#pembroke family.

[catherinetheprincessofwales]

The Royal Family: A Centenary Portrait' by John Wonnacott. Commissioned, 2000 Primary Collection. National Portrait Gallery. The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, King Charles III (then Prince), The Prince of Wales (then Prince William) and four corgis.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

By India McTaggart and Tracey Kandohla

21 April 2024

The first statue of Queen Elizabeth II since her death has been unveiled to the approving barks of nearly 50 corgis.

The permanent memorial to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – complete with her own immortalised dogs – has been hailed as a fitting tribute for the “mother of our nation.”

The eye-catching 7ft bronze statue went on display on what would have been the late monarch’s 98th birthday, with a group of her favourite dogs stealing the show.

It takes pride of place outside the library in the market town of Oakham, in Rutland, Britain’s smallest county.

It depicts a youthful Queen Elizabeth – who stood at just 5ft 4in – standing at 7ft in regal robes with three loyal corgi companions at her feet, one peeking out from the creases.

It serves as a permanent reminder of her 70-year reign and her enduring affection for the Pembroke Welsh breed.

Sculptor Hywel Pratley believes the memorial will become a hit not only with royal fans, but that it will attract social media users wanting a selfie beside the late monarch and her dogs.

Speaking before the unveiling in front of a 400-person crowd and with a host of local dignitaries attending, he said:

“The plinth is designed to be sat on and I can see the statue becoming popular with the Instagram generation, and why not?

It will make a perfect backdrop for pictures and people will be able to reach up and pat a dog or if small enough even sit in its back.”

Mr Pratley, 51, who is half Welsh and lives in Chelmsford, Essex, told how he chose to add the corgis for a “bit of fun and to tap into the late Queen’s humanity and address her friendliness.”

He explained he made the statue larger than life because a “life-size Queen Elizabeth is too small. She deserves more.”

The £125,000 statue was commissioned by Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, following the Queen’s death in September 2022.

Addressing the crowds in the spring sunshine, she said:

“We are witnessing a piece of history today with the first statue of Queen Elizabeth to be commissioned since her death and who gave us 70 years of exemplary service.

Rutland may be a small county, but the response to this had been huge with contributions from local businesses and individuals of varying sizes.”

As she spoke, barks from 46 dogs from the Welsh Corgi League rang out, and she said, smiling: “You can hear them!”

She added: “The statue is for everyone.”

Before his cancer battle had been known and made public, King Charles III had been invited to unveil the statue.

It is not known if Palace officials had agreed to the request.

Instead, the honour fell to Alicia Kearns, the Tory MP for Rutland and Melton, before being blessed by Debbie Sellins, the Bishop of Peterborough.

One resident, Hilda Townsend, said: “It is just wonderful. We are the tiniest county, but the first to honour the late majesty in such a big way. It is a very fitting tribute.”

Her husband, John, added: “It is absolutely amazing and, as Rutlanders, makes us extremely proud.”

The unveiling of two of the three bronze corgis was given to two young children who had won a local school art competition.

In an emotional speech, Ms Kearns, 31, said:

“It is an incredible statue of our beloved Queen, who showed unwavering commitment.

We hope we can reflect on her legacy of compassion, strength and leadership. The statue was no mean feat and is for all of Rutland and all of our country, and to come together in joy. Rutland leads and others will follow.”

The MP revealed that the King would be visiting the statue.

Crowds of local residents mingled with visitors from further afield, some waving Union flags, with children sporting gold paper crowns on their heads.

She told spectators: “I am proud to play my very small part in helping to celebrate her reign,” pointing to the statue and saying: “She belongs to all of you.”

Following the unveiling, a lone bagpiper played a lament to the late Queen and the National Anthem was played, with crowds joining in.

Dozens of corgis, some wearing red, white and blue, then posed beside the new monument with their owners and officials before parading along the packed streets to Oakham Castle for a meet-and-greet session with the public.

Among the corgi owners was Katrina Emptage from Lincoln, with her two-year-old pet, Mable.

She said: “The statue is absolutely amazing and I’m delighted to be here to see it and be part of the corgi parade. It is very special.”

The late Queen held a life-long, deep affection for the breed after she fell in love with the dogs as a child.

She owned more than 30 over the years, many of which were direct descendants of the first, Susan, which was given to her as an 18th birthday present by her parents in 1944.

Speaking of his inspiration, Mr Pratley said:

“I very quickly thought that I would like to have a corgi nestling in her robes by her feet because what a great symbol it is, artistically, of her being mother of a nation.”

[fideidefenswhore]

The new queen's white falcon was on prominent display throughout the pageant, resting on a bed of Tudor roses. Although it is now synonymous with Anne and the Boleyns in general, Henry had only granted it to her on her elevation to the marquessate of Pembroke. It was a fitting choice because the same bird had long been an emblem of Anne's Irish ancestors, the Butlers, earls of Ormond. It also had strong royal associations and had been used as an emblem by the celebrated warrior king Edward III, as well as by Henry's maternal grandfather, Edward IV, with whom he strongly identified.

Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I (2023), Tracy Borman

[snowlan]

Tri-color corgi cousins snoozing on Thanksgiving.

[newblogforjackson]

🌷🌷🌷

[the-clay-quarters]

thinking about child/teen years. this is all very tentative bcus I keep messing with the specifics but...

Pembroke was the youngest son of four, with two sisters and a brother. On one hand, Theo was the rowdiest lil guy, getting in so much trouble and being covered in mud most of the time. On the other, he was very interested in his sisters' arts and sewing lessons, sitting in on them intently (if fidgetingly) even though he wasn't allowed to participate. He was a menace and a bit odd, with trouble sitting still and a penchant for shenanigans, but he's a cute menace.

As the years went by, it became obvious that he wasn't growing into the polite young man his parents wanted. Harmless childhood quirks turned into habits he really needed to let go of. His struggles with attention and schooling became unavoidable. Small complaints developed into regular spats into full arguments. He doesn't get along at all with his parents, and his siblings are rocky at best.

Eventually, he has enough. He skips town, instead going to work and live with an uncle who's a traveling merchant. He doesn't talk to his family again.

He likes to think that he doesn't regret it.

[tulipwhims]

Annika's expecting! She and Lucas are so excited to welcome their little one into the family. What do you guys think I should name the baby??

(bonus pic of Ann and Luke cuddling in bed 🥹 they're so cute)

[world-of-wales]

Catherine's Royal Closet (11/∞) ♚

↬ Plaid Printed Dress with Belt

This classic shirt-dress has an animal-print embossed silk jacquard and it features a covered placket and coordinating belt.

First worn by Catherine underneath her coats during a visit to the Valero oil refinery in 2014 and then again on Christmas Day 2014, the dress was finally seen in all its glory during her visit to the Fostering Network.

[tudorqueen6]

Queen Katherine Parr: Not Important Enough?

I love how much people dismiss Queen Kateryn Parr. There may be evidence that she WAS supposed to be Regent for Edward VI. See her signature AFTER Henry died. Credit: Elizabeth Norton She was apparently signing as “Kateryn, the quene regente KP”. The theory goes that she was indeed made Regent for her stepson, King Edward VI. Which would make sense with the use of her signature. It is believed…

[bestdentisttreatments]

Choosing The Right Pembroke Pines Dentist For Your Family

Choosing The Right Pembroke Pines Dentist for Your Family's Dental Health

The importance of maintaining good oral health cannot be overstated. Regular visits to the dentist are crucial in preventing dental problems and ensuring that your teeth and gums remain healthy.

When it comes to choosing a dentist for your family, it is important to make an informed decision that considers the unique dental needs of each family member.

This article aims to provide a guide to choosing the right Pembroke Pines dentist for your family's dental health.

Assessing your family's dental needs, researching local dentists in Pembroke Pines, evaluating a dentist's qualifications and experience, and considering their approach to dental care are all important factors to consider when choosing a dentist.

By following these steps, you can make an informed decision that will help ensure that your family's dental health is in good hands.

Assessing Your Family's Dental Needs

In evaluating the dental requirements of a household, it is imperative to consider individual factors such as age, dental history, and pre-existing conditions to determine the most appropriate and effective dental care strategy.

For instance, young children may require dental checkups more frequently than adults, and individuals with a history of gum disease may need more specialized care. Additionally, those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease may require more personalized dental care plans to ensure their oral health is not compromised.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the personal preferences of each family member when it comes to dental care. Some may prefer a dentist who specializes in holistic or natural treatments, while others may prefer a more traditional approach.

Whatever the preference may be, it is important to factor this into the decision-making process when choosing a dentist in Pembroke Pines. With these individual factors in mind, the next step is to research local dentists in Pembroke Pines to ensure that the chosen dentist has the necessary qualifications, experience, and expertise to meet the family's dental needs.

Researching Local Dentists in Pembroke Pines

Locating and examining the qualifications and practice history of dental professionals in the Pembroke Pines area can facilitate the identification of a suitable healthcare provider for general oral care.

One way to start researching for a dentist is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or co-workers.

Another way is to use online resources such as the American Dental Association or state dental associations to find licensed dentists in the area.

Once a list of potential dental providers has been compiled, it is important to assess their experience and qualifications.

Evaluating a dentist's qualifications and experience is crucial in choosing the right healthcare provider.

Factors to consider include the dentist's education and training, years of experience, and any certifications or specializations.

It is also important to find out if the dentist is up to date on the latest techniques and technologies in dentistry.

One way to determine this is to look for continuing education courses or membership in professional organizations.

By taking the time to research and evaluate dental professionals in Pembroke Pines, families can make an informed decision and ensure that their oral health is in good hands.

Evaluating a Dentist's Qualifications and Experience

Assessing a dentist's educational background, experience, and professional affiliations is a crucial step in making an informed decision when selecting a healthcare provider for general oral care. You want to ensure that your chosen dentist has the necessary qualifications and experience to provide quality care to you and your family.

In evaluating a dentist's educational background, you should check where they obtained their dental degree, the institutions they trained at, and if they have any additional certifications or specializations. Additionally, it is essential to consider a dentist's experience and how long they have been practicing. A dentist who has been in practice for many years is likely to have a wealth of experience and knowledge in handling various dental problems.

Moreover, it is also essential to check if the dentist is a member of any professional organizations, such as the American Dental Association (ADA). Professional affiliations indicate that the dentist is committed to staying current with the latest trends and advancements in dental care. They also adhere to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

By evaluating a dentist's qualifications and affiliations, you can have confidence in their ability to provide quality dental care to you and your family. Considering the dentist's approach to dental care is also crucial when choosing a healthcare provider. The approach should align with your dental needs and preferences.

In the next section, we will delve into what to consider when evaluating a dentist's approach to dental care.

Considering the Dentist's Approach to Dental Care

Understanding a dentist's approach to providing dental care is a critical factor to consider when making an informed decision about selecting a healthcare provider that aligns with your dental needs and preferences.

Some dentists focus on providing preventive care, while others specialize in restorative care. It is essential to choose a dentist who has experience in the type of care you need.

Additionally, some dentists are more conservative in their approach to dental care, preferring to take a wait-and-see approach before recommending invasive procedures. Others may be more aggressive, advocating for more frequent treatments and interventions to prevent the development of dental problems.

Another essential aspect of a dentist's approach to dental care is their bedside manner. Many people experience anxiety and fear when visiting the dentist, and a caring and compassionate dentist can help alleviate these feelings.

A dentist who takes the time to explain procedures, answer questions, and listen to concerns can make all the difference in establishing a positive and trusting relationship with patients.

By choosing a dentist who aligns with your approach to dental care and makes you feel comfortable, you can ensure a positive experience and better outcomes for your dental health.

Making the Final Decision and Scheduling an Appointment

The final step in the process of selecting a provider for dental care involves scheduling an appointment with a dentist who aligns with your preferences and needs, establishing a relationship built on trust and communication.

Before making the final decision, it is important to consider various factors such as convenience, availability, location, and insurance coverage. It is recommended to schedule a consultation with the dentist to discuss your dental history, concerns, and treatment options. This will provide an opportunity for you to get to know the dentist and their approach to care, as well as ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.

When scheduling an appointment, it is important to keep in mind that regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal dental health. It is recommended to schedule appointments at least twice a year, or more frequently if advised by your dentist.

Additionally, it is important to communicate any changes in your dental health or concerns to your dentist as soon as possible. By establishing a positive and open relationship with your dentist, you can ensure that your dental health needs are met and that you receive the best possible care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right Pembroke Pines dentist for your family's dental health requires careful consideration of various factors.

It is important to assess the dental needs of your family and research the local dentists in the area.

Evaluating a dentist's qualifications and experience is paramount, as it ensures that your family receives quality care.

Additionally, considering the dentist's approach to dental care is crucial, as it can determine the effectiveness of treatments and overall experience.

Ultimately, making the final decision and scheduling an appointment with a dentist who meets your family's needs and preferences is essential.

A good dentist is like a skilled craftsman who knows how to use the right tools to create a masterpiece.

With the right dentist, your family's dental health can be maintained and improved, leading to a bright and healthy smile for years to come.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Illustration by Lucy Claire

[cyber-dump-171]

Prologue: Missing

Objection! Stand your ground! Marvelous! (Twisted Wonderland x Reader)

Masterlist | Chapter 1 →

Word count: 3.2 k.

WARNING: N/A

Note: thank you for stopping by and reading! Comments, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Excuse me, coming through".

You walk down the dim corridor, the sound of telephones and mundane conversations muffled by the large window that separates the common office from the rest of the rooms. You take a quick glance inside and notice that it is emptier than usual, with only a couple of agents sitting at their desks filling out forms, watching the television broadcasting the evening news, or chatting with their cubicle neighbors.

You continue, carefully hugging the old box tighter as you slip past some of your father's co-workers, who greet you quietly before resuming their conversation, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and cigarette smoke clinging to their shirts wafting through the air. You're thankful it's not a stupidly strong cologne like the one James Blanc, one of the junior officers, wears. He puts on too much and it always makes you sneeze.

It reminds you of your male classmates who shower themselves in body spray after gym class, the smell making you dizzy as you sit inside the suffocating classroom.

After a few minutes of walking down the dull, gray hallway, you finally reach your destination, stopping in front of a worn wooden door with a silver plaque that reads a familiar name in faded letters: "Det. Pembroke”. Behind the doorway, you can hear a male and female voice, the latter sounding distressed, though you can't discern what they're talking about. Balancing the cardboard box on one arm, you lift your free hand and rack your knuckles against the solid material.

"Come in, door's open", replies a gruff voice after a couple of seconds of silence. Grunting and mentally begging yourself not to drop the heavy package, your hand quickly finds the handle and turns it urgently, the old wood creaking loudly as the door swings open, giving way to a simple yet messy office.

Tall rectangular metal cabinets and bookcases line the dark green walls, with various certificates and diplomas filling the empty spaces. On the right side of the room is a large display cabinet with various comic book figurines, knick-knacks, trophies and photo frames, displaying some of your family's memorabilia and achievements. On the opposite side of the office, under a rectangular window, is a wooden table with small drawers containing a small coffee pot and water dispenser. 

Your eyes sweep around the room and settle on your father, who sits behind a metal desk, with piles of documents, dirty mugs, a cup full of pens and pencils, and an old laptop taking up space on the surface. Behind it is a large map detailing the geography of your city, Kotohira. You take notice of several colored thumbtacks mark certain areas, though you can't see exactly where they point to.

He lifts his head to acknowledge your presence and his slender finger points to a table hidden in the corner of the room. “Put it there, kid. Careful with that, it's important,” you nod quickly at your father's words and head for the cabinet, pushing aside the manila folders to make room for the box. 

You place the package down with a quiet sigh, using your now free hands to wipe the dust from your button-up shirt, your legs burning as a reminder that it's been hours since you've sat down, too busy running errands and fetching documents around the station. 

Your father's eyes focus again on the woman sitting across from him, and he clears his throat as he continues. “Mrs. Enma, please don't worry, my men are working full-time to solve this case,” he reassures the woman, who nods silently at his affirmation.

Your gaze is drawn to the figure, an old woman you recognize as your upstairs neighbor who lives in apartment 305, Saeki Enma. You have bumped into her and her husband several times, either in the building's elevator or the nearby supermarket. It's strange to see her like this, with her usual warm smile and cheerful laughter replaced by a chagrined expression and puffy red eyes.

However, her reaction is understandable, as her only grandson is now the ninth person to go missing in the last month in Kotohira.

Saeki shakily reaches for her small black leather purse sitting on her lap, her small hands pulling out a beautiful baby-blue silk handkerchief, dabbing the corner of her wrinkled eyes to wipe away the rest of her salty tears. Her lips quiver as she looks down.

"Thank you, Detective Pembroke. My little Yuuken means the world to me, he's a kind and responsible boy. Oh my God... he must be so scared," she breaks down after glancing at the file in front of her, the picture of her grandson quietly staring back at her.

Her hands cover her eyes as her body shakes, the sound of her sobs echoing off the walls of the quiet office. Your father immediately gets up from his swivel chair and places a comforting hand on the old woman's back, while you run to the water dispenser, fill a glass, and hand it to her with a comforting smile.

Saeki accepts it with a sniffle, her trembling hands wrapping around the transparent glass as she sips in silence, her crying ceasing. A few minutes later, she calms down and sighs, gently patting your father's hand as a sign of gratitude. And suddenly, her eyes widen as her attention turns to you. 

"Oh my, (Y/N)! It's good to see you, what are you doing here? I apologize that you have to see me in this state," she laughs weakly, and you can still hear a hint of sadness in her voice. You suspect she's trying to distract herself from the grief of losing her grandson.

In return, you offer a small smile and a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Please don't worry, Mrs. Enma. It's good to see you, too." Your father suddenly slaps a hand on your shoulder with a toothy smile, causing you to jump in surprise as you turn to look at him in confusion.

“Kiddo over here had no plans for the summer, so I dragged them to the station to help out” - bullshit, you did have plans! You were going to spend every day inside, locked in your room with the air conditioning on, sprawled on your bed, and enjoying your free time. Hell, you'd even bought so many books and comics to read during the break! Now they're just going to sit there, gathering dust.

As Saeki finishes her glass of water, she lifts her head to look at the clock, whose hands point to the current time, 8:43 p.m. “My God! I apologize for taking up so much of your time, Detective Pembroke. My husband will be worried, I should be getting home,” she gasps in surprise. As you help Mrs. Enma out of her chair and pick up her cane, your father heads down the hallway, shouting for a nearby officer to help escort Saeki home.

In a matter of seconds, you hear a pair of footsteps running toward the office, and suddenly a young blond policeman stands in the doorway, nervously greeting your father. You remember that his name is Renart, a French cop freshly graduated from the police academy near Chichibugahama beach. The officers at the station call him "Croissant Surfer.”

Renart escorts Mrs. Enma out of the office, but not before she thanks your father again and gives you a warm smile as she bids you farewell. Your father promptly closes the door, sighing as he pinches the bridge of his nose. "Nine people... nine people just gone," he whispers.

As you walk to the desk, your eyes scan the missing person's report. Yuuken Enma, a second-year student of Hibari Municipal High School disappeared this afternoon after leaving the Ishimoto gymnasium at around 2:30 p.m. He was reported missing by his grandparents who explained that Yuuken failed to pick up his phone and had never arrived home at an agreed hour.

According to witness reports, he was last seen by his fellow kendo club member and first-year student, Koito Saya. The two of them were training for an upcoming kendo match which would take place after summer break ended. 

Koito explains that Yuuken left practice early because "he was feeling unwell and he had to help his grandmother prepare some things for the Tanabata Festival.” The first-year student stayed in the gym for another hour of training, and when he left the facility around 4:00 p.m., he found a keychain from an action figure that belonged to Yuuken on the floor. Minutes later, the Enma's called the police station.

Your fingers grab the corner of the paper and turn the page to read some additional details about the case. This Yuuken boy... the two of you stood together at the bus station, but you never really spoke. You went to different schools, and his appearance and aura communicated that he didn't want to be bothered, so you left him alone. Besides, you're not the most outgoing person, so you never really made a move to befriend him. You only knew of his personality from the comments of neighbors and even your parents; a "charismatic and determined young man.” 

Your eyes land on an evidence report detailing the footage from the gym's surveillance camera. Your eyes widened as you remembered the conversation you overheard in the records room about two days ago about the recent missing persons cases.

According to the officer, all of the nine disappearances have been caught on CCTV, but you can never see who is taking them or where they are going because the recording always glitches.

He described in detail the disappearance of Fígaro Koskela, the young heir to a Finnish jewelry empire, who was walking home from a party organized by his classmates. He's alone, it's the middle of the night, he's strolling down an alley near some residential houses, when all of a sudden his head whips around as he hears a strange noise, the policeman describes the sound as that of a loud roar followed by a cry similar to that of horses.

Figaro's expression morphed into one of shock and bewilderment, paralyzed on the spot as his blue eyes did not look away from where the sound came. At that moment, the camera stops and the footage goes black. Suspiciously, the camera reactivated itself hours later as police arrived on the scene and neighbors peered out their windows and doors to see what was going on.

The officer explained that all the victims disappeared in the same way: they were alone in Kotohira, they heard something, and the camera footage went black, adding that the people who were near where the victims disappeared never heard anything strange. But he also points out that none of the victims have anything in common. Age, appearance, socioeconomic status, even where they live, nothing.

You're jolted out of your trance as your father clears his throat and walks past you, taking a seat in his chair, before turning to face you, the lack of sleep and stress evident due to the dark circles under his eyes. "From the looks of things, I don't think I'll be leaving the office anytime soon. Do you think your mom can pick you up?"

Normally, you would walk home, since the police station is not that far from the apartment building. That, and the night air feels good on your skin, plus, it gives you some time alone to think and take some pictures of the sky and wildlife.

However, because of the recent disappearances, everyone in Kotohira is on edge, including you and especially your parents. This morning, you even received some messages from a few of your school friends who were outraged because their parents wouldn't let them go on their annual trip to the beach for fear that their children would be the next victims.

You nodded at your dad’s request before taking the seat that Mrs. Enma had previously occupied and wasted no time dialing your mother's phone number. Frankly, you were tired and hungry, having accidentally skipped lunch to help the Chief's secretary organize a mountain of paperwork that needed to be archived. Seriously, these guys are a mess.

After a few dials, you hear the sound of the phone picking up and your mother's cheery voice answering from the other end. "Hello, honey! How's my baby doing?" you see out of the corner of your eye as your father chuckles, having heard your mother's cooing over the loud volume of the phone. "I'm fine, Mom. How was your case?"

You can hear your mother gasp in surprise before she giddily recounts the details of the latest case she took on. "Oh, you bet your ass I won it! You should have seen the look on that idiot Howard's face when they declared my client innocent. That asshole always takes the side of dirty money," you laugh lightly at your mom’s colorful words; she has had a fierce rivalry with Vanguard Legal Services’ best attorney, Howard Waltz, ever since college. They even work at competing firms.

Your mother spends a few minutes telling you more details about the case before asking you why you called her. You tell her about Yuuken Enma's recent disappearance and that your father won't be able to take you home due to the heavy workload. 

"Yuuken has disappeared!? Oh, poor thing, I hope they find him soon. Don't worry, darling, I just left the office, I'll be there in about half an hour," after exchanging a few more words, you hang up the call.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

You hold your head in your hands, it feels like someone is violently sticking a sharp needle into the left side of your brain and your eyes won't stop throbbing. 'What the actual hell happened? I was doing fine a minute ago.’

Your father had left after the Chief knocked on the door and told him that they were going to have a brief meeting to organize a search party for Yuuken and share some updates on the case. Seconds after they departed and your dad bid you goodbye in case you were gone before he returned, your terrible headache suddenly appeared, and now you feel like you're going to throw up.

“O, thou who were guided by the dark mirror”.

"What was that!? Hello!?" you yell, the chair legs squeaking loudly against the floor as you quickly stand up, your eyes scanning the room trying to find the deep voice that just spoke. Your heart is beating fast, your breathing labored as your hands immediately find a fountain pen sitting on top of some papers, grab it, and point the tip outward to use it as a makeshift weapon. 

‘Are the rookies pulling a prank? Or am I hallucinating? Damn it! This fucking headache is driving me insane!’ You lower your head to look at the gap between the door and the floor, but you don’t see anyone standing outside or hear any movement from the hallway. Before you can continue to examine the room any further, your phone vibrates and the screen turns on, displaying a recent message from your mother alongside other notifications: "I'm outside." 

You waste no time getting your things, slinging the messenger bag over your shoulder, grabbing your sweater off the back of the chair, and throwing the pen away, landing behind your father’s chair. You're tired, you're hungry, you don’t want to deal with whatever prank somebody’s pulling on you, and you want to take care of this headache before it turns into an excruciating migraine. 

You make your way over the door, making sure you stomp your feet as hard as you can to warn whoever is hiding and pulling your hair, to start running before you catch them and kill them. You twist the doorknob and open the door quickly, only to find... the hallway completely desolated and eerily quiet.

This is strange... even if everyone was working, you would hear the noise coming from the offices, but, there is no sound at all. You can’t even hear the wind blowing outside or the droning songs from the cicadas. Your stomach twists into knots, a feeling in your gut screaming at you that something is wrong. You need to get out of there now.

“Let thy heart’s desire reflected in the mirror take thee by the hand”.

Yeah, no, this is no prank. Whatever's going on here is some paranormal shit. 

You don't waste a second as you bolt from your father's office, running down the hallway as fast as you can, never looking back for fear of something coming after you. You groan as your headache begins to worsen, your head now throbbing and your ears ringing loudly as you begin to hear a chorus of unintelligible voices inside your brain.

“In me. In them. In you.”

You pant as you run past the common office, your eyes widening as you find the entire room empty, all the equipment turned off and the chairs scattered around the room as if everyone had suddenly gotten up and gone home. The deep voice rings louder in your head again, its words feeling like mockery. ‘What the hell is going on? Where did everyone go? Dad, please be okay!’

“We all have very little time left.”

"AGH, JUST SHUT UP!" you shout, hoping the voices will go away, but they only get louder by the second. Thankfully, you reach the entrance of the police station, your eyes widening in relief as you find your mother's gray car parked right outside. Swinging the glass door open, you dash towards the vehicle, panic running through your veins.

"MOM! PLEASE! IT'S ME! OPEN THE DOOR!" you slam your right hand against the window as you yank hard at the handle of the locked car door. But as you duck your head to look inside the car, your breath is cut short and you feel your heart come to a screeching halt. The driver's side is empty, not a trace of your mother inside.

You slowly back away from the vehicle in utter disbelief, the voices having stopped, but you don't even notice, too preoccupied with the sudden disappearance of everyone around you. Your attention, however, is drawn to a hellish sound coming from your right. A loud roar, creaking wood, heavy wheels rolling on the pavement, and the whole cacophony accompanied by the cries of horses.

You feel frozen in place as your head turns to the side and your eyes widen at the sudden appearance of a funeral carriage drawn by two elegant horses coming at you at full speed. 

You want to run, to escape from this hellish scene as quickly as possible, to run into your parents' arms. ‘This has to be a nightmare. This isn’t real!’ Every single muscle and nerve in your body is screaming for you to move, and yet something is holding you back. You close your eyes in fear as the sound of hooves comes closer and closer.

You feel nothing as the carriage crashes into you.

“Welcome to Night Raven College, young soul”.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Tag list:

@rotknox

[welldonekhushi]

Vampyr OC: Anastasia Graham 🏥

Introducing you all to a new OC, everyone! My head has been constantly brainstorming with ideas to create a new character based on the game I'm currently posting content with. So, here's what you can know about them, under the cut!

Currently for the bio, I've only used Picrews to describe Anastasia's appearance, but sooner or later I'll draw her in my style and update it all!

GENERAL:

Name: Anastasia

Full name: Anastasia Graham

Alias(es): Anna (by her family, and Dr. Reid), Annie (by the patients)

Age: 25 years old

Gender: Female

Nationality: British (UK)

Languages spoken: English, a bit of French (learnt from her mother who briefly served during the war)

Place of Birth: Birmingham, England

Species: Human

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Marital Status: Single

Occupation: Nurse at Pembroke Hospital

Current residence: Whitechapel

Status: Active

Faceclaim: Freya Mavor

(She mostly wears two braids to the hospital but when she's at home, she has her hair open like in the pictures!)

Biography: Anastasia Graham, an aspiring nurse with hopes of making a mark in medical studies, faces numerous challenges as she begins her career at Pembroke Hospital amid the deadly Spanish Flu epidemic.

PERSONALITY:

Myers-Briggs Type: ISFJ (The Defender)

Compassionate and kind: One defining characteristic of Anastasia is her deep compassion and kindness towards her patients, often referred to as a “hope restored.” Her mere presence brings light to those in the hospital, uplifting spirits even amid the bleak conditions caused by the flu’s impact on the city.

Emotional: The loss of her patients profoundly affects Anastasia, breaking her heart and making her feel as though she has failed in her duty as a nurse. She struggles to cope with these intense emotions, but with the guidance of Dorothy Crane, she is learning to be resilient and to maintain hope, even in the face of loss when there is nothing more she can do.

Cautious: Due to a traumatic vampire attack in her youth that nearly cost her life, Anastasia approaches the world with caution. She often fears walking alone, haunted by the possibility that someone might be following her. To protect herself, she keeps the knife her father gave her, always prepared to defend herself if necessary.

THEME:

AFFILIATIONS:

Graham Family

Henry Graham (Father, deceased)

Amelia Graham (Mother, alive)

Eleanor Graham (Aunt, alive)

Alfred Graham (Uncle, alive)

Pembroke Hospital

Dr. Jonathan Reid (Colleague, Love Interest)

Dr. Thoreau Strickland (Colleague #2)

Dr. Edgar Swansea (Employer, Administrator of Pembroke Hospital)

Dorothy Crane (Mentor)

Gwyneth Branagan (Mentor #2)

Pippa Hawkins (Distant Cousin)

Lady Ashbury (Friend, when she visits the hospital often)

More facts about her in detail, through this post!

BACKGROUND STORY:

Anastasia Graham was born in Birmingham to Henry and Amelia Graham. Her father, a dedicated member of the Guard of Priwen—a society of vampire hunters—instilled in her an early sense of resilience, while her mother, a compassionate medic, inspired Anastasia's passion for healing. Determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps, Anastasia committed herself to the study of medicine from a young age.

Her life took a dark turn one evening when she was nearly attacked by a bloodthirsty vampire. She was saved just in time by a Priwen hunter, but the incident left a lasting impression on her. To help her feel safe, her father entrusted her with a silver knife, a small but powerful symbol of protection should she ever face such danger again.

As she grew, Anastasia remained focused on her goal of becoming a nurse, eventually securing formal education in the medical field. This path led her to London during the height of the Spanish Flu epidemic, a devastating time that demanded all hands on deck in the healthcare sector. It was then that Dr. Edgar Swansea, who recognized her potential and the urgent need for additional medical staff, invited her to join the Pembroke Hospital team.

Under the mentorship of Dorothy Crane, Anastasia Graham dedicated herself to serving the patients of Pembroke Hospital, striving to emulate Dorothy’s own unwavering commitment to compassionate care. Despite the harsh conditions, she went to great lengths to ensure each patient was treated with dignity and that their needs were met. Yet, the onslaught of suffering patients as the Spanish Flu ravaged the city took a toll on her. With each new wave, the pain, fear, and despair around her intensified, and Anastasia began to feel overwhelmed. Though determined to stay strong, she found herself teetering on the edge of exhaustion.

One evening, while rushing through the dim, crowded halls of Pembroke, Anastasia noticed a new figure in the hospital. Tall and composed, he moved through the chaos with a calm, almost unearthly presence that commanded attention. He was a doctor, recently arrived and eager to join the fight against the epidemic. When their eyes met, Anastasia felt a strange sense of foreboding—and fascination. Unaware of the true nature of the man she was drawn to, she sensed that her life was about to take an irrevocable turn.

[newblogforjackson]

🥰

[whencyclopedia]

Sir William Marshal

The Englishman Sir William Marshal (c. 1146-1219 CE, aka William the Marshal), Earl of Pembroke, is one of the most celebrated knights of the Middle Ages. Renowned for his fighting skills, he remained undefeated in tournaments, spared the life of Richard I of England (r. 1189-1199 CE) in battle, and rose to become Marshal and then Protector of the Kingdom - king in all but name. Shortly after William's death, Stephen Langton, the Archbishop of Canterbury, described him as 'the greatest knight that ever lived' and his deeds and titles are such that the claim still seems justified today.

Youth

William Marshal was born c. 1146 CE and he experienced his very first misadventure aged just six when his father's castle at Newbury was attacked by an army of King Stephen's (r. 1135-1154 CE). John Marshal was forced to give up his young son William as a hostage while the attack was suspended in order for the terms of a surrender to be settled. However, John had other ideas and used the respite to restock his castle with provisions. This seemed a risky strategy considering his son was in the hands of his enemies but when threatened with the execution of William his father glibly replied 'I have a hammer and an anvil on which I can forge better sons than he!' (Phillips, 104). Fortunately for William, he escaped both death and his family when Stephen decided not to end his young life by hanging him as threatened (or catapulted over the castle walls as some had proposed) and instead made him a royal ward. This was a fortuitous outcome for everybody since William, being the younger of several brothers, had no chance of inheriting the estates of his father and had to make his own way in the world anyway. It was not a bad start, after all.

Having got over perhaps his greatest challenge, William embarked on the usual career path of a young nobleman. His mother's cousin was William de Tancarville, the Chamberlain of Normandy (at that time under the English crown) and it was at his court that he began his education and training as a squire with the eventual aim of becoming a knight. William here gained a reputation as a big eater and acquired the nickname of gaste-viande (glutton). Still, he must have impressed his tutors and sponsor in other ways for William was knighted in 1166 CE aged just 20 and he was then sent on his way to make his own fortune. One of the great medieval chivalric careers was about to begin - after an initial hiccup, that is.

Continue reading...

[ppomumgranatum]

forgotten legacy. [chapter 1]

available on Ao3

pairing: Sebastian Sallow x f!MC

tags: multi-chapter, Auror Sebastian, drama, romance, murders, major character death, original female character, possible 🔞 in upcoming chapters. (more tags on Ao3)

word count: 4.8k

Summary: Eleven years after Ranrok’s goblin rebellion, Sebastian Sallow, now an Auror, finds himself neck-deep in a string of unsolved murders. Things get personal when the trail leads him to Aderyn Pembroke, his old flame and Keeper of ancient magic. Forced to work together, the former lovebirds have to decide just how far they're willing to sacrifice for the world they both swore to protect.

RUTH SINGER MURDERED: AURORS LAGGING BEHIND By: Cressida Bloom, Special Correspondent  The wizarding world has been left reeling after the brutal murder of Ruth Singer, Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol. Singer was found dead in her own house after she failed to report to work. The identity of the perpetrator remains unknown, adding to the growing list of unsolved murders that have cast a dark shadow over the wizarding world in recent month. This latest tragedy follows the shocking murders of an Astronomer Amit Thakkar, and a fellow Officer, Natsai Onai just a few weeks prior. Speculation is mounting that the recent string of murders may be the work of dark wizards, as troubling evidence emerges from the investigations. Traces of Unforgivable curses have been found in the bodies of the victims, including Ruth Singer. This revelation has intensified fears within the wizarding community and raised concerns about a possible resurgence of dark forces targeting prominent figures within the wizarding world. This string of unsolved murders has sparked criticism of the Auror Office, which has so far failed to make any significant progress in identifying or apprehending the killers. Despite their reputation as the wizarding world's elite dark wizard catchers, the Aurors seem to be lagging in providing answers or bringing justice to the grieving families and colleagues of the victims.

Sebastian scoffed as he aggressively folded the newspaper and slammed it into his bin. He shook his head at the outrageous news— Aurors Lagging Behind? The once-respected Daily Prophet had clearly lost its way since the change in their Editor in Chief– whoever the fuck they are now. Sebastian couldn’t care less. Instead of quality journalism, it seemed their sole mission was to criticise the Ministry at every turn. 

The first murder was just two weeks ago. Amit’s assistant found his body in his office when she came in the morning. The perpetrator appeared to be searching for something in his possession as things were scattered about. Despite the obvious signs of a struggle and the apparent motive to find something specific, there was frustratingly too little of something.

Just one week after, Natty was found at her home. The scene was messier. Jer wand was found next to her hand, and scorch marks marred the walls of her living room— evidence that she put up a fight before her life was brutally taken.

And just yesterday, Ruth Singer was claimed as the latest victim.

These unsolved cases had been haunting him every second of every day. The lives of three people he knew were taken. The only consistent thread between these murders was the state of the crime scenes and the traces of Unforgivables found on each victim. But other than that, the lack of evidence and motives made it almost impossible for him to walk into anything promising.

As the lead Auror in this case, it made him truly want to quit his job. With the press and the public breathing down his neck, demanding more answers, surely didn’t make anything easier either.

Sebastian sat slumped in his chair while the office bustled around him with the sound of typewriters and chatter. Another day of dead ends and unanswered questions had left him feeling drained.

Lost in his own frustrations, he was suddenly brought back to reality by someone sitting on the chair beside his desk. He looked up to see Andrew, his partner, just came back from Singer’s estate.

“Anything new?” Sebastian asked, though he wasn't holding his breath for a miracle.

Andrew’s eyes were reflecting the same frustration Sebastian felt. "Just more questions." He leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. "The traces of Unforgivables are undeniable but it still doesn’t lead us to who did it.”

Sebastian noticed how the blonde was looking equally worn out. His usual charming demeanour was looking rather dishevelled. Andrew is his trusted partner, any weighing cases Sebastian is bearing on his shoulder, Andrew would share the same amount.

“I’ve met with some of the patrol officers to ask if Singer and Onai might have been tangling in a case together that could lead to this, but nothing peculiar.” Andrew continued his report, “None of their past nor on-going cases are related to Amit either.”

At this rate, Sebastian was just collecting frustrations like they were chocolate frog cards. Every lead they followed seemed to evaporate into thin air, leaving them with nothing but the same nagging questions. He rubbed his temples, trying to ease the headache that had been his constant companion for days now.

"Well, their deaths must be connected somehow. It has to be." Sebastian repeated, more to convince himself than Andrew. He looked at the photographs of the victims pinned on the evidence board, each face staring back at him, demanding justice, “It’s too convenient of a coincidence that two of our former classmates and her boss were murdered in just the span of weeks.” 

Meanwhile, Andrew's gaze fell upon Sebastian's bin, where the slightly crumpled newspaper lay discarded. With a curious tilt of his head, he reached down and plucked it from the pile. His furrows formed on his forehead as he scanned the front-page article.

“This is fucking bullocks. Are they writing comedy now?” He shook his head as he scanned the article further.

“Utter rubbish is what that is. You should’ve kept it where it belongs.” Sebastian replied with irritation crippling into his voice, “Stirring up panic and public doubt as if this case isn’t dreadful enough without the pressure.” His words dripped with exasperation as he watched Andrew toss the newspaper back into the bin, “Anything else?”

“Oh.” Andrew exclaimed like he just remembered something, “We found one thing.” He rummaged through his suit pocket and put an evidence bag on Sebastian’s desk, “Before I take this down to evidence— maybe you know something about it.”

Inside it was a small item, a crest– a maroon shield with a gold letter R in the middle. The shield is decorated with two crossed quills and a thistle, and he’s seen this before, “This.. this is the Rookwood family crest.”

“You mean the same Rookwood that wanted to attack Hogwarts eleven years ago?” Andrew asked, just as puzzled, “I thought their leader died?”

“He did.” Furrows etched across Sebastian’s face.

His mind raced with questions as he pondered the potential connection of current incidents to the Rookwood family. The possibilities seemed to be far-fetched because their organisation was destroyed not long after Victor Rookwood was dead. But then again this was the only solid evidence they have come across so far.

“The Rookwoods are known for their dark connections. If they're behind these murders.."

"It could explain the traces of Unforgivable curses.” Sebastian found the end of Andrew’s sentence.

"But why now? What could they possibly gain from killing an astronomer, a patrol officer, and the head of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol?" The blonde remained sceptical.

"It could be a power play? Or maybe they're after something specific that each of these victims had access to.”

Andrew was quiet for a moment before he continued, “Didn’t Natty get involved with the Rookwood Gang back in school days? And if I remember correctly, Singer was an active officer in that case. Could that be it?”

“But we’re still missing Amit’s involvement.” With a sigh, Sebastian realised that answers wouldn't come easily. If there was any lead to be found, he knew Andrew was the one who could help him with it, “Larson, find what you can on Victor Rookwood. Any living relatives, offsprings, address, whatever it is I want everything.”

Andrew nodded, “On it.”

Sebastian watched as Andrew briskly made his way to his desk and his mind already calculating the best approach to the task. Sebastian poured over mountains of case files and reports over the last eleven years on Rookwood’s organisation, trying to find any link to the murder case. 

Minutes turned into hours and his hair was tousled while countless cups of coffee had been devoured to keep him focused. There was practically nothing. No new activity, no fresh reports— they’d gone dormant for years.

Times ticked by and Andrew finally returned to his desk with his result, “Okay, there wasn’t much on our record about the family apart from their obvious criminal ring. Eleven years ago, most of the Rookwoods seemed to flee the country to avoid being connected to it but one– Agnes Barebone, née Rookwood. She was Victor’s aunt.”

Andrew handed a file containing Agnes Barebone’s information. There wasn’t much, though.

“Before settling down, she was reportedly the financial advisor for Rookwood's organisation during Victor’s father's reign until she married an American pharmacist, Oliver Barebone, and changed her last name. They settled down here and she's been under the radar ever since. They both died a year ago in a car accident but they still have an address in London.” Andrew pointed to the information stated on the paper, “The estate now belongs to their twenty-six-year-old son, Leopold.”

Sebastian quickly wrote down the address on his notes and kept it back in his pocket. He gave a pat on Andrew’s shoulder as he stood up to put on his coat, “Great job, mate.”

“Do you need backup?” He asked, referring to himself.

“No.” Sebastian fixed the collar on his shirt and then coat, “You keep on looking for any links between the murders and Rookwood. I’ll be fine.”

“Be careful.”

Sebastian gave Andrew a nod before disapparating from the office.

-

When Sebastian apparated back into the street a block away from the estate, he was greeted by the steady patter of raindrops. A curse escaped his lips as he felt the chill of the rain seeping into his clothes. With a resigned sigh, he retrieved the note containing the address from his pocket and set off down the street.

Jogging through the rain-soaked pavement, Sebastian scanned the area, eyes darting from one house to the next in search of the address. His clothes were slightly drenched and his vision was obscured. So he quickened his pace, desperate to get out of the rain.

When he reached, the house was quiet and shrouded in darkness. At first, he assumed nobody would be home, but when he spotted a small crack in the front door, he knew someone had either recently left or entered.

Cautiously, he moved forward, drawing his wand from his pocket and cast Lumos. His senses were on high alert as he checked every corner for signs of life, listening intently for any sound that might indicate someone’s presence.

The house looked well-maintained. The furniture was polished, and the floors were clean, Leopold must’ve been living there. Despite the general upkeep, some areas appeared quite messy. Drawers were left open, books were scattered across the floor, and papers were strewn about. 

It reminded him exactly of the three crime scenes.

He moved deeper into the house and stumbled into a room that appeared to be a study. The first thing he noticed was the big paper of a floor plan pinned to the wall.  He could notice it from anywhere— it’s Hogwarts. The map was meticulously drawn, with intricate markings pointing to secret passages, hidden rooms, and other notable features of the castle.

On a large desk beneath the map, there were numerous documents and notes. Among them, Sebastian found information on Ranrok and his loyalists. Most of them were information regarding their agenda in 1890. 

Sebastian took a moment to mentally catalogue everything he had come across so far. So Leopold or someone had been here and digging up information about his family's involvement with Ranrok. Was he possibly looking for something related to Hogwarts? But where had he gone, and what was he seeking?

Speculating could only lead him nowhere, he needed to look for something more— something that would bring the pieces of the puzzle together. But his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of wood creaking just outside the room. His senses sharpened, and he proceeded slowly toward the source of the noise.

As he stepped into the hallway, a figure flickered in the corner of his eye. Instinct kicked in—Sebastian drew his wand and aimed it straight at the person, ready to stop them from bolting. “Don’t even think about it!” he ordered, “Turn around. Slowly.”

The figure hesitated but eventually turned. The dim glow of Sebastian’s wand revealed their face, and his heart nearly stopped when he realised who it was.

“Aderyn?” he whispered, disbelief and a myriad of emotions flooding his voice and demeanour.

It was Aderyn Pembroke.

The hero of Hogwarts— and more importantly, his ex-girlfriend.

Sebastian had been prepared for anything—dark wizards lying in wait, the bodies of another unfortunate victims, clues to lead him deeper into the tangled web of dark magic— he was ready to confront any danger head-on and the last thing he expected was to find was his ex-girlfriend.

In that instant, everything seemed irrelevant. The case, the danger, the unanswered questions, all of it was overshadowed by the unexpected presence of someone he never thought he'd see again.

She was present at a site filled with a treasure of evidence the Ministry had been dying to come across for weeks. Being ever the good authority, Sebastian had no choice but to detain her for questioning.

Sebastian took his shot in sixth-year. He remembered how nervous he was, mostly because he was holding so much pent-up emotions for the past year since Aderyn arrived at Hogwarts. He didn't want to hope, but when she laughed and told him that it took him long enough, he was relieved. Life felt like a fairy-tale, but happily ever after only lasted five years before she decided to end things, leaving Sebastian to piece together a life without her.

And that was five years ago.

“We found this on her coat.” Andrew snapped Sebastian out of his haze and placed a folder on his desk.

Sebastian opened the folder, revealing a series of documents that immediately caught his attention. There in black and white, were detailed records of suspicious transactions and clandestine meetings over the past year in Victor Rookwood’s name.

The records showed Rookwood’s name cropping up repeatedly, involved in secretive dealings that seemed to be supporting dark magic operations. Each entry was meticulously documented, indicating a pattern of activity that pointed to a significant and covert presence in the dark magic underground. 

“These are all dated after Victor Rookwood’s death. Whoever did this must have used his name and reputation to fund and gather men for some dark magic op. The Rookwoods are definitely in on this, and somehow your friend is, too.” Andrew reminded him of the bitter potential, "Are you sure you don't want me to handle this?" He offered after noticing Sebastian’s distracted look.

Sebastian flipped the pages and there were reports on the murder victims. Each report contained personal information, their known associates, and recent activities. 

Sebastian shook his head, "I'm good. I just need a moment," he replied. Though he was grateful for his partner’s concern.

Sebastian took a deep breath, pushing himself up from his chair and heading toward the interrogation room. He stopped just outside the door, peeking in through the small window. Aderyn sat there, hands bound, her hair a wet mess from the rain, and a blanket draped over her shoulders—probably the only bit of comfort the staff bothered to offer her. She looked exhausted like she’d been caught in the middle of a storm in more ways than one. But still beautiful as ever.

Seeing her like this—rumpled, vulnerable—hit him harder than he expected. It was a far cry from the woman he used to know, the one he once cared about more than anything. It felt strange, almost unreal that after five years of no contact and she became a criminal with accusations hanging over her head. 

Yet there she was, sitting in the cold impersonal room waiting to be questioned.

Sebastian walked in, closing the door behind him. Without saying a word, he pulled out the chair and sat down across from her, trying to keep his expression neutral even though a thousand questions were running through his mind. 

“Ms. Pembroke, would you care to explain why you were at the Barebone’s estate?” He kept his tone light, trying to ease into the questioning without coming off too harsh. When there was no immediate answer, Sebastian repeated his question with a firmer tone, “Ms. Pembroke, what were you doing at the Barebone’s estate?”

Instead of a straight answer, Aderyn’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “You cleaned up good.” She was dodging his questions on purpose, and he didn’t like it one bit.

“Ms. Pembroke, please answer my question.” He tried to keep the irritation out of his voice. But Aderyn’s eyes flicked over him again, taking in his appearance like she was sizing him up.

“And you’ve been working out.” her gaze tracing the lines of his broad shoulders, lingering on the rolled-up sleeves that showed off his muscular, veiny forearms. “Looks like those Auror training sessions really paid off.”

Sebastian's jaw clenched as he was firmly holding his gaze trying not to show any hint of vulnerability, “Answer my question.”

“You don’t have to assert your power over me, Sebastian. I’m not one of your criminals.” She snarked. Sebastian used to find it charming, but in this moment it was kind of annoying especially when he just wanted to get this job over with.

“That’s up for debate.” He shot back coldly,  Sebastian sifted through the layers of documents he was carrying and unfolded the part regarding transactions and meetings under Victor Rookwood’s name. He flipped and slid it across the table towards Aderyn, “What’s this, then?”

She didn’t even bother to look at the file in front of her, “Abnormality.”

“Victor Rookwood’s dead.”

“Hence, the abnormality.”

Sebastian's frustration mounted at her nonchalant response. "Well, you must know something because it led you there.”

Aderyn remained silent, her eyes fixed on Sebastian’s. The tension in the room thickened while Sebastian’s patience was wearing thin.

“This isn’t a game. People have died.”

“You don’t think I know that?”

“Then why are you at the Barebone’s?”

“I’m innocent.”

“You’ve been avoiding my questions and you expect me to believe that you are innocent?” Truly, he was on the brink of losing his poise. He’d forgotten how stubborn she could be, "I think you are with the Rookwood gang.”

Aderyn’s expression hardened at the indictment, "That's outrageous. I  was against Rookwood. I protected Wizardkind from a war that could’ve been the end of us. You think I’d turn my back on the very people we bled for? You bloody know me better than that." 

“Well, I used to. But that was years ago—how can I possibly know who you are now when I haven’t seen you in five years?”

Sebastian was clearly losing grasp of his grit and grace for making it sound so personal. Years of training— painful training was in vain. He’s a damn Auror for Merlin’s sake, perhaps the best of his generation, but one woman showed up and he was on the brink of falling apart. 

With a deep breath, he steeled himself and went back on the offensive, his tone colder, and more focused this time, “Where were you the night Amit, Natty and Ruth Singer were murdered?"

Her eyes flickered for a moment but she managed to mask it quickly, “I was at home.” 

“Is there anyone who can confirm your alibi?”

She hesitated, “No.”

Sebastian’s expression hardened, and he leaned back, crossing his arms, “Well that’s convenient, isn’t it?” He didn’t even try to hide the sarcasm dripping from his voice.

“I didn’t do it.” She sounded genuine. 

“Well then let me repeat my first question, what were you doing at the Barebone’s?” His tone grew icier with each word and it was a sight of Sebastian she never witnessed before.

“I am not with Rookwood, Sebastian.” Her voice grew strained.

“So you were just trespassing on a private property?”

“No, that’s not—”

“Or were you just busted on a crime scene trying to cover up the murders you’ve committed?”

Aderyn slammed her fist on the table, “How dare you.” She seethed,  “Natty was my friend.”

Not a single muscle in Sebastian’s body flinched at her outburst. He noticed the way her hand trembled slightly. There was fire in her eyes, a mix of anger and something else—something that bordered on desperation. But Sebastian couldn’t afford to let himself be swayed by it. Not now.

Sebastian leaned forward, “Then act like it. Stop hiding behind half-truths and start giving me answers.”

Then Aderyn fell silent. Her initial tense and rigid shoulder slowly relaxed as she leaned back on her chair. A heavy sigh escaped her lip and her defiance melted away.

And Gods, those looks in her eyes— suddenly he couldn’t believe his own bitter accusations that he’d been bluntly throwing at her. Every tension and anger fell away and all he could see was the woman he once cared for so deeply.

Never once in his life had he seen himself playing bad cop with Aderyn.

"Look," Sebastian's voice was soft, almost like he was pleading, “If you really aren’t a part of this you’ve got to stop fighting me and tell me what you know so I can help you.”

She was quiet, but he could see the wheels turning in her mind, the way she bit her lip, the way her fingers fidgeted—he remembered every subtle tell.

“Aderyn,” He said softly, “Let me help you.”

She took a deep breath, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of it all was finally too much to bear on her own. 

“About three days after Amit’s death I was stopped by two men demanding me to follow them if I want to prevent another friend from dying.” She began.

“What happened after that?”

“They blasted the Killing Curse on me when I refused.” She continued, “I bested them but there was no way of identifying who they were. I’ve had some help to trace their wands. But they’re untraceable. Possibly illegal modifications or some cursed enchantments.”

Sebastian frowned, the pieces of the puzzle still not fitting together. “Did they say anything? Give any clues as to why they targeted you?”

“No, but I knew immediately that they were talking about Amit. I just couldn’t figure out what they wanted. And only a week after that—” Aderyn swallowed the lump that seemed to be growing in her throat, “Natty happened. From there, I began to speculate and took my shot at Rookwood. I reached out to my contact to look deeper into their family background. By the time I found out about the only Rookwood known to be living here in Britain I was too late and Ruth Singer was murdered.”

“So their deaths are in fact related?” Sebastian asked and Aderyn nodded, “How?”

“Do you remember in the fifth year when I told you about how Natty and I took down Victor Rookwood’s right-hand man?”

“Theophilus Harlow.” He nodded, “Andrew guessed it. And he mentioned that Singer was the Patrol Officer on duty around Hogwarts at that time.”

“Correct.”

“What about Amit?”

“He helped me infiltrate a Goblin lair and translated schematics that revealed the drill Ranrok and his loyalists were constructing.”

“So what? This is some payback act for destroying his family’s plan years ago?”

“It’s not just a payback, Sebastian. I was at that house for the same reason you did, looking for Leopold Barebone. There was a detailed map of Hogwarts, revealing every corner and every room of every floor. He’s looking for something and I think I know what it is.” Aderyn opened up her palm when suddenly a brown wand with golden and translucent blue crystal spirals along its length began to appear on her hand. She took a moment to grasp it, feeling its weight, and stroked it gently with her thumb before placing it on the table with care. 

Sebastian knew exactly what it was. “The Keepers’ wand.”

“I think he wants to take the repository– to finish what Victor Rookwood couldn’t.” Aderyn confirmed with a solemn nod, “He must’ve been tracking down anyone who might know how to gain access to it.”

“But if he’s after you too, how come there aren’t any reports about you in his file?” Sebastian asked, eyes narrowing as he tried to make sense of everything. “If Barebone’s tracking down everyone connected to the repository, you’d be at the top of that list. So why is your name missing?”

“I truly don’t know. But you have to believe me, Sebastian. I am not with Rookwood.”

Sebastian studied her, searching her face for any sign of deceit. Her eyes met his but beneath that brave front, he could tell she was scared—scared of what Leopold was capable of, scared of being misunderstood, and scared that Sebastian, of all people, wouldn’t believe her. There was a raw honesty in her words, a desperate plea for him to trust her.

“And if he’s digging into connection to the repository, then your life is in as much danger as I am.” Her voice softened, “I told you everything back then—every detail, every secret the Keepers left behind. You know as much as I do. It’ll be just a matter of time before he tracks down everyone connected to me and the repository.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, memories of their fifth year flashing before him— the battles, the secrets they uncovered, the sacrifices they made.

“Who else knows about it?” He flipped open his pad and began taking notes.

“The Ministry shouldn’t be a problem,” Aderyn said,  “We kept everything out of the public record. The secrecy the Keepers maintained for centuries, we carried on. The official reports were scrubbed clean of any mention of the repository.”

Sebastian nodded, still scribbling in his pad. “And outside the Ministry?”

“There’s Poppy—she and I worked together to disrupt Rookwood’s poaching operation.”

“Where is she now?” His quill paused, hovering over the paper.

“Her latest letter came to me just last week. She’s heading to Arizona, studying Thunderbirds,” At least one name will be far from danger for a moment.

“Who else?”

“The professors—Sharp, Onai, Ronen, Hecat, and Weasley. They’re all aware of the location.” She paused for a moment before continuing, “And Ominis. I told him everything, too."

“What about your contacts?” He asked.

“They should be fine. I never give away the important details.”

“I still need their names, Aderyn” He pressed, “Whoever helped you track down the wands and Rookwood’s background— They clearly know a lot.”

“They’re fine, Sebastian.” She insisted, “Trust me. They’re not a threat nor are they in danger.”

“Aderyn—”

“Please.” She pleaded with that same desperate look, “You have to trust me.”

Sebastian sighed heavily, “I am taking a big leap here with you.”

“I know.” She replied softly, “That’s all I’m asking.”

Sebastian leaned back and stared at the ink that wrote the list of all the familiar names.

For weeks, he’d been chasing leads, only to find himself circling back to the same empty conclusions. And like some sick twisted game that life is playing on him, somehow his ex-girlfriend had to be the one bearing the pieces of the puzzle he's been trying to solve.

Every name on that list was more than just ink on paper— they’re friends, mentors, and allies who had fought to protect the wizarding world. His stomach churned at what's at stake. He could feel the weight of responsibility settling onto his shoulders and it left a queasy knot in his stomach that made his head swim. It was up to him to bring everyone together and put an end to this once and for all, and the pressure of it all was almost suffocating.

He needed a moment to think, but every second was slipping away faster than he could grasp. As he exited the room, Andrew anxiously stood waiting. Sebastian wished he could spare him the truth, keep him out of harm’s way. Dragging him in meant putting another name on the list. But there was no avoiding it now, this was the life they’d signed up for, and there was no turning back.

“Do you trust her?” Andrew asked.

There was no immediate answer. But Sebastian's hesitation didn't come from a place of doubt. If anything, he trusted every word that came out of her mouth and it bemused him. After all the years of being apart—years spent trying to bury the pain and erase the memory of the night she walked out of his life—he still trusted her.

“With my life.” He replied.