swallow-the-bird - Tumblr blog

[swallow-the-bird]

Complementing the concept behind this drawing:

I believe that the doe, Lily, and the young Severus symbolize Snape’s once hazy yet pure hope for the world, an innocent fervor.

They perhaps also represent those things in life that hold value, such as conscience, conviction, and a stubbornness that veers close to justice and yearns for the light—even if the conventional notions of justice don’t align with Snape, who is certainly not a man of black and white.

What I aimed to convey is this concept: the kind of realization that finally allows him to face himself squarely, to find peace with his guilt, and to achieve reconciliation.

I also think his fixation, his longing and endless reminiscence of Lily, largely stems from her also being a symbol of sorts, representing the beautiful times of childhood and youth, unmarred and unbroken by the harsh realities of life.

Now I can look at you.

In his final moment, he saw not only those emerald eyes but also the young Severus from years past: at eleven, he held his first true friend, brimmed with fantasies and hopes for the future, and still believed in the magic of miracles—that they would embark on their journey to Hogwarts together.

Twenty-seven years later, at thirty-eight, he shed his last tear at Hogwarts. At long last, he could gaze back at the boy of yesteryear with peace.

“Now I can look at you.”

PS This is a drawing for a Snapecentric activity to celebrate Snape's birthday.

Regarding the sacrifices and final choices Snape made, I’ve always believed that they cannot be fully encompassed by mere love for Lily. Rather, they represent the ultimate answer drawn from a lifetime of experiences.

What is termed as repentance is a conviction, unshakable and uncompromising, refined from past mistakes—a faint echo of the vague hopes for this world that once rooted quietly in a young boy’s heart, strong enough to lead him to a martyr’s fate.

I would also like to think that Professor Snape has finally found freedom and peace. He will always remain one of my favourite characters in Harry Potter!

[swallow-the-bird]

Now I can look at you.

In his final moment, he saw not only those emerald eyes but also the young Severus from years past: at eleven, he held his first true friend, brimmed with fantasies and hopes for the future, and still believed in the magic of miracles—that they would embark on their journey to Hogwarts together.

Twenty-seven years later, at thirty-eight, he shed his last tear at Hogwarts. At long last, he could gaze back at the boy of yesteryear with peace.

“Now I can look at you.”

PS This is a drawing for a Snapecentric activity to celebrate Snape's birthday.

Regarding the sacrifices and final choices Snape made, I’ve always believed that they cannot be fully encompassed by mere love for Lily. Rather, they represent the ultimate answer drawn from a lifetime of experiences.

What is termed as repentance is a conviction, unshakable and uncompromising, refined from past mistakes—a faint echo of the vague hopes for this world that once rooted quietly in a young boy’s heart, strong enough to lead him to a martyr’s fate.

I would also like to think that Professor Snape has finally found freedom and peace. He will always remain one of my favourite characters in Harry Potter!

[swallow-the-bird]

“What have you seen in death?”

May death reveal not your end but your heart’s desire; may we converge at a time when the leaves were green and dreams were young.

For the Greater Good.

PS Long time no see! A late happy new year to you all!😘

[swallow-the-bird]

Working on a Snarry commission again.

Client request: Could you create a Snape in the style of Mucha, with a touch of the original’s realistic essence?

My response: Oh! Absolutely, I’ll give it a try! (Big fan of Mucha ❤️)

I’m quite pleased with how the work is progressing so far. Fingers crossed that the final piece unfolds as smoothly as planned.

More Snarry art is on the way! I’ll share it as soon as I’m permitted.

[swallow-the-bird]

Just a quick note:

I’ve received some very interesting questions about Grindeldore and Riddle, but I’m too busy these days to think over them and organize my thoughts to answer. (I guess it’s also expected to receive a loooong answer from a chatterbox like me, XD)

I’m leaving this note here just to say I’m not ignoring those questions. Thank you to whoever asked them. :)

[swallow-the-bird]

May i ask where you're from? If you don't mind sharing of course ❤️❤️

Oh I don’t mind at all! I’m from Hong Kong. Actually I've also shared this before, but it was a long time ago.

I'm just curious why you wanted to know XD

[swallow-the-bird]

“Goodnight, Gellert.”

May the twinkling shade of summer once again flow on.

May every death be as a reunion.

May we always know each other in this life, for the greater good.

Goodnight, Gellert.

“Goodnight, Albus.”

May those at rest find peace.

May every death be as a reunion.

May love ultimately return to its most sincere form.

Goodnight, Albus.

— Halloween, originating from the ancient Celtic ‘Samhain,’ marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The ancient Celts believed that on this day, the souls of the departed would return to the mortal realm, meeting the living on the blurred line between life and death.

P.S.

Happy🎃Halloween👻

This is part of a Grindelwald-themed Halloween event I’m participating in!

Actually, “ Goodnight, Albus” was released earlier this year：

But since it pairs with the new image, I thought I’d repost it. They are a pair, after all, and should be presented together, right? XD

I’ve had the idea for this set for quite a while. This time, I finally overcame my laziness and made it happen. I even paid homage to La Pietà in the design. Though, I wonder if anyone would actually notice it. Haha! 🤣🤣

[swallow-the-bird]

Absolutely, you hit the nail on the head😭😭😭

This is indeed an utter tragedy, and the crux of it lies in Gellert's undeniable love for Albus.

To me, Gellert's love for him is so fervent and genuine, yet cruel and wild. It's as if he loves him in the same intensity with which he hatred for him.

In many ways, Gellert remains that 16-year-old boy from the summer of 1899, the ruthless child who seemed to value nothing else but Albus Dumbledore. While it was his choice to turn his back and flee, he behaves as if he was the one abandoned. He couldn't bear that he was no longer Albus's top priority and that Albus chose to stand against him.

His anger is directed at Newt and anyone who seems to come between him and Albus, but ultimately, his deepest resentment is reserved for Albus himself. This is because the cruel and selfish boy loved Albus with the same intensity as his hatred for him. He still stuck in the summer of 1899, lamenting with betrayal and rage, and that each provocation, every envious word, every murderous intent, all seem to silently scream:

Albus, how could you not stand by me?

HOW COULD YOU NOT CHOOSE ME?

Perhaps in the boy's heart, he and Albus were meant to be one. Even if the whole world stood against them, even if they stood on opposing sides of Ariana's corpse, he never imagined that Albus would genuinely abandon him. It was supposed to be just a temporary separation, but never a final goodbye.

He should be the most important thing in Albus's world, above all else, like air, like water, like a wand to a wizard, like the greater good to them. Albus shouldn’t even have to think about it: Gellert shouldn't be a choice, but the only one. Isn't that right?

But in the end, Albus stood against him.

Such a supremely egocentric yet inherently assumed conviction of being the ultimate priority ... I wonder if the word 'love' is even sufficient to encapsulate such a fiercely intense emotion. This feeling is so terrifying and brutal that, after that summer, it revealed a winter-like cruelty and a storm's intensity. But the passion that runs through it—the heat hotter than summer and the cold that burns like ice—is undeniably compelling and moving.

Indeed, the true tragedy is that Gellert did love Albus. He loved Albus with his entire being, pouring into it all the love a sociopath could muster, and it took him a lifetime to truly understand how to love.

In 1997, did Gellert know of Albus's death? It's something I've always pondered. And I believe he did.

Perhaps due to his Seer's foresight? Or maybe he received a copy of the Prophet in Nurmengard (even if it was outdated)? Could it have been a jailer? Or possibly someone deliberately informed him during a prison visit? (Who?)

Regardless, I believe that when Gellert received the dreadful news, beyond the heartbreak born out of love, he felt a whirlwind of emotions. To him, Albus meant much more than just a lover; losing him was like losing half of himself, a life once vibrant and a purpose once pursued. There, at his fateful end, after languishing for 50 years in prison, a mere shadow of his former self, Gellert was dealt the final blow—Albus’s death.

I’d like to believe that Gellert’s final act of protecting Albus’s grave was born out of genuine remorse, rooted in the summer of 1899 when they were but boys. Now, those boys are relived once more, with all feelings cleansed of their initial calculations and ambitions. What remains is love in its purest form.

Oh yes, Merlin, Gellert did love him.

Know what always bothers me in crimes of Grindelwald? That in every scene where Albus sees him he's not smiling. The memory of making the bloodpact? He looks evillll like he's manipulated an idiot into doing what he wanted- and in the mirror of erised he again is so serious it's like he's judging him-

They should've made him smile in those scenes- it's painfully obvious that's what he was meant to do. The memory is from when they loved each other; the mirror shows your biggest desire trying to trap you.

He 👏 should 👏 have 👏 smiled 👏

If you ever get out of ideas for what to draw i think it'd be a cute idea to have those redrawn-

Thanks for your brilliant idea❤️I agree with you—Or, to put it another way, how could they possibly not be in love? And when someone in love gazes at their beloved, how could they not be moved?

I’ve never believed that Gellert’s feelings for Albus were purely manipulative or exploitative. Albus, as blinded by love as he might be, wouldn’t be deceived by insincerity. It’s precisely because Gellert’s love was genuine—though tainted by ambition and a desire for control—that they resonated and melded at the soul level, allowing Albus to open up to him and give his all.

This is also why the tragic events of the summer of 1899 have such a devastating effect on Albus. Besides the remorse and guilt he felt for Ariana, it also stemmed from the genuine love he shared with Gellert. The blade of love is sharp and particularly lethal because of this genuine affection.

Love is real, manipulation is real, and hurt is real. Love has its tender and sincere side, but it also has a harsh and cruel aspect.

“Oh, to be young and to feel love’s keen sting,” Albus remarked many years later. The blade of love is indeed forged by love itself.

So yes, the movie’s portrayal of Gellert’s expression in the Mirror of Erised might not convey this depth of emotion, which I personally find regrettable.

But looking at it from another perspective, doesn’t the Mirror of Erised reflect Albus’s deepest desires?

His longing for Gellert never ceases, nor can he truly let go of everything Gellert once represented—dreams, ambition, and lost youth. But has he ever secretly hoped that Gellert never truly loved him? Like he’s desperately convincing himself that Gellert only ever used and manipulated him, and that he’s an extremely cold person incapable of love. This way, Albus can hate him unreservedly, without the torment of being torn between love, regret, and conscience.

Hating a despicable enemy is always easier than confronting a lover and confidant.

“There are all kinds of courage," as Albus said it many years later, "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

Perhaps this desperate wish is why a version of Gellert, different from reality and memories, appears in the mirror.

But I believe, throughout his long life and even after death, Albus ultimately chooses not to deny this love. It manifests as the tear that drops onto the tip of his nose at King’s Cross station—a tear shed for the man who defended his grave with his life.

Of course, this is all my subjective interpretation. Oh, so many conflicting thoughts and feelings aroused by this ship—!😭

[swallow-the-bird]

Do you have any favorite Harry Potter ships?

Well, besides my all-time favorite Grindeldore, I’m actually quite eclectic in my tastes! 🤣

Snarry, Snamione, Snily, Jily, Hedric, Dnarry, Sirry… I’ve read fanfictions about all of them, and I’ve enjoyed them. Perhaps it’s because the Harry Potter fandom has so many talented writers. As long as the story is captivating, I’m thrilled to read it!

There’s another pairing that I initially thought was improbable, but later became infatuated with—

Harrymort/Tomarry!!

***** ‼️ LONG post alert ‼️ Oh, whenever I get to a topic that excites me, I always end up being such a chatterbox🤣Please also be aware of what I say below is only my VERY SUBJECTIVE opinions ‼️ *****

While Harrymort/Tomarry seem to have a lover-enemy dynamic similar to Grindeldore, the premise for each is vastly different. Gellert and Albus once passionately loved each other in their youth, while Tom/Voldemort and Harry share deep animosity and are destined adversaries. How could they possibly be together? Moreover, I once believed that Tom Riddle was an emotionless monster. (But I don’t mean that in a derogatory sense!)

While Gellert might be categorized as a sociopath, capable of true loyalty and emotions towards a select few - Albus Dumbledore- and taking a lifetime to learn how to love, he at least has the capacity to love. This is evident when he ultimately understands the true meaning of remorse and willingly sacrifices his life to protect another’s grave.

But what about Tom?

In my eyes, Tom is a complete psychopath. Perhaps his traumatic childhood twisted his moral compass, but some characteristics seem innate and psychological. Tom’s emotional blunting seems more pronounced. He inherently lacks empathy and remorse. Even if he can comprehend others’ emotions and manipulate them, he doesn’t genuinely understand or empathize with them, which is why he can’t grasp the concept of remorse. Hence, he chose to become Voldemort. This made me question:

How can such a person love? He doesn’t even understand what love is.

This mirrors Gellert’s scathing taunt to Voldemort, “…there is so much you do not understand—!”

Yes, Tom Riddle—Voldemort— does not, and cannot understand love. But can he?

Some of my favorite authors have remarked:

“Yes, Tom Riddle—Voldemort— does not understand love, and he may never be able to. But just because you don’t understand something, does that mean you can’t have it?”

Harry is like a reflection of Tom Riddle. While Tom Riddle, in his hatred and fear, denied love and chose to become Voldemort, Harry, despite facing the same hatred and fear, came to understand what courage meant and chose love.

“Just by letting Harry see even the tiniest hint of Voldemort’s humanity, he will bravely embrace that one-in-a-million hope.”— Oh yes, hope. This is how many Tomarry/Harrmort fictions begin their stories.

Harry might harbor hatred for Voldemort for a lifetime, but the essence of forgiveness isn’t the absence of hate; it’s about learning to move on. If there’s anyone willing to embrace a shattered soul with such heinous crimes, it would be Harry Potter. Just as he has embraced death with the same courage, it’s this Harry who, when confronting his lifelong nemesis, still chooses “Expelliarmus”.

This love-hate story is inevitably not just about the hopes and courage of love, but also about its pain and despair. It makes us question the nature of love, hate, life, death, and humanity.

Harry understands love, so he believes in humanity, which gives him hope and courage, especially when mired in human flaws and tragedies.

“You see the world in such a unique way; I believe even despair seems colorful to someone like you.”—this is a line from one of my favorite Harrmort stories, “One thing he will never know”. In it, Harry chooses to cling to that sliver of hope in Voldemort and falls hopelessly in love with him. When Harry grapples with guilt, Dumbledore leaves him with this wisdom.

"It may seem terribly wrong, but if I may venture a guess, it must also feel so right," were Dumbledore's last words to the boy, "Harry, I don't think there is any shame in love. You must never doubt that when someone has been loved like this, it always leaves a mark, and that it will eventually change everything. You are much braver than I ever was.”

Thanks to these brilliant fanfictions, I’ve come to believe in the heart Voldemort thought he never had. Even if it’s fractured, it still exists, and a sliver of humanity remains. Perhaps we all need a broad perspective to see the world:

Not understanding love doesn’t mean you can’t have it.

I just realized I wrote so much! Maybe it’s because I’ve never shared my love for Tomarry/Harrmort with anyone after Grindeldore. Here’s my chance!

PS One of my favorite fanfictions, “One thing he will never know,” is written by a talented Taiwanese author in Chinese.If you’re interested, you can check it out here:

(* I've taken the liberty of translating some of the lines that impressed me most into English, as I wrote above.)

I also have read many excellent Tomarry/Harrmort stories from the English fandom. If you have any recommendations, please share them with me!

[swallow-the-bird]

Your grindledore art is beautiful 💖. I feel like it's one of best ships in Harry Potter even though it's doomed and tragic.

Thank you so much❤️

And yes, there are a lot of great ships in the Harry Potter fandom, and Grindeldore is the apple of my eye when it comes to the dynamics of their relationship!

[swallow-the-bird]

Know what always bothers me in crimes of Grindelwald? That in every scene where Albus sees him he's not smiling. The memory of making the bloodpact? He looks evillll like he's manipulated an idiot into doing what he wanted- and in the mirror of erised he again is so serious it's like he's judging him-

They should've made him smile in those scenes- it's painfully obvious that's what he was meant to do. The memory is from when they loved each other; the mirror shows your biggest desire trying to trap you.

He 👏 should 👏 have 👏 smiled 👏

If you ever get out of ideas for what to draw i think it'd be a cute idea to have those redrawn-

Thanks for your brilliant idea❤️I agree with you—Or, to put it another way, how could they possibly not be in love? And when someone in love gazes at their beloved, how could they not be moved?

I’ve never believed that Gellert’s feelings for Albus were purely manipulative or exploitative. Albus, as blinded by love as he might be, wouldn’t be deceived by insincerity. It’s precisely because Gellert’s love was genuine—though tainted by ambition and a desire for control—that they resonated and melded at the soul level, allowing Albus to open up to him and give his all.

This is also why the tragic events of the summer of 1899 have such a devastating effect on Albus. Besides the remorse and guilt he felt for Ariana, it also stemmed from the genuine love he shared with Gellert. The blade of love is sharp and particularly lethal because of this genuine affection.

Love is real, manipulation is real, and hurt is real. Love has its tender and sincere side, but it also has a harsh and cruel aspect.

“Oh, to be young and to feel love’s keen sting,” Albus remarked many years later. The blade of love is indeed forged by love itself.

So yes, the movie’s portrayal of Gellert’s expression in the Mirror of Erised might not convey this depth of emotion, which I personally find regrettable.

But looking at it from another perspective, doesn’t the Mirror of Erised reflect Albus’s deepest desires?

His longing for Gellert never ceases, nor can he truly let go of everything Gellert once represented—dreams, ambition, and lost youth. But has he ever secretly hoped that Gellert never truly loved him? Like he’s desperately convincing himself that Gellert only ever used and manipulated him, and that he’s an extremely cold person incapable of love. This way, Albus can hate him unreservedly, without the torment of being torn between love, regret, and conscience.

Hating a despicable enemy is always easier than confronting a lover and confidant.

“There are all kinds of courage," as Albus said it many years later, "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

Perhaps this desperate wish is why a version of Gellert, different from reality and memories, appears in the mirror.

But I believe, throughout his long life and even after death, Albus ultimately chooses not to deny this love. It manifests as the tear that drops onto the tip of his nose at King’s Cross station—a tear shed for the man who defended his grave with his life.

Of course, this is all my subjective interpretation. Oh, so many conflicting thoughts and feelings aroused by this ship—!😭

[swallow-the-bird]

“ One day we shall be the lords of death.”

Young Albus Dumbledore.

Part of my grindeldore drawing in progress.

Haven't touched grindeldore for a long time, and it's still the apple of my eyes❤️

👇🏻I’ve completed this piece!!

[swallow-the-bird]

Hi! Are you still in Harry Potter fandom?

Yes! I’m still happily in it :)

[swallow-the-bird]

“To Heaven and Earth, Lights and Flowers”

This is the commissioner inside cover art for the Snarry fan’s book “Chase the Stars”, paired with the outside cover.

⭐️ “Chase the Stars” : The Outside Cover

While the composition remains the same, the coloring techniques differ.

Personally, I’m quite fond of the ambiance crafted for this inside cover.

As I’ve mentioned before, I aimed to juxtapose the reflections of heaven and earth. The wildflower meadows and earthly lights share the same golden hue derived from memories with the celestial stars, all merging to form the pathway home. The red Autumn Crocus at the base of the hill, along with Harry waiting outside the cabin, symbolize yearning and anticipation.

⭐️ Other Snarry drawings from Chase the Stars”

I hope you enjoy these Snarry drawings as much as I enjoyed creating them🥰

[swallow-the-bird]

✨ Chase the Stars ✨

Presenting the commissioned cover art for a Snarry fan’s book "Chase the Stars"!

It was inspired by a Snarry story included in the book titled "Only the Flowers Know" :

The narrative brilliantly portrays the conflicts and contradictions between the couple, epitomizing the sharp realities of love and pain, and the lingering weight of regret and separation.😭

Having digested the story, I've come to understand the significance of the distant flower field in Scotland, and the small cabin upon it depicted on the cover.

They represent the ever-present, ever-shining memories of love, though now distant and out of reach.

💐Behind-the-scenes musings💐

Since "Only the Flowers Know" is set in Scotland, I specifically researched some Scottish Highland terrains and botanical features, which was quite intriguing.

The vast pink flowers in the field are heathers, symbolizing solitude and hope, commonly found in Scotland.

The close-up of the three purple-red flowers on the cover is the Autumn Crocus, symbolizing "spring, renewal, rebirth" and also the "hope that blossoms in the face of loss and death."

Discovering these flowers, which not only fit the setting but also resonate deeply with the story's core, felt like a stroke of serendipity!

For both the inner and outer covers , I aimed to mirror the reflections of heaven and earth, integrating themes of flowers and stars to illustrate my profound impressions of the story. It was a truly enriching experience for me as an artist.

🌟 The inner cover:

🥹 I'm also grateful for the opportunity to work on a full-color piece after such a long time. I spent considerable effort ensuring the flower field looked vibrant and lively without appearing chaotic.

🌟 Other Snarry drawings from Chase the Stars 🌟

💫 Chase the Stars 💫

For those curious about the book, check out the link below. Please note, it’s written in Chinese:

[swallow-the-bird]

“We mirror each other, yet our stars, though unexpected, were destined to intertwine in the veil of fate.”

Presenting another commissioned Snarry piece.

I found this one particularly intriguing. Initially, I was unsure about the core theme, so I allowed my creativity to flow freely.

The result? Two distinct interpretations, both echoing my impressions from the client’s Snarry narratives found in her fanbook, “Chase the Stars.”

For those curious about her book, check out the link below. Please note, it’s written in Chinese:

And for those curious about my other Snarry drawings(commissioned by the same client), check out the following posts:

[swallow-the-bird]

“Find me amidst light and shadow, by the shimmering stars. ”

Yes! This is again a Snarry commissioned drawing! But with a twist – they’re in their patronus forms.

I’m quite fond of the concept behind this painting. It’s inspired by the client’s captivating Snarry tales where she paints a world filled with nuanced greys, where every character has their own mix of light and dark.