incoherent yelling is just a neverending stream of ‘tiger’ blending together.

You stop and stare, frankly taken aback. The ghost looks human, a young man. Handsome. And presumably sane, at least for the most part.

A soft oh escapes your lips and it’s as if that was the only sound the ghost can hear because his head snaps in your direction dangerously fast. Your eyes meet and you know he knows. You’ve never thought of your ability to perceive the supernatural as a curse but today? Hell no. You just wanted a new chair…

You bolt. You can sense the misty body following you more acutely than the stares of the other living humans. By the time you sprint through the gap between the automatic door that hold the ghost prisoner, your lungs burn with the need for oxygen.

You turn back to make sure the ghost didn’t slip away by some miracle but he doesn’t. He throws his body against the glass over and over again, tries the air itself when the living pass through, but he is never successful in breaking free. You feel sorry, and a little confused by your behavior. But today you really have no strength left to deal with this. With anyone, alive or not.

As if sensing your hesitation, the ghost stops and just looks at you with sadness that tugs at your already bared heartstrings.

Don’t leave me, he mouths before you turn your back and do just that.

It’s only a couple days later that you feel in the right mental space to face the ghost. Truth be told, as fitting as the place is, it’s also a little strange. So as the time draws near to the closing time and less people come in, you enter the store and begin your search.

The living room section is empty of ghosts, the entire first floor seems to be. Maybe he’s just hiding. You start to lose hope when you don’t find him on the lower floor either but surely he couldn’t be exorcised just for yelling at customers that couldn’t hear him. You check the whole place once more and then acknowledge your defeat. Maybe he just doesn’t want to be seen.

Did you hurt him last time? Some ghosts get sensitive to rejection, which is no wonder - one does get more vulnerable confined to a certain place they can’t leave. You chew on your lip as you think, almost missing the sudden feelings of mist enveloping you. You stop, the sensation similar to what you think walking through a cloud would feel like snapping you out of it. The ghost is holding you tightly.

His speech is all mumbled and incoherent again, too fast to understand, but you can’t keep standing in front of the exit for so long. The exit… The same exit you left through last time… Things always come full circle.

“Follow me,” you whisper before walking past him, pushing through him, while he wails. You give him a look and nod to the side. He stops his cries and gives you a curious look instead. You walk back towards the entrance, checking the windows to see if he got the hint - he did.

As soon as you step inside, the chilly body of the ghost wraps itself around you again.

“Slow down,” you sigh softly when he starts chanting something again.

“Stay,” he says desperately, as if it took immense effort to slow down and get it out.

“I can’t, but let’s talk,” you offer. He nods vigorously but remains stuck to your body. As awkward as you feel, you accept it for now. You have no idea how long he’s been alone and it feels entirely different from a random living stranger hugging you.

You walk in silence for a while until you find a secluded living room display and you act very interested in all the furniture and decorations.

“What’s your name?” you ask, looking around to make sure you’re alone. You don’t exactly fancy being overheard or seen by strangers.

“Soonyoung,” he responds eagerly before he quickly calms down and the frown comes through in his words as well, “But before you ask, I don’t remember what happened. Sorry. Please don’t leave me.”

It’s a little disappointing you won’t get the answer to the mystery so easily but it can’t be helped. You suppose asking a guy how he died wouldn’t be a proper topic for your first conversation.

“It’s fine,” you smile instead, “Could you, uhm, let me go? I promise I won’t run off before the closing time.”

“You could stay. I’d show you where to hide,” Soonyoung pleads with you. His eyes wide with hope and desperation. He unraveled himself from you, but his hands are still clutching yours.

“I think it wouldn’t work as well as you think,” you try to be gentle as you let him down, “But I’ll be back, I promise.”

He makes you pinky promise. You do. The ghost seems satisfied after that, falling into a comfortable conversation that is admittedly slightly one sided after the initial investigation as to how is it possible that you see him and if there’s a chance to make everyone else see him too. He hasn’t been like this for long, you learn, but he gets lonely easily - that much is evident. Your ears are about to get talked off.

“…and then that couple broke up I think because the girl came back after a few weeks and ordered a new bed and closet and everything. A single bed! Can you believe a guy would kick a girl out and keep all the furniture?”

“If he’s the one who paid for it, it makes sense he’d keep it,” you shrug as you stroll through the corridors. The employees are eyeing you warily, you don’t have much time left but at least the store is almost empty.

“It’s not right,” Soonyoung murmurs, “I’d never do that.”

You sigh. In just a short while you learned more about the business of local customers than you ever wished for.

“What was the last time about, by the way?” you remember suddenly, “The time I saw you yelling at the boy with the plushies.”

As if on cue, you reach the same spot. Walking over to the basket with the tiger and elephant plushies side by side, the ghost swirls around you in excitement.

“Pick the tiger one!” he urges.

“Why?”

“Tigers are the best,” he rolls his eyes at you, attempting to force the plushie into your arms.

You give in and pick up the toy, looking at the silly face. It’s nothing special, you’ve seen much better and prettier ones, but the quality is about what you’d expect of the store.

“Can you possess objects? Have you tried?” you muse aloud.

“Yeah, but I don’t do it much - it scares people,” he pouts while he speaks, his arms crossed over his chest, “And what if they buy the thing and take it away? What would happen to me?”

“It scares them because they’re not expecting it. Show me?” you raise a brow at him, dismissing his worries. It’s not like you have answers for him anyway.

You don’t have to wait long. It’s as if Soonyoung wanted to show off his skills as his face contorts in concentration before he starts to fade and eventually disappears, the plushie in your hand getting more animated with every second.

And as luck would have it, that’s the moment a store employee puts his hand on your shoulder. Telling you to quickly check out and leave because the stores will be closing, he motions towards the stairs to the first floor where the registers are. There are more people coming your way - other customers ushered to finish their business here. Suddenly it feels like you should’ve done more research on possessions.

It’s not like you can protest and try to explain yourself - and it’s not like you can just drop the plushie and abandon the ghost like that without a goodbye. It doesn’t feel right. Or maybe he hit your weak spot with his fear of getting abandoned.

So you carry the plushie and try to coax him to come out but he doesn’t. You buy the plushie, you steal the ghost.

He doesn’t come out even as you approach the exit, no matter the urgency in your voice or how much you beg. The toy gets less squishy, however, as if the tiger was bracing for something.

What will happen? You don’t know. You think he’s just going to get pulled out of the plushie, but you can’t be sure. You can only hope he’s not going to get hurt.

“Well, this is a goodbye, I guess,” you whisper to the toy and pet its head. There’s no response and so you step into the outside world.

You look back immediately, hoping to see Soonyoung, but all there is to see is the store’s interior. You wait. Then you wait some more. Still nothing. Panic starts to rise in your body.

And then - the tiger in your arms wiggles and nudges against your palm resting on your head. When you meet its button-y gaze, it gives you a wink.

Oh no.

[reasonsforhope]

"Winning what’s been called the ‘Green Nobel’ an Indian environmental activist has been recognized for saving a 657 square-mile forest from 21 coal mines.

From the New Delhi train station to high-end hotels to the poorest communities, virtually no one in India is free from periodic blackouts. As part of the Modi regime’s push for a developed and economically dominant India, power generation of every sort is being installed in huge quantities.

GNN has reported this drive has included some of the world’s largest solar energy projects, but it also involves coal. India is one of the largest consumers of coal for electricity generation, and Hasdeo Aranya forests, known as the “Lungs of Chhattisgarh,” are known to harbor large deposits.

The state government had been investigating 21 proposed coal mining blocks across 445,000 acres of biodiverse forests that provide crucial natural resources to the area’s 15,000 indigenous Adivasi people.

Along with the Adivasi, tigers, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and wolves, along with dozens of endemic bird and reptile species call this forest home. It’s one of India’s largest intact arboreal habitats, but 5.6 billion metric tons of mineable coal threatened to destroy it all.

Enter Alok Shukla, founder of the Save Hasdeo Aranya Resistance Committee, which began a decade ago advocating for the protection of Hasdeo through a variety of media and protest campaigns, including sit-ins, tree-hugging campaigns, advocating for couples to write #savehasdeo on their wedding invitations, and publishing a variety of other social media content.

Shukla also took his message directly to the legislature, reminding them through news media coverage of their obligations to India’s constitution which enshrines protection for tribal people and the environments they require to continue their traditional livelihoods.

Beginning with a proposal to create a single protected area called Lemru elephant reserve within Hasdeo that would protect elephant migration corridors and cancel three of the 21 mining proposals, Shukla and the Adivasi began a 160-mile protest march down a national highway towards the Chhattisgarh state capital of Raipur.

They hadn’t even crossed the halfway mark when news reached them that not only was the elephant reserve idea unanimously agreed upon, but every existing coal mining proposal had been rejected by the state legislature, and all existing licenses would be canceled.

“We had no expectations, but the legislative assembly voted unanimously that all of the coal mines of Hasdeo should be canceled, and the forest should be saved,” Shukla says in recollection to the Goldman Prize media channel.

“That was a very important moment and happy moment for all of us.”

Shukla shares the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize with 5 other winners, from Brazil, the US, South Africa, Australia, and Spain."

-via Good News Network, May 20, 2024. Video via Goldman Environmental Prize, April 29, 2024.

[persephone-writes]

A Diviner's Guide to James Potter

Chapter Twenty-Two: Tears

James Potter x Fem!Gryffindor!Reader

Chapter Twenty-One - Chapter Twenty-Three ☆ Series Masterlist

Description: Still reeling with your discoveries, you're left to deal with the aftermath.

Word Count: 7.3k

Sirius never came down for dinner. When Lily, James, and Remus met up with you in the Great Hall they asked questions, though you and Marlene only stared at each other from across the table, unsure what to say. Eventually, you were able to weave together just enough to tell them what was going on without revealing too much in the company of every noisy Hogwarts student, leaving the rest to be said later. You thought about keeping it a secret, though you knew it would get out one way or another, deciding to save you all the trouble of a few days worth of confusion. 

You sat in between Dorcas and James, opposite of your usual spot beside Marlene and Lily. Your normal anxiety over mitigating any unnecessary suspicion when it came to James and you was not on your mind, your concern being solely focused on not having to be near Marlene, at least for the time being. Neither of your new table companions pestered you for reasons as to this change, ignoring the giant, glaring elephant in the room in favor of drab discussions of classes and piddly gossip. 

You finished your dinner early, leaving without the others to escape out into the corridor where the air wasn’t so thick. However, halfway to the common room you heard footsteps running up behind you. You turned on your heels, already prepared to duel one of the Slytherins, though it was only Marlene. Other than herself the corridor was empty, save for the portraits on the wall. 

“What?” you asked, your tone uncharacteristically clipped. 

She hesitated, her brows pinched as she stared at you from a few meters away. “I need to talk to you,” she said eventually. “I’m sorry, I— I should’ve told you.”

You didn’t say anything for a moment, turning away to look at the stone pillars on either side of you, intricately carved with flowers and vines. You thought you’d have at least a day to figure out what you thought of it all, and how upset you were with her. In some ways, her and Sirius made sense, in others you couldn’t understand it in the slightest. For the most part, you were just hurt that she never told you. 

You met her eyes again, though only for a second. “It’s fine, Marls. Who you snog is your own business.”

“Not when it’s Sirius,” she said, taking a few steps towards you. “Please, can we just talk it out or something?”

You rubbed your face, wishing you could let out a groan of begrudging compliance. “C’mon, let's go up to the room.”

The walk to the tower was silent, the only sound being your footsteps against the stone floors. As you ascended the staircase, you couldn’t help but imagine Sirius’s smirk every time he saw you and James together, always ready to throw out a quip, forever looking for the perfect innuendo that would fly past the others and land square between your eyes. 

By the time Marlene shut your dormitory door behind you, you were livid. However, you didn’t need to show it, for she soon descended into a tirade of stutters and mumbles, almost too fast to catch, “I’m so sorry, Y/N, really, I am. I swear, I was going to tell you soon. I swear, I—”

“Do you actually like him?” you asked, interrupting her bombardment of apologies. 

Her mouth shut, squinting as she thought. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” you said, scoffing under your breath. “Who hides out in a storage room with someone they don’t like?”

“I think I was just blowing off some steam,” she said, cringing at her own words. “I think he was, too. We never said anything about dating or anything. It just…happened.”

You walked over to your bed, sitting down with a long breath. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She stayed in the center of the room, her voice unsure even as she answered, “I felt, I don’t know, embarrassed about it. It’s Sirius.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle, though it sounded more like a cross parent than a friend.

She sighed, her head slumping forward as she meandered around the stove. “You and James are off having this fairytale romance, meanwhile my ex-boyfriend is a Death Eater, or wants to be, at least. I’ve been fucking mortified since we found out. And the worst part is, the little rat broke up with me,” she pointed towards her chest, laughing bitterly. “I feel like all people see when they look at me now is a girl who dated a Death Eater.”

You watched as she folded her arms around herself as if she was out in a blizzard without a coat, trying her best to shield herself against the wind. 

“I guess Sirius just felt easy, like someone to wipe the scoreboard,” she continued, her mouth pulled in a morose smile. 

You deflated, much of your anger replaced by a mild irritation with her irrationality. “So, you don’t have any feelings for him at all?” 

She shrugged weakly, glancing around the room as if she’d find an answer written on the wall. “I don’t know, he’s kind of an arse. He’s a lot of fun, though, and he has great hair.”

You chuckled, “Yeah. Sometimes, he’s not so bad.”

Her brows furrowed, almost laughing as she plopped down on Lily’s bed in front of you. “Do you have a fever or something?”

You rolled your eyes, giving her a blank look. “You’re the one who’s been shagging him.”

“But I never said he’s ‘not so bad’,” she argued, still in utter disbelief. “Besides…we haven’t been shagging, per se.”

“Per se?” 

“You want details?” she asked, her lips beginning to pull into a smirk.

“No,” you droned, still unable to rid your mind of Sirius’s expression when you told him about his brother, the image burned into the back of your eyelids. A flash of horror, a surprise not at the information itself, but that Snape had even mentioned it in the first place. “He’s been different lately, ever since he got that letter from his parents. Then, Seraphina dumped him. He’s been a pain in my ass, too…but then again, he never told James. I sort of wish he did tell him so this whole thing could’ve been over with sooner.”

“Let's just canonize him, then,” Marlene said, snorting at her own joke. Her humor didn’t last long, her smile fading into a regrettable understanding. 

“Think about it, as soon as he graduates, what happens? He’ll be all on his own in London while we’re home with our families. He won’t go to James’s, not for long anyway, even though I’m sure they said he could. He won’t, because he doesn’t want to seem weak, so he’ll stay in his flat all alone waiting for who-knows-what,” you faltered, your heart aching even though you were still wildly upset with him. “It doesn’t excuse what he did, what he’s been doing. But, if he’s a little pissy, I guess I get why. Maybe that's my hubris, cutting Sirius slack.” You shook your head to yourself, running the past few months over in your mind again and again as if one time it would seem different, clearer. Your conversation with him in the corridor was a stark, black mark amongst the rest, the memory of his miss-matched socks a bright spot in its shadow. “I just can’t imagine what it’s like to be him, having to leave here soon. I don’t even want to leave and I’m going home to my parents.”

“We sure are great for each other, him and I,” Marlene said dryly, biting the inside of her cheek. “What’s it called when two sinking ships collide?”

“I don’t think there’s a word for that.”

Marlene leaned on her arms, tipping her head back to stare at the ceiling. “If I had told you, would you’ve talked me out of it?”

“Maybe. I never have much control over you, though,” you paused, your former annoyance resurfacing. “I’m still upset you told him.”

“Yeah, I know,” she said quietly, her eyes lingering on anything but yourself.

“Did you tell anyone else?” you asked, fearing her response more than you’d like to admit.

She shook her head, her hair falling into her face. “Surprisingly, no.”

A wave of relief washed over you. At the very least, that problem could be dealt with another day. Something still bothered you, however, something you weren’t privy to until just moments before. 

“I feel stupid, not talking to you about Zephyr,” you began, your voice dropping as guilt twisted in your stomach. “I think I was just so caught up in my own mess that I didn’t think about how you must be feeling.”

She shrugged, speaking quietly, “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. I should’ve asked you about it, or something. The whole thing was a shock to me and we never, y’know,” you trailed off, unable to finish your sentence. “I’m sorry, Marls. I should’ve been there for you and I wasn’t.”

“I’m sorry, too,” she said, a sad smile on her lips as her eyes welled with tears. She swallowed, her nose growing red as she sniffled. “I wish this whole thing never happened.”

You flew from your bed and onto Lily’s when she began to weep, wrapping your arms around her as she shook against your chest. 

“Merlin, I hate him,” she mumbled, pulling away with blazing, glassy eyes. 

“Sirius or Zephyr?” you asked, frowning at her tear stained cheeks. 

“I meant Zephyr, but I kinda hate Sirius, too,” she said, wiping her face with her sleeves. She sniffled again, taking a deep breath as her shudders subsided. “I’m breaking it off. Having fun isn’t worth this.”

“You don’t have to,” you said, rubbing a hand along her back, just like Lily would’ve done.

She shook her head, her jaw set. “No, let him buy me a butterbeer first.”

You smiled, remembering why you loved her so much. “That’s the Marlene I know.”

•-—✼.o○☆———☆○o.✼.o○☆———☆○o.✼—-•

You were back, the fog brushing past your cheeks like cold, clammy hands. You stood motionless in its wake, knowing your wand would not be found in your pockets. The same dread you had felt the first time returned, your chest heavy with its weight. You looked around, though it was the same as before, desolate and lonely. There was nothing to do but wait. 

Closing your eyes, you took a long breath of the air, odorless yet somehow pungent with death. However, there was no carrion to be seen, unless it was you. 

You opened your eyes, the fog thick, though not thick enough to hide the shadow taking shape in the distance, slowly forming into the figure you had seen a month prior. Again, they seemed impossibly far, yet close enough to reach in just a few paces. You were familiar enough with this trick of the eye, knowing that running would only push them farther. You began to walk steadily towards them without haste, not wasting your voice on fruitless cries that would not escape your throat. 

The further you traveled the more you ached to run. You fought against it, wrestling with the desire as you kept your feet from flying, your fingers twitching at your sides. You still could not hear the noise of your breathing, nor the pounding beat of your heart. Only your footsteps, faintly moving through the dry grass, made any sound. 

Your heart dropped as you saw the shadow move like a cloud, farther from you into the fog where it almost became one with the gray. You gasped, the sound piercing the silence like a single, clear bell, cascading into a call out into the void, “Stop!”

The figure did not obey, though you knew they must have glanced back towards you, for you felt their stare. You had almost forgotten what it felt like to be looked at by them, whoever they were, the memory coming back to you instantly as you were overtaken by it once again. It was consuming, as if they knew you better than you knew yourself. It should have been enough to frighten you, to send you bounding back towards where you started, begging to wake, though it did not. You were not scared, holding to the feeling for as long as they would allow, as long as they cared to look. 

When it left, you cried out again, dashing forward in desperation, “Please, wait!” The haze began to overtake you, your eyes filling with tears as you continued to beg, “Please, don’t leave me! Don’t leave me!”

The figure was gone when you heard the waves, small and even, one by one against the pebbles. Tears ran down your cheeks, freezing when they reached your jaw. You wiped a hand across them, your fingers coming back icy. You shuddered, looking up into the sky as you heard the flapping of wings. The black streak came, its color flickering as it flew through the fog. Then came the thunder of its call, your hands coming to cover your ears as you cowered. Another time it cried, booming as it swooped down in front of you, the water splashing. You took a few steps back, your hands dropping as you awaited your four-poster, the sunlight shimmering through your curtains. This is where it ended, finally. 

You did not wake. You spun around, searching the sky as you felt around your pockets, frantic for any answer, any way to wake yourself. You came back empty, the black streak flying overhead once more. 

“Leave me alone,” your voice was shrill, almost manic as you screamed. “Leave me alone!”

Something landed in front of you from overhead, splatting just beside your feet. You stopped your shouting, shivering as you peeked down. The red and purple fish lay dead, its eyes white and unseeing. You stumbled back, falling to the ground as you kicked away from it. Once a few feets distance you stopped, staring at it in horror. Its gills slowly moved, just barely, so little you almost didn’t catch it. 

You clutched your blanket, jerking as you awoke. No sunlight greeted you, only a vague blue tint. You could hear the rain pattering against the window, the rumble of thunder in the distance. You moved the curtain aside, peeking through to see the early morning obscured by angry clouds, dark as they rolled through the sky. You reached for your watch, trying your best to read the time through your daze. It was five in the morning, just early enough to make you upset. 

You placed it back down into your nightstand, cocooning yourself again against the storm. Burying your face in your pillow, you sat with the question of its meaning, which you thought had been discovered. A day ago you would have bet that all your omens had already presented themselves in the form of Mulciber and his gang. Your tarot was the only thing left, but that was on track to coming to fruition. Snape no longer seemed to be a threat, at least at the present moment, meaning by extension the others weren’t either. Perhaps Snape had been feeding you only lies. What that meant for Regulus, you did not know. 

You mulled over the idea of telling your dormmates about it as you got ready for the day, though you stayed silent on the subject as you went down to the Great Hall with them. You were already settled when the others came, Sirius lagging behind the rest with a sullen expression, his saunter subdued to a dragging walk. When he sat down at the table he only poured himself some tea, slamming the pitcher of milk back onto the table with enough force to send his silverware jolsting against his plate. You looked at James across from you, unsure if Sirius had told him about what you had said yet. It seemed he had, for James’s eyes only lingered on yours a moment before they searched behind you towards the Slytherin table on the other side of the hall. You didn’t think he’d be able to see Snape or the others, though his stare was still hard, his fingers tapping on the wooden top. 

The owls soon came bursting through the door, the post falling onto your laps. Lily undid the ties on the Prophet, Peter reading the front page over her shoulder. Remus did the same, his mouth pulled as he scanned the article. You, however, received a letter from your parents, something which had been steadily increasing in occurrence as of late. You ripped it open, always with the same dread of what you might find inside. 

“Everything all right?” Lily whispered once you folded it up, shoving it into your bag. 

You nodded. “Nothing new.” 

Lily set the Prophet down onto the table between your plates, allowing you to see the front page. ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN HAMPSHIRE, CROUCH RESPONDS. You glanced behind you towards the Ravenclaw’s, though you were unable to place Crouch’s son in the group, mousy and small. When you turned back around James grabbed the paper, reading the article with fast, darting eyes. 

“It’s getting worse,” Remus said, crestfallen as he stared at his own copy. “Someone from the International Magic Cooperation was killed, as was her husband. Seems like she was pretty high up.”

Sirius poked at his food, pushing it around his plate without ever eating. Lost in his own world, you were surprised when he looked over at Remus’s paper, his lip curling. 

“Crouch is useless,” he muttered, throwing down his fork. 

“They all are,” Dorcas said, taking the paper from James’s hand. He allowed her to, his expression nearly as sour as Sirius’s. 

You sipped your tea, still thinking of your dream as it warmed your chest, which had felt chilled all morning. You’d have to find some way to tell James, the need for a second opinion itching worse and worse the longer it went unscratched. 

“They’re recruiting Aurors,” said Dorcas, handing it back to James. “Think I have the stuff?”

Marlene raising her brows. “I thought you were going to play for Tunshill.”

“Always good to have a plan B,” Dorcas said, leaning an elbow on the table. “I probably won’t need it, though. I’m a shoe-in.”

“Have fun in Ancient Runes,” you drawled, parting ways with Lily and Remus in front of Flitwick’s classroom. 

She rolled her eyes, a smile pulling at her lips. “See you at lunch.”

You sent her one last wave, heading in the opposite direction towards the library. However, you stopped as soon as you saw her disappear into the crowd, hugging the wall as you searched for James near the door. When you saw him emerge with Peter and Sirius you rushed over, weaving through a few students before calling his name. He turned, bumping into Sirius in front of him. 

“What’s up?” he said, ignoring Sirius’s pout as he readjusted his bag. 

Foregoing your usual discreet, you stated your business plainly, “I need to talk to you about something.”

Peter looked between you and James, his eyes darting to Sirius soon after. The latter did not comment on your forwardness, appearing bored as he dodged a few rambunctious first years running through the corridor. 

“Okay,” James said, clearly a bit taken aback. He turned to Peter and Sirius, already beginning to walk away. “I’ll see you guys.”

Sirius grumbled a goodbye, Peter squeaking out something equally as inaudible as you spun around to follow him. 

“Sorry,” you said, leaning in to whisper to him. “It’s about what happened yesterday.”

“I figured,” James said, leading you towards the main castle. “And never be sorry.”

You went up the swiveling staircase to the seventh floor, zigzagging through a series of corridors until you came upon the RoR. There were a few students still mulling about, mostly Gryffindor’s making their way to the common room. You and James leaned against the wall beside the tapestry, waiting until you were alone to reveal the entrance. 

When you were finally alone inside the RoR, the full stress of your situation hit you. You wandered over towards the little circle of chairs, throwing yourself into one with a long, heavy sigh. James stared down at you with knitted brows, worry filling his expression. 

“Sirius already told me what you said,” he said, kneeling down so you had to meet his eyes. He placed a hand on your knee, his thumb running across it with all the tenderness you’ve come to expect from him. 

“I didn’t tell him everything,” you mumbled. “Snape said something more, something before we talked about Regulus.”

“Did he threaten you—”

“No,” you interrupted, shaking your head. “He told me that he wasn’t really going to poison me, that he was just leading them on. I saw his arms. He doesn’t have the mark, at least not yet.”

He squeezed your knee, the tendons in his neck tensing as he clenched his teeth. “That doesn’t mean anything. I’m sure Zephyr doesn’t have it either, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still one of them,” he paused, the anger brewing behind his eyes. “What else did he say?”

“He told me where they were for all that time,” you said, your voice faltering. James’s mouth opened, though he did not speak, the gears in his head turning. “The Ministry had them. He said they were interrogated and everything, but that they were forced to let them go because they lacked evidence.”

James stood abruptly, huffing as he turned away. “What a load of bollocks. Did Dumbledore talk to them? He talked to us.”

“He never said,” you answered, your head hanging forward as you rubbed your eyes. 

He paced a few times, buzzing with a growing rage. You could feel his frustration radiating off of him, bouncing every which way off of the piles of random objects surrounding you, suffocating as they seemed to close in. You let yourself sink deeper into the old armchair, James still fidgeting in the corner of your eye. 

“He must know,” James said, seemingly to himself. “He has to.”

“Who? Snape?” you asked, lifting your face. 

“Dumbledore,” he said, coming to stand in front of you. “That's why he gave me the invitation. He knows it’s all falling apart…the Ministry, the war, the whole thing. They must not have enough people on the inside anymore, either because they’re giving up or turning on them, or—” he stopped, running a hand through his hair. He let his arm drop limply at his side, closing his eyes as he took a breath. “I don’t want you coming to Frank and Alice’s.”

“What?”

He knelt down again, this time cupping your face in his hands, his expression more frightened than you’ve ever seen in him before. “Mulciber knows I love you, or that we’re together, at least. He was right before, just for the wrong reasons. He hates me, fucking loathes me. So does Snape and all the others. You’ll be the first one, you’ll always be the first one they go after. He was dead-on when he said it’d be worse for you to get hurt than it would for me. I can’t,” he stopped, his voice breaking as he looked into your eyes. “There wouldn’t be a point to any of it without you.”

Your throat grew tight, your heart clenching as you went to wrap your arms around his neck. He took his hands from your face, enveloping you fully. 

“I love you,” you said, breathing him in as you buried yourself into his neck. Sleekeazy’s, broom polish, the earth. You wanted to stay there forever, sheltered against everything, the only feeling being the way in which he was completely, utterly devoted to you, as if you had known each other all your lives. Still, you had to pull away, just enough to see his face. “I have to go, Jamie. You know that.”

“No, you don’t,” he said desperately, rubbing across your cheek. 

“Yes, I do,” you said, for once as sure as he always was. “I had another dream. I don’t know what it means, but it must mean something, and I’m never going to find out what that something is if I never go looking.”

“You did?” he said, his eyes widening.

“Last night,” you began, the chill returning as soon as you thought back to it. “It was almost the same as before, except this time the crow dropped the fish. It landed right in front of me, and it’s gills…they moved. It’s eyes were white, but it was trying to breathe.”

He didn’t say anything for a while, too long for your liking. You weren’t sure what you wanted him to say, only that you needed to hear his voice. His mouth was pressed, his eyes running over your face. 

“Say something,” you whispered. 

“Do you think it’s about Snape, or Mulciber?”

“I don’t think it’s about Snape,” you began, gnawing at your lip. “He seemed eager to be done with it. Mulciber, maybe, or Regulus.”

“Without the map, we haven’t been able to keep tabs on anyone. Snape could still be meeting with them every night and we’d have no idea.”

“Do you think they might be?” you asked, your palms beginning to sweat. 

He thought for a moment, glancing around at the stacks behind you. “It’s a possibility. If they were smart they’d cool it off for a while, or at least find a better hiding spot than a broom closet.”

“They are smart,” you said, unwavering.

You knew he’d never admit it, but you were right. Maybe Wilkes wasn’t too bright, Zephyr fairly average, but Snape was routinely fighting for the top of potions class with Sirius, excelling in DADA and Charms as well. Snape hit the books, hunkered down in his dormitory while everyone else celebrating quidditch wins. Muliber was talented in his own right, though it mainly concerned dark magic from what you knew. While less outwardly studious than Severus, Mulciber was no dunce. He was good at what he did. 

“Your dream,” James began, “does it feel like Mulciber?”

You shook your head, your mouth opening a few times before you spoke, “No, not really. Maybe the first time, but this time it was different, or maybe I was different.” 

You turned away, catching a glimpse of the statue wearing the fuchsia hat, proud where he stood on his pedestal. Last time you sat in this chair you had danced with James to Sirius’s guitar, the crystal chandeliers casting rainbows down onto your skipping feet. You weren’t sure when you’d get that back again, the feeling that despite it all, everything would turn out all right.

“When I see the figure, I can tell they’re looking at me. It feels like they know me, like somehow they can see my face even though I can’t see theirs,” you continued, your lip beginning to quiver. You met James’s eyes, willingly losing yourself within them. “I couldn’t make it to them, like before, but I want to. I’m so alone there— I just need someone.”

You quickly wiped away a tear as it slipped from your eye, James’s hand soon replacing yours. His touch was like a feather, a melancholy turn in his mouth as he watched another fall in its place. 

“I’m here,” he murmured. “I’m always here.”

“I know,” you said, your voice muffled and aching. His presence in front of you almost felt crushing, though you tried to follow his breath, steady like the soft rocking of a rowboat on placid waters. You found yourself reaching up to hold his arm, gripping his shirt as if you could reach beneath and feel the warmth of his skin. Though you were left with only cotton, it was enough, because it was his. 

“If you ever have that dream again, call out my name. I’ll come find you, okay?” he said, comforting through his unshakable strength. 

“That won’t work,” you sniffled. “It’s just a dream, I can’t control it.”

“Don’t underestimate me,” he said with a small laugh, though it did nothing to lighten the mood. “I’ll find you wherever you want me to.”

You nodded even though you weren’t sure if you believed him. You’d choose to, however, even if it was just for today. 

After a moment of silence he spoke again, carefully and with some degree of hesitation, “Does anyone else know about what Snape said, or about the dream?”

“Everyone found out about Regulus after dinner yesterday, but not the rest. You’re the only one I’ve ever told about the dreams.”

“Not even—”

You shook your head, not wanting to hear him say it. Your chest grew heavy, that awful feeling of foreboding that was like the heavy boom of the bass in a rock song. “It just felt like I couldn’t, I don’t know why. Ever since you, ever since last year, it just feels wrong to tell her any more of my secrets. I hate it, though. I usually tell her everything, or I used to, anyway.”

Telling James of all the things you’ve kept from Lily made it worse, you realized. The acknowledgment of your lack of vulnerability with her in another person only deepened it, made it more pronounced.

You continued, spilling out all the things that had been swirling around your mind this morning, flowing freely all at once, “I know I should tell her. I should tell everyone, really. I don’t know what it means, I had thought it meant the duel with Mulciber, but obviously I was wrong. Whatever it is, whatever it means for me, it isn’t safe to keep it a secret anymore.”

His gaze drifted from yours, licking his lips as he mulled over your words. “Tell me what to do and I’ll do it, Y/N. Anything. I just— I don’t know what to do, I never do when it comes to you. The only thing I do know is that I don’t want you coming to Frank and Alice's,” he paused, his voice breaking, just barely. “I won’t stop you, though. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“What mistake?” you asked, just above a whisper.

“Of trying to protect you when you don’t want it, of forcing it on you,” he said, the backs of his fingers wiping away another stray tear, already drying on your cheek. “I don’t want you to think I don’t think you’re strong, or capable, because I do, I really do. You’re one of the brightest people I’ve ever met in my entire life. The way you see things, I don’t know….everything to me is black and white, but you see everything. You’re good at things that make me feel like a bloody buffoon—”

You smiled, your chin still quivering with the weight of your confession as a laugh bubbled up, slipping past your lips. He did the same, happy to see some of your sadness subsiding. 

“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you,” he began again, some of his mirth melting into a calm, fond look. “You’re amazing, Y/N. You’re brilliant and beautiful and strong, and the world should see that. But I know that means you’ll do things like come to Frank and Alice's, you’ll put yourself in danger…I want to protect you, I’d do anything to protect you, but I won’t keep you in a cage.” 

You still weren’t used to knowing the way he thought of you: amazing, brilliant, beautiful, strong, the last being enough to send a dazzling feeling flurrying in your stomach. 

His eyes drifted away from yours, down somewhere towards the floor. “I shouldn’t have said what I said earlier. I won’t— I’m not going to guilt you into staying behind.” He lifted his face again, his smile returning, just slightly. “But I will ask you to throw me a bone every once in a while, just a small one. A guy can only take so much stress.”

His joke washed some of your nerves away, at least for the time being. Your heart, frozen with the ice of uncertainty and fear, was finally warm. “I think I can manage that.”

“I hope one of the bones you’ll throw me is continuing to practice dueling,” he said, standing up again. He looked down at you in the way only he could, as if he was really seeing you, even in ways you couldn’t see yourself. His eyes were soft, though no less concerned than when you had first entered the RoR. 

“Okay,” you said, running your finger along the fraying fabric on the arm of the chair. “But we do have to study more, you know. The N.E.W.T.s are in a month and a half.”

“That’s all you ever talk about,” he chuckled. Like every year, he wouldn’t study half as much as he should and still get a better grade than you. He often thought you could skirt by doing the same, though his confidence in you would not increase your grade by any margin recognized by the Wizarding Examination Authority. 

“Speaking of, I should be doing my History of Magic work right now. I have to get through another chapter before class, which is in…” You checked your watch, grimacing at the time. “An hour.” 

You stood, throwing your bag over your shoulder and glancing back at James as he lingered by the chairs. You tilted your head, watching as he ran up to you, pecking your cheek before walking away. 

“What was that about?” you laughed, your skin tingling. 

“Just love you, s’all,” he said, glowing like a midsummer sunset. “And ‘cause you called me Jamie.”

•-—✼.o○☆———☆○o.✼.o○☆———☆○o.✼—-•

It was the sixth of May, a little over two weeks since you told Sirius about what Snape had said to you, and to everyone's knowledge, he had yet to speak with his brother. Almost every single night he went out looking for the map, other than last Sunday, the full moon. Even if the others weren’t joining he stayed up until the early morning hours, the bags under his eyes a testament to his dedication. Remus had been the only one to convince him to forego his efforts yesterday so that you all could get up early for Hogsmeade, an activity which he had little interest in. Still, he came clambering down the stairs with his roommates, ready for the day ahead. 

There was a distinct sense of deja vu as you headed into Hogsmeade, Sirius pouting as while everyone else was chipper as ever. Marlene was in an odd mood of her own over the shifted nature of her and Sirius’s friendship, though they were each doing a surprisingly good job of acting as if the whole thing never happened. She walked alongside you and Lily, complaining about how Maxwell had supposedly run out of weed for the year. 

“He says he doesn’t have any more, but I know he’s lying.”

Lily shook her head at her, glancing over her shoulders towards the boys. “Just get some off of Sirius. I’m sure he’ll give you some if you bug him enough.”

“I’d rather die,” Marlene grumbled. 

Lily met your eyes, though you only shrugged, looking away as quickly as you could. Marlene had asked you not to tell, and you weren’t exactly in a position to lecture her about keeping secret from friends. 

“Where’re we going?” Dorcas asked, running towards you up the path. 

“I’m not sure,” Lily began. “Three Broomsticks?”

Dorcas spun around, walking backwards as she called out to the others, “Oi! Three Broomsticks?”

“Don’t get antsy,” Sirius shouted back.

Dorcas turned back, scoffing to herself, “So pissy lately.”

“He did just learn his brother might, y’know,” Lily said quietly, trailing off with a slight wince. 

Dorcas sighed, her mouth pinching. “I guess you’re right.”

You lingered outside of the Three Broomsticks waiting for James and Sirius to catch up, the streets already bustling with students. Despite the weather just beginning to warm, a few ran around in their best springtime outfits, happy to be rid of the snow. 

Just as the others neared you, Marlene tugged on Dorcas’s jacket, pointing down the street towards one of the shops. “Merlin’s beard!” 

Dorcas turned to look, followed by everyone else. 

“What?” Dorcas said, her eyes searching through the dozens of students meandering from shop to shop. 

“Look, right beside Tomes and Scrolls!”  Marlene said hurriedly, bouncing on her toes. 

“What’re we looking at?” James asked, doing a double take between Marlene and the crowd.  

Marlene seemed to struggle to get the words out, still holding onto Dorcas. “It’s Mary!” 

You finally spotted her, shoulder to shoulder with a boy, presumably the one she’d been seeing. “Who’s she with?”

“He’s a Hufflepuff,” Peter said. Marlene whipped around to look at him, his eyes widening before he stuttered out his next words, “but I don’t know his name.”

Marlene groaned, trying to find them again. They continued their stroll, Mary smiling up at him as they slipped down a side street. 

“She said she couldn’t come because she was studying,” Dorcas scoffed, crossing her arms as you all lost sight of the pair. 

“Remus, do you know him?” Marlene asked, grinning ear to ear. 

“His name is Mavors Thorne,” he said. Marlene eyed him, urging him to continue, though he remained totally uninterested in the discovery. “That’s all I have.”

Marlene huffed, looking back in vain. “Well, at least he’s fit,” she said, her eyes practically shining.

“That’s not very important,” Lily sighed. “And you better not stalk them today. Just leave them be.”

“I won’t,” Marlene droned, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

Sirius twiddled his thumbs throughout your entire round of drinks at the Three Broomsticks, falling in and out of conversation with his foot tapping on the creaky floors. His eyes were often far off, staring out the window as you all tried anything to distract him. Some days he was better than others, though now was shaping up to be a bad one, despite James’s suggestion to check out the new Cleansweep Six at Spintwitches Sporting Needs. 

“We’re going anyway,” James said as you all left the tavern. “I wanna see this thing. Daniel says it's mint.”

“Daniel thinks everything is mint,” Sirius said, shoving his hands into his pockets. 

Lily frowned, walking behind the pair as you all made your way down the narrow street. She met your eyes again, though neither of you said a word. 

Spintwitches was fairly empty when you all entered, doubling its existing population. James pulled Sirius over to where the broomstick was displayed in the window, polished and shining in all its glory. A small advertisement stood beside it, its bold, red letters legible from the other side of the room, “So fast you could fly to the moon! Only for the most experienced flyers”

You peeked over James’s shoulder, staring down at the broom. “How much is it?” you asked, as if you had any use for it.

“Price upon request,” James said, raising his brows as he glanced at you. 

That meant more than you could fathom spending on a broomstick of all things. “What’s your guess? Two hundred?” 

“More, maybe three or four. It’s way more than it’s worth, but not enough to stop me from wanting it,” James chuckled, looking back at the display. 

“Well, we’ve seen it,” Sirius said, waltzing towards a rack of quaffles. 

Marlene flipped through a book, holding it up so you could see. On the front cover was an artfully rendered image of a player whizzing past a large cauldron, not to be confused with those worn on the head during creaothceann, the quod flying towards it. “You guys should start playing quodpot, shake it up a little.”

Just as James went to comment on the absurdity of betraying quidditch, “the best sport in the world,” you caught a glimpse of something, or rather someone, out of the shop window. Regulus was walking entirely by himself, his head craned towards his feet as he moved down the street with the elegance of a swan. He shifted through the students and wayward patrons, not bumping a single shoulder as he weaseled by. It was as if he was translucent, not a single person noticing as he passed. 

When you turned back around you saw Sirius staring just where you had been, his complexion paled and eyes wide. He was frozen in place, the only movement being his blinking and the bob of his adams apple as he swallowed. However, in a split second he bolted, throwing open the shop door and disappearing into the day. You and James rushed back to the display window, the others close behind. You all watched as Sirius pushed his way through the crowd, trailing his brother down the street before he disappeared from your sight. 

Lily turned to look at you, having missed Regulus as she pursued the collection of premium goggles. “What happened?” 

“Regulus,” Peter said, as if the name was a forbidden word, never to be spoken in polite company. 

“Oh,” was all she said back, her mouth parting as she slowly stepped away from the window. 

“Should we follow him?” Dorcas asked after a beat.  

Remus shook his head. “No, let’s let him be.”

“It’s been weeks,” Marlene began, her voice lowered, “do you really think he’ll try to talk him out of it?”

“Why else would he run after him?” Lily said, her brows pinched in worry as she glanced out of the shop again, though there was still no sign of either of them. 

Dorcas looked to you with a hopeful expression, though you hadn’t the slightest idea why. 

“Have you had any, I don’t know, predictions about this?” she asked, though you rather wished she hadn’t. 

You sighed, closing your eyes as you tried not to regret telling them about your dreams. “I don’t have predictions.”

“Sure seems like it,” Marlene mumbled. You shot her a look, though she only threw up her hands. “What? Are you still chalking everything up to coincidence?”

“No,” you whispered. “But all the other times weren’t premonitions or anything, it was just Divination. The only people who get predictions about other people unaided by outside forces are Seers. Besides, Sirius would hate that we were even entertaining the possibility that I could somehow predict his brother's fate, or whatever it is you think I can do.”

Marlene challenged you, meeting your gaze with an unwavering resilience. “I’m just saying that it wouldn’t be the weirdest thing to ever happen.”

“Not with you around,” Remus chuckled, looking down at her. 

Marlene scowled, hitting him on the arm before he could jerk away. Remus only cackled, skirting around James to protect himself from a second blow. 

“Y/N,” Lily said softly, her face serious as she leaned in towards you. “Even if you don’t have the sight, you’re gifted, more than you give yourself credit for. I’m not saying you should try and help Sirius, I’m not even sure if it’s your place, but you ought to listen to your intuition.”

You gave her a small smile, though it was all you could manage. “I know, and I do. But I don’t have any intuition about this.”

“You trusted Severus, didn’t you?” she countered.

“I’m still going back and forth on that,” you said flatly.

“Sirius sure seemed to,” James said, the corner of his mouth pulling up into a sad smile, a hint of hope around the edges. “He’ll figure it out, he always does. And if he doesn’t, he always has us.”

You nodded, glancing back out into the street.

Chapter Twenty-Three

•-—✼.o○☆———☆○o.✼.o○☆———☆○o.✼—-•

Tag List: @floverisland @ilovejamespottersomuch @googie-jeon @tvnile

[terrence-silver]

Just a little silly thing but if beloved was an existing character in the whole karate kid universe I imagine them as a faceless character

Like we get a clip of terry watching beloved on his security cameras but it’s only ever the top of their head never facing the camera

There’s a scene of Terry taking a call in his and beloveds bedroom but they’re asleep with their back facing the camera

As the watchers we know they’re there but we know nothing about them not even what they look like

---

I literally imagine the same thing, because think about it ---

Beloved's a representation of Terry Silver's one and only weakness. His most cherished person. The most prized possession he's got. His lifeline. His love. Passion. Obsession. The crown jewel of all his life's work. They're coveted, tucked away and they're like a vital artery in his body, that when it's hit, he'd bleed inwardly for it. Control demands that he keeps the fortress that they are intact while he maintains the utmost care that they're never endangered, taken away from him, harmed, exploited or used against him, and people can count themselves lucky, or even in extreme peril if they ever discover beloved's existence at all because it's not unlike venturing into the serpent's den and finding that the serpent so happens to be jealously and fiercely guarding its precious clutch of eggs in the bowel of the hideout. They're not in the media. Not in the papers. The internet's scrubbing clean of any trace of them. They aren't in the limelight. There's no articles talking about them. Even private security footage within Terry's own domicile is regularly scrubbed clean of beloved or kept under tight lock and key so people can't do as much as have footage of them walking down the corridor. So, coming face to face with beloved is like looking into the Medusa's eyes or staring into the Elephant's Foot at the heart of the Chernobyl disaster sight. You're done for and you don't even know it yet; you've angered the Minotaur by glancing at the golden fleece.

It's like signing a death warrant.

You've trespassed into something sacred to Silver.

And you're not going to live another day to tell the world about it.

Even if you did as much as accidentally stumble into a hallowed hallway where you might've stumbled across a figure with a partially obscured face you've never seen before, Terry will ensure you never come out of there alive for simply glimpsing upon what's as profoundly his as his liver, heart or lungs would be. Maybe even more so. An organ can be transplanted for the right price. Beloved cannot be. So, it's safe to say he guards them with more fierceness than he would bits and pieces of himself. What's worse, you'll never even know the name of the person you died because of or what they mean to Silver.

[hjparisian]

colors- harry j potter x reader

"You were red, and you liked me because I was blue But you touched me, and suddenly I was a lilac sky Then you decided purple just wasn't for you"

p: harry potter x ravenclaw! gn! reader s: roses are red, violets are blue, y/n had harry, but did harry want them too? w: implication of smut (no description), angst, cussing a/n: just something from the drafts i decided to finish while i try find the motivation to write. apologies for any mistakes or inconsistencies

(Y/N) (L/N) and Harry Potter got together in the fifth year after dealing with a week of detention together, curtesy of Dolores Umbridge. Harry got in trouble for speaking out about Voldemort, while (Y/N) argued with him. The pain they endured from Umbridge had actually brought them together. He found out that one of (Y/N)'s relatives had died from death eaters in the first wizarding war, which is why they believed him.

They begun hanging with each other outside of detention. Though it was always just meeting in the library. Ron and Hermione would often notice Harry going into the library, which is rare for the Harry James Potter. Often, Hermione and Ron would asked where he would be heading off to. His response? "Oh, the library. Got loads of stuff to do." And he would try to escape before they asked any more questions.

First, it was mostly (Y/N) and Harry trying to study together, helping each other out in their weaker subjects. Then they started casually chatting, Harry attempting to avoid doing his potions essay (which (Y/N) would always force him to do). Then they started seeing each other outside the library, they'd meet each other at the Black Lake, or sneak into each other's dorms when their roommates weren't there.

Upon the discovery of the room of requirement, Harry decided it has other uses than just the DA. For what one may ask? Hormonal teenage things. Aside from housing over twenty students to perform spells their DADA teacher refuses to let them do, it was the perfect place for Harry to please (Y/N) and vice versa. Red with blue, Gryffindor with a Ravenclaw. Two people together in ecstasy, and no one could bother them.

The moment people began realizing Harry and (Y/N) were together was from a little clothing mishap. The two were late to dinner in the Great Hall after shagging in the come and go room and had to quickly get dressed so Harry wouldn't miss the treacle tart. When the two burst into the hall and sat at their respective tables, they noticed some stares in their direction. Padma Patil, (Y/N)'s friend and fellow Ravenclaw pointed out the elephant in the room.

"(Y/N) why is your tie red?"

Meanwhile at the Gryffindor table, Harry is being asked the same question by his best mate Ron.

"Er- Harry? Why's your tie blue?"

"(Y/N) over at the Ravenclaw table has a red tie," Hermione points out. "Which I assume is yours?"

Ron's head looked like it could've exploded based on his reaction. "Harry were you shagging (Y/N)?" he asks him. Harry couldn't deny it, especially when the proof was right in front of the whole school, so he slowly nodded.

"Bloody hell Harry," Ron says. "I can't believe it. Was it good?"

Hermione then hits Ron with her charms book. "Ron that is disgusting!"

"What? I was just curious!"

Though Harry didn't respond, he would say it was good. Wonderful.

The rest of the year was wonderful for both (Y/N) and Harry now that they didn't have to sneak around the orders. But (Y/N) would be lying if they said it wasn't fun and exhilarating.

It wasn't until the beginning of sixth year that things began to change. (Y/N) started noticing Harry's gaze no longer lingered on them, but rather elsewhere. His best friend's sister.

Everytime they'd insinuate on sneaking away to the broom closet, Harry would always have some sort of excuse. Whether it was 'I have extra homework for potions' or 'meeting with Ron', every excuse in the book was used. (Y/N) had enough.

(Y/N) was strolling the corridors, heading to the Gryffindor common room to find a certain raven haired boy and give him a piece of their mind. It didn't take long as they bumped into the one they were looking for as they were turning the corner.

"Harry?"

"(Y/N)."

"I need to talk to you," both of them said.

"Can I go first?" Harry asked. "It's important."

(Y/N) reluctantly let him. Though they wish they went first as soon as Harry opened his mouth.

"I think we should stop seeing each other."

"What?" (Y/N) asked in shock. "Why?"

Harry was looking at the ground refusing to meet their eyes.

"I've just been busy lately. We haven't had time together and I think it's just better for us to end things here," Harry said.

(Y/N) scoffed. "You've been busy? With what exactly? Cozying up with your best friend's sister, hm?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "(Y/N) its not that, there's just a lot going on-"

"Like what?" (Y/N) huffs.

"Oh I don't know," Harry began. "Maybe having to figure out how to stop Voldemort? Having to deal with being the Chosen One?"

(Y/N) stayed silent.

"Hell, I thought you would've understood that. Everyone else understands what I'm going through."

"Well I-"

Harry stops them. "Honestly, (Y/N), don't bother. We're done." He left with the last word.

Ever since that day, (Y/N) couldn't stomach seeing the Gryffindor boy. Especially when their worst thoughts came true a week later.

Ginny and Harry were walking into the Great Hall holding hands.

(Y/N) sat still in their spot at the Ravenclaw table, watching the new glowing couple head to the Gryffindor table. Ron and Hermione sat with smiles on their faces.

"Wait a moment-" Padma says from her seat next to (Y/N), also watching the two lions. "I thought you and Harry were together."

Her friend shook their head. "Not really. I mean, we've talked but." They paused.

Padma raises her eyebrow. "But what?"

"I don't know," (Y/N) says, turning back to see Harry wrapping an arm around Ginny. "I guess it just wasn't meant to be."

Padma stares at her friend with sad eyes. She reaches over to wrap her arms in a hug around (Y/N).

"I'm sorry (Y/N). He's a right foul git for that."

(Y/N) nods. He may have been a git but he was supposed to be their foul git. But the lion decided he didn't want to play with the raven anymore. He wanted to play with someone like him.

Harry was red, but (Y/N) was blue. When they touched, all (Y/N) could see was the colors of a serene sun setting sky. But Harry wanted to see more of the blazing colors of the sun. So he chose to run.

And (Y/N) will never forgive him.

[daddy-valtteri]

I watched DTS so you don't have to

Full disclosure, I got into F1 after my work friend bullied me into watching DTS when it started so she had someone to talk to about it. Then I watched the race seasons as they happened and fell in love with the sport but also saw how much bs and fluff Netflix pedal.

For some, it's all they watch and I think that's why many of us get riled up about the narratives Netflix choose to fabricate because we've seen it all in real time and know it's not true. Like in all reality TV shows, the facts take a back seat.

I like seeing any exclusive footage and interviews but that's about as much as my like for the show goes.

But today was my half day while I worked from home so I had it on in the background.

I made notes on each episode and gave each one a BS scoring. Find my "review" under the cut

*Disclaimer* I am not a fan of Lando and as this season features him heavily, I don't really talk about him in the nicest of terms.

Episode 1

We start with the elephant in the room of Lewis leaving Mercedes for Ferrari. It has been talked up as such a big story but it barely has any screen time and we don't see Lewis at all throughout the whole series (in terms of interviews).

DTS then states that Toto would have a tough time finding someone to replace Lewis, as if he didn't have Kimi Antonelli lined up in the wings forever ago.

Carlos is framed as being angry and taking it personally that he's being replaced by Lewis which, while at first might have been true, Carlos spoke very eloquently on a podcast where his actual side of the story is told so I'd recommend listening to that instead.

I wrote: Will Buxton is talking shit.

I don't remember what this refers to but I stand by it and it's a recurring theme throughout the series.

This episode is waaaaay too sympathetic towards Horner for being a sex pest but then, what did I expect?

Carlos's cousin got a fair bit of air time whilst Carlos was framed as being hasty to get back to racing after his appendicitis, as if he didn't pay for the best doctors and was on some NHS waiting list, lying on a trolley in a corridor somewhere.

Ollie wasn't mentioned at all when he took over for Carlos when he had surgery.

BS-ometer: 9/10

Episode 2

This is a very Lando heavy episode and of course, we're framing Max as the villain (as usual.)

Max is labelled as having a “fuck you” mentality and then it immediately cuts to Lando holding some puppies. That sounds like I made it up but I didn't, I wouldn't be that obvious in my framing of characters.

A little later on, when the pair clash around the Miami GP, Max is said to be Lando's best friend which both have denied in interviews saying they're friends but not besties. We all have work friends and they're not our besties.

After this I've written: Zak can choke on a dick. I don't remember why but I stand by it.

I notice at this point that Oscar hasn't even been mentioned yet.

After the Miami GP, it shows a few other drivers congratulating Lando on his win but not Max despite me knowing he did because I watched the race.

Jenson Button proceeds to project onto Max saying that he'd be in a bad place right now.

I distinctly remember Max saying that if P2 is a bad day, then he's ok with it - at least in this instance. Of course, this is not shown.

Tbh it's hardly surprising the spin they put on it is towards Lando, especially after the way the British media was riding Lando's dick all year. (And before you come for me, I live in the UK and have seen it first hand).

They made Max the villain on track with their portrayal of how Austria went down. I have my own thoughts and tbh, it was a difficult situation on both sides but we know what side DTS showed 🙄 They didn't show any intricacies or explanation about track limits or the apex which might have helped explain the issue rather than: Max bad, Lando good. Then they cut in different clips from the wrong race to make Max look more angry about his loss than he showed on the day.

I've then written: why did they focus on that Harvester when Lando was driving around the UK? It seemed weird.

A little later on in the episode, they show Max and Lando at a press conference and zoom in The Office style on Max looking bored. As if all the drivers don't look bored af in conferences.

BS-ometer 9/10

Episode 3

This is mainly about Mercedes but feels like filler.

I enjoyed Suzy's face at the prospect of Fernando joining the team.

I didn't enjoy the weird fabricated drama about Toto signing Max. I don't doubt that Toto wants Max but the chances of Max going to Mercedes, esp last year when Mercedes car was worse than Red Bull’s were 0. Max still has a contract with Red Bull until next year I think.

But we get topless George which is always funny.

The teddy bear being called Toto was also a lil weird.

We carry on as if we don't know that Kimi’s gonna become second driver with Toto asking “how was school?” as we're introduced to Kimi. It strikes me how bloody young he is.

We carry on as if we don't all know Toto begged for Kimi to be allowed to get his super license early and hasn't been preparing him for the second seat for ages.

Also, are we not addressing George's disqualification at Spa? I thought we'd come back to it but we never do to wrap up the George-to-first-driver narrative with a neat little bow.

BS-ometer 7/10

Episode 4

I found the use of the Stake Sauber car in the opening titles for the pit stop amusing as we all know their pit stops are shit.

We're focussing on Carlos in this episode. I appreciate them highlighting how dedicated he is.

I wrote: you know Will Buxton was cumming in his pants when he said “who will sign Sainz?”

We follow James Vowles and I love how much of a dork he is.

I related to this line from JV pretty hard: “I wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night thinking of nothing else.” (About Carlos).

We now move over to Stake and I have a lot of feelings.

Alessandro can go fuck himself for binning my boy Valtteri (and Zhou.)

They put Valtteri in a tractor then say he's not a top driver. The man who won 10 GPs (shoulda been 11 if not for team orders, maybe even more) and helped Mercedes win 5 Constructors Championships??? Get 👏 fucked 👏

And then DTS frames it like Zhou, who scored points when Stake FINALLY got an upgrade right at the end of the year, is a bad driver.

Like their 45 minute pit stops weren't the issue??? Like their car wasn't trash?????

And then! Then, they fuck my boy Valtteri so hard when he was millimetres from signing his contract for 2025 and he was explicitly TOLD AND PROMISED that he would be there for Audi. Nah, go suck a dick.

Ahem.

I'm glad Carlos didn't go to Sauber because fuck them.

I stopped being so angry when Doohan called Carlos the “paddock slut” (that would be a great fic…..) in relation to him ‘courting’ team principles.

At this point, I'm missing Daniel. We haven't seen him yet.

I then get treated to Flavio fucking Briatore. He makes my skin crawl and makes me more nauseous than Christian Horner.

I'm so glad Carlos didn't go to Alpine. And it pissed ne off that people like Claire Williams were saying that Flavio is a “flamboyant character” as if he's not a fucking criminal.

Will Buxton then says “people will tell you that he's a bloody cheat.” That might be the only truth Will speaks in the whole series.

BS-ometer 3/10

Episode 5

The episode title is “Le Curse of Charles Leclerc.” This is already a -1 for me because it's just stupid.

I was however, giggling at Charles in Intermarche and having his card declined.

This episode is about Monaco and there's a lot of Monaco hype, yadda yadda yadda. Jewel in the crown, yadda yadda yadda.

Alex saying that he knows a good monk at a Thai temple was lol in regards to helping Charles lift “the curse”.

The story of Charles's dad always gets to me and I do feel for him a lot. I did enjoy this episode even though I question why he has samurai armour in his apartment.

The piano playing was a bit much. Leo is cute.

BS-ometer 1/10

Episode 6

I've written: I'll never like Zak. Idc.

Idk what this refers to but I stand by it.

We finally get to Hungary and Lando is on peak petty behaviour. I'm no fan of team orders (still salty about Valtteri at Mercedes) but still…

Hearing Lando's thoughts made him seem less petulant, for now at least. He empathised with Oscar which I thought showed some semblance of maturity.

I've then written: “we've always said we have two numbers one drivers” - fuck off.

Zak's treatment of Danny is still raw.

I could do with less Zak playing baseball tbh.

BS-ometer I stopped paying attention to this episode because I found it boring

Episode 7

Interesting premise of having George, Lando, Pierre, Charles and Alex film some of it even though there wasn't that much of their footage. I feel like if the show isn't going to show F1 as a sport properly, then maybe it should focus more on the drivers and their relationships and struggles. I enjoyed seeing more of Alex.

As it was set in Singapore I did hope for Daniel but not a chance.

Not much to say on this one.

BS-ometer 2/10

Episode 8

Geri telling Christian not to crash his car at the car show made me cackle because she sounded so insincere.

But then I started welling up the second Daniel was on screen.

I've then written: Will Buxton can fuck off.

I don't remember why but I stand by it.

Ah, I remember. Will said Danny leaving Red Bull was the biggest mistake of his career and that had he stayed, he would be world champion by now. But I'm pretty sure he wouldn't. Not with Max. It would have been Brocedes.2

I feel like Daniel sounded more Australian when he was talking with his family. I found that adorable.

Then he goes and drops this line “I would love to be teammates with Max again.”

Please kill me now.

Now we get into the full DTS bullshit. They make it look like everything was Daniel's fault and that he's just lost his touch. They focus on only his failure and no highlights of his career. Honestly Sky and Kym Illman did a better job honouring him.

They really followed that washed narrative and ignored the years of gaslighting and manipulation he suffered. Part of me thought that he might have had more to say in DTS about his departure but he doesn't, or at least it's not shown. And idk if he'll ever be ready to share his story but it annoys me that some people will take the DTS narrative as gospel on this.

When he said he felt too vulnerable to say what he was thinking regarding retirement, it broke me.

I've then written: Liam Lawson can suck my dick. Will Buxton can suck my dick. Fucking Sith Lord Helmut Marko can suck my dick.

The conversation at the Australian GP (but is framed to be at Silverstone) where Marko says that people just want a Netflix storyline for Daniel where he makes a fairy tale comeback makes my blood boil. It was framed to be at Silverstone but the fact it was at Australia, the third race in, means that Marko had already made his mind up. That man is a cancer.

I hate how fucking tired Daniel looks in the interviews. I hate people saying his name wrong - looking at you Claire Williams. I hate that he was driving a shitbox and was expected to finish in the points every week or even get in the fucking podium to “prove himself” as if 8 GP wins isn't enough. It's fucked.

Christian then refers to Checo as “our Mexican” which is just not ok.

I hate Christian’s toxic behaviour towards Daniel.

This isn't the first time in the episode where it is framed to all be happening at once but the fact that Daniel goes from slightly beardy to full beard and it's meant to be within a day or two of each other is frankly ridiculous and you'd have thought the producers would notice this.

DTS then frames a private conversation Daniel has with the Red Bull comms guy as happening at Silverstone but it isn't, (turns out it's from Spa) which changes everything because it's about a month apart, showing the real timeline of how long Daniel was strung along for. At this point in the season, there was a lot of talk of Perez being dropped over the summer so this is why they're having this conversation. Daniel was aware of this and was being told he would be the replacement.

In general, the comms guy shouldn't have told Daniel that he would be driving at Red Bull if it wasn't set in stone. I don't understand DTS's decision to try and make it look like this was all happening at Silverstone.

DTS makes it seem like Daniel was underperforming so he was gone just like that, not that he was stabbed in the back over the course of months and months.

Christian asks “does Daniel still have the fire?”

And I can't help but think yes, but over the years, people have slowly been extinguishing it until all he's left with is a flicker.

Honestly, a severely shit episode for the retirement of someone as bright as Daniel who was a cash cow for DTS and F1.

BS-ometer 10/10

Episode 9

Happy to see this episode focusing on Haas. I feel lots of the drivers who aren't at the top teams or who are older/not traditionally attractive often get overlooked. I've always liked Haas as I'm a fan of an underdog.

Esteban's dad calling him “little wolf” nearly killed me. I didn't like the implication that Haas didn't want Esteban and that it ran deeper than that because of his perceived personality.

Finally Ollie this episode.

Also Flavio saying that he owned every millimetre of Jack was vile.

BS-ometer 5/10

Episode 10

This episode makes it sound like the Driver's Championship was ever really going to be Lando's, just like the media here in the UK did. Like they all drank the Lando Kool-Aid, including Lando himself. As much as I dislike him, I feel it was unfair so much pressure was put on him when he wasn't going to win it and he obviously struggled with it. McLaren aren't known for protecting their drivers though, tbh. Mental health in general is neglected in the sport - DTS would be a good platform to mention this on but that would mean doing something more noble than Frankenstein-ing stupid storylines to make a sub-par soap opera.

I've then written: Will Buxton can suck my dick.

I don't remember what this was in reference to but I stand by it.

DTS continues to make Max out as an arsehole.

They show the press conference where Max says “I'm a 3 time world champion, I know what I'm doing” completely out of context, missing the part Damon Hill accused Max of being like Dick Dastardly from Wacky Races.

I'm glad Interlagos was covered a little better here as it was a thrilling race. It wasn't covered as well as I'd like, especially Max setting a fastest lap every lap until the chequered flag once he was in P1 but still, DTS tends to pander to people who aren't that bothered about the racing itself.

They do show Max winning the championship in Vegas and Max hugging Lando and saying that his time would come. That's the Max we know and I wish DTS would show us more of it.

The episode ends with McLaren winning the Constructors and that's the end of series 7.

BS-ometer 8/10

Overall, it's not that good but what were we expecting?

They made such a song and dance about Lewis moving to Ferrari yet we don't even speak to Lewis. THIS WAS MEANT TO BE THE HEADLINE STORY! We don't see him struggling with the Mercedes car this year and his frustrations which would have been interesting to see. Idk if Lewis didn't want to take part or something.

There's nothing about the FIA or the swearing thing.

Hardly anything about Valtteri, Kmag or Zhou leaving F1. Logan was verrrry briefly mentioned that he was going but that was it

Speaking of Williams, nothing about Alex driving Logan's car.

We didn't see Aston Martin at all. Nothing about Adrian Newey.

Colapinto who?

We hardly see Yuki and don't talk about him being passed up for the Red Bull seat, how it was meant to be a Honda thing and not racist from the Sith Lord and that maybe he'll fuck off to Aston if Fernando ever retires.

Nothing from the Charles/Carlos drama or the Max /George showdown.

It feels like there's so much missed out.

This is probably my bias but it felt like a cherry picked Lando compilation series.

Over all BS-ometer 10/10

EDIT: I've seen a lot of tiktok girlies and others complaining that Lando comes out looking the villain but I have to disagree. I feel DTS did their best to paint him in a good light and the whole series is majority him (which does make sense as the Lando/Verstappen rivalry was big news and McLaren won the constructors). At every turn, it felt like the series wanted us root for him. Everything he said and did was at his own hands, not at the hands of Netflix or the edit, unlike with someone like Max so you can take from that what you will. I know this might ruffle some feathers but I honestly can't see where they tried to make Lando look bad.

I'll say the same for Liam Lawson - he came out of the show looking bad, not because of the edit but because of the words that left his own mouth and I can't put that down to bad editing.

[tekumaniac311]

Rider Rescue: Prologue

<CRITTER>, the Space Rider space shuttle. Early afternoon.

"This Red Smoke emitter is a fake?" Said the orange dog as the blue elephant examined it. He nodded and turned to the orange dog and the purple cat who gave confused expressions. Bubba Bubbaphant then looked back down on the device.

"That doesn't make sense. Me, Catnap, Kickin and Hoppy took out the cultists and recovered the device all too easily, i don't like it." Dogday said scratching his chin, Catnap shrugged as well in agreement.

"Hmm, I'll put it away with the other recovered cult items." Bubba said, taking it away and placing it in their evidence vault, however when Bubba turned away, it transformed into a tiny robotic spider and followed him out of the vault. As the tiny robot spider crawled on the walls, we zoom into it's one eye to see that one of the Prototype cultists is controlling it via remote.

"Are you sure this will work?" Another cultist asked it's ally. "Of course! The security controls should be in the upcoming room." The cultist replied, steering the robot carefully to avoid attention. The tiny spider bot crawled onto the roof, watching Bobby and Picky leave the security room, it then snuck in and approached the control panel.

"Now, disable their security systems." The cultist ordered the controller. "Right" The other cultist replied, tapping the buttons. The robot used it's eye to emit a cutting laser into the control panel, it then crawled in and cut away most of the wires and sending a mini-EMP, with that the entire security grid of the ship is down. Step 2 of the plan was now underway: A small ship flew up towards the Critters shuttle and approached the docking bay doors, the doors opened for the ship to dock and out stepped...a group of Prototype cultists!

"It's worked, they don't suspect a thing." The lead cultist spoke, the group headed off to find their targets.

Meanwhile in the Rec Room

All eight of the Riders were minding their business, Dogday was looking out at the window when he was approached by Crafty.

Noticing, he turned to face her. "Crafty?" Dogday asked. "Sorry to bother, captain but i want your opinion." She explained politely. "Go right ahead." Dogday spoke, Crafty then pulled up two outfits "Red or indigo?" Dogday was a blank for a moment, "Uuuhh, indigo, indigo's good."

Before Crafty could thank, the lights to the entire room went out!

"Huh??" Kickin yelped as he stood up from the couch. "Probably a fuse or something?" Bobby piped in. "I'll go check it." She said with a smile and walked outside, a few minutes in the dark the Riders were starting to feel...concerned, Bobby hasn't been back. Surely a trip to the ships power grid wouldn't take that long, right?

"I'll check." Catnap said and stood up, but as he opened the door, the purple cats blood completely froze. In front of him, in the darkness was a horde of red eyes and smiles, in the center of it all was Bobby, unconscious and tied up. Catnap turned back to his friends with a blank stare.

"We have a problem." Catnap muttered.

Before they knew it, the rest of the cult charged into the rec room immediately, the squad fought back in the darkness but it was hard to see! Not to mention they were completely off guard in the dark!

"Crafty! Get to the briefing room and radio Poppy! We can't handle them like this! Just go! RUN!!" Dogday yelped as he was grabbed from behind by a cultist, Dogday blasted it away with a sun ball but was tackled by another.

Crafty didn't waste any time, kicking the cultists that approached her out of the way, she bolted for the door and ran down the dark corridor toward the briefing room. "One of them is getting away!" A cultist in the distance spoke. Crafty just kept running, it was tricky to search in the darkness but thankfully made it to the briefing room.

Tapping the controls to boot up the console, the hologram of Poppy herself appeared. "Crafty? What's going on?" Crafty then explained "We have a problem!! Big one! We've been compromised! Send backup!"

Poppy paused at Crafty's claim "W..what??" She blinked sternly "Repeat that??" Crafty took a breather and looked back, hearing distant footsteps before facing Poppy's hologram. "I'm not sure what happened, but we've been somehow compromised and the cult have infiltrated our ship, we request backup!" Crafty told her "Right, I'll contact the--"

Before Poppy could go on, a cultist grabbed Crafty from behind, placing a cult mask over her face, Crafty struggled but to no avail. "MMM!! MMM!!---" The transmission was then abruptly cut off, Poppy was a blank with horror.

“Backup! On it!” The android piped as she quickly accessed the ships tracker and checked for the ships current position, she found that it was moving for the cultists had managed to hijack it and was heading for a nearby planet. Poppy then activated a communication tab, to scan for the nearest Space Rider squad from Dogdays, the icon that showed caused Poppy’s CPU(an androids heart right??) to drop.

The closest crew from Dogdays icon was a solar eclipse. Poppy immediately recognised it, previous talks with that group had learned that their leader has had some…complicated history with Dogday, and open disdain for Dogday no less. Poppy reluctantly took a huff.

“You knew this would probably happen at one point..” she said to herself and tapped the icon, awaiting a response…

TO BE CONTINUED

Space Riders AU belongs to @onyxonline

[chiefdirector]

Skiving | Tim Bradford | The Rookie

Act Two| Chapter 30 | Chapter 31 | Chapter 32

“And you’re sure that’s how they’re connected?” (Y/N) questioned as Talia finished recalling the intel she had spent the early hours of the morning gathering. 

“Since when have I been wrong?” Talia rebutted, slight humour lacing her tone. 

(Y/N) smiled. “Fair enough. But I don’t know how the ATFE operates. You could have lost all your standards for all I know.”

Talia went to speak but was cut off by Kojo’s excited barking as he barrelled himself towards the front door. The two women shot each other confused looks, only for them to be dropped as Tim’s voice rang out from down the corridor. 

“(Y/N)? Are you still here?” He said, making his way into the house, Kojo was practically bouncing at his feet. “I saw your car outside.”

“Through here,” (Y/N) called back, moving to great him halfway. “What are you doing at home? You didn’t get fired, did you?”

Tim laughed as he shook his head, leaning down to kiss his wife. He only managed a split second of affection before Talia coughed, announcing her presence.  

��Bishop? What are you doing here?”

“Could ask you the same, Bradford.” She rebutted, crowing her arms. 

“It’s my house.”

“Doesn’t answer my question.” Talia moved past the couple, reaching down to five Kojo a quick pet as she headed towards the door, stopping before she crossed the threshold . “I’ll let you know if I found out anything else. It was good to see you again.”

(Y/N) returned the sentiment as Bishop saw herself out, her attention only flickering back to her husband once the door shut. “She had some information on why Regina Diaz did what she did. Angela asked her to look into it. But you never did answer my question… why are you here?”

“I spoke to Grey and Caradine. We both got the rest of the day off. So after your appointment, I’m taking you out. Speaking of which… aren’t you meant to leave soon?”

(Y/N)’s eyes flickered across to the clock on the wall. “Crap- yeah like ten minutes ago. I can meet you back here?”

“No need. I’ll drive you.” Tim held up his keys, gesturing for (Y/N) to lead the way to his truck. 

————

Tim jolted awake as he heard the passenger side door slam shut. Instinctually he reached for his duty belt, only to find himself in his civilian gear. As he did so, he whipped his head to the side, looking for any sign of activity, only to find (Y/N) looking at him somewhat sheepishly. 

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” she said, belting herself up. 

“Don’t worry about it. I should get used to it. You have less grace than an elephant.”

(Y/N) let out a noise of indignation as Tim chuckled, slotting his keys back into the ignition. 

“I’m going to ignore that.” She said, looking at the window as Tim pulled out of the parking lot. “Where are you taking us?”

“Depends.”

“…On what?”

“On how romantic you feel right now.”

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow as Tim spoke, keeping silent as she tried to figure out where exactly he was taking her. It only dawned on her when she saw his familiar smirk as he turned the truck into a familiar road. 

You know, the shooting range is not quite what I think of when you say ‘romantic.’” She said getting out of the now parked truck, meeting him in front of the vehicle. 

“Hey, I think this is very romantic.” Tim defended, holding (Y/N)’s hand as they walked down the dreary corridor, company assigned equipment in hand. She tried not to pay attention to the flickering lights but the compulsion to comment took over. 

Reaching the end of the corridor, he opened the door open to allow (Y/N) to enter the shooting room. “We had our first date here after all.”

“I remember. I was so flustered I could barely shoot straight.”

“No,” Tim laughed, heading into his assigned area loading his off duty weapon the second he stopped moving. “You just have a crap aim.”

“I do not!” She defended, reaching into her own boot to retrieve her own weapon. 

Tim smirked, relishing in the knowledge that his teasing tactics still worked. “Wanna bet? 20 bucks says I shoot better than you.”

(Y/N) raised her weapon, aiming it at the paper target before her. Carefully, she held her sim, pulling the trigger and sending the bullet flying directly into the head of the paper man. “You’re on.”

————-

(Y/N) rolled her eyes as she passed Tim the folded up bill. Quickly, he snatched it from her hand before she could change her mind. He had been floating since they had left the range, and now they had arrived back home, he didn’t feel like stopping any time soon. 

“It was by two points!” (Y/N) said, annoyance running in her voice. “You’re not better, you distracted me.”

“Sounds like someone's a sore loser.” Tim teased. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll let you pick the movie. Consider it a participation trophy.”

“Consider it a participation trophy.” (Y/N) mocked under her breath as she sat down on the sofa, Kojo cuddling up beside her. Tim looked mildly offended by Kojo’s favouritism as he moved to sit on (Y/N)’s other side. 

“What was that?” He laughed

“Nothing!”

Tim hummed in acknowledgment, silently dropping the subject. Quickly he pulled out his phone to see how long the DoorDasher would take with their food.  

“Thank you,” (Y/N) said after a moment, bringing Tim’s attention back to her. “For today. I had a great time.”

Gently, he leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead. “You never need to thank me for spending time with you. It will always be my pleasure.”

(Y/N) leaned back, resting her head on his chest. Snuggling down, she pulled a blanket over the two of them as Tim fished the remote and opened Netflix. 

After another silent moment, (Y/N) quietly spoke. “But if you ever cheat at the range again, I will divorce you.”

Tim’s chuckles vibrated through his chest, “Okay, baby, whatever you say.”

Masterlist

Tags: @xceafh @kmc1989 @buba424 @salty0cracker @iamasimpingh0e @malindacath @agentred27 @hufflepuffwhore13 @tessalynni @anaferreira-4 @starstruckchopshoptyphoon @alessiamargaux @rexit-mo @ladespedidas @omg-its-vixen @agentcable @rookietrek @fluentmoviequoter @wonderland2425

[townpostin]

Forest Department Launches Plan to Curb Elephant Conflicts

International Experts to Visit Chakulia for Wildlife Management Insights Comprehensive strategy aims to provide resources for elephants and protect local communities. JAMSHEDPUR – Forest officials initiate multi-faceted approach to address human-elephant conflicts in the region. The Forest Department has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle the growing issue of human-elephant conflicts in the…

[thoraeth]

Black Hole Hunger [2/3] | All Might x reader

words: 1500 TW & Tags: gn!reader, no use of y/n, small might, slow burn, ANGST, att3mpt3d su1c1d3, fluff, happy ending. Summary: Under the pouring rain, a sad spectacle awaits you. It's time to give back what you received and help Toshinori facing a monster that you know well.

[Part 1] [Part 3]

“Shit, shit, shit!”

You climb the stairs frantically, raindrops splattering everywhere from your beat-up umbrella. “Shit!” You grunt.

You’ve moved into your new apartment a few days ago and yet, just today, you heard something odd clinking at the bottom of your bag: the keys to All Might's apartment.

You were supposed to leave them on the table and go but, somehow, you managed to mess things up. 

“Will he think I wanted to keep them? How fucking embarrassing.”

Panting your way up the building, you hope to God you can still sneak the keys in unnoticed.

As the door’s in sight, a shaft of light is coming out of it. “Did I forget to even lock it? It's not like it has been open the whole time, isn't it?” 

Cold shivers run up your spine at the thought of a hero’s house being burgled because of you. 

But when you peep through the opening, you feel reassured. 

Everything is exactly like the day you left, with the only difference that All Might himself is there, tinkering in the middle of the main room. You pull out the keys from your bag and step inside, ready to flash your best smile at him.

At first, your brain cannot fully compute the scene you're looking at. It's just a glare of something metallic, his shirt unbuttoned, his shoulders trembling. Then you snap.

“Toshinori, no!”

Scattering your belongings on the floor, you run across the room and tackle the hero.

Under any other circumstance, someone like you would have no hope against him. But miserable as he is now, staring at you wide eyed as if he's just seen a ghost, he lets the knife in his hands slip on the floor.

The man slowly lowers down on his knees: as much as you strive to hold him, he shrivels up in a shaking mess.

You crouch too and your hand gently runs up and down the back of his drenched jacket. “Let's…let's get you some rest.” 

Toshinori nods and, without a word, trudges himself down the corridor. As he crashes on the unmade bed, you follow after him with a towel. 

That familiar bedroom is now dark and gloomy: with a storm like today's, howling outside the window, it’s like the whole house is drifting in the dreariness along with its owner.

“How did you know my name?” He asks, idly resisting your attempts to dry his hair.

“You were on the phone, that time you slept here. They called you by your name.” Hesitant, you decide to address the elephant in the room. “Do you… wanna talk?”

For a split second, Toshinori looks like one of your scared highschoolers rather than a 7 '2 hero. He turns his face away and keeps silent for the longest time. 

“Why were you here anyway? You moved out days ago.” he mutters eventually.

“I forgot -”

“Take your stuff and go. You shouldn't have been caught up in this.”

“If you were the one walking in on something like that, would you leave?”

Silence again.

“Let me at least call someone you feel comfortable with.”

“Yeah, so I can trouble everyone some more.” He hisses. “You're all busy with your lives, moving on so fast, so easily. I can’t let you slow down for someone…who’s reached the end of the line.”

It all finally clicks: the bed unmade and the way he wouldn't leave that night. That constant ‘being happy to help’. His face darkening when you told him you found a new place. 

He feels left behind. He's hiding away.

As he buries his face back in the mattress, you feel your heart sink. 

“He was asking for help. Just when he’s the one in need…it goes straight over everyone's head. Mine included.”

Clutching the wet towel in your hand, you throw it on the floor.

“I'll ask you once again,” you declare fiercely "Do you want someone else here with you?”

“Again, no.” 

“Fine. It’s gonna be me, then.”

Toshinori lifts his head, staring at you with a blue glare in his sunken eyes. “I know it's a pitiful sight in here, but I’ll be fine.” He stretches a smile.

“It’s not about pity: when I hit rock bottom you were the only one who stepped up. You must let me return what I received.”

The hero rolls over the sheets and takes a deep breath. 

“...Thank you.” you hear him whisper before he drifts into a deep slumber.

From that moment on, neverending days come and go, marked by the constant tapping of raindrops on the windows and the rumbling of distant thunders.

As in a weird sort of quarantine, you spend all your time sitting on the bedroom's floor, rewriting your lecture notes and taking care of Toshinori. Or, at least, trying to.

The hero is on sick leave and won't move from his bed, nor touch a crumb from any of the take away boxes that are gradually invading the house.

“What do you want for dinner?” You ask him casually, while playing on your phone. 

“I’m not hungry.”

“You say that every time. I hope you're not trying to starve yourself on my watch.”

The blonde head appears above you, leaning out from the bed. “That’s a bit much, don't you think?” His long hair dangles over your forehead. “Also, I heard you messing with the cutlery in the kitchen the other day. Please, it's not necessary.” He pauses for a second.

“I... I wouldn't have done it anyway.”

As Toshinori gets in a sudden talkative mood, you sit on the bed next to him.

“There's this kid, you see…I promised I’d taken care of him, no matter what, so I could never go like that. It's just that… there's nothing left in me to protect him or the other students. And even if I had any spark left, they won't be needing an old man around anyway.”

“It’s a cruel path, to be a teacher.” You sigh. “You know you did a good job when they no longer need you. Same goes for a hero, I imagine.”

“I was terrible at both, then.”

“You? The man who consumed himself, body and mind, to protect everyone?”

“Yes, since he couldn't finish what he started. Now that burden will be on the young while I stand by, useless and powerless.” He clenches his fists.

You’re reaching for his arm but your hand freezes mid air. “Wait. Is this about lacking health or…lacking a quirk?”

At the bottom of Toshinori's eyes you recognise your sworn enemy, the number one villain on the planet, as far as you're concerned.

“Are you telling me you’d rather die than living quirkless?!”

Springing to your feet, you take a step back from the bed.

The room starts to glitch into a whirlwind of scenes: a boy in a school uniform, falling off the roof. A playground, where a little kid is using fire powers against his scared buddies. 

“What's all this?” Toshinori asks.

“I’ve always wondered too.” you say, trying to keep your unchecked quirk at bay. “Looks like a monster to me, an uncanny hunger that consumes people when it comes to their quirks.”

Toshinori gets up, staring at the vivid image of  a much younger you. You're talking to a girl in a park, both bawling your eyes out.

“My best friend.” You explain. “She didn't pass the UA placement test and… she let herself go, sinking deeper and deeper, until she was but an empty shell.”

The image of Toshinori waving happily flashes across the walls, spinning along the rest of your memories. 

“I-I don't want you to sink.” you add, lowering your head.

The hero grabs you by the arms, a sudden fire in his eyes. “It's not a matter of quirk, it never was!” 

“Can you see the point, though?”

A thick darkness falls on the bedroom and a multitude of stars and galaxies unfolds, shining in bright colours all around the two of you.

“Even the biggest supernova is going to collapse one day. At that point it either evolves or it turns into a black hole.”

Toshinori lets you go, his hands sliding down your arms as the image of an ominous vortex appears underneath his feet.

“To some extent…it's true.” the hero's voice trembles. “I'm scared of living quirkless. Being there for others is all I am and now that I physically can't, I don't know what my place is. If I have one at all in this world.” 

He sighs deeply. “I see it, though: things have changed and I have to figure out what's next.”

“Whatever it’ll be, please...keep in mind you don't need to be powerful to be helpful. Or seen. Or loved.”

“Mh.”

Caught up in your passionate speech, it takes you some time to realise what's going on: the warmth of Toshinori's hands against yours; your fingers, reaching for his.

When his thumb brushes the back of your hand, the deep flutter in your stomach startles you and the starry visions go out.

You both withdraw your hands in silence, avoiding eye contact. 

“S-so, you don't want to eat at all?” you stutter confusedly.

The hero gets back to his bed, trying to hide the flush on his face. 

“I’ll take what you take. I trust your judgment.”

[forest-falcon]

The Butterfly Effect

Chptr 14

🧡❤️🩶💛🚒🐦‍🔥

"So what's the plan?" Rigby jogged up alongside John.

"Here," John pressed a button at his wrist and the rock face in front of them opened; much the way a garage door might.

"Impressive," Rigby mused aloud. He let out a long, low whistle as he stepped inside.

"We need to clear a path around the pool. Jetpacks just won't cut it if we're gonna try n' stabilize One," John pointed to his brother's green Bird.

"Need me to pilot her?" Rigby's face held more than a trace of excitement.

"Oh...no, sorry," John scratched the back of his head.

"You'll be driving one of her pods. When we've cleared enough of the debris, and the villa has been stabilized; I may need you in Phoenix's carrier to help with moving One."

Rigby straightened and gave a nod.

"Time is scarce. Reports say Alan's okay, but we have a further three people in the villa who may require urgent medical attention, and I can't risk McCready's team in there until we know they have a chance at making it back out again," John sighed.

Rigby cleared his throat; his face visually construing a silent inner-debate.

"What?" John urged, then winced inwardly at his tone. Adjusting to Earth's gravity appeared to be even more wearing when fearing for your family's well being.

"You know, you can call them by name - Virgil and Gordon. We...we have your back," Rigby gave John an awkward clap on the back.

The clap echoed around the cavernous hangar.

John swallowed hard to staunch impending tears. There was a second's pause, before the astronaut stepped into his missing brother's Bird.

*. *. *.

"Knock, knock!" Parker called to signal his arrival outside of Alan's door.

"Erm...am I supposed to say who's there?" Alan's young voice came back.

" 'Oo's there? Well, hI'm glad to see that yer haven't lost your sense of humour along with yer bedroom!" Parker chuckled as he worked the lock on Alan's door.

There was a satisfying sound of the latch clicking, and the door swung open.

"Looks like you could use an 'and, Master Alan," he smiled, extending a hand.

"F-A-B-," Alan enthused, hauling himself up, and into the corridor, with Parker's help.

The teen cracked his back.

"Welp, I think I now hold the Tracy Island record for the longest pull up!"

*. *. *.

"We had to make an 'ole in Master Gordon's window to get to you. 'Fraid your brother's parking had made somewhat of a mess," Parker gestured towards Gordon's rooms.

"Didn't you teach him to drive?" Alan grinned.

"Cars, young Master Tracy, not rocket ships! And, I'll 'ave less of yer cheek! Scott might not be firin' on all cylinders at the moment, but you mark my words - I 'ave a memory like an elephant!" Parker chuckled, wagging a finger.

"You look like one too!"

"Oi!" Parker swatted at the teen as he ran.

*. *. *.

John and Rigby had made light work of clearing the debris surrounding the villa, and the structure was stabilised enough for a team to head up to help locate Virgil, Grandma, and Gordon.

"HELLO? VIRG? GRANDMA? GORD-"

"-OVER HERE!" Gordon hammered a small rock against a metal support beam.

The team tentatively picked their way over splintered floorboards and around mounds of rock that lay strewn across what was left of the comms room.

"Allie, is that you?"

"The one and only! I've brought some friends with me. Didn't wanna hog all the glory, y'know?"

"Phoenix?"

"Yup!"

Jonesy took a step closer, with a small hydraulic whine from the suit.

"Jonesy?"

"S'up Gords? I like what you've done with the place. You're kinda lacking in the door department though."

"Well y'know what Virgil always says; if you can't find a door, make one!" Gordon called from behind the fallen rocks.

"My thoughts exactly!"

"WAIT!" Tycho was almost pulled forwards into the rock face as he tried to stall Jonesy's suited arm.

"The structure's too unstable. Any attempt to move these boulders risks the whole lot coming down on top of Gordon," Tycho gesticulated wildly.

"Yeah, let's not do that." Gordon deadpanned.

"So what's the plan?" Jonesy couldn't deny that the thrill of using the exosuit had him itching to use his new superpower again. Two tonne boulder? No problem! He'd just shifted it like....kapow!

Tycho dragged his hands down his face as he thought.

"Hmm...we need to get a better view of what we're dealing with. Right here, we can only see half of the puzzle." Tycho pensively ran a hand down the largest boulder.

"And how are we gonna do that?" Jonesy was under the distinct impression that Tycho wasn't referencing the exosuit.

"I think I have just the thing!"

The scientist bent down and unfastened the clasps of a small metal case he'd carried down from the carrier.

"Jonesy, meet Mini Max.”

[clairvoyantly-yours]

my grandparents' house used to be a source of nostalgia; a source of playful childhood meanderings for me. there was a white tiled living room with white windows and curtains which we jokingly referred to as the "white house", a dimly lit corridor, a kitchen with creaky floorboards, and a guest bedroom with a cozy feel about it which house a wooden horse toy and ceramic elephant, sources of attraction to a curious toddler with an untidy haircut.

it recently got renovated by my uncle (who currently lives there). it's now extemely modern with flawless countertops, light brown wood panelling, sliding windows and whatnot. it's a great feat, of course, but is it selfish for me to wish it was all still the same as before? for when the house went away, it caused me to relive so many old childhood memories: the dark attic, the fat book of russian fairytales, toys, funny magnets, fresh mountain air in my lungs. these are just to name a few. it made me realise how precious my childhood was, and also how far i've drifted away from it.

change can be necessary, change can be unnecessary; it can be bad, it can be good. i don't know how to classify this one, but all i know that it took a part of me- the little girl with big bright eyes, always upto some new shenanigans- away with it.

[carameldansan]

Originally an ignyhide student who was politely asked to transfer to the pompfire dormitory after accidentally getting a ransomware virus by visiting sketchy websites meant to pirate korean soap operas. An unusual student at Raven college, known for being a destructive, careless individual who lacks foresight. Despite the infamous reputation of collecting lost items, never considering the owners; Suzuanne uses her unique magic to transfuse these various nicknacks to create an entirely new creation, primarily stuffed animals.

The origin of the lady’s infamous reputation involved a past incident with another first year student, whose family heirloom became the ingredients for Suzuanne’s newest stuffed animal, a purple elephant named Lumpy. Unfortunately, despite trying to be civil this altercation got heated requiring staff to break the altercation. Students who were in the lunch room at the time could only stare onwards in shock. Not long after, Suzuanne became a social wallflower, despite her earnest efforts to fix burned bridges – the altercation plummeted her reputation into the gutter. Rumors spread quickly across the corridors of the student’s forward, kind nature was nothing more than a facade. Leaving her with the nickname: “Raging Red”.

If one were to befriend the girl, looking past her airheaded and blunt nature; offensive to many. Suzuanne’s heart is in the right place, even if she doesn’t the grasp the concept. As an example, maybe in foresight it is not a good idea to bring a wild snake in-doors, reasoning being of the cold weather outside. Added with a short temper, willing to follow impulse thoughts. Rumors spread about Suzuanne are a hyperbole of her character, yet rooted in truth to an extent.

Despite her flaws, and reluctance to welcome Suzuanne, the Pompfire dormitory accepted her not because others were fearful of having an infamous new addition, but due to Suzuanne's ability to find beauty in everything; whether it be a rodent, serpent, or a forgotten trinket. ---- This is my Twisted Wonderland Oc (Yuu) Suzuanne!  Suzuanne is loosely inspired by the Backson from Winnie the pooh (2011).

[devilsskettle]

dreamt a video game where you go into tunnels to look for your lost son. high emphasis on exploring landscape, many different rooms, different noises with certain movements for example one room opened up to an underground river “beach” with stones that sounds like musical chimes when you walked through them or through them together but sounded like a flute when you threw them in the water. one room was a cave where you find your son safe, intently exploring the noises made by a pile of rocks. but when you try to get him to leave with you, he insists he has to stay because otherwise “they won’t know anything else exists.” he is referring to two tall alien-like creatures on either side of the room sitting in recessed parts of the cave wall. their legs are almost tentacle-like but thicker and more rigid, sort of like an elephant, and the body is one tall pillar with no face. your son says that they have been down in the tunnels forever and he has to stay with them so that they remember that there are other life forms that exist in the world and so he can keep them company. when you try to get him to leave, they start to move toward you on their weird rigid tentacle legs and you don’t know whether they will try to kill or hurt you or stop you from taking your son, or what their intentions are, so you flee down a long stone cave corridor. you find out that different noises affect the creatures in different ways and each room has different ways you can make noise so your exploration of the space before that was important. idk what happens after that but a lot of the dream was actually these long still shots of the rivers in the underground cave system lol so that was the highest moment of action. also this did not feel like a nightmare in any way because 1) it was a video game, 2) the creatures are ambiguous, you don’t actually know if they’re trying to hurt you (i got the impression that if they caught you they wouldn’t hurt you but they also wouldn’t let you leave), and 3) it really was mostly exploring the caves so it was very atmospheric and beautiful