#i was supposed to cast arresto momentum

[pierrot-dokki]

I caught my first ever shiny beast today in HL 🥹

[leona-hawthorne]

hello hello, congrats on 1k once again!! 💘 for my first request, i’d like it to be latte art, please! my house is ravenclaw and my favourite class is charms ✨

KIRAAA i love you, thank you for requesting bb!! 😚 i know you love theo so i chose to do him for this one specifically 🤭 hope you like it 💌

1k celebration navigation latte art

ミ★ SHOW OFF... theodore nott

The day was supposed to be simple, really. Charms was your favorite, after all. Even when it came to complex spells, you always seemed to find your rhythm quickly, something your professors had taken to mentioning with a satisfied nod every now and then.

Today, though, your rhythm had apparently vanished without a trace.

You could feel it slipping the moment Professor Flitwick assigned the task: enchanting objects to float in controlled patterns, and then slowing it down as it was moving—paired work optional but highly encouraged. Naturally, you chose to work alone, not out of stubbornness but simply because you were used to it. Besides, it was Charms—if there was any class you could ace solo, it was this one.

But the quill in front of you had other ideas.

You held your wand steady, casting the spell with a confidence that came naturally to you. But just as you whispered Wingardium Leviosa, your quill seemed to have a mind of its own. Instead of drifting up in the delicate arc you’d pictured, it shot forward in a wild, unpredictable path, veering toward the back of the room. Horrified, you watched as it spiraled, narrowly missing one student, only to make a perfect landing… right in someone’s lap.

And that someone happened to be Theodore Nott, the quiet Slytherin boy who sat near the back. His gaze flicked up to meet yours, one eyebrow arched in faint amusement, like he couldn’t quite believe what just happened. A blush crept up your cheeks as you walked over, hoping no one else had noticed.

You hesitated, but before you could offer a stammered apology, he picked up the quill between his fingers, turning it over as though examining it for some hidden charm. "I didn't expect this from someone who's supposed to have perfect control in… everything," he said, his tone smooth and low, edged with the faintest hint of teasing.

"I—it's usually fine," you replied, flustered. "I don’t know why it did that. I always get the levitation spells right."

He extended the quill back to you, his eyes piqued with interest. "Do you? Perhaps I should watch your technique more closely."

You managed a laugh, though your heart hammered in your chest at the way he looked at you—uncharacteristically focused. As you reached to take back the quill, Theo didn't let go immediately, and the corners of his mouth tugged into a barely-there smirk. "Or maybe you just need a demonstration," he added lightly, as if making up for his earlier teasing.

"I’m pretty sure I know how to levitate a quill," you countered, aiming to match his cool tone. But he was already flicking his wand, casting the spell with a practiced ease that made the quill hover smoothly between you.

The quill floated perfectly, following the path you’d envisioned for your own attempt. You tried to ignore the spark of admiration that bubbled up, focusing instead on the spell. “Show-off,” you muttered, a grin sneaking onto your face despite yourself.

“Only when necessary,” he replied with a laugh that was more a soft exhale than anything else. Theo lowered his wand, letting the quill hover above his hand for just a second before it drifted toward you quickly. “Arresto Momentum,” he murmured under his breath, the quill coming to a slow halt directly in front of your face.

You felt your smile grow. “Alright, alright. I get it, Mr. Perfect.”

He shrugged, feigning nonchalance, though you caught the way his gaze lingered. “It’s an easy mistake to make,” he said. “For some people.”

“Uh-huh. And I’m guessing you never make mistakes in Charms?”

He gave you a wry smile. “Not when I’ve got an audience.”

It took you a second to realize he meant you, and when you did, your cheeks warmed again. Theo let the silence stretch out just a little longer before he added, “Though, I’d expect someone like you to be better with this sort of thing.”

You tilted your head. “Someone like me?”

He chuckled. “You know, all that… bookish focus you’ve got going on,” he said, looking away almost shyly as if he hadn’t meant to say that part out loud. "You'd think it would translate."

“Well, there’s a first time for everything,” you said, brushing off your slight embarrassment. “Though I’m starting to think having a partner might have been a good idea after all.”

“Is that a request?” He raised a brow, his tone light but with just enough intrigue to keep you on edge.

You glanced at him, taken aback by the unexpected offer, but somehow not entirely opposed. “Are you volunteering?”

He gave a faint shrug. “Why not? Better than sitting here waiting to be your next target.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Okay, fine. Let’s see if I can redeem myself, then.”

The two of you stood there, caught in this back-and-forth, and you couldn’t help but wonder why you’d never spoken before now. Theo, who everyone whispered about as aloof and impossible to read, had this unexpectedly easy charm. That lingering smile of his had a way of making you forget all the little mistakes you might have just made, as if you were the only person in the room worth paying attention to.

“I’ll try not to disappoint next time,” you murmured, just as Professor Flitwick clapped his hands to call for the class’s attention again.

As you walked back to your desk, you glanced over your shoulder one last time, catching Theo watching you with an expression you couldn’t quite decipher. He gave you a slight nod, and you found yourself smiling—thinking, maybe, that a little levitation mishap wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

[tricksters-captain]

Weasley Twins/Cedric Diggory Imagines - Accidental Meeting - Part 6

AN: Here ya go! Enjoy!

Overall Summary: (Y/n), is a young witch who always kept her head down due to her complicated past; one day she bumps quite literally into one of the most popular boys in Hogwarts, Cedric Diggory, and that’s when (Y/n)’s plan of keeping her head down seems to go up into the air. Things only seem to worsen when two redheaded twins start to take notice too...

This Chapter: It’s the first match of the season! Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff

(MASTERLIST HERE)

Pairing(s): Cedric Diggory x Reader, (Eventual) George Weasley x Reader, (Platonic) Fred Weasley x Reader, (Platonic) Oliver Wood x Reader

Word Count: 3,376

Warnings: None

“Wood, you need to get laid, mate.” Fred stared at the older boy as he paced the common room. He was as tense as a wooden plank and stressed about the game plan which he thought ‘just wasn’t perfect yet’. 

“(Y/n), why don’t you take one for the team?” Fred looked across the sofa at you and you rolled your eyes. 

“Or we could use a simple potion on him to relax him or even better knock him out?” You offered a different suggestion looking up at Oliver as he passed you. 

“The match is tomorrow. It’s the first one of the season, we must win. With the team change, there is more competition; Malfoy is no match really for Harry as a seeker but Diggory is different.” Oliver’s accent seem to make his words slur together as his thoughts overflowed from his mouth. 

“Ooooo, pretty boy Diggory. (Y/n)’s new favourite study partner.” Fred smirked, winking at you as he teased. 

“Better watch out, Wood. You’ll lose your only fan at this rate.” George added, smiling along side his brother. 

You threw one of the pillows from under your arm at the twins to shut them up before Oliver finally plodded himself down next to you. 

“Come on, Oli. Just quit thinking about it, you guys don’t need the perfect game plan when you are an actual good team. You need sleep. Energy for tomorrow morning.” You rested your head on Oliver’s shoulder as he leant back. 

“You know I won’t sleep tonight.” Oliver shifted his arm so he could wrap it around you and you scooted closer to the boy, frowning at his statement.

“Alright, get a room.” George’s joke earned a glare from you. The twins knew you and Oliver were like family but it didn’t stop them from commenting on anything you and Oliver did together. 

“We know that the real reason Oliver won’t be sleeping tonight is because of your brothers snoring.” You snarked back at the twins with a smile. 

“Ah yes.” Fred slapped his knee. “Poor ol’ Wood, having to share a room with Percy.”

“Wouldn’t wish it on anybody.” George added which made all of you laugh. 

“It’s fine, only a few more months of it, Wood.” Fred brought up the fact Oliver was leaving this summer and you felt your heart ache. 

“What will (Y/n) do without you?” George asked, 

“Cling onto Diggory, I suppose.” Fred teased, laughing like he couldn’t help it.

“He’ll be better company than you two.” You retorted which made both twins clutch their hands over their hearts dramatically.

“Ouch, (Y/n). Really ouch.” Fred groaned. 

“The better question is what will the quidditch team do when I leave?” Wood smirked, changing the topic slightly to avoid any more Cedric talk. 

“Might actually win some matches.” George quipped. Your jaw dropped into an open smile and you brought your hand up to cover your laughter. 

“You think you’re clever, Weasley––” Wood threw a pillow at the twins which started a pillow war. 

You ducked behind the sofa as protection as the teams formed to be you and Oliver vs the twins. 

You and Oliver continued to lob back any pillows thrown in your direction. You rejoiced each time you got one of the twins on top of their red heads and the twins did the same every time they managed to get you. 

“I give! I give! I give up!” You squealed as all of a sudden the three boys target you, hitting you each with their own pillows repeatedly. 

The blows stopped and the laughter continued as you huffed your hair out of your face. Your cheeks glowing pink from the warmth and excitement of the fight. 

George offered his hand to you to pull you off the floor. 

You took it. 

His large hand was warm against yours and his other hand wrapped around your wrist as he pulled you to your feet. 

“Three against one isn’t exactly fair.” You grumbled as you stood. 

“It’s not like you’d be any match for one of us anyway, love. It’s saving your the embarrassment of losing to just one of us if all three of us get you.” Fred was the one to reply. He couldn’t help but notice George watching you even after letting your hand go.

“Keep telling yourself that.” You decided it was time to head to bed as you dumped the pillows back on the sofas. 

The twins and Oliver bid you goodnight as you walked up the stairs and you did the same. 

When you woke in the morning, the room was dark and dreary, you could see Angelina lacing up her boots on the edge of her bed ready for the match ahead. 

The noise of raindrops smashing against the window made your stomach drop as you realised the first match of the season would be in the worst weather yet. 

“Wrap up warm, (Y/n). It’s not gonna be an easy game today.” Angelina noticed you were awake as she caught you staring at the window. 

“A long one too. I doubt anyone will be seeing, let alone catching, the snitch in this weather.” You internally groaned at the thought. 

You dressed yourself as best as you could to try and stay warm and dry. You wrapped yourself in thick clothes before putting on some boots and a large rain coat. 

You trudged down the stairs to see Oliver in his uniform waiting for you with a muffin. 

“I already went to breakfast. I figured you wouldn’t go at all if I already went.” Oliver handed you the muffin and you smiled. 

“How thoughtful. Perhaps you could’ve waited for me in the first place.” 

“Early bird gets the worm, (Y/n).” Oliver defended himself as he started towards the door to leave.

You followed him out of the common and down the stairs towards the quidditch pitch. 

“Have you heard anything from your uncle?” He asked. 

“Nope, not since I sent off my letter a few days ago.” You shook your head as you tightened the drawstring on your hood. “I don’t expect to hear anything back now until something new happens with him.”

“You know, I’ve known you this long and I still don’t get you and your uncle.” Oliver admitted, sending you a side glance. 

“I mean how can you understand him and everything he’s gone through? He’s not the most loving parental figure I got but he is the only one I have. We keep each other updated on the important things. He doesn’t need to be burdened with my feelings on boys or exams, he’s got too much going on upstairs to care about some teenage girls anxieties.” You gestured to your head and Oliver just chuckled. 

“Guess that’s what I’m here for.” Oliver suggested, 

“You are perfectly correct there, Oli boy.” You opened your umbrella as you and Wood prepared to run to the pitch in the rain. 

You waited in the team tent with Oliver for the team to slowly scatter in. 

“Actually here then, Seyler.” Fred using your surname was something you’d have to get used to but since you were just with the team who rarely judged you because of Oliver, you didn’t say anything about it. 

“I keep my promises.” You said proudly. 

“Yeah right, you’re just here cause of pretty boy Diggory, admit it.” Fred wiggled his eyebrows at you and you flipped him off. 

“I’m heading to get a seat, Oli. Make sure not to fall off your broom today.” You wished the boy luck with a quick hug before climbing the stairs to find somewhere to sit or stand with the Gryffindors.

The rain wasn’t easing up. It came down hard and heavy and with grumbling roars of thunder around it. 

You felt a knot in your stomach as you thought about all the possible ways things could end badly with the weather. 

The first on the pitch were the Hufflepuff team. 

You spotted Cedric as he lead the team out onto the field. He wore goggles and his hair was pushed back, wet from the rain along with his yellow quidditch robes which were darker from already being clearly soaked.  

You couldn’t help but let your lips form a smile as he flew round to your side of the pitch and flew past you, sending one of his own dazzling smiles your way.

The Gryffindor team swiftly followed Hufflepuff and soon the whistle was blown and the game began. 

You tried to watch Oliver but for some reason, your eyes always found themselves back to Cedric. 

Quidditch matches were never quiet. 

You laughed as the surrounding Gryffindors cheered and shouted over the thunder for their team. 

You whooped and whistled whenever Oliver saved a goal and despite the bad weather, you didn’t seem to mind being out there for once. 

You also cheered on for Fred and George as you found yourself paying attention to them too. 

You furrowed your eyebrows as you lost sight of Cedric. 

“They’ve gone up there!” Hermione seemed to have noticed you looking about and she gestured up into the clouds where you knew she was talking about Harry and Cedric. 

Soon after, you saw Cedric racing after the snitch back out of the clouds but Harry wasn’t anywhere to be seen. 

You couldn’t look up for too long as the rain drops attacked your face. 

“HARRY!” Hermione screamed out as she spotted the boy falling fast towards the ground. 

Almost no one had noticed over the Hufflepuffs roars as Cedric snagged the snitch. Hufflepuff won and Harry’s body was spiralling to the bottom of the quidditch match. 

“Arresto momentum!” Dumbledore noticed Harry and cast out a spell to soften the fall. 

Somehow the air got even colder and that’s when you noticed the Dementors above. They must’ve followed Harry down, it would explain why Harry was unconscious. He had fainted after an encounter with a Dementor before. 

Dumbledore was furious, you could see it in his face. 

You rushed through the stadium as Dumbledore sent the Dementors away; you reached the bottom as Harry was being lifted and escorted to the hospital wing. 

Other students rushed past you to see if Harry was okay, you looked up towards the goals to see if Oliver was still there but he must've come to the ground. 

You figured your best chance was to head back to the castle with the majority of the students instead of fighting through them, and you’d probably find Wood with Harry in the hospital. 

As the students all rushed to get out of the rain you heard someone cough beside you ‘Deatheater’ and you rolled your eyes in frustration. Was this shit really gonna start up again? 

You saw glimpses of orange hair and red quidditch robes heading towards the hospital wing ahead of you and you silently thanked the Weasley mother for birthing the tall twins. 

Nudging and weaving your way through wet bodies you finally caught up to them. 

“Is Oliver not with you?” You asked Fred and George as you took hold of their robes for them to notice you were behind them. 

“Last I saw your boyfriend was talking to him.” Fred replied, 

“What?” You were confused and taken back by the word ‘boyfriend’. 

“Diggory pulled him to one side on the quidditch pitch.” George explained. 

“Probably asking his blessing for your hand in marriage.” Fred smirked, you hit him in response. 

“Hey!” Fred pouted as he rubbed arm. 

“How’s Harry?” You peaked past the boys to see Ron, Hermione, Neville and Angelina surrounding Harry’s bed. 

“Not sure yet since you dragged us to a stop to ask about your boyfriends.” Fred was pushing his luck with you but you didn’t feel any real anger at the teasing like you usually would. 

“Harry could be dead and we wouldn’t know because we had to talk to you.” George played along with his twin. 

“I’m terribly sorry. Please, get back to your adopted brother.” The sarcasm dripped off your tongue and the boys couldn’t help but find it amusing. 

You turned on your heels and made your way down a now empty corridor to continue your search for Wood. 

“(Y/n)!” You heard a voice echo as you passed a smaller corridor. Your head spun left and your eyes met a very damp Cedric. 

“Cedric.” You returned his call. 

As the boy neared you, you could see just how soaking he truly was. 

Raindrops were still falling down his forehead, dripping off his brown curls and his pink cheeks were flushed from the warmth the castle held compared to outside. 

Your eyes couldn’t help but notice his lips, almost shinning like lipgloss. Almost inviting. 

“What’s wrong?” Cedric must've noticed your wrinkled expression as his eyebrows knitted together like yours. 

“I’m just looking for Oliver.” You confessed. 

“I just spoke to him on the pitch. I asked him if he would like a rematch since the Dementors attacked Harry but he said that we had won fair and square which I didn’t think was the exact truth but...” Cedric couldn’t help but ramble as he replayed the conversation in his head. “...But Wood insisted it was okay.”

“That’s big of him. Did you say he was still at the pitch or?” 

“No, I don’t know where he went after. Possibly to find Harry’s broom.” Cedric suggested. 

“Possibly.” You agreed. “Congratulations by the way.” 

“Congratulations? I’m surprised you’re congratulating me, Wood is your best friend, I thought he’d have you swearing off talking to the enemy let alone congratulating them.” Cedric clearly found the conversation funny. 

“Honestly, you think Oliver owns me or something?” You rolled your eyes, placing your hands on your hips as you looked up at the boy. 

“I really hope not.” Cedric smiled back down at you which made your heart flutter. 

You felt your lips part as Cedric flirted and you cleared your throat to save the embarrassment of your jaw hanging open. 

“I should probably let you go. You look freezing in those wet clothes.” Cedric helped save you the embarrassment by not commenting on it. 

“You too. Those robes must be heavy now.” You pointed at his quidditch robes which you had to admit looked especially good on the boy. 

“Meet me outside my common room. I’m sure some hot chocolate with marshmallows will help warm you up?” Cedric raised his eyebrows as he made the offer. You could only nod back as an answer. 

Cedric was the one to walk away as you felt suddenly very heavy in your boots. 

“(Y/n)! There you are. Is Harry awake yet?” Oliver followed the same path Cedric had taken and came face to face with you only seconds later. 

“I-I-I don’t know. I was looking for you.” You admitted, you noticed the broken broom wrapped up in his arms. 

“Whomping Willow. That bastard tree.” Oliver cursed as he saw you look at the broom. 

“Looks like your seeker needs a new broom.” You winced, knowing what Oliver was thinking now the fastest broom on the team was now broken.

“At least, hopefully with Madam Pomfrey’s help, I won’t be needing a new seeker.” Oliver was trying to look on the bright side. 

“Go check on him. I’m heading back to the common room to dry off.” You ushered the boy forward before returning to the dorms. 

You peeled out of your wet clothes and towel dried your hair. You pulled on some comfier, warmer clothes and a pair of fluffy socks. It always seems so much colder after you’ve been soaked through by the Scottish rain. 

“You look cute. Off to meet someone?” Angelina sent you a knowing look as she entered the dorm, taking off her own wet robes. 

“What?” You scoffed, “No, of course not. Who would I be meeting?” 

“I don’t know but there have been rumours flying around about a particularly handsome Hufflepuff prefect quidditch captain.” Angie was being way too obvious that she meant Cedric. 

“You should know by now to stop listening to rumours about me, Angelina.” You shook your head as you gathered your dirty laundry off the floor. 

“Okay, have fun not going to meet anyone then...” Angelina giggled to herself as she wiggled her eyebrows. 

You left the dorm, descending the stairs down to the common room where most Gryffindors were sat sourly as we lost and Harry had fallen and broke his broom. 

You couldn’t see the twins or Oliver anywhere so you assumed they were still with Harry. 

You left the common room quietly and made your way down to the kitchen corridor where the Hufflepuff common room was located. 

You had never been near the Hufflepuff common room before. You hadn't really bothered going near any of the other house’s commons room actually. You hadn’t had friends outside Gryffindor before, more specifically outside the Gryffindor quidditch team. 

You scrunched the sleeves of your sweater in the palm of your hands as you tiptoed down the corridor.

“There you are.” Cedric seemed to almost appear out of thin air as he exited the kitchens with two mugs of hot chocolate. 

“How did you?” You gestured at the mugs as you questioned. 

“The house elves are happy to give out food and drinks as long as they are treated well.” Cedric offered you your mug. 

You smiled as you heard quiet humming coming from the cup. 

“My father bought these marshmallows from Denmark. They sing as they melt into your drink.” Cedric smiled as you noticed the soft music. 

The mug had a mound of cream on top with shavings of chocolate and several fluffy singing marshmallows. 

“Thank you.” You held the mug close to you as it warmed your hands. 

Cedric sat down with his back against the corridor wall and you sat beside him. 

“I like your hair. It’s gone all curly.” Cedric complimented you which made you blush.

“Ugh, I hate it. The rain always makes it go really frizzy.” You patted the top of your head and groaned. Cedric just shook his head lightly at your actions. 

“Is Harry okay?” He asked, 

“I think so. Madam Pomfrey is the best healer I’ve ever seen so if anyone can fix him, she can.” You stated, sipping on your hot chocolate. 

Cedric suddenly started laughing, his bright eyes wincing as his smile grew wide. 

“What?” You smiled at him, the whipped cream now covering your noise. 

Cedric wiped the cream from the tip of your nose, sucking it off his thumb as he continued to laugh. 

You let your own laughter fall quiet as you examined the handsome boys face. 

Your thoughts started to race as the marshmallows started to quietly hum an old love song. 

“Why me?” You asked him. 

“What do you mean?” Cedric questioned you back, looking from your eyes to your lips to your eyes again. 

“Why talk to me this year? You could talk to anyone. We only briefly bumped into each other on that train ride. Why not leave it at that?” 

“Because...” Cedric sat up further against the wall. “...I have never been drawn to anyone the way I was drawn to you after you purposely threw yourself against me.” 

“I did not throw myself against you!” You screeched, defending yourself which only made Cedric laugh wildly again. 

You tried not to laugh with him but your smile couldn't help but break out. 

You both sat there in the quiet for a moment until you started humming along with the marshmallows.

“You know this?” Cedric asked, referring to the tune the sweets were singing. 

“I love this song.” You whispered as you stared down at your mug. 

Cedric suddenly started singing the words to the song but extremely off key. 

“Shut up! You’re ruining it!” You nudged the boys shoulder which only started him up again. “Does your face not hurt, Mr Smiley?” You teased him for it. 

“Come on.” Cedric rose to his feet and offered his hand out to you. 

You took it. 

His hand was warm.

“You hungry?” Cedric led you towards the kitchen entrance. 

“Starving.” 

(NEXT PART)

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[hiraemy]

Lumine and the Goblet of Fire [part 3]

[Part One] [Part Two]

Word count: 2k

Notes: I’m sorry for the delay! I actually planned to have this part posted last week, but there were a few things that got me troubled so I had to postpone it a bit. This part is almost 100% action, and I’m not sure myself if I could write it in a way that’s interesting and easy to imagine, so... Yeah. I would spent more time trying to make it work, but I thought I had already delayed it enough. Anyways, thank you for the support and enjoy your reading!

Act three: Lumine and the stupid First Trial

To everyone who had the rare luxury of getting closer to the twins, there were a few obvious things that came to light, like how Aether and Lumine were complete polar opposites but still managed to understand each other with a simple glance.

Lumine was the most guarded of the two— almost bordering on paranoia, but we don't talk about that—, probably a result of her constant worrying. She wasn't one to openly talk about her feelings, even to Aether, and it took a lot of insistence from Paimon to even befriend her. 

Aether was too aware of this. He knew Lumine had a lot on her mind, and he also knew not to push some things because it was both painful and cruel to do it to her. Still, when he heard about the Triwizard Tournament, he felt like it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that they couldn't miss. 

It was good for her to be pushed out of her shell once in a while. Aether felt like one day or another Lumine had to learn to not let her fears keep her from doing risky things. Better sooner than later, right?

That being said, it wasn't like he was a heartless monster. Watching Lumine's eyes glistening with anxiety from the screen— even if no one else could spot it in her stoic expression— made his heart clench, a grimace forming on his lips. 

He had full faith in his twin. But that didn't stop him from worrying.

Lumine learned too late that watching someone almost being crushed by a legendary beast and actually being the person almost crushed by a legendary beast were two entirely different experiences. 

While she felt her breath caught in her throat too many times watching Childe and Albedo defeat their opponents earlier, she felt like if she didn't breathe enough in her own trial she would be toast in no time at all.

Dvalin lunged, his entire body crashing in the stone and leaving behind a trail of destruction, eyes narrowed on her figure. Lumine ran until the end of the platform, gulping when she saw the dead end. Fuck. There was another rock pillar, but it was too far. The dragon was closing on her and she had to think fast. She had three options here: learn how to fly out of nowhere, fall to her death or to try to outsmart the Great Dragon Dvalin. 

Yeah, no fucking way.

So, flying it is.

Broomsticks were out. First of all, she didn’t even bring her broom from Beauxbatons, because she didn’t think she would need it in the first place. Besides, this was a pocket dimension, so, unless she knew how to teleport things from outside, that was also out of the question. Right. In the end, it was do or die. Great.

Lumine was going to kill Aether. Was it bad that she could only think of how she could be the most petty and annoying to her brother after this? Oh, if she survived, of course. Not to jinx or anything.

She gathered all the courage of a lifetime in her chest and took a deep breath. She didn’t dare to look behind her or even below and jumped off the still, safe ground. Her hair whipped in all directions and invaded her mouth and she almost let her grip on her wand slide. Lumine was sure both Paimon and Aether would kill her later for being so reckless, but she convinced herself that they couldn't kill her if she was already dead in the first place.

Free falling was extremely unsettling, with no other words being enough to describe the feeling. Her stomach was spinning and all her senses were screaming for her to do something, but her logical mind overruled everything, making sure she got the timing right. When she felt the tickly sensation of passing by the clouds, she finally let out the breath she was holding.

“Arresto momentum!” She stopped falling. Literally. Ignoring the chills in her spine when she noticed that she couldn’t see the ground when she fell at least a hundred meters from the platform, she stabilized herself in a good position mid-air before casting the next spell “Ascendio!”

Lumine was shot up upwards, but this time, she had full control of her movements in plain air. It was almost as if she had a pair of wings on her back, allowing her to have a fair combat in the skies with Stormterror. The rational part of her mind asked herself how the fuck was she supposed to do attack and defend when she was already distracted with maintaining the Ascendio charm. She didn’t even know before jumping if her trick was going to work, so everything she could accomplish after was already great.

Dvalin roared again, his entire body convulsing, almost as if he was in pain. Lumine narrowed her eyes at the strange behavior, but decided to take the advantage of not being noticed by the beast yet. 

“Confringo!” She yelled, aiming directly for his head. Dvalin took the direct hit and roared again, his scales scorched, but mostly unaffected despite the lethal force used behind the curse. “Expulso!” Lumine tried again, merely blasting the dragon a few inches off course in air. The beast seemed more annoyed than damaged by her attacks, blindly clawing as someone who tried to shoo bugs away. The witch had a hard time avoiding his attacks, almost being hit once or twice. 

However, in these attempts, she noticed something. No matter what spells she threw at Dvalin, the dragon wouldn’t attack her with the intent to kill. He had a few too close tries, but he never aimed directly to take her down. It was almost as if he was distracted with another thing— Or he simply didn’t want to attack her. It roared a lot, each time sounding more painful than the last. Was he cursed, or something…? 

Not a single spell she casted had a great effect on his defenses, no matter how strong her firepower was. She didn’t doubt her combat abilities, having full confidence in her DADA and Charms scores from Beauxbatons, but it was painfully clear she wasn’t going anywhere with this full offensive plan. Before, Tartaglia managed to beat the Oceanid sorely in combat, but Albedo took a rather different strategy to encase Andrius in wines and stop it from moving. What the hell would she do with an opponent who was tankier than both of the other beasts, and at the same time, could kill her with a single swipe?

As if a light was shoved into her brain, she noticed a purple crystal hanging from Dvalin’s neck. It was almost as if it was forcefully implanted into his skin, corruption growing between his scales and rooting the gem in its place. Not a single book that covered the biology of the world’s magical beasts mentioned a purple gem on the dragon, so maybe… Was it safe to guess that it didn’t belong there originally?

Another attack brought Lumine from her thoughts, her left arm suffering a deep gash from the shoulder to her elbows for lack of attention. It stung like a bitch and she bit her lips harshly to stop the pitiful scream from escaping. If she wanted to take a closer look to that crystal, she had to be better than this. 

“Diminuendo,” She cast the spell on herself, feeling her figure shrink until she was twenty centimeters tall. In this state, Dvalin’s crazed eyes were unable to track her, so she had an easier time flying until she was at the dragon’s neck. She casted the countercharm to grow back into her full height and used Relashio, removing the crystal’s roots from his neck. The crystal let a purple smoke that Lumine didn't inhale by instinct and clattered to the ground. The blonde quickly blew the gem to dust, watching as it released a lot of elemental energy into the air.

The dragon seized as if it had suffered a great shock, his uncontrollable spasms sending her flying towards the stone platform like a pathetic bug, the ground around her gaining a huge crash landsite from the pure strength of the throw. Her back gave a pitiful noise— it wasn't broken… hopefully— and the air was expelled from her lungs, leaving her gasping for air.

She didn’t even have the time to properly feel the pain, because in a blink of an eye, Dvalin was also falling— Right on her. Lumine propelled herself by the elbows, tripping on her feet one or two times before being able to drag herself away from the gigantic dragon, and escaping by a hair thread. Her adrenaline rush lasted a few seconds before she collapsed on her feet, right arm(the good one) crutching her ribs rather tight. 

“Is it over…?” Lumine muttered, tired and feeling like she could sleep for months. As if she had jinxed it, Dvalin groaned again, but the only body part he could move was his head. His mouth was half-open, showing the sharp fangs and the strange coloration on his tongue— It had a nasty stain, looking like rotten flesh. But the thing that caught her attention were his eyes. The pupils were grey, hazed and unfocused, even if the irised sustained an angry looking red with a tiny purple circle spinning around the pupil as if it was actively sustaining a curse. 

Lumine still had to take that Plume. However, there was something off about his whole demeanor that made her extremely unsettled. 

With tiny, careful steps, she dared to get closer to him. The dragon hissed, growling in a threatening tone that screamed ‘Get Away!’, but she ignored it for the sake of her instincts. Suddenly, his head dragged on the floor, aiming to bite her.

Her hand shot up automatically, wand long forgotten meters away, on the ground where she fell before. She didn’t know how— or why— she did that, but rather than questioning her own sanity, she felt the energy channeling on her veins into a not-exactly-shield made of pure magic. And instead of crashing directly on it, Dvalin simply stopped mid-track, eyes changing coloration and suddenly clearer. His pupils slowly regained focus, clear and a dark black coloration again, the circle around it long gone. 

Dvalin shook his head slowly, regaining his senses. 

It stood up on full fours, wings opening in a magnificent beast deserving of the title King of the Skies. It gave another roar that sounded even… happy? At least, as far as happy roars could go, she guessed. Anyway, it didn’t want to claw her eyes out, so she was taking it as a win.

Ah. Right, the plume—!

“Mr. Dvalin!” She screamed when the winds began to pick up again, signaling that the dragon was almost leaving the platform for good. She ignored the dumb feeling of calling Stormterror by ‘Mister’ and cupped her hands around her mouth. “Please, could you give me a plume? It's really important…!”

It sailed off. Lumine tried to not let her disappointment show on her face— God, who the fuck was dumb enough to try to chat with a dragon—?!

Wait. 

On the stone platform, hidden by the cracks. Lying there was a single dark blue plume. 

The cheers were loud. So loud that Lumine first thought she was going to be deaf. Still, with Dvalin's plume on her raised fist, she didn't have in her to let the screams affect the adrenaline of beating the goddamn trial with flying scores. Literally. 

She quickly scanned the crowd for her brother and Paimon, searching for approval in her most

 precious people in the world, just to see Paimon almost flying off the benches. As for Aether… well.

Seeing the grin on his sister's face caused a wave of pride to take over his system in a heartbeat. All the tension accumulated on his muscles left him all of sudden, making him flop tiredly into the chair(when did he stand up anyway?).

A part of Aether's worries were soothed. Lumine was strong. Even if she didn't notice, she was letting herself grow into a beautiful flower despite all the harsh currents that tried to take her down.

"...you're crying"

"...n-no, I'm not… Stop laughing, Paimon!"

[marauders70s]

I know it’s been a while since I posted one of these, but it’s back!

Texts from my Ravenclaw Sister

Today focusing on the confusing parts of quidditch, like certain death and lack of safety measures, no apparent health care team standing by, and again (a common frustration) the rarity of quidditch games and stupidity of the quidditch cup tourney based on mixed teams of children and teenagers/adults.

[Description ID under the cut]

A series of texts screenshotted from a phone. Marauders70s is the sender, in green. Ravenclaw sister is the responder, in grey.

From Marauders70s: Why isn’t the first lesson of flying class how to cast arresto momentum on yourself? Like jumping up and down in place until you can fall slow, then getting up on a mounting block like horse back riding and jumping out, then a platform jump like in the lake casting it before ever getting on a broom?? It’s literally a lifesaver? Harry at 13 should have never plummeted to his supposed death? What point is a helmet falling the equivalent of an 18 story building? (200 ft)

It would make sense that junior quidditch leagues and kiddie brooms would have those pull clips like on treadmills if a kid fell off and the clip yanked away it would automatically cast a stored charge of arresto momentum like an airbag for children??

Because Harry’s toddler broom was a foot off the ground but if you can join adult quidditch at 12 then ages 8-10 would likely play with “teen/tween brooms” like sports equipment comes in kid, teen and adult sizes. That means these brooms definitely fly at least 20-50 feet in the air? They would definitely need pull cords because not all kids could cast that?

Plus statute of secrecy (which shouldn’t count saving their own life) and kids ��not having wands” which seems nuts to me (we’ve talked about H’s Tot Wands like leapfrog learning wands).

From Ravenclaw Sister: My other question is why isn’t madam pomfry at all the quidditch matches?

From Marauders70s: Maybe they have a medic team? Like in sports games? They do during the quidditch world cup. Maybe there are students training to be healers standing by

From Ravenclaw Sister: But why would Lockhart ever be allowed to get near Harry when he fell? Also shouldn’t there be like a middle school and high school team?

From Marauders70s: It really doesn’t make sense for someone in seventh grade under five feet tall is like hello 18 year old brutal player

From Ravenclaw Sister: Also doesn’t it give little kids the advantage as seekers? It’d make more sense if it were 1-4 and 4-7, where fourth years could play in either league but not both

From Marauders70s: Yeah; it would also be JV and varsity. Plus since there’s only 3 official games per team per year this would offer a lot more spectator sports like two per month instead of one

From Ravenclaw Sister: Also why aren’t there more games

From Marauders70s: It doesn’t make sense “we need to crush Slytherin” Oliver Wood says fiercely. Well, you play Slytherin once. Also Harry talks a lot about Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory despite only playing against them once per year. That means Harry and Cho played twice. Ever.

From Ravenclaw Sister: Yeah...

[End ID]

[arrow-guy]

Author and Auror (8/??)

Synopsis: Eleanore Vaughan has never been one for the spotlight. Her cousin, Rosaline, is the one best suited to the limelight, and is happier for the attention. Though Nora is most comfortable tucked away in her book shop, what happens when Grindelwald’s sudden takeover flips her world upside-down and thrusts her into the inner circle?

A/N: Alright, so @thorne93​ has already finished posting her half of this collaboration, but we’ll get there eventually.... hopefully lmao. This chapter will be Particularly Dramatic. Again, I am not tagging any of my regular tag list for this fic, so if you’d like to be tagged, please let me know. Anyway, have at it!

Previously, with Rosaline...

Page dividers by @carryonmyswansong​

Pairing: Theseus ScamanderxOFC

Word Count: 4.4k

Warnings: Dueling, injuries

Part 7

“Eleanore Vaughan,” Albus Dumbledore’s voice floats from the open beak of the shimmering phoenix sat on my desk. “I’ve just received word that Rosaline has passed through the Hogwarts wards and is headed towards my classroom. I am not aware of any business she would have with me, but I might suggest that you make haste in getting here.”

The Patronus disperses and I shove my chair back from the desk and hurry to Theseus’ office. I slam the door open, startling Theseus and Newt away from their work.

“Rosaline is at Hogwarts,” I announce.

“What?” Newt asks.

“Albus’ Patronus filled me in,” I explain, turning on my heel and walking back out into the hallway. Theseus and Newt follow me out. “Rosaline is headed for him, but he doesn’t know why. All he said is that we should get there fast.”

“Could Grindelwald have sent her?”

“Who knows,” I frown and poke my head into several different offices startling three different pairs of Aurors. “Where the fuck is Tina?!”

“She’s in the canteen,” Dawes answers, poking his head out into the hallway. “I’ll get her for you.”

“Great, tell her to meet us one floor down at the broom check out,” I stop dead in my tracks and turn to Theseus. “I’m so sorry, I swear I’m not trying to take over.”

He grabs me by the shoulders and turns me around. “No time for that,” he says, steering me down the hall to the lift. “We’ve got places to be and you obviously have more of a plan than I do.”

I nod once. The three of us bundle into the lift and, before the floor is selected, I yell, “DAWES.”

“Yeah?” he calls back.

“You’re coming with. Grab Jeanette on your way down, we’ll need the extra hands.”

He nods and the attendant selects the floor down. Theseus signs out six of the fastest brooms they’ve got and we meet up with Dawes, Jeanette, and Tina. We each grab an arm and steer them to the apparation points.

“Where are we going?” Dawes asks.

“Hogwarts gates,” I answer. “I’ll side along with Tina.”

“Well be flying up to the castle,” Theseus explains. “Make for the Defense classroom, be prepared for the worst.”

With brooms in hand and everyone filled in, Tina and I link arms and apparate. Each person appears with a crack. The gates slowly swing open of their own accord as we mount our brooms and we shoot into the sky one after the other. Trees blur together beneath us and quickly give way to a massive expanse of browning grass. The Quidditch pitch rises up in the distance and soon the castle is looming over us. I angle my broom towards the east towers and keep as tight to the walls as I can manage. I pull up on the broomstick and my feet ghost along the bricks of the astronomy tower. I dismount as soon as I’ve flown past the staircase to the astronomy classroom and toss the broom to the side in favor of sprinting for the stairs to Dumbledore’s classroom. Everyone else is close on my heels as I throw open the half closed doors.

“Nora?”

Rosaline’s voice reaches my ears and my head snaps to her. Grindelwald has a bruising hold on her arm and I immediately draw my wand, anger flaring up inside me. Grindelwald smirks and I throw a stinging jinx at him, just to get him to let her go. Rosaline deflects it and my eyes go wide.

“Rosaline,” I say, doing my best to keep my voice level. “We don’t want to hurt you. Come with us. Please.”

“No,” she says, chin lifted in defiance. “I’ll stay right where I am.”

“I don’t know what he’s done to you, but the Rosaline I know would never be with a man like him. Would never choose evil over her own family.”

“Evil?!” she cries, taking one step closer to Grindelwald. “As if you’d have any idea of the good we’ve been doing!”

Grindelwald caresses Rosaline’s cheek and she seems to lean into his touch. “You see, Ms. Vaughan, Rosaline chooses us. It seems to me that you should respect that choice, yes?”

My hand tightens around my wand and I throw a knockback jinx at him. Rosaline immediately steps in front of him and blocks the spell. Her face pinches into an expression of pure rage and she casts a stinging jinx, directed at me. I back up and fire off a spell without thinking and it slices a skull that was hanging on the wall in half when Rosaline dodges it. I step back to rejoin the ranks of aurors I had rushed away from. Grindelwald pulls Rosaline’s hair away from her face and presses his lips to her ear, whispering something I can’t make out. When he pulls away, Rosaline nods and her shoulders set firmly. She disarms Dawes and Jeanette, sending their wands flying. They go scrambling after them, leaving the rest of us to deal with Rosaline and two of Grindelwalds henchmen. While Grindelwalds men advance on us, Rosaline continues firing off spells, sending Tina flying into the wall behind her. As she falls to the floor in a heap, Theseus cries out in pain and clutches at his chest. Newt steps up beside me and, together, we disarm and bind Grindelwalds two men.

“What’s wrong, Mr. Scamander?” Grindelwald taunts. “You revealed me in New York, but you haven’t the courage to attack the woman whose heart you broke?”

Newt opens his mouth to say something, but closes it again in favor of lifting his wand a little higher. He moves slightly closer to me and I bump his shoulder with mine to reassure him.

“I spared you last time, but you won’t be so fortunate now.” Grindelwald steps out from behind Rosaline and draws his wand “Crucio!”

Newt crumples beside me, crying out and whimpering in pain. I drop down beside him, hands hovering over his body as he convulses, completely unsure of what to do.

“Stop this!” I cry. “You bastard, stop!”

“That is enough, Grindelwald!” Dumbledore roars. He shoots across the room and roughly shoves Grindelwald, breaking the curse. “Killing innocent men, you’re a traitor to your kind!”

I help Newt to his feet and grasp his face between my hands and look him over quickly before moving on to check on Tina and Theseus. Tina holds her non-dominant arm close to her chest and I carefully pull it away from her body to check it over. She winces.

“Can you move it?” She shakes her head and I gently press the tip of my wand to her forearm. “Ferula.”

A faint click indicates that her bones are back in the proper place and her arm is wrapped tightly in a bandage with a simple sling around her neck. Tina waves me off when I try to do more and points to Theseus. He’s managed to prop himself up and is trying to catch his breath.

“I’m fine,” he insists when I drop down beside him and turn his face from side to side and move on to check his ribs for any damage.

“Are you sure?” I ask.

He nods. “She just threw me back a ways. Nothing but my pride is hurt.”

I nod jerkily and haul him to his feet. Dawes and Jeanette have managed to circle back around and Jeanette helps Tina up. Grindelwalds men have managed to recover and advance on us.

“You two take care of those idiots,” Dawes and Jeanette nod. “Theseus, Newt, and Tina, you advance on Rosaline, I’ll grab her from behind.”

We break apart and head off to our own assignments. Dumbledore and Grindelwald clash in the center of the classroom and I have to shield myself from stray spells. Grindelwald’s men go down easily and Rosaline is distracted with dueling Newt, Theseus, and Tina all at once. She doesn’t notice me creeping up.

“Expelliarmus,” I hiss. Her wand flies across the room and Tina manages to catch it before it hits the floor.

“Wha-?” She whips around and her eyes go wide.

“Confundus,” I point my wand directly at her and cast. She presses a hand to her forehead as if suddenly dizzy and begins to fall to the floor. “Arresto Momentum!”

I manage to slow her enough that she doesn’t hurt herself when she makes contact with the hardwood.

“Go!” Dumbledore yells, having momentarily pushed Grindelwald back. “Get to my office!”

I cast a quick mobilicorpus and lift Rosaline from the floor. She rouses long enough to realize what’s happening. Tina casts fumos and follows quickly behind Theseus, who leads the way up the stairs. Grindelwald swipes at Rosaline as we pass, but misses as the smoke reaches his eyes and clogs his mouth. As soon as the door is closed, I lock it behind us and release Rosaline. She immediately makes for the door and Theseus and Newt grab both her arms.

“Let me go!” she cries. She thrashes about, clawing and kicking at both Newt and Theseus when she realizes she no longer has her wand. “Gellert!” she screams. “Gellert!”

The dueling continues on the other side of the door, but Grindelwald has taken more of an interest in spelling the door open. Theseus tasks Dawes and Jeanette with barricading the door and standing guard.

“Unhand me!” Rosaline demands.

I grit my teeth and whip around to face her, my wand pointed directly at her chest. “Immobulus.” And then her feet. “Locomotor Mortis.”

“Where are we supposed to go from here?” Tina asks.

I close my eyes and rub my temples. Albus wouldn’t have sent us in here unless there were a way out. My eyes snap open and I immediately begin searching the room.

“What is it?” Theseus.

“There!” I snatch up the flower pot on Dumbledore’s desk. The swirling fern fronds are artfully placed to conceal something much more useful to us than soil. “Floo powder!”

“His fireplace is connected to the floo network?” Dawes says, watching me pull each frond from the flower pot.

Newt shrugs. “He’s not exactly one for rules, is he?”

I roll my eyes and summon my frozen cousin to me. “We’ll go to my flat, understood? 

“Grindelwald will expect us to go to the Ministry,” Theseus explains. “He may come looking for us and cannot be allowed to reclaim this woman.”

Everyone nods and I step into the fireplace with a handful of floo powder. “The Cursed Stacks!” I declare, and throw down the powder. We disappear in a swirl of green flames.

I step from the fireplace and wipe my shoes on the mat on the hearth. Rosaline stumbles out behind me, having broken free of each binding spell and rounds on me.

“Give me my wand,” she growls.

I snort. “No. I wouldn’t give it to you, even if I had it. Clearly, I can’t trust you yet.”

She runs at me and I stun her before casting mobilicorpus one more time, just as Theseus and Newt come through the floo. Theseus sighs and Newt gazes sadly at Rosaline’s floating form. Tina, Dawes, and Jeanette come through one after the other. I scold them when they start tracking soot into my library.

Dawes pales and immediately goes back to wipe his shoes on the mat. “Sorry, miss.”

“Thanks,” I mutter, clearing away the footprints with a quick scourgify.

“Dawes, go back to the Ministry, let the head of the DMLE know we’ve found Rosaline Vaughan,” Theseus says. “Lawsonne, you’ll stay here.”

“How long, sir?” she asks.

“As long as necessary.”

Both aurors nod and Dawes disappears with a loud pop.

“What do we do now?” Theseus asks me.

I shake my head. “I’ll set her up in her room and then we’ll wait till she wakes up.”

“Are you worried about her trying to get away?” Tina asks.

“I’ll tether her to the bedpost. She won’t be able to leave the room.”

“I want my wand back,” Rosaline says firmly. She leans back in her chair and away from the table.

“No.”

“It’s my wand, I should have it.”

I snort. “Tell us where you’ve been, and you’ll have it back.”

She looks down her nose at Theseus and I. “As if.”

“Perhaps Credence, then,” Theseus presses.

“No,” she says.

“Fine, we’ll keep your wand safe for you till you feel like sharing.”

She folds her arms over her chest and glares at us as we push our chairs back from the table and excuse ourselves from the room. As soon as the door is closed, Theseus pulls me to the side.

“She doesn’t seem quite right,” he says. “She’s never been that combative before, has she?”

I shake my head. “Not since she was little and I wouldn’t let her use my wand.”

“Any idea what could be wrong?”

“I have no idea, but we’ve only just gotten her back. Maybe she’ll come back to us.”

He nods and takes my hand. “Maybe.”

Rosaline is still sitting in the same chair as she was when I left her. She glares up at me, her hair tilted to the side, as I slide a bowl of potato soup across the table. She slowly reaches out and pushes the bowl off the table. The soup splatters across the floor and I just barely manage to catch the bowl before it crashes against the hardwood. I sigh and spell away the mess before sitting down.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you do that since mother placed mashed peas in front of you when you were five,” I comment.

She sneers at me, but refuses to comment. “Haven’t brought Theseus with you this time, have you?” she says. “Didn’t want to be around you for long, did he?”

“Mm,” I hum. “Perhaps. Or maybe I’ve snuck in. I’m clever enough to do that, aren’t I?”

“Not quite clever enough to convince a man to date you though.”

“Ah, yes. You’re really just dragging me along behind the broomstick, aren’t you? Just going for the fatal blow.” I lean back in my chair, my arms thrown up in mock surrender. “Oh no! You’ve backed me into an emotional corner! I’m completely trapped! Fuck you.”

“No need to get angry with me, cousin,” she says, clearly pleased with herself.

“Is this really what you’ve been learning all this time you’ve been with Grindelwald?”

“Not everything.”

“Alright then, what’s his next move to be?”

“I wouldn’t tell you even if I knew.”

“Of course. Perhaps you’d tell me why you visited Dumbledore, then.”

“I wanted to see an old friend,” she says sweetly, her annoyance painfully clear. “It’s my turn to ask a question now, yes?” I roll my eyes and gesture for her to speak. “Why am I being held hostage? I’ve yet to commit a crime!”

“You’ve aided in the conquering and subjugation of the wizarding world and muggles,” I say simply. “I can’t allow you to leave.”

“Eleanore?” Theseus pokes his head into the room. “We need assistance with the wards.”

I nod and place the bowl in front of Rosaline again. I hit it with a sticking charm and fill it with water.

“Don’t cause any trouble while I’m gone.”

“I want my wand!” she yells.

“No!” I call back.

“Something is wrong with her,” I say softly. “I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, but my suspicions that she may have been bewitched are only getting stronger.”

Theseus nods. “Is there any way to prove that’s true?”

“Only time can tell, really, and if she were, then being away from whoever cast the spell could have adverse effects, the likes of which I cannot predict. But…” I trail off, biting at the end of my thumb.

“What?”

I shake my head. “I don’t think we can keep her here. As secure as my wards are, they’re nothing compared to those of the Ministry, especially down in the Department of Mysteries. As it stands, Grindelwald may very well be looking for Rosaline and he may be able to find my flat, or my parents house, or even my… my shop. Merlin, Theseus, I have to tell my parents to leave their home. I’ll have to close the shop!”

I begin pacing and Theseus chases after me. “Nora.” He tries to get a hand around my arm, but I manage to slip from his grasp. “Nora, please.”

I pace back and forth across the library, muttering about plans to move my parents. Plans for the shop. Plans to keep my employees safe. Theseus manages to get in front of my and grab hold of my arms, stopping me where I stand.

“Eleanore, love, please stop,” he says softly, careful in the way that he cups my face in his hands.

I freeze and rest my hands on his forearms. “You called me love,” I murmur.

“Yes,” he nods firmly. “I-I did. Intentionally and with complete confidence.”

I choke out a laugh and Theseus wipes a tear from my eye with his thumb. “Thank you for that.”

“Is it that funny?”

“No, I’m just really happy that you feel like we’re at a point in our relationship where you can call me love. Because, believe me, I’ve been wanting to for a while, but I didn’t want to overstep any bounds.”

He smiles and presses his forehead to mine. “Never. You could never. But you are getting very wound up over this. Your parents have already been contacted and have been moved to a safehouse. I can send Dawes to the shop and make sure James and Tessa make it home alright.”

“Really?”

“Of course. There’s a real risk that they could be targeted. However, we haven’t seen any evidence that Grindelwald is doing anything to find Rosaline.”

“Sounds like something we should keep quiet for now.” He nods. “Where’s Newt? How has he been handling all of this?”

“He went home to take care of his creatures and check on Jacob and Bunty. He should be back tomorrow morning.”

“Is there anything we can do about Rosaline between then and now? Anyone we could contact about moving her to the Ministry?”

“There’s one person who may be able to help us.”

“Alright. We’ll work through the night if we have to.”

“We’ve got permission to move her into a cell in the Department of Mysteries,” Theseus announces when he sits down at breakfast.

“Really?” I say.

“We’ll be able to move her there around five this evening.” Theseus takes a slice of toast from the rack and butters it.

“Alright.”

“Is everything alright?” he asks.

“She refuses to eat anything. Either pushes it off the table or lets it sit till it’s cold, warm, or just disgusting altogether.” I place my tea on the table. “Could this be due to the bewitching?”

“It’s not quite my area of expertise, but it might. Maybe you should contact Dumbledore and get his opinion.”

I nod and push back from the table. “I’ll owl him. Perhaps he might take a look at her once we’ve gotten her settled.”

“Ah! The Head Auror is back,” Rosaline says when Theseus enters the room. I follow after him and she ignores me.

“You’re being moved,” Theseus says, folding his arms across his chest.

“Oh, am I?”

“You’re under investigation. As soon as the room is prepared, we’ll transport you to the Ministry,” Theseus explains.

She scoffs. “You’d have me locked up, would you, cousin?” she questions, finally lifting her eyes to meet mine.

I shake my head. “You’ve left me no choice.”

“Is this punishment? Are you seeking a surrogate for your own pain? The fact that you’ll never have Theseus, yet I’ve found true love eats you alive, doesn’t it? That’s why you’re doing this. You have nothing on which to hold me, you refuse me my wand and the respect I deserve, and now you’re confining me to the Ministry?”

Theseus and I glance at each other and Rosaline catches it. Something flares in her eyes.

“Speaking of lovers, how is Leta, Theseus?” Rosaline asks.

Theseus steps forward, his mouth open, and I stop him with one hand on his chest. His face steadily grows more and more red with his anger.

“You know damn well how she is,” he hisses.

“Oh, Theseus,” Rosaline cackles gleefully. “You always were a halfwit. No wonder they were begging me to replace you.”

With a flick of my wand, I cast a wordless silencio, and all sounds from Rosaline cease. Theseus sighs and his shoulders sag. I place a cup of water down on the table in front of her.

“Drink.” She purses her lips and I point my wand at her. “It’s the water or a hex, I’m certain I know which you would prefer.”

She glares at me and snatches the glass from the table and slugs it back and wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. She slams the glass down and folds her arms. I watch with mild disinterest as the sleeping draught begins to take effect. Her eyelids grow heavier and heavier until her head lolls back and her mouth hangs open.

“That should hold her till we can get her to the Ministry,” I say.

“I shouldn’t have lost my temper like that,” Theseus murmurs.

“You had every right to.”

He shakes his head. “What did she mean when she said you’d “never have me”?”

I press my lips together and take his hand in mine. “This isn’t a conversation to have here.”

I lead him into my bedroom and sit him on the bed. I stand in front of him and he looks at me expectantly. I take a deep breath and begin pacing.

“Again with the pacing?”

I nod. “I can’t explain myself and look you in the eye.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve cared for you longer than you have for me.”

“Wh-how long?”

“Years.”

“Years?”

“Yes. Years. That’s why I pushed you away when you started seeing Leta and why I tried to stay even further out of your way after you proposed. I didn’t want to hang around or torture myself because, as I’m sure you’ve figured out, I’m a great fan of self preservation. I threw myself into the shop and studying so that I didn’t have to accidentally get in your way.” He opens his mouth to speak but I stop and face him, arms folded. “I was happy for you and Leta, I promise. I never wanted to pursue you or anything. I never did, and Rosaline was convinced that I should for a very long time. But I could see how happy she made you. I mourned with you after… after Paris. I didn’t expect this-” I gesture between the two of us. “-to ever happen. Ever. And I understand if you don’t feel comfortable continuing on because I know it’s all very strange for this to come up after months of carrying on not knowing.”

“Nora,” he interrupts. “I’m not going to leave you.”

“I… what?”

“I’m. Not. Going. To. Leave. You,” he repeats, pushing himself up from the bed and taking my hands in his. “You really think something like this could turn me off you?”

I shrug. “I should have told you,” I say weakly.

“Why?”

“I don’t know… you deserved to know? It’s not as if I was the kindest to you while you were with Leta, and then-”

“You didn’t do anything,” he insists.

“Then with Paris and what Rosaline just said, it makes me think that maybe I should have just let things stay as they were.”

“Really?”

“I don’t know.”

“Are you not happy being with me?” he asks.

“I’m happier than I’ve been in nearly ten years.”

“Then everything is fine. You aren’t Leta. You aren’t supposed to be. You yourself said the first night you invited me out that you didn’t want to be her replacement. You’re not. You are Eleanore Vaughan. You are a world class dueler, one hair shy of a curse breaker, and an excellent shop owner. Not to mention wicked smart.” He brings one of my hands up to his chest and places it over his heart. “This is yours. Not because I was lonely. Not because you talked me into it. But because I want you, because you’re the only you there will ever be.”

“Theseus…”

“I meant it when I said I didn’t think you wanted me to be interested in spending time with you. I never wanted to push you for anything when we were younger. Then Leta and I grew close. She and I loved each other. Circumstances change, though, and we’re allowed to want and-and to love and care about other people.” He shakes his head and pulls me into a hug. “Rosaline knows exactly how to get to you. She’s not in her right mind. We’ll get her to the Ministry, Dumbledore will look her over, and we’ll figure out how to help her.”

I nod and he pulls back.

“I wouldn’t let you go for all the gold in the world,” he says.

“Even if I’ve murdered someone?”

“Even then. May have to destroy any evidence first, but I’d never leave you.”

I snort and cover my face with my hands. “I’m sorry, Theseus. I’m just… I don’t think I quite feel I deserve you yet.”

“Give it time,” he smiles down at me and presses a kiss to my forehead. “I’m not going anywhere without you. Especially because your cousin is unconscious in the other room and we’ve got to have her at the Ministry in half an hour.”

“Shit, right. I’ll gather up everything we’ll need.” I rush out of the bedroom and skid to a stop in the hallway before turning on my heel and racing back into the room.

I cup his face and pull him into a kiss. He wraps his arms around my middle and kisses me back.

“What was that for?” he asks, out of breath.

“Because you’re you and I never thank you for that,” I say. “Thank you, love. For everything. I couldn’t do any of this without you.”

He laughs. “You just said you needed to put everything we needed together. We can thank each other later.” But he doesn’t let me go and leans in for another kiss instead.

I peck him on the lips and pull back. “You’ll have to let me go so I can.”

He sighs and releases me. I shuffle back out into the hallway.

“Hurry! We’ve only got twenty five minutes, now.”

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

Part 9

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this chapter, please reblog, comment, and/or shoot me ask! Feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[dat-silvers-girl]

I’ve made my choice (Part 2)

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3

A/N: This is Part 2 of my Good!Rakepick AU fic. Leave feedback and enjoy!

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Rakepick POV

"Dragon Dragon DRAGON!!!!!" Miss Haywood yelled in panic.

"GET BACK!!" Mister Weasley shouted.

"WHAT DO WE DO!?" Mr Copper asked loudly.

"RUN!!!" Miss Snyde answered.

"RUN WHERE!?" Miss Silvers yelled back.

"Everyone stand your ground!" I yelled and drew my wand quickly. My students were in a panic. I could tell that they needed a moment before they could fight.

I made sure to keep my wand pointed at the dragon as everyone backed away. The dragon was banging against the walls of the room, leading to the roof collapsing and rubble to fall.

The next moment, screams rang out from my students. I turned my head towards them and my eyes widened as it only took me a moment to realize that the rubble had trapped them.

Miss Silvers and Mister Weasley were the only ones still unscathed.

"I'll get them out of there!" Mister Weasley shouted, casting spells on the rubble trapping the others in an attempt to free them. But the more rocks he tried to destroy, the more of them fell.

Miss Silvers had her arms around her head, trying to protect herself from the falling rocks. She was panicking, in an attempt to draw her wand. I panicked myself when I noticed an even bigger boulder about to fall on her.

"Miss Silvers!! Arresto Momentum!"

The boulder stopped, only inches away from Miss Silvers' head, and for the first time since we entered the Vault, she looked at me.

"I don't know how long I can keep the rubble from falling on us!" I told her, keeping my wand pointed above us.

"Thank you, Professor! But WHAT DO I DO!?" She yelled back. Miss Silvers' looked even more nervous than before.

Sure, we were pressed for time right now, but I knew what Miss Silvers needed.

"Stop the dragon! Remember what I taught you, Miss Silvers! Use the curse! You can do this!"

Miss Silvers drew her wand immediately and took a deep breath. She straightened up and looked at me, and then back at the dragon.

"The Conjunctivitis Curse!"

The blast of pink light from her wand quickly blinded the dragon. She looked back at me with confidence in her eyes and a slight smile.

"You're right. I can do this."

I gave her a smirk and nodded. She did not look afraid any longer. I kept my focus on the rubble to keep it from falling, so that Mister Weasley could free the others.

I divided my attention among everyone, while still trying to keep the rubble from falling. I noticed that Mister Weasley was finally able to pry Miss Snyde, Miss Haywood and Mister Copper out of the rubble. They all started at Miss Silvers the second they got out. And I myself could see why. Miss Silvers was putting up a good fight, no matter how many times the dragon hit her. The light of dragon's fire and the spells gleamed against the pin I had given her, which she had been wearing above her heart.

The Eye really was doing a good job at protecting her, I suppose.

"Bombarda!" She yelled. The flames hit the dragon straight in the face, and this was the final blow. The dragon fell, and it didn't look like it would be getting up again anytime soon.

Miss Silvers took a few breaths and relaxed.

"You did it…" Miss Haywood started, walking up to Miss Silvers. "You defeated a dragon."

"I… I can't… believe this…" Miss Silvers answered between breaths. "I… I did it!"

"Well done, Miss Silvers! Well done!" I told her proudly, walking up to my students.

"So is that it then? Is the curse broken? Are Beatrice and the others free now?" Miss Haywood asked excitedly.

"We'll find out soon enough." Mister Weasley said. "Is everyone here all right?"

"I feel like a pile of rocks was dumped on me, but otherwise I'm fine." Miss Snyde answered.

"Isn't that exactly what happened just now, Merula?" Miss Silvers commented with a little laugh.

"Shut up, Silvers." Miss Snyde answered, but I swear she sounded amused.

"I'm so sorry, this was my fault." Mister Copper mumbled. "I released the dragon."

"Don't be too harsh on yourself, Mister Copper. It had to be done." I said.

"Had to be done? Is the curse broken now?" Miss Snyde asked me.

"Not yet, there's still a bit more to do. But we have made it this far. You have all done well." I told my students with a smile.

I'll be honest, I felt like a proud mother here.

"All of us? But Sarahi was the one who took down the dragon." Miss Haywood said, looking rather confused.

"Yes, all of you." I answered, giving them a nod. "You all distracted the dragon long enough for Miss Silvers to be able to take it down. She couldn't have done it without the rest of you."

Miss Silvers and her friends shared some proud looks with each other. It seems that they agreed.

"But now, back to the matter at hand." I said. "The Vault still needs to be opened."

"Yes, we should at least be able to open that door now, if the dragon was guarding it." Mister Weasley said.

Without letting me say anything, he and Miss Haywood sprinted towards the door and tried to push it open.

"It… won't budge." He told us disappointedly.

"Yes, because that won't work." I answered. "Miss Silvers, you can open the door now."

"Me? How?" Miss Silvers asked me, walking closer towards the door. But I didn't have to answer her as she got it herself. She closed her eyes and seemed focused on something. I knew what it was.

"There's… someone… or something in my head. I can't block it out! What's going on?" She asked.

"Don't block it out, Miss Silvers! It's the door!"

"The door?" Miss Snyde asked, looking at me with utter confusion.

"Yes! Objects can be enchanted with intelligence and even Legilimency! That's how the Sorting Hat knows in what house to place a student."

Miss Silvers shook off the door for a moment. "Legilimency and the door… Dumbledore told me something about this once."

"What do you remember, Miss Silvers? Think!"

"Dumbledore once told me that if I mastered my Legilimency abilities, I could open doors… in hidden places! This is it, isn't it!?" Miss Silvers asked me excitedly.

"Yes! That is it!" I answered, pretending I didn't already know the answer.

But of course I knew what lied beyond the door. I was trying to ignore the nervousness that was creeping up my spine.

Miss Silvers looked back at the door and drew her wand. "So if the door can get into my mind, does that mean I can get us into…"

"Yes, you can! Focus, Miss Silvers!"

"I'm trying…"

"What's going on?" Mister Weasley asked, looking at Miss Silvers and then at me.

"I don't understand." Miss Snyde commented.

"Can everyone stop talking for one minute please?" Miss Silvers demanded. "Legilimens!"

Miss Silvers waved her wand at the door, and in a few seconds, it creaked open.

"Brilliant, Sarahi! We're in!" Mister Weasley exclaimed.

"What…? How did you…?" Miss Haywood stammered.

"I'm not sure…" Miss Silvers answered. "It seems Legilimency was literally the 'key' to opening the door. When Dumbledore taught me about Legilimency, I couldn't have made the connection at the time."

"Do you think Dumbledore knew about this?" Mister Copper asked.

"We can chat about all that later!" Miss Snyde exclaimed. "Let's just go in!"

"Alright everyone! Let's- Professor Rakepick, are you alright?"

Worried for what was beyond the door, I must have let my mask slip, which is why Miss Silvers asked me why I looked like I did. She and the others were now looking at me with concern and questions. And yet I could not find it in myself to answer them.

There were many of Miss Silvers' questions I had never answered, but I knew she'd get the answers inside. And once that happened, I knew… My students, who I had come to care for without realizing, would never look at me the same way again.

And yet, after everything I had done in the past, and what I had even considered doing here now, perhaps I deserved what I had coming.

"...Just go in, Miss Silvers. I'll… I'll stay here and keep an eye on the dragon. Just to be safe." I said in a low voice.

"But Professor, we're all in this together, aren't we?" Miss Silvers asked me, looking more worried about me than what was beyond the door, which I knew was her brother. The others had the same worry on their faces.

"Are you sure you're alright, Professor? You look rather distressed, which is something I never thought I'd see." Miss Snyde said.

"Merula's right. You were worried even before we came into the Vault." Miss Silvers added. "Is there something inside we should be concerned about?"

"Only something I am concerned about…" I mumbled under my breath. "Not really… All of you… go in. You'll find all the answers to your questions in there." I said, looking at them seriously.

"But my question was just if you're alright. Surely the answer to that can't be in there-"

"It is. You'll see. Miss Silvers, your brother is probably in there. I think he's waiting for you."

"My brother? But you said you weren't sure-"

"I LIED!" I yelled in answer before I could stop myself. There. Now the damage was done.

"What?" Miss Silvers asked, not yet registering my answer.

I sighed. "Miss Silvers… the truth is that I've been to this Vault before… with Jacob."

Miss Silvers widened her eyes at me. Everyone else exchanged glances, not yet understanding what happened.

Eventually, Miss Silvers broke the silence. "You've… been here before? With my brother?"

I nodded. "And with another man, Peter Pettigrew. Same plan, same Portkey. But that power-hungry coward Pettigrew lost his nerve as soon as he saw the Horntail and took off with the Portkey. He left me and your brother here to die."

With every word I said, my students' shock grew, but there was no going back. This was the last moment, and I had to tell them what I could before Jacob tells them what I do not have the face to say.

"Are you saying… my brother is dead?" Miss Silvers mumbled.

"No, he should still be alive. I was the one distracting the dragon while he was using Legilimency to open the door. You see… only a Legilimens can unlock the treasures within this cursed vault."

"And you've known that this whole time!?" Miss Silvers snapped.

Shame was beginning to rise like a bile in my stomach. Under different circumstances, I would have struck them all down and already taken what was in the Vault. But I didn't. And I didn't want to go back on the choice I made.

"…Yes. It's why I needed your brother, and why I needed you."

"And why did you need the rest of us?" Mister Weasley asked me.

"I knew a larger team would be needed. Jacob and I couldn't do it by ourselves, especially with Pettigrew betraying us. I knew the rest of you wouldn't betray Miss Silvers. I figured you would all be able to take the dragon down together. But… it's why I held Miss Silvers back earlier. She was the key into the Vault, and I couldn't risk putting her in danger. But I suppose I was worrying too much, seeing as you did work to that dragon." I looked back at the still fallen dragon and then back at my- the students. "As I knew you would. All you Curse-Breakers were able to accomplish this."

"Well, why didn't you tell us any of this before!?" Miss Silvers yelled, clearly just trying to wrap her head around my confessions. "Do you realize how much easier all this would have been if you told me all of this earlier!? Why are you pulling a Dumbledore and telling me important things at the last minute!?"

"Pulling a… Dumbledore?" Miss Snyde raised an eyebrow.

"You know what I mean…" Miss Silvers said, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, all this would have been easier if I told you the truth before. You are right about that, Miss Silvers." I said. "I did not realize that until right before we came into this Vault. Which is why I am telling you now: Jacob Silvers is in there. He will tell you the rest."

"There's more!?" Miss Haywood yelled. "Exactly how much have you been hiding from us!?"

"Too much to tell you all right now. Hurry, go in. Save your brother, Miss Silvers. There's an explanation I owe to him as well."

Miss Silvers looked at the door, then at me, and then at her friends, unsure of what to do.

Mister Weasley placed a hand on Miss Silvers' shoulder. "We'll wait for you here. Go and find your brother."

Miss Silvers nodded. She ran off into the door, without looking back even once.

"So… you're responsible for Silvers' brother going missing?" Miss Snyde asked me after a few minutes of silence.

"You left Jacob Silvers trapped in this Vault for almost six years?" Mister Weasley added.

I kept my gaze fixated on the door, but I could feel the students' eyes on me. "Yes…"

"Professor… do you realize how messed up that is!?"

"Yes, Mister Weasley. I am beginning to realize that."

"You said there's more you aren't telling us." Mister Copper asked. "Are you going to tell us or not?"

"I have a feeling that when Miss Silvers comes back, you all will get your answers anyway. I'm not ready for you all to find out. But I know I have it coming."

"Have what coming?" Miss Snyde asked.

"Punishment. Punishment for not only the stupid things I did in the past, but also what I had even considered doing here. I wasn't even supposed to help you all." I pried my eyes away from the door to look at Miss Snyde, who had mixed feelings on her face. "I'm not who you think I am, Miss Snyde. I am not someone you can look up to. You should consider being the opposite of what I am."

"The opposite of what you are? What exactly are you Professor Rakepick?"

The answer heavy on my mind, I looked away. "I'm the bad guy." I mumbled in answer.

Before anyone could react however, Miss Silvers came out the door, smiling away with her brother next to her. I backed away a little.

"Sarahi! There you are!" Mister Weasley exclaimed.

"So what was in the Vault?" Miss Snyde asked.

"A Merperson Trident and this portrait of Hogwarts here. I think we lost our Portkey in the rubble, but this one should activate soon." Miss Silvers said. "And well, as for Jacob, he was trapped in the portrait like Beatrice! He got free as soon as I touched the column. So I think Beatrice and the others must definitely be free by now."

"Wow, Princess. It took a lot of wizards and witches to get into this Vault. Who are all these chaps?" Jacob was saying.

"They're all my friends! They helped me find you." Miss Silvers answered. "Jacob Silvers, meet Bill Weasley, Merula Snyde, Ben Copper and Penny Haywood."

"Nice to meet all of you! Thank you for helping out my sister."

"And well, from what she tells me, I think you remember Patricia Rakepick as well?" Miss Silvers said, pointing at me.

"RAKEPICK!?" Jacob hissed, and looked at me with fire in his eyes. He did not even spare a second drawing his wand and pointing it at me threateningly.

"…Good to see you too, Mister Silvers." I said quietly.

"Sarahi, what is she doing here!?" He asked Miss Silvers angrily.

"Bhaiya, Bhaiya! Calm your heckness! She's with us! She's the one who helped us get in here." She answered comfortingly.

"What!?"

"Well, there were several important things she hid from me but at least she told me SOMETHING in the last moment. You were saying you needed to tell us something else Pro-"

"Sarahi, she wasn't supposed to come here! She shouldn't have come here!" Jacob desperately grabbed Miss Silvers' shoulders. "Don't you see!? She'll bring the rest of the 'R' with her!"

"The… rest of the 'R'? I don't understand-"

"Sarahi, she's a member of 'R'! It's a whole group of Dark wizards, and she's one of them! She just used you to get in here! Just like she used me! She left me imprisoned here on purpose!!"

I did not intervene. This is what I was afraid of. An eerie silence befell the room. I turned away from everyone, and yet I knew they were looking at me with wide eyes.

All of them, except Sarahi and Jacob, as I saw when I turned towards them. Miss Silvers was staring at Jacob in disbelief.

"Sarahi? You trust me, don't you?" He was asking her.

"I… of course I trust you." She answered, and then slowly turned towards me. The shock in her eyes was evident. She looked at me with a desperation, as if not wanting to believe what she had heard.

"Professor Rakepick…? What is he talking about? Tell me it's not true."

"Professor!? Why do you call her Professor?" Jacob asked Miss Silvers.

"Because… that's what she is- was! She's been our Defence against the Dark Arts professor all year. Is it… is it true? Are you one of them?"

I wish I could have said that I wasn't one of them. That I had always wanted the best for all of them. But I did not want to lie to them any longer.

As much as it hurt me, I had to tell the truth now.

"…It's true." I answered. "I AM one of them."

This was quite possibly- as muggles call it- the final nail in the coffin. The expressions of all my former students changed to anger, fear, or just utter bewilderment.

"I knew it! I knew we couldn't trust her!" Mister Copper yelled.

But Miss Silvers- she was not angry. She looked disappointed.

"Tulip was right…" She mumbled. All the trust she had in me vanished instantly.

I never knew what the word 'heartbreak' meant before this moment. I never would have cared either. But seeing the hurt in Miss Silvers' eyes shattered my heart like I never thought something could.

I had made a mess, but now it was also my responsibility to fix what I broke. Telling them the truth was only the first thing I could do.

"Miss Silvers… I-" I began.

"No! You keep far away from my sister! Getting Duncan killed and leaving me here wasn't bad enough, you tried to manipulate and take my sister from me as well! I'm going to do what I should have done a long time ago!" Jacob shouted, and immediately shot a spell at me.

I made a quick shield to defend myself, and immediately after I noticed the others getting ready to attack me as well.

Pull your mask down Patricia, you idiot. Forget your pride for a moment. You made a mistake, now fix it.

Before anyone could attack me, I dropped my wand on the floor as a sign of peace. Jacob's expression changed from anger to confusion, and everyone else followed suit.

"I am not going to attack. Go on. Hit me. I probably deserve it after what I've done."

I looked away, half expecting a barrage of spells to hit me. But nothing happened.

"That's… that's not right." Came Miss Silvers' voice. I looked up and saw that she was the only one who didn't have her wand pointing at me.

Merlin's beard, Miss Silvers! Your naive trust is going to get you killed one of these days!

I raised an eyebrow at her. Miss Silvers shared a look with the others, who looked mad that she was not allowing them to attack. Especially Miss Snyde, who just looked offended.

"Silvers, what are you doing!?" Miss Snyde asked her.

"It's just… I don't understand what is happening right now. And I mean RIGHT now, right this minute." Miss Silvers said to me. "If you're 'R', which I thought was one person, not a group, then why help me? You legitimately taught us well enough to get in here. You did not try to take what was in the Vault. You let me take it. You did not attack us like the Red cloaked wizard earlier this year. You have actually been protecting us. Was that all just a lie to use my Legilimency? An ability I didn't even know I had before halfway through this year? You betrayed my brother, you left him behind here. But you did not do that to us, when you could have. So I don't understand. You certainly don't act like an assassin sent to kill me or my friends."

Miss Silvers shook her head. "I hope you are aware that ever since we met you last year, you've been a very shady character, Professor. You did not want to give up your secrets, and at some point I learnt not to bother asking. And yet you told me what I wanted to know exactly what I had been asking you for a year about fifteen minutes ago. Then you admit to being 'R', and now this. I should be mad. I should be hopping mad at you for lying to me for so long and keeping secrets from me. But I'm not. I can't find it in myself to be angry. I only have more questions now than I have ever had before. And I need answers to them NOW! So are you going to tell me or not?"

"Sarahi, honestly, what makes you think she'll give us any answers?" Jacob asked her.

"In case you didn't realise, dropping your wand is equivalent to dropping a sword. She just surrendered, Bhaiya. I want to hear her out." Miss Silvers replied.

"Yes, about that…" Jacob said, lowering his wand. "Who are you and where is the real Rakepick? I’m sorry, the Rakepick I knew was pretty much cruel and sadistic, basically a very bad witch. What even happened!?”

“Your sister happened, Mister Silvers. The Rakepick you knew vanished when she got to know  Miss Silvers and her friends. You once told me she is pure, and that I would have liked her. As it turns out, you were right about that.”

“Should I be taking that as a compliment or…?” Miss Silvers said.

“My point is that your brother is right, Miss Silvers. At first, I was using you. It’s true. My associates in ‘R’ put me up to this when we found out that you were searching for the Vaults to look for your brother. We figured that you were also a Legilimens, and that we could use your motivation to find Jacob to our benefit. I was supposed to gain your trust, lead you into this Vault, have you open the door, strike you and your friends down and then take whatever is in the Vault back to ‘R’. That was the plan.”

“And the plan changed because…?”

“It changed because I changed my mind. What is it that we were talking about in the DADA classroom earlier? Attachment. Something I told you not to have, but had been growing in me for longer than I wanted to admit.” I looked at all my former students. “You see, I have been at Hogwarts for two years now. I have trained you all and watched you grow. Mister Weasley, you are an aspiring curse-breaker, like I was at your age. You have been one of my most dedicated students, and a real pleasure to train. Miss Snyde, you have been one of my most trusted disciples. You are strong, and you always kept faith in me, and continued to surprise me with it. And you, Miss Silvers, you were the one who distrusted me the most. Not trusting me is the smartest decision you ever made, and yet no matter what, you always treated me with kindness, even when I did not deserve it. And since I was the only one who knew what was going on in my head, I knew I definitely did not deserve it. So before we came into this Vault, I thought long and hard about what I needed to do. And I realized, I did not want to betray my students. Without realizing, I grew attached to you kids as well.”

“So you are basically saying that you liked us too much to betray us like the original plan?” Miss Snyde asked.

“Yes. I am under direct orders from my associates that I was to kill one of you this year. But I realized that I just couldn’t do it. I have no intention to harm any of you, or even let you get harmed.”

“You went against ‘R’? But you were afraid of them! I know you were!” Jacob said.

“Yes, I am. Which is why I couldn’t reach a decision earlier. But when Miss Silvers told me that Mister Copper was adamant on coming with us into the Vault to help, despite his fears, I thought to myself- If Mister Copper can face his fears, why can I not do the same? There was no reason for me not to.”

“Impressive Copper!” Miss Snyde exclaimed. “You just became the inspiration for Patricia Rakepick herself!”

“I don’t know how to feel about this.” Mister Copper answered.

“So, you are telling us that your loyalties changed? And the rest of the ‘R’ doesn’t know what you’re up too right now?” Miss Silvers asked.

I nodded. “Never liked the ‘R’ or my colleagues in it. I was a young and power hungry fool when I joined them just for the resources they could offer. I had no idea what I was getting into. I don’t care about the treasure, not anymore. I found that some people are worth fighting for more than any treasure. I learnt from you, as much as you learnt from me. Training and watching my own set of students grow, fight and win has made me proud, and I myself have learnt the value of selflessness and kindness from you all, which I never bothered learning before.”

I turned towards my first ever student. “Mister Silvers, I cannot turn back time. I cannot undo the mistakes I made in the past. All I can say is, I am sorry. I am sorry we in the 'R' were the reason Duncan Ashe lost his life. I am sorry that I left you trapped in that portrait for so long. I am sorry that I took you away from your sister and caused pain to both of you. There is nothing I can do about all of that, but I can make sure it doesn’t happen again. You once asked me to look out for your sister, and I did. Unintentionally, but I did. And I am glad I at least did that right.”

“True, you did do a good job at that. Even with your twisted scheme in mind…” Jacob mumbled in answer.

I smiled. The students looked proud, as they should be for teaching me what I should have learnt earlier. Better late than never… something I have heard often. Miss Silvers was nearly beaming. They all seem to have calmed down, now that I had told them everything. It seems they were beginning to regain trust in me.

CRACK!

Until a loud sound of someone apparatting into the Vault boomed across the room.

And the person who I saw had apparatted in scared me even more.

“What a shame, Patricia…” The woman said wickedly. “We thought you were better than this…”

[kusunogatari]

[ ObiRyū October | Day Eighteen: Accidental Tooth Extraction ] [ @abyssaldespair ] [ Uchiha Obito, Suigin Ryū ] [ Blood ] [ Verse: Like Magic ] [ Previous || Next ]

At first when she rises this morning, she doesn’t remember what day it is. Instead, sixth year Hufflepuff Ryū gets out of her four poster bed and dresses a bit sluggishly. It’s a Saturday, no classes, and she’s mostly planning on getting to the homework she needs to have done by Monday. Dragging a hand down her face, she makes her way down the steps to the common room. Though the atmosphere is lively, she doesn’t quite make the connection why. Instead, she makes her way straight out toward the Great Hall, too sleepy and hungry to pay it any mind.

There’s rarely a day the hall isn’t bustling, Ryū making her way through the crowds to the Hufflepuff table. The smells of good food earn a happy hum, piling up her plate with toast, bacon, eggs, and indulging in a mug of hot cocoa.

“I’m telling you, we’re gonna beat them this time!”

“But we’re bottom rank…”

“What, you don’t believe in upsets?”

“It’s not that I don’t, but when was the last time we beat them?”

“The key to keeping your head up in Quidditch: don’t think about the matches before now. Just think of now! One match at a time!”

Glancing to a few fellow classmates, it takes Ryū a moment to realize why their conversation matters. Ah, there is a Quidditch match today, isn’t there? Hufflepuff is playing the ever-favorite Slytherin.

And she knows what that means.

Looking toward the Slytherin table, they too seem all stirred up over the match. It’s a fairly rare thing that Hufflepuff ever bests Slytherin in Quidditch...and given their rowdiness, they’re just as sure of themselves as ever. Soon her gaze finds Obito, who’s shoveling his breakfast in before the match. Snorting a bit to herself, she watches and waits for him to notice her eyes on him. Once he does, looking up with cheeks full like a chipmunk, she has to actually duck her head and laugh.

He goes pink, managing to swallow down and cough a bit, grinning sheepishly once she looks back up. Ryū in turn just shakes her head with a smile.

A teammate then claps Obito on the back, clearly attempting to get him into the spirit of things. His expression shifts to a wide grin, joining in before giving Ryū a glance. Pointing, he then shifts to a thumb to the table as if to say, “You’re going down!”

Ryū just shrugs. In all honesty, she’s not that invested in the sport, not being a player herself. And with her slight distaste of house rivalries, she’s not one to really like pitting them against each other. But...she does - during games unlike today, where their houses are facing off - go and cheer for Obito during his games against Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. 

He’s her boyfriend, after all, house or no house.

Today, however, she’ll be cheering for both. While she knows it’s a longshot for her house to emerge victorious, she’s mostly just hoping for a good game. Few or no injuries, a clean match, and a genuine celebration either way. She’ll be happy for her house, or she’ll be happy for Obito. Whichever wins, she’ll be satisfied so long as no one’s hurt.

...which isn’t very likely, given the sport. But with her apprenticeship under the castle’s Healer, she gets to help patch up anyone who ends up injured. So far Obito’s not been one of them...though he’s been the cause of quite a few. Hard to avoid when you play the beater position, though. And at least it gives her some practice…?

Breakfast doesn’t take her long, and it will still be a bit of time before the match begins. Until then, she decides she might as well get back and put on her cloak as not to be cold. Maybe at least do some of her assigned reading before the possible several hours of Quidditch they’ll be watching. You never really know, after all - it all depends on the seekers.

She leaves the Great Hall at a leisurely pace, mind full of her assignments. So focused are her thoughts, she doesn’t notice someone coming up behind her until there’s a yank on her arm.

“Wha-!”

Collapsing against something, her flailing soon reveal she’s...in a broom closet? And she happened to impact against Obito!

Blinking for a moment, she then indignantly asks, “What was that for?”

He just grins at her. “What, not allowed a moment alone before the match?”

Arms fold, lips pursing in a pout. “You could have just asked me -”

“I didn’t want anyone else to notice!”

Sighing, Ryū rolls her eyes, unable to help a smile. “Well now that you’ve got me in here, what are you going to do?”

“Snogging was my first thought,” he replies cheekily.

“Your breath smells like sausage,” Ryū can’t help but laugh. “Not that mine’s likely much better, all things considered.”

“I don’t mind if you don’t.”

“...I suppose I could tolerate it,” she replies, arms finding his neck. Maybe a bit risky in case they get caught, but...just a little something before the match won’t hurt.

Obito in turn wraps arms around her waist, getting her to giggle as he hauls her up a bit against his chest. “No way I’ll lose now, eh?”

“Tell you what: if you win, you can have another,” Ryū wagers with a grin.

“Make it two and you’re on.”

“And if you lose…?”

“...uh...well, that’s not going to happen, anyway.”

“But that’s not a fair bet!”

“...I’ll think of something. Consider it an IOU.”

“Fine, fine...just be careful out there, okay? I don’t want to see you hauled off to the hospital wing.”

“No way! But I can’t guarantee I won’t send someone there…”

“You and your broom breaking habits,” Ryū chides.

“I’m a beater! What do you expect?”

“As much as I appreciate getting to practice my healing, that doesn’t mean you have to do it on purpose.”

His lips give a pout, but he can’t hold it long as she taps a finger to his nose. “I’ll try not to.”

“Thank you. Now...you better go get ready, right?”

“Right. Promise you’ll cheer for me?”

“I always cheer for you,” she assures him.

“Even when we’re playing Hufflepuff?”

“I do. I just cheer for both, in that case.”

“I guess that’s fair.” Finally setting her down, Obito gives Ryū one last peck on her brow. “See you after the slaughter.”

She gives him a look at that, waiting for him to sound the all clear in the hall. Only once its empty do they flee the closet and part ways. Ryū heads toward the Hufflepuff dormitory to fetch her cloak and gloves, and Obito to Slytherin’s changing room to ready his uniform and broom.

As usual, Ryū perches herself along the edge of the two crowds once she makes it up into the stands later - she tends to get fewer odd looks that way for cheering for someone not on her team. The cool Autumn weather keeps her bundled in her cloak, blowing warm air between her gloved hands.

Thankfully it’s not long before the teams walk out onto the pitch to thunderous applause. Ryū joins them, watching as the match borders on beginning. Then, with a toss of the quaffle, they’re off!

Hufflepuff manages to get the ball first, and the teams both make their way toward Slytherin’s goal posts. Well...most of them. The seekers mostly ignore the game as a whole, observing lightly and instead hoping for glances of the snitch. And as the quaffle is thrown and passed, the beaters do their best to use the bludgers to their advantage.

To everyone’s surprise, Hufflepuff actually scores first, putting them up ten to zero within the first minute. The honey-yellow side of the stands goes crazy, roaring in praise of their team. Even Ryū gets on her feet, jumping a bit in place with a holler.

The game, however, quickly changes momentum. Slytherin not only makes up the deficit, but ups the score to thirty within a ten minute streak. But Ryū, admittedly, doesn’t follow the points much. It’s a bit tough to make out which player is Obito at times. His build may be big, but at this distance they all look pretty small unless they swoop past the stands.

But eventually she spots him as he wallops a bludger toward a Puff chaser. They dodge with a twist and a roll, but collide with another teammate instead. Sounds of pity rise up from the stands as they manage to disentangle and regain their altitude.

Greys trained on Obito, she watches him idle for a bit, sizing up the field before launching a few more strikes. All are dodged, but help throw off the chasers to keep them from scoring. But then he seems to get a harebrained idea, diving down into the masses.

“What are you doing…?” Ryū murmurs to herself, brows wilting in worry. Sure, he’s big enough to handle himself, but...crowds can mean messes.

The field seems to condense, and tensions mount as more and more collisions take place. Hands curled against her mouth, Ryū tries to find Obito, and - there he is! He’s streaking forward, making to launch a bludger at a Hufflepuff chaster, but...one of their own beaters is on the same course. If one of them doesn’t change direction -!

“OBITO!”

There’s a sickening crunch as they both collide, refusing to give in. Almost immediately the ref blows her whistle, and by that time Ryū’s already pushing her way through the crowds to reach the railing. Rather than waste time with the stairs, she hops over the edge, casting a spell upon herself to slow her descent. 

“Arresto Momentum!”

With a flutter of her robes, she lands upon the field and wastes no time running across the pitch to the gathering crowds. Both teams have landed, pausing the match as the castle’s healer is ushered to the field. The referee has separated the two, each looking rather dazed.

Ryū’s blood chills as she sees red spilled down Obito’s front. A broken nose, maybe?

“Reckless, the both of you! And you, girl! What are you doing down here?” Breaking from her lecture, the ref turns on Ryū, who jolts.

“I...I’m one of the Healer’s interns, ma’am! I should be cleared to assist…?”

“Hmph! Well don’t start messing about until she herself gets down here!”

Nodding, Ryū moves and starts looking the pair over. The Hufflepuff actually looks fine, just a bit winded. But Obito’s got blood all over his chin. “...are you all right?”

Looking up at her and weaving a bit dizzily, he gestures for a pause. And then, with a pained flinch, he spits up...two teeth into his palm…?

Her eyes go wide.

“...that hurt…” Looking up, he gives a wavering smile. “...how bad is it?”

...both of his top front teeth are missing.

Before she can stop herself, Ryū lifts both hands to her lips in shock. “...oh my goodness. Don’t - don’t worry. I can fix that, but...we better wait until I’m cleared. Oh, Obito…”

Cradling his teeth in his hand, Obito turns as his team captain - one of the chasers - steps up. “Bloody hell, Uchiha…”

“Sorry...got a bit greedy.”

“No joke.”

All the while, Ryū watches him closely. “...I think you might have a bit of a concussion…”

“Shit, really?”

“I mean, I’ll wait to see for sure, but…”

“If you do, you’re done for the day,” the captain insists, pointing.

“But -!”

“I don’t need you gettin’ woozy and topplin’ off your broom. We’ll be fine.”

Clearly disappointed, Obito doesn’t protest as the healer makes her way over. Explaining her observations, Ryū finds herself mildly delightly at having been right.

“Come on, then - to the hospital wing with you. You need rest, and we need to settle those teeth back in place. Miss Suigin, follow me.”

Letting Obito lean on her, Ryū helps him to the castle, assisting as they settle him in a cot. “So...if I get the teeth back in place, will the Episkey charm work, madam?”

“Yes, that will do quite well.”

Nodding, Ryū washes her hands, and then Obito’s dislodged teeth. Thankfully they somehow emerged whole, roots and all. “Must have been quite the impact,” she can’t help but gently tease, using a quick spell to clear the holes in the gums. “Were you trying to use your head rather than a bludger?”

Mouth held open to let her work, Obito can only squint at her.

Once everything is ready, Ryū carefully fits the teeth back into place, holding them by hand. With the other, she points her wand, and murmurs, “Episkey…!”

A flash of heat, and then cold overcomes Obito’s top jaw. Only once Ryū withdraws her hand does he gingerly feel them.

“Sturdy?”

“...seem to be.”

“Good.” A relieved smile accompanies a light sigh.

“Now, you’re in for some much needed rest, Mr. Uchiha,” the Healer announces. “Miss Suigin, see to it you do not distract him.”

“Y...yes, madam.”

With that, she takes her leave to return to the pitch in case any other players end up hurt.

“...so, still think your team will win?” Ryū asks, sitting along his bedside with a soft smile.

“As good as I may be...they’ll be fine without me.”

“It still strikes me as odd you aren’t allowed a substitute…”

“We won’t need one.”

She gives him a look. “...I’m just glad you’re all right. I saw that blood, and I just…”

“Bah, it’ll take more than that to bring me down.”

“Your head also took a good beating, so best you just take it easy for a while, aye?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Ryū snorts.

“...will you stay?”

“Of course I’ll stay - what sort of question is that? Unless you want me to leave -?”

“No! Just...thought you might want to see the match.”

“The only reason I went to the match was to watch you play. Can’t do that if you’re in here, can I?”

At that, Obito goes a bright shade of pink, apparently unsure what to say.

“...you just focus on getting some rest,” she then gently chides. “I’ll keep an eye on you.” A hand reaches up, brushing fingers through the fringe of his hair.

“...all right.”

Between the kerfuffle and her attentions, Obito actually manages to fall asleep. As promised, Ryū keeps a watchful eye on him, ensuring he doesn’t slip. The concussion is mild enough she’s not too worried. She just keeps her perch along the edge of the cot, one knee up over the other as she tends to his hair.

Another story for them to remember.

     More HP verse! Cuz it's cute and I need more of it...and also because Quidditch was a good way for Obito to lose a tooth or two, poor guy xD      Ryū, of course, is a Healer-in-training, so she gets to assist. And give Obito tough love lectures about being more careful, bahaha~      Anywho, not...too much else to say otherwise, I s'pose. Thanks for reading!

[orientalonehphm]

The End of the Mystery: Part 1 - Call to arms

Summary: The confidence of Bill Weasley and Nymphadora Tonks wavers as The Battle for Hogwarts looms over the horizon. Who else can they call upon in their time of need?

Notes: This is the first part to my new series based around the Battle of Hogwarts and the Hogwarts Mystery gang. This fic will not include a specific gender for Rowan and MC so feel free to imagine which gender each are. Thanks for reading!

Bill stared at the mirror that hung by the door. His solemn expression reflected in the slightly dirty glass. He twirled his wand in his hand as he listened to Fleur's soft steps upstairs, preparing some supplies for their trip. Suddenly the fireplace behind him roared alive as a head began to appear in the flames.

“Wotcher Bill” Bill was met with the warm smile of Nymphadora Tonks as her head poked up from the embers. The ginger curse-breaker knelt down beside the fire, returning the smile.

“Hey Tonks, how’s Teddy doing?” Bill asked. The metamorphmagus’ head seemed to turn to her right as if she was looking at her son.

“He’s good, my mum’s looking after him at the moment. Just trying to keep him safe with everything going on now...” Bill could read the slight look of shame on Tonks’ face.

“Well I’m glad you’re both safe” Bill watched as his old friend avoided eye contact. ”Tonks...” The mousy-brown haired woman looked into his eyes. “You don’t have to fight, you're looking after your son...keeping him safe” Tonks looked disappointed for a moment.

“I...I know...I just can’t bear to think what could happen to Remus...or you...or any of the Order...I could be helping instead of sitting here...away from the fight...” Bill looked back to the door, still listening to Fleur’s presence upstairs. 

“What could happen to Fleur?...” He pushed the thoughts aside. “Nothing if I have anything to say about it” The grip on his wand tightened, he noticed Tonks was still staring at him. “We’ll be fine Tonks, we have some of the most powerful and bravest wizards and witches. Voldemort doesn’t stand a chance” Bill gave her a confident smirk.

“But you still don’t have the numbers, Voldemort has an army. Hundreds of Death eaters at his disposal...” Bill’s confidence wavered. His mouth opened and closed as he tried to think of a response. “Unless...” The curse-breaker raised an eyebrow. “You call them in...” Bill immediately shook his head.

“No”

“But Bill...”

“Tonks I said No...I can’t bring them into this...”

“Hogwarts is their home too and they promised they’d always be there for it...and us...” Bill’s eyes met Tonks as he sighed.

“I just...don’t want anything bad to happen to them...” Bill’s hand brushed against the scars on his cheek as he thought about his old friends.

“Then we give them the choice...that’s only fair right?” the metamorphmagus questioned.

“I suppose we do need the help...” Bill sighed and got to his feet. He walked over to the window, opened it and pointed his wand at the window sill. A wisp of blue light spiraled out of his wand as a silvery eagle formed in front of him. “Go...” The animal charm opened its beak as if to cry out and flapped it’s wings, flying of into the sky. He looked back towards Tonks who nodded in agreement. 

“Hogwarts needs you”

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Clouds passed by the Mountiains of the Moon through the warm night sky. Soft snores bounced between the stone walls as a sleeping figure lay in the cosy bed. Their black hair splashed out onto the pillow, their glasses sat next to them on the dresser. Rowan Khanna rested peacefully until a faint light began peeking through their closed eyelids. Quickly, they opened their eyes and grabbed their glasses. With their vision restored, they saw a blue eagle flying around their room, its silvery wings flapping in the air. Their eyes went wide as the eagle landed, looked at them and began to disappear. They quickly got to their feet and began getting dressed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The orange sun rays covered half of the storefront as a bubbling cauldron sat on the shop counter. Steam rose into the face of Penny Haywood, her blonde hair tied up in a ponytail and goggles sat over her eyes. She held a vial of red liquid above the concoction inside her cauldron.

“Just a few drops of boom berry juice...” She dripped two drops into the brew. The liquid turned a shade of red but quickly turned to black as the cauldron shook violently. The blonde potioneer quickly ducked underneath the counter as the potion exploded, dark liquid coated the counter and walls, black smoke bellowed out and dissipated onto the ceiling. Penny rose up, coughing as she drew her goggles up, her face covered in dark smudges. “Another failure...” She pulled the hairband out of her hair, her golden blonde locks draped her shoulders. “Well no one said it’d be easy to make an advanced version of the Wiggenweld potion...” She was about to cast the scouring charm on her counter when she saw a glowing eagle land next to her. Its silvery white glow contrasted against the darkness of her failed potion. “How exciting!” Penny commented as she quickly grabbed a few potions from her shelves and exited to her back room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The scribbling of a quill was the only sound that filled the empty office. The lonesome desk light illuminated a tired-looking blonde-haired man. He sighed as he shuffled another piece of paperwork over to the completed pile while also grabbing a fresh file. Ben Copper sighed as he looked up at the big clock in the Obliviator headquarters. 11 o’clock...so late...so much work... The hard-working muggle-born wizard sighed once more as he dipped his quill into more ink. All of a sudden, a light began glowing from behind him. He looked behind him to see a silvery wolf staring at him. He yelped, jumping out of his chair and knocking over the stack of paperwork on his desk. He held his chest for a moment before he noticed it was a patronus charm. He gulped.

“Tonks?...” He swiftly grabbed his work case and coat as the wolf disappeared. He flicked his desk lamp off. Darkness filled with room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Murmurs filled the elevator as the last employees from the Pesculo Wizarding Bank entered the lift, chattering and small talk became faint as the elevator doors closed. The other elevator dinged as the doors slid open revealing a woman with red hair. Tulip Karasu lowered her sunglasses as she tiptoed out of the lift. She quickly made a right, entering an office space with multiple desks arranged in an orderly fashion. She swiftly walked past computers and a few weighing scales until she arrived at the other side of the room at a private office.

“Alohomora” The troublesome Ravenclaw whispered as the door opened with a click. She left the door partially open as she cast Lumos and scanned the room. She moved around the desk, peering at open files and documents before crouching by a metal drawer. She opened the bottom row, a multitude of files sat inside. She searched through the information before stopping and bringing out a specific file. Opening the dossier, she looked at the front page that read “Monthly Balance - May” She pointed her wand at the page. “Revelio” The words began to shift as it now read “TOP SECRET”. She then flipped through the rest of the file. “It seems the President of Pesculo has been taking a little bit of money on the side...just as I expected” The smug red-head shoved the file into her jacket as she closed the drawer with a clang. “Wait till the readers of the New York Ghost hear about this...” She was about to exit when she saw a silvery eagle land on the windowsill outside the office. “Oh Merlin...”

“HEY...IS SOMEONE THERE?” A booming voice came from the room she had entered from. She silently cursed to herself as she hastily shook the Lumos from the end of her wand, she could hear two sets of footsteps approach her location. As one of the big security guards approached the door, his wand outstretched, Tulip quickly rushed out the room. The door swung towards the guard, hitting him in the face and stunning him. 

“Hey!” The other guard pointed his wand at Tulip, casting Immobulus at her. The Ravenclaw nimbly dodged the charm as she jumped over a desk, papers flew up into the air. She ran around the corner, past the elevators, the two guards hot on her trail. She stopped at a dead end, a medium sized window displayed the brick wall of the alleyway that was nine floors below her. The panting reporter looked behind her as her two pursuers blocked her only way out. “Drop your wand and put your hands up!” The two guards pointed their wands at Tulip.

“Sorry boys! I’ve got a call to answer. OBSCURO!” Blindfolds appeared around the surprised security members’ eyes as they yelled in distress. “Finestra” The glass of the window behind her shattered as Tulip dived out the window. “Arresto Momentum” With a flick of her wand, the Ravenclaw’s momentum slowed as she glided down to the ground. Her feet tapped on the alleyway floor as she looked back up at the two heads that appeared in the window.

“HEY!” The two animated guards shook their fists at Tulip as she blew them a kiss. Giggling to herself, she quickly jogged off into the crowded streets of New York.

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The moonlight shone over the Black Forest as the sound of crickets filled the night air. A tall brown-haired man hummed to himself as he walked over to a small tree. He had a multitude of Bowtruckles sat all over him, two sat on his shoulders, one sat on the top of his head and he held three in his arms, cradling them softly.

“Here we go guys...bed time” Barnaby Lee outstretched his arms, allowing the small creatures to crawl onto the tree. All but one soon crowded the tree branches. The slightly smaller bowtruckle left on his arm looked up to the Slytherin magizoologist. “Come on Junior, you can’t sleep with me again...the others will get jealous!” Barnaby chuckled. The little tree dweller shook its head and grabbed the tall man’s arm. “Ok fine...but now you know why they bully you a little” As Barnaby placed the bowtruckle in his breast pocket, a glow from above illuminated the forest floor. He looked up to see a silvery eagle perched on a nearby tree branch, its head turned in a curious manner. “Looks like it’s not bedtime just yet Barnaby Junior” With a small whimper from the bowtruckle, Barnaby rushed off to his living quarters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The wind blew against Andre Egwu’s face as he swerved around the goal posts. The stars twinkled above him as he rushed around on his broom around the quidditch pitch.

”Keep up McBride!” The Pride of Portee Ravenclaw shouted behind him. A man with a chiseled chin flew after him, a massive grin plastered on his face.

“Oh I’m gonna get you Egwu!” Laughter filled the air as the two quidditch players continued to dodge each other, carrying out loop-the-loops and rolling past one another. Eventually Andre glided to the floor, dismounting his broom he grabbed a towel off the bench and wiped the sweat from his forehead. With a whoosh, Dougal McBride landed next to him. “Nice moves back there Egwu” He patted the out-of-breath Ravenclaw.

“Thanks man...”Andre panted. He turned for his water bottle when he heard Dougal yell behind him.

“WHAT THE?!” Andre turned to see a silvery blue wolf a few feet away from them. He held his bottle inches from his mouth as he stared at the patronus charm in surprise.

“I’ve...I’ve got to go, sorry Dougal” Andre gave him a quick hug and mounted his broom, flying off into the night, leaving his puzzled teammate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“HEY!”

“WATCH IT!”

“HEY CAREFUL!” Pedestrians were shoved aside as a man in a worn-out coat pushed past them in a frenzy. He checked behind himself as he ran down the New York street in a panic. The runner took a swift right turn down an alleyway, almost stumbling to the floor. As he steadied his feet, he leaned against a wall, panting heavily. Just as he caught his breath, the startled man heard a loud snap in front of him. His heart stopped as he looked up to see an auror in a black trench coat apparate in front of him. They smiled cheekily at them.

“Hello there” As the man turned to run, Y/N flicked their wand at them. “Incarcerous!” Rope spiralled out towards the perpetrator, tying their hands and feet together. With a thud, the man toppled over onto the floor. Y/N walked over to the struggling man as a woman apparated behind them.

“You could’ve left some for me...” The female auror laughed, putting her wand back in her jacket.

“Sorry partner, I wasn’t going to let this little guy get away now, was I?” Y/N said with a patronizing tone.

“Screw yo...” The felon’s mouth closed as Y/N cast the silencing charm on them.

“Yeah yeah pal, you’ve got plenty of things to say to the judg...” Y/N became distracted as they looked up at an eagle patronus charm, soaring through the air, its silvery wings illuminated by the setting sun. “Uh you mind processing this one...I’ve gotta go” Y/N let their partner grab hold of the perp as they began to walk off down the alleyway.

“Sure bud but what about your presidential campaign? Your speech to the rest of MACUSA’s tonight!” The auror shouted to Y/N.

“Something more important’s come up” Y/N apparated away. A loud crack ringed through the air.

-> Part 2 

[maevaroux]

The First Task: Through Deeper Waters - As seen by Maéva Roux

  Maéva knew that the other Beauxbatons champions were discussing the task ahead, yet she didn’t seem to be able to focus on their words. Her head was filled with only one thing – water.

  As soon as the first task had been announced, Maéva had begun her training; and while it hadn’t been difficult to force herself into a routine of swimming at dawn and spell searching at dusk, it had grown harder and harder to deal with anticipation. It was a feeling Maéva was estranged to – to wish for something never to come; for time to simply stop. It was a wishful thinking she did not associate with broom racing at all.

  The feeling became stronger that morning as the mass of water that was the lake grew bigger before her eyes. The four champions were approaching the edge of the lake and, just below the surface of the water, a stranger came into view. It was a girl. She shivered mildly in her bathing suit but her blue eyes she held still, fixed on Maéva’s.

  "Oh, it's cold!” Violette had bravely dipped her toe in the water, making Maéva’s reflection waver. “Do you think they'll take points off if I transfigure a wetsuit?"

  "No need," Maéva assured, looking away from the water. With a well-practiced wave of her wand she turned their bodies temperature to a steady thirty-six degrees. "This particular one has come in hand several times when I was racing."

  Violette sighed in relief, yet her attention had gone elsewhere. She was looking up at the Headmasters. All eight of them had taken their seats at the judges table. "I think they're about to start the countdown."

  Violette was right. Headmistress Mercier was casting the Sonorus spell and explaining the task to all who had missed the first briefing - get in the lake, find the Occamy egg and bring the keyring inside it. Couldn’t be more straightforward than that.

  “So, champions, if you’re ready… Three… Two… One…”.

  Maéva could barely recall the hour that followed, remembering only fragments of it.

  When the canon had sounded several teams had jumped straight into the water, but the Beauxbatons stayed ashore. The pack of blondes was delayed by the need to cast the Scuba-Diving spell that Jean-Marie had trained them on. It was a complicated Transfiguration spell with a very ugly ending result, yet, if well done, it allowed them not only to breathe and speak underwater but also to endure the high pressure one might find at an Occamy’s underwater hideout.

  Diving in was the real test that morning. With the weight of their metallic helmet head forcing them into the deepest parts of the lake, Maéva could only hope that she’d correctly cast the Scuba-Diving spell, or Beauxbatons could kiss one of their champions goodbye. Fortunately, danger lurked in every corner, distracting her from the haunting thoughts.

  The first set of creatures they found were the Grindylows. With them, the first evidence of other champions. Maéva wanted to see what strategies they had used to breathe underwater, but there was no time. The small horned creatures were already coming for the French.

  “Arresto momentum”, Maéva shouted inside her diving helmet, instinctively.

  It was a show of lights. The four of them all cast different spells with no coordination whatsoever. Sparks of green, violet and yellow hit the green devils spot on. Still, with such little team work the Beauxbatons were lucky to put the Grindylows behind their backs.

  The next fragment of memory that Maéva had was the mermaid. She could tell they had been set up to find it – or it to find them. There would be no way to get to the egg without getting through this obstacle first. The realisation of it made them hesitate.

  “She doesn’t look like she wants to fight us.” Violette pointed out. “Maybe we can just… politely ask her to move aside?”

  Maéva almost smiled at her roommate’s persistent optimism, but she knew Violette didn’t really think that. No, they all knew it – the mermaid was giving them a chance; a chance to turn back and throw the towel. She glanced at Sabine instead. “How do we go about this?”

  Sabine looked almost surprised to be sought after for guidance, but Maéva had treated each of her teammates as a racing opponent. She had learnt their strengths and discovered their weaknesses. She trusted Sabine to know her creatures as well as she knew her broomstick. Better even.

  “Well, I haven’t done that much research on merpeople,” Sabine started, hesitantly. “But a few stun spells combined are strong enough to put out a dragon…”

  Said and done – they had one shot and they’d nailed it. Once again, Maéva tried not to dwell too long on what would have happened if four spells hadn’t been enough; or if they hadn’t been able to time them perfectly; but sooner than not, Sabine was pointing out a hidden cavern. The Occamy’s hideout.

  “It’s a very protective creature,” Sabine was explaining, having just told them about the Occamy’s shapeshifting abilities. “I’m not even sure it’s possible to get to its eggs. One mistake and its body fills up the cavern, crushing everything in its wake.” Crushing us.

  “What about the eggs?” Violette inquired. “Won’t it crush them?”

  Sabine shook her head. “The eggs are the only thing that matter to it – it’ll adjust to them."

  “Then we bring an egg with us.” It was Jean-Marie who had spoken. There was clearly a plan forming in their mind already, as they searched around. After a few moments, Jean came back with a clam about as big as their head and a small rock that could easily fit into it. They then pulled their wand out and started transfiguring the rock into a large, silver egg. Finally, they pushed the clam and the egg into Sabine’s hands.

  Maéva couldn’t quite explain what happened next. She remembered Jean and Sabine didn’t exchange any words before Sabine nodded and entered the Occamy cavern. She remembered somehow knowing that she wasn’t supposed to follow Sabine inside, even if her instincts screamed the exact opposite. And she remembered, after what seemed liked long waiting hours, Sabine’s triumphant look as she came back out holding a closed shell and a keyring.

  “What about the nest?” Jean-Marie wondered, as the Beauxbatons champions started swimming back to the shore. “I have trouble imagining you destroyed it.”

  “I used a Revealing spell to find our egg and left the rest intact.” Sabine told them. “I’m just bringing this thing back with me because I sure don’t want to be there when they set it free again.”

  As she spoke, Sabine gestured to the big shell, which Maéva fiercely suspected now contained a shrunk Occamy.

[kapshidalove]

Bechloe + Hogwarts.

Hogwarts AU.

A quidditch captain and a head girl.

“Chloeeee,” Beca called whisper yelled as she tried to catch up behind her girlfriend.

“Yes babe?”

“Slow down, the caretaker is going to find us with the racket you’re making!” Beca said again, catching up with Chloe, the broom tightly clutched.

“Hey hey, let me remind you that this was your, idea,”

“Yeah? But but you wanted to learn how to fly a broom, so it’s definitely not my fault,” Beca said, arms crossed.

“Oh, just come on! It’ll be fun!” Chloe said enthusiastically as she dragged Beca to the field.

“God you’re so lucky I love you,” Beca shook her head as she took the broom and tossed it onto the ground,

“Love you too Becs,” Chloe giddily replied.

“Up!” Beca yelped out, immediately shutting her mouth with her free hand, remembering their current state.

“God, you’re so hot when you that,” Chloe smirked at the brunette with serious heart eyes.

“Flattery Beale, Flattery,” Beca rolled her eyes as she saddled herself onto the broom.

“So, you coming?” Beca featured her head towards the back of the broom. A very happy Chloe jumped behind Beca.

They lifted off the ground with ease and the Chloe wrapped her yellow and black scarf around Beca, and swiftly taking the green and silver off the others neck.

“You know I could get a heart attack and fall right? And you would fall too?” Beca said in a mocking tone, yet her face wore a smile.

“Well, that means I’m falling for you again ya?” Chloe giggled at her own comment, hearing a soft sigh from Beca.

“How on earth did you get to be head girl,” Beca shook her head the broom went on faster. Chloe was absolutely consent at the moment, despite the N.E.W.T.S coming soon, Beca helped her feel better. All honesty, she only took her 7th year because she wanted to stay a little longer. Be with Beca a little longer. Beca was at the 6th year, and they were going to leave Hogwarts together, as one of the most well known couples ever. They were quite iconic, I mean, head girl and one of the best quidditch captains’. A true definition of power couple. Their love? Like magic.

“Well, I’m sure it’s because Professor McGonagall loves me,” Chloe winked at the slytherin.

“Can’t see why anyone won’t,” Beca smirked again as she dived lower, and that’s when the two heard it.

A roar. Beca couldn’t believe her ears at first. It was a roar. At 3 AM, at Hogwarts.

“What the heck?” Beca said as she scanned the area. Beca and Chloe were wide eyed at the sight of a lion, with a goats body, and a dragons tail, it was as ugly as it could possibly be.

“Chimera, 9 o’clock,” Chloe said, Beca swiftly pulling out her wand and giving Chloe an obviously look.

“Ready Freddy?” Beca said looking at Chloe, who was wearing an expression of pure shock.

“That’s a chimera Beca! You want to just go a fight a chimera?!” Chloe flung her hands in the air in frustration.

“We have to call the ministry! The headmistress! This is a big deal!” Chloe continued to express her frustration. The chimera down bellow, also getting frustrated. Seeing as his supper was taking quite awhile to come down.

“Oh come on Chlo we can handle an ugly - ”

“Beca. I understand your bravery but. That’s a XXXXX class monster, that’s not even supposed to be here!” Chloe’s voice cracked at the last word, the chimera bellow letting out a breath of fire.

Beca took one long stare at the love of her life sitting behind her. She analysed her outcomes, Chloe’s outcome. The aftermath. Let’s just say Beca was feeling rebellious today. Even if she was dating the head girl.

“I’m so sorry baby, but this is one for the captain,” Beca said as she pecked a quick kiss on the others lips.

“Oh my god.” Chloe shut her eyes tight, knowing what that Beca was not going to sit around to wait.

And so they dove. Landing right I front of the ferocious beast.

“Wait. Beca, we don’t even have a plan!” Chloe scampered off the broom, jumping behind a rock to avoid the flames of the chimera.

“Oh,”

“Oh Beca?! Oh?!” Chloe said as she stood back up with Beca, rushing over to be seated behind a boulder.

“Okay Miss – taking – her – N.E.W.T.S what do you know about this. I’ll do the spells or whatever,” Beca said, jumping out from behind the boulder and casting a spell. It did quite close to nothing. Well, it just made the chimera more confused and angry, but that was about it. “Chimera, chimera, chimera, uhhhhh – Ahah! I read about it once! Some wizard killed it once, with I think, it was, lead! He killed it with lead!” Chloe yelled at Beca who was trying to ward the fire off with random spells.

“Well Chlo, do you have any lead?” Beca asked sarcastically.

“I, I actually do,” Chloe pulled out a pencil from pocket. A gift from her parents to remind her of her roots, Chloe was a muggleborn. Her father had said the feathers only policy was ridiculous.

“Oh thank god for muggles!” Beca took it, surprised that the redhead had lead.

“Gemino!” Beca flicked her wand at the pencil, causing to duplicate at an intense rate.

“What the hell?!” Chloe knew that spell, it was a curse, yes. It was useful in this situation, but nevertheless, that pencil was a prized possession!

“Oh come on Chlo! What do I do next?” Beca staggered to grab the pencils that were still duplicating, the intensity rising.

“Uhhhh, the wizard killed it on a winged horse,” Chloe broke the news to Beca, whose mouth gapped open at the statement.

“Why didn’t you tell me before as put a curse on your pencil?” Beca said in frustration. The chimera bellowed and spit more fire, the dragon tail snapping, it jumped around like a goat on drugs, its patience clearly fading.

“Well, who told you to throw spells at a chimera!” Chloe fought back. The two scanned the grounds for something to assist them, preferably a stray winged horse that decided to take a little walk in the lovely chimera fire infested moonlight.

“My broom,” Beca said, an idea popping into her head. It was a suicide mission, seeing as her broom was behind the Chimera. A very angry and hungry chimera, just to add.

A look of horror passed on Chloe’s face when she realised what her partner was up to. Alas, it was much to late, Beca rolled underneath the chimera, barely dodging the beasts’ goat legs. One of the legs stepped on Beca’s right bicep.

“Argh! Seriously dude?” Beca yelped as she stood up, her left hand hoisting the right up, the chimera followed behind, and Chloe reacted.

“Hey goat butt!” Chloe said, throwing one of the curse pencils at the chimera, the pencils duplicating at the contact with the beasts’ skin. The large lion-thing turned and faced the redhead, as she slowly pulled out her wand. She caught a glimpse of Beca behind the thing, who gave her a wink.

“Come and get me!” Chloe yelled as she ran as fast as her legs could take her.

“Ascendio!” Chloe pointed her wand upward as she flung upwards, the lion below taking a giant leap in hopes of catching her midnight snack. She felt a surge of heat on her shoe, and she felt the rubber melting. Even worse, she felt herself falling.

“Oh shit,” She began to fall, and she swore she could she the lion smirk.

As Chloe thought she was about to die, a gust of wind caught her, she heard Beca scream.

“Arresto Momentum!” She landed onto Beca’s arms, whom immediately winced at the contact. But still smiled nevertheless.

“Falling for me again yeah?” Beca said, fighting through the surging pain in her right hand, steering the broom with her left.

“You’re hurt,” Chloe said as she sat up, balancing herself on the broom.

“Yeah, and you almost died,” Beca said as she hopped to position herself in front of Chloe.

“You didn’t have to you know,” Beca said, looking at Chloe. Ignoring the Chimera, now weaker, due to the fall.

“I did. I love you,” Chloe said shyly.

“Well, I love you too. Weirdo. Now, tell me more about that wizard,” Beca said as she dived back towards the chimera. If it meant saving Hogwarts, her makeshift home. Melting to death wouldn’t be so bad.

“His name was Bellerophon,” Chloe began.

“Ready?” Beca position the broom in front of the monster. The two were alone in this. They much to far from the buildings for anyone to hear. If their plan didn’t work. They’d die, and no one would notice until awhile. But for Hogwarts, Beca would gladly die.

“Always,” Chloe smirked. She held the wad of pencils, knowing the full plan.

Beca pushed forward, the broom was their makeshift horse. And although Chloe thought they should really go to the headmistress. Beca knew better, if they went back to Hogwarts, the chimera would follow. It was like a puppy, a fire breathing, maniacal, puppy.

They strode towards the fire breathing mouth, Beca pointed her wand at the mouth of the beast. Secretly praying for the plan to work.

“Anapneo!” The spell originally for people who were chocking, forced the fire to stop coming out from the mouth, as the airway was forcibly cleared.

Chloe threw the lead pencils into the mouth of the lion, hoping the spell wouldn’t wear out as fast as Chloe’s Ascendio did. With their luck, just as they passed, the lion blew out fire, melting the lead and the wood.

The two semi- crash landed on the ground, as Beca couldn’t take the searing pain on her right hand, to add, Beca had used a lot of her power.

“Beca!” Chloe rushed to her side, for some reason, Beca felt herself weakening more and more.

“Hey you,” She smiled at Chloe.

“You look terrible, I told you this was a bad idea,” Chloe’s hand brushed on Beca’s right arm, and the Slytherin immediately winced at the contact. “I got to safe you, it was the perfect plan,” Beca smirked through the pain. Her pick up lines never failing to make Chloe smile.

Chloe stared at the Chimera, whom was chocking on the lead, swallowing its own fire. It stood frozen for a short while, and later, it erupted into flames. Chloe could just stare at the flames her heart breaking looking at the body of the Chimera, Chloe had always liked creatures, even it was a crazy beast, her soft side for animals of any kind – magical or muggle – had always shone. Once she looked back at Beca, her heart broke even more when the love of her life lay there. Her hand infected horridly.

“I’m- I’m going to call the nurse, don’t – leave me okay?” Chloe kissed the others forehead and stood up, but Beca used her good hand to stop her.

“You won’t have to,” Beca gestured towards the nearest building, where there were shimmering candlelights.

“Oh thank god, my feet kinda kinda got burned,” The shoe that got burned fell off somewhere through the process, the heat seeping through, causing her feet to burn.

“So, you ready for a punishment?” Beca asked as Chloe lay down next to her, both looking towards the sky.

“It can’t be that bad, we saved Hogwarts! Plus, I’m the head girl and you’re the quidditch captain, we’ll be fine,” Chloe said, staring at Beca with all the love in her eyes.

“We’ll be fine, we’ve gotten into a lot of trouble, will we be fine? After all this time?” Beca asked cheekily.

“Always,”

“What were you two thinking?!” Professor McGonagall complained, lecturing the two in front of her. She was pacing stressfully. Beca having to zip her mouth to control her laughter.

“Attacking a XXXXX beast?! Not to mention, sneaking off in the night?! I would understand if it was just Chloe – but you – Ms. Mitchell!” The woman flung her hands around, but eventually sighed and sat back down, putting her hands in her head.

“I must say, it was very grave of you two to do that, you’ve saved the school, you’ve used your knowledge well. I can’t help but feel a little proud. You’ve done well,” She looked up and gave a small smile.

“The council has decided that, the both of you are to be rewarded. Once both of you graduate, you are to be given the Award for special services to the school,” Professor McGonagall said calmly. While Beca’s mouth gapped open, Chloe was practically jumping in her seat.

“Dude! That’s sick! – I mean – thank you, it’s a real honour,” Beca tried hard to hide her excitement. Chloe was practically bursting with happiness, Beca knew, because Beca always had to hear Chloe yapping about wanting to get a Hogwarts honour. It was like a dream come true.

“Thank you thank you thank you thank you, thank you!” Chloe said with a smile so bright the sun would get jealous.

“Yes, yes, Ms. Beale, I hope you two will behave more, and if I ever catch anyone sneaking out in the late hours, I will personally see a punishment fit for you two,” Professor McGonagall cocked her eyebrow. The two of them nodding their heads in agreement, they definitely weren’t doing that again. One chimera battle should be enough for one person.

“You may be dismissed,” The headmistress shooed the two away, and the pair scampered out of the room like two extremely giddy teenagers.

“Oh my god Beca! Were getting an honor – like – a huge honor!” Chloe said excitedly. Beca slung her left arm around Chloe’s waist.

“Yeah, and the best part? Were getting it together,” Beca said as the two strolled down the hallways.

“So, always together?” Chloe said leaning onto Beca’s shoulder.

“Not a damn time we’d be apart,” Beca kissed Chloe’s forehead. And from there they went, one of the schools’ most well known power couples. The muggleborn and the pureblood. The slytherin and the hufflepuff. The brains and the brawn. And most importantly ;

The quidditch captain and the head girl.

[pinktacofury]

The Train

I do not own any of the characters, I own none of the places or things mentioned, nothing in this Fic needs a warning, read and enjoy. Lurv PTF

(Y/N) sat quietly with her hands folded in her lap staring out the rain streaked window of the otherwise empty cubby, her bags lay in a tidy pile on the opposite seat, her Slytherin robe hung on the hook beside the sliding door as she had no intention of wearing it until she absolutely had to. Another year in the musty Hogwarts castle was not something she was looking foreward to, drastic changes had been made since the death of Headmaster Dumbledore. A weary sigh escapes (Y/N)’s lips as a knock sounds on the thin glass like material of the door followed by a voice she knew all too well. “ Is this seat taken?” She turned her head slightly to the right casting a glance over the young man from head to toe twice, he had changed so much since their first year she almost didn’t recognize him. Once too oily hair now lay across his forehead in neatly combed feathers, his face had changed from arrogant to something akin to mild discontent with the world and his eyes had gone from glowing with self importance to smoldering coals. Yes he had changed a great deal in the eight years they had attended the same school. “I suppose not.” (Y/N) murmured as she used a slender leg to scoot her bags over slowly motioning for him to sit with her right hand. “I don’t believe we have met. I am..” She cut him off with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Draco Malfoy, Slytherin prince blah blah blah. Ex death dealer and chosen one to the once terrible Voldemort. ” she shrugged him off as he gave her an awestruck expression. “I’ve heard all about it, Slytherin girls have drooled over you since first year. Save me the repetitive nonsense.” Turning back to the window (Y/N) went back to staring at the passing scenery. —————————————————————- “Miss (Y/L/N), Mr. Malfoy, take the walk. Draw your wands. You know the rules, no maiming, no killing.” The Defense against the dark arts professor grumbled as he waited for them to take their places. “Don’t be afraid beautiful, I will go easy on you.” Draco sneered as (Y/N) took the dueling stance. She rolled her eyes slowly as she made the first move. “Alarte Ascendare!” She flicked her wand straight into the air sending Malfoy ten feet above the others heads causing gasps to roll through the class. “Arresto Momentum!” she shouted easing his fall to the ground to a harsh jostle rather than a bone shattering fall. “Very good Miss (Y/L/N), next pair….” As she stepped off the strip Draco slid off the walk next to her, his face one of disbelief as he touched her shoulder. “Show off.” he muttered and she chuckled a little. “I didn’t have to save you after.” she gave him a small smirk as she flipped her hair over her shoulder turning away.

[this-is-your-heichou-speaking]

Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Marvel Cinematic Universe Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Loki (Marvel)/Harry Potter Characters: Loki (Marvel), Harry Potter, Tony Stark Additional Tags: Master of Death Harry Potter, But Loki doesn't know, Harry Potter & Tony Stark Friendship, just a little

Manic

"Harry?" There was a surprised note in the man's voice as he came across his lover. He attempted to cover it, but it was already too late for that - Harry understood just fine. Despite everything, his lover hadn't foreseen his interruption. 'Does he think that little of me?' he thought, but he didn't turn or reply. His back tensed slightly against his will as he felt the taller man near him and put a hesitant hand on his shoulder. When he still didn't respond, the grip tightened and he was turned to face the one man he hated and loved more than anything. "Harry," the voice was soothing now, gentle as if to coerce a small, frightened animal out of its hiding spot. He cringed internally at the comparison. Was that what he'd become now? Had he, the one who rid the wizarding world of the dark Lord that terrorised it, become so complacent? He hated himself for it, and promised to himself he wouldn't let it happen again. "Loki," his voice was calm in response, almost blasé, and Loki frowned before he could stop himself. "What are you doing here?" he asked, annoyance audible in his voice. Harry smiled, deliberately putting on an uncaring front. "Tony is my friend, Loki, I'm just visiting. The real question is, what are you doing here?" 

The grip on his shoulder tightened until he feared it might bruise, but he didn't lose the calm smile on his face. Loki's eyes grew darker in anger as his other hand came up to his face and his fingers tightened around his chin. "Will you betray me too, love?" he asked, voice silky and low. Harry laughed bitterly, glaring a little. "Betray you?" He asked sarcastically. "And what do you call this, Loki dearest?" He waved a negligent hand over the view of the city, and already there was smoke rising from collapsing buildings. Already, there were people running around in fear and pain. "This is for us, Harry," Loki started, but Harry shook his head gently. Loki's fingers gripped his chin until he couldn't move it again, but Harry didn't care. "It's for you, Loki. All the people I sacrificed my childhood for, spent my life saving. What did I do it for?" "They did not deserve you!" Loki snarled, incensed. "They hurt you, took and took and what did you get in return except pain and abandonment? They are all worthless," his voice softened suddenly, a smile creeping onto his face. "You told me yourself, Harry, how they turned on you at the drop of a hat. You wondered what you did wrong, but the truth is that humans are just like that. It is in their nature." "How are you any different from Voldemort, Loki?" Harry asked softly, sadly. Their lips were ever closer now, and Harry could hear the desperation in his voice but what was the point in hiding it, anymore? He loved this man, even as he hated everything Loki stood for. Even as he hated the man for what he was doing. "How could you compare me to him, Harry?" his lover seemed amazed at the comparison, incredulous. "I would never hurt you." "You'd hurt them." He said, neglecting to say how Loki was hurting him even now, grip firm enough to maybe leave bruises, and lies piling up high enough to make him wonder if he'd ever even known the real Loki, if he'd always just loved a mask. "They are mortals, Harry. Vermin." "So am I." He whispered. 'So was I.' Loki stared at him, their mouths touching every time either of them spoke now, soft breath against each other's lips and Harry just wanted to kiss him, so badly. He didn't. "You're different," and Loki's eyes were pleading with him. Harry laughed sharply. He tried to move his face away, dislodge the hand holding his face still, but Loki was holding onto his waist now, another hand on his nape, and he was pressed so close that Harry could feel every part of him against every inch of his body. He hated it, but for a minute he wished they'd be frozen here, in this time, because he didn't know if they could ever be like this again. He didn't know if Loki could still love him after this. "Do you hear yourself?" he asked. He tried to calm his breathing, to calm his head. It wouldn't do to jump onto his lover violently, or to burst out crying. Or both. "You're a hypocrite, Loki." The man holding him froze, so still and cold he might literally have turned to ice. "Even you...?" Harry wanted to scream at the look of hurt in Loki's eyes. This wasn't what he wanted, and the urge to wrap his arms around the man and whisper endearments in his ear was almost overwhelming. Still, he held himself still. "Stop it, please," he said instead, watching as the betrayal grew. "I can't-" he broke off as Loki moved suddenly, and then there were lips on his own, teeth scraping at his mouth and tongue dancing with his own, until he could barely breathe. His mouth hurt, but he couldn't stop, couldn't let go because what if he never saw Loki again? What if this man didn't stop for him, and decided this invasion was more important than Harry? How would he live with himself, and live for such a long, long time. Not that Loki knew. Oh God, Loki didn't know. The kiss - though it was more of a brutal assault - finally came to an end and for a moment Harry didn't know why, but then Loki's chest was rumbling under his hands as he spoke, face turned away from him, and he realised there was someone else there. "Tony?" he gasped as he set eyes on the red-yellow armour, and the man smirked back. "Comfortable there, Sparkles?" His face went red, and all of a sudden the tiled flooring seemed incredibly interesting, but he didn't move out of Loki's arms. He couldn't find it in himself to step away yet, and Loki's arms tightened to prevent it just in case. "You sure know how to pick 'em." The man continued, undeterred by Harry's lack of a response. It was said in a teasing tone, but Harry could detect the undercurrent of sympathy underneath it, and he suddenly felt so very tired. His grip tightened where his hands lay on Loki's chest, fingers curling into the little amount of green fabric there was amongst metal and leather. "What can I say?" he muttered, smiling sadly. "I suppose I do." Tony didn't say anything else, merely turned to Loki, who stood glaring at him. "So, what's it gonna be, Reindeer Games?" The man positively snarled at him in response. "There are no choices here, Man of Iron. You will stand down, or I will make you." "See, I really can't do that." Tony snapped down the faceplate of his suit, readying himself. Loki turned from Harry, reaching for his sceptre, and Harry gripped onto him to pull him back. "Please, please Loki. Don't do this." He sounded pathetic, he knew, but he just wanted- "Don't you beg, Gandalf," Tony growled from behind his suit, voice coming through speakers and not sounding any less fierce for it. "He doesn't deserve that, and you deserve so much more." Harry closed his eyes in defeat as Loki took offense to that and ripped away from him, stalking over to Tony. He looked beautiful even now, elegance and power in every line of his body. Harry hurt at the thought of fighting him, but even now he knew he would. Once again, he had to do what was right. Loki approached Tony confidently, his handsome face twisted into an ugly sneer, and made to swing his sceptre only to be blasted away by Tony, who didn't wait for him to recover before laying into him. Harry shook himself out of his stupor, looking away from his lover and the hate in his every motion. He wrapped his arms around him, and apparated. The next few hours were spent evacuating people and stabilising buildings so they wouldn't collapse and take innocent lives. He tried not to keep up with matters over by the tower, but he couldn't deny that - despite knowing it was wrong - a part of him yearned to help the man he loved. He was stronger than that though, and if he hadn't bowed to the Dursleys and Voldemort then he wouldn't bow to Loki either, no matter how much he loved him. And then he could feel Loki hurting as he was beat through the link they shared, and when he made it back to the tower to see the man unconscious and subdued, he realised that Tony - his best friend Tony - was flying a nuke up through the wormhole. He felt frozen as he watched, Loki's head in his lap, as the seconds passed and Tony did not return, fingers clenching in fear. He gasped when Tony reappeared just as the portal closed, only to shout out wordlessly when he realised he wasn't flying, but falling. Scrambling up as quickly as he could, Harry apparated to a closer building and pointed his wand at the falling figure in red and yellow, mind flashing back to when he'd been in a somewhat similar position - except, of course, that he'd been the person doing the falling that time, and that it happened during a game of quidditch. "Arresto Momentum!' he shouted desperately, hoping against hopes that he was close enough, powerful enough, quick enough. The figures watching from down below didn't seem to know which way to look, but eventually Tony had safely landed and Harry watched long enough to know he was awake before going back to Loki. He was awake again when Harry came back, glaring balefully at the ceiling as if it was the cause of all the faults in the world. His eyes slid over to Harry as the younger man walked in, eyes softening slightly but not losing the anger. He couldn't move - Harry had made sure of that, but now that he was here the wizard cast Incarcerous and then un-petrified him, helping him sit up with gentle hands. He didn't look up as he did this, but he didn't have to - Loki's displeasure was practically coming off him in waves. They were silent for a long while, sitting there, before Loki finally gave in. "What are you doing here?" he muttered, clearly upset. Harry chanced a glance up at his face, fiddling uselessly with his fingers. He shook his head, questioning. "Where else would I be?" He asked softly. Loki snorted. "With your pet heroes, my dear, celebrating the defeat of your enemy." A wave of anger went through him at his lover's words. He scowled angrily, glaring into Loki's eyes. "How dare you," he whispered, incensed. "Don't you turn this on me! I warned you, I told you-" "You betrayed me!" Loki shouted, skin gaining a faint bluish tinge as he lost control of himself. "You were supposed to take my side-" "Are you serious?" Harry exclaimed incredulously. "You were in the wrong, Loki. You would have murdered thousands, and I was supposed to stand by and let you?" The man snorted, shaking his head. "I shouldn't have expected more from you," he muttered. "You're just a human after all, even if you have magic. You're just like the rest of them." Harry straightened his back, clenching his fists hard enough that his nails were this side of drawing blood from his palms. "I'm not just human, Loki," he said, voice deceptively calm. "I was, once, but I haven't been for a long time." Saying so, he let his tight hold on his magic slip, let Loki sense the change in his core and taste his magic anew. The other's eyes widened as he sensed what Harry was, and he seemed to draw into himself as he stared at the younger in shock. "You..." He mumbled, eyes wide as if he'd never seen Harry before. The wizard wrapped his arms around himself defensively in response. Loki leaned forward slightly, closing his eyes as if losing himself. "It's so potent," he whispered. "Delicious." Harry's cheeks reddened almost instantaneously, and his eyes widened. He had expected many reactions, but this wasn't one. "I- I didn't know how to tell you," he said, voice shaky. He wasn't sure what to do with himself anymore, and the anger from earlier seemed to just disappear. "I wanted to, but then-" "Hush," Loki interrupted, moving closer even with his hands tied behind his back. "I could never have dreamed-" he kissed Harry, briefly, on the lips, leaving him feeling as if he were frozen. "You're mine," he hissed, nudging Harry's nose with his own affectionately. "Of course I am," Harry whispered. "But it doesn't change what you did, Loki. It doesn't make it okay." "I'm sorry," his lover told him, looking at him fondly. "My Master of Death," he chuckled, "who could have guessed?" Harry frowned, feeling a little apprehensive. He looked at Loki carefully. "It doesn't make it okay, Loki," he said again. "You know what that means?" "Of course," his lover replied smoothly, but he didn't seem upset - just strangely relieved. "Okay..." Harry murmured. "So, ummm, Thor will probably be here in a while, to take you up to Asgard - why aren't you upset?" he exclaimed incredulously. The man just looked at him, all soft eyes and gentle smiles, and Harry flushed, confused. "You might be put away for decades," he breathed, staring at Loki wide-eyed. "Why are you not upset?" "I thought you would die," Loki replied finally. He leant forwards, pushing his nose into the crook where Harry's neck joined his shoulder, and breathed in deeply. Harry found he couldn't move, not closer and not away, as cold realisation flooded him. "You thought I would... die." They stayed like that for a second as Harry processed the thought, and Loki knew exactly when he had, because Harry threw himself forward into his lap with a wordless cry, holding him tightly to himself as if he'd never let go. "I'm sorry," he sobbed, and Loki's arms twitched as if he wished he could wrap his arms around Harry in turn, but he was unable. He settled for leaning his cheek against the top of Harry's head, breathing in the warm scent of home the man exuded. "It is okay," he whispered soothingly, and who would have dreamed that Loki would ever be the one comforting, the one reassuring anybody else? He pressed his lips to wild black curls fleetingly, smiling at the way arms tightened around his waist. "It is okay," he repeated. "It will be fine." And it would be. Loki had killed hundreds, tried to take away the world's freedom and rule it, and though a large part of him had wanted it, he knew that it was the anger at abandonment by Odin and Thor - his supposed family, and fear of his apparently mortal lover's impending death that had pushed him to agree to the bargain with the titan, where before he would never bow and take orders from anyone. But it didn't matter now - he was done. He would come clean about everything to Harry, from Thor's banishment to his bid to take over the world. In a while, he'd be taken to Asgard to stand trial, and he'd likely be put away for decades, but knowing he'd still see Harry alive and well when he came out of the other side made it seem a much smaller punishment. There was still anger inside him, hate for Odin who'd lied to him and Thor who'd upstaged him at every turn, hate for all of the Asgardians who'd ever looked down their nose and sneered at him and his magic and called him weak, and maybe this was all a way to prove them wrong too. But in the end, he loved Harry so much more than any of that. He didn't think he could ever forget, but he was sure he could move past it. With time.