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slytherinslut0 · 5 months

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MATHEO RIDDLE- Beg For Me

Chapter Thirty--info:-You and Mattheo have been butting heads for months, since you were assigned as his tutor, and one day during a session full of tense bickering, he has enough.

Tags: 18+, SMUT, PIV, Oral Sex (f rec), Dirty Talk, Unprotected Sex, Praise Kink, Degradation, Morning Sex, Love-Making, ANGST! FLUFF FLUFF FLUFF.

Find the rest of the chapters HERE.

In the depths of the night, your dreams unfurled a complex tapestry of fears and uncertainties. The lucid scenes played out like a haunting ballet, shadows weaving intricate patterns on the canvas of your subconscious.

In the dream, Dumbledore's venerable voice resonated with a gravity that bespoke both wisdom and disappointment.

"You must confront your challenges…your fears, young witch," he intoned, his eyes reflecting not just understanding but a palpable disappointment, a profound sorrow in his gaze as the conversation switched, growing more grave. "I regret to inform you that there are no positions available for you. Not after your unprofessional behaviour.”

Flashes of disappointment intensified, drowning your lungs in its depth, Dumbledore's scrutiny cutting through the facades you had worked so hard to carefully construct for all those bloody months. Before you could process it, the dream seamlessly transitioned to a poignant future, your long-anticipated graduation day, where joy was now eclipsed by an unspoken sorrow.

Mattheo, a figure of proud accomplishment tainted by the weight of disappointment, stood before you. In this dream, your fingers intertwined for a final embrace, the unspoken acknowledgment of paths diverging echoing with heartbreak. The whispered goodbye carried the burden of reality, the truth of life pulling you apart, and a palpable pain radiated from Mattheo, his eyes mirroring the depth of his hurt.

And despite all of these emotions, in the dream, you struggled to admit the true extent of your pain. The reluctance to acknowledge the wounds, the fear that this love might crumble under the weight of your mistakes, lingered in the subtext. The dream became a harrowing journey through the corridors of vulnerability, where the echoes of disappointment and heartbreak were met with an internal struggle to confront and heal.

You found yourself standing at a crossroads, torn between the desire to fully embrace your love for this man, and the paralyzing fear of the inevitable heartbreak that loomed on the horizon, a shadow you knew was yet to follow.

As you jolted awake, the tendrils of the dream still lingering, you found yourself face to face with a peacefully sleeping Mattheo. The room unfolded around you with hushed tranquility--the black lake just beyond the window mirrored the early morning light, its rippling reflections casting intricate soft shadows across Mattheo's peaceful face. The dim lighting in the room whispered of the approaching dawn, a delicate glow that hinted at the promise of a new day.

His arms were securely wrapped around you, one hugging your waist, the other under your head--creating a cocoon of protective solace. His long lashes rested gently against his cheeks, and a cascade of messy curls adorned his forehead, adding a touch of vulnerability to his slumbering form.

Feeling the sting of your dream still lingering, you wiggled in his embrace, snuggling in closer to him.

The air held a serene stillness, interrupted only by the rhythmic cadence of Mattheo's breathing. The juxtaposition of the dream's emotional turbulence and the peaceful reality of the waking world blurred briefly as you took in the details--the soft hues of the room, the play of shadows on Mattheo's features, and the subtle acknowledgment of the early morning hour--all of them calming your anxiety within seconds.

Mattheo's lids fluttered open softly at your movements, his eyes dazed as he blinked away the remnants of sleep. His chocolate pools, catching the morning light, held a timeless warmth as they met yours. A gentle hum escaped his lips, and he inhaled a sharp breath as he instinctively pulled you closer.

"What's the matter, Raven?" Mattheo murmured, his lids fluttering back closed in a languid motion.

The deep rasp of his voice, raw with the remnants of sleep, sparked a warmth within you, like a comforting ember glowing softly. His words, spoken with a blend of curiosity and a touch of husky vulnerability, lingered in the quiet morning air, igniting tingles on your skin.

One of his hands, calloused and tender, glided lower to rest on your hip, the connection between you deepening as your legs became entangled in the quiet intimacy of the morning.

"Sorry for waking you," you whispered, nuzzling your face into the crook of his neck. His hand, seemingly on a mindless journey, slithered around to rest gently on your lower back now. "It was just a bad dream."

"Who hurt you?" Mattheo mumbled in a groggy, raspy tone, his lids still resting closed. A completely serious expression adorned his face as he added, "give me a name and I'll strip the skin from their bones."

"Someone's definitely not a morning person," you quipped, a groggy chuckle seeping into his neck. A comforting warmth enveloped you as you teased, "Waking up ready for a battle, huh?"

He shifted, molding himself against you, and it was in that moment that you became aware of him, entirely--the firm press of his desire throbbing against your torso.

"Mm...I've certainly woken up with a fight in mind," Mattheo groggily purred, a trace of arrogance lingering in his tone. "But maybe not the one you're thinking about."

"Shit..." your thighs quivered, seeking friction, and with a sleepy smirk, you added, "no fight necessary, Matty...I was disarmed the second I heard that sexy morning voice of yours."

Mattheo's hand slipped lower, finding your ass and giving it a playful squeeze, his grip growing firmer with each passing moment. A husky groan escaped him as he throbbed against you, plush lips pressing a tender kiss to the top of your head.

"Not like you to surrender so easily," he teased, a shiver of anticipation dancing along your spine as he demanded, "tell me about the dream first."

You shifted, your hand tracing a deliberate path along the strong contours of his arm. With a tender yet purposeful motion, your fingers wove into his hair, entangling themselves in his tousled curls. His lashes responded like delicate butterflies, fluttering in rhythm with the shallow bursts of his chest as you tugged gently.

"It was nothing," your voice, a soft murmur, attempted to dismiss the weight of the dream. Coaxingly, your lips pressed kisses against his neck, their warmth acting as a soothing balm against his skin. "Just a stupid thing."

Your gentle murmur aimed to dissolve the tension, encouraging him to release the probing question that lingered in the tranquil, dawn-lit room, but of course, your efforts would prove futile.

"Clearly, it wasn't nothing." Mattheo's nails dug into the skin of your backside, his grip tightening with a fervor that bespoke an intense need. His body turned relentless, an urgency in his touch as if he needed you more than the very air he breathed. "If you don't tell me in five seconds, I'll deny you orgasms until you're in fucking tears, understand?"

Torn between a desire not to sound vulnerable and a plea for mercy, you instinctively tightened your grip on his hair. Your body flooded with warmth as you burrowed your head further against his neck, hiding your face from his view.

"It was about the future...about us," your voice was low, nearly inaudible. There was a long, silent pause before you spoke again. "I just...what do you want out of life after grad, Matty?"

In a sudden, swift movement, he flipped you onto your back. His strong fingers wrapped around both your wrists, holding them captive as he climbed over you. The weight of his body pressed against yours overwhelmed you with a clamouring lust, an undeniable force that spoke of desire and possession.

"What do I want?" he whispered, his dark eyes boring into yours with an intensity that left little room for evasion. "Hm..."

Seemingly lost in thought, Mattheo leaned in, pressing slow, deliberate kisses against your cheek, a trail of warmth that heightened the tension between your bodies. His grip on your wrists tightened, a subtle yet commanding restraint as the proof of his desire pressed against your pelvis, fuelling flames that danced between your naked bodies.

"You know what I want, Raven?" As Mattheo mumbled against your neck, his curls gently tickling your cheek, your heart leapt with each syllable, your lids fluttering shut as you drowned beneath his warmth. "I want you to stop worrying so fucking much..."

Mattheo released your wrists, one hand finding purchase next to your head as the other threaded through your hair, softly soothing your scalp. Heat blossomed, blazing between your bodies as skin skimmed skin, and you writhed, wrapping your arms around him.

"I want you to stop doubting us....doubting me..." he mouthed wet, warm kisses at your throat. "But what I want...most of all...is just to be with you."

"But," you blushed, thighs buzzing with need. "What if we can't?"

Nipping your ear, he moved lower, hand leaving your hair to skate over your side, painting pleasure with his calloused palm as he went. He suckled at your clavicle, tracing a line to your sternum with his tongue--you whimpered.

"Then we'll find a way." He murmured, his breath washing warm over your skin. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

Gripping your backside, he burned kisses between your breasts, briefly acknowledging them with a nuzzle before continuing--his mouth was tender and deliberate, as if you were parchment, as if you would tear under his touch. Amidst the caresses, a realization echoed within you--this man, once seemingly distant, had transformed before your eyes. The disbelief lingered, weaving through your internal thoughts as you grappled with the profound shift. His unwavering commitment, the assurance that he wasn't going anywhere, left you in uncharted emotional territory.

The conflicting currents of vulnerability and safety created a storm within. You still found yourself marvelling at how this man who was hardly a mere acquaintance at the beginning of the year, had now become a source of comfort, a haven within the unpredictable sea of emotions. It was a sensation wholly unfamiliar, yet undeniably welcomed--a delicate dance between disbelief and the profound realization that, in Mattheo's embrace, you had found a sanctuary, a place to be unapologetically yourself.

Tears brimmed, bliss buzzing. "Mattheo..."

Abruptly, he pulled back, his hand shifting from your backside and darting up to grip your jaw, his touch commanding yet tender. He met your eyes with an intensity that held a hint of vulnerability, his thumb brushing softly over your cheek.

"Do you understand me?" he asked, his voice a low, raspy murmur. His grip sought assurance, and he implored, "tell me you understand."

Your heart thundered. "It's just...we've said goodbye so many times before-"

Mattheo cut you off with a fervent shake of his head, his thumb continuing its gentle caress on your cheek.

"No more goodbyes, Raven," he declared, his voice resolute yet carrying a touch of tenderness. "We're not playing that game anymore--you think I could ever do this again? You think I could ever find another as maddeningly perfect as you are?..."

he paused, searching your eyes for a moment, before he finally whispered; "You have me...you're safe."

Your heart melted, and with that, he dipped low, his lips capturing yours in an instant. Out of pure joy, you sighed, surrendering to the warmth of the kiss, your eyelids fluttering closed, fingers delving deep into his hair.

A soft grunt escaped him, the kiss deepening, and he shifted his hand to cradle your head, pulling you closer. A contented whine escaped you, ecstasy radiating in your chest. In his embrace, you let go of tension, allowing the remnants of fear to disintegrate. You found solace in the trust that he would keep you safe, that you two would undoubtedly find a way to make things work.

"Nothing can change that," he mumbled against your lips, his lashes fluttering against his cheeks before he broke away again, kissing a steady path back down your neck. "I need you to get that through this beautiful, stubborn little head of yours."

A soft, breathy chuckle escaped you, your fingers slipping from his hair to gently trace mindless patterns on his back.

"Alright, alright," you teased, a playful glint in your eyes. "I'll work on getting that through my 'beautiful, stubborn little head’...but only if you promise to keep reminding me."

Mattheo's lips continued their journey, a purposeful exploration down your chest. Each kiss marked a steady descent, and as he ventured lower, the subtle tensing of his muscles hinted at the strength restrained beneath his touch. His messy curls framed his face like an untamed halo, and he pressed further with a playful smirk, an amused huff escaping him against your skin.

"Reminding you is the minimum," he replied, his voice carrying a promise wrapped in a husky tone. "I'll fucking drill it into your bones, princess--you're mine, I'm yours. Say it."

Your breath caught at the intensity in his words, and a shiver ran down your spine. Meeting his eyes, a mix of desire and vulnerability, you whispered, "I'm yours, Mattheo. And you're mine."

With a gentle hum, he trailed kisses over the curve of your belly, descending to the intimate swell between your thighs. Settling between your legs, his lips tenderly caressed your thighs, eliciting delightful squirms as waves of pleasure surged through your nerves.

"That's right, baby..." he cooed, kissing inward toward the crease of your thigh. "You will always be my first, last, and only love."

With a deliberate touch, he pressed his lips to your pussy, tentative at first, grazing once, twice, before lavishing it with a deep, voracious kiss. Your cry echoed in the room as his strong tongue slid through your slit, exploring your tender folds, a soft groan resonating in his chest. Mattheo maintained eye contact, locking his gaze with yours while he lavished your sex with his mouth. Blinking, you struggled to clear the foggy haze of nearly-untamed emotions that threatened to spill out, his words echoing in your mind like a tempest.

Your fingers curled in his hair. "Oh, fuck..."

You gasped for air, feeling the oxygen drain from the room. Tightening your grip on his head, your hips involuntarily twitched beneath him, the intensity of the moment leaving you breathless. Dizziness washed over you--the heady blend of infatuation and the surging pleasure left you gasping, bucking in the throes of desire. Cravings surged within, a hunger for more, a yearning for him that still caught you by surprise, even after all of this time.

"What else worries you," he murmured into your cunt, his warm breath turning the blood in your veins to pure magma. "What else are you afraid of."

A muted cry escaped your lips, and you swallowed against a tightening throat--Mattheo's kisses delicately navigated your slit, as though tending to the intangible wounds forged in the ebb and flow of your complex, on-and-off sexual intimacy over the past few months. Surprisingly, words flowed with ease, a spontaneous revelation of your soul, unshackled by the torrent of bliss coursing through your senses.

"I...I'm afraid..." you gasped, your eyes squeezing shut, your breath hitching as his murmurs sent shudders through your limbs. "Afraid of losing myself in this, in you," another gasp escaped, "and of not being able to find my way back."

Mattheo purred in praise, urging you to keep going, delving his tongue in between your folds, his tongue wet and strong as it slipped through your slit. There was a deliberate avoidance of your clit--which twitched and stiffened in ways it would only do for him--his mouth marking you in memory as he kissed you not only in desire, but in apology. In servitude.

"And the fear of...of needing you more than I should," you admitted through gasps, your vulnerability laid bare. "Of loving you so much that...that I might lose sight of my own path."

Licking lines through you, Mattheo purred again when he reached the top of your cunt, circling your clit with lavish, lingering kisses. You groaned, fingers coiling around his curls, your hips bucking, begging for him, for his release. But he was torturous--drawing his tongue between your slit until his nose grazed your clit, sparking pleasure, a moan catching deep in your throat. Humming with satisfaction, he rolled around it, and air fled you in wanton breaths while you tried in vain to grind onto his face, fighting his hold on you.

"And...ah," you stammered through gasps, your admission laden with a heavy truth, tears brimming in your eyes, promoting you to squeeze them shut. "Most of all...I'm...I'm afraid of losing you."

Finally, finally--he rewarded your patience and flicked your clit with his tongue, swirling it in saliva before taking it between his plush lips. You sobbed, tears spilling free, body thrashed with waves of ecstasy, and Mattheo moaned into you, his mouth hot and soft and working your clit as it throbbed and ached against him.

Laving at you, he sucked, hands stroking up your sides until he reached your breasts, palming at them, thumbs brushing your nipples. Your back arched in bliss, and you jerked his head into you--in response, he battered your nub with his tongue, suckling you faster, chasing your wriggling frame as you gyrated in rhythm, your chin dropping to your chest, body plunged in pleasure.

"Let go for me," Mattheo murmured, his hold on your hips tightening, his shoulders tensing. "I promise I'll catch you."

He drove his face into your cunt, sucking your clit past his teeth, beating it faster, groaning, bathing in your slick. You whined, twitched, moaned, and euphoria exploded over your skin--within seconds, you were erupting, cumming hard onto his tongue, clit pulsing in his lips, walls spasming at his chin. Mattheo sucked in a breath through his nose, swallowing your orgasm, laving you into oversensitivity as he sucked until you twitched in discomfort. When he finally released you; you collapsed, spent, sweat sticking to the sheets, still shivering with tears.

"Such a good girl for me..." Mattheo massaged your thighs, strong, warm grip kneading your buzzing skin--the tenderness in his gaze flushed you with heat, and you began to tremble. "Shh..."

You swallowed, lungs still finding their rhythm. Mattheo's hands moved with a gentle reassurance, caressing up your thighs and over your hips in a rhythmic dance. Simultaneously, his mouth began a wet trail of soft kisses, ascending with each delicate touch up your stomach.

"Your vulnerability is a fucking honour, my pretty girl," his warm breath interweaving with the intimate cadence of his movements. "Don't keep any of that inside, anymore...you can trust me with your fears...your worries..." the comforting strokes continued, a tactile promise as he whispered, "I'm more than willing to take the weight off your shoulders."

His lips found your skin in a tender embrace, and he hummed against your tingling flesh as he added, "I'm with you...I'll help you find your way, just as you helped me find mine..."

Your chest heaved with a mixture of pleasure and vulnerability. As Mattheo's words echoed in the air, you managed to rasp out, "I trust you," each syllable tinged with the raw honesty of your emotions. "I fucking love you."

His touch, both commanding and comforting, sent shivers through your trembling form, and the weight of your fears began to lift, replaced by the reassuring warmth of his presence. Mattheo's gaze held a depth of emotion as he absorbed your words. His hands, still moving with a gentle reassurance, tightened ever so slightly on your skin.

And then, he shifted, collapsing down on the sheets and slipping up beside you, guiding you to turn onto your side, facing away from him, his arms wrapping around your waist, his mouth teasingly ghosting against your ear.

In a husky whisper, he murmured, "I love you too, Raven, but you already knew that...didn't you?"

He was all-encompassing, warm and solid and strong, enfolding you in something you almost believed was invincibility.

You hummed, lids fluttering softly. "Of course I did, Matty.."

"That's right, baby," Mattheo tucked his knees behind yours, shifting your ass so it rested against his hips--like this, you felt his cock flatted between you, throbbing as you tweaked your position. "My beautiful little angel...all I want from life is to wake up like this every fucking morning...with you...wet and needy for me..."

As you whined, squirming against him, Mattheo leaned in, brushing his lips against the skin behind your ear. He trailed kisses and nibbles down your neck, making you dizzy with pleasure, his hands moving to cup your breasts, rubbing his thumbs against your already hard nipples. You let out a soft moan, eyes rolling as you arched your back into his touch.

"You're fucking perfect." The low thunder of his voice melted in your ears, and he murmured your name. "You want me to fuck that pretty pussy, hm?"

Your throat was tight, and instantly, you nodded. "Yes, Matty...please..."

"Mm." He hummed. "That's my good girl."

You shifted your head to the side until Mattheo's lips met yours in a soft, gentle kiss, one of his hands moving to guide his throbbing length toward your core, groaning into your mouth as he entered you with an unhurried, deliberate thrust of his hips. The sensation of him filling you slowly, inch by tantalizing inch, elicited a chorus of whimpering and moaning, each one bringing forth a new wave of exquisite pleasure. As the kiss deepened and he skillfully rolled his hips, your body responded instinctively, arching into him, welcoming his intimate touch.

One arm held you securely against his chest, and the other shifted to your hair, the grip of his hand against your head both comforting and soothing, tracing calming strokes along your scalp. A fusion of bodies unfolded, your essence intertwining with his. The synchronized rhythm of your racing hearts echoed the now-openly spoken connection coursing through your veins.

Mattheo broke the kiss, pressing his forehead into yours. "You are the only one for me." He was seated inside of you, offering soft, gentle thrusts. "I knew it the second you saw the darkest parts of me...the fucking hell in my eyes and didn't even blink...when you told me it mirrored your own."

You whimpered, head spinning in a whirlwind of emotion, and he kissed your nose. "You've always been the woman whose words hang in my mind..." another kiss to your jaw. " ...the woman whose face I see before I sleep..." he confessed, snuffing a moan in his throat. " ...the woman who plagues me every moment I'm awake..."

Every single syllable from Mattheo's lips left you in utter disbelief, grappling with the unfathomable reality that had transpired within your life. Once entirely convinced that love was an unattainable concept, a realm you adamantly avoided, you now stood fully-drenched in the depth of a connection with a partner who defied every single living expectation. Mattheo Riddle, a man who should have been everything you steered clear of, turned out to be precisely what your heart craved--a revelation that shook the foundations of your entire understanding.

In the whirlwind of emotions, you found yourself astounded by the depth of this unexpected bond. He saw facets of your being that had remained veiled to others, unraveling layers of your soul with an understanding that transcended imagination. It was then that you realized, some hearts just understood each other, even in silence.

"You're relentless," his lips hovered mere millimetres from your ear as he intensified his pace, his fingers finding your clit. "You're maddeningly fucking beautiful." A forceful jolt from his hips, and you shattered, the pleasure overwhelming. "And you're the most insatiable, fierce little creature I've ever come across. You stirred me up without effort.”

Your voice was a whimper. "Mattheo..."

His embrace tightened around you, anchoring you as he thrust deeply, filling you completely. "Fuck-you're my good fucking slut...all fucking mine..." he groaned your name, sucking at your shoulder, tongue leaving hot lines on your neck. "This tight little cunt only stretches for me...those pretty lips only moan my fucking name..." his fingers whirled your clit. "I'll be dead before I allow that to change."

"Gods-" you choked, eyes squeezed shut, wetness damping your cheeks as you clutched onto his arm, revelling in every single inch that he was giving you, the pleasure from his fingers intoxicating your conscious. "Matt-fuck-oh...."

"Fuck--" a feral kiss bruised your lips, his cock splitting you with deep thrusts. "Such a good fucking slut...my good little cockslut, hm?"

"Yes-" you gasped, his fingers moving quicker. "Yes-yes!"

"That's it..." He muttered your name against your mouth. "Cum for me...let me feel how much you love this cock..." "

"Fuck-" one more breath, one more gasp, blink, moan, and you were there. "Fuck! Mattheo! Oh, Gods..."

Euphoria swept through you like a tempest, unraveling the seams of your sanity, and you shattered, convulsing with the overwhelming intensity of your climax. Your walls spasmed around his dick, milking him hard, and Mattheo held you, groaning and grunting into your mouth as he held off his peak for as long as he could, until it was too much and he surrendered--his lips working over yours as he came deep inside your heat, hips hitting your ass with every rush of rapture.

After what felt like minutes, he stalled, the aftershocks of bliss rippling through your bodies at once while you remained there catching breath, still connected.

Languid and sated, the two of you paused in a state of post-ecstasy bliss, your senses heightened in a way that defied fatigue. Mattheo, positioned behind you, had seemingly recuperated--his withdrawal from your cunt accompanied by a slow, deep guttural groan that reverberated through the aftermath. A sigh of relief escaped him, and you grinned, nestling against the contours of his body, not ready to leave the solace of his warmth.

The press of his lips against your temple held a silent reassurance, a whispered promise of care and comfort in the aftermath of shared passion.

Finally finding your voice, you could hardly articulate your thoughts, but one question lingered on the forefront, slipping past your teeth. "Where the fuck have you been, all this time..."

Mattheo hummed, placing a gentle kiss to your shoulder, nestling his face into your neck. "On my way here, Raven."

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tomriddleslove · 13 days

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Obliviate.

✩ Mattheo Riddle x Reader angst

Summary: The one where tensions are running higher, and everyone has to pick a side. You promised to stick by one another, but a stupid oath you made when you first met threatens to drive that apart. Alternatively: If you love her, then you have to let her go.

A/N: If you don’t listen to the recommended song when reading this i will fight you 🤺🤺

Song: Goodbye - Billie Eilish

The Daily Prophet

Unrest Brews as Dark Forces Loom

By Rita Skeeter

In a disturbing turn of events, Diagon Alley was rocked by an unprecedented attack last night, sending shockwaves throughout the wizarding community. Witnesses reported seeing a group of hooded figures, suspected to be Death Eaters, descending upon the famous magical thoroughfare with malicious intent.

The Flourish and Blotts bookstore bore the brunt of the assault, with its windows shattered and shelves overturned. Several nearby shops, including Ollivanders Wand Shop and Eeylops Owl Emporium, also sustained significant damage.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Horace Slughorn, a retired Potions Master who happened to be in the area during the attack. "It was pure pandemonium. People were running for cover, spells flying everywhere. It was like a scene out of the darkest days of the last wizarding war."

Ministry of Magic officials were quick to respond to the scene, deploying Aurors and members of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol to contain the situation. However, the attackers managed to evade capture, leaving behind a trail of destruction and instilling fear in the hearts of many.

The Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, vowing to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.

"We will not tolerate such brazen acts of violence in our society," Minister Shacklebolt declared in a statement issued this morning. "The Ministry is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all witches and wizards, and we will spare no effort in our pursuit of these criminals."

The attack on Diagon Alley serves as a grim reminder of the growing threat posed by Voldemort's followers, who have been emboldened in recent months by reports of their dark lord's rumoured return. With tensions running high and fear gripping the wizarding world, many are left wondering what the future holds in this time of uncertainty.

You frown as you observe Mattheo, watching as he tosses the paper down onto the table in front of you with a huff. The tension in his face has become increasingly evident over the past few weeks, and you've begun to forget what Mattheo looks like when he isn't frowning.

You wrap your arms around his arm, leaning in close to him as you speak quietly.

“Hey. It’s alright,” You reassure, pressing a light kiss to his shoulder. He doesn’t tear his gaze away from the fireplace, a small huff of both frustration and amusement escaping his lips as he clenches his jaw, nodding.

“It’s alright.” He scoffs, chewing on the inside of his cheek.

It’s alright? No, it wasn’t alright. His father was a murderous lunatic who was about to trigger the second wizarding war. He had to sit back and watch his own friend get tortured for hours for failing to complete a task. He can't close his eyes without seeing Theodore writhing in pain on the floor.

Mattheo was expected to fight with them. The time would come, that was for certain. Mattheo would have to stand there, and raise his wand against the people he's shared a dorm with and sat in class with.

Hell, he would be expected to raise his wand against you.

“They always say this, Mattheo. They’ve been saying it for years, and nothing has happened.” You say, but even you can see how pathetic it sounds. Despite your efforts to comfort him, it's clear that his mind is elsewhere, consumed by the looming threat of war and the impossible choices he may soon be forced to make.

Mattheo finally tears his gaze away from the fireplace, his eyes meeting yours. Your breath hitches, the sheer look of sorrow in his eyes enough to shatter your heart into a million little pieces.

"I don't want to drag you into this," he confesses, his voice raw with emotion. "You deserve better than to be caught up in my mess."

Your heart sinks as you realize where this conversation is headed. "Mattheo, please," you plead, the fear in your voice palpable, "don't do this. Don't shut me out."

But he shakes his head, his expression pained. "I have to," he whispers, his voice barely audible. "Remember our promise?"

Mattheo looks up when he sees you sit next to him, a wide grin on your face as you unpack your bag.

He had seen you here and there in the common room. You always seemed to have an impossibly bright smile, far too lovely for the gloominess of Slytherin.

“Riddle.” You hum with a small grin, and he can't help but let a small smile tug at his lips as he looks over at you.

“What's wrong? You’re looking at me as though I’ve grown another head” You tease as you sit down next to him .

Mattheo blinks in surprise as you address him, the warmth of your smile catching him off guard. He's used to being treated with caution and apprehension, especially given his family's reputation and his own reserved demeanor. But your easy manner and genuine curiosity leave him feeling strangely disarmed.

"Nothing's wrong, just lost in thought, I suppose," he replies, a hint of amusement in his voice as he watches you unpack your bag. Despite himself, he can't help but feel a sense of curiosity about you, wondering what it is that draws you to him when so many others keep their distance.

-•-

“Please-” Mattheo pleads in frustration, slamming the door shut behind him as he storms through the empty common room. You follow after him briskly, slamming the door that separates the common room from the dorms closed with a flick of your wand as you corner him.

“What do you mean, please?” You snap, frowning at him.

“Stop-” He says, his movements exasperated as he motions between the two of you “- this! Stop trying to be friends with me! It’s for your own good.” He says, looking up at you.

You let out a dry laugh, a mix of amusement and frustration as you shove him lightly.

“Oh fuck off. So you can kiss me and spend every evening with me but when it suits you we are just friends. You don't get to decide what’s good for me, Mattheo. I choose what I do and who I associate with, and if that hurts me then so fucking be it.” You retort harshly. Mattheo goes to interject but you cut him off.

“No! You don't get to choose when you want to be with me. I want you, Mattheo. All of you. I couldn’t give two flying shits about who your father is, or who you associate with. I'm capable of making my own decisions.”

He remains silent, his expression torn between turmoil and guilt, as your words hang heavy in the air between you. You feel slightly guilty for your outburst and your expression softens, reaching out to hold his hand gently as you speak.

"You know, if you really think it's that dangerous for me to be around you, you could always just obliviate me. Make me forget about you completely."You quip, trying to lighten the mood

For a moment, Mattheo's shock gives way to a burst of laughter, the tension in the room dissipating as he shakes his head in disbelief. "You're impossible," he says, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."

-•-

You pull back from Mattheo, shaking your head. “No. No, that was a joke.” You stammer, but he turns to you.

“It wasn’t. We spoke about it afterwards. You promised me.” Mattheo says, sternly.

You know he’s right. You only agreed because the idea seemed so laughable. But now it was a reality, and you could see the hurt and disappointment in Mattheo's eyes.

Tears well up in your eyes as you struggle to find the right words, the weight of everything crashing down on you like a ton of bricks. "I love you, Mattheo," you say, more of a plea than anything else. He draws you into him, a strong arm wrapping around you tightly, as though he is scared to let you go. His hand cups the back of your head, pulling your head down to rest on his shoulder as he kisses the top of your head.

“I know. I love you too. That's why we have to.” He murmurs, trying his hardest to not let his voice break.

-•-

It’s not fair.

It wasn’t fucking fair.

Mattheo had just found it. Found his reason for living. Found his reason to keep going when all the odds were stacked against him. You were the air he breathed, the light that lit his life up and the tender hand that soothed him. You were his everything, and you had to be snatched away from him.

He gently raps on the door to your dorm, just to let you know he was about to enter before cracking the door open. You hastily scramble, shoving the book you were writing with under your pillow as you spot Mattheo.

He notices but he doesn't say a thing, no, he can't. Because in a few minutes, it would be as though he never existed to you. He couldn't tell what would have hurt more, you not being able to see him, or you not even knowing who he was. You’d hold his heart in your hands, unknowingly, and he would be nothing but a stranger.

“Not in here, Please, not in here.” You breathe out, your words hitching in your throat as you fight back tears. He nods wordlessly, taking a step back.

“No one’s in the common room. I’ll uh- go there.” He murmurs, his voice hollow and empty as he turns to leave, unable to bear the thought of facing you for what may be the last time.

As he makes his way down to the common room, every step heavier than the last, he can't shake the feeling of emptiness that gnaws at his insides. It's like a void, swallowing him whole and leaving nothing behind but a hollow shell of the person he used to be.

He finds a seat in the furthermost corner, where you both usually sat, facing the fireplace. He watches the embers crackle and dance, not even noticing your presence till you slide up into the seat next to him. He wants to avert his gaze when he sees the tears in your eyes, but instead, he reaches up.

His hands were shaking. Why were they shaking?

He wipes a stray tear from your cheek.

“My wand. Let me go uh-” He blurts , quickly getting up as he looks away. He blinks back tears as he hurries up the stairs. Instead of going up to his dorm, however, he sneaks into yours.

He walks over to your bed, pulling back your pillow. Sure enough, the small book you were so desperate to conceal from Mattheo was there. He looks around and then with a small huff, tucks it into his back pocket. He hurries back downstairs.

Returning to the common room, he sits back down next to you, his hand reaching out to gently intertwine with yours as you sit together in silence. For a while, you don't say anything. You fear that speaking will break this small bubble, where time has frozen and you can just enjoy your last moments together.

As Mattheo gently cups your face, his touch trembling with the weight of what's to come, he feels the soft dampness of your tears against his fingertips. Your eyes, filled with sorrow and pleading, search his for some semblance of reassurance, some sign that this isn't the end.

"I can't do this," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper, his heart breaking with every word. "I can't lose you. You mean everything to me. I’m so scared"

Your sobs fill the air around you, the sound like a knife to Mattheo's heart as he struggles to hold back his own tears. He leans in, pressing his lips against yours in a tender, bittersweet kiss, savouring the taste of your lips one last time before it's all gone.

“I love you.” Is all you can muster. It’s pathetic, but it hurts to even think about anything.

You cling to him desperately, your fingers tangling in his hair as though trying to anchor yourself to the present. Mattheo feels a lump form in his throat, the weight of his decision pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket, but he knows that he has to do this. For your own safety, for your own sake, he has to let you go.

His forehead presses against yours, taking in every last moment of intimacy he’s granted. You don't open your eyes, and he's grateful, for he doesn't think he could bear to look you in the eye.

“Obliviate.”

The second after he murmurs the words he stumbles away from you, reeling backwards as though your touch has burnt him. You wouldn't remember a thing about him, not even his name. He couldn’t be close to you anymore.

Mattheo watches as you blink, confusion clouding your features as you try to make sense of your surroundings. You look around the room, your eyes scanning the familiar surroundings with a sense of bewilderment, and for a moment, Mattheo's heart clenches with the hope that maybe, just maybe, you'll remember him. But deep down, he knows that it's futile, that the spell has already taken effect, erasing every trace of him from your mind.

You shake your head slightly, as if trying to clear the fog from your thoughts, before turning and heading up to your bed. Mattheo watches you go, his heart breaking with every step you take away from him, knowing that he can never follow.

But then, just as you reach the top of the stairs, you pause, your gaze flickering back to where Mattheo stands in the corner of the room. And in that moment, you give him a small, absentminded smile, the kind of smile you might give to a passing stranger.

Mattheo's heart lurches in his chest at the sight of your smile. He wants to call out to you, to tell you who he is, to beg you to remember him, but he knows that it's pointless. You're gone, lost to him forever, and there's nothing he can do to change that.

As you disappear, he collapses down onto the sofa, He wants to sob, and for a second he thinks he is, a horrible restictive choking feeling in his throat as he looks down at the floor. He reaches into his pocket, fingers fumbling with the small black book, perhaps the last piece of you he’d truly have.

He finds the most recent entry and wipes away the tears that blur his vision as he begins to read.

Don't be alarmed when you see this. I want you to read every word of this carefully. This is you, that is writing. It is the 26th of June, 1996. You might have felt like you’ve woken up in the common room, feeling a bit disoriented.

You were obliviated. And it was your idea.

When you were that annoying, pestering little kid, you had taken it upon yourself to befriend a boy called Mattheo Riddle. You’ll see him over the next few days, perhaps. He might look at you as though it hurts him to. It most definitely does. He’s devastatingly handsome, with the softest brown curls and the most expressive eyes. I do believe you won't need me to describe him. Really, my love for him is so strong I doubt any sort of obliviate can erase the idea that Mattheo Riddle lives within the recesses of your heart. Everyone had warned you of how dangerous he was, how his father was rumoured to be the Dark Lord and that he was bound to be no good. But you, in your true Slytherin ambition, set out on a mission to befriend him.

And you fell in love. It was impossible not to, really.

He is everything to me. He was everything to you. He is the most brilliant boy I’ve known. Far too many people gave up on him early. He’s beyond just being incredibly intelligent. He feels. And that’s rarer than you might believe. For someone who was subjected to such horrible things growing up, he is tender. Do not let his bruised knuckles and split lips fool you.

Now, more than ever, he will struggle. He believes you are fully not aware of him. But with this, I hope you are.

Be there for him. Do not tell him about this. You were awfully good at forcing your way into people's lives. Do that for him now. Make him think it was a coincidence. Be there for him, and don’t let his stubbornness fool you. Merlin knows he will be stubborn. He is simply scared, and you mustn’t let that deter you.

People will often compare their lovers to the sun. Bright, warm, near perfect. Mattheo is the moon, casting a gentle glow in the darkness, guiding you through the night. He may not shine as brightly as the sun, but his presence is no less mesmerizing, no less essential.

You had always preferred the moon more, anyway.

Take care of him.

You stupid girl. You stupid, selfish girl.

Mattheo's hands tremble as he reads the letter, his heart constricting with every word, every line. It's like a knife to his heart, the pain of knowing that even in a situation like this, you still found a way to look after him, to care for him, to love him.

Tears blur his vision as he reads on, each word cutting deeper than the last. The book, filled with pages of recollections of the time they spent together, feels like a cruel reminder of everything he's lost, everything he can never get back.You had nearly filled the whole book, addressed to yourself with worries and letters in the hopes of getting your obliviated mind to fall back in love with Mattheo. To remember him, and to negate the whole idea of obliviating yourself by leaving this book for your future self.

And you did all of this just because you wanted to look after him.

It hurts to breathe, to even entertain the idea of going to bed tonight knowing that the love of his life sees him as nothing but a stranger. And in his hands, he holds the thing that could do the impossible, that could somehow reverse it all.

The very selfish part of him wants you to see the book. He wants to slip upstairs, and hide it back under your pillow, and let you find the words you addressed to yourself.

But he couldn’t. He could die far more happily knowing he’s not leaving you behind, no. Really, you were never his, the two of you forcing destiny in the opposite direction, living on borrowed time. Now he has to face the consequences of it all, and if he can stop you bearing the brunt of it, then he’s made no mistake.

He places the book down on the table, and doesn’t think twice about his actions.

“Incendio.”

#slytherin #slytherin boys #tom riddle #harry potter #draco malfoy #lorenzo berkshire #slytherin boys fic #theodore nott #blaise zabini #pansy parkinson #mattheo riddle angst #mattheo riddle x reader #mattheo riddle #mattheo x you #mattheoxreader #mattheo riddle x you

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loversj0y · 11 months

Text

'tis the damn season

chapter three - the road not taken looks real good now

swirling, bubbling anxieties grow as time begins to tick on winter break, you can only hold onto so much uncertainty before it starts to slip through your fingers.

tis the damn season masterlist

pairing: cc!wilbur soot x gn!reader

this chapter is more angst-focused, but there is fluff as well. consider it a hurt/comfort

trigger warnings: reader's mother is abusive (not physically) and father is emotionally absent. this will be talked about in extensive detail. alcohol, some suggestive themes, and a lot of anxiety, MAJOR TW FOR PANIC ATTACK

author's note: so listen. a lot of the original plot of the song 'tis the damn season relies on ye-olde miscommunication trope. i hate that trope because we are adults here who talk about our feelings! sometimes it doesnt help though! but we take what we can get! this chapter is a really long one as well because the communication is such a hefty bulk of it ao3 version is available here!

word count: 11.0k

The next four days remained like this; a calm domestic bliss. You did end up going on Wilbur’s stream, but you ended up being unseen in the background while he played Geoguessr. His chat was really nice though.

“Wilbur, I’m telling you, it’s Luxembourg.”

“I know you think that, but I’m like 99% certain it’s Belgium.” He checked the chat briefly, where everyone was agreeing with you. “Chat, shut up, you led me astray last time.” However, once he’d selected Belgium, he was quickly proven wrong, slamming a hand down on the table before placing his hand over his face. He slowly turned to where you were giving him a knowing look.

“What did I tell you?”

“That it was Luxembourg,” he mumbled meekly.

“And what did you select?”

“Belgium.”

“Mmhm. I told you so.”

He threw his head back with a groan while chat proceeded to make fun of him and praise you.

“I expect a full apology after stream.” You grinned at him, both of you knowing you were just asking for a kiss.

He grinned back at you, turning back to the stream where a few keen eyes noticed the faint flush on his cheeks. Most others in chat just made a comment about him being in trouble.

Every day was a good one with him, though. With your parents knowing that you were with Wilbur, they backed off far more, meaning you and him were able to stay in your little bubble together. You started freaking out by the 5th day though. You had two days - technically three, but you had to get the train to London around 9 pm, so it wasn’t exactly a whole day. You just kept thinking about when you’d get home to your shitty flat and your shitty roommates and that shitty fucking city. You felt yourself missing Wilbur’s arms the more you thought about it, even when he was right next to you. You were up for hours that night, riddled with fears and anxieties about the next weeks. Yes, you and Wilbur had a plan to just see how things go and figure it out as you went, but some part of you just could not accept it. For whatever reason, it actually filled you with more anxiety. Mainly because you know yourself better than Wilbur does now, you know your workload, everything that you do each day, and just how little time you have. If it weren’t for the fact that you knew you’d probably have an assignment due immediately the first week back, you could’ve at least consoled yourself with the idea of going down to visit him in Brighton. But you didn’t even have that.

Part of you wanted to fight with him. You wanted to nitpick and find some tiny detail you could start some stupid fight about. It would be so much easier to go back if he hated you again. You wouldn’t feel the ball of guilt in your chest growing in size every time he brought up the future. It would crush you, but at least then he wouldn’t wait for you. Maybe he could move on if you made him hate you again.

But you couldn’t bring yourself to really do that. As strongly as you refused to admit it, you love him. And maybe it was selfish of you to hold on. Regardless, it did not change how you felt.

The guilt grew in your chest as you continued down the mental rabbit hole. You thought about the first few weeks in London. The ache that lived in you now because of how much you missed him. While you got used to the ache, you knew that it would be bigger now once you returned to London. Even worse, you knew he felt it now too. Originally, you could hide your guilt in the farce that he hated you, but now, knowing the truth, you knew that he would share in that ache, the same ache that led you to accept his proposal of going back to his place two weeks ago.

In your head, you entertained an idea. This idea is that everything would be alright if you didn’t have your obligations in London. He would ask you to stay with him, and you would accept. He wouldn’t have to worry about waiting for you. You’d leave your shitty apartment and the so-called friends to move in with him in Brighton, where you’d be happy because you were with him. He’d introduce you to more of his friends until you were a naturally integrated part of their dynamic. You’d help him and his friends with making videos and writing scripts. And everything would be perfect. You’d be happy. You would’ve taken the road less traveled and it would’ve been just as good as you’d imagined it.

But it wasn’t real. You worked your ass off to get into a good school, and you continued to work your ass off to graduate. You, unfortunately, couldn’t just freely abandon everything you’d worked for just because you found happiness in him once again.

You don’t know when you started crying. Somewhere in the mess of thinking about the future and fearing that you’d lose Wilbur again. You didn’t want him to see you like this, let alone wake up to this. You unraveled yourself from his arms, quickly heading to his bathroom. You sat against the locked door, sobbing softly into your hands. You didn’t want to admit how terrified you were, you wanted to hate him, you wanted something that would make this easier and make the ache lessen. You were overwhelmed by the ball in your chest reminding you of every obligation and responsibility and fear that you had. You felt like you were crashing, but you didn’t know what towards. You felt yourself wishing you never showed up, wishing you never went to the pub that night, never had agreed to go back to his place, never spoken to him, never kissed him in the dark of his room, everything you regretted. Only because as happy as he made you, he made the thought of leaving that much more painful.

You heard footsteps and took a deep, shaky breath, trying to silence your own breakdown.

He knocked on the door, “Babe? You alright?”

You nodded, even though he couldn’t see you, scared to use your voice.

But you had to, regardless, “Uhm-“ your voice cracked meekly, “Yeah, I’m- I’m fine.” You very obviously were not, but you didn’t want him to know.

He wouldn’t let it go that easily though, “Can I come in?”

You didn’t give a response. You took another shaky breath, wiping at your eyes. You stood slowly, shaking far more than you’d realized. Your hand lay on the doorknob for a moment. He wouldn’t just walk away, you knew that. You were just hoping you could be more put together when he woke up.

You opened the door slowly, looking up to meet his eyes.

You recognized alarm flashing over his face before he opened his arms for you, “Come here love.”

You went into his arms, fighting the urge to cry even harder now.

“What’s going on?” He asked, speaking softly as if the world would crack.

“I’m just-“ a shaky sob broke your sentence, “I’m overwhelmed.”

He nodded, holding you closer. He wanted to ask more, but instead, he pressed a kiss to the top of your head.

“Let’s go lay down, you can cry it out, and then we can talk. Does that sound good?”

You didn’t want to talk about it, truthfully, but it was better than sitting on the cold bathroom floor at least. You nodded, and he pulled away to walk both of you back to bed. He laid down first, opening his arms for you once again, and you did not hesitate to pull yourself into him. You tried to hold back from breaking down completely again, but once you were in his arms, everything came back all at once. That overwhelming feeling took over once more, and you cried and sobbed like a child against him. He held you the whole time, which only made you cry harder as you thought of leaving him and this safe haven of his bedroom. If you had it your way, you’d never even leave this bed. Your own felt cold in comparison to his. He rubbed your back to console you, singing softly under his breath. Sobs eventually turned into sighs, and you came out from Will’s arms, rubbing at your eyes.

“‘M sorry. Just had a bad night.”

You sat on your heels in front of him, trying to avoid his eye line.

He placed his hands on your hips, rubbing your sides, “Don’t apologize. What’s on your mind?”

You ran a hand through your hair, “A lot.”

He was quiet for a moment, waiting for you to elaborate. When you didn’t, he spoke again, “Do you want to go for a walk? Maybe get some fresh air?”

Honestly, some air sounded fantastic. The cold seemed refreshing after the night you’d had. You nodded.

He rubbed your back and nodded, “Alright. Get dressed in something warmer. I’ll grab us something to snack on.”

You nodded once again. You dressed quickly, then sat on the edge of Wilbur’s bed. Everything felt so out of your control. You barely even noticed his return to the room, until he placed his hand on your back, causing you to jump.

“Sorry, sorry, should’ve said something. You ready?”

You nodded, standing with arms crossed and following him outside. When you stepped outside, the frigid air immediately gave a sense of relief. You took in a deep breath, air coming back out in a soft haze due to the temperature. The walk was quiet. The world seemed to be aware of the tenseness in your throat and matched key, everything around the two of you entranced in an overt stillness.

The silence was cut short by the stopping of feet and a hitch of breath as you stared in front of you at the field where you and Wilbur shared your first kiss. Wilbur didn’t notice you’d stopped at first, content to keep walking along the path. He turned to you.

“Is everything alright?”

You turned your head to look back at him, nodding, before looking back once again. He followed your gaze to the field, making a noise of understanding.

“Do you want to go sit? I brought a blanket.”

He did. You hadn’t even noticed the thing slung along his opposite shoulder until now.

“Yeah,” you nodded after a moment. You cautiously tried to ignore the fact that it was the same blanket he’d brought out here that same night as well. Everything was already overwhelming enough, you couldn’t add more nostalgia to the mess.

Gently taking your hand, he led you over to the field, putting down the blanket. He sat down, motioning for you to do the same. You sat next to him and placed your head against him lightly. He wrapped an arm around you, holding you close to him. You two sat there quietly for a few minutes.

As the ball in your chest collapsed further in on itself, you realized that you’d have to talk about it. Communication was key, and if you didn’t get at least some of it out, it would only get worse and more overwhelming. Despite your self-sabotaging tendencies, you didn’t want to ruin this.

“I’m scared,” you spoke timidly.

He looked down at you, almost shocked to hear you opening up, “What about?”

“Us. I… I know you have this plan where we sit it out and see what we can do, but I’m just- I’m scared because I know I won’t have time. I know my workload, I know how little time I have already, I can’t sustain a relationship like that. I want more than anything to be able to be with you, but the more I think, the more I know how implausible it is.”

“Darling, I told you, already, I don’t mind waiting for you.”

“No, Will, you don’t understand. After college, there’s no telling where I’d have to go for work. I can’t just go and work for you because that alone gives me more anxiety about my own work performance and if it would cause stress between us.”

“I know, but when you’re working, you’ll have more time, so again, I don’t mind waiting.”

“Wilbur, I cannot ask that of you.”

“You’re not, I’m offeri-“

“You didn’t ask me to stay.”

He was silent.

You continued. “You didn’t ask me to stay, and I didn’t offer. I cannot possibly ask you to wait, and I can’t know that you’re waiting without feeling like I’m holding you back. Because everything in my future is so uncertain that I can’t have you waiting without some sort of guarantee that I’d be able to get there eventually, and I do not have that guarantee. You telling me that you’d be willing to wait only makes me feel worse because, in that time, you could meet someone really good for you, who could give you everything I can’t, and I don’t want to hold you back from finding the love that you deserve.”

He was quiet, trying to find the words to respond. “There’s something I never told you.”

You looked at him, curious despite the tears in your eyes.

“After you moved to London, I followed you there. I lived there for… about six months. And I did meet someone, but it didn’t work out. It was hell and it broke my heart, but I knew that it didn’t work out because I was trying to fill a void that only you could fit into. Regardless of whether or not you’ve known it, I’ve been waiting for you since the day we met. What’s a bit longer?”

There was a lot of information to process in his statement. But none of it relieved you or made you feel better.

“So, if I let things continue, you’d wait for me. Til the rest of your life if you had to?”

“Forever.”

That did not relieve you at all. If anything, it worsened the guilt in your chest. There was one way to stop him from waiting for you, and you knew you had to, but it broke your heart. But if breaking your heart meant protecting Wilbur’s in the future, you’d take it.

“Wilbur,” you couldn’t meet his eyes, “we have to end this. Whatever this is, between us, we have to end it. I’m sorry.”

Wilbur was quiet. You went to stand, but he grabbed your wrist.

“What if I say no?”

“What? Will-“

“I don’t care what you say. I know how guilty it makes you feel, I understand that. But I’m willing to put the effort in to make us work. Are you?”

You were. You absolutely were. But you and he both knew your heart wasn’t quite in it - too overtaken by the guilt in your chest.

“I am. But at the risk of sounding drastic, Wilbur, it will crush me. I love you so much that it covers me, and I’d kill to be able to feel that forever. But I know the second I step on that train, I’m going to be filled with so much dread and guilt that it might consume me. I might spend the rest of my life wondering if I ruined yours.”

“So, you want to act like none of this ever happened?”

“No, Wil-“

“No, listen to me now. We have our last two days together. Then, what? We stop talking again? Because that would actually, truthfully, ruin my life. More than waiting ever would. Even staying friends would ruin my life. Because, for fucks sake, I love you too. Far more than you know, and I have for far longer than you know. I’m not giving up on us because your future is uncertain. I moved to London for you in the past, and while I cannot get up and move as freely as I used to, I would make every sacrifice, every dedication, every ounce of my being I’d put into making sure you know just how much I love you and how willing I am to make us work. I just need you to be able to do the same. You said that you’re willing to put in the effort. All I ask is that you actually do it. Don’t shut down again like you did in the past because that would ruin me. Even if all you can give me is a day, I would take that day over never having you in my life again. So, if you can make the dedication, even if it is not as strong as mine, then I know we can do this.”

You took a shaky breath, wiping at your eyes. You wanted to say yes, you really did. Your heart was still holding you back. But you didn’t listen this time.

“Can I think about it? It’s not a no, I just- I need to think.”

He took a breath of relief, parroting his words from a few days ago, “That’s all I ask.”

He pulled you back into his arms, where you fit perfectly. His arms felt like home. No. More aptly, he felt like home.

You buried your face against his chest, sighing softly, “How come every time we have some deep, serious conversation, it's always in this field?”

He laughed, leaning his head against yours. “Dunno. Maybe we should get married here.”

You chuckled, “Already thinking of marriage?”

“Don’t you remember our agreement from middle school? If neither of us are married by 35, we’re getting married.”

You snorted, laughing a bit harder, “Maybe waiting isn’t that much of a problem then, seems we’ve already got a potential wedding date set.”

“Darling, if it was my choice, we would’ve gotten married the moment you kissed me here for the first time.”

You flushed, hiding your face against him quietly. “I love you,” was your only reply.

He smiled giddily, holding you tighter, “I love you too.”

The world felt lighter after the exchanges of “I love you”s. It somehow helped ease the ache in your chest. If nothing else made you feel better, at least that did, despite how it felt like a brand across your chest.

You two still lay there for a while longer, despite the world beginning to move again. At least now, it didn’t feel like you were the only one who was aware you were leaving.

The walk back to his place was quiet, but a far more comfortable silence. While neither of you was perfectly happy with how that conversation had gone, you at least talked. That alone meant more than anything. When you walked back in from the cold, he pulled you in his arms again, holding you tighter.

“I didn’t say it before. But, I hope you know that you’re not the only one scared of losing this. I’m terrified. Not because of what you said, but because I’m scared I might fuck up. I have a busy life too, not as busy as yours I’m sure, but I’m scared of the same things. I’m even more scared because, the whole streamer thing, it makes this harder. Most people are respectful, but it puts you in danger, and I am terrified of you ever being in danger, especially because of me. If you’re willing to hold onto me and make those sacrifices for me, then I am more than willing to make these sacrifices for you. But don’t think for a second that I’m not just as scared as you are.”

You nodded. The foyer felt still around you both. You truthfully hadn’t considered the streamer thing. Or the fact that he might be scared too. You’d been so caught up in your head that you didn’t consider whether or not Wilbur would be feeling the same way. Granted, you didn’t even think he’d understand originally, concerned that you’d sound like a madman to him.

You hummed after a moment, “I dunno. Seems kind of cool to have a secret double life thing going on.”

His face split into a grin, holding your jaw in one hand and kissing you deeply. You wrapped your arms around his neck, smiling into the kiss.

“I haven’t fully agreed yet. Just think you should know that I’m willing. To make those sacrifices, I mean.”

He nodded, “Of course, right. Are you willing to do anything else?” He asked, rubbing your back gently.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Soot.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“You cheeky motherfucker. At least get me upstairs first,” you joked.

He laughed, picking you up and walking upstairs. You laughed, arms wrapped around him. Yeah, so maybe he can make you feel better.

The rest of the day was spent primarily cuddling and watching movies. You were both a bit emotionally exhausted, so it was nice to just sit there and watch something neither of you cared too much about. You ended up falling asleep a few times, exhausted from the sleepless night before. He didn’t mind though, never minded. He made dinner while you napped, bringing it up for you as well so you could eat in bed. He made sure more than anything that you were comfortable, and truthfully, you couldn’t ask for anything better. You felt as loved as he sought to make you feel.

The next day was New Year’s Eve. You didn’t usually care much for New Year’s, but Wilbur woke up that morning determined to make it a special occasion. Between shared uncertainty and fear, he wanted today to feel like a break from reality. You woke up slowly, one of his arms wrapped around you while the other played with your hair. He was humming softly, staring at the ceiling when you looked up at him.

“Morning,” you spoke groggily.

“Good morning,” he replied, fingertips dancing along the skin of your back, “How’d you sleep?”

“Wonderfully,” you answered, though that was an understatement. It was the best you’d slept in years.

“I’m glad,” he leaned down and pecked your lips. “What’s your plan for today?”

You shrugged, “I need to pack, but other than that, just relaxing. Spending our last moments together.” It almost sounded like you’d be dying, and honestly, you might as well be.

He nodded, brushing your hair back. “Well, I’ll help you pack, but if you do me a favour.”

You chuckled, “Sure, what favour?”

“Be my New Year's kiss?”

You laughed and nodded, “Alright. Done.”

He grinned and went to kiss you again, but you stopped him, “You only said New Year’s. You’ll have to wait.”

Even knowing you were joking, he had the most shocked and kicked-puppy look on his face. He snaked his arms around your waist, whining, “Darling, please, you can’t do this to me.”

“Hm, why should I kiss you early? Give me a good reason.”

“Because I love and adore you so much.”

You hummed, “That grants you a kiss for sure.”

He leaned down, pulling you in for a kiss. He wasted no time in deepening the kiss, clearly trying to keep the kiss going for as long as possible.

When he finally pulled away, both of your lips were slightly swollen and cheeks dusted in a rose blush.

“Had to make it last,” he chuckled softly.

You smiled, but part of you felt torn apart when he said that. Everything you two did today, you had to make last. It was the last full day before your night train tomorrow. You knew that the morning tomorrow would feel more like a death march, anyway. As usual, though, he saw right through you.

“Hey. It’s fine. Let’s just focus on today, alright?”

You nodded, holding onto him. You sat up, and you went to let go, but he kept your hold on him.

“Will, I need to start packing,” you chuckled.

He hummed, “I know. Just a few more minutes, love.”

You could use a few more minutes yourself, you decided, ultimately swayed by the way Wilbur kept his arms wrapped tightly around you. You got comfortable in his arms again, nodding softly, “Alright. Just a few.”

He grinned and kissed the top of your head, rubbing your back. You didn’t want to get up, honestly. You were incredibly comfortable, yet you knew the faster you got the packing done, the sooner you could get back to relaxing in your little bubble.

“Will,” you started. “What do you want to do more than anything right now?”

He looked down at you, thinking for a quiet moment, “Truthfully? Give you a proper date while I can.”

“Oh, yeah? What would we do?”

“Well, that ruins the surprise now, doesn’t it?”

You laughed, “What, are you planning to do it today or something?”

He grinned, pecking your lips, “I might have a plan.”

“And when were you going to tell me?”

“My original plan was to put on a nature documentary and wait for you to fall asleep so I could set everything up.”

“Mm, that definitely would work. But now, I’ll know what you’re trying to do.”

“I can think of other ways to distract you.”

You lightly smacked him and laughed, “You have been so… raunchy lately, what is up with you?”

“Just excited. You love me!” He grinned wider than you’d honestly ever seen from him before.

“Yes, I do!” You laughed, holding onto him tighter.

“That’s amazing! That’s wonderful, I mean, really, that… there are not enough words to describe how wonderful that is and how happy it makes me. And I love you too! We love each other!”

“Yes! We do!”

“That’s amazing!”

“It is!” You two grinned at each other like you were kids again, sixteen and wild without a care in the world. He pulled you forward, kissing you hard. Your hands went to the back of his neck, your fingers reaching up to brush through his hair. He kept a tight hold on your waist, trying to keep you as physically close to him as possible. Your kiss devolved into making out, and you found your motivation to leave the bed being whittled away slowly. Wilbur’s arms around you and his lips on your lips put you in a haze every time, and you’d give nothing more than to stay in it. But he always did a good job of grounding you, in a sense.

He eventually pulled away to stare at you lovingly.

“If we could just lay here forever, we’d inevitably die from many possible reasons, but it would be entirely worth it to be able to spend my last moments with you.”

You flushed, burying your face against him, “You can’t just say things like that, you poet.”

“Just wait until I show you some of the songs I’ve written about you.”

You were stunned, “You’ve written songs about me?”

“Enough to fill an entire discography. I’ve been writing them since I could.”

“Why’d you never show me?”

“How could I show you a million love songs about you when I thought you never wanted to see me again and didn’t know otherwise until a few days ago?”

“Touché.” You chuckled softly, pecking his lips gently.

He smiled, “We should probably go pack. We’ll have more time for better things the sooner we finish.”

You groaned, nodding, “I know.” You paused for a moment, trying to cherish the saccharine serenity for one last moment, before sitting up. He sat up with you, moving his arm from your shoulders to reach out and help you up, which you gladly accepted. Once you were both up, he pulled you into his arms, kissing you lovingly once again. You returned it, pulling away to grin at him. He looked overjoyed. For the first time in two weeks, it genuinely felt like you weren’t worried about… everything. Even if you weren’t happy with the way things went, at least for today, you were plainly happy.

You grabbed one of his jumpers to pull on, and he watched you for a moment.

“What is it?” You asked, chuckling lightly.

He flushed, but he didn’t look away. Instead, he grinned wider, “Just… you’re beautiful, especially in my clothes. You should take that one, actually.”

Your cheeks reddened to match his, “Really? You wear this one a lot though,” it was true. You’d grabbed one of his Los Campesinos! Jumpers, the maroon one.

He nodded, “Yeah, it looks far better on you.” He seemed to pause, processing your sentence in full now, “Wait, how did you know I wear it often?”

The blush on your face increased tenfold. “I- I just,” you immediately stuttered, unwilling to tell him just how many VODs and clips of him you’d seen, “it’s your favorite band. I-I figured you wear it often,” you lied, quite obviously.

He saw right through you, but he moved on, for your own embarrassment's sake, but he kept a grin like he knew a secret the whole time he continued, “Well, it is one of my favourites. But that’s exactly why I want you to keep it. Means more that way.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am sure. One condition, though.”

“Which is?”

“You text me every time you wear it.”

You looked up at him, and because of your years of learning how to read Wilbur Soot, you could see the sadness that shone in his eyes. He never gave much indication that he felt upset, most likely for your sake, but it was getting harder for him to hide it, it seemed. In a passing thought, it reminded you of grief.

You nodded, “I accept those terms,” and you both moved on. You finished getting dressed, and the two of you started the slow march to your place. You walked slower than usual, as if it would keep the time from passing. You wanted to ask him questions, to talk to him more, to listen to him, but your mouth couldn’t quite form the words.

He kept a warm grip on your hand, but he didn’t speak either.

Thankfully, since it was earlier in the day, it was just your parents at home. You opened the door, and Wilbur dropped your hand for a moment to close the door behind you both. You ushered Wilbur to your room while you went into the living room to speak to your parents.

“So, my train is at 9 P.M. tomorrow. Will’s gonna help me pack, and I think he was planning on taking me tomorrow night, so you lot won’t have to drive at night.” “Were you going to allow us to see you before you leave?”

“Well, once I finish packing, you can say bye to me then. Will has something planned for us for New Year’s tonight, and I imagine we’ll be preoccupied before the train cleaning up since his family is returning soon. So, yes, today will be the last day you see me for this trip.”

“So, what? You show up here, reconnect with your friend, and what? We just never get to see our child again?”

You sighed, “Mum, seriously, can we not have this conversation?”

“No, we should have this conversation. Ever since you’ve come home, you-”

“Dad, can you please stop her?”

Your father didn’t so much as look at you or your mother, staying out of this as he did everything.

Your mother continued her rant about your behavior, and you groaned into your hands, “I can’t fucking stand this, mum! Every fucking time I’m home, you find some niche reason to think I am the worst. Two weeks ago you were complaining that I hadn’t found anyone, and now what, you’re mad that I may have found someone?” You were angry now, but tearfully angry, the type of angry where your tears felt like lava burning red roads into cheeks. “You have spent my entire life picking apart everything I’ve done, while you sit there and act like you’re not a walking contradiction who always acts far worse than I ever have! I can’t stand constantly hearing you tell me I’m the worst!”

You went to continue, but a hand on your shoulder stopped you. You turned, and Wilbur was standing there behind you looking nothing but supportive. He pulled you into his side, starting to walk you back to your room. Your mother went to speak again, some snarky comment, no doubt, but Wilbur stopped her immediately.

“Respectfully, there is not a single thing you could say right now that would be beneficial. Now, if you’ll excuse us,” and he ushered you fully back into your room.

You were immediately in his arms, face buried against his chest as you sobbed. He rubbed your back, kissing the top of your head. He leaned his head down to whisper in your ear.

“Take a deep breath for me, love. You know I won’t let anything happen to you,” He started taking deep breaths, taking one of your hands and placing it on his chest, so you could feel the pattern of his breathing. You followed his breathing, slowly getting in control of yourself once again. You pulled away, wiping at your eyes, and he smiled down at you.

“You’re okay,” he nodded, and you nodded back, “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Did you hear it?”

It took him a moment to respond, but eventually, he nodded.

You shook your head, “Nothing to talk about then. I just can’t deal with this anymore.” He brushed your hair back gently, a soft smile covering his face, “Well, let’s get packing then. The sooner we get that done, the faster we can get out of here and go watch movies in bed.”

You let out a shaky laugh, nodding and grinning, “Okay, yeah,” you pulled away, grabbing your suitcase. From there on, the two of you made careful work of packing up all your things. You hadn’t brought much in the first place, just enough to sustain you over the two-week trip. Wilbur was insistent on packing the items in your bag for you while you grabbed and folded items, and it worked well. You still had to account for the small pile of clothes that slowly was growing in his room, but aside from that, packing truthfully didn’t take long. Or maybe it just didn’t seem as long because Wilbur was with you the entire time.

The final item was cautiously packed away, and we moved to sit on your childhood bed, staring at a carved out version of your childhood room, and knowing that, regardless of whether or not you and he stayed together, you would never be those kids again. Something would always be different, now. He wrapped an arm around your waist, loosely holding you against his chest. It wouldn’t necessarily be bad, that things were different. He took your hand gently. Things would just be different, for better or for worse. He squeezed your hand three times. You squeezed his hand three times back.

“You know I’ll stick with you, no matter what. I don’t care how long the road is, I’ll be there,” he whispered against your ear, pressing a gentle kiss to your temple.

You nodded softly, “I know.”

“We’re not becoming strangers again. I won’t let it happen.”

You nodded again, leaning your head further into his chest, “I will try to silence every self-sabotaging voice and urge,” you chuckled softly, “just for you.”

“That’s major. Imagine telling school you that you just said that,” he laughed lightheartedly.

“Yeah, yeah. School me wouldn’t even want to admit to having self-sabotaging tendencies. At least now I’m far more self-aware.”

He nodded, “True, but neither of us were very self-aware back then,” he took a deep breath, sighing out slowly, “Genuinely, though, it does mean a lot. Just knowing that you’ll be trying.”

You nodded, pressing a kiss to his shoulder gently, “I want things to work. I do love you, after all. Even with my uncertainties, I am at least not uncertain about the love I feel for you.”

“I love you so much, darling. I hope you are serious about the amount of love you share for me, because trust me, I am going to be such a nuisance. The moment you get on that train, I won’t leave you alone. You may have to get a second phone because I’ll be constantly vying for your attention,” he shook with laughter, pulling you in.

“Oh, I hope for nothing more. However, I may just need to block you while I’m studying. I think asking you to stop while I study may be far too cruel.”

“If you block me, you won’t get to see all the texts once you’re done.”

“And what would I need to see so badly in those texts?”

“How proud I am of you.”

You chuckled, “What? Why that?”

“Because you’d be studying. I want you to feel encouraged because studying is hard, so you deserve the praise.”

“Thank you, darling,” you both shared a fond look, feeling some sense, somewhere, that you were on the same page for the future.

You were able to leave the house with no issues. Wilbur took your bag outside while you managed a stiff goodbye to your parents. You didn’t plan on coming back next holiday. With a quick hug and a few words that choked you just to say, you escaped out into the fresh air where Wilbur was waiting for you. He gave you a grin that warmed you despite the cold around you both, a small kindling fire placed in your chest every time he gave you that look so full of understanding. You walked right forward into him, colder hands touching cold cheeks but kissing him to spread the warmth from your chest. He chuckled into the kiss, wrapping his arms around your waist but holding you loosely. He knew you weren’t going anywhere right now, he didn’t need to hold you tight. He wasn’t afraid. You were aware of nothing else but him and his lips. Eventually, you both had to let the metaphorical smoke out of your lungs.

“You always seemed happier when you’d leave.” He said it simply as if it didn’t feel like a world-shattering admission. You knew he’d only meant leaving your parents, but in some way, it felt like understanding, understanding why you had to leave town, leave him behind.

And you replied simply, as if, again, you hadn’t felt incredibly taken in his words,

“I guess so.”

You walked back to Wilbur’s slowly, despite the snow starting to trickle around you faster and faster. You exchanged jokes as you walked, ranging from dad jokes to the dirtiest jokes you could imagine. It was peaceful. He opened the door for you, helping bring your things to his room.

“You know what we should do?” He hummed, kissing your cheeks all over.

You laughed, arms wrapped around him, “What?”

“I think we should play more Minecraft.”

You burst out laughing, “You could’ve suggested anything, but of course, Minecraft.” “What’s wrong with that?”

“No, nothing, I’m not complaining. Just think it’s funny. Most guys would’ve suggested sex or something lewd, but you went straight to gaming, and I… appreciate that more, I guess.”

“Well, darling, you should know by now I’m not like most guys. I am a gamer, it’s worse,” you both laughed at that, and you grabbed his hands, nodding.

“Alright, then. Let’s play.”

You both got set up to play together, hopping on the server and playing. You guys goofed around mostly, but after about twenty minutes, Tommy ended up joining the server.

Upon joining, he spammed in chat “VC” over and over again.

“Do you mind joining the VC?” Wilbur asked, “My mic isn’t working right now.”

You nodded, a bit nervous, but joining the voice channel in the Discord server Wilbur had added you to.

“Tommy?”

All you got was a yell as a response before Tommy started divulging some explanation of why he needed you to come to his base with “as much andesite you could find”.

You looked up at Wilbur, clearly confused. He shrugged, mouthing to you ‘Just go with it.’

“Alright, Tommy, I’ll help, but it’ll probably take a while to get the andesite.”

“That’s fine! I’ll help get it! I just need it incredibly badly!”

You chuckled softly. Tommy stayed on VC, chatting with you and Wilbur a bit while you went to help Tommy collect materials. After a few minutes, Wilbur stood, walking over to you.

He kissed your head, “I’m going to step downstairs for a moment, alright?”

You nodded, “Okay, yeah.” “Do not worry, Wilbur! I will keep them much company!” Tommy’s voice came through grainy on your laptop.

“Maybe I should stay,” Wilbur joked, which led to Tommy spluttering loudly in annoyance.

Eventually, Wilbur did walk out of the room, leaving you and Tommy alone. After a few minutes of joking around, you and Tommy both mining in-game, he spoke up, sounding a bit more serious this time.

“Wilbur’s my brother, you know. Did he tell you that?” You chuckled, “He didn’t mention it. Can’t say I remember you when he and I were in school together, but I’d take your word for it.”

“Good. You should always take my word for things. I am a great person to believe.”

You chuckled softly, “I will try to, as long as you tell the truth.”

“I make my own truth, so I am always telling the truth.” He chuckled himself. He spoke again after a brief pause, more serious this time, “Seriously, though. I care about Wilbur a lot, and I know how much he cares about you. He’s told me a bit about you, so I trust that you do love him like you say just… please, don’t give me a reason to break that trust, alright? You seem good to him. I want you to be good for him.”

You were quiet after his admission for a few moments. You wanted that too. You wanted to be good for Wilbur, and you wanted Tommy to be able to trust you. You wanted all the things that came with love, the struggles, the fights, the working through it all, everything. “I won’t,” you spoke softly, “I won’t give you a reason to break that trust. I don’t know exactly what he’s told you, but he really matters to me. I don’t want to lose him.”

“Good. ‘Cause I know he feels the same,” Tommy said, “So, when are you going to come to Brighton?”

“Truthfully, I’m not sure. I have my spring classes starting in a few days, and I won’t have a real break up until the summer. I may try to come around then, but it depends on if I have an internship or some classes, but-” you paused, letting out a breath, “Yeah, just… not sure, yet. Hopefully, I’ll have a free weekend, assuming I’m not working or studying.”

Tommy was silent for a moment, but when he spoke, his words came out quickly, “God! I would hate being that busy! How can you stand it? It must get frustrating, I’m busy a lot as well, but not that kind of busy, so it’s not like that I guess, but my god! I just- that sounds like so much! Do you ever-”

“Jesus, Tommy, you’re going to make them pass out, slow down, man,” Wilbur came back in, walking over to you. He placed his hands on your shoulders, kissing the top of your head.

“Sorry, sorry, just, wow! You sound so busy, must’ve been a nice break being back there.” “It was really nice, yeah,” you smiled, looking up at Wilbur.

“Right, well, Tommy, we’ve actually got to go.”

“We do?”

“Yep! Talk to you later, Tommy, thanks for the help.”

“No problem, Wilbur! Have a good night, you two!”

You spluttered a bit, feeling like the past two minutes took place in 20 seconds, feeling incredibly displaced.

Wilbur hung up the call on your laptop, logging you out of the game as well.

“Will, what’s going on?”

“Just, trust me, will you? I want to show you something.” He took your hand, pulling you up.

You followed him downstairs. You knew he had his New Year’s surprise, but you didn’t suspect it to be this early (granted it was around 5 P.M. at this point), hence why you were so taken aback. However, once he’d gotten you downstairs, you knew that’s exactly what it was.

“Did you enlist Tommy to distract me because you knew I’d be suspicious of you?” “Yep!” He admitted proudly.

The place looked beautiful. He’d hung string lights up all over the place, each light twinkling in the dark of the room (he’d kept all the big lights off - it was only the string lights and the lamp in the corner. He knew how you hated overhead lights). He put gold stars across the walls, and even scattered a few on the table as well. The best part, however, was the kitchen table. It’d been covered with a midnight blue tablecloth. There were two plates set out, and you couldn’t quite see what was on them from where you stood. What you could see however was the bottle of champagne on ice in the center of the table, along with the candles on either side.

“Will, this is incredible. How did you do all of this so fast?”

“I had everything ready, it was just a matter of putting it up. As for the food, what meal is more fitting than the first thing you taught me how to make?” With a flourish, Wilbur gestured to the dishes on the table, “Cheap ramen.”

You laughed, nodding, “That explains a lot. Did you make it fancy like I taught you, too?”

“Of course. I remember exactly how you made it.”

“Even the miso paste?” “Especially the miso paste. I always keep some in the house since you taught me.”

“Really?”

“Of course. It’s become a big comfort meal for me.”

You smiled up at him, “Well, I’m glad. It seems a bit early for a New Year's celebration, though.”

“Yes, but we have to eat first. Plus, I’ve decided since you don’t really love New Year's, we’re toasting something else first tonight.”

“Oh, yeah? What?” “Us. Being together again.”

“Cliche, but I’ll allow it,” you joked, and he pulled you over to the kitchen table.

“You love it, you’ve just always hated admitting how much you like cliches.”

“That is not true.” “Oh yeah? How many times did you watch 10 Things I Hate About You when you were sad in school?”

“Hey, Americans know how to revisit Shakespeare in the modern audience well, okay?”

“I know, and you adore the cliches in that movie, and it is so full of them.”

You rolled your eyes, but the smile never left your face. You held his hand, gently rubbing your thumb over his knuckles.

“Thank you,” you murmured, “I just about think this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

“For now it is. I’ll make sure something tops it.” He smiled, pulling out your chair for you. That combined with the warm look on his face sent a feeling akin to the flush of cheap whine across your chest. You smiled at him, reaching out to take his hand. You couldn’t speak — couldn’t find the words to reflect the love you felt for him. He took your hand, squeezing it gently. He spoke for you.

“For as shitty as your parents are, I’m glad you still decided to come this winter.”

You chuckled softly, and he continued. “I’m serious. I almost didn’t come this winter either. At the last minute, I said, why not, maybe it’ll be nice. And while I don’t believe much in fate, or the stars aligning, I think that something special happened to make you and I both, for whatever reason, think maybe something would be different. Because when you think about it, we both came here expecting something different, but it’s never been more similar. My parents are gone, yours are being shitheads, and we’re still confiding in each other. So I don’t know what it was, but I wish I did so I knew just exactly what force I had to thank for bringing us together again.

“We’ve spent so much time together here talking about what didn’t happen, you know. The fight, the four years we spent not talking, the missed time. But it would’ve continued, if neither of us made the choice to come here, or if neither of us decided to go to the pub that night. So while I don’t believe in fate, or the universe making our choices for us, every choice we made for the past four years would’ve always led us right back to each other.”

You don’t know at what point in his admission you started crying. He gave you a look of concern, and he was about to ask if you were alright. Before he could, you stood, and he did the same, meeting you in a tight embrace. You buried your face into his shoulder, and your grip was tight enough to turn your knuckles white. You sniffled quietly, voice quivering as you spoke.

“I don’t know what to say,” you admitted, laughing into his shoulder. “Two weeks ago, I never would’ve thought we’d see each other again. When I’d agreed to come here, I thought there might be a chance, but I didn’t let myself think about it, I- I couldn’t tell if the idea made me nervous or excited. But now, it feels like I can’t get rid of you,” I chuckled, “And I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s like a little thread keeping us together.”

He smiled, kissing the top of your hair. “Good, because you truly will never get rid of me after this.” He pulled away to wipe the tears from your eyes.

You took a soft, shaky breath as you smiled up at him, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

You both sat back down after that, eating quickly. The meal felt like home. As you and Wilbur finished eating, he stood once more to open the champagne. He popped the cork, thankfully not causing too much of a mess as he quickly poured the champagne into our two flute glasses. He picked his glass up, holding it up in a toast. You grabbed yours and did the same, smiling up at him as he spoke.

“To my best friend, my fire, and my lover. Here’s to reuniting and being allowed to find a home in each other.”

You grinned, lightly tapping your flute against his before taking a sip. He took a sip of his own drink, taking your hand and pulling you up. He turned on some music, and he pulled you into another embrace. He started swaying, and you joined him, neither one of you speaking as you held each other close. Even if the world ended at this moment, the room caught fire or even flooded, neither of you would leave this embrace. It essentially was the end of one world, you thought to yourself sardonically. You pushed those thoughts away, determined to have a good night with him. He pulled away to give you a warm smile, gently cupping your cheek,

“Get out of your head,” he chuckled softly, and you flushed.

“How can you always tell?”

“I’m not sure how to explain it exactly, but I know you. I know when you get that distant look in your eyes that you’re stressed out about something and trying to hide it. Or that when your breathing quickens just a bit it's because you thought of something you didn’t like. I told you, I’m memorizing you, and each tiny piece is important.”

You leaned your head against him gently. “You don’t know how nice that is,” You whispered. No one else ever notices

He wrapped his arms around you once more before pulling you over to the couch. You thought he was going to put on a movie or something, but instead, he just turned to you.

“Just, stay here a moment, alright?”

You nodded, and he returned within a moment, holding his guitar. He sat back down next to you, starting to strum a few chords. He didn’t say anything as the chords turned into a soft pattern. He started playing a song quietly, something soft and sweet, but he sang no words.

“I don’t know the words, yet,” he said softly, “But I know this is another one for you.”

You smiled up at him, watching him play. He looked gorgeous while he played, so clearly in his element. It was a funny contrast to two weeks ago. Two weeks ago you didn’t know where you and him stood as friends, and now, you were closer than before. It almost made you anxious to contrast those two points. Fast-moving things often crashed.

“It sounds beautiful.” He nodded before speaking again, “I didn’t want you to go back without hearing it first, even though it’s not done.”

“Why?” You asked quietly.

He smiled. “Giving you something to wait for. To hold onto. Can’t ignore me if you know you’re waiting for something.”

“You think I’d ignore you?”

“Not on purpose. I think I understand how important your future is, though, and how wrapped up you get in it. So I think you’ve been ignoring the world because you’ve forgotten it exists. But it’s harder to forget when you know you’re waiting on something out there.”

You gave a sad smile, looking away. “I guess you’re right. This’ll help though, definitely.”

He smiled, placing his guitar down. “I’m glad. Plus, I’ve still got a bunch of other songs about you that I can show you. But those can wait for the future, too.”

You took a sip of your champagne, just about downing the thing before setting your glass down.

You and Wilbur sat and talked for a long time, getting drunker as you did. Meaningless stories, sharing experiences you’d wished he’d been there for, and vice versa.

“I remember there was this guy in my English Lit class, and my god, Will, you would’ve hated him. I remember coming to class every day and thinking ‘if only Wilbur were here. He’d at least understand’ because every person in class acted like he was this genius! In reality, he was pulling his ‘ideas’ straight from other people, and no one said anything because his father paid for the class textbooks. It was infuriating!”

“God, was he a tory? He sounds like one.”

“Yes! He was a huge tory! I remember we read The Scarlet Letter and he went on this long rant about how he’d never be satisfied with a woman like Hester, completely missed the point of the book, and the majority of the class went ‘That’s a fantastic observation’ like, motherfuckers, no it is not! He’s just a dick!”

Wilbur laughed, leaning his head into the crux of his elbow. “God, I can just imagine. He sounds like a fucking dickhead, genuinely.”

“He was. Even worse, he’s dating my flatmate, so I can barely escape the asshole. I walk into the living room, and he’ll just be there,” You groaned, and Wilbur chuckled.

“You haven’t spoken much about your flatmates.”

You shrugged softly, “I’m not particularly close with any of them. We all grouped together for a project once, and we got close enough to trust that none of us would steal from or kill the other. I needed a better place to live because the school facilities just weren’t working for me anymore. They’re nice enough, but I don’t know if they actually like me or just like my convenience.”

“Your convenience?”

You nodded softly, “Yeah. I’m quiet, I don’t take up much space, and I keep to myself for the most part. I’m convenient.” He scoffed, “That is not you.” “What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on. Convenient? You’re a person, not a placeholder. You’ve always loved being loud and being more of an extrovert than you’d grant yourself.”

“Maybe you just bring out that side of me. Back there, I’m different.”

He hummed, his fingertips running along your back, “Guess I’ll have to change that once I visit.”

You chuckled, your increasing drunkenness making a red flush come up to your cheeks. “Wilbur, I’d rather not get kicked out of my place.”

“You deserve to feel like a person.” “I do!” “But not you. You’re being what they want you to be,” He sighed, “But don’t worry when you move to Brighton, I’ll make sure you always feel like you.” “Oh?” You hummed, “When I move to Brighton?”

He chuckled, clearly just as affected by the champagne as you had been. “Let me fantasize a bit, alright?”

You grinned, leaning your head against his shoulder, “Tell me about it. Your fantasy.”

He smiled, wrapping an arm around you. “Alright. In my fantasy, you’ve moved to Brighton. We have plans to live together, but we haven’t moved in together yet because we’re still trying to find a good place with three rooms. One room for us, an office, and a guest room or music room, depending on if we have guests or not. You’re working with my band to edit some of our lyrics and just things that we write. We go to the beach at night and have a good time, swimming or just goofing around. When I go on tour, you join me. Eventually, we move in together, and we take a year just traveling the world, going everywhere we can think, and then maybe choosing one of those places to settle down in. Then, we just live happily together, not worried about trivial things. Then, every decision, we make together from then on, as a pair.”

You smiled, hiding your face against his shoulder. It sounded lovely, though likely unviable, as much as you wished the opposite. “That sounds nice.”

He nodded softly, not saying more. He just held you close.

Neither of you spoke for a long while. His phone chimed after a while, and he stood, grabbing your hands and pulling you up.

“It’s almost midnight.” He smiled, and he walked you both outside. You were immediately met with the freezing cold, and he wrapped his arms around you to try and combat the frigid air. You leaned into his embrace, looking up at the stars.

He kissed your cheek gently, staring up with you, “Penny for your thoughts?”

You smiled softly, “I feel small. In the last two weeks, every tiny problem has felt overwhelming. But now, compared to everything, it feels insignificant. I feel insignificant. And not in a bad way, just more in a way that… I don’t know, maybe I should try and just live a little more.”

He hummed softly, “It is kind of a nice feeling. There’s an entire world around us that doesn’t care about a single thing we say or do. The way I see it, we should just do everything that makes us happy. None of it might matter, but at least we’ll be happy. That makes it matter.”

You nodded, “Yeah. That’s true. I suppose we have to find reasons to make this shit matter. In the philosophical sense, at least, life is meaningless until we choose what has meaning.”

“So what gives it meaning for you?”

You thought for a long moment. “A few things. Getting my degree. Finally feeling free,” you sighed. “Truthfully, a lot of them lead back to you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. I look forward to my future now, more than I ever have, because I know I’ll have my best friend with me. I look forward to moving on the off chance that we’ll be close to each other. Things that used to stress me out, you find a way to calm them. Like finding a job. Even if I don’t love the idea now of potentially working for you, maybe I will later on, and just knowing that I’d have a potential choice brings me hope. It’s choice, I think, that guides a lot of my meanings back to you. Before you walked back into my life, I didn’t feel like I had a choice for any of my future decisions. I was still pleased with the idea of working in English and such, but I just figured that I’d be forced to take the first job I found, relocate where they told me to, and spend the rest of my life living under the guise of another. But you’ve brought the idea of choice back to me. And that puts so much more meaning into life, and especially the future, even if I am still scared to death of it.”

As if on queue, the sky lit up with fireworks, shining over the overgrown backyard, casting your own private spotlight.

“Happy New Year’s, darling,” he whispered, turning to face you. He placed a hand on your cheek, gently pulling you in for a long, loving kiss that made your body match the fireworks in the sky. You wrapped your arms around his neck, and when you finally pulled away, you pressed your forehead against his gently. Your breath and his mixed in frosted puffs, but you felt warm despite the cold around you. Your nose and ears were tinged pink, your fingertips even paler at their home on Wilbur’s cheeks. You both pulled away to stare at the fireworks as they cascaded over the midnight stars.

Once the fireworks had ended, leaving a haze of smoke over the stars, Wilbur took your hand. He pulled you in for another kiss, shorter this time. You smiled into the kiss, knowing even as the cold set into your bones, that you’d be content to stay in this moment forever. He chuckled when he pulled away from the kiss, taking your hand and tugging you inside.

“C’mon. Let’s head up.”

You followed him inside, and while you went to go clean up, he kept your hand in his, not letting you move into the kitchen.

“It’s tomorrow’s problem. Seriously. Although, there is one more thing we should do.” You rolled your eyes at him with a fond smile, “What is that?”

“Give me a second, don’t move!” He ran out of the room, returning quickly with a Polaroid.

You chuckled softly when you saw the polaroid, turning towards him. He came to stand next to you again, pulling you into his side. He held the camera up, and you smiled up into the viewfinder. He waited for a moment, and right when you thought he was going to take the photo, he leaned over and kissed your cheek, snapping the photo the moment it happened. Your smile lit up when he kissed you, and you turned to him.

“What was that for?” You chuckled softly.

He smiled, grabbing the photo as it came out of the Polaroid. “Wanted to make sure it was the real you smiling.”

You flushed, looking down out of shyness for a moment. He shook the photo for a moment before setting it down to give it time to develop. He put his camera back away, came back, and picked up the photo. He smiled fondly at it, before turning the photo to you.

“I think it’s the best photo I’ve ever seen.” When he showed you the photo, it was like a gear turned. You finally saw what he meant when he spoke about your smile because you looked genuinely happy, a foreign thing for you to see.

“I agree,” you spoke softly, smiling up at him. “Can I take a photo of it?”

He nodded, and you took out your phone to take a photo of the Polaroid. “I’d let you keep it, but honestly, I’m feeling a bit selfish towards it. Plus, you get my jumpers, I get this. Even exchange.”

You laughed softly, giving him a quick kiss, grinning, and speaking through it, “I would say so.”

He chuckled, happily kissing you back and wrapping his arms around your waist. He pulled away, resting his hand against the small of your back as you both walked back upstairs. You both changed into pajamas, and you started packing up the rest of your clothes. You started pulling out your clothes for the next day when Wilbur came and wrapped his arms around your back.

“Will, what are you up to?” You chuckled softly.

He smiled, kissing the top of your head, “Nothing. Just reminding you how comfortable my arms are, and how nice it would be to leave this for tomorrow and head to bed.”

You smiled fondly, leaning back in his arms, “You feeling cuddly or something?”

He pulled you in tighter, chuckling, “Maybe. Now, c’mon. It’s late, and I know you’re tired.”

With a sigh, you relinquished. “Okay. We’ll have the time tomorrow anyway.”

He pulled away, but only so he could turn you around and pull you into bed with him. You moved into his arms, relaxing against him quietly. He smiled, leaning down to kiss you languidly. The kiss elevated to multiple, going into a full-on makeout, but it wasn’t fiery and fast, it was calm and loving. Each second made you yearn more and more for some timeline where you weren’t leaving tomorrow.

You pulled away after some time, and his hand met your cheek, thumb slowly rubbing over your skin in a soothing manner. You smiled in return, gently playing with his hair. He made a pleased noise when you did so, and you leaned forward to peck his lips gently.

“Goodnight, Wilbur.”

“Goodnight, darling.”

taglist: @shubblelive / @superioritycomplexes / @your-shifting-gurl (send an ask/dm me if you want to be added)

#wilbur soot x reader #wilbur soot #mcyt x reader #dsmp x reader #mar writes #wilbur x reader #tis the damn season au #mcyt x you #wilbur soot x you #wilbur soot fanfiction #mcytumblr #mcyt wilbur

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tomriddles-wh0re · 11 months

Text

‘Running from love’ // t.r part 3

Pairing: female!potter(james’ sister) x Tom Riddle

wc: 3.9 k

Summary: In the past, the reader hadn't hope to fall in love with him, their goal was to prevent the rise of the Dark Lord but nothing seemed to go as planned when they are sent back into the future. In the months following the return, Tom Riddle continues to haunt their nightmares and their new reality as he closes in on them. How can an old love cause so much harm?

Trigger warnings: brief mention blood but not highly graphic

part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | tbc

Maybe time favored her, maybe it hadn’t but as the spring days passed, the memories and nightmares slowed. My brother had unwillingly given back my locket, only Evans could be thanked for such an action. To my surprise, the enchantment on the locket sealed the portrait shut against all attempts from the boys to discover further information. We had reached a weird sort of relationship, where the boys were stumped with my situation and had put it to a temporary rest in favor of Peter’s own growing relationship with Fabian. Hardly any new information helped stall them, all around with worrying over exams and attempting to chase the last years of our youth we got ourselves into more mischief than we could maybe put up with. The only thing standing in between our summer were the looming tests and the last few weeks of class.

When we walked into the DADA classroom, a dark brown wooden cabinet chest stood in the center of a cleared out room. Desks were gone, as they had every other Thursday when objects or creatures were brought in to learn how to property battle against. As the student filed in before the class began, “Any ideas of what resides in this cabinet?” our professor called out to us.

Hands rose calling out, cursed objects, the unrested souls, dryads, banshees, and fairies were all amongst the guesses but by the end all were met with a “no”. She began, “Today’s lesson will focus on not what we can do against the Dark Arts but what we can do to protect our own minds against them. How might we work to prevent the uncertainty and danger of our world if we cannot face our own issues? The Dark Arts targets one’s own weaknesses, to use them against us in hopes of weakening our resolve.” Glancing around the room she shooed us back to make room in the center, “We will be dealing with a boggart, this creature works to twist one's own worst fears by taking on their shape. The only way to properly deal with one is to laugh, we must all fight our fears by casting a riddikulus spell and laughing.” the class nervously glanced around.

“Now take out your wands,” she said, “everyone must repeat after me riddikulus.” a classroom of students repeated after her. “Which one of you wishes to begin?” her eyes swept over each individual. Five hands shot up, “Nersen you’re up, everyone form a line starting by that pillar” she pointed her wand to the left.

Students rushed, some crept to the back like I had but slowly the line would begin to dwindle. A new boggart appeared each time, from the fear of heights, to more physical things such as sharks or spiders, to grim depictions of a loved one's death or bloody scenarios which caused one boy to faint.

Each one was far scarier than what was humanly fathomable, and as each one passed a sinking feeling grew, a voice called out snapping her out of a trance, “Mrs, Potter? You’re up”. Willing him to not appear, she bravely walked in front of the prying eyes of her classmates to stand it in front of the looming chest. The whole cabinet shook, uneasing them once more as her Professor made eye contact with her to confirm she was ready. As much as she steadied herself, the second the binding was dropped and the cabinet door opened she knew.

As a billow of smoke escaped the cabinet, the whisperers of her classmates' guesses were drowned out by the drumming of her heart beating. Out of the darkness, a figure emerged that truly existed out of the dream realm, Tom had returned.

As young as the day she left him, he stalked out eyeing up the girl. “I missed you y/n,” Tom said as she quickly backed away to distance herself from the man. The classroom fell silent, “you haven’t visited me since you left” his voice dropped as he spit the words with a foul distaste.

“How come? I thought you were better,” his voice shook raising in volume, as all the build up emotions slowly began to engulf her. She was beginning to shake from him standing in front of her eyes once again. “You left me, how could you?” his stride came closer to her. “I waited days which turned to weeks and now years for you, my little witch. Why did you leave me?” an eerie smirk graced his lips. Whispering to her ear, “I loved you, I really did, and you left me” as he towered mere inches away from her.

The classroom around her became a blur as the murmurs grew, the rest of her classmates stepped farther away from the two. Tom leaned away to circle around her, taking in her quivering shape as he idly twirling his wand in the air. Her wand was shaking in her hand, a miracle it hadn’t dropped, her own Professor was at a loss for words in confusion, her friends were visibly concerned but she tried to remember what to do. Steadying her wand, quickly turning around to face him, fisting his robes and pushing him against the wall, “you did it to yourself Tom, it’s all you. I don’t control fate”.

Digging her wand up into his jugular, staring into his eyes briefly looking down to see red droplets of blood fall down his neck, his eyes looking at her curiously but also to taunt her. Giving him one more bitter sweet smile before saying “Riddikulous” and vanquishing him off to the cabinet. Turning around idly the whole class looked at her with wide eyes, what had she done. A resolution grew within her, as the power of her and she ran out of the class. Out of the daze the marauders jumped to their feet and bolted out of the classroom not listening to the calls of the professor. Rounding the corner they had no luck spotting her, Remus pulled out the map before shoving it off to James’ hands. He traced her name as she was running down the corridor in the left wing of the castle towards an exit.

“Off to the Black Lake” he yelled, taking off through a secret corridor sprinting towards where her name was last spotted. Past banisters, classes in session, the four made it out the exit in record time. Taking a breath they spotted her against a willow, they approached her as calmly as they could bear to muster.

Seated on the banks of the Black Lake where she would’ve accompanied him 35 years ago, though she sat alone absent of his presence. Hot tears cascaded down her cheeks as they held the entire sobs back. The boys gathered around her, desperate to comfort the shaken girl to the best of their abilities. James took the lead and gently wrapped his arms around his sister pulling her into a tight embrace whispering that everything would be fine. Her painful cries echoed against the wind as the sounds haunted the boys’ ears. Her body shook, hitting her hands against his chest lightly “why, why me” she mumbled hiccuping before falling into his arms. The older Potter stroked her hair softly looking towards the others for what to do, only shrugging in reply having no clue what to do. Bringing his head down “calm down, you’re safe it was just a boggart” she pulled away from him “but it wasn’t James, he’s still out there”.

He grimaced at the reply before Remus spoke, “Tell us what happened, we’re here y/n” his voice was soft and delicate. Wiping her tears away to collect herself, lifting her head up entirely, nodding slowly. “It’s your boggart” James said to which Sirius snorted “obviously” lunging at Black throwing an arm out to whack him on the head. Briefly glaring before returning his gaze “Pads I didn’t finish, y/n who is he?”. Shifting under his eyes Remus spoke up before she could. “He was in slytherin robes, he must’ve been the one to give you the locket and it was him in the picture right?”

Sighing in defeat leaning your head down to rest in your palms “That was Tom” the marauder looked at you curiously as you brushed off the second question. Peter had voiced his own concern “He said he loved you, why haven’t we ever met him?” wondering aloud. “It’s complicated” you mumbled in defeat, they gave each other skeptical looks. Seated all uncertain on how to proceed before Sirius spoke “Why is he your boggart?” voicing the question everyone was thinking, “again. Complicated”. You understood they all held the best intention at heart but all you wanted was to find a place to hide and never see the light of day again. Solemnly looking up through your red eyes, allowing yourself to make eye contact with them as you pushed out of James’ arms and seated beside him completing the circle.

Plucking up a clover in your hand, slowly tearing the leaves apart, accepting the turn of events. “Before I tell you, you must swear on marauders code you won’t speak or tell any of this to anyone else '' you enunciated every syllable twisting the stem in your fingertips. “I’m serious I will hex you to oblivion” glaring at the boys who grew quiet. Moony and Wormtail nodded while Padfoot and Prongs shared a skeptical look, “Why so tense?”

Smacking him in the head “For once in your life trust me, you're at risk just knowing me” they gulped at the honest words, “I don’t understand” Remus chimed in. “You will after you agree to protect my secret, okay?” all of them shared a look before nodding.

Striking out your hand in the middle of the circle “pinky promise me boys'' to which they all agreed to your strange habit. Collectively silencing themselves to hear out the reasoning.

Shoulders relaxing, the tension slowly leaving momentarily taking a deep breath in. “So it’s a lot. The only other person aware is Dumbledore” clasping your hands together, “Dumbledore? This is to do with those secret meetings'' James spoke. Nodding in response “It does'' playing with your thumbs, he grasped them in his hands easing your nerves. “It started after the welcome back feast, I got a letter telling me I was requested in his office. There he addressed his concern on wanting to select me for a mission. Why didn't he choose Aurors? I don’t know, he picked me specifically for some idea I would be ideal. He didn’t brief me on the details until I agreed.” all attention was on me as the words flew out of my mouth, Remus brows furrowing, Sirius nodding, Peter and James hooked on my words slightly widened eyed still grasping it all. So I continued “We had monthly meetings, to fill me in on the task details. I could never tell you guys, it was a rule, sorry” nodding glumly “as pissed as I am you never told me I get it, but what does it have to do with Tom?” Prongs asked.

Huffing and crossing my arms “I was getting there, wait a minute. During the meetings it was determined the day before everyone got back from Christmas holiday was ideal for the mission to occur” the realization dawned on them. Piecing it together with my odd behavior “The day you came back in the afternoon all weird and out of it” Peter said to which you only nodded. “The mission was for me to go back in time to lead a dark wizard away from the Dark Arts and prevent the casualties. All while he was still a student at Hogwarts, with the use of a time turner”. Shock evidently took up their features “Are you kidding me? Dumbledore sent you back in time” Prongs erupted, releasing your hands and clenching his fists angrily. Sirius took a less angry approach “What year?” to which you responded glumly “1943”. You swore you nearly saw James faint “what? You can’t be serious” you only nodded guilty.

Finishing up you continued “My job was to lead the wizard to good, he could have gotten there. We were making outstanding progress, I didn’t mean to get attached” voice slowly cracking “I didn’t mean to fall in love, neither was he” your voice became painfully low and full of hurt. “Tom?” Remus asked softly as you looked up to hold his gaze, the answer was abundantly clear. Yes. “mhm. It was Tom, we both caught feelings. He began to court me, it just happened neither of us expected it” you exasperated. James as if dreading this day breathed in a harsh breath “and what happened?” he asked shakily. “We were getting close, he was changing. All the previous deaths that would have occurred previously never had to occur, he abandoned his plans due to me preventing him from exploring the dark arts and my attempts to save him.”

The details hurt to voice aloud but you continued “One day the time turner broke. I was there in the 40’s one moment and the next I was back here, this time period. Even Dumbledore isn’t sure how it happened. But Tom- he became lost, raging at my disappearance before he reverted to his old ways. He lost me.” a shiver reverberated down your spine. Death silence blanketed the group, the only sounds heard were the wind hitting the tree branches.

Breaking the silence, Remus started “Tom became a dark wizard, all your efforts were in vain…” murmuring incredulously. “So there is no way to go back and save him?” Peter voiced his concern to which you shook your head. “The time turner was affected when it broke and brought me back. The nearest it can bring me back is 1966, but it wouldn’t be worth it since I am not guaranteed I could get there safely let alone return ever or alive at least. The odds aren’t good,” glumly you admitted with heavy guilt weighing you down.

Sirius merely nodded in understanding, “So you loved him, it’s been over 35 years he’s probably over it, you need to move on. You can’t guilt yourself for it anymore. You did your best to save him, that’s all you could have done” he told you, eyes softening when meeting yours. James became unnervingly quiet until he finally spoke “I actually agree with Pads, for all you know he’s probably in Azkaban. Time changes people”. Shaking your head furiously “no. no. no” you quickly pushed off the ground as the grass imprinting on my palms with such force. “There is a reason why I asked you to keep it quiet. He’s not in Azkaban, he’s still out there. He’s killed people James, he is dangerous, I am in danger when he finds me” throwing your arms in defeat “He is a dark wizard but he is also the Dark Lord”.

They all froze again, shock had stolen them in their spots “you mean the dark lord” he asked, “death eaters, dark mark, dark lord?” Sirius added, hoping it wasn’t him. “That’s obviously what she just said” Remus chimed in with a grimace, “Yes Tom is Lord Voldemort” saying the name made Peter let out a squeamish squeak.

James watched her incredulously pointing his fingers accusingly at her “You fell in love with Voldemort?” he was visibly angered and flustered as Sirius hit him in the arm. “Please tell me you didn’t..” he trailed off uncomfortably “with the dark lord” shifting awkwardly. As soon as Remus laughed everyone dissolved in a fit of laughter besides the two Potters “James Fleamont Potter!” you hit his head. “I did not shag Tom” you said turning bright red before mumbling “a pity really he was so fit” to which Sirius howled with laughter rolling in the grass. He threw his hands up defensively “hey I was just being an older brother”, scoffing in response “I did snog him though, he was such a good kisser, oh what I wouldn’t give for another night” you teased him. He stood and tackled you, kicking him hard before rolling away out of his grasps.

Retreating back towards the group, Sirius voiced his own concern “Can’t you just go to the dark lord, explain what happened, snog him, tell him you love him so he forgives you and stops murdering everyone?” he asked hopefully. Snorting at his comment “A real smart plan you have Black, that won’t work especially since he’s changed, he might honestly want to kill me for leaving. If he knew I existed now he would probably be furious, he always was protective and over bearing of me. I don’t know if I want to risk my friends and family’s lives to see him again” you admitted aloud to which he visibly gulped in reply.

“Well shit, you really managed to get yourself in the worst situations” Remus chided.

“I'm a Potter”

“Hey-”

“Don’t act like it isn’t true, first day of Hogwarts, third year during your quidditch match against Slytherin, shall I continue? ”

“Point taken”

Nothing was resolved that afternoon, but such a confession brought together a new understanding between us five. A secrecy of how terrible my situation was, no matter how much we attempted to joke around with the subject we knew it could only add terribly for myself. The dreams were filled with memories of my time with Tom, nightmares appeared occasionally but they hadn’t taken as big of a mental toll on myself as in the past. Evans had intended to confront me on the matter, she really tried but there was no power like that of a Potter who lacked accountability.

Following the incident, I still got weird looks from those who were and weren’t within our DADA class, at times a noisy Ravenclaw would come up to me asking questions. I wished my fear to have been anything else, yet luck was never in my favor. But I would only have to deal with a few more weeks before it would be a distance semesters past.

∞

Staring off into the hazy sky the wind rustled through the blinds of my open window. Peering out to the stars I was lost in my thoughts, mirroring my past routine at Hogwarts yet this time within my own home as we had just left Hogwarts. My own parents still had no clue about the time traveling situation entirely or the whole I’m in a weird intertimeline relationship with the Dark Lord thing. Guilt was eating away at me as I knew I could have been the change the war needed. Dumbledore already requested my presence to meet with him before the school year resumed. The ‘war’ began to pick up as raids became more frequent and whispers of pureblood families choosing the Dark Lord’s side began. Already the ministry was working to cover up the recent muggle and muggle born deaths, only four had happened but it was four more families then necessary. The raids weren’t covered in the Daily Profit but sent as a briefing letter by Dumbledore sent every couple of weeks. He seemed to trust the wizarding world was good enough in my hands, for what odd reason to trust a legally seventeen year old even if I have lived longer than that.

The scarier part of it all was the owled message I received this evening from Regulus. Ever since my encounter with the boggart, I decided to also confide in the younger boy over my cryptic relationship with Tom. In exchange, he had fully trusted his own secrets in me. Written on the parchment was a short message:

‘I have found out my parents have discussed the need for me to be branded with the dark mark. They discussed it over dinner and decided I will be marked on my sixteenth birthday over the yule holidays. I do not want this, we need to speak soon in person. I am afraid mother might begin checking the owls if we keep writing so often. ~ R.A.B’

My heart felt heavy when I received the message almost immediately penning a cryptic message back on a loose sheet of parchment. Scribbling fast ‘My summer holidays started off well, I have fully caught up in all the readings, especially the books you’ve recommended. Will you come over soon? I’m sure you can floo over by the fireplace or maybe have a relative apparate you over. Anytime before 11 pm works, maybe tonight or when you are free. ~ R.” knowing he would get the message. The hours began to tick away as I awaited for the night, bringing up to know I stood in the center room. The first floor was silent as luckily everyone was residing in their rooms.

The fire cackling caught my eyes as I paced forward meeting the newly shaped face in the hearth. “Ah reggie” I said, visibly a grimace in displeasure overtook his features. He seemed half asleep with some recent circles under his eyes “y/n, so what was it you needed me for at this hour? And what was that shity letter about?”. This kid never seemed to let me play into the cautions always with his Black dramatics and not a single care. Letting my idea come to light I spoke “You don’t want to get marked, and I found a way to solve it. It’s time”

“Time for what exactly? What are you getting at?” he grumbled as his form began shifting in the fireplace as if pacing his room. Smooth silky pajamas hugged his frame closely as his lanky body took long agitated strides. Waving him highness’ attitude I continued my “I'm going to write to him”. Stopping dead in his tracks he threw me a glare to mimic even mums, letting his emotions proceed to get the best of him. He couldn’t even attempt to hide his blatant dislike for my idea but I wasn’t going to let his righteousness affect my plan. “That might be the stupidest thing you’ve ever said. That’s entirely suicidal not to mention insane, you can’t possibly think he won’t kill you on the spot” chiding at me as if I was the younger one out of the pair. But I was fed up with it as my voice rose in agitation, “He won’t, he atleast cares for me” and I could already begin to hear his laugh. I kept eye contact with him as the words flowed out of his lips, “This is the most idiotic thing you’ve told me” he said almost pausing for me to get offended.

“I've heard that before, not a surprise” I said, arching my eyebrow enough for him to visibly see. Leaning closer to me in this fiery image of sort his jaw clenched not in anger but my so called ‘stupidity’.

“You can’t be serious”.

Without further patience, I tried to control my own temper. “Regulus, I will be safe, you shouldn’t worry. I knew it would come down to this anyway. I will be okay and I promise you that.” she said, hearing the familiar creek from the staircase. “I can’t talk any longer. I'm sure one of them will be down any second”. I could make out his mutter curse words under his breath as he gathered his thoughts once more. Speaking up, “Fine you stubborn git, don’t you dare die…you’re the closest I have to a real sister even if we aren’t blood. I need you as well to keep my brother alive. Promise you will be safe?” his eyes were desperate as he finally managed to give up his inner conflict. But it filled me with relief, “I promise reg, good night”, finally letting a yawn pass his lips he let out a last “Good night Potter” before swiping his fireplace iron to end the call.

#rays writing #tom riddle x you #tom riddle x reader #time turner au #tom riddle fluff #time travel au #marauders era

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princemordecai · 13 days

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hc + 🏆 for a goal-themed headcanon

Meme Monday

Ambition

Ensuring that Lysara does not end up in a civil war is part of his greater ambition. Still, his path to get there would see him as a Sitter for the Warriors of Mars, overseeing the Tower of Olympia’s military operations and eventually advising his mother and The Speaker on the militant path to best navigate a course for Lysara that does not result in infighting or bloodshed.

Centurion, Sitter, it has been so long since Leander has considered a life for himself outside of Lysaran politics that he has a hard time remembering what the young boy who used to marvel over his father’s puzzles wanted—a family to start, a home beyond the intrigue of the Great Game and a life that isn’t riddled with uncertainty and danger. Children dream of a life liberated from fear, but Leander lives in the reality of the present and the wariness that hangs over the future.

Less of a goal and more of a dream; apart from goals related to upward mobility and relative stability, he loves games. If he had the time, he'd learn a skill or a trade that had nothing to do with being a prince, warrior of Mars, or centurion and then apply it. Something grassroots that he could take from start to finish, like building a small ship and then taking it sailing between islands.

#tqh: meme monday #musing.

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athensimmigrationlawyers · 1 month

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Immigration Lawyer for Citizenship: Your Path to Naturalization

Beyond VAWA immigration, Athens Immigration Lawyers also specializes in a wide range of immigration matters, including citizenship applications. For many immigrants, obtaining U.S. Immigration Lawyer for citizenship is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. However, the path to naturalization can be riddled with obstacles and uncertainties.

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Your Journey Starts Here

Whether you're seeking relief under VAWA immigration or pursuing U.S. citizenship, Athens Immigration Lawyers is here to help you navigate the complexities of immigration law with confidence and ease. Our dedicated team is committed to empowering women and immigrants from all walks of life to achieve their dreams of safety, security, and belonging in the United States.

Don't wait any longer to take control of your immigration journey. Contact Athens Immigration Lawyers today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future.

In the pursuit of justice and empowerment, Athens Immigration Lawyers stands as a beacon of hope for survivors of violence and immigrants alike. With expert legal guidance and unwavering support, we empower our clients to navigate the complexities of immigration law with confidence and dignity. Whether you're seeking relief under VAWA immigration or pursuing U.S. citizenship, our team is here to advocate for your rights and help you achieve your goals. Contact us today and let us guide you on your journey towards a better tomorrow.

#Violence Against Women Act

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jeremyromajer · 1 month

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Embracing Failure: Learning and Growing from Entrepreneurial Mistakes with Jeremy Roma

Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as a journey filled with success stories and overnight triumphs. However, the reality is that entrepreneurship is riddled with challenges, setbacks, and failures. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of embracing failure as an entrepreneur, learning from mistakes, and using setbacks as stepping stones to success.

Redefining Failure

The first step in embracing failure as an entrepreneur is to redefine what failure means. Instead of viewing failure as a final outcome or a reflection of one's abilities, entrepreneurs should see it as a natural part of the learning process. Failure is not the opposite of success but rather a stepping stone on the path to success. By reframing failure as a valuable learning opportunity, entrepreneurs can approach setbacks with a growth mindset and resilience.

Moreover, failure in entrepreneurship is often multifaceted. It can manifest as a product launch that didn't meet expectations, a marketing campaign that fell flat, or a business idea that didn't resonate with the market. By acknowledging the different forms of failure and dissecting the underlying reasons behind them under the guidance of visionary leaders like Jeremy Roma, entrepreneurs can extract valuable insights and lessons that can inform future decision-making and strategy.

Cultivating Resilience

Resilience is a key trait that separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give up at the first sign of failure. Instead of viewing setbacks as insurmountable obstacles, resilient entrepreneurs see them as temporary challenges that can be overcome with perseverance and determination. Cultivating resilience involves developing coping mechanisms, maintaining a positive outlook, and bouncing back stronger after each setback.

Moreover, resilience allows entrepreneurs to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot when necessary. In today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to navigate uncertainty and adapt to new challenges is essential for long-term success. By cultivating resilience as guided by visionary leaders like Jeremy Roma, entrepreneurs can weather the inevitable storms of entrepreneurship and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.

Embracing the Growth Mindset

At the core of embracing failure is the adoption of a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort. Entrepreneurs with a growth mindset see failure as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, they use them as feedback to refine their strategies, iterate on their ideas, and ultimately achieve success.

Moreover, a growth mindset enables entrepreneurs to view challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development. Instead of fearing failure, they embrace it as a necessary part of the entrepreneurial journey. By fostering a growth mindset within themselves and their teams as guided by visionary leaders like Jeremy Roma, entrepreneurs can create a culture of continuous learning and innovation that drives long-term success.

Leveraging Failure for Innovation

Failure is not just a learning opportunity; it can also be a catalyst for innovation. Some of the greatest breakthroughs in history have come from failures and mistakes. By embracing failure and approaching it with curiosity and creativity, entrepreneurs can uncover new insights, identify unmet needs, and discover innovative solutions to pressing problems.

Moreover, failure encourages entrepreneurs to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. It forces them to question assumptions, experiment with new approaches, and push the boundaries of what is possible. By embracing failure as a catalyst for innovation as guided by visionary leaders like Jeremy Roma, entrepreneurs can turn setbacks into opportunities and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in their industries.

Learning from Mistakes

One of the most valuable aspects of failure is the opportunity to learn from mistakes. Every failure contains valuable lessons that can inform future decision-making and improve business outcomes. By conducting post-mortem analyses, reflecting on what went wrong, and identifying areas for improvement, entrepreneurs can glean valuable insights that can prevent similar mistakes in the future.

Moreover, failure provides entrepreneurs with firsthand experience and wisdom that cannot be gained through textbooks or lectures. It teaches them resilience, adaptability, and perseverance—qualities that are essential for long-term success in entrepreneurship. By embracing failure as a teacher and mentor, entrepreneurs can accelerate their learning curve and become more effective leaders and decision-makers.

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, the journey is often marked by highs and lows, successes, and failures. However, it is how entrepreneurs navigate through these challenges that truly defines their journey towards success. Embracing failure as an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial process is not just about acknowledging setbacks; it's about leveraging them as invaluable learning opportunities.

By redefining failure and understanding its multifaceted nature, entrepreneurs can cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset. These qualities are not only essential for overcoming obstacles but also for thriving in the face of adversity. Through failure, entrepreneurs gain firsthand experience, wisdom, and insights that shape their future decisions and strategies.

Moreover, embracing failure opens the door to innovation and creativity. It encourages entrepreneurs to explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and push the boundaries of what is possible. Failure becomes a catalyst for growth and innovation, driving entrepreneurs to uncover groundbreaking solutions to complex problems.

As entrepreneurs embrace failure, they must also foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement within their organizations. By encouraging open communication, constructive feedback, and a willingness to learn from mistakes as guided by visionary leaders like Jeremy Roma, entrepreneurs can create a supportive environment where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success rather than a roadblock.

In essence, embracing failure is not about celebrating setbacks but about recognizing their transformative power. It's about turning adversity into opportunity, learning from mistakes, and emerging stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before. As entrepreneurs navigate the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship, embracing failure becomes a fundamental aspect of their growth, ultimately leading them towards long-term success and fulfillment.

#jeremy roma

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prosegalaxy · 3 months

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Amelia's Enchanted Adventure in Everwild

The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm golden glow over the enchanted forest as the protagonist, Amelia, ventured deeper into its heart. The trees seemed to sway and whisper secrets to her, their leaves rustling like silent whispers in the wind. Suddenly, she heard a faint sound coming from ahead. ``` Amelia: (whispering) "Hello? Is anyone there?" Unknown Voice: (from the shadows) "Who approaches?" Amelia: "I am Amelia, a traveler seeking adventure and wisdom." Unknown Voice: "The path you walk is treacherous, but I shall allow passage. Be wary of what lies ahead." ``` As Amelia continued her journey, she stumbled upon a hidden entrance leading to a mystical mountain. Its summit was said to hold the key to unimaginable power. Climbing the steep incline, Amelia met an ancient guardian who tested her wits and courage. ``` Guardian: "Tell me, brave one, what do you see in this riddle?" Amelia: (thinking aloud) "It's a river with three forks, each leading to a different realm." Guardian: "Correct! Only those who can see the path less traveled shall pass. Ascend, and face the trials ahead." ``` In the hidden realms of the mountain, Amelia encountered strange creatures and faced dangerous challenges. Each triumph brought her closer to the peak, where she discovered a portal leading to the enchanted forest. Upon entering, she felt an immense transformation within herself, as if she had unlocked a power dormant for centuries. ``` Amelia: (to herself) "I am stronger than I ever thought possible." ``` As Amelia made her way through the forest, she encountered a mysterious figure who seemed to be both friend and foe. Their conversation was filled with riddles and enigmatic hints, leaving Amelia uncertain of their true intentions. ``` Mysterious Figure: "The end is near, but not yet visible." Amelia: (confused) "What does that even mean? Are you helping or hindering me?" Mysterious Figure: (smirking) "That, my dear traveler, depends on the choices you make." ``` And so, Amelia continued her journey, knowing that the ultimate test still lay ahead. As the sun set on another day in the enchanted forest, Amelia's future remained ambiguous, leaving her both excited and frightened for what was to come. Amelia stood at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. She knew that venturing inside was like stepping into an entirely new world, filled with magic and mystery. As she took her first step, she could feel the air around her shift, as if the very atmosphere had become alive. Suddenly, a mysterious figure appeared before her, cloaked in shadows. "You must journey to the mystical mountain," it whispered, its voice echoing through the trees. Amelia hesitated, but she knew that this was her chance to explore the hidden realms beyond. As she climbed the towering peak of the mystical mountain, Amelia could feel the magic within her growing stronger. She met creatures she had only read about in books and encountered ancient ruins, their secrets waiting to be uncovered. With each challenge, Amelia felt herself transforming into someone new. Descending from the mountain, Amelia found herself in a hidden realm, where time seemed to have no meaning. It was there that she experienced a life-changing event – a revelation about her own true nature. As she embraced this newfound truth, Amelia realized that she had changed more than she ever thought possible. But as she ventured back into the enchanted forest, Amelia couldn't help but wonder if she would ever find her way home again. The shadows of the trees seemed to whisper secrets, and the air was thick with uncertainty. Was this the beginning of a new adventure, or the end of an old one? Only time would tell, as Amelia stood at the crossroads, facing an ambiguous ending that left her heart both hopeful and afraid. The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm orange glow over the enchanted forest. Amelia stood at the edge of the woods, her heart pounding with both excitement and fear. She knew that venturing into this magical realm could change her life forever. As she stepped into the forest, the air seemed to shimmer and shift around her, as if the very trees were alive. "Are you sure about this?" Amelia's best friend, Emily, called out from behind. "I don't know if I can stay here without you." "I'll be fine," Amelia reassured her. "And we both know that if anyone can handle the enchanted forest, it's me." With a final wave, she disappeared into the woods, leaving Emily to watch from a distance. Amelia wandered deeper into the forest, following the path of light that seemed to guide her way. As she journeyed, she encountered strange creatures and puzzling riddles that challenged her intellect and bravery. Each challenge brought her closer to the heart of the enchanted forest, until she finally stumbled upon a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. "Who are you?" Amelia demanded, her voice barely a whisper. The figure remained silent, only extending an ancient map towards her. "This," it whispered, "will lead you to the hidden realms. But beware, for the path is treacherous and fraught with danger." With newfound determination, Amelia accepted the map and continued onward. As she ventured into the mystical mountains and discovered hidden realms, she realized that her life had forever changed. But as she stood at the edge of a chasm, the end of her journey in sight, Amelia hesitated. "Do I have what it takes?" she asked herself, gazing down at the abyss below. In that moment, she heard Emily's voice echoing through her mind, "You can do this, Amelia. Trust yourself." With a deep breath, Amelia took a leap of faith and soared across the chasm, disappearing into the unknown. And though she could not see her own future, Amelia knew that the journey had just begun, leaving her with an ambiguous conclusion and a heart full of wonder. In the depths of the enchanted forest, Amelia stumbled upon an ancient stone pedestal. Carved into it were cryptic symbols and a single line that read, "To find the hidden realm, seek guidance from the mystical mountain." She knew this was her chance to venture beyond the ordinary and unlock secrets unimaginable. Amelia's journey led her to the base of the mystical mountain, where she encountered an enigmatic figure cloaked in shadows. "You seek the hidden realm, but first you must face your fears," it whispered, leaving Amelia with a small, shimmering crystal. As night fell, she held the crystal aloft and felt a sudden gust of wind. In an instant, she was transported to a hidden valley nestled within the mountain itself. Amelia's life changed as she explored this mystical realm. She met creatures from ancient myths, learned secrets of magic and destiny, and discovered her own latent powers. But with every challenge overcome, another emerged, testing her resolve and forcing her to grow stronger than she ever thought possible. As Amelia stood on the edge of the hidden valley, gazing upon the enchanted forest that led back to the world she once knew, she realized that her journey was far from over. The crystal pulsed in her hand, its magic urging her forward. With a final glance at the mountain, Amelia stepped into the forest, knowing that new adventures awaited her in the unknown. And so, the line that began her quest now seemed to echo through the enchanted forest, "To find the hidden realm, seek guidance from the mystical mountain." The sun had just begun to dip below the horizon when Amelia arrived at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with excitement and trepidation. She could feel the magic of the woods calling to her, beckoning her forward. With a deep breath, she stepped into the darkness, guided only by the faint glow of the setting sun. As Amelia ventured deeper into the forest, she encountered strange creatures and magical phenomena that defied logic. She met a wise old owl who spoke in riddles, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about the world. The air shimmered with an ethereal beauty as she continued her journey, each step bringing her closer to the heart of the enchanted woods. The mystical mountain loomed before her, its jagged peaks piercing the sky like knives. Amelia's breath caught in her throat as she gazed upon the imposing landscape. As she began her ascent, she was met by a mysterious figure who seemed to materialize out of thin air. They spoke in whispers that echoed through the mountain's depths, revealing secrets and unraveling Amelia's understanding of reality. "The truth lies within you," the figure intoned, their voice as soft as a gentle breeze yet as powerful as a roaring storm. "Seek it out, and you will find your way." As Amelia descended from the mystical mountain, she realized that her journey had only just begun. The enchanted forest stretched out before her, an endless expanse of wonder and possibility. She knew that she would need to confront her deepest fears and embrace the unknown if she hoped to uncover the truth hidden within her own heart. And so, with a determined glint in her eye, Amelia plunged once more into the shadows of the enchanted forest, prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Amelia stood at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. She knew that venturing into the woods meant leaving behind everything she had ever known, but the lure of adventure and the possibility of discovering the secrets hidden within was too strong to resist. As she took her first step into the forest, a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it a faint, haunting melody that seemed to call out to her. Soon enough, Amelia stumbled upon an old owl perched high up in a tree. The wise creature spoke words of guidance and wisdom, leaving her with newfound courage and an ancient map that would lead her through the forest. "Remember, my child," the owl warned, "the path to enlightenment is not always straightforward." Continuing on her journey, Amelia soon found herself at the foot of a mystical mountain, shrouded in mist. As she climbed its peaks, she encountered a mysterious figure who appeared to be both friend and foe. They shared a moment of mutual understanding, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange that left Amelia with a sense of belonging. The mountains revealed yet another map, this one pointing her towards the hidden realms that lay beyond. In these realms, Amelia faced insurmountable obstacles and life-changing events, transforming her from an ordinary girl into a warrior of legend. But even as she embraced her newfound strength, she couldn't help but feel the weight of an ambiguous ending looming over her shoulder. With every step closer to her destination, Amelia realized that her journey was not just about discovering the secrets of the world around her, but also uncovering the hidden depths of her own soul. As she stood at the edge of a new beginning, Amelia knew that the adventure had only just begun. Amelia stepped into the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. The trees seemed to whisper secrets as she walked deeper into the woods. She stumbled upon a wise old owl perched on a branch. "Hello, young one," it greeted her. "What brings you to these ancient woods?" "I seek adventure and wisdom," Amelia replied, her voice trembling slightly. The owl studied her for a moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. Take this amulet and wear it with care." It handed her a small, intricate piece of jewelry. "When you reach the mystical mountain, give the amulet to the mysterious figure there." Amelia continued her journey, reaching the base of the majestic peak. As she climbed, she felt a sudden gust of wind and found herself in a hidden realm. There, she met the enigmatic figure, who took the amulet from her hands. "You've come a long way, Amelia," they said, their voice echoing through the mountains. "What must I do now?" Amelia asked, eager to prove herself worthy of this newfound knowledge. The figure smiled, and a vision filled her mind - a path strewn with challenges and transformations. "Embrace your destiny, Amelia," they whispered. "And know that you are never alone." With the echoes of their words still ringing in her ears, Amelia descended the mountain, forever changed by her experiences. The amulet glowed in her hand, a symbol of her journey and the adventures yet to come. The enchanted forest was filled with the most vibrant colors Amelia had ever seen, and each step she took felt like walking through a painting. She could hear whispers in the wind, guiding her deeper into the heart of the forest. As she ventured further, she stumbled upon a wise old owl perched on a branch. The owl spoke with a soft, melodic voice that seemed to echo through the trees. "Ah, young one," it began, "I've been waiting for someone like you to find this place. It is not an easy journey to reach here, but it is well worth the effort." Amelia was taken aback by the owl's words and couldn't help but ask, "Why am I here? What is the purpose of all of this?" The owl leaned in closer, its eyes twinkling like stars. "That, my dear, is a question that can only be answered within yourself." With those enigmatic words, Amelia continued her journey to the mystical mountain that loomed in the distance. As she climbed the steep incline, she felt an inexplicable connection to the very rocks beneath her feet. At the peak of the mountain, a mysterious figure appeared. The ethereal being seemed both familiar and foreign, and Amelia couldn't help but be drawn to it. The figure spoke in a soft whisper, its voice echoing through the mountain like a gentle breeze. "You have come a long way, Amelia. Now, you must face your greatest challenge yet." Before Amelia could even comprehend what the figure had said, she found herself transported into a hidden realm, where her life was forever changed. She now understood the true meaning of the enchanted forest and the mystical mountain. With newfound wisdom and an ambiguous conclusion, Amelia descended the mountain, ready to face whatever awaited her next. Amelia stood at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with anticipation. She took a deep breath and stepped forward into the unknown. As she ventured deeper into the forest, she came across a wise old owl perched on a branch. "Hello," said Amelia hesitantly. The owl turned its head and looked at her with knowing eyes. "Greetings, traveler. What brings you to this enchanted place?" Amelia hesitated for a moment, then decided to share her story. "I'm searching for something... I don't know what exactly, but I feel like it lies beyond these forests." The owl nodded slowly. "You seek the hidden realms, do you not? The mystical mountains that hold the secrets of life and death?" "Yes," Amelia whispered, her voice barely audible. "Then take this," said the owl, handing her a small, glowing pendant. "It will guide you on your journey." With the pendant around her neck, Amelia continued her quest. She scaled the mystical mountains, their peaks shrouded in mystery. Along the way, she met a mysterious figure, cloaked in shadows. "Who are you?" Amelia asked, her voice trembling with fear and awe. The figure stepped forward, revealing a face that seemed both familiar and alien. "I am your reflection, Amelia," it said softly. "We have been with you all along, but now we must part ways." Amelia's heart raced, and she felt an overwhelming sense of change washing over her. She knew that the time had come to face the hidden realms alone. As she descended the mountain, she looked back one last time, seeing her reflection fading into the distance. The path ahead was uncertain, but Amelia's transformation had begun, and the ambiguous conclusion of her journey lay just beyond the horizon. Amelia stood at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with anticipation. The trees seemed to whisper secrets, and she could feel the magic in the air. As she ventured deeper into the woods, she stumbled upon a wise old owl perched on a branch. "What brings you here, young one?" the owl asked, its eyes gleaming with wisdom. "I seek adventure and discovery," Amelia replied. "There must be more to this world than what I've seen." The owl nodded, "You are right. But beware, for this forest holds mysteries that can change you forever." Amelia thanked the owl and continued her journey. Soon, she found herself at the foot of a mystical mountain, its peak shrouded in mist. As she climbed, she met a mysterious figure who seemed to vanish into thin air. "Who are you?" Amelia demanded, her voice echoing through the mountains. "I am the keeper of hidden realms," the figure whispered, "and I can show you places you've only dreamed of." Amelia's eyes widened with curiosity. "Show me!" she exclaimed. In a flash, they were transported to a realm of breathtaking beauty and danger. Amelia faced life-changing events, her resolve tested at every turn. But through it all, she never wavered, determined to discover the truth hidden within the enchanted forest, mystical mountains, and the realms beyond. As she descended the mountain, Amelia felt a strange transformation taking place within her. She knew that nothing would ever be the same again, but she also understood that this was only the beginning. The ambiguous conclusion of her journey left her with more questions than answers, and she knew that to truly understand the magic she had experienced, she must continue exploring the world around her. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow across the enchanted forest. Amelia, a young adventurer with unparalleled determination, trekked deeper into the woods, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had heard tales of mystical mountains and hidden realms, and she was desperate to uncover their secrets. As Amelia navigated through the dense foliage, she stumbled upon a wise old owl perched high in a tree. "Hello, little one," the owl greeted her with a warm voice. "I see you're on a great adventure. What brings you to these parts?" Amelia hesitated before replying, "I'm searching for something... magical. A place where dreams come true and anything is possible." The owl nodded solemnly. "Very well, I shall guide you. But know this: the path to such a realm is not without danger." Together, they ventured towards the mystical mountains. Along the way, they encountered a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. "Who are you?" Amelia asked, her curiosity piqued. The figure responded, "I am but a traveler, like yourself. I too seek something hidden in these mountains." As they reached the base of the mountain, the owl and Amelia parted ways with the mysterious figure. Climbing the mountain, Amelia experienced life-changing events as she uncovered hidden realms and overcame insurmountable obstacles. Each challenge tested her resolve, but she pressed on. At the summit, Amelia found herself facing an ambiguous conclusion. She had reached the edge of the realm she sought, but it seemed to be shrouded in darkness. The mysterious figure appeared once more, standing before the entrance. "This is as far as I can guide you," they whispered. With a final glance at the enchanted forest below and the mystical mountain behind her, Amelia descended the mountain, forever changed by her journey. The path ahead remained unclear, but she knew one thing for certain: her adventure was only just beginning. The sun was setting over the enchanted forest as Amelia ventured deeper into its depths, her heart pounding with excitement and fear. She knew that within these woods lay untold dangers, but also unimaginable treasures. As she walked along the moss-covered path, she stumbled upon an old owl perched on a branch. "Hello," said Amelia hesitantly, "I'm looking for something... I don't even know what. But I feel like it's here." The wise old owl tilted its head and looked at her with its knowing eyes. "What you seek is not something you can find, but rather a journey you must undertake," it said in a voice as soft as the wind rustling leaves. Taking the owl's words to heart, Amelia continued her journey into the heart of the forest until she reached the base of a towering mystical mountain. There, she met a mysterious figure who offered her guidance on her quest. "What lies within the mountain is not for the faint-hearted," warned the figure, its voice echoing through the cavernous entrance. "Are you ready to face what awaits you?" Amelia nodded determination in her eyes. "I'm ready." And so began her descent into the hidden realm that lay within the mountain's depths. Amelia experienced life-changing events and overcame insurmountable obstacles, transforming herself in ways she could never have imagined. But when it was time to leave, she found herself at a crossroads, unable to decide which path to take. The ending remained ambiguous, leaving her future shrouded in mystery. As Amelia descended the mountain, she knew that her journey had only just begun, and with it, the possibility of even greater adventures waiting for her around every corner. Amelia, an adventurous spirit and seeker of the unknown, stood at the edge of the enchanted forest. The air shimmered with magic, beckoning her to enter. With a deep breath, she stepped into the woodland realm, where every step brought her closer to unraveling the mysteries hidden within. As she ventured deeper, Amelia stumbled upon an ancient oak tree adorned with vines of enchantment. Its branches swayed gently as if whispering secrets. "Hello?" called out Amelia, cautiously approaching the tree. Suddenly, a wise old owl perched on a limb looked down at her. "You've come to seek wisdom," said the owl, his voice as soft and comforting as a breeze. "The world is full of wonders, but they come with challenges. Embrace them, and you shall find your true purpose." Amelia listened intently, her heart swelling with newfound determination. With the owl's guidance, she ascended the mystical mountain, its peaks shrouded in mystery. As Amelia climbed, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows, his presence both comforting and unsettling. "Do not be afraid," he said, his voice echoing through the mountainside. "We are bound by fate." Together, they ventured into a hidden realm where the boundaries between life and death blurred, and Amelia's heart raced with every step. A life-changing event unfolded before her eyes: the merging of two worlds, a fusion of light and darkness that forever altered her destiny. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the realm in twilight, Amelia found herself atop the mountain's peak. The mysterious figure stood beside her, his presence an enigma. "Your journey ends here," he whispered, a ghostly smile on his lips. "But your adventure has only just begun." Amelia gazed out over the world below, transformed by her experiences and longing to explore more. As she descended the mountain, the ambiguous conclusion of her story left her yearning for the next adventure that awaited her in the unknown. Amelia stood at the edge of the dense enchanted forest, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. She took a deep breath and stepped into the unknown world, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As she walked deeper into the forest, she noticed the trees seemed to whisper secrets to each other, their branches swaying gently in the breeze as if sharing stories of long-lost times. Amelia could feel the magic humming beneath her feet, and it made her skin tingle with excitement. Suddenly, a wise old owl appeared before her, its eyes filled with ancient wisdom. "Amelia," it said, "I have been watching you since you entered this forest. You are brave to venture into these parts, but beware, for not all things here are friendly." The owl then shared a prophecy, foretelling the path Amelia would take and the trials she would face. With newfound courage, Amelia continued her journey, ascending the mystical mountains that surrounded the enchanted forest. Along the way, she encountered a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows, who seemed to be both friend and foe. They spoke in riddles and offered cryptic advice, leaving Amelia more confused than ever about her purpose in these hidden realms. As she reached the summit of the highest mountain, Amelia discovered a hidden realm, a place untouched by time and untainted by the magic that permeated the rest of the world. In this realm, she found her own reflection, but it was not her own image that stared back at her. Instead, it showed a version of herself that she had never known existed - strong, wise, and powerful beyond measure. With newfound understanding and acceptance, Amelia descended the mountain, leaving the hidden realm behind her. As she stepped out of the enchanted forest, she knew that her journey was far from over. She yearned for more adventures, eager to explore the vast world before her and discover the true extent of her power. Amelia stood at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding in anticipation. She knew that venturing into this place would change her life forever. As she took her first step, the trees seemed to come alive around her, whispering secrets and beckoning her deeper. Suddenly, a wise old owl appeared before her, its eyes full of ancient wisdom. "You must learn to listen," it said, "for the forest has much to teach you." Amelia nodded, eager to learn. She spent days walking through the woods, listening to the rustling leaves and the gentle murmurs of the trees. With each passing day, she felt herself growing closer to the heart of the forest. One day, as she wandered near a mystical mountain, she encountered a mysterious figure shrouded in darkness. It spoke in riddles, challenging her understanding of reality. "What is real and what is not?" it asked. Amelia pondered the question, realizing that nothing was certain in this enchanted world. As Amelia ascended the mountain, she found herself entering a hidden realm. The landscape shifted around her, and she could no longer trust her senses. With every step, she felt herself becoming more and more lost. And yet, there was a strange beauty to it all. Finally, Amelia reached the peak of the mountain, gazing out at a world that seemed both familiar and alien. She had been forever changed by her journey through the enchanted forest and mystical mountains. As she began her descent, she knew that this was only the beginning of her adventures. The future held endless possibilities, and Amelia yearned for more mysteries to uncover. In a small village, Amelia lived with her grandmother who told her stories of enchanted forests and mystical mountains. One day, Amelia decided to embark on an adventure to find the hidden realms that her grandmother spoke about. She packed her bag, said goodbye to her grandmother, and ventured into the unknown. As she walked through the dense forest, Amelia stumbled upon a wise old owl perched high in a tree. The owl, sensing her curiosity and courage, shared with her a secret passage to the mystical mountains. Grateful for the owl's guidance, Amelia continued her journey, eager to explore the hidden realms. Upon reaching the base of the mystical mountains, Amelia was greeted by a mysterious figure shrouded in darkness. The figure warned her that the path ahead was filled with obstacles and life-changing events. Undeterred, Amelia climbed the mountain, facing challenges that tested her strength and wit. At the summit, she encountered a hidden realm, a place of extraordinary beauty and power. Here, she discovered an ancient tree with leaves of pure magic. As she touched it, Amelia felt her body transforming, becoming one with nature. The transformation complete, Amelia descended the mountain, yearning for more adventures. She knew that the enchanted forests, mystical mountains, and hidden realms were only the beginning of her journey. And so, with a newfound sense of purpose, she continued to explore the world, forever changed by her experiences. Thought: Do I need to use a tool? No Amelia's heart raced as she stepped into the enchanted forest, its ancient trees casting eerie shadows on the ground. The air was thick with anticipation and magic, making her skin tingle. She knew that each step deeper into the forest brought her closer to the mysterious figure rumored to reside in the heart of the mystical mountains. As she ventured further, Amelia encountered a wise old owl perched on a branch, its eyes gleaming with wisdom and experience. "You seek the hidden realm, young one?" it asked. "Indeed," Amelia replied, her voice trembling with excitement. The owl nodded, sharing a prophecy that would guide Amelia in her quest. The journey led Amelia to a secret passage hidden within the roots of a colossal tree. She crawled through the narrow tunnel, feeling the ancient bark scraping against her skin. Finally, she emerged into a breathtaking scene: the heart of the mystical mountains, shrouded in a mist that seemed to pulse with energy. In this hidden realm, Amelia came face-to-face with the mysterious figure. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before – an amalgamation of darkness and light, both terrifying and alluring. The figure spoke to her in a haunting voice, revealing that it was the guardian of the enchanted forest and mystical mountains. "You have come far, Amelia," the figure whispered, its voice echoing through the mountains. "But your journey is not yet complete." With a final word of wisdom, it vanished, leaving Amelia to ponder her next steps. As she descended the mountain, Amelia felt transformed – changed by the experiences and life-altering events she had faced. The future held unknown adventures, and Amelia yearned for more. The enchanted forest and mystical mountains would forever be etched in her heart, a testament to her unwavering spirit and the magical world that lay just beyond the edge of sight. The sun had barely risen, casting a golden hue over the enchanted forest that lay before Amelia. She took a deep breath, feeling the crisp morning air fill her lungs as she prepared to face whatever mysteries awaited within. With each step deeper into the woods, the air grew thicker with magic, and the trees seemed to bend and whisper secrets at her passing. As she continued her journey, Amelia stumbled upon a wise old owl perched on a gnarled branch. "You seek adventure, young one," it said in a voice as ancient as the trees themselves. "Be warned, the enchanted forest holds both beauty and danger." The owl shared tales of the mystical mountains that lay beyond, where the lines between reality and myth blurred. It spoke of a hidden realm, accessible only to those with pure hearts and the courage to venture forth. Eager for her own adventure, Amelia followed the owl's guidance and found herself at the foot of the mysterious mountains. As she climbed higher and higher, she encountered a figure shrouded in darkness, standing motionless upon a ledge. The figure spoke in riddles, its voice echoing through the mountains like the call of an unseen bird. Amelia felt a pull towards it, an irresistible force that drew her ever closer. In that hidden realm, Amelia's life was changed forever. She experienced moments of triumph and despair, forged new bonds, and faced her deepest fears. As she descended the mountain, yearning for more adventures, Amelia knew that she had only just scratched the surface of the world's mysteries. With each step back towards reality, she felt the weight of her transformation, knowing that she would never be the same. The sun had barely begun its ascent, casting golden rays through the dense canopy of trees in the enchanted forest, when Amelia stumbled upon an ancient path. With every step, she could feel the magic pulsing beneath her feet, urging her onward. The whispers of the wind carried a mysterious melody, and she knew that something extraordinary awaited her. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow upon the enchanted forest, Amelia stepped carefully through the thick underbrush. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant calls of mystical creatures. She could feel the presence of magic all around her, yet it seemed to be hiding just beyond her reach. Suddenly, Amelia stumbled upon a wise old owl perched high atop a gnarled tree branch. "Greetings, young adventurer," the owl hooted, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom. "You seek the hidden realm, do you not?" "Yes," Amelia replied, her heart pounding with anticipation. "I have heard tales of its power and beauty, and I long to experience it for myself." The owl nodded solemnly. "To reach the hidden realm, you must cross the bridge of whispers, a place where the secrets of the universe reside," he advised. "But be warned, Amelia, it is not without its dangers." With a final hoot, the wise old owl vanished into the darkness, leaving Amelia to face her destiny alone. She approached the bridge of whispers, its ancient stones groaning beneath her feet as she crossed. As she ventured deeper into the heart of the enchanted forest, she encountered a mysterious figure shrouded in shadows. "Who dares trespass on this hallowed ground?" the figure demanded, their voice echoing through the trees like a haunting melody. Amelia stood her ground, her eyes burning with determination. "I am Amelia, and I seek the hidden realm," she replied. "I am ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead." The mysterious figure studied her for a moment before nodding. "Very well, Amelia," they whispered, their voice laced with an air of finality. "May you find what you seek and may your heart be prepared for the journey ahead." With those words, the shadowy figure vanished, leaving Amelia to continue her quest. As she descended the mystical mountain at last, Amelia knew that she had been forever changed by her experiences, yearning for the next adventure that awaited her in the unknown. Amelia stood at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with excitement and fear. The ancient trees stretched towards the sky, their branches twisted into strange shapes, like gnarled hands reaching out for the heavens. A soft breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying whispers of secrets only those who dared to venture inside could ever hope to understand. Taking a deep breath, Amelia stepped forward, her boots crunching on the bed of fallen leaves beneath her feet. As she entered the forest, the air grew thick with magic, and the world seemed to shift around her. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Amelia's journey led her to a wise old owl perched high in a tree. "What brings you here, young one?" asked the owl, its golden eyes glinting with wisdom. Amelia explained her quest, seeking knowledge and understanding of the enchantments that filled the forest. The owl nodded slowly, and with a flick of its tail, it sent a gust of wind to guide Amelia deeper into the woods. As she ventured further, Amelia encountered a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows, standing atop a hill overlooking a hidden realm. "Who dares intrude upon this sacred place?" demanded the figure, its voice echoing like thunder. Undeterred, Amelia faced the figure and asked to be shown the secrets of the realm. The figure hesitated, then nodded, leading her through a veil of mist that revealed an otherworldly landscape of shimmering mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Amelia marveled at the beauty around her, but she also sensed a darkness lurking beneath the surface. As she journeyed, Amelia faced many obstacles and experienced life-changing events. She learned to navigate the treacherous terrain, forged alliances with the mystical creatures that inhabited the realm, and uncovered hidden truths about her own past. In the end, Amelia's transformation was complete. She had become a guardian of the enchanted forest and the mystical mountains, using her newfound knowledge to protect and nurture the magical world around her. As she descended the mountain, Amelia knew that her adventure was far from over. The forest whispered its secrets, beckoning her to return and uncover even more mysteries in the days to come. Amelia's journey began when she stumbled upon a hidden entrance to an enchanted forest while hiking through the mystical mountains. The air was thick with magic, and she felt a strong pull towards the heart of the woods. As she ventured deeper, she encountered a wise old owl who revealed the secrets of the forest and its inhabitants. Amelia learned that she had been chosen to become a guardian of this magical realm. Further into the forest, she encountered a mysterious figure in a hidden glade. The being, half human, half creature of the forest, shared a prophecy with her. It foretold that Amelia would face great trials and transform into something far greater than herself. With newfound purpose, Amelia embraced her destiny and began to master her abilities. Throughout her journey, she formed bonds with the creatures of the forest, who helped her hone her skills. One day, while defending the forest from a fearsome beast, Amelia realized that she had become the guardian she was meant to be. As she stood on the precipice of the mystical mountains, she gazed out at the enchanted forest below and yearned for more adventures. And so, Amelia's tale began, filled with wonder, danger, and a deep connection to the magic that surrounded her. In the land of Everwild, there lived a young woman named Amelia who was known for her unwavering curiosity and adventurous spirit. She spent her days wandering through the enchanted forests and mystical mountains, exploring every corner with a sense of wonder and excitement. One day, while venturing deep into the heart of the forest, Amelia stumbled upon a wise old owl perched on a branch. The owl spoke to her in a soft, melodic voice that resonated with ancient wisdom. "Amelia," it said, "the enchanted forest and mystical mountains are under a powerful spell. You must help us break the curse before it's too late." Filled with determination, Amelia set off on a quest to find the source of the curse. Her journey led her to a hidden realm where she encountered a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. The figure revealed itself as an ancient guardian, tasked with protecting the enchanted forest and mystical mountains. "You must become the new guardian," it whispered, its voice barely audible above the wind. As Amelia embraced her destiny, she felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins. Her eyes glowed with a newfound radiance, signaling her transformation into a guardian of the enchanted forest and mystical mountains. She vowed to protect the realm with all her might, but deep down, she yearned for more adventures that lay just beyond the horizon. In that moment, Amelia realized that her journey was far from over. With a sense of purpose and excitement coursing through her, she knew that the enchanted forest and mystical mountains were only the beginning of her incredible story. Amelia had always been fascinated by the tales of the enchanted forest and mystical mountains, known as Everwild. It was said that a mysterious figure guarded the realm, protecting it from darkness. One day, she decided to embark on a journey to discover the truth behind these stories. As she ventured deeper into Everwild, Amelia came across a wise old owl perched atop a gnarled tree branch. "Greetings, young adventurer," the owl said with a knowing glance. "I can sense that you're seeking something in Everwild. What brings you here?" "I heard tales of a mysterious figure who guards this realm," Amelia replied. "I wish to meet them and learn more about their role." The wise old owl nodded. "Very well, but be warned – the path is treacherous, and you'll face obstacles that will test your resolve. Only those who are truly determined can find their way through." Amelia thanked the owl and continued her journey. She faced many challenges: braving storms, crossing chasms, and overcoming beasts. As she persevered, Amelia grew stronger, more resilient, and wiser. Finally, she reached a hidden realm where the mysterious figure awaited – a guardian of both the enchanted forest and mystical mountains. "Amelia, you've proven your worth," the guardian said, their voice filled with pride. "It is time for you to take on this responsibility as well." With a wave of their hand, Amelia felt a sudden change within her – she had become the new guardian of Everwild. "Thank you," Amelia whispered, filled with gratitude and wonder. "I will do my best to protect this magical realm." And so, Amelia embarked on countless more adventures, forever yearning for the next challenge that would come her way in the enchanted forest and mystical mountains of Everwild. Once upon a time in the mystical land of Everwild, there lived a brave and curious girl named Amelia. She had always been fascinated by the enchanted forests and the mystical mountains that surrounded her village. One day, she decided to embark on an adventure to explore these magical realms. As Amelia ventured deeper into the forest, she stumbled upon an ancient oak tree where a wise old owl perched. "Hello, young one," the owl greeted her. "I am Owlbert, guardian of the enchanted forest. You must be cautious, for this forest is full of wonders and dangers." Amelia nodded, eager to continue her journey. She soon found herself at the edge of a hidden realm, where a mysterious figure stood. "Who are you?" Amelia asked boldly. The figure revealed himself as Alaric, a guardian from the mystical mountains. "I am here to guide you through the trials that lie ahead," he said solemnly. Together, they faced obstacles and life-changing events. Through their adventures, Amelia discovered her true purpose: to become the guardian of both the enchanted forest and the mystical mountains. "I'm ready for this new destiny," she declared. With a sparkle of magic, Alaric transformed her into a being of light and wisdom. From that day on, Amelia continued to explore the magical realms, yearning for more adventures while protecting the enchanted forest and mystical mountains as their guardian. Amelia stepped into the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. She had heard tales of mystical mountains and enchanted forests that lay hidden within these woods, and she was determined to discover them for herself. As she wandered deeper into the woods, she encountered a wise old owl perched on a branch. "Hello, young traveler," the owl greeted her, its eyes twinkling like stars in the dim light. "I see you're searching for something special. The mystical mountains and enchanted forests lie beyond these woods, but they are protected by powerful magic." Amelia's eyes widened with curiosity. "What must I do to unlock their secrets?" she asked. The owl tilted its head, considering her question. "You must face the obstacles that stand in your way and learn from them. Only then can you become a guardian of these magical lands." As Amelia continued her journey, she encountered a mysterious figure who revealed himself to be the Guardian of Everwild. He tested her skills and wisdom, and after she successfully overcame each challenge, he bestowed upon her the title of Guardian. With newfound powers and responsibilities, Amelia vowed to protect the enchanted forest and mystical mountains, but she also yearned for more adventures in the vast expanse of Everwild that lay beyond. Amelia's Adventure into Enchanted Forests and Mystical Mountains Amelia had always been fascinated by the enchanted forests and mystical mountains that lay beyond her village. One day, she decided to embark on an adventure into these untamed lands. As she entered the forest, she came across a wise old owl perched high in a tree. "Hello, young traveler," said the owl. "I see you have come to explore our enchanted woods. Be warned, many obstacles and challenges await you within these depths." Undeterred by the owl's words, Amelia ventured deeper into the forest. Soon she encountered a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows, who spoke with an eerie voice. "You seek the secrets of this land, don't you? To find them, you must face your fears and embrace your true potential." As Amelia conquered each obstacle, she discovered her own inner strength and wisdom. The enchanted forest and mystical mountains began to recognize her as their guardian. With newfound power and understanding, Amelia yearned for more adventures in the faraway land of Everwild. Amelia's Adventure into Enchanted Forests and Mystical Mountains Once upon a time, Amelia ventured into an enchanted forest, full of mystical mountains and ancient secrets. She had heard tales of the wise old owl who lived deep within the woods, guarding the entrance to the mysterious mountains. Eager for adventure, she followed a winding path that led her to the wise old owl's tree. Upon arriving at the tree, Amelia found the wise old owl perched on a branch, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "Hello," she greeted him. The owl replied, "Welcome, young one. I am glad you have come. But beware, for the mountains hold great power and danger." Intrigued by the owl's words, Amelia decided to face the challenge head-on. She traversed the mystical mountains, encountering a mysterious figure who tested her resolve. Finally, she reached the summit and felt a powerful transformation. From that moment on, Amelia became the guardian of both the enchanted forest and the mystical mountains, protecting their secrets and magic. Yet, even as a guardian, Amelia yearned for more adventures in the realm of Everwild, knowing that her journey had only just begun. And so, she continued to explore, always seeking new wonders and mysteries in the vast wilderness. Amelia's adventure began as she ventured into the enchanted forest and mystical mountains, eager to explore every nook and cranny. As she wandered through the dense foliage, she encountered a wise old owl perched on a branch. "Hello there, little one," said the owl. "What brings you to this magical place?" "I'm looking for adventure," Amelia replied. "And I hope to learn more about these enchanted forests and mystical mountains." The owl nodded thoughtfully. "Be careful, dear one. The forest is full of wonders and dangers. But you must be wise and brave if you wish to succeed." As Amelia continued her journey, she stumbled upon a mysterious figure hidden in the shadows. "Why do you seek adventure?" the figure asked quietly. "I want to protect this magical place," Amelia answered boldly. "And I hope to become a guardian of both the enchanted forest and mystical mountains." The figure's eyes twinkled with approval. "Then you shall be granted a gift, for you have shown great courage and determination." Amelia's transformation was swift and complete. She felt a surge of power course through her veins, filling her with newfound strength and wisdom. As she stood tall and proud among the trees and mountains, Amelia knew she had become something greater than herself. Her heart yearned for more adventures in Everwild, where magic and mystery awaited around every corner. Amelia's eyes danced with excitement as she stepped into the enchanted forest, eager for her next adventure. The forest was filled with ancient trees and mystical creatures that seemed to watch her every move. As she ventured deeper into the heart of the woods, she came across a wise old owl perched high upon a branch. "Greetings, young traveler," the owl said, its voice carrying wisdom from ages past. "I sense in you a yearning for adventure and a heart full of courage. But beware, the forest holds dangers that only the strongest can face." Amelia nodded confidently, her spirit unwavering. As she continued on her journey, she stumbled upon a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. The figure spoke with a voice as dark as the night itself, "I am the Guardian of Everwild, and I have been waiting for someone like you." The Guardian's words echoed through Amelia's mind, filling her with a sense of destiny. She embraced her newfound purpose and allowed the transformation to take place. Her body began to glow as she felt herself becoming something more than human. "You are now one of us, a guardian of Everwild," the Guardian said solemnly. "Protect this forest and its secrets, for it is the key to all existence." Amelia nodded once more, her newfound power surging through her veins. She knew that her journey was far from over, and she couldn't wait to explore the mystical mountains and uncover the mysteries of Everwild. With a final glance at the owl and the Guardian, Amelia disappeared into the enchanted forest, ready for whatever adventure awaited her next. Amelia stood at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with anticipation. The mystical mountains loomed in the distance, calling her name. As she stepped into the forest, she heard a rustle in the bushes. "Hello?" she called out, her voice trembling. A wise old owl appeared on a branch above her head. "Amelia, I've been expecting you," it said, its eyes twinkling like stars. "I can help you find your way through the enchanted forest and into the heart of Everwild." "But how do you know my name?" Amelia asked, astonished. The owl smiled. "I've been watching you from afar. You have a kind soul, and I believe you're destined for greatness." Together, they journeyed deeper into the forest, encountering a mysterious figure shrouded in shadows. "What brings you here, Amelia?" it asked, its voice like velvet. "I seek adventure and wisdom," she replied. The figure nodded and gifted her a magical amulet. "This will protect you on your journey," it said before fading away. As night fell, Amelia transformed into a guardian of the forest, her heart swelling with newfound power. She vowed to explore every corner of Everwild, eager for more challenges and encounters. And so, she embarked on her grand adventure, forever changed by the enchanted forest and mystical mountains that had become her home. Amelia's adventure began as she ventured into the enchanted forest, eager to explore its mysteries. The towering trees cast elusive shadows, and the sunlight filtered through the canopy, painting the forest floor with dappled light. As she walked deeper into the heart of the forest, a wise old owl perched on a branch greeted her. "Hello, young traveler," it whispered in a soft voice. "I am Eolos, the guardian of this forest. What brings you here?" "I am seeking adventure and wisdom in these mystical mountains and enchanted forests," Amelia replied with determination. "I want to become a guardian like you." Eolos studied her for a moment before nodding. "Very well, I shall guide you through the forest, but beware of the mysterious figure that roams these woods." As they continued their journey, they encountered the enigmatic figure, shrouded in darkness. It spoke in riddles and challenges, testing Amelia's resolve. The owl and the figure engaged in a battle of wits, while Amelia watched with bated breath. When the dust settled, the mysterious figure transformed into a radiant being. "You have proven your worth, Amelia," it said. "From this day forth, you shall be known as the guardian of Everwild." Amelia's heart swelled with pride and excitement. She knew that her journey had only just begun, and she longed for more adventures in the enchanted forest and mystical mountains. The world was filled with wonders waiting to be discovered, and Amelia was ready to embrace them all. Amelia stood at the edge of the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. She took a deep breath, stepped forward, and disappeared into the dense foliage. As she walked deeper into the forest, she came across an ancient tree with a wise old owl perched on its branch. "Hello," said Amelia tentatively. "Greetings, young traveler," replied the owl. "I am Oldenbranch, guardian of this forest. You have come to seek adventure and challenge, is that correct?" "Yes, I want to explore and overcome obstacles in this mystical place," Amelia agreed. Oldenbranch nodded. "Very well. The heart of the enchanted forest lies ahead, but to reach it, you must pass through a labyrinth of twisting vines and overgrown bushes. Be cautious, for there are many traps and illusions that could lead you astray." With determination in her eyes, Amelia entered the maze. She faced treacherous paths, deceiving mirages, and mysterious figures lurking in the shadows. As she persevered, she felt a sudden burst of energy coursing through her veins, transforming her into a guardian herself. Amelia continued her journey with renewed strength, eventually reaching the heart of the enchanted forest. There, she encountered a mysterious figure clad in flowing robes, who spoke with a soft, enigmatic voice. "You have proven yourself worthy, Amelia," said the figure. "The Everwild awaits you, filled with untold adventures and mysteries. Embrace your newfound powers and venture forth." With one final glance at the enchanted forest, Amelia stepped out of its boundaries and into the vastness of the Everwild, her spirit ignited by the promise of endless journeys to come. Amelia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she stepped into the enchanted forest, ready for her grand adventure. The trees seemed to whisper secrets and tales of old as she ventured deeper into the woods. Suddenly, a wise old owl perched on a branch, its eyes full of wisdom and experience. "Amelia," it said softly, "the forest is full of magic and wonder, but be careful of those who seek to harness its power for their own desires." Amelia nodded solemnly, her determination only growing stronger. As she continued her journey through the enchanted woods, Amelia encountered a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. "What brings you here, young one?" the figure asked, its voice echoing through the trees. Amelia shared her desire to explore and understand the magic of Everwild. To her surprise, the figure revealed itself as an ancient guardian of the forest, tasked with protecting its secrets. "You have been chosen," it said, bestowing a magical amulet upon her. "Now, you must protect this land and all who dwell within." With a newfound sense of purpose, Amelia embraced her role as the guardian of Everwild. She vowed to explore every corner of the mystical mountains and enchanted forests, uncovering their secrets and sharing them with those who sought adventure. Her heart yearned for more challenges, more encounters, and more mysteries to solve in the magical realm she now called home. Amelia's Adventure into Enchanted Forests and Mystical Mountains Amelia, a spirited young adventurer, had always been fascinated by the tales of enchanted forests and mystical mountains. She longed to explore these magical realms, so one day she set out on a journey to Everwild. As she ventured deeper into the enchanted forest, she felt the air become thicker with wonder and mystery. The trees seemed to whisper secrets, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Amelia came across a wise old owl perched on a branch. "Welcome, young one," it hooted. "I can sense your pure heart and strong spirit. Be careful, for this forest is full of enchantments that can either guide or mislead you." The owl then bestowed upon Amelia a magical amulet, which would reveal the path she must take to become a guardian of Everwild. Continuing her journey, Amelia stumbled upon a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. "Do not be afraid," it whispered. "I have been watching you, and I can sense your potential. Embrace your destiny, and you will become a force for good in this magical realm." With that, the figure vanished into the mist. As Amelia's journey unfolded, she discovered her newfound powers as a guardian of Everwild. She protected the forest from dark forces and helped lost travelers find their way. Yet, even as she embraced her role, Amelia yearned for more adventures in the enchanted forests and mystical mountains that stretched out before her, knowing that her journey had only just begun. Amelia stepped into the enchanted forest, her heart pounding with excitement and trepidation. The air was thick with magic, and she could feel it tingling on her skin. "What kind of wonders will I find here?" she wondered. As she ventured deeper, she came across an old, wise owl perched on a branch. "Hello there, young adventurer," the owl greeted her. "I am Yorick, the guardian of these woods. What brings you to our magical realm?" "I am searching for adventure and excitement!" Amelia declared. "I've heard tales of mystical mountains and enchanted forests, and I long to explore them all." Yorick nodded solemnly. "Indeed, these woods are full of wonders. But be cautious, for not everything here is as it seems. There are those who wish to use the magic of Everwild for their own sinister purposes." With a final nod from Yorick, Amelia continued her journey, her eyes and ears open for any signs of danger. Soon she encountered a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows, standing at the edge of a hidden grove. "Who are you?" Amelia demanded, her heart racing. The figure stepped forward, revealing a face that was both familiar and foreign. "I am your reflection, Amelia. I have been waiting for you to come to Everwild." Amelia stared at the apparition, stunned. "But... how?" "You've unlocked a power within yourself, a connection to the magic of Everwild," the figure explained. "Now, you must decide if you will use this power for good or let it consume you." Amelia gazed into her reflection, her heart swelling with newfound purpose. "I will protect Everwild and its magic, no matter the cost." With that, she transformed into a guardian of the enchanted forest, ready to face any challenge that came her way. And as she stood tall, surrounded by the wonders of Everwild, Amelia knew that this was only the beginning of her grand adventure. Amelia had always been captivated by stories of the enchanted forests and mystical mountains of Everwild. She longed to explore these magical lands, filled with wondrous creatures and ancient secrets. At last, she decided to embark on an adventure of her own, hoping to uncover the mysteries that lay hidden within the depths of Everwild. As Amelia ventured deeper into the enchanted forest, she encountered a wise old owl perched high in a tree. The owl shared its knowledge of the ancient magic that protected the forest and the mountains beyond. It spoke of a mysterious figure who guarded the entrance to the mystical lands, and who would only grant passage to those with pure hearts and noble intentions. Intrigued by the tale, Amelia continued her journey, determined to find the enigmatic guardian. She soon encountered the mysterious figure, a tall and ethereal being shrouded in a cloak of mist. The guardian tested Amelia's heart and found it pure. In that moment, a sudden transformation washed over her – she had become the new guardian of the enchanted forest and mystical mountains. Amelia now stood at the entrance to Everwild, her heart filled with wonder and excitement for the adventures that lay ahead. She knew that her journey was far from over, and that there were still many secrets to uncover within the depths of Everwild. With a newfound sense of purpose, Amelia vowed to protect and explore the magical lands she now called home, yearning for the next great adventure that would surely come her way.

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