#the wizard tower makes me sad :( alas.

[orcelito]

Yet again feeling guilty for not having written in weeks, but my brain is filled primarily with thoughts of "I can't wait to explore more in BG3" and "wow I miss my girlfriend I want to see her"[saw her literally 3 times last week & spent all Friday evening and Saturday morning with her] "wow if only I could see my girlfriend :("

[lord-westley]

Howdy Bestie @tolkien-fantasy! I hope you enjoy this matchup, I haven't written for BG3 before and it's been SO long since i've written in general so hopefully it's somewhat good! (i even included canon lines he says to Tav)

I match you up with Gale of Waterdeep!

I'm going to go off script of the whole Tav storyline

You guy's met one day in Baldur's Gate many years ago at Sorcerous Sundries, a huge and magical Library

He noticed you were struggling to reach a book on the top shelf, so he helped you out

Gale stood behind you, and grabbed the book before looking down and offering it to you with a grin

"Ah, A Primer on Mythical Beasts. An excellent choice!"

And with that single comment, the two of you clicked, forming an unbreakable bond over your mutual love of books and knowledge.

At the time, Gale lived in Waterdeep, further up north- a City much, much larger than your home in Baldur's Gate

The day you met, you spoke so proudly of his home. How beautiful and magnificent it is- and the libraries. Oh the Libraries in his city are large full of rare books and tomes.

Gale invited you to come to Waterdeep some day, so that he may show you said libraries

but alas, with the journey being long, it would not bode well with your ailments. So you declined

The day Gale had to leave Baldur's Gate was a sad one, although neither of you lost hope to keep in contact

You two sent letters each and every day, talking about anything and everything.

Gale would send you tomes regarding your current obsessions, and would always look forward to your next letter in response

One day though, the letters stopped. You kept sending letters to him in hope of a reply

Maybe he's just busy? Yeah that's right, he is Mystra's Chosen, so he's probably busy with his duties to her

But a letter never came

Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. But you didn't lose hope and continued to send letters

Then one day he just... appeared

Gale stood right in front of you at your little house on the edge of Baldur's Gate

He stood right in front of you, disheveled, bruised, and exhausted. And yet- there was a huge happy grin on his face despite the anxiety shaking in his hands

Gale explained everything to you, not leaving out a single detail, being as honest as he can

Okay so now timeskip and finally get to the romance part lmao

If there is one thing I know for sure, is he ABSOLUTELY adores all the mortal aspects of you

from the way your hair puffs up like a Owlbears feathers

to the mud staining your clothes during outdoor adventures

Gale thinks you're drop dead gorgeous

you're so different from most people in Faerun, and he's met a lot of people and he absolutely adores it

He supports you in everything you do, constantly purchasing new tomes for your interests

new journals, pens, and materials for your artistic hobbies

good luck charms and rare crystals

And dont worry about having too much stuff, like books and material. His tower has shelves upon shelves of books and storage.

He might even use some little wizard magic to expand on his tower just for you

"Whatever you need, you have only to ask"

Gale helps you as much as he can with your pain and ailments

He's constantly researching new spells and medicines with the help of Shadowheart

And if you're up for it, he'll create potions for you to try and experiment to see if it helps

and if it does! he happily teaches you how to make it so if there is any point where he is gone and you've run out, you'd be able to make it!

On any particular day where the pain is especially bad, he's at your beck and call. To the point of having Tara stay by your side when he is unable to

"Are you alright? If you have need of me, just say the word."

I feel the need to touch on your height for a moment

In comparison to him, you're so small but not once does he mention it. He understands that it can be an insecurity

But secretly? he absolutely adores your height

The way he can comfortably hold you in his lap as he reads makes him so so happy and warm

One particular moment that really stands out, is how he dropped something in a hole, unable to reach it

But you were there! and happily grabbed it for him... atleast not without a silly comment from him before you did

"That's not a Gale-sized hole."

Or how despite your size, you're SO strong, and it never fails to make his heart flutter seeing you lift heavy items. (his str is 8.. mans is WEAK)

He constantly asks if you could carry something for him just to see you flex your muscles

One specific time, there was "danger" that appeared out of nowhere

It startled him and you came to his rescue. Taking care of it with absolute ease

"I um, once read a book that explained in some detail the effect a brush with danger has on one's desire for... other forms of stimulation.."

I wouldn't particularly say Gale is a morning person, so good luck waking up in the mornings trying to escape his grasp

He'd try holding onto you for as long as he can before you get annoyed that you need to get up

Only then, will he finally let go

Sometimes he gets up with you, but some mornings, he's too exhausted from his night owl activities that he falls right to sleep (with some struggle since you're no longer there)

Please bring him coffee or even tea to bed, waking him up with it. He would melt and get so flustered

He'd grab onto you, holding you tight and press a kiss to your cheeks

"Ah, to hold the world in the palm of one's hand"

Gale LOVES to hold long philosophical conversations with you. He uses such fancy big words and loves to hear your point of view on things that most would ignore

The two of you could stay up late for hours, simply debating on topics

Some nights it get's so intense he'd break out a paper and quill to write down each others thoughts, comparing them and create charts

Now for you chaotic gremlin habits, at first he was a big worrywart. Unsure if it would be safe to do something

but overtime, he learned to accept it, and simply join you on the fun

After everything he's been through, He fully heartedly believes to just throw oneself into something, to not worry too much about rejection or what may happen. As long as you try.

"Sounds like a recipe for disaster. But you know what? I'm learning to enjoy the taste of chaos. Count me in."

All in all, he is a very loving partner, who loves to dote on you

who loves to indulge in everything you ever do and say

he'll be with you until the end of time, refusing to leave your side

"You taste of untold delights. How about we continue our tasting?"

[awritingtree]

Promises

Draco Malfoy x sister!reader

@kashishwrites 300 writing challenge: Hurt/comfort prompt 12. “Why didn't you tell me?” and angst prompt 6. “Is this how little you think of me?” The prompts have been bolded.

Summary: Draco witnesses his sister get bullied and finds out that she’s been keeping it from him all these years. Draco finally steps up and owns up to his role as her older brother, the one whose supposed to protect her and be her shoulder to lean on.

Words: 2.8k

Warnings: ANGST, bullying, depression, fluff, blood and house discrimination. If bullying or depression talk will trigger you, please don’t read.

A/N: this took so much longer to write than expected. Uni is really kicking my butt with the amount of work each professor is deciding to assign. I wanted to do this more justice but I just couldn’t write this any better. It could’ve been way better but oh well, it’s decent at least. Hope you guys like it xx

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“Draco!” a voice cut called out, through the Slytherin common room. Draco, who was sitting with Parkinson, Crabbe and Goyle, near the fireplace looked up to see Blaise Zabini, another one of the Slytherins.

“You need to come with me,” he said while trying to catch his breath, “It’s Y/N.”

Draco shot up from his seat instantly and followed Zabini out of the common room, past the Great Hall and towards the Ravenclaw Tower. Draco could see a small crowd up ahead of the corridor as they turned a corner. He could hear laughs coming from a few of the students. When they were close enough Draco realized what was going on.

There in the centre of the circle were three Gryffindor 7th year boys, making fun of someone, throwing their bag’s contents onto the floor. Draco slipped his wand out as soon as he saw the bag, gripping it so tightly he was surprised it didn’t snap in half. His shoulders tensed from an anger so intense, it could have obliterated everything around him for miles.

“Oh, look here. Malfoy’s got a muggle book. Going to use it to help Mummy and Daddy find new ways to torture, are you?”

“Give it back,” spoke Draco, his voice so low from the rage brewing inside, everyone flinched due to its ferocity. He glared at the three boys in front of him. ‘Filthy, disgusting excuses of wizards. How dare they pick on a Malfoy!?’ thought Draco.

Y/N’s tear-filled eyes widened at the sight in front of her. Her back was pressed against the wall, hoping it would swallow her whole taking her far away from everyone.

“Leave,” threatened Draco, raising his wand slightly. Zabini came and stood beside Draco; wand raised too.

The three red-and-gold-clad boys looked at each other. They threw Y/N’s bag onto the floor before turning around and walking away, deciding the fight was not worth it. The crowd cleared off, now that the drama was over.

Y/N slid down the wall and buried her face in her knees. She could hear Zabini and her brother conversing, but she didn’t dare to look up. How could she? How could she face her brother after what had just happened? He would surely hate her. She was a Malfoy, she couldn’t afford to look weak in front of anyone, much less be bullied in front of an audience.

Y/N continued to cry into her knees even as she heard someone slide down the wall next to her. Draco wrapped his arm around Y/N, pulling her into his side. His other hand went up to stroke her hair in a soothing manner. He couldn’t bear to hear her cry, he wanted to take all her pain away, but alas he couldn’t. The least he thought he could do is provide her some comfort and so that he did.

“How long has this been going on?” Draco asked, once Y/N calmed down a bit.

“Since first year,” Y/N admitted quietly, looking down at her fidgeting hands.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t think you’d care.”

“I’m your brother,” countered Draco.

“Yes but you’re a git too, no offense, and you know it. You go around being unpleasant to other people; muggleborns, half-bloods, ‘blood-traitors’ as you say. You bully others for being who they are, something they have no choice over. I didn’t think you’d care because you act the same way as those boys do. What makes you different from those boys? Why would you care enough to help me when I am so weak?”

“Is this how little you think of me? I’m your brother, Y/N. Of course, I’m going to care,” said Draco, hurt by what his sister was telling him.

“You certainly haven’t acted like you do for quite some time now,” Y/N couldn’t help but scoff.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Draco, puzzled. He thought they were fine, on good terms; they talked occasionally given that he was a Slytherin and she was sorted into Ravenclaw in his second year. Draco remembered how furious his father had been; he sent a Howler the very next day. Though, he calmed down a bit soon after because (apparently) Ravenclaw was better than Hufflepuff or Gryffindor.

Something snapped inside of Y/N when she heard those words pour out from Draco’s mouth. Years of pent-up feelings, trying to pretend everything was alright, bubbled over; years of not letting the tears fall - the dam finally broke.

“You haven’t been around, Draco. Yes, we still talk but it isn’t the same as before. I tried making friends, finding a life without someone who's always been there, right by my side. But in the end, everyone left. It was my fault they left too; I am too much deal with, I know that. I wouldn’t put up with me either,” she cried, “I feel so alone, even in a castle filled with students at every corner. Everyone says Hogwarts feels like home, but it doesn’t to me, it never has. But then again, I don’t know what home feels like anymore, not since I got sorted into Ravenclaw. I really thought we could get through anything, but that was false. I just keep hoping that things will get better but instead I set myself up for more and more disappointment. I’m tired, Draco. I’m so very tired. I’m tired of feeling nothing but this constant emptiness instead of me. I want to feel something other than this constant loneliness and sadness. I- I don’t think I’m okay. I don’t think I have been for a while. But does it really even matter? Nobody’s noticed,” she let out a hollow laugh, one that shook Draco to the core.

"Nobody ever notices anything except Malfoy’s weak little sister; weird and a loner," she said weakly.

Draco could feel his heart clench at his baby sister’s words. The same baby sister that he promised to always protect, the same baby sister that he promised he would never leave her side, the baby sister who he promised he would love unconditionally. But it seemed that Draco was a master at breaking promises.

“I- um,” he stuttered at a loss of words.

Draco took a deep breath, trying to pull himself together. This was not the time to break down, his little sister needed him.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything,” Y/N whispered out, shaking her head making a move to stand up.

“What are you sorry for? Why shouldn’t you have said anything?” Draco asked. He put a hand on her forearm, stopping her movements to stand up.

“I shouldn’t. It doesn’t matter, Draco. It’ll all be fine soon. I’ll get over it,” she smiled weakly, though Draco could see through it all.

“No you’re not. You’re not fine. I-,” Draco said softly, shaking his head slightly, “Talk to me Y/N, please.”

“I said I’m fine, Draco. Just, leave me alone!” Y/N exclaimed, ripping her arm out of his grip and getting up. Draco quickly stood up, reaching out to her as she walked towards her bag thrown across the floor.

“Y/N/N, please. I just want to help,” Draco tried reasoning calmly. He couldn’t get mad at her. He wasn’t. He knew she was only doing this because she was tired of letting people in who only turned their backs on her when she needed them the most. He had been one of these people, he knew he was. He failed to realize how bad things had gotten for her. Y/N had always been a bit more emotional than others ever since she was young, taking things to heart. Whenever their father, Lucius Malfoy, got furious she would be off for days; wallowing in sadness, guilt, and a dislike towards herself for being the way that she was - for not being better. She cried a lot too. Things affected her more deeply, the smallest of words setting her off. She felt too deeply.

“I want to understand,” he said.

Y/N scoffed.

“Understand? You want to understand? I don’t even understand what this is, Draco! Sometimes I wake up and I feel like I’m on top of the world, but then suddenly the will to do anything but lay in bed disappears. All I want then is to crawl back to bed and never wake up again. I feel like crying, but with no reason as to why. I’ll be fine one second then crying my eyes out the next. I want to understand why I feel this way. My thoughts always go back to everything those three boys tell me every single day without fail. Why do they pick on me? Is it me? But of course it’s me, what else could it be?”

Draco was stunned into silence. He didn’t know what to say; what could he say? Y/N took a deep breath, looking down at the floor, her shoulders slumped forwards.

“It hurts, it hurts so much,” she choked out, trying to keep herself together.

Draco frowned, “What hurts?”

“I don’t know, everywhere.”

Draco grew even more confused. He approached her hesitantly, stopping a few feet away in case she lashed out again.

“Why?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged, looking up at her brother. Her eyes were filled with tears she was trying to keep at bay.

“It- It feels like this ache in my chest, spreading. And it just makes me want to cry more. It’s more of an internal pain, one that I can’t seem to get rid of, no matter how hard I try. I try to. I do. I try to be happy, to still go on about my day hoping it’ll get better. But it doesn’t. I just feel like an outsider in this world full of happy, living people. And I don’t know what to do anymore.”

Draco stepped towards her; his arms outstretched. Y/N fell into them, clinging to her older brother. Draco wrapped his arm around her while his other arm stroked her hair, soothing and comforting her.

‘How long had she felt this way?’ he wondered.

He then remembered all the times he’s seen her throughout the past few years; always alone, barely laughing or smiling, days where she looked exhausted, days where she looked like she wanted nothing more than to go back to bed. Throughout all this, there was the dull look in her eyes, one that was still there at this moment.

He felt his heart clench in his chest. How could he have not noticed? Everything was right there in front of his eyes, but he had been too selfish; too far up his own arse to notice that the only person in the world he could love more than himself (even though he hadn’t been showing that the best for a few years now) was losing love for herself and life.

He felt horrible. He failed to protect her from the horrors of the world, and he hated himself for it. He brought her closer to hold her tighter against him as her body shook with every sob she let out. Holding her so tightly, hoping to make up for the fact that he wasn’t there to hold her all the previous times she’d broken down like this, all alone in her dorm, with a silencing charm and the curtains drawn. A few of his own tears streamed down his face onto her head but neither Draco nor Y/N she took any notice.

“I’m here. I’m here now and I’m not going anywhere. I promise,” whispered Draco over and over again, trying to make up for all the times he broke his previous promises.

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It’d been a few months since Draco made those promises to Y/N, never failing to fulfill them each and every day. He invited her to sit at the Slytherin table while other times he’d sit at the Ravenclaw table during meals. He spent time with her after class, in the library or down by the Black Lake when the weather allowed it; talking, doing their homework, or just sitting in silence. They became attached to the hip, even more than the infamous Weasley twins.

Today was one of those days where nothing seemed to be going right for Y/N. Starting with waking up late causing her to skip breakfast, to failing one of her major Potions tests. It didn’t help that those three Gryffindor boys caught her on the way to the Transfiguration, taunting her and leaving after burning her journal that was filled with ideas of new stories she’d wanted to write to ashes. All Y/N wanted to do was go to bed and cry, cuddling with her bunny stuffed toy. But of course, she never got what she wanted.

“Y/N/N!” Draco’s voice called after her.

Y/N stopped and turned around to wait for Draco to catch up with her.

“Where are you going? I thought we were-” he stopped once he took in her appearance, “Is everything okay?”

Y/N shook her head, clutching to her bag’s shoulder straps.

“What is it? What happened?” Draco asked, concerned.

“I just want to go to bed, Dray.”

“What, why? It’s only 4 o’clock, Y/N.”

“I know. I- I’m just tired,” Y/N replied weakly. She was truly exhausted due to the day she had.

“Oh. Well, come on,” Draco said grabbing her hand and pulling her along with him.

“Where are we going?”

“To my dorms. You can sleep there. I’ll bring you some hot chocolate later too. I’m not leaving you alone.”

Y/N felt her heart warm up, a small smile making its way onto her face. Maybe, he really was going to keep his promises this time. Maybe, someone did notice, someone did care.

Draco was becoming a better person after spending so much time with his little sister. His care and love for her seemed to outshine any of the prejudice and hatred instilled in him by their father. This was witnessed by many a few days ago.

Y/N was making her way towards the Great Hall from the greenhouses when she heard a voice.

“Watch where you’re going mudblood,” the voice spit.

Y/N turned a corner to see Pansy Parkinson, the girl that obsessively pined over her brother, glaring at Hermione Granger, Harry Potter’s best friend.

“Watch your mouth,” said the redhead.

‘Ron Weasley’ realized Y/N.

“Draco, did you hear what this Weasel just said to me!?” Parkinson shrieked. Y/N winced at the tone of her voice, noticing Draco do the same thing which brought a tiny smile to her face.

“Let it go,” drawled Draco, rolling his eyes.

“What do you mean ‘let it go’? She bumped into me! She did it purposely just because she’s a filthy little mudblood.”

Draco sighed irritated, “That makes no sense. No one is going to bump into someone just because they’re a muggleborn. Now let’s go Pansy.”

Everyone gaped at Draco. He didn’t seem to realize he’d just said, grabbing Pansy by her arm and dragging her away towards the Great Hall.

Y/N shot a sweet smile towards Granger, Potter and Weasley whom she passed by as she headed towards the Great Hall. However, the trio seemed to be too shocked by Draco’s actions and words to return the kind gesture.

‘He called her a muggleborn without thinking twice about it,’ Y/N thought, smiling to herself as she walked with a small skip in her steps.

“Here. It’s your favourite jumper of mine. Change and get comfy. I’ll grab the blanket you really like from my trunk.”

Y/N took the jumper and sweatpants from Draco, heading towards the bathroom to get changed. She walked out to see Draco waiting for her with the blanket spread on his bed. She sat down beside him, leaning her head on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he whispered.

Y/N shook her head.

“You can cry if you want. I’m not going to judge you for it,” Draco spoke softly.

Y/N didn’t reply. Draco sighed and turned his head to the side, pressing a kiss to her temple. Soon after Draco felt cold wet tears hit his neck. He held Y/N more tightly, trying to convey that she was never alone, not as long as he was in this world.

After a few minutes, Y/N quieted down. “Get in bed,” Draco spoke softly to her.

“No,” she said, “I have work to do. I can’t-”

“It’s okay. I’ll do it for you. Just sleep, okay?”

Y/N hesitated before nodding. She moved under the blanket and curled up in Draco’s bed.

Draco got up and tucked her in properly.

“Sleep, Y/N/N. I’ll be right here,” he mumbled, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Draco got his books, along with Y/N’s from their bags. He sat down on the floor resting against his bed getting ready to do her, and some of his, work as Y/N fell asleep, a content look on her face.

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[elanska]

Miss not so sidekick - chapter 91

Latte, who we highly suspect also having penchant for violence, thinking inwardly how cutesy and adorbsy the inhabitants of the scary looming black tower were.

Yes, she was seeing blue beating red and thinking it's cutesy. Maybe she's being affected by murderous bunny and his tower's conduct (as it certainly not befitting a lady) (meanwhile our standard reaction is screaming MAGE FIGHT! MAGE FIGHT! but we're not a noble lady)

anyway, Latte noted that the tower inhabitants seemingly young. Combined with the trivia that tower is a place where only the most talented magicians can reside (I'm actually kinda interested to see what will the test to get inside the tower and became its resident be), there seems many young mage geniuses (but bunny is still #1! yeah, errr...so is his childishness as well)

anyway, blue quickly encroached Latte's personal space (again, we see his master's influence there) and *very* formally introduce himself as bluntbob (we're gonna let him keep his name, because, not gonna lie, we don't know many haircuts enough to make a joke)

meanwhile Red goes, "tf u so polite for?" but bluebob (oops sorry, old  habit dies hard) bluntbob remind him that this creature is the master's guest (a RARE creature! ....what, does they suspect her to be dragon-in-disguise or something? that can shoot laser from her eyes?) (oy, what are you thinking about bunny?) (well, if he's interested in something, it can't be good...I meant it must be something unique, right?)

Red, I meant Veryred (not gonna lie #2, it seems the author also didn't have many knowledge about haircut either. Meanwhile, I was very sure that haircut is standard-short-waxy/wavy-cut-with-bangs-on-the-side, but veryred sounds perfect) introduce himself with a wink and teehee - which offend bob's aesthetics somehow and went for a strangle (CHOKEHOLD! CHOKEHOLD!) and both bickering about their preferences of nickname for Latte. my, how childish these two kids are. how immature. heh heh.

(...............) (....what?) (..nothing. just glad you're over that) (? we're not gonna saying how idiot she was last week?) (woah! wouldn't you look at that, psychopath division? what a cute kitty!) (*RUNS OFF*)

AAAAND OUR FAVORITE BUNNY IS HEREEEEEE!!! and send his own crazy underlings with just a mere sentence! damn, like a boss! wait, he's the boss. and not to mention that he's actually the most pyschopath here. A...Anyway, Latte thinking that Arwin's tyrannical presence can instantly scatter the persistent red & bob duo like somebody blewing the dandelion seeds to the remotest edge of a country - and that's a very cute imagery (okay Latte, there's something wrong with you. The smiling dandelion pic is cute tho).

Arwin, the CONFIDENT man who sees female lead Ibelin singing on stage and very matter-of-factly claim 'I'm Prettier." lean close and ask if Latte referring ('that's cute') comment to him. Latte is, hey how on earth are you cute (btw, in case you forgot, she thinks that monster are cuter than him. but don’t worry bunny, you already have your ‘prettiest’ and ‘op as fuck’ throne) so Latte said that comments is referring to her. and Arwin is like 'oho? you're cute?' and Latte is 'Yes, yes, I'm so so very cute, watch my lethal wink beam of cutesyness'  (and we thought to ourselves how veryred would tearfully relinquish his cutest-in-tower throne once Latte reside here. Sorry, red, you just didn't have the chance).

Alas, Latte forgot who her opponent is! As the master of the tower of magic, of course, Arwin will be immune even to deadliest charm spell ever was. Too bad, but don't be sad Latte, it's not your fault, it's just bunny that's abnormal, that's all, feel free to beam us again with your lethal charm spell! (.......are we serious?) (what? you want us to chant SPELLFIGHT! SPELLFIGHT! instead?) (hey, actually, don't you think charm spell fighting between Latte and Arwin will be a interesting?) (yeah, but Latte is not a magician) (and she'll lose once Arwin like, leaned *real* close to her face, no mp need to be involved)

Arwin also asking if Latte is sane (hey! that's rich, coming from you bunny!) (but wait, seriously. Latte just saying something about lethal in front of the tower lord, it could be perceived as threat right? uh? maybe? I didn't know what psychopaths thinks *looking around to check pyschopath division* ('well, hell~o there kitty *low whistle and then start serenading in garbled italian while kitty looks in disgust*) (....forget it, we don't know that shameful creature *nod nod* okay, let's just move on)

anyway, psychopath bunny half-joking (or maybe not, we can't tell) that being in those fools presence seemingly making Latte even crazier and should he *takes care* of them? and by *takes care* he meant kill, as in outrightly says it, because he's the master of magic tower and didn't give a fuck about police.

Latte, though not really right in the head herself (sometimes) but definitely know which one of them is crazier and immediately call it! and also immediately shutting herself up, because reminding a psychopath that he's a psychopath is never a good move. Fortunately (or unfortunately for those who still want a date chapter) in-walked another third wheel-Arobrock.

/by the way, just a quick review on dis pair progress: + Arwin no longer attempt to get into Latte's face (learned the safe distance) + Latte, no longer defer herself as court clown (must appease the sireeeee, if wanna liveeee). She can be the clown at her own pace now, tyvm. (well, she got that super rare 'won't kill you' card) //

Anyway, Arobrock mentioning his surprise that Arwin back so early since he's usually spending his sweet, sweet time pummeling the irritation, so why? Arwin is like, "eh, I feel like it" *steal glance to Latte*

Arwin-Arobrock freely talking about their threatening other country so casually. And the conversation so casually devolves into murder plan. Particularly Arwin mentioned that since he had give the koi country a nice reminder ('I let you go this time with compensation money, but next time, your head will flies off’) - so if the kois still dare to came next time, Arobrock should just kill them by himself *If we’re in gangster movies, this must be where the FBI wiretapper pumps out their fist and shout in joy that they got the murder plan confession on tape or something*

By the way, just for recap: Two kois came to the tower with their guards and wrecking about. The tower owner returned, extremely displeased and delivered them back with a warning and demand for reparation. If we thought Tower as independent nation, it'll be like, Vatican? it's small, and located within another country, but have their own government. To fucking attack it  = declaring war on another country = reparation needed. Honestly, why does princes keep making mistakes like this, do they think Tower as some kind of cheap bar where they can flaunt 'don't you know who I am? I'm a prince!" *gets slapped and then the owner morph to a dragon who breathes fire/pummeling the king or whomever it is until they agree to give compensation*

BTW, why the wizards seemingly like money? well, since they only have small land (only the tower and its surrounding?) they probably didn't have any resources except their wizardly selves (and various magical objects/potions/artifacts they make). It's not like they can tax all the wizards in the world......? actually, that would be....no no no, it's still hard to do, magicians are spread far and wide all across the continents (they're too snobbish to get along together in same place?) but since they're magicians, they are UNDER the tower's administration and jurisdiction. So theoritically, if the Tower Lord issuing command that all magicians gets into war with country A, they must serve? Well, *theoritically* but since magicians are prideful snobbish bunch, they might get 'huuuh? never heard you before in my life and now you told me to kneel and heel? want to taste my fireball?'-> which I think this is why the Tower Lord's seat is only for the strongest - so if it comes to it, the tower lord can just burn that rogue mage with his *stronger* fireball and carry on the plan without any more hitch. see Arwin's laughing face as the tower cower in fear here? It make a good motivational reminder poster.

............but it's kinda makes a question why does the Tower just let the koi princes makes a mess in the first place. and Arobrock just answers that with a money sign.

[esseastri]

Megan Reads Oathbringer (part 7)

blerg, I wanted to hit page 500 in the last chunk o’ liveblog, but alas. We continue on. This book is just too dense, the liveblog posts are too long and I will continue to mention that in every one of these posts, ‘cause it’s wild just how much is in here!

Part 7 encompasses pages 476-557 (previous parts)

OOOOOOOH JASNAH POV!!!!

hey, her art bubble is the old Shallan art bubble. that’s...boring. why doesn’t she get her own?

I’m emotional about Taln forever and ever

Jasnah being paranoid about her safety and assassins and stuffing her ventilation shaft with cloths is...so... You don’t expect Jasnah to be scared, but here she is. It makes perfect sense--she got stabbed through the chest, of course she’s scared--but she’s so poised and in control, you just don’t expect it.

OMG Jasnah had back up files of her notes!!! That’s brilliant.

spanreeds are so cool

do we know which type of spren Ivory is? if we do I don’t remember.

just keep reading, Megan, they’ll tell you. Inkspren. ...of course.

also, I’d been wondering how Jasnah was “broken”--since all the Radiants are--and somehow I never expected childhood illness. that’s a logical breaking point, but I never even thought of it.

THERE WAS A JASNAH AND HOID’S MOST EXCELLENT ADVENTURE!!! THERE WAS!!! I’VE BEEN ROBBED!!!

but also, wtf did she learn, what did she learn from him. I’m guessing it’s the same thing the Stormfather refused to tell Dalinar... about all ten orders returning.

god, I really, really hope that my theory about them replacing the Heralds is wrong. I don’t want that. ..

(It’s a good theory though; the first new members of the ten orders all make a new Oathpact at the end of the fifth book. the back five are about their first time breaking and the first Desolation post-this one. It’s awful and I don’t want it, but you gotta admit, it’s an interesting theory, at least in a meta way.)

also I’m sad no one likes the honorspren. Syl is such a good. then again, she’s different than her peeps, she always says.

gaahhh, the Moash chapters are killing me every time I see that patchless shoulder I just die a lil bit inside

“Compared to bridge duty, this was paradise.” I’M CRYING??? This is so, so much the ‘I did that, so I can survive anything’ mentality and I’m cry.

okay, but can all of the Fused use all of the Surges? or do they all do different things? Do they have the equivalent of radiant orders?

(I’m going to be so excited if Moash gets a spren, but I feel like he maybe has to take responsibility for his actions first...)

aaahh Moash is taking the Kaladin route of “I don’t care about these people but storm it, I’m helping them anyway”.

OH SHIT Those are the ones who Kaladin helped, aren’t they... they brought “a false god” that was Kaladin shit shit shit they are getting punished for him. He would die if he knew, oh god.

AAAHH MOASH IS A GOOD “You’re becoming like us” Ohhhh goooddd yep. yep. wow. Be better. Do better. The theme of this book, and I love it. I LOVE MOASH AAHHH

punk!Dalinar not being allowed to fight is wild.

OOOHH THEY DIDN’T TELL HIM HE’S BEEN HURTING PEOPLE?? WHY!!!!?? YOU GOTTA TELL HIM HE’S DESTROYING PEOPLE’S LIVES BY BEING A BLACKOUT DRUNK AND FIGHTING PEOPLE

THAT’S NOT A GOOD THING AND HE SHOULD KNOW THAT

his name means “born unto light” oh my god that’s delightful oh my god

ohno. you should not send Dalinar back to war, u should keep him at home and maybe find him a therapist to talk to him about the Thrill...

FLYING KHOLINS AHOY!!

“something profoundly disconcerting about being out on the ocean” disconcerting? You’ve misspelled exciting.

They are holding hands while flying that’s adorable

I love that it’s “Elhokar’s team” when we all know Kaladin will end up in charge, much to Adolin’s chagrin...

No comment on what Dalinar’s hair looks like all windswept, obviously that means he’s been windswept into full greaser-style pompadour.

“shellheads” really? wtf. you didn’t call them that before. it’s only after they gain sentience that you give them derogatory nicknames?

High King Dalinar founding his own kingdom is wild to think about...

All of Navani’s scribes and engineers are so excitable. I love it.

Dalinar sneaking about without guards is nervewracking. Pls be safe, buddy.

“what else were important lighteyes going to do with unmotivated children?” Uuh...motivate them? Don’t just throw them aside to the church and expect them to drain resources by doing nothing for the rest of their lives? Find some way for them to be productive members of society? Why is this such a hard concept?

Fucking lighteyes

“He was RURAL Alethi he CAN’T be a HERALD” fuck off, Kadash. Kaladin is from a backwater and he’s a Radiant. And Taln wasn’t a king. We know this.

“No spiritual basis for rule” seems like a good thing to me...separation fo church and state and all that...

Something I’m not surprised that Vorinism sucks ass at caring for the mentally ill...

Yeah, ok, but who cut Taln’s wall from the outside? one of the other Heralds? Someone who still has their honorblade? Or some...Diagram/Ghostblood/SonofHonor mofo who realized before we did that Taln is a Herald? I’M CONCERNED FOR MY ANCIENT BROKEN SON

“Lately, he didn’t much like himself.” Noooooo, Moaaaashhh!! I still like you! A lot!!!

I am absolutely delighted that the Fused point their toes when they are flying. My synchronized swimming ass is just...DELIGHTED

“You don’t farm an apocalypse.” heheheh

The tavern is called the Fallen Tower? really? Dalinar’s army fell at the Tower... and Bridge Four saved them. really.

omg noooo noooooooooo no

nooo

nooooooooo

that’s

a lumberyard. and

ladderruns. that’s the same damn thing oh god

no, I don’t want this.

Let Moash Live 2k17

There’s a weird trend of swapping PoVs in the middle of a chapter. I’m not used to it.

“They acted like they owned her already.” I mean...they kinda do, Shallan. You kinda fucked up with them.

“without her having to remain at the meeting” hon, you are needed at the meetings for reasons other than your mapmaking skills??

“I am my own woman” teeeechnically, you’re...what, Taravangian’s subject now? Right, he’s in charge of Vedenar.

Evi deserves better than punk!Dalinar. Him yelling at her because she invaded his manly man-space is gross and he should stop

Navani just chilling with Evi and Ialai is wild. I legit can’t imagine them all getting along.

Also, I love that Renarin’s name is just a name. I love the convoluted meaning of nothing. it’s great.

Evi is a Good and she! deserves! better!

oh god babies

tiny, tiny babies

Evil flying chulls!! Tiny Adolin is too cute oh god

Just writing down that page 519 is the glyph alphabet. That’s important, you know. :)

NanKhet’s list of assassination attempts and then his like... banquet of executions. is some Greek mythology shit up in here. That’s #yikes

Pastry chef scholar man! I love it! I love that there aRE people in Vorin lands who don’t adhere to Vorinism’s gender roles, people who think gender roles are for squares.

Hello Darkness My Old Friend has waaay too many names. Nakku, Nalan, Nale. This is why I just still call him Hello Darkness.

“Did you misplace her?” One does not simply misplace Lift.

They keep talking about how Thaylen City was super wrecked by the Everstorm and that’s fair, but like...has anyone heard from Shin? Talk about being unprotected for a wrong-way highstorm...

Jasnah reflexively sucking in Stormlight the second Amaram appears in the doorway is Big Mood.

“Other than the fact that you are a detestable buffoon who acheives only the lowest level of mediocrity, as it is the best your limited mind can imagine? I can’t possibly think of a reason.” GOD FUCKING BLESS.

“Give me an excuse. I dare you.” BIGGEST MOOD EVER OH MY GOD

yeah, you run away. fucker.

“The Windrunner” “the flying bridgeman” “brightlord broodingeyes” HE HAS A NAME, LADIES. He has a name.

I’m super tired of everyone--especially Jasnah--underestimating and disregarding Renarin.

And then he goes and does COOL SHIT LIKE FIND THE RESONATING LIBRARY!!!!??

Also, Jasnah can infuse gems with light? wacky fun.

oohh LIghtweaving isn’t just light it’s “and various waveforms” Renarin’s LIghtweaving is super different from Shallan’s isn’t it!!? I can’t want to see MOAR SURGES

Nooooo, Moash.... you gotta do the Kaladin thing! You can’t let go! Look at you, you are already helping the people he helped. You can’t stop yourself any more than he could. You’re not here to let go. You’re here to remember how to care.

Moash bby, I know you are prone to stupid decisions, but please...please don’t do anything stupid...

.........like that.

okay, creepy flying in charge lady. is creepy.

Okay, teaching the parshmen how to spear is good? sort of? from a certain point of view.

Ooooh Rlain pov!!! That’s new and interesting.

you know why is he here? How did he not get eaten by the first Everstorm?

HECK YE ALL FIVE LADY SCOUT WINDRUNNER SQUIRES HEEECKKK YYESSSSS

THEMS MY GIRLS

“He loved them because they did try.” Aaaahhhhh

“That’s like...extra manly.” I’m not sure that’s how being gay works, but I’ma roll with it. :D

“I guess it’s just a thing men say. Can you tell me how it feels?” “I can try.” KALADIN IS A GOOD WHO IS TRYING VERY HARD AND RLAIN IS ALSO A GOOD WHO IS TRYING VERY HARD AND I’M EMOTIONAL

I am so glad they are Trying Together.

That is an interesting question...did the magic stagnate them? stop people from being interested in finding non-magic ways of doing things? not just steel, but like...idk, indoor plumbing and better ways of farming, or anything that a Soulcaster can do. Why would you need better ways when you have the magic way?

It’s a very Harry Potter Wizard Wolrd mentality, tbh.

Oh shit, the Recreance was 2k years AFTER the Heralds bugged out and broke the Oathpact? That’s a long time for them to keep going without their leaders? and then to suddenly stop after all that time? whyyyy

what did they learn? about their spren? Jasnah knows.

Oh no!!!

nooo

he can hear the spren dying!!!???? OH NOOO

OH SNAP

WHAT

WHAT

NO

UM??? WHAT

THE FUCK?

HOW DID HE HACK DALINAR’S VISION?? WHERE DID HE COME FROM? HOW DID HE GET HERE? HOW DANGEROUS IS HE IN THIS FORM? HOW IS HE HERE?

WHAT

IS

HAPPENING

god, how many times did Dalinar rely on the Thrill? that’s got to leave some kind of bond, some connection. Something Odium can exploit.

God, it’s still really weird to think of Odium--the bad guy--as light, gold, white. it’s refreshing, but also wtf

Ah, fuck off, you’re not a god. The Shardholders are not gods. They’re just dudes with extra powerful magic. Ask Sazed.

God, okay, the STormfather is so. scared. wtf.

Oooohh, he hasn’t gotten Cultivation yet. She’s hidden and he’s bound--not very well if he’s here now, but still.

Can she help us?

Why does he...have to kill people? Is it because he’s the avatar of hatred of something else?

...interesting. Passion.

..........interesting that the Thaylens worship the Passions.

Also, I resent that if he’s All Sorts of Emotion/Passion, there’s the implication that all emotion eventually leads to violence, and I RESENT THAT SO HARD

oh snap, Cultivation is the Nightwatcher? What? I did not expect that...

goes further to the None of the Three Shards Are Good or Bad

though Odium might be lying...

what the shit

was that the Odium hell planet?

Did....did Lift just... scare him away?

I’m increaingly thinking shes got a bit of Cultivation in her. She’s not just a kiddo, and not just a Radiant, there’s something funky going on with her, and I think it’s something powerful enough to scare Odium.. hm...

EEEEYYYYY END PART TWO!!!!!

eww gross, Taravangian AND Venli? Bad interludes are bad. Where’s Szeth? I miss him.

[fic-dreamin]

THIS IS AS EPIC AND CLASSIC AS THE DRAWING OF THE THREE AND WIZARD AND GLASS GREAT JOB BY KING This was a great end with a return to the wandering gunslinger theme. There have been negative reviews in relation to the last 3 books of the series and this is annoying though understandable. Stephen King is unfortunately in the classification of pop writer. his title means he i very popular so there will always be a percentage ofpeople who do not like change and risk such as what he did with the last few books. Wolves of the calla was slow moving with a fast climax that left people confused. I loved this one and immediately understood that it was writtenwithin the context of respect to the classic western novel. Meaning heros ride into town, get to know the townspeople, agree to help them defend themselves against an outnumbered force. Th pace was deliberately structured like that. Songs of Susannah was hands down an experimental novel and why not, it was the 6th book. This was one of my favorite in theseries and understandablyone of the least popular. I loved it and was amazed at the risk King took in making something so imagiative it was hands down the most creative of the series. The last book The Dark Tower ties with Wizard and Glass as my second favorite with The Drawing Of THe Three being my favorite. I am unfortunately a big fan of Kings coked out period which produced his other masterpices such as Misery and It. While one can accurately say that an artist had peaks and dips which is true of King I have yet to find a book of his i did not like (well actually there is one dr sleep) but other than that ilove his ability to tell a story. This finall book, not to give away any details was a fitting although tragic ending. What do you expect? Rolands story was always consistently tragic so it makes sense for the totality of the story to be dramatic and tragic. Our beloved katet became true gunslingers and therefore intentially began a very risky lifestyle. Inconclusion come along and read the final chapters of this epic tale. A lot of things happen in this volume and its in the tradition of the first book. Go to Amazon

Outstanding ending to a fantastic series. I was worried that no ending could ... Outstanding ending to a fantastic series. Go to Amazon

Redemption or damnation??? You be the judge Perfect ending to an absolutely amazing tale. I have read the entire "Dark Tower" series multiple times now and I never tire of it. Makes me somehow wish that "updated" versions could be created so that all the possibilities could be revealed. But, alas...that would do this series an incredible injustice. Stephen King continues to baffle me with his storytelling talents. Enough so, that I have undertaken several other books he has written just to continue catching glimpses of this tale woven throughout. This series (and one other by a little known author named J.R.R. Tolkien) will be tales I will share with my children when they are old enough to understand the complexities involved. Go to Amazon

Great binding and display for the hard cover!! BUT... Marvel put this hardcover together Great! It's a nicely done dust cover that slips off to reveal a beautiful brown leather looking ( not leather tho as far as I know) hard cover. Go to Amazon

An interesting read but there are much better epics worth the investment in time and emotion Absolutely must read. Amazing story by an amazing author. Chassit Two Stars Sad but well written goodbye to the beloved characters that ... Five Stars Five Stars Great series! Very good book. expands the dark tower series

[marauderingbad-blog]

One Was Gold

A Chronology of Lily and Severus’ Friendship: Year Three

Part 3/7

Read the Full Story on AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/11690688/chapters/26319129

The Hogwarts express slowed and eventually came to a groaning halt as it reached Platform 9 ¾ . Lily kneeled on the seat in her compartment with her face pressed against the glass, looking for her parents and sister. Finally, she caught sight of her father’s graying, faded auburn hair and two familiar blondes--it was never hard to spot them, really, in their Muggle clothes. Lily beamed and waved at them enthusiastically--Marlene, Mary, and Dorcas were also squeezed in at the window, waving to their respective families. Lily’s parents caught sight of her gave and waved back enthusiastically; Petunia was clearly sulking with her arms crossed, regarding the wizarding families with open disdain. Lily tried to trick herself into not noticing.

“Well!” Lily said, bouncing back into her seat. “Our third year, all done. Make sure to write, yeah?” she said to the girls.

“We’ll have to go to another Quidditch match together!” said Marlene.

“And I want to see another Muggle movie,” Dorcas chimed in.

“Just one? I want to see like, twelve!” Mary added.

Lily laughed. “We’ll have to make a list! But yes, let’s do all of those things, I want to see you lot as often as possible,” Lily smiled. She gave each a tight, long hug in turn before they went off their separate ways to find their families.

Heaving her trunk off the train, Lily ran over to her family; her father caught her in his arms, lifting her off the ground. “My Lily,” he said, kissing her cheek. “How we’ve missed you,” he told her, then set her down.

“Darling,” greeted Lily’s mother, hugging her tightly and kissing the top of her head.

“Mum,” she said fondly. Lily peeked at Petunia over their mother’s shoulder; Petunia’s arms were still crossed and lips pursed.

“Tuney,” said Lily, as brightly as she could manage in the face of her sister’s determined aloofness. “I missed you,” she said truthfully--if, perhaps, foolishly--and hugged her sister, who returned it in the weakest, lamest way possible.

As Petunia quickly let go, Lily spotted Potter, who looked to be with his grandparents. The older woman was hugging him tightly and kissing his cheek. Potter made eye contact with Lily over her shoulder, and suddenly blushed profusely.

“Mum,” he groaned. “You're embarrassing me, there are people everywhere. People I know.”

Lily was mildly surprised to overhear that these were his parents--then she smirked as his mother pinched his cheeks. “Oh, you think I care that I’m embarrassing you?” Lily heard her ask. “You’re cute,” she retorted, then tried to smooth his hair down, much to Lily’s amusement. “Honestly, James, have you forgotten what a brush is? Why don’t you ever use your father’s potion? He invented it for your stubborn type of hair, you know.”

“Mum,” James practically growled, eyes still darting over to Lily, who was full out laughing at this point.

“Ah, the boys nowadays want to look like this, Effie,” explained Mr. Potter. “In my day, it was all about the slicked back look. Very difficult for me to manage,” he said.

“Yeah, well, your day was in the nineteen-teens, Dad. It’s the seventies now.”

“Is that one of your friends?” Lily’s mother asked, noticing her eavesdropping on the Potters.

“Oh, no,” said Lily, offended. “No, not at all. Just enjoying seeing him embarrassed is all.”

“That’s not very nice, Lily,” her father remarked.

“Nah, it’s good for him,” Lily insisted. “He’s not very nice.”

“Oh, there’s Severus,” Lily’s mum said suddenly. “Severus!’ she called, waving.

“Mum,” Petunia hissed, alarmed. “Why’re you calling him over here?”

“He’s my friend, Tuney, be nice,” Lily hissed right back.

In stark contrast from Lily’s warm homecoming, after several moments of mild searching, Severus came to accept that his mother was not present on the platform. The sounds and sensations of excitement surrounded him: Exalted families reuniting, trunks dragging and teetering, owls hooting and rattling in their cages. But Severus very much felt as if he were on the outside of all of this joy looking in, disconnected. Her absence wasn’t entirely unexpected--as each year passed Severus’ father became more and more angry, which in turn made his mother more and more dismal.

Severus swallowed this disappointment like thick treacle. He felt very much alienated by how different he felt from everyone else on the platform that day--well, almost everyone. In the midst of his somber, faint-hearted search, Severus’ eyes glimpsed Black approach a towering, skeletal woman with his same black hair and grey eyes. Obviously this was his mother, as indicated by her dark, intricate, custom-made robes and upturned nose. This woman clearly had never even considered wearing muggle clothes a day in her life.

Black wore a sour, humorless expression as he stood before her. He turned and met Severus’ eye just for an instant. But in that second, Black and Severus shared their first and last moment of sullen understanding.

Severus nearly jumped from surprise when he heard his name being called. He half-expected (hoped, really) to see his mother standing there, but instead his eyes fell upon Mrs. Evans. He sighed a bit as he dragged his trunk towards the Evanses, knowing he’d now have to make up some excuse yet again for his family’s negligence.

“Hello,” he said tonelessly to Mr. and Mrs. Evans. His eyes shifted with disinterest past Petunia, and he avoided making eye contact with Lily entirely. She would know instantly what was going on if he looked at her--she probably already knew.

Lily did, indeed, surmise fairly quickly that Severus’ mother must not have come, and she would never have expected his father to willingly surround himself with all this magic. Petunia probably quite agreed with him in this regard, but their parents left her with no choice but to come.

Even if she hadn’t know, however, her mother's next words would have given it away.

“Hello, Severus, dear,” she smiled. “Have a good year?” she asked warmly. “I ran into your mother the other day at the grocery store, she asked if we’d be able to pick you up from the platform, so you'll be coming with us, dear.”

Petunia looked as if she might be sick, sending imploring looks to her parents--looks which were utterly ignored.

“We were thinking, though, of stopping for lunch in London,” Lily's father said. “Would that be alright with you, Severus, or are you very eager to get home?”

Lily cringed at the cluelessness of her father's question. Of course, Lily was the one who kept him clueless, carefully dodging questions of Severus’ home life for his sake--she was never quite sure if she was doing the right thing in this regard.

“Yes, my mum’s second-cousin up in Sheffield developed a bad case of mumblemumps.” Severus felt he had used a similar excuse before but he was too disheartened to be creative.

At Mr. Evans’ invitation, Severus shuddered. All he really wanted was to hide away from the world until September. “That’s fine,” he mumbled. “But is it alright if I wear my uniform? I forgot to pack myself muggle clothes..” In truth, Severus was no longer a little boy and the sad excuse of clothing his parents supplied for him were no longer acceptable for public display. His eyes flicked to Lily and he held her gaze fleetingly.

Lily caught Severus’ look, offering him an uncertain smile--uncertain, because she was worried about it coming across as too sympathetic or pitying, so her face muscles weren't quite sure what she wanted them to do.

“Yes, of course, not a problem at all,” Mr. Evans said easily--Petunia stared up at him in horror and disbelief, yet again.

“Bye, Evans!” James called over, and seemed to regret it as soon as his eyes landed on Snape. Lily coolly ignored him. With his parents there, she guessed he surely wouldn't say anything too snide if he didn't want to hear it from them at home. “Snape,” he mumbled, grabbing both his parents by the elbows and steering them swiftly towards the exit of the platform.

The Potters were soon joined by the Lupins and Pettigrews who all greeted one another fondly. James gave Sirius a distant, forlorn wave goodbye as the three families made their exit. James’ mum refused to even be in the presence of Sirius’ mother after Walburga had shouted at Euphemia last year about how James was corrupting her son--Mrs. Potter had infamously said she simply wouldn't stand for such disrespect from a mere child like Walburga Black.

Lily watched the three families carefully, trying to set a slow pace so that they wouldn't again be on top of one another. It was easy enough with her parents, who were content to take in as many magical sights as they could. It was Petunia who was the problem, she was walking so fast she was dangerously close to Potter.

Considering how well Severus knew Lily, he rapidly discerned her woes of their proximity to Potter by her behavior. He burst ahead just a bit, then stopped abruptly, allowing himself to back into Petunia. When she stumbled, Severus mumbled a feigned apology, stating something about his truck getting snagged on the pavement.

Although his scheme had left a more expansive margin between them and Potter, the distraction was noticed by Avery and Avery senior who were conversing with Mulciber and Mulciber senior.

“Snape!” Avery called.

Severus groaned and shook his head in disbelief. This was the opposite of hiding from the world. He stepped a few paces away from the Evanses and mixed in a bit with the flowing horde. He thought he might have escaped them once he was out on the street in front of Kings Cross, but, alas, they jogged breathlessly to his side.

“Where are you going?” Mulciber asked.

“Home. Obviously.”

“By yourself?”

“Yes.”

Severus eyed the Evanses wearily, it was a difficult balancing act--staying close enough to them but not too close to incur suspicion.

“But how do you know the way?” Avery asked with confusion.

Severus rolled his eyes at this question and scoffed. “I’m not even going to dignify that with a response.”

Unfortunately, to Severus’ dismay, Avery then noticed the Evanses nearby.

“Well, well--it’s the mudblood’s muggle family. They look even more like rubbish than I thought they would,” Avery mocked and Mulciber laughed darkly.

Luckily, the Evanses were currently distracted by the fact that Black had escaped his mother’s company and now stood next to Lily, since she was the closest person to a friend that he could find--which said a lot about his relationship to all of the other people around them.

“Hi Evans, and other Evansies,” he grinned at all of them with a smile that even at thirteen made most females weep.

Petunia turned at the greeting and seemed to let go of her enduring hatred of magic for just a moment as she blushed profusely at Sirius’ greeting and smile, “Oh, hello,” she said pleasantly. “Are you a friend of Lily’s? I’m Petunia, her sister” she said, eagerly extending a hand to Sirius.

Lily gaped at her sister as she beheld this incredible display. Normally, Petunia acted as though she was about to catch something contagious and deadly from wizards, yet one look at Sirius and she was sweet as could be. Lily collected herself and snorted. “No,” she said, “This is not my friend.”

Petunia frowned. “Why not?”

“Lily, please. You should be friends with everyone,” insisted their mother. “Hello, dear,” she said to Sirius. “What’s your name?”

Although the Evanses were blissfully unaware of the slurs fired against them, Severus’ gaunt face had turned red with rage at Avery’s insult. He opened his mouth to say something just when Regulus Black joined the little group and interrupted him.

“Mulciber, Avery, your dads are about to apparate without you.” Even though Regulus was a year younger than them, he was more perceptive than those two dimwits combined. Severus might have even liked him if his entire life didn’t revolve around trying to one-up his cleverer, more popular, and even handsomer older brother.

Mulciber and Avery quickly scampered off like roaches to find their fathers without saying another word. Regulus turned back to Severus with a scolding glare.

“Don’t be stupid,” he warned, gesturing his head towards the Evans family a bit of a ways off just before his mother appeared at his shoulder.

“Where’s your brother?” Mrs. Black asked Regulus coldly, shooting Severus an undeserving glare. Then, like a hawk, she scanned the area and spotted her eldest son with the Evanses.

“SIRIUS BLACK. WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT TALKING TO MUGGLES.”

All of the Evans looked shocked by the sudden outburst--all except for Lily, whose cheeks reddened not in embarrassment, but in anger, as the glint in her eye would surely confirm. Still--this was a tricky situation, Lily didn’t know how to engage combatively with a parent, and even if she refused to let it show through her defiant countenance, Lily had to admit to herself that Sirius’ mother was quite fearsome to behold.

“Excuse me, what did you call us?” Mrs. Evans demanded.

“Oh, don’t mind her,” Sirius explained to Lily and the Evans family, clearly unfazed by the outburst. “She’s not used to being out of her coffin.” With that, he shook Petunia’s still outstretched hand and sulked off with his mother.

Petunia stared after Sirius in horror, not at all certain if he was joking or not.

Regulus gave Severus one last look before joining his family.

Severus would have sneered at this entire exchange but the combination of his mother’s negligence and his near public defence of the Evans family left him feeling vulnerable and even more somber. He re-joined Lily and turned straight to her parents.

“I’m sorry. I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll just go home. You go ahead to lunch, I can take the knight bus back home.”

Lily’s parents were alarmed by this idea, exchanging looks with one another that clearly said they both agreed they wouldn't allow Severus to go home on his own.

“We don’t need to stop for lunch, I’d really rather you not go home alone, especially when you’re not feeling well and when your mother asked us to pick you up,” Mrs. Evans insisted. “We can go straight home to Cokeworth instead, drop you off, and have lunch there, so it’s no trouble,” she assured him. Mrs. Evans also thought it was ridiculous to expect a thirteen year old boy to make it all the way back from London on his own--to think of all the terrible things that could happen.

Petunia, on the other hand, sneered and frowned deeply as though it was a great deal of trouble indeed.

“Yes. fine,” Severus muttered, keeping his gaze on his shoes.

~~*~~

Severus sat on a less littered area of the grassy bank overlooking the filthy river of Cokeworth. It wasn’t a tranquil or pretty site to say the least. The surrounding area was blanketed in a thick fog caused by the chimneys of the endless identical brick homes that lined the water. Off in the distance, a run-down mill could be seen, rocking uselessly with the wind.

No, this side of Cokeworth wasn’t much to regard, especially in contrast to the majesty of Hogwarts, but this had always been Severus’ place. He would come here to be alone, to escape his volatile home environment. Now, Severus was really just hoping to escape his own thoughts. Tears leaked from his eyes and rolled off of his chin as his thoughts lingered on his mother’s absence and his failure to stand up for his best friend and her family, who had been more welcoming to him than his own parents ever were.

But what would standing up for them have done, really? Would it have shifted anyone’s cemented prejudice? Would it have stopped future cruelty? No, probably not. Certainly, though, it would have destroyed Severus. If the Slytherins turned against him then he would truly be alone.

He tried to distract himself by pulling out his copy of The Two Towers and forced himself to read.

Lily always knew where to look for Severus when she wanted to find him--she knew all his favorite haunts as well as her own; in fact, many of his favorite places were hers as well. The bank by the river wasn’t necessarily one of those mutually beloved spots--Cokeworth in its entirety was fairly grimy--everything seemed to be coated in pollution--but the river had to be one of the absolute grimiest places. Her grandparents could still remember a time when you used to be able to swim in it or take a boat out if the current wasn’t too harsh--those days were clearly long since past. Lily frequently wrote letters and petitions to the city council about the desecration of the local environment, but all they seemed to care about was commerce.

Still, after she’d gotten home from lunch with her parents and Petunia, Lily had a strong feeling that she would find Severus there. He didn’t seem to be in high spirits, not that Lily could blame him in the least, and the river was a fitting landscape for low-spirited individuals.

Lily had already changed back into her Muggle clothes--she frequently donned them on the weekends at Hogwarts, anyway, as most non-purist kids did, but she usually added some magical accouterments, even if it was only her robes over them. Now, Lily had no robes on, just a yellow jumper tucked into a plaid skirt, white knee socks, and loafers.

She spotted the top of Severus’ head first and smiled a bit at her talent for finding him. It felt good to know someone as well as she knew Severus.

“Hey,” she said simply, sliding into the spot on the grass next to him. “Oh, I could really read those again this summer,” she said dreamily, noticing the title of the book. One of the things Lily most looked forward to in the summer was being at liberty to read anything she liked.

Severus wasn’t in the least surprised when Lily found him. They always knew how to find each other at home. He just wished he had cleaned himself up a bit better before she arrived.

“Yes, I missed them,” he replied, carefully keeping his stare on the pages.

“Sorry for making you come home early…” he went on with melancholy. “I just...Couldn’t be there with so many people around.” He frowned.

Lily shrugged, “It’s okay, I didn’t mind,” she said truthfully. Even if Cokeworth was nothing like the Scottish countryside, or even London, she still always found she genuinely missed home--she liked the familiarity of their favorite restaurant at home and the way her room felt like a new place the first day she got back.

She watched Severus for a minute longer, then looked back out at the river--she could tell he was still upset, and she suspected he may have been crying, but she wasn’t entirely sure about that. She had a strong urge to ask him how he was, but Lily knew that if Severus was actually going to tell her, then he just would, and if she asked, she might scare him off.

“If they would just put a garbage bin here there would at least be less litter,” she remarked instead. “I should write to someone about it--I doubt it will do any good, but I’ll at least have done my part.” Lily’s father was a history and government teacher, and he always tried to instill Lily and Petunia with a strong sense of civic duty. It had worked on Lily, at least.

Severus listened to Lily speak as he stared out at the water. He wasn’t processing what she was saying but the sound of her voice comforted him. It reminded him that they were away from Hogwarts now, away from everything and everyone. Severus didn’t have to be defensive here, he could just be with Lily.

Fresh tears began to well in Severus’ eyes, but this time he didn’t actively hide them from Lily. “She didn’t even look up from the couch when I came in,” he began suddenly, his voice quivering. “She’s so unhappy, I used to make her happy.”

It took all of Lily’s will power not to cry at the sight of Severus crying--it made her profoundly sad just to see him sad, but she needed to be the strong and supportive one now.

Lily wrapped her arm firmly around Severus’ shoulders, leaning her head against his.

“She loves you, Sev,” said Lily. “But it can’t be all on you to make her happy,” she said. “She--everyone, really, has to find happiness inside of themselves before anything else.” Lily sighed, “But it’s not always so easy to do.”

Severus nodded slowly and wiped his face on the sleeve of his school sweater.

“You’re right, I just--I just wish I could change that for her. I wish I could change a lot of things...” he then broke apart from her just slightly so that he could turn to look at her. “Are you happy, Lily?”

Lily nodded--of course, she imagined one of the main things he must have wished he could change was his father, though, she didn't say it. Lily couldn't imagine what Severus could really do about him.

She considered the question, then answered with a decisive, “Yes.” Overall, Lily had much to be happy about, she had good friends, good parents, and a good education. “I mean...obviously there are things that bother me,�� she admitted. “Like...well, Petunia,” she said, since this was the most immediate thing on her mind. Petunia had sulked the whole ride home and all through lunch.

“I seem to make her miserable just by being around, and I try so hard to be sensitive and considerate of her feelings. I get why she would be jealous. I try not to go on too much about school and asking her things about her self, but she barely even answers,” Lily said and rubbed her forehead. “We just...used to be so close. I always think I can fix it, but every break I'm less and less sure of that.”

Lily sighed. “Now it probably sounds like I'm not happy, but I am. I try not to let my happiness be affected by things I can't control, and Merlin knows I can't control Petunia.”

She then looked over carefully at Severus, “Are you happy, Sev?” she asked.

Severus’ eyes rounded a bit when he heard his question turned onto him. He held Lily’s gaze as he contemplated his answer. Happiness was complicated and volatile for Severus, which made it difficult to quantify. But there was a happiness that he was sure of--one that was always unwavering.

“I am happy when I’m with you.”

Lily smiled, though she wished he could say he was happy most of the time. She hadn’t exactly expected him to say that, though, and she appreciated the honesty.

“I’m happy when I’m with you, too,” she told him. Lily hesitated for a moment--although she’d always known Severus had a difficult life, she thought he was happier at Hogwarts than he’d just implied. He seemed well-liked by the other Slytherins, and that gave him a certain amount of status at school. Of course, Potter and Black gave him trouble, but Severus always got them back. If he wasn’t fully happy at school, was it to do with his friends?

“Aren’t you happy with Avrey, Mulciber, and Wilkes, too, though?” she asked gently. As much as she didn’t like them and as much as they sometimes made her jealous, when faced with Severus’ unhappiness, she found herself hoping their friendship was genuine.

“Most of the time,” Severus answered honestly. “But it isn’t quite the same.”

Truthfully, despite the Slytherins' purist hostility, Severus did consider them to be good friends of his. But meeting Lily after years of neglect and cruelty at home had introduced him to true happiness. Nothing else compared.

Lily nodded, feeling better at the reassurance that his friends made him happy.

“I know what you mean,” she said. “I love Marlene and Mary and Dorcas, but it’s not quite the same either,” Lily agreed. “But maybe it’s not meant to be the same. Childhood friends are something...different, something special,” she smiled. “We’re lucky we were able to stick together.”

Severus smiled a bit sheepishly in response. If it wasn’t for the lack of coloration in his complexion he may have even blushed. It thrilled him to know he was special to her--not that this was news, of course, but still. Hearing it aloud made it all the more real.

“I promise I’ll spend more time with you next year. We’re not little kids trying to fit in anymore, it’ll be different.”

Lily smiled optimistically, choosing to take Severus at his word. “I’d like that,” she said. “And I’ll be here for you all summer, whenever you need me.”

[astutentofthegame]

More Banter

Yo. I’m here all depressed since OKC lost. It’s funny; they have wins against every top 4 team in each conference, except for the Warriors. I think they get too caught up in the hype, and the need to prove themselves, and end up screwing up. One of my buddies put it perfectly: OKC psych themselves out come crunch time, and only some late game heroics from Westbrook are able to stave off that anxiety (sometimes). Also, Harden is a crybaby which makes the series really hard to watch for me. But alas, what is a fan to do?

Anyway, let’s talk about what’s going on around the league. This may be a longer post that usual, since I will be delving into some social media topics, as well as attempting to introduce one of my own metrics to look at players in a unique manner. I’ll start with some headlines, then delve into the playoffs so far, and then we can dive into my novel metric.

First off, my heart goes out to IT30--guy’s a warrior, a leader, and a great role model for young athletes; not to mention he packs it all into a 5′9 frame. If you guys heard Chuck say that Isaiah crying on the sideline “made [him] feel uncomfortable,” and consequently the criticism that Chuck’s comment engendered, then you must lament the state of today’s media much the way I do. It’s like, do they have nothing better to talk about than to misinterpret the heartfelt condolences of one member of the NBA family to another? Like, come on. The kid is going through the worst week of his life, and you gotta dump that BS on him? Get it together media. Stop sensationalizing. OK, rant over.

Hayward caught a stomach illness before his most recent game, and now we have a tied series, even with Blake out. I hope he gets better in time. Nobody wants to see the underhanded Clippers get swept by the Warriors. Gobert could be a matchup issue for Golden State, since Durant and McGee probably won’t shoot as high of percentages around the rim (in the Portland series Nurkic played one game, and even then he was visibly not himself). That will put alot of pressure on the Warriors to make their 3s, which they do, but it’s often a well balanced attack for them. We’ll have to wait and see, but if Hayward is 100% for at least 2 of these last 3 games, I don’t see the Jazz losing.

I’ve been watching David Fizdale in the postgame conferences, and I’m kinda rooting for the Grizzlies now. They’re not gonna win, but I hope they push the Spurs to 7. And hey, a couple years back, San Antonio was the 1 seed and lost in the first round to Memphis. Anything can happen, so don’t count them out (even though I already did). Also, on a tangent, Marc Gasol is way cooler than his brother Pau (and doesn’t look like he is about to cry all the time, an added bonus).

I was also sad that the Pacers were swept. I like Paul George, and have the utmost admiration for him returning from his injury the way he did. I thought the Inside the NBA crew (Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal) were a bit harsh on him. Like what do you want from him? It’s him versus Kyrie, Bron-Bron, and K-Love (we should call him K-Fed). Honestly, he better get the final, potential game winning shot over...wait for it...CJ Miles. Kenny and Chuck were all like no way, no way, Hakeem only took the last shot once, and it’s like honestly guys, look at their roster. The only other serious player on their team is Myles Turner, who is very young (and besides that poster on Tristan Thompson, he didn’t show up this series). Teague is too inconsistent. Millsap and Horford masked his weaknesses well in Atlanta, which are now quite obvious in Indiana.

Other news: Dubs swept the Blazers last night. That was sad. Lillard put forth an admirable outing, with 34 and 6 (12-24 shooting), but much in the fashion the rest of the series has gone, there was little help for him, whereas the Warriors ‘Big 4′ combined for 86 points (29-51 shooting). It’s kinda hard to beat a team that has 4 starters score more than some teams do in an entire game. Either way, we all knew this wasn’t going to be a long series, with or without Nurkic in the Blazers lineup. I would have liked to see the Blazers steal a game or 2. Game 3 was their chance, and they blew it, so what can you do? Mad respect to Lillard, CJ, and Coach Sotts. Quite a resilient bunch--hopefully they can build some chemistry and add some pieces in the offseason.

Hawks beat the Wizards for the second game in a row. I love the Millsap-Morris beef. Well, I love how Millsap has been dominating ever since Markieff started talking shit. I got respect for John Wall, but I’m rooting for the Hawks here. If they can keep control of Beal, and play good pick-n-roll defense on Wall/Gortat, they could take the series., given that Millsap and Schroeder have enough help. I hope they do.

Raptors should take care of the Bucks, maybe even in game 6. That series has been kinda eh, despite featuring Lowry, DeRozan, and ‘the Greek Freak.’

Onto Rockets/Thunder. Now, Westbrook is my favorite player. He embodies the competitive spirit that is what drew me into the NBA in the first place, back in the late 90s. I was fortunate enough to watch (and still remember) Jordan’s gamewinner against Utah. I saw the twin towers, the Lakers dynasty, the Spurs who have been pretty epic since about 2003, and all the Cinderella stories, like the Heat of ‘06 and the Mavs of ‘11 (I actually called that at the beginning of the playoffs. Unfortunately, I wasn’t into sports betting at the time--those were some fantastic odds. Back to this series. It’s been excruciating to watch. We could honestly be up 3-1, or at least tied, if not for lapses defensively, poor decisions, and referees seemingly changing the way the call the game very abruptly and spontaneously. Also, I’m miffed that Harden and Lou WIlliams are 1st and 2nd in the league respectively in fouls drawn on 3 pointers. They literally put their arm under the defender, and go up for a shot that isn’t even a real shot, let alone has a chance of going in. And a foul is called every time. THAT’S NOT BASKETBALL!!! And it has burnt the Thunder over and over. Still, our defenders need to learn to keep their hands out of there. Another point. The Rockets have great offensive balance, which we do not. Oladipo seems to get stagefright in the clutch (he did hit a big 3 in the previous game), and I just feel so bad for Russ, cuz you gotta imagine him coming up the court, being like, “Who can I count on to get a bucket right now?” For alot of the series it has been Roberson, Gibson, and Adams has also done well down low with floaters and hooks. But Kanter has been largely absent, McDermott is too inconsistent, and nobody else shows up to play (Norris Cole has been Norris COLD). Jerami Grant has been playing touch d, and hitting timely shots, which is nice to see. Anyway, I hold out hope for my boys, but I think Houston will take it in 7. I see us winning the next two, but that’s wishful thinking; we might even lose tonight if we cannot counter the inevitable Houston 3 point barrages with well-thought out and well-executed offense of our own. Westbrook has to take the blame for poor decision making sometimes, but you can fault him for wanting to will the team to victory. He did it so many times this season and almost did it again in game 4. But, Jerami Grant gave up and ‘and-1′ to Nene, which pushed the lead to 4, which ended the game. Rookie inexperience, what can you do?

OK. So that’s my thoughts on the playoffs so far. I thought I would have time to introduce another metric in this article, but I will do it tomorrow. Cheers, and deuces!