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incendio22 · 1 year

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FOR THE HOPE OF IT ALL

Pt 2 Chapter 19: Confessions

October passed quickly. The snow kept falling, Slytherin kept winning in quidditch and the parties kept us up late at night. There is something special about being in your last year at Hogwarts. While you're still in school, you have no responsibilities except to show up for class and do your homework. But yet you have this feeling that you need to get yourself together, because in no time you'll be out of here and enter the real wizarding world. And despite my wide selection of courses, I still have no clue what I want to do after Hogwarts. Possibly working with dark magic of some kind, but that might be a risk given my own magical powers.

I head to defence against dark arts class and sit down next to Natty. I can feel Garreth staring at me, but I choose to only give him a slight smile and nothing else. Professor Hecat enters the classroom, ordering us to open page 396 and for the entire class we study the uses and effects of Bombarda Maxima. I had grown to really like the spell Bombarda, so I was looking forward to learning the more damaging version of the very same spell. When practicing, Garreth accidently blows up one of Hecat's training dummies and she gives him a very strict eye.

''Five point from Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley,'' she mutters and the classroom echoes with a massive sigh from Garreth. ''One more sigh and I will gladly take five more.''

Everyone looks around carefully and Garreth looks devastated. I'm unsure if it's because of the damage to the training dummy or having points taken from Gryffindor.

''He's been like this for almost two weeks,'' Natty whispers. ''No one knows what's going on.''

''That's weird,'' I tell her under my breath.

I had decided to meet with Ominis, Imelda and Sebastian later that day when we all had free periods. I arrive in the Undercroft and see Sebastian sitting there with the book I gave him. He looks up and smiles at me.

''New girl,'' he says with a smile.

''I really need to find a nickname for you,'' I sigh as I kiss his cheek before sitting down next to him.

''You know I prefer it when you use my name,'' he says and tilts his head.

''So do I, but you still insist on calling me nicknames,'' I argue whilst moving closer to him.

''That's because I make the rules,'' Sebastian says with a smirk and kisses my forehead.

He grabs my hand and intertwines our fingers into a knot. It feels so right. We are soon interrupted by Ominis and Imelda entering the Undercroft laughing. Neither of them sees us and we are taken by surprise when Imelda pushes Ominis up against the wall right next to the entrance and they kiss passionately. Sebastian and I exchange looks, I look uncomfortable and Sebastian looks thrilled. Eventually I force a cough to let them know about our presence.

''Oh,'' I hear Imelda and Ominis say together at once.

''We didn't notice...'' Imelda starts explaining herself.

''This place is sacred for makeouts,'' Sebastian says with a laugh. ''No need for apologies.''

''Wait,'' Ominis starts quickly. ''Do you come here for makeout sessions?''

''I don't kiss and tell,'' I say with a smirk.

''I do,'' Sebastian argues and smiles at me. ''At least when I'm around friends.''

''I really don't want to hear more,'' Ominis says and walks deeper into the Undercroft.

I go with him and stand under one of the burning torches. The rest of the three gather in front of me.

''So, what's the plan?'' Imelda asks impatiently.

I don't have a plan figured out. That's why I need to think with them.

''We start by heading back to the very same castle,'' I tell them. ''Search for the container, and if it's not there we need to look for any other possible camps where they could store it.''

''Exactly how do we get there?'' Ominis asks.

''By brooms, of course,'' Imelda says as if it's the most obvious thing ever. ''Y/n and I will just take you on our brooms. It's too riskful to apparate and we need a quick way out of there if that's necessary.''

''Good point,'' Sebastian says. ''I'm not a big fan of flying, but it might be safer than apparating. Especially out of there.''

''And what's our fighting strategy?'' Ominis asks.

I had never even thought of a strategy when it comes to fighting. It had always come to me naturally, which made it relatively easy for me to battle big groups on my own successfully.

''Y/n has her supermagic,'' Sebastian says. ''So I say she should focus on the stronger ones with me. Ominis, you sneak around and petrify them and Imelda you just blast them up.''

''This doesn't sound too promising,'' Ominis complains. ''But I assume it's the best we have.''

''We leave Sunday morning,'' I tell them. ''Meet me outside the common room at six in the morning. We need to be back in the castle the same night.''

Sebastian and I leave Ominis and Imelda to what they started when they entered the Undercroft. He takes my hand as we walk through the defence against the dark arts tower. I know he doesn't like to show off around people, which is why this feels so special for me. Not that there are many people around, but still. Most of our love had always been kept between four walls. I pull our hands closer to my chest, as if I'm hugging them. He smiles. When we walk through the courtyard he stops and looks up into the sky.

''It's really clear tonight,'' he says softly. ''Wanna go up to the astronomy tower?''

He knows it's one of my favourite places in the castle and that I love star gazing. I don't even respond before I fasten my step heading towards the tower. We climb the long tower of stairs, but between every set of steps I stop to kiss him. It made the endless amount of stairs a bit more enjoyable. As we get on the observation deck we stop to look out into the sky, still holding hands.

''I always loved stars,'' I tell him softly.

''Maybe you were a centaur in your life before this,'' Sebastian jokes.

''Don't start,'' I tell him seriously.

''Are you daring me?'' he says with a smirk. ''Might as well start calling you my little centaur, instead of new girl.''

''You wouldn't'', I tell him and punch his arm lightly.

''I most definitely would,'' he says, burning his eyes into mine. ''But I have other nicknames I like better.''

''Me too,'' I tell him.

''Any ones in particular?'' he asks with a smirk on his face, tilting his head.

I am screaming internally. He pushes all of my buttons and I love it, it makes me feel alive. But I cannot help but feel embarrassed when he makes me say things like my favourite nicknames out loud.

''None?'' Sebastian continues. ''Such a shame. I guess centaur girl it is, then.''

I roll my eyes at him and he stares into them playfully.

''I love it when you do that,'' he says with a smirk. ''Pretending not to care, when you really do. It's sweet.''

He grabs me by my waist and pulls me closer, leaning in and standing face to face with me. I can feel his breath on my face, creating a contrast with the cold air. He removes a strand of hair from my face with his thumb. His freckles look vibrant in the moonlight and his jawline looks stronger from the way the light falls on his face.

''You're so beautiful,'' I tell him in a low voice, resting my forehead against his.

''Not nearly as beautiful as you,'' he says and kisses me softly. ''You're my favourite person.''

''And you're mine,'' I tell him before I place my lips back on his, forgetting about the cold and the stars because nothing exists other than the two of us.

''Can we stay like this forever?'' Sebastian asks in a low voice.

I nod at him and look out into the sky, feeling a bit worried about the plans we just made with Ominis and Imelda. I'm wondering if they share my worry, or if it's just me.

''I'm scared about our trip next weekend,'' I tell him in a low voice.

''I'll be there to save you,'' he says, trying to be supporting. ''I already did it once.''

''I don't need to be saved,'' I argue. ''I'm just scared because they obviously want my powers, which puts me at risk. I need a solid team that will help me fight.''

''Then helping you fight, it is,'' he says and puts his arm around me, looking into the sky together. ''But if you get hurt, we're getting out of there right away.''

''No. You need to find the container, that's more important.'' I tell him.

''Are you out of your mind?'' he asks and rests his head on mine. ''I'm not holding you in my arms one more time, praying that you survive. That was the worst moment in my entire life.''

''I won't get hurt if you fight with me,'' I say in a calm voice.

''You're just telling yourself that,'' Sebastian argues. ''This rebellion might be bigger than the two of us, but I'm not going to watch you do stupid things to become a hero. If that's your plan, then I must insist you stay home and let the rest of us go alone.''

I feel slightly irritated, mostly because we really don't know what to expect. But I want us to be prepared for the worst.

''I wouldn't let you do that,'' I argue.

''And I won't let you go in there with a single thought that you might not make it out of there,'' he says in a firm voice. ''Like I said, this is bigger than us. But I'm not losing you, Y/n. I'd rather leave the castle, leave the country, tonight if that's what it takes to keep you safe.''

''Let's just hope that we are smarter and better than them,'' I tell him in a low voice.

''Yeah...'' Sebastian says in a low voice and presses his lips into my head. I feel safe with him. At peace. ''I'm glad you're talking to me about this.''

I turn around to face him.

''I love you,'' I tell him softly, looking into his eyes.

The words just slip out. I know it might be too soon, but the words simply found themselves on my tongue and slipped out before I could stop it. We just made up, it's way too soon for confessions like these. But I also feel sure about the words. I fought every thought, every instinct telling me that I love him and was unsuccessful. So no matter his response, I stand by my word. But he doesn't look uncomfortable or embarrassed, his eyes are sparkling with happiness.

''I love you more,'' he says before he places his lips on my forehead.

#sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow x you #ominis gaunt #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts #slytherin #fanfic #fanfiction #for the hope of it all

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moongurl95 · 9 months

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Chapter 6 – Weasley After Class

“I'm truly sorry for taking up all your time like this, Sebastian. You know I can get around the castle just fine.” Beatrice fretted as they both reached the stairs down the D.A.D.A. Tower heading towards the Transfiguration Courtyard.

“Relax, I was heading to the Library anyways, it’s just along the way.” Sebastian paused a beat, before he slowly asked, “Heard Lucan's got something lined up for you tomorrow?”

“Around the same time, yes actually.” Beatrice wondered why he'd asked out of the blue, to which the boy gave a cheeky reply, “If you ever need a partner for Crossed Wands, don't hesitate to call on me.”

“Careful Sallow, others might think I made you hit your head too hard back in Professor Hecat's class if you keep this up.” She teased back.

“Well, you are the only one who's ever bested me in a duel for some time now. The way I see it, I'd be wise to keep an eye on you. I might even learn a thing or two.”

“I'm sure there are a lot more interesting things you're learning from your clever trips to other unsanctioned places.”

“Interesting things yes, but not exactly what I've been looking for...” Beatrice made to look at Sebastian as he trailed off, his mind seeming somewhere for a short moment before his gaze focused back on her, now with a teasing glint, “I'm sure you'll find out soon enough, but not every spell you may need can be found in our assigned textbooks.”

Beatrice narrowed her eyes at Sebastian then, she may have an idea as to what he may be referring to when she openly asked, “Oh? Which ones?” After all, there was no harm in prying for answers that could be given freely, unless they came with consequences.

“Seems I may have met a kindred spirit. Now, that is a conversation for another time.” Sebastian let out a hearty laugh as he pushed open the doors heading out to the Transfiguration Courtyard, he had a brow raised in challenge whether she'd push him further for an answer, but the ensuing whoosh from a nearby Floo Flame she'd activated upon entry made her remember to focus on her current objectives.

“Well then, here I am.” She said, acceding that she wouldn't push for now, as she made to part ways.

“Here you are, indeed. It was a pleasure chatting with you.” Sebastian stopped to watch her, a bit too intently if she was being honest, as he held a knowing smile on his face, “I'm sure I'll see you soon. Perhaps somewhere 'unsanctioned'. If you're interested.” Beatrice watched as the boy shook his head in afterthought, as if not believing he'd said that out loud, before he turned away and raised a hand in parting, “Till next time.”

Beatrice waved a hand at his retreating form as she smiled, Sebastian had been a charming companion from the start, there wasn't any real reason for her to steer clear of him despite the advise she's had regarding his friend, who she thinks deserves the benefit of doubt especially when she hadn't personally interacted with the Gaunt boy just yet.

She’d pushed open the door to the Transfiguration Classroom with a smile on her face, quite pleased to have activated two Floo Flames in the area, when she spotted Professor Weasley quietly talking with a house elf who quickly disapparated upon seeing her entry.

“Ah! There you are.” Said the Professor as she stood up from her desk and made way towards Beatrice, “I trust your first classes went well?” She had asked with a warm smile.

“They did, Professor.”

Professor Weasley looked pleased as she nodded in reply, “I heard as much from Professors Hecat and Ronen. Seems Professor Fig taught you quite a bit before you arrived.” A beat before her following question, “I’d wager there’s a good deal more to your travels here than what you’ve told me— isn’t there?”

“Nothing more, Professor.” Beatrice hoped her smile hadn’t frozen solid on her face as she tried to relax her shoulders in answer.

“I see. Like trying to get a sonnet from a Streeler.” Professor Weasley looked at her a moment longer, in somewhat utter dismay this time, which truly pricked at Beatrice’s conscience, before the older woman continued speaking, “Regardless, you must continue to build upon what you’ve learned. I trust your professors have already mentioned the extra assignments they’ve prepared to hasten you in your school progress?”

At Beatrice’s affirmation, she couldn’t help but wonder when exactly she would get started. She actually didn’t mind the additional workload if it meant to add to her magical repertoire.

“In fact, Professor Ronen will meet you outside momentarily to assign your first one. Now, regarding the trip to Hogsmeade I mentioned earlier.” Professor Weasley held out her hands as a piece of rolled parchment and a small drawstring bag appeared in front of her, which she then handed over to Beatrice, “We’ve arranged to replace the supplies lost on your way here— including seeds, potion recipes and spellcrafts— as you’ll see in the list, and this bag will assist greatly in helping you carry all that you may need.”

“Thank you, Professor.” Beatrice couldn’t believe her luck! The Extension charm she’d casted on her robe pockets could only hold enough not to make a sound, but this bag would definitely come in handy when she’d start checking out books from the Library.

“I’ll be looking forward to the perfect wand Mr. Ollivander will connect you with. You’ve managed your classes well with a borrowed wand, but you’ll find the magic you cast with a wand that has chosen you to be far superior.”

“The wand chooses the wizard...” Or so Beatrice had come across from a quick reading on wandlore, but one thing she was certain of was that the Ollivanders’ were genuine craftsmen and highly skilled wandmakers.

“I’m eager to get to Hogsmeade.” She’d pocketed her additional items, feeling bubbling excitement at the prospect that surely her new wand will help this uneasy built-up of magic she was inwardly feeling.

“Very well. I’d like you to make your first visit to the village with a classmate, help you get your bearings. Perhaps Sebastian Sallow or Natsai Onai? I’ve heard from Professors Hecat and Ronen you’ve spent time with them.”

This gave Beatrice pause, a slight tilt to her head as she quickly ran over her decision… Natty had already been here for a little over a year but— she’d automatically thought the safer choice would be someone she had already seen and duelled against. Especially in the event that goblins like Ranrok would try to ambush her outside of Hogwarts…

“I’d like to go with Sebastian.”

“Glad to hear it. Mr. Sallow is a capable young wizard and he knows the area. He’ll keep you well clear of any of Victor Rookwood’s undesirables en route.

“Rookwood?” Beatrice furrowed her brows in question, and here she thought it was only goblins she and Professor Fig had to worry about.

“A rather unsavory local. Best to avoid him and his associates— including his ‘right hand’ of sorts, Theophilus Harlow— if you can.” Suddenly, what Samantha said last night began to make sense. But why wasn’t the Wizarding community doing anything about it, especially with the town so close to school? Beatrice momentarily worried how this sounded like the small-time muggle crime syndicates back in London, maybe even worst.

“I’ll have Mr. Sallow meet you at the castle doors in an hour, don’t worry about your afternoon Electives, you’re excused. Go talk to Professor Ronen about your assignment before the lunch hour begins. The sooner you complete your work, the sooner you can enjoy a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks.”

As much as Beatrice took Professor Weasley’s stern look seriously, she also hoped she’d be able to enjoy a mug of Butterbeer in peace at Hogsmeade.

next chapter ⤜⤏

#hogwarts legacy #hogwarts #hogwarts legacy mc #hogwarts legacy oc #hl mc #hl oc #hogwarts legacy characters #hogwarts legacy sebastian #sebastian x mc #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastian sallow #ominis gaunt #sebastian x mc x ominis #ominis x oc #hogwarts legacy imagine #hogwarts legacy fandom #hogwarts legacy fanfic #writing in progress

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pof203 · 6 months

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A Summoner Birthday

Special Quest: Heracles

This is wonderful, Lupin. Those two, Kurogane and Boogeyman, have really outdone themselves.

I'm glad you like it, Heracles.

You brought Heracles here for some fun.

Heracles: Now, let's see if this works.

Heracles reaches into his pocket and takes out what looks like a pen with some crystal on the top.

Lupin: (a bit confused) A pen?

Heracles: Not just any pen. The other day, I saw what the people here in Tokyo called an anime. The one I watched is called a magical kid anime in which high schoolers transform into magic using heroes. I think the I watched, well, I don't really remember the name at the moment. It was Sailor... something or rather. But after watching it, I was inspired to try something like that. But I couldn't do it in the real world until you invited me to come here. So, I had a word with Kurogane and he helped make it happen. Now, let's see if this works...

FLASH

Heracles Power, Dress up!

FLASH

I am the Handsome Guardian who fights for love and justice! I am Sailor Heracles! And in the name of mankind, I'll punish you!

Lupin: (starry-eyed) Oh, wow! That was so awesome.

Heracles: (laughing proudly) I'm glad you love it. Anything for mankind.

You really do like this. Makes you wish you had something similar. (Eh, Lifewonders?)

Heracles: Now, let's see if this can be more than just a costume. Do you know a place?

Lupin: Well, we could try the dungeons under the castle. There are bound to be a few monsters down there for us.

Heracles: That's great. Let's go.

With that, you and Heracles go to the castle to enter the dungeons and fight the monsters there.

After a vigorous and heroic time fighting the monsters in the castle dungeons, you and Heracles take a breather... Well, mostly you.

Heracles: (happy) Now that was fun! How are you holding up?

Lupin: (panting) I'm fine. I wonder if there's a water fountain down here. Wait, of course not. This is dungeon.

Heracles: Let's explore a little more and then we'll kitchen for some water.

Lupin: Okay.

You and Heracles explore the dungeons a little more.

After finishing exploring the dungeons, you and Heracles go up to the castle's kitchen where you got yourself some water.

Heracles: (satisfied) Not bad. This was a fine day.

Lupin: (taking a sip of water) It sure was.

Heracles: Fight together like this as one? It really makes me happy. But sometime, just being together is enough.

Lupin: I'm happy for that, too.

Heracles: I guess I enjoy being with you the most.

Lupin: And why is that?

Heracles: I have always been someone's slave. Even yours. Yet, when I'm with you, I don't really feel that way.

Lupin: Because I think everyone should have some freedom in their lives.

Heracles: And I commend you for that. I'm beginning to see why Ophion likes you so. You really do have his wife's soul. I could also see why Hecate, Hermes, and the others feel the same way. You are just so kind. You love mankind just as much as I do.

Lupin: That's high praise coming from you. Thank you. But I think you're way better than me.

Heracles: There's no need to be modest. I'm glad I met you. You have so many friends and loved one. Especially with Wakan Tanka... I wonder if I should join your Guild as well.

Lupin: That's up to you. But we would be happy if you could join us. We always have room for one more. And I would be even more happy if you did. You have such a noble spirit. A true hero.

Heracles: ... (happy) Thank you.

You and Heracles sit together closely, enjoying your time together.

After sitting the kitchen a little while longer, you notice that it was now getting late and you both decide to go home for the day.

#my birthday #birthday #tokyo afterschool summoners #housamo #heracles

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the-right-thyme · 7 months

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In the Shadow of Family- Chapter 3

https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/49807084/chapters/126123052

Characters: Sebastian Sallow, Ominis Gaunt, Original Characters

Warnings: Mild swear

Relationships: Friendships

Summary: Sebastian is trying to worm his back into Ominis’ good graces. It’s not going well. Until it is.

Chapter Three: Occasus

Sebastian Sallow and I are not talking.

Well.

I’m not talking. Sebastian is doing plenty. Incessant talking. Forcing a one sided conversation over even the most trivial of things, all afternoon, as if he can deliberate his way back into my good graces.

I’ve not been able to flex my not talking to him, because Sebastian simply hasn’t let me not get a word in. Just to be contrite, I even took to striking up a conversation with a rather bewildered Amit Thakkar, the poor hapless creature, during our afternoon Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson, about the weather of all things, just to prove that I was just not talking with Sebastian, not people in general.

When the lesson finished, I had tried to leave hastily, hoping Sebastian would want to stay behind, as he often likes to do, so he could quiz Professor Hecat about the new spell we’d been practicing, the aquectum charm, that is, granting the caster perfect vision under water, obviously one I’m going to get a lot of use from. But no, no such luck, instead he followed behind me, a constant stream of chatter spilling from his lips as I tried to walk away with obvious purpose, but he wasn’t taking the hint. Or, more likely, ignoring it.

‘-seem to go, I’ve even seem them, just stopping in the middle of the road to stroke every stray cat wandering about in Hogsmede. And where are all the cats suddenly coming from? Because even Everleigh thinks it’s odd, which is saying something, but-’

I twisted, turned 180 degrees on the spot, my outstretched hand at arms length in front of me, I felt Sebastian bump into it, chest resting lightly on my palm.

‘Excuse me, can I stop you there.’

We stood in blissful silence, finally, for a few seconds.

‘…Yes?’

‘Nothing, I just wanted you to stop there. Take a hint.’ I didn’t wait for a reply, turned and marched off as quickly as my wand allowed for.

Sebastian didn’t follow after that, was probably stood there like a wounded puffskein as I walked away, though the lack of insistent footsteps behind me oddly made my heart sink a little for no decipherable reason. Strange.

My feet subconsciously led me to the Undercroft, as they often do. I hoped Sebastian would give me the common decency to let me sulk in peace in our, my, private spot. As long as Sebastian’s uninvited plus one didn’t barge in, blowing up the candelabras with a confringo they have no right being as proficient in as they are. One day, they’re going to set the whole castle on fire and I’m going to hold Sebastian personally responsible. I know it was him that taught that maniac the spell.

Once the door grated shut behind me, the breath I had apparently been holding since my outburst at Sebastian came out in a forced rush. I rested my back against the gloriously cold stone and slid down until I hit the floor, my knees tucked under my chin. A touch too theatrical really, even for me.

Thing is, I know I’m being stubborn. Sebastian calls it brooding. But then, Sebastian calls lots of things brooding. Annoyed in potions when our concoction exploded after Sebastian tried to shortcut our thunderbrew to completion with extra leech juice and melted my cauldron? Brooding. Disapproving of him hiding dung bombs in Imelda’s quidditch robes when she had carelessly left them unattended in the Slytherin common room? Brooding. Even that one time in third year I stalwartly refused to try whichever Bertie Bott’s bean it was that was causing Anne to ineffectually stifle her giggles behind me as I was offered it had been deemed ‘brooding’. The bar, it seems, is pretty low.

No, I’m not really angry at Sebastian for following me. Not truly. One isn’t friends with a Sallow and expect them to toe the line of the socially acceptable friendship codes, uphold chivalry, and respect your wishes. We’re not, thank Merlin, Gryffindors. No, of course they’ll sneak about, pry and poke inquisitive noses into not-their business.

I’m angry because he knows now, what that heinous spell does and, by extension, what I have done too. I don’t think Sebastian gets quite how dark it all is, but that’s an argument for another day.

Presumably he also watched me writhe around on the floor, in the aftermath, but that bit doesn’t bother me, not any more. Physical violence has always been fathers’ love language. I actually think he held back a bit, going soft in his old age maybe. Either that or he’s worried about his precious legacy. Marvolo and Umbra are yet to produce any heirs, and I think Father is starting to worry he may have to rely on me. Not that I have any intention of such nonsense like that. I’d rather cut off my own arm than subject more tiny Gaunts to the world.

At least Natsai Onai had been graciously herself in our shared Herbology lesson earlier, passing my dragon hide gloves with an airy ‘how about the surprisingly clement October so far.’ I’m fairly certain she didn’t see anything of major importance, only the after-effects, so to speak. I can’t imagine her simply standing by without diving in to save the day if she’d seen anything before. Maybe I got lucky, for once, maybe she hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary, she is a Gryffindor after all, awfully valiant bunch, but their heads are rather in the clouds.

Still, I can’t hide out in the Undercroft all afternoon, I’m sure my rebuttal will only hold him back for so long. I’ll camp out in the common room instead, see if I can’t get an unsuspecting first year to procure me a long weight for potions. Ha! Never fails.

As I leave I know he’s right there, his aura of pure misery clear as day, even to my limited senses. I could let him apologise, grovel for forgiveness in a way he’s far too proud to do normally; but in a sudden surge of pettiness, must be the Gaunt in me after all, I don’t let it slide.

You see, I have the distinct feeling Sebastian thinks me a pushover. And even I can’t deny, I almost always crumble and relent, despite Sebastian’s insistence that I'm the obscenely stubborn one. It’s not a good position to be in. Maybe I should flex my proverbial stubbornness muscle. Without making any indication I know he’s there, I march with intent and- oh blazes, he’s talking again.

This will never do. If I sit in the common room he’s going to talk my ear off.

I change direction, cross the transfiguration courtyard, down the north hall to the bell tower, his voice echoing in the corridors along with the bell sounds which have made a reappearance after our esteemed headmaster had them removed, how nice to hear them again. I consider the library. Madam Scribner won’t stand for Sebastian’s constant chatter in there, will definitely kick him out. But then, I’d have to do something, and I’m far too wound up to concentrate on something as sedentary as homework right now. I turn left instead, out the main door into the circular gardens of the grounds. Hogsmede it is. Surely he’ll get the message now. He knows how much I hate trudging to the village. The guidance spell is second nature to me at this point, I’ve been able to cast it non-verbally since third year, but it’s harder to do outside, he knows this. And Hogsemede is busy, bustling, full of sounds. Exhausting.

We’re all of five minutes from Hogwarts gate before I realise I’m not wound up at all, I’m exhausted. The kind of fatigue that drains all the ire from you without a moments warning, leaving you weak limbed and weary. I locate a bench, thankfully the path to Hogsmede is paved with them, and sit heavily, cross my arms in what I hope looks like indifference.

Something has sunk in because Sebastian is now silent. If I wasn’t so tired I’d start celebrating, my persistence is finally paying off.

It doesn’t last long, I hear heavy footsteps approach us. Great.

‘Excuse me boys.’ It’s a man’s voice, gruff around the edges with age, not a student then. And not anyone from the faculty at Hogwarts I recognise.

‘Can I help you?’ Sebastian thankfully takes the lead.

‘I’m looking for someone, a student, a new fifth year?’ A local, if the accent is to be judged correctly.

‘I’ll replace anything they stole’ He says quickly, I wonder if he’s thinking of our mutual friend’s quirky, and quite frankly alarming, garment collection that has boomed in recent weeks. Indeed, if courtyard gossip is to be believed, they had even been spotted clanking around the highlands in a repurposed suit of armour. Mind you, the same courtyard gossip seems to think the fiend currently sat next to me is dashing and charming, which I intimately know to be false. They’ve clearly never heard him snoring like a graphorn even through a silencio spell at 3am.

‘No, nothing like that. I have to ask though, do they…often run around casting revelio every few steps?’

There’s a pause, a shrug if I had to guess by the way it’s followed by,

‘I suppose so? You get used it.’

‘Odd sort of character aren’t they?’ The man chuckles, almost to himself. ‘Actually, I was hoping to run into them, word has it they have a stash of thestral hair, and I need some for a rather complicated potion I’m trying to brew. Brood and Peck doesn’t have any in currently, Young Miss Peck said their supply mostly came from them anyway. Thought I might as well skip the middle man, well, middle woman I suppose, and go straight to the source.’

I can’t help but frown, where in the worlds are they getting thestral hair from, and, more importantly, when do they have the time? I let Sebastian deal with the man, only half listening as he gives a few suggestion to the possible locations our wily friend could be, which is anywhere really. I nod politely as the man gives his thanks and excuses himself.

‘I didn’t even know there were any thestrals living this far north.’

‘Maybe they’re getting it from the stables?’ I muse. It’s not a discussion, I’m merely thinking aloud.

‘Thestral hair doesn’t shed. And I cant imagine Professor Hewin would allow students to take samples.’

‘It’s a Hogwarts mystery.’

I feel Sebastian nudge against my shoulder companionably, let myself be rocked by it.

‘So we’re talking again, then.’ Sebastian sounds painfully hopeful. I sigh.

‘It would seem that way. You are bloody insistent, you know that?’ The cracks in my, albeit weak, resolve are beginning to show.

‘I’m sorry.’ I hear myself say after a beat. It’s too late, I’ve conceded.

‘Me too.’

‘Yes, thank you; but I’m sorry I got rather, irked-’

‘Understatement’ Sebastian huffs under his breath. I deserve some sort of medal for overlooking that particular comment, as if he hasn’t been the melodramatic drip all afternoon.

‘-but I never wanted you, or anybody for that matter, to witness… that. People already think I have the same views as them without a public display.’ It’s purely selfish reasons, really. While I might not be overly proud of the fact, I am a Slytherin after all.

‘Ominis,’ And, Merlin help me, his voice is soft, so full of understanding it makes me glad for my lack of sight, so I don’t have to look at whatever pitying expression is most likely plastered all over his face. ‘No one thinks you’re like them.’

Oh Sebastian, my dear Sebastian, so pitifully oblivious.

‘Sebastian, I’m blind, not deaf. I have ears. You might be woefully insensible to idle classroom gossip, but I know what people say about me.’

We fall into silence, the companionable sort, my favourite. So many people try to fill silences with meaningless words. I don’t need constant auditory input to make up for the lack of visual.

Although it’s ruined, somewhat, by incessant fidgeting. I can hear him minutely shuffling on the bench, crossing and uncrossing his arms with a rustle of his school robes, smacking his lips as though he wants to say something. I’m already a step ahead.

‘Go on then. One.’ I say, careful to make the tone friendly lest I quash our tentative truce. I know Sebastian is painfully desperate to ask questions, has been holding back since the oddly touching tea-by-the-lake gesture at lunch. He hasn’t, out of respect I’d like to think, but probably more likely the knowledge I’ll eventually bend to his will and tell him all. I really do need to work on that. Tomorrow though. Today has been…trying to say the least. I can feel the left-over tension in my limbs from the morning cramping up, I know, from prior experience, they’re going to be sore tomorrow.

‘One question, and then, hand on heart, I promise, schtum.’

‘Fine.’

‘The snake within?’

My lips twitch of their own accord. Of course he had to go there.

‘Yes, it’s… the family motto.’

‘Sound’s pretty pretentious.’ I can’t help but smile at that comment. He’s certainly not wrong there.

‘In parseltongue, naturally. If it could be anymore melodramatic.’

‘Don’t want anyone to forget the ol’ Salazar pride eh?’

‘Father likes us to say it at every opportunity. Thinks it makes us sound important. Reminds people of the ancestry.’

Sebastian snorts, an ungainly noise. Turns thoughtful.

‘Although you sound pretty badass speaking snake.’

I know I pull a face at that remark.

‘I most certainly do not.’

‘Well, we’ll just have to agree to disagree.’ I can feel his shrug as he says it.

Silence.

‘Want to go back to the castle? I’ll even graciously let you lecture me about stealing school crockery for private use.’

I know an olive branch when I’m offered one, know how to hand one back.

‘Yes, but…’ I put my wand away as we stand, hold my hand out, expectant. ‘Do you mind? I don’t think I’ve the energy to concentrate all the way back right now.’ It’s a half truth, Sebastian would be proud.

Truth is, I’ve not needed to use Sebastian as a guide in a long time, years in fact, once I’d mastered the spell Professor Weasley so kindly spent hours helping me perfect. But my gently guided hand still slips into the crook of his elbow as easily as it ever has, as if it had been no time at all, and, as we start our trudge back to Hogwarts, I know with almost unwavering certainty that all will be fine.

#hogwarts legacy fanfic #hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #ominis gaunt #shadow anthology #ominis pov #whelp that's my first ever fic posted to tumblr

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superconductivebean · 11 months

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9, 12, & 16!

OMG THOSE YES YES YES YES YES YESSSSSSS game link

What's their favorite spot in or around the castle?

Central Hall! If she doesn't know where to go after Sharp dismissed everyone including himself from the class, she'd go to the Library. Or to the Greenhouse. Or, well, always busy there in the Hall, might catch up with someone for studies or flying/spell practise or just vibe. Ravenclaw Tower rooftop is a lovely place, too! Wave Professor Shah hello. Hope Sharp doesn't take his morning tea by the window. Admire the view.

What's their patronus? What memory do they call upon to cast it?

Wright has a whole story of how she learned how to cast it again after sealed the Repository with it. She distinctly remembered what Sharp once said, inquiring about supposedly ancient nature of her abilities: "There is nothing ancient about a fire; you wouldn't be calling primordial abilities a long-forgotten ones. Has to be something else rendering you omniscient about what we all had to learn and hone for years on end." Therefore, the spell she used then was a summoned charm of an unknown incantation but in the need of which she was desperate; or spells combined, like what she used to disintegrate trolls with. It all led her into the Library for an ask for a book or a scroll. That was redirected to Professor Hecat, and that request she passed down to Sharp because, as she said, "you look always joyful when around his class; a charm like such requires immense concentration".

Long story short: Sharp explained but mentioned he'd never used it thus couldn't offer a proper demonstration. Wright wasn't upset but thinking on what she could use for a happy memory… and could the Sharp's subtle ask for a demonstration if she manages to learn it somehow be that memory… She had help from Ominis of all people, Sebastian joined them, and they had a good laugh when, well. There was a running joke Wright was wrongly sorted to Ravenclaw, she'd be a perfect addition to Slytherin House (and a pride for Professor Black). Ominis casted a white raven, Sebastian shockingly looked at a jump-flying swallow under the ceiling of the Undercroft, and Wright had this:

Imelda laughed her arse off when she learned. The memory was her first weeks with Fig or rather, the sense of magic he always carried around and spoke of it as if took directly from a storybook, no doubt. Sharp's practical approach for magic never made it to Wright's head (yet), although, he is the reason her corporeal patronus is a rattlesnake. I will cite my wip here:

Мерлин, эта опасная, умная змея научила эту бестолковую, глупую птицу летать, подкидывая в небо своей головой. Merlin, that deviously clever snake taught this obtrusively witless bird to fly pouncing the air above with its head.

What would their Boggart turn into? How would they defeat it?

To collect the bloody demiguise statues and maintain a somewhat healthy sleep schedule, although eavesdropping was fun (and Wright certainly didn't expect then that Sharp will remember his particular word for ambitious rookies and start that joke about OFFICER CAPEFLAPPER IS ON THE CASE? GOOD. EXPLANATION OR DETENTION?), had Wright to ask around for help. Fig agreed with a chuckle, wondering, why would Gladwin ask a student and then remembered they had a bet. Moon had to pay him 20 galleons and it was the third month in a row the man was reluctant about the bet money. Not that Fig insisted but. EITHER WAY, Fig could cover for the Great Hall and some other areas, Hogsmeade.

Wright had even asked Peeves for a small favor after telling him pounding glass in her satchel was firewhiskey she stole from Sharp's personal chambers once. Peeves called this bubotuber sap but eventually agreed to search through the Restricted Section and blocked off sections of halls and galleries because if Wright was right, Sharp would love her expelled or lost in detentions; they had mutual disliking but shared a penchant for mischief so it was a friendly bet of sorts.

Speaking of whom, Sharp ofc. She was caught up on act by Sharp just when curfew hit and she opened the storage room but her explanation had Sharp laugh barking. He carried her the moon and told, Moon should've been busy wasting galleons away in that bottle. Turned out they, too, had a bet, which unsurprisingly jumped Wright a brow but she was like, ok; she could go to sleep instead of searching for another statue.

The fun lasted for some time but ended up with a final one statue, in the staff room. Because it was late and Fig was around, he suggested Wright to cast disillusionment to get past the gargoyle unseen and hide somewhere in the room until… Because, unfortunately, Matilda and Aesop had them cornered and would like to talk about you-know-what you-know-when, so, Julia, get sneaky aka The Usual Eleazar Shenanigans. Nobody knows why wouldn't he take the moon himself or let Sharp handle it; undoubtedly, fear for Matilda's intent!

Long story short: Sharp was a little bit too worried for Wright's rapid progress as it could get her somewhere undesirable and dangerous lest she decided her talents be rather spent on people pursuing her than her studies; he unbeknownst released Wright's deep fear for an untimely death, and the case used to hold a boggart suddenly opened with a ferociously prancing monstrous kelpie. A symbol, an embodiment of the demise came too soon and unexpected, taken the life of her father years ago.

She didn't cast it away as she ran away in panic, with the last moon, unseen. She only knew Sharp did the job and wasn't at all happy to see his partner's late aunt who always brought the smile up on his face.

Later Wright's boggart will become Victor Rookwood and she'll make him rant about herbology coursework kicking his old arse every single time. WRIGHT WISHED IT WOULD BE AS FUNNY IN A REAL COMBAT SCENARIO.

#днявочка #днявочка: hlegacy #днявочка: фандомное #eng tag #ASK AWAYS #mc ask game #hogwarts legacy mc

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bruhstories · 3 years

Text

Fate

Summary: The Abduction of Persephone or how Levi couldn’t get you of his head.

Pairing: Hades!Levi x Persephone!Reader

Warnings & Content: nsfw, mentions of rape & incest (cause, you know, Zeus is a fucking entitled asshole and nobody fucking likes him), unprotected sex, oral sex (male receiving), fingering, language, loss of virginity

Word Count: 5.1 k

A/N: literally the only thing I have to say is that for the purpose of this fic, Hanji has she/her pronouns, and the first few paragraphs are written in third person xD happy reading!

Help me...

Please...

Help... me...

Sweat drips from his forehead and his eyes shoot open. That damned dream again. That sweet voice again. Levi Hades can't comprehend why he was dreaming. Gods don'tdream. His bed seems empty, but he never needed anyone in it. For some reason, now he feels like someone is missing. He gets up, naked body and blank eyes watching over his realm from the balcony of his castle. Empty. Other than the souls of the dead that quietly dance around like little flames, it's empty. Other than Cerberus sleeping peacefully, it's empty. And so damn cold. Mortals mistaken the Underworld for a scorching hot place, but in reality, it's as cold as Levi Hades' heart. If he even has a heart.

He wraps his toga around his sculpted body, a wreath of laurels on his coal-black hair, donning his arms with silver bracelets and rings. Time doesn't exist in the world of the dead, but Levi Hades sticks to a strict schedule. He waves his hand and a scroll and quill magically appear on his marble desk. He can't trust Hermes with this message, and so he gives it to one of his dogs to deliver it to Hanji Hecate. Who better to interpret the meaning of his dream than the goddess of witchcraft herself? LeviHades surrounds himself in thick, grey smoke before he disappears from his bedroom.

Somewhere on Earth, Y/N Persephone is being watched by Zeus. The powerful god cannot resist such a beauty, and he is known for having his way with anyone, even his own daughter. But it's not her time, he thinks, not just yet. She knows this, she knows what will happen to her when she reaches the age of marriage, and at night, when not a soul is awake, she sobs and prays that someone will find her and help her. She is willing to do anything to escape her father's clutches and her dark future. And every night she cries, it rains — it pours.

At the outskirts of the Underworld, Hanji Hecate receives a message. She reads it carefully, and a knot forms in her stomach. The goddess heard the pleas of a girl, whom she believed to be a mortal, but if Levi Hades heard her, too, then it could only be another deity. HanjiHecate closes her eyes and performs a spell in the hopes of locating the desperate girl. It doesn't work. It doesn't work because, unbeknownst to her, Demeter is hiding her daughter from the preying eyes of Zeus.

They searched for weeks, mortal weeks, for the crying goddess, but none of them had any luck. Y/N Persephone is somewhere in the shadows of Demeter, but even she knows her mother can't protect her forever. Zeus gets what Zeus wants eventually. The sun rises over the meadow, but Y/N Persephone doesn't know that because she's stuck weaving in a cave, sweat dripping down her forehead, hairs sticking to her face. The drakons Demeter placed at the entrance of the cave followed Y/N Persephone outside, guarding her as she washes herself in a nearby stream. He isn't supposed to be there. Levi Hades isn't supposed to peer at her naked body and the way she splashes the crystal-clear water. He was supposed to meet with Hanji Hecate and take a walk. He was supposed to go back to the Underworld after that. Yet here he is, spellbound by her gestures, her face, her eyes. And then, she sings. Y/N Persephone begins to sing and all the flowers around him bloom. Levi Hades goes into a shocked state, eyes wide open, brows raised. He knows that voice. He knows it because he's been dreaming it. His scent is picked up by the drakons and he disappears, leaving behind a trail of smoke.

"I found her, Hecate. I found her, but I can't get close to her."

"What do you mean you found her? Just like that?" Hanji Hecate's fingers trace the bark of a tree.

"It was fate. It must be." Levi Hades is desperate now.

"Calm down, Hades. I've never seen you so... twitchy." She laughs, kneeling in the grass. The witch plays with some fallen leaves, brown hair flowing in the wind.

"That's because you didn't see what I did. She started singing and flowers bloomed! I don't know what kind of nymph she is, but she is beautiful. Nothing like I've ever seen before."

"Oh, I never thought I'd live to see the day Hades falls in love." Hanji Hecate laughs again. "So why didn't you approach her?"

"Tch, because she was surrounded by drakons. I don't understand why a mere nymph would need so much protection."

The goddess gasps, all traces of happiness gone from her face, replaced by disappointment and anxiety. Levi Hades takes notice of this and places his cold hand on the witch's shoulder, but she flinches.

"You can't have her."

"You knowher?" His voice is condescending, offended that his good friend hid something like this from him.

"Hades, she's Demeter's daughter, Persephone. She's not just some nymph, but the goddess of spring." Hanji Hecate brings her palms together, forming a triangle. "We can't talk here."

Levi Hades nods and lets himself transported to the Underworld, back to the familiar souls lingering in the air.

"Talk, Hecate." He is impatient and demanding, arms folded across his chest.

"Zeus wants her, and Demeter and I are keeping her hidden." The deity explains with pain in her voice.

"Yes, well, you're not doing a very good job, now, are you?"

"Oi, the drakons noticed you. You don't think they would notice Zeus?" She snaps back, traces of arrogance in her voice.

"Hecate... it's Zeus. What would stop that brat from turning into a drakon fool her?"

The goddess shivers, shifting her weight from side to side.

"Do you have a better idea?"

"I do, actually. I'll bring Persephone here." LeviHades proudly states, but his face is still blank, not once betraying his true feelings.

"You'll... what?" Her mouth is slightly open, bewildered by the god.

"It's the only place Zeus doesn't have access without an invitation. Face it, Hecate, it's a good plan. Better than yours, anyway."

Hanji Hecate is speechless, completely at a loss for words. She ponders over the idea, a hand brought to her chin to think better.

"Alright, but what makes you think she'll just stroll through the gates of the Underworld without a complaint?"

"Oh, you've mistaken my words. I'll forcefully bring her here." He tilts his head, a semblance of a smirk on his lips.

"For fuck's sake, Hades, she's not what you'd expect. And what about me? I promised Demeter I would protect her!" HanjiHecate throws her hands in the air, her shadow taking the form of a raging dog.

"Do notchallenge me, witch. You know I can destroy you in the blink of an eye." LeviHades growls and her shadow restores itself to its natural shape. "Besides, you would still protect her. The Underworld is where you abide."

She knows she shouldn't carelessly be out in the open one hour before her coming of age. But Y/N Persephone, with tears streaming down her beautiful face, embraced her future. She knows Zeus will come for her, and so she willingly gives herself to him. With poppy seeds, she put the drakons to sleep and left the cave, clad in a sheer toga, her body visible through the transparent fabric.

"If you want me, come and get me, father!" Y/N Persephone screams at the skies, the flora surrounding her slowly turning a dark shade of brown and dying, just like her innocence would die tonight. The earth shatters behind her, marigold flames and ashy smoke cracking open the soil. Shadowy figures emerge, grasping the young goddess' limbs and they drag her down, down, down to the Underworld. She is afraid, her heart beats faster as the moonlight disappears, and all she can see is darkness.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be gentler, but I didn't want Zeus to get the wrong idea."

"You're Hades, aren't you?"

"Yes, but please, call me Levi. Persephone, I presume." Levi doesn't smile, but his voice is warm, contrasting the cold that surrounded your body.

"Don't call me that." You spit back, confused as to why you were in his realm in the first place.

"You should be a little more grateful that I saved you, brat." He narrows his eyes down at you.

"Saved me? You abductedme. You're no better than him."

Hanji Hecate was right, you had fire in your soul, and an attitude that would drive Levi over the edge.

"Tch, don't compare me to that pretentious cock." The god scoffs and your expression softens.

"Zeus is a... cock? With a beak and feathers?" You giggle and he almost wants punch himself. How could he forget how innocent you are? Clearly, he's been spending too much time with Minthe.

"That's one way to put it."

"Is there another way?" You ask with your index finger brought to your lips, pure curiosity in your eyes.

"Forget that, you said you didn't want me to call you Persephone. How else should I address you?"

"Y/N." You tell him, eyes peering to the balcony of his castle and you skip to it. "Oh, this place is huge! What are those?" You point at the colourful flames dancing in the air.

"Souls." Levi joins you, resting his arms on the marble railing.

"They're beautiful!" You are in awe, and he is just as mesmerised by your beauty. Not one sane god or goddess would consider the souls of the dead beautiful.

"Look, Y/N, I heard you. In my dreams, I mean. I'm not going to hurt you, I brought you here to rescue you." He lies through his teeth. Levi did want to save you, he still does, but he can't deny the fact that he wanted you all to himself. "I'm gonna mind my own business, you mind yours. Try not to break anything. And don't, under any circumstances, make a mess out of my castle, or my realm."

You lean on the railing, nose scrunched and a hand on your hip.

"What am I supposed to do, then? And what about my mother? What about when spring comes and I have to bring it? What about Zeus?"

Levi grits his teeth, almost regretting his decision of saving you.

"Tch, I'll deal with Demeter. I'll tell Zeus I'm marrying you. You can go bring spring when it's due. Happy?" He pinches the bridge of his nose.

"And you won't taint my innocence?"

Oh, he will taint it, alright. But not just yet.

"I won't do anything you don't want me to do."

"You still didn't answer my first question. What am I supposed to do?" You shift your weight from one leg to the other, impatiently waiting for a proper answer from your captor.

"Anything you want, just don't get in my way when I'm dealing with the dead."

"You're an aggressive little man, you know that?"

Levi can feel a blood vessel bursting on his forehead. You were truly annoying, but he couldn't just sit around and wait for Zeus to have his way with you.

"Anyway, I suppose it is safer to be here." You rolled your eyes. "Got any books?"

"What, you read?" He snorts, a condescending brow arched.

"Don't patronise me. You're the one who abducted me, you could at least try to be nice to me."

Levi sighs. This wasn't how he imagined things would go. He imagined you'd make the perfect housewife and keep him some company.

"First floor. Just stay out of the restricted section."

"Why?"

"Because I said so. Zeus' beard, are you always this irritating?"

"Are you?" You chuckle, a hand hiding your smile.

With another sigh, Levi disappears, leaving you alone. "Great job, Y/N, you made the only person who took a crumb of pity on you to go away." You say to yourself, a pout on your lips.

The Underworld wasn't as bad as you thought. Sure, there was the occasional fire popping from the ground here and there, and you had to be careful not to burn yourself, but overall, it was serene. Some parts of it were scorching hot, but mostly it was cold, and you always brought an extra cloak with you when exploring the realm. Levi wasn't always with you, in fact you haven't seen him in days, but you met his three-headed puppy. Well, puppy wasn't the best word to describe the creature, and it did try to eat you the first time, but you stood your ground and tamed the beast with your singing and eager belly rubs.

"This is a sight I never thought I'd live to see." Levi is shocked, watching his raging dog so calm. "Cerberus never lets anyone but me touch him." He gives the dog a few pats on his back.

"Well, Cerberus likes me better, don't you? Who's a good boy? You are, yes, you are!" You kiss all three muzzles and hug the gigantic beast, the heat of its fuzzy body warming you up.

"Oi, don't get ahead of yourself. Come here, Cerberus." Levi extends his arms and the creature is confused. "I said, come here."

The dog stops wagging its tail and plops next to you with a groan, one head resting in your arms. The shit-eating grin on your face is enough to make Levi sigh.

"See? I told you he likes me better." You poke your tongue out in triumph. You wave your hands and the god watches how you place three daffodil wreaths on each of Cerberus' heads. "Much better!"

"Y/N, he looks silly."

"No, he looks adorable! Here, I made you one, too."

Levi takes the flower crown and inspects it, careful not to crumble the petals.

"What is this?" He asks, marvelling at the beauty of the ice-blue colour of the plant.

"Uh, a flower crown?"

"Yeah, no shit. I meant what flower is this?"

"Oh, it's a blue poppy. One of the rarest plants in the world." You smile. "I think it suits you."

"You're an oddball."

You sit in a lavish chair, all kinds of foods displayed on the table in front of you. Saliva pools in your mouth, but you decide to wait for Levi anyway. It's bad manners to start eating without the host, Demeter taught you that. Gods and goddess don't eat mortal foods, but sometimes they indulge in it, and tonight was one of those nights.

"Here, try this." Levi offers you a strange fruit, something humans have on earth, but different.

"What is it?" You poke your finger at the juicy fruit, sucking the sweetness from your digit.

"It's a pomegranate that only grows in the Underworld."

You pick at the seeds, popping one in your mouth. You couldn't believe something so good could grow in a cold place like this.

"So, what's the occasion?" You ask Levi as you eat three more seeds, the crimson juice staining your lips.

"Our wedding."

You accidentally swallow, choking on saliva and the pomegranate seeds, your fist hammering your chest as you gasp for air.

"What?"

"I told Zeus I'm marrying you and now he wants proof." Levi bluntly states, a chalice of nectar in his hand.

"No."

"You don't have a choice, unfortunately."

"But… I'm supposed to be a virgin. Marriage implies consumption of it." You slam your fists on the table. "My mother-"

"Your mother lied to you. You're a goddess of fertility for fuck's sake." He shrugs and you're shocked by how chilling his voice sounds. Sure, Levi was always brooding and silent, but now he was just inconsiderate. "However, I'm not a man who breaks his promises. I told you I won't do anything you don't want me to."

"Oh, how niceof you. I'm leaving." You stand up, pushing the chair away.

"And go where? Demeter can't protect you forever, and you don't stand a chance against Zeus."

"You know why I hate my name so much, Levi?" You growl, fingernails digging into the wooden table.

"Do, tell."

"Because it means destruction. A fitting name for a goddess of ‘fertility’, don't you think?" The table splits open and all the plates fall to the ground. Your normal, bubbly aura changes suddenly and there's a hint of red in your Y/E/C eyes. "You think I don't stand a chance against Zeus? I'm his offspring." You snap, and instead of flowers falling out of your hair, there's thorns, spikes and rusty leaves all over the place. The uglies, most poisonous plants sprout from the ground and you're no longer the goddess of spring, but the bringer of slaughter, and Levi is impressed. Now he really knows it was faith that brought you together, he knows your place is with him — with the dead.

"Marry me." He says, unmoved by your little show. Unmoved on the outside, because on the inside he wants to bend you over and fuck you silly. His words shouldfuel your rage, but you're too surprised by the fact that he still wants to marry you, despite your outburst.

"Why? Because Zeus wants that?" Vines protrude from your skin and your fingernails turn black. You were completely different than the helpless little girl he rescued that night. You were terrifying. But not to Levi — to him you were fascinating.

"Because I want that."

It was safe to say you had fallen in love with Levi in those nine months since you came to the Underworld. He accepted you the way you were, he accepted your darkness, something not even your mother could do, and that's what triggered your feelings for the god of the dead. You still didn't allow him to call you Persephone, because you still hadn't fully embraced that part of you. Spring was almost due, but you promised Levi you'd go to earth after your wedding. Everyone would be there, including Demeter, which you haven't seen in a long time.

A soft knock interrupts your thoughts.

"Y/N, are you ready?"

"In a second, Hanji!"

"Oh, thank the gods for calling me that. I keep telling everyone I'm tired of Hecate but they don't care." The witch scoffs from the other side of the door.

"Has my mother arrived?" You ask, concern visible in your voice.

"Yes. And she's not happy."

"Hey," you open the door, "thanks for taking the blame and explaining things to her." You hug the goddess and she holds you tight.

"Don't worry about it, kid. It's me who should thank you. I don't know what you did to Levi, but he seems happier. He won't show it because he's a prick, but I can feel it."

You flash Hanji a genuine smile and ask her to fix your veil, to which she gladly accepts before escorting you to the castle grounds. Your mother should do this, but she hated her future groom, or your father, but he was a sick man who only decided to leave you alone because he respected Levi.

Every god and goddess of Olympus is here, even your uncle Poseidon. You emerge from the castle, arm looped around Hanji's and you smirk at Levi's shock. He never thought you could be more beautiful, yet here you are, dressed in silk, flowers on your hand and a thin veil clinging from the peony crown on your head. You catch a glimpse of Demeter before drifting your eyes to your future husband.

"Ladies and gentlemen, gods and goddesses, we have gathered here today to witness and bless the union between Levi, god of the Underworld, and Y/N, goddess of spring." Hanji proudly declares. The ceremony doesn't last too long, and when Levi's lips crush yours in what is your first kiss, thousands upon thousands of plants sprout from the soil, colourful flowers blooming and letting out the sweetest smells known to mankind. Love, he thinks, that's what love smells like.

You're tired from the party, tired from all the talking and mingling, tired from your mother's lecture, and tired from avoiding your father. At least Hera was nice enough to wish you a happy marriage. You pace around your bedroom, sitting on the bed, then standing up again. Levi went to his chamber after the party, but you were expecting, no, you wanted to consume the marriage. You walk to his room, a toga lazily draped over your shoulders, and open the door without a single knock. He's in bed, the only light source being the colourful souls levitating outside his windows. You carefully push the covers and climb into the bed, gently scooching closer to him.

"Psst, husband, are you sleeping?" You poke his shoulder.

"Tch, not anymore." He sighs, not bothering to open his eyes and look at you. "What do you want?"

"Well, I'm glad you asked! Seeing as we're married now, I thought it's only natural for a wife to sleep with her husband." You roll on your side, propping yourself on your elbow. Tentatively, you tug on the fabric of the toga, exposing your shoulders and part of your breasts.

"So sleep." Levi finally lolls his head to the side, facing you. He did not expect to see you sprawled on his bed like that, in a lewd position and a playful smile on your soft lips. "You don't have to do this just because we're married.

"I'm doing it because I want to. And I know you want it, too, Levi." You purr, your fingers grazing over your collarbone.

"It's going to hurt." He warns you, but his hand is already on your thigh.

"I know. But you'll take good care of me, won't you?"

Levi has no idea which one of you is talking — Y/N, goddess of spring, or Y/N, goddess of destruction — and frankly he doesn't even care at this point. As long as he has your approval, he knows he can do whatever he wants. You pull him into a sloppy kiss, obviously inexperienced, but he likes it that way. He likes that you have no idea what you're doing because he can be in control. His hand runs up and down your thigh and you can feel heat building in your core.

"Tingles..." You mumble in his lips with a hazy smile.

"Have you ever touched yourself?" Levi pulls away and you nod. "Show me."

You feel embarrassed and small, but obey nonetheless. Your hand travels between your legs and your fingers touch your already swollen clit, rubbing it in circular motions. Levi watches you with hungry eyes, wanting very hard to abstain, but he can't, and so he takes your nipple in his hot mouth. You whimper at the new sensation, electricity shooting through your body as he snakes a hand between your thighs, two fingers diving into your cunt.

"Ah! L-Levi! So big!" You mewl and he throws his head back, releasing your poor nipple.

"That's nothing compared to what you'll get, you needy brat." He curls his fingers, hitting that sweet spot, and you buck your hips. Despite being a virgin, your body naturally knows what to do. Your spongy walls clench around his digits and Levi can already feel how tight you'll be around his cock. "You're so wet."

"Is t-that a good thing?" You're innocent and pure and you rock your hips back and forth, pathetic moans escaping your lips.

"Fuck, yes." Levi kisses you, and it's nothing like the kiss from your wedding. It's desperate and greedy, and he wants you all to himself. The pace quickens, he's pumping his fingers in and out of you faster and you don't know what to do, so you keep rubbing your clit and the familiar heat of your orgasm flushes through your body. You come undone on his hand, the sinful, squelching sound echoing in the bedroom.

"It didn't hurt at all!" You look at your husband, but there's a hint of mischief in your voice, a playful glisten in your eyes. Levi clicks his tongue, because the worst — and best — is yet to come, and you know it — you're no saint.

"Come here." Levi orders and yanks you by the hair, his aggressive gesture sending a shiver down your spine and into your cunt. "Be a good girl and open that pretty mouth for me."

You obey and part your luscious lips and then you see his cock for the first time — thick and veiny, it slaps your face as it pops out of his undergarments, the tip grazing over your cheeks.

"Levi that's... that's too big." You chew your lower lip and lean back.

"You'll be fine. You said it yourself, I'll take good care of you." He cups your face with one hand, thumb caressing your chin. "Now suck it. Make sure to use lots of spit."

You feel your cheeks hot and test the waters by giving the glistening tip a few licks, tongue swirling around it. It tastes salty, and you find yourself liking this. Levi pats your head, but you feel him tensing with each movement of your tongue.

"Shit." He curses under his breath and when you look up at him with doe eyes, his heart pounds into his chest. You courageously take the tip into your mouth, and with hollowed cheeks, you move further. "Yeah, just like that. Take it all."

Bobbing your head up and down, you try to take it all, but the girth and length is just too much, and tears pool at your eyes from the lack of air, but also from how good it feels to have a fat cock in your mouth. Muffled moans reverberate in your throat, and Levi can feel the vibrations tickling him. He firmly grabs your nape and holds your head in place.

"Trust me and relax, can you do that for me?"

You half-nod, anxious and somewhat excited for what is about to happen. Your husband rocks his hips back and forth slowly before aggressively fucking your poor throat, and you feel the arousal building in your core again. So much for promising your mother you'd always stay a virgin. You want to touch yourself again, but Levi slaps your hand away and thrusts into your mouth, holding your head still until you choke, your fingernails digging into his arm. The god pulls out and you gasp for air, and he almost feels sorry when he sees your pathetic state.

"A-again!" You flash him your pearls in a sultry smile, spit dripping down your chin. Who knew you liked asphyxiation?

"Needy brat."

"Please!"

"Tch, later. Right now, I want to fuck you." Levi growls and he already has you pinned on the bed, arms above your head and legs spread open for him. His cock presses against your slick slit and you brace yourself for the incoming pain. "If you want me to stop, tell me."

You don't have the time to nod when you feel a burning sensation between your legs. Squeezing your eyes shut, you bury the back of your head into the pillow and grip the sheets so tight your knuckles begin to lose their colour. Levi slowly pushes further, another inch buried in your cunt, and you bite on your lower lip. But you don't tell him to stop, instead your spongy walls clench around his cock and another inch gets lost in you.

You never thought gods could feel such immense pain, yet here you are, with a bloody lip from digging your teeth into it and a sore pussy. But the worst thing faded bit by bit when Levi bottomed out into your cunt. The two of you sit still, your husband allowing you to get used to his girth.

"Do you think I bled?" You ask, eyes filled with tears.

"Probably, but I promise it will never hurt like this from now on." He comforts you before licking the blood from your lips. The gesture makes your cunt flutter and Levi takes it as a sign to go on. Slowly, he rocks his hips back and forth, and the molten pain is replaced by tingles and arousal.

"You good?"

"Y-yes, oh, f- yes!"

"You can say fuck, you know?" Levi thrusts once, and it's so deep you feel his cock brush over your cervix.

"Fuck!" You cry out, legs wrapping around his waist to make sure he doesn't pull out. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

"Good girl."

There's no more room for gentle touches and soothing words when your husband fucks you raw. Your hips buck against his to feel that sweet pressure you never knew you longed for. In and out, his cock makes you feel sore and hazy, and you want more. The sound of his balls slapping your ass makes your mouth water and your eyes glossy, and Levi feels selfish. He pulls out, turns you over and takes you from behind, like a rabid dog fucking a bitch in heat. And you are in heat — you love the way his thrusts make you feel dumb, the way his cock stretches you, the way he uses and abuses your tight little cunt. Everything is so new to you and you adore every bit of it.

"Shit, I'm close." Levi warns you, his fingers digging into your hips, and you want to be good for him, so you drag your hand between your thighs and rub your swollen clit in frantic motions.

"L-Leeevi! I think I'm-"

"Fuck!"

When you feel a hot liquid shooting into you, your legs begin to tremble and you come on his cock, head falling onto the pillow with a heavy sigh. He pulls out and you already miss the feeling of being full, your juices mixed with his own dripping down out of you, down your thigh. You curl up next to your husband, hand holding his arm before you drift to sleep.

A sweet smell fills Levi's nostrils and when he looks at your tired body, there’s flowers in your messy hair. He still can't get used to the way your divine, disorganised powers work, but at least now he knows what's been missing from his life, and the corners of his mouth slightly twist upwards into a genuine smile. The god of the dead, in love with and married to the goddess of spring. Order and chaos blending together in one beautiful, perfectly arranged mess.

It’s fate. It must be fate that brought you together — but it’s love that will keep you together.

tagging @starrynightlys @stolemyheart12

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7-wonders · 3 years

Text

Love That Moves the Sun and Other Stars

Summary: If you thought defying death, becoming the most powerful witch currently living, defeating Satan, defying death again, and becoming immortal was difficult, you were obviously mistaken. Coronation, royalty lessons, and pesky in-laws make the idea of facing Satan again more appealing with each day that passes. Luckily, your husband is by your side for it all. But will the love you share be enough to get you through these challenges?

Word Count: 1292 (just a short little introductory bb to set this up)

A/N: Ahhhhh I'm so excited for this! This is officially the first chapter of As Above, So Below's sequel. I've had so much fun revisiting these characters again, and I hope you have fun reading. If you enjoyed, please like, reblog, and comment. If you haven't read AASB before, strap in and click this link, because it's 70k+ words of pure goodness. Lastly, if you want to be on a taglist, let me know!

(moodboard made by the amazing @brattylovee)

She feels them before any of her other senses pick up on them. Being a goddess means her senses are especially attuned to any sort of disturbance, and that’s no different here. It’s an evolutionary trait, one meant to make sure that those gifted with immortality have an upper hand in case of danger, but there’s no danger here. Achlys, or Zoe (she doesn’t really have a preference which name you call her), smiles when she realizes that those she cares about are finally home. Indeed, those around her begin to pick up on this return too. Even Cerberus lifts his heads up, studying the noises he hears before jumping up in excitement and bounding towards the throne room. Zoe chuckles, standing from her spot in one of the many sitting rooms and transmuting herself to the throne room.

The hellhound does not even blink when he sees that one of his mistresses reached his destination before he did, screeching to a stop and barking happily. The king of the Underworld stands in the center of the throne room, his new wife holding onto his arm. Neither you (the aforementioned new wife) nor Michael can wipe the smiles off of your faces, both so wrapped up in newly wedded bliss that it’s impossible to not let the rest of the world see how happy you are. Only Zoe clearing her throat breaks your eyes away from those of your husband’s, and you grin even wider when you see her.

“Zoe!” you greet, untangling your hand from Michael’s to wrap your arms around your friend. “I’ve missed you!”

“Oh yes, because I’m sure you had plenty of time to think about those of us here while Michael was whisking you around the world.” Her eyes twinkle with mirth as she teases you, briefly letting go of you to customarily curtsey in the direction of Michael. “My lord.”

“I believe we’ve been past these formalities for about 200 years now, Zoe,” Michael says as he comes up behind you and puts a hand on your shoulder.

“Force of habit.” Zoe turns back to you. “So? How was everything?”

“Oh, the honeymoon was wonderful. Michael took me to Greece, and he did some magic to make Athens look like how it did when everybody thought you lived on a mountain.”

“Stunning, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know what was better, Rome, France, or Greece.”

“They all have their charms.”

“Bet the sex was good, too.” Hecate appears with her arms crossed, smirking at you and Michael.

“That’s really inappropriate--” Michael starts, but you cut him off.

“You wish we would tell you.” You wink, Madison laughing and pulling you into a hug. Knowing that she’s finally getting used to hugging, you smile victoriously. “Anyways, the honeymoon was great...for me, at least.”

Madison laughs. “It wasn’t great for Michael?”

“No, he felt like it was ruined because I made him meet my parents.”

Michael scowls as if to emphasize your point. “I’m a god, why is it that meeting my wife’s mortal parents intimidates me?”

“He’s just being dramatic; my parents love him!”

“Do they know that you’re married?” Zoe asks.

“No, we said we’re ‘dating’ and taking things slow, which, in Underworld time, we technically did.”

“Gods, I wish I would have been there for that conversation,” Madison chimes in.

The doors open, interrupting your conversation, and Michael’s right hand demon appears with a bow. “My lord, welcome back.”

“Thank you, Cassius.” Like a switch being flipped, Michael assumes the position of God of the Dead.

“I hope you enjoyed your vacation, for we have quite the workload for you to tackle.”

“Yes, of course.” You look at Michael with a pout, which really isn’t fair on your part considering you just spent the past month uninterrupted with him, but still...you thought you would at least be able to relax with him a little bit before jumping back to work.

“King stuff?” you ask.

Michael nods. “King stuff.” He kisses your head just barely, already on the move to go handle whatever’s first on the long list that Cassius is holding. “But don’t worry, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy, what with the coronation and all.”

“The coronation?”

“Yes, your advisors will explain it further.” Michael glances behind his shoulder. “I love you!”

“I love you too.” But he’s already gone. “Did you two know anything about a coronation?”

“No, but it’s kind of assumed that there would be one, since you married a king and all,” Madison says.

“You’re my advisors, so tell me about the coronation.”

Madison laughs. “We’re far too important to be anyone’s advisors. No, as the soon-to-be Queen of the Underworld, you have an actual staff.”

“But...do I actually need a whole staff?”

“Considering you’ve never done any sort of crash course on how to be nobility, I would say that you do.”

You nod sagely. “Like in Princess Diaries.”

Madison and Zoe share a confused look. “I have no idea what that means.”

“Oh, it’s a movie. Basically this girl finds out from her grandma that--”

“I wish I could say that I’d watch it, but I won’t.” At this point, Madison interrupting you is so normal that it doesn’t even phase you anymore. “But let’s face it, you’re going in completely blind. You need some sort of help.”

“Why from other people though? I’d rather that you and Zoe just helped.”

“Neither of us are skilled at planning coronations, and we can’t guarantee that we’ll always be around whenever you need to learn something related to your new role. We’ll certainly try, though,” Zoe says.

“Who’s this ‘we’ you’re talking about?” Madison jokes. “Don’t stress about it, okay?”

“I’m not!” you insist.

“I can see it in your face, you totally are. Nothing’s going to change, and you have nothing to worry about.”

“Besides having to learn how to be a queen?”

“Besides that. But I thought you knew that you would have to do this?”

“I did, but I just didn’t think it would be so sudden. I thought I would have some time after getting back before having to deal with this.”

“Okay, you need to get out of your head,” Zoe says, “and we’re going to show you that things will still be as they were before you married Michael.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“Well, how much of the Underworld have you explored before?”

“Not much. Michael took me to Elysium for a date once, and we went to see the Fates, but the only other time I had been out of the castle was when I ran and that monster almost ate me.”

“Perfect. We’re having a girls’ night out, then, and showing you the fun parts of the Underworld.” Madison squeals upon hearing Zoe say this, and you can already see the wheels turning in her head. You’re not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing yet.

“There are fun parts of the Underworld?”

“Why would we continue to live here if there weren’t?” Madison asks, and you admit that she has a point.

“Consider it, like, a bachelorette party! Mortals do that, right?” Zoe looks at you in anticipation.

“Yeah, but I’m not really a bachelorette anymore.”

“So? It’s a belated party, and any event like this is an excuse to go have fun.”

“Oh, alright.”

Zoe claps her hands together. “Perfect! Let’s go find some suitable outfits.”

Zoe and Madison each take one of your hands, walking and chatting about the places that they want to take you and where they think you would like best. Though you huff and roll your eyes, you have to admit: it’s good to be home.

///

Tag List: @ladyrindt @hecohansen31 @xavierplympton @michaellangdon @trelaney @dark-mei-rose @blakescoven @ajokeformur-ray @michaelsapostle @nsainmoonchild

#michael langdon #michael langdon imagine #michael langdon imagines #hades and persephone #hades and persephone au #michael langdon au #ahs imagine #ahs imagines #ahs fanfiction #american horror story #american horror story imagine #american horror story apocalypse

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the-young-and-forgotten · 3 years

Text

Chapter 1 - The Arrival

| masterlist |

A/N: this is set at the start of the marauders 6th year

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With a clap of thunder and a single flash of lightning, four boys fell directly from the sun, slamming onto the concrete ground beneath them.

As their backs hit the pavement, their mind whirled through memories that weren’t their own. A castle up on a rocky cliff, rooms full of magical equipment, a forest with danger at every turn and a fiery redheaded girl that made James blush.

Groaning, they all picked themselves up, dusting their clothes off. Peter shielded his eyes and looked up at the sun, grumbling “Why did they have to go and drop us from the fucking sky?” Remus opened his mouth to respond but something hot and soft started falling from the clouds.

James held out his palm to the sky and watched as a burning piece of ash floated down onto his open palm. He studied it, visibly confused. “The sky is.. raining fire?” “Nah mate” Sirius said with his arms outstretched, head tilted towards the sky “The worlds shuddering at the weight of our power” At that, the other boys started to spin in the fiery rain, laughing as they caught the embers on the tip of their tongues.

Unbeknownst to them, an old man had heard their laughter and was walking up to them, smiling softly. “So you must be the fallen gods” he stated bluntly, capturing their attention. A flash of panic flitted across the boys’ faces as they searched for an excuse. “Oh no,” James said quickly, leaning against Remus’ shoulder. The boy in question had just started picking the flowers out of his hair, which was not helping to sell their lie. “We are just four normal boys casually dancing in the burning rain.” The man laughed, looking at them with a twinkle in his eye. “I do not think I am mistaken, Hecate told me you would be coming soon.” Peter scoffed, “Psh Hecate. You should never trust the goddess of…..” He paused at this, looking at James in wonder who was waving his arms around haphazardly. Realising his mistake, he tried his best to backtrack. “Wait I mean, who's Hecate? She sounds dumb.”

Right at that moment, one too many ashes had landed on Sirius’ skin, activating his flames. With a big flash, he turned into a humanoid fire. The flames gradually subdued, leaving a sooty boy who looked at his hands in shock before turning his gaze to blood brothers, eyes wide. “That wasn’t supposed to happen..” James’ shoulders slumped, running a hand down his face as Peter ducked down to hide his grin. Remus finally looked up from picking out the flowers from his hair that now lay in a pile around his feet. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at him. “That uh.. That doesn’t happen often...” he explained, shaking his head at what a mess they all were.

“Would you like to take a walk?” Dumbledore inquired. They slouch after him, visibly relieved that he didn’t question their insanity further.

They walked in silence for a few minutes before Dumbledore spoke up. “Are you boys familiar with… the tale of the Children of Hecate? It’s an old one.” Sirius laughed harshly at this “dude, we are a thousand years old we know all sorts of tales you couldn’t even dream up.” “You never answered my question young god.” “No… we aren’t” Dumbledore smiled, pulling out his wand. “I thought not.” He waved about his wand and silver mist broke out of the end, morphing into people, animating the story being told.

“A long time ago, there was a woman. Cast out by the gods from helping out a paranoid mother, she, like you today, fell from the sky in a blaze of burning rain. Filled with hate and grief, she vowed to anger the gods in any way possible. For a hundred years she wandered this earth aimlessly, occasionally accompanied by Thanatos who came to reap the mortal souls. One day, she stumbled across seven mortals, cowering at the feet of Death, begging for life. Now, this woman had traveled among us, watching all our struggles and misery. Listening to our heartbreak and treachery. She took pity on these mortals and stepping from the shadows for the first time in a century, she addressed the seven. Pushing past Thanatos, she knelt to their level and placed a hand on the cheek of the child in front of her. Smiling kindly, she knew what to do to help them and fulfill her vow. Reaching inside of her core, she drew out seven silver wisps. Weaving it around the mortals in front of her. “Upon you I bestow the power of the gods,” she whispered, transforming into her godly form. “Follow the path this shows you and life will come.” As the mortals scampered away, hands smoking and eyes dancing, Thanatos turned to her furious. From then on, Hecate was forced to spend the rest of her immortality guiding demigods, gods and mortals along the three crossroads. The mortals she blessed, though some may say cursed, used the powers how their minds begged them too, some for good, some for evil. But the magic went on, passed from generation to generation, family to family and will do so forever. Among all these powerful witches and wizards, as we call ourselves, were two men and two women. Born with magic unrivalled by anyone but Hecate herself. They drew together and formed a school now known as ‘Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’. From then onwards, magical folk have been taught, honing their abilities to perfection. Carrying out the vow Hecate made many eons ago.”

The boys were speechless. Remus pointed to Dumbledore then his wand and back again. “So you’re…” “Yes” Dumbldore answered, turning towards them and giving a short little bow, “I am a descendant of Hecate.” “And you want us at this school of yours?” “With Hecate's blessing, yes.”

Peter cuts ahead of his friends, raising his hand. “Interjection! How the hell are we supposed to get magic powers?” Dumbledore smiles at him and holds his hand. “If you four trust me, I will take you to where everything will be revealed.” The godlings look at each other before holding onto the man in question, watching as he whispers something, waving his wand around.

The boys feel a tug on their abdomen and gasped as the world around them blurs, like they are on a moving train. They felt themselves morph, as if they were travelling through time. Their very fibre being pulled and torn. Before long, the scenery around them started to solidify, changing into a strange room with silver instruments and hundreds of portraits everywhere. “What the FUCK was that.” Sirius shouted from a pile of broken items he had staggered into, being vulgar as always. Dumbledore merely dusted himself off and fixed his robe before moving behind the desk. “That, dear boy, was a form of magical travel called apparition.” Peter lay on the floor, gasping for breath. “I think I prefer falling from the sky.” “And I prefer lying on a couch throwing grapes at the nymphs.” James groaned, stretching out his back.

“So magical powers?” Remus asked, walking up to Dumbledore's desk as his friends gazed at him in shock, wondering how he could be fine after that supposed ‘hell’ they just went through. “Ah yes!” Dumbledore clapped his hands together, reaching into a drawer just behind his desk. Out of the drawer he pulled four glasses filled to the brim with grey smoke. “Within these glasses contain the exact wisps Hecate used to infuse those seven mortals with magic. Take this and it shall do the same.” “I’ll drink to that.” Says Sirius, pushing past Remus and picking up a glass.

In one go he downs it, smiling devilishly. “See men? All fi-” Suddenly, Sirius’ face freezes in a half smile as his hands fly up to throat. He falls to his knees, coughing horribly, eyes glowing silver. His whole body twitching uncontrollably. As quickly as it started, it was over. He lay there gasping, trying to formulate a sentence. “That was delicious…” he wheezed ��110% recommend you give it a go.”

After seeing what happened to Sirius, the other boys were more hesitant to take even a sip. But one encouraging smile from Dumbledore made them drink it, going through the same process as their blood brother.

When they had finally recovered from the side effects of the potion, Dumbledore was reading through a small scroll covered in glyphs. “I just need to ask your four a question in order to secure your stay here at Hogwarts. Now this may feel extremely unnatural, since I am jogging memories that don’t actually exist.”

He looked up from the paper, his eyes holding that twinkle they had seen before. “Boys, what house were you sorted into six years ago?” The godlings felt their soul pulse for a second and their mouths fell open of its own accord. A movie tape started running through their mind, twisted and slightly burning. Back and forth it ran, so fast everything was a blur of colours. Finally, it landed on a vision of their younger selves sitting on a stool in front of hundreds as a hat screamed out something. The boys on the stools were faceless and the edges of their bodies were blurred, as if someone had edited them into a scene. They felt something invisible reach towards the memory and rip it out of the tape, forming it into words. Speaking together, they all said “Gryffindor.”

Their souls pulsed once more, and they were brought back to reality, grabbing their heads and groaning. “I swear if we have to go through that everytime we remember some pointless memory-” Sirius spat, grabbing at his hair like he was trying to rip the headache out. “No, do not worry, Sirius. This should be the last time it will happen. You will feel dizzy and weird when experiencing a memory though, since they were forcibly planted into your mind.”

“That reminds me,” Remus interrupted, wincing as he stood up “How come we aren’t going dizzy from the sight of you? Something tells me we should know you even though we don’t .” Dumbledore laughed “My, aren’t you inquisitive?” “That's Remus for you.” said Peter smiling fondly at the boy in question. “Has to know everything about a subject the moment he finds out about it.” Remus made a face at him before turning back to Dumbledore, eyes hopeful. Dumbledore smiled kindly at him and continued. “That’s because I personally asked the gods not to include me in your implanted memories. I would prefer to get to know you as the boys you are now. Not what fake scenarios portray you as.”

The godlings look at each other, questions of trust in their eyes. Taking the first leap of faith, James extended his hand for Dumbledore to shake. “You have left a good impression on us sir. You have earned our trust.” Delighted, Dumbledore shook his hand, once again smiling kindly at them all. “Now, I must show you to your dormitories…”

“No need Sir.” Sirius said, finally standing up. “We can get there just fine.” They turned to leave, heading for the office door. Dumbledore cocked an eyebrow at their departing figures. “You may get lost”

James stopped by the door just as the others went through, chuckling. Turning around he winked at Dumbledore. “That’s the thing about us chaos gods.” He said, grinning mischievously. “We have impeccable navigational skills.”

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taglist: @pregnant-piggy @just-a-belgian-girl @james-effing-potter @thegrxywitch @aspiringsloth20 @naviation-xx @marauderenergy @give-the-boy-a-hug @amixedwitch

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#marauders as gods #the marauders #god!marauders #sirius black #james potter #remus lupin #peter pettigrew

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ketchupqueenboiiii · 3 years

Text

day 13/14: god/dess au/reincarnation

@timari-month-event

[Short Excerpt]

Tim was not a lucky god. No that was Tikki, the primordial kwami of luck and creation. She and her fellow kwami spend most of their time bound to jewelry, mingling with mortals, occasionally butting into mortal affairs. The Judiciary gods find it better to watch the mortals from afar or incognito among them. But that's beside the point.

Tim, Bruce and Damian all chose a domain, well they drew straws and Tim got the short one. Bruce got the Heavens, Damian got the sea, and Tim got the Underworld. He had to review memos and paperwork to make sure each soul is were it is supposed to be. He also has to meet with special souls, like ones sent to the Isles of the Blessed, the souls of maidens who were vessels for the spirit of Delphi to make sure they safely get to Elysium per Dick's request, etc. But today is a good day. He finished all of the paperwork and he had no souls to met with today.

"Hey Timbo, you got someone to meet with." Said Jason after he barged into his office.

Good Heavens, he just can't catch a break, can he.

~ I got a little lazy so I am just going to explain the idea in bullet points

Mari is a reincarnating soul because of her connection to the Kwami, she is one of the spirits of the Guardians she gets reborn and is fated to become a guardian

Jason is Thanatos (god of death), the guy who makes sure soul travel to the Underworld. He has been doing it since the beginning of time, there was no order in the Underworld, he just threw them in and left to fetch the next soul. I want to say that he was god of war first before something happened and he transition to god of death

Tim is Hades, he does the paperwork and shit. He has to meet with special souls. Bart is Minos the judge of the final vote, Cassie is Hecate, and Conner is Charon. He spends most of his time in his office. And even though he is an immortal he found himself addicted to the mortal concoction called Coffee.

Tim and Jason are on good terms

Bruce is Zeus, who has gotten over his playboy antics, Talia is a nymph or something. Alfred is a mortal turned god lieutenant by Bruce and takes the form of old man because he constantly feels like one because of Bruce's shit.

Dick is a combination of Apollo, Hermes, and Aphrodite.

Damian is Poseidon

Babs is Athena, Cass is Artemis, Steph is Hestia. Duke is Erebus (god of darkness), a minor god who spends time with in the Heavens he is a little insecure about if he belongs there or not but it's getting better.

I called them the Judiciary Gods because Justice league.

SO the idea was that Mari was a primordial spirit and has died a lot, before the gods happened. She has died a lot and has met Jason on several occasions and are friends.

When Tim first takes the Underworld she had just gotten reborn so he has time to settle in before they met.

So when they do met Jason stays behind to watch the fireworks.

She comments about how much the place has changed and Tim is like '???? what? you haven't been here before??? how would you know??'

She explains that she is a Guardian spirit and since he is now the guy in charge of the Underworld she had to check with him before she got reborn.

He was like, 'bruh, why?'. neither had an answer.

So anyways, life went on and they spent a considerable amount of time together. She would spend as little as a couple of minutes in the Underworld to almost a century. At some point she started staying in his palace. They start to get the feels (if you know what I mean ;))

Imagine the fams confusion when they run into a spirit in Tim castle during an impromptu visit

Mari: *drinking coffee and completely under the impression that she's hallucination* Hey, Kon. Hey, Cassie. Hey, Bart.

Mari: *looks over* Did you guys, like, multiply?

Batfam: *has no idea who the fuck this woman is, she doesn't feel like a deity but they could be wrong*

Dick: Timmy?

Tim: *stopped immediately after seeing this* There, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for this.

Jason, Kon, Cassie, & Bart: *snickering in the background at the chaos*

Their affair goes on for a while and while they like their little get togethers they no it's not healthy. So Tim clears it with Bruce and offers her immortality and to be his wife. She's a little skittish and askes for a while to think it over.

the kwami give her their blessing to do it and she excepts.

She becomes the immortal liaison between the Judiciary gods and the kwami

They live happily ever after.

THE END.

#timari #timari january #mlb x dc #ml x dc #maribat #timinette

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yvesdot · 3 years

Note

okay how about... FC / SIH / KAY, percy jackson / band au / daemons, in that order tentatively. pick and choose as you will ofc if you don't want to do any of these

You are so insane... you sent me a request I will fulfill the requests. You're also insane for recommending a canon neither of us have ever read, though (HDM.) Three stories, now with bonus author's notes!

Forest Castles - Percy Jackson

It's been a really long time since I've read this series. This is loose, loose, loose, loose fanfic.

“You’re being obvious,” Eliza says, and Red jumps before flattening himself against the wall. “Move out of the way.” She nudges him aside and takes his place hiding around a corner to spy on Avner talking to the members of Aphrodite cabin.

“He’s asking questions,” Red says, leaning over Eliza’s shoulder. “He’s taking notes.”

“It’s so…” Eliza leans forward to get a better view of Avner looking bashful as someone compliments his hair.

“Cute?” Red offers.

“What?”

“I was finishing your—never mind. You move over,” Red says as Eliza pushes him back further, and he burns a hole in her sleeve with one finger.

“Ow!” Eliza rubs her arm. “What, looking to join Cabin 5?”

“Looking for an opportunity, actually.” Red ducks slightly, like a cat about to pounce. Eliza crosses her arms. “I predict Hecate for you, by the way.”

“Thanks, Oracle,” Eliza says, turning to keep watch behind them, but when she turns back Red has disappeared. She whips toward the corner just in time to see Red wrap an arm around Avner, whisper something, and pull them both underground in a plume of black smoke. “Red!”

She races out into the open, waving her hand in front of her face; Aphrodite cabin members scatter in all directions.

“Where did they go?” she manages through coughs, bumping into a small, frowning brown-haired girl.

“Guy dressed all in black and his object of affection?” she snaps. “Underworld, for all I know. Hmph!” And she trots off, flipping her hair over her frilly shoulder. Eliza stays back, feeling over the ground as though by stepping hard enough she might follow them down.

Sometimes it Happens - Band

Yes! More flashback stuff! This is when Ephraim is planning his disappearance.

Ephraim leaves before the last note has dissipated, just as it’s ringing in the air. Elle looks up from the microphone and manages to catch the door slamming shut behind him. They lower their hands and take a breath.

“He just needs some time,” Ava says. She flips her drumsticks in her hands nervously.

“I don’t get it.” Elle’s brow furrows. They sit down on the carpeted floor and uncap their water bottle. “If he needs time from me, why not just tell me?”

“Because it’s not—he’s not breaking up with you.” Ava presses a hand to her forehead. “You need to talk to him. I’m sorry.”

“Is he telling you that he’s not breaking up with me? Because he’s not telling me anything.” Elle wipes at their face with one arm. They press their mouth shut. “I don’t know how we’re supposed to debut like this. Is it just—” they lean over the step they’re sitting on and look up at Ava. “It’s not the music.”

“It’s not the music.”

“It’s not the band.”

“It’s not my hair.”

“It’s not—why would it be your hair?”

“It’s not pink anymore,” Elle mutters, twirling a lock of blonde hair around their finger. “Maybe he liked it better pink.”

“It’s not the hair. It’s—look, it’s none of my business, okay? I don’t want to be moderating your relationship.” Ava looks away as Elle shoots a hurt glance at her. “I mean, I don’t think I should be. I think you should talk to each other.”

“You think I want to be talking to you about this?” Elle leans against the step that Ava’s drum set sits on and curls up. “He didn’t even unplug his—”

“He’s being a shitty friend,” Ava decides, getting up. She slips her drumsticks into their carry case and zips it. “I’m going to talk to him.”

“And it’ll work for you?” Elle calls after her. “Tell him to talk to me!”

“I have,” Ava mutters, walking out the door. Elle watches it slam a second time, hunches over, and lays their head down in their arms to cry.

KAY - Daemon

This is just not about His Dark Materials. It simply isn't. It's about the vague concept of having an animal familiar that represents something about you, and I didn't even bother to read the information Max so kindly sent me about the series. Enjoy!

Kay’s blue butterfly rests on the edge of her pen as she writes. Any modern adaptation of Carmilla poses several major questions of concern. The first is one of clarity—

Constantine squawks from downstairs. Kay sighs, drops her pen, and holds out her arm for the butterfly to return to her sleeve. She shuts her door and heads down the steps to find Constantine holding his hands to his face.

“You have a mouse,” Atlas is arguing, at the end of a series of muddy footprints leading into the house. “You know, restaurants can be shut down for that.”

“He is clean,” Constantine protests, crossing his arms. His little brown mouse races from one shoulder to the other. “He washes his feet. For that matter, I wash his feet.”

“You wash his feet?” Atlas reaches out and, with preternatural reflexes, grabs the mouse off of Constantine’s shoulder. Constantine leaps for it, but Atlas holds it out of the way by its tail.

“Kind of gay of you to have a mouse for a daemon,” Atlas says, examining it. The mouse wriggles up to his hand and bites his finger. “Yowch. That’s not a bad thing.”

“Enough,” Kay calls from the stairs, and it distracts Atlas enough to let Constantine grab his mouse back. The mouse, for its part, appears to be shivering.

“I was just lookin for you!” Atlas chirps. He waves a pair of stolen car keys. “We’re going out. Going to find you a daemon.”

Kay crosses her arms.

“Weird of you not to have one,” Atlas says. “At your age?”

“I contain multitudes,” Kay says, “and surprises.”

“That’s cute,” Atlas says, “but we’re going to the shelter. You can get a cat.”

“I am not entirely opposed to that,” Constantine says, seeming vaguely surprised, and his mouse shudders from head to toe. “Well. I suppose I ought to consider it first.”

“Too late,” Atlas says, taking Kay’s hand. Kay lets him drag her out the door to the car he’s hotwired, which, this time, is a light blue Beetle. Kay folds herself into the passenger seat.

“I suppose you have no opinions on modern adaptations of Carmilla?” she asks Atlas.

“Haven’t read it yet,” he responds, keeping his eyes on the road. “Hang on; I’m going to do something illegal.”

Kay leans her head on her hand. Atlas scrunches down in his seat and concentrates, and the car jets forward on plumes of black ink, leapfrogging over other vehicles like pieces on a chessboard. The sensation is not unlike that of revolving very quickly; the kind of spinning that simulates forward motion.

“We’re here.” Atlas jumps out of the car to open the door for Kay. “Just give it a shot, okay? You’re catlike. If I had to pick something for you, it’d be a cat.”

“That does not surprise me.” Atlas’s lion is currently in the Rainier family garden, eating the rose bushes.

“Well, do you want to look at lizards?” Now Atlas holds the shelter door open. “You want a chinchilla? They don’t have those here, but there are pet stores. We could go find you a fish if you really want one. Let us look at your cats,” he says to the dark-haired, bespectacled intern at the front desk.

“Are you looking to adopt one?” they ask.

“Unsure. I have the authority, though,” Atlas says, whipping out his card. The intern’s eyes widen. “Just find… the smallest, cutest one in there. Or the oldest one. You know what? Go crazy. It’s for her,” he says, gesturing at Kay. Kay pretends for her own sanity that she isn’t with him.

Five minutes later, they are sitting in a small room with something that looks like a large, hairy egg. Her name is Doff and she is rounder than any animal Kay has ever seen. Kay lifts her up good-naturedly, bobbing her up and down like a baby.

“Any feelings? Connections?” Atlas queries, leaning in as Kay drops Doff in her lap, apparently amused by the appearance of claws in the cat’s landing.

“Many feelings,” Kay says, petting Doff. Doff curls up a little tighter on Kay’s lap and begins to purr. “Connection, to be sure.”

“You’re kidding.”

“She is very cute,” Kay acknowledges, scratching Doff’s back. Doff kneads Kay’s pants.

“Well, if you’re not going to keep her—”

“You have the authority,” Kay reminds him. “I could sit in here all day. Did you bring a book?”

“No. Did you?” Atlas asks, and Kay pulls a small, battered paperback out of her coat pocket. “How.”

“I am never caught unawares,” Kay says, handing it to him. Atlas flips through it, then starts at the beginning. Kay lifts Doff and gives her a little kiss on the nose. Doff yawns, and Kay barely represses a smile.

Atlas reads through the second cat, which is a longhaired tabby mix, and the third, which is black except for two little brown mittens on her feet. The fourth cat is loud and needy enough to require both of their attentions, and the fifth is so old that socialization with her merely entails sitting in the same room. After that, the intern returns and informs them that there are simply no more cats.

“Anywhere?” Atlas asks, leaning against the wall. “Not even in a bathroom somewhere?”

“We don’t let them in the bathrooms,” the intern says.

“You couldn’t rescue another one for us?”

“I don’t do the rescues,” they say.

“Oh, well.” Atlas gets up and stretches; Kay slips the book out of his hand and tucks it back into her pocket. “McDonald’s?”

“No outside food,” Kay reminds him. “You may order whatever you like for yourself.”

“Maybe I will. No offense, but I miss milkshakes.” Atlas drops some random bills into the donation jar at the front desk and pushes the doors open for both of them. “Maybe we should get you a fish. One of those super pretty ones with the long fins. They could represent how you’re beautiful and inaccessible to human beings.”

“Fish are not inaccessible,” Kay says.

“Well, they don’t cuddle up to you. You can’t touch them.”

“Do you find me untouchable?” Kay asks.

“I think it’s an honor to be touched by you,” Atlas says, mock-bowing, and when he straightens up a butterfly lands on his nose. He stills, and goes cross-eyed looking at it. “Whoah.” He waits silently for it to lift off, and then adds, “I don’t think that was a total waste. We got to pet some cats.”

“Mm.”

Kay waits, but Atlas doesn’t make the joke she expects him to. When she makes eye contact with him, though, he winks.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” he asks, opening the car door for her again.

“Take me home, Atlas.”

“No problem, Princess.” Atlas kisses her cheek as she slides into the car. The butterfly slips in through Kay’s open window and rides in the map holder. Kay leans her head on her hand and wonders how many cat trees she’ll find by the time she returns home.

***

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#Kay is reading The Left Hand of Darkness because so am I. That's how it works.#txt #writing #wtwbingo #Very very slight KayPOV... how attractive.#Oh and hi Ahava we love you.#important writing updates #kay rainier #forest castles #sometimes it happens

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fermented-writers-block · 4 years

Text

Who and what is Kikimora?

Although she has only made a single appearance in the show with just barely three lines to her name, Kikimora is an interesting character to me in what her apparent position and possible inspirations could mean in terms of the overall plot and history of the Boiling Isles going forward.

Starting off, it is interesting to note how, so far, Kikimora is THE most respected character we’ve actually seen in the show - as Belos has yet to make an official appearance - as well as having one of the biggest yet understated impacts on the plot. Of course, the former can be inferred by how Lilith - THE leader of the best of the best witches outside of Emperor Belos himself - defers to her in a subservient manner, but for someone with such little screentime, Kikimora’s appearance set into motion an impending deadline that Lilith now has to fulfill soon if she wants Belos’ end of their promise.

Additionally, it’s a subtle detail, but Kikimora’s use of just Lilith’s first name implies a ton of familiarity between the two and or that Kikimora is much, MUCH higher ranking than Kikimora in the hierarchy. As for figuring out what position she fills, well:

She is most likely Belos’ right hand woman after all, and quite literally at that.

However, besides the literal wordplay of her design, I’ve been looking into the origins of her name and found that "kikimora" refers to a kind of spirit within Slavic mythology of which there are two kinds: one from the forest married to the spirit Domovoi,and the other from the swamp married to the spirit Leshy.

There's conflicting accounts on whether kikimora are evil or simply a difficult spirit to appease between the sources I could find, but a common thread seems to be a close association with spinning and being a symbol of impending misfortune with her psychic abilities.

However, what I find most interesting and what I’d like to focus on here is the way she is most commonly depicted in terms of appearance. Between the unclear translated details of her exact stance and attitude towards humans, all of the sources I’ve seen more or less agree that she is a kind of powerful house spirit that is small enough to pass through keyholes, and that she is either a goddess of or are highly associated with chickens - sometimes bearing chicken feet like the ones in the drawn rendition below:

As to why I find this detail interesting, for those of you who haven’t been following my discussions with my friend @sepublic, we have been working on plotting out the various possible narrative parallels between the characters of The Owl House and the in-universe characters of the Good Witch Azura series for a while now, with Luz and Amity being Azura and each other’s Hecate, Eda and Lilith as the old lady/mentor figure, and King and Emperor Belos as the likely small animal companions/proclaimed group leader.

With these parallels established, I have come to the conclusion that there is a FOURTH set of characters - one whose correlation in the Azura books we’ve yet to see or hear about, but will play an important role in both the overall Owl House plot and the in-universe Azura series - of which Kikimora makes up one half on Amity’s side.

Assuming that Kikimora takes a decent amount of inspiration from her namesake in a number of ways, the most likely candidate for her parallel that I can see is - as surprising as it may seem - none other than Hooty, aka this goofball:

TLDR: Why I think both Hooty and Kikimora might turn out to be/have been bird-themed deity-like entities supporting their respective rulers, or how the epic kaiju fights were in our houses all along

To explain what I mean, with the major fan theory that King used to be the Titan/an actual king of demons and some of the recent character interactions these last few episodes, I believe that Hooty and Kikimora might be even more similar than just the mythological connotations behind Kikimora’s namesake.

For a long while now, I have been theorizing that Hooty will turn out to be a powerful owl-like spirit or being with a very severe case of power and memory loss, but to be more specific here, I think that Hooty - or the Owl Deity as I’ve taken to calling the being in the owl mural - used to be King’s second in command.

Here, I think such a revelation would fit well with the kind of misdirection present within The Owl House’s storytelling. After all, for as much as Gus picking Hooty in UW was played as a joke, one must remember that Gus had been looking for THE most interesting, accomplished, and noteworthy person he could get, and it would be just like this show for Hooty to turn out to actually fit that criteria, much like Luz’s “bad girl chosen one” description in WBW being extremely applicable to Amity the next episode.

In a similar vein, while King immediately shutting down Hooty’s declaration to become his recruit in AitE was a quick and funny joke in the moment, Hooty calling himself King’s “faithful pal” and the bonding moment the two shared after the carnage when King found himself ultimately relying on Hooty’s strength in the end feels to me much like the Owl House writers setting up hints for what kind of dynamics the two might have had in the distant past.

Now, I know you must be wondering how exactly this would further tie into Kikimora being parallels with Hooty. Well, the thing about that is that I suspect that both of them played a major role in helping their respective rulers come to power a long, long time ago.

Specifically, as two bird-based deities - not necessarily gods or chicken-based ones per se, but incredibly powerful beings that might have been seen as akin to such - that King and Belos turned to for help in different ways.

I admit that this sounds like a pretty major stretch - especially in regards to Kikimora and her three lines of dialogue - but given the multiple posts of evidence-adjacent details I’ve made for Hooty being the Owl Deity, I think this would make the correlations between the two all the more cleaner.

With King and Hooty, I could see the latter potentially being the former’s first loyal follower and or main enforcer of his will, a reliable friend and powerhouse that King depended on until both of them were overthrown and reduced to the sad state we see them in now.

And with Belos and Kikimora, I could see the former having been a fresh new recruit in King’s army back then, one who became fed up with his arbitrary demands and impulsive abuses of power - much like Private New Guy in AitE - and called upon Kikimora for her help in staging a mutiny against Hooty and King. Meanwhile, I could also see the latter being themed after a different bird within the world of The Owl House than chickens, potentially even being the basis behind Lilith’s corvid iconography and maybe the wings on Belos’ symbol.

That said, to contrast Hooty and King’s relationship, perhaps Kikimora and Belos’ is more transactional in nature befitting how in some folklore, kikimora - when pleased with the family of the house she resides in - apparently serve as their guardians and can warn her family of impending disaster with her powerful psychic talents, whereas only when she is displeased does her mischief to act up for the residents within. As such, Belos may or may not be doing something to make sure he keeps her favor as an asset to use and keep control over her/to enhance her powers, something which possibly could even be connected to the apparent search for items of eternal youth.

Though just to get this clear, I am NOT saying that Kikimora is the real mastermind behind everything while Belos is a mere figurehead. Rather, I’m suggesting that Belos and Kikimora might be more like business partners in crime compared to the possible past friendship Hooty and King might have had.

Furthermore, to develop Hooty and Kikimora even more as foils of each other, I think it would be rather fitting if the latter was revealed to have been in this picture the whole time as Belos’ castle itself:

After all, I’ve made note before of how the majority of the Owl House looks like it used to be a portion of a large “Owl Temple,” so considering how Hooty is the house itself and how Amity and Luz’s groups are positioned on opposing extremes, it would make sense if Kikimora leaned into the “house spirit” aspect of her inspiration by being Belos’ castle itself - or at least, being able to animate it, that is.

I mean, there IS always the possibility that she will stay closer to her inspirations and be a separate entity from Belos’ castle - aka where she’s still capable of traveling through keyholes and that’s how Kikimora was involved with Belos’ mutiny by sneaking through Hooty’s mouth entranceway - but personally, I think it’d be rather fitting if in a reversal of folklore kikimoras, she was the keyhole of Belos’ castle instead.

After all, if she IS the castle like Hooty is the Owl House and both of them turn out to be deity/bird-like beings, then I predict that we might get to see a clash of the titans somewhere down the line after Hooty regains his former form and memories - potentially even having gotten back the rest of the Owl Temple to more evenly match Kikimora in scale for a battle of epic proportions.

Overall, to summarize, I think Kikimora and Hooty will turn out to be parallels in terms of being powerful bird-themed deity-like entities, being capable of becoming and or already being giant “castle/temple demons,” and being/having been the respective second-in-command of Belos and King.

As for how they would contrast with the other, it’s too early to tell with how little we know of Kikimora at the moment, but judging from how the other characters between Amity and Luz’s groups parallel each other, it will be rather interesting to see how her personality and motives might serve as a reflection to that of the Owl Deity across the extremes of individualism vs conformity.

#the owl house #owl house #the owl house theory #owl house theory #the owl house hooty #emperor belos #kikimora #theory #speculation #amnesiac owl deity hooty theory #long post #VERY long post #you would not believe how long I've been sitting on this post #man do I hate it when my blog's tagline kicks me in the butt for months on end #anyways I hope you'll enjoy these thoughts and ramblings of mine

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drabbles-of-writing · 3 years

Text

There Goes That Moonboy

This, so far, is NOT part of a series lmao

AO3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Overwhelmed.

Amity felt that a lot.

And this time, it wasn’t even Luz’s fault.

Well, none of Amity’s stress was her fault. It was the fault of the spell she’d infected herself with. Or something like that. Amity couldn’t really think of all the details at the moment.

She didn’t even know what she was thinking of at the moment.

Failure? Work? Belos? Lilith? Magic? Loneliness?

She couldn’t tell. All she knew was that she was feeling a lot of it. And she wasn’t enjoying any of it.

Panic attacks were nothing new to Amity.

She’d started getting them well before Luz came back. Granted, they were smaller then.

With the added stress of holding Luz captive, things hadn’t exactly been going well for her.

Though holding Luz ‘captive’ was really just holding her at the Owl House and bribing Hooty to keep her inside when nobody was around.

It worked most of the time. Most.

And honestly, it didn’t do much to calm Amity. What with Luz’s frequent trips between the Owl House and a jail cell. And with no signs of the human becoming her old self again.

She was used to the escapes, the blood, the cackles, the crazed looks, the sense of dread.

At least, she thought she was.

Amity slammed the door to her office shut, leaning against it as her heart raced.

‘It’s coming,’ Her head said.

‘What’s coming?’ She replied.

‘It’s coming!’

Amity reached out for something, anything. She stumbled around her office before hitting the chair to her desk. She gripped onto the back of it for dear life, her breathing uneven and heavy.

She was sweating profusely, and her arms and legs were trembling. Her legs almost gave out underneath her before she stumbled into her chair.

Amity put her elbows on her desk and held her head in her hands, gasping for breath as her throat tightened.

Her head hurt, the light of the candles were too bright, and she felt almost detached from her own body.

Amity shot out a hand and knocked over the candle. It sputtered and died instead of catching anything on fire, thankfully. Leaving Amity sitting alone in darkness.

The witch took in sharp breaths, feeling tears spilling down her cheeks. In an attempt to calm herself, a rumbling engine-like purr started in her throat. She kept it low but consistent, praying it would ground her.

One moment she was discussing the new guards with Lilith, the next, she was nearly falling over as a feeling of panic enveloped her.

Lilith had asked if she needed help, but Amity only waved her off. She couldn’t show weakness here. Not even to her.

Especially not to her.

Amity didn’t know how long she sat there in the darkness. With her eyes squeezed shut and her head screaming indescribable terror at her.

What she did know was that eventually, it started to calm. It slowed, and Amity could finally get in a real breath without feeling like she was suffocating.

And still, she didn’t notice the door opening. She didn’t notice the figure reaching for the kris dagger off the wall. Or them stopping and abandoning it completely.

She didn’t notice the figure pausing, just behind her chair with a tilted head, one eye glowing an eerie gold.

“Hecate?”

Amity yelped and jerked upwards. She whirled around and fell out of her chair in the process, crashing onto the floor with her limbs in a tangled mess.

Luz stood over her, her face betraying that of curiosity. For once, not of the morbid kind.

“Luz!” Amity exclaimed, rushing to her feet. “What are you doing out of your ce--your room? I thought I put Wrath in charge!”

“Bonebreaker wasn’t there.” Luz said simply, her regular eye flicking over Amity’s face.

Amity must’ve forgotten. She was probably on the way to ask him to guard Luz when her attack hit. Of course, what wonderful timing, she thought bitterly.

Luz was in her regular ripped and worn outfit, very reminiscent of her old clothes. But they were blue instead of purple, and a gold clip at the front held a torn up cloak over her shoulders.

It was almost comforting to see she wasn’t trying to sneak around in a disguise this time.

“Why are you crying?” Luz asked, confused.

Amity shot a hand up to her face. Sure enough, it was still damp from her relentless crying earlier. There were even a few renegade tears still coming from her eyes.

“Oh, it’s-it’s nothing.” Amity said, quickly trying to wipe at the tears threatening to spill over. “You should go back to your room. I’m--”

Luz lifted a hand, reaching for Amity. Why the witch froze up, she didn’t know. She let Luz brush her hand over her cheek, holding a breath.

Luz wiped at the dampness on Amity’s face for a few moments. And looking at her mildly worried and diligent expression, Amity could almost forget how broken her human had become.

It felt...nice.

Amity leaned into Luz’s touch before she could stop herself, pointed ears drooping. Her eyelids fluttered as well, shutting briefly.

Titan only knows how she managed to resist the urge to purr aloud. For once, not to calm her stress.

She felt Luz’s hand pause for a minute before cupping her cheek and stroking a thumb under her eye. Amity lifted a hand to gently grab at her wrist, relishing in the contact.

“Hecate?” Luz said quietly. “Are you feeling alright?”

Amity’s eyes snapped open.

The witch pulled away at breakneck speeds, nearly falling over again. She pulled Luz’s hand away from her face. She could feel her cheeks lighting ablaze.

Luz was still staring at her, in an expression Amity would call polite confusion.

“Er, yeah, yeah,” Amity said quickly, glancing away. “M’fine.”

She realized she was still holding Luz’s hand and abruptly let go, holding her hands behind her back.

“Mm, c’mon, Hecate,” Luz said, her slightly unnerving smile slowly coming back to her face, like her worry had never even existed. “We’re friends, aren’t we? You don’t have to lie to ol’ Azura.” She said, giving a wide grin as her golden eye flickered.

“I’m...I’m not.” Amity lied, avoiding her gaze. “Please, let’s just get you back to your room.”

“Okay, okay.” Luz relented, her shoulders relaxing as she raised her hands in defeat. “I’ll get something out of you yet, Hecs.” Luz said cheerily and possibly vaguely threatening.

“Sure, whatever,” Amity sighed, sagging in relief.

She saw Luz’s hand inch towards the kris dagger on the wall as they tried to walk out. Amity twirled a finger in the air and lifted a crumpled piece of paper with her magic and tossed it at Luz. It hit her arm and discouraged the human from grabbing it, withdrawing her hand with a grumble.

“Not a chance, Luz.”

Amity wasn’t too surprised when, barely two hours later, the alarm had been raised of Luz’s escape. It was a weekly occurrence at this rate.

Nothing could hold that girl for long.

Calling it an ‘alarm’ would be overplaying it at this point. It was more like a warning. A heads up to be on the lookout for her.

Amity had retreated to her office to see if it had been broken into. It wasn’t uncommon for Luz to sneak in, either to cause mischief or steal something Amity had confiscated, usually her dagger or staff.

The witch was surprised to find that the dagger was right where she left it. All that had changed about her office was that there was a note taped to her desk.

Meet me in the woods. You’ll know where I am.

She had drawn a smiley face sticking out its tongue at the end.

Amity, thoroughly confused, and perhaps a little concerned, folded the note and put it in her pocket.

She grabbed her mask before leaving the office. She informed a guard that she would be out searching for Luz, and to tell Lilith not to worry.

Barely a few minutes later, she was flying out of the Emperor’s Castle by her staff, sitting sideways on it with both feet hanging off one side.

Luz was right. It wasn’t hard to find her at all.

The floating balls of light were a clear indication where Luz would be. A part of Amity felt peaceful at seeing Luz’s first spell again.

She landed just inside of the clearing Luz had chosen and paused. She got a good look at the place.

It was where she and Luz had defeated Grom, just over a year from today. She could see the tree far off on one side of the clearing, still imposing and covered in blossoms.

It felt so long ago now.

Luz was standing by the edge of the cliff, facing the sky. It was well into the night, and the moon was but a sliver. The light spells surrounding Luz blended into the sky like stars.

Amity took off her mask and tucked it into one of the large pockets of her cloak. She got rid of her staff in a flash of magenta magic, but remained on standby.

“Luz?” Amity called, slowly walking into the clearing and gazing around at the lights.

“You came!” Luz, chuckled, turning around. “Knew I could count on you,” She said, summoning her staff that Amity really needed to confiscate.

Amity gasped and recoiled at the sight.

Luz’s normal pupil had transformed into a crescent, mimicking the moon behind her. If her single golden eye was unnerving, this was worse.

The gold glow of her left eye had become star-like speckles, the rest of it an inky blackness. If you were a romantic, it looked as though the night sky had been placed in Luz’s eye.

“You’re eyes!” Amity breathed, rushing over and stopping just short of touching the overly proud human. “Oh great Titan, are you okay?” She worried.

“What? I’m fine,” Luz blinked, like it was no big deal. “It’s just from the spell. It’ll go away eventually.”

“Spell?” Amity repeated, taking a step back. “What spell?”

Luz’s smile widened, and a faint glow came from her staff.

“This one,”

Luz lifted her staff and slammed the end against the grass. The ground underneath Amity lit up and she gasped, realizing now that Luz had carved a massive, faint glyph into the dirt beneath them.

Amity summoned her own staff, expecting the worst as a white and blue light enveloped her.

Instead, the lights around them began to shift and turn, shrinking and becoming near exact replicas of the stars.

They swirled around them for a moment before dispersing into separate clumps.

Amity momentarily lost her breath at the sight.

The lights had transformed into the constellations From the ones she knew by heart to ones that belonged to a different realm. They danced and spun around her, making her feel like she had been dropped into the sky itself.

“Well?” Luz said, startling Amity when she came up next to her. “Whaddya think?” She asked hopefully, a wide smile plastered on her face.

Luz’s eyes unnerved her still, but they held a type of joy she hadn’t seen on Luz in so long. Even her eerie grin almost seemed...genuine.

Amity smiled softly and offered a small chuckle. She let her staff vanish.

“I love it,” She said faintly, looking back towards the constellations. “Thanks for this, Luz.”

Luz appeared surprised. Though she made no comment as Amity watched the constellations dance among them.

“Out of curiosity, what exactly did you have to do to make this spell?” Amity asked, a hint of fear lacing her tone as she barely spared a glance back at the human.

“I didn’t kill anything, don’t worry.” Luz said, waving her free hand. “I know you don’t like when I do that, so I decided to be nice today.” She said, sounding proud of herself.

“Even if it is a lot more fun, and easier, to get the magic from other creatures.” She mumbled under her breath.

“Well,” Amity sighed, finally looking back.

Two constellations that looked like dogs ran by her, illuminating her in the darkness.

“I appreciate it.” She said, her frame finally loosening and allowing her to relax.

Luz faltered for a moment, her coy and righteous look turning to that of what Amity could only describe as shy. Which was practically unheard of for Luz.

The human blinked and the stars in her left eye glowed faintly, moving slowly among the blackness.

“Yeah,” Luz said, her voice strained. She quickly cleared her throat and shook her head. “I mean, of course! I couldn’t leave my dear Hecate with nothing after the sad state I saw today.”

“I told you, I was fine.” Amity huffed, her face falling.

No matter how much she wanted to pretend it was all okay, Luz would always bring her back to reality.

Hecate.

How she despised that name now.

“Sure, sure.” Luz said, walking around Amity and holding out her staff to the lights.

“Have you ever seen the stars that make serpens?”

“No, I haven’t.” Amity shook her head, playing along. “What is it?”

Luz’s staff glowed and a constellation shaped like a massive snake flew down around them, it’s tail tapping Amity on the nose and startling her.

“I don’t quite remember where I know this one,” Luz said, drifting a hand in the lights that made up the snake and watching them part around her fingers. “But I like it. Reminds me of you, what with your snake staff.” She teased.

Amity giggled and could feel a faint heat coming to her cheeks.

“I don’t know how Fang would feel about that,” She said. “He might complain.”

“Eh, let him.” Luz shrugged, turning her staff and letting the snake join the other constellations.

Amity looked back towards the cliff face, reminding herself of what had happened here.

The tree shifted in the breeze, still pink and thriving. She must’ve stared at it for a bit too long, because Luz suddenly popped up right in front of her.

“What’re ya looking at?” Luz asked, missing Amity’s undignified jump as she followed her gaze towards the tree.

“Oh, just...you know, reminiscing.” Amity said, studying Luz’s face as she inspected the tree in the distance.

“...do you remember making that tree?” Amity asked, hesitantly.

“I made that?” Luz said disbelievingly, glancing back at Amity. “Hecate, please. I’m the Good Witch Azura! I think I would remember if I made a tree like that.” She brushed off.

“Well, I’m Hecate, and I say you did.” Amity insisted. “It was about a year ago. After we defeated Grometheus together. Do you remember Grom?”

She didn’t know why she was trying so hard. She knew that insisting upon reality only made Luz retreat even further into her Azura shell. It was already a miracle she allowed Amity to call her by Luz, her ‘nickname,’ as she’d call it.

Perhaps a part of her wanted to at least try.

Or maybe she was just getting desperate, like Lilith said she was.

“Grometheus?” Luz repeated. “I think I named a pixie something similar to that. I can’t remember, but it’s wings were very nice earrings while they lasted.” She said gleefully.

“No, no, not a pixie,” Amity shook her head, deciding to ignore the morbid implications. “The monster under Hexside. Grometheus the Fear Bringer. Please, this has to sound at least a little familiar.” She begged, and Luz finally looked at her, though she clearly wasn’t paying much attention to her words.

“I was chosen as Grom Queen, and you volunteered to take my place, remember?” Amity said, standing before Luz. “You...you were my fearless champion.” She said, straining with the effort to keep her voice from breaking.

Luz’s face changed to that of perplexity, frowning a bit.

“Fearless champion?” She murmured, getting lost in thought.

“Yes, that was you!” Amity said, perking up excitedly. “You fought Grom. It, er, didn’t go as planned.” She admitted nervously. “You fled the school. And I couldn’t leave you like that, so I faced Grom with you.” She said, faintly smiling at the memory.

“It...it was fun.” She said fondly. “We both insisted that we were gonna at least fight him dramatically. I was surprised you could dance at all.” She conceded. “And, and after we defeated Grom, this tree was made, and we--”

“You were afraid,”

Amity paused, finally focusing in on Luz again. She was looking at her, thoughtful. Her head was turned and she seemed as surprised at her words as Amity.

“I...what?”

“Your fear.” Luz clarified. “It was rejection, right?”

Amity stared, stunned.

“I remember,” Luz said quietly. “I thought about that one for a while.” She continued, her gaze glazed over as she stared at nothing at all. “I wondered how important someone could be that your greatest fear was their rejection.”

“...of all the things,” Amity nearly laughed at the absurdity, shaking her head. “You remembered my fear?” She smiled sadly.

“Of course you would, your Luz. The girl who forgot her own name but still remembered her favorite spell.” She said wistfully.

Luz came back to the present. Her eyes blinked and the crescent and stars vanished and returned to normal. The constellations winked out of existence, being replaced with flickering light spells that were close to dying out.

“You’re crying again.”

Amity raised a hand to her face. And sure enough, there were tears falling.

“Oh,” Amity said, almost numb. “Sorry,” She apologized, hurriedly drying at her eyes. “I guess I just didn’t think--”

Luz lifted a sleeve and wiped at her cheek. Amity, just like before, went still. She let Luz wipe away the dampness. It was a few moments before she spoke.

“Don’t apologize,” Luz said. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Those words, as small as they were, struck Amity’s core.

For five months, all Amity had been doing was apologizing. To Lilith, to Belos, to the wardens, and to Luz herself. Pleading and feeling sorry for Luz had become a routine.

And despite all that...Luz held no resentments. Not for anything.

Amity grabbed Luz’s wrist in a tight hold, already feeling herself beginning to shake.

“Hecate?” An alarmed Luz said.

Amity squeezed her eyes shut and held Luz’s hand close, fresh tears pouring from her eyes as she tried to hold back sobs.

Great Titan, she was a mess.

Her shoulders slumped with the effort and she lowered her head.

She couldn’t hear what else Luz was speaking, everything was ringing.

She felt herself being enveloped in something warm and a bit scratchy.

Amity lifted her head and stared at the tree for a moment before looking down, seeing that Luz was hugging her tightly.

“Luz?” Amity choked out.

“It’s okay,” Luz said, more of a statement than anything. “Everyone has a bad day or two.”

She said them so casually, so sincerely, that Amity was almost convinced she’d imagined the horrors she’d seen for all those months. That she was back with her old Luz again, and everything really was okay.

Amity clutched onto Luz tightly, her eyes shutting as she felt tears freely fall down her cheeks. She buried her face in Luz’s shoulder to muffle her sobs, trembling.

“You’ll be okay,” Luz said, cupping the back of Amity’s head. “I’ll make sure of it.”

Amity couldn’t find it in her to be bothered by what that could’ve meant.

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artsoupsoupart · 3 years

Note

I don’t know if you’re doing prompts, but if you are.. Can you write a hicsqueak fic, please. A spell mishap of meddling young witches resulted in Cackle’s and Pentangle’s castles merging. Hecate and Pippa woke up on their now joint bed. Their wardrobe and chambers are merged too and it took them a whole week (maybe longer) to fix it and find the culprits. Thanks! Love your hicsqueak fics btw

It’s not exactly the prompt but I hope you enjoy it! Sorry it took so long, it’s been like 3 weeks but it kinda got out of hand lol! Also: I’m not not taking prompts, but I write slow so if anyone sends one, sorry if it takes a while to get it filled!

Cacktangle’s Academy for Witchcraft and Wizardry

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27270871

“Lights out, girls,” Hecate bellows as she glides down the corridors. Around her, doors shut closed and lights turn off as young witches clad in matching pajamas scurry into their rooms from their friends’. Each one bids her goodnight (some more confidently than others), something that didn’t use to happen, and she can’t quite pinpoint when it had started. Perhaps she had gone soft in the last few years. Not that she necessarily minds. Anymore.

She’s just about finished with her rounds when one Azura Moon slips out of her door and wraps her arms around Hecate’s middle.

“Good night, Miss Hardbroom” the girl says as she smiles, as wide as she ever does. Hecate still freezes at the contact she should be used to after two years (especially because Azura takes every opportunity to hug her and for some reason she just can’t tell the girl to stop) but she does eventually return the embrace, tapping the tips of her fingers against the girl’s shoulder, silently noting not for the first time how much taller she’s gotten.

Then she’s turning the perpetually exuberant witch away from her and to her room. “Good night, Azura. And do tell Miss Jones she has precisely three seconds to return to her own room.”

Hecate doesn’t even get the opportunity to begin her countdown when the other girl pokes her head out of the room with a sigh. Azura simply continues to smile as she hugs her friend and they part ways for the night. When the door shuts behind Azura, Hecate stops and listens. With Isabella securely in her room in the Citrine hall, the castle seems quite enough. Even Mildred is tucked away in her room, though she’s not sleeping by any means. But Hecate won’t disturb the girl tonight. Not when she knows Mildred has been staying up later and later to research witching colleges (a fact that brings the older witch a bit of joy). Instead, Hecate transfers directly to her rooms for the night.

She takes extra care getting ready for bed. Her shower is hotter and filled with lavender essence. The last few showers had been quick spells after long, tiresome days and they definitely weren’t as satisfying. She chooses a softer, silkier nightgown and takes her time moisturizing. By the time she settles at her vanity to call Pippa, Hecate is relaxed and pliable and she begins brushing out her dark locks.

“Good evening, darling,” Pippa grins through the mirror when it connects. She’s already lying in bed, propped against her plethora of pillows. Her hair is slightly wavy from being freshly washed and it fans out against the pink silk, her face free of makeup and her freckles on full display. This is perhaps Hecate's favorite Pippa, relaxed and serene, unencumbered of being headmistress and modern magic activist. She’s delicate in a way that she can’t be during waking hours and Hecate feels a bit of pride at being one of few who has gotten to see her this way.

"Evening, Pippa," Hecate smirks. "You look comfortable."

The blonde snorts and launches into the events of her day. The tale is one filled with students who could stand to be more observant, mischievous fae friends, and strict council members. All things Pippa had had to deal with more or less by herself due to her deputy being otherwise preoccupied in securing more scholarships for next year.

"But that's all in the past, Hiccup. I'm already better," the blonde breathes out. "Tell me about your day, darling."

As Hecate recalls about her day, she notices the glassy, dreamy look that passes over Pippa’s eyes. That look that lets her know that while the blonde is definitely still listening, she’s daydreaming, most likely about her hair. Pippa has always been weird about Hecate’s hair. Smitten. That’s the look. Hecate now knows that she saw this look many, many times when they were teens and she’s been on the receiving end of the look more times that she can count since they’ve started dating, but it still makes her heart flutter.

“I love brushing your hair,” Pippa mumbles. It’s as if she just let out a secret as tanned cheeks blush a brilliant red and the blonde looks away from the mirror.

“Yes, I know you do,” Hecate says, as casually as she can manage.

“I would do it every night if I could,” she says, referring to brushing. It only makes Hecate smile wider and she reminds her that while that would be fantastic, they have other responsibilities that prevent that. The petulant look on Pippa’s face is almost comical as she huffs and pouts. Hecate simply placates her that she’ll be able to do so when she visits, whenever time allows. The two go on to talk in soft hushed tones as Hecate herself settles into bed for the night, falling asleep together without ending their call.

Meanwhile, back in the Ruby corridor, two very awake and very excited witches sit in front of their mirror, whispering away to their friend.

“Come on, Izzy! Think of it! Addy is going to be at Pentangle’s most of the time. And we’re going to be here. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just open our wardrobe and boom? We’re there or she’s here.”

The redhead purses her lips in thought. The Addy in questions has hope in her eyes as she holds up the spell they can do to essentially make a portal connecting the two rooms. It’s restricted use of magic but it would be nice to visit whenever they wanted. “Okay, fine! What do we do?”

So, they set to work. Addy lists off the ingredients and directions while Azura mixes them together. Izzy then takes the combination of ingredients and crawls into the wardrobe.

“We should put in a clause! That no other people here or at Pentangle’s can find the door.”

“Especially, HB.”

“Oh yeah, she’d go bats.”

So, they add a few lines to the spell and with slightly shaky hands, Izzy closes her eyes and begins the spell. Her hands trace the back panel of the closet and then she knocks three times. All three girls wait and wait and wait, confused until the light pulls at the edge and a new door forms.

“It worked! We did it!” Azura whisper-squeals before crawling through the new door.

Hecate wakes slowly as her alarm charm tings to life at 6 AM. With eyes still closed she lifts a hand to silence the charm, breathing deeply and stretching like a cat, back arched and limbs straight. And suddenly there is a set of arms and legs, warm and secure around her own body. Her eyes shoot open. She stiffens. She wants to panic immediately. A voice in her head that sounds suspiciously like a certain blonde tells her to Breathe, Hecate. Assess. Her gaze looks down to the hands now around her middle. Pink nails, tanned arms. Pippa?

“Pippa?” She questions out loud, voice still raspy from sleep. And then she turns as gently as she can. It doesn’t stop her from startling the blonde, whose hazel eyes fly open as she lets out a high-pitched squeak.

“Hiccup?!” The blonde puts a bit of space between them, chest heaving as she stares at her. “What are you doing in my bed?”

“Your bed? Pippa, you are in my bedroom.”

Pippa looks around, gathering her bearings, surprised that she is in fact not in her own bed, or even her own room. So many of her things, however, are perfectly placed. Her soft pink silk pillows differ greatly with Hecate’s deep burgundy duvet. Her creme bedside chair had made it to the room. Her favorite blanket and the plush donut Hecate won at the All Hallows’ Eve festival the year before sits on said chair. Her jewelry box and makeup reside on Hecate’s otherwise bare vanity. It’s as if she’s moved in overnight.

“I don’t understand.”

“Neither. Do. I.” Hecate’s brows are furrowed as she looks around. “But we’re going to find out.”

With that, Hecate throws on her leather robe. She pauses briefly to hand Pippa one of her others, opening the wardrobe to find it clustered with bright sky blues and soft pinks. Light washed jeans that increase to pairs of black leather are neatly hung. There’s pumps and sneakers and flip flops in just about every color. It’s as if her wardrobe has been split right down the middle, the two sides now contrasting so vibrantly. One being a rainbow of color and the other darker and subdued. Hecate’s eyes almost bulge out of her head, but Pippa silently places a hand on her shoulder as she reaches for her own robe in the wardrobe.

As a habit, Pippa slips her fingers between Hecate’s and all but drags her from the bedroom. The living space is even more spliced than the bedroom with the large windows from Pentangles’ front and center letting in the bit of sunlight that has already started to peak through the morning clouds. It stops them both in their tracks, but Hecate quickly recovers. They don’t have time to dwell on just how strange this is. They have to figure out what’s going on and fast.

They twist and turn through the castle until they reach an equally distraught Ada, who is attempting to calm a fuming Miss Tapioca, whose kitchen is now cluttered with items from the other school and arranged differently. Hecate and Pippa cautiously approach when the familiar faced teachers arrive. Dimity rounds the corner with Abigail, Pentangle’s fitness witch. Peter and Christopher, the flying instructor and librarian, arrive with Theodore Daisy and Lavinia Crotchet, Cackle's new chanting instructor. Soon the entirety of both staffs are ushered into the Teacher’s lounge, which unsurprisingly has also been combined with the one at Pentangle’s.

“Did anyone cast any renovation spells recently, any chants?” Ada asks when Hecate finally gets the room to quiet.

All the teachers shake their heads in unison.

"No, a staff member didn't do this.” Hecate says, eyes squinted in thought. “A student did. The magic, while definitely strong is highly simple and misguided." "Well then," Ada starts, "we need to find the stu-"

An eruption of chatter and a knock at the office door stops the headmistress in her tracks. Hecate flicks her wrist to reveal Mildred with the rest of the sixth years behind her. Surely the other young witches are not far away.

"Miss Cackle," Mildred stumbles inside, eyes wide and confused. "I woke up early because I just know we're going to have a pop quiz in advanced myths and legends, and I got out of bed and Melinda Merriweather from Pentangle's was in my room! And her things. Her bed, her posters, her clothing. Everything."

"Mildred Hubble," Hecate begins. The girl starts to say something, but the witch holds up her hand. "All students are to report to the field. Pentangle's and Cackle's, organized by year and name."

Mildred's mouth drops open, but she simply nods instead of rebutting. Perhaps she has learned something in her two years as head girl. Ever the lead, Mildred turns around and addresses her fellow classmates and the girls shuffle outside. It's loud and the lines will definitely not be neat, but Hecate has at least bought the two staffs a bit of time to devise a solution.

"So, the whole school has been, what? Merged?" Pippa asks.

"It would seem so." Hecate flexes her fingers in thought. "We'll have to do a thorough inspection, but with the amount of merging that seems to have happened it might take weeks to undo."

Dimity, who had been watching the girls file out to the field, adds, "It could take months."

The entire room stops. Eyes searching eyes for some type of hope that it doesn't take months to restore order.

"Well," Ada tries to smile, "Let's hope that's not the case. Now, let’s quickly find a solution for today. Those students can’t stand outside forever.”

It takes all of five minutes for the headmistresses and deputies to quickly form a plan. The students will be given a free day of no classes while the staff members catalogue the damage done, that is after they find the perpetrators. Then they’ll decide how to best proceed in educating their students. They are, after all, witching (and wizarding) academies first.

With a plan for the witches and wizards, the teachers file outside after casting freshening spells and changing their clothes. Pippa and her deputy address the Pentangle’s students and let them in on the details of what’s happening. Hecate, though, immediately turns on her strict and scary facade (though she’s quite pleased at how well the girls have followed direction. She wants to praise them, but now is not the time).

"Mildred Hubble?” She stands in front of the girl, brow raised.

“It wasn’t me, Miss Hardbroom. I promise! I haven’t caused any trouble in months. Promise!”

Hecate squints her eyes at the teenager. The deputy head scans the lines of girls, eyes blazing. Some cower, some look utterly bored. She turns to the next trio of suspicion. Beatrice, Sybil, and Clarice all shake their heads when her eyes land on them. No, not them. Hecate lifts her head, sniffing the wind as a lioness to her prey. Her feet lead her to where the third years have lined up. Head tilted; she walks the line. Walks and walks until she stops right in front of the exact girls, bending down slowly to meet them eye to eye.

“Azura Moon and Isabella Jones.”

“We’re sorry, Miss Hardbroom.” The young redhead blurts out immediately. For once, Azura, the perpetually cheerful girl, looks positively stricken with fear. “We didn’t mean to merge the booth schools. Just our doors. Like Narnia.”

“We just wanted to see Addy.” Azura interjects.

The girls talk in tandem, explaining their reasoning. Adelaide cautiously takes her place by the girls, with Pippa in tow. All the while Hecate grows more and more red, her back straightening to her tallest height.

“Silence!” She hisses as her eyes blaze into the three very shocked, very scared third years. Had this been another time, perhaps a few years ago, Hecate thinks she would simply snap. Instead, she lets the steam shoot from her ears and lets out a stiff breath. Pippa’s doing. With clipped words and fire still in her eyes, she continues. “Azura Moon. Isabella Jones. And Adelaide Peppercorn. You three will have detention every day until this is fixed.”

Azura opens her mouth to speak but thinks differently when Miss Hardbroom’s piercing cold eyes snap to her. “Get ready for the day. Breakfast will be served early, and every student must return to their newly merged room until Headmistress Cackle and Headmistress Pentangle formulate a solution. No student will be caught outside of their room without permission lest they want to join these three in detention.”

And with that, the Cackle’s witches were dismissed, shuffling away with the softest whispers. Pippa then dismisses the Pentangle’s students, who follow the others inside.

“Well, I suppose we should join the students for breakfast and then take inventory of the damage.” Ada says.

Breakfast is.... a struggle to say the least, but they manage it well enough. Miss Tapioca and Miss Cassava have their spats resulting in a mix of a meal. There’s a mix of cold oats and bright fruits. None of the dishes match, which Miss Tapioca scowls at in disgust. The now enlarged Great Hall luckily added the necessary tables and even extended the teacher’s table to sit everyone, so they’re not strapped for space. The hall is buzzing with chatter as some of the young teens fawn over being with their friends, others over the wizards they’ll be sharing space with for the foreseeable future with. (A message will have to be sent out to the parents. There will definitely be quite a few upset families). Hecate has half a mind to punish everyone and make the students eat separately and in total silence but her own thoughts of how to separate the two schools overtake disciplining at the moment.

After breakfast, the students are all sent to their rooms and the staff begins their inspection. Most of the classrooms are heavily bound together. The bedrooms too. The only rooms that can realistically be separated sooner rather than later surprisingly seem to be the storage rooms. Everything else will take at least a week, some more. Even some wards from Pentangle’s have replicated themselves at Cackle’s, making some of their own unstable. It’ll take well over a week to reverse those.

The stress of the situation radiates off the blonde, but she gives Hecate no chance to comfort her, choosing instead to fully delve into the title of headmistress. But Hecate knows it’s clawing at her to see her school not be her school. Pippa and her deputy depart soon after a plan is made to begin the separation to check on the Pentangle’s location. In the meantime, Hecate busies herself with potions needed to fix the wards.

Pippa rings about two hours later and to the untrained eye she looks reasonably and understandably stressed. But Hecate notices the red that rims her eyes, the way her mouth is down turned. There’s a brittleness to her voice. She knows Pippa won’t let it show (she never does) but the blonde is positively devastated.

“At least the young wizards’ rooms aren’t combined with the girls. It’ll be easy to get them back to Pentangle’s when the time comes.” Pippa attempts to find some silver lining of this situation before she informs them that they’re headed back. The subtle wobble in her voice doesn’t go unnoticed to Hecate. Had she had the time, she’d call her privately, let her cry and rant and feel. Instead, she has three third years in detention to attend to.

Azura, Isabella, and Adelaide arrive to the potions’ lab five minutes before Hecate. They’re seated at the cauldrons, with guilty faces. The dark witch materializes at her desk in the middle of the room, the palms of her hands planted on the spokes of her chair.

“Open your witches’ code.” She speaks lowly. Knowing this punishment will last at least a week, she’ll start their disciplining simple enough. For every code they broke, the girls will write and rewrite and rewrite line after line until it’s memorized. Then she’ll figure some other punishment, perhaps a particularly challenging potion. Either way, she’s certain they’ll never use magic so recklessly again.

When she returns to her rooms after detention and bedtime rounds, Hecate is both shocked and pleased to see Pippa already there. But her heart immediately breaks when she sees her sitting on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, staring off into space as if she’s lost in thought.

“Pippa?”

The blonde turns to her, tears hanging just off the edge of her eyes. Though the room isn’t very large, Hecate transfers right to Pippa, pulling her against her chest. Pippa’s breath shudders. No tears fall, Pippa’s holding back the urge to fully sob. Hecate holds her tighter when she feels her press her nose to her neck, puffs of air hot against it. Pippa’s body shakes and shudders but she never lets the tears come, something worries Hecate immensely.

“Pippa,” Hecate tries again. She receives a small shake of her head, so they sit there silently until Pippa mumbles that she’s ready to go to bed.

The next morning Pippa is as bright as she can be, refusing to talk about the situation outside of what needs to be done. For the rest of the week, the two schools attempt to find some sort of common ground. For the most part, they can continue as they normally would. Some classes have been combined. Dimity and Abigail have a blast sharing exercises for the students while Lavinia and Pippa mesh together traditional and modern chants. Others are left as they were before, something that relieves a bit of Hecate’s stress as she doesn’t have to share her classroom or curriculum. They continue on and slowly, day by day, something gets undone and returned back to its proper place.

...

Wednesday morning breakfast announcements the next week begin with a chiming of bells. Cackle’s is full of life in a way it has never been before. Students in purple vests file in next to witches in grey dresses, chatting a mile a minute even at the early hour as they pile oats and fruit into their bowls. The setup of the great hall is awkward and a bit too crowded, but surprisingly it’s been an easy adjustment. The easiest parts of Pentangle’s have been returned to their proper place. Spells and potions have been brewed for the corners. The two schools have only been joined for six days, but they’re working like a semi well-oiled machine. Each morning Ada or Pippa announce what part of the school has been returned and an estimate of their time remaining. It’s not much of one as they try to keep hope alive but not too high. Only a few of the students have been caught sneaking out to the wizards’ corridors and vice versa, joining Azura, Isabella and Adelaide in detention.

Pippa is just finishing her announcements when someone from the crowd interjects, “But, Miss Pentangle, what about movie night?”

“It was supposed to be this Friday,” another little wizard steps forward to say.

“Oh,” Pippa starts, stumbling in surprise. “Well, I suppose we will just have to postpone the movie night until we return to Pentangle’s.”

Every single wizard and witch from the modern academy groans in disappointment. It radiates throughout the room as the Cackles’ girls’ mouth “movie night?” at each other.

“I know you all were looking forward to it, but good witches and wizards always look for the bright prospect in gloomy situations. A postponement is not a cancellation.” Pippa reminds them. That gets them nodding and some even try to convince their friends that it’s alright, but the atmosphere in the great hall is discontented and unhappy as students file off to classes for the day.

Hecate transfers directly to the potions’ laboratory when breakfast ends, checking the supplies. Between practically doubling the amount of ingredients used in class for both schools and the amount necessary for the separation, each ingredient must be heavily inspected and accounted for. Her back is turned to the young first year witches who dutifully take their places at their cauldrons when she overhears one mention how unfortunate it is that Pentangle’s can’t have their movie night. Another agrees in a soft whisper. What causes her ears to perk is when one of her students mentions Pippa and how the headmistress seemed just as disappointed as her students. Normally, she wouldn’t give such gossip a second thought, but she can’t help but question how Pippa is feeling after having to console her more than once.

And they’re right. Pippa has been off kilter since announcing the postponing of their school wide movie night. Hecate definitely remembers the blonde gushing about how fantastical it would be a few weeks ago. They had been on a mirror call and the blonde had gone on and on about popped corn and fizzy drinks and a movie or two projected outside, under the stars.

Hecate enters Pippa’s office after detention, tapping on the open door.

“Pippa, you need to rest.”

Unbeknownst to many people, Pippa is a worrier. She’d like to be known as the put together, awe inspiring super witch many have made her out to be, but the truth is she stresses more than she would ever let on. She had worried herself sick when applying for Weirdsister’s. Every competition, every presentation, every speech she’s ever had to give has been rewritten, rehearsed, and regurgitated to perfection. Because she is Perfect Pippa and right now Perfect Pippa’s perfect academy is a jumbled mess.

“My school, Hiccup,” her eyes water just as they did the first night. This time, though, they streak down her face, the dam finally broken.

The brunette kneels at Pippa’s feet, taking her hands in her own. “Your school isn’t a building, Pipsqueak. You know that.”

The blonde nods, “I know.”

“And you know you’re doing the best you can to still adequately provide for every student and faculty member.” She goes on to say. Pippa nods again. “It’s not just you who has to fix this and it’s not your fault.”

Pippa sighs and presses a hand to a pale cheek. “Between waking up here and seeing Pentangle’s empty, like a dismembered puzzle and just having to figure things out I...” she trails off, a lump in her throat and tears welling up once more.

Hecate raises up to grab a few of the light pink tissues in the desk. She brushes away tears that threaten to drip down Pippa’s chin and hands the blonde a couple more. “It’s alright. You can’t let yourself take on all of the responsibility, Pippa.”

Then she smiles. It’s watery and sad, but Pippa smiles and Hecate thinks perhaps it’s the first time she’s seen a true one in days. “When did you become the sensible one?”

Hecate scoffs, “I always have been.” And with that, she presses the smallest and sweetest kiss to the hand that is still clutched in her own. The one against her cheek guides her forward for a real kiss. The dark witch finally convinces Pippa to leave her office, to return to their room and rest just a bit. They sit in silence, curled together on the couch before Hecate must take her leave to ensure every witch and wizard are in bed.

During her nightly rounds, Hecate takes the stairs to the old but still familiar room in the tower. She silently greets the bats that hover outside before transferring into the room unannounced.

“Mildred Hubble,” Hecate begins, startling the girl who had been studying. “I require your assistance. Report to the potions’ lab after classes tomorrow.” She raises her hand to transfer away but she pauses. “And do bring Miss Spellbody, Miss Hallow and Miss Foxglove.” Then she’s gone, leaving a stunned Mildred, mouth in a small “O”.

The next afternoon, after classes have finished for the day, Mildred finds herself leading Maud, Ethel, and Felicity down the corridors of Cacktangle’s. She already feels her head throbbing after trying to convince a still skeptical Ethel that she wasn’t trying to play a prank on her. Though, she should get her back for the soap incident that may or may not have happened in the Pentangle’s pool a few days before. She puts it on her mental to-do list. (Just because they’re older and fight with each other less doesn’t mean they can’t play a few tricks every now and then).

“And Miss Hardbroom didn’t tell you why she needed us,” Ethel asks — well, states — for the tenth time.

“No, she just said to bring you,” she sighs, growing more and more frustrated with the blonde.

“Weird. Miss Hardbroom always has a reason for whatever she wants,” Ethel mutters to herself. “Are you sure?”

“Ethel! Why would I lie about Miss Hardbroom needing us?” Mildred tries her hardest not to shout as she pushes open the door to reveal a potions’ lab littered with small bags for popcorn and candy and sugary drinks. Isabella is cutting red and yellow card stock while Azura twines on little twist-ties around baggies filled with lollipops and bubble gum. In another corner, Adelaide is taking inventory of the beverages. Hecate is in the back of the lab, finger pointed as she checks off item after item on a piece of paper, and she looks up when she hears the girls gasp in shock.

Without wasting a second, Hecate puts Felicity on movie duty, her maglet instantly unlocked as she tracks down the topmost popular movies and activities for the uninterested. Ethel, having just mastered a penmanship spell, is set to work on signs and labels. Maud and Mildred are sent to round up any and every spare blanket, comforter, and pillow for their guests.

Detention (or extra tutoring as most consider it but would never let Hecate know) normally lasts an hour. When Hecate had gone to dismiss the girls, saying they’d rather help, she’s shocked that they refused and continued going on. They continue for another two hours until they’re finished. It’s a gesture she’s not sure she’s really received from anyone outside of Pippa, Ada and the Cackle’s staff, this extra voluntary assistance. Hecate definitely isn’t one to ask for help outright. So, they stay until it’s time to ready for bed. The potions’ teacher shuffles the girls, who are both exhausted and buzzing with excitement, off to their rooms.

Hecate is just about to transfer away when Azura calls her name. The instant she turns, head high and brows raised in question, she’s enveloped in that familiar hug again.

When the girl pulls away, she sports a sleepy smile after she yawns into her elbow. “It’s really cool of you to give the Pentangle's students their movie night.” She giggles at the pinched expression on Hecate’s face before skipping back into her room with a soft but cheery “Good night, Miss Hardbroom.”

Breakfast on Friday morning is quiet, none of the Pentangle’s students are very talkative. They're all still upset of their postponed movie night. There had been talk that there would still be one as most were skeptical of Felicity and her inquiries the day before but since word hadn’t come from any of the teachers, the students shrugged it off as Felicity simply being an aspiring journalist. Had she not been so utterly exhausted the night before; Hecate would have told Pippa and they would have had an announcement at the ready. Instead, she had showered and brushed out her hair before slipping into the warmth of the bed that's only been increased by the presence of an extra body. She still has some last minute preparations to do before the first class begins (and to tell Ada -- something she had neglected to do in her haste) so instead she'll just have to announce the movie night at lunch.

The time rolls around and she stands from the teacher's table and walks to the front, following slightly behind Ada. Pippa had been obviously confused when she had walked away with an almost ominous smile. Everyone grows silent and suddenly Hecate is transported to the countless amounts of times she had been forced to speak in front of her peers. Her palms sweat. The unnoticeable tendrils of hair that have fallen from her bun tickle at her neck. But like then, she looks out to the crowd and finds confused hazel eyes waiting for hers and she breathes easier.

Ada starts with a sweet “Good morning, everyone” and then launches into a reminder that Pentangle’s magical maze is still off limits as it continues to change every hour instead of every Friday, making it very easy for any and everyone to get lost. She then turns to Hecate for their special announcement.

She sniffs, tilting her head upward, “All students will be excused from their final periods in order to prepare for,” Hecate pauses for effect. “Special cinematic viewings of select entertainment beginning at 6 pm.”

There’s chatter instantly which Hecate lets go on as she steps down from the stage and back over to the teachers’ table.

“Hecate, did you?” Pippa starts to say.

“I don’t know what you’re referring to.”

“You did!” The blonde’s eyes brighten and glaze over slightly. She drops her voice. “That’s why you were working late last night. Oh, Hecate you didn’t have to.”

With shoulders high and a smile, she tries not to let show, Hecate says “Yes, well...”

There’s absolute hearts in Pippa’s eyes. She leans closer to Hecate who tries her hardest to keep a neutral expression when she says, “Remind me to kiss you silly later.”

The school vibrates with energy after lunch. While most of the Pentangles students are out for the day (Hecate still finds Pippa’s insistence of having four day weeks strange) the halls are cluttered, and excitement is in the air. Cackle’s has never had a movie night. Hecate can recall previous students mention is once or twice, but she’s sure she had always turned down the idea with a stern look and a hissing denial.

Now, however, she’s sitting on a blush pink plush quilt on the grass as the sun sets, behind over one hundred students, waiting for the blonde to return from the makeshift concessions. Pippa had known she’d want a bit of their privacy and picked a near perfect spot. The nearest students happen to be Mildred and company and even they are well out of earshot. Dimity and Abigail are to the other side, though they’re a bit less covered in shadows.

There were supposed to be only two movies shown before curfew began, but Hecate had been convinced by more than one student and staff member for just one more. She folded. It’s not like she’d be watching it anyway. She had already sat through two supposed classics, one being about a group of teen witches dabbling in dark magic with no thought of the repercussions and thus reaping what they sow. When the second movie had ended she turned to a very comfortable Pippa, who had been laying against her side at the back of the audience and asked if she could transfer them. Now they’re taking the final stairs to the top of a quiet tower.

“What will the students think?”

Hecate rolls her eyes at the playful tone, “I am a very powerful witch, Pippa. The students wouldn’t dare say anything to me. They’d have to be worried for an entirely different reason.”

“Oh? You would finally pretend to be the big, bad potions’ mistress you aspire to be?”

They exit the door to the tower, high up with the stars when Hecate pulls Pippa to her, nose to nose. “I do not pretend. I am all that you say and more.” She takes Pippa’s breath away, who melts against her embrace. Pippa wouldn’t have even looked away had it not been for Hecate’s own urging her to look around. Red candles outline the group of fluffy pillows, a darker burgundy blanket and darker plush blankets are scattered around for when the wind gets to be too much. There’s wine and dessert and the twinkling stars in the night sky. Hecate twirls her hand and the soft melody of a timeless chant begins to play around them.

The couple settle against the pillows, making themselves comfortable. Hecate pulls Pippa close, one arm around her middle and the other resting on her thigh. They laugh together in hushed tones as to not give away their location. Pippa keeps her promise to kiss her girlfriend silly and Hecate almost, just almost, concedes to sleeping atop the tower for just one night Hiccup, please? They don’t, though she does let Pippa lean against her as she rests for a few precious minutes before transferring them to their shared room. ... One late afternoon, after almost three weeks of domesticated life, Hecate sits at the desk in her rooms, marking the last few fourth year quizzes feeling... different. She’s not as tired as she normally would be. She hasn’t even taken a wide awake potion in maybe a week even with the amount of magic she has expended in the separation process. Her mouth isn’t down turned in a frown at the missed questions and miscalculated math. She’s lighter, and her heart beats a little stronger, a little faster in time. Hecate realizes perhaps for the first time in a very long time that she’s more than content, she’s tranquil.

Hecate is lost in this thought when Pippa breezes through the door with a smile and small skip, her ponytail swinging happily behind her. As always, Pippa greets a lounging Morgana and a stoic Artemis before she primly sits on Hecate’s lap in an attempt to not wrinkle her dress (though she is done for the day) with a greeting and a kiss, arms sliding around her neck. She nuzzles her nose against Hecate’s temple as the brunette returns her embrace and it’s the most natural thing Hecate thinks she’s ever done before. Because it’s become so normal. It’s second nature, like brewing a levitation potion. Pippa, not surprisingly being headmistress, works longer days than Hecate and while she has always greeted her in this manner, the hugs and kisses seem better, warmer, just right.

She can’t have this forever, she knows. Pentangle’s is almost back to normal and then Pippa will be off again, and they’ll be distance lovers once more, meeting when they can. It tugs at Hecate’s heart that eventually she won’t wake to warm puffs of breath against her neck. That she won’t fall asleep to Pippa’s gentle snores. She won’t have to set out an extra mug for tea. The laundry will decrease, dishes too, and she’ll be left to her own devices.

“Hecate, darling, are you alright?” Pippa voice pulls Hecate out of her thoughts.

The brunette nods her head. “Just thinking.”

Pippa hums softly, “About what?”

Could she be completely and totally honest? Why not? It’s Pippa. She’s Pippa’s girlfriend (though she abhors the word) and who else could she be honest with.

“I’ll miss this.”

Pippa softens, holds her a little closer. She readjusts on Hecate’s lap, soft smile on her lips. “I’ll miss it too, darling. So, we should enjoy it while we can.” … Ada and Hecate had been sitting in the headmistress’s office the next day, chatting numbers over tea when there’s a knock at the door. Hecate stands and flicks the door open to reveal Adelaide, Azura, and Isabella with Mildred behind them. The older girl gently nudges them forward and when they give her an apprehensive look at Mildred, she just gives them a more confident one back. Hecate raises a questioning brow, noticing how the younger girls shift from foot to foot, fingers twirling around their sashes.

Azura steels herself and turns to Ada and Hecate with her head high. “Izzy, Addy and I want to lead a project to properly sendoff everyone from Pentangle’s.” “And to apologize again for the mess we caused.” Isabella adds while Adelaide nods her head in agreement.

Mildred steps in, “They’ve got a plan for music and food and decorations.” She pushes Adelaide forward. The younger girl shuffles to Ada and Hecate, waving her hand to produce a booklet of plans only three fourteen year olds could produce.

She and Ada look over it. It’s not a horrible itinerary, some things will have to be changed and adjusted for practical reasons but for the most part it’s doable. Hecate has to stop herself from giving them too positive a reaction. They can’t know she’s proud. Not yet at least.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Miss Cackle sweetly smiles at them. The girls brighten instantly, looking to each other as if they had had their fingers crossed in hope.

And thus, begins the preparation for a farewell dance. Like preparing for the movie night the previous week, Mildred, Maud, Ethel, and Felicity join Hecate and the girls during detention to assist. There’s decorations prepared and stored away, menus to give to Miss Tapioca and Miss Cassava, and posters and fliers to hang up though Felicity’s post on her blog will no doubt spread the news fast enough. (In fact, the girl had known about it before Mildred even asked if she wanted to help. Hecate still doesn’t know how she does it.)

Instead of transferring to her room when she and the girls had finished, she finds herself tapping on Pippa’s still present and ever open office door. For some reason, Pippa’s office has been one of the most difficult places to return to Pentangles, coming second to the ever changing maze. The pink witch looks up above her equally pink reading glasses and instantly smiles.

“I’ve almost finished this last page. I promise, darling.”

Hecate takes her place in the chair across from the desk, a flippant hand waving away the promise. “No need to rush.”

They exchange a brief gaze before Pippa silently returns to whatever paper she was reading. One minute passes. And then another. And then another. Hecate has to stop herself from tapping her foot as the minutes tick by. Her eyes study Pippa. The way her lip is caught between her teeth, her nose scrunched ever so slightly as if something doesn’t make sense. Earlier her hair had been pinned up into a low chignon bun at the nape of her neck. She must have taken it down when classes had ended as it’s now in a slightly higher ponytail. Her matching jacket hangs on the back of her chair.

The brunette is still studying her when Pippa looks up and finally removes her glasses, fingers already pressed to the bridge of her nose.

“There’ll be a farewell dance at the end of the week,” Hecate bluntly states.

“Yes, I heard! It’s supposed to be a fabulous event, you know.” The lift in her voice lets Hecate know the woman’s being playful.

The brunette hums as she leans forward, fingers tapping against the quartz paperweight on the desk. “Indeed, it is. Of course, as headmistress and deputy of our two academies we’ll be expected to attend.”

“Hecate Hardbroom, are you asking me to be your date to the farewell dance?” Pippa bats her lashes and props her head against her hand, a silly but pleased smile playing on her lips.

“I was attempting to be modest, Pippa. Perhaps some sly wizard got to you first” she jokingly says with a roll of her eyes but then looks expectantly at her.

“And I would turn down each one for you.” Finally, the blonde stands from her desk, smile still perfectly in place as she reaches for Hecate with one hand and flicks the door closed and shut with the other. “I’m done here, transfer us, darling?”

“With pleasure.” ... The night of the Farewell celebration, Hecate is a ball of nerves and she can’t really say why. Sure, Pentangle’s and Cackles have been perfectly separated. There’s spare rooms still in place for everyone to sleep in for the night but otherwise they’ll return to normalcy in the morning. She should be happy, and a part of her is. But another dreads the silence that will come when they’re officially two separate schools again. She doesn’t think Cackle’s should be coed but teaching young wizards had been a pleasure she hadn’t expected. The food might lose its flare. The halls will be less congested. There’ll be no Pippa. That really grates at her nerves as they silently ready to the sounds of Pippa’s modern chanting records.

“Zip me?” Pippa asks, already turning her back to Hecate who silently slides the zipper up and up and up.

“You look beautiful, Pippa.”

The blonde smiles brilliantly as she puts the back on her earring, turning to Hecate. “As do you, darling.” At the risk of ruining both of their lipsticks, she presses a light kiss to her lips. “Now, let’s go before we’re late.”

“We could just not go.”

“Hecate,” Pippa almost scolds.

The brunette rolls her eyes as she smirks. “Fine, fine.” And they take their leave, twisting and turning down corridors that no longer have large modern windows to the great hall.

The room sparkles with warm yellow lights. Students are already dancing to whatever pumping beat is playing. Hecate immediately shifts into chaperone mode, finding a place on the wall that she can see the entirety of the room. Ada joins her for a moment while Pippa goes off to mingle with the students and staff, but for the most part she’s alone as she listens and watches, scanning the room for sneaky young witches and wizards. Azura, Adelaide, and Isabella stop to bring her cookies they know she won’t eat but are really hoping she does. She nibbles at one of the plainer ones as she spies Mildred on the dance floor, her movements still as clumsy as they had been years ago.

The night goes on and some begin to take their leave when Hecate finally moves from her spot, transferring across the room.

“Dance with me?” Hecate asks as she appears next to Pippa. The blonde doesn’t flinch like she used to when the brunette would unexpectedly transfer next to her, Hecate notices with a quirk of her lip.

“I’ve been waiting all night for you to ask me that,” the blonde beams, hand reaching for Hecate’s before leading her out to the dance floor.

A Hecate before would have never put herself on such display, a thought that is ridiculous to her now. She loves dancing, has always loved twirling and stepping around a dance floor, her dress flaring at her ankles. But for years she prevented herself from being the center of attention, hating the eyes on her. With Pippa, dancing is even better. She holds and is held closer, tighter. Their steps are synchronized to perfection. They’re cheek to cheek and the students and staff fade to the far distance of her mind leaving just her and her Pippa.

“Marry me?” Hecate asks softly in Pippa’s ear. It’s not exactly how Hecate pictured she’d propose, without the roses and the low light and the ambiance. Perhaps she should have done it the week before when they were alone atop the tower.

Pippa is speechless. Absolutely and fantastically speechless. But also, she isn’t. She has been waiting for this day since who knows when. She has been hoping that would happen sooner rather than later. Perhaps sooner rather than later meant well over thirty years. They’re standing still when she looks into Hecate’s eyes and she pulls them away. Away from young ears and the gazes that don’t even know the question asked. Pippa drags her away until they’re alone and she can breathe and make sure this is real. “You don’t think we’re moving too fast? I mean, we’ve only been together for-“

“One year, six months, two weeks, four days, five hours and,” Hecate takes the moment to open the time piece hanging from her neck. “Twenty six minutes.” Pippa, as stunned as ever, asks through a small chuckle, “Why do you know that?”

The brunette shrugs as if everyone knows exactly when they made things official, fair skin deepening to a full blush. “I’d tell you the seconds but I’m sure I stopped breathing when you said yes the first time.”

Pippa loses her own breath. Curse Hecate and her way with words. She doesn’t think she can breathe without this dark-haired, even darker eyed beauty. So, she kisses her. Pippa kisses Hecate until they are both gasping and out of breath. “Yes, yes I’ll marry you.”

The brunette grins, beams. And they kiss. And something about this feels like a next step. Something about this feels final. Something about this feels right. Like forever.

#hicsqueak #hecate hardbroom #pippa pentangle #the worst witch #fic #Azura moon #chakayla's royal decree

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