#HPHM Orion

[nightingale2004]

HPHM fancast pt.6

Orion Amari

Faceclaim: Avan Jogia

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Murphy McNully

Faceclaim: Owen Joyner

×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷×÷

Skye Parkin

Faceclaim: Alisha Newton

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Erika Rath

Faceclaim: Kelli Berglund

[moonwater-hphm]

Well I finally finished my Orion x Murphy art that I started like 3 weeks ago, I procrastinated on making it a little, cause I was scared it won’t turn out good, but I think it actually looks nice at the end ^^ I had this idea that Orion took Murphy for his first flight, idk if that would actually work but the idea was cute :} I dedicate this piece to all the Orion x Murphy shippers (which is me and 3 other people in this fandom) and to my lovely friend @deafeningwizardsquare <333

[anachriva]

[lifeofkaze]

Swept Away

A/N: This story was written as part of the @hphm-ship-week event. For Day 1, I picked the prompt 'Dance'. If this story feels weirdly familiar to you, it's because you've read it before from Lizzie's perspective, as to be perused in my story An Art of Balance here. (Also, if you want context lol.) Thanks for sticking with my rambling. Enjoy!

The crowd occupying the main room of The Three Broomsticks had become dense, and so it was only one moment after Penny Haywood had whisked away Lizzie that Orion lost sight of the two girls. He stared at the spot where they had disappeared, running over the conversation he’d just had with Lizzie - if one could even call it that - in his mind. He pulled a face. 

I’m good at catching things.

What a stupid thing to say. 

There was no triviality in the makings of the universe, every moment in it filled with sense that sometimes simply failed to show its meaning. Beyond self-consciousness, detached from any prejudice or assumption on how one wished to be perceived, lay the true freedom of being as one with the universe as he could possibly hope to be. And yet Orion was bewildered at how embarrassed his silly comment made him feel. It had not been a singular incident either; lately, he’d found himself saying a lot of stupid things when Lizzie was around. Whenever she was near, it was like he spoke without control.

He was broken from his thoughts by a group of students passing him by. He took a step backwards, the top of the counter hitting his back. The Weird Sisters were enticing so many people to flock to the dancefloor that even on the side of it, Orion was barely able to move. The crowd made him uncomfortable, and despite the people having a good time, he felt strangely isolated without a soul to talk to.

The group right in front of him moved, granting him a small glimpse of the dancefloor. Penny Haywood’s hair shone like a golden halo as she spun around her axis, a wide smile plastered to her face. Lizzie seemed to enjoy herself as well, jumping to the beat and singing along. The sight of her joy made the corners of Orion’s lips curl into a smile. For a fleeting moment, he considered joining her and Penny but abandoned the idea as quickly as it had arisen. Lizzie was like a butterfly on a blooming meadow, fluttering from flower to flower and spreading the beauty of her company. She could come to find him in her own time. And if she didn’t, who was he to demand her attention?

The music came to an end and the room before the makeshift stage cleared, allowing space for the couples Myron Wagtail was inviting to the dancefloor. Lizzie and Penny parted ways, and Orion’s heart lifted when Lizzie headed in his direction. She had already come halfway when, suddenly, she froze. Her head had turned to the side and, following her eyes, Orion saw why. Jason Everett - the new Beater of their Quidditch team - came pushing through the crowd towards her. 

Frowning, Orion watched him approach. His friend Murphy McNully had pointed out how Everett kept singling out Lizzie from her friends, and ever since, Orion had been unable to unsee it. Wherever she went, Everett was quick to follow; whenever there was a chance to catch her alone, he was sure to try and grab it.

He had almost reached Lizzie when she shook from her daze. Her eyes set on Orion, and with a couple of quick steps, she was by his side. Grabbing his arm, she pulled him towards the dancefloor. Equally as stunned as he was pleased, Orion followed without offering resistance. Still, he asked, “What are you doing?”

“Shamelessly using my knight in shining armour a second time, I’d say.” 

As Lizzie’s eyes switched from the spot Everett had stood in to Orion she tailed off, appearing as if she was unsure what to do next. Almost shyly, she glanced at the couples surrounding them. It was an emotion so uncharacteristic of her bright spirit that Orion extended his hand to her.

“If you dragged me here for whatever reason we could as well go with the flow.”

Lizzie blinked, staring at his hand before tentatively taking it. Their first moments dancing were awkward, both unattuned to the other’s rhythm. They had spent years together on the Quidditch pitch, however, and soon found their common ground. Once they had done so they moved effortlessly, lifted by the notes drifting from stage and the silent understanding between them. 

Orion’s hand was resting just beneath the small of her waist and he could feel her moving against his palm, her hand warm and relaxed in his. Her other hand was lying on his shoulder, and Orion was aware of every inch it moved about, of every time she let go to spin around. A tingling sensation spread from where she touched him in a most unsettling way, making him both want to be closer and step away to regain control. She stepped into him and rose to her tiptoes to say something he could barely make out over the noise. When her breath brushed over his cheek, he swore he could feel his heart skip a beat. 

Lizzie had begun to relax, her initial shyness as if eradicated. She laughed as she finished turning, stepping even closer to him than before. Unbidden, Orion’s mouth pulled into a smile that mirrored hers. Her good mood was compelling, impossible to resist, and found himself wanting more of it, wanting…

Something shifted as their eyes met. They did not stop moving and yet it felt like they were separated from the crowd, suspended in a moment so intense it was almost tangible. The music ceased to reach Orion’s ear, the only sound filling his head his rapidly beating heart. The moment could have lasted hours or less than a second; Orion didn’t know. Then Lizzie blinked, and he exhaled slowly as she dropped her eyes from his. She laughed nervously and let go of him to push away the hair that had fallen into her face. When she put her hand back into his, Orion didn’t fail to notice how she hesitated, even if only slightly.

They took up dancing again, more quietly than before. After a couple of steps, the strand of hair Lizzie had just tucked away fell back into its former place and she put it away again. Having done so a couple of times, she pulled a face and tossed her head but still her hair obscured her eyes.

When it fell across her features next, Orion raised his hand without thinking, gently taking hold of the curl and tucking it behind her ear. His fingers brushed the side of her temple as he did so and Lizzie became still, eyes flying to meet his. Orion didn’t think he’d ever noticed just how blue and clear they were, like the ocean pervaded by sunlight. There was a ring of deeper blue around her pupils, something he had never noticed before either. He wondered if her eyes were just like her, clear and bright to those who looked at the surface but with so much more underneath; things yet uncovered, things unknown to anyone who didn’t bother looking. He longed to know these things, he realised.

“I’m surprised you wear your hair like that,” he murmured, as much to put Lizzie at ease as himself. Like before, he winced at how ridiculous he sounded. “I thought you hated having it in your face.” 

“It wasn’t exactly my choice. Andre forced this mess on me.” “You should not let others dictate your appearance, especially if you don’t feel like yourself,” Orion frowned. Before he could stop himself, he added, “But for what it’s worth, I think you look beautiful.”

Lizzie blushed. Her cheeks burned such a vivid red that it was visible even over the dimmed lights. She dropped her eyes and bit her lip, and said no more. Again, Orion cursed himself for his unusual rashness. His mouth might have broken free from the control of his mind, and yet the intentions of both had been to put Lizzie at ease, not make her more uncomfortable. It made him miserable seeing her self-conscious like this, so entirely unlike the naturalness of spirit she usually commanded. He wished he had held his tongue.

They were released from the awkwardness of the situation by the song's coming to an end. Afraid Lizzie would drop his hand, Orion let go first, inclining his head with what was supposed to be an encouraging smile. He hoped Lizzie would read in what he wanted it to convey - that he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable on his behalf. That first and foremost, he was her friend and this had been nothing but - a moment between friends. A fun, beautiful, intoxicating moment that gave the spot on his shoulder where her hand had lain gravitas, and that still made his palm tingle where it had rested against her waist and…

Consciously pulling his thoughts away from the undue direction they were headed in, Orion gave Lizzie an almost imperceptible bow and turned, fleeing from the dancefloor and the crowd still pressing in on him as fast as he could without running. 

[ameliathefatcat]

Hogwarts Mystery gang saying happy birthday to me

[project-ared]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY STUPID CHILD I DID NOT EXPECT TO GET ATTACHED TO, JANE CLEVE

I also took this chance to spill some lore about my MC's life. Warning: There's going to be information from things that happen and don't happen in later years. So proceed with your own caution and will.

Now storytime :D

6th birthday. 1979 is a happy year for baby Jane. She's not very aware of what's happening out in the wizarding world, and her family is not aboard on letting her know.

She happily celebrates her birthday just like the years before, her mom makes a cake, her dad helps her, and Jacob is by her side, as he says he will always be.

11th birthday. Things are gloomy in the Cleve household. Jacob has been reported missing for many months. The father, saying he couldn't take the situation, left. Leaving the house that was meant for four, to the mother Loraine and Jane.

Loraine, not being able to bear her son and husband's disappearance, turned to calming draughts and other substances that she thought would release her from her pain.

Jane's 11th birthday was lonely, she had gotten her Hogwarts acceptance letter earlier that day but didn't say anything. She's determined to go and find out what happened to her brother. As of that day, she wanted to spend it with the newer version of her mother, and a cupcake, cause as Loraine says, "There's no need for a big cake since there's only one to eat it."

12th birthday. A school year has passed and little Jane is confident she's on the right track. With her new friends by her side, Rowan, Ben and Penny, she believes her Hogwarts years will be much better than she anticipated.

13th birthday. Another curse has been broken and another friend has been collected. The fight will the Ice Knight had earned Jane a scar, small that looks like nothing. After the fight, Loraine has acknowledged Jane's well being and she's pleased she can rely on her friends. Bill has noticed the Cleve family is a bit off but pretends not to notice for his friend's day.

14th birthday. Jane begins to be more familiar with her friend-magnet gift. Her 3rd year was tough, with people facing their worst nightmare, but that doesn't stop them from breaking the curse. The gang has suprised Jane with a cake. It can't stand like a proper cake but she doesn't care, she's happy to be surrounded with people she loves.

15th birthday. The school year could have had a better conclusion. Jane is upset cause she was certain Jacob would be found in that cursed vault. To make things better, Loraine grounded her for the whole summer, both for the fact she had to serve detention and in hopes she'll drop the cursed vaults.

So for her birthday, Jane was alone once more. Well, kinda. The whole night she'd get letters from all of her friends. Some were even personally delivered by a certain bird boy that may or may not have wanted to see her.

16th birthday. Everybody is uneasy. Rakepick's betrayal had hurt the children deeply. Jacob had finally shown himself but his reunion with Jane had not been as sweet as she wanted. She's angry yes, and sad as well, but the cursed vaults are still out there and she has no time to waste with talking about her feelings.

17th birthday. Things have really gone downhill. Sure, the curse has been lifted. And Rakepick is in Azkaban. But their group is broken with two dear friends being gone by the Green Curse. She blames herself, she was there when it happened, she could have done something.

Everyone says it's not her fault, hell, even Merula and Ismelda. She's scared she can't protect anybody anymore. She's scared she won't be able to fight not only evil witches and wizards, but also a disease that has hit her gravely.

18th birthday. HAH SIKE THEY'RE ALIVE.

Things are much better for the gang. Rowan and Ben have awoken from their coma, Peregrine is gone and R has been defeated. Jane's health condition is not the best, but in general life is becoming more peaceful.

19th birthday. The gang has taken their own roads but still meet up for old time's sake. To celebrate birthdays and successes, or support eachother when things are not going to well.

After everything they've been through, with R, Peregrine, ROCC cases and Jacob, Jane has finally reached a point where she genuinely believes that they will be happy. That they will be okay.

[carewyncromwell]

"And when you get there, is it perfect?

And when you get there, is a family waiting for you?

I close my eyes and see them laughing,

Telling jokes, playing games,

All of it true...

How would they feel

If your friend James came along too?"

~"On Your Way Home" from James and the Giant Peach (musical)

x~x~x~x

inspired by this headcanon post by @barnabyjr! // fancasting Renan Pacheco as Orion and Diedre Hall as Lane Cromwell

x~x~x~x

Orion Amari was nervous. He would never have admitted it aloud if you'd approached him about it, but anyone who knew him well would be able to tell. Even Orion's daughter Eos, who was a mere toddler in age, had sensed it. She even climbed onto his feet and held onto his legs while he was looking himself over in the closest mirror, blinking her big black eyes up at him in concern and confusion without a word.

When Orion looked down at her, he offered her a smile.

"I must look strange to you, don't I, little Mooncalf?" he asked.

Eos pouted at him. With a chuckle, Orion brought a hand down to patiently pat her head.

"I understand," he said. "I look strange to my own eyes, as well."

Orion hadn't ever worn this shirt and suit jacket before. Even the leather oxfords he only remembered having worn once for a meeting as a Quidditch League representative to the Department of Magical Games and Sports. He had considered going out a second time to pick up a proper tie for the collar, but he decided against it. Wearing a collar alone was uncomfortable for Orion, even back at Hogwarts; buttoning it all the way up and putting a tie around it seemed akin to putting a dog collar and leash around his neck. But would wearing it open come across as disrespectful...?

Orion glanced at his reflection again, sighing through a tired smile.

"I'm completely off-balance, my little Mooncalf," he said amusedly.

Eos mirrored his smile with a brighter one of her own. After making sure she was holding onto his legs, Orion waddled across the room like a penguin, prompting Eos to start giggling.

"Ah, but meeting your romantic partner's mother," Orion mused. "The woman who raised her and who by all accounts loves her as dearly as her older brother...the second of whom you most unfortunately did not make a good impression on, when your paths collided...it's hard not to consider all outcomes. However optimistic you would like to be, based on what you've heard of the woman, as well as your Abraxan's own reassurance that she'll love you...when you really know nothing of mothers and only marginally more about parenting through first-hand experience...well, it's akin to a Niffler trying to track down a flower, isn't it? However strong his nose might be and however quickly he might move, he's still woefully unprepared to face the challenge before him."

Eos listened to her father only absently, instead entertaining herself by dangling off of his legs and giggling as he continued to carry her around. Orion finally came to a halt in front of the painted side table by the fireplace, where a potted bundle of purple flowers sat. He reached down to pick Eos up and scoop her into her arms.

"I know we are all our own worst critic, little Mooncalf," the Captain of the Montrose Magpies said with another sigh, "but I must confess, it's hard not to feel like I have a lot to prove. Especially since Carewyn and I have no intention whatsoever to marry or become a 'traditional' family, the way I'm quite sure Carewyn's mother must expect. Would Lane Cromwell be satisfied giving us her blessing, if she knew I never intend to garb her daughter in my name -- to declare Carewyn your new mother? Will she bare her fangs as her son did -- even her own brother did before her -- when I don't have any parents or siblings of my own to offer Carewyn?"

Eos didn't understand all of what Orion said, but the two-and-a-half-year-old girl could still tell he was unhappy. She shook her head, making her short black bob and ladybug barrettes flap around in the movement.

"Daaaad," she whined.

Her mouth twisted into a pout, Eos brought both of her tiny hands up onto her father's bearded face and tried to push the corners of his lips up into a smile. This made Orion bite back a soft chuckle. His face touched by a much more sincere smile, he leaned in and kissed the top of his daughter's head.

"All right, Mooncalf. No more storm clouds. Will you pick up our gift for me?"

He indicated the potted plant on the side table with a nod of his head. Eos beamed as she snatched up the plant, and Orion patted her head with a fond smile.

"Thank you. Now close your eyes and mouth, little one -- cinders and ash don't belong in either place."

With this, Orion carried Eos and the potted plant into the fireplace and took the Floo Network over to the flat of Skye Parkin. The Wigtown Wanderers' Star Chaser had agreed to babysit Eos during Orion's meeting.

~*~

Less than a half-hour later, Carewyn had Side-Along-Apparated with Orion to the remote little cottage belonging to Lane Cromwell. Orion was immediately struck by how quiet the house was -- there were only just enough natural sounds to keep it from being silent, such as a tea kettle whistling and the fire crackling in the fireplace, and no more. Even out the closest window Orion could just barely hear the twittering of a bird in a nearby tree.

A blackcap, by the sound of it, he thought absently.

"Mum?" Carewyn called into the house. "We're here!"

A very soft voice came from the next room. Orion couldn't make out what it had said, but Carewyn turned and smiled at him, clearly having understood it perfectly.

"Come on -- let's sit down and wait."

She steered Orion into the living room. As Orion approached the coach, he became aware of something walking beside him -- when he looked down, he found a ginger cat blinking up at him.

"Mrrow!" the cat chirruped.

"Hello, Tigger," cooed Carewyn. "Hello, pretty kitty..."

She reached down and scratched the cat's neck -- he immediately buckled against her hand, purring loudly.

"Named for the A.A. Milne character, I presume?" asked Orion with a smile.

"Yes," laughed Carewyn as she straightened up. "Mum's best friend Judy has always loved Winnie the Pooh. Mum's and Judy's first cat at Hogwarts was even named Pooh."

Tigger walked beside Carewyn and Orion in turn, rubbing his side up against their legs. Orion bent down and pet the cat too as he slowly settled himself onto the couch, the pot of purple flowers in his lap.

"He is a very sociable feline," he said, his fingers lightly pressed into some pressure points on Tigger's back that made the cat lean into Orion's touch. "He must know that his breed is an omen of good fortune."

"Really?" Carewyn said curiously.

"Indeed. Sailors often kept ginger cats aboard ship, thinking to avoid dangerous storms." Orion smiled at Carewyn wryly. "I must wonder if the good fortune your mother experienced through you made her more susceptible to selecting a cat with similar coloring."

He trailed two fingers through the hair closest to her cheek. Carewyn blushed slightly through her smile, but she played it off by lightly smacking Orion's shoulder and looking away.

"Orion, really. Mum got him because he reminded her of my old cat, from when I was at school. And the only reason I had a ginger cat back then was because Mimi was too shy to come out of hiding when people came to look at her at the Menagerie and I -- "

"Chose the one animal who likely most needed a safe and loving home out of all of them," surmised Orion, smiling fondly. "How very true to you, my Abraxan."

He leaned in to kiss her on the side of the temple. Carewyn was still blushing lightly, but she smiled as Lane finally entered the room, a tea service in hand. Immediately Carewyn leapt to her feet to offer assistance.

"Here, Mum -- let me help you with that -- "

"Don't worry, Winnie," said Lane. "I've got it..."

Her voice was truly as soft as a whispering wind, but it still came across quite warmly. The older woman eased the tray down onto the coffee table, her blue eyes running over Orion still sitting on the couch.

"So you're the famous Orion," she said with a smile. "Winnie's spoken very highly of you."

Orion found himself inclining his head the same way he would before a hippogriff. "That is a compliment unto itself, given how very high my Abraxan's standards are. Not that I mean to demean the trait," he added quickly with a quick glance between Lane and his other half. "I have always esteemed Carewyn's high aspirations. It's merely encouraging to know I could meet them in any capacity."

Carewyn brought a hand down onto Orion's shoulder to show some support. Before she could say anything, though, Lane spoke first, her eyebrows high.

"I see. Well, rest assured, Winnie wouldn't have brought you to see me if she didn't think highly of you. And if I didn't express a lot of curiosity about you myself," she added with a twinkle in her eye.

She turned to Carewyn.

"Winnie sweetheart, I don't suppose you could do me a favor and go get the Necronomicon from the cellar? W for Watkins?"

Carewyn blinked, but nodded all the same. "...All right."

With a quick glance and smile at Orion, she strode purposefully out of the room, toward the back of the house.

"Don't worry, I don't really own the Necronomicon," Lane told Orion with a soft laugh. "It's just an inside joke I first developed with Jacob, when he was young. Winnie knows I mean to look through the papers in my office."

Orion glanced down at Tigger weaving between his legs. "...I see."

Lane sat in the nearby armchair and poured out three cups of tea by hand rather than with her wand.

"Milk or sugar?" she asked.

"Neither. But thank you."

Orion shifted the potted plant over to the seat beside him. Lane handed him one of the cups of tea before adding some milk to hers and taking a sip.

"Jay told me about you too, after you two met," she said lightly.

Orion took a sip of tea himself to try to mask his discomfort. "...Ah. I suppose he...expressed a far less favorable view of me than Carewyn's."

Lane offered Orion a slight smile. "He did. But to be honest, I could tell most of his complaints were flimsy at best. I even told him as much."

Orion blinked in surprise.

"Jay latched onto Winnie almost immediately after she was born," Lane explained. Her voice remained remarkably level and soft, even with how warmly it echoed while talking about her children. "He didn't have any real friends when he was a wee bairn, and having someone around who needed him...someone who understood him in a way no one else could, even while still only a tiny baby...it meant the world to him." She smiled fondly. "And well...I think Jay's grown used to the idea that Carewyn isn't a particularly romantic person and she's perfectly content being on her own. He never met Andre Egwu while they were dating, the way I did. He's never seen Winnie express interest in dating or marrying anyone before. And considering she's been so close to the vest about you...well, I think it took Jay by surprise, seeing how serious you and Winnie were."

Orion bowed his head. His reflection bobbed back and forth in his swirling tea as he put the cup down on the coffee table.

"I never intended us to be any sort of surprise," he said quietly. "But Carewyn and I...both of us...we saw each other merely as friends and once-teammates for such a long time before this, and even when we realized how much our views had truly shifted...neither of us thought a relationship of any sort would be possible, even if the other was similarly interested. There are still many empty spots remaining on the map Carewyn and I have charted out for ourselves, moving forward...ones we've yet to fill in."

Orion's black eyes became a little smaller as he folded his hands in his lap.

"There is a reason...your son has never seen your daughter as being interested in marrying anyone...and that's because she is not. Nor am I. I hold your daughter in the absolute highest regard, and I know I shall never know another like her again in all my life -- truthfully I could imagine no life better than one I could live with her in it." He swallowed. "But Carewyn and I...neither of us are suited to the likes of marriage. I could not bear to ever clip her wings, and to my undying relief, she has baldly refused to clip mine. She has asked me for a committed partnership, and I could wish for nothing less...but I aspire to no wedding bells nor ceremonies discarding our names and independent lives. I do not aim to replace Eos's mother with Carewyn, absent she may be -- nor does Carewyn intend for me to play as any kind of father to her little Jarvey, Erik. I don't believe Erik would want me in such a role either..."

His hands squeezed together anxiously.

"Please, though, do not take this to mean my feelings for Carewyn are lesser," he said tensely. "She is my partner and soulmate, my match in every way, and I love and esteem her more than I can properly express. I just...don't wish to express it by locking us into the shackles of marriage. My Abraxan aims to fly higher and farther than anyone ever has, to places and goals very different from mine, and I can't imagine I would aid her in that if she were chained down with me as dead weight dragging behind her."

Orion hadn't been sure if Lane would blow up or if she'd need to think over what he'd said. To his surprise, however, Lane didn't take long to respond -- within seconds, she'd reached out and rested a hand on top of his folded in his lap.

"Orion, please," she said kindly. "You don't need to defend the magnitude of your feelings to me. Winnie has always tried to put on a brave face, ever since she was small. She didn't tell me anything about her infatuation with Andre until they were already dating, and she likewise didn't tell me they were having any trouble until they'd already broken up. The fact that Winnie didn't tell Jay and me about you until recently is all the more proof to me of just how highly she thinks of you. And after everything you've said, I'd say it's very clear you feel just as strongly for her."

Her blue eyes, identical in shade and shape to Carewyn's, softened.

"I admit, I'd sort of presumed you and Winnie might get married sometime down the road, even if you didn't feel ready now...but if you truly never do feel ready and just want to stay committed to each other without the paperwork saying so...then that's fine. Goodness knows marriage often doesn't last forever anyhow."

Orion felt as though a large weight was slowly coming off his shoulders. He visibly relaxed.

"...Few things do."

He brought his cup of tea back into his interlaced hands and took another sip.

"Thank you, Lane Cromwell," he murmured. "I'm truly grateful for your understanding, on this matter."

"Of course," said Lane. "I'm a bit confused about why you thought I wouldn't be all right with it."

Orion brought a hand up behind his neck uncomfortably. "Perhaps your brother's disdain toward being in a romantic relationship without the thought of marriage was a darker cloud over my thoughts than I wished to admit."

Lane pursed her lips so tightly, she resembled a rather peeved salmon.

"Don't you pay Blaise any mind," she said coldly. "He is an utter luddite in such matters. And far others too, believe me..."

Orion smiled a bit despite himself.

"I admit, Jacob Cromwell's negative reaction toward me may also have worried me somewhat," he confessed. "I didn't take it personally at the time, but...well, from what Carewyn has told me, the three of you were always very close."

"Yes -- but as I said, Jay has always been overly protective of Winnie. Quite frankly I don't think there's anyone in this world Winnie could've brought home that Jay wouldn't have been suspicious of."

"Are you sure you weren't a bit as well?" Orion asked coolly, his lips resting beside the rim of his cup. "I notice Carewyn still hasn't returned with the proper file from your office."

Lane's lips teased up in a very small smile despite herself.

"Perhaps I did accidentally put the file in the wrong folder by accident," she said amusedly, some mischief dancing through her eyes. "But I figured it'd be harder to speak to you candidly, if I didn't coax Winnie out of the room for a bit."

"You could've just asked."

Carewyn had returned, her red lips pursed with slight annoyance as she put the proper file down on the side table next to Lane's armchair. Lane laughed quietly.

"I'm sorry, Winnie -- that was a bit underhanded of me."

She picked up the file and brought it into her lap so she could skim through it. Carewyn sighed irritably through her nose as she came over to sit down on the couch next to Orion -- her partner was all smiles, though, as he leaned in and gave a peck to her cheek.

"Not to fret, little Firecrab," he murmured beside her skin. "It was but a minor prank with no injuries."

"Except perhaps to my pride," sighed Carewyn tiredly. She then looked at her mother. "Are you done interrogating Orion now? What was it that you'd wanted to say that you didn't want me to hear?"

"Nothing in particular, Winnie," Lane said soothingly. "I just wanted to hear Orion's answers on their own. I know you would've wanted to defend him to me, had I challenged him on anything, and I thought it'd be best to hear him for myself."

Orion took Carewyn's hand in one of his and brought them both into his lap. "You are a proper knight in such affairs, my Abraxan. Your mother was well within her rights to want me to speak on my own behalf, in this situation."

Carewyn's lips twitched with displeasure, but she nonetheless begrudgingly accepted this.

"Thank you very kindly for the flowers, by the way," Lane said to Orion, indicating the potted plant at his side. "They're quite lovely."

Orion smiled. "I'm glad you like them. My daughter Eos and I picked specially -- we thought that some heath would bring some lovely color, in the midst of this long winter."

"Ah yes," said Lane, her eyes alight with interest, "heather is a beloved flower in Scotland, is it not? I seem to recall the Druids in particular saw it as a sacred plant."

Orion nodded. "It is considered very lucky...but winter heath in particular is also symbolic of fortitude and independence, given its ability to prosper even in the coldest conditions. ...Much like your daughter," he added a bit more quietly, bowing his head shyly even as he leaned his shoulder beside hers. Carewyn beamed, her face flushed with emotion and pride, as she leaned against him in return. "I had also hoped purple would be a satisfactory color -- I believe Carewyn has said it's your favorite."

Lane's eyes sparkled fondly. "It is. You chose well."

Resting her Watkins file on her lap, she leaned down and fetched out a small package in green-and-white music-note-printed wrapping paper with a green bow on top from the drawer of her side table.

"I set a late Christmas gift aside for you and your daughter," said Lane with a smile as Orion and Carewyn both blinked at her. "Maybe it's a bit late for your tree this year, but maybe next year?"

With another slow blink, Orion took the package from her. He ripped one lone corner so as to trail his finger in a straight line down the side and open up the rest.

Inside was a pair of two painted wooden ornaments shaped like black-and-white-patterned birds.

Orion's heart gave a little flutter of joy. Carewyn's face lit up.

"Magpies!" Carewyn breathed happily. "Oh, Mum, they're so sweet!"

"I thought so too," Lane said with a warm smile at Orion. "I thought they could represent you and your daughter, since one's just a little bit larger than the other. You know what they say...'one for sorrow...'"

"'...Two for joy,'" Orion finished.

Lane nodded. "I'd originally wanted to find you a bird nest, like the one on my tree...but well, all of the nests I found either had multiple eggs, or no eggs at all. And the last thing I wanted was for you to feel like your daughter wasn't included."

Orion looked up at her in surprise. Lane's expression became more serious.

"Winnie told me about how hard you worked to protect Eos during the War," she said softly. "It warmed my heart, hearing of how much you love her...I know Winnie's so proud of how much you love her, too."

Indeed, Carewyn was smiling in unadulterated pride as she gave Orion's hand a squeeze.

"And even if she never becomes a grandchild of mine...I wanted you to know, your daughter is always welcome here -- as are you," said Lane. "And if you and Eos ever don't have anywhere to hang your magpies up...remember they'll always have a spot on my Christmas tree."

Orion's heart felt like it had warmed up beside the fire, same as his body. His face broke out into a very soft smile as he bowed fully to Lane, his black eyes sparkling like a pair of starry skies.

"You truly are a friend of winged horses, Lane Cromwell," he murmured. "Thank you."

[nocontext-hphm]

[io-wall]

Quidditch Champions shipost

Because I can't help myself, my Quidditch Champions team is made of the characters from Hogwarts Mystery even though I can't name the players in the game (unfortunately)

[in order from left to right: Andre Egwu, Liam Barnes (MC), random OC, Orion Amari, Talbott Winger, Skye Parkin]

Chasers are ofc Orion, Skye and my MC Liam. I wanted to keep it as close to the mobile game as possible and my boy is a Chaser at heart.

I felt bad for Andre and his backup Seeker situation, so I made him into a Keeper (I was debating between Beater and a Keeper but here we are I guess...)

Talbott is a Seeker only because one of his best answers for Gobstones is "Seeker" when asked about the best position. I also gave him the bun just because there isn't anything else closer to his hairstyle.

And the Beater (there's only one lmao) is just a random character for now (I couldn't choose between the other HPHM Ravenclaw characters). In my HC about Liam, he had a younger sister who passed away so this is how she would probably look like even though she would have been sorted into Slytherin if she went to Hogwarts.

[grabowskibeepboop]

I really need more people to know of and/or create more content for this ship

If you play hogwarts mystery and did the quiddich quests, you should know them very well, Orion Amari and Murphy Mcnully are like the perfect pairing

"I love it when he overanalizes everything I say"

"I love overanalizing everything he says"

"If they took 90% of everything you've ever said out of context, the level of confusion would stay the same"

"Thank you"

[hellodanny-hphm]

Hi guys

I know I'm missing and late but I just wanted to say that I loved seeing my baby with this ice skate (I love anything that involves ice skating) and that Orion and Rath are wonderfull <3

[anachriva]

Excel memes, because I have to get something from my ICT courses

[lifeofkaze]

A Sky Full of Stars

A/N: Look at me, I'm not ever going to write a mirror scene again. Look at me, I'm sticking with my words. Oh well. Last day, last prompt. Stargazing. Thank you to @hphm-ship-week for hosting this event. As always, the original to this mirror can be found here. Special thanks (and curses) to @eternalchaoschocolaterain. Look what you made me do.

Away from the bonfire of the victory party, the temperature dropped immediately. It was a mellow summer night, the air fragrant with the last idea of the wildflowers that lined the side of the path Lizzie and Orion were following along. A cool breeze drifted towards them from the Black Lake, its dark waters shimmering in the silvery light of the moon above. 

Ever since their first impromptu celebration of Hufflepuff winning the Quidditch House Cup - and what a win it had been - Orion had longed to finally be alone with Lizzie, to let the impressions and emotions that had stormed in on him since the end of the match settle. They hadn’t had a chance to speak yet, and even at the big party hoisted in their team’s honour further up the path, he had had no sight of her. 

Now, walking down the winding path by the lakeshore, it was like a heavy weight had lifted off Orion’s shoulders, one he hadn’t even realised had been there. He had been apprehensive of this moment but now that it had arrived, his nerves had dispersed like smoke, leaving behind nothing but a vague memory of the knot that had come undone in him when Lizzie had taken his hand and not let go again.  

They talked as they were walking, those couple of minutes since they had left the party filled with more words, more laughter and ease, than all the days since they had stepped off the Hogwarts Express last September until now combined. Orion had missed this; he had missed her.

At some point, Lizzie had moved closer to him, leaning subtly into his side when he let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She fit right into him, her body warm against his, growing increasingly more quiet as the path carried them further into the moonlit landscape surrounding the castle. Not thinking much about it initially, Lizzie’s silence soon stirred a sense of worry in him. An idea which seemed right and sensible in the warmth of a bonfire might look entirely differently once the golden glow was stripped away, leaving only the cold light of the moon to illuminate its consequences. Did Lizzie regret leaving with him? Did he? Was this a trial of their will, or were they headed down a path that wasn’t theirs to walk? Slowing his steps, he studied her but Lizzie didn’t seem to notice. She was looking up ahead, entirely lost in her thoughts.

“What are you thinking?”

Lizzie gave a start, as if she hadn’t heard him at all. “Sorry, what?”

“You’ve gone very quiet. What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing really, don’t worry.”

It had taken her only a moment’s hesitation to reply and yet to Orion, it felt like an eternity that made his stomach drop. Unwrapping his arm from her shoulders he stopped, turning her towards him.

“I’ve always known you to carry your heart on your sleeve, Chaser. Until this year. Now that you and Rowan have made your peace, I had hoped you would go back to not being afraid of your thoughts anymore. You don’t have to hide when you’re with me.”

Lizzie pressed her lips together briefly before pulling them into a weak smile. “I’m just not used to feeling this awkward around you.” 

She meant to lighten the mood, Orion knew that, but he felt like a door was closing inside him. He raised his hand to her face, brushing away a strand of her hair in the same way that had started them on this turbulent journey. 

“We can always go back if you don’t want this.”

Lizzie shook her head almost instantly, the determined look in her eyes as much reassurance as the hand she placed over his. Leaning into his touch, she momentarily cast down her gaze before raising it again to meet his. Even in the moonlight they looked blue, deep and dark and inviting, but there was an openness to them that Orion had rarely seen before, a vulnerability that was almost sacrilegious to witness. Running his thumb across her cheek, seeing how she closed her eyes to his touch, he whispered,

“Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?” Lizzie’s eyes softened, her lips parting ever so slightly. She tilted her head and stepped closer, and so did Orion, both their eyes closing, just a breath away from…

The sound of nearby laughter cut through the night, making them both start and hastily step away from each other. Another laugh followed, quickly hushed by a subdued voice and a giggle that ebbed in volume as the voices drew nearer. They had yet to see Lizzie and Orion, so he took her by the hand and pulled her off the path and into the shadow of a tree. Concealed from curious eyes, they waited for whoever had disturbed them to appear.  

It didn’t take long. First, the shadows of two people following down the lake path came into view. Soon, the shadows took shape, one tall and broad, the other small and stocky; both of them looked familiar though Orion couldn’t say why. Lizzie, who was peering at the approaching pair with furrowed brow, cocked her head.

“Isn’t that…”

The moonlight hit the couple on the path, revealing their friend and teammate Skye Parkin and - much to their mutual surprise - Erika Rath, Ravenclaw Beater and Skye’s declared mortal enemy. Or so Orion had thought. Lizzie had just leaned in to him to comment on this peculiar sight when her mouth dropped open and her eyes went wide. Over by a bend in the path, beneath the shadow of a tree not unlike theirs, Erika Rath had pushed Skye against the tree trunk, Skye’s arms coming around her neck in a tight embrace as they kissed passionately. A disbelieving giggle bubbled from Lizzie’s chest, quickly growing into laughter barely contained by the hand clapped  in front of her mouth. Her whole frame was shaking from it, so much so that Orion found it hard not to join in.

“Even the most steadfast rivalry can turn into fondness, it seems,” he chuckled, backing away from the tree to get back onto the path unseen. “Maybe we should leave them to it.”

Casting one last, disbelieving look at Skye and Rath, Lizzie followed him, bursting into laughter as soon as they were out of earshot. Her laugh was contagious, skipping over to Orion after all until it was bouncing back and forth between them. It made his belly hurt, and he winced as he tried - in vain - to relax his already aching cheeks. Lizzie was faring no better. She had laughed herself into a state close to hysteria, having reached a point where she was unable to stop. 

“You need to calm down,” Orion told her, fighting the urge to begin laughing again. Lizzie nodded and pressed her lips together but it was to no avail. She began giggling again, so he raised a hand and put a finger against her lips, as lightly as the touch of a feather. “Hush now. Calm down.”

Lizzie took a shallow breath and became still. Her shoulders relaxed and so did her features as she let Orion pull her against him. They stood like this for what felt like forever, neither of them moving, not daring to. A crossroad had opened before them, as plain for Orion to see as the moonlit water of the lake or the shooting star that cut across the sky. One road would continue them on familiar territory, steady and secure, a path they had begun to walk comfortably before it had become unsatisfying, without adventure, without promise. The other, branching off from the broad and well-trodden way, was obscure, winding, with an end they would be unable to see before they’d reached it. It could lead to the most beautiful place imaginable, or end abruptly and drop off into nothingness. Orion didn’t know what lay ahead, but the well-known roads had never much enticed him. He longed to explore this new path together with Lizze. All they needed to do was take a step. 

That and a lot more ran through his mind, thoughts tumbling over each other as he remained frozen, waiting - hoping - for Lizzie to do something. And she did, eventually, but in a way Orion hadn’t expected. 

She suddenly broke free and wordlessly wandered to an upturned tree trunk by the lakeshore. The mixture of relief and frustration at the moment having slipped by dissolved into wonder as Lizzie scrambled onto it and held out her arms to the sides.

“What are you doing?”

She laughed at his question. “Balancing.”

She walked to the middle of the trunk, Orion following her on the ground. The dampness of the night air had made the wood beneath her feet slippery, however, and in an inattentive moment, Lizzie misplaced her foot. She swayed dangerously, Orion’s hand shooting forward to catch her, but there was no need; she had regained her balance by herself and now stood facing him, an amused look crossing her face.

“Do you worry about me falling?”

“One time per day is enough, don’t you think?” Orion replied. Her collision with a Bludger earlier during the match could have ended nastily, even more so than it had anyway. The image of her clinging to that Ravenclaw banner, her broomstick tumbling to the faraway ground below her, had burned itself into his consciousness, making his heart race even now. His smile faltered at the memory, needing Lizzie’s touch to break him from his thoughts. 

“It is,” she smiled, seemingly more unfazed by what had happened than he was. Her hands came to rest on his shoulders, then wandered higher, gently brushing over his hair and along his temple. “But once again, you’re here to catch me.” 

Orion leaned into her touch. “I’ll always be here to catch you.”

Lizzie paused, dropping her hand from his hair to his neck as she pulled him in at the same time he stepped closer. His nerves had ceased to tear at him. All his doubts and worries disappeared as Lizzie bent down and he raised his chin and their lips met calmly, naturally, as if it had meant to be this exact way and no other. It was a sweet kiss, lacking the fire their first one on top of the Astronomy Tower had had, but there was a different kind of warmth to it; a warmth that spread through Orion like the blood in his veins, a warmth that made his heart beat fast and heavy and strong, making him feel focused, present, and alive. His lips pulled into a smile as he lifted Lizzie off the tree trunk by her hips and spun her around to set her to the ground, the sound of her laughter as silvery as the moonlight illuminating the night around them.

When they finally broke apart, Orion rested his forehead against hers, feeling even the last of the weight he’d carried fall from his shoulders.

“I missed you.”

Lizzie’s eyes softened at his whispered admission, gently touching her hand to his cheek. “I missed you, too.”

She kissed him again and rested her head against his chest, sighing deeply. She didn’t say anything for quite a while; so long, in fact, that Orion eventually grew uneasy.

“What’s the matter?” 

Lizzie shook her head against his chest, her voice thick with emotion. “Do you know how good it feels, not having to hide anymore?”

She sounded so relieved, so full of emotions she hadn’t dared to show to the world, that Orion just let her have that moment, running her hand over her hair until the tension had left her body. When he was sure she was in a balanced state of mind again, he gently let go and took her hand.

“Come on,” he said. “There’s a place I wanted to show you.”

He led her to a willow tree right by the water, a little set back from the path. He came here often, both day and night, to meditate or let his thoughts wander. He sometimes brought Murphy along, but never her. Somehow, it was different now. Somehow, he didn’t want this to be only his spot anymore.

“Stars again, huh?” Lizzie said, remaining standing when Orion had already laid back in the grass with his hands crossed behind his head. His eyes wandered from the glinting firmament to Lizzie, lips curving into a smirk.

“You sound surprised.”

“Not really.”

With a sigh, Lizzie settled into his side. Head resting against his shoulder, she looked up at the glittering expanse above them. The sky was crystal clear, its inky vastness dusted with sparkling stars and gleaming planets. A smile formed on Lizzie’s face as she observed them, so peaceful that the stars seemed just a little less bright than a moment ago.

“Care to enlighten me on what’s making you smile?”

Lizzie laughed quietly, nestling her head into the crook of his neck. “I just thought that I can now stop pretending not to know my stars anymore.” 

“You never had to in the first place.”

She didn’t reply, instead placing a hand on Orion’s chest, right above his heart. He covered it with his, still not quite daring to believe that this was truly happening, that this wasn't just a lucid, starlit dream. The idea made his head swim, the surrealness of it all threatening to overwhelm him. Willing his mind to be silent, he did his best to focus on what was right before him - the sky glittering above their heads, the water murmuring a couple of feet away, and the girl he had fallen in love with leaning into his side.

They lay like this for a while, stargazing, talking, sharing the occasional kiss and each other’s company. The universe turned above them, making it feel like they had fallen out of time itself when, eventually, the touch of Lizzie’s hand by his neck made Orion pull his shoulders up.

“You’re icy,” he muttered, capturing her hand between his as Lizzie immediately pulled away. “You should have said something.” 

“I’m fine,” Lizzie said but - as if only now realising herself how cold she was - her teeth had begun to chatter. “I didn’t want this moment to end. I wish it was forever.”

“In some ways, every moment is forever. You just need to hold on to what’s dear to you.” 

Turning one of the woven bracelets he wore around his wrist, Lizzie hummed thoughtfully. “What’s going to happen now?” “Whatever you want to happen,” Orion replied. Even now, there was a slight drop to his stomach as he considered her question. Choosing not to heed it, he rose to his feet, pulling her along with him. “But for now, I suggest we go back and get you near a fire.”

They walked back in silence, each following their own train of thought. Orion had his arm draped around Lizzie’s shoulder once more, hoping to provide her at least with a little of his warmth. She seemed comfortable by his side, albeit silent, but when the sheen of the bonfire appeared ahead of them and she slowed her steps, his doubts were there again all of a sudden, so strongly that, for a moment, Orion was sure he was dreaming  after all and now it was time to wake up. 

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Lizzie mumbled, not looking at him but the firesheen ahead. “Everything just feels so surreal all of a sudden.”

The knot in Orion’s stomach tightened. “Do you want me to let go?”

“No,” Lizzie said hurriedly, reaching for his hand to keep it in place around her shoulder. “This is what I want.”

Her words were like a key unlocking the band that had closed around his chest once and for all. Not that his heart was lying open, free to breathe and grow and fly, he was willing to give it to her wholly.

“That’s fortunate, Chaser,” he smiled, “because no matter what the universe had planned for us, I don’t intend to let you go anytime soon.” 

Lizzie raised her face and breathed a kiss against his lips, pulling him into her embrace. Sooner than Orion would have liked she let go and reached for his hand, walking ahead with a spring in her step, back toward the party, toward the light and life where their friends were waiting for her, for him, for… them.

Where everyone was waiting for them. 

[ameliathefatcat]

Random Hogwarts Mystery Headcanons because I have a lot of Ideas

Badeea Ali has really bad environmental allergies. She has to take allergy potions before Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology

Skye Parkin has a nut allergy and didn’t realize for way to long she just thought nuts were spicy

Ben Copper and Jae Kim are lactose intolerant

Badeea has undiagnosed autism, she’s an 80’s kid and the child of immigrants.

Badeea was the first in her family to be born outside of Egypt, her father immigranted when her half brothers were small and her mother immigranted as a young woman

Tulip is the heaviest sleeper ever. Charlie Mosley and Badeea have to flip over her mattress to wake her up when she over sleeps

She sleeps through that as well

Barnaby is epileptic due to a TBI he got as a child

He mostly has absence seizures, once or twice a year he might have a tonic-clonic seizure

He keeps this a secret, since he’s embarrassed of having brain damage

Chiara is the only one that knows he’s epileptic and she helps him when he has a seizure

Reggie Tonks (Nyphmadora’s younger brother) actually became friends with Ismelda Murk due to both of them being a bit satanic

Reggie loves to test out his new spells and Ismelda likes to cause pain so she helps him get victims test subjects

Reggie is also friends with Badeea since both like to invite new spells

Tonks doesn’t get it. She loves her little brother but doesn’t understand why people in her year are friends with him

Tonks is very protective of her little brother

Diego Caplan teases Amelia and Ben for being Ashkenazi

Diego is Sephardic btw

When Amelia and Diego are on patrol together they joke around and argue about Jewish stuff

The other Prefects, Barnaby, Liz, Badeea, Andre, Penny and Charlie are confused about this and when Amelia said ‘a good amount of our culture is arguing’

Tonks is not trust with sharp objects

Ben and Badeea both became Uncle/Aunt while at Hogwarts

Andre does drag

Talbott finds this hot and annoying since Andre is a horrible singer

Ben’s family really loves Amelia. She was invited to his second sister Rina’s wedding

Orion is a stoner

He also doesn’t shower that much

He has horrible BO

Skye has a pair of lucky socks are that are super smelly

Rath sweats a lot and uses so much deodorant to deal with BO

When Badeea sees the name ‘Khalid Ali’ in the news paper she hopes it a different Khalid Ali and not her half brother. It’s often her half brother

Andre was once reading an international wizarding newspaper and the headline was ‘British-Egyptian wizard in Cairo. Badeea knew instantly it was her half brother

More about Badeea’s half brothers when they were at Hogwarts they anglicized their names Samir went by Sam and Khalid went by Kenny. Khalid is called Kenny by most of his friends but didn’t legally change his name because it was too much work

Badeea does technically have an anglicized nickname, B. She’s mostly called this by the other Ravenclaws.

Amelia and Badeea bond over the fact both of them don’t speak English at home.

Khalid was friends with both Duncan and Jacob but he no interest in the cursed vaults

Barnaby, Liz, Diego, Penny, Andre, Badeea, Charlie and Amelia took a Prefect photo and re take it at their reunions

Murphy and Rath are constantly on and off dating

[melodymidway]

Summer Days and Quidditch

Following the fight with her father and her stay in the Egwu house, Melody reunites with her Quidditch friends on Skye's birthday. She dives into the chaos of the Parkin family, has important conversations, and reflects on her family bonds.

Since the story takes place around Skye's birthday, here are the dates of birth of the Quidditch gang members in chronological order:

Orion Amari -> 03.09.1971

Murphy McNully -> 10.02.1972

Skye Parkin -> 28.07.1972

Andre Egwu -> 19.01.1973

Helena Tremblay -> 23.02.1973

Melody Midway -> 21.04.1973

Helena and Renée belong to @helenadurazzo

July 1988

Even though she had only just taken her first glance at it, the Parkin house had already lived up to Melody's expectations. To her, it seemed bigger than the Midway Estate, which was a considerable bar, given that her home had been built to accommodate more than one family. Moreover, the house possessed an air of mild pomposity that she absolutely expected from the domain of show-offs by the likes of Skye and Ethan, especially since the latter clearly earned enough to afford such an impressive piece of land in the picturesque outskirts of Wigtown. The summer days there were blessed with sunshine and smelled of sea salt. The atmosphere was delightfully calm, especially after their messy trip on the Knight Bus.

Having finally stopped fretting over their valises, Andre was now busy smoothing out his new glamorous robe, which didn't take kindly to the road. "The next time you propose some nonsense like this, Melody, please be so kind as to remind me to squeeze at least a bit of common sense into that head of yours."

"The next time you complain about my schemes, please remember that you were foolish enough to agree to them," Melody bit back with effortless irony.

Orion was breathing in the morning freshness, relief clear on his face. "Do you travel in this manner very often?"

"Mostly when I visit my friends, such as now. My parents also happen to be unable to take me to the King's Cross or pick me up after the ride due to their very serious Auror work. And what?" Melody smirked at him. "Is the bus too chaotic for you?"

He shrugged. "As a Quidditch player, I don't think I have the right to grumble about speed and dizziness. However, fireplaces are more customary to me. I believe we should better give preference to them in the future."

Melody snorted, as if saying that he didn't know how to have proper fun, and passed through the hospitably unlocked gate. Skye opened the door mere seconds after she knocked, without even asking who was there.

"Finally," she said with a smile. "McNully and I have been getting impatient. Come, levitate your baggage to the stairs for now. I may be your hostess, but I won't trouble myself with charms if I can help it."

Murphy appeared from what soon turned out to be the main living room, basically radiating contentment. "I didn't expect the lot of you to arrive together," he commented, shaking Andre's and then Melody's hand in a very business-like manner. Orion ignored the outstretched palm, giving his best friend a brotherly embrace instead. "After all, London is located in quite a different part of the country comparing to the Wotton Manor or Portree."

"I spent some time at Andre's before heading here." Her previously sincere smile began to feel a little strained when she remembered the event that led to her abrupt removal from the Midway Estate.

"You know, I'm always happy to have my favourite Curse-Breaker around." Andre gave her a lighthearted pat on the shoulder, but his gaze was serious. He, too, recalled Melody's red eyes upon her arrival to his home. "And then, Orion joined us for a few days after his and Melody's walk around Edinburgh. I hope my family wasn't too overbearing," he addressed the Captain a little apologetically.

"They're wonderful," Orion replied softly. "I'm very glad to have enjoyed such a warm domestic atmosphere, if only for a little while."

"Well, it sounds vaguely like betrayal," Murphy intervened jokingly. "Mum was wondering why you didn't come around. You will have to placate us and visit in August."

"I can't impose all the time." The phrase was pronounced in so quiet a voice that only Melody heard it, and her heart went out to its owner. Orion cleared his throat and started talking more loudly. "As a matter of fact, I managed to get my hands on the seeds of exceedingly beautiful flowers. I'm certain Riley will love them."

Skye briefly interrupted the conversation, hurrying them to the sofas.

"Your rooms will be on the third floor, right next to each other. Do you want a snack or some drink?" While she did her best to sound confident, she clearly wasn't used to accommodating guests. Before Melody could answer, Skye continued: "You missed a couple of Dad's trainings, you know? So don't be shy and come a little in advance next time. Besides, I already want to get all those smashing presents!"

"You will receive them exactly on your birthday, which means tomorrow and no sooner," Melody teased. If she was completely honest, the invitation to Skye's birthday party was a suprise and made her rather anxious about finding a suitable present. It also brought her relief: Melody was glad that they overcame the disagreements that stood between them during the last school year.

Still, she wouldn't exchange the days she passed in Andre's house even for the company of the Quidditch stars of the Wigtown Wanderers. The Egwus were kinder to her than her own father had been. In spite of Uncle Caspar being his close friend and Aunt Jocelyn his colleague in the Auror Office, none of them ever reprimanded her for disobedience and tendency to quarrel with her elders. Melody really didn't need additional comments on the matter. A part of her felt regret, but the other remembered his hurtful counterattack, as well as the Howler, and believed that he deserved every bitter word he had gotten.

Melody pondered about it a lot but chose not to rant. If her friends had been with her in the immediate aftermath, she would have, yet her bus trip to Portree had cooled her emotions sufficiently. It was enough for Andre to know that the fight had been bad, and talking to Orion about the troubles with parents seemed very selfish. Besides, their stroll had been too charming for unpleasant interruptions to take place. Orion knew Edinburgh and its outskirts as well as he did his balancing practices, and his tales never failed to keep her genuine interest. Since he agreed to attend Melody's own little excursion around London someday with eagerness, as he had only truly been to Diagon Alley and King's Cross, the feeling was mutual.

"Judging by Ace's recent arrival, the practice has already come to an end," Murphy said, "but it doesn't mean that we can't show Orion, Andre and Melody the pitch and talk to the remaining players."

"Ace?" Andre repeated. "Your eldest brother?"

Skye nodded. "He and Fiona, his wife, live here since it's more practical in terms of trainings. Flynn also does from time to time, though he has his own flat. Don't mind them. When he's not playing, Ace spends most of his time hovering over Fiona anyway. She's to give birth in a few months."

"I'm certain that you will make a great aunt, Skye Parkin," Orion commented warmly.

Skye rolled her eyes with a smile, and everyone laughed. Melody did as well, though a quiet little voice somewhere inside her whispered things that made it preferable to cry. What would Jackie's life have been like if he hadn't gone missing? Would she have been on her way to become an aunt like Skye? Similar thoughts had invaded her mind back on Renée's wedding, never failing to upset her. Jackie would have been the best man for his favourite cousin and dear friend, he would have toasted to their eternal happiness and grinned as only he had a way of grinning...

Tea was finally ready and brought to the living room alongside some sweets. It was a very basic lunch, but Melody didn't complain. She wouldn't have done it better with her meagre cooking skills, though she'd definitely prefer coffee.

Of course, Orion didn't miss the chance to tease her about it. "The blend is quite pleasant. It's a shame you have no true appreciation for it, Melody."

"Excuse me," Melody responded with mirth. "I don't exactly hate tea. Coffee is just the superior drink."

"You haven't tried really good tea, then. In the Wotton Manor, they make it from the herbs that grow in the local greenhouses." Orion smirked when Melody jokingly grimaced at the last word. With him, banter felt light and amusing. With Andre, for instance, it often seemed as though they were ready to go to war.

Skye lowered her eyes to her cup, suddenly losing all of her external confidence. Melody opened her mouth to ask what was wrong, but her friend started talking first.

"I'm really glad you're all here. Honestly, I wasn't completely sure you'd come. I know I apologised at our victory party and you forgave me, but I still feel bad about what happened." She sighed. "I could've handled the Rath situation better. I still don't like her - perhaps I never will - but it's not an excuse to blame her without proof, or to attack you for being friends with her." Her gaze focused on Andre, and then on Melody.

"I can't say we're friends," the latter responded. "I was trying to get along with her for Helena's sake. Still, basically forcing me to choose between you and my cousin wasn't very nice."

"Yes," Skye nodded. "I'm sorry, Melody. For that, and for the mess with MacFusty as well. I shouldn't have made such comments, not while you were dating and definitely not when he turned out to be the Red Cloak. You just looked so hurt."

The mention of Leathan lay on Melody's shoulders like a heavy shadow. Her previously acute feelings about his betrayal, be it real or staged, faded a bit over the months. What remained was painful uncertainty that none of them had tried to overcome.

Once, she had considered him a kindred spirit and even deemed herself capable of falling in love with him. Now, she wondered if such an end had actually been for the best. Even though Melody was inclined to believe in his innocence, she didn't really fight for the recovery of their bond. Neither did Leathan, preferring to avert his eyes in defeat and shame.

She had always thought that romance complicated everything. She shouldn't have let it climb into the list of her priorities.

"Your words didn't make it any easier for me, but I think we can move on from that," Melody said, leaning towards Skye to squeeze her hand.

Skye looked reassured, but not completely. "Orion, I guess I was pretty dismissive of you and your methods. I regret that."

He looked surprised, but his face soon softened. "I greatly value your apology. I admit that your distrust was upsetting. I also suspect that it undermined my authority in the team." Skye's expression soured. "However, I'm not against constructive criticism. Only through complete harmony and understanding can we achieve our goals. Besides, you have undeniable experience that our team can profit from."

"But what about me?" Murphy asked cheerfully, bringing back the former ease. "I got absolutely nothing!"

"I'm glad I wasn't a trashy friend to one person at least," Skye snorted. "I wish Helena was here. I invited her, but I suppose she didn't want to come."

"I did, actually."

Melody almost jumped on her seat from surprise. Helena stood in the doorway, her fingers clutching the handle of her suitcase and her slight smile giving her gaze an additional touch of warmth.

"I don't think it's very wise to leave the fireplace unlocked," she commented. "Not that I'm complaining, I wouldn't want to search for another way. The hall was empty, and I heard voices coming from here, so... hey?"

The greeting was muttered with such uncertainty that Skye stood up abruptly. Her hand flied to the nape of her neck in a prominent gesture of awkwardness.

"It's great to have you here," she said sincerely.

Helena's smile widened. "I heard what you've just said, Skye, and I appreciate it a lot. I'm not asking you to become best friends with Erika, but I hope the two of you can be civil around each other?"

"Why do I feel like you had a similar conversation with Rath?" Skye inquired with humour. Helena's snort confirmed her theory immediately.

Andre raised his eyebrows. "How about you say hello to us as well, Helena? We're also your friends, you know."

Visibly brightened by the reconciliation, Helena joined the chatter with enthusiasm. When she had finally gotten to her cousin, the latter received a long, bone-crushing hug.

"How have you been, Mel? We've heard what happened with Uncle Jonathan, of course." Releasing Melody, she gave her a concerned look. "Mum was so furious, you should have seen her. She asked me to bring you biscuits to cheer you up. Well, the biscuits are for everyone," she added sheepishly, "but you're entitled to the biggest portion."

She turned to her suitcase, looking for the package with aforementioned biscuits entirely oblivious to the fact that she caused four pairs of eyes to simultaneously land on her cousin. Skye's and Murphy's were inquisitive, Andre only frowned, and Orion seemed to ponder over something he must have surmised before.

Melody sighed. Helena must have assumed that everyone had already known. "About that... Well, you could say I ran away from home."

"You what?" Skye exclaimed, eyes wide. Even though their situations were somewhat similar, it looked like she never contemplated such a plan. But then, Ethan Parkin seemed way more loving and understanding than her own father. "Were you at Andre's all this time?"

"No, only since last week." Deciding to be done with it, Melody continued: "We fought. Lots of nasty things were said. I got really angry. That's about it."

Though she tried her best to sound nonchalant, her friends didn't look convinced. Melody hated her good memory sometimes. It still contained every single epithet her father had awarded her with.

Helena shook her head. "It was clear that after the Howler, your conflict would be more difficult to overcome, but I rather hoped you would be able to resolve it more peacefully."

"Uncle Jonathan is hardly a peaceful person," Andre muttered.

"He's also stubborn as a mule. It's like talking to a stone wall, really," Melody rolled her eyes, feeling her indignation rise again. "I'm always wrong. Apparently, I use my every waking hour to shame my family. Lottie is perfection itself, and I'm the worst daughter anyone can possibly have."

"Did he say that?" Orion asked quietly. His gaze betrayed disturbance and sympathy.

"Not in these exact words, but it was the meaning behind his entire speech."

A short silence fell upon the company. Helena placed the biscuits on the table, and Melody sighed loudly when she saw them.

"I should have predicted that," she said in an attempt to return the cheerful atmosphere. "Of course she used her plant-shaped moulds. She knows how much I dislike them."

"They don't influence the taste, so I advise you to get over your principles," Helena teased, sipping tea from her freshly filled cup. Melody pouted, feigning doubt, and eventually reached out for the sweets.

"By the way, Helena, did you lose Miles somewhere on your way?" Murphy inquired. "I planned to share some of my thoughts with him. Also, I wanted to have a decent chess game at last! You lot are of no use."

"Thanks for the compliment, McNully," Skye bit back and then continued: "To be honest, I didn't even invite him. I mean, he's a nice guy, but I wanted it to be sort of a team party?"

"I don't think he would have agreed even you'd asked," Helena shrugged. "Miles has an adventure on his own. He left with Tulip and Tonks... most likely to Tonks's place since Tulip's parents are intolerant to chaos those three would undoubtedly cause. They also asked about you, Mel, Tulip in particular. I think she's going to love your little stunt with running away."

"I still prefer my present company," Melody replied. "Besides, Miles and Tulip as lovebirds are already annoying enough at Hogwarts."

Andre snorted. "Our sweet and shy Miles chose himself interesting friends indeed. He changed a lot since we were children, didn't he? Especially in terms of gaining some confidence and style. Getting rid of those glasses and growing his hair were surely good decisions."

"There's nothing wrong with glasses!" Helena adjusted hers on her nose pointedly.

"I'm not saying they're inherently ugly, but Miles hated his. It didn't help his self-image."

Murphy's face showed curiosity. "Did Miles really wear glasses?"

"You don't know this story?" Helena asked. He shook his head. "Problems with eyesight seem to run in our family, and while Renée was spared, Miles and I weren't. We were prescribed glasses, and well, you're already aware of Miles's attitude to them. Honestly, I believe Jackie is partly to blame since he often teased us both about our glasses. I never minded since I knew he was just joking in a good-natured way, but Miles reacted more painfully. He's still quite self-conscious, but as a child, he was even more so. All in all, it was our first year, and we were all on a Flying lesson when those glasses accidentally fell off his nose down to the ground. Reparo might have helped, theoretically... but Miles convinced our parents that such a fragile thing wouldn't be the most practical thing in the magical world. They brought him to the therapy to St. Mungo's eventually, so now he sees well without any glasses."

Once nothing but crumbs was left of the biscuits, they decided to have a walk. The Parkin house was conveniently located a stone's throw from the training base of the Wigtown Wanderers, and given that the members of the family occupied at least three positions in the team, to Melody's knowledge, it was no surprise. Before leaving, they had a quick look at the area around the house, overwhelmingly green and suitable for picnics, an entertainment they would surely schedule for one of the following days. There was also a Quidditch pitch on the backyard, big enough for Melody to wonder why she hadn't noticed it earlier. When Orion asked if they were going to use it for a game or two, Skye laughed.

"It's nothing more than a playground. My brothers and I flew around here as toddlers. Dad immediately took us to the serious pitch as soon as we grew older. I happen to wind circles around the loops when I can't go to the base or have nothing better to do, but that's it. At least it'll finally be of use again when Ace's child is born."

Melody, having only a miserable piece of land around her home as a result of living in a big city, considered it quite odd. Of course, her parents sometimes took her and her siblings to the meadows outside of London, and to a huge public Quidditch Pitch for that matter, but it wasn't the same as having access to one anytime. Still, she supposed, the Parkins regarded the training grounds like the Midways did the duelling halls. While the one in the Midway Estate couldn't really compete with the Hogwarts premises size-wise, it was way more than the vast majority of houses had.

The path was pleasant, as were the conversations that poured as easily and naturally as waves on the shore. Melody found herself walking shoulder to shoulder with Orion, who was as serene as ever, though he kept glancing at her every now and then with his pensive eyes.

"Melody," he called softly. "Do you know you can always share your troubles with me? There's no need to put on a brave face in my presence."

Melody looked down, biting her lip. "I can say the same to you. You don't impose on anyone, you know? From what I've heard of Murphy's mother, she adores you. And it's a sentiment we all share."

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Orion flexed his fingers. The gesture seemed nervous, almost vulnerable.

"You say that we're your family, and you're caring for us accordingly," Melody proceeded, though she was unsure if she was saying the right thing. "So there's nothing wrong with us caring for you. In fact, it's natural."

A small smile graced Orion's face. "I can't fathom how you fooled the majority of Hogwarts into thinking that you're an ice queen. You're all fire, Melody, but instead of danger, you bring light and warmth. I could put my hands right into the flames and come out unscathed." Melody was acutely aware of blood rushing to her cheeks uncontrollably. "I admit I had occasional doubts about my welcome, but I will try to quell them. Actually, I wanted to ask how you're doing, in truth, but you reversed the question very masterfully."

For a moment, Melody kept silent, but his gentle encouragement won over her reluctance. "When I heard that Father would be absent for some weeks - the usual Auror business, from what I've gathered - I felt so relieved. Is it even normal, to wish the person you're supposed to love away? And I do think I love him, as any child does a parent, but I don't really like him, you know, as a person."

Orion's palm found hers effortlessly.

"However, he stayed for Renée's wedding, and I wanted to avoid another public scandal so bad that I lurked in the corners all the time. I was like a thief on my own cousin's celebration! He left before the evening was over, as he couldn't delay the departure any longer, and the moment he apparated away, I felt capable of breathing freely again." Melody paused. "It hadn't been this way before. Sure, he could scold me rather harshly, but... He never hit me, or any of us, really," she pointed out suddenly, "and yet the words he chooses while rebuking you make you feel as though he did."

Orion didn't answer immediately, but when he did, it was a quiet reciting:

What can one make of mere words...

The words, the voice - and nothing more.

But the heart beats - it comes to life

While hearing them!..*

Melody blinked at him, feeling like he'd just shown her yet another one of his many layers. "I wasn't aware you're so fond of poetry."

"I indulge myself sometimes," Orion shook his head. "What I meant is that the words are a very powerful tool. They can both hurt and heal. I've never met your father, Melody, but the bits and pieces of him that I've seen so far give me an impression that his feelings may not be so different from yours. He's out of temper with you, but he still holds paternal love for you. And then, don't you also choose words that can cause him as much damage as possible?"

Melody's silence was an answer in itself.

"I still believe you should talk, preferably in a calmer manner," Orion continued. "You drew conclusions from that conflict, and I'm certain that he did as well. Of course, if there's no inclination on at least one side, it's pointless... But he's your father, so I consider it worth a try."

"I don't think I can forgive him without an apology, and he doesn't apologise very often," Melody muttered. "Still, I want to join my family on the Diagon Alley. We will see how it goes."

Orion nodded slowly. "It's reasonable. How is your relationship with Lottie?"

A smirk stretched her lips. "It turned out that I can't stay angry at her for long, but to her merit, she seems to have learned a thing or two. Plus, Louis is going to enter Hogwarts this year. He might be the least problematic Midway in existence, though, so I'm not very worried. Actually, I think you'll like each other."

With a short laugh, Orion said: "I'm fully prepared to like your relatives, no matter their level of chaos. After all, it doesn't prevent me from liking you. Not in the slightest."

Skye, who was way ahead of them, urged them to hurry up. Andre narrowed his eyes slyly at the sight of a rather flushed Melody and an utterly content Orion.

It was needless to say that the instances when Melody visited the giant, majestic Quidditch pitches like the one Skye presented them with obvious warmth and pride in her voice, weren't at all numerous. Father used to bring her and Lottie to matches when they were children - Jackie always refused categorically, neger forgetting to mention how stupid the game was, while Louis shrugged indifferently, preferring the comfort of their home to any such events - but now, especially with everything that was going on in the family, she felt like it had happened a whole eternity ago. Still, the sight of spacious stands, capable of accommodating at least ten populations of Hogwarts and the large field with loops stretching, seemingly, to the very sky reminded her of the childish excitement that boiled inside as she observed it all for the first time in her life.

The team had already started dispersing in different directions when they entered the administrative premise. Only Ethan Parkin remained dressed in the blood red uniform with a silver meat cleaver on the chest and leaned on the table, covered with stacks of papers, talking to a woman who was sitting at it. She greeted them casually, and Melody came to a conclusion that she could only be Ailsa Parkin, Skye's mother and the manager of Wigtown Wanderers in one face.

"When I had a free moment, I made a quick list of possible activities for you to do around here. Tomorrow is, of course, reserved for celebrations, but then you could go to the beach. The water is quite warm now," she instructed her daughter. "Or-"

"You could get a good practice! Or better two, half a day before lunch and half a day after. The Quidditch Cup won't win itself."

Mrs. Parkin only chuckled and rolled her eyes at her husband's comment. "By the way, have you eaten anything?" Skye's description of their improvised meal left her completely unimpressed. "I hoped you would do better than starve our guests. Anyway, we're leaving for home in half an hour at most. I'll cook something appropriate."

As little time as they had, no one denied that it should be spent on the pitch, even if it was only a walk. Undoubtedly, Ethan Parkin wouldn't let their company pass without exhausting trainings in the nearest future. Despite all the complications, Ravenclaw came out of the two last Quidditch seasons victorious, yet negligence and arrogance could easily end the streak.

Near the stands, two wizards and one witch were chatting animatedly as their company was passing by. One of the men shortly waved at Skye without diverting from whatever the young woman that seemed strangely familiar to Melody was telling him. Another man, however, was easily recognisable.

"Huck!" Andre flashed him a smile. Once the Ravenclaw Keeper and Andre's teacher in the ways of Quidditch, Huckleberry Dawson joined the Wigtown Wanderers around a year ago. Since then, the beard he started growing back at school became only thicker, making him look older than his almost twenty, but the blue-grey eyes were laughing all the same.

'How is my favourite team doing? Okay, okay, the second favourite after the Wigtown Wanderers," he corrected himself upon receiving a pointed look, albeit full of amusement, from his interlocutor. "I heard about your spectacular victory this year, Mr. Parkin described it in detail. Orla and I were both delighted."

"Orla?" Orion asked with interest. "I haven't heard any news about her for long. Where did her fate bring her?"

"Our Eagle's Eye plays for the Wasps now, although she didn't seem very satisfied with this fact the last time I met her. She considers switching to another team," Huck explained. "By the way, I told her that you had made a great Captain in her stead. She said she hadn't doubted it for a second."

His words brought a smile on Orion's face. "You should visit us sometime. The Ravenclaw team would be happy to have its children back."

The Keeper nodded seriously. "It's indeed a shame I wasn't there to see your triumph... It can be fixed in the next season, though, as long as you still win."

"Don't doubt us," Skye said confidently.

Huck chuckled, turning his attention to Andre once again. "Rachel told me you two are dating."

"Well, yes." Andre turned a little sheepish. "You don't have a problem with that, right?"

"Why should I? I know you're a great guy firsthand. Besides, I wouldn't dream of ordering my sister around." Andre laughed at that, as did Huck's companion, whose brown hair and hazel eyes that mirrored Ethan's and Skye's left no doubt about his identity. "Only, don't let your guard down during Quidditch matches. Rachel may be a Hufflepuff, but she's a ruthless little thing while on the field, and Ravenclaw can't afford to lose."

"Wiser words have never been spoken," Skye smirked, turning her head to, as Melody correctly guessed, her brother. "Not everyone here knows you, Flynn. Don't be rude and introduce yourself."

"How come you lot don't know me?" the young man retorted, bowing jokingly. "Ladies and gentlemen, Flynn Parkin, the best this team has to offer." He waved to the eccentric woman. "And that's a friend of mine, Viv Cresta. You may remember her from Hogwarts. She was a commentator."

Viv Cresta winked at them, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. It was dyed red, in contrast to the coal black waterfall that fell on her shoulders and back.

Murphy peered at her curiously. "I'm the current commentator! There's a 88.4% of probability that we could share our experiences and learn from them. How were the teams during your years of commenting? What strategies were used? Did your predictions for the victor turn out accurate?"

Clearly unaccustomed to Murphy's manner of speaking, Cresta seemed a little overwhelmed. "I don't remember much about the teams, to be honest. Gryffindors had a strong one, with two Parkins in it..." She gave Flynn a short look. "Although, as a Gryffindor myself, I don't deny that I'm biased. I also don't think I ever built serious theories regarding the winners."

Melody could almost see the bold percentage Murphy came up with fall lower and lower in his calculating mind as interest faded away from his eyes. From what she remembered of her first year at school, when Viv Cresta still commented the matches - only matches and never friendlies, unlike Murphy - the woman regarded her responsibilities relaxedly and never burned with the enormous amount of enthusiasm the way her friend did.

Skye decided to present her guests in turn. "Well, McNully introduced himself well enough. Andre Egwu plays Keeper, of course, and you can guess he's the fashion icon of our team by his looks. Orion Amari is our local Captain, Chaser and balancer, and Melody Midway catches snitches, although the majority of school knows her better for Curse-Breaking."

Both pairs of eyes studied her with varying degrees of intensity. The Midway surname was recognised, to Melody's lack of surprise and mild irritation.

"I knew your brother," Viv Cresta said rather abruptly. "We studied together."

Melody felt uncomfortable, as she always did when complete strangers mentioned Jackie. Though the girl was, perhaps, not so unknown a person; Melody's vague recognition must have stemmed from the many photos of family and friends that her brother had hung on the walls of his room. They remained there to the present day; in general, Jackie's space looked as though he never left, save for the lack of a slight disarray.

"Well, good for you, I guess. I didn't have the chance myself."

Though her response was meant to discourage further discussion of this matter, Viv Cresta opened her mouth again. "Do you really play Quidditch? I thought none of the Midways was particularly skilled in flying. Jackie couldn't as much as summon a broom to his hand."

"And do I, by any chance, look like Jackie to you? The last time I checked, being siblings didn't blend us into one person." Melody didn't hold back the bit of poison that found its way to her voice. Comparing her to her brother was a sure way to get on her nerves. Yet, the fact that Cresta called him by the nickname Melody herself had come up with spoke volumes about their relationship.

"Frankly, you don't resemble him much. Save for the freckles, maybe." Viv Cresta shrugged in an attempt to smooth the tension, but still looked low-key uneasy. Melody felt a little guilty: while the girl's question was annoying, she clearly didn't ask it with malicious intent.

Flynn Parkin, who was observing the encounter with curiousity, whistled.

"A prickly one, aren't you? I hope you won't bite me if I say I remember Jacob Midway as well. I don't have Viv's claim to a closer acquaintance - he was a few years younger and we were in different Houses - but his fame preceded him. He was just a boy, and yet he caused the kinds of mischief even I didn't dare to try, and I was in my final years. His cheekiness always fascinated me."

At times, Jackie boasted of his most successful pranks and gave Melody rule-breaking tips because, according to him, she needed to know how to epically overshadow him once she entered Hogwarts. The memories left a bittersweet taste in her mouth.

"Few people have anything good to say about him these days. The majority much prefers the mad and evil caricature from the Daily Prophet to a living person," she answered sincerely. "Thank you."

"I was simply telling the truth."

Sometimes Melody wondered why her feelings regarding Jackie's disappearance were so acute even years afterwards. Sure, she learned to talk about him more freely and remember their shenanigans with fondness, though never without lingering sadness, yet she wasn't the only one to experience loss, and Orion was way more composed while mentioning his parents. She supposed that for her, the topic of Jackie had never been truly closed. As many tears as she shed for him, she didn't believe him dead; there was always the desperate hope to have him back. Besides, all the rumours and hushed comments behind her back could hardly help her move on, instead forcing her to adopt a defensive mechanism that had just been activated against Jackie's own friend.

Her brother had been such a bright star that his light shone on Melody and the entirety of Hogwarts still, though he was no longer there himself.

Her friends knew enough not to be surprised by her words or ask questions, Helena and Andre most of all. The latter's direct contacts with Jackie were few and far in between, of course, but he was still intimately acquainted with the situation in the Midway Estate due to their childhood friendship. The former, though, remembered very well what kind of person her brother was before the curses blurred his mind... Melody shook her head. She tried not to think about Jackie in past tenses.

When the stands were left behind, the Commentator's Box let a truly breathtaking panorama appear before their eyes. Murphy moved his wheelchair to the very edge, lying his arms on the low barrier and absentmindedly listening to Andre, who stood nearby. Undoubtedly, he imagined himself commenting professional Quidditch matches after graduation. Helena was also looking around, though Melody was certain that she admired the landscapes way more than the pitch itself. Skye was ever concentrated on the game, talking about the possibility of learning a few new tricks from her father and brothers while Orion, like Melody herself, watched the line of the horizon without saying a word. Feeling the light weight of tension fading away from her shoulders, she inhaled the wind and dared to hope that maybe, despite all the obstacles that sought to crush them on their way, the future would give each of their little family what they desired the most.

* The piece of a poem by Taras Shevchenko (and the sloppy translation by me)

[carewyncromwell]

They're all so pretty!! 🥹