#hes having a blast in solution nine

[zeledonia]

im js shale probably took him on a shopping trip at some point

[deusvervewrites]

Izuku Phantom:

"Freckles!"

Izuku couldn't help but smile fondly at Mei's nickname for him. Even if she knew his name, nine times out of ten he was 'freckles' to her. It wasn't that she was being mean, just absentminded.

"Hi Mei." It amazing that such a simple sentence would have had him stuttering just a few months ago. Another thing that he owed Mei, he supposed.

"Come quick!" She shouted as he grabbed him by the arm and practically dragged him further into her makeshift lab. "I have made a breakthrough for your exam baby!"

Izuku blinked at that. "Weren't we just going to have a bo staff with electric pronds st the end?" They had discussed it extensively after all, although it was mostly him trying to prevent Mei from giving him a bazooka. What sort of breakthrough did a stick with two tasers need?

"Pssh, I finished that baby four days ago!" Mei said as she waved him off. "Keep up Freckles!"

Izuku supposed that it made sense. "Wait... Did you sleep in-between those four days Mei?"

"IRRELEVANT!"

Any further discussion was cut off as the two teenagers stopped in front of particularly messy desk. Even with the numerous burn marks and weird green stains, what caught Izuku's attention the most was the strange device strapped to the middle of the table.

From what he could tell, it resembled a chemistry beaker, if a particularly large one. Only this one was filled with a nasty, glowing green liquid. What was stranger however was the oval device on top of the beaker, outfitted with various pipes and valves, from which the green liquid continued to drip into the beaker.

"Behold! Baby number #76, Ectoplasm!" Mei shouted, pride and awe evident in her voice.

It was a shame that the only thing that Izuku could respond with was a meekly "Eh, what?"

Fortunately, Mei took his confusion simply as a reason to keep going. "Speechless, aren't you? Well, don't you worry, for this baby will blow all your worries away! I know that you didn't want the bazooka, but having ranged options is a MUST! What would you do if the villain is out of reach, huh? Throw your stick at him? NO! You need a gun! But weirdly, we aren't allowed to bring ammo into UA, which is dumb because they allow so many dangerous quirks in, but that's besides the point! Thankfully, yours truly has found the perfect solution! A gun that needs no ammo, for it is powered by pure energy! And thus comes in this new form of energy that I discovered, ECTOPLASM!"

Izuku just stood there dumbfounded. He honestly didn't know how to respond. His best friend went and discovered a whole new form of energy just to help him pass the entrance exams. He could already feel his tears threatening to spill everywhere, but he was too overwhelmed to care.

He wasn't sure how long he stood there, but when he gathered himself Mei was still mumbling about how she discovered ectoplasm (a habit that she picked from him). He was about to thank her, maybe hug and cry on her as well, when he caught a flashing light in his peripheral vision.

No, it was not a light. It was a spark.

A spark coming from the machine that Mei built.

The machine that was gathering strange, previously unknown energy and turning it into liquid.

A machine built by Mei, who had a track record of accidentally blowing up her 'babies'.

Izuku's body moved on its own.

The explosion came a second after Izuku had cradled Mei's head into his chest, his own body shielding her from the worst. The force of the blast came next, glass and something boiling tearing through his school uniform and finding fresh skin underneath.

As white, hot pain seared itself into every nerve on his back, Izuku Midoriya was thankful that at least his friend wouldn't bear the worst of it.

This is why we teach lab safety

[littlesweetchurro]

Malfunctioned

Chapter Two

Bakugou

Bakugou's fist slammed into the wall. The receptionist squeaked, her eyes wide.

"What the fuck do you mean, 'standard solutions'?" He snarled, looming over the desk. "Did you not hear a goddamn word I said?"

The woman—Bakugou hadn't bothered to learn her name—stammered something unintelligible. Her gaze darted around the room, looking anywhere but at the fuming hero in front of her.

Bakugou's teeth ground together. This was the third fucking support company he'd visited today, and his patience was hanging by a thread.

The first had been a joke. A bunch of starry-eyed idiots more interested in getting his autograph than actually fixing his gear. He'd stormed out after ten minutes, leaving behind a room full of singed eyebrows and bruised egos.

The second... Christ, the second had been even worse. He'd tried to play nice, really he had. But then they'd started talking about "upgrades" and "premium packages." As if he needed their overpriced bullshit. He'd made his opinion on that quite clear. Last he'd seen, they were still trying to put out the fire in their demo room.

And now this place. He'd had high hopes for this one. They came highly recommended, supposedly the best in the business. But so far, all he'd gotten was the same cookie-cutter crap as everywhere else.

"Listen here," Bakugou growled, leaning in close. The receptionist flinched back, the scent of his nitroglycerin sweat filling the air. "I need someone who can fix my gear. Not slap a band-aid on it, not sell me some fancy new toy. Fix. It. Is there anyone in this goddamn building capable of doing that?"

The woman's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Bakugou's lip curled in disgust. Pathetic.

"I-I'll get the manager," she finally squeaked out.

Bakugou straightened, crossing his arms over his chest. "About fucking time."

As the receptionist scurried away, Bakugou paced the lobby like a caged animal. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the sleek furniture and modern art. All style, no substance. Just like everything else in this place.

He caught sight of his reflection in a polished chrome sculpture. His hair was a mess, more wild than usual. Dark circles shadowed his eyes. And there, just visible above his collar, was a thin scar from where a villain had gotten too close during his last patrol.

Bakugou's jaw clenched. He needed his gauntlets.

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. A man in an expensive suit strode towards him, plastering on a fake smile that made Bakugou's skin crawl.

"Dynamight, sir! It's an honor to have you here. I'm Tanaka, the head of our R&D department. I understand you're having some issues with your support gear?"

Bakugou's eyes narrowed. This fucker better not be another waste of his time.

"Yeah, you could say that," he growled. "My gauntlets aren't firing right. Misfires, weak blasts, the whole nine yards. I need it fixed, and I need it fixed yesterday."

Tanaka nodded, his smile never wavering. "Of course, of course. We'd be happy to take a look. Perhaps you'd like to come back to our lab? We have some exciting new prototypes that might interest you—"

"Did I fucking stutter?" Bakugou cut him off, his voice dangerously low. "I don't want your new shit. I want my gear fixed."

Tanaka's smile faltered for a moment before snapping back into place. "Ah, yes, of course. Well, why don't you show me the problem, and we'll see what we can do?"

Bakugou grunted, reaching into the duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He pulled out his gauntlets, slamming them onto a nearby coffee table hard enough to make the magazines scatter.

"There," he said, gesturing to the scorched and dented equipment. "Firing mechanism's fucked. Calibration's off. And the blast radius is all over the place."

Tanaka leaned in, examining the gauntlets with a furrowed brow. "Hmm, I see. These are quite... unique. Custom-made, I assume?"

Bakugou's eye twitched. "No shit. You think I'd wear some off-the-rack crap?"

"Of course not," Tanaka said smoothly. "It's just, well, our technicians might have some difficulty with such a specialized piece of equipment. Perhaps it would be easier if we started from scratch? We have some excellent new designs that—"

"For the last fucking time," Bakugou roared, his patience finally snapping, "I don't want your shitty new designs! I want these fixed!"

Fucks sake!

Was he fucking speaking German?

Tanaka took a step back, his practiced smile finally cracking.

"Now, now, there's no need for that kind of language," he said, holding up his hands placatingly. "I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement. Why don't we discuss this in my office?"

Bakugou's hands sparked, small explosions popping in his palms. "The only thing we're going to discuss is how quickly you can get someone competent to look at my gear."

Tanaka's eyes darted nervously to Bakugou's hands, then to the exit. "I... I'm not sure we have anyone available at the moment who could handle such a complex—"

"Bullshit," Bakugou snarled. He took a step forward, relishing the way Tanaka flinched. "You're supposed to be the best in the business. Are you telling me that was all talk?"

Sweat beaded on Tanaka's forehead. "N-no, of course not. It's just, well, custom work like this requires a certain level of expertise, and—"

"And what?" Bakugou's voice was quiet now, deadly calm. "You don't have that expertise? Is that what you're saying?"

Tanaka's mouth opened and closed, no sound coming out. Bakugou could practically see the wheels turning in his head, trying to find a way out of this situation without admitting defeat.

Bakugou's lip curled in disgust. He'd seen enough.

Without another word, he snatched up his gauntlets and shoved them back into his bag. He turned on his heel, stalking towards the exit.

"Wait!" Tanaka called after him. "Perhaps we could—"

The door slammed shut behind Bakugou, cutting off whatever pathetic offer Tanaka had been about to make.

Outside, Bakugou took a deep breath of the cool evening air. His hands were still smoking, small pops and crackles echoing in the quiet street.

Three companies. Three fucking failures.

You

Monday morning arrived with a vengeance, bringing with it a pounding headache and the harsh reality of your job at Tech Nexus Solutions. You dragged yourself to work, praying for an easy day to nurse your hangover. The universe, however, had other plans.

"Hey!" your coworker Hana called out as soon as you entered the office. "Mr. Morita is on the warpath. He's demanding changes to his support gear... again."

You groaned, rubbing your temples. Mr. Morita, aka Rubber Man was proving to be a notoriously difficult client, a minor pro-hero with an inflated ego and a penchant for nitpicking every detail of his gear. "What is it this time?" you asked, dreading the answer.

"He says the material isn't breathable enough and the color is off by two shades," Hana replied, wincing sympathetically.

"Of course it is," you answered.

Taking a deep breath, you steeled yourself for the impending confrontation.

The vane of your existence was calling people, you hated making phone calls. Why couldn't you just send an email? But no, you had to put on your big girl pants and be professional.

You grunted.

You dialed Rubber Man's number, putting on your most professional voice. "Good morning, Mr. Morita. I understand you have some concerns about your gear?"

What followed was a twenty-minute tirade about the supposedly subpar quality of his suit. You listened patiently, jotting down notes and occasionally interjecting with clarifying questions. When he finally paused for breath, you seized your opportunity.

"Mr. Morita," you began, in your most professional voice, "I appreciate your attention to detail. However, I must remind you that the material we used was specifically chosen for its durability and flexibility, which are crucial for your quirk. As for the color, I have the approved shade right here in front of me, and I can assure you it's exactly as specified."

"But it doesn't feel right!" he spluttered, making you wonder who, what single individual had been responsible for his fucking huge ego. His mom probably.

You smirked, thankful he couldn't see your expression over the phone. "Feeling right and being right are two different things, Mr. Morita. Perhaps what you're experiencing is the natural breaking-in period for new gear. I suggest giving it a week of regular use. If you're still unsatisfied, we can schedule a fitting to address any specific areas of discomfort."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. You held your breath, hoping your blend of logic and compromise would appease him.

"Fine. One week. But if I'm not satisfied, I expect immediate action."

"Of course, Mr. Morita. Your satisfaction is our top priority," you replied smoothly, hoping your customer service voice was on point today. "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

After assuring him once more that his concerns were being taken seriously, you ended the call, exhaling loudly.

"Nicely handled," Hana said, impressed. "I thought he was going to demand a complete redesign."

You grinned, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Sometimes you just need to speak their language. A little flattery, a dash of logic, and a sprinkle of standing your ground." You stood up and stretched trying to relieve the kink your neck. "You know all standards when dealing with heroes."

As the morning wore on, you found yourself in need of a caffeine boost. You made your way to the break room, hoping a strong cup of coffee would chase away the last vestiges of your hangover.

"Did you hear? Dynamight is looking for a new support company!"

Your ears perked up at the mention of the explosive hero. Dynamight, also known as Katsuki Bakugou, was one of the top heroes in Japan. Working with him would be a massive opportunity for any support company.

"Are you serious?" another voice chimed in. "That would be huge for us if we could land that contract!"

"Yeah, but can you imagine dealing with his temper? I heard he made his last support tech cry."

You freeze, coffee forgotten as you strain to hear more. You really didn't like gossip, not really, well maybe you did like it a bit when it wasn't about you.

"I heard he actually set fire to the last company's prototype room," someone says in a hushed tone.

You rolled your eyes. Typical hero gossip, probably exaggerated. Probably. Though you really couldn't be sure when it came to the explosive hero. Dynamight's temper was legendary, but so is his prowess as a hero. Working with him would be the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Can you imagine trying to work with that? He'd probably blast you across the room if you suggested an improvement."

You snorted quietly.

"His gauntlets are a work of art, though," someone mused. "The way they store his sweat and amplify his explosions is genius."

"True, but they're also incredibly complex. One wrong move and they could malfunction catastrophically."

You found yourself nodding in agreement. Dynamight's gauntlets were indeed impressive, a perfect example of how support gear could enhance a hero's natural abilities. The thought of working on such advanced equipment sent a thrill of excitement through you.

"Who do you think they'll assign to his account if we get it?" one of your coworkers asked.

"It'll have to be someone who can handle the pressure. And his attitude," another replied with a chuckle.

You took that as your cue to enter the break room, pretending and failing like you hadn't heard a thing. "Morning, everyone," you said casually, making a beeline for the coffee machine.

Your colleagues greeted you, their conversation shifting to more mundane topics. As you prepared your coffee, your mind raced with possibilities. Working with Dynamight would be challenging, no doubt, but it could also be the opportunity of a lifetime.

You returned to your desk, sipping your coffee thoughtfully. The idea of designing support gear for one of the top heroes in the country was exhilarating. Sure, Dynamight had a reputation for being difficult, but you'd just proven your ability to handle demanding clients.

You could do, you knew you could.

A small, ambitious, prideful part of you wondered knew you'd be perfect for the challenge. After all, if you could talk down Mr. Morita, how much worse could the explosive hero be?

Little did you know, you were about to find out exactly how much worse it could be.

[koifishart]

I want to be Your Koi Fish - Nine Tails

Warning: +18 content, criminal underworld, intercourse, strong language - and so on

Fanfiction based on: "Baki" by Itagaki Keisuke

>46<

He finally AGREED, and she wanted to fly with joy, despite the rather unpleasant circumstances. She took it as evidence of what was probably the best diplomacy she was capable of, though perhaps it had little to do with diplomacy. All that remained was to hit his deputy, stubbornly trying to stop her for her own good, and they could go. It also seemed like Naito finally sided with her, implying more seriousness towards her. She was shocked and delighted at the same time, the period since returning to her human body had been remarkably fruitful. It's time to clean up some dirt from the past so you can move on with your hooves. Ueda had mentioned that the place they were interested in was in the middle of nowhere, on the outskirts of the country, and he wasn't wrong one bit. Sakura led them along roads, even wilderness, the existence of which she had no idea, but she tried to stay alert, instead of admiring the views, although they really pleased the eye. She wished the pair of swords had stayed in the family home, she had to do without them. A fortress appeared before their eyes, to put it mildly, looking like a pyramid with a very truncated top. She admitted that the very practical shape and strong base were more difficult to break. She didn't really know what to expect, but she was trying to quickly prepare a few plan-like elements, so as not to be left with absolutely nothing, when she noticed a missile rushing straight at them. Her husband's strong arm wrapped around her waist and yanked her out of the car with great force, seconds before the blast obliterated the pampered Cadillac CT5. They landed on hard, packed ground, she had a semi-soft landing only because Kaoru hugged her against his massive chest. She tossed her hair, looking around hastily. It looked like everyone else had jumped out as well, hitting each other here and there. It was amazing how easily they were allowed into the building. It smelled foul of a plan to destroy their quick escape route...and that they actually thought they could scare off Hanayama with that! The latter only snorted as he walked through the wide open door, spat saliva on the floor and snapped his huge neck. The corridors were maze-like, and she was about to suggest some solution to her husband, but as soon as she turned to face him, a door slammed behind them and a wall of thick brick collapsed, firmly secured with bulletproof steel. On the one side, she, inseparable Naito and Sato, as well as Ueda, on the other Kaoru and the rest. Her phone rang in her belt pocket, and she picked it up hastily.

- Are you OK? - she heard her husband's voice.

- All fine. - she replied quickly, looking around. - I could have foreseen that they would want to separate us...

- I guess we'll meet somewhere in the middle. - he grumbled reluctantly. - I love you, Hana.

- I love you too, My Bear. - she whispered warmly. - See you.

She hastily snapped her smartphone back into place to take stock of the situation. He could be right, it actually looked like they wanted to corner them. She glared at her security chief. This one, as usual, a step ahead of her, managed to explore the nearest area and, judging that it was safe, ordered the beginning of the march. The three of them surrounded her so she wouldn't become the first target if anything happened. She still couldn't get used to how cute it was of them, even if that was their division of tasks. They hadn't gone far when they heard a voice coming from somewhere camouflaged speakers.

- Kitty kitty ... baby ... - sounded a woman's laughter. - As I expected from my beloved Shiro Kitsune-san! You knew I was here, right? Oh say yes!

She recognized the blonde-haired assassin whom she had deprived of an eye and the possibility of even approaching the finals of the tournament. That sickening cackle she would recognize anywhere, it was sticking to her ears, echoing. A psychological game? She didn't like those.

- I can smell the rot from a distance. - The black-haired girl answered stubbornly, looking around and listening. - What do you want?

- You know, don't pretend! - said the voice. - I want fox fur!

- If I were you, I'd change the list of Christmas gifts. - Naito interjected.

- Hey, Kitsune-san, teach your worms some culture. Don't interfere in the conversation! - The blonde grumbled gruffly, then added calmly. - I'm bored. Let's play a game...

- What game? - Mrs. Hanayama asked as she made her way down another corridor.

- A game of sacrifice. You have three people with you. How many of them are you willing to sacrifice to get to me?

- Don't listen to her, Hanabi-sama! - Ueda said.

- Listen to me, Hanabi-sama...Listen to me, come to me... - said a slimy voice. - Listen to me, come... Little by little, I'll get rid of those you love so much who don't love you. The bald one who thought you were a goldfish in an ornamental aquarium; a hunk with earrings who never seriously fought you; your "brother" who was never really supportive and still can't accept where you belong. I'll save the hubby who wanted to put you aside again for dessert. I'll cut him into thin slices...

Her blood froze. She had no idea how she knew so much, how long they had been watching them, but this was way too much. She sounded exactly like her that day. Same convincing tone of voice. Like her mother when, after years of humiliation and rejection, she wanted to win her over, just to show her father that she knew better. She couldn't break now. Not right now, not with these people.

- Come to me, Kitsune-san... - tempted the blonde. - I'm only here for you, come on, let's play, just like at your wedding! I will never leave you, I will always love you! Leave the assholes who consider women their property.

Of course she sensed falsehood, even madness, in her voice. She wasn't afraid, but what she said and how it touched a very sensitive chord of Hanabi. The woman was right, Shiro Kitsune hated being objectified, patronized, and this happened many times in the Fujiki clan. Was it enough?

- Hanabi-sama is too strong to fall for that! - Naito said firmly. - The boss chose her for a reason and we are at her side for a reason. Hide your dirty tricks!

An amazingly pleasant, warm feeling seized her heart, hearing such a sincere confession from the head of security for the first time. If not for the difficult situation, she would have shed a few tears of emotion. As if on command, the other two clung closer to her.

- Kitsune-san, let's start the fun. - The blonde giggled. - You probably know 'Alice in Wonderland'? Do you remember how it started?

Hanabi frowned, thinking frantically. She didn't know what that had to do with the situation, but she unearthed all the details of the cartoon she'd been watching with her nephews. The beginning ... the beginning ... Alice had a strange dream that she was chasing a white rabbit*, and then ...

- NAITO, BE CAREFUL! - She screamed with all her might, jumping in his direction and pushing him against the wall.

Before she landed, a hatch opened beneath her feet. Alice fell into the burrow, hearing only:

- HANABI-SAMA!

She landed on something hard, she wasn't sure if she was whole, she must have bruised a lot of places. It buzzed horribly and squeaked in her ears. She opened her eyes with difficulty, rubbing the back of her head, and the first few breaths came just as hard. She couldn't look around, there was darkness around her, only above her head, from the level from which she fell, a glow of light and smoke appeared. A cold shiver ran down her spine at the sight of a group of men rushing to her men, successfully pacifying them. She was about to get up when she heard above her:

- Goodnight, Alice!

She felt a dull blow to her temple, then a hand pressing the wet cloth to her mouth and nose. Chloroform. Again. Before she could think not to inhale the substance, heavy eyelids obscured bright green irises.

______________________

*white rabbit - a loose connection to... Hanayama, who always wore a white suit. Therefore, Mai chooses "Alice in Wonderland" as a metaphor, as Hanabi's pursuit of her husband;

[queen-scribbles]

gut feeling

So of course the first time I write the immediate aftermath of CoU it's a) almost seven years after it dropped and b) not one of my NINE Theronmancers but Keme. :) In Jorgan's POV :) ----

Jorgan was wrapping up an op when Aygo commed.

He frowned a little as he answered, bad feeling in his gut and pace slowing on the way through the spaceport. "I was just about--"

"I wanted to give you a heads up, Major," Aygo cut him off, words clipped with stress. "Things on Umbara went sideways."

Jorgan froze midstride. "Sideways how?" Keme had given him some of the details; crystal recovery, hopefully finding the traitor, Lana and Theron were with her, for something to go wrong with all three of them there--

"It's Shan," Aygo growled. "Turns out he's our traitor; tried to kill Beniko and the Commander."

"Tried?" It was the only word he could get past the strangling disbelief in his throat, past the icy claws digging into his lungs, grip tightening on the holo like he held it personally responsible.

Betrayed, again.

"Crashed a train. They're fine and en route to Odessen," Aygo said, and Jorgan let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "But the news made the base a bit of a mess, as I'm sure you can imagine, and with you being married to the Commander, I didn't want you walking into that unprepared."

"'Preciate that," Jorgan managed, shaking off the haze as he ended the call. He headed for his shuttle double time, the ghosts of the old Havoc(not his, not Keme's, Tavus) rearing their heads in his wake.

He should let Keme knew he'd heard. No matter how hard he pushed the blasted shuttle, it was still almost a whole day's travel home and he couldn't imagine how bad this stung for her. But what could he even say?

One of her best friends... Well, that's what hoping gets you.

---

Dorne was waiting when he landed, which really shouldn't have surprised him.

"Sparring ring," she said, hand out to take his gear.

Jorgan passed it over with a grateful nod. "Figured as much." He barely even slowed his pace, heading for the outdoor sparring and workout area.

"See if you can get her to take a break," Dorne called after him. "She's been at it for hours."

I'll bet she has. He waved a hand in acknowledgement. A susurrus of whispers and furtive looks followed him, and he wondered just how bad a mood Keme was in.

She was the only one using the space, which was something of an answer. Her posture was thick with tension, her hands wrapped and one gripping a practice shiv as she beat the living daylights out of a training dummy.

"I got your message," she said, breathing hard, without turning around.

Jorgan walked closer, taking in her clenched jaw, the damage she'd inflicted on the dummy, looking her over for injuries. Nothing he could see. "I'm glad you're alright."

Keme gave a hollow laugh as she pivoted and launched herself at him for a hug. "I dunno about alright," she mumbled into his chest.

She was hugging him almost fiercely enough to bruise and he returned the favor. "Unhurt work better?"

Keme nodded wordlessly, her grip intensifying before she let go. "I don't think it's sunk in yet," she admitted as she stepped back a pace, her voice even more hollow than the laugh had been. "I got back mad enough to punch somethin' and the knee jerk solution was to see if he wanted to spar before... I remembered." She sighed and raked loose hair back toward the ponytail it had escaped. "I didn't see this coming, Aric..."

He pulled her in for another hug, kissing the top of her head. "Did anyone?"

She shook her head. "Not even Lana." She stood there a minute, not returning the hug, just savoring it, if the way she shuddered when he started rubbing her back was any indication. "I can't believe he'd do this..."

"Me, neither," Jorgan muttered, kissing the top of her head again. She and Theron had hit it off from the first time they worked together, and been thick as thieves by the time they finished on Yavin 4. And it was readily apparent by the time Jorgan arrived on Odessen that working together on the Alliance had only made their friendship stronger. Beniko might be the de facto second in command, but Theron was Keme's go-to. For him to betray her like this had Jorgan a special kind of furious. Ready to join Beniko on her rumored warpath, in fact.

Keme shifted at his tone, pulling back again so she could pace as she talked. "I mean I literally can't believe it, Aric. I can't, he wouldn't."

"But he did, Keme," Jorgan growled. Don't do this to yourself, sweetheart. "You've said yourself the man's a damned good spy, makes sense he'd keep it under wraps--"

"But he wouldn't!!" she burst out, hands curling into fists.

"But he did!" Jorgan repeated, hating the look on her face. I'm gonna kill him for doing this to you. "He betrayed the Alliance, betrayed you, and Aygo said he crashed a train trying to kill you! Can't be much clearer!"

"Shot at me, too," she grumbled, half-heartedly punching the training dummy's shoulder.

He tensed at that additional tidbit. "Keme-!"

"He missed," Keme said dismissively, taking another nothing swing at the dummy. Like it was no big deal her best friend had shot at her.

"And thank the stars for that," Jorgan bit out. "I won't. What?"

She'd frozen mid-swing. "He missed," she repeated, slowly. Something flickered in her eyes. "Aric, he missed."

"And?"

"And you've fought alongside him! You know he's a hell of a shot. Theron wouldn't miss, not from a meter away, not unless it was on purpose--"

"Keme, do you hear yourself?!" he demanded. He understood the desire to rationalize, the difficulty of a hurt like this. It was far deeper and more personal than when Tavus' Havoc went rogue. But she was pushing toward something else.

"I can't think of any other reason!" she retorted, throwing up her hands.

"Didn't account for movement of the train. One last shred of decency shaming him for betraying his best friend. You moved. Just off the top of my head." He crossed his arms.

"Which is why his 'miss' just happened to take out the window Lana and I used to escape," Keme drawled. He knew that look; the gears were turning in her head. "If he hadn't... hadn't done that I dunno if we would've gotten off the train in time."

He could see her coming to wrong conclusions and it broke his heart and infuriated him in equal measure. Damn Theron for doing this to her. "Sweetheart, don't credit to conspiracy what's actually coincidence. Especially if that's all you have."

Her jaw went tight again, and she threw a few more punches at the dummy before whatever she was chewing on was too much and she spun back to him. "There's one thing he said I can't get out of my head. It's just wrong."

Just one? "Don't suppose it involved trying to explain himself."

"For peace." A muscle in her jaw twitched. "He's trying to destroy the Alliance, everything we worked for, together, for peace. Because it's rotten." She gave a stilted laugh as she dropped onto a nearby bench, shoving her discarded jacket aside. "And that's not even the part I'm stuck on."

Jorgan just waited her out, knowing if it bothered her this much she wouldn't need prompting to share.

"He said that if millions died for this, so be it. And that's been buggin' me."

"Hearing a sentiment like that from a friend would bug anyone," he muttered, wondering how the hell they hadn't seen this coming, any of them. Not a single clue. He really is good.

"But Theron?! Theron who almost bit Lana's head off over Master Surro after Ziost? Theron who I had to talk out of a self-flagellating sulk when we couldn't save Ranken? Theron who has always pushed for low to no casualties, who wants to save as many as we can, saying deaths in the millions is okay?" Keme shook her head. "It doesn't add up."

"People change," he growled.

"That much? That fast?" She shot him a skeptical look. " I'd've sworn by Theron almost as strongly as I would you. This feels wrong."

"Maybe we missed it happening; everything's been busy-"

"Jorgan, come on--"

"No, you come on," he cut her off, moving to sit next to her. "You're weighting your gut feeling against the man's own words and the fact he tried to kill you." A thought hit like a kick to the gut. "Does this mean... Iokath was him, too?"

He'd seen that report; Dorne hadn't tried terribly hard to stop him, and it had been a terrifyingly close call.

"....Maybe," Keme said, voice small. "We can't know for sure...."

"Seems pretty damn likely to me, you're just-" He stopped himself before he said something he'd regret and wouldn't be able to take back.

"In denial? Lana gave me that speech already." Keme started unwrapping her hands, gaze on the task rather than him.

Maybe I agree with her for once. "In other words you don't need-"

"Want."

"-to hear it again?"

"Somethin' like that," she muttered. The wraps came off and she dropped them with her jacket. "I just can't reconcile it, Aric," she said softly, cracking her knuckles. "I'm furious at him, too, but... We were joking around three days ago. He threatened to swipe my caf to pull an all-nighter an' I countered I'd make him take a vacation if he tried to pull another all-nighter, he works too damn hard and I just... He worked as hard as I did to build this, maybe more, it doesn't..."

Make sense.

"I know, sweetheart." Jorgan reached over to rub her back. "And I'm sorry for being a hardass about it; the thought of losing you, again, because of someone you trusted scares the hell out of me."

"Which I get." Keme ran a hand down her face. "Believe me. But whatever the evidence says, whatever Theron said, something doesn't sit right."

He really didn't want to fight with her about this. She clearly wasn't going to budge any time soon. "Alright, say I believe you. Can you think of any other reason he would've...done everything he did?"

There was a protracted moment of silence before Keme shook her head. "No. I can't." Her voice shook. "He wouldn't but I can't think..."

Jorgan pulled her close, tucking her in to his shoulder. "Whatever the case, you know I've got your back, right?"

She nodded. "Love you."

He kissed the top of her head. "Love you, too."

He didn't know what was coming, what this meant for her or the Alliance, just that they'd get through it. They always did.

Call it a gut feeling.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Bassem Mroue at AP, via HuffPost:

BEIRUT (AP) — The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut on Friday in a series of massive explosions that targeted the leader of the militant group and leveled multiple high-rise apartment buildings. At least six people were killed and 91 were wounded, Lebanon’s health ministry said. It was the biggest blast to hit the Lebanese capital in the past year and appeared likely to push the escalating conflict closer to full-fledged war. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was the target of the strikes, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity, including one United States official. The Israeli army declined to comment on who it was targeting. It was not immediately clear if Nasrallah was at the site, and Hezbollah did not comment on the report. The death toll is likely to rise significantly as teams comb through the rubble of six buildings. Israel launched a series of strikes on other areas of the southern suburbs following the initial blast. After the strikes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly cut short a visit to the United States to return home. Hours earlier, he addressed the United Nations, vowing that Israel’s intensified campaign against Hezbollah over the past two weeks would continue — further dimming hopes for an internationally backed cease-fire.

[...] To a degree unseen in past conflicts, Israel spent the week pushing to eliminate Hezbollah’s senior leadership. But an attempt to assassinate Nasrallah — successful or not — would be a major escalation. The Pentagon said the U.S. had no advance warning of the strikes. [...] Israel dramatically intensified its airstrikes in Lebanon this week, saying it is determined to put an end to more than 11 months of Hezbollah fire into its territory. The escalated campaign has killed more than 720 people in Lebanon, including dozens of women and children, according to Health Ministry statistics. A predawn strike Friday in the mainly Sunni border town of Chebaa killed nine members of the same family, the state news agency said.

The United Nations said the fighting has displaced 211,000 people, including 85,000 now staying in public schools and other shelters. Airstrikes have forced 20 primary health care centers to shut down and disrupted access to clean water for nearly 300,000 people. The scope of Israel’s operation remains unclear, but officials have said a ground invasion to push the militant group away from the border is a possibility. Israel moved thousands of troops toward the border in preparation. At the U.N., Netanyahu vowed to “continue degrading Hezbollah” until Israel achieves its goals. His comments dampened hopes for a U.S.-backed call for a 21-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah to allow time for a diplomatic solution. Hezbollah has not responded to the proposal. Iranian-backed Hezbollah, the strongest armed force in Lebanon, began firing rockets into Israel almost immediately after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, saying it was a show of support for the Palestinians. Since then, it and the Israeli military have traded fire almost daily, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes on both sides of the border.

Israel stuck Hezbollah’s HQ in Lebanon that killed their leader Hassan Nasrallah.

[xtruss]

Corporations Dig Deeper: Using Bunkers To Secure Data (And Their CEOs)

Several Large Companies are Building Underground Housing for their Data Centers and Executives.

— Rachyl Jones | February 20, 2025 | SEMAFOR

Roof of a Residential Bunker Under Construction in Kansas By Survival Condo. Courtesy of Survival Condo.

Large corporations are shopping for underground bunkers that can survive a nuclear blast to protect their data centers and C-suite employees as geopolitical tensions rise. The first adopters are primarily cryptocurrency firms, companies that build the facilities told Semafor.

Larry Hall, owner of Kansas-based Survival Condo, said he recently priced an underground data center and executive suite space to a crypto company for $64 million. Survival Condo counts eight companies in the planning stages of building bunkers, three of which are competing to purchase an existing 150,000-square-foot facility in Kansas serving the same purpose — a project started by a Big Oil billionaire who died before it was completed.

The pitch is the apocalypse. “The nuclear clock is moving closer to midnight,” Hall intoned in a telephone interview from the company’s Kansas bunker facility, a 54,000-square-foot residential space outfitted with a rock wall and hydroponics farm. “The more worries there are in the headline news, the more people look for solutions.”

Part of the heightened appeal for bunkers is the ever-growing value of data. The company Iron Mountain, which now describes itself as an information management firm, got its start offering secure storage in a depleted iron ore mine to banks amid the first wave of nuclear fears in the 1950s. (The television show Mr. Robot includes an anarchist attack on its fictional doppelgänger in the hopes of wiping the global financial slate clean.) Iron Mountain now rents out 330,000 square feet of data center space in a former Pennsylvania limestone mine, serving finance, government, and healthcare industries, according to its website. It also stores government employee retirement papers — a practice recently targeted by Elon Musk’s DOGE as outdated.

Safeguarding the physical aspects of data — server racks, power systems, cooling equipment — can help prevent economic disruptions. The market got a taste of what a major crypto crash looks like when FTX filed for bankruptcy and its executives faced fraud charges in 2022. Other crypto firms took a hit, but the financial losses and reputational harm spilled over into banks, venture capital, and fintech as well.

Companies are hard-pressed to protect their data on domestic land. Though nuclear threats have long existed, the increasingly frayed relationships between Western countries and adversaries like Russia and North Korea have renewed bunker interest. European customers fear the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East may soon hit closer to home. Natural disasters have also taken their toll in the US in recent years, exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

A bunker built 200 feet underground with nine-foot-thick concrete walls, as Survival Condo builds them, could provide refuge. The company models its facilities after the Atlas-F missile silos created during the Cold War and designed to withstand a Soviet attack. While the facilities will still face damage from a direct missile hit or one within about 1,000 feet, a warhead dropped further than that will likely leave the structure sound, said Jonas Mureika, a physics professor at Loyola Marymount University.

Survival Condo’s residential bunker goes 174 feet underground. Courtesy of Survival Condo.

Some data centers span millions of square feet and would be difficult to place underground, but companies can still store a significant amount of data in the multi-story facilities built below ground. An enterprise server node, about the size of two pizza boxes, can store dozens of terabytes of data. Meanwhile, one terabyte can fit the entire Bitcoin blockchain and leave room to store photos.

The facilities operate independently — generating their own power, filtering their own air, and producing their own water. They draw from multiple energy sources, including diesel tanks, wind turbines, battery banks, and nuclear reactors, meaning that in the event of a disaster, the center could continue operating for at least a few years, Hall said.

But having the safety of bunkers comes with a cost. The cheapest data center, plus executive suite space, that Survival Condo has priced was $45 million, Hall said. It includes 11 floors of living quarters and four floors of data center space — one that would be operational at the start and with three floors for expansion.

[gamer-octopus]

I completed the house of hope today and I just want to write my experience. Spoliers under the cut

Initially I was a little cocky because of the Haarlep fight. He was only level nine and my party is level 12. Jaheira's owlbear form knocked him prone with her crushing jump and Karlach and Lae'zel were able to reduce his hp by a lot. He did get up and mind control Lae'zel but I was able to kill him before that became a problem. Nyssa, my warlock, took care of the imps with eldritch blast.

So I thought you had to talk to the archivist before entering the archive. When I searched the entire house of hope and couldn't find him I looked up a guide and it's advice ended up doing more harm than good for me. It said to become invisible and run to Hope's prison. The problem with this is I could only turn two people invisible, one scroll and Jaheira could cast invisibility. My "solution" for the other two was to cast gaseous form on them. This was my downfall for many attempts. I could get everyone to Hope's prison but the people in gaseous form would be almost dead because the entire hallway would be attacking them and after saving Hope I would then have to deal with everyone in the hallway. The gaseous form people also couldn't dash. Eventually I realized I could kill/force the debtors to transform from a distance with edlritch blast and then have Lae'zel kill their secondary forms with her three attacks, sometimes with the help of Karlach. This meant I only had to worry about the flaming spheres chasing me. I was able to keep ahead of the spheres for the most part.

I then stoll the hammer and the other items. I gave Jaheira the necklace that improves the wearers constitution to 23 and this helped so much when things would attack her in-between her wildshapes.

Rescuing Hope is pretty easy at level 12 with Jaheira, Karlach, and Lae'zel in your party. Karlach had an item that allows her to use dimension door so I had her take Lae'zel up to the first magical chain so she could smash it on her first turn. Lae'zel also had one misty step so after using the hammer she misty stepped to the rock surface above the platforms. I made sure she was nowhere near the edge because in one of the previous attempts one the imps used edlrich blast and pushed her off the edge into the abyss. She was holding the hammer so I couldn't free Hope. The next turn she is able to jump over and smash the second chain. I feel like two turns is pretty good. At this point I have Jaheria, in her owl bear form, and Lae'zel start wailing on the beholders while Nyssa and Karlach take out the Imps. I was surprised you get to control Hope but I'm so glad you can.

I leave the prison and run as quickly as I can to avoid the flaming spheres but one catches me and combat is initiated. I ignore the sphere for now and rush down the hallway and see more dedtors waiting. I have Nyssa cast Hunger of Hagar to try to get five of the debtors to transform but to get five within range all on the edge of the circle and they just step out of the way when the spell was cast. iirc they dont even enter iniative because of this. So I have Nyssa eldritch blast one and this gets them started. The hunger of hagar does do what it was supposed to and two or three of the dedtors transform out of range since they have to walk through it. The rest is just wailing on all the enemies and then focusing on the flaming sphere at the end. I was thinking of going back to Haarleps room to get a full restore but there was still one flaming sphere rolling around and everyone was almost completely back to full after a short rest.

So the party enters the final room. Raphael comes in and has his speech and we meet Hope's sister. I did read one of her notes so it wasn't out of nowhere. To my surprise I'm able to convince Yugir to side with me on the first try. Granted I had a +9, guidance, and dark ones blessing. I quick save right after this because I don't want to fail that roll.

I get obliterated the first time around. Partially due to me using Hope's channel divinity to do a lot of radiant damage, causing her to die. The second attempt doesn't go well either. I was honestly worried I wouldn't be able to do it. There were so many enemies on Raphael's side and he had 666 hp because the devs think they're funny (they are but still).

The third attempt starts off better than the other attempts. I have Nyssa in the middle of the room using eldritch blast to take out the pillars. It takes about 7 eldritch blasts to take out one pillar. I don't even attempt to attack Raphael. I focus on getting one minor down at a time. Jaheira is again in her owl bear because she can knock enemies, and only enemies, prone which helps Karlach and Lae'zel. Hope is regulated to only healing. She just spams mass cure wounds and mass healing word. This keeps everyone at high health pretty well since she's a life domain cleric. This plan doesn't last long though because she runs out of high level spell slots.

Eventually Nyssa, Lae'zel, and Jaheira are all making Death saves. There's still one more pillar. So I decide to use Hope's divine intervention to resurect Nyssa. This is not how the divine intervention works though. I had misread it and assumed it just ressurected one person at half health. My assumption wouldn't have helped Nyssa but I click on it to try anyway and I notice that everyone in my party is going to be affected by this. I reread the description and realize that it might save my butt. Instead of one person coming back at half health anyone in range who is alive gets a long rest and the dead are ressurected at half. I use this and realize it's now possible to win this fight. I quick save here because this is about as good as it could get. There is only one minion, two imps, and one mostly damaged pillar left besides and almost full health Raphael.

I'm able to destroy the pillar and kill the rest of the imps and minion in about three/four turns. Hope is again spaming healing spells. Nyssa is using counterspell to try to stop Raphael from doing his 6 level fire attack but she only has 5th level spell slots so only one works and she runs out of spell slots. Lae'zel, Kalach, and Jaheira are wailing on Raphael and chipping away at his hp. Nyssa starts using spell scrolls. What was really clutch was Raphael failed his save for blindness so everyone had advantage. I purposely had Lae'zel get the final blow since we were here to help her.

After Hope's cutscene I then frantically look for the hammer because Lae'zel started the fight with it but got disarmed early on and I switched to her other sword because I couldn't see it. I was able to use the alt key to find it under a dead body and I was relieved. I would've been depressed if it had disappeared.

The party leaves and the emperor finally learns that Nyssa doesn't trust him. She has been lying to him and playing nice but she is close to the end of the adventure and doesn't want to fake it anymore. I give the gauntlets to the store clerk. Nyssa could've easily lied and kept the gauntlets but I didn't want to risk a fight with her because everyone was low on health.

[getawayfox]

Do you have favorite Drarry tropes :)?

Hi Anon! Thank you for sending this ask and giving me an excuse to make another self-indulgent rec list. It was so much fun - mainly because I haven’t been reading much in the last few weeks, so revisiting my favourites for this has been an absolute blast. 

I’m a soft bean and while I will read and enjoy angsty tropes on occasion, you’ll more likely find me searching for wholesome stories. And smut. So, here is a handful of favourites for my most sought-after tropes. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I do!

👬 Established relationship

Dragon by @lqtraintracks (M, 356 words) Things get interesting when your husband's Patronus is a Romanian Ridgeback.

It Is I Who Will Surely Expire by @tepre (T, 1k)

I call this: Draco Malfoy is super awake at 3AM staring at the ceiling going over dramatic doom scenarios (while Harry drools on his chest)

Through the Window, Clear Skies by @tackytigerfic (M, 1.4k)

What would happen if Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy moved in together, too soon after they started kissing and then fucking and not hating each other anymore? Will Draco insist on a wine rack? Or: Domestic Drarry with a bare hint of angst.

acts of service by @oknowkiss (E, 5.6k)

Harry's sick, and Draco just wants to take care of him, but they're two idiots in love, so it couldn't possibly be that easy.

✨Bonus: this piece by @bluebutter-art

🤍 Found family

Take the Moon by @tackytigerfic (M, 15k)

Harry Potter has always wanted a family of his own, and when a deadly blood curse forces him into a marriage bond with his best friend Draco Malfoy, it looks like he might just have found one. Living with Draco (biscuit-lover, no work/life balance, good hair) and his son Scorpius (also biscuit-lover, colour-codes his bricks, proud bearer of plastic swan-shaped garden ornament) gives Harry the routine and companionship he’s always craved. There’s also the matter of the really great sex (because what’s a marriage of convenience without a little fun, after all?) It's just a shame they’d always planned to break up after a year… This isn't the story of the marriage. This is the story of two hurt and damaged men who learned how hard they could work for the sake of love.

Beneath the Wave by @moonflower-rose (M, 30k)

Harry is done with a life in the spotlight. No more adventures, no more mortal peril. He wants a quiet life of food and friends, and family. He even manages to have it for a while, until suddenly there are giant rabbits that need ferrying to a mysterious island, and a handsome Draco Malfoy, and Harry's right back in the middle of the action again, despite his best efforts.

Pages of You by @wolfpants (E, 101k)

Summer, 1980. Harry is floating between university and becoming a Real Certified Adult. He's not ready. He really isn't. In a desperate attempt to have the Best Last Summer ever, he takes a casual job at his godfather's bookshop in London, starts an illicit pen pal affair with a wordy posh boy that he's catching feelings for, all while dealing with the son of Sirius's business rival, one Draco Malfoy, insufferable know-it-all extraordinaire. A story about trying to figure out who you are, where you're going in life, and who you want to take along with you.

Make This Leap by @oflights (M, 118k)

Harry owns a struggling restaurant which is running out of money, and his Head Chef has just handed in notice. He's at a bit of a loss as to what to do until Narcissa Malfoy presents an obvious solution: bring in Draco Malfoy as Chef and part owner. Harry does.

✨Bonus: more art by @bluebutter-art

🍋 Smut with feelings

First Times by @fw00shy (E, 1.5k)

Their first time is in the loo.

Your Breath, My Lungs by @wolfpants (E, 1.7k)

I try not to think of the years we have behind us. School was a lost cause, it was always going to be a lost cause, but in the time since—Eighth Year, all of us cautiously coming together the way we had, how we all ended up, how we are now, nine years later, friends and loved ones and infinitely intertwined—I can’t help but worry if it’s too late for us. Maybe I’ve waited too long to tell him how I feel. - During a friend's engagement party, Harry finally tells Draco how he feels about him.

Flip/Fuck by @shealwaysreads (E, 1.8k)

Switch: to give up (something) and take something else in return

The Night of the Fireworks by @corvuscrowned (E, 6.3)

It isn't easy keeping a relationship a secret, especially when it's so new. So if Harry and Draco can find a moment to sneak off for some alone time, they're going to take it - even if it happens to be during Ginny and Luna's wedding party.

✨Bonus: Cake by the Ocean by @bluebutter-art (E, art)

On Harry's 42nd birthday, Draco treats him to a romantic getaway at the Malfoy's private beach in Sicily.

[mayasaura]

I think I've found a way out of the political situation in The Locked Tomb. One that doesn't lead to massive loss of life, and still dismantles the empire of the Nine Houses.

John didn't create anything with the intention of it surviving him. He seems to have gone out of his way to do the reverse, and only build things that would catastrophically self-destruct without him. Empires are already powder kegs, and based on the information in As Yet Unsent, John rigged this one to go up like the sun. Here's an excerpt of Judith reporting what she understands of BOE's arguments:

Their other line of attack is the business contracts. They claim that the services asked of them by the Emperor were set down in lifetime contracts by previous generations, who assumed the contracts would be terminated upon the Emperor's death.

If this is true, and we have no reason to assume it isn't, John has either intentionally or accidentally made himself into a latter-day Alexander; building an empire that will immediately crumble at his sudden death. This looks like it provides an easy solution: Kill the Emperor, terminate the contract, freedom for the peoples of the greater universe! Glory to the resistance!

Problem is, even assuming this doesn't amount to the fiery genocide of the Nine Houses—which I'm assuming is not the direction this series is going—there is no external state or government-in-exile prepared to take over where the Nine Houses left off. BOE is a militia group made up of isolated and conflicting factions, and the Houses have been incredibly successful at destroying political and cultural unity in their colonies. The sudden cessation of the empire would leave a huge power vacuum, New Rho writ large across the face of the universe.

And the Cohort would still be there. The neat crumbling of John's empire relies on the Cohort respecting the terms of these ancient contracts. Every admiral and general jockeying for power in the void left by the death of the emperor has to agree that yeah, the empire thing has been great, loved the military conquest, but now that we don't have an emperor anymore let's pack it all in and go home. That isn't what happened to Alexander's empire, and it's not what I see happening here. Alexander's empire dissolved into 40 years of civil war, eventually leading to the creation of four successor states still under Macedonian or Greek rule. Most likely something similar would happen in the empire of the Houses: the universe would dissolve into open war as the dominant military powers duked it out. The Cohort vs the Cohort vs BOE, with thousands of smaller powers allying with one side or another. Who knows what this would do for the politics back home—how factions would develop in relation to House loyalties, what Houses would survive the fallout, and so on—but for the larger empire it would be a bloodbath. We got a little taste of that in Canaan House, when Judith and Marta tried to impose military rule.

This isn't an argument for the status quo, though I do see how the people most likely to die in the ensuing chaos would disagree. Then again, some wouldn't. The deadly blast of an empire imploding is still better than endless death and exploitation under colonial rule, right? But we're still looking at catastrophic loss of life, and we can only hope that when the dust eventually settles, whatever comes next will be better, and not just successor states under Cohort control.

Which brings me back to the ray of hope I see in this clusterfuck of a situation: Kiriona Gaia. Heir to the Emperor Divine.

Six months ago, John had something else in common with Alexander the Great: no clear line of succession. Now he has a publicly declared and recognized heir, and that gives the Nine Houses an off-ramp into peaceful dissolution. It wouldn't be too difficult for her to step into the role, especially if Ianthe and Sarpedon back her. No one is anticipating that the Emperor will ever die, so the leaders would want a figurehead to gather around for stability.

Once Kiriona's in power, she can start a controlled demolition eventually ending in her abdication. She can formally honor the contracts set to terminate upon her father's death, and negotiate to release occupied planets from imperial rule. This feels like naively wishful thinking, wanting to have my cake and eat it too, but I think the pieces are in place for it to actually work.

Kiriona is in the unique position of being set to inherit the empire without having been thoroughly indoctrinated into its power structure. She went straight from being on the bottom rung of the meanest most isolated portion of the interior to being the crown prince in the space of a year, and she hates it. We know her. She has no personal stake in preserving the empire, she has no respect for authority derived via power structures, and she places a high value on respect earned between individuals. All she's ever wanted is to have a positive, or at least affirming, connection with other people. She has a protective inclination, and she's been on the front lines to see the cost in human sacrifice maintaining an empire demands. So taking that all together, there's a good chance that, given the opportunity, she would want to dismantle the empire.

She wouldn't have to do it by herself. As emperor, Kiriona would have support from Paul and the Sixth House, and possibly the Third with one or both of its princesses. Ianthe and Corona have been planning for this, or something like it, for a long time. She's also Wake's daughter, with connections in BOE. If We Suffer can spin her succession as the result of a plot set into motion by Commander Wake, other wings of BOE might be convinced to parlay with the Houses.

It would also bring Gideon satisfyingly full circle, back to the first chapter of Gideon the Ninth. The series opens in media res, introducing Gideon in the final stages of executing a scheme utilizing loopholes, blackmail, technicalities, and straight up forging paperwork to corner her evil overlord into granting her independence. It would have worked, too. If Harrow's attention hadn't been more valuable to Gideon than her freedom, her 87th escape attempt would have been successful. She's good at this, and she understands what it's like to be desperately trying to escape exploitation. So it would be a hell of a thing, for her to end up in a position to use those skills she honed trying to escape the Ninth in unraveling the whole power structure that's been exploiting her since she was a baby.

Of course this series being what it is, anything like this would all have to happen by implication off-page while we aren't looking. The real story is in the people, not the politics.

[robertreich]

How Unaccountable Institutions are Shaping Your Life

Three centers of power increasingly dominate our lives, but are less and less accountable: The Supreme Court, the Federal Reserve, and Big Tech. 

The Supreme Court

Start with the high court. These nine unelected individuals – all appointed for life – are about to revolutionize America in ways the majority of Americans don’t want. This court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 reproductive rights ruling; declare a century-old New York law against carrying firearms unconstitutional; and strip federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency of the power to regulate private businesses. And much more.

Let me remind you that five of the current justices were put there by presidents who lost the popular vote in their first election. Only 40 percent of the public now approves of the Supreme Court’s performance, a new low. Yet because justices are appointed for life, its members are immune to checks and balances, no matter how unpopular their rulings may be.

The Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve is almost as unaccountable as the high court.

Presidents appoint Fed chairs for 4-year terms, but tend to stick with them longer for fear of rattling Wall Street, which wants stability and fat profits. (Alan Greenspan, a Reagan appointee, lasted almost 20 years, surviving two Bushes and Bill Clinton). President Biden has just reappointed Jerome Powell, the current Fed chair, for example. 

Because it sets interest rates and regulates finance, the Fed can either keep the economy going near full employment or put millions of people out of work. Powell has kept interest rates near zero —appropriate for an economy still suffering the ravages of the pandemic.

But he has also bailed out America’s biggest corporations by taking on their junk debt, which they then used to buy back their own stock to the benefit of their CEOs and major investors. And he’s allowed Wall Street to go back to risky betting—prompting Senator Elizabeth Warren to say this:

Warren: “Your record gives me grave concern. Over and over you have acted to make our banking system less safe, and that makes you a dangerous man to head up the fed.

Big Tech

Lastly, Amazon, Google, Apple, and Facebook all wield enormous power over our lives, and they too are unaccountable to the public good. They’re taking on roles that once belonged to the government, whether it’s blasting into space or running cybersecurity.

And their decisions about which demagogues are allowed to communicate with the public and what lies they’re allowed to spew have profound consequences for whether democracy or authoritarianism prevails.

Worst of all, they’re sowing hate and division. As Frances Haugen, a former data scientist at Facebook, revealed, Facebook’s algorithm is designed to choose content that will make users angry. Why? Anger generates the most engagement — and user engagement turns into ad dollars. (The same is likely true of the algorithms used by Google, Amazon, and Apple.)

And yet, decisions at these companies are accountable only to their shareholders, not the public.

Beware. Democracy depends on accountability. If abuses of power go unchallenged, those who wield power will continue to consolidate it. It's a vicious cycle that erodes faith in democracy and breeds cynicism.

So how do we break the cycle and hold these power centers accountable?

Rotate Supreme Court justices with appellate judges and add more justices to the Court.

Demand transparency from the Fed, and have an open debate on who should run it instead of letting Wall Street effectively decide.

And finally, treat Big Tech companies as public utilities and regulate them, or break them up.

I’ll be honest. It will take vast amounts of public pressure and intentional organizing to get these solutions enacted.

Our only option is to turn up the pressure and keep fighting for our democracy.

[squeiky]

Shadow in Sonic Prime is so funny

First he gets blasted with that weird blue boom and gets a vision of Sonic- a full ass future prophecy thing because he see's sonic in a position that literally HAS NOT HAPPENED YET.

Like- Shadow's just minding his business looking for than damn chaos emerald by smashing rocks and shit- and then gets interrupted by the big boom- has a lucid ass vision of Sonic- immediately goes "he fucked something up, didn't he?"- and fucking caps him.

Then mid-fight he's giving him tips like, "Focus"- which in my own translation basically means "Stop getting distracted with whatever going on over there and focus on fight ME." "KEEP ATTENTION ON MOI." (I find it kind of funny that Shadow isn't even saying much. Sonic's making this entire.. conversation?)

(Man flips back and forth between bordering on giving helpful/common tips to beating up Sonic. I find this humorous. Though at least one person has his priorities aligned. )

I can't even blame him from stalling Sonic? He was going to head up there to where he believed the blast came from anyways.

-------

So basically, while in the shatterspace- Shadow:

Found out what the fuck just happened ("Every thing is all wrong"

Realized it was Sonic's fault

Figured out how communicate with sonic from shatterspace

Made a plan on how to bring Sonic too shatterspace ("Keep going!")

Realized that this is some weird dimension shit ("Home is gone because of you")

Realized he literally can't go home, because it doesn't exist really exist anymore.

Which is pretty damn impressive seeing as he had literally no one to guide him or whatever.

(I like to imagine he was just pondering the orb-err- shards to peak into what was happening. That or he listened in on Nine and Sonic's interactions.)

----

Also, I hope you all understand that Sonic and Shadow are the only two remaining "originals" right? That means they're going to be interacting.. A LOT.

Those two are the last remaining entities that are aware of the past "green hill." They have to count on each other to bring home and their companions back whether they'd like too or not.

So yes, "its complicated" indeed.

I'm curious to see where this resolves. My guess Is that they'll have their big fight but end up having to either parts ways and look for a solution, or be forced to have a temporary truce- if you could call it that.

All I know, is that for once- Shadow's anger towards Sonic is very justifiable. He's got a right to be mad- or angry, and he's actions seem reasonable to his character. (At least that whats I think.)

Apparently Sonic and Shadow have "hallucinated" each other at least once in this season.

[logically-asexual]

Where's my fucking teenage dream?

summary:

High School AU. Logan is a stereotypical nerd with controlling parents who won't let him catch a break. Roman and the other jocks are mean bullies that won't leave him alone. An unexpected solution comes to him: asking the scariest guys in the school for help.

warnings: underage drinking and smoking, mentions of bullying.

Read on AO3

Chapter 3

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words: 2,230

The twin’s birthday was approaching. Roman had already made sure the entire school knew about the party he would throw at his house. Of course, not everyone was invited, but the ones that weren’t had to know that it was happening and that they were going to miss it. 

Logan thought that Remus would celebrate his birthday somewhere else, if he did at all, but they told him that the three of them would stay at the twin’s party. 

“Free booze,” Remus had simply said. 

Logan wasn’t sure about going, especially now that everyone knew his face, ever since that altercation with Roman in the school backyard. They still hadn’t touched him, but their insults and nicknames repertoire did widen. No one missed a chance to speak their mind when passing by him. They reassured him that it would be fun and it wouldn’t be any trouble, that people at parties didn’t even notice who they were standing next to, they just went to get drunk and dance. They also argued that it would be a good experience for Logan to “relax a little,” whatever that meant.  

Eventually he was convinced. 

There was no way that Logan could make up an excuse for his parents to let him go out after nine, so the only option to get to the party was sneaking out. He was terrified, but also filled with that excited rush that had started to become addictive. 

Logan went to his room at 9:30. At 9:45, he heard a car pass through his lonely street, which was the signal to get out. Logan had never been very athletic, but he had studied the wall under his window, knowing every spot where he would be able to support himself to climb down. If there was something Logan was good at, it was at being quiet. On the ground, Janus was surprised to see Logan suddenly standing in front of him, not having heard a single sound of his journey. His parents were watching a movie Logan suggested, but if they heard anything, at least Janus was the most well dressed of the three of them and the most capable to make some credible excuse. 

At least that was what Logan thought, until he caught a glimpse of Janus’ eyes and couldn’t help but do a double take, staring into them a moment longer. It was hard to see in the darkness, but he could swear Janus’ green eye color was more vibrant than usual, and that his pupils looked… slit-shaped? Like cats, or reptiles.

“Like what you see?” Janus smirked.

Logan turned away, feeling heat rise to his face. The curiosity was killing him, but he simply shook his head and muttered that they should go.

They were able to quickly walk to Remus’ parents’ car, parked a few houses away, and sped off into the night. 

Remus drove like a madman. Logan knew he shouldn’t let his fear show, but they must have been breaking all kinds of laws. They had all the windows down, Logan could barely keep his eyes open with the speed of the wind getting in. It was loud, but not as loud as the power metal music blasting on the stereo. Remus and Janus on the front seats were singing along, while Virgil looked just as comfortable as he did when he was laying down on Janus’ couch.  

“Phase one: sneaking out. Complete.” Said Remus as he accelerated the car. “Now phase two: sneaking in.”

They made it to the house, parked the car in the garage and walked to the right side of the building, under Remus’ window. With the booming noise of the party taking place, it wasn’t hard to climb to Remus’ room unnoticed. Once there, clothes were shoved into Logan’s arms. 

“What is this?”

“I think you’re smart enough to figure it out, champ.” Janus replied. 

Logan bit his lip. The clothes weren’t anything extravagant, just a black t-shirt and jeans, but it still felt like a huge change. “Are these yours?”

“From middle school, they should be the right size.” 

Logan was touched that Janus, Remus and Virgil made all this effort to help him here. They had said before that they kept him around mostly to relieve the boredom of school, but for Logan it meant everything. He had never had any real friends, he guessed this was what it felt like. 

He walked to what he assumed was the door to an en suite bathroom, while the others sat down and pulled out their cigarettes. When he came out, Virgil got up and handed him a pair of platform combat boots. They were similar to what Remus was wearing the day he met him, but not as high. Logan guessed they were also from before Virgil grew up this tall. He looked up gratefully at him, though a bit self conscious about his height. Virgil just ruffled his hair and sat back down. 

“Now you can go fetch us a bottle from downstairs.” Remus said. 

Logan’s expression soured. “Excuse me?” 

“You have to, it’s for your own good.” Janus said as he let smoke blow out of his nose. 

“But… but I don’t want to steal!”

“Come on! It's not stealing! It’s just moving an object from one room to another in the same house! And it's my house so I give you permission.”

“But what if someone tries to talk to me?”

“Then you talk to them.”

“And what do I even say? Why can’t any of you go?” Logan was clutching the boots close to his chest, no longer feeling so sure of himself. 

“Because. Roman would cause a scene if he saw either of us down there.” Remus pointed to Janus and himself. “We used to send Virgil but now we can’t use him to charm the girls with his dark and mysterious sexiness, most of them have already found out that they will get nothing in return.”

“It’s your turn, darling.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Life’s not fair.”

Logan wanted to continue arguing, but it was clear it wouldn’t get him anywhere. He sighed, changed his shoes, and walked towards the door. Before stepping out of the room he turned around. 

“So I just… take it.”

“Yup.”

“Ok.”

“Just make sure you look like you’ve got somewhere to go, no one will even notice you.”

Logan nodded at Janus’ advice, and walked out to his quest. 

It really wasn't that hard. Logan just walked across the living room, reached the table where all the drinks stood, spotted two identical bottles of tequila, grabbed the unopened one, and headed back. He let out a breath as soon as he reached the stairs, quickly climbed up and arrived safely to Remus’ room. 

They were cursing each other out over some card game when he walked in. Janus beckoned him over without looking up from his set of cards. Logan handed him the bottle and sat down in the empty space between him and Remus. Virgil was opposite to him, leaning on the wall. 

“Did you bring cups?”

“Uh…”

“Oh nevermind.” Remus said, taking the bottle from Janus, opening it, and drinking straight from it. 

Logan almost couldn’t hold back a gasp, only getting more shocked as Remus passed the bottle to the other two, who repeated the action. He gulped when it was offered to him, and looked up at Janus with doubt clear in his eyes. 

“You have to do it at least once in your life,” the other shrugged. 

Logan nodded, and accepted the bottle. He lifted it close to his face. It felt so heavy, he was scared of spilling the alcohol all over himself. He didn’t want to touch the tip of the bottle with his mouth, so he lifted it a bit higher, letting a small sip of the liquid fall into his mouth. He didn’t like the taste, but the satisfied look on his companions’ faces made him feel it had been worth it. 

They handed him a hand of cards, and explained the game to him. 

Two hours later, the bottle was halfway finished, Logan had learned four new ways one could play with the same card deck. He only knew these cards from the combinatorics problems in the math olympiad’s exams, which often involved counting combinations of different cards or moves. He had no idea they could actually be so fun. Especially after he realized everyone was cheating and he was allowed to do the same. At this point, he couldn’t really tell who was winning, he wasn’t sure which game they were playing anymore, trying to keep up with both the others’ conversations and the cards being placed in front of him felt impossible for some reason. 

“I’m hungry!” Remus cut short whatever it was they were playing, slamming his cards on top of the pile. Then, he rested his head on Logan’s lap and smiled up at him. “Get me some snacks, Lolo.”

Logan frowned. “Snacks?”

“Yes.”

“From where?”

“From the table.”

“The table?”

“Yes, the table.”

“What table?”

“The one where you found the tequila.”

“Oh… Where’s that?”

“Okay that’s enough,” Janus interrupted with a laugh, “he’s clearly in no condition to go.”

“Of course he is!” Remus pouted. “And I need my chips.”

“Yes I am.” Logan said, getting up, making Remus move over to lay on the floor. He stumbled slightly and walked out the door with determination. 

Janus saw him leave, slightly proud, and turned to Virgil with a look in his eyes that said “please go with him.”

Virgil understood and followed behind. 

Logan managed to keep his steps steady, finding it easier after reaching the bottom of the stairs. He walked once again across the living room, this time entering the kitchen, ignoring the couple making out in the corner as he reached for a new bag of chips. 

On his way back, he noticed Roman sitting on the living room couch, facing away from him. He saw another person conveniently standing behind him, holding a cup. Logan passed by, purposely bumping into them, making them spill their drink all over Roman. He walked fast, getting away with his little prank. 

Virgil caught up to him and both of them began laughing at the jock’s offended cursing. Right before they reached the stairs, a short girl intercepted them. 

“Hey, Virgil…” she said, smiling and twirling a strand of her hair. “We’re playing spin the bottle, do you guys want to join?”

Logan thought Virgil would decline, since he didn’t seem to enjoy hanging out with people other than Janus and Remus, but he surprised Logan by replying “Sure.”

They walked into a TV room, where a circle of about 7 other kids sat down. Logan sat in the first empty spot he saw and Virgil was just a couple people over. 

“You’re new, right?” Said the girl’s squeaky voice. 

Logan nodded. 

“Ok then you go first.” She handed him an empty beer bottle, which Logan took. He looked around the circle. He was pretty sure he had never seen any of these people in his life, did they really attend the same school? Probably. Logan only had three friends, after all. 

For some reason he had a vague idea of how the game worked. He couldn’t remember how he got it, though. Maybe he learned it from a movie, if this happened on the ones that his parents approved of. He couldn’t remember. 

He placed the bottle in the center of the circle and tried to spin it. He did it wrong, it barely moved and was still pointing towards himself. The rest of the kids laughed, before encouraging him to try again. The second try went better. They all stared patiently at the spinning bottle until it stopped, pointing toward… Virgil. 

They made eye contact for a second. Virgil signaled for Logan to move closer with a movement of his head, which Logan did. He was blushing and shaking like he hadn’t done in a while, not after meeting Virgil and the others. He kneeled in front of the tallest of the group and looked expectantly into his eyes. Virgil looked at him fondly, before leaning in and quickly kissing Logan’s lips. Logan couldn’t deny he felt pride swell in his chest at the flushed faces of the jealous kids around him. He smiled and moved back to his place, as the guy to his right took the bottle. 

The bottle was spun a couple more times. Neither of them had to kiss anyone else. Logan eventually noticed the bag of potato chips behind him and remembered what they were downstairs for. He hoped Remus wouldn’t kill him for taking so long. Virgil seemed to read his mind when he saw Logan get up with the bag. He stood up as well and they both headed to the room where they abandoned their hungry friends. 

“Are you okay?” Virgil asked him on their way up the stairs. 

Logan just turned to him and nodded with a smile. He didn’t trust his voice to not slur in the state he was. 

When they opened the door, Janus and Remus pulled away from each other. It seemed they had been wrestling; Logan didn’t know they could get so angry over cards. 

Virgil took the bag from Logan, threw it at Remus’ face and sat down in the same spot by the wall. Logan sat down as well, while Virgil took a drink of the almost empty bottle, Remus began eating, and Janus lit up a cigarette. Today had been the most fun he’d had in ages, but he was tired, so he laid down on the floor, resting his head on his arm. He’d never expect to think that in an environment like this, but he felt safe. Before he realized, he was drifting off to sleep. 

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[elysiadjarin]

Sword and Shield 4

Tags: Bad Batch x reader (you), fem!coded, poly!relationship, multi-part series, nonhuman!reader, Echo later on

Part 3: Integrate

Warnings: mentions of a rough past, otherwise none.

4: Learning Process

Closing your eyes and taking in a breath, you straightened and opened the door to the common space. You forced yourself not to freeze as you saw all four of them gathered in the room, turning to stare at you.

“Should you be up?” Tech instantly asked, eyebrows furrowing.

You shuffled into the room, then sat down on an empty chair, pulling your legs up. Looking down at your knees, you tugged at the sleeve over the arm that had been injured.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered into the tense silence.

“Why are you apologizing?” Hunter turned to you with an odd fierceness in his voice. “You kept Tech and I from getting badly injured or even killed at your own expense, but you’re apologizing? If anything, we should be apologizing to you.”

You stared up at him, eyes wide. For a moment, you tried to scoop up your scattered thoughts. “N-no,” you finally tried to stammer, trying to explain. “I- I’m- I got distracted, I- I made a mistake,” you confessed, taking in a burning breath. “Back in the vault room, I- I should have been paying attention, but I thought- I thought I’d done something wrong. I got distracted, and I should have- I should have been faster. If I’d been paying attention like I should have, we could have gotten out in time and- and-“

“What in nine Corellian hells are you talking about, Shiv?” Hunter demanded, staring at you incredulously. “What do you mean you did something wrong?”

You swallowed thickly. “You- you seemed angry, and I- I thought I’d done something wrong. I’m not- I wasn’t completely attuned to you and got distracted. I should have been quicker to find a solution, but I- I got distracted and-“ You bit your lip, frustrated at your own inability to just explain. “I could have paid attention and avoided getting anyone injured,” you whispered, looking down.

A silence fell over the room. Then Hunter let out a deep sigh. “Shiv, it’s my fault.”

Startled, you looked up at him. “Wh-“

He raised a hand, hushing you from protesting. “I was the one who distracted you. As your leader, and as... as the one who was... who was Bonded with you at the time, I shouldn’t have done something to distract or disorient you. I wasn’t mad at you, Shiv,” he said evenly, looking at you with his dark eyes. “You did everything I could have asked and more. You sacrificed your own body just to keep Tech and I from being injured. Why would I be angry with you?”

Despite yourself, tears welled in your eyes as you reached up to futilely swipe away tears. He... wasn’t angry? You knew that the 501st had been... very kind, compared to many of your previous Handlers. And you had barely realized it, but you’d automatically defaulted back to expecting the same treatment you’d always endured before the 501st had taught you differently. Yet here you were, not being punished for getting distracted.

Hunching up, you dug a palm into your eye and trembled with the effort of holding back the sobs of relief, the dull pain in your arm reminding you of your failure. “I’m sorry,” you gasped, “I- I shouldn’t be crying, I-“

You let out a gasp as you felt two giant arms wrap around you, pulling your into a surprisingly gentle hug. Looking up, you saw Wrecker’s face looking down at you.

“Hey, I thought you looked really cool out there, Shiv,” he said, voice more subdued than usual, though still pretty loud. But you appreciated the effort he seemed to be making to keep you calm. “I mean, there was that huge blast and it was super cool, and you saved the Sarge and Tech.” He grinned down at you, weathered face lighting up.

Despite yourself, you let out a little giggle at the goofy grin on his face as he recalled the blast. Sniffling, you tried to wipe away tears and focus. “Th-thank you, Wrecker,” you whispered with an exhausted smile.

He carefully set you down, and Hunter gave him a nod. “I was going to thank you for keeping us safe out there, Shiv. I understand if this incident makes you want to leave the team, but-“

“No!” You bit your lip, but shook your head adamantly. “Please, I-“ You looked down at your feet. “I’d like to stay, if you’ll... if you’ll give me another chance.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Shiv,” Hunter reiterated fiercely. “I don’t know what made you think that you did anything wrong, but I’m not angry with you.” He took in a deep breath. “Do you need any medical attention to your arm? We don’t really know... enough about you.”

You shook your head. “No, I-“ You rubbed your arm absently, still coated in the metal. “It will heal,” you said uncertainly, glancing over to the side uncomfortably. Normally people didn’t.... care if you got hurt. “Please, I can still... I can still function just fine.”

“Why do you talk like you’re some kind of slave?” Crosshair stared at you, eyes piercing.

You flinched. “I used to be,” you replied thinly, hanging your head. “Before... before the 501st took me in.”

A dead silence fell, and you could almost feel the anger palpably fill the air.

“So that’s why you-“ Hunter seemed to stop himself, breaking off. A snarl crossed his lips, then just as quickly disappeared. He let out a heavy sigh. “Shiv, you’re not a slave here, with us. You’re not just a weapon. You’re our teammate, one of us, and you’re a valuable member. You don’t have to sacrifice your own health or safety just because you feel some stupid need to or because you’re any less valuable than us.”

You listened, still fixated on the floor. You remembered the first time that Rex had given you this talk as well. Now things began to make more sense. Why Hunter had seemed angry, back in the bunker. Because he’d been like Rex, you now understood. He’d been upset that you’d called yourself a tool. He was upset about how you’d been treated.

It still felt odd to you, to realize that there were people out in the world that would see you as more than just a weapon. It was still hard to accept. Hard to grasp.

“Thank you,” you said at last, looking up at him. “I... Commander Rex and the 501st... were very kind to me and I-“ you winced. “Once I left, I... I went back to my old ways. I’m... I’m used to being nothing more than a tool. I was born a weapon. I... I’m used to being expendable.”

“You’re not expendable here. You’re not just a weapon here.” Hunter’s eyes bored into you, staring you down. “Don’t expect us to treat you as anything less than a person.”

You looked up, then, and gave him a genuine if tired smile. “Thank you, sir. I’m glad you and Tech are safe. I’ll do my best in the future to continue being a good teammate.”

He nodded curtly. “We’re going to drop off the intel we got at the next stop and let you get a bit of rest. We haven’t been assigned to anything yet.”

You looked around at everyone. “Um- should I start to... I mean, should I be prepared to start working with everyone? It might be best before the next mission to at least have Transference with everyone, so that I can easily be passed between everyone even in the middle of battle.”

“Do you have any sort of compiled profile about yourself?” Tech asked curiously.

You grimaced. “I tried that before, but everyone who’s tried to understand by reading has said that it’s not... enough. I can give it to you if you want, I should have it, but I’ve been told that while it’s informative, it’s not very useful until it’s been experienced.”

Tech nodded. “I’d still like to have a copy, if you don’t mind.”

You nodded. “Of course.” Fumbling with one hand, you tried to grab your datapad from it’s charging port. After a moment, you managed to grab it and pull up the correct page, handing it to Tech.

“Sorry, I- I won’t have full use of my other hand for another couple of chrons at the least,” you explained, pushing hair away from your eyes.

“Just take care of it until you’re not hurting yourself,” Hunter ordered, eyeing your arm sharply. “Are you sure you don’t need at lest a bacta patch?”

You smiled weakly, shaking your head. “It will heal more quickly without it, in this case. Bacta seems to leave scars on me more than letting it heal naturally. Although in an emergency I’ll use it.”

He just nodded. “We’ll be landing at the next designated spot in seven chrons.” Without another word, he ducked out the door and left, presumably to the cockpit to pilot.

“Hey Shiv, you wanna sit here?” Wrecker patted the empty spot next to him invitingly.

You hesitated, then decided to accept. After all, you’d have to get to know all of them pretty well, right? Might as well start now. Gingerly, you sat next to him, favoring your arm a little. The more you let it be, the quicker it would heal, you knew. Pulling your legs up, you leaned back in the seat, almost touching Wrecker’s side.

He casually draped his arm around the back of the chair, behind your shoulders, though not touching you. “Is this okay, Shiv?”

Startled, you blinked but nodded. “Oh- of course.”

He grinned. “Good. Wouldn’t want to make ya uncomfortable, ya know?”

“Thank you,” you whispered shyly, head ducking.

A little kernel of hope bloomed in your chest. Maybe... maybe this would be a place where you could belong.

~

Tech examined your arm closely, peering at it through your goggles. “Whoa. It’s almost completely healed,” he said wonderingly. There was some scar tissue still on your arm, but it was a far cry from the mangled mess it had been when you’d first gotten the wound.

“Is it because of the metal?” Hunter asked, glancing at your arm.

You shook your head as Tech let go of your arm. “Um, no, the metal is there mainly for protection and sterilization. My biology is not... entirely organic, so it fixes itself differently,” you offered awkwardly. “I don’t completely understand it either, as my kind is... extremely rare. I’ve only met one other of my kind.”

“So there are others.” Tech glanced up at you from his datapad. He’d apparently read the profile you’d compiled and had peppered you with questions once you’d woken up.

“I don’t know how many.” You shrugged. “Probably not very many though. We’ve been... pretty heavily enslaved or used. Worked to death, essentially.”

Hunter just grunted. Crosshair let out a quiet huff from his corner where he was polishing his rifle. Wrecker was off in the galley, getting a snack apparently.

You’d apparently slept through the drop off, and when you’d woken up you’d been informed that you had a couple of chrons left before you reached the place Hunter had decided you would train with the rest of the team. He’d made some notes to Tech about the Bonding Process from his experience, which Tech had added and already distributed to the other team members.

When you finally arrived at your destination, you felt rested and mentally and physically ready. Your arm was almost healed and no longer hurt, and you knew that it would heal fully in time for the next mission, so you wouldn’t have to worry about it being reopened somehow or interfering. A damaged weapon wouldn’t be of much help in any situation.

Following the others down the ramp, you looked around interestedly at the wide, open plains littered with some rock formations. In the distance shimmered the water of a lake, and hardy grasses waved in the slight breeze. It was a good place to train, with no one in sight and a wide line of sight. You turned your attention back to Hunter, who led the way away from the ship a safe distance before turning.

“Alright.” He nodded to you. “Is there a specific order that we should do this in?”

You shook your head. “Anything works.”

“I can go first,” Wrecker offered, stepping forward. He grinned at you excitedly, and you instinctively smiled back. You appreciated the way Wrecker had treated you so far, the way he was cheerful and smiling but also thoughtful in the way he approached you.

“That alright, Shiv?” Hunter addressed you.

You nodded, stepping forward to meet Wrecker. “Sure.”

“Alright Wrecker, do you remember the process?” Hunter asked.

Wrecker’s smile dropped, eyebrows furrowing and mouth opening a little in clear thought.

You stifled a smile. “Keep your mind open towards whatever you feel. You have to start the process by offering me your hand and saying ‘Permission to Transfer,’” you reminded.

“Oh, right!” He laughed, then stuck out his hand. “Permission to Transfer,” he bellowed.

You took his hand, closing your eyes. “Transfer Granted.”

Wrecker was the easiest Transfer you could remember in a long time. He was so unguarded mentally towards you, his thoughts blasting. They were coherent and clearly linked, just... loud, and fast. You found yourself taking a bit longer to settle into the Bond, stabilizing the flow of information and ‘tuning in’ to his mental frequency.

By the time you could focus outward, you realized with a bit of surprise that you’d actually automatically become an IWS in instant response to Wrecker’s preferences. Wrecker let out a pure, joyful laugh, then aimed at a nearby rock formation and sent a rocket hurtling towards it. He whooped in the aftermath of the explosion, effortlessly tossing you in the air and catching you as though you barely weighed anything.

You had to smile a little, materializing over his shoulder. You leaned your chin against his shoulder, quickly getting comfortable with the steady stream of information he kept feeding over the Bond as naturally as though he had been doing it for years. Weapons seemed to be something that came to Wrecker naturally, as well as using them. You found yourself fading away and falling into a comfortable, natural rhythm as he did a little target practice. His weapons of choice were pretty standard, and you even got to Shift into some lesser used heavy weaponry.

It was comfortable, to just lean back and be fed information in a steady, constant stream. Wrecker’s weapon handling was expert, though to others it might seem that he just randomly moved and fired. But you could see the natural nuances that he used to sight, aim, lift, and fire.

Wrecker stopped after a couple of weapons. “This is really easy, Shiv!” He laughed. “You doing ok? I can kinda feel ya there.”

You let yourself shimmer into view again, comfortably rested against his shoulder. Your voice came out wispy and almost dreamy, a reflection of your mental state.

“You’re very natural with being a Handler,” you murmured, hands sliding over his shoulder. Shadowy fingers trailed down his arm, brushing against his armor. “It’s very comfortable and... relaxed.” You giggled, feeling a little loopy from the giddiness that he kept pouring over the Bond. “Your thoughts are... constant, fast.”

“Oh, uh... I guess that’s a good thing?” Wrecker scratched the back of his head.

You Dissolved the Transference, landing next to Wrecker. Reaching up, you rubbed your eyes and blinked a little sleepily, letting out a wide yawn.

“Yea,” you slurred, shaking your head. “Sorry, it’s...” You gave him a lopsided smile. “You’re a very natural Handler. I’m feeling a bit high,” you giggled. “I’m very.... I tend to be influenced quite a bit by my Handlers’ emotions.”

Wrecker steadied you. “Glad to hear it! It felt really comfortable.” He shrugged. “It felt different from what you said, Sarge,” he remarked thoughtfully.

“It’s a bit different for everyone,” you said, starting to recover your senses. Shaking your head, you took in a bracing breath and looked up. “I’m ready.”

Tech hesitantly stepped forward. “I can go-?”

You nodded, stepping toward him.

He took in a deep breath. “Permission to Transfer.” He held out his hand, a determined look on his face.

You took his hand. “Transfer Granted.”

The moment you felt the Bond click into place, you mentally reeled. It was a barrage of... everything. Tech’s mind was constantly whirling, moving through thoughts, processing things, almost a nervous babble of information. You tried to process, to find a way to join the stream that rushed on and on, thoughts disappearing as quickly as they came.

Calm down, Tech, you whispered, trying to infuse a sense of relaxation into the words. There’s no need to be nervous. There’s no perfect way of Transference. It’s up to me to assimilate to you, to learn about you. Just be yourself. It’s just me... just Shiv.

You could feel Tech let out a breath, and the stream seemed to slacken a little. Just enough for you to ease yourself in, to begin to process and adjust to the new stream-of-consciousness. Tech’s thoughts ran into each other seamlessly, one thought clearly linked to the next. He had both visualization as well as full words and sentences, something you recognized as being a sign of Tech’s proficiency in using both sides of the brain equally.

You prefer double blasters, right? You recalled.

A tentative thought slithered its way through the stream as you picked it out. Yes... is that... possible?

You smiled. You are my Handler, now. Slowly, you let yourself shimmer into view. Sliding your hands down both his arms, you turned to whisper into his ear. What do you need me to be?

Tech stared down at both his hands, and between one blink and the next, he was grasping another blaster in his left hand. He offered a few schematics and modifications, letting you quickly adjust. Then turning, he focused on some rubble that Wrecker had created and began to pick them off, one by one. A few of the initial shots missed, but as you began to find his rhythm, he began to easily hit every single target he shot at.

By the time he lowered the blasters, you’d begun to understand his process. Tech was a true analyst, his movements clearly thought-out and calculated, the opposite of Wrecker. Wrecker’s movements came naturally, hardly without thought. Tech’s mind, however, made razor-sharp recognitions and calculations, thinking a step ahead as much as possible. It was simply a matter of learning to find his pattern and learn to predict it and run with it.

In the back of your own mind, you began to realize the work cut out for you. If you happened to be tossed from Wrecker to Tech in the middle of the battle, it would be like making a 180 degree shift within the space of a breath. It wasn’t impossible, but you knew it would take a close understanding of each of them, their thought processes, their preferences, and their individual personalities to truly perfect yourself as their personal weapons.

You Dissolved, the two blasters once more converging into one as you reappeared physically. For a moment you simply froze, staring blankly ahead as you regained yourself. Shaking your head, you blinked and refocused, looking back up.

“Ambidextrous,” you said almost without thinking. “Physically and mentally.” You shook yourself off. “Sorry, it’s... it’s a bit challenging to keep up.” You smiled at Tech. “Your mind is... so fast. There’s so much. It’s very impressive.”

He blinked, and you wondered if that was some color staining the tips of his ears. “Thank you,” he said.

“Guess it’s my turn.” Crosshair grunted, stepping towards you. He eyed you warily, eyes flint.

You turned to him. “I’ll do my best.”

He held out his hand. “Permission to Transfer.”

You grasped his hand, feeling the calloused palm under your own skin. “Permission Granted.”

Silence. Compared to the others, Crosshair was just... utter silence. The Bond was there, you could feel it, but there was just... darkness and silence. But it didn’t surprise you, after you took a moment to think about it. You’d worked with a sniper once before. They distanced themselves, so far.

So you didn’t say anything, simply waited.

After a moment, a single visual came across. A detailed schematic for the rifle, including the mods.

It only took you half a second to instantly respond, the rifle seeming to just appear in his hands. He carefully studied the rifle, lifting it to stare through the scope and aiming in a few directions. You stayed quiet, ready to instantly respond to anything, trying to remember everything in Crosshair’s profile and the previous sniper you’d worked with.

Crosshair abruptly turned and fired several shots, peering down the scope. A few other modifications appeared across the bond, and you Shifted seamlessly between his steady shots. He hit every single target, every single time. No emotion came across the Bond, only a split-second visual of the intended target and any adjustments.

He lowered the rifle after a few more shots. “Your response time is satisfactory,” he said aloud, turning the rifle over in his hands. “I’ll have to get used to your presence. I keep feeling like there’s someone behind me.”

You hesitated a moment before speaking. “Would it be better if I kept a shadow beside you, or just stayed invisible?”

“Try the shadow,” he said, lifting the rifle again.

You projected astrally, hovering just beside his shoulder.

He paused. “A little forward.”

You adjusted, realizing that you might have been in his blind spot.

“Other shoulder.” After another moment and a few shots, he nodded. “Better. Once I get used to your fixed location, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

You nodded, Dissolving the bond. With a wince, you clapped your hands over your ears and squeezed your eyes shut with a tiny whimper. Everything kept bursting in your senses, a sharp contrast compared to the utter silence and deprivation of Crosshair’s mind. Letting out a gasp, you dropped down and hunched close to the ground, scraping yourself together.

“Shiv!”

You shook your head. “I’m fine-“ you blurted shakily. “I’m fine- I just- it’s been so long since I’ve worked with a sniper, I-“ Sucking in a breath, you started to come back to, getting used to the normalcy again. Slowly standing, you leaned gratefully against Wrecker’s arm.

“You’ve worked with a sniper before?” Crosshair asked, eyebrows furrowing.

You nodded, peeling your eyes open. “Y-yes. But it’s been many years, since I was a child. Both of you have... your minds are like... like sensory deprivation tanks. It’s- I have to- to get used to it. I think like- like Sergeant Hunter experiences.” You shook your head, taking deep breaths.

“You alright?” Hunter asked, observing you carefully.

You straightened, nodding. “Yes. Could we try passing?”

He nodded. “Who do you want to start with?”

“You, please,” you requested, sending Wrecker a grateful smile. He grinned back and nodded, patting your arm.

“Permission to Transfer.”

You took Hunter’s hand. “Transfer Granted.”

“So, how do we pass?” Hunter asked as soon as he was holding the modified blaster in his hand.

“Just warn me who you’re passing to at least mentally,” you directed, materializing over his shoulder. “That way, even if you throw, I can direct myself to the person you’re intending to pass me to. It also helps me prepare myself to acclimate to the next person and try to predict what weapon and modifications they will want from me so they don’t have to waste time waiting for me to finish Shifting. I can Shift mid-throw. Or you could hand me over.”

Hunter nodded. Without warning, he sent you a name and whipped his arm back. “Cross!” he shouted.

You Shifted mid-throw, allowing your astral form to dart across the space and directing the rifle to Crosshair’s hand. He caught it, instantly lifting it to his shoulder. Taking a quick shot at a rock formation and hitting the target, he sent a single name across again.

“Tech,” he warned, sending you into a tail-spin.

You darted over to Tech, splitting mid-air to guide yourself into both his hands seamlessly. Tech spun, shooting quickly at two pebbles on a rock formation and knocking them off. He didn’t even turn around before slamming the two pieces together and tossing them over his head.

“Wrecker,” he shouted, though you’d already started Shifting.

Wrecker caught the IWS, hefting it effortlessly above his head. “That was pretty quick,” he said, firing a random shot into the distance. “You good, Shiv?”

You Dissolved, pressing fingers to your temple. “Yeah, I’m... I’m trying to get the hang of it. It might take me a couple of tries to be able to get better. It’s... it’s difficult to keep track.” A migraine started to build in the back of your brain, making you hide a wince.

“Well we’ve already at least formed a good foundation, so let’s give Shiv a break for now and head back to the ship,” Hunter decided, turning on his heel and heading back for the ship.

You took a step forwards and lost footing, pitching forward. Wrecker caught you before you hit the ground, making you gasp. He lifted you up.

“Whoa there, Shiv. You good?” he asked, holding you easily as you grabbed his shoulders for balance.

“A little- I- disoriented,” you managed, still reeling and dizzy. “I-I’m a bit- dizzy from-“ You winced, closing your eyes and burying your face into his shoulder. “Sorry- everything is- I’m going into sensory overload,” you stammered, feeling jittery.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll take you back to your bunk,” he said cheerfully, his steps long and steady as he walked back to the ship.

Your breath started to stutter as you felt sleep quickly creeping up on you. “Thank you, Wrecker,” you managed to whisper thickly, before the darkness descended irresistibly.

Part 5: Revelations

[littlestivy]

Every canon Dramione moment

I have compiled here a list of every single time Draco and Hermione interacted in canon, talked about one another, or could have conceivably interacted for all your Hogwarts-era fanfic needs! 

If I left anything out, please don’t hesitate to comment or DM me! There are some really obvious ones I left out e.g. the fanfic classics: prefects’ bathroom, Astronomy Tower, Black Lake, Potions lesson...

I haven’t included page numbers because every edition is different and it would be confusing. This list is intended as pinpoint references for you to check out the scene in your own books, which is why they’re not super detailed.

Enjoy!

Philosopher's Stone

Chapter 6: The Journey  from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

Harry and Draco’s altercation on the train—Hermione isn't there at the time but comes along soon after (could have bumped into him in the corridor)

Chapter 7: The Sorting Hat

Sorting Ceremony

Chapter 8: The Potions Master

Hermione trying to answer a question in potions, Draco and the Slytherins laughing at her

Chapter 9: The Midnight Duel

Draco tries to steal Neville's Remembrall at breakfast

flying lesson

Draco inviting Harry to a duel, Hermione overhears

Chapter 10: Hallowe'en

Harry receives his Nimbus Two Thousand and Draco confronts him, overheard by Hermione

Ron says something mean about Hermione after the Wingardium Leviosa lesson, she gets upset and isn't seen in the next class (could have potentially run into Draco while upset?)

Chapter 11: Quidditch

in courtyard during break

Hermione sets fire to Snape's robes during the Quidditch match against Slytherin (could have run into Draco on the way there)

Chapter 12: The Mirror of Erised

altercation with Draco after Potions

Chapter 13: Nicolas Flamel

Draco sitting behind Ron and Hermione during a Quidditch game and provoking Ron, Ron eventually tackles him and a fight breaks out between Ron, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Neville

Chapter 14: Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback

Malfoy overhears the Trio talking about Norbert at breakfast

Malfoy took Ron's book, which had a letter to Charlie asking to get rid of Norbert (Hermione could have confronted him to get the book back)

Malfoy caught by Professor McGonagall while the Trio are under the Invisibility Cloak

Chapter 15: The Forbidden Forest

Hermione keeping her head down in class after contributing to Gryffindor losing 150 points (Draco could potentially notice this?)

detention, Hermione worried about Draco and Ron when red sparks are seen

Chapter 17: The Man with Two Faces

Gryffindor wins the House Cup over Slytherin

Hermione comes top of the year (Draco is presumably second)

Chamber of Secrets

Chapter 4: At Flourish and Blotts

brawl between Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley in Flourish and Blotts

Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart

Draco making fun of Harry about signed photographs in the courtyard, Hermione has her nose buried in a book

Chapter 7: Mudbloods and Murmurs

Draco calls Hermione a Mudblood for the first time

Chapter 8: The Deathday Party

finding Mrs Norris and the "enemies of the heir beware" message

Chapter 9: The Writing on the Wall

Hermione sceptical about Malfoy being Slytherin's Heir

Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger

Hermione researching Polyjuice Potion in the library

Gryffindor vs Slytherin Quidditch match

Hermione wanting to know how Malfoy fixed the bludger

Malfoy being yelled at by Marcus Flint for not catching the Snitch

Chapter 11: The Duelling Club

distraction for Hermione to sneak into Snape's stores and steal ingredients (the distraction is fireworks into Goyle's Swelling Solution, Draco gets hit in the face and his nose swells up)

duelling club (Harry and Malfoy, Hermione and Millicent Bulstrode—which devolves into physical wrestling)

Chapter 12: The Polyjuice Potion

Malfoy talking about Hermione to disguised Harry and Ron

"I hope it's Granger."

Chapter 13: The Very Secret Diary

students trying to catch glimpses of Hermione in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey puts up a screen

Valentine's Day, dwarves delivering cards

Chapter 14: Cornelius Fudge

Hermione was Petrified near the library

Chapter 15: Aragog

visitors barred from the hospital wing

"Pity it wasn't Granger."

Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets

Hermione had a ripped out page in her hand (popular fan theory that Draco ripped it out of a book and snuck it into Hermione’s things)

Chapter 18: Dobby's Reward

Hermione healed and returns to the Great Hall

Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 5: The Dementor

Draco and co coming to their train compartment but Lupin is there

Malfoy elbowing past Hermione to make fun of Harry for fainting

Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves

Draco does a swooning impression of Harry in the Great Hall at breakfast, Hermione tells Harry to ignore him

Hermione storming away after an argument with Ron about Divination

Care of Magical Creatures lesson

Buckbeak attacks Malfoy

Hermione nervously asking if he'll be alright

Chapter 7: The Boggart in the Wardrobe

Malfoy returning to Potions, bandaged (LOTS of interaction, go read the scene)

Hermione catching up after using the Time-Turner, her bag splits

Chapter 8: Flight of the Fat Lady

Hermione and Ron going to Hogsmeade without Harry (Malfoy is also going)

Chapter 9: Grim Defeat

Sirius Black attacks the Fat Lady, all students sleep in the Great Hall

Chapter 11: The Firebolt

preparing a defence for Buckbeak with resources from the library

Chapter 12: The Patronus

Hermione avoiding Harry and Ron (spending her time in the library) because they're mad at her for telling McGonagall about the Firebolt

Chapter 13: Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw

Hermione, Ron and Harry fighting after Scabbers disappears

Draco and co pretend to be Dementors at the match to spook Harry, he shoots a Patronus at them (Hermione was at the match, alone)

Chapter 14: Snape's Grudge

Hermione going down to visit Hagrid often, feeling lonely (helping with Buckbeak's case)

Chapter 15: The Quidditch Final

Hermione slaps Draco

thinking about Malfoy and lost track of things, forgot to go to Charms

Hermione storms out of Divination

Gryffindor/Slytherin tensions high, scuffles breaking out in the corridors

Gryffindor wins the Quidditch Final

Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney's Prediction

Draco lost his swagger after the Quidditch Final but regained it to brag about Buckbeak's upcoming execution

Hermione's fear is failure (potential fanfic scene where we learn Draco’s fear?)

Goblet of Fire

Chapter 8: The Quidditch World Cup

Malfoys and Weasleys encounter each other in the top box

Chapter 9: The Dark Mark

Death Eaters at the World Cup, Draco warning Hermione to keep her bushy head down

Chapter 11: Aboard the Hogwarts Express

overhearing Draco tell his friends about his father wanting him to go to Durmstrang

Draco comes to their compartment, hints about the Triwizard Tournament, Hermione tells him to go away

Chapter 13: Mad-Eye Moody

Blast-Ended Skrewts lesson

Draco taunting Ron with a Daily Prophet article about his father

Draco turned into a ferret by Moody

Hermione saying Malfoy could have been hurt

Chapter 15: Beauxbatons and Durmstrang

Hagrid puts down Malfoy during a lesson (something about making a good ferret)

Chapter 16: The Goblet of Fire

Krum decides to sit at the Slytherin table, Malfoy is smug

Chapter 18: The Weighing of the Wands

Malfoy mocking Harry about being the Champion

Potter stinks badges outside Potions, Malfoy offers Hermione one but says "don't touch my hand"

Hermione hit with Densaugeo when Harry and Malfoy duel (her teeth grow)

Chapter 19: The Hungarian Horntail

Hermione enduring taunts from Slytherin girls about being called "stunningly pretty" in Rita Skeeter article

Hermione and Harry (invisible) in Hogsmeade, people keep looking at Hermione, thinking she's talking to herself

Chapter 20: The First Task

Hermione watching from the stands

Chapter 21: The House-Elf Liberation Front

Draco and co hiding in Hagrid's cabin from the Skrewts, Hermione and co outside helping to wrangle them

Hermione going down to the kitchens to see the house-elves

Chapter 22: The Unexpected Task

Neville asked Hermione to the ball during Potions but she said she was going with someone (could have been overheard by Draco)

Chapter 23: The Yule Ball

Draco ridiculing Hermione, disbelieving she's been invited to the ball, she calls him a twitchy little ferret 

That scene... Draco can't find an insult to throw at her 

Ron and Hermione argument at the Yule Ball, she storms off

Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop

Draco showing Harry and co the article on Hagrid

Chapter 26: The Second Task 

Hermione and Ron taken for Black Lake task

Chapter 27: Padfoot Returns 

Hermione tetchy about being teased for the fact she was Krum's hostage in the second task

Witch Weekly article, Pansy mocking Hermione, Draco part of the group 

Hermione smiles and waves sarcastically across the room at them 

moved seats by Snape in Potions, Hermione has to sit by Pansy

Chapter 28: The Madness of Mr Crouch 

Hermione receives hate mail, including one filled with Bubotuber pus, Slytherin table saw this at breakfast 

more hate mail and Howlers

Chapter 31: The Third Task 

watching Malfoy talk into his hand through the window 

Daily Prophet article about Harry fainting drops, Draco ridicules him across the Great Hall

Hermione realises Skeeter is an Animagus and runs to library to investigate 

Hermione in the stands for the task 

Chapter 35: Veritaserum

Harry comes out of the maze with a dead Cedric, the whole school is there

Chapter 37: The Beginning 

Dumbledore's speech about Cedric's death and Voldemort’s return, Malfoy and co muttering to each other 

Hermione caught Skeeter on the hospital wing window sill 

Draco overheard and mockingly congratulates her, says some foul things and the Trio all hex him at once 

pushing the unconscious Malfoy and co into the train corridor 

Order of the Phoenix

Chapter 6: The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

Draco on the Black family tree tapestry in Grimmauld Place

Chapter 10: Luna Lovegood

Hermione and Ron going to Prefects carriage (Malfoy there)

Malfoy comes to carriage to gloat, Hermione tells him to shut up and get out

Draco being foul to a first-year, Hermione there to witness it

Chapter 12: Professor Umbridge

Potions lesson, Draught of Peace (Harry gets his Vanished and Draco laughs, Hermione's is perfect)

Chapter 13: Detention with Dolores

Bowtruckles lesson, Draco imitating Hermione with her hand up

Draco talking loudly during the lesson about Hagrid, Hermione counselling Harry and Ron to ignore him

Chapter 15: The Hogwarts High Inquisitor

receiving marks back for their moonstone essay in Potions

Umbridge inspecting Care of Magical Creatures, Malfoy telling Umbridge about the Hippogriff attack

Hermione giving Harry Murtlap solution (must have procured it from somewhere, could have potentially run into Draco)

Chapter 16: The Hog's Head

Hermione still writing to Viktor, would have to go up to the Owlery (presumably, Draco writes home to his mother often)

hypothesising that maybe it was Malfoy who tipped off Filch that Harry was ordering Dungbombs, Hermione goes deep into thought

Chapter 17: Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four

Malfoy bragging about the Slytherin Quidditch team being allowed to play and makes a comment about St. Mungo's, Neville attacks him

Chapter 19: The Lion and the Serpent

Slytherin players trying to hex Gryffindor players prior to Quidditch match (Alicia Spinnet attacked in the library)

Draco imitating Ron dropping the Quaffle

Hermione had been close enough to Slytherin to see the 'Weasley is our King' badges

Malfoy composed the 'Weasley is our King' lyrics

Harry and George attack Malfoy after the match

Chapter 21: The Eye of the Snake

Hermione visiting Hagrid's cabin

Thestrals lesson

Umbridge ridiculing Hagrid, Hermione is furious

Malfoy and co taking a jab at Ron, Hermione saying to ignore them

Chapter 22: St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries

Kreacher not answering Sirius' summons, probably already with Narcissa by now, probably telling her about “the Mudblood”

Chapter 23: Christmas on the Closed Ward

Hermione took the Knight Bus to Grimmauld Place (therefore was in the wizarding world, could have potentially run into Draco)

Chapter 24: Occlumency

Fifth-year students studying in the library for O.W.L.s

Chapter 26: Seen and Unforeseen

Malfoy and co in the library muttering after Harry named their fathers as Death Eaters in the Quibbler interview

Trelawney is sacked, the whole school is there

Chapter 27: The Centaur and the Sneak

Umbridge crashes the DA, Draco catches Harry and is sent off to catch others (could potentially catch Hermione)

Chapter 28: Snape's Worst Memory

Draco docks points from Hermione for speaking badly about Umbridge, revealing he's part of the Inquisitorial Squad

Calls her a Mudblood, Ron whips out his wand but Hermione stops him

Chapter 30: Grawp

Inquisitorial Squad stalking the corridors after the Weasley twins' exit

Chapter 31: O.W.L.S

Hermione worried after overhearing Draco bragging about how his father knows Griselda Marchbanks, the examiner

Chapter 32: Out of the Fire

Umbridge catches them in her office trying to contract Sirius

Malfoy leaning against the window sill, Hermione pinioned by Millicent Bulstrode

look of eagerness and greed on Malfoy's face at Hermione’s mention of a secret weapon

Chapter 38: The Second War Begins

Hermione in hospital wing having to drink lots of potions because of Dolohov's curse

Malfoy and co try to attack Harry on the train, DA members turn them into slugs and stuff them in the luggage racking

Half-Blood Prince

Chapter 6: Draco's Detour

altercation in Madam Malkin's, Draco calls Hermione a Mudblood to his mother

"Who blacked your eye, Granger? I want to send them flowers."

see Draco skulking on the street through the window of Fred and George's

spying on Draco in Borgin and Burke's

Hermione goes into the shop after Draco left in order to investigate

Chapter 7: The Slug Club

Hermione not super interested in talking about Draco compared to Harry

disbelieving that Draco is a Death Eater

Hermione and Ron have to go to the prefect carriage

Ron and Hermione saw Malfoy in the Slytherin carriage as they walked past (he gave them the finger) 

hypothesising about why Malfoy wasn't in the prefect carriage

Chapter 8: Snape Victorious

Hermione and Ron would have noticed Harry was missing when they got off the train

Dumbledore's speech about Voldemort, Malfoy playing with his fork

Chapter 9: The Half-Blood Prince

Hermione weighing in on Malfoy's overheard boasts about his standing with the Dark Lord

Malfoy sniggering at Snape ridiculing Hermione in DADA (implying Slytherins now share the class with Gryffindors)

Amortentia in Potions, Malfoy and Nott snigger when Hermione tells Slughorn she's Muggle-born

Draco really wants the Felix Felicis

Chapter 11: Hermione's Helping Hand

Prophet article about Malfoy Manor being searched for Dark objects

Chapter 12: Silver and Opals

Hermione rebutting Harry's instant assumption that Malfoy gave Katie Bell the cursed necklace

Chapter 14: Felix Felicis

Malfoy "ill" and can't play the Quidditch match

not going immediately to the Gryffindor celebration party because she got in a tiff with Ron

Lavender and Ron kissing, Hermione runs away to an empty classroom

attacking Ron with the birds, storming off and crying

Chapter 15: The Unbreakable Vow

Hermione refuses to be in the common room while Ron and Lavender are there, spends most of her evenings in the library

Hermione disproving Harry's theory that Draco snuck the necklace in to school

leaving Transfiguration quickly after the bell to go cry, forgetting her things

taking Cormac to the Slug Club Christmas party and then running away from him

Draco lurking in upstairs corridor and being pulled up by Filch for gatecrashing

Chapter 17: A Sluggish Memory

Hermione got back to Hogwarts a few hours before Harry and Ron after Christmas (visiting Hagrid, but could have potentially crossed paths with Draco)

Hermione sceptical about Harry's overheard conversation between Snape and Malfoy

Chapter 18: Birthday Surprises

Hermione moving as far away from Ron as possible in Potions

both Malfoy and Hermione furious about Harry's bezoar stunt

Hermione researching Horcruxes in the restricted section

Malfoy and Crabbe having a whispered argument during Apparition lessons

Harry watching Malfoy on the Map (could lead to some awkward scenarios with 6th Year Dramione lol), but Draco can’t be seen when in the Room of Requirement

Chapter 19: Elf Tails

Hermione rushing to the hospital wing to see Ron

Draco and co (disguised with Polyjuice Potion) skulking around castle

Chapter 20: Lord Voldemort's Request

Hermione repairing the "little girl's" (Goyle) dropped scales

Chapter 21: The Unknowable Room

Hermione achieved Apparition twice in lessons

Kreacher and Dobby giving their Malfoy update

the Trio discover Malfoy's been going to the Room of Requirement

realise that Draco stole Polyjuice Potion and is feeding it to Crabbe and Goyle

Hermione again sceptical about Malfoy having the Dark Mark

the Trio discover Draco visits Moaning Myrtle in the boys' bathroom and cries (although, Myrtle specifically didn’t mention Draco, as it’s a secret)

Chapter 22: After the Burial

Hermione telling Harry to forget about Malfoy

Chapter 24: Sectumsempra

Katie returns to school and says she got the necklace in the ladies loo of the Three Broomsticks (Rosmerta was under the Imperius Curse)

Sectumsempra, Snape appears and heals Draco

everyone in school had heard about the incident from Moaning Myrtle, including Hermione

telling Harry off for using the spell

Chapter 25: The Seer Overheard

Hermione researching the Half-Blood Prince

Trelawney being bowled over by Malfoy, who was celebrating the cabinet being repaired

Harry giving Hermione and co the map, Felix Felicis etc in order to see why Malfoy was celebrating (he's going off with Dumbledore)

Chapter 27: The Lightning-Struck Tower

Dark Mark over Hogwarts, meaning the Death Eaters are in

Draco and Dumbledore in the tower

Draco got the coin idea to communicate with Rosmerta from Hermione, and also overheard her talking in the library about poisons (implying he’s been eavesdropping on her conversations)

Dumbledore offering to protect Draco and his family, Draco’s wand lowers

Chapter 28: Flight of the Prince

Snape and Malfoy running away, through the fighters

Chapter 30: The White Tomb

Harry has a bit of pity for Malfoy, probably shared it with Hermione and Ron

Deathly Hallows

Chapter 9: A Place to Hide

Draco being made to torture other Death Eaters who displease Voldemort, Harry may have told the others

Chapter 15: The Goblin's Revenge

Ron abandons them

Chapter 23: Malfoy Manor

Draco positively identifies Ron and Hermione (somewhat reluctantly) but not Harry

Bellatrix tortures Hermione, Draco was presumably in the room or taking the unconscious men outside like Bellatrix asked

Bellatrix offers Hermione to Greyback

Bellatrix threatening to slit Hermione's throat

probably best to just read the entire chapter

Chapter 30: The Sacking of Severus Snape

Hermione and Ron rush off to the Chamber of Secrets (could have crossed paths with Draco)

Chapter 31: The Battle of Hogwarts

Room of Requirement

Malfoy stops Crabbe from destroying the Room so they can find the diadem before Harry and co

Malfoy pulls Crabbe out of the way of Hermione's stunning spell

Crabbe shoots a Killing Curse at Hermione

the Trio save Malfoy and Goyle with broomsticks (Malfoy with Harry, Goyle with Hermione and Ron)

revealed that Crabbe is dead

Chapter 32: The Elder Wand

Draco pleading with Death Eaters that he's on their side, Harry stuns the Death Eaters, Ron punches Draco in the face

Chapter 33: The Prince's Tale

reprieve from battle, tending to the wounded and the dead in the Great Hall (no mention of where the Malfoys were)

Chapter 34: The Forest Again

Harry goes to the Forbidden Forest (left behind, Hermione and Ron are likely beside themselves)

Chapter 36: The Flaw in the Plan

"dead" Harry brought into the courtyard

Hermione, Ginny, and Luna duelling Bellatrix

Malfoys huddled together in a corner of the Great Hall

Nineteen Years Later

the Trio see Draco on the platform

but... Epilogue? What Epilogue?