#xii: of magic and muses

[multiplebirthinwebcomics]

Forte Bass and Outrageous Apple, Crow, Magpie and Raven, Charles and Isabella and Fletcher and Milo are qualified for the bracket !

[necrobatty]

Been doing a few webcomic fanarts very very slowly as I try to get back into drawing during a VERY stressful year.

designs from: xii: of magic and muses

[literaryvein-reblogs]

I don’t know if you’ve answered something similar before, but I’m writing for a story including mermaids and sirens and was wondering if you had any information or advice?

Writing Notes: Mermaids & Sirens

Mermaid - a fabled marine creature with the head and upper body of a human being and the tail of a fish.

Siren - (in Greek mythology) a creature half bird and half woman who lured sailors to destruction by the sweetness of her song.

MERMAIDS

Similar divine or semidivine beings appear in ancient mythologies (e.g., the Chaldean sea god Ea, or Oannes).

In European folklore, mermaids (sometimes called sirens) and mermen were natural beings who, like fairies, had magical and prophetic powers. They loved music and often sang. Though very long-lived, they were mortal and had no souls.

Many folktales record marriages between mermaids (who might assume human form) and men. In most, the man steals the mermaid’s cap or belt, her comb or mirror. While the objects are hidden she lives with him; if she finds them she returns at once to the sea.

In some variants the marriage lasts while certain agreed-upon conditions are fulfilled, and it ends when the conditions are broken.

Though sometimes kindly, mermaids and mermen were usually dangerous to man.

Their gifts brought misfortune, and, if offended, the beings caused floods or other disasters.

To see one on a voyage was an omen of shipwreck.

They sometimes lured mortals to death by drowning, as did the Lorelei of the Rhine, or enticed young people to live with them underwater, as did the mermaid whose image is carved on a bench in the church of Zennor, Cornwall, England.

Aquatic mammals, such as the dugong and manatee, that suckle their young in human fashion above water are considered by some to underlie these legends.

SIRENS

According to Homer, there were two Sirens on an island in the western sea between Aeaea and the rocks of Scylla.

Later the number was usually increased to three, and they were located on the west coast of Italy, near Naples.

They were variously said to be the daughters of the sea god Phorcys or of the river god Achelous by one of the Muses.

In Homer’s Odyssey, Book XII, the Greek hero Odysseus, advised by the sorceress Circe, escaped the danger of their song by stopping the ears of his crew with wax so that they were deaf to the Sirens.

Odysseus himself wanted to hear their song but had himself tied to the mast so that he would not be able to steer the ship off its course.

Apollonius of Rhodes, in Argonautica, Book IV, relates that when the Argonauts sailed that way, Orpheus sang so divinely that only one of the Argonauts heard the Sirens’ song.

According to Argonautica, Butes alone was compelled by the Sirens’ voices to jump into the water, but his life was saved by the goddess Cypris, a cult name for Aphrodite.

In Hyginus’s Fabulae, no. 141, a mortal’s ability to resist them causes the Sirens to commit suicide.

Ovid (Metamorphoses, Book V) wrote that the Sirens were human companions of Persephone.

After she was carried off by Hades, they sought her everywhere and finally prayed for wings to fly across the sea. The gods granted their prayer.

In some versions Demeter turned them into birds to punish them for not guarding Persephone.

In art, the Sirens appeared first as birds with the heads of women and later as women, sometimes winged, with bird legs.

The Sirens seem to have evolved from an ancient tale of the perils of early exploration combined with an Asian image of a bird-woman. Anthropologists explain the Asian image as a soul-bird—i.e., a winged ghost that stole the living to share its fate. In that respect the Sirens had affinities with the Harpies.

Some Character Tropes

Alchemic Elementals. Merfolk and similar beings are sometimes portrayed as water elementals.

Bathtub Mermaid. Merfolk and other aquatic creatures kept in stationary tanks and other containers.

Inhumanly Beautiful Race. Merfolk, mermaids in particular, are often very beautiful beyond human standards.

Mermaid Arc Emergence. When mermaids surface, it is often with splendor.

Mermaid in a Wheelchair. Mermaids on land often use wheelchairs to get around.

Mobile Fishbowl. Merfolk who can't breathe air bring water with them to interact with land-dwellers.

Mute Mermaid. A mermaid who is unable to speak.

Selkies and Wereseals. Human-seal shapeshifters.

Sirens Are Mermaids. The Sirens of mythology portrayed as mermaids.

Unscaled Merfolk. Merfolk that are aren't scaled fish below the waist.

Sources: 1 2 3 ⚜ More: Notes ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

Choose which of these notes you'd like to incorporate in your story, and do more research if you need to add more detail. Hope these help inspire your writing!

[magicalgirlmascot]

it didnt win but do you have magical girl webcomic recommendations anyway? 👀

I was planning on going out to find more if that was the one picked, but just of the ones I know already:

If you haven't read Sleepless Domain yet, that's the one I kind of think of as like the most popular one? And it's popular for a reason, it's so good. It's about a world where magical girls are just a known quantity in everyday life. Their society is built around them since they protect ordinary people from the monsters that come out at night, so for example there's a special school just for them that starts later in the day to make up for the fact that they're up all night fighting evil by moonlight, they're basically celebrities, there are branches of government specifically dedicated to them, it's just fascinating to see a world where stuff like this is taken to its logical conclusion. The story has set up some spooky and compelling mysteries, the characters are fun and relatable and gay as shit, the art and character design is super cute, I mean what can be said about Sleepless Domain that hasn't been said. It's literally so good. CONTENT WARNING: there is an early plot point involving major character death, and it becomes the driving force for a lot of the series.

ALSO THE LITTLE DANCE TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE IN CHAPTER 21 AAAAAAHHHHH MY LIL GAY HEARTCATCH FAN HEART I LOVE THEM SO MUCH

There's also XII, which I found by accident at a con last year. It's about a group of girls at a boarding school who accidentally start awakening magic powers in themselves and then others. As more people start gaining powers, the people in charge at the school start taking notice and trying to crack down on things. There's a lot going on behind the scenes, and part 1 sets up some great mysteries. Part 1 (Of Magic and Muses) is fully completed, with three volumes out, and Part 2 (Of Rogues and Remnants) just has the one chapter out for now and has gone on hiatus recently, but I'd still definitely recommend giving it a read! I have all three volumes (I bought the first volume at Pretty Heroes last year, read it in one night, then went back and bought the next two volumes the next day) and a standee of Georgia because we stan a shitty delinquent bully character who becomes less shitty but still a delinquent. CONTENT WARNING: (taken directly from the website) part 1 contains bullying, strangulation, drowning, blood, general violence, partial nudity, and language, while part 2 contains animal harm, police violence, disassociation, blood, sexual situations, general violence, partial nudity, and language. I swear it's not like full Madoka or anything but it is a darker magical girl series. It's really good I promise.

There's also Elements of the Round on Webtoon, which I actually found via Art Fight of all places lol. I'm not caught up with it at all (I stopped using Webtoon around when its first chapter ended) but it's a neat story based around Arthurian myth! I love Nina, she's great. It's a bit simpler than the other two but quite good! CONTENT WARNING: familial death early on.

And another Webtoon: Let's Celebrate! is a globe-trotting magical girl story about magical girls based around holidays! When I quit using Webtoon it had three, based on Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, and New Year's. The way the monsters work is so interesting, and I love the art!! Also it's super cute and hella gay and I definitely should catch up. No content warnings from my memory.

Hopefully there are a couple here that are new to others!

[writeleg1ant]

Haruki Murakami | Author Biography

Haruki Murakami, a literary maestro known for his mesmerizing tales, has carved an indelible mark on the global literary landscape. From his enigmatic early life to the intricacies of his writing routine, this article unravels the captivating narrative of Murakami's biography.

Outline of the Article

I. Introduction - Brief overview of Haruki Murakami - Intriguing aspects of his literary journey II. Early Life and Influences - Childhood and upbringing - The impact of literature and music III. Entry into the Literary World - First steps as an author - Challenges faced in the early career IV. Unique Writing Style - Exploration of Murakami's distinctive voice - Literary themes and recurrent motifs V. Notable Works - Overview of significant novels and stories - Influence on global literature VI. Literary Achievements - Awards and recognitions received - Critical acclaim and public reception VII. Murakami's Impact on Popular Culture - Adaptations and collaborations - Cultural phenomena surrounding his works VIII. Personal Life and Philosophies - Murakami's approach to life - Philosophical influences in his writing IX. Haruki Murakami's Global Appeal - Examination of international readership - Cross-cultural resonance of his narratives X. Controversies and Criticisms - A look at controversies surrounding Murakami - Criticisms and responses from the author XI. Murakami's Writing Routine - Insights into his daily writing habits - Balancing routine and creativity XII. Legacy and Future Prospects - The enduring legacy of Murakami's works - Speculations on his future literary contributions XIII. Conclusion - Summarizing the unique journey of Haruki Murakami - Reflecting on his impact on contemporary literature XIV. FAQs - Addressing common queries about Haruki Murakami - Offering insights into his life and work

Haruki Murakami | Author Biography

Introduction

Haruki Murakami's literary journey is a tapestry woven with the threads of surrealism, intricate narratives, and profound reflections on the human experience. As we embark on a biographical exploration, the nuances of his life and work unfold, inviting readers into the unique realm crafted by this literary luminary.

Early Life and Influences

Haruki Murakami's journey into the literary landscape began in Kyoto, Japan, in 1949, amidst the cultural shifts following World War II. Growing up in a household brimming with books, thanks to his parents' bookstore, Murakami developed an early passion for literature. However, it was the infusion of Western literature and the enchanting notes of jazz music that would eventually shape the distinctiveness of his writing.

Entry into the Literary World

The inception of Murakami's literary career unfolded unexpectedly at a baseball game. A sudden revelation ignited the spark that led to his debut novel, "Hear the Wind Sing." While the path to publication posed formidable challenges, marked by rejections and setbacks, Murakami's resilience and unwavering dedication to storytelling propelled him forward.

Unique Writing Style

At the heart of Murakami's allure lies his idiosyncratic writing style—a harmonious fusion of magical realism, profound existential musings, and a dash of the surreal. His narratives transcend the boundaries of the ordinary, inviting readers into a world where reality and fantasy dance in captivating tandem.

Notable Works

Murakami's literary repertoire is a treasure trove, with each work contributing a unique flavor to his legacy. From the melancholic beauty of "Norwegian Wood" to the intricacies of the labyrinthine "1Q84," his novels are intricate tapestries of storytelling. Through multidimensional characters and intricate plots, Murakami has etched his name into the global literary consciousness.

Literary Achievements

Haruki Murakami's literary journey has been adorned with prestigious accolades, a testament to his profound impact on the world of letters. Among these honors are the Franz Kafka Prize, recognizing his contribution to the magic of storytelling, and the Jerusalem Prize, an acknowledgment of the depth and universality embedded in his narratives. The translation of his novels into numerous languages speaks not only to his personal achievements but also to the resonance of his words across diverse cultures, making him a truly global literary phenomenon.

Murakami's Impact on Popular Culture

The reach of Murakami's storytelling prowess extends far beyond the written page, weaving into the fabric of popular culture. Adaptations of his works, such as the cinematic rendering of "Norwegian Wood" and the stage production inspired by "Kafka on the Shore," have captured the imaginations of audiences across different artistic mediums. Murakami's narratives transcend the boundaries of literature, becoming cultural touchstones that resonate with a broad spectrum of enthusiasts.

Personal Life and Philosophies

While Murakami guards his privacy with a certain mystique, glimpses into his personal life offer intriguing insights into the man behind the novels. His love for running, shared through essays and interviews, mirrors the marathon-like endurance required in the writing process. Additionally, his fondness for cats and commitment to a disciplined writing routine steeped in Zen philosophies adds layers of depth to our understanding of the enigmatic author.

Haruki Murakami's Global Appeal

Murakami's words traverse linguistic and cultural barriers, forging a connection with readers on a global scale. His thematic explorations of love, loneliness, and existential questioning strike universal chords, resonating with the shared human experience. The widespread success of his novels worldwide underscores the profound impact of his storytelling, emphasizing the capacity of literature to bridge divides and unite readers in a collective exploration of the human condition.

Controversies and Criticisms

Haruki Murakami's literary voyage, though bathed in acclaim, has not sailed without encountering turbulent waters of controversy. Debates surrounding cultural appropriation have punctuated discussions about his works, raising questions about the portrayal of various cultural elements. Additionally, criticisms have been directed at the representation of female characters in his narratives. However, Murakami, resolute in his artistic integrity, navigates these controversies with a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in storytelling. For aspiring writers, this aspect serves as a reminder that even celebrated authors face scrutiny, underscoring the subjective nature of literary critique and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision.

Murakami's Writing Routine

At the heart of Murakami's prolific output lies a disciplined writing routine that has become a subject of fascination for many. Rising early and immersing himself in the act of writing for several hours, Murakami underscores the significance of routine in fostering creativity. This insight into his daily life serves as a beacon for novice writers, emphasizing the transformative power of consistent effort. The writing advice for beginners gleaned from Murakami's routine extends beyond the mere mechanics of typing words—it becomes a philosophy of dedication, commitment, and the understanding that creativity is a journey woven into the fabric of one's daily existence.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Haruki Murakami's legacy is an evolving narrative, unfolding with each new piece of literature he contributes to the world. As his novels continue to captivate readers and resonate across generations, the imprint of his storytelling deepens. The anticipation surrounding his future works adds a layer of excitement to the literary landscape. Murakami's legacy becomes a testament to the enduring power of words to transcend temporal and cultural boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who embark on the literary journeys he weaves.

Conclusion

In concluding our exploration of Haruki Murakami's biography, we find ourselves immersed in the intricate tapestry of his life and the timeless allure of his writing. The controversies surrounding his works, the insights into his writing routine, and the anticipation of his future creations collectively contribute to the mystique of this literary luminary. Haruki Murakami's ability to seamlessly intertwine the ordinary with the extraordinary has left an indomitable legacy, inviting readers to linger in the realms of his literary creations, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.

FAQs

What inspired Murakami's entry into the literary world? Haruki Murakami's foray into writing was sparked by a moment at a baseball game, culminating in the creation of his debut novel, "Hear the Wind Sing." How has Murakami's writing routine influenced his creativity? Murakami's disciplined writing routine involves early mornings and dedicated hours, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between routine and creativity. Are there controversies surrounding Murakami's works? Yes, controversies have arisen, including discussions about cultural appropriation and critiques of the portrayal of female characters in his novels. What is Murakami's impact on popular culture? Murakami's influence extends beyond literature, with many of his works adapted into films and stage productions, contributing to his cultural impact. What themes characterize Murakami's writing? Universal themes of love, loneliness, and existential questioning are recurrent in Murakami's works, contributing to their global resonance. Who is Murakami short summary? Haruki Murakami, a renowned Japanese author born on January 12, 1949, in Kyoto, is celebrated for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and existentialism in literature. His writing style has garnered global acclaim, making him a literary icon. Murakami's journey into the literary world began with his debut novel, "Hear the Wind Sing," and has since evolved into a prolific career marked by numerous bestselling novels, including "Norwegian Wood" and "Kafka on the Shore." What is Haruki Murakami known for? Haruki Murakami is known for his distinctive and captivating writing style, seamlessly merging the ordinary with the extraordinary. His works often explore complex themes such as love, loneliness, and existential ponderings, creating immersive narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. Murakami's novels, characterized by their enchanting blend of magical realism, have earned him prestigious literary awards and widespread recognition. What is so great about Murakami? What sets Haruki Murakami apart is his unparalleled ability to craft stories that transcend cultural boundaries. His universal themes and multidimensional characters make his works accessible and relatable to a global audience. Murakami's writing captures the essence of the human experience, delving into the intricacies of emotions and existential questions, all while maintaining a sense of wonder and imagination that keeps readers engaged and enthralled. What is a fact about Murakami? A fascinating fact about Murakami is his disciplined writing routine. Known for waking up early and dedicating several hours to writing, Murakami emphasizes the importance of routine in nurturing creativity. This insight into his process offers aspiring writers a glimpse into the dedication and commitment required to produce impactful and prolific literary works. Read the full article

[warraigoe]

xii.

—  ❛❛  //  luz n.   ¦   the light that never goes out.

—  ❛❛  //  luz n.   ¦   this mama is ready for trauma ! ・ 「 in ! 」

—  ❛❛  //  luz n.   ¦   ¡ aye‚ que lindo ! ・ 「 images ! 」

—  ❛❛  //  luz n.   ¦   magic comes from the heart. ・ 「 musings ! 」  

[maiji]

[image: photo of ink-and-watercolour portraits of four webcomic characters on squares of paper arranged in a 2x2 grid]

Gifts for lovely webcomics friends! Ink and watercolour portraits on handmade paper featuring a quartet of awesome heroines from four diverse, wildly-imaginative stories. Each webcomic has such a distinct and memorable aesthetic; it was so fun trying to render each of these characters in my own style. I hope I managed to capture a little of their essence!

Clockwise from top left:

🔥 Tiara from Wychwood by @varethane​

✨ Rosemary from Ingress Adventuring Company by @kayartics​

🔧 Rana from Sombulus by @delphina2k

🐀 Willow from XII: Of Magic and Muses by K. Kiomall-Evans

[spacerocketbunny]

Harbinger of Void ♐️ 🦋 🐗

An illustration I did for XII’s third volume kickstarter! I’m so stoked to have my illustration included in the finale of these book’s trilogy, it’s an honour! 💖

[prettywarriors]

XII: Of Magic & Muses

Kickstarter for the series going on now

[aradiacollective]

tag post #3

because that’s how tumblr still works, right? (this is for the tags page)

[cherryslyce]

Second Son (XII) | Regulus Black

Series Synopsis: Forbidden from contacting Harry over the summer, you opt to explore the eerie halls of Grimmauld Place where you stumble upon a lonely portrait of the House's second son.

— Chapter Synopsis: Dumbledore, Harry, and Y/N explore the Crystal Cave. Draco's mission proves to have dire consequences.

Part XI / Part XIII / Series Masterlist

Pairing: Regulus Black x GN!Reader

Notes: Oh man. Yay for the end of sixth year ? ... haha

The rocky ventricle of the cliff side was far less exciting than the seaside, but there was something beguiling about the dim green shine and wet black rocks of the cave. Harry was careful to maintain steady footing as you all hiked through the damp cave, soon finding a rounded dead end. 

Before you can question Dumbledore, he whips out a small knife from his robes, spinning on his heel to face you both. A small pang of panic shoots through your body before you realize that your headmaster was cutting his hand and not attempting to maul you both with the ornamental paring knife. 

Tilting your head, you search the man’s calm expression for an answer, “Sir?” Your voice trails off as he swipes his bloodied hand against the rocks beside him. 

The man turns to you both with an undisturbed smile, “To gain passage, a payment must be made. Payment intended to weaken the intruder.” 

You mask your bewilderment and simply shoot a fleeting glance at Harry, who did not even attempt to suppress his bafflement. 

As the blood seeps into the crevices of the rocks, the stone wall begins to flake and crumble. Stepping back as the rocks fall towards your feet, you feel your mouth drop open at the newly revealed sight of opaque crystals. The new cave pocket was alight with a dull gleam, displaying a likeness to a troll-size geode. 

“Voldemort never did skimp with such extravagances.” You muse, ignoring the unimpressed eyebrow raise Harry shoots towards you. 

As you all clamber over the seemingly endless hills of jagged crystals, you decide to reach out to Regulus, no longer able to ignore the persistent blaring of the hundreds of magical signatures around you. 

‘Reg, there are countless different magical signatures in here.’ 

‘I think I might know what this place is.’ Regulus’ words are hushed, clearly deep in thought as he tries to untangle the foggy web of memories that Sirius unlocked.

Darting your eyes around the darkness, you nearly slip as your concentration splinters into a dozen different directions. 

‘You do? How?’ 

‘The ocean. My human-self was immersed in research on some place called the Crystal Cave. Something about the beach and a hidden horcrux. Since you’re all searching for his horcrux, I can only assume my research was right.’  

Before you can coax Regulus for more answers, you stop behind Harry as Dumbledore peers across the vast darkness of the water. It seemed as though there was nothing left to explore, the eerily calm body of water expanding far into the void. 

Closing your eyes, you zone out of the conversation between Dumbledore and Harry, focusing on the overwhelming amount of magical signatures around you that seemed to be screaming for your attention. 

There was something familiar about the magic, it was almost like the magic around Regulus’ portrait except more potent with a tinge of something you couldn’t quite comprehend. Before you have time to contemplate these findings, you open your eyes as you feel a tug on your sleeve. 

Meeting Harry’s concerned eyes, you realize that Dumbledore had somehow managed to summon a small canoe from the waters and now both men were patiently waiting for you to collect yourself. 

“Sorry.” You whisper, gesturing for Harry to get inside before you. Dumbledore simply assesses you with a thoughtful look before turning to face the dark waters as you shakily step into the canoe. 

The journey across the waters is surprisingly serene, and you had half the mind to be cautious of enemies hidden in the darkness around you. It was troubling that you all hadn’t stumbled across any serpentine puzzles or tremendous creatures. 

If this place truly contains a horcrux, it would be best to be on guard. Underestimating Voldemort would only lead you to a swift death. 

As the canoe reaches the edge of a crystal island, you all part from the delicate boat quietly. Most of the journey had been spent in tense silence and you were beginning to get a sinking feeling from the cave, as if there was a large chunk of mystery you wouldn’t be privy to for a while. 

The three of you clamber towards the top of the crystal mound, circling around a particular crystal that emerged to form a basin. The depression at its center contained a cloudy liquid, an inky black fog swirling in the center to conceal the contents at the bottom. Dumbledore swipes his hand over the liquid, clearly trying to vanish it with magic. 

You feel confusion wash over you as the liquid warps under the pressure before merely repelling his hand. 

Dumbledore raises his head to look at Harry before turning to your questioning eyes, “It has to be drunk.” 

Stepping back from the basin, you nearly topple over as Regulus’ voice loudly rings in your head, voice strained with panic, ‘Don’t drink it! I remember now. The Dark Lord – he brought Kreacher here and did something to him. Kreacher barely made it out alive, but he was frenzied and told human-me he had drunk something.’

Regulus’ words come out in a huge rush and your nerves prickle from his uncharacteristic loss of composure. 

“Sir. I don’t think you should drink it.” Your words have both men turning towards you, clearly seeing no other way to access the horcrux. Biting your lip in contemplation, you decide to elaborate, “Headmaster, I’m sure you are already aware of my companion. He told me that the concoction nearly killed his house elf.” 

Dumbledore seems to consider your words before he drops his gaze back down into the basin, “I see. However, there seems to be no other way.”

Harry seems to be alarmed by your words and steps forward, “But sir–” 

Dumbledore holds up a hand and closes his eyes in resignation, “Conditions. There are conditions for you both that I failed to impart to you before we ventured here.” He opens his eyes and narrows them, “If something is to happen, you both must save yourselves. Do not worry about me.”

You share a look with Harry, before you reluctantly nod in agreement. They were not the most difficult conditions you’ve ever been given, between your headmaster and Harry, you would pick your friend, always. 

As Dumbledore and Harry fall into a hushed conversation about the conditions and the liquid, you slowly drift into your thoughts again. It didn’t make sense what you were feeling, how were there so many magical signatures around even with no sign of actual magical beings? You wanted to ask Regulus for help, but you knew that the boy likely knew nothing past what he told you. 

Exhaling shakily, you watch as Dumbledore scoops up some of the liquid before drinking it. The reaction is almost instantaneous, your eyes widen as you see his eyes darken, choked noises escaping his dry lips as he lightly convulses. 

“Professor? Professor!” Harry’s concerned words grow louder as the man grunts loudly, shaking more violently on the spot before tumbling down onto the ground. You lunge forwards, reaching out futilely as Dumbledore continues to grunt and jerk. It seemed as though he was no longer even aware of his surroundings, too enraptured by what the liquid was doing to his body and mind. 

Swallowing harshly, you feel fear prickle through your body as Dumbledore thrashes around before stilling suddenly. Harry turns to you briefly and your heart clenches at the sight of his horrified expression. 

Seeming to ground himself, Dumbledore sits up and jerks a hand towards the basin. Harry seems to understand what the man is trying to say and he rushes back to bring more of the liquid. 

You stay next to Dumbledore, helplessly muttering assurances to the man as he seems to be dragged back into his haze, beginning to groan and plead for something. Harry is able to keep his composure for the most part and continues to feed Dumbledore the concoction, rushing back and forth to try and empty the basin quickly. 

“It’s my fault!” Dumbledore’s wails are sure to haunt your dreams for the next coming months, and you’re faintly aware of the tears blurring your vision. It was one thing to face blood-thirsty creatures and other wizards in battle, it was another thing to be completely helpless in the face of psychological torment. You were barely strong enough for the former, you had very little training to cope with the latter. 

In the flurry of your panic, you’re unaware that you’ve been flooding your mind link with anxiety until you feel a sudden wave of comfort being nudged toward you by Regulus. The warm feeling of his magic wrapping around yours grounds you and you make note to thank him later.  Shaking your head, you push aside your dread and focus on the task at hand.

Just as your mind clears, you see Dumbledore cease in his hysteria, feeling Harry lean down towards the man from next to you. You both release an exhale of relief as your headmaster seems to be fully aware again, his eyes no longer glassy and unseeing. 

“Water.” His croak comes out dry and you shoot up from your spot to clamber towards the basin, eyes widening in relief as you see a pendant laying at the bottom. 

It worked, you had the horcrux now. 

Wrapping your fingers around the object, you’re struck with confusion almost immediately. The locket had no magical trace or signature whatsoever. 

“Wait. Harry-” Your words get caught in your throat as you turn around and see Harry standing still, attention drawn to something in the water. Bringing the locket up to your face, you scrutinize it further, still feeling no residual dark magic. 

Gripping the chain tightly, you slowly pull it over your head and tuck it underneath your shirt, not perturbed by potential dangers as you realize it was practically just an ordinary necklace. 

You had seen cursed necklaces before, and you were fairly confident that it wouldn’t toss you into the air like Katie Bell or try and choke you to death. 

Great, you all suffered for nothing. 

“Lumos Maxima!” Harry’s shout distracts you from your thoughts and you begin to walk toward him, still not understanding what he was seeing. As you near the edge of the island, you gasp as you feel an onslaught of magic suddenly crash into you. 

Stumbling back, you watch as pale, gaunt figures begin to claw their way from the water’s surface and toward you both. The grisly creatures were all milky, but you could see some distinguishing differences between them all. 

What disturbed you most though was the fact that you could feel faint magic lingering around them. As you backed away, you realized that aside from the numerous unique signatures, there was a darker, suffocating magic that blanketed them all. 

Your mind started racing – They were puppets. Reanimated using magic. Not corpses, but not living. They were people. Perhaps a branch of necromancy.

It all clicked. “Inferi,” You gasp and grab Harry’s arm, dragging him towards a stunned Dumbledore.  

The inferi were far more harrowing in real life than in pictures from your textbooks. You could see the sunken skin that seemed to bloat around protruding bones, and wisps of hair that sprouted unevenly from their bulbous heads. 

Harry begins to fire off spells at the army of inferi and you reach around your jacket for your wand, eyes widening in panic as you realize they were surrounding you. 

“Fire! Harry, they fear fire!” Your shout is drowned out by Harry’s yelling and you groan in frustration. Grabbing your wand, you thrust it up and swing your arm over your head, “Pluvia Ignis!”

The heat of fire envelops you immediately and you blearily squint your eyes as a colossal ring of fire blazes up toward the cave’s ceiling, licking at the muggy air. Continuing to whirl your wand, you let out a sigh of relief as you see that you hadn’t burnt your companions to a crisp. The heat had the inferi receding back into the waters, but your celebration is cut short as you realize that the ring of fire was now consuming nearly every inch of the cave. 

Dumbledore stumbles towards you, one arm slung over Harry’s shoulders as the boy helps him find his footing. Ceasing your movements, you move to join the two as you watch the last few inferi dive into the water. 

Furrowing your brows, you feel a sudden pull toward the water. The pull was coming from your pocket and your hand, and you drew your hand back as you saw your finger gravitate toward the dark pool. Your ring was being attracted towards the water for some strange reason. 

Feeling the tug persist, you incline your head to look at your pocket. 

No, it wasn’t just your ring, but Regulus’ portrait as well.  

‘Reg?’ 

‘There’s something wrong. I feel…’ The boy’s words are shaky, but you can feel how his confusion mirrors yours as he trails off.

You have little time to ruminate further as you’re soon being dragged off by Harry as Dumbledore parts the flames. The inferno drags away into two tall walls, clearing a direct path back toward the other side of the cave. 

The journey back passes by in a blur as you’re busy with making sure Dumbledore wouldn’t keel over and die, while Harry moves the canoe along as quickly as he could. All along the way out, the tugging gradually faded and soon the conundrum was buried away in your thoughts. 

As soon as you all stumble out of the cave, Dumbledore grabs both of your elbows and apparates away from the shore. The warping of your body through the travel has you disoriented and mildly irritated, and you were mentally cursing your past-self for all the decisions that had amounted to the events of that day. 

The three of you touched down at the astronomy tower with a loud pop and muffled groans, your knees nearly buckling from exhaustion as soon as your heels slammed against the wooden boards. 

Harry helps guide Dumbledore to sit down, the man further weakened by the apparition. As you crouch down in front of the enervated headmaster, you both can barely make out what the man is mumbling. 

“Severus…Severus,” Dumbledore wheezes out. You share a look with Harry and usher him away with a wave of your hand, “I’ll stay and watch over him. You hurry and find Snape.”

Harry doesn’t look entirely convinced, but seeing no better alternative, complies with your words and quickly disappears behind a pillar and into the darkness. Before you can turn around to focus your attention on the pallor man next to you, you hear light footsteps slowly ascend the staircase. 

Turning your body to fully face the stairway, you reach for your wand and tense up in anticipation. To your surprise, you see Draco’s figure slowly round towards you both with his wand drawn. 

“Draco?” Your words are painted in disbelief, and you feel a pit lodge in your throat at the slytherin’s frantic eyes and white-knuckled grip. 

‘Reg, Draco is going to attack us.’ You clench your jaw and keep your hand on the hilt of your wand. 

‘Defend yourself, forget about Dumbledore.’ Regulus’ words are firm, with such strong conviction that you almost get whiplash thinking about how fraught he had just sounded in the cave. 

Shuffling away from the headmaster, you stand up shakily and draw your wand out to your side, not exactly rising up to the challenge, but ready to defend yourself. You were confident that you could hold up just fine against Draco. 

“L/N?” Draco sounds a tad surprised, as though he hadn’t seen you up until that moment, “What are you doing here?” His voice is now as panicked as his face, and you see his hostile demeanor falter slightly. 

Holding up one of your hands, you try to reason with the boy, “Draco, don’t do this. I know, okay. I know.”

Your words seem to only incense the boy as he practically snarls at you, “You don’t know! You don’t know what it’s like to be chosen!” With his last words, the boy is tearing the sleeve of his left arm upwards, thrusting his dark mark into your gobsmacked face. 

As your eyes drop down in resignation, you make eye contact with an alarmed Harry who was crouched on the floor below. Subtly shaking your head at the boy, you drag your eyes back up to look at Draco. 

The boy’s face was now twisted in something akin to pain, and you felt pity root you to your spot. Before you can open your mouth to speak, your attention is grabbed by the sound of a door opening in the distance. 

Frowning, you shuffle back to block Dumbledore, “You’re not alone?” 

“A passage. Vanishing cabinets that I repaired.” Draco’s words are embittered, but you knew it wasn’t towards you. . 

Noddin, you shrug one shoulder at him, commending him for his ingeniousness. Seeing that you were not going to reply, he lowers his wand slightly, “I don’t need you. Go. You need to leave. I only want him,” he jabs his chin in the direction of Dumbledore, who was still slumped on the floor. 

A large part of you did want to run, but you didn’t think you could ever look Harry in the eyes again if you did. 

‘Run, birdie. Listen to him. Protect yourself.’ Regulus’ pleads make your finger twitch and the urge to abandon your incapacitated headmaster grows stronger. 

“You know I can’t, Draco. Please don’t do this.” You step forward and reach out to him. 

The boy shakes his head fervently, “I have to. I have to kill him, or else he’s going to kill me.” His voice cracks with the last confession, and you feel your jaw clench at the cruelty of the situation. 

“I can help you. Blaise and I, we can protect you.” Your words are soft and you see Draco frown in conflict, eyes shining from unshed tears. He seems to almost believe your words — that you could possibly get him out of this predicament, but any semblance of resolve disappears as footsteps echo from the stairwell again. 

Looking down at the hole in the floor, you see that Harry is gone, possibly hiding or getting help. You shakily exhale before looking back at Draco. The slytherin looks at you like you’re about to be walked to your execution, and you can feel a stone of dread sink in your stomach. 

The first person to pop up from the staircase has your heart stuttering from fear, “Bellatrix.” Your voice is surprisingly firm, and you almost want to pat yourself on the back from how well you were standing your ground. 

The woman in question whips her head towards you and lets out a booming cackle, hands clutching at her stomach like she was just pronounced the heir to an enormous fortune. 

“Ickle, Y/N,” The crazed woman approaches Draco, peering over his shoulder, “and, oh! Dumbledore! Two sitting ducks!” She breaks out into more laughter and you avert your eyes from her hysterics to look at a distressed Draco. 

‘Y/N, leave. You can’t take on Bellatrix, she is utterly insane. Apparate somewhere, please.’ Regulus’ voice seems to fade out in your head as you go still from shock when you see Fenrir Greyback make his way towards you. Just as you regain enough sense to try and turn tail, the werewolf is hauling your figure towards him in a bruising grip, slamming you up against a nearby pillar. 

You gasp in shock and grit your teeth to stop from screaming as the werewolf moves a hand to grip your throat. Before you can try and hex the beast, a monotonous voice breaks through the tense atmosphere, “Enough.” 

Darting your eyes away, you almost want to cry in relief as you see a stone-faced Snape make his way out from the shadows. The grip on your neck slackens and you try to find your bearings by gripping the ridges of the pillar behind you. 

The rumors that Greyback was horrifying were not exaggerated by any means. 

Before you can breathe out in relief, figuring that your ex-Potions professor likely would spare your life, Greyback grips one of your arms tightly and stuffs his other hand in your jacket pocket, tearing himself away from you, Regulus’ portrait held victoriously above his head. 

“No!” Your scream is guttural, feral even, but the werewolf simply grins widely at your distress, pointed teeth menacingly peeking from his mouth. You try to lunge for the werewolf, wand drawn, but you feel someone slam into you before you can get far. 

Thrashing against the figure, you cry out as they twist your hand behind your back, making you drop your wand. Before you can plead with Morgana to send you the strength to hurl your assailant through the wall, you hear a voice harshly whisper in your ear, “Stop it. You’re going to get yourself killed.” 

You tense from shock and whip your head around to see a frustrated Draco glaring down at you in warning.  Pursing your lips together, you feel tears gather on your waterline as you turn back and see Greyback handing the portrait to a delighted Bellatrix. 

“Foolish child!” Her words stung, but your snarl only seems to amuse her, “And baby cousin, how disappointing.” Bellatrix’s smile is vindictive, like pure acid, as she appraises Regulus. 

‘Reg. I’m sorry! Please, I’m sorry!’ Your frantic words pour out as tears begin to slide down your cheeks, eyes blurring violently from the endless onslaught of tears. 

‘It’s okay, birdie. It’s not your fault,’ Regulus' words are loud in your head, and you release a strangled sob, feeling Draco tighten his grip on you at the sound, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever liked someone as much as I’ve liked you.’ 

Blinking away the tears, you can barely process what was happening as Bellatrix suddenly draws her wand, “Bombarda!”

Regulus’ portrait explodes in a spray of gold, pieces of the frame clattering around the floor, and you see the canvas flutter to the floor between you and the madwoman. 

“Reggie!” You try to throw Draco off of you, but the boy overpowers you and keeps his iron grip on you. 

Regulus turns his gaze towards you and you see him flash a small smile at you, one full of longing and sorrow, ‘I’ll find you again, my love.’ 

“Incendio!” Bellatrix’s gleeful yell echoes throughout your head, deafening you, but you’re sure it was your screams that could be heard from the other side of the castle. You feel Draco flinch behind you, and you drop down onto the ground, taking the slytherin down with you. 

You hunch over, tipping your head onto the floor as you begin to sob, incoherently mumbling as the death eaters around you seem to direct their attention to Dumbledore. 

You knew you should have kicked Draco to next Yule and grabbed your wand to defend the weakened headmaster, but you could barely tie together a coherent thought, and when you did, it only revolved around Regulus. 

Regulus – who was gone, for good this time. Gone because of you. 

It would be a euphemism to describe the feeling as emptiness, because what you were feeling transcended any feeling you could precisely pinpoint. Bellatrix might as well have thrust her claws into your chest and wrung your heart to a bleeding pulp. 

You wanted to bang your head against the wood and beg for a redo of the entire day. 

It was all a terrible dream. 

Yes, it was nothing more than a figment of your imagination. That made sense, you would never be that weak, right? 

Yes. You were dreaming.

This had to be a nightmare. 

Opening your eyes, you feel your nails digging into your head just as black dots start to swim in your vision. You couldn’t find the strength to lift your head up. 

It all had to have been a dream. Otherwise, why would it be so silent around you? You could sense it, nobody was in the room with you anymore. 

The dark spots start to move more vigorously, blooming across the wood and overtaking your vision. As your sight waned and the rushing of blood in your ears settled, you heard a muffled voice reach you, “Shit! Y/N!” 

And then you knew no more than darkness. 

Yes, it had to be a dream. Just a bad dream. 

tag list: @krazyk99 @venomsvl @valsarchives @bunny24sstuff @novella12nite @elia-the-bibliophile @txorua @xlifexdeathx @trikigirl271 @the-marauders-world @sleepydang @blueberry-thrawn @lestat-whore @chanaaaannel @clockworkherondale @peachyaeger @thegayhoenextdoor @l--absinthe @ok-boke @summer-noir @mikeikax @musically-ambiguous @dittos-blog-dylanobrien @friendly-neighborhood-boricua @randomfaeriechild @misacc08 @kingofsantafe01 @that-bitch-bri @ily2lia

[multiplebirthinwebcomics]

Group 1 :

Garnet and Jade (Curious Case of the Ring Brothers)

Booster and Charlie Sanchez (Dumbing of Age)

Mona and Polly Theist (Flaky Pastry)

Jonas and Sidney Wagner (Long Exposure)

Sphinxes (Paranatural)

Mariwen and Merrick (The Forgotten Order)

Edie and Gladys Shaw (Widdershins)

Molly and Angel Dust (Zoophobia)

Group 2

Crow, Magpie and Raven Arrow (Ava's Demon)

Hashim and Xoltan (Ennui Go)

Alpha, Beta, etc. (In the Bleak Midwinter)

Money Twins (Lookism)

Fletcher and Milo (Realta)

Forte Bass and Outrageous Apple (Sleepless Domain)

Charles and Isabella (The Blind Prince)

Jodie and Julie Kim (XII : Of Magic and Muses)

Group 3

Calmia and Ellua Phlox (Dear Nemesis)

Morgan and Nathan Slater (Ennui Go)

Dani and Dorian Wytte (Hooky)

Rhododendron "Rhodey" and Rosemary "Rosie" Muscade (Leif & Thorn)

Elan and Nale (Order of the Stick)

Marie and Rosalie (Sister Claire)

Lucy and Ravyn (Slice of Life)

Iori and Lori Ripa (Unsounded)

Group 4

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (Alice's Nightmare)

Charlie and Claudette (Cirque Royale)

Iona and Ragnild Nibelungsen (Leif & Thorn)

Damien and Sam Day (Paranatural)

Amelia and Amaya (Señorita Cometa)

Walky and Sal (Walkyverse)

Sara and Siya Litriya (Unsounded)

Gabriel and Uriel (Your Wings and Mine)

Group 5

Balder and Ravn (Fjordsøn)

Dave, Dirk, Jade, Jake, Jane, John, Rose, Roxy (Homestuck)

Babs, Oldie, Todd and Tomo (Live With Yourself)

Byeonggeon and Byeonggwan Heo (Lookism)

Taylor and Tyler (Schoolbus Graveyard)

Nagyunn and Najin (The Ember Knight)

Arhen and Arienne Yuriana (The Twins' New Life)

Carmilla ans Idun (Vampire Husband)

Group 6

Aequali and Johann de Roma (Deor)

Izzy and Addy (Ennui Go)

Brenda and David (Jackson's Diary)

Selva and Warrick Chopper (Namesake)

Lucky, Don, Reijiro, Fanta, Mimin, Sikato, Sorachika (PPPPPP)

Lucas and Maria Lockhart (Star Children)

Ella and Elli Kaine (The Kaines Project)

Chunhyang and Mong-Ryong Kang (Villain with a Crush)

Thank you all for waiting !

Preliminaries will be 6 polls with 8 candidates each, the 4 options with the most votes in each of them win.

The one with the most votes among the 24 characters left will also be in the bracket

I'm setting them up as soon as I can

[xiicomic]

Heyo, so lots of stuff has gone down at the old xiicomic.com, so now is the perfect time to catch up before the last book goes to Kickstarter!

[wxrldkillerarchive]

tag post.

[crabbng]

more #webcomicday outfits! Jodie from XII: of Magic and Muses, Ren from Conjuring Cutlasses, Sydney from Sombulus, and Aprima from Red Moon Run/Rites

Jodie XII: of Magic and Muses ( @xiicomic https://xiicomic.com/magic-and-muses/) listen, i know she hasn't gotten to dress up fun due to like. living in a boarding school. but i imagine her liking a 'cool without looking like you're trying' sort of look. nonchalantly looking better than u

Ren Conjuring Cutlasses ( @niccitrus https://conjuringcutlasses.com) YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS. the most iconic goth fashions, you cant get better than that. elegant emo. and a cutesy pinkish umbrella cause you know maybe it reminds her of someone

Sydney Sombulus (@delphina2k http://sombulus.com) i wanted sydney to look like a prince bc she is. to me. elegant and a little frilly but still practical, which i think she would like. pattern on the inside of the coat is inspired by the iconic essence bands of sombulus

Aprima RMR ( @elemei https://redmoonreader.com) a gentle soul. i wanted her to look cute and have fun flowy fabrics, but also. she COULD still swing a scythe. just in case. featuring the lady's beloved flowers and a little inspiration from the one shrine we saw (minus the serpents)

[conziergearch]

unusual muse associations ――   a repost from my old blog because it hasn’t changed yet and @paramounticebound tagged me,  ily ♡   tagging :   @unascend, @gentsleuth, @wiiaca, @emcrse, @theresastargirl, @cptnpike​, @roseguided​ (chani) and anyone who wants to!!

spice :   fresh tumeric. weather :   the crisp cold air shortly before or after a snowstorm. primary color :   a very deep ocean teal, #0d181e. color of the sky :   the faded shade between burning red and mute grey, when the sun rises in the morning. magical power :   shamanism. shoe :   well-cared-for oxford shoes. houseplant :   monstera deliciosa. blade weapon :   a typical knightly arming sword, type xii. school subject :     mathematics. social media :   goodreads. makeup product :   a warm, dark nude lipstick. candy :   pralines, particularly nougat. tangible fear :   intimacy and subsequent loss. ice cube shape :   large full cubes, low melting rate. method of long-distance travel :   longship. art style :   romanticism. historical period :   the viking age. mythological creature :   the midgard serpent. piece of stationary :   a simple, silver ballpoint pen. three emojis :   🔪❤️🌻 celestial body :   a black hole.