#jk my parents gave this to me when they were in the uk

[virgoil]

£15 pounds to my name

[artprocrastinates]

What is about Harry Potter? Or is the problem just JK?

The two are kind of mutually exclusive to one another. My personal issues with the books stem mostly from the way that JK Rowling has executed them, and from Rowling herself. JK Rowling has become increasingly someone I'm ashamed to have idolised. She's seeking brownie points for representation that she never actually gave (Confirming Dumbledore is gay but never giving him that, confirming that there was "at least one Jewish student at Hogwarts") and neglecting the huge amount of other cultures in the UK that would have—and should have—been at Hogwarts as well. Beyond the connection with Rowling and the HP books, there's also the fact that she continues to work with Johnny Depp and a lot of what we looked up to as her great sass is actually plain arrogance. This isn't to say that Rowling is a wholly awful person, or that this is the sum total of problems with her, but she just isn't the great Writing Goddess fans once saw her as. With the books themselves, it's more complex. The whole third book is a bit of an anomaly thanks to the time-travel, but I'm not that bothered by it (I know a lot of fans are); rather, my problems lie with the whole "Harry was abused and neglected but comes away fine and the Dursleys are never called out on it". Harry had to threaten the Dursleys with his godfather to get them to treat him with even a little common decency. I looked at Vernon's behaviour, looked at my own father, and thought "well it's normal in this book and Harry is fine, so stuff for me at home must be fine, too,". One could even go so far as saying that the Dursleys determination to keep Harry from the magical world could be an allegory for Autism Mums or Hearing parents of Deaf children keeping their children from the communities that they have a right to—or White foster parents not respecting the cultural wishes of their children who aren't White as well. These are all very real issues, and they were exploited for the sake of, what? Giving Harry a pity card to make readers feel Emotion for him? I absolutely adore the world of Harry Potter, and what the fans have made of it, but for me the books and films are just too close to the author of the source material. Everything has been skewed by the mistakes Rowling made, or the blatant ignorance that she made no effort to correct when writing. She got away with it because the books were for children, but we now live in an age where people can realise that "Oh, actually, that doesn't mean anything," and now the realisation has spread, it's too late for Rowling to change anything. There's a lot more I can say—hypocrisy in the fundamental values of the book, flaws in the Housing systems, Snape (but I'm not going there) and Dumbledore himself, plus the naming of Harry's child after Dumbledore and the 2D characters... No work is flawless and no person is either. There is also no denying that Rowling did an amazing thing, raising her daughter on benefits in a tiny flat as she wrote the books in a coffee shop because her home was too cold, but the feat behind the books doesn't negate what they became. Now fans are in this difficult place of loving what they have done with the world she created (just look at how headcanons have been accepted as canon more than canon itself) but disliking the creator and the ways in which those negative aspects have bled into the books. However, it is not the fans job to seperate the two, and so issues become apparent within the books themselves. This is only emphasized by The Casual Vacancy, another of Rowling's works, which does address some serious issues in a very sensitive way. She did it then, so why not in her seven book success? Why not teach children some solutions to issues she is clearly capable of addressing? Therefore, it can be surmised that although the issues stem from the author, the author and the issues in her works are also inherently linked. As a consequence, I can no longer enjoy that part of my childhood as I once did, and the pain of seeing other fans going through the same process is incredibly bitter-sweet.

[miphastudies]

17 Questions for 17 People

Thanks @its-bianca​ for tagging me in this! Sorry it’s taken so long, we’re in a third lockdown and I’m pretty sure my body thinks that time no longer exists.

Nicknames: Kim, Kimbo, Kimberlim, Kimothy, Kimberley Dibberley (For some reason my family thought that a nickname based off Cat’s other personality from Red Dwarf, Dwayne Dibberley, was funny and it’s stuck with me my whole life), as well as KIIII (shouted by my sister when she was about 2 and couldn’t pronounce my name, my best friend now yells it when she wants my attention) and Kim-Kim by my Dad who refuses to believe I’ve grown up (beats Kimberley Dibberley any day) 

Height: 5'9 - towering over most men is fun, I suggest it to all of you, I’d rather round it up to six foot, but I probs stopped growing at 20.

Hogwarts House: Well I got Gryffindor when I first went on that site, but being my goth self I had to take the test again until I got Slytherin - as far as I remember I had unicorn hair (or horn?) or something of the like in my wand but I’m not gonna fuel JK’s anti-trans pockets by visiting Pottermore ever again. 

Last thing I googled: The soundtrack for Futurama’s Luck of the Fryrish episode, I knew Simple Minds were on it but I could’ve sworn Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty was on it, but apparently not. I spent a good half hour trying to sing it into google with their new song-analysis thing to no avail, so I ended up siphoning through all the songs Lisa Simpson has ever played on her Sax to find out what it was (I should be doing my dissertation proposal but my tutors haven’t got back to me yet so what can ye do).

Song stuck in my head: yknow wha I’m just gonna list the songs that have been stuck in my head so far today because it’s too many to be just one as I keep cycling through them (also gonna link them so you can see how garbo weird my music taste is)

Run - Joji Alive - Pearl Jam Clinging On For Life - The Hoosiers Tension - Avenged Sevenfold  Boots of Spanish Leather - Bob Dylan Nutshell - Alice in Chains Jaded - Aerosmith  The Sea of Tragic Beasts - Fit For an Autopsy 

I’ll add my current favourite at the bottom too for good measure (Honestly I spend way too much time listening to music and I regret nothing)

Number of followers: Currently 85. I’ve got about 2k on my main blog but I’ve not touched that since July 2017.

Amount of sleep: Good lord, so I aim for 8 hours, sometimes I only get 5.5 or something along those lines, other times I depression nap during the day and can’t sleep at all, sometimes (like this morning) I’ll go to get up at a normal person time such as 9am when my body naturally wakes me up, but it’s so dark and gloomy outside and cold in my room that I just stay in bed and end up accidentally falling back asleep. 12pm gang rise up xo 

Lucky number: 7

Dream Job: Hopefully I get somewhat successful in monetising my hobbies, I’m working on it all atm (I don’t know why but I really hate telling people about my plans because I’m deathly afraid they’ll mock me or do whatever they can to ensure it doesn’t happen, I’ve got this list of things I need to do for my own mental health sellotaped to my laptop stand that had things like when to clean the house, do my laundry, shower, exercise etc, and my old flatmate/friend saw it the other week and mocked me, so I haven’t followed it since and need to find some sort of other way of organising my life instead). But yeah, hopefully hobby based, I don’t want to be stuck in an office job all my life, and I want to leave the UK (although I don’t want to leave my family) so hopefully I’ll be successful enough to bring em all with me.

Wearing: Well I was gonna wear jeans and my Unus Annus longsleeve but I decided to go full kitchen witch and wear this black milkmaid looking dress with long sleeves that I’d bought for work when I got my thigh tattoo started (all the old men appreciated the legs but I didn’t make any more tips, oops)

Favourite song: My favourite song of all time would be The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony , the band formed at my college, has great meaning and has resonated with me since I first saw the music video after it was played at my Stepdad’s funeral in 2002. Weirdly enough on my last day of college, right after my last exam, I went to get the bus home - put my Spotify on shuffle (bearing in mind I’ve got 805 songs on this playlist) and this came on straight away. That’s probably not important to most people, but being pagan, I like to think that small things like these are signs from loved ones that have since passed. Not too happy that it’s used as the England Rugby theme because it gives me anxiety every time as though I feel like everyone hearing it doesn’t have the same emotional connection with the song as I do, but idk. I saw Richard Ashcroft live and he played this and I legit bawled my eyes out in public, safe to say I’ll try and hold it in next time. I suggest you all have a listen to the song or even watch the music video for it, it’s the most simple but most meaningful music video to me. 

Favourite Instrument: I’m left handed and I had this Yamaha acoustic guitar that my stepdad gave me - and taught me to play when I was about 5, a few months before he died (it’s still weird to me that I had no idea he had cancer at that point and instead spent his last few months teaching me his favourite hobbies) all he had was right handed guitars, so he taught me to play Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters upside down on this 20 odd year old right handed acoustic. He hadn’t played upside down himself before but did it so I could see what he was doing. I remember sitting in our green living room on the couch with him moving my hands to the right position (I don’t know where my mum was in this scenario, probably in the kitchen). He’d brought this guitar with him the first day I met him, it was probably like 11pm but I was 4 and thought it was 3am or something, but I heard voices coming from the living room and had gone to investigate - there sat my mum and my stepdad having Chinese on the living room floor, laughing together, my stepdad saw me and had brought sweets for me and my brother for when we woke up, but he beckoned me over, gave me a lollipop, stuck a two litre bottle of tizer in front of me and told me to dip the lollipop in the drink and lick it (not a good idea as I would’ve been bouncing off the walls, but I think I must’ve had a sugar crash and fallen asleep). My mum had no idea he was coming as he’d sneakily been texting her, asking what her favourite drink was, her favourite food and flowers etc, after they met in a pub when my mum was at a hostel with my brother after my Dad had taken me. My mum told him that the council had given her a place and he decided to show up and surprise her with all her favourite things and play guitar for her after my brother and I had gone to bed, I don’t remember much time passing before we’d moved into his house (where my mum and her new husband live to this day), but they got married a few months later and I still can’t play that Metallica song (I did try to teach myself more of it though). I also had this black left handed Ibanez prestige that my Dad got me for Christmas about 9 years ago, I could play quite a lot on it but eventually just stopped. Very good at piano though. 

Aesthetic: I’m not sure what this entails but I’m a sucker for neon/RGB/cityscapes and that type of malarkey. Also space. Love da space.  Also whatever Cornwall would be considered as. Cottagecore? I think that’s only an animal crossing related aesthetic but I’m claiming it nonetheless. 

Favourite Author: I’m a big goth so it has to be Stephen King by default. I’ve got copious first editions of his books from the 70′s and 80′s that my Mum bought when she was a teen. At my flat I’ve got Carrie, Christine, Salem’s Lot, Misery and The Shining first editions and the others are in my room at my Mum’s house. I don’t tend to read for joy like I used to, or write for fun either but I’m hoping I do more in 2021. Currently reading The Outsider by King, it sounds eerily familiar to a novel I wrote for coursework in college in 2014 and I’m half pressed to think he’s stole my brain ideas. I’m watching you Stephen. Always watching. Always. 

Favourite animal sounds: I don’t have favourite sounds, but my husky Nanook is my favourite animal because he’s dumb and I love him. Also Kookaburra sounds are terrifying and you all should go listen to what a koala sounds like. When I go to Adelaide (hopefully this year, if not next) I am NOT stepping foot in a nature reserve unless I’ve got an anti-kookaburra noise suit on. They obviously don’t exist so I’m gonna have to make one.

Random: I’m part of a viking reenactment group where they use actual swords and fight each other, and we have to basically sign our lives away when we join, to say that if we die, it’s not the groups fault. I don’t actually do the fighting though, I’m part of the villager group, so I do all the crafting and food making and most of the teaching when we do shows. I’ve not yet been to a show as I’ve had uni to go to, but my parents, sister and brother do - They stayed within Whitby Abbey last year during the Viking festival where everyone did the show and the adults got drunk round campfires in the castle grounds. Zacky Vengeance once complimented my shirt if that’s something. I’m also colourblind, got glared at by Liam Gallagher in the Liverpool Echo Arena parking lot and have too accurate a sense of smell.

Sorry this was so long, obviously I felt like word-dumping and my brain has a lot to say as I find too much meaning in these things.  Thanks again for tagging me! I’ve not got 17 people to tag as I don’t interact with anyone at the moment but I’ll come back to this and add people as the week progresses :) 

[shellelyn2]

Tonight Is For Change (Epilogue) (Newt Scamander X Reader)

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST:

Hello loves! Well, here we go. Ready or not. This is the epilogue to my Newt x Reader series that honestly has meant so much to me. It’s the story that saved me from severe writer’s block and I will always be proud of it. Is it my best work? Maybe not. But it comes from a place in my heart… and I hope that shows. It’s sincere. Newt has helped me through some really challenging times of feeling alone, being stressed, and craving affection. I think I’ll always be thankful he gave me a way to vent and feel better. (Good ole JK. She’s the best.) I’m scared to post this. It means a great deal to me and I love it so much. I really hope you do too.

Dedicated to: Everyone who is struggling with change in their life. Those who feel the outcome is uncertain and you can’t be sure it will all be okay. All I can say is don’t give up - don’t worry - we can push through and hopefully everything will be better than we imagine it will be. Also, to be a little bit personal - this part is also for the “older” readers who desire to be married or have children. It’s hard when life doesn’t seem to work out the way you “think” it should. Like I said, don’t give up. (I’m telling myself that too.)

Title: Tonight Is For Change (Epilogue)

More?

MASTER LIST

Pairing: Newt Scamander X Reader

Rating: T

Warnings: lots of fluff, a little bit of brother angst, some sexy times (implied mostly, not too graphic - I hope), more fluff, children, etc.

Fluff Level: TWO MURTLAPS & A SWOOPING EVIL

Additional notes:  I took some liberties. I don’t know Newt’s Mother’s name so… it doesn’t exist? Also, I wrote THESEUS & I could be ALL WRONG but we don’t have much to go off, do we? I hope it’s okay. Also, I called those sleeper cars on trains “cabins.” It’s just a small thing but it might annoy those who travel mass transit. I live in the USA. We aren’t cool like that.

Also, if you enjoy this, can you please send feedback? It really helps motivate me and I welcome ALL of it!

GIFS/PICS ARE NOT MINE! Message me if you’d like credit!!

Three and a half years later.

Southhampton, United Kingdom.

You were almost “home.” The journey from New York City to the UK had been unlike anything you had ever experienced. For seven whole days there had been nothing but the sea surrounding you. It had been exhilarating at first but towards the end of the expedition your little family became anxious to stand on solid land again.

“Katherine, love?” You buttoned your daughter’s overcoat and her bright [your eye color] eyes met yours, “You be sure to hold tight to Mummy’s hand, all right?”

Katherine giggled as you gave her a loving peck on the cheek, “Yes, mummy.”

“Do you see Daddy over there? He’s just arranging our tickets for the train. When he is finished we will go sit down and rest for a bit."

Katherine smiled and squeezed your hand tightly. Poor Newt. This was his least favorite part of traveling. Every time an inspector had to check his case he was terrified one of his creatures would escape, "Anything to declare?"

Newt shook his head, "No.”

At only three years old your daughter impressed everyone with her maturity. Her vocabulary was considerably advanced and you gave all the credit to Newt. He had been telling her stories and reading to her since before she was born. Katherine had inherited his mischievousness, brilliance, fluffy cinnamon curls, and thousands of darling freckles that dotted her skin.

She had inherited your eyes, smile, and remarkable kindness. You and Newt were so proud of the charming little girl she was becoming.

The three of you were so excited to have finally disembarked in England. Unfortunately, there was still another full night of travel until you would arrive at the Scamander family residence on the outskirts of London. You, Newt, and Katherine would live there for a couple of weeks until your own cozy cottage was ready to move into.

You considered Newt as he approached you with tickets and case in hand. You could tell he was overwhelmed by the crowds of people and was just as anxious as you to get going.

Even after all of these years he took your breath away. Your marriage had matured profoundly. You were symbiotic. You could read and feel one another’s emotions in a glance.

The last few years had been a roller coaster of experiences and it had finally climaxed in a decision to move to London. New York City had been exceptional and it was there your relationship with Newt had blossomed. However, raising a family there was not desirable for either of you. Katherine needed a place to run and enjoy her childhood. Newt had a burning desire to travel Europe again and continue employment with the Ministry. You looked forward to the challenge of raising your children, seeing them off to Hogwarts, and perhaps even completing some work for the Ministry in muggle relations. Since both of your parents had been muggle born you had an extreme fascination with their way of life. The opportunities that lied before you filled your heart with happiness.

“Just about time, my loves.” Newt pecked your cheek before bending down to look in Katherine’s eyes, brushing his fingers through her curls, “How are you, darling?”

“Good. But, Daddy - can I have one of those?” Newt’s eyes followed Katherine’s little finger pointing to a cart of delicious baked goods and candies.

Newt faced her big, bright eyes and you smirked, fully aware he was unable to resist his darling little girl, “Of course you can, sweetheart. Come on, then."

The three of you approached the cart and Katherine analyzed each temptation in front of her. Newt laughed at the look of hunger in her eyes, "These will rot your teeth.”

Katherine giggled and the gentleman attending the cart raised his eyebrows, “‘Ello sir. Ma’am. Little lady. What can I get ye today?”

Newt placed a protective hand on Katherine’s shoulder, “What would you like, darling?”

Katherine pointed to a white frosted cupcake with a pink rose on top.

“We would like the cupcake with the rose there,” Newt motioned, “And that mint chocolate cake there. Anything for you, love?”

“Sure. I’ll have three butter toffees, please?”

“Anything else, sir?”

Newt rummaged through a pocket, searching for some change.  "Umm…No.“

After paying the man you strolled over to a bench, your cart of luggage in tow. Katherine sat sandwiched between you and Newt while you ate your treats and observed the busy platform of travelers.

Newt wiped his hands on a handkerchief, ”[your name], when we get settled in our cabin I will need to tend to the creatures. It has been hours.“

"Of course. Katherine and I will see about some tea and then we can all have dinner together.” You gazed into Newt’s tired eyes as he fed you a tiny bite of his cake, “Mmm, that is quite delicious.”

Newt grinned, noticing the same exhaustion in your eyes, “I think we all deserve a lengthy rest after this journey.”

“I agree.” You stroked his warm cheek, “I just want you to hold me, if I’m honest.”

“Mummy?” There was a slight tug on the sleeve of your forest green coat, “I’m finished.”

Newt wiped Katherine’s face and hands with his handkerchief then planted a giant kiss on the top of her head, “Did you enjoy that, precious?”

“Uh huh.” She reached her arms towards Newt and he pulled her into his lap, rubbing his nose against hers. Your heart melted at the affectionate way he took care of her. He really was the best Father. Yes, you were biased but he was exceptional and it really showed in your daughter’s eyes as she snuggled against his chest.

You could not ask for a better husband or a happier marriage.

When it was finally time to board the train you were relieved. At least now you could change clothes, eat proper food, and hopefully get some much needed sleep. Newt spent a couple of hours in the case taking care of the creatures and feeding them. They all needed the quality time and it was well deserved.

When Newt reappeared in the cabin you and Katherine were almost finished dressing for dinner.

“Hello Daddy.” You teased, “All finished?”

Newt raised his eyebrows, memorizing the way your dress hugged your curves, “Daddy is very lucky."

"I laid out some clothes for you… I didn’t know if you wanted the green or the navy vest.”

“I really don’t have a preference."

The kindness of his smile made you weak in the knees. How could he be so adorable?

You hugged him tight and within seconds Katherine was forcing her way between your legs. "Hey! Mummy! Look!”

You chuckled and lowered your eyes toward your daughter. She was dancing around pointing at a jeweled hair pin she had clipped into her curls.

Newt pulled his dusty shirt off and walked to where you had laid out his clothing.  

“Oh, you look beautiful sweetheart.” You complimented, bending down to tie the purple bow at the back of her dress.

Newt slid his arms into the sleeves of his new shirt and turned towards his daughter, “Yes love, you look quite exquisite.”

Katherine furrowed her eyebrows, “What’s ex-qui-bit?”

You grinned as you applied your lipstick in the mirror, “It just means you are very pretty, love.”

“Oh…” She grinned and twirled in her dress, “Thanks Daddy.”

Newt beamed, pulling on a fresh pair of trousers, “You’re welcome, my love.”

You sat on the edge of the bed while waiting for Newt to finish dressing.

Katherine was sprawled out on the floor drawing what looked like an extra tall Pickett in her journal.

“The creatures better behave tonight. Can you imagine if they got loose on a train?” Newt shivered at the thought, “We would probably be thrown out of England and have to go right back to New York City.”

A look of terror filled your eyes, “Oh please don’t say that, Newton. I’m never going on that ship again.”

Newt ruffled his hair, “Well, do I look like an ordinary gentleman about to eat dinner on a train?”

You took that as an invitation to examine your handsome wizard. He wore a tan shirt tucked into black trousers. His navy vest brought out the blue in his eyes and you couldn’t help but sigh. Blue was definitely his color. His fluffy hair was a little messy, but that was Newt. Black dress shoes. A pocket watch. The case gripped tightly in his hand. You couldn’t help but wonder - for the millionth time - how someone could look so good without much effort at all.

He was ridiculously handsome. Your heart began to race, just observing him, and you realized how much trouble you were in. He was literally irresistible to you. It took everything in your power to not attack his face with kisses that very moment.

His lips parted and you glanced away quickly, gulping down your desire.

“Darling? Should I wear a tie?”

You shrugged your shoulders. He could wear a brown paper bag and he would still be just as scrumptious looking. You watched his hands fiddle with the zipper on a small duffel bag, sucking on his bottom lip gently.

“Accio.” Newt’s favorite blue bow tie appeared and with a quick flick of his wand it tied around his neck.

“Perfect. Let’s go."

You were afraid if you didn’t leave right then, you never would.

Katherine protested quite loudly at dinner when you tried to tuck a napkin into the collar of her dress. The problem was only solved when Newt tucked a napkin into the collar of HIS shirt showing her that it was no big deal at all. The two of them sat across the table and you couldn’t help but laugh as Newt slurped his soup and blew bubbles in his milk, making Katherine giggle with delight.

Newt continually rubbed his foot against yours under the table, knowing how much you loved this "secret” affection.

The food you had eaten on the trip over the sea had been delicious and you never went hungry however there was something about a good old fashioned English meal that sent your hearts soaring. You were almost home.

Later that night you tucked Katherine into her small cot as the train rattled along the tracks.

“You know, I still can’t believe we are finally off that ship.” You remarked, sitting on the side of your bed to pull on a pair of socks.

“Yeah,” Newt sighed, “We are almost home. I can not imagine what it will be like to see Mother and Theseus again. It’s been years.”  Newt rubbed your lower back, enjoying the texture of your silky blue nightgown.

“I am a little nervous to meet them. I hope they understand that we would have come sooner if it had been possible.”

Newt ruffled his hair and shrugged, “I agree. Mother will be thrilled either way, I think. She’s desperate to meet her granddaughter. Theseus is - well, he is a difficult one to read at times. What concerns me most is how Grandfather’s death will have affected them.”

“You’re right. I only wish we had known he was ill. We could have made this journey a couple of months ago - when they were in the midst of it."

"Yes.”

You stood up to check on Katherine. She slept soundly and the light from the lamp made her skin glow. You smiled, caressing her cheek.

“Are you ever coming to bed, my darling?"

You glanced back at him. He was laying on his stomach like a child, talking out the side of his mouth, all cozy in his pajamas. He blinked up at you with tired eyes.

"Patience my love…”

“I’m cold!” Newt complained, faking a shiver.

“Oh, please.”

“I am,” He insisted.

You crawled into the comfortable sheets as Newt rolled flat on his back. You nuzzled against his neck.

“Finally!” He grabbed your waist and pulled you against his chest with longing.

“Mmphh, and how do you - expect me to - breathe?”

Newt laughed out loud then instantly cupped a hand over his mouth.

Katherine groaned in her sleep.

“So sorry.” He whispered, loosening his arms, just a smidge.  

You loved the feeling of his warmth on your skin. You caressed your lips across the stubble on his chin, paying particular attention to the bit of hair just under his bottom lip. You lingered there for a moment before you sucked his lip into your mouth, kissing him tenderly.

Newt moaned into your kiss, “Merlin’s beard…”

“Do you like that?” You whispered, trailing down his neck with tiny kisses.

Newt swallowed and inhaled deeply as you kissed his adam’s apple, “Mmhmm, oh… yes.”

Your kisses continued to the base of his throat and paused between his collar bones.

“Oh, darling…don’t stop…” His fingers trembled as they caressed your hair.

You smirked, and decided to tease him - just a little.

“You know, I can honestly say I’ve never slept on a train."

"Are you sure?” He panted, arching his neck towards you.

“Never.” You stroked his neck with your nails.

Newt was desperate but continued to make conversation, “I’ve slept on a train loads of times during my travels. However, this trip has been much more… pleasurable.”

“Mmm, yeah? Why is that?"

Newt’s mouth found yours instantly and he kissed you slowly, sensually, as if trying to memorize every movement of your lips against his. His breath was warm and delicious and you couldn’t help but melt into him. His lips were softer than normal - and more - wet? It was a strange sensation and you felt yourself desiring more. He was all around you. His scent. His hair. His arms. His legs.

"Newton-” You moaned as your hands wandered down his chest. You slid your fingers under his partially unbuttoned shirt and rubbed his stomach.

Newt gasped, “Your hands are freezing, my darling.”

“Sorry, love.” You took a moment to breathe.

Newt hummed, tenderly running his fingers down your spine. “It’s…fine…”

You lifted your hands to his lips and he blew his warm breath on them, “You may continue…”

“Oh, you’d like that wouldn’t you? Have you forgotten our daughter?”

“Bugger.” Newt whimpered, tucking your head under his chin. You kissed his neck and listened to his racing heart.

After a few moments Newt broke the silence, “Darling, I have been meaning to ask you…”

“Yes, honey?” Your finger drew circles in the chest hair between his collar bones.  

“After a time, that is… when we are more settled in our new home… and perhaps when Katherine is a bit older… well, she’s old enough now I suppose… I was just thinking it would be wonderful if…”

You cut him off with a loving kiss, “Newt! Just say it, darling.”

“I simply wanted to inquire if you thought it would be nice for Katherine,” He paused, peering into your eyes, “our daughter…”

“Yes… our daughter?"

”…to have a little brother or sister.“

Your cheeks felt warm and your heart melted. You had been wanting to ask him for months when he thought the appropriate time for another baby would be but you always hesitated. You had all been so busy with the transition of the move to London and his book gaining popularity. Newt cupped your chin in his hand and studied your eyes before continuing his thoughts.

"I know you are worried about the timing of everything and if we will ever be settled enough, but darling, I have so much hope in our life together here. I believe it will turn out better than we can imagine.”

You smiled gently, hoping he was right. Everything would be so brand-new and foreign to you but the courage in his eyes made it impossible to doubt.

Tears began forming in your eyes as you shook your head yes. “Oh love, I was afraid to ask…”

He winced at your reply, “Afraid? I’m so sorry. Did I make you feel that way?”

“Well no, not you. I have been feeling so stressed about our new life beginning and I…” You kissed his cheek, “Newt, this is exactly what I want.”

Newt felt elated. He sealed the plan with a promising kiss to your lips.

The next morning came quickly. The train was nearing your stop and for that you were relieved because Katherine was about at her wits end. She climbed on everything, waving a fake wand in the air, pretending to catch Thunderbirds and Nifflers. Of course, Newt egged her on acting like a frivolous child himself as he grabbed at her little feet when she hopped by.

Eventually, after much persuasion, the three of you snuggled on your bench seat as the sights of your new town came into view. You gazed out the windows with curiosity. Mounds of green fields rose up as far as you could see. Small picturesque homes with red roofs and church steeples mingled among the trees. It was beautiful and in your mind’s eye you saw a vision of growing old here in Newt’s arms and watching your children play. You smiled, content, and rubbed your nose against the shoulder of his coat.

“What are you thinking of?” Newt kissed your forehead.

You rubbed down his arm and grabbed his hand, lacing your fingers together in a tight embrace, “Our future looks so promising.”

Newt bopped your nose and pulled you and Katherine closer, “Yes. Yes, it does.”

A beautiful, mature woman stood on the platform. Her wool skirt blew against her stocking clad legs. In her eyes, she carried the wisdom of an ancient oracle however the bright green shade of them made her appear considerably younger. Her face had several small scars upon it along with a dusting of freckles. Now you began to understand where Newt got his good looks from. She was breathtaking and warm, in her own way, and you couldn’t wait to know her better.

“My baby.” She held Newt in her arms as tears streamed freely down her weathered cheeks.

“Oh, Mother. I have missed you.” He kissed her forehead tenderly, leaning back to examine her eyes. The years had been rough, but they had been kind, and she held an undeniable wisdom in her countenance.

“Mother, I would like to introduce you to my beautiful wife, [your name.] Darling, this is my Mother, [her name].

(A/N: I’m not even going to begin guessing her name.)

You reached out to shake her hand but she pulled you in for a warm hug, "Hello, sweetie. It’s good to finally meet you, at last.” Her cheek was wet with tears as it rubbed against yours and you couldn’t help but shed a few of your own.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Scamander.”

“Oh, sweetie. Just call me Mum.”

You glimpsed Newt’s eyes and he grinned.

Katherine was hiding behind Newt, latched onto his leg so tight that if he took a step he would surely trip and fall.

“This is our Katherine.” Newt announced, attempting to pry her fingers from his trousers, “She’s terribly shy this morning. Come on, Katherine. Say hello to Grandmother.”

Very reminiscent of her Father she peeked out from beneath her curls, with a lopsided smile, “Hello.”

Mum leaned over, reaching her wrinkled hand out for her to shake. Katherine looked from you to Newt then back to you before letting go of his leg. She inched forward cautiously; studying the woman.

After a moment Katherine’s eyes brightened, "Grandmother!”  

“Oh! My precious child! You are so beautiful. Gramma loves you so much, my dear."

Katherine giggled joyously as she received kisses on her rosy cheeks.

Newt stood next to you, an arm around protectively around your waist whilst witnessing this special meeting. You were both thinking the same thing - this moment was so worth the journey.

You felt like you had stepped into a fairy tale. The Scamander family residence was whimsical and inviting. Having bred hippogriffs most of her life, Mrs. Scamander had made their land something reminiscent of a farm. There were wide open fields with ancient oak trees.Tall green grass and wildflowers had taken over most of the enclosures where hippogriffs had formerly been kept. You would have loved to have seen it in earlier times. The house itself was charming, rustic, and warm - decorated with many unusual maps and trinkets from around the world. There was a roaring fire in the sitting room and wide open windows where you could stop and observe the breathtaking view.

Katherine was chasing an invisible Niffler around the dining room table. "I’m so sorry. She’s been so caged up this week it’s a wonder she’s not running to the hills. Katherine!! Oh Newt, talk to your daughter.”

Newt’s laughter filled the room, “She’s just excited, darling.”

Your room was cozy and just perfect for the three of you. It had a high ceiling with wooden beams. Three giant windows with lace curtains that showed off the view of the gardens. There was a roaring fire, two sitting chairs, and a comfortable looking bed with the softest blankets and pillows covering it. You could not wait to unpack and make this home for a time.

Newt strolled to the window and gawked at the view, “Thank you, this is wonderful Mother."

"Well, I will let you get settled and then we will have some tea. I expect Theseus this afternoon, if his train is on time.”

Several hours later

You, Newt, and Katherine were standing in the hallway examining moving family photographs that lined the wall.

“This was the time that Theseus pushed me in the pond and I almost drowned."  

"Look at you, Newt. You were so young.”

“I was never young.”

“This is proof.”

Newt pointed at a frame with glee, “Oh darling, this is when Theseus left for Hogwarts. Bugger. I was so jealous.”

“You followed soon after, right?”

Newt smiled, a faraway look in his sea green eyes, “Yes. Suppose I did.”

“Oh, who’s this?”

Newt laughed, “Grandad. Ah… he used to take us frog hunting in the pond."  

His eyes began to water and you grabbed his hand, sensing the heartache in his memory.

"I can’t believe he’s gone.”

“I know.” You pulled him into your arms and kissed his cheek.

Newt sniffled, “Thank you.”

Suddenly, Katherine tugged on his trousers, “Daddy? Where’s Pickett?"

Newt spun around, "What do you mean? He’s not in the bedroom?”

Katherine shook her head and giggled. “Noooo…”

“Darling.” He knelt down to her, “Have you seen Pickett?”

“Nu uh.” She beamed, bouncing up and down.

Newt grinned and wriggled his fingers towards her stomach, “Do I have to get my Niffler tickler out?"

"No Daddy!” She screamed, disappearing down the hall.

Newt took off, running sideways as if hunting down a creature, “Come here my little darling.”

She lied down on the sofa and laughed hysterically.

Newt’s head popped out from behind the sofa and she screamed again.

“No!! Daddy! NO!!!”

Newt attacked her stomach with tickles until the branchy bow truckle appeared from the sleeve of her shirt. Pickett was terrified and made a lunge for Newt’s arm attempting to get away from Katherine’s grasp.

“My Niffler tickler won again!” He exclaimed, falling over the side of the couch. He scooped Katherine in his arms and kissed her nose. “You little bugger.”

You stood there, a giant smile on your face, wondering how in Merlin you had been rewarded such an amazing man. You were just about to join them on the sofa when Theseus Scamander himself strolled into the room.

“Hello.” He greeted, striding towards Newt. He was tall, with dark eyes and brown curly hair. His shoulders were broad and his arms muscular. He had excellent posture. You recognized the war hero in him immediately.

“Theseus!” Newt exclaimed, pulling him in for a gigantic hug, “It’s been years.”

“It sure has.” He locked eyes with you and you felt a bit nervous. He seemed to examine you from head to toe. Did he not approve of Newt’s choice? You smiled gently.

“This is my beautiful wife, [your name.]” Newt placed a hand tenderly on the middle of your back as you reached out.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Theseus.”

“Likewise.” He shook your hand firmly. His hands were even more callused than Newt’s.

“And this is our daughter, Katherine.” You attempted to bring her around from behind your legs, “She’s a little shy.”

Theseus knelt down in front of Katherine and held a coin in his hand, “Do you want to see a magic trick?”

Katherine shook her head yes; slowly moving towards him. Theseus showed her the coin and then held his wand over it, “Orchideous.” The coin disappeared and turned into a red rose. A large grin spread over his face as he handed it to her.

Katherine squealed and waved the rose in the air, showing you and Newt, then wrapped her arms around Theseus’s neck.

“Well, she loves you now.” Newt chuckled, “I’ve just been replaced.”

The warmth and affection in Newt’s voice thrilled you. He was finally reunited with the people who mattered most in his life.

It was bound to be a blissful two weeks.

There were picnics in the garden. Walks in the countryside. Shopping in the town. You and Newt had been to your cottage to make final arrangements and were excited to have a place to call your own.

There were lots of little moments spent cooking with your mother-in-law. She told you stories about Newt’s childhood and breeding hippogriffs. You could tell she was not entirely convinced Newt had chosen the right career path but she loved him dearly. It was evident in the way her eyes would light up when she spoke about him.

Theseus spent several hours in front of the fire, sipping on cold beer, telling you and Newt about the war. The ministry. The magical society in London. Things weren’t as perfect as they seemed… and that made your heart fearful. Newt rubbed your knee and told you not to worry.

It was a perfect little life.

Until the evening when everything went amiss.

Newt and Theseus sat outdoors in the garden enjoying the sunset. You were laying in bed, reading, relishing the warm breeze coming through the lace curtains. Katherine was on an outing with her Grandmother. You could hear the brothers begin speaking and could not help but listen in on their conversation.

“Your wife is quite lovely, Newt.”

“Oh, thank you.” He beamed, “She’s certainly that - and much more.”

“As is your daugther.”

“Yes. She’s my precious little darling.”

“It’s a shame we could not have seen more of her when she was younger."

"Well, she is only three. There is still plenty of time to watch her grow.”

“I never thought you would get married.” Theseus blurted out, his tone becoming a little darker.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, neither did I.” Newt retorted, standing up from his chair. You could see the side of his face from the window. He focused down at Theseus, sucking his bottom lip, waiting for the next question.

“So, what have you been doing for all of these years, Newt?”

Newt gulped, “I have been finishing the second edition of my book and working at MACUSA, for a time.”

“Still got that case of creatures?”

Newt pursed his lips as his face turned a shade of red, “Yes.”

“Hmm… I should have known."

You bit down on your bottom lip, hard. Why was Theseus treating Newt like this? They had not seen each other in so long. You knew it would eventually be uncomfortable but surely Theseus could be a little more civil?

"Perhaps if you had not shirked your responsibilities here at home you might have been around for Mother when Grandad…”

Newt narrowed his eyes, irritation welling up inside of him, “If I had been around? You knew I was in New York. I made sure you all knew of my whereabouts. I told you I met [your name] there and decided to marry.”

He was desperately trying to explain the reasoning for his choices and you felt your heart break a little, knowing the agony he must be feeling.

“I wrote to you about my daughter and my responsibilities at MACUSA. Not once did I ever receive a letter when Grandad fell ill - you know I would have come in an instant.”

Theseus rolled his eyes, set his bottle of beer on the table next to him, and stood in front of Newt. He folded his arms tightly across his chest, “I was trying to protect everyone here at home while you decided to go live out your love story.”

Newt’s eyes filled with tears, he felt foolish looking so weak in front of his brother.

“I did what I knew to be right.”

“Well, so did I.”

“Then, we are equal.”

“Equal?” Theseus spat, “Equal?” He motioned towards the bedroom window you were in, “How are we equal?”

Newt took a moment to respond, breathing in deeply to calm his nerves, “We did our duty. We did what we knew to be right. Both of us. Theseus, I can not help who I am. I know you and Mother do not approve of the life and career I have chosen. However, this is who I am now.”

“You could have been more…”

Newt’s voice began to raise, “MORE? SERIOUSLY? Theseus, I could have been MORE?! I’m a good husband… and a devoted father. That is all I could have ever HOPED to be. What MORE do you have Theseus? A uniform?”

You winced, you had never heard Newt so defensive. The tone he used and the words he spoke, though true, were unlike him and it hurt you knowing he would regret it. Theseus made no sound, his boots sounded heavy as he stormed away, heading straight for the fields.

You heard the house door close and soft footsteps before Newt entered your bedroom. His eyes were full of emotion. He took one look at you and crawled onto the bed, tucking his head under your chin, “Did you… hear all of that?”

You disliked having to admit it, “Yes, darling. I’m so sorry.”

“I am certain I hurt him, and I did not mean to.”

“Newt, he was being absurd. How could he say those things to you?”

“How could I say those things to HIM?”

The silence rested between you as Newt curled up, resting his head on your chest. You stroked his hair back and listened to his unsteady breathing.

Eventually, he found his voice, “I understand that he is angry with me about not being here when Grandad died but honestly, how were we even supposed to know? It must have been horrible for them. They needed me. I was not here. He is right about that, at least.”

You traced your finger down the bridge of his nose to his lips, “He is grieving. He hurts, Newt.”

Newt gulped back his tears, “So do I.”

“Exactly. Neither one of you are in a proper state of mind about this right now."  

"I never wanted to be a disappointment to my family, darling.” He turned so his face was buried in your chest, you felt hot tears seeping through your shirt onto your skin.

You continued to stroke the curls at the back of his head. “You are NOT a disappointment, Newt. You never will be.”

“How do I show them that?”

You thought for a moment, “Newt, just be you. They will see it in time, and if they refuse to admit it then at least you know who you are.”

Newt sniffled and lifted his head to peer into your eyes.

“If it helps, you will never be a disappointment to me. You have always been quite the opposite. Katherine has the most loving, caring, silly father and that is more than enough for both of us.”

Newt wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

“Really?” He moved closer so that his lips hovered mere inches above yours.

You hummed and kissed his nose, “Yes. Really.”

Newt parted his lips and kissed you hungrily. You returned his kiss with eagerness. You rarely spent time alone due to traveling, being parents, and work. Therefore, having this moment to let loose was most welcome.

You pulled him closer, running your hands under the back of his shirt so you could tickle his bare skin.

Newt groaned in your mouth, the echo of it making you giggle.

You raked your fingers through his hair, gently pulling on the curls at the back of his head.

Newt deepened the kiss and rolled on top of you, covering your body entirely with his. He whimpered softly, “I want…"

You kissed him between words, "What – do you – want?”

Newt hummed against your lips, “Mer— Merlin..”

“Merlin?” You tried really hard not to burst into laughter as his kisses continued.

You grabbed his hips, pulled them down to yours and he moaned your name.

“Tell me…” Your heart began to race, you had been longing for this.

“You, darling.”

“Absolutely.” You consented, loosening his belt.

Suddenly, there was rapid knocking on your bedroom door.

Newt rolled off of you quickly, panting, as he grasped for the book on his nightstand. He held it up in front of him, “Come,” He cleared his throat, trying very hard to breathe, “Come in.”

“Daddddddyyyyyyy! Mummmmyyyy!” Katherine squealed running toward the bed, jumping in between you. “Gramma showed me the frogs in the pond. They were slimy and gross!” She paused, staring at Newt with furrowed eyebrows, "Why are you reading the book upside down, Daddy?“

Newt laughed exuberantly, his cheeks flushed, "Am I?”

You giggled and whispered into his ear, “Breathe, darling."

He licked his lips, silent pleading in his eyes.

You grinned in return, "I love you, Newt.”

“Mmm, quite.” He replied, reaching for your hand. “I love you too.”

You laced your fingers together as Katherine curled up between you, resting her head on Newt’s chest. She stared up at him with curious eyes. “You’re silly, Daddy.”

Newt patted her head, “Oh, you think so, darling?”

“Yes. Your cheeks are all red.”

Newt smirked, “Yes well, Mummy was telling me – a funny story.”

“About what?"

Newt looked to you, desperate for a cover story, his body slowly recovering from anticipation, "Uhhh…”

“About the mooncalves. Yeah. The moocalves, darling. We were laughing about how they eat like this…” You tilted your head up, opened your eyes wide and made something similar to a fish face with your lips, pretending to eat pellets in the air.

Katherine just stared at you, obviously not convinced, but content enough for now. She curled up on Newt’s chest once more and listened as you told her stories while she drifted off to sleep.

A few days later

You were washing dishes in the kitchen sink when you glanced up and saw Theseus standing under an enormous oak tree behind the house. It was there that some of the Scamander family had been buried. You sighed, wiping your hands on a towel. You debated if you should go talk to him. Since the argument with Newt, Theseus had barely said a word and kept mostly to himself.

You made up your mind. You were going to talk to him. Maybe you could say something to convince him that Newt meant no harm. If nothing else, you might understand him a bit more.

You strolled towards him carefully, making small noises along the way as to not startle him in your approach.

When you reached where he stood, you stopped next to him and folded your arms across your stomach. Your voice sounded small, “Hello.”

“Hi.” He stated, refusing to avert his gaze from the headstone.

You tried to be friendly, “I thought you might like some company for a bit.”

Theseus shrugged, a hint of a smile on his lips, “Of course.”

"It’s a beautiful evening.” You remarked, shifting your wait nervously between each foot.

“Yeah well,” he scoffed, finally looking towards you, “I don’t see it.”

“You… you don’t see the beauty of the sunset? Or the way the wind blows through the trees?”

He shook his head no and pursed his lips.

“You don’t see the white, fluffy clouds and how they contrast against the deep blue sky?”

He motioned his head towards the grave, “I only see what I want to see. Grandad. He’s dead. We’re all dead.”

You shook your head in protest and reached out, resting your hand on his forearm. “We are not dead. Not yet, anyway…”

“Well, I am.”

You grimaced, letting the silence rest for a moment. Was there any use trying to help him?

Theseus took a couple of steps forward and brushed dirt from the stone.

“You should take Katherine to get some ice cream. She’d like that.”

Theseus rolled his eyes and faced you, “Did you not hear what I just said?”

You felt yourself shrinking under his stare, “I’m - I’m sorry. I meant no harm.”

“Yeah, well… everything is so wonderful in your precious little world of creatures and magic and the perfect husband that it does not surprise me you wouldn’t understand.”

“I wouldn’t understand? Theseus, you have NO IDEA what I have been through in my life. How could you say that?”

Your tone sounded harsher than intended. He stood in front of you, staring directly in your eyes. His hands balled into tight fists while he seemed to size you up. You wondered if he was about to hit you.

“I am all alone. I have no one. I have NOTHING! Your husband made that VERY clear to me.”

You cautiously reached over and rubbed his left arm, “You have US, Theseus.”

“Sure.”

“You do. Why do you think we came here? We could have stayed somewhere else.”

“Yeah well, why didn’t you?”

You bit your bottom lip, fighting back the urge to scream or cry, you weren’t sure which, “How dare you…”

“How dare I? What are you doing here, anyway? You don’t know me. You don’t know what’s in my heart.” He took his hand and slammed it against his chest and the hollow sounding thud made you jump.

For a split second, you wanted to shrink away and retreat from his presence but a little voice inside screamed, 'Hold him.’ Ohhhh no. You were not going to hold this man. It might work for Newt but Theseus was a caged up lion, ready to pounce in a moment of fury.

He covered his face with his hands and began to shake. You wondered if it was anger until a painful sob escaped his lips. Without a second thought you wrapped your arms around his neck and stroked the hair at the back of his head. He buried his face into your shoulder and sobbed, his hand resting at the back of your neck.

Whereas Newt always smelled of cinnamon, honey, and sweet tea; Theseus smelled of alcohol, dirt, and ocean air. It wasn’t an unpleasant smell - it was just such a vivid contrast that it caught you by surprise.

“Shh, I’m here.” You whispered against his neck. His tears fell on the top of your head as he tucked you under his chin.

Theseus seemed to be rocking you with the rhythm of the trees. It was really comforting and you hated to admit that you enjoyed his muscular arms around your back. Not once had you EVER complained about the body Newt had - you never would. It left NOTHING to be desired however, Theseus had the arms of a soldier - a man who had lifted artillery and operated heavy machines. Therefore, his hold around you felt impossible to break.

You worried a little and tilted your head up to meet his eyes. Before you could even speak a word Theseus cupped the side of your face and planted a kiss on your lips. You froze. It felt familiar, a bit natural… but SO wrong!

“No..” You managed to muster, pushing against his chest. “Theseus… no.”

His hands slithered to your lower back as he leaned in for a second kiss.

“THESEUS!” You yelled, shoving his chest as hard as you could. The force of your hands shocked him as he backed away from you.

“I’m sorry. [Your name], I am SO sorry.”

It was too late. You were furious. You wanted to slap him but knew that wouldn’t do any good. That same little voice inside told you to be calm… if you blew up, you could very well lose Theseus forever… and that was the last thing you desired. Despite everything, he wasfamily and you needed him. Newt needed him.

Theseus shook his head in regret and sprinted towards the house.

You called after him but he would not stop or listen.

Newt happened to see you chasing Theseus across the field. He took a few steps toward you as Theseus pushed past him into the house. His eyes were full of concern as you collapsed into his arms.

Your sobbed as your arms reached towards Theseus who was buttoning his coat near the front door. “Newt! Tell him to STAY!” You practically screamed. Newt kissed your forehead fiercely and set you on a chair.

Newt’s eyes darted between you and his brother, “What happened?”

“I’m sorry, Newt. I won’t stay. I am leaving this very moment.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Theseus.”

“You can not tell me to stay, Newton. I’m NOT a child.”

“THEN DON’T ACT LIKE ONE!!” Newt yelled louder than you ever thought he would be capable of.

Theseus stood still, a shocked expression crossed his features. He fell to his knees, sobbing painfully.

Katherine began crying in the bedroom and you came to your senses long enough to go comfort her.

“Shh, darling, everything is fine. Mummy’s here.” You whispered, kissing her nose.

You returned to the hall and listened to the conversation from the doorway. Katherine wrapped her arms around your neck.

Newt approached Theseus the way he would an angry creature and rested a hand on his tense back. In his softest voice he consoled, “Let me help you.”

“You - can’t - help me  - Newt.”

“Please brother, let me try.”

Theseus inhaled deeply, his sobs becoming less frequent.

“Remember that time, when we were boys, and Mother told us to stay out of the hippogriff enclosure… and I wouldn’t listen?”

“You nearly got yourself killed.” Theseus added, a small smile trying to form on the corners of his lips.

“Exactly. Right.” Newt chuckled, “Who rescued me?”

Theseus rolled his eyes, “I did?”

“Yes. Do you remember what you told me?”

Theseus exhaled and lifted a hand to Newt’s shoulder, looking him straight in the eyes, “I told you I would ALWAYS rescue you, little brother.”

“Now, won’t you let me do the same for you?” Newt inquired, wrapping his arms around his brother’s shoulders. “Let me protect you from all this.”

The walls around Theseus’s heart begin to crumble a little, “You shouldn’t have to.”

“You’re my brother. I want to.”

You walked towards them, cradling Katherine in your arms. They held each other with tears of remorse and regret burning in their eyes.

Your own heart filled with hope at the precious sight.

The rest of the evening was spent in front of the fire telling stories of happier times. Theseus apologized PROFUSELY to Newt about kissing you. You laughed it off but Newt had a small flame burning in his eyes. “Of all the…. how could you Theseus?” You calmed him down by rubbing his knee and whispering sweet words of love in his ear.

You promised him that Katherine would be sleeping next to Theseus that night to make up for it. Upon hearing this, Newt hushed himself quickly; the hope of what that might mean warmed his heart.

Several Hours Later

Newt moaned passionately against your lips as you kissed him once more before rolling off of him. You raked your hands through his damp curls and stretched out against his side.

Merlin, he was exhausted - and he knew you were too. He ran his fingers down your back, feeling the goosebumps forming on your skin. You had been so good to him and he knew he was a very lucky man. What he had done to deserve such love was out of his comprehension but he was so thankful.

You wrapped an arm around his waist and rested your head on his chest, listening to his beating heart. Your body shivered against his. You were both glistening with pleasure… and a bit of sweat. You smirked at Newt’s messy hair and traced his jaw with your finger.

“How are you feeling?”

“Darling,” he pulled you closer, “Thank you."

You smiled and kissed above his heart, "For what?”

Newt took a deep breath and stroked your arms, “You make me feel so… loved and,” he blushed, “desirable…”

You inhaled deeply, “Oh Newt, you have no idea.”

“I never knew…I never thought…” He paused and you waited for him to continue, “I was never good with people, you know that, so I always had a feeling I would never be able to…”

You peered up at with warmth in your eyes, “Yes?”

He kissed your forehead, “When we got married I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to please you… somehow my inexperience would be a disappointment to you…”

Now you laughed, caressing his cheek, “Oh sweetie… you have proven yourself wrong on that account, I think."

"I hope you realize that every time we make love - I consider it a gift. I feel so blessed that you offer yourself to me.”

Your heart melted. He was too pure and perfect for this world. You seriously considered if he was even real for a moment as you studied his eyes.

“Honestly Newt, I find you irresistible. You are a gift to me, as well. How is it possible that such a generous man who gives SO much has room in his heart to give even more? Your compassion and selflessness astonishes me. You are my dream come true, as silly as it sounds. The fact that you even share your thoughts and feelings like this, without reserve, makes me love you even more, my darling.”

Newt stretched his arms above his head and smiled, content with your reply. His body felt warm and electric. So full of love. He would have cried if he wasn’t so tired.

“Besides, making love with you brings about the most adorable results.” You winked and stroked your fingers down his chest. “Our daughter is living proof of that.”

“We did make an adorable child.” Newt agreed, wrapping his arms around you once again, “Suppose we will end up filling every room in our cottage with children.”

You hummed, “Mm, I’m not sure my body could handle it at my age.”

“Please. You’re not as old as me.”

“Nearly.”

He caressed your hair with his nose and laughed, “I don’t see any gray hairs.”

“Oh, really? I see plenty in yours.”

“Now that is incorrigible. Come here.” He pulled you on top of him once more, “I’m not letting go until I hear an apology.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Scamander?”

“I’m serious.” He grabbed your hips and pulled you close.

“Round two?”

Newt laughed, considering your offer.

You lifted up to kiss each side of his face; directly on the wrinkles by his eyes.

Newt blushed and turned his head away, “Oh! Now you are trying to remind me of my wrinkly eyes?”

You giggled, your head falling against his, allowing him perfect access to your neck. You moaned when he attacked you with kisses and Newt smiled, knowing full well he had found your weakness. “Give up yet, my love?”

“Mmm.”

Newt wrapped you against his chest, fully intending to keep you there for the rest of the night. His heart was full and you truly hoped he understood that you were genuinely thankful to him for being such a wonderful husband and father. There were no words or actions to properly express the emotions you felt. You had to be content to let the beating of your heart against his be enough.

“So, is Theseus a good kisser?”

“Shush, Newt.”

“Is he?”

“Go to sleep, darling.”

A few moments later Newt shook you awake.

“No, but really…”

“Never as good as you, my love.”

Finally content, Newt kissed your forehead, stroked your hair back, and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Author’s Note: I’m literally dead.

I really hope you enjoyed it. PLEASE love it and share it and the best thing you could do is send me a message and let me know your thoughts.

Thank you for the support!!

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[justheadingout-blog]

Manchester: 1 day

11:00 After an unfortunately delayed flight (thanks Easyjet) I arrived at the airport in Manchester and took the train into the city. 

12:00 I stored my luggage at the train station, took a map and ventured into the city. I was immediately pleasantly surprised. Not only was the weather lovely, Manchester turned out to be beautiful and lively. I was warmly welcomed (see below). Unfortunately the Town Hall was closed for some kind of function, but as you can see, the outside is already stunning. I also loved the public library next to it, and not just for the free wifi and bathrooms, the top floor gives you a lovely view and especially the entrance is gorgeous.

13:00 I was getting pretty hungry (JK I am always hungry), so I decided to get a bite to eat from this cool little food market at the Piccadilly Gardens. I ate my delicious veggie masala wrap, relaxing in the grass. Since the weather was so nice it seemed like everyone had come out to soak up the sun. The atmosphere was really chill and fun.

14:00 Time to move again, this time I decided to be a bit more deliberate and pick a route that would take me past all the highlights. One of the can’t miss stops in Manchester is the John Rylands Library. And with good reason as it is absolutely stunning! Especially the reading room on the top floor, although I highly recommend checking out the old bathrooms in the cellar. A bit creepy, but also very cool.

15:00  I used to hate going to museums with my parents when I was a kid. Now, however, it is one of my favourite things to do on a city trip, especially alone. It gives you a chance to take a quick break from the bustle of the city. I loved the Manchester Art Gallery as it has a big collection from different era’s as well as a cool temporary photo exhibition. Walking among the Dutch masters made me feel at home ;)

16:00 I took a quick stroll around the student district and the Gay Village to take in the young, hip side of Manchester as well. After picking up my luggage and stopping at Greggs to get some dinner for on the train, I made my way to Victoria station. There I got on my train to Newcastle, next stop on this UK trip.

The thing I loved most about Manchester is it’s cool vibe, it strongly reminded me of Brooklyn, both in look and feel. It has a mix of impressive old buildings (such as John Rylands library and Town Hall) as well as industrial brownstones and hyper modern architecture. There were a lot of street performers and the food market where I had lunch gave it a festival atmosphere. Manchester has a hip, young, artsy feel and I will definitely go back sometime to explore it further. I would strongly recommend this city to anyone looking for a nice weekend trip, a bit more off the beaten track.

[sambart93]

P to JK [Review!]

I got to see this last Monday! We all know I’m a Kamenashi Kazuya fangirl at heart so of course I went to see it! I went with my beautiful friend Adi and even during the trailers were freaking the fuck out! The trailers they showed were: Peach Girl, Shinobi no Kuni, Kodomo Tsukai, Utsukushii Hoshii. I think there was one more but I hath forgotten it. My friend freaked out everytime the trailers came on cos she’s a HUGE NEWS and Hey Say Jump Fan so naturally these trailers were for her xD

Now onto the movie!

Official Website here.

NON-SPOILER Review: This was an alright movie. I was overall disappointed and had a hard time dispensing disbelief. I had major problems with the age difference, Kouta’s motives to marry, and even with the parents’ thought process. But Kame is very, very pretty in this and the camera gave us some amazing Kame close ups (particularly of his eyes), and he gave a good performance and at one point we got Gokusen feels. Also thanks to Kame’s performance I cried at least twice xD Also, I am all for Kame and Mahiro doing a Buddy Cop movie together after this movie, especially after that one scene they did together in this movie! Mahiro was very good in this too just as I expected! Tsuchiya herself, surprisingly, didn’t annoy me which is good, but unfortunately her character was an immature train wreck. Seriously, only watch this if you’re a fan of Kame, Mahiro and/or the manga. Otherwise I don’t think you’ll like this.

Rating: It was originally a 7/10 but upon realising how much negativity and disappointment I have with this film, I’m putting it down to a 5.5/10. It might change upon a second or third viewing.

Now onto the SPOILER review.

If you didn’t know: P to JK stands for ‘Police and the High School Girl (Jyoushi Kousei)’ and was/is originally a manga.

The story follows our protagonist Kako who one day ends up at a goukon where guys try to get her to drink, Kouta walks in and takes her drink because she doesn’t want to drink it. After the party she thanks him for taking the pressure of drinking off her and he warms to her immediately; but moments later learns that she’s still just a high school girl. He gets angry and in fear she runs away from him, but ends up in a back alley where a gang is and they try to make a move on her; luckily he comes to the rescue and reveals he’s a police officer. Unfortunately during the police capture, she gets attacked and ends up in hospital. Once conscious she wakes up to find Kouta next to her and he asks her to marry him. Abrupt but happy she accepts and eventually her family comes around too, thus they start living together and the story begins.

Unfortunately the first part of this review is very negative and has heavy language so if you want to get to the positive and fun parts then please CTRL + F to ‘Now onto the good stuff’.

Now I say ‘eventually her family comes around too’ but her family give it like 3 seconds thought and go ‘okay’. This movie really did not sit with me. I know it’s supposed to be a fake situation and (hopefully) in the real world this would never happen but I was really pissed that they family were like ‘oh but she’s only 16.... oh okay go and marry her and live together in your house!’ and I’m like ‘She’s a fucking kid!! Why not say ‘well after a few months of dating we’ll give you a decision’?!?!?!!? Are you seriously just gunna let your 16 year old daughter marry a guy she only just met?! Just cos he’s an ‘upstanding’ police officer?! It’s her first boyfriend too?! HOW UNREALISTIC ARE YOU?! FIRST LOVES DO NOT (most of the time) STAY TOGETHER?!!?!?!? GIVE THEM FUCKING ROOM TO DATE FIRST?!?!?’ omg I can’t, I’m getting angry now thinking about it. You all understand me right? Am I FUCK gunna hand my daughter over to someone straight away. FUCK that. and at 16 fucking years old?! What the fuck....

ANYWAY... *no wait there’s more*

AND she’s so fucking immature too!! Here I go again. I cannot... she starts dating him and straight away is cleaning the house daily and cooking for him and being all smiley and it’s like ‘you immature prick’ and then he walks in late one night, obviously a little grumpy and tired after a long night, and goes for a bath and she gets all red and embarrassed and it’s like ‘fucking grow up bitch. You should NOT be in that house if you’re gunna go red at even the mention of him taking a shower.’ AND another thing! She’s all like ‘oooh at the festival will you were a school uniform so we can walk around holding hands and no one will suspect. It’ll be the best date! It’s my dream! Please do it!’ and it’s like ‘this girl is SO immature and SO unready for a real relationship if she has such silly thoughts like that!’ Seriously, I am not doing justice to how immature and child-like and simple minded this idiot is. Just watch the movie.

And KOUTA!! This DICK. Why the fuck did you propose to a SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL about 5 hours after meeting her?! You’re 26 years old, you should know better. And you should know just how fantastical and deluded a 16 year old girl is about first loves, marriage etc. It really was stupid of you to propose to her. You’re just a immature and careless and illogical as she (and her family) is. Now I know with parental consent you can get married but seriously, isn’t 16 and 26 viable for a pedophillic charge regardless of parent consent? I’m trying to think, if this happened in the UK, the law would most likely look at pedophilic charges and aspect, rather than accepting that the parents gave consent. Especially when it’s a police officer and a high school girl. I could be wrong but I just get that feeling.

And during the entire movie, even when she asked ‘why did you propose so suddenly?’ we (the audience and her) were never once told why you did it, which really is frustrating.

Also the dynamic for me just didn’t work at all; it really did look more like brother and sister rather than husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend. Even during the actual PRs and advertisements with the actors, the’re no real chemistry between them, they just look like older brother and younger sister.

Yes I understand this story isn’t to be taken so seriously and is fiction and such, but I just could not help getting so annoyed and angry at these points of the story. To be honest: If the movie and the characters had actually taken time to date and get to know each other and allow the parents months to consider giving their daughter away and such before getting married, then I think a lot of my problems would become irrelevant. But alas, this didn’t happen and thus my rage of the bizarrity of it all is here.

Also the ending was very, very stupid. They finally reunited and decided to start over and then they hold hands and run through the school and as they run, other classmates start to join in and clap along almost like it’s a music video which I thought was totally bizarre and was a really silly way to end it. It didn’t look good.

Okay, now to calm down....

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Now onto the good stuff!

Kame is soooo adorable in this! And he looks so good in it! Seriously, the prettiness level and his gorgeousness level is perfect in this movie!! There’s a scene at the end where he’s confessing his love and the camera is only close up on his eyes and you literally cannot look away! They are SO enticing and captivating! Also, I had to laugh when he was walking at one point because he was completely walking as Kame rather than as Kouta and I found it super funny.

As for his performance, it was very good! I’ve never said Kame is a good actor or a bad actor or a decent actor or an incredible actor. I’ve never evaluated his acting seriously because why would I do that when he’s my bias. I’m going to enjoy his acting and be deluded to it if it is in fact bad. BUT in this one, I can confidently say that he can act. There’s two scenes where he’s crying and I was so touched and he even goes on step further to ugly, loud wail crying which takes so talent and I was in streams of tears alongside him.

I also enjoyed the first scene where he realises Kako is 16 years old and suddenly his personality does a complete 180 switch and that sudden change was very good! Well done Kame ^-^

Kouta’s backstory is very touching and very sad but I really enjoyed seeing that side of him. Also seeing Kame trying to play a student again was enjoyable to see xD and with his long hair -- I miss his long hair... Unfortunately (as mentioned above) we don’t get any explanation as to why he suddenly wanted to marry Kako - even when she and audience even ask him why - which makes Kouta less awesome. Among other reasons already stated.

Kame also makes us super nostalgic when he decides to dress up as a high schooler for the Culture Festival, and he’s in this black uniform and light brown wig and I suddenly went ‘are we back in Gokusen?!’ because he seriously has no changed, he looked exactly the same in that outfit in the movie, as he did in Gokusen which was... 12 years ago! It was such a nostalgic and good moment!

I also really like his character Kouta’s realtionship and chemistry and dynamic with Kei who is played by Takasugi Mahiro. I really, really enjoyed their part of the story and how without Kei knowing, Kouta sees his past self in Kei and that’s why he’s trying desperately to save and help him. Kei comes from a single mother household and his mother is with a guy who is drunk every day and just comes ‘home’ to take her money so he can go back out drinking and he physically abuses Kei on multiple occasions. Kouta notices and while at first he didn’t like Kei, once he got to know him more and saw his situation and also how even Kako is trying to help Kei have a nicer life, he comes around and while they’re still somewhat cold towards each other, their conversations and dynamic is so good!

Especially!! Just after Kouta changes in High school clothing, he walks out of the changing room and sees Kei dressed up in cop clothes which is hilarious! And then they end up trying to save Kako together (while still in those outfits) and they come up with a plan together and it’s so good! I was like ‘Can we have a Kouta x Kei Cop Story dorama?! Because I would kill for them to be partners in a dorama together!!’ seriously, there was more chemistry between them two than Kouta and Kako; I was all for Kei and Kouta getting together xD especially because (unlike more high school romance movies as of late) while Kei IS the second male lead, he never really confesses to Kako, I mean it’s obvious he likes her but he’s not so attached that he MUST have her or try to take her, so it makes sense that the Kouta x Kei relationship would shine through more. Especially cos Kouta tries to save him multiple times <3

Takasugi Mahiro... I’ve always loved him as an actor, I’ve seen him act since he was a little tiny boy and just started as an actor, (by that I mean since he was 16), and I’ve always loved everything he’s done, I know he’s capable, he’s a very popular actor, and of course he did not disappoint in this <3

And of course there’s Tsuchiya Tao; I’ve never been keen on her but since I saw her run the marathon on Tokyo TV I gained some respected for her and cut her some slack. And in this I could easily enjoy her performance. She did good. It’s just unfortunate that the character was naive as fuck and ridiculously immature and deluded.

---

I think that is all I have to say. I would only recommend this movie to: Kame fans, Mahiro fans, Tao fan, fans of the original manga AND those obsessed with Japanese high school romance movies. Everyone else, don’t bother. I don’t think you will enjoy it.

[preserving-ferretbrain]

23 boxes of tissues on the Jellicoe Road

by Wardog

Thursday, 05 February 2009Wardog tops off her run of utterly amazing books with On the Jellicoe Road.~

My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die. I counted. It happened on the Jellicoe Road. The prettiest road I'd ever seen, where trees made breezy canopies like a tunnel to Shangri-La. We were going to the ocean, hundreds of miles away, because I wanted to see the ocean and my father said that it was about time the four of us made that journey. I remember asking, "What's the difference between a trip and a journey?" and my father said, "Narnie, my love, when we get there, you'll understand," and that was the last thing he ever said.

Are you in tears, yet? On the Jellicoe Road (or Jellicoe Road, as it was published over here, for some inexplicable reason) is an incredible book, a perfectly judged juxtaposition of beauty and pain, like the Jellicoe road itself introduced here in the prologue. I'm probably failing to sell this from the get go book: On the Jellico Road is not an easy book - in fact, sometimes, it's almost unbearable - but it's also superb in every conceivable way, and so full of hope and wonder that if I believed in books could change lives, this would be one of those books. It's a buy and give to everyone you know sort of book.

On the Jellicoe Road is a complex book, with complex characters and you'll spend at least the first hundred pages faintly bewildered because it just throws you straight into the action of the story, but it's incredibly carefully structured and comes together in remarkably coherent and satisfying way. Everything that happens, everything it tells you, is there for a reason. There are two storylines, one set in the past and one in the present; they seem to run in parallel but, as the book unfolds, they turn out to be intimately connected. The Past tells the story of five teenagers who were brought together in tragedy on the Jellicoe Road. In the present, we have Taylor Markham, a teenage girl who was abandoned at 7/11 by her mother on the Jellicoe Road. She becomes the reluctant leader of her school in the annual territory wars between the Jellicoe school students, the Townies and the Cadets, who come in for six weeks from the city, but she's really searching for family she's lost and a sense of belonging in a world she thinks is "just a tad low on the reliable adult quota."

I've deliberately kept my attempt at a plot summary sparse: there is no way I can do such an intricate book justice in a summary and a large part of the pleasure of reading it comes from piecing the past and the present together, and learning how the one informs and influences the other. The sections of the novel set in the present are told in the first person from Taylor's point of view; the past comes to us in fragments from the novel written by Hannah, the woman who has acted somewhat as a surrogate parent for Taylor. I can't say simply what On the Jellicoe Road is about: it's about love, I think, love and pain, and hope, and how to find it. I'm not a sentimental person, and it's not in any way a sentimental book, but I cried all the way through it. I'm kind of welling up a bit writing this review, and remembering. The thing is, because I am not the sort of person who cries at things, I usually get quite angry by books that try to make me. I feel resentful and manipulated: although it is impossible to read On the Jellicoe Road without being moved, the emotion it never fails to evoke feels natural and cathartic.

There isn't much more to say about On the Jellicoe Road without starting to pick it apart in order to look at why it's so wonderful. But it's a sublime butterfly of a book and I have no wish to stick a pin through its heart. I simply can't remember the last time I was so profoundly affected by something in fiction. It's quite a slow-paced read and far from easy but it's undoubtedly worth it. It's such a powerful story, beautifully written, elegantly structured and full of flawed, complex well-drawn characters. And although it's full of grief and pain and despair, the darkness is never absolute: hope and love are always there when you are sure they can't possibly be. And, if you can possibly believe it, it's far from a grueling emotion-fest. It's also extremely funny (Taylor, for example, has a dry, sarcastic narrative voice that suits her difficult, lonely character perfectly) and there's plenty of adolescent bickering and flirting and relating to keep the book grounded. On the Jellicoe Road is quite simply an essential read. It makes me want to have children so I could give them copy when they got to be teenagers. Even though I hate children. It's that good.Themes:

Young Adult / Children

~

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~Comments (

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Isabel

at 09:42 on 2009-05-23Kyra thanks SO much for writing this review. Just finished it (was anal enough to get my cousin in Australia to buy and post me a copy because I don't like UK edition) and would never of heard of it if you hadn't written this. Fucking LOVE this book. It's just amazing.

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Wardog

at 10:51 on 2009-05-23Thank you so much - I'm glad somebody else has read it because it's such an amazing book. And I have no idea what they were thinking of with the UK cover (big red poppy of pointlessness??).

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Isabel

at 19:04 on 2009-05-25And especially renaming it Jellicoe Road – that really irked me!

I think what I really loved was the way that everything in it was there for a reason and also because the big points or important sentences and moments didn’t stick in my mind because they were obviously This Is Significant (something which after five seasons of Lost is really. Pissing. Me. Off.) but just because they were the most beautiful – opening paragraph and the ‘more’ stuff being the case in point.

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Guy

at 06:59 on 2009-07-29Hey Kyra, just wanted to add my thanks to Isabel's because I just finished reading this book and it was amazing. If you hadn't written this review I never would have given this book a second glance because I would have (shamefully) misjudged it on the basis of having seen the film of Alibrandi and sort-of liked it and thought that was all I needed to know about Melina Marchetta. I'm half-tempted to write a review of this book in which I ramble endlessly about the hundred and one things that it makes me think of, but I guess the succinct thing I'd say about it is that it's the kind of book that I remember reading that made me Believe In Literature when I was younger and that's an experience I've missed for a long long time.

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Robinson L

at 20:30 on 2009-09-09Oh my god.

Oh my

god

.

(I promised myself I'd restrict this comment to just the one repetition.)

By great good fortune, my library system has this on Playaway (a sort of combination audiobook and player, just add headphones) and I just happened to stumble across it when browsing the online catalogue (I'm pretty sure I didn't go out looking for it).

I listened to it over the summer and was completely blown away. Easily one of the best books I've read in years. Maybe

the

best.

This story is so incredibly beautiful. Tragedy and I have been on difficult terms for a long time, and once or twice I've considered issuing a restraining order. This summer it feels like I've been saturated with more angsty melodrama than at any time since I gave up

Legacy of the Force

in disgust. (At some point when I've got my thoughts better collected I'll have to write a post about the peculiar penchant in the entertainment industry to assume more angst = more literate.) Then again, that may've mostly been due to the third and fourth seasons of

Battlestar Galactica

, a show which must've been pitched like this: “We've got to show the Brits we can produce something even

more

angsty than their new version of

Doctor Who

.” (Ooh, look at all the pretty tangents.)

'Course, some of the tragedy was better than that. I listened to both Jodi Picoult's

My Sister's Keeper

and Audrey Niffenegger's

The Time-Traveler's

(which, incidentally, also had a major character die in a car crash and accidentally shot by a loved one, respectively) this spring and they were all right, but even they felt somewhat forced and melodramatic.

On the Jellicoe Road

singlehandedly restored my faith in tragedy, and reminded me that yes, it can be an intensely beautiful thing. (Anybody else here think tragedy is a lot harder to pull off satisfactorily than happy stories?)

Which is not to say, I hasten to add for the benefit of anyone who hasn't yet read the book, that it's all tragedy. The ending is bittersweet: tragedy and joy blended to perfection and served in a porcelain bowl with luscious fudge topping.

It's hard enough to get my eyes to tear up, but I was crying all through the last three chapters. The epilogue was such a downer note that I just kept on listening and got the prologue and first nine chapters all over again. (Approximately one million things leaped out at me and had me going “Oh, so

that's

what that part's about. Another sign of excellent writing.)

And though it's sad, the story is also uplifting. I think this is because at the end of the road, despite all of the pain, all of the heartache, all of the betrayals and perceived betrayals, everyone is forgiven, everyone is loved. I'm tearing up again just writing that.

In terms of plotting, the book is effing fantastic. To borrow a line from Kyra's

“Incarceron” review

:

Read it and weep, JK Rowling, this what a backstory should be.

(Also what tragedy should be.)

Even the serial killer plot thread managed to tie into the whole in the most perfectly unexpected way. *David Tennant voice* Brilliant.

I attended a Young Adult Fiction panel at a Convention this weekend, and at one point realized they were having recommendations from the audience. I gave this book a special shout-out (and Catherine Fisher, too).

Unfortunately, my youngest sisters are too young to read this—I just know it would break their hearts—and the older one has already expressed her disinclination to let me tell her how much

I

loved the book, let alone recommend it to her (which I wasn't going to do anyway, because teenager though she is, I suspect she'd find it overwhelmingly sad as well).

My version had the red poppy too, but it's so abstract I didn't mind, because the Australian cover looks like some kind of ghost story of only middling quality to me. As for the title—I got both versions. The US cover has the truncated title, but the dramatization is Australian and the reader gave it in full.

May I also just give a shout-out to the audio version, by the way? Narration can primarily enhance a story experience, detract from it, or execute it neutrally (I say “primarily” because most have at least a little of each). Rebecca Macauley's reading of

On the Jellicoe Road

lands squarely in the first category. Her Taylor is flawless, and the other voices are good-to-amazing. With her narration, she brings the rich emotions of the book to life.

(Although due to only listening to the book, I was momentarily thrown off rereading this post to learn that Webb's sister is called “Narnie” rather than “Nani.”)

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Wardog

at 12:58 on 2009-09-10I am increasingly pleased I wrote this review - the book had such an impact on me that I'm glad other people reading it as a consquence.

I'm so glad it effected you as strongly as it did me - it's a truly remarkable and wonderful book. I did cry pretty much the whole way through it but I never resented the fact it made me do that, nor did I find it was unpleasant, the way strong emotions can sometimes be.

It's such a hard book to recommend to people because it is such an emotional read.

But, God, yes it's remarkable - and you for commenting, I really think everyone should read this book.

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Robinson L

at 22:02 on 2009-09-10Thank

you

for reviewing it, and putting me on to such a fabulous thing.

(Yes, it is a hard book to recommend, although I seem to be getting the unshakable urge to proselytize it now.)

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Jamie Johnston

at 19:59 on 2017-07-13This review has really stuck in my mind for all these years, so much so that I've come to remember it as possibly the first thing I ever read on Ferretbrain – which is clearly wrong because I'd been not only reading but contributing to the site for over a year before the review was posted. I also remembered 'On the Jellicoe Road' as being the first book I put on my 'to read' list when I got a Goodreads account (over two years after reading this review) and that memory does turn out to be right.

And after all that, I recently got round to actually tracking down a copy and reading it! No need to say any more than that I completely agree with everything you said about it, Kyra, and thank you for the recommendation.

[jenmedsbookreviews]

Today I am delighted to open up the #booklove once more to celebrate the launch of Sandra Imrie’s new book, Connectedness. Happy publication dat Sandra and thanks for visiting my blog. Here’s a little more about Sandra and her books.

About Sandra

Sandra Danby is a proud Yorkshire woman, tennis nut and tea drinker. She believes a walk on the beach will cure most ills. Unlike Rose Haldane, the identity detective in her two novels, Ignoring Gravity and Connectedness, Sandra is not adopted.

Author links

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest

…

Connectedness

TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD, ARTIST JUSTINE TREE HAS IT ALL… BUT SHE ALWAYS HAS A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY EVERYTHING

Justine’s art sells around the world, but does anyone truly know her? When her mother dies, she returns to her childhood home in Yorkshire where she decides to confront her past. She asks journalist Rose Haldane to find the baby she gave away when she was an art student, but only when Rose starts to ask difficult questions does Justine truly understand what she must face.

Is Justine strong enough to admit the secrets and lies of her past? To speak aloud the deeds she has hidden for 27 years, the real inspiration for her work that sells for millions of pounds. Could the truth trash her artistic reputation? Does Justine care more about her daughter, or her art? And what will she do if her daughter hates her?

This tale of art, adoption, romance and loss moves between now and the Eighties, from London’s art world to the bleak isolated cliffs of East Yorkshire and the hot orange blossom streets of Málaga, Spain.

A family mystery for fans of Maggie O’Farrell, Lucinda Riley, Tracy Rees and Rachel Hore.

About the ‘Identity Detective’ series

Rose Haldane reunites the people lost through adoption. The stories you don’t see on television shows. The difficult cases. The people who cannot be found, who are thought lost forever. Each book in the ‘Identity Detective’ series considers the viewpoint of one person trapped in this horrible dilemma. In the first book of the series, Ignoring Gravity, it is Rose’s experience we follow as an adult discovering she was adopted as a baby. Connectedness is the story of a birth mother and her longing to see her baby again. Sweet Joy, the third novel, will tell the story of a baby abandoned during The Blitz.

Amazon UK ~ Amazon US

Childhood Sweetheart Favourite book from childhood

Little Women by Louisa M Alcott. I guess, like so many women writers, I was motivated by Jo March’s determination to write, despite difficulties and opposition. I was quite sweet on Laurie and couldn’t believe he preferred Amy who I thought vain, superficial and spoiled. I still have my old Collins hardback, the sort with fragile thin paper; I love these books which make reading seem so special. Despite all the remakes, I still prefer the 1949 film – with Peter Lawford as Laurie, June Allyson as Jo and Elizabeth Taylor as Amy – I guess because it’s the one I watched as a child.

First love The first book you fell in love with

Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. I still love the series and have all the audio books on my iPod. Actually the first book of the series which I read was Pigeon Post, a present from my parents, and of course after that I collected them all. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read them, always wanting to be a more imaginative John or less flaky Titty. I love their independence, their adventurous spirits, their bravery, their ability to make friends with whoever they meet.

Biggest book crush The book character you’re totally in love with

Adam Dalgliesh. Long before television detectives had to be emotionally challenged alcoholics or depressives, with more problems than their victims, PD James created this wonderful, sensible, poetry-writing, literature-quoting detective with a vulnerable side. One of the last gentleman detectives, Dalgliesh features in fourteen novels written over a period of 46 years. He seems unsurprisingly ageless, a mentor to his crime team, watching, observing, analysing. His inscrutability has a lot in common with Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot though Dalgliesh lacks the grand flourish, that would simply be too out-going for him.

Weirdest book crush Well… duh

Researching art and artists for Connectedness, I found myself drawn to Tracey Emin. I had enjoyed reading her weekly column in The Independent newspaper between 2005 and 2009, so was pleased to find these articles collected in My Life in a Column [Rizzoli]. Her anecdotal tales of her working week, her inspirations and frustrations, her victories and mistakes, gave me an insight into the practical world of a modern artist like no formally-written memoir did.

Hardest break up The book you didn’t want to end

It’s a series, rather than one book. I wish Elizabeth Jane Howard’s ‘Cazalet Chronicles’ would never end. What a master she is of unassuming quiet stories, making you care so much about the three generations of this wealthy family living through the Second World War. The lives of everyone are changed forever but particularly the women in the family; matriarch the Duchy; daughter Rachel and daughters-in-law Sybil, Villy and Zoe; and granddaughters Polly, Louise, Lydia and Clary.

The one that got away The book in your TBR or wish list that you regret not having started yet.

I could be predictable and say War and Peace, which is still on my bookshelf and on my Kindle. But instead I’m nominating Haruki Murakami’s IQ84. I’ve been a huge Murakami fan since first reading Norwegian Wood but the hardback edition of the trilogy is sitting on my to-read shelf. I’m not sure why I don’t pick it up: its length, perhaps [the trilogy is 1300 pages], or the reviews ranging from 1* to 5*.

Secret love Guilty Reading pleasure

Harry Potter. All of them. I listen to the amazing Stephen Fry read the audio books and tend to start with The Philosopher’s Stone and listen to them back-to-back. Why? JK Rowling has created a magical world that feels fingertips away from my own, which I could possibly join if I were Muggle-born. It has everything; good v evil, great fight scenes, wonderful characters to love and hate, and Rowling is so good at the detail and the planning. No fact is included in the early books that does not have relevance in the later books. Stay alert and spot them all!

Love one, love them all Favourite series or genre

Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy and now The Book of Dust. Ostensibly for children but which, like an iceberg, both disguise hidden depths of philosophy, thought and backstory enough to satisfy any adult reader. Pullman is excellent at plotting and character. We root for his people in a world not unlike ours, shaped slightly differently and running in parallel, so it is easy to imagine ourselves there. Like Rowling, Pullman is a master storyteller; many adult novelists would do well to read and study him.

Your latest squeeze Favourite read of the last 12 months

The best novel I’ve read in 2018 to date is The Heart’s Invisible Furies by Irish writer John Boyne. It is rare for me to give a book a 5* rating [my usual rating is 3] but I knew quite quickly when reading it that this would be a 5. Honest, sad, laugh-out-loud funny, touching, with paragraphs I just had to read out aloud to my husband. It is about being true to yourself, the need for honesty in relationships, and the power of love. It is the life story of one man, Cyril Avery, but also of a country and its attitudes to sexuality. The story starts in Goleen, Ireland, in 1945; a country riven by loyalty to, and hatred of, the British, at the same time in thrall to its Catholic priests whose rules were hypocritical, illogical and cruel. Cyril narrates his story, starting with how his 16-year old mother was denounced in church by the family priest for being single and pregnant.

Blind date for a friend If you were to set a friend up with a blind date (book) which one would it be?

The two novels I give most often to friends are The Light Years, the first of Elizabeth Jane Howard’s ‘Cazalet Chronicles’ and The Penguin Complete Novels of Nancy Mitford. Both are wonderful books to take you to another world, away from the stress of contemporary life and into the lives of a group of people who you come to care for.

Greatest love of all Favourite book of all time.

An impossible question to answer so I am going to nominate two [if that is allowed]. Both by Jane Austen. A predictable answer, I know, but I cannot lie and choose something else just because other people have chosen Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. I love the wit, the observation, the sumptuous descriptions. And then I remember Austen’s circumstances, moving from place to place, dependant on others, watching, writing quietly, and I wonder even more at her achievement. None of the Bronte experience of group supportive writing around a large table. Jane was on her own, without feedback.. Could you do it?

Thanks Sandra. Some great choices in there. I really just get on a read some more of the classics. I’m a very naughty reader. Hope all goes well with your book launch. Don’t forget folks – order links are at the top of the page.

Have a fab day everyone and keep spreading the #booklove.

Jen

  Book Love: Sandra Danby @SandraDanby Today I am delighted to open up the #booklove once more to celebrate the launch of Sandra Imrie's new book, 

[jessicaaaaaleeeee]

Do you play any instruments? List of them?

I’ll list them down according to how good I am with them? Hahahaha.

1. Chinese flute

~ I spent 5 whole years with this baby as I was part of my high school’s Chinese orchestra team. I’m pretty good with it. Been to many competitions, solos, my orchestra advisor even said I had potential to go to a music college in Taiwan after my high school. But I gave that up and decided to study A-levels in Accountings instead. (my parents had hopes on me). So yea.

2. Guitar

~ Self taught, from YouTube videos, random anime songs, tabs, chords. Not really brilliant, but good enough to play songs!

3. Ukulele / Guitalele (yes, a guitar in the size of a uke)

~ Same as guitar! Though I think I’m a little better at the uke instead of guitar, I only feel so cause I have really really small hands, so I can reach for chords easier on them. But I love the guitar more!

4. Bass guitar

~ Self taught, still learning, but I love it a lot. :3

5. Ocarina

~ Self taught, still learning, but this is kinda similar to flute so I’m picking it up  quick!

6. Recorder

~ Yea, the small lil recorder that they made you learn in elementary school, believe it or not I was part of the school team and we actually won like the nationals so we were apparently the best recorder team in the country lololol. But I haven’t played it for awhile but it’s not too hard. :D It’s simple and nice I guess.

7. Piano

~ Learnt it till Grade 4 or 5, gave up halfway cause of an unfortunate accident lolol. Can’t remember a thing now, the only thing i can play is a C-major scale XD My hands can’t coordinate with each other anymore, idk why. rip 

8. Erhu

~ Secretly played with my friend’s instrument as she was playing this in the Chinese orchestra, and we had a strict rule where you weren’t allowed to touch other instruments besides your own. Kinda hard to get the right notes! It’s like cello and violin where practise just makes perfect when hitting the notes. Really fun though :D

9. Suona

~ It’s something like a trumpet/ horn but it’s a Chinese version of them? XD But yea, same thing, wind instrument, I’m good at blowing things ;) HAHAHA jk. Same thing as Erhu, secretly played my friend’s instrument, extremely loud, like legit, LOUD. Pretty cool though.

10. Cello

~ What can I say. I suck at this. LOL. My friend taught me for a while, I played it for like 1 or 2 months? Then I never got any opportunity to play it again, cause we graduated and went separate ways. But yea. I don’t think I know how to play it, just simple notes I guess. :P

[krysrawfiggs]

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1.Full name:Krysten Alexandra Figueroa but you will reffer to me as Krysfiggs

2.Zodiac sign:Im a cusp baby born as the day changed. I am a leo/virgo

3. 3 Fears:Spiders, being alone forever, my fam disowning me for being gay

4. 3 things I love:Being surrounded by awesome people, video games, outdoor activities

5. 4 turns ons:Firey passion, neck biting, n eyes.. its always the eyes, n intelligence

6.4 turns offs: Lack of intelligence, if youre rude in general, if youre clingy, lack of understanding n compassion

7. My best friend:I have a coupleNadia, amanda, n bree (when shes not being an idiot)

8. Sexual orientation:Lezzzzzzzzbbbbiiiiannnnnnnnn

9. My best first date:So far going out into town in the middle of a rainstorm running dancing n dickin round and then showing up soaked n eating at friendlys

10. How tall am I:Im 5'5"11. What do I missNot paying bills

12. What time were I born:12am on the dot

13. Favourite colour:I like deep colors. I used to say deep blue but i do love red n grey too

14.Do I have a crushXD maybe! Ok yea. I do. But i aint tell you.

15. Favourite quoteGod theres too many…

16.Favourite placePuerto rico

17. Favourite foodGawd this is hard ok. I have the soul of a very very fat man. If i had to pick one thing…itd have to be my moms pernil (pork shoulder)

18. Do I use sarcasmNever im a sweetheart😆

19. What am I listening to right nowEvie- last dinosaurs

20.First thing I notice in new personEyesss…eyess…eyess…….!

21.Shoe size822. Eye colourBrown anytime of dayGold in the sun

23.Hair colourBlack as the normBrownish in the sunlightBlue when its overcast

24.Favourite style of clothingandrogynous 25. Ever done a prank call?Yup i bothered the fuck outta kymmie for months before i gave myself up xD

26.What colour of underwear I’m wearing now? Burgandy See thru lace

27. Meaning behind my URLWelp minus the word raw its just my name. If my father didnt delete my 1st blog and of someone in asia didnt take my old username right after it wouldnt be as stupid.

28. Favourite movieToo many brahhh

29. Favourite song

30.Favourite bandBloc party, last dinosaurs, split milk society

31.How I feel right nowHorngry n lonely. Lusting for warm weather and beach weather

32.Someone I love.In what context?

33.My current relationship statusSingle af

34.My relationship with my parentsCurrently ok..

35. Favourite holiday Hmm i dont have one

36.Tattoos and piercings?I have average ear piercings But i want a lip ring n a tatoo of leo n virgo fighting inside of the sun ony shoulder

37.Tattoos and piercing i wantWhoops jumped the gun. Please refer to 36

38.The reason I joined TumblrMy friends at the time

39.Do I and my last ex hate each other? Nope we’re cool

40. Do I ever get “good morning” or “good night ” texts?I used too from my so. But now its just my good friend manny

41.Have I ever kissed the last person you texted? Hmmm no

42. When did I last hold hands?Non romantically:I held hands with my lil sister cuz she doesnt know how to cross a freggin road without getting hit by a car! But romantically: its been over a year and a half.

43. How long does it take me to get ready in the morning? 10mins

44.Have I shaved your legs in the past three days?Its been a good 6/7 months. Im at man status rn

45.Where am I right now? Trapped on a bus with zombies from nyc somewhere on the way to newburgh

46.If I were drunk & can’t stand, who’s taking care of me? In oswego it would be chance. Here.. idk it hasnt happend.. but my best bet would be nadia

47.Do I like my music loud or at a reasonable level?Both. Depends where i am

48.Do I live with my Mom and Dad?Yes. Please dont ask how its going. Its not well.

49.Am I excited for anything?Yes. The 3 day weekend

50.Do I have someone of the opposite sex I can tell everything to?No i only have 2 chill male friends

51.How often do I wear a fake smile?Often enough

52.When was the last time I hugged someone?That would be last sunday i hugged holly. We went for a movie and a bite n caught up since inhavent seen her in 5ever

53.What if the last person I kissed was kissing someone else right in front of me?Its w/e as long as you happy n your not like eating face

54.Is there anyone I trust even though I should not?Yea

55.What is something I disliked about today?Evelyn being passive agressive towards me. Makes me uncomf. But i could care less.

56.If I could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?Rebecca sugar

57. What do I think about most? Its gonna be one of 3 things, women, video games, food

58. What’s my strangest talent?I can get really creepy really fast. Iv been told to try out to be villians or serial killers in movies

59.Do I have any strange phobias?Spiders

60.Do I prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it? Both

61. What was the last lie I told?

62.Do I prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?Im old skool ill show up at your house ;) jk phone so no one can see this akward mess

63.Do I believe in ghosts? How about aliens?Yes

64.Do I believe in magic?Yes

65. Do I believe in luck? Yes

66.What’s the weather like right now? Bloody cold

67. What was the last book I’ve read? Allegiant

68. Do I like the smell of gasoline?Addicted

69. Do I have any nicknames?Krys, elmo, jesus

70. What was the worst injury I’ve ever had? I have 12 stiches on my thumb both for cuts by blades oh n the one time i was going down a mt. On my longboard n i fell and got the worst road rash on my ass.

71. Do I spend money or save it?Both

72. Can I touch my nose with a tongue?No

73. Is there anything pink in 10 feets from me? Idts?

74.Favourite animal?Otter

75. What was I doing last night at 12 AM?Hehhhh better not say

76. What do I think is Satan’s last name is? Idfk

77.What’s a song that always makes me happy when I hear it?Anything fr the last dinosaurs

78. How can you win my heart? Compassion understanding and a drive no one else has.

79.What would I want to be written on my tombstone?Im not gonna be burried.

80. What is my favourite wordOogle

81. My top 5 blogs on tumblr Ill answer later

82.If the whole world were listening to me right now, what would I say?

83.Do I have any relatives in jail?Yes

84.I accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow me with the super-power of my choice! What is that power? Speed

85.What would be a question I’d be afraid to tell the truth on? Feelings are a tough subject

86. What is my current desktop picture? An image from second son

87. Had sex?Why yes i have

88.Bought condoms?Nopes

89.Gotten pregnant? Nopes too gay for that shit90. Failed a class?Several

91. Kissed a boy? Yep im not a gold star lezzy no more

92. Kissed a girl? Many

93.Have I ever kissed somebody in the rain?Yes. Im super cheesey i do things like that all the time

94.Had job?I have a job95.Left the house without my wallet?Keys and liecensexD

96. Bullied someone on the internet? Nope

97.Had sex in public? Yes

98. Played on a sports team? Several

99. Smoked weed? Yasss

100. Did drugs? Ive tried some shit

101. Smoked cigarettes? Never now thats nasty

102. Drank alcohol? Yes

103. Am I a vegetarian/vegan? Never

104. Been overweight?yes

105. Been underweight?yes

106. Been to a wedding?yes

107. Been on the computer for 5 hours straight? Days

108. Watched TV for 5 hours straight? When i was younger

109. Been outside my home country?yes

110. Gotten my heart broken? Many times

111.Been to a professional sports game? Yes

112. Broken a bone? Do Teeth count?

113. Cut myself? Not on purpose

114. Been to prom? Unfortunaly. Thats an akward story. If i didnt go i coulda stayed in puerto rico longer. But nooo joe had to ask my parents…

115. Been in airplane? Yes

116. Fly by helicopter? No. But ive been in some heavy duty military air craft

117. What concerts have I been to?Walk the moon, in hs i saw i see stars mega concert there were like 20 bands there idr them all, versaemerge, dragonforce

118.Had a crush on someone of the same sex?Yeaaa im megagay

119.Learned another language?I can fully understand spanish. But i cant speak it.

120. Wore make up? Im alergic to eyeliner xD

121.Lost my virginity before I was 18?Yes

123. Had oral sex? Yes.😍

124.Dyed my hair?Ive never dyed my hair

125.Voted in a presidential election? Yes both times for obama♡ . n fuck you, you lil orange dicked cheeto (donald trump)

126.Rode in an ambulance?Yes i did when i sliced my thumb deep with an exacto and was bleeding everywhere

127. Had a surgery?No

128. Met someone famous? Yes i have i met that guy from “what would you do” when i was staying in maryland. Also i stick around after theater shows and concerts to meet the actors, performers, and musicians

129.Stalked someone on a social network?Guilty

130. Peed outside?Um who hasnt?

131. Been fishing?Yes. Anyone wanna join me this spring?

132. Helped with charity? Yea every 3 weeks i participate in a soup kitched in poukipsee with my siblings and my cousins.

133. Been rejected by a crush?I have unfortunate luck.

134. Broken a mirror? Haha yea i did once

135. What do I want for birthday? Id love to go somewhere amazing and warm with awesome people. If im dating someone id love to actually have a birthday kiss. #neverhadoneonmybirthday

136.How many kids do I want and what will be their names?By kids you mean dogs? N id have all of them. Theyd have really crude/harsh spanish names.

137.Was I named after anyone?No but krysten means follower of chridtXD

138.Do I like my handwriting? Sometimes

139. What was my favourite toy as a child? Why it was my stuffy scooby doo

140.Favourite Tv Show? Gawd theres so many. But steven universe👌🖒

141.Where do I want to live when older?Puerto rico when i hit the lotto

143. Play any musical instrument? I can play the trumpet, the recorder, basic drum beat, and im learning the uke

144.One of my scars, how did I get it?Sliced my thumb with a woodcutter one year. Then the next year same thumb with a brand new exacto. Landed me in the hosp 2ice total 12 stiches

145.Favourite pizza toping? Extra cheese

146.Am I afraid of the dark? Sometimes. Im more worried bout the it under the bed that comes out when you dont have sheets on.

147.Am I afraid of heights?No. In my stage craft class i was the only one who wasnt scared of heights they sent me high up to work on stuff they also sent me 60ft up to the grid too 😎

148.Have I ever got caught sneaking out or doing anything bad?Yes and i had my ass handed to me on a silver platter several times.

149.Have I ever tried my hardest and then gotten disappointed in the end?Yes. All the time.

150.What I’m really bad atBeing social. Talking to girls. Drawing.

151.What my greatest achievements are. Being the first to graduate college.

152.The meanest thing somebody has ever said to meYou should see the list of stuff my parents have told me since i was little. Its a little too awful to put on here.

153.What I’d do if I won in a lottery. Top secret Plans back the fuck up

154. What do I like about myself Um my bed head. Idk

155.My closest Tumblr friend Haha nadia

156.Something I fantasise about my exTisk tisk ladies n gents we shouldnt be reopening wounds like this. *points finger n shakes it like a noodle*