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amphxtrite · 3 years

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what I miss most // c.d

cedric diggory x slytherin! reader

warnings: swearing, spelling/ grammar mistakes.

summary: the reader is chosen for triwizard tournament instead of cedric. He helps you with the first task and finds himself at the bottom of the lake.

a/n: thank you to anon for sending this request, I absolutely loved writing this, but I apologize if it’s kind of shit.

tag list: @cupidpoison @wonderful-writer @inglourious-imagines @mullthingsoverinthehotwater @cedricsyellowscarf @coldlilheart @glossierkisscs @hoe4cedricdiggory

word count: 3.9k

enjoy <3

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“And the Hogwarts champion for the triwizard tournament is.” Dumbledore’s voice booms as the entire student body sits on the edge of their seats waiting patiently as the goblet of fire spews out a sheet of parchment. “Y/n L/n of slytherin!”

The entire house of black and green shouts in excitement as you stand and make your way to the front of the hall, accepting pats on the back and high fives your entire way down.

Cedric Diggory sighs in defeat as your name is called instead of his. He slowly raises his head from his arms to take a look at the girl who would be in the tournament instead of him. He doesn’t know what to expect as he finally finds you in the crowd, but needless to say he’s surprised. Beautiful cascading h/c hair, bright eyes, a playful smirk resting on your face and a loose green tie adorning your neck. He could barely take his eyes off of you as you shake hands with dumbledore and enter the back room, his eyes trailing after you until you’re finally out of his line of view.

“She’s gorgeous.” The hufflepuff sighs, resting his chin on his hand.

“Ced, she took your spot!” Ernie Macmillan calls, shaking his head at the star struck brunette.

“Who cares mate?” Cedric laughs, wrapping an arm around the younger boy with a smirk on his face.

Your confidence seemed to double as you walked up to Dumbledore and shook his hand, but sitting in the waiting room with the other champions grew rather awkward and you knew you’d have to be the first to break the ice.

You turn and wave to the Beauxbatons girl and introduce yourself. Fleur seems happy to have someone to talk to and you eventually pull Viktor into your circle, talking about your schools and your excitement for the tournament. A shuffle of shoes is heard and you turn, expecting Dumbledore, but see Harry Potter’s mop of brown hair and glasses instead.

“Harry what are you doing here?” You question, walking up to the shaky boy and putting a hand on his shoulder. Harry was like a younger brother to you, and you’d grown rather fond of him despite your house.

“I-I don’t know! He just called my name.” He stutters, looking around anxiously and fidgeting with his fingers.

“I didn’t put my name in, I swear!” He rambles on, taking hold of your sweater.

“I believe you Harry, there’s no way you could’ve made it past the age line.” You state, ruffling his hair and sighing.

“You know you should really get this cut.” You laugh, pulling him towards the other champions.

“Really y/n, now?” Harry rolls his eyes, but cracks a smile, allowing himself to be dragged over and introduced.

Days pass and you grow more and more excited for the first task, you get close to the other champions and you have overwhelming support from even peers you’ve never talked to before, but as more people support you, they seem to turn on Harry. Badges with the phrase ‘Potter Stinks.’ And ‘Support y/n the real Hogwarts champion.’ Begin popping up everywhere and despite your pleas for people to take them off more and more people continue.

“Please Draco, I know you don’t like Harry, but I would really appreciate it if you and your friends stopped wearing them.” You try to reason with the young slytherin, but everyday is the same response. “No need to be modest y/n! We all know it’s true!”

You sigh and shake your head turning back to Fleur and her friends as one of them shakes your shoulder. “I think you’ve got yourself an admirer.” She smirks pointing behind you.

“That’s very sweet Claire, but I don’t want to see anymore badg-“

She cuts you off. “Non, no badges, that boy is gazing at you!” She squeals, shifting your body so you’re facing the other direction. Your eyes lock with a pair of grey ones and the owner immediately drops his gaze. Your cheeks flash a light pink as you smile at the adorable boy, but you’re pulled from your little moment by a tapping on your back.

“Um y/n, c-can I talk to you?” Harry’s shy voice calls out. “Read the badge Potter!” Draco’s distinct voice responds as you turn to shush him.

“Of course Harry, lead the way.” You smile.

“Listen I’m sorry about the badges. I’ve told them not to wear them, but” Harry lifts his hand to stop you.

“I know, it’s alright. I just wanted to warn you. The first task is dragons.” He whispers before scurrying off to find his friends.

Nodding your head in disbelief, you run back to Fleur’s group and apologize, telling them you’d be in the library if they needed you.

Dragons. Why did it have to be dragons? You sigh in frustration as you open another book on the fire spewing reptiles, your eyes fighting to stay open. “H-hey, do you need any help?” A low voice wakes you from your half asleep trance and you snap up. “What? Um, yes. Please. What was the question?” You lift your hand to your mouth to block your yawn as the voice comes closer.

“I-I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bother.” A boy comes into view. “Oh, you’re the hufflepuff from the courtyard!” You smile, motioning for him to take a seat next to you. “Yeah that’s me.” He chuckles, placing his book bag down and falling into the chair. “I just noticed you in here and was wondering if you wanted any help?” The hufflepuff sighs, scratching the back of his head in a nervous manner.

“Yeah! I mean that'd be great!” you grin, picking up your pen. “Does the hufflepuff have a name?” You tease, pulling a textbook towards the two of you. “Yeah, Uh- Cedric. Cedric Diggory.” He smiles extending his hand.

“Well Cedric, I’m y/n.” You respond, taking hold of the brunette’s hand. “I know.” He nods before blushing and shaking his head.

“That seemed really creepy, I didn’t mean anything weird.”

You laugh and for a moment Cedric is sure he’s in the presence of an angel. Your face lighting up and the sound of your voice reminded him of something divine, and Merlin did his heart soar.

“Alright Cedric, let’s get down to business.”

You spend the afternoon and most of the evening researching all you could about dragons. You had explained the situation to Cedric to give him a better idea what to look out for and he’s had his nose stuck down a book the whole time looking for the right way to succeed.

“You could try flying?”

“I’m horrid on a broom Ced.”

“Stun it?”

“That’ll only make it angry.”

“Freeze it?”

“It’s a fire breathing reptile Ced.”

“What about a distraction?” Cedric suggests, reading over a line of text.

“It won’t anger the dragon, there shouldn't be any need for fire, you just need to transfigure a distraction.”

Your lips pull into a smirk and you wrap Cedric into a hug.

“That’s brilliant! How did you know Transfiguration is my best class?” You laugh.

“Lucky guess?” Cedric smirks in response, returning the hug with a huge smile.

“You’re the best Cedric, I’ll see you later?” You pack your bag and squeeze the hufflepuff’s shoulder before walking away.

“Yeah, see you later!”

One by one at the sound of the canon the champions before you face their dragons. Sitting in the tent in your sports wear, anxiety floods your veins as the sounds of thrashing mixed with ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from the audience ring in your ear and cause your heart to race. Harry does his best to reassure you, but it seems more like a comfort to himself than you. You couldn’t blame the boy, a fourteen year old who had faced Voldemort, a basilisk and now a dragon.

The canon bangs again and someone enters the tent to retrieve you.

“This way please miss l/n.”

You stand and take a deep breath, smiling to Harry before following the man through the curtains.

You begin stretching out your arms and giving yourself a pep talk. You were smart to have taken the time to study dragons, because you didn’t know the first thing about Swedish Short- Snouts before your study day with Cedric.

You begin your walk into the stadium and the rocks begin to come into view.

The chanting of your name is distinctly heard and a silver dragon resting on a stone perch greets you, it’s yellow eyes piercing into your heart like a sword. You swallow and take a deep breath to calm yourself, pulling your wand from your pocket and putting on your brace face.

Students scream as you are finally visible and you can hear bets being made, the dragon stands from the stone and growls.

“Let’s do this.”

You slowly pace towards the dragon as it shoots a flame out towards you. Quickly rolling out of the way, you cast the rock to dog transfiguration on a medium boulder before crouching behind a large rock.

The dragon curiously follows the dog with its eyes before stepping from its nest to follow it, the scraping of chains being your cue to go. The dog begins to run and you quickly sprint in the direction of the eggs, the golden one shining in the centre must be your goal.

As you approach the nest, a brilliant blue flame shoots from beside you, barely missing your body, but burning you down your arm. The dragon begins bounding towards you, and with pain coursing through your left side you scoop up the golden egg and loudly cast the sleeping charm multiple times on the silver beast before it finally falls to your feet in a low slumber.

The stadium erupts in excitement as you walk out with the egg in your arms, as you scan the crowd for your hufflepuff helper. You spot the brunette in the stands and throw him a thumbs up and a huge smile. He grins back at you and mouths congratulations as you are greeted by medical assistance and pulled into the hospital wing.

You’re laid in a white bed as Madame Pomfrey treats your burns. The medicine does cause you to flinch and your arms turns a strange colour, but it does seem to cool after it’s finally wrapped up. You’re about to fall asleep when a flash of red and brown enters your line of sight and begins to chuckle and stutter with a huge smirk.

“Heard you pulled quite a stunt in the arena.” You grin at Harry with a light roll of your eyes.

“It was amazing y/n! You should have seen me fly up and around the Horntail!” Harry gushes, explaining every moment of his first task in great detail. Pomfrey begins bandaging his scratchers as he begins swinging his arm around explaining the great chase.

“And then I flew up and back down right past the dragon’s spines!” He lifts his hand up and drops it back down.

“Then-”

A boy in a yellow tie pulls open the curtains to your bed and steps inside.

“Hope I’m not interrupting.” He grins sheepishly, pulling two bouquets of flowers from behind his back.

“Of course not, you don’t mind do you Harry?”

You smirk at the boy and he shakes his head.

“I was just stopping by to drop these off from the judges.” Cedric explains handing a bouquet to you and Harry.

“Great job out there by the way. Both of you.” Cedric compliments, placing the flowers on your bed before stepping back out again.

Months passed and the buzz from the first event had still not diminished, so when the Yule Ball was announced, the entire school went absolutely crazy. People you’d never seen before began confessing their ‘undying love’ for you and asking you to accompany them to the dance. You almost felt bad denying them a date, but the truth was you only had one person in mind who you wanted to take you to the ball, the hufflepuff brunette who had helped you conquer your first task.

Cedric had been planning on asking you to the Yule Ball, but as he watched people swarm you, he lost hope that you’d still be single for the dance. He felt it was rather useless to try, but Harry wasn’t going to allow Cedric to give up.

“She likes roses. Yellow ones with red tips are her favourite. She grows them at home.” The gryffindor shrugs nonchalantly, nudging the hufflepuff in the shoulder.

“Okay?” Cedric shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “She doesn’t have a date you know. She rejected everyone who’s asked.” Harry continues.

“And how is that supposed to make me feel better?” Cedric sighs, poking at his food.

“She’s waiting for you.” The gryffindor finishes, turning over and noticing a sparkle in Cedric’s eyes. “Just thought you’d ought to know.” Harry smirks,standing from the hufflepuff table and wandering over to his.

Cedric made his way to professor Mcgonagall right after that to ask how to transfigure the exact form of those roses and worked at it till he was sure he’d mastered it.

He found you reading on special charms in the library with the girl from Beauxbatons, and taking a deep breath he summoned the flowers from the top of his wand and presented them to you.

“Y/n, I-I know it’s not much, but I was wondering if you would go to the Yule Ball with me?”

He almost toppled over when you jumped up to hug him, he had to pinch himself to make sure this was really happening. That you had actually said yes.

The ball arrived and it was absolutely magical. You and Fleur were gushing over each other’s dresses as Viktor talked to his date and Harry stood awkwardly in the back. Cedric arrived and together you made your way into the ballroom.

You danced for hours, anything from waltzing to just jumping around until you pulled Cedric away from the dance floor and into the courtyard.

“I see you’re wearing my flower, love.” Cedric grins, looking down at you as you swayed in his arms.

“Of course Ced, I love it.” You respond, a smile growing on your face. “I grow these back home, they’re my favourite.” You smirk, pulling the rose from your hair and holding it up to your nose.

“Do you know what they represent Ced?” You raise your eyes to meet Cedric’s dazzling grey ones.

“No I do not, Care to enlighten me?” Cedric grins sheepishly, twirling you in the light snowfall.

“Yellow roses with red tips, mean friendship and-” You pause looking up to the falling snow and back into Cedric’s eyes. “Falling in love.”

Your lips had almost met that night, but the sound of footsteps pulled the two of you apart and the two of you parted not long after.

When the second task arrived you were ready. You had figured out the egg and had given Harry a hint to figure out his as well. You had managed to find a spell on your own to help you in the underwater field, but on the day of the event you couldn’t find Cedric anywhere. No matter where you looked or wandered the boy in that yellow tie was nowhere to be found. Lined up on the wooden deck, you pull yourself together, shaking Cedric from your mind to grab your wand from your jacket pocket and shrugging off your outer layer, leaving you in your bathing suit in the unforgiving winter air.

They sound you to begin and you cast the bubble head charm on yourself before diving into the freezing water. You swam as fast as you could, dodging the grindylow as you made your way through the tall underwater foliage. Wandering further into the dense green, you were sure the water was playing tricks on you because tied to the bottom of the lake was Cedric, still clad in his full uniform. You spot Harry gazing stupidly at the victims and you nudge his shoulder. shooting a spell at the weed tied around Cedric’s leg before tapping your wrist in the universal sign for ‘time.’ You grab around Cedric’s chest and push his head down as you surface through the waves, The brunette’s head popping up as soon as his head breaks through the lake. You gently pull him back to the docks and wrap towels around your arms and his as people flock to you and congratulate you on your victory.

“W-What happened?” Cedric stutters, his teeth chattering like crazy.

“You were at the bottom of the lake Ced. Do you not remember?” You giggle.

“No, I-I just remember being told to go to the office and when I got there, everything went black.” Cedric shivers as you scoot closer beside him.

A line of the poem from the golden egg bounces through your mind.

“We’ve taken what you miss the most.”

Cedric glances at you in confusion, but a smile dawns on your face.

“I missed you the most Ced, that’s why they chose you.” You laugh, wrapping the hufflepuff in a hug as his eyes widen in realization and his cheeks heat up.

The third task arrives and you and Harry are tied for first. The two of you enter the stadium together and stand in front of different entrances to the maze. You nod to Harry, wishing him good luck and he does the same. Dumbledore finishes his speech and the task has begun. You start slowly, walking with slight hesitation as the maze walls swallow you whole. As soon as the cheers of the student body are no longer heard, you pick up the pace, dodging magical creatures and running around blocks and dead ends. You had the feeling you were close when you noticed Viktor prowling in the opposite direction.

“Viktor! The cup’s that way.” You nudge him on the side as in a flash he turns and grabs you by the throat.

“Finally I’ve found you.” He smirks his usual accent disappearing as his glassy eyes look you up and down.

Clouded eyes and a voice that wasn’t his, there was only one explanation. “Let Viktor go!” You squirm in his grip as a devilish smile descends his face as he chokes you out and lifts his wand. “That should be the least of your worries y/n.”

His lips just form a curse when a loud “Stupefy!” Is heard.

Viktor falls back and Harry comes rushing to your aid.

“Are you alright?”

You immediately begin taking deep breaths of air and turning to face Harry.

“The Imperius curse. Someone cursed Viktor.” You mumble in between gasps for air.

Harry helps you up and pulls you forwards through the final part of the maze, finally finding the glowing blue cup.

“Go on, you did save me.” You smile, pushing Harry closer to the cup.

“Nonsense, you were closer. You should have it.” Harry argues, pulling you further up.

“Together?” You grin taking a step closer.

“Together.” Harry agrees.

You reach up to the cup and at the count of three you both place your hands onto the trophy.

The world begins to spin and contort. You begin to feel dizzy as Harry’s shape begins to swirl and his loud breathing is the only thing you hear.

You land on a field and the two of you stand nauseously. You hold your head in your hand as you hear Harry utter the word ‘portkey’ and you turn to access your surroundings.

“It looks like a graveyard.” You sigh, turning back to Harry. “Is this like a joke or somethin-“

“Look out!”

From behind you a hidden figure emerges and pulls out their wand.

“Petrificus Totalus!”

Your body seizes up and you fall onto Harry’s chest. “Avada Kedavra!”

“No!” Harry jumps and tumbles down a hill with you in his grasp, running and placing you behind a tombstone to face this opponent.

You can only lay there frozen as Harry screams. The bubbling of a cauldron, cackling, multiple voices, and a hiss of a snake is heard. Your bonds seem to break for a second, perhaps the person had just transferred their wand to someone else. You slowly turn and peak over the grave, a scream of fear nearly leaving your mouth at the sight of Voldemort and his death eaters.

Voldemort begins throwing the gryffindor to the sides like a ragdoll as he begs Harry to duel, Harry tries to counter the killing curse with expelliarmus, a thick veil of light emerges from their wands and soon the two are hidden from view. For agonizing minutes you sit there in fear for your friends life. Hoping and Praying Harry would be alright.

The light disappears and Harry emerges, throwing back the band of death eaters before you stand and run over to him.

“Let’s Go!” You pull the dazed gryffindor from his trance and run towards the portkey as Harry yells spell after spell at the oncoming line of Voldemort’s followers. You quickly clutch onto the handle of the trophy and close your eyes as the world begins to spin again.

All spectators were frozen as Harry Potter and y/n l/n exit the maze screaming bloody murder. “He’s back! Voldemort’s back!” Harry cries, clutching onto Dumbledore and being grabbed by professor Moody. Your voice is quiet and pained as you wrap yourself in a blanket and explain in full detail what happened when that cup turned into a bloody portkey. Dumbledore sat stroking his beard and nodding before quickly walking off to find Harry. You sit and hang your head down, taking deep breaths to calm your racing heart. In and out, it was going to be okay.

“Y/n, are you alright?” The worried voice of the grey eyed hufflepuff comes crashing through your ear and in a second you had engulfed him in a hug and begun crying into his shoulder.

“H-He’s back. He’s back and I didn’t do anything.” You whimper into Cedric’s scarf.

“Hey, darling look at me.” He tilts your chin up and his voice turns serious.

“Voldemort is a mass murderer. He’s killed almost everyone he's come in contact with. It’s not your fault, love he would have killed you.” Cedric sighs, pulling you closer and wrapping his arms tightly around you.

“What matters is that you’re back, you’re safe and we’re together.” Cedric smiles, pressing a kiss to your hairline. “Congratulations on the win by the way.” Cedric smirks, looking down at you.

“Win? But Harry.”

“He told Dumbledore you were the rightful winner of the cup. It’s already been announced darling. You won.”

Cedric follows his congratulations by pressing an overdue kiss to your lips. Your mouth drops open and a smile widens on your face as you jump up into Cedric’s arms and he spins you around.

“I’m so proud of you, love.” He chuckles, placing you back down again and holding you close.

“Just don’t do that again, alright? You scared me.”

You laugh and begin peppering kisses on Cedric’s warm cheeks as you punch your fist into the air and cheer. You had done it. You survived and conquered the triwizard tournament. Though you had to talk to Harry about splitting the winnings. There was no way he was getting away with this.

#harry potter imagine #cedric diggory #cedric diggory imagine #cedric diggory x reader #harry potter #cedric diggory fluff #cedric x y/n #cedricsbrowncurls #cedric fluff

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chudleycanonficfest · 3 years

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Day 32, Story #2 is by @ahankar1610

Title: The Castle of Agony

Author: Ahankar1610

Pairing: Ron/Hermione

Prompt: AU / Mythological/Fairytale

Rating: T

Trigger Warnings: Mentions of death.

The Castle of Agony

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“Weasley!” a booming voice rang in the east corridor, Auror department, Ministry of Magic. A young man, who was going through the paperwork of recent strategies their head of Department hand introduce and also half paying attention to Chudley Canon’s recent stats in the ongoing league, jumped from his seat in fright.

He ran out of his cubicle, storming past every cubicle and ignoring everyone who had their heads stuck out of their cubicles to see what caused their head of department, Alastor ‘mad-eye’ Moody, to shout this loudly in the corridor. Yes, he was pretty loud, but never that much loud.

Ron Weasley reached the door of the office of Head of the Auror Department, he breathed a sigh and checked his features. He plated his bright red hair to look formal and checked his attire which is thankfully fine, because he’s been busy with paperwork which was thrusted to him by Jenna, the receptionist of Auror Department, and he didn’t get a chance to do anything else after that.

He knocked two times, “Come in,” came Moody’s voice from behind the door. Ron breathed in again to prepare himself and entered the office. He closed the door behind and Moody is not the only one present at the office.

James Potter, The Trainer of Aurors is also present at Moody’s office. He gave a nod to both of them and stood there with his demeanour and stance stiff.

“Auror Weasley,” said Moody in a formal voice, “Our magical control department informed us of rare and immense waves of magic are detected in Barnton, Cheshire. Its an old abandoned castle from where it was detected. Though it is not our work to handle the accidental magic, but it is for the first time this immense amount of magic is recorded,” Moody sighs, Ron can tell that his boss is not happy with the arrangement.

“We think it’s a ploy. by the smugglers. Barnton’s forest had a herd of unicorns and we are sure that their main purpose is to distract us and the rangers,” said James who looked a little reluctant, he exchanged a glance with Moody, “Ron,” he said tenderly, he had always treated Ron like his own and they both are now share a family after the wedding of Harry and Ginny.

“We only want you to check the perimeter of that Castle and report us about every single activity, either it is smugglers or an accidental magic by a brat. Is it understood?” Moody growled.

“Yes sir,” Ron replied in a firm voice.

Moody nodded, “You will reach the spot and try to stay under the cover. If you see anything peculiar, you will contact the headquarters.”

Ron nodded and turn to walk out of the office, his had just turned when he heard James called his name again. He turned and James is watching him with a grim expression, which was a first for Ron, as this man had always had a smile on his face since Ron can remember.

“If anything happened, anything. Just leave the spot and return to the headquarters,” he said gravely. Ron made an odd expression, bewildered by James’s word and behaviour. He nodded and leave the room.

“What happened Potter?” Moody asked quietly, his eyes on James who is sipping water from his glass of his water. His face quaint and unreadable.

“I don’t know,” James said silently, he wiped a little amount of sweat from his forehead by his sleeve. “There is something, something wrong. I feel today is there is something bizarre, about the day today.”

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Ron landed on his feet at the soft ground. The chilly air of late November hit his cheeks, he shuddered at the sudden contact of coldness.

He quickly casted disillusionment charm on himself. He currently had a tree for his cover as he took around his surroundings. He was at the end of the forest, a place which smugglers usually used for their hideouts.

He shifted a little, he had his wand out. “Homenum Revelio,” there isn’t anyone in the perimeter. Ron frowns, it cannot be possible for the magic trace to be vanish that quickly. His spell tells him that there isn’t a source of magic present in the forest.

The smugglers can’t be gone that quickly. Then suddenly Ron felt something, a shiver, like someone is present around him. His body stiffened as he prepared for a combat, but nothing came.

He glanced around, his disillusionment charm is up and he can feel that someone is watching him. He knew that the attack will upon him. He decides to confront, his location is known by James and Moody and he feels that he can overtake smugglers if he tried. He wants to know their position and the only way to find that is to lure himself to them.

He undid the charm and step out of the cover, nothing happened. He had expected them to jump on him the moment he came out but nothing came. He gripped his wand firmly. The anticipation of an ambush is the only thing in his mind now.

He walked a few step forwards and a breeze of wind passed him from his left, he turned to his left swiftly “Stupefy!” he yelled.

The curse flew past piercing two trees in his way and vanished when it reached the third one. His voice echoed in the dark forest and Ron knew that there is something peculiar is going on in this forest.

“Homenum Revelio,” he whispered again, and this time he felt something. On the north side of the forest, he had felt it. A source of heat. A single source of heat.

He thought about James’s words but he feels but then, he didn’t know why but every part of his body wants him to follow this trail. His instincts are telling him to go to the north side of this forest.

At the moment of this decision, Ron choose to trust his instincts than his teacher. He walked into the depth of the forest.

The north side of the forest is more darker and Ron had found it confusing that many of the plants are magical and it was rare to find the magical flora to be found in muggle visited areas.

His steps died down as a stone appeared in front of him, something is, or something was carved on it. Before someone had scratched it, it seems like it was a name of a place. It was scratched by a sword and there is something which was also carved which made Ron’s eyes twitched.

‘AGONY’

It was carved in the middle of the stone and Ron can tell why someone would do something like this. Ron was mesmerized in the stone that he didn’t notice a shadow standing at the end of woods watching him closely.

Ron’s eyes twitched as he felt a tug in his brain and he felt his blood racing, he noticed the shadow. His left hand reached his wand but the shadow noticed and moved backwards a little.

“HALT!” he yelled and the shadow stopped for a second.

“Don’t move!” he said his wand on person’s back. “Raise your hands!” he ordered and to his surprise the shadow, he can tell is a person, obliged.

He cautiously started walking forwards, he reached a little closer to the person, “Turn around,” he ordered and when the person turned to face him, wind got knocked out of him.

There is a woman, well a beautiful woman, is standing in front of him. Her face looks like she is annoyed at him but their eyes met, he felt something. There is something familiar in those chocolate brown eyes, something familiar, like he had known these eyes for years. Her lips, her face, her hair.

Ron didn’t know why but he feels like that he knew her. It feels warm in his chest as he admired those brown bushy locks.

“What do you want!?”

Ron blinked and blinked again, “Yeah,” he said breaking his reverie and then looked at the woman who has her arms crossed over her chest and she looked really crossed.

He coughed a little, and then cleared his throat. “Um,” he awkwardly glanced at her face and it shows that she wanted answer. “What are you doing here on your own, ma’am?” he asked.

“Why do you think that it is something of your business, Auror?” she snapped. Well Aunt Muriel always said that handsome people are always arrogant. He sighs, wait!? Auror?

“You’re a witch?” he asked.

The woman rolled her eyes, “Yes I am.”

“Then what are you doing here?” he asked, his voice firm and gaze unmoving. He’s an auror.

“I am here for research,” she said.

Ron raised his eyebrow, by the mention of the research he surmised that this woman is a muggle. Obliviating her is the best option but he didn’t want to and the reason is unknown for him. He sighs, as per the protocol he has to obliviate her.

“Don’t even think about it,” the woman said, her eyes flashing. Ron’ s hand which was about to reach his wand stopped in mid-air. He frowned sceptical of this woman’s sharpness.

“Don’t make that face,” she said, “I know you were going to obliviate me.”

Ron’s both eyebrows shot up, “So you’re a witch?” he asked. The woman rolled her eyes, “Took you long enough to figure out,” she said, her voice irked and Ron scowled at her snappish behaviour.

“You should not be here ma’am,” he said, trying to keep his voice gentle and formal. The woman seems on guard. “What is your name?” Ron asked “And what is your purpose to be here?”.

She hesitated to talk, “I am Hermione.” Hermione, the name feels warm. “I came here to visit the old castle of Barnton.”

Castle? He never heard of any castle here in this deep forest of Barnton. “There is a castle auror,” she said as if she knew what was going in his mind. “I didn’t come here for no reason. I had heard the tales and infamous stories of the abandoned Barnton castle which was infamously known as the castle of agony.”

Ron glanced back at the stone he was admiring before and then at the woman standing before him. Her clothing is similar to him, heavy black robes hung till her knees and looking at her face, he can tell she’s in no mood of abandoning her search.

“I am Auror Ron Weasley,” he introduced himself. “This place is not safe for any civilian. I am afraid you would have to return.”

Her eyes went wide of anger when he suggested that. He expected a rant from her, but she didn’t. She turned around and started storming towards the direction he thinks the castle is.

He sighed, he can tell that the woman is stubborn and she won’t leave, he is sure of that, so. “Wait!” he yelled and she stopped in her steps and turned around with a frown plastered on her face. “I know you won’t leave until you find that castle, so let me accompany you. This place is full of smugglers and I can’t leave a civilian roam into this perimeter alone.”

Hermione stared at him, contemplating his word. After a minute of eying him in distrust, she nodded.

She started walking again and this time he is walking with her, though he is four or five steps behind her.

“Why is this castle abandoned?” he asked out of the curiosity. Hermione glanced back and then said, “It was the first castle of Barnton. Nearly eight centuries ago, it was ruled by King Regenweald before it was abandoned.” Hermione said, her voice serene.

Ron noticed many of the stones which he can tell were used to be walls and are just ruins now. “We have just entered its boundaries, Auror Weasley.”

“How come it was abandoned? If it was a castle of a dynasty. Why no one knows about it?” Ron asked.

Hermione sighed, “This castle is haunted as they say,” she said and Ron glanced around them. “It was all because of one woman.”

“A woman?” Ron asked.

Hermione nodded her face solemn, “Long ago when King Regenweald was just a prince, he met a girl. A girl named Elene, who he met during a hunt. They both fell in love with each other the moment their eyes met for the very first time.”

“Elene’s healing techniques were unique and best, many believed that she was a witch and that I think she was.” Hermione rubbed her hands to feel warm as the weather is started to get cold. Ron took out his wand and casted heating charm on both of them. “Thank you,” Hermione said with a smile and Ron returned it. She smiled for the first time and Ron thinks it was a charming smile.

“Then they married, many stories tells that it was one of the most beautiful wedding someone ever had witnessed. They both were so in love and it was celebrated in their kingdom,” they both reached a simple place which seems like a garden, Ron was going to ask Hermione something when he turned towards her, but her eyes are glued on a statue which has been turned dark. Ron can tell the statue is fragile, it had turned dark and many of parts are gone but something has kept this statue alive.

“This is them,” Hermione whispered, “Regenweald and Elene.”

Hermione eyes are shining and Ron didn’t know but he feels that this statue means something to her. Though reluctantly he placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Then what happened?” he asked. Hermione smiled, but sadly. “Elene was a kind queen. Her skilled healing prowess helped er kingdom. Barnton was the happiest place for their people. Their life bloomed when Elene found she is pregnant.”

“But it got tainted,” Hermione said, her voice queer.

“Tainted by what?” Ron asked.

“By blood, by war,” Hermione sighed. “The stories say, that the other kings, who were envious of King Regenweald’s kingdom, believed that Elene was a witch and should be executed. They demanded her to be hanged. King Regenweald protested. He declared an order that whoever touches his wife will face death.”

“The other kings attacked Barnton with their combined armies. Vicious war took place in these grounds. The warriors fought valiantly but faced defeat. On the last day of war King Regenweald lost his life. Elene distraught with her husband’s grief miscarried and lost her child two days after she had lost her husband.”

“She went mad, they say her grief led her to burn down the enemy camps. Nearly every soldier of those kingdoms died at the hand of a grieving wife. She wanted everything back, everything which was stolen away from her. Her agony was killing her alive.”

Hermione went quiet and Ron stares at her with anticipation building inside him. His eyes went towards the statue and searched for face of Elene which was gone.

“Hermione?” Hermione turned her serene eyes towards him, “What happened to Elene?”.

Hermione stared in his eyes, he just realized how much he loves her eyes. “She broke all the limits of magic for her love,” said Hermione. “She practiced or created that magic that even the greatest wizards of that time could not behold. She searched and searched and one day she found the branch of Necromancy.”

Ron’s eyes went wide at the mention of the darkest branch of the magic. “The people of Barnton, now scared of her magic decided to call the spirits of gods to help them. They did the ritual, the sacrifices but no god came to their aid. But one day an old man entered Barnton wailing for help, he was frail and sickly, his whole body covered in boils and his eyes red from crying. He asked for the queen’s help. He begged on the doors of the castle for queen’s help, queen finally came. He begged her, ‘Cureth me, prithee mine own queen and I shall grant any wisheth thee shall asketh me f’r.’

“Elene may be the queen and a witch who had surpassed every branch of magic, but she was a healer first. She cured him with her knowledge, she cured his every derange part of his body. When the time came for the queen to ask the wish, the man transforms into himself into the celestial we all know as death.”

“Death was always cunning,” said Hermione with a grim expression. “Death was impressed. It never expected Elene to help, Death had planned to drag her for playing with rules of nature. But Elene earned it’s respect when she decided to help it.”

“It gave her a choice. Death promised Elene that it will return her husband, but, Elene had to wait. The wait which could last for years, decades or centuries. Death asked her, ‘Can thee waiteth? Can thee survive? Doth thee has’t the strength to cope the t’rture of timeth,”.”

Hermione fell silent after that, Ron stared at her, shaken or lost. After a minute which passed like an hour for Ron he asked, “What did Elene choose?”.

Hermione took a shaky breath and her eyes went towards the statue again. “Elene chose to wait,” she turned her head and the ocean blue drowned in the colour of chocolate brown. “’F’r regenweald, aught.’ Elene told death.”

Ron now realized that he can feel her warm breath on his face as their faces are too close now, “So?” Ron asked quietly as Hermione’s eyes roam over his face, it feels like she is counting freckles on his face.

They both closed the distance and their lips met, it was tender. It feels warm, he had kissed before but not something like this. They both parted, both of their forehead touched as they leaned into each other. Hermione chuckled, “Funny, isn’t it? We barely know each other.”

“I don’t know about you,” he whispers, “But it feels like I had known you for ages.” Hermione stares at him with tender eyes, her hand reaching his cheek and cupping it.

“Hermione?” Ron asked.

“Yes Ron,” she whispered.

“Are you hungry?” he asked with a goofy grin. A smile appeared on Hermione’s face, “I think, I am.”

Ron took a hold of her hand and with a grin he started walking with Hermione. The ruins are as same. The castle which was once there was all gone by time. But in the depth of the land, deep inside there is a chamber. A chamber which was created for her.

On the wall of that chamber there is a huge portrait. The portrait of King Regenweald who was sitting on his throne. His handsome face covered with star like freckles and eyes blue like ocean, his hair flaming red. Behind him was standing his wife Queen Elene, her hair brown and bushy with eyes brown as chocolate and a smile gracing on her face.

The Ron who is walking beside a woman he had just met doesn’t know that he was sent here on a purpose or he was born for this purpose.

▪

She walked with him, admiring every part of his face, he’s not changed even in this life he is that same goofy boy she had fallen in love centuries ago.

Her wait is over. For centuries she was here waiting for him, relieving every memory of him. Her pain is over he is with her, he is here.

Her eyes had watered when she first saw him. Her wait is over, her suffering is over. She walked with him. Ron, the parents who had given birth to him in this life have given him the same name. She thanked them for raising him as the person as he was before.

Elene adores his smile and it feels like a gift after all this time. She is Hermione now, a name she had learned from the time and accepted it for herself.

They both walk hand in hand like the very old times. She noticed a raven, sitting on a branch of a tree watching them keenly under its dark gaze, she meets its eyes and smiled a little, death did not cheat her. Death is not a liar.

Death is Cunning, not coystrill.

#chudleycanonficfest2021 #HP fest #hp canon pairings #canon fest romantic #submission #romione #ron/hermione #tw: mentions of death

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chroniclerdl · 3 years

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Seven Fundamentals to Writing Better Yu-Gi-Oh Duelfics

Ever wanted to write a duelfic just as good or better than canon?

Done right, duels are memorable action scenes.

Done wrong, duels shatter the suspension of disbelief. It’s already a big ask to imagine the world revolving around a card game.

You don’t want the tragedy where your readers yank the scrollbar past your duel, or worse, close your tab. Even the small pool of duelfic readers/writers like me will skip huge chunks of your chapters when the duels sag.

By implementing basic storytelling techniques tailored to dueling, you can hook your readers into following the play-by-play.

High Stakes

Consistent Rules

Sneaks Checked

“Balanced” Gameplay

Foreshadowing Victory

Engaging Description

Dramatic Tension

1. High Stakes

When you advertise your story as a duelfic, your first duel tells readers whether or not what you wrote is worth their time.

If your characters duel without a concrete reason to rip the opponent’s throat, readers already know the outcome:

You lose.

Why? The game is pointless. Who’s dropping whatever they’re doing just to read the equivalent of your characters sipping afternoon tea? If you’re introducing the setting and characters, why can’t you introduce exciting threats?

No reader expects your first duel to decide the fate of the world, but your characters still need to bet.

Characters wager life chips.

If your character loses, they suffer death or suicide-inducing despair.

Is it too much to start with life-and-death? No. Think of the life chip as the culmination of hopes and dreams.

As the story progresses, the stakes will rise, must rise. How? Others will entrust the main characters with their own life chips, and/or the life chips acquire additional meaning. Consider this loose analogy: at the end of a poker tournament, gamblers sit at the final table with stacks built from the chips of others.

Life chips mean different things to different characters. Let’s take the Duelist Kingdom arc.

Yugi’s life chip is the hope to save his grandfather (and later, his own soul)

Joey’s life chip is the hope to win the prize money to fund his sister’s medical operation

Kaiba’s life chip is the hope to save his little brother (and later, his own soul)

You don’t even need your final showdown to revolve around the fate of world; it just has to be one or more things that matter to your characters.

Also, make sure to communicate the stakes, or why the characters accept uneven bets.

If you have the chops, you can also play around with disguising the stakes. As in, your character thinks they’re wagering something small, but it’s actually their life chip. However, your readers still need a vague reason to believe that a defeat will devour the character.

Always make sure the characters stake one or more life chips!

2. Consistent Rules

If you watched the Duelist Kingdom arc and tried to understand the moves everyone made, your head exploded.

Ask yourself: will the clever scheme that your hero invented drive readers crazy?

If I write a magic system that requires a wand, this applies to all. I cannot become a genius and suddenly wave my hands to cast magic.

Demonstrate the rules early, preferably in the first duel, and keep them sacred.

If you must make an exception, establish it early. In that case, the exception becomes a well-defined branch of the rules that the readers can anticipate.

Can the players magically draw the card they need, whenever they want?

If you can establish the when and why, by all means. The readers proceed with the understanding that the players can reach into their deck like a glorified toolbox.

For example, Duel Links has a concept called “skills” that function like a player’s special ability. At the time I wrote this, Yami Yugi’s “Destiny Draw” skill lets the player take any card from their deck once per duel after losing 2000LP (and even if they stacked the top of the deck earlier!).

Card should also have the same, predictable effect. If the card prevents attacks, I doubt the text discusses physical properties or mentions holding things in the air. But you knew that, right?

The rules are the laws of the universe.

3. Sneaks Checked

I love duels. I also love getting what I want.

Why does getting what I want have to be through a duel?

If we talk, maybe we can come to an agreement. If I blackmail you, maybe you’ll give in to my demands. If I shoot you, I can loot your corpse. Give the readers a good reason as to why your characters would bother with the hassle of honest dueling and can’t wiggle from the consequences of losing.

Often, the duel takes place in the context of a tournament. Hopefully, the tournament officials are keeping a good eye on the players and cracking down on cheaters.

However, even that’s not a guarantee. What’s the key concept?

Power.

The competitors have equivalent capacity for coercion (usually violence) or have a neutral referee presiding over the match with the most capacity for coercion (shoutout to gambling manga Usogui).

Anyone who enters a game otherwise has lost before the first move.

In Yu-Gi-Oh, magical and sci-fi enforcement are common. The Shadow Realm can trap the loser in a desolate hell. In a digital world, the loser suffers deletion. Or just have good tournament officials.

Be vigilant when your duel doesn’t call upon these tropes.

Your amoral characters won’t mind blindsiding your other characters, and they won’t mind blindsiding you with a plot hole.

If you’re not careful, the readers will ask you why they played uncharacteristically fair.

4. “Balanced” Gameplay

Duels should be fair and fun…for the villain.

Ostensibly, everyone plays a balanced game, designed to give both sides a sporting chance. In reality, the villain tilts the field to their favor with one or more tricks up their sleeves. Why would your villain ever fight fair?

But that’s fine. We love rooting for the underdog and watching the villain get their comeuppance.

Overpowered ability to let the villain read minds? Deck full of unbalanced cards that makes the villain’s monsters invincible with no drawback? Creator who knows every strategy in the game? Readers will turn the page as they wonder how the hero will prevail.

The more obstacles you can throw in the hero’s way, the better.

Got custom cards? No problem, just follow a couple guidelines. After all, some duelists are more equal than others.

The hero’s deck is full of regular cards that have a cost to use. For every play they want to make, their cards insist that they give up their attack, discard to play, etc.

The villain’s deck is full of rare cards that power up their game for free. So long as you can justify why the card made it to print, the villain can play whatever they want.

For every step your hero takes, the villain gets two.

5. Foreshadowing Victory

How many times have you watched a duel where the protagonist comes up with this never-before-seen card that does exactly what the protagonist needs to clinch the win? In the final showdown, no less? It’s like the writers begged to be called amateurs and idiots.

No other genre tolerates such laziness.

However, readers don’t want an infodump of the characters’ decks. Show the cards in action. To cover the deck, you'll probably need multiple duels.

This also implies you have more freedom in how your character defeats their early opponents in the duelfic.

Does that previous statement contradict what I said about never-before-seen cards clinching the win as the mark of laziness? No, because here’s the rule:

Tolerance for the hero’s new cards decreases as the story progresses.

(Notice that I specify the hero’s new cards; your villains exist to make life harder by inventing unfair tricks.)

When you must include new cards for the hero late in the duelfic, at least find a way to make them first backfire.

Now, some writers have lots of knowledge about the card pool and metagame. Can they assume the readers a priori know the hero has access to any of the available cards in a given archetype?

I’d err on the side of caution and properly foreshadow the cards before they appear late in the duelfic. Not every reader is a walking card database. They have no reason to assume something exists unless you show the card.

Take the tolerance rule into consideration when planning your duels. If you know the awesome combo you want to use for the final turn in the duelfic climax, that’s your cue to scatter the cards into the earlier duels.

Plan the last duel first and your early duels last.

6. Description

Every reader wants a front-row seat to the action.

They’re paying you their time, so make it worth the admission: sleek combatants & budget-busting fights. Kaiba invented Solid Vision technology for a reason, so help readers envision your duels.

Who’s fighting? Describe the point-of-view’s impression of the monsters’ appearances. Red-Eyes Black Dragon should be self-explanatory.

What about a decorated monster like Time Wizard?

You could go into detail about how the red clock humanoid has yellow gears that form epaulets and purple, pointy boots and a green mustache made from clock hands and so on, but such a level of minutiae bogs pacing and invites skimming.

Readers just need to hear about a purple-caped, red clock humanoid with a wand to form an image. Their imaginations can handle the little details.

Paint appearances in broad strokes and one or two brief sentences.

How are the monsters fighting? Duel Monsters is a game where the target takes the aggressor’s attack like a champ. That doesn’t mean you can’t spice it up.

For example, my opponent’s dragon attacks my weaker knight with a fireball. My knight, interested in not dying, raises his shield. Unfortunately, he screams as the flames engulf him.

You wouldn’t just stand still with a straight face if someone armed with a knife lunged for your gut.

A fight scene is a string of action and reaction.

Most people also experience life in more senses than just sight.

A dragon’s fireball is a bright reddish-orange, hot, dries the air, smoky, and explodes with a boom on impact. I never tasted a fireball, and I hope I never do, but that’s still four senses: sight, touch, smell, and sound.

Include multiple sensory details.

Let’s spare a moment to talk about the heads-up display (HUD).

In Yu-Gi-Oh, cards have multiple stats and abilities. You’re free to mention whatever you deem necessary. No set formula exists. On one extreme, you can mention nothing to keep the narrative clean at the risk of confusing the readers. At the other extreme, infodumps about the monster’s abilities provide great detail but wreck the pacing. But there’s a cozy middle.

State only what you need from the card.

If your duels occurred before the era of Synchro, you don’t need details about levels. You can just display the basic stats to determine the stronger monster. If a deck has Pendulum monsters, just mention the scale numbers when they're played as scales. And so on.

You can also make an index of new cards at the end of a chapter.

BONUS TIP! Understanding show, don’t tell.

What is show, don’t tell? At its core, this concept refers to immersing your readers in the senses and feelings instead of exposition. Unfortunately, that definition is a bit vague to execute. After writing for a while, I had my lightbulb moment.

Don’t TELL the readers how to think or force-feed them a conclusion.

SHOW your readers the evidence.

Here’s a written example from Joey vs. Rex in Duelist Kingdom. See if you can spot what makes this prose telling instead of showing.

“Joey watched nervously as Two-Headed King Rex stomped Baby Dragon. He messed up his Baby Dragon-Time Wizard combo!”

You can see two failures: “nervously” and the second sentence.

Adverbs like “nervously” and other “-ly” friends get a bad rep because rookies tend to use them as telling crutches (especially beware adverbs after dialogue tags!). “Nervously” tells me how Joey reacts. But what does “nervously” look like? One character might bite their thumb. Another might fidget in their seat. The adverb in this context lacks nuance.

We also have the second sentence: “He messed up his Baby Dragon-Time Wizard combo!” When you’re explaining the “why” to something, you’re telling. It’s like talking down to your readers.

Contrast with the next example.

“A bead of sweat rolled off Joey’s face as Two-Headed King Rex stomped Baby Dragon. He stared at the Time Wizard in his hand.”

The first sentence shows me Joey’s physical reaction. I see him sweating, so I think he’s nervous.

We also see a second physical reaction: “He stared at the Time Wizard in his hand.” This comes on the heels of the first sentence, and I also have knowledge of when Joey used the Baby Dragon-Time Wizard combo in a prior duel. Combined, I think Joey is ruminating about a missed chance.

Readers are smart; they’ll catch your intention if you show the proof.

7. Dramatic Tension

I bet you know what it's like to draw a bad hand.

Imagine: The hero staggers into the arena, and the villain just needs to win one duel to take over the world. The villain draws a bunch of powerups with no monster, but the hero draws a one-turn-kill combo.

Anticlimactic. The readers throw that duelfic straight into the trash.

Don’t just write real-life duels. “It really happened” doesn’t mean it’s emotionally satisfying.

That’s why we have literary structure.

Success and setback pace together with progressive intensity to maximize dramatic tension and emotional payoff.

I’ll spare the nitty-gritty theory detail, but your duels should look like this on a basic level:

Part 1: Villain’s basic threats. Introduces the villain’s deck and style.

Part 2: Villain’s minor strategy. The villain’s first serious attempt to defeat the hero.

Part 3: Villain’s major strategy. The hero’s reversal! But the villain has worse in store.

Part 4: Hero’s imminent defeat. The hero must break through, or else will instantly lose!

Ideally, you’re also integrating the story itself into the duel; themes and duels synergize to create a stronger effect.

You may notice how the format resembles the three-act structure.

Act I is Part 1

Act II until the Act II midpoint is Part 2

Act II midpoint until Act III is Part 3

Act III is part 4.

I’ll use Yugi/Pharaoh vs. Pegasus in Duelist Kingdom as an example.

Part 1: Mind scan. Pegasus can read minds to counter combos.

Part 2: Toon World. Indestructible, cartoonified monsters attack.

Part 3: Shadow game. Toons destroyed! But playing a shadow game weakens Yugi.

Part 4: Yugi passes out. The Pharaoh must find a new way to stop Pegasus’s mind scan!

Figure out each part of the structure for your duels before writing the turn-by-turn plays.

By the way, modern real-life Yu-Gi-Oh duels don’t suit drama because the rules provide weak constraints to creating strong boards. A good modern deck usually establishes a scary turn one board and jumps straight into Part 4, whereas other card games like Magic: The Gathering and Hearthstone force the powerhouse cards to wait several turns until the player builds the mana to pay costs.

You can still write a good modern duel. Here’s a basic outline of Arc-V’s duel between Sora and Shay. Technically, “tragedy” is the structure of this duel, so I’ll make Shay the “hero” to flip it and keep matters simplified.

Part 1: Basic monsters. These clash before a monster appears from the Extra Deck.

Part 2: Frightfurs. They come one after another to crush Shay’s Raidraptors.

Part 3: Sora’s wrath. Rise Falcon survives! But Sora’s malevolent nature comes to light.

Part 4: Frightfur Chimera. Sora chomps candy and summons his biggest fusion horror!

If following the four parts is too difficult for you, that’s okay. They're just logical extensions of one basic concept. Keep the following in mind, and you’ll never go wrong:

The villain’s subsequent threats become increasingly overwhelming.

Conclusion

Much of writing a duel boils down to storytelling technique.

Let’s tl;dr the main takeaways.

High Stakes: Minimum ante is the life chip, worth a character’s hopes and dreams.

Consistent Rules: Everyone plays by the same logic.

Sneaks Checked: Characters can’t skip the duels with violence and coercion.

“Balanced” Gameplay: Villains enjoy advantages.

Foreshadowing Victory: Readers have a chance to predict the winning combo.

Engaging Description: Immerse senses and invite reactions.

Dramatic Tension: The villain makes progressively stronger threats.

As a duelfic reader/writer, I can gauge a writer's ability by measuring their duels with the fundamentals. Many fan writers struggle; even the canon writers struggle.

But writing a duelfic isn’t rocket science. With practice, minding the fundamentals will become second nature.

And don't forget to tag your story as a duelfic. It's a whole genre in fanfic, so sort it properly and help readers from the future find you.

May the heart of the cards be with you.

…

Want to see in-depth examples of my advice? I rewrote the Orichalcos arc to reimagine its untapped potential without the failures of the canon presentation. You can find it on FFnet and AO3.

#yugioh #ygo #yugioh fanfiction #yugioh fandom #fanfic writing #duelfic #writing #writing tips #writing advice #writing help #how to write #listicles

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rogue-assassinspy · 3 years

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Chapter 23: The Final Task

The cool summer evening surrounds me blowing a slight breeze through my hair as I make my way towards the stands that face the large hedge maze for the final challenge. A swarm of students rush past me hastily trying to get a good seat. I slowly walk up the stairs on the backside of the stands watching the commotion and do my best to not get run over. I can hear the band playing from the other side and cheers from the three schools for each of their champions. You can feel the excitement like electricity course through the air. "Don't look so excited, Vodror. I bet they'll pull Potter's body back out of the maze before the first five minutes are up." Draco says behind me laughing to Crabbe and Goyle. "Did it take you the whole way up here to come up with that? Damn, I thought you were better at insults than that. You're slacking, Draco." I say proudly, wink, and walk through the opening to see the other Gryffindors seated close to the front.

"Just in time! It's about to start." Ginny says excitedly and rubs her hands together. I look over to the bottom of the stands where Fred and George stand collecting their last few bets. George looks up and smiles widely when he sees me. I blush a little and give him a small wave. A moment later a man runs out from the opening underneath us. Ginny leans over to me, "That's Cedric's dad. We met him earlier this year just before school. Nice fellow." She smiles and goes back to applauding as Fleur makes her way into the area before us followed by her Headmistress. The next to emerge is Viktor Krum followed by Karkaroff. Dumbledore leads Harry out and takes his place at the podium in the center of the entrance to the maze as each of the champions take their places. "Silence! Earlier today, Professor Moody placed the Tri-Wizard cup deep within the maze. Only he knows it's exact position. Now, as Mr. Diggory..." The crowd erupts into a fit of cheers from the Hufflepuffs as Cedric's dad lifts his arm to the sky. "...and Mr. Potter..." Our group of Gryffindors rise to our feet and root for Harry. "...tied for first position, they will be the first to enter the maze. Followed by Mr. Krum, Miss Delacour." Moody appears from within the maze and makes his way over to Harry. "The first person to touch the cup will be the winner!" The students applaud for their hopeful champions.

"I've instructed the staff to patrol the perimeter. Should at any point a contestant wish to withdraw from the task, he or she need only send up red sparks with their wand. Contestants, gather around. Quickly!" Dumbledore turns his back to the audience as he gives the four champions some final words leaving us in suspense and curiosity of what he is saying. "What do you think he's telling them?" I lean over and ask Ginny. "No idea. But, I wish I knew." She says looking down at the huddle. Dumbledore steps back, "Champions! Prepare yourselves." He says as he sends them back to their starting positions. Everyone stands and cheers while each of the people with the champions give their last words of encouragement and support. Cedric's father gives him a hug and looks so proud of his son. "On the count of three...One." BOOM the canon fires and the band strikes up to start the beginning of the final task.

We watch as the champions disappear one by one into the maze. The entrances they enter through closing behind them as if they were never there. Once the last person has passed through the entryway the stands quiet with anticipation. Around me people begin to talk with their neighbors. Some betting on who will win, who will be the first to be pulled out and the ever so bleak bet of who is most likely to die. I turn to talk with Ginny but notice she's looking out anxiously at the maze and fiddling with her hands in her lap. "Hey, you ok?" I ask watching her curiously. "Hm? Yeah, fine." She brushes past the question. Hermione looks over to me and mouths "Harry". I tilt my head in confusion and she looks back at me with a look like I should know what she's talking about. It takes me a second and it finally clicks. Ginny likes Harry. "Oh." I mouth back silently.

A bright flash of red shoots into the sky above the maze. Moments later Fleur is making her way to the area in front of the stands. She looks shaken but seems alright otherwise. Her sister, Madame Maxine, and a few of the other girls from Beauxbatons rush forward to meet her. They move her off to the side to sit on a bench and offer her some water. Fleur's sister takes a seat beside of her and gently holds her hand. I see Ginny release her breath and drop her shoulders a little. The crowd hushes once more as several beams of light flash back and forth within the maze moving in all different directions. Another red flare shoots up. Viktor is the next to be escorted out. "That just leaves Cedric and Harry." Hermione says watching the entrances that have now reappeared intently. I reach over to Ginny and grab her hand. "Harry's got this. He's gonna be fine." I try to reassure her. She looks over to me and pushes out a smile. "Yes, absolutely. He's going to be fine." She says to me. Though I know she is trying to say it more to herself as she looks back out to the maze.

Time drags on as we wait for any sign of a winner. I look down to where George is and he gives me his classic flirtatious wink. I roll my eyes and laugh. Suddenly there is a commotion down front and the crowd erupts into cheers! Harry and Cedric have emerged from the maze and the band strikes up the same music from before. The flood of students and professors alike rush down the stands to the champions. Something's wrong. Cedric and Harry haven't moved. I see Fleur push forward from her group with a look of absolute fear. She let's out a horrible shriek and throws her hands to her face before turning back to her friends. No. Dumbledore rushes over to Harry and tries to pull him off of Cedric but he resists. Oh god no. "NO. NO." I can hear Harry scream as he tries to continue holding Cedric in his embrace. He looks absolutely hysterical. The new Minister of Magic moves beside of Dumbledore. The band stops abruptly and a deafening silence overtakes the crowd. "He's back. He's back. Voldemort's back." I feel all of the air knocked out of my lungs and the ringing in my ears as the last thing I ever thought I would hear escapes Harry's mouth. I turn around and look up at Draco. He's like a stone, watching the chaos unfold below us. Un phased by the news. This can't be real. Draco's eyes flash briefly to me and the same fear I feel stirring inside of me momentarily shows itself also in him. "Let me through!" I pull my gaze back to see Cedric's dad pushing his way through the crowd towards the front. "That's my son! That's my boy!" He cries out and collapses next to Harry and Cedric. My heart feels like it's going to burst through my chest. I feel my eyes begin to sting and a tear falls down my face.

I can't be here. I can't watch this anymore. The panic creeps in and I run. Out if the stands and down the stairs as fast as I can. "Vodror. Vodror, wait." I hear Draco behind me. Fast paced footsteps rushing to catch up to me. I continue running, the wooded dirt path rugged beneath my feet causing me to stumble every few steps. "Althena, STOP." He screams at me and I freeze. Slowly I turn to see him standing a few feet away from me, winded from running. "You can't run from everything, Vodror. You knew just like I did that this day would come. The Dark Lord would return and that we, like our parents, would join him." He slowly walks towards me. "We have the chance to be something great. A part of something bigger than this retched school and these pathetic excuses for things they call witches and wizards." He stands taller exuding power and pride in his voice. "Are you out of your fucking mind?!" I ask chest rising and falling as I try to control my breathing. "I don't want this! And I know that you don't want this either! Becoming Death Eaters was our parent's choice, and I'll be DAMNED if I ever follow in their footsteps." I spit my words at him and hold my ground strengthening my stance. "You stupid girl. You have a chance to make a difference in this world and you're just going to throw it away?!" He extends his hand offering it to me. "Give into your destiny. We can do this, together." I pull my wand out of my pocket and aim it at him. My voice cracks and tears roll down my cheeks. "I will help make a difference in this world. But, not on the side you're standing. I will never serve, him." "Put your wand away, Vodror." He threatens taking another step towards me. I say nothing but continue to stand my ground and keep my wand pointed at him. "Expelliarmus!" He shouts and my wand flies out of my hand. Draco rushes forward pushing me backwards against a tree and presses his wand to my neck. "You have no idea what kind of mistake you are about to make, Vodror." He says like a viper ready to strike pressing the wand harder into my neck. I look back at him terrified, "you're better than this, Draco. We are not our parents! You don't have to do this." I beg him. A flicker of conflict brushes his features before the blistering fury in him returns and he pushes the wand deeper one more time. "This is who I am. Who I was raised to be. And so were you. Just wait, Vodror. You're going to join us one day. We will serve the Dark Lord, together." He pushes away from me disappearing into the night. I fall back into the tree and scream out the sobs I held in for so long. My lungs burn and the place on my neck from where Draco's wand just was holds a lingering pain. A reminder that no matter what decisions I make in life. I will always be the product of my parents and in the end I truly have no choice.

Master list Chapter 24

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rogueassassinspy · 3 years

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Chapter 19: The Second Task

Today we head out to the lake for the second task of the Tri-Wizard tournament. A week has passed and things between me and George are going great. I really couldn't be happier. As I step out of the castle and my way down to the boats I feel the cold, biting wind rush past my face. I am lost in my thoughts as I walk down the pathway to the dock. I'm starting to worry about my friends. Harry came to me last night asking if I had seen Ron or Hermione anywhere but I never saw them. Hermione didn't even come back to the room last night and that's no where near normal for her. Small waves hit against the edges of the dock. I'm running behind as usual but thankfully there seem to be a couple of boats left to take some of the stragglers to the platforms we will be on to watch the challenge. George left first thing so he and Fred could beat the crowd to start collecting bets.

I make my way towards one of the boats at the end of the dock, stepping on carefully and taking my seat. I look ahead and watch as a few of the boats move past me out towards the middle of the lake. The water lightly misting my face. "Move over, Vodror." I hear Draco say beside of me as he steps in. "You know you could have gotten on any other boat." I say as I slide to the right making room for him to sit down. As he sits the boat begins to move away from the dock. "Looks like it's too late to get rid of me now." He smirks. "Besides, I'd be nicer to me if you want to get this back." he says as he pulls my ring out of his pocket holding it up. I say nothing but make a face holding out my palm motioning for him to hand it over. He grabs my hand and flips it over. Slowly sliding the ring onto my finger keeping his eyes on me and for a brief second I think about that kiss from New Years and I melt a little inside. Like a strike of lightning I shake it out of my head, pulling my hand away from his and turning back to look out the front of the boat again. I fidget with the ring on my finger. "Thank you." I say continuing to look forward.

"So, what's this I hear about you dating a Weasley?" He says distastefully. I look at him confused. "How the hell did you find that out?" I ask. "I know everything that happens around here, Vodror. You especially should know that you can't hide anything from me." He says devilishly. "Who I'm dating is none of your business. And why do you care? Aren't you with that girl from Beauxbatons?" I challenge. He sits back crossing his arms and kicking his feet up on the seat in front of us. "We aren't dating. She’s good company to keep around. At least her family has some respect for their name. Unlike those filthy Weasleys." He says. "So does she know that's she's just your fuck buddy? Because it didn't seem like that to me the other night." He sits up and turns his entire body to face me. "Jealous, Vodror? Want to keep me all to yourself?" He smirks and the boat settles beside of the platform for us to exit. "Fuck off, Draco." I say as I motion for him to move out of the boat. He steps out and turns to offer me his hand. I take it and step onto the dock. He pulls me close to him, "Don't think I've forgotten about our parents plan for us. Better enjoy that pathetic excuse of a relationship while it lasts." He whispers harshly and lets go of my hand walking away from me up the stairs to join the other Slytherins.

I head over to the group of Gryffindors, unfortunately right next of them, and take my place beside of George. Draco stands a couple people down beside of Crab. George greets me with a kiss and throws his arm over my shoulders. I look over just in time to see Draco give me an eye roll and look out over the water. I turn to look at George, "Hey! You haven't seen Ron or Hermione have you?" I ask him. "Can't say I have." He says looking a little worried. Dumbledore then makes the announcement for the second challenge. "Welcome, to the second task! Last night something was stolen from each of our champions. A treasure of sorts. These four treasures, one for each champion, now lie on the bottom of the Black Lake. In order to win each champion need only find their treasure and return to the surface. Simple enough. Except for this, they will have but one hour to do so and one hour only. After that they'll be on their own. No magic will save them. You may begin at the sound of the cannon." *BOOM* Filch fires the canon and the four champions dive into the water. Cheers of excitement from everyone in the stands echoes across the lake. Suddenly Harry bursts out of the water causing a heartier roar of cheers. As we stand waiting for any of the four champions to emerge from the water we chat amongst ourselves. Sharing opinions and theories the order the champions will place and why. George keeps his arm around me but moves it down to my waist as we talk with the group. He's radiates so much warmth and love it's intoxicating. I slide in closer so I'm completely flush to his side wrapping my arm around his waist as well.

Almost thirty minutes into the challenge and Fleur Delacour pops up out of the water but appears to have nothing with her. "The Beauxbatons' champion Miss. Delacour has unfortunately been forced to retire. She will take no further part in this task." Less than ten minutes left in the challenge. The second champion to emerge is Cedric Diggory along with Cho Chang. They make their way back to the platform. Shortly after Viktor Krum and Hermione surface. I turn into George giving him a small hug. "Oh, thank God." I say into his chest. He gives me a quick gentle rub on the back before I turn back around. Time ticks by with still no sign of Harry. The clock strikes the hour and signals the end of the tournament. Suddenly Ron and the younger girl from Beauxbatons spring out of the water. Everyone continues to scream as the two make their way to the platform. I look over to see Draco aggravated and shoving the cap down over a younger Gryffindor's eyes. He sees me watching him and I give him a look of disapproval. A few moments later and Harry shoots out of the water, wand in hand, and lands directly onto the platform. Everyone cheers and I breathe out a sigh of relief. "ATTENTION!" We hear Dumbledore's voice boom out. "The winner is, Mr. Diggory! Showing lead command of the bubble head charm. However, seeing as Mr. Potter would have finished first had it not been for his determination to rescue not only Mr. Weasley but the others as well we've agreed to award him, Second place! For outstanding moral fiber." I turn back to look at Draco and see the younger Gryffindor taunting him with his excitement. Draco again pushes his hat down and then walks away with Crabbe down the stairs. I laugh at the childishness and turn back to George who leans down and kisses me, smiling.

We make our way down to the boats and back across the lake to the castle. As our small group exits the boat and makes our way up the path, George reaches down and grabs my hand. Swinging it as we walk. We leave Harry at the edge of the dock talking with Mr. Crouch. "I can't believe they wouldn't let you at least tell your room mates that they were using you as live bait!" Hermione laughed, "Believe me, it all happened so fast. I wish we could have told you. I am so sorry we had you all worried." "Well what do you say we all take a trip to Hogsmeade tomorrow for celebratory drinks?" Says Fred. "Yeah! First round on Harry." George says. Everyone laughs and agrees that a small getaway from the castle will be good. George lifts my hand to his lips and kisses the back of my knuckles smiling down at me. I blush and look back to the castle doors with a smile I can't shake.

Chapter 20 Masterlist

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psychic-refugee · 6 years

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Is Fairy Godmother an Evil Genius?

So in some nerd discourse over Descendants, I mention that I was going to ignore the Hercules verse for Legacy of Evil (“LoE”). One, I think it’d be too hard to force it to work. We were talking about Greek gods and Olympus being present in Auradon. It’s too much and de la Cruz didn’t really expound upon it enough to give it legitimacy in my mind. Secondly, I didn’t want to have Fairy Godmother (“FGM”) be that powerful. Like not only was she able to trap super powerful fae and witches/sorcerers (Maleficent, Ravenna/Grimhilde, and Jafar respectively) but Hades as well? A literal god? So for LoE, it doesn’t work.

BUT if we took FGM’s powers at face value, I wondered who the real power behind the throne would be. Messaging zanielneko, they mentioned how they had this “vision” of where FGM had been planning this all along to consolidate power. “[W]hy be the bad guy when you can be the ‘good guy’ and still get what you want[?] Imagine she[’]s the one who cast the spell on [B]east in disguise.”

So I found that VERY intriguing. Yes, lets imagine FGM is also The Enchantress, the being that cursed Adam (Beast). She’s not referenced as a fairy, which I think is important. There’s also the REASON she cursed Adam. He basically violated a core Greek value which is xenia, or hospitality. Disguising oneself as poor to test mortal's generosity is a very Greek god thing to do. e.g. Baucis and Philemon. So I think you could make a legitimate connection between Beauty and the Beast and Hercules. So assuming that FGM CAN entrap gods, then I think a simpler explanation is that she would be a god herself. The only reason we call her FGM is because that’s how she introduced herself to Cinderella, a seemingly random person this “fairy” had decided to bestow upon her grandest wishes, BUT they all have caveats (all gifts vanish at midnight, to me an arbitrary deadline) which is also a very Greek god thing to do. e.g. Orpheus.

I think the “why be the bad guy” is a very modern take on the good vs evil dichotomy. But I think it’s more, why be an overt aggressive bad guy when it just makes you a target? Isn’t it better to work WITHIN the system? Like those choices don’t even have to be “good” or “moral,” they just need to be LEGAL. So FGM wants to consolidate power for ultimate rule. She can’t take on Adam and the rest head on, at least not without fighting on all sides and potentially losing. So she comes up with a long game. She sets up all these people to meet and fall in love, at the very least Belle and Adam, Cinderella and Charming. Adam manages to create the United States of Auradon (canon version). She’s made headmistress of Auradon Prep and now she has access to essentially the entire next generation of royals. She touts a “real magic is in books” line whereas said future generation is void of magic, so she purposefully makes them ignorant of any way to oppose her. FURTHERMORE, they tout this really soft and vague idea of “this is what goodness is” and all the villains are trapped on the Isle. So these children really have NO IDEA of what real villains are like, and how to oppose them. The villains also aren’t there to be like “Back in my day, goodness was fighting dragons, saving people, etc…” “Basic Chivalry” at Auradon Prep seems to be more about etiquette rather than a code of conduct for knights to defend the helpless, church, etc…All these kids know is “If a baby is crying, give it a bottle. Villains are bad, and they’re all gone now. Everything is fine.” So there is now an entire generation of people who are theoretically AND in practice defenseless against any new threat, PARTICULARLY a magical threat.

So all FGM has to do is wait out the old royals, let them die then she can take over by force. OR potentially release/create a threat. Why raise dead villains unless they had a use in the future? So villains have escaped, declare martial law and take her wand out of “retirement.” Give a wave and boom, orchestrated threat is gone. Convince a traumatized populous that “Hey, maybe I, the good and virtuous Fairy Godmother who helped practically raise you, should take over so we’re ALWAYS protected.”

Boom, now Auradon which has a “democratic monarchy,” votes FGM in and they allow for an addendum for lifetime rule as long as she can protect them from villains. She’s actually a god and therefore she is LEGALLY Queen of Auradon FOREVER.

Touché Fairy Godmother, touché.

#disney descendants #nerd alert #fairy godmother

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hyotaem · 7 years

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why kim kibum is a RAVENCLAW

first of all kim kibum’s ugly ass can fight me for shoving his “““““““““““slytherin””””””””””” self in my face with all his stupid instagram posts this is the FIRST time i haven’t been excited about him posting. now let’s be real here the sorting hat must’ve been smoking some crack or something if it put kibum in slytherin………. he’s CLEARLY A RAVENCLAW and i have PROOF. SO MUCH proof that i’m about to write six pages of this shit!!!! ten virtual bucks and all of miss sha’s love to you if you actually read all of my anger induced rambling :)

okay!! now let’s get rowling’s awfully one dimensional and un-fleshed-out definition of what a ravenclaw is out of the way : the smart ones. that’s it. “wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure” blah blah all of that. basically the way she set it up in the (amazing) shitshow that was the harry potter books, most people interpreted it as “oh you do well in academics and stuff you get straight as and all that cool jazz so you must be a ravenclaw!” EXCEPT. getting good grades isn’t the only type of intelligence you can have and this especially applies to kibum because although i don’t know how well he did in school i do know that he has immense creative intelligence that screams ravenclaw AND NOT FUCKING SLYTHERIN GOD DAMN IT. also point number two!! if that was the only thing that made you a ravenclaw then hermione wouldn’t be a goddamn gryffindor. if you think back to book one (for those of you that have forgotten already, that’s the sorcerer’s stone or the philosopher’s stone depending on where you came from - a completely unnecessary change that still baffles me because despite the fact that americans are dumb i don’t think we’re THAT dumb that we wouldn’t know what a philosopher is but i digress) there’s that scene while they’re in room with the logic test with the poison and she says something along the lines of “yeah logic and cleverness is great and all but bravery and friendship is where it’s at harry!! now go beat voldemort’s ass!” (keep in mind i don’t have the books in front of me right now lol) it’s because she values those gryffindor qualities more than she values the qualities of intelligence that she was placed in gryffindor but that wasn’t very well expanded on in the books and it isn’t super relevant to ravenclaw kibum so i’ll move on.

one of my biggest points is the whole intelligence isn’t limited to getting good grades in school one. so in 1983 a developmental psychologist (don’t know what that is and i’m too lazy to google but i’m assuming he knew what he was talking about) came up with this theory?? idea?? whatever. that there are in fact nine different types of intelligence and you can’t bullet point in essays so bear with me: there’s naturalist intelligence which is like nature and stuff… not my thing and not kibum’s either so we’ll move forward; musical intelligence - let’s stop this list right here so i can point a giant finger at kibum’s obvious musical talent (which fingers crossed we’ll get to see in his solo album which will happen i have hope) - logical/mathematical (it took me four tries to spell that right could you believe i used to be a three time school spelling bee champion hahhahhahah) which is what i believe most people think of when they think “intelligence;” existential (why do we exist? what is our purpose here on earth? what the fuck exactly is a human? what is consciousness? this is for the ones who have existential crises every other day congrats you’re smart). this paragraph is getting too long lemme move to the next one -

yes hi where were we : interpersonal! this is a another one i think kibum has a lot of; he’s really extroverted and have you ever noticed that he knows like. everyone because he makes friends super easily and everything?? he knows how people work and he’s comfortable around them. next, linguistic intelligence, which he possesses a lot of too - we all know the man’s smart as hell when it comes to languages it’s real sexy; intra-personal (this is like…. knowing yourself and your thoughts/feelings which sounds fake to me but whatever); and last but not least (or yes least depending on how much of it you have) spatial intelligence which yeah kibum has a lot of because this applies to visual art and stuff and also comes in handy if you’re an engineer. (shout out to any of those reading this now stop and go do your job or something fucking nerds!)

so we’ve established that kibum is super intelligent, especially creatively, which you already should’ve known if you’ve been a shawol for longer than two seconds or aren’t stanning solely for visuals… my point is : kibum’s a smart dude!! so one box for ravenclaw checked! i’m not trying to say if you’re not a ravenclaw you’re stupid by the way because all of this means jack shit if you don’t value your intelligence, which brings us back to the whole situation with hermione - she was in gryffindor because gryffindor’s qualities were more important to her. but i think it’s clear kibum takes a whole lot of pride in his creative accomplishments and he’s always looking to add more to his loooooong resumé of cool shit i’ve done at such a young age (taemin has one of those except his is cool shit i’ve done at an even younger age). it’s these traits of his that stand out the most in my opinion which checks another ravenclaw kibum box!

completely unrelated to actual house sorting but kibum looks incredible in blue. pretend i attached pictures for reference.

listen being in ravenclaw isn’t all flowers and rainbows (that’s more hufflepuff; you can find them in the kitchens xx). this emphasis on logic and intelligence can often create a chasm between the more human side of things. ravenclaws tend to forget that emotion plays just a big a part in how things work as pure, cold logic does - which obviously doesn’t always apply, because interpersonal intelligence is a facet of ravenclawism?? let’s pretend that’s a word. ravenclaws can also be real perfectionists and super hard on themselves. and don’t forget that they can get big heads too - placing a higher value on intelligence, creative or not, doesn’t make you better than the rest of the houses, ravenclaws.

trust me, i know. i’m a ravenclaw. fuck pottermore.

i just realized something. in any proper school essay, you never just jump into things the way i did. idk if any of you learned tags?? theme, author, general, specific (or something like that; forgive me if i can’t remember, oh sophomore year honors english teacher) but yeah i forgot to do all that and just kinda went KIBUM IS A RAVENCLAW FUCK HIM so…

i’m assuming whoever’s reading this has either read and/or watched at least one of the harry potter books/movies. if you’ve only ever seen the movies (or worse, just one movie) get the fuck out of my sight! nah, just kidding, i’m ready to explain all this shit to y’all. so buckle in, kids and non kids, because you’re about to have a crash course on hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry completely from my shitty memory!

so hogwarts is this amazing school in england that teaches young, impressionable kids magic tricks but with real magic. it’s the wave your wand, say the latin inspired magic words, and boom! you just turned your rat into a teacup (or if you’re ron, you got stuck halfway and now peter pettigrew is having the worst time of his life since [spoiler]). it’s pretty much the most dangerous place you can send your kid especially if one (1) harry james potter is in the student body, because this snake man with no nose is coming to get him because he’s holding a ten year or so grudge that he couldn’t kill him when he wanted to. also [spoiler] plays a part in that lmao voldemort isn’t that shallow. but he is pretty shallow.

on your first day at this super cool school you put a magic talking hat on your head and it compartmentalizes you into one of four houses based on your personality, your values, and your strengths. it’s like divergent except less black and white. (and if you’ve seen/read divergent and not harry potter get your fucking priorities in order wtf???) you’ve probably heard of these houses - gryffindor, slytherin, ravenclaw, and hufflepuff - even if you know shit about harry potter because you’re friend has said to you “oh yeah i’m a hufflepuff” and you went “oh cool haha sounds fucking dumb” and unfortunately for your poor hufflepuff friend most people look down on hufflepuff. thank god that’s changing and fuck rowling for making it that way. no one has time for her silly “all slytherins are evil” narrative.

rowling-wise (hope y’all are realizing by now that i’m not her biggest fan) the houses are pretty much as one-dimensional as divergent was: gryffindor was for the big, strong, brave people; ravenclaw for the smart; slytherin for… well, evil; and everyone else gets to be a hufflepuff and get labelled as nice. nothing wrong with being nice, but if you’re just nice, you’re boring, and hey, hufflepuffs don’t deserve that. maybe it’s tweaking canon a bit, but fandom has collectively shifted away from these stereotypes and effectively (more effectively than rowling, at least) expanded on what actually makes a gryffindor a gryffindor and so forth. (also, yeah, i thought i was a hufflepuff for years before i took a good look at myself in the mirror and realized i’m a lazy piece of shit that doesn’t deserve to be in that house)

off the top of my head, hogwarts was founded by four wizards with varying levels of assholishness, and their last names are where we get the houses. each one of them basically picked the qualities they wanted to see in their students (gg : “i want the loudmouths who are brave and awesome!” rr: “i want the ones who think being smart is sexy” ss: “i want the ambitious prideful ones” and lovely helga hufflepuff was like “cool i’ll just take the rest they’re amazing too”) and so the houses were formed. things quickly unraveled after that because mr. slytherin was a racist piece of shit and he only wanted the “pure-blooded” families to send their kids to hogwarts (meaning the ones wizarding families who were all wizards) and the rest were like “wtf bro?? what about the mixed kids. or the random muggle-borns blessed with the ability to bewitch??” and salazar was like “nah i’m out goodbye fuckers i hate you all for being open-minded and shit.” so, i mean, it really doesn’t come as a surprise that slytherin gets such a bad rep considering the first ever slytherin was on the high end of the asshole spectrum. and then all that shit with the [spoiler] in chamber of secrets happened, so not only was he an asshole, but he was also fucking insane. good riddance. but the rest stayed, and they made hogwarts famous, and then they died and became ghosts to haunt the corridors of the school or whatever.

so now that your brief hogwarts, a history lesson is over, let’s talk a little more about slytherin because i feel like it! also the whole idea about all slytherins being evil, power-hungry, greedy fuckers is wrong and needs to be dispelled. yes, power does play a huge role in who a slytherin is, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a “crush everyone underneath me” kind of thing - it’s more like an ambition-driven one. sure, a lot of slytherins are bad, like, say, voldemort, who was so obsessed with power and living forever that he pretty much killed himself, with a little bit of help from our lovely hero harry. and like… i could go into detail about how horrible and abusive snape was (yes he did have a few good qualities but they certainly weren’t redeeming ones fuck off) but i’d max out the number of pages for this essay so maybe another time. if you’re a snape apologist…… well i hope you see the light soon. that’s a real stain on your person. but yeah - not every single slytherin you see is pure evil; regulus black exists (please read the books) and like. narcissa malfoy just wanted to protect her son, you know? doesn’t excuse most of the shit she did but her intentions weren’t completely “oh i want to be powerful also i’m better than everyone because i’m pureblood and you’re not haha.”

also taemin!! there’s a lovely slytherin. smart, ambitious, sweet, great smile, i’ll stop before this turns into a soft rant - taemin is textbook slytherin but surprise he isn’t in the game just so he can put other people down. and i wasn’t serious about my other if you’re blank then stop reading this but if you don’t think taemin’s a slytherin you can exit. right now. i’m serious i don’t want to be associated with y’all. AND IT’S EVEN WORSE IF YOU THINK HE’S A HUFFLEPUFF!!! you’re going to put lee “work over relationships” taemin into hufflepuff? he’s pure slytherin; he’s driven by ambition - idk if you noticed when he was talking about his budokan concerts but he mentioned how he worked so hard on it for his own sake. he wanted to prove to himself as well as others that he could pull off something so grand and incredible (and he did but once again that’s soft rant territory so i’ll pull back) and that’s slytherin. this isn’t necessarily in a bad way, but he’s so willing to throw his members under the bus for his own sake - go watch their weekly idol. THAT DOESN’T MAKE HIM EVIL LMAO a big part of being a slytherin is relationships with others!! when the worst comes to worst, loyalty is important to slytherins. it’s not one of their defining characteristics like it is for gryffindor but it’s still super important. that’s not to say he doesn’t have hufflepuff traits (y’know, working hard! being dedicated!) but those coupled with entirely slytherin motivations of proving oneself and becoming the best they can be point him towards slytherin’s direction. slytherins have a tendency of throwing everyone and everything away (including, many times, themselves) for the sake of achieving their goal and taemin is a perfect example of that. sure, he’s as sweet as a person who laughs when other people are crying can be, but that doesn’t automatically make him a hufflepuff. it’s not like everyone who isn’t a hufflepuff is mean or that every hufflepuff is a gooey pile of chocolate and sunshine.

anyway… this is about kibum…

(fun fact : the animal associated with the ravenclaw house is actually an eagle. something about soaring to new intellectual heights or something. would’ve been easier to just make it a raven because it’s not like ravens can’t fly too but whatever.)

probably one of the biggest roadblocks with sorting people into hogwarts houses is the overlap that occurs between traits of different houses. having one trait - or even a few of them - doesn’t automatically mean you fit solidly into a house, because you have to take your own ideals and values into account, as well as the way you approach things in life. it’s not to say kibum isn’t ambitious, because yeah, he is, but the way his ambition is directed towards his creative pursuits for the sake of expanding his creative intelligence is a ravenclaw thing you know?? same with jonghyun (who is also a ravenclaw) - the way he approaches all of his creative pursuits is completely in the artistic sense. jonghyun is creatively brilliant - let’s look at his radio show, or his song-writing, or his composing, or his book writing, etc. - and just because he’s a ravenclaw doesn’t mean he’s not ambitious. sure he’s ambitious but is anyone sitting here calling him a slytherin?? no, seriously - does anyone think jonghyun’s a slytherin? because i’ve never seen that. most people put him in hufflepuff and not ravenclaw… but why? is it because he’s soft? because that’s a hell of a stereotype, too, and it’s not like all ravenclaws are cold, emotionally detached bitches who only care about getting 100 percents on their quizzes.

what i’m trying to say is people can’t be categorized into boxes the way the houses were originally constructed; otherwise, most of the population would just be hufflepuffs. sorting also takes your personal wishes, your goals, what you think is important into consideration. so, yeah, if kibum really wanted he could totally be a slytherin, but it would pretty much be for the sake of being a slytherin because that cunning is not what he deems most important. let’s go back to harry potter himself - the sorting hat was really fucking ready to put him in slytherin, and as much as you can argue that it was because a piece of voldemort, of evil, was in him or whatever, you can’t deny that harry has a lot of inherently slytherin traits. he knows how to work people, he knows how to get out of tricky situations because he’s witty and yeah, cunning as hell. and yes, he asked not to be put in slytherin, but that’s mainly because he walked into hogwarts having heard nothing but stereotypes about the house (like that one line that ron said about how not everyone in slytherin was evil but how everyone evil came from slytherin, the whole square rectangle relationship). and keep in mind that he didn’t specifically ask to be put into gryffindor but that the sorting hat recognized those qualities that he also had and the fact that he valued them more as well and made the decision to sort him into gryffindor.

sorting is a tricky business, thanks to those gray areas. there are ravenclaws that could be academically behind others, but they work their asses off because they want to learn. hard work is, again, technically a hufflepuff trait but their objective, their main focus, is the learning aspect which makes them a ravenclaw! an excellent real life example would be minho, who you can argue has several gryffindor traits, like… he’s loud and i guess he’s brave and all, but hufflepuff fits him a thousand times better. the importance he places on relationships and especially loyalty is purely hufflepuff and he makes a damn good one, too. i think that’s what annoys me most about people who think taemin’s too “sweet” or “nice” to be a slytherin - i hate to break it to you, but not every slytherin is mean and selfish. they just value being at the top because they believe they deserve it, and you can’t really fault a person for that, and it doesn’t mean they think everyone else is automatically lesser, either.

i’m going to wrap this up now because i want to watch final life and i’ve also made pretty much every point i can think of right now. kibum might be out there dropping $100+ on overpriced slytherin wands and parading around in his slytherin scarf but honestly? i’m still convinced he’s a ravenclaw because it just fits him so much better. but i guess slytherin is a good second choice! he really made me angry enough to write an entire goddamn essay about this wow

#shinee #key #amar rata #kim kibum #RAVENCLAW KIBUM #i'm serious about the slyth taemin thing by the way #i'm gonna go watch final life now and support my baby bye #mine

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mrevaunit42 · 7 years

Text

Don’t Stop me now (Chapter 100)

Hey everyone Mr.E here and i did it I finally did it. This right here is my 100th chapter for my FF story always a star. I DID IT! well to be fair, there’s like 2 chapters that are requests but i have 2 extra stories here and you know what the title says hundred and i know i wrote more than that. Anyway, this is it my hundredth chapter. I would’ve never made this far without all the support you readers give me. thank you thank you so much for everything. this is for you

So this story takes place in the canon universe with Marco and Star fighting once and for all. it’s not going well and defeat looks assured but hopefully somebody can lend a little support.

This is not how i think the final battle is going to go. this is how i always planned to celeberate my impossible to believe 100th chapter and i hope you enjoy it. there’s lots of nods and winks from my various stories including the one that started it all. if you don’t get, don’t worry about it. some in cheek humor. I hope you all enjoy it, have a great week and i shall see you soon once I take a break. thank you all again so much for your support. I really wouldn’t be here without it.

@hipster-rapunzel @hains-mae also if you want to be on my tag list so you know when i update the story, please let me know.

“STAR!”

The magical princess grasped wildly for Marco's hand as he reached for her, his chocolate brown eyes wide with panic as a sinister green light basked him in its glow.

Star stretched as far as she could and for one brief moment, she could feel his hand touching hers, muscles flexing to tighten their grip on one another.

Then everything went pale green.

Star flinched as a powerful blast of solid magical energy smashed directly into her helpless form. The attack dissolved into emptiness while the magical princess was flung across the room.

Star hit the wall behind her full force, the terrifying sound of brick and mortar cracking beneath her weight and momentum barely heard over the ringing that filled her ears, her body straining under a deep, throbbing ache that bleed into her bones.

Toffee's grin was wild, maniacal, hungry. Gone was the cool and composed monster who stalked her nightmares and terrified her waking moments, replaced by a creature that was drunk on the power he wielded and far too gone to be saved.

Star tried to move but her body felt heavy as if the sins of her family were weighing her down. Star shuddered as she ran her fingers down the once smooth black grayish blue wall: she could actually feel the indentation she made in the wall.

“Give it up Star” Toffee said with a toothy smirk, his yellowish eyes completely green and pupil-less “It's over. Not even you could stop me. Just hand over the wand and I'll make it quick.”

“Star” Marco cried out, lunging forward with a swipe of his katana.

Toffee was unimpressed as he took a step back causing Marco to miss completely.

Marco tumbled to the floor, breathing heavy before managing plunge his blade into the ground and bringing himself to a stop.

“You can't give up!” Marco pleaded with her, drawing his blade once more “We've come too far to let it end like this.”

“Aww” Toffee chuckled “how sweet. I always loved star crossed romances.”

Marco shifted uneasily, his cheeks burning at Toffee's words: he still hadn't told Star how he really felt about her and it looked like their time was almost up.

“My favorite” Toffee murmured with a cheeky smile “Is the tragedies of course.”

Toffee slashed at the defenseless Butterfly with his shard infused hand, a crescent wave of green, crackling energy headed straight for Star.

Marco, the ever brave, foolish boy, leapt to absorb the blow but the magic passed through him effortlessly. He convulsed for a moment before sinking to his knees, smoking curling off his body as he remained unmoving.

“Marco!” Star reached for her best friend but was slammed backwards as Toffee's spell hit her.

The foggy mountain range was still and quiet, nothing but the sound of rushing water pouring from the monstrous structure filled the air when the side of the castle exploded, chunks of rubble and debris scattered in every direction. A thick, greenish black cloud of smoke poured out of the newly created hole.

Star struggled to open her eyes, the howling of the wind deafening as she tried weakly called for Marco.

Everything hurt, everything felt like she had been caught under hoof of a warnicorn stampede and then hit with a narwhal blast. Repeatedly

Her eyelids stung every time she tried to force them open, blurry, jumbled images that were impossible to decipher but the one thing she knew for sure: Marco was nowhere in sight and she had never been more scared in her entire life.

There was a booming thud that echoed thunderously throughout the mountain range. A plume of smoke rose silently from a newly formed crater dug deeply into the Earth.

Star crawled out of hole as best she could, determination fueling her desperate need to reach Marco.

“Marco” She whispered urgently to herself “Marco, I'm coming...I'm....”

She panted heavily, her body worn and defeated. She couldn't do this....she couldn't. Toffee was going to win and there was no way to stop him.

Star held the wand tightly in her hands, tears streaming down her faded pink heart covered cheeks.

“Marco....Marco I'm so sorry.....” she wept, grasping hands full of dirt “Marco....”

“Aww, there's no need to pout darling, the shows about to start.” A peppy, cheerful , strangely accented voice called to Star.

The tears ceased at once. Confusion set in as Star slowly glanced upwards only to find herself staring at a very unusual sight.

“Wha?” she muttered as she found herself at a nearly identical copy of herself.

Well keyword was nearly.

The woman (not girl as Star mistook for a moment) was undoubtedly an older, 20 something version of herself if her trademark pink hearts and (short) blonde hair were any indication. Her eyes were kind and warm, gentle and an all too familiar blue.

She wore a rather elegant dress tucked under a dark blue coat with her hair hidden under a funny looking hat Marco once told her people called “flappers” wore and like Star, she had a wand though older Star's wand was more of a smoothly carved piece of wood.

“Honey?” a man's voice called out worriedly as the sky began to fill with a pale, greenish light “You might need to hurry up some more.”

“Alright sweetie, duly noted” Older Star called back lovingly to her companion

The older Butterfly helped her young self to her feet, brushing the excess dirt and grime that covered her face

“One must look presentable when one is to kick the forces of evil's ass” Older Star said with a wink.

Before Star could say anything, her older self flicked her wand and suddenly Star felt refreshed and renewed like she had gotten a good night's rest.

“wait, wait, wait” Star rose her hand, taking a step back from the 20 something version of herself “Who are you?”

“Me? Why, I'm you darling” Older Star replied cheerfully, giving Star one of her own trademark smiles.

“No, I'm me. You're you so who the heck are you!?”

“I'm you but not quite.”

“umm” Star looked unconvinced by the answer “That makes no sense.”

“As you no doubt have discovered, there is a multitude of different universes and thus an endless amounts of you...” The woman pursed her lips “me, umm us!”

“Umm....okay....” Star took a deep breath and clasped her hands together, fingers bouncing on her lips thoughtful before she pointed to the older her “So, you're me from another universe?”

“Exactly dear. I'm a witch.”

“A wha?”

“I can use magic same as you.” Older Star clarified “There are some versions of us that know nothing of the sort.”

Star shook her head disappointed “Those poor poor princesses.”

“Some aren't even princesses. Such as myself.”

Star was surprised by this “But you have a wand.”

“Honey! Time”

Star remembered about other her's companion and couldn't help but sneak a look.

She peered around herself and found a tall brown haired man in long black coat, his pants well pressed to perfect.

Star gasped as a beam of Toffee's magic sailed directly towards the trio, a pale green beam of pure destruction

Star reached for her wand but other her's companion had it covered.

He held his own well crafted wand and with a flick of his wrist, a translucent wall appeared before them and with a loud crash, Toffee's attack slammed against it but the protective shield held though she could see beads of sweat drip down the man's neck.

“Star, listen to me.”

Star's attention refocused on her 20 something self.

“We're here to help you.” other star explained “Somehow, your Toffee has ripped into the fabric of not only your universe but all universes.”

“Wha?”

The green glow faded away. The man wiped the sweat off his brow and turned to face the pair of Butterfly's

Star gasped, turning a bright red as an older Marco walked over to Older Star and planted a loving, passionate kiss on her lips.

Star stood there dumbfounded as Older Marco wrapped his arm around Older Star's waist, pulling closer as she lovingly leaned against his shoulder.

“I..I...”

“Star” Older Marco told her with a firm tone she was used to “we need you to listen. The universes are colliding.”

“Wha?”

“Every version of us is about to die” 20 something Star explained quickly.

“oooooh right right right. So you two are here to help me fix it?”

“yes”

Star beamed

“and no”

Star frowned.

Older Marco quickly took over explaining “We are here to help but only for a short time. We can't stay too long out of our universe.”

“I can't beat him on my own” Star muttered sadly “and if you guys can't stay....”

Older Star crouched down, gently placing her hand on Star's shoulder “You are a strong, independent warrior princess. You will beat him. Have faith and remember what you learned and we'll get you as far as we can.”

Star nodded to herself “You're right. I'M A BUTTERFLY AND I'M GOING TO KICK SOME TOFFEE BUTT!”

Older Star and Marco nodded in agreement as they flickered in and out of existence for a moment, their forms shifting every few seconds.

“Oh no” Star whispered “already?”

“Have faith Star” 20 something her said softly, giving her cheerful wink “I know you can do it love. I am you.”

Star took a deep calming breath as another beam from Toffee's wand came hurling straight for them.

Older Star and Marco stood steadfast in front of Star, wands at the ready

“We'll block the attack” Older Marco told her “Once we do, make a run for the castle.”

“Right.” Star prepared herself, her body tensed and ready to run as soon as the attack was block but before that, she had one final question

“hey, so you two are a thing right?”

The two shared a playful smirk with the young princess as they raised their wands as one and shouted “Protego!” just as the attack hit.

There was a deep rumbling, the harsh noise of an explosion going off filled the air as chunks of Earth disappeared into the fog below.

Toffee's grin never left as the blackish green smoke slowly dissipated to reveal Star running full speed towards the castle, her hair trailing after her like a cape.

“What?” Toffee snarled “Fine, let's see how lucky you get this time.”

A glint of the pale green energy caught Star's gaze.

Star leapt sideways, avoiding the magical beam as it passed by. She glanced at the deeply etched grooves it cut into the ground but pressed forward.

Something flickered in the sky but before Star could react, several tendrils of Toffee's sickly green magic arched towards her from the sky.

Star tucked into a roll as one sunk into the ground behind her yet as she steady her footing, chunks of dirt and rock were thrown up as the spell exploded.

She skidded forward as another tendril streaked directly at her head. Star let herself drop, the spell barely missing her and erupting into a magical blast behind her.

Star sat up, eying the approaching spells. She took careful aim with her wand and let loose her own attack

The razor sharp hearts filled the air, catching and denoting several of Toffee's magical attacks harmlessly in midair but Star hadn't prevented all.

The tendrils of magic bobbed and weaved, twisting in any direction they could as they snaked ever closer to the helpless Star.

“CRYSTAL HEART ATTACK!” Star yelled “CRYSTAL HEART ATTACK!”

More explosions thundered above but still the attack drew ever closer.

boom

Star threw one final barrage at the final tendril that lurked a foot away.

The hearts sailed true but the energy bent, corkscrewing around the hearts and dove for Star's feet.

“oh no...” Star muttered as the world around her exploded.

Death was not as quiet as Star thought it would be. In fact, it was kinda loud, a noisy metallic rumbling that reminded her a lot of Mr. Diaz's fancy horseless carriage, the same she once hitched a ride on the roof of. Such an odd and strange noise to hear as one dies.

“Got her?”

“Got me! Er yes”

Star coughed, finding herself very much alive and well. And sitting behind two other people as the trio rode ontop of that motorcycle Marco was too afraid to ride.

“Hello Star Butterfly, princess of Mewni” the blue eyed, blonde haired girl greeted politely “it is I, Star Butterfly, Princess of Mewni.”

Star was facing another version of herself.

This one was dressed in elegant, beautiful reddish pink dress, her long blonde hair braided carefully into a single ponytail with a blue bow resting on her head.

“hi!” Star waved gratefully “What version of me are you?”

“You may call me princess Star” Princess Star told her gently with an air of refined grace “I am the version of you that was sent to Saint O's”

“Oh no!” Star felt a chill run down her body “Does that mean...?”

“A bit” Princess Star answered truthfully “I admit I was a bit of a stick in the mud but Marco has been teaching me....”

“Marco?” Star interrupted, looking past the annoyed princess and to her version of their best friend.

“Whoa....bad boy...” Star muttered dreamily taking sight of this Marco. He wore a black jacket over his red hoodie, purple beanie resting comfortably on his head with a lone band aid placed over one of his cheeks. He revved the motorcycle unnecessarily with his finger gloves, almost like he was showing off.

“Marco!” Princess Star scolded, hitting his back more out of playful flirtation than malice “Don't show off”

“Why Princess?” Bad Boy Marco replied with smug tone “jealous?”

“I am not jealous. A lady does not get jealous.”

“Then don't be, it's you, right?”

Princess Star gasped, hitting his back once more “No, I am me and she is another version of me. We are not the same therefore stop trying to flirt with me! Er, her! YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!”

“Whatever you say princess” BB Marco gave a cheeky wink, turning to face the road while completely missing Princess Star's burning face.

“Whoa” Star whispered to herself “So you and Marco? Niiiiiiiiice.”

“We're not dating!” Princess Star defensively answered “We are friends! As if I would go out with such a mean, jerky, arrogance, kind, handsome teen such as himself.”

“Umm princess?” Star raised an eyebrow “You know you called him handsome right?”

“I DID NOT!”

“Heads up” BB Marco revved engine once more to catch their attention “Incoming, hold on tight Princess...and umm princess.”

Princess Star hugged BB Marco's waist tightly, placing cheek against his back as if to hear his heartbeat.

Star looked awkwardly at Princess Star's waist. Vanilla Star had done loads of awkward, strange and baffling things but she drew the line at holding her own waist. She opted to hold onto the handle bar located at the back of the cycle.

Toffee's magical exploding tendrils filled the sky again but Star was far more maneuverable this time.

BB Marco's cycle effortlessly dodged and twisted around the assault, bring no harm to either Stars and leaving a wake of cool looking explosions behind the trio.

“So?” BB Marco smiled smugly towards his Star “Have I finally earned that kiss?”

Star stifled a laugh as Princess Star's face went from bright red to a burning inferno, her pink hearts glowing fiercely

“I-I...” Princess Star stammered

“I'm kidding princess, I wouldn't make you do anything you don't want.”

Princess Star just stared at her Marco's back, conflict and longing playing out all over her face.

“You should totally kiss him.” Star whispered into the stunned Princess's ear

“Wha?”

“He wants you to” Star gently told her “He's flirting with you. He wants that kiss.”

Princess Star looked unsure of herself but as the palace began to tower over the group, both her and her Marco began to flicker out of existence, their speed dramatically slowing with each passing second

“Whoops” BB Marco said apologetically “This is your stop Star!”

“Thanks for the ride!” Star cheerfully beamed before whispering into her other self's ear “Trust me, you'll regret it if you don't.”

With one mighty kick, Star flew off the bike as it and its riders vanished into thin air.

Star brushed her hair back into place as she looked up at the massive palace, the hole she was flung out of still smoking dangerously.

“Oh good, I though this fight was going to be a little boring” Star was annoyed at how clear Toffee's voice carried “I don't know how you pulled that little clone trick off but I assure you it won't help you this time.”

“Well I'm at your door” Star mockingly pointed the gate of the fortress “I'd say it got me pretty far, so”

Star knew she was childish sticking her tongue out at her arch nemesis but he had just tried to kill her, she felt that was enough justification for the act.

A thick magical beam sunk into the ground before Star, the ground shaking and rumbling uncontrollably

“Oh Pegasus poop” Star muttered as thorny, wiggling vines rose from where Toffee struck.

The vines struck fast and hard, lashing at Star who barely manged to protect herself

“Narwhal blast!”

The enchanted mammal managed to get a grand total of a foot before the vines ensnared the helpless creature in its grip

“Ugh” Star moaned “Right, sharp things! Sharp things for plant things”

Th melodic flourish chimed as rows of sharpened hearts mowed down the vines easily but with each one cut down, another quickly replaced it. Every second the scattered vines became thicker and denser, growing higher and higher until it towered over Star, her magical attacks doing little other than chip away tiny, insignificant parts of the forest.

“If you want fight, why do you keep slowing me down?” Star yelled towards the infuriating reptile.

The vines moved and shifted subtly before lunging at Star but she was ready this time. Raising her wand high, Star shot a rainbow dead center of the encroaching foliage.

Silence.

then a small, low crackling grew louder and louder as the refracted light burst into flames and lit the evil vines ablaze.

Star stood proudly before wiping the sweat off her brow.

“aright, time for....”

The ground shook violently as a giant snake-like vine broke through the floor, curling and rising higher and higher.

“Oh come on!” Star gestured to her foe “You're a freaking lizard! WHERE IS EVERYTHING SNAKES WITH YOU?! WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE SNAKES?!”

The vine let out a fierce roar, actually opening and closing like it possessed a mouth.

a terrifying idea to say that least.

The vine snake snapped at Star, slowly edging closer in case she had any more trick up her sleeves.

Star twirled the wand in her expertly, mentally sifting through her catalog of spells in her mind when an elated war cry came from nowhere

“YAAAA!

The snake stared at Star and Star shrugged in response.

The vine glanced up for the briefest moment as a blur sea green and yellow fell from the sky

The vine looked down and broke apart, sliced cleanly down the middle.

The figure rose, stretching their body at and cracking their knuckles. They wore a little green sleep cap with devil horns protruding out of it, red gloves with a metal shield slung on their back with a single star crest engraved on its surface. The ears were sleek back like an elf's and sword clutched firmly in one hand, the hilt a perfect replica of Star's wand.

It didn't take much for Star to guess who this was but the tunic was a very familiar color.

“hi other me!” Star waved cheerfully.

Elfin Star turned back, giving herself a reassuring grin and thumbs up.

“I gotta say” Star told herself as she inched closer “I look good. maybe I should rock the whole forest elf outfit more often.”

Elfin Star beamed happily, excitedly nodding in agreement.

“Umm, do you talk? At all?”

Elf Star opened her mouth before sheepishly closing it.

“Ah, I see. Sorry.”

Elfin Star waved her off, still maintaining the same bright smile Star wore herself.

“So where's your...?”

A hiss erupted from behind and the vine snake rose once more, mouth opened wide and ready to swallow the two whole.

Star reached for her wand as Elfin Star pulled back with her sword but there was no need.

A flurry of magical energy hit the creature square in its chest, a thin layer of frost spreading from the impact point

The vine slowed, dully thrashing about as the ice began to cover every inch of the magical being, encasing it within an icy prison in mere seconds.

“I told you not run off without me Star.”

Elfin Star appeared shy and nervous as another figure floated from above, a girl, it seemed, with long, brown hair tied in a single ponytail and wearing a rather nice, bell shaped purple dress.

“Oh hello! Nice to meet you!” Star walked up to the stranger “Thanks for helping when you did, umm...”

“Star” an all too familiar voice replied, completely deadpanned “It's me”

“Marco?” Star questioned, glance up and down his outfit “Aww, I forgot how good you looked in a dress.”

“Thanks. Sorry I'm in hiding. They're looking for Prince Marco of Hyrule, not Princess Turdina, adopted daughter. We kinda got sucked into this portal and sent here.”

“Hey” Star said with a smile “No big deal. It's all good. So, why doesn't your Star speak?”

Elfin Star stood, making slashing motions at the air and numerous grunts, noises and yells yet curiously spoke no words.

Princess Marco shrugged “I dunno, she's usually really talkative. Maybe it's your universe or something. Don't worry, I'm sure she'll talk plenty next time we show up”

Star raised an eyebrow “Next time?”

A sudden snarling broke the peace. The vines began to rise from the Earth once more.

“UGH!” Star clutched at her hair “These things are like weeds, they just keep coming back!”

“I think that's the idea!” Princess Marco shouted, his hands outstretched as a wave of flames poured out of his palms “We need to get you Toffee before we disappear!”

“yeah!” Star agreed earnestly, cutting down vines with well placed hearts to the stems “that would really great of you!”

“On it! STAR!”

Both Star's snapped to attention.

“ugh, my Star!”

Elfin Star's smile was infectious as she leapt backwards and twirled her body midair, her blade slashing and cutting down any vine that tried to reach for her. She landed on a single knee, planting her shield firmly on the ground and whistled for Star.

“What are we doing?” Star shouted throwing her hearts in a defensive circular.

“Catching you a ride!” Princess Marco replied before quickly pushing Star towards the waiting warrior as he sent a wave of icy daggers into a newly form bunch of plants.

Star stumbled for a moment before breaking into a run, trusting her other self to have excellent aim.

Star jumped as high as she could, twirling gracefully before landing directly on a waiting shield, Elfin Star giving a nod of approval before whistling once more.

Princess Marco waved with his hand and the two Stars rocketed upwards riding onto top a wall completely made of ice. Star held onto the shield as tight as she could as they rose closer to where Toffee stood and with one great push from the warrior, Star flew through the air.

Elfin Star waved goodbye as she fell back to Earth, sword drawn.

Star flailed for a moment when she sailed through the opening to resume the battle with Toffee.

Star's eyes widened for a moment as Marco lay on the floor, unmoving but breathing

“Marco!” Star took a step forward but a beam of powerful magic met her instead

Star raised her wand, catching the deadly attack before it reached her but she could feel her feet slipping as the spell threatened to push her outside once more.

Toffee gave an impressed nod, eyes narrowing suspiciously “You are not ready princess and your little boyfriend was no match either.”

Star gritted her teeth, focusing on push Toffee's spell back but to no avail. She had no room to move and it took all she had just to stop him from blasting her out again.

“It's over.” Toffee told her with a hint of finality “Give up. I've got the magic, I've got Marco and you are literally at the end of your rope.”

Star let out a gasp as her foot slipped for a moment and she teetered over open air.

“See?” Toffee chuckled “The game is over princess. Give it up”

“NO!”

Star swung as hard as she could, pushing the spell away while steadying her footing once more.

The magical beam dug across the walls and ceiling, scaring the perfect interior and marring its appearance.

Star flick her wrist towards Toffee, a beam of blue energy covered with hearts directly towards the distracted monster

Toffee turned around to see the attack coming. He took the brunt of it, catching it with the shard but he skidded backwards, nearly falling over from the force of Star's attack.

Star growled and rushed into the room, throwing every spell she could think of

“CRYSTAL HEART ATTACKS!”

Toffee created a barrier that easily caught the sharp hearts

“Narwhal attack!”

Toffee sidestepped the attack, glaring at the magical princess who drew closer.

“HONEY BEE TORNADO SWARM!”

Toffee grew impatient, slashing through the sticky substance with wave of his hand

Star swung her wand this way and that, hoping to overwhelm her foe through sheer force but Toffee was far more experience with magic than he let on.

“Give it up princess” he taunted, absorbing her beams of magic with shard effortlessly “I know about the wand and magic than you could ever hope to learn.”

“What?!” Star cried back before letting loose a gasp of surprise. She leapt as the laser-like beam of Toffee nearly skewered her in half “how is that possible?”

“It doesn't matter” Toffee shrugged, deflecting an incoming narwhal with a flick of his wrist “What matters is you're out of your league princess”

Toffee's smirk was bone chilling as he gestured to Star. A barrage of green tendrils of energy shot out, spreading wide before closing in on Star.

“No!” Star held the wand close

The palace shook from the force of explosion, rocking violently as bits and pieces of the ancient structure broke apart and crumbled against the floor.

Star coughed weakly, struggling to reach for the wand just inches away.

She couldn't give up, she couldn't let Toffee get away with this.

Star felt her heart stop as Toffee's foot placed itself firmly on top of her only chance of stopping him

She looked up to find his hand pointed directly in her face, the shard glowing ominously with a green glimmer.

“Last words?”

“Yeah!” Star shouted “POOPY HEAD!”

Toffee frowned, his moment of glory undermined by Star's childish behavior “Really? The end of your life and those are your last words? Ugh, have some self respect princess.”

“She does, she was just calling for me.”

Toffee whirled around as a bright beam of magic narrowly missed him.

Toffee hissed angrily, his neck lightly charred and burnt

“WHO ARE YOU?” Toffee snarled.

The young teen gave a mischievous smile, tucking his short blonde hair further under his red colored baseball cap with devil horns and star superimposed on it. His blue t-shirt with tiny puppy was an odd choice of battle attire as was his green sweater tied around his waist. Greenish blue pants and high-top rhino sneakers were just strange but nothing made Toffee's blood boil more than the lightning bolt birthmarks on his cheeks.

“What are....”

“Marcia now!”

“Right Comet!”

Another person came into view, a pretty girl whose long brown was tied in a single ponytail, with a familiar red hoodie though the bike shorts/legging combo was strange to Star.

Marcia lunged at Toffee without warning.

Toffee snarled, rising his hand and taking aim at the teenage pip squeak.

“Nope!”

Toffee growled as a blue colored boxing glove connected with his face, sending him staggering backwards.

Comet shot him a cocky wink and Toffee's fury boiled.

Toffee rose his hand once more only for Marcia's kick to catch his stomach, knocking all the breath out of him.

“Great job mar mar!” Comet smiled brightly.

Marcia blushed, scratching the back of her head sheepishly while returning Comet's smile.

Toffee fumed, anger building quickly.

He dove for Marcia only for a narwhal to intercept him midair. He tumbled across the floor, rolling uncontrollably until he slammed against the far wall.

Toffee look carefully at the trio of troublemakers.

“ENOUGH!” Toffee scream, aiming directly for his enemies and letting loose the most powerful spell he could muster.

The sickly green beam encompassed the entire room, charring and melt away the stone tile floor as it streaked by.

Marcia instinctively shielded herself with her arm. Comet and Star stepped forward and caught the blast with their wands.

“We can't hold this! Even with two wands!” Comet shouted over the howl and crackling of the colliding magic

“I know!” Star answered “We need a way to stop him!”

Comet and Star could hear the scraping of their feet against the tile, the strain to keep their footing amongst this magical assault almost too much to bear.

Comet coughed, his entire being flickering for a moment

Comet and Star were pushed back further, their wands groaning under the pressure of Toffee's spell.

“Comet!” Star cried

“I know!” Comet replied “We're going going to disappear soon! WE NEED A PLAN!”

Star looked past the blinding illumination of the spells and smiled to herself.

“No, we need a Marco!”

Comet was confused “What's a Marco?”

Toffee grinned to himself, an insane smirk. He savored the fear on the magical brats faces. This was it. IT WAS OVER

“I WIN!”

“Wrong lizard brain!”

Toffee let out an agonized, tormented scream of pure pain as Marco wobbled uncontrollably and leaned on his sword for support.

Toffee's now severed hand sailed freely through the air as Comet cheered “so that's a Marco!”

Toffee fell to his knee, clutching as his dismembered hand tightly.

Toffee looked only to find Star, hearts glimmering in the darkness of the castle.

Toffee glared as Star stood over him, wand at the ready.

Anger turned to shock as Toffee saw the truth in a moment of clarity.

Like thousands of impossible images superimposed on top each other, Toffee saw countless Stars, wand drawn, righteous fury in their eyes.

But they weren't the same.

No they were all different.

There was a small kitty Star, An Elfish Star with a blade, an older Star with elegant clothing holding rather gearlike gun.

There was Star dressed an ancient Greek, Star weairng a blue hoodie and glasses. Star with a simple wand, Star in a strange school unicorn. Star carrying some sort of strange light sword weapon

Star with a hat, Star fully armored, Star in her princess attire, Star in regular clothing.

STAR, STAR, STAR!

But the one he could see clearly, the one that frightened him the most was Queen Star. A regal yet curious version of Star he'd seen once before...in an impossible dream filled with shadows and darkness.....when he went by another name.....

“Felix” Toffee muttered for no reason.

Marco took his place Star's side and like the princess, countless versions of him superimposed themselves but like Star, the one that stood out was an older, more stern looking Marco who held a sliver blade that glowed like sun, his chest blazing with a strange and powerful light.

“We told you” Star and Marco spoke together, wand and sword raised together “never again.”

Toffee chuckled to himself. They didn't even know what they spoke of.

There was a flash and before the swirling magical beams of blue and yellow overtook him, Toffee muttered to himself.

“Do your own dirty work Nox. Ugh, I hate Butterfly's”

#my story #Star au #100! YAY!

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kuipernebula · 6 years

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I keep thinking about what Honey the Cat or Tiara Boobowski could do in a 2D classic sonic environment and, to be honest, I keep coming up empty-handed.

Honey’s moveset is so fighting-game centric; she borrows Knuckles’ glide in the game (presumably due to her wings) but we know nothing else about her and having a Knuckles-clone in a game wouldn’t like. Be useful or interesting at all.

Tiara, on the other hand, is interesting with her wand, but to be completely honest (beyond my wanting her in the Sol Dimension) I’m not sold on the wand thing. None of the boys are dependent on a specific item or weapon, but having the only Classic girls be is... I dunno, it seems off.

So what I’m saying is what Mania 2 needs is a new female character. (Chao have never and probably will never be in the Classic series, so Cream is right out; every other female character in the series has a major role int heir first game that requires no one know them before hand (Rouge tricking Eggman, no one recognizing Tikal or her origin, Wave and the goals of the Babylon Rogues, Blaze and Marine being from another dimension, Lumina Flowright’s.... situation); the only other girl in the franchise I can think of is Carrotia who is. Y’know. Basically not even canon. Don’t even mention Shade around me I’d rather die)

they also will never make a comic or cartoon character canon so no chance of Tangle despite her being able to translate really well. Sally is the other major girl from the Classic era, but due to how intimately tied to Archie she is, she’ll never get adapted. Sticks also exists but she’s chained to the Boom universe and is also deeply connected to her boomerang which runs into my major problem with Tiara again.

I mean if they found an alternate way to re-incorporate Tiara - going with something other than a wand, hell I would even be fine if she still has straight-up magic without one - that would be a great way of continuing the retro callback train that is Mania. But she needs a redesign, as well, that doesn’t rely on her having hair separate from her fur, because honestly I still don’t know why they decided that needed to be a thing. And also which gives her a clearer theme color...

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rogue-assassinspy · 3 years

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Chapter 19: The Second Task

"So, what's this I hear about you dating a Weasley?" He says distastefully. I look at him confused. "How the hell did you find that out?" I ask. "I know everything that happens around here, Vodror. You especially should know that you can't hide anything from me." He says devilishly. "Who I'm dating is none of your business. And why do you care? Aren't you with that girl from Beauxbatons?" I challenge. He sits back crossing his arms and kicking his feet up on the seat in front of us. "We aren't dating. She's makes good company to keep around. At least her family has some respect for their name. Unlike those filthy Weasleys." He says. "So does she know that's she's just your fuck buddy? Because it didn't seem like that to me the other night." He sits up and turns his entire body to face me. "Jealous, Vodror? Want to keep me all to yourself?" He smirks and the boat settles beside of the platform for us to exit. "Fuck off, Draco." I say as I motion for him to move out of the boat. He steps out and turns to offer me his hand. I take it and step onto the dock. He pulls me close to him, "Don't think I've forgotten about our parents plan for us. Better enjoy that pathetic excuse of a relationship while it lasts." He whispers harshly and lets go of my hand walking away from me up the stairs to join the other Slytherins.

Almost thirty minutes into the challenge and Fleur Delacour pops up out of the water but appears to have nothing with her. "The Beauxbatons' champion Miss. Delacour has unfortunately been forced to retire. She will take no further part in this task." Less than ten minutes left in the challenge. The second champion to emerge is Cedric Diggory along with Cho Chang. They make their way back to the platform. Shortly after Viktor Krum and Hermione surface. I turn into George giving him a small hug. "Oh, thank God." I say into his chest. He gives me a quick gentle rub on the back before I turn back around. Time ticks by with still no sign of Harry. The clock strikes the hour and signals the end of the tournament. Suddenly Ron and the younger girl from Beauxbatons spring out of the water. Everyone continues to scream as the two make their way to the platform. I look over to see Draco aggravated and shoving the cap down over a younger Gryffindor's eyes. He sees me watching him and I give him a look of disapproval. A few moments later and Harry shoots out of the water, wand in hand, and lands directly onto the platform. Everyone cheers and I breathe out a sigh of relief. "ATTENTION!" We hear Dumbledore's voice boom out. "The winner is, Mr. Diggory! Showing lead command of the bubble head charm. However, seeing as Mr. Potter would have finished first had it not been for his determination to rescue not only Mr. Weasley but the others as well we've agreed to award him, Second place! For outstanding moral fiber." I turn back to look at Draco and see the younger Gryffindor taunting him with his excitement. Draco again pushes his hat down and then walks away with Crab down the stairs. I laugh at the childishness and turn back to George who leans down and kisses me, smiling.

Master list Chapter 20

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rogueassassinspy · 3 years

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Chapter 23: The Final Task

I can't be here. I can't watch this anymore. The panic creeps in and I run. Out of the stands and down the stairs as fast as I can. "Vodror. Vodror, wait." I hear Draco behind me. Fast paced footsteps rushing to catch up to me. I continue running, the wooded dirt path rugged beneath my feet causing me to stumble every few steps. "Althena, STOP." He screams at me and I freeze. Slowly I turn to see him standing a few feet away from me, winded from running. "You can't run from everything, Vodror. You knew just like I did that this day would come. The Dark Lord would return and that we, like our parents, would join him." He slowly walks towards me. "We have the chance to be something great. A part of something bigger than this retched school and these pathetic excuses for things they call witches and wizards." He stands taller exuding power and pride in his voice. "Are you out of your fucking mind?!" I ask chest rising and falling as I try to control my breathing. "I don't want this! And I know that you don't want this either! Becoming Death Eaters was our parent's choice, and I'll be DAMNED if I ever follow in their footsteps." I spit my words at him and hold my ground strengthening my stance. "You stupid girl. You have a chance to make a difference in this world and you're just going to throw it away?!" He extends his hand offering it to me. "Give into your destiny. We can do this, together." I pull my wand out of my pocket and aim it at him. My voice cracks and tears roll down my cheeks. "I will help make a difference in this world. But, not on the side you're standing. I will never serve, him." "Put your wand away, Vodror." He threatens taking another step towards me. I say nothing but continue to stand my ground and keep my wand pointed at him. "Expelliarmus!" He shouts and my wand flies out of my hand. Draco rushes forward pushing me backwards against a tree and presses his wand to my neck. "You have no idea what kind of mistake you are about to make, Vodror." He says like a viper ready to strike pressing the wand harder into my neck. I look back at him terrified, "you're better than this, Draco. We are not our parents! You don't have to do this." I beg him. A flicker of conflict brushes his features before the blistering fury in him returns and he pushes the wand deeper one more time. "This is who I am. Who I was raised to be. And so were you. Just wait, Vodror. You're going to join us one day. We will serve the Dark Lord, together." He pushes away from me disappearing into the night. I fall back into the tree and scream out the sobs I held in for so long. My lungs burn and the place on my neck from where Draco's wand just was holds a lingering pain. A reminder that no matter what decisions I make in life. I will always be the product of my parents and in the end I truly have no choice.

Chapter 24 Masterlist

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