#very healthy coping skill right there evan. :]

[habitual-creatures]

I honestly feel like what I said and showed was too bad for me to apologize without feeling extremely awkward about it, but yeah I’m sorry, I could’ve talked to you in a kinder way and I should’ve been more considerate of your feelings and thoughts. Major jerk move I did

... Please stop apologizing.

It WAS a dick move... but- ugh... I don't know.

I just can't right now, okay...? I'd prefer to just move on from it.

[unnecessaryheadache]

Some character analysis today...ish. not really, but this has been on my mind for a while.

Did Snape deserve to get bullied/made fun of?

Every time someone says he deserved it, it leaves a very odd feeling in my stomach because I relate to him (younger and older) a lot. I used to be like him. I wasn't put through abuse or anything, and I have a nice family, but I mean, the bullying and saying stuff and doing that have made me lose friendships.

I've noticed that whenever someone says that, it's always somehow aimed at HP!Snape and his actions, and it doesn't make sense to me. Why is a child ~ teenager being blamed for the things he hasn't done yet? I don't really know when the Marauders started to get so serious about targeting Snape, but I do remember their first year on the train when Snape was being teased for his nose and robes (I think).

So it was going on for a while, right?

And with the whole pantsing thing, ugh, it's hard to get a clear input on that. For, one side says it is not SA, and another side says it is; I don't know which side is safe to pick.

Then, he calls Lily a mudblood, and the more I reread the page, the less sure of myself I become.

So what's up with him, anyway?

Severus shows a few examples of BPD, but that's just speculation, really. Also, I'm just a kid with a love of psychology and physiology, so I don't think I'll be very correct with this. (I honestly think he's very very depressed as an adult)

It's obvious that he's emotionally unstable as an adult (I don't think he ever had a responsible adult figure to help him navigate his emotions), Idealization and Devaluation (he idolized Lily and resented James HEAVILY, so much that it sank into Harry, so maybe he sees people in extremes), fear of abandonment (like when he was following Lily around, trying to frantically apologize until she finally told him to cut it out, and he left), he's acted very impulsively many times throughout his life (that includes becoming a DE).

While Snape had some positive relationships, like his friendship with Lily Evans, he didn't seem to have a consistently supportive adult figure in his life. His father was abusive, and his mother seemed unable to protect him, maybe because she was too weak from the constant hatred or she saw her son just as horrible as her husband.

While some might argue Dumbledore offered guidance, their relationship was complex and often strained. Other teachers like McGonagall seemed to have a professional distance from him.

It's worth noting that the absence of a consistently supportive adult figure could have contributed to Snape's struggles and the development of some of his less healthy coping mechanisms. No, not even Narcissa and Lucius are good examples. They were all in for the Death Eater thing.

Imma dig a little deeper ova here

Severus Snape is a notably intricate and contentious character, shaped by a challenging past and the choices he makes throughout his life. He excels in Occlumency, is an expert Potions Master, and possesses formidable magical skills. However, beneath this impressive exterior lies a deeply flawed individual. Let's delve into a more detailed analysis!

Strengths include:

Snape is exceptionally intelligent and talented in potions, defense against the dark arts, and Occlumency. He possesses a sharp mind and a deep understanding of magic.

Dedication and Loyalty (in his own way): Severus Snape’s loyalties are intricate and can be seen as ambiguous at times, yet he exhibits a profound sense of dedication. His enduring love for Lily Evans significantly influences his decisions, persisting even after her passing. Additionally, his unwavering commitment to Dumbledore’s plan, despite facing considerable personal sacrifices, exemplifies a unique form of loyalty. This loyalty seems to stem from a mixture of regret and a quest for redemption. While some may interpret his actions as somewhat self-serving, this perspective is certainly understandable.

Throughout his life, Snape faces considerable adversity, beginning with his abusive childhood and continuing with the ever-present danger of being uncovered as a double agent. As a result, he cultivates strong self-preservation skills that prove crucial for his survival.

Weaknesses:

Snape carries deep-seated bitterness and resentment stemming from his childhood, his bullying at Hogwarts, and the loss of Lily. This negativity poisons his relationships and colors his interactions with others, particularly Harry Potter.

Severus Snape grapples with the challenge of forgiving himself for past mistakes, especially concerning his involvement in Lily's death. This ongoing struggle with self-forgiveness influences his negative emotions and can sometimes lead to a harsher demeanor with Harry. While this context does not justify his actions or words toward many of his students, it provides insight into the underlying reasons for his behavior.

Snape consistently suppresses his emotions, which results in volatile outbursts of anger and biting sarcasm. He redirects his unresolved feelings onto Harry, making him an easy target for the deep-seated resentment he holds toward James Potter.

Cruelty and Bullying: Snape's own experiences with bullying seem to have instilled in him a tendency to bully others, particularly Neville Longbottom. He appears to enjoy wielding power over vulnerable students, mirroring the behavior of his own tormentors.

Snape’s actions frequently navigate the murky waters between good and evil. Though he ultimately aligns himself against Voldemort, his methods are frequently shrouded in ambiguity, raising moral questions at every turn. His motivations are intricately woven, revealing a character riddled with contradictions. Operating within a moral gray area, Snape embodies the complexity of human nature, making him a deeply flawed yet profoundly relatable figure.

Motivations:

Snape's love for Lily is the central driving force behind his actions. Her death fuels his desire for redemption and his commitment to protecting Harry.

Snape is haunted by his past mistakes and the choices that led to Lily's death. His actions can be interpreted as an attempt to atone for his sins.

Snape's challenging upbringing and experiences of mistreatment likely fuel his intense longing for belonging and acceptance. He pursues this need through his connection with Dumbledore and by taking on the role of a spy.

Over alllllll

Snape's personality is a complex tapestry woven from trauma, love, loss, and regret. He is a deeply flawed character, capable of both great cruelty and surprising acts of bravery. His struggles with forgiveness, emotional expression, and his own past make him a compelling and ultimately tragic figure. He is not simply good or evil, but a nuanced character whose actions are driven by a complex interplay of motivations and experiences.

[mxenigmatic]

2020’s Self Care Books for Trying Times

With Covid-19 a global pandemic that is still lingering in the air, and keeping our connections at a social distance, added how here at NYPL our librarians miss the frequent interactions with our patrons, I was contemplating on ways to keep our reading connected, our souls warm, and our health having its self care. Before google, I’d rely on the plethora of information our branches hold on any challenge in life I’d be facing. Now with a myriad of problems we can tackle, and resources we can all use to improve our lives, I wanted to tackle grounding and elevating ourselves to cope with our surroundings, than advice I can provide on financial, relationship, life goals, etc.

In this blog “2020’s Self Care Books 4 Trying Times” I’ve comprised my 20 favorite titles for the year 2020 on wellness, people’s journeys, and how health experts can help guide us to a calm and vibrant place for our wellbeing. From parenting tips, to self acceptance, coping with a mental health disorder, or even self care rituals, the need for healthy habits is a topic we all can relate and rely on to keep us striving through this winter, and being united through our current unstable climate. We should never be ashamed of our experiences, asking for help, and addressing challenges in our lives to be at peace with our pasts, content with our present, and hopeful about our futures.

What is Self-care, according to very well mind, describes a conscious act one takes in order to promote their own physical, mental, and emotional health. There are many forms self-care may take. It could be ensuring you get enough sleep every night or stepping outside for a few minutes for some fresh air.

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness refers to being in the moment. This means feeling what our bodies feel, letting ourselves think without judging our thoughts, and being aware of our environment. It is about paying attention on purpose to both what is happening inside and outside of you.

ADULT

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

Topics: Professional Development, Success, Psych Evaluation

One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for nearly three decades. It has transformed the lives of presidents and CEOs, educators and parents—millions of people of all ages and occupations. Now, this 30th anniversary edition of the timeless classic commemorates the wisdom of the 7 habits with modern additions from Sean Covey. The 7 habits have become famous and are integrated into everyday thinking by millions and millions of people. Why? Because they work!With Sean Covey's added takeaways on how the habits can be used in our modern age, the wisdom of the 7 habits will be refreshed for a new generation of leaders.

Stay Positive: Encouraging Quotes and Messages to Fuel Your Life With Positive Energy by Jon Gordon

Topics: Self Help, Affirmations, Optimism

Stay Positive is more than a phrase. It's an approach to life that says when you get knocked down, you'll get back up and find a way forward one faithful step and optimistic day at a time. Start your day with a message from the book, or pick it up anytime you need a mental boost. You can start from the beginning, or open the book to any page and find a message that speaks to you. The book is a go-to resource for anyone wanting to inject a healthy dose of positivity into their life

$9 Therapy: Semi-Capitalist Solutions to Your Emotional Problems by Megan Reid and Nick Greene

Topics: Life Skills/Hacks, Self Care Rituals, Budgeting

A collection of the authors' favorite life hacks and mini-upgrades, such as craft cocktails on the cheap or tips for a perfectly planned staycation. Sometimes it takes as little as nine dollars to turn your life around. How to find simple pleasures in a pricey, wellness-obsessed world.

You Were Born For This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance by Chani Nicholas

Topics: Astrology, Self Acceptance

A revolutionary empowerment book that uses astrology as a tool for self-discovery, success, and self-care from the beloved astrologer Chani Nicholas, a media darling with a loyal following of one million monthly readers.

TEEN

Teaching Mindfulness to Empower Adolescents by Matthew Brensilver

Topics: Mindfulness, Educational Guides, Learning Disabilities, Reflections

Effectively sharing mindfulness with teenagers depends on distinct skill sets . . . done well, it is incredibly joyous." Matthew Brensilver, JoAnna Hardy and Oren Jay Sofer provide a powerful guide to help teachers master the essential competencies needed to successfully share mindfulness practices with teens and adolescents. Incorporating anecdotes from actual teaching, they blend the latest scientific research with innovative, original techniques for making the practices accessible and interesting to this age group. This text is an indispensable handbook for mindfulness instruction in its own right, and a robust companion volume for teachers using The Mindful Schools Curriculum for Adolescents

The Self-Love Revolution: Radical Body Positivity for Girls of Color by Virgie Tovar

Topics: Self Esteem, Plus Size Positivity, Hygiene

Every day we see body ideals depicted in movies, magazines, and social media. And, all too often, these outdated standards make us feel like we need to change how we look and who we are. The truth is that many teens feel self-conscious about their bodies and being a teen girl of color is hard in unique ways. So, how can you start feeling good about yourself when you're surrounded by these unrealistic, and problematic images of what bodies are "supposed" to look like? This book is an unapologetic guide to help you embrace radical body positivity. You'll identify and challenge mainstream beliefs about beauty and bodies; celebrate what makes you unique and powerful; and build real, lasting body empowerment. You'll also learn how to spot diet culture and smash your noisy inner critic so you can start loving your body. It's time to create your own definition of beautiful and recognize that your body is amazing. It's time for a self-love revolution!

Out!: How To Be Your Authentic Self by Miles McKenna

Topics: Coming Out, Self Acceptance, Family Dynamics

Activist Miles McKenna came out on his YouTube channel in 2017, documenting his transition to help other teens navigate their identities and take charge of their own coming out stories. From that wisdom comes Out!, the ultimate YA guide to the queer lifestyle. Find validation, inspiration, and support for your questions big and small--whether you're exploring your identity or seeking to understand the experience of an awesome queer person in your life."

Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir by Tyler Feder

Topics: Grief Counseling, Coping with terminal illness, Bereavement. Family Estrangement

Tyler Feder shares her story of her mother's first oncology appointment to facing reality as a motherless daughter in this frank and refreshingly funny graphic memoir.

Superpowered: Transform Anxiety Into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience by Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary

Topics: Health, Fitness, Selt Esteem.

The perfect tool for children facing new social and emotional challenges in an increasingly disconnected world! This how-to book from two psychology experts—packed with fun graphics and quizzes—will help kids transform stress, worry, and anxiety

Teen Guide to Mental Health by Don Nardo

Topics: Teens, Mental Health, Body Image, Puberty

Todays teens face and are expected to deal with a wide array of personal, social, and other issues involving home-life, school, dating, body image, sexual orientation, major life transitions, and in some cases physical and mental problems, including eating disorders and depression. This volume examines how many teens have learned to cope with and survive these often stressful trials and tribulations of modern youth.

KIDS

Turtle Boy by Evan Wolkenstein

Topics: Social Life, Friends, Relationships, School Stress

Seventh grade is not going well for Will Levine. Kids at school bully him because of his funny-looking chin. His science teacher finds out about the turtles he spent his summer collecting from the marsh behind school an orders him to release them back into the wild. And for his Bar Mitzvah community service project, he has to go to the hospital to visit RJ, an older boy struggling with an incurable disease. Unfortunately, Will hates hospitals. At first, the boys don't get along, but then RJ shares his bucket list with Will. Among the things he wants to do: ride a roller coaster, go to a concert and a school dance, swim in the ocean. To Will, happiness is hanging out in his room, alone, preferably with his turtles. But as RJ's disease worsens, Will realizes he needs to tackle the bucket list on his new friend's behalf before it's too late. It seems like an impossible mission, way outside Will's comfort zone. But as he completes each task with RJ's guidance, Will learns that life is too short to live in a shell.

How To Make A Better World: For Every Kid Who Wants To Make A Difference by Keilly Swift

Topics: Activism, Human Rights, Organizing

If you are a kid with big dreams and a passion for what is right, you're a world-changer in the making. There's a lot that can be changed by just one person, if you know what to do. Start by making yourself into the awesome person you want to be by learning all about self-care and kindness. Using those skills, work your way up to creating activist campaigns to tackle climate change or social injustice. This fun and inspiring guide to making the world a better place and becoming a good citizen is packed with ideas and tips for kids who want to know how to make a difference. From ideas as small as creating a neighborhood lending library to important ideas such as public speaking and how to talk about politics, How to Make a Better World is a practical guide to activism for awesome kids.

All About Anxiety by Carrie Lewis

Anxiety. It's an emotion that rears its head almost every day, from the normal worries and concerns that most of us experience, to outright fear when something scary happens, to the anxiety disorders, that many kids live with daily. But what causes anxiety? And what can we do about it? All About Anxiety tackles these questions from every possible angle. Readers will learn what's going on in their brain and central nervous system when they feel anxious. They'll learn about the evolutionary reasons for fear and anxiety and that anxiety isn't always a bad thing--except for when it is! Most importantly, kids will discover new strategies to manage their anxiety so they can live and thrive with anxiety

Dictionary for a better world: poems, quotes, and anecdotes from A to Z by Irene Latham

Topics: Inspiration, Self Help, Advice

Organized as a dictionary, entries in this book for middle-grade readers present words related to creating a better, more inclusive world. Each word is explored via a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, and a short personal anecdote from one of the co-authors, a prompt for how to translate the word into action, and an illustration".

I feel... meh by DJ Corchin

(E-book)Topics: Health, Fitness, Management

This series helps kids recognize, express, and deal with the roller coaster of emotions they feel every day. It has been celebrated by therapists, psychologists, teachers, and parents as wonderful tools to help children develop self-awareness for their feelings and those of their friends. Sometimes I feel meh and I don't want to play. I don't want to read and I have nothing to say. Sometimes you just feel...meh. You don't really feel like doing anything or talking to anyone. You're not even sure how you're feeling inside. Is that bad? With fun, witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Meh tackles apathy—recognizing it as a valid emotion, while also offering practical steps to get you out of your emotional slump. It's the perfect way for kids—and adults—who are feeling gray to find some joy again!

Violet Shrink by Christine Baldacchino

Topics: Phobias, Relationships, Social Skills

Violet Shrink doesn't like parties. Or bashes, or gatherings. Lots of people and lots of noise make Violet's tummy ache and her hands sweat. She would much rather spend time on her own, watching the birds in her backyard, reading comics, or listening to music through her purple headphones. The problem is that the whole Shrink family loves parties with loud music and games and dancing. At cousin Char's birthday party, Violet hides under a table and imagines she is a shark gliding effortlessly through the water, looking for food. And at Auntie Marlene and Uncle Leli's anniversary bash, Violet sits alone at the top of the stairs, imagining she is a slithering snake way up in the branches. When Violet learns that the Shrink family reunion is fast approaching, she musters up the courage to have a talk with her dad. In this thoughtful story about understanding and acceptance, Violet's natural introversion and feelings of social anxiety are normalized when she and her father reach a solution together. Christine Baldacchino's warm text demonstrates the role imagination often plays for children dealing with anxiety, and the power of a child expressing their feelings to a parent who is there to listen. Carmen Mok's charming illustrations perfectly capture Violet's emotions and the vibrancy of her imagination. A valuable contribution to books addressing mental health."-- Provided by publisher.

Check out this link to a presentation by NYPL’s Children’s Librarians, Sarah West and Justine Toussaint on Mindfulness/Social-Emotional Self-Esteem Picture Book Spotlight. Featuring popular book titles in our database of the past few years promoting kids well beings!

Pre-2020 Books

Aphorism by Franz Kafka

Topics: Life Quotes, Recovery, Future Planning

For the first time, a single volume that collects all of the aphorisms penned by this universally acclaimed twentieth-century literary figure. Kafka twice wrote aphorisms in his lifetime. The first effort was a series of 109, known as the Zurau Aphorisms, which were written between September 1917 and April 1918, and originally published posthumously by his friend, Max Brod, in 1931. These aphorisms reflect on metaphysical and theological issues--as well as the occasional dog. The second sequence of aphorisms, numbering 41, appears in Kafka's 1920 diary dating from January 6 to February 29. It is in these aphorisms, whose subject is "He," where Kafka distills the unexpected nature of experience as one shaped by exigency and possibility."

This Book Loves You by PewDiePie

Topics: Life Skills, Inspiration, Food 4 Thought

A popular blogger shares humorous pieces of advice and positivity, including "Never forget you are beautiful compared to a fish" and "Every day is a new fresh start to stay in bed."

The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck: A Counterintuitive Approach To Living A Good Life by Mark Manson

Topic: Self Help, Happiness, Motivation

In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger shows us that the key to being happier is to stop trying to be 'positive' all the time and instead become better at handling adversity. For decades we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. But those days are over. 'Fuck positivity, ' Mark Manson says. 'Let's be honest; sometimes things are fucked up and we have to live with it.' For the past few years, Manson--via his wildly popular blog--has been working on correcting our delusional expectations for ourselves and for the world. He now brings his hard-fought wisdom to this groundbreaking book. Manson makes the argument--backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes--that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to better stomach lemons. Human beings are flawed and limited--as he writes, 'Not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.' Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. This, he says, is the real source of empowerment. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties--once we stop running from and avoiding, and start confronting painful truths--we can begin to find the courage and confidence we desperately seek. 'In life, we have a limited amount of fucks to give. So you must choose your fucks wisely.' Manson brings a much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor. This manifesto is a refreshing slap in the face for all of us so we can start to lead more contented, grounded lives."

Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes From Inspirational Folks by Gavin Aung Than

Topics: Writing Development, Expression, Quotes

Gavin Aung Than, an Australian graphic designer turned cartoonist, started the weekly Zen Pencils blog in February 2012. He describes his motivation for launching Zen Pencils: I was working in the boring corporate graphic design industry for eight years before finally quitting at the end of 2011 to pursue my passion for illustration and cartooning. At my old job, when my boss wasn't looking, I would waste time reading Wikipedia pages, main biographies about people whose lives were a lot more interesting than mine. Their stories and quotes eventually inspired me to leave my job to focus on what I really wanted to do. The idea of taking these inspiring quotes, combining them with my love of drawing, and sharing them with others led to the creation of Zen Pencils.

By: @Mx.Enigma

She/They/Queen

[ladycibia]

Hogwarts Mystery Asks

So yeah, I’m going to answer the ones I’ve got in one, single post so I won’t bother anyone with my constant spamming ahahah it’s a long post though...I don’t know what’s the worst shut up cibia

2. How did you come up with your MC and Jacob’s backstory (family, where they’re from, their relationship with each other, etc.)?

This is a tricky question (and it’s only the first one, hurray!) because I don’t know if I actually did that AHAHAH- well, they are my OCs, but only up to one point; they belong to an already-established fictional universe and so I personally like to connect those few, canon information we know about them to my own personal ideas! And those usually come at random :’) and change pretty often AHAHAH I’m a mess. For example, some months ago I turned their father (who died…for now?? I DUNNO) into an Arithmancer given Silaxiv’s name’s connection to numbers!

3. How did you come up with your version of Jacob?

My MC started off as a self-insert and so I took inspiration from my own older brother (for his physical traits at least - pale skin, black hair, blue eyes). At the beginning of the game we didn’t know almost anything about him (we still don’t…but that’s ok), but I’ve always liked the idea of Jacob being a sort of Ulysses from Dante’s Divine Comedy (extra points if he’s a Ravenclaw, like mine!) :)

4. How does your MC cope with everything they’ve endured with Jacob, R, and the Vaults?

Uh, I love this question. Well, the thing with Xiv is- she’s very unpredictable and you can’t read her that easily. She suffers from the “shonen hero syndrome” and she’s usually very optimistic and happy-go-lucky, but those events did affect her. Her best way to cope with everything that happened so far is to keep herself busy with various activities (first of all, the duelling club – she also used to be its vice-president, but she had to give up her position during Year Five :( that was part of her punishment, sigh), but sometimes, she would just lock herself somewhere in the castle (Jacob’s room or the Owlery hi Talbott) and think and be a little sad for a while (also, the fact that people call her crazy, psycho, ecc. doesn’t really help). However, she also puts other people’s happiness before her own and so, even if she’s starting to have doubts whether this adventure will have a happy ending or not (remember: she’s also very naïve and she trusts people too easily), she’d keep that to herself. For example, she would never express her sadness over Jacob’s disappearance with her mother; she’d rather act as the ‘strongest one’, giving her mother all the support and reassurance she needs. “Don’t worry, everything will be alright. Trust me.”, she’d say, smiling.

8. Does your MC have any sentimental items? | 9. Does your Jacob have any sentimental items?

I’m putting these two questions together because the answer is basically the same! Yes, they both have a sentimental item, and that’s their “XIV” pin. As I’ve already said, their father was an Arithmancer and he was obsessed with the number 14 (he’s the one who decided Silaxiv’s name, much to his wife’s disappointment. She wanted to call her Rachel :’)) and he gave them both one as a gift. A silver one for Jacob and a golden one for Xiv.

5. How does your Jacob cope with Duncan’s death?

I’ve still have so many doubts regarding Jacob and I still wonder what to do with him (help me, game) BUT even if my Jacob is a manipulative, sassy bastard, he’s not 100% evil (yet). He was extremely curious and he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge (as I’ve said, Dante’s Ulysses – with magic) to a point that he actually betrayed his friends. However, I think Duncan’s death (and Olivia – was that her name? – too? Maybe? What happened to her?) made him realize his mistakes and R’s true nature. He’d claim the contrary, but, deep inside, he regrets for what he did. Too bad it’s too late now…

17. Which Marauder is your MC most like?

Mmmmmm…sorry, no one. I mean, you could say Sirius or James, but that wouldn’t be correct. Sure, Xiv is confident and determined, but not in an arrogant way; she would never go bragging about her adventures in the search of the Cursed Vaults or about her duelling skills and she would never, never bully or make fun of anybody. She can be pretty direct sometimes (“HEY GREY LADY HOW’S THE BARON”), but there’s no malice in her actions or words. Her determination comes from the desire of improving herself and her own abilities: she’s competitive, but in a very healthy way (as I’ve already said, shonen hero syndrome, ahah!) Also, she finds no fun in the act of rule breaking itself, she doesn’t get pranks or jokes and she treats the school staff with respect (in a very cheerful way, but still- she respects them. All of them!)

21. Something your MC and Jacob like to tease each other about and use to embarrass each other?

Well…Xiv’s smart, but she’s also way too oblivious and naïve and she probably wouldn’t even realize she’s been teased (besides messing up her name, but you don’t want to do that), ahah…(she gave first-years Merula a hard time with this kind of attitude). She gets a bit shy around Barnaby, but she’s usually never embarrassed (and she does have a big crush on Lockhart – which she doesn’t hide,so). Jacob’s another story. :’) big guy’s a bit touchy AND A SORE LOSER. Xiv always managed to beat him in every game they played (and she’s always been much stronger than him, ever since she was a little kid) and that was unacceptable. Considering he acts big and tough like he’s the most perfect individual in the whole world and then he gets crushed at Uno by his little sister.

(thank you!) 1. How did you come up with you MC’s name?

Oh dear, I’ll try my best not to get all nostalgic :’) alright, as I’ve already said, Xiv started out as a self-insert, but I never use my real name and I usually go for Cibia or (less often) Silaxiv. You see, I used to be a HUGE Kingdom Hearts fan when I was younger, to a point that I had proclaimed myself as the fourteenth member of Organization XIII (long before KH 358/2 Days came out, ahah). If you’re not familiar with the saga, the Organization comprises beings called “Nobodies” and each member’s name is an anagram of their original name, with the letter “X” added to it. My name is Silvia, and so I came up with Silaxiv, which is even cooler because it has the 14 roman numeral incorporated in it ~ I thought it suited MC best ^^ As for the last name, it has nothing to do with Lily Evans, despite the red hair I picked it at random and that was my first result and being myself a Luke Evans fan I was like ALL RIGHT ALL ABOARD.

14. What is your MC’s fashion style? | 15. What is your Jacob’s fashion style?

Despite Xiv’s passion for duelling, scary magical creatures and cursed vaults, she’s no tomboy; she loves skirts, cute dresses & accessories and pink, light blue and pastel colours in general! If wizards knew how to use internet, she’d probably google “cute kawaii outfit”. As for Jacob, he would usually opt for a simple, yet elegant, style! He could have been your handsome, young professor, but it had to f*ck everything up :(