#Serpent's Lullaby

[skampi835]

Serpent’s Lullaby - 04 - the many free periods of the sixth graders

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy

Genre: Romantic Drama

Style within this chapter: mention of eating disorder (recovery)

Warnings: spoiler

Word Count within this chapter: 5.652

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Link to Ao3

Link to fanfiktion.de (original german version)

When Carol opened her eyes early in the morning, the first thing she noticed were the bright yellow curtains that hugged and framed her four-poster bed. Through one of the windows above the circular dormitory, the first rays of sun of the early autumn day stretched in, tempting with warm late-summer weather.

Carol could hear quiet, deep breaths and a soft snoring from the other beds, which she attributed to Lenora lying next to her. For a while, Carol lay sluggishly in her bed, listening to the sleeping sounds of her classmates and watching as the morning light of the sun lazily and slowly moved further from the ceiling towards the floor.

A completely normal life as a witch. She would lead the life of a completely normal witch.

Quietly, Carol peeled back the covers and placed her bare feet on the cold stone floor to get up. A glance at the clock on her nightstand revealed that she had over half an hour before breakfast would be served in the Great Hall. No wonder her Hufflepuff friends, with whom she shared the dormitory, were still sleeping soundly.

The muscle soreness Carol felt in her shoulders and arms, as she had pulled her travel trunk across London to King's Cross, was not as intense as expected. However, she felt sick because of the feast she had indulged in yesterday evening, partly out of frustration.

Carol grabbed her soap, towel, comb, fresh clothes, and the small flask that Sacharissa Tugwood had slipped her the night before and made her way to the bathroom.

The seventh-year had given her the flask with good intentions but also with the excessively charming words: »Darling, your skin looks so sunken, and those dark circles! You have to be careful not to become one of the scarecrows of the school soon!«

After washing and dressing in complete solitude, Carol turned her attention to the mirror on the side of the brightly tiled bathroom. How Natty had managed to find even a kind word about her tan last night was a true mystery to Carol, and she wondered, moreover, if she had even owned a mirror in the last six weeks.

It felt wrong, as if Carol was looking at a stranger in the mirror, who stared back at her with deep-set dark blue eyes. The shoulder-length, light blonde and curly hair framed the thinning face and looked dull and lifeless.

The neck appeared very sinewy, and the collarbone was prominent under the blouse that was not yet fully buttoned.

It was no wonder that everyone commented on her rapid weight loss. Most people, however, were much friendlier than Garreth and more discreet than Poppy. It would be a lie to say that Carol hadn't noticed it herself. Of course, she had noticed it in her clothes, especially in her school uniform that hung loosely on her body. But Carol didn't perceive it as being so extreme.

The intense, scrutinizing gaze that Carol gave herself in the mirror only made it all too clear that it hadn't been healthy to skip so many meals. As distracting as the summer holidays had been for her, to clear her head from the strains of the past year, they had only left further marks on Carol. She urgently needed to do something and work on her habits.

Taking Sacharissa's words to heart, Carol uncorked the flask to give the substance a chance. Almost cautiously, she sniffed at the small opening, expecting to smell the biting stench of Burbotubler pus. Instead, a subtle, floral, and surprisingly pleasant scent wafted into her nose. Carol carefully dripped a few drops of the tincture into her palm and spread it generously on her face.

She massaged the slightly viscous liquid evenly into her skin and in less than a minute, it was completely absorbed. Of course, Carol didn't expect a miracle from a tincture she had just smeared on her face, but she looked at herself in the mirror for a few minutes longer than necessary before closing the remaining buttons of her blouse. Then she tied the yellow and black tie in the Hufflepuff house colors and slipped into the loose, light gray sweater.

With her packed school bag, Carol finally made her way to the Great Hall. By the time she arrived, breakfast would surely have been served already.

During the summer, Carol had apparently not only become a scarecrow - if Sacharissa was to be believed - but also an early riser. The heavy, routine work on the Roswells' farm typically started with the first crow of the rooster in the morning and ended with the same in the evening. Afterwards, she had also worked at a seedy pub, serving beer and spirits. No wonder she had simply collapsed into bed instead of eating.

For Carol, it was fine to go to the Great Hall alone for breakfast. On the one hand, she didn't want to disturb Poppy and the others' sleep, since she herself had no objection to an hour's more sleep. On the other hand, Carol wanted to clear her head or at least sort out these new worries a bit. She could also fill her plate and eat it at her leisure until breakfast was completely over.

Feeling sad that she had taken something so normal as a resolution, she descended the stone stairs and turned into the hallway leading to the entrance hall.

In fact, when Carol arrived at the Great Hall, she could already see some students scattered across the house tables. Although it was quite early, Carol immediately noticed Ominis Gaunt, who was sitting at his long Slytherin table with a generous distance between him and two other Slytherins, sipping a cup of tea.

Carol's gloomy thoughts cleared up at once to match the morning's bright blue sky on the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. She strode along the house tables towards him, feeling uplifted.

Even before she reached Ominis, he turned his head slightly in her direction without really looking at her. His milky steel-blue eyes were focused on the table as he listened to something. »Good morning, Ominis,« Carol greeted him as she sat down at her own house table directly behind him.

Upon hearing her voice, his mouth twitched slightly. »I figured it was you. Good morning, Carol,« Ominis replied politely, turning on the bench as far towards the Hufflepuff table as he could. However, his blind, steel-blue gaze completely passed by Carol.

It didn't matter to her whether he tilted his head directly towards her or not. Ominis was very polite and attentive, which was why he followed sounds and turned towards them. It was essentially a cruel thank you, but Carol was currently glad that Ominis couldn't see her. He would certainly notice her change. »You figured it was me?« she asked curiously. »How so?«

»Your footsteps,« Ominis explained almost casually. Carol pondered his brief explanation and wondered how he could pick out her footsteps among all the different students. Was she walking strangely?

Before Carol could further analyze and unravel the question in her head, Ominis spoke again: »It's nice to see you here so early. Sebastian already told me yesterday that he saw you at the celebration.«

Carol, who was now sitting on the bench with her torso twisted towards Ominis so she could face him, licked her dry lips. »Where is Sebastian?«

»He's probably still in bed and will come just before breakfast ends,« Ominis replied calmly. »He needs to get used to school life again. Besides, he returned to the dormitory quite late last night, from what I heard.«

»And you left earlier,« Carol noted. Yesterday during the feast, which still weighed heavily on her stomach, Ominis had disappeared from the Slytherin table at some point. So Carol had willingly let herself be drawn away from the stream of Hufflepuffs to the common room. She had been too tired to engage in extensive conversations anyway.

Ominis's face twisted slightly with effort. »I apologize for not staying longer yesterday so we could talk. The noise and disorder at the opening ceremony gave me headaches like I rarely have.«

»You don't have to apologize or justify yourself, Ominis. I fully understand,« Carol said, smiling gently as she got up from the bench and moved to the one right next to Ominis. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and followed the rustling of her clothes, unsure if it was really Carol sitting beside him or someone else. She continued, »Now we can talk without having to shout at each other.«

It wasn't explicitly forbidden to sit at another house table, provided you didn't disturb anyone or it wasn't an official celebration. Ominis smiled softly, but expressed some concern, »We're getting our timetables today. If you're not at your house table, Professor Garlick may not find you.«

»What a stroke of luck that I'm not far from the Hufflepuff table,« Carol chuckled, amused by the thought of the head of house simply passing her by just because she was sitting at the wrong table. She leaned over the empty utensils in front of her and reached for the bowl, filling it with oatmeal and pouring milk generously over it. Although she still felt queasy from last night's feast, she opted for a light meal to counteract her faulty habits.

»Plus, we don't have to twist ourselves so much to talk,« Carol added as she dipped her spoon into the bowl.

»Indeed, it's more comfortable that way,« Ominis agreed, spreading strawberry jam on his toast with his wand in hand before lowering it back onto his lap under the table. »How are you, Carol? How was your summer?« he attempted to start a casual conversation.

»Fine,« Carol replied with the rehearsed response, immediately following up with the appropriate question: »And yours?«

»Good, too,« Ominis replied just as curtly as Carol. His previously successful tactic of diverting his conversation partner from a brief answer to instead motivate them to provide an elaborate response seemed not to be working for him. With a stoic expression, Ominis extended his open hand to Carol.

Carol furrowed her brow in confusion. Ominis had put down his wand to extend his hand to her. With a amused snort, Carol placed her hand in Ominis's without being asked. »Are you going to kiss my hand?« she teased, giggling softly.

»Not really,« his half-smile was gentler than expected as he turned Carol's hand in his and gently touched the palm and individual fingers with his thumb. »Sebastian took me back to Feldcroft for the summer. It's a shame you didn't come by.«

Carol was so distracted by his gentle touches that she barely noticed the spoon slipping through her fingers. But before it could clatter into her bowl of oatmeal, she managed to grab it firmly.

It wouldn't have been hard for Carol to pull her hand out of his, as Ominis held it very gently. But for some inexplicable reason, Carol didn't feel strong enough to do it at the moment. She studied his face carefully; the blind steel-blue eyes and the gentle smile on his lips almost masked the thoughtful expression on his face. Carol had to swallow quietly before she gave an answer: »I-I...« She cleared her throat and interrupted herself quickly, embarrassed by her stutter. »I had a lot to do.«

»Mhm...« Ominis responded softly and calmly. »You also sound exhausted, Carol. And judging by your rough hands, you've been doing heavy work until recently.«

At these ruthless words, Carol regained her strength and carefully withdrew her hand from Ominis' touch. She was a little shocked by how he could figure that out without seeing her. Ominis didn't hold Carol back, but he still remained facing her, listening for an answer. Carol moistened her dry lips and explained softly, »I'll tell you later, okay? More and more students are coming into the Great Hall.«

»Okay,« Ominis nodded his head and turned back to his toast, while Carol wanted to bury herself in her oatmeal. Suddenly she felt very warm. Embarrassed, she wondered how she could forget how perceptive and attentive Ominis actually was. Sometimes he noticed more in his surroundings than any sighted person.

»Maybe,« Ominis began again and leaned discreetly towards Carol to continue quietly, »we can meet with Sebastian in the crypt after class today and catch up?«

Carol didn't answer immediately, and it wasn't just because she had just stuffed a spoonful of oatmeal into her mouth. After swallowing the bite, she replied, »Yes, that would be nice.«

»I'm glad,« Ominis sounded relieved to have found a compromise and sipped his black tea in the finest table manner.

»Here you are! We were wondering where you were, Carol!« trilled Poppy from the entrance hall as she came with Arthur and Lenora in tow, until she recognized Ominis and stopped in her tracks. Carol looked a little worriedly at her friend as Ominis politely turned his head slightly in Poppy's direction. »Good morning, Poppy.«

»Morning,« she replied sullenly. Then Poppy strode over to Carol and almost pulled her from the Slytherin table by the shoulders. »Come over to our side. We're getting our timetables today.«

»Alright, I'll move over,« Carol said embarrassedly, watching as Poppy sat down at the correct house table. Ominis vaguely tilted his head in Carol's direction as she began to take her used dishes. »Is she still mad at me about that Diricawl, Frederick?« he asked incredulously.

»Hmm...« Carol drawled, which Ominis already interpreted as an answer, and he let out an exasperated sigh. He rubbed his nose. »It was an accident... I'll never try to pet a Diricawl again...« he muttered very softly.

Carol couldn't help but smile at the sweet thought of Ominis losing his wand just because he wanted to pet a magical creature. No one would have expected that from a Gaunt. »I know that, you know that, and I'm sure Poppy knows it too. She's just sad because the Dodo didn't come back,« Carol explained soothingly, giving Ominis a brief pat on the shoulder. »Don't worry about it. I'll be sitting right behind you.«

»Nice to hear that you've got my back,« replied the Slytherin with seemingly stoic composure.

»About time that the skinny bimbo disappeared from our table. Tsk... Who does Roswell think she is anyway?« whispered Violet McDowell into Carol's ears, as she walked along the Slytherin table with Imelda Reyes.

Carol tried to ignore the biting comment and not take it to heart as she sat down with her Hufflepuff classmates at the table. However, what she couldn't ignore was the ensuing crash as Violet fell to the stone floor along with several plates and cutlery.

Imelda looked puzzled as she saw Violet lying on the ground. »Did you seriously just fall?«

»No, the marble floor just looked so soft and cozy that I had to touch it!« she almost hysterically screamed. »Help me instead of making your comments, Imelda!«

»Good riddance to the airhead.« Lenora laughed maliciously as Imelda and another Slytherin helped Violet back to her feet. »Merlin punishes small sins immediately.«

»Pay no attention to her.« Poppy said encouragingly, turning to Carol. »Today we'll get our new schedules. We only have the subjects we passed our O.W.L.s in.«

»Yes,« agreed Arthur, pushing his glasses back up his nose after already loading his plate with scrambled eggs and bacon. »In sixth year, we have many free periods to focus on the subjects we're good at. As preparation for the N.E.W.T. exams next year.«

»N.E.W.T.?« Carol asked, looking across the table at Arthur.

»That's the next higher qualification after the O.W.L.s. The Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests, so to speak. Many professions require an N.E.W.T. as a qualification to be trained in it.« Arthur explained patiently.

»I'm going to be a healer,« Lenora announced solemnly, sticking her nose up in the air. »I'm glad I don't have to take all those boring subjects like History of Magic anymore. So much wasted time!«

Carol smiled understandingly and was about to turn back to her oatmeal, but her bowl was already empty. Just as she wondered when that had happened, Charlotte rushed over to them with her hair tousled. »By Merlin's beard! Why didn't you wake me up?« she exclaimed, grabbing a plate and throwing red toast, tomatoes, and sausages on it at random.

»You were sleeping so sweetly and kept mumbling the name of our Hufflepuff prefect in your dreams, so we didn't want to wake you up,« Lenora grinned broadly across the table, earning a venomous look from Charlotte, whose cheeks were currently stuffed with toast. »Half fem muff!«

»I'm sorry, what?« Lenora grinned maliciously and held her hand to her ear. Charlotte promptly threw a dry slice of toast in her direction.

Carol loved this lighthearted atmosphere among her classmates. The Great Hall was filling up with more and more students, but the noise level was nowhere near as loud as it was during yesterday's welcoming ceremony.

Suddenly, someone tapped Carol on the shoulder, causing her to flinch slightly. She immediately turned her head over her shoulder. »Sorry,« the trademark Sallow grin was thrown at her by the brown-haired Slytherin. »Just wanted to say hello.«

»Ah, yes. Hello,« Carol replied with a half-smile as Sebastian turned away from her and sat down next to Ominis on the bench, where he also helped himself to breakfast.

Carol turned back around and looked at her empty bowl. Her stomach suddenly felt strangely full. Angrily, she wondered why she was so easily startled.

The schedule distribution proved to be more complex this year than in previous ones. After the majority of students, namely the lower years, had left the Great Hall with their new schedules to head to their classrooms, the Heads of House personally distributed the remaining schedules. They had conversations with the students about their O.W.L. results from the previous year and the structure for the coming school years.

Professor Garlick wore her usual expansive, green sun hat with decorative flowers arranged on its brim. Her fiery red hair was braided into a long, messy ponytail that fell over her shoulder. With a warm, dreamy smile, she sat down with a stack of parchment and a bunch of flowers in front of Carol.

Carol barely knew a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who carried as much sunshine and kindness in their heart as Professor Garlick. The young Herbology teacher plucked a small sunflower from the bouquet of cut flowers and presented it to Carol. »It's great to see you again, Miss Roswell. I give you this sunflower as a symbol of your growth and flourishing this year.«

»Oh, thank you so much, Professor Garlick,« Carol said, accepting the sunflower with a touched smile. She watched as the young teacher took a few clipped papers from her stack and studied them with a frugal expression. Carol didn't blame Professor Garlick for consulting her notes; the Heads of House had so many students to look after. Moreover, she was touched by the attention the Herbology teacher was giving her.

»You underwent a wonderful maturing process last year, Miss Roswell. Your O.W.L. results in Charms, Ancient Runes, Herbology, and History of Magic were sufficient for you to thrive in these subjects this year as well. Also, Professor Hecat was very pleased with your Outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts, which you can continue to take, of course.«

Hearing the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's praise elicited a shy smile from Carol. It was the only subject in which she received an Outstanding. Considering where Carol had been wandering last year, it wasn't surprising.

»Unfortunately, I'm afraid you won't be able to continue Divination, Astronomy, or Care of Magical Creatures,« Professor Garlick continued with an almost sad smile on her friendly features.

Carol nodded. »I expected as much, Professor.« Her O.W.L. results in those subjects weren't sufficient for passing. However, that also applied to several other subjects that hadn't been mentioned yet. Her schedule sounded a bit weak.

The sensitive smile of the red-haired witch kept Carol listening attentively. »Regarding your O.W.L. in Transfiguration, I have spoken with Professor Weasley. Normally, a Pass is insufficient to continue your course. However, due to the special circumstances of last year, she has agreed to continue nurturing your intellectual blossoms in the Transfiguration garden.«

Carol raised her eyebrows in surprise. »Really?« she exclaimed, and Professor Garlick nodded with a sunny smile.

It wasn't the class with Professor Weasley or the subject that made Carol feel a bit uncertain. It was rather the special treatment she was receiving, although she was grateful for this opportunity.

However, the Hufflepuff Head of House seemed to have more to say. »The same goes for Professor Sharp. However, you will have to excel in the craft of potion-making in the first half of the year to continue in his course, Miss Roswell. He said that he wants to give you another chance for a career as an Auror.«

Carol swallowed softly at her words. She remembered the conversation from last year about possible career choices. »I don't actually want to become an Auror, Professor Garlick,« she said meekly.

The young professor looked at Carol with raised eyebrows, then consulted her notes as if she had made a mistake. »But didn't you mention this during the career counseling last year?«

The dismay on the otherwise cheerful face of the young professor awakened slight feelings of guilt in Carol. She bit her lip and nodded slowly. »Yes, that's true, Professor Garlick. Only last year... a lot happened. Professor Fig was still present during that conversation.«

With each additional word, Carol's mouth felt strangely dry, until she finally fell silent.

Professor Garlick gave Carol a sympathetic, compassionate look. »I remember, Miss Roswell,« she said softly and very quietly. »I miss Professor Fig too. He was a wonderful teacher with charming ambitions and ideas.«

She couldn't know how Carol's heart contracted at the words. Carol lowered her head.

»I wondered why you don't want to continue with History of Magic and Ancient Runes,« Professor Garlick explained gently. »That's why I thought you still wanted to pursue the goal of becoming an Auror. Why do you want to neglect these school subjects in which you have blossomed so beautifully?«

Ancient Runes was the subject that Carol's late mentor taught her in the extra hours. Besides, the subject had been very useful in following the traces of ancient magic. But with the lack of interest in ancient magic, Carol's desire to continue with the subject ended.

»I don't find the subjects very useful,« she lied.

ChatGPT

»But Miss Roswell,« chided Professor Garlick, almost startled. »Everything that grows has its purpose. Professor Binns praised you highly, saying he hadn't had such an attentive student in his class for a long time.«

Which meant that Carol didn't regularly fall asleep in his class.

»If you could exceed expectations in History of Magic, you could also take Ancient Studies as an elective. This would give you the perfect qualifications for becoming a curse breaker.«

Ancient Studies was an advanced course open to students who had excelled in History of Magic and Ancient Runes. It could be taken from sixth year, provided the student had achieved an O.W.L. in the subject, as well as excellent grades.

Carol had the O.W.L. Ancient Runes hadn't been the problem, as she had a knack for the sometimes very cryptic and complex runes. In History of Magic, however, she had struggled a lot, partly because she had to catch up on four years of missed classes in just one year. If it hadn't been for Ominis' patience and helpfulness, she wouldn't even have passed Acceptable.

With an O.W.L. in Ancient Studies, one could begin training to become a curse breaker. A profession that was in high demand and almost always needed at Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

But what Carol could imagine even less than a career as an Auror was spending her daily life in the dark and winding vaults of Gringotts. She licked her dry lips. »But I don't want to work at Gringotts.«

Professor Garlick's features softened. She smiled encouragingly and warmly at Carol. »Curse breakers have a wide range of job opportunities, Miss Roswell. The winds may have blown your future dreams wild over the summer.« The Herbology professor spoke very empathetically. »Do you know what you want to do later?«

When Carol remained silent, the young professor spoke lovingly. »I think a new season is beginning for you, Miss Roswell. Your special talent is like a precious gift that you should use with joy and dedication. Professor Fig would certainly also be pleased if you unleash the full potential of your gift and shape your professional future with confidence and determination.« She paused for a moment. »Let's talk about it again together.«

Carol looked into Professor Garlick's friendly features. Her heart grew heavy as she tried to imagine what Professor Fig would think of her not wanting to continue with Ancient Magic.

»Don't put yourself under pressure, Miss Roswell. I'll arrange a timely appointment for our conversation. Until then, I'd like you to take advantage of the many opportunities and continue attending classes in Ancient Runes and History of Magic. Professor Binns would really appreciate it, although he'd never admit it.«

Carol looked at Professor Garlick for a long and wistful moment. She couldn't help but appear a little disappointed. But in front of the sunny and friendly teacher who showed so much understanding and care, Carol couldn't help but nod. »Okay, Professor. When... I've sorted myself out a bit and we've had our conversation, can we talk about it again?«

»Of course, Miss Roswell.« Professor Garlick looked at Carol confidently. Then she tapped an empty parchment in front of her with her wand and handed Carol her schedule. »Until then, I ask you to enjoy your time and, as always, do your best.«

»Yes, Professor,« Carol forced a small smile. Professor Garlick winked at her and stood up to move to the next available seat beside Poppy. After settling down beside Poppy, the young house teacher handed her a flower and discussed her personal growth process. Meanwhile, Carol studied her timetable very carefully.

For a moment, Carol wondered if there might be a mistake in her schedule until she remembered the breakfast conversations regarding the many free periods for sixth-year students. Her timetable had several gaps, some of them double periods.

The handover of the timetable seemed to go a bit faster for Poppy than for Carol, as the red-haired house teacher was already moving on to Lenora. Meanwhile, Poppy turned to Carol with her timetable. »Hey, do you have Divination now?« she inquired, which Carol shook her head in denial. »No, I don't have the subject anymore.«

»Hmm...« Poppy hummed softly as she compared her timetable with Carol's. »Oh, what a pity. We don't have any common classes in the morning,« she sighed disappointedly.

»Well, we'll see each other at lunch then,« Carol said with an encouraging smile. »And look, we have Transfiguration and Charms together afterwards.«

»Yes, you're right,« Poppy said with a brightened expression, looking up at Carol again. »See you later. I have to go. The Divination Tower is quite a distance away.«

»Sure, see you later, Poppy,« Carol waved with a smirk as Poppy hurried out of the Great Hall with her bag under her arm, weaving through the rows of house tables.

A little unsure of what to do with her free time, Carol watched her friend leave when she suddenly heard a whisper behind her, »Psst, Carol!«

Carol turned around on the bench and looked over her shoulder to Sebastian, who was looking at her with a mischievous glint in his brown eyes. If anyone at school didn't need Sacharissa's potion, it was definitely Sebastian. Fresh as a daisy with tousled hair, he grinned at Carol. »What does your timetable look like?« he asked curiously.

She furrowed her brow, swinging her legs to the other side of the bench to face Sebastian completely. »What do you mean? Professor Garlick has neat handwriting.«

Sebastian blinked in surprise and then chuckled softly with mischief in his eyes. »No, that's not what I mean,« he chuckled. »I have a free period now. Do you happen to have one too?«

While Carol didn't need to check her timetable again, her eyes wandered back to the paper in her hand. »Yes,« she eventually replied, looking back at Sebastian, expecting that he had a particular intention with his question, knowing the Slytherin as well as she did, even though they hadn't had close contact since last Christmas.

»Awesome!« Sebastian exclaimed enthusiastically. »Do you want to meet at our spot? I think Ominis has a free period too.«

»Mr. Gaunt even has two,« the two whispering students told Professor Ronen in surprise. The Slytherin house teacher looked back and forth between Sebastian and Carol with raised eyebrows and an unusually stern expression, while Ominis put his schedule into his bag with lowered eyes. »And since the two of you were apparently waiting for Mr. Gaunt, I will now ask you to take out your schedules and discuss them 'at your place'. The other house teachers and I appreciate some peace and quiet during our work,« he said.

Shyly, Carol whispered, »Excuse us, Professor Ronen,« which the lively teacher of magical arts acknowledged with a grateful nod.

»Of course, Professor Ronen,« Sebastian said with a charismatic smile. However, this charm bounced off the older house teacher, who instead waved the three of them out of the Great Hall.

With her school bag under her arm, Carol made her way to the Astronomy wing with the Slytherins. Ominis held his wand in front of him, with a red, circular spark dancing above it. His wand helped Ominis move through the castle without running into obstacles or stumbling down one of the countless stairs.

Carol had since become accustomed to it - unlike before. When she first saw Ominis wandering the halls with his wand, she had just come out of a meeting that had nothing to do with class, from Professor Fig's office. Carol thought at the time that the Slytherin had been eavesdropping on her since he had looked pretty guilty to the ground, and therefore had avoided him as much as possible. Back then, Carol had no idea that Ominis was actually blind.

Sebastian and Carol looked around cautiously on the second floor of the Defense Against the Dark Arts tower, checking if any curious classmates were watching them. However, they were completely alone in the multi-story salon, which prompted Sebastian, Ominis, and Carol to hurry and slip into the narrow hallway behind the stone staircase. Above them, the Defense Against the Dark Arts class was probably in session.

They reached an elaborately carved and wide cabinet made of beech wood, which stood alone at the end of the narrow corridor under the stairs. Several beautifully crafted clock faces were painted on the doors. The partially gilded flourishes and hands, however, did not reveal the time or any other calendar entry on the surface.

The clock's Roman numerals had 15 hours. The gold-adorned runic plaques were unreadable even with good grades in Ancient Runes, and three hands, modeled after the optics of full and new moons and the sun, pointed randomly. The sun's path seemed to have stopped between night and day, although it was already clearly a sunny morning, and two hands were stuck in the moon phase between new and half-moon. In short, the clocks appeared to be completely useless.

»Is anyone following us?« Ominis asked with a serious expression.

»Relax, Ominis. The lower years are in class and the seventh years have probably gone back to their common rooms. They probably think they know the whole castle inside and out and don't need to explore anymore,« Sebastian said confidently, grinning as he pulled out his wand and approached the elaborately crafted cabinet.

Ominis tilted his head in Carol's direction, as if he wasn't sure he could really relax as Sebastian said. His skepticism was understandable since he was originally the one who found this place. When Ominis found out in the last year of school that Sebastian had also informed Carol about the secret so that she could practice her spells in peace without being gawked at by onlookers, he was very angry. Even so angry that compared to it, a Howler's message sounded nice.

With the background knowledge Carol now possessed, she could all too well understand his reaction from back then. »We're really alone, Ominis,« she tried to appease him.

Ominis stared stoically at the marble floor. He still didn't seem entirely convinced, but he complied with a curt »Fine.«

»Dissendium!« Sebastian said in the meantime, pointing his wand at the cabinet. The hands on almost all the clock faces moved, as if a completely different era should be in effect in which they should find themselves. When they stopped at the same time, a quiet, deep ringing of a bell was heard.

»Well then,« Sebastian said, satisfied, opening the cabinet doors to climb inside. After a moment, he stuck his head out again and looked impatiently at Carol and Ominis. »Are you coming?«

»After you, Carol,« Ominis nodded his head towards the cabinet as he continued to stare blankly at the marble floor. Carol walked past him to climb into the cabinet behind Sebastian. Sebastian had already disappeared into the dark secret passage revealed by his spell.

Carol drew her wand from her cloak as Ominis climbed into the cabinet behind her. Just as the cabinet doors closed behind them, and darkness fell over them, Carol whispered »Lumos.« and the passageway was illuminated by white light, emanating from the tip of her wand.

#hogwarts legacy #fanfiction #Ominis x OC #Serpent's Lullaby #carol roswell #ominis gaunt #sebastian sallow #poppy sweeting #lenora everleigh #Arthur Plummly #mirabel garlick #abraham ronen

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 230

He's been given many names over the eternities.

Kronos. Time. Ouroboros. The World Serpent. It comes with being an Ancient. With being one of the oldest primordial being of them all. Only his own parent, Infinity itself was older.

He was an unstoppable force, no matter what the Observants wished to think, their chains akin to mosquito bites- if that- as they shattered.

Clockwork is his favorite name he decided long ago, when he'd first seen the possibilities of the world his so-called employers complained he had obsessed over.

Yet how could he not? This world had given him children after all. Ghostlings all his own, human and not, mortal and more. Invisible to his machinations and strumming of the strings of Fate.

And here he lay, curled in a bed he had no need for but had meticulously crafted for the Cores he held against himself so lovingly. His own little bit of Space, a smaller Moon and Sun, joined by Life and Storm and Sea and Ore. Newborn Ancients in their own right, Cores unstable and cracked from the actions of mortals who did not understand, who could not.

Perhaps, he pondered, it was best.

They might be Ancients under their own rights, but they were still young. Too young, their very essence risking collapsing under their own power unless he did something.

Clockwork crooned a lullaby in the words of Reality, running a finger across one of the cracks before picking the core up. And swallowing it.

One by one until they were safe. Protected. Able to use his own energy to stabilize their own instinctively. He hummed a song he knew by heart, by Core, and let the clocks tick on. He had much work to be done.

His ghostlings only deserved the best after all.

#Prompts #clockwork #danny fenton #Jordan Fenton #Ellie Fenton #Jazz Fenton #Sam Manson #tucker foley #valerie gray #Dad Clockwork #space core danny #Moon core ellie #Sun core Dan #Ocean Core Jazz #Life core Sam #Metal Core Valerie #Storm core Tucker #danny phantom #Ghosts eat each younger one's cores to adopt them #Clockwork is morally gray here as he deserves #Welcome to Clockwork's adventures in parenting and crushing anyone who threatens his new bbys he's waited eternities for #If you want this to be a crossover then go for it lol #What shattered team phantom's cores and proto-cores? Good question- up to you #Ghosts get bigger the older they are #It's like anacondas #As long as there's space and resources they'll continue to get bigger (and ghosts don't need air) #Why yes Clockwork IS married to Pariah (they never got that chance to divorce) meaning CW is now acting regent #If he wanted to declare war on whoever harmed the team and other realms beings it's well within his right #have fun #if you want to make this a crossover go for it

[forestdeath1]

Sirius being locked up at Grimmauld Place is both tragic and poetic — a cyclical tale, a serpent biting its own tail. The last Black, confined in a house that serves as a living reminder that no one else is left alive. The one who was the family’s greatest hope became the seal on their ultimate demise.

He hates Grimmauld Place not just because it was a terrible place for him. He hates it because it is a living reminder of everything lost — his childhood, his brother, his father, his mother, the Blacks. His family. To clean the house is not solely because he despises it. But to clean it because every part of it is woven with a tangle of memories.

Cleansing the house is the farewell he never had. Sitting in his mother's room is living through the grief he never fully embraced.

A man without a shore to anchor to. Once, James might have been that shore, but never completely; James was never fully there for him. No one can ever replace the family he once had. A family that loved him in their twisted way — terrible people, fanatics, but still his family, and they loved him. You hate them and feel ready to tear them down with your own hands, yet deep down, you are still that little boy whose mother sang him lullabies, and whose father showed him his first wand movements.

Sirius is a prisoner not just of walls, but of the lingering past, forever shackled to the Blacks.

#sirius black #the noble and most ancient house of black #sirius black meta

[funnyexel]

delusional water king

“They’ll see you as my goddess.” Shaking your head, you back away from the man. 

“I’m not a goddess. I’m an experiment.” You show him the number on your lower back, accompanied by scars along the skin you displayed to him. Staring at your figure, he noticed the scars were pink in your dark skin, most likely scabbed up and picked away by the strong currents. Shoving your shirt down, you cross your arms over your stomach, looking down and away from him. 

“I am grateful that you saved me, I am but...I don’t want to destroy the beautiful city you helped build.” His eyes bore into you, even as you’re not looking, the chance of intimidation being too great. 

“I can’t control it, Namor.” The way his name moved off your tongue and into the air made him tispy, it echoed in the cave, bouncing off the walls. 

“You saw what I did. I killed so many people.” Glossy eyes stared up at the feathered serpent god. He squinted at you with a smirk playing at his lips, was he finally seeing the real, troubled you? Turning to the hole in the ground that leads to the endless body of water, you fully intend on leaving. 

“I’m sorry, if this is disrespectful to you. Please understand that everywhere I go destruction tends to follow.” 

“Go ahead.” He responds after listening to you, biting your lip and moving a hair from your face, you sigh. 

“I will disregard the disrespect. Only because it is coming from you, in reina.” Giving him a shy smile, you nod not quite understanding the last bits of what he said.

Standing off the edge where rock meets water, you step onto the liquid, turning to him and giving him a small wave. Submerging into the water, a small bubble tracing around your body that keeps air flowing while the water propels you through the small tunnels and out of Talokan. The feeling of guilt tugs at you for leaving your savior but the guilt of killing hundreds of people where you were held captive ate you alive. Reaching the surface, the bubble of air slowly deteriorates as you walk up to the sandy shore. Moments to dawn, you catch your breath as you walk away from the beach, taking one hesitant look back before disappearing into the dense forest. You needed time. Time to figure out your powers, time to find yourself and forgive yourself. It didn’t take long for you to forgive yourself for the unfortunate events at the hell hole, in the matter of days you thought and realized that losing your temper had to have been the best case scenario. 

You spent time in an abondoned hut alongside the oceanside. It was peaceful, the waves were a natural lullaby and helped with the unease of sleeping. Being self-efficent gave you the chance to fool around with your powers, learn what you can do without causing a catastrophe. Sitting elevated above the waves, you meditated and wondered if he would try to find you. 

“In reina.” You whispered opening your eyes, looking across the blue mirrors that connected with each wave, you could’ve sworn you heard someone say it before you.

Refraining from saying ‘hello’ or any of the sort. You’d rather not know if someone is here with you. Moving closer to the edge of the small cliff, you sway your hand in a circular motion, the waters pushing itself into a dance. Watching closely as the water formed a small cone shaped tornado that sunk to the bottom of the shallow floor. In this it showed, the particles of sand and small plants being swept into the current. Putting your hand in your lap, the mini tornado, slowed to a stop and transitioned back to the usual current of the ocean. Looking around your surroundings once more, you get up, dusting yourself off and go back to your hut.

If you could say something different to Namor, what would you say? Ask him what ‘in reina’ means or what he meant by ‘my goddess’. You were so shocked by what you’ve done prior that it didn’t register how handsome the man was, his tan skin, fit physique, raven hair and darkness that hides in his brown irises. A clear portrait of the man was painted onto the walls of your mind, and you were repeatedly looking at the painting, thinking of him after days of being alone. Laying down, you get comfortable on the floor bound cot, closing your eyes, your body relaxes on the soft surface.

“Y/n, in reina.” The voice deep, meaningful and close. Opening your eyes, your rest felt like it only lasted a split second. Looking around, you were surrounded by turquoise looming lights. The scenery definitely unfamiliar. Standing to your feet,

“Nib óolal, waal mía,” you turn to the sound of feet shuffling behind you and catch a glimpse of a blue skinned person leaving. Dark messy hair enters your view as you shake your head. Convinced that you’re hallucinating about this man, this dangerously attractive and hot man.

“What are you doing here?” You say in complete disbelief. A slight furrow in his brows as he gives you a small smile and honestly you could’ve dropped your panties for him right there. Wait what?

“I have changed my mind.” He reaches behind his neck, taking off one of his necklaces.

“Changed your mind?” You relay back to him in confusion, at this he smiles and nods.

“Can’t someone have a change of mind?” Your mind is fogged with confusion and its clearly displayed on your face.

“Yes, but I’m not following. I don’t understand what you're saying.” The small sounds his jewelry made as he rests them down on the nearest surface, echoes in the little pauses of silence.

“Am I not speaking english?” He asks as if you literally couldn’t understand. You realize he’s joking and chuckle.

“You are. I mean- ….What did you change your mind on?” You lose your train of thought mid sentence, his muscles suddenly having more definition now that its no longer covered by the many necklaces he wore.

His masculine stature compliments his collar bone and defined jaw thats hidden under a well kept beard. You need to get a hold of yourself, zoning out while observing his body and objectifying him when given the slightest chance. What would he do if he found out? Something bad you hope. Blinking yourself out the trance, bare chest is in your eyeshot. Looking up through your eyelashes, he’s already looking down.

“You.” Watching as his palm rests along your cheek, steadily tracing down your jaw and stopping by your chin.

All the while your breathing hitches, his thumb rubs along your lower lip. Most alarms are ringing in your head for you to stop but whats a simple kiss? Your hand slides up his waist, toned stomach and rests on his shoulder. His gaze shifting for a moment to your hand and back to you, by then you were already pushing yourself up. His lips pull you into a hypnosis of only wanting him, only wanting to kiss him, wanting to climb in his skin. His lips stray from yours to your cheek and neck in a rushed manner. His arm capturing you in an embrace to keep you from stumbling backward.

Your chest heaves excessively as you realize what you’re going to do. Failing to release you from his embrace, he guides you to a soft patch of the cave. It was odd, grassy and soft as he laid you down. The space made you wonder about the deep sea of unknown even more, if there’s possibility of healthy gardens thriving underwater, what other possibilities are there? Your hands glide over the greenery, feeling the cushiony plants and enjoying the pleasant sound it made as your hands moved through. All your senses were being satisfied, especially your eyes. The sight of him kneeling in front of you can make any women weak. He observes you and your fascination with the scene. His hands compliment your skin, when they stroke your thighs, goosebumps rising on your skin. Despite your body growing hotter and hotter with each passing moment. Leaning down, he kisses up to your core. Kisses alternating from right thigh to left thigh, your hips accidentally jerk once he’s two kisses away. His gaze shifts to you once more and he smiles. His dimples peaking through.

Your excitement is getting the best of you as he pulls your pants off, his finger tips gracing your lower stomach. Lowering his head to your core, you close your eyes and he kisses you. One long slow swipe of his tongue from your hole to your clit. His tongue teasingly licking at your clit, small and kitten like. You hum a moan, your hand hovering over your lips in upmost disbelief. Sucking on your folds like a starved man, he hooks his arms under your thighs and his hands grip at your thighs. Sweat beads down your forehead, mixing with a tear of pleasure. Finally opening your eyes, he is totally indulged in your pussy. Your shiny wetness on his cheeks, his head moving from side to side to make sure nothing is left untended to. A broken gasp leaves your chest when he nips at your clit sharply. Fanning yourself, you take in deep breaths at the realization that your body is overheating. You attempt to plead his name but his tongue slips in your hole at the right moment and touches your g-spot. Making you shriek.

“namor…” You mutter, breathing heavily. Your pussy squeezing his tongue and legs clenching on his head, demanding more. Shaking your head, your moans leave your throat in a struggle.

Cumming all over his cheeks and chin, he laps up the mess and unhooks his hands from your thighs. Your eyes follow his stature as he sits up. Your chest heaving up and down, he holds you in a compelling trance.

“What are you doing,” His voice dips in a jagged tone, warning you and stopping you in your tracks. You were scooting away from him.

“take me home, please.” You trembled as he shifted close.

You cross your ankles and shield yourself from him, “we can’t, namor please, listen to me.” He shakes his head, his playful manner gone.

“I hear you, but I won’t listen.” His hands uncross your ankles, opening your legs to him once more, “I’ll fuck you until you beg to stay with me.” You gasp, his hard-on rubbing against you as he raps your legs around his waist.

The waistband of his shorts gone and your eyes dart everywhere. This is what you want, it is, but this is one of those journeys that you can’t turn back from once you’ve begun.

“Look.” He commands your body with a word, this brings a soft smile to his lips.

“I deserve you. I knew I did when I first saw you,” he moans softly when he uses his fingers to part your soaked lips.

“I waited this long, can’t you give me something I deserve, hm?” His attention was on you, his tip moving between your lips and squishing around your come. You moan as nod to the man, cursing yourself at your wordless affirmations.

a/n: don't mind the title I'm just having fun at this point...and here's the translations cause I know some of y'all lazy asf

in reina - my queen

Nib óolal, waal mía - thank you, my child

more of my writing

#fanfiction #y/n #black fanfiction #smut #marvel smut #yandere #male yandere #marvel cinematic universe #yandere scenerio #yandere x reader #namor of talokan #namor x you #namor #mcu namor #namor fic #namor x reader #kukulkan #black panter wakanda forever

[enby-jellyfish]

All Coiled Up

Male!Naga X GN!Reader (POC friendly)

Pronouns: You/your

Summary: Cuddling with a naga.

Warnings: Tooth rotting fluff, me attempting to be poetic, (probably?) inaccurate homesteading and snake biology, reader gets licked/smelled and (gently) bitten

Word Count: 775

A/N: Based on this poll <3

It is a hot spring evening. The first of the year, you note as you trudge up to your cozy little home on the hill. It is the kind of home you dreamed of when you were a little kid. The perfect size and shape, with plenty of windows, filled to the brim with all of your trinkets and a shit ton of plants.

Right beside your home is the farm you spent the whole day working. It has everything you need to be self-sufficient, a big vegetable garden, chickens, sheep, cattle and a beehive.

It has been a busy day, a calf got stuck in a fence and you had to plant plenty of new seasonal crops and do weed control.

Naturally, you are exhausted. You feel your body ache as you rub your neck to try and release some tension. You remind yourself your hard work will be worth it.

Finally you enter your home and lean against the door, closing it and taking a deep breath, your eyes shut. You stay like that for a moment before you hear something, or rather someone, and open your eyes to be greeted with the sight of your beloved naga.

His face is relaxed, eyes closed. His body is coiled up near one of the many windows, bathing in the sunlight of the setting sun. It is something he has been doing since the first warm sunbeams of the year.

You smile to yourself and just drink in the view. He looks so beautiful. The sunbeams kissing his face like they are long lost lovers, now reunited. The beautiful orange and yellow of his scales highlighted by the golden light. It is truly a combination meant to be, serpent and sun. Seeing him so comfortable is truly a sight for sore eyes, capable of warming even the coldest of hearts.

Your naga has a hard time adjusting to the switching of the seasons. A battle between his simultaneously cold- and warmblooded body you suppose.

It has been a few years now since you first found him that one winter night. You had heard a noise coming from your farm and found him half starved in the chicken pen, looking for food and shelter from the snow. You took him in, fed him and helped make him a mock burrow in the shed.

After his brumation period he offered to keep the predators away from your farm in return for your kindness. He never left you after that. You slowly found yourself growing to like him. This later turned to love, which was reciprocated with open arms and a warm smile that made his eyes twinkle like stars.

You remind yourself that you have been staring unashamedly for quite a bit now and walk into the room. Disturbed by the noise of your footsteps on the wooden floors he lifts his head and blinks lazily at you, first with his brille and then with his eyelids.

"Finally, I was getting worried you'd keep working until the sun had long set. Come" He extends an arm to you.

"Let me clean up first, I smell."

"I don't mind..." He raises his eyebrows flirtatiously and stares at you through his eyelashes. He changes his position to face you, chin on crossed arms on his coils.

You sigh, knowing you can't resist that gorgeous face.

His face lights up as you walk over. He opens his arms and loosens his coils just enough for you to get in.

"Just for a minute." You say, knowing it won't be for just a minute.

"Of course, my love." He purrs smugly, also knowing it won't be for just a minute.

You lay on his coils, your back against his chest. As you get comfortable he wraps himself around you. The whole experience feels tight but not suffocating, his scales are smooth and have a cooling effect on your skin. It feels safe and comforting, like being wrapped up in a giant weighted blanket.

You close your eyes, slowly relaxing into his embrace as he gently rubs your arms. You feel yourself being soothed to sleep by the soft lullaby of his breathing.

Your journey to dreamland is suddenly interrupted by the feeling of a forked tongue darting out to taste your shoulder.

You smile at the ticklish feeling. "Pervert." You mutter, not opening your eyes.

He chuckles lowly. "Nothing perverted about enjoying your mate's scent. Especially when mine smells as good as you do." He playfully bites at your shoulder.

You scoff and let out a laugh at his animalistic antics. He laughs with you, slightly tightening his grip on you.

Masterlist

Thank you for reading <3

#naga x reader #lamia x reader #monster x reader #exophilia #monster lover #monster romance #x reader #reader insert #my writing

[collidescopeeyes]

Random Relationship Headcanons: Pyke

- Whittles in his free time. Always has a piece of wood and a carving knife on him, his pockets always have sawdust shavings in them. Likes working with bone too, but that's less portable. Forgot about it for a while after he died, but he tries to keep it up after the Deep loosens it's hold on him, it helps keep him occupied. Works more with bone after though; knives are somehow just a bit sharper in his hands. He always gives you the nicest ones, but he's very particular about which ones turned out good enough

- Pre-Deep, wakes up at the crack of dawn. Can be convinced to come back to bed for exactly as long as it takes you to fall asleep again. Post-Deep doesn't need to sleep, but still sticks around as long as it takes you to fall sleep before slipping away.

- Likes salty and spicy flavours, but is also used to eating whatever's convenient for sustenence. He has a few dishes he learned from his mom that he can make really well, but that's from years of practice: he needs to be given Very Specific Instructions for anything else or he's hopeless. Makes a god tier chili but it's so hot you WILL cry and he WILL laugh at you

- Post-Deep, he still needs to eat, but left to his own devices he just eats raw fish like some kind of extremely budget sashimi chef. He came back with sharper teeth, and he can't exactly get sick anymore.

- Speaking of post-Deep changes, doesn't need to breathe, and doesn't have a heartbeat anymore. He can see in the dark and in water incredibly well, but he's actually a bit blind during the day.

- His sense of smell is fucked from years of exposure to chemicals and offal on the slaughter docks, hence why he likes food with strong flavours; aromatics are wasted on him. VERY strict with personal hygiene bc of that, he knows he can't tell if he smells like blood and death and he doesn't want to gross you out. Steals your soap though, if he notices he smells like lavender he doesn't care.

- Forgets to act like a human being sometimes. Pre-Deep that was just peak bachelor behavior like eating a tomato like it's an apple cuz it's food and it's fast. Post-Deep he's just Weird, like stands in one spot looming and not blinking not breathing for an hour weird. Tries not to do it in front of you, but you're the only person he cares about not freaking out.

- Always smells like the sea, has calloused hands but is always very gentle with you (unless in some very specific situations where you don't want him to be wink wonk). His tattoos go up his arms and down his back. Feels kind of uncomfortable when he's out and around other people without his bandana up, he's just so used to it.

- His mother was Buhru serpent caller and his father a Freljordian who joined up with with the Noxian Navy during one of their northern campaigns. Father died young, mother when he was 18. Pretty much been on his own since then, never really had anyone especially important to him in that time and is used to taking care of himself. Pretty much never treats himself to nice things so the task has to fall to you. Consequentially, has zero immunity to you doing nice things for him just because; pack him a lunch with a sweet note and he’s Gone that's It, Pyke.exe has Stopped Responding

- Resting murder face that gets worse when he's embarrassed. His levels of flustered are directly proportionate to how much he looks like he's about to stab someone. His ears get red though, it's cute.

- Punctual and has an excellent memory, if you ask him to do something he'll do it no questions asked. If you tell him to meet you in a random alleyway at 10:05am with a grocery list of 16 things, he's there on the dot and to the letter.

- Fantastic whistler, great singing voice, you'll literally never catch him doing it. If you're sick or something he might be persuaded to hum you a lullaby.

- Thinks actions count more than words, and that being reliable and showing up is way more important than any grand gesture. If you're having a bad day he'll bring you coffee or a snack you like, chores are done so there's nothing for you to worry about when you get home, anything he can do to make your day less stressful. Doesn't mention it either, it's just natural to him, like obviously he's gonna do whatever he can to help. Likewise, it doesn't take much to keep him happy, just as long as he knows he can rely on you.

- Appreciates physical closeness but doesn't usually initiate it. Not really used to recognizing when he wants something, just kinda goes from mysteriously being unhappy to internally having a little :) thought bubble above his head when you sit down next to him (still looks pissed tho but that's just his face don't worry about it). Doesn't need to talk or anything, just likes being close to you.

- Great listener, you might worry he's not paying attention because he tends not to say much, but he'll remember every word. Will happily listen to you talk about literally anything that interests you, if it's important to you it's important to him.

- If there's a problem you need to work out just tell him. He'll notice if something is up but he trusts you'll come to him when you're ready to talk. Great at listening and trying to understand where you're coming from but isn't great at recognizing or articulating his own feelings, so he needs time to think about how to respond. Please be patient with him, he's trying his best.

- Not really jealous or possessive but has a natural ‘don’t fuck with me’ aura that means no one even thinks of getting too friendly with you, even before he became the Blood Harbor Ripper. Ngl, he enjoys it, means he gets to monopolize you–anyone who knows you well know he's harmless (to them).

- Post-Deep, gets more protective and…not really clingy but he Hovers. You're the most important thing in the world to him, you're his reprieve from the voices and the only good thing he has left in a world that's fucked him over and he's shit scared of losing you. Even when he can't actively be beside you, he still prefers to keep tabs on you from the shadows when he can. The Ripper thing gets in the way less than you'd think; no one really lives to say what he looks like and what does get passed on is very exaggerated, and freaky glowing eyes are more common than you'd think in Runeterra--plus, the Ripper's not just gonna be walking around, psh. He hates crowds now though and worries he won't be able to control his reactions, so if you're running errands at a market or something don't expect company. Gets antsy if he hasn't seen you in a while, so don't be surprised if he's disproportionately relieved to see you.

- Post-Deep, has a much harder time relaxing, his memory is a lot hazier, and he gets confused when things don't line up with what he has in his head. The voices are distracting and he's not always sure what's real and what's not. The Deep fucked him up and he's still sort of figuring how to deal with it–its pretty unclear how much of what's going on with him is actual literal magic and how much is a man with severe PTSD struggling to make sense of his new reality

- Anyway I finished playing the Ruined King game and my epilogue hc is the part in that where Illaoi offers to help break his curse and he goes to teach the Buhru about sea monsters. His list becomes his list, not about what the Deep wants but about protecting people who can't protect themselves. He finds connection with an estranged heritage and purpose in helping protect Bilgewater, either through helping the serpent callers or through putting fear into Bilgewaters scummiest.

NSFW (under cut)

- His job keeps him away from you for long stretches of time and by God is he gonna make up for that

- High libido but is used to managing that on his own, jerking off twice a day just was just kinda part of his daily routine; if you're in the mood he much much prefers coming to you instead

- Definitely a dom, likes being a bit rough with you. Gets immense satisfaction out of making a mess out of you, hand in your hair whispering filthy things in your ear while pounding you within an inch of your life. Loves hearing you beg and whimper. Act up if you want a spanking, you're not getting out of here without cumming at LEAST three times anyway

- Loves it when you're loud, it's his personal goal to extract as many noises from you as he can and he doesn't give a fuck who hears. Dirty talk aside, he's not very vocal himself, but God does he sound good when you do get a moan out of him

- Can and will manhandle you. Holds your wrists in one hand or pulls your head back with a firm grasp on your hair, holds your throat so he can feel your pulse pounding, flips you over or pushes you down so he can fuck you better. If you're getting home and he's in a mood you're getting picked up and fucked against the front door, neighbors who?? He wrestles sea monsters for a living, you basically weigh nothing to him, and he loves how cute and pliant you get when he's fucking your brains out ❤️

- Big fan of oral, giving and receiving. Eats pussy like he doesn't need to breath, he thinks you taste great and he loves making you squirm--be warned, this will work him up and you will be getting railed after, how many times you already came on his tongue is really irrelevant. Likewise, he thinks you're so pretty on your knees struggling to fit his cock in your mouth, and he makes sure he tells you that and what a good job you're doing ❤️

- He has thick fingers and by God does he know how to use them, can reduce you to a puddle with one hand up your skirt. If you're feeling bold enough to tease him in public you will inevitably find yourself in some dark corner with one leg hiked up to his hip while he makes you see stars. There are a lot of areas where he's a patient man, and this is not one of them--you fuck around you WILL be finding out.

- If you wear lingerie it's not coming out intact, sorry. Something about it just makes him want to wreck you, prettier the better. That being said, he can't decide whether you look better with his cum dripping out of you or off of you--help him decide, will you?

- Will happily let you take charge, he likes seeing you chasing your own pleasure. If you want to do any kind of edge play on him though he will need to be physically restrained, and he will get so growly about it. At his most desperate he doesn't even sound human anymore.

- Occasionally, just wants something slow and intimate, you in his lap with your arms around his neck, just taking the time to enjoy each other. He's a softy at heart, he doesn't know how to ask for it but sometimes he just craves a bit of romance.

- After, cleans you up and holds you until you fall asleep, occasionally presses a kiss to your hair. Actually gets super sulky if you don't have time to cuddle properly. He's not great with words, so it's an important way for him to show how deeply he cares about you.

#league of legends x reader #league x reader #reader fic #leauge of legends #x reader #f!reader #reader #my fics: tiarw #pyke #pyke lol #pyke x reader

[nrdmssgs]

Serpent tongue

Masterlist Genre: Angst with a happy ending. Characters: Sebastian Krueger, Phayvanh "Nak" Sotsvahn belongs to @vasyandii, Olga 'Zhar" Samoilova TWs: strong language, description of military operation, canon typical violence AN: this is set somwhere arond the begining of Nak and Kruegers interactions, so they are a bit silly around each other. But I promise, they will be in love soon-ish.

“phai bo non maew, si kad kaem.*”  Words roll down Phayvanh`s tongue and echoe in the empty, dark hall.

Even if there are any other soldiers around at this late hour - they'll know better than to bother her. Because she's deep inside her thoughts - she's humming and mumbling the words, obscure to their ears. Her very own cantrips to keep others away, her mnemonic spells to help her with the routine. So what if it's just a lullaby? As long as it helps her shut her brain off and run the preparations mechanically…

“phai bo aem, kai noi tod taa.*” On this verse she always checks the flashlights before attaching them to her vest.

Click. The strobe flashlight works perfectly.

“phai bo aem…”

Click. The spare flashlight Illuminates Krueger's face in the semi-darkness.

Phayvanh doesn't flinch nor shriek from the suddenness of him appearing just a few meters behind. She turns off the light and watches Sebastian face.

Pathetic fucker had his own share of humiliation today, much to Nak's enjoyment. Oh, how cocky he was all the way to Zhar's office. Only to get dismissed at the very beginning of a debrief. “I'm not coming, but the baby is?” - Krueger's outburst was so loud, it seemed like the whole base would hear that: “What is that she can, and I don't?!”. Zhar didn't even raise her gaze from the documents, she was checking before the meeting start. But when she answered, Nak had to bite her cheeks to not grin victoriously. “The list would be long, Sebastian, but it would start with the fact, that Nak can obviously read the list of soldiers, I called for this debriefing. The list that contained her, and didn't contain you. Now stand up.” That was the first time she looked up since they gathered around her desk. “And leave my office. I have soldiers to prepare for the mission.”

And just like that the notorious ‘golden boy’, ‘Zhars favorite’, ‘the faceless Chimera’ was shown his place. So it was only natural for him to come mock Phayvanh later, when the audience is not that big.

“Serpent tongue!” His idiotic smile doesn't bode well.

“Going straight for racism this time, moron?” Nak feels almost disappointed about how plain Krueger's attack is. Even calling her little baby hit harder than this bullshit.

“No, I… Wait-wait!” He jumps closer to the table, where she prepares her tactical vest to not get lost from her gaze. “I meant it in a good way! Like these Lao letters, they look like little snakes! I looked it up and there is that one like a confused snake, another one like a happy snake, a bunch of letters with a snake that looks at its own tail. They are lovely.”

Since when this idiot has an interest for Lao alphabet? 

“What you're gonna say, I'm seeing shit? C`mon, admit it, your letters are beautiful, but it's easy to memorize them when you think of them as little snakes. Serpent tongue.” He looks so proud, as if he just solved one of Landaus problems, not invented some nonsense. 

“Gonna say, that a confused snake, watching his own tail, has more brainpower than you.” Phayvanh goes back to preparation routine, trying to ignore Krueger, who seems to not be in a hurry to leave her alone.

They spend a few long minutes in silence, which is a good thing for Nak. She's not ready for questions like ‘why don't you sleep before the important mission?’, ‘is it really just a preparation, or are nervously fidgeting your own equipment?’, ‘are you afraid to turn out worse than me?’. Krueger takes a step to the desk and start helping her arrange all the essentials. She tolerates it, but everything has its limits. Phayvanhs patience cracks when Sebastian reaches out to one of her push daggers. Her hand is quicker, her smooth movements are more precise, and the blade freezes only in mere centimeters away from a vein pulsing on Kruegers neck. A bold hint, but quite a clear one.

“I just wanted to help.” He raises hands in a surrendering gesture. “Olga likely threw a ton of timings, plans, routes and whatsoever at you. The first time with her is overwhelming, I know. There must be a few ‘tiers’ of action plans for each of you, right?”

Nak doesn't lower her dagger, but nods. There were, indeed, different plans for each step of her part in the mission. She didn't quite catch, why would she need a plan B, С and so on. She either does her job or dies trying - that was always how it went. 

“Listen, if anything goes south - just don't hesitate and go straight to the plan B, ok? Forget commander's bullshit about top-tier goals and minimum goals. She always gets what she needs in the end and that is her ‘least satisfied’ plan. Always. So you worry about yourself, ok? Not the goal or plan A.”

Phayvanh doesn't believe her ears. So the golden boy doesn't always hit the top goal? That spoiled brat that dares calling her a baby, turns into a loser, once he's given freedom to operate on any level besides perfect? Oh, he didn't actually hear the real Serpents tongue. The one that pushes her to the limits, demands no less than perfection, accepts no excuses. Krueger wouldn't last a week with that voice ringing in his ears.

“There are either perfect results or no results.” Nak is kind enough to tell this in English, so Krueger understands one of the basis principles, that the Serpent once taught her. 

***

The mission under Zhars command feels different from what is going on, when Nikolai is around. With him It's always about what you do in the end. But with his second in command, it's about how you do it. 

Naks route is planned to the last meter, her timing has limits of steel - not only can't she fall behind - she will ruin everything, should she appear at her next point too soon. She gets a good reminder, when the street, she is supposed to enter 10 minutes later is being turned into a bloodbath with a drone squadron just before her eyes. Phayvanh hides around the corner of a building and swears while checking her watch.

“Perfect result or no result.” A too familiar voice sounds in her head. But she ignores it.

It works for some time. Nak follows the path of fire, the path paved by other Chimeras and brings death to her objectives. Plan A works so well - they are never prepared to meet her.

It almost feels too easy, until it doesn't. One of them turns out too massive, too full of life, too stubborn. One second Phayvanh has him in her hands, the other she's drowning in a muddy puddle with his hands pushing her deeper. She knows, this is not the end of her: Nak had a fair share of similar situations, both on the field and at the training. It takes just a little patience and dexterity to turn the fight upside down. After all, it's him trying to balance in a sloppy mud. She tries to wiggle her way out of his clasp… and fails. Her body freezes struck by a terrifying flashback. 

“Perfect result or no result!”  Nagas voice. She was here already. Face pushed deep in filthy water, subtle teenage body struggling to break free from old man's grip. 

He was shouting at her. Every time she dared to deliver anything but the perfect result - there was a punishment to come. And there were screams. Not her - Naga made sure, she couldn't even breathe. He was the one screaming. 

“Perfect result or no result!”

She hates this voice for keeping her awake before the mission, for destroying her every time anyone refers to her as a child, for drowning her mind in terror. The reals Serpents tongue is made of pain, humiliation and endless requirements, that she doesn't fulfill. Not of ‘funny snaky letters’, Sebastian was babbling about.

Nak gathers all her strength, every part of her body feels like a coiled spring waiting to set loose. And she snaps. The poor fucker believed, he had her. Well his mistake. Because now Phayvanh is on top, and she doesn't even need a knife to end his pathetic life. 

Strangling him with her bare hands, she shouts “shut up” on and on. As if the voice taunting her doesn't echo just in her mind. It feels like forever before he stops struggling. But when she lets go of him - a barely audible breath leaves his chest. 

It drives her mad. After all she's done - he has an audacity to live on? So she hits face. Hard. And then again. And again.

She snaps out of it only, when a familiar voice appears behind her. “Nak? You're hurt?” Phayvanh turns back and meets Zhars gaze.

“Komandir? Ya seichas… Ya. Ya s nim razberus`!*” For some reason Nak answered in Russian despite Olga rarely using it.

“He's long gone, soldier.” Zhar glances at the guy lying on the ground under Nak and Phayvanh follows her gaze.

Her enemy has no recognizable face anymore, the puddle of mud, he's buried in turns red. His body gave up a long time ago, but Nak was too blinded by painful memories to recognize it.

An unsettling thought appears in Naks head. How long has she spent here over the dead body? She checks her watches and frowns. Too long. She's supposed to be elsewhere a long time ago.

“Go, Nak. Skip your next point, you're on route B now.” Zhar doesn't raise her voice - she never does. But this time Phayvanh wishes she would. 

“Perfect result or no result.”

That only means one thing - she failed. And she deserves to be screamed at. She desperately tries to fight the numbness off, but can't even make herself get up.

Better shout at her. She's used to it.

Olga touches her shoulder and Nak flinches. She remembers only Zhars eyes moving closer and a few words in a low voice.

“Get up and go. Now.”

She stands up and doesn't go away - she flies as far as she can. Phayvanh runs as fast as she can, as if that can help her escape the guilt building up. Her body accomplishes the plan B automatically. Point after point, objective after objective. 

She is restless on their way back, she barely reacts to her squadmates questions and commentaries. Even at the Chimera base, Nak can't seem to slow down and keeps herself occupied until late night.

***

“phai bo non maew, si kad kaem.*”  Words roll down Phayvanh`s tongue and echo in the empty, dark hall. A wet mop draws intricate wet patterns on the floor.

It was nobody's order - Phayvanh just couldn't calm down. So she rearranged all her stuff. Twice. And then she tidied up their armory room. And another one. And then she mopped.

It's a good thing, Nikolai's base is so huge - lots to do in the middle of the night, while others sleep. 

“phai bo aem, kai noi tod taa.*” On this verse she usually enters ladies locker room, when she mops.

Click. The light turns on, illuminating the seemingly clean floor. Well, an extra cleaning never hurt nobody…

“Potushi svet, ya tebya umolyaiu.*” Olgas voice. Only it sounds husky and tired, as if she was crying or coughing for a long time.

Nak turns and sees her, sitting on the floor. The ever so serious, busy, on-her-way-somewhere-else commander curled up against a wall like a lost child. Zhars face is red, closed eyes swollen, cheeks wet. 

Phayvanh rushes on her knees, pushing the mop away and proceeds straight to inspecting Olgas body, searching for a wound. But her commander only smiles.

“Phay, it's only the tear gas.”

“But… It's been-”

“You live to my age - you'll wonder, how could your body come back to normal so fast back when you were 20. Now please turn out that light.”

Nak does as she told and comes back to sit before Olga. She doesn't care if by doing so she'll provoke her executive to get angry at her.

“I'm not leaving you here, commander. Let's get you to the medbay.” She takes Zhars hand and tries to pull her, but Olga doesn't move.

“I am fine. Just need to sit here for a bit, let my eyes rest.” Zhar stretches her back and reaches out into the void before her, blindlessly searching for Nak. “Stay with me for a bit, ok?”

“I don't understand.” Phayvanh moves closer and catches Olgas hand, letting her know, shes not leaving. “What are you doing here? You have your office.”

“And you have your room, soldier.” Smile never leaves Zhars face. “Yet here we are.”

They sit next to each other in silence for some time. Naks eyes get used to a dim emergency exit light that barely illuminates a small part of the locker room. And then Olga speaks again, as if there was no pause.

“I come here for them.” She points at an old dusty mirror, taken from the wall long before Nak joined the Chimera. One can barely recognize their reflection in the mirror - it is too dirty. “If you find just the right angle and look long enough - you will see your legs, your chest and arms, but not your face. When you sit right - yours hidden in the shadow. I like to imagine - I'm seeing everything, that's wrong with me in these moments. Everybody, who wronged me. And then we talk.”

Nak tries to catch a glimpse of any reflection in the mirror, but barely sees anything. So she leans closer and cranes his neck.

“See a familiar face?” Zhars hand rests on Phayvanhs back. Usually Nak would avoid any informal physical contact, but this time it feels right, to let Olga know, she isn't alone. 

“...nope, I see nobody, ma`am.”

“Nobody punished you for aiming anywhere but the ideal?” Now that's a sucker punch. A deserved one, as Naks confusion was painfully obvious to her commander today. But it still hits hard. So she nods.

“I'll do better next-”

“No. After what they have done to you - this is what you're telling them?”

“Commander, I'm telling that you.”

“Fuck me, Phay. I'm a hired soldier, just like you. One word from Nikolai and I won’t be here tomorrow. Krueger will throw a tantrum, but…” Zhar chuckles. “Talk to them. This isn't about me.”

Naks looks in the darkening void of the mirror and sighs. She doesnt even know, where to start, to not sound immature and lose her job right away.

“Let me put the other way: think of what the would tell you right now.”

That Nak knows for sure. Even if Naga is nowhere around - she always knows what exactly would he say.

“Hed ask me if im going to cry.”

“We can cry, Phay. Ive been doing it for past few hours. Well, because of dry eyes, but that still counts.”

“Oh, I won't cry. Not for him. Never.” Nak can't take her eyes of the mirror. The view is somehow mesmerizing: she sees her body, but her face remains in the shadow.

For a split second she thinks, if she should speak in Lao. Nobody in Chimera talks it. She is safe to say whatever, she wants. But then she thinks, that this is exactly what Naga would want: her keeping her pain all to herself. So that his serpent tongue can torture her soul unbothered.

She takes a deep breath and begins to speak.

“Well maybe I should be thanking you. You prepared me for all this shit at a young age. Comrades selling me lies, people betraying me, friends seeing me as just a kid. The next time id pour some love out - ill never get back a single drop of it. You prepared me for that. And for always being not enough. You did it out of the best intentions, I know. You prepared me for the worst in my life. By being it.”

The silence, that falls on her after that, is deafening. But for some reason, Nak feels better for the first time since she came back to senses on the battlefield. 

Then she feels hands, someones hands hugging her shoulders. There are no words left for this room or this mirror today. But this wordlessness is a happy thing.

*phai bo non maew, si kad kaem. - (Lao phonetic) If you don't sleep, ghost cats will bite your cheeks. 

*phai bo aem, kai noi tod taa  - (Lao phonetic) If you don't shut your eyes, tiny chicks will peck them. 

*Komandir? Ya seichas… Ya. Ya s nim razberus`! - (Russian phonetic) Commander? I'm going to… I. I'm going to deal with him!

*Potushi svet, ya tebya umolyaiu. - (Russian phonetic) turn off the light, I beg you.

#call of duty #call of duty modern warfare #krueger cod #cod krueger #krueger #sebastian krueger #phayvanh nak sotsvahn #cod nak #cod mw oc #kruegernak #original character #call of duty oc #call of duty original character #cod oc #oc x canon fanfic #oc x canon #oc x cc #cod fanfic #cod art #call of duty art #artwork #cod fic

[annaberunoyume]

A most cute, charming encounter in the woods (Drunk!Wally Darling x Fem!Giant!Naga Reader)

(Drunk!Wally wandered a little too far into the woods near the Neighborhood…He suddenly bumps into something reddish-pink. It's

a huge, gigantic serpent tail. He seems surprised, but drunkness

keeps him from being afraid. He hugs it.)

Female!Giant!Naga Reader (or Genderneutral, if you prefer. up to you. I shall write it with fem! pronouns, but you may imagine yourself as you, as well. ^^):

Hmmm? (She raises her head, feeling something touching the tip of her tail) A mouse? Hmmm…I could use a mouse… (She gets ready to strike, but stops abruptly when she sees Wally just blissfully hugging her tail. She slowly wraps the tip of her tail around him, in tilted confusion, lifting the oddity up to her eyes.)

You're not a mouse?

Drunk!Wally: (Just notices now that he is up. He looks at the tiny coil around him. He then looks up…And in utter awe…Curious (eye color) eyes looks back at time. He is in rapture at such beauty) Are…Are you a goddess?

Fem!GiantNaga!Reader: No…(she smiles, tilting her head) Are you a mouse?

Drunk!Wally: Hahahahaha! No! (he looks at his bottom) Do I look like I have a tail? (hips)

Fem!Giant!Naga!Reader: Hahaha, no. Are you a human?

D!Wally: Not…exactly. I'm a puppet-man…I suppose.

Fem!G!Naga!Reader: Hehehe, one thing for sure, you're a cute oddity.

D!Wally: (Twirls his hair in shyness, Blushing orangy-red) Hehehe…You're quite the pretty one, y-yourself…

Fem!G!Naga!Reader: (Just smiles warmly. She smiles as Wally yawns, rubbing his eyes)

D!Wally: Pardon me, my lady…I had a long, fun night…(He rubs his eyes)

Fem!G!Naga!Reader: I can see that…Maybe I can keep you company while you sleep…(She moves her face closer to Wally) You may even enjoy a goddess's lullaby… (She flutters her eyes)

D!Wally: (Smiles, blushing, enamoured and twitterpatted) Mmmm…I would…For sure… (He folds his arms under his head, lying it sideways atop the coil around his chest, an adorable, sleepy, blissful smile, on his face.)

Fem!G!Naga!Reader: Hmm… (singing) Heaven's gift to me, just the way you are, a new age child from a distant star…It feels so good just to be so close to your love, you are Heaven's gift to me… (She gently wraps a coil around his wait and thighs, in a chaste way, just to keep him warm) You are so sweet and pure just the way you are…Mama's previous jewel, Daddy's rising star, there's so much in life for you to see… (Wally hums in utter bliss. He can almost feel her voice gently vibrate on him) And so much to be, you are Heaven's gift to me…

(The Naga la-las into the night as she makes her way towards the Neighborhood. After a spell…She reaches it. Home looks at her with wary, almost angry eyes. They both have an unspoken conversation. The Naga understands that that tiny puppet-man is very important to that Home. She takes a bow and gently lies the sleeping Wally on the ground at Home's door.)

I simply wish to bring him Home, Madam. Good night. (She slowly slithers away to the woods. Home opened her door and gently takes Wally inside with her goo.)

THE END

Lullaby that reader sang in this story:

#giant #giant naga reader #giant fem naga reader #female reader #lullaby #drunk wally #drunk wally darling #welcome home #woods #night #drunk #cute drunk #inkubus #wiccan lullaby #you are heaven's gift to me #songfic #wally x reader #wally darling x reader #Gypsy band #gypsy #Youtube #home #wh home #protective home

[aziraphales-library]

Hello Mods, I was wondering if you had any fantasy ineffable wives fics? Ive been trying to find a good one but the ones I find are mostly one-shots. Much thanks!

Hi! Here are some ineffable wives fantasy fics...

Meeting at the Seaside by comicgeekery (M)

Toni Crowley decided to have a picnic and read at the beach. Little did she suspect that would soon find a magical creature, more beautiful than her wildest dreams!

Salt on Her Skin by syrupfactory (M)

As a mermaid and a sea serpent, Aziraphale and Crowley are technically on opposite sides of a centuries-long debate for oceanic society. Serpents regularly attack human ships, viewing them as trespassers, while mermaids take a more peaceful and passive approach. Secretly working together, the two of them find a friendship like they’ve never had before ... but it’s a partnership that grows increasingly risky. 

A Light to Guide You Home by saretton (E)

It's the last hour of the night, just before the break of dawn. The Fresnel lens keeps rotating in the lantern atop the tower, its beam circling round and round, with no big ship in sight. The sea is flat like a wooden plank; a few fishing boats, tiny, dark outlines against the deep blue horizon provide welcome and quiet company in the night. Aziraphale listens to the repeated hum rising and enveloping her, a lullaby coming from the depths; and she drifts gently off to sleep, right there, cradled by liquid hands. --- An Ineffable Wives Lighthouse AU.

I’m Your Landsailor by IneffableDoll (T)

In a small seaside town called Tadfield, one of the last places on Earth where humans and magic coexist, an exiled selkie and a human who ran away from her life accidentally get themselves married in the oldest, most binding sense. The two are forced to stay together until they can find a way to undo it and free the other from their accidental marriage. It sure would be complicated if they started to fall for each other in the process…

The Princess and the Librarian by die_traumerei (E)

Set in a fantasy-ish AU: a kind of neo-Romantic pseudo-medieval setting. Very pseudo. Crowley meets the castle's new Librarian when she yanks Crowley out of the rain. She fall in love about twenty seconds later, as you do. Aziraphale meets the Princess when she discovers a half-drowned woman outside of her library. She's pretty sure Crowley has better things to do with her time, but isn't going to give up the chance to be friends with her. What happens when two people who are both a little bit broken meet, and are brave enough to become friends, and then fall in love? Well, a lot of cuddling and reading aloud and adventures tramping through the woods, for one thing. Also, maybe, finding home, and acceptance, and a fierce champion to help you take your place in the world, knowing you matter.

- Mod D

#good omens #ineffable wives #fantasy au #adult omens #mod d

[colourstreakgryffin]

Hey! I was wondering if I could request separate headcanons for Yan!Giyuu, Yan!Obanai and (aged up!)Yan!Muichiro for a reader who's personality is like Mulan. If not, that's fine! Have a good day/night and rem to drink water!

Ooooh! Okay, a really good Disney Princess! I wanna see how this’ll go!

Yandere! Tomioka Giyuu

Giyuu didn’t connect the dots for a long time that the new Hashira claiming to be a male was actually the daughter of a very wealthy family that wished to make her a traditional wife until he helped tend to your chest wounds

But when Giyuu did. He let his unknown feelings run wild and his passion he developed for you overtime run even wilder. He never wanted to admit it when he thought you were pretending to be a male, but he was falling for you

Giyuu is immensely proud of your independence and your courage. You’re not scared to fight and get dirty as you prefer it over being a helpless little wife to some man

You want to help in the war against demons, even though Giyuu is appreciative of your care and support, he hates the idea of you being put in danger as his obsession with you as a whole as grown to a unhealthy rate

He does silence a few people here and there who try to tell you who should be whilst pretending as if nothing happened. As if he didn’t shed blood for you

Giyuu is a supportive Yandere. What you want is what you get but not sometimes, all the time sometimes, he just wants to keep you in the Water Estate safe and sound, so you can’t let any demons dare try lay their disgusting hands on you

“You don’t have to wear that kimono with me, okay? I understand who you are… and I’m so proud of you”

Yandere! Iguro Obanai

At first, Obanai thought nothing else of you but another battle pawn in this war. Then he found about your dirty little secret and his world changed. He did like you a lot, but if he knew you were actually pretending to be a male, he would have spoken up sooner

Yes, Obanai know that you can sing very well as he watches you every single night from your window and he sometimes hear your nighttime lullabies in his head. He falls asleep to them as if you’re a siren

Obanai is the embodiment of overprotective. He will bark, hiss and attack absolutely anything to everything that makes a slight annoyance to you. Opinionated men say you can’t be a slayer, Obanai is plotting how he’ll hide their bodies

Like both Giyuu and Muichiro, Obanai is supportive of your dreams and like your loyal little assistant, he has the people hurting you at bay and your cause hide up in the air. His love does what she wants and he’ll make sure she can be who she truly is

He is delusional as fuck, over how you spend most of your time with him. He is the only person you’ve met that doesn’t view you as a wife but that’s interpreted by his love-rotten mind as you expressing your mutual love for him

Yes, Obanai wants you as his wife more than anything but he won’t try suppress you to being something you don’t want to be. He’d only suppress your freedom and keep you at the Serpent Estate to ensure you don’t leave him

“Who says a woman can’t use a sword? I think you fit the battlefield more than the kitchen, as you’re better than that wife shit”

Yandere! Tokito Muichiro [aged up]

Muichiro originally didn’t a single fuck about you as he thought of you as another Hashira but then, you begun befriending him and accidentally revealed your secret. It bumped you from ‘okay, you’re decent’ to ‘whoa, I actually care about you now’ in Muichiro’s head in a instant

Muichiro is possessive over you, he does truly believe you deserve to have your independence and willpower, but he doesn’t want you to go away anytime soon so he sticks himself to you like glue

He likes watching you sharpen your special Nichirin Katana as you hid it in your kimono before going out to a hangout with him. Why be defenceless? Even though, you don’t need to. Muichiro will drop anybody who tries to touch you and brutally too

His love for you bubbles up harder when you help protect him during a fight. He is a lot more skilled then you, yet, you care enough to risk yourself for him. He has mixed feelings over it; his delusions tell him that you did it because you love him whilst his obsession tells him you were in danger that he can’t bare

Muichiro has met your cute little animal friends; a cute little cricket and a red bearded dragon. Both are not that fond of Muichiro but he tries his best to make them like him so you’ll like him more. In reality, he hates them for having your attention and wants to kill them but that’ll hurt you

Your spirit is beautiful and intriguing, a little something that drew him to you and now, he knows he can’t live a single day without you being in it. He will take you away from the world at one point to stop his anxiety once and for all, but until then. You’re free

#kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #anime and manga #kny imagines #headcanons #kny hashira #iguro obanai #obanai iguro #yandere imagines #yandere romance #yandere #yandere headcanons #tomioka giyuu #giyuu tomioka #tokito muichiro #muichiro tokito #serpent hashira #water hashira #mist hashira #yandere obanai iguro #yandere giyuu tomioka #yandere muichiro tokito #muichiro x reader #giyuu x reader #obanai x reader

[roninishere]

right now.

part one.

Giyuu Tomioka x female reader

Warnings: angst, in the feels, anxiety, bullying, self hate, bad grammar?

Summary: Life is incredibly unfair at times, this was one of them.

||

“You don’t think I can handle being a Hashira anymore..don’t you?” The way your voice cracked, really made him feel guilty.

And the worst part was, he had so much to say to you, but he just couldn’t.

Neither one of you ever left things like this, never. He regretted it the very moment you left for your mission. He knew that was probably one of the worst things he could let you think, and him not say a damn word. cause it wasn’t true.

‘Lights go down and
The night is calling to me, yeah
I hear voices
Singing songs in the street and I know’

As if his anxiety wasn’t already always so high, it kept him laying awake in bed. And he wasn’t the only one that couldn’t sleep, little Mio would cry her little lungs out. Every night for the first week you were gone. After day four, Giyuu discovered that her sleeping on his chest after he sang her the lullaby that you use to, her chubby pale fingers wrapped around his pinky was the key.

She slept peacefully, at least that made one of them.

‘That we won't be going home
For so long, for so long, but I know
That I won't be on my own
Yeah, I love this feeling and

Right now I wish you were here with me (oh)
'Cause right now everything is new to me (oh)
You know, I can't fight the feeling
And every night I feel it
Right now I wish you were here with me (oh)’

Giyuus couldn’t help it but his anxiety was so bad this time around, maybe because he never failed to worry about you every time you left for a mission. He knew that you could take care of yourself, you were a Hashira after all, but something wasn’t right.

He hoped you’d complete your mission and be home soon.

Until a week turned into two weeks. No letter from you, just your crow reporting his biggest fear.

You had gone missing after your encounter with the demon.

||

So he searched for you, having your crow take him where you went missing. Nothing. He found nothing. It was like you vanished out of thin air. That’s what scared him.

All the worst possibilities had flooded in his mind. Not his beloved. He couldn’t lose you too. Seven days and not a trace of what could’ve happened to you.

Don’t give up. She would never on you.

‘Late-night spaces
With all our friends, you and me, yeah
Love these faces
Just like how it used to be’

“You know, she probably just got sick of your shit and took off. I know I would with that ‘I’m not like you guys’ attitude.” Sanemi shrugged as Master called for a Hashira meeting to discuss about their missing Hashira comrade, and of course everyone was getting their lick in.

Taking shots. Giyuu never gave a shit about what they thought of him, but this wasn’t the time to being making allegations. You’d never leave him, he knew that. You’d never. They all knew that. Even if you were upset with him about your fight, you’d always come home. He and Mio were your reason for living, the reason you never gave up in this harsh world.

“I never understood what she saw in you anyways. Mr. High and mighty, must’ve said some messed up stuff.” Obanai added.

Their comments just angered Giyuu, his expression staying the same as his hand on his side balled into a fist, really? Right now?

His wife is missing, their beloved Hashira, and all they heard was that they had an argument before you left? He’s better off on his own.

Fuck he missed when you use to attend these meetings with him, threatening to fight the Wind and Serpent Pillar if he didn’t keep your husbands name out his mouth. When he had to throw you over his shoulder, and line up on the opposite side of them.

“That’s enough! This is serious, no matter what happened before she left for her mission, the situation still stands, a Hashira is still missing!” The love pillar glared at the two other pillars as she stood her ground. “Stop saying things that aren’t true! it’s not like Y/N to just go missing, especially after an encounter with a demon. Instead of bullying Tomioka-San, remember that’s his daughters mother you’re speaking of!”

Shinobu set a hand on her friends shoulder seeing she got all worked up, and was nearly in tears.

Zoning out everyone, Giyuu set towards Masters Estate once Amane came out with Mio in her arms. “Tomioka-san, still no progress?” Giyuu returned her bow as he took the toddler in his arms.

“No,” his voice was calm as the little girl gripped his index finger in her chubby fingers with the cutest burst of laughter to see her father. “Would be alright if I bring her back tomorrow afternoon?”

He hadn’t noticed the pillars stopped their bickering behind him, seeing how much the little girl in his arms looking like their missing pillar. Same eyes, same smile, and hair color. If Mio didn’t have Giyuus pale complexion and similar hair style, she would’ve been a spilt image of her mother.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay for a few more days? You’ve been gone for a week, you should rest.”

He wanted to, but he couldn’t give up now “I’ll rest once I find Y/N. I made a promise, isn’t that right princess?” His dark blue ocean eyes were soft as he caress her cheek, giving it a little pinch getting a squeal out of the baby.

“I understand, then of course, bring her by tomorrow afternoon,” The masters wife waved at the little girl.

‘And we won't be going home
For so long, for so long, but I know
I won't be on my own
On my own, I'm feeling like

Right now I wish you were here with me (oh)
'Cause right now everything is new to me (oh)
You know, I can't fight the feeling
And every night I feel it
Right now I wish you were here with me (oh)’

“almost done princess.” It was easy for him to do his own hair, but doing it on someone else, let alone a baby, was harder. Well he just had to be very delicate. His hands were gently as he brushed her hair that was surprisingly long, already down past her shoulders. The Hashira sat on his knees behind Mio who was making cute silly faces to her father, waiting for him to see her reflection in the mirror.

When he finished putting her hair in a loose ponytail, he sighed softly before looking up in the mirror to see her sticking her tongue at him before breaking out in a giggle fit before she tried to crawl away, “and where do you think you’re going, come here silly,” he crawled over to her playfully as she let out playfully screams before he snatched her up in his arms “I gotcha!”

“D..da-ada!” Mio exclaimed causing Giyuu to freeze, did she just? She just said her first word!

He smiled so big at her of happiness before a feeling of sadness washed over him, she said her first word…and you weren’t here. You were missing her first word.

If you were here, he could see you getting all excited yet jealous that of course her daughters first word was dada! You’d pout but definitely treasure this moment with him. He never dropped his smile, not wanting to upset his daughter as he fought the fears that were building up.

I’m sorry I failed you. I’m sorry I failed to protect you. I’m so sorry. I will find you and bring you back home.

God he missed you so much, so fucking much. He felt like someone stabbed him, and was turning the blade in his stomach over and over. Like a thousand pounds were on his chest, making it so hard to fucking breathe. He felt someone had a grasp on his heart, squeezing it to see how long before its burst.

His heart was breaking every second you were away from them, every time he subconsciously thought of the worst.

||

After being unsuccessful the second time, he grew frustrated, but he wasn’t giving up. He made a promise to his pride and joy that he would bring you back home.

“Alright,” he stood over Mio as the little girl stood up, she had been determined for the past few days, trying over and over again, now matter how hard she fell. Definitely reminded him of you, too stubborn to stop. Slowly and steadily letting go of her hands, Giyuu walked over a few paces as she struggled to stand on her own. “Come here Mio, walk to me.”

His arms reached out for the toddler as she took a very wobbly first step, nearly falling but caught herself with her hand before pushing back up. The second step made the Hashira smile, her first steps already. The third one quickly turned into a sloppy fourth one when she crashed into Giyuus arms with a fit of giggles. Bringing her into his lap, he smothered her in face kisses “Good job princess,” he nearly folded when she reached out, tugging on his cheek.

You missed her first steps too.

Y/N, wherever you are, I hope you’re safe, just hold out a little longer.

‘Lights go down and
I hear you calling to me, yeah

Right now I wish you were here with me (oh)
'Cause right now everything is new to me (oh)
You know, I can't fight the feeling
And every night I feel it
Right now I wish you were here with me (oh)’

On his third attempt, he went nine miles north of where you encountered the demon, to find ripped pieces of your haori around the area. Picking up them up, the pieces lead him to w trail where your sword laid, nearly covered in leaves.

His heart steered to swell, his hands started shaking when he bent down to pick your sword up.

Not his Y/N. Please not her.

How much more would this world take from him?

Balling his fists, his cloudy vision searched every inch of the area for you, you were close, he knew it. “Y-Y/N?!”

The more he called out your name, the more his voice broke, where were you?

Give me a sign please.

Instead he felt the presence of a demon, gripping your sword tightly in his hands. The footsteps got closer, right behind the Hashira, and once he jumped up, flipping back to attack… he froze, unable to commit as your once beautiful eyes were now large cat like ones.

No. Impossible!

He kicked you away from him, hating the twisted turn in his stomach of causing harm to you. Once he landed in his feet, they immediately buckled, his knees crashing on the leaves underneath him. His once calm expression crumpled as his bottom lip trembled. Tears welled up in his pretty blue eyes as they ran down his cheeks uncontrollably.

“N-no…p-please…no…” he begged, his voice so hoarse.

It felt like someone ripping his heart out his chest as the quiet environment echoed with his sobs.

Please, someone wake me up from this horrible nightmare.

Until reality hit him that this was REAL. Tomioka, Y/N, the love of his life, his beloved, the mother of his daughter…

A demon.

The loud nasty snarls escaped your lips made him wince as you bolted to him, ready to attack.

I can’t do it, I-I can’t, he told himself.

Getting to his feet, he once again dodged your attacks with tears down his pale cheeks “Y/N! Snap out of it! P-please! You know who I am!” He cried out as he tried to regain you back, regain his wife.

Even though you should’ve been faster and stronger than him, despite his emotions, he easily blocked your sloppy movements coming to conclusion that you haven’t fed on anyone, yet. And you wouldn’t, especially if he had anything to do with it. Remembering him, he had to get you to remember, remember your life over your desire for human flesh and blood.

“I-it’s me! G-giyuu, your husban-nd!” Tossing the swords to the side, he wouldn’t attack you, he refused. He couldn’t hurt you. He sniffled, wiping his face as he side stepped to avoid you “r-remember the day we-e first kissed? It-t was under the fireworks-s, you were so beautiful-l in that orange k-kimono. I-it was fall,” he held back a sob as you growled like a beast in the shadows “come-e back to me Y/N, f-fight it!”

Fireworks? Kiss? You in an orange kimono? Oh when you felt those butterflies in your tummy? When you thought you were pass out from how overwhelming feeling of love and desire you felt for him? That day? You remember that day! You had just turned eighteen that fall.

Seeing your eyes widen and halt for a moment, he kept going even when you went for a hit “M-Mio! H-how hard you cried when you held her in you-ur arms, y-you said she was a-as beautiful a-as a cherry B-blossom even though she l-looks just like you…Y-you c-call her your precious c-cherry blossom.”

Mio. My precious cherry blossom. My blessing. My baby girl.

Tears built up in your eyes as frustration was new to you, so lost, so hungry. So thirsty. Just a taste…

No! I can’t, my Mio, my Giyuu I just want to hold and kiss my family. I want my life back. Fight it Y/N! You’re not hungry nor thirsty, you’re not hungry nor thirsty. You’re not a monster. Remember Nezuko, there’s hope, hope, you don’t have to be a killer. You’re not a killer. You can still be you, and still protect.

You’re not hungry nor thirsty.

Those sobs filled your eyes as you felt it tug in the pit of your stomach, make it stop. You’re not hungry or thirsty.

‘Ensure you feed. If you feed, it’ll make the pain stop.’ That unfamiliar voice repeated itself in your head, and just when you thought you had complete and utter control, you didn’t.

Your mouth was watering, you were hungry and thirsty.

Not expecting the quick snap, the hashira did his best to avoid, but not before you go scratched up Giyuu pretty good. Jumping back, he felt pain on the left side of his cheek and neck, blood trickling down slowly. Lifting his head up, his hair moved to the side exposing the damage you had done.

Mild cuts on his left cheek and neck…

The first time you saw Giyuu with scratches on his face…the two of you had been on your third mission together when he pushed you out of the way to take nails to his face from a demon. You…you had felt so guilty…because you weren’t…paying attention? Ah yes.

Second time was when he came home from a mission…he got marked up when a child was caught in the crossfire of an attack. He..didn’t go to see Shinobu…he came straight home, the incident scared him half to death, thinking of you and your unborn baby…

Except this time around, you were the cause of it.

You hurt him.

You. A demon. Hurt your husband.

Stopping in your tracks, your hands shook as your balled them in fists, digging your nails in your palms as your heavy breathing sounded almost like it hurt, it was ragged and shallow. Your eyes switched from hunger to full of fear as you’re backed away from your husband.

Flooding of all the good memories in your life flashed through your head; running away from an abusive family to join the corps, your friends, meeting Giyuu, falling in love, getting married, becoming an hashira, and having be blessed with the most beautiful baby girl.

Mio. Giyuu. They are you family Y/N REMEMBER THAT! Your everything!

Backing up into a tree, your hands shook as you blocked out that desire to feed “I-I-…” that burned sensation was fighting you, but you refused for it to win. No!

“You breathe life into my existence, making every moment worth living…” your eyes flickered over at the Water Hashira when your heart fluttered at those oddly familiar words. Meeting your sad gaze, his monotone explained “you’ve told..me that since we’ve met.”

Of course you did. He and Mio were your breathe of fresh air, the reason you chose to live in this fucked up world. Overwhelming pit of sadness returned, engulfing you as you broke down in tears, crying out in pain, crying out how sorry you were. How sorry you were for failing, for being weak.

||

😭 I hope you enjoyed! I really tried with this one, and very much enjoyed writing it! I promise they’ll will be more parts! SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO @unofficialmuilover FOR THE HELP AND BASICALLY HAND HOLDING ME THROUGH WRITING THIS 🫶🏼💙 LOVE YOU GUYS! 🫶🏼

Going to bed 🫶🏼 my stubborn ass wanted to finish this and I got muster in the morning 😭

#demon slayer #demon slayer x reader #demon slayer giyuu #kimetsu giyuu #giyuu x you #kny giyuu #giyuu x y/n #giyuu tomioka #kimetsu no yaiba

[skampi835]

Serpent’s Lullaby - 03 - how the Reception Ceremony actually takes place

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy

Genre: Romantic Drama

Style within this chapter: none specific

Warnings: spoiler

Word Count within this chapter: 5.717

Previous chapter -- Summary -- Next chapter

Link to Ao3

Link to fanfiktion.de (original german version)

 Time on the Hogwarts Express flew by. After the witch rolled her snack trolley past their compartment and asked if they wanted anything, the rest of the several-hour journey was sweetened with liquorice wands, chocolate frogs, and pumpkin juice.  

 Garreth bought a chocolate frog for Carol and gave it to her as an apology for his botched expression. »You're still sweet, though,« he grinned cheekily, which elicited a wry eye roll from Carol.  

 If half the school didn't know that the self-proclaimed master of brewing was an incorrigible womanizer, she might would turn red. However, since Garreth directed his charm not only at her but also unfiltered to both Poppy and Lenora, Carol couldn't take it seriously.  

 Carol even managed to eat her chocolate frog, unlike Duncan, whose chocolate frog succumbed to a sudden urge to survive and hopped out of the compartment door from his hands. She looked at the collectible card of Grogan Stump, the most popular Minister of Magic in 1811. »Do you still need this one?« she asked Arthur, who she knew collected these cards.  

 Arthur adjusted his glasses and looked at the card. But with a »Oh no. Thanks, but I already have five of Stump,« he declined and suggested that Carol should start collecting them herself.  

 While Carol couldn't imagine finding an undiscovered passion for collecting, she still put Grogan Stump's card in her suitcase.  

 At some point, Garreth said goodbye and left to, as he put it, ensure the general well-being of the other passengers. Duncan translated it with the words, »Probably to flirt with other girls,« which made everyone laugh.  

 As the rushing environment outside the train window continued to change and the sun moved further towards the hills, they put on their school uniforms. The girls and boys took turns, with Lenora loudly threatening, »And if I catch any of you peeping, I'll hex you both with the hiccups curse!«  

 It was a threat that had its effect, as neither Arthur nor Duncan dared to take even the slightest glance over their shoulders through the lowered blinds. Instead, they patiently waited like gentlemen in front of the compartment and even shielded them from passing students by quickly sending them on their way or shooing them away.  

 It was already dark when Carol stepped out of the carriage, pulled by Thestrals, with her small travel suitcase in hand. Playfully and in high spirits, she linked arms with Poppy to walk the rest of the way up to the castle.  

 As they passed through the huge iron gate, already illuminated by torches, Carol savored every moment, no matter how mundane it seemed.  

 The castle loomed impressively before them with its many pointed towers and battlements. The sky wasn't dark enough to see the stars yet, but the light shone brightly from the countless windows of the building. The waist-high hedges stood out dark but well-tended against the gravel of the courtyard that bordered them.  

 First the beautiful modern steam train and now Hogwarts itself. Carol had mixed feelings as she approached the huge building with Poppy. On the one hand, it felt like she had finally arrived at her second home after a long, exhausting journey, and on the other hand, the familiar painful feelings of loss stirred up again.  

 Together, Poppy and Carol ascended the stone stairs to the entrance hall. Before they even reached the beginning of the stairs, Natsai Onai rushed towards them with a wide smile.  

 »Carol! Poppy! I was hoping to see you before the reception!«, she said and hugged each of them in turn. »It's nice to see you too, Natty. How was your summer?«, Carol asked, once she had separated herself from the Gryffindor.  

 »Exhausting,« Natty admitted openly, though with a relieved smile. »My mother and I visited my aunt in Uganda. On one hand, I didn't want to leave and thought my mother would have to drag me by my feet to the fireplace. On the other hand, I really missed you and my friends in Gryffindor. My heart still belongs to Ugadou, but I realized that I now have a family here too.«  

 »That's really great to hear, Natty,« said Carol, who knew all too well how difficult it had been for Gryffindors to settle into Hogwarts last year.  

 There was no sign of that now. Natty radiated conviction and enthusiasm. And something else shone too, namely the scarlet and gold Prefect badge on her cloak. »You're a Prefect too?« Poppy asked with a sunny smile.  

 »Yes,« Natty smiled slightly crookedly. »I only found out this morning. Fortunately, they decided not to make the poor owl fly across continents. My mother and I just arrived back in the UK today, and I read the letter. Floo powder is really quite handy.«  

 »I'm happy for you, Natty. You'll definitely be a good Prefect,« Carol said confidently.  

 »Thank you,« Natty's dark skin tone became even a bit darker around her cheeks after the compliment. »I really hope I can live up to the responsibility. There's so much to consider, especially now that I have to adhere to the school rules more strictly.«  

 »You'll manage,« Carol grinned knowingly, as Natty hadn't taken the school rules too seriously last year.  

 »And you've really got some color in your face, Carol. Were you also on vacation?« the Gryffindor asked.  

 Carol shook her head. »No, I wasn't away. This is the result of good old British farm work,« she smiled and pointed to her face.  

 Natty laughed. »Haha, I understand. Always diligent, as befits your house.«  

 Carol could tell from Natty's gaze, even though she didn't mention it, that she had also noticed Carol's rapid weight loss. Despite the school cloak and uniform that at least somewhat concealed it better than her travel cloak.  

 »I'll let you two settle in for now,« Natty said chattily. »I need to find Prewett. He's also a Gryffindor Prefect, and we have to help the first-years out of the boats.«  

 The first-graders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry traditionally arrived at the castle in a completely different way. Unlike Carol and the other years, they didn't take the carriages at Hogsmeade station, but rode in many small boats across the lake to the castle. They also learned this from their former mentor, who openly regretted that Carol was denied this sight.  

 So many stories and so many narratives always reminded them of Professor Fig. He had significantly shaped Hogwarts for Carol. The dormant pain of his passing also reemerged vividly.  

 »Prewett is also a prefect? You poor thing! You won't have it easy with him,« Poppy spoke sympathetically. Natty, however, waved dismissively with her hand. »I'll handle him just fine. It would be a shame if he kept me up at night.« She grinned mischievously. »Well then, see you later!«  

 With a wave, she quickly made her way down the stairs and across the manicured lawn. Meanwhile, Carol and Poppy continued up the stairs to drop off their luggage with Mr. Moon in front of the entrance hall.  

 Mr. Moon was the caretaker at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He took care of the maintenance of the castle and its grounds and many smaller organizational things to ensure a smooth and well-kept life at Hogwarts. Moreover, his life seemed to consist mostly of reminiscing about the ‘good old’ days and boastfully bragging about his deeds of past times, though no one really knew what those deeds were.  

 Carol and Poppy left their carry-on luggage with a steadily growing pile of travel bags, which Mr. Moon watched over with his hawk-like eyes. He loudly and extravagantly exclaimed, »Ahh... how nice it is that the youth once again experiences the respect of a strict school routine. In my time, we didn't stroll so casually through these entrance halls on the first day. No, we were filled with pride and eager for the knowledge that awaited us in this venerable institution of learning! The carefree life is over, my young ladies and gentlemen! From now on, it's all about respect and order!«  

 The two friends quickly passed him by before Mr. Moon could engage them in conversation.  

 Together they walked through the busy entrance hall. The marbled floor extended almost throughout the entire ground floor. The tall walls were decorated with beautiful tapestries and numerous pictures that moved in their frames and waved to the students. Torches illuminated the walls from their iron holders, providing warmth to the structure. The voices of dozens of students echoed off the high ceilings as they chattered amongst themselves.  

 Carol had really missed Hogwarts. Even though the pang in her heart was all too clear, she was happy to be back in the castle. To be a completely normal witch.  

 She would do everything in her power to truly enjoy this year.  

 »I'm looking forward to the feast,« Poppy chirped cheerfully. Her arm was still linked with Carol's as they wove through the students side by side. She had a happy expression on her face and wore a beautiful smile on her lips. »I'm getting really hungry.«  

 Carol decided that it was only Poppy's opinion and not a reference to herself. Sometimes she was just too sensitive. »Yes, me too,« she confirmed with a smile as they followed the stream of students to the Great Hall.  

 The Great Hall lived up to its name. Already a year ago, Carol was fascinated by the enchanted ceiling that constantly revealed the vast, open sky that was currently visible outside as well. In the dark night sky, you could see the stars and occasional dark clouds lazily drifting across the heavens.  

 The chatter swelled with each passing student. Meanwhile, Carol and Poppy walked along the long house tables, over which thousands upon thousands of candles floated.  

 Above the four long benches of the house tables, the respective founder's crests hung down from high ceiling beams under the sky in the form of long fabric banners. Viewed from the entrance, the golden lion on scarlet background for Gryffindor house stood out on the right side. To the left of that, the bronze eagle of Ravenclaw soared on a deep blue background.  

 Further over, one could recognize the bright banners of their own house, Hufflepuff, with the black badger on a yellow background. Above the table on the left wall hung the green banners with the silver snake for Slytherin house.  

 The tables were covered with golden plates and chalices. Many students were already sitting at the house benches, securing the best seats for the reception ceremony. At the head of the Great Hall stood another long table, on which Carol could already recognize many familiar professors.  

 Carol was taken aback again when she caught herself looking at the spot where Professor Fig usually sat, only to find an unknown man sitting there. He wore half-moon glasses and an older, patched-up cloak in a muted brown color. His sparse, dark hair was smoothly styled to the side. He was focused on Professor Hecat, with whom he appeared to be conversing.  

 Carol allowed Poppy to lead her through the rows of house tables and did not protest when she sat next to Arthur on the bench. »Hello again,« Arthur greeted the reunion with a very friendly smile.  

 Lenora sat across from them, waving briefly but continuing her conversation with Evangeline Bardsley undisturbed. Adelaine Oaks was engaged in a lively discussion with a fourth-year student about mallow leaves.  

 The Great Hall was so crowded and noisy that it was exhausting for Carol to listen to individual conversations. The murmur of voices grew so loud that it far exceeded the busy hum of a hardworking beehive.  

 She was so distracted by the many different sensory impressions, faces, and fragments of conversation that sometimes reached her ears more or less clearly that she startled when someone suddenly pushed her on both shoulders. »Hello, Roswell!« Benny Strokes grinned over her shoulder with a radiant smile. »I almost didn't recognize you. Have you lost weight?«  

 Benny Strokes was a seventh-year student. Last year, he gave Carol additional flying lessons, claiming that 'no one should have to endure this wet sack on a broom.’ He was a true Hufflepuff, friendly, helpful, and sometimes too honest.  

 However, it was precisely his courteous side that helped Carol improve significantly on the broomstick last school year.  

 »Hello, Strokes,« she greeted him with a smile, hoping it didn't look forced. She knew she would probably have to endure such comments for a while longer.  

 Strokes sat down beside Carol without hesitation and spread out unusually wide. »You don't mind if I save a seat for Cooper, do you? He's still taking care of the little ones. He's our Head Boy this year,« he said, running his hand through his dark brown curls. »I hope we'll have Quidditch again this year. I want that trophy before I graduate!«  

 Carol lost interest in the conversation, but she was far too polite to say so. »We'll see,« she contributed briefly to the conversation, but it didn't stop Strokes from continuing to talk. »Hard to believe. I've been Quidditch captain for two years and haven't played a single game as one yet!«  

 »Keep your chin up, Captain, it will happen,« a fifth-year student with freckles on her cheeks and long dark red hair said with a grin. »Have you made any plans for this year's team lineup?«  

 »Oh, yes, McIntosh! Good thing you asked,« Strokes replied with an equally broad grin, leaning over to present his thoughts at length. Carol was glad not to feel obliged to talk to him anymore. It was just too loud.  

 Meanwhile, Carol overheard fragments of conversation from Poppy and Arthur, who were apparently continuing their discussion about cats from the Hogwarts Express. She let her gaze wander over the rows of Hufflepuff benches, recognizing some familiar faces from the Slytherin table in the far back.  

 Her gaze finally stopped at two particular Slytherins whom she had spent almost as much time with last school year as with her housemates. But who were they talking to?  

 Curiously, Carol leaned her head to get a better view of Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt. The two friends had turned away from their house table on the bench and leaned toward a rather small Slytherin behind them. Her golden blond hair was braided into a wide braid, and she was talking to Ominis, at least that's the impression Carol got. She couldn't hear anything, as the chatter in the Great Hall was much too loud, but the little girl's light blue eyes were fixed on Ominis.  

 If Carol didn't know better, she would have thought the girl was a first-year student. She looked so delicate between the two boys that she seemed almost fragile.  

 Sebastian's profile revealed that his eyebrows were moving up and down in alternation, first skeptically up, then down, and then up again, until they finally settled down.  

 Ominis shook his head vigorously and now spoke for himself, but it was drowned out by the general noise in the hall. With an angry expression, he turned his back on the girl and leaned over the Slytherin table.  

 The little Slytherin reached out and tugged at his cloak almost hesitantly, but Ominis pulled away. Just then, Evangeline leaned over to Lenora with her blonde curly head and said, »We could use a sticking charm! I bet that will make Black half-crazy with anger!«  

 Carol groaned almost out loud as Evangeline blocked her view, just when things were getting interesting! She leaned so far to the side that she almost collided with Poppy. Irritated, she asked, »What are you looking for?« while Carol searched for the little girl with a furrowed brow. But she had disappeared. Instead, her gaze met Sebastian's. The Slytherin, of course, recognized her, raised his hand, and waved to Carol with his cheeky, highly charismatic, and probably patented Sallow grin.  

 Caught, Carol smiled and felt obliged to wave back across the tables.  

 »Oh, Sallow and Gaunt,« sighed Poppy, with an annoyed undertone on the second name. Carol turned her gaze to her friend, surprised. Normally, this silly competition between Sallow and Gaunt left Poppy as indifferent as Carol, which is why she asked in confusion, »Yes? They are my friends.«  

 »Gaunt is a lost cause for me, Carol,« Poppy said unusually sharply. »He almost kicked Frederick last year and scared him away.«  

 Carol let out a soft groan as she too had witnessed the incident in Care of Magical Creatures that Poppy spoke of. »His wand fell into the enclosure and the stupid Dodo dragged it into its nest. How is Ominis supposed to see where he's stepping without his wand?«  

 Poppy looked at Carol unimpressed, as if that was not a sufficient excuse. Carol followed up, »Besides, the Diricawl disappeared before he even touched it. You can't blame Ominis for it appearing somewhere else.«  

 »Still,« Poppy muttered half-sulkily, turning away from Carol to continue her conversation with Arthur. He looked briefly confused, then embarrassed, but then he jumped back into the conversation with Poppy. Carol breathed a quiet sigh. Poppy had no sense of humor when it came to animals.  

 But Carol also didn't find it funny when people made fun of her friends. That applied to Poppy as well as Ominis and Sebastian, or even a 'Duncuff Knuddelmuff.'  

 Before Carol could get more worked up, fortunately, the Head Boy, Isaac Cooper, squeezed himself between her and Benny Strokes. »Sorry, Carol. Hello,« he said breathlessly, looking a bit dejected as he sat down on the bench. He looked like he had run through the entire castle to get to the Great Hall.  

 »Hey, Isaac! Finally here too?« Strokes grinned and patted him on the shoulder. »What happened? Did a first-year fall into the lake?«  

 »Two actually...« Isaac dryly responded, wiping his sweaty chestnut hair from his forehead. »Professor Weasley was really angry. How can you not sit still in a boat?«  

 Strokes laughed heartily. »We fell into the lake back then, remember?«  

 »Yeah. Because of you!« Isaac snapped and waved his grumpy face in Strokes' direction. »I'm a bookworm, you're the Quidditch captain. We're as different as oil and frozen yogurt!«  

 »And yet, here we are, in the same house and best friends!«  

 »Merlin! And I still have no idea how that happened,« Isaac chuckled, rolling his eyes.  

 The large oak doors of the Great Hall swung open loudly, and immediately the conversations throughout the room quieted down. Carol hadn't even noticed that the doors had been closed when Professor Weasley entered the hall with big strides, leading a neat row of first-year students in their cloaks behind her.  

 Carol turned on the bench to get a good look at the new Hogwarts students. She was glad that the conversations around her had subsided, and it was now a bit quieter.  

 The first-year students nervously looked around the Great Hall with wide-open eyes. Some stared with their mouths open at the now pitch-black ceiling. Two boys in the last row dripped water from their hair onto their dry cloaks. Carol suspected that Professor Weasley had magically dried the clothes of the two swimmers.  

 The excitement of the young students was almost palpable as they walked right past Carol. She wondered if she had also made such a lost impression.  

 Professor Weasley stepped up one step to the podium and instructed the students to stand properly in front of it. Beside her stood a stool on which the Sorting Hat rested.  

 The Sorting Hat was a completely worn-out, dirty, and ancient wizard's hat that had been patched and darned in several places. It would sort the first-year students into their houses, to which they would belong until graduation.  

 Professor Weasley raised a hand to adjust her glasses. There was no sign of Isaac's 'she was really angry' anymore. With a warm smile on her aged face, she began to speak. »I welcome you all warmly to Hogwarts, both our returning and our new students. As every year, we will first listen to the Sorting Hat's song before it sorts our youngest students into their houses.«  

 »A song?« Carol whispered, surprised. Poppy, sitting behind her, leaned forward to whisper in Carol's ear, »You were too late last year to hear it. Just listen.«  

 Carol gave her friend a brief grateful smile over her shoulder. If there was one thing she could be sure of with Poppy, it was that she wasn't easily offended for long.  

 The Great Hall fell silent. One could have heard a pin drop on the marble floor. Hundreds of expectant pairs of eyes were solely focused on this ancient hat.  

 Contours of eye sockets formed, and a mouth parted in the fabric. The Sorting Hat began its song:  

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

Year in, year out, as time flies by,   And once again, many young children gather nigh,   Here before me, in the old castle's hall,   Anxiously awaiting the decision that I'll call.

»That's just a tattered hat!« I hear you say,   But do not lose heart, hear me out, I pray,   Years ago, when I was still quite slick,   I learned a very special trick.

Deep into your hearts, I will peer,   Your desires and ideals, I will hear,   With this knowledge, I will sort you true,   Into the house where you belong, through and through.

Listen to me, for I speak with wisdom,   I have traveled far and wide since my inception,   I will tell you of the values that the founders treasured,   And with them, the foundation of this school was measured.

Gryffindor took the brave into his fold,   Ravenclaw the wise and always curious, so bold,   Slytherin prized purity and ambition,   While Hufflepuff loved diligence and loyalty with conviction.

As time passed and the founders faded away,   They left me behind, but not just to sing and sway,   No, I continue their noble task,   Forever residing in this magical place, my mask.

You may wonder now, »How can this be?«   »How can an old hat truly understand me?«   Fear not, place me upon your head,   And discover for yourself where you should be led.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

 »He sings a different song every year!« Lenora called out to Carol over the applause of the crowd. »Supposedly, he spends an entire year composing only this one song that he will sing at the opening ceremony!«  

  Carol sat with her mouth open on the bench, while applause broke out around her at all four house tables. »I didn't know he could sing!« The clear surprise was audible despite the applause.  

 The Sorting Hat slowly bowed to receive its approving applause. Professor Weasley patiently waited until the last cheers and whistles had subsided and silence returned to the hall. The first-year students had been the first. They looked so small and nervous.  

 »Next, I will read your names.« announced the deputy headmistress. »When I call your name, please come up to me. The Sorting Hat will announce the house in which your skills shine particularly bright.« Professor Weasley unrolled a parchment scroll and held it at eye level. »Birch Holly.«  

 A little girl with curly brown locks flinched. It took a few seconds before she pushed past the other first-years with hunched shoulders and climbed the step beside the chair. »Ah, they're all still so naive,« Isaac chuckled to himself as Professor Weasley placed the small Holly under the hat. Of course, it slipped over her eyes.  

 »And so stupid.« Benny added with a broad grin. »They don't know what they're in for.« he laughed softly and received a light elbow in the ribs from Isaac as the Sorting Hat announced, »Ravenclaw!«  

 Professor Weasley took the hat off of little Holly's head again while the girl smiled broadly. She practically leaped off the stool to run to the house table where the Ravenclaws received her congratulating and applauding.  

 Carol watched the Sorting Hat's sorting with a wistful smile. Exactly one year ago, she had stumbled into the Great Hall far too late when Professor Fig and she found out, through their involuntary detour, that Carol was able to see traces of Ancient Magic. A form of magic that could not be taught and yet existed all over the world.  

 Seeing Ancient Magic was a special gift, and very few witches or wizards were able to use it. This primal form of magic followed venerable and long-forgotten, highly complicated magical laws, yet it was completely unpredictable, wild, and impetuous in its effects.  

 Carol not only had the ability to see Ancient Magic, but also to use it. However, in its use, Ancient Magic always proved to be more than just one effect. An effect that was triggered by events and forces that lay within the nature of reality. The only thing Carol essentially did was to give it an impulse when she discovered the traces.  

 A year ago, Carol herself had been fascinated by her special talent and wanted to know everything about this magic and master it. She had not anticipated the enormous powers behind Ancient Magic and the forces that consumed it.  

 Hard to believe it was only a year ago.  

 A year... and so much had been broken...  

 Carol noticed out of the corner of her eye that the Sorting Hat had been carried away by Mr Moon past the stools at the front of the hall. Blinking, she returned to the present and found, somewhat disappointed, that the group of first-year students had already been completely distributed among the house tables. The sorting ceremony was over.  

 Professor Weasley rolled up the parchment scroll neatly and looked with a hint of pride over the student body, who had all found a place at the long house tables. She radiated calm and stability, qualities that Carol greatly appreciated in her.  

 As Professor Weasley passed by him to take her place at the teacher's table, Professor Black strode up to the podium. The headmaster was immaculately dressed as always, with his waxed beard and black hair neatly styled to the side. His emerald green festive tailcoat was adorned with ivory brooches, and not even a crease could be seen in his pants. With his nose held high and a cool gaze in his stern face, which was possibly meant to look respectful, Professor Black placed his gloved hands at the sides of the golden podium.  

 The general relaxed atmosphere shifted, and Carol reached a low point as she looked annoyed at the headmaster. If there was one thing she didn't miss this summer, it was this man and his speeches.  

 Apart from the fact that Professor Black was the most unpopular headmaster to ever lead Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Carol felt a nearly profound aversion to this man personally, and it had nothing to do with the pure-blood fanaticism for which the Blacks were infamous.  

 During the farewell speech for Professor Figg's funeral, Professor Black had been as tactless as an ax in the forest and an elephant in the china shop at the same time. Not only did he indirectly insult Professor Figg by calling his death negligence, but he also came dangerously close to dragging his wife Miriam's memory through the mud. Carol was still glad that she managed to control herself and not throw her cup towards Black across the hall at that time.  

 Although Professor Weasley had been able to save this inappropriate tastelessness by tactfully intervening in Black's catastrophic contribution, Carol had to leave the Great Hall immediately after the speech was over to cry.  

 As a result of this unpleasant situation, Carol's vulnerable feelings of the past had built up into a veritable inferno of anger and were directed solely at Phineas Nigellus Black. Until this moment, Carol had not even been aware that she was capable of such emotions.  

 Professor Black took an extraordinary amount of time before speaking, probably to maintain the same calm as before with the Sorting Hat.  

 »Don't make that face, Carol,« whispered Poppy, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. In the second half of the last school year, Poppy unfortunately became aware of Carol's growing disapproval whenever Black stood before the golden podium and gave a speech.  

 Black's silence also had the effect of making the students even more nervous and restless. They were all hungry and thirsty after the long journey and could hardly wait to eat.  

 Snobbishly, Professor Black pushed his chin forward and finally began to speak in his affected and cool snobbish tone: »Dear fellow students. I, Professor Black, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, welcome you to the castle.«  

 »Surely, he practiced that in front of his mirror,« Carol snorted contemptuously, receiving a hushed »Shh!« from Isaac in front of her.  

 Black turned away from the house tables to face the teachers at the head of the hall. »And of course, I also welcome our esteemed faculty back to this wonderful school.«  

 Carol wondered if it annoyed Black as some students clapped to welcome back the other teachers who had returned from their summer break. He only turned around again after the last clapping had died down, with a slightly sour expression on his face. »Before we begin the feast and reception, I have some important announcements to make.«  

 From the Gryffindor table, Carol thought she heard a faint murmur of disappointment. »Firstly, I would like to congratulate Professor Woodrow on his new position in Ancient Runes and Antiquities. He will be taking over the school subjects of Professor Fig.«  

 The older gentleman, with the half-moon glasses and patched dress robes, stood up from his seat. The same seat that Professor Fig used to occupy. There was only moderate applause, but Professor Woodrow seemed content with that. With his hands clasped behind his back, he bowed briefly and sat down again.  

 »Furthermore,« the Headmaster raised his voice again, »I would like to remind all students that entering the Forbidden Forest is strictly prohibited! I am also to inform you, on behalf of our esteemed caretaker, Mr. Moon, that the corridor on the sixth floor is closed due to ongoing construction work.«  

 »The sixth floor? Isn't that where the trophy room is?« Evangeline asked skeptically. »What could they possibly be renovating there?«  

 Isaac hissed »Shh!« again, this time in Evangeline's direction, before turning back to Professor Black.  

 Evangeline gave him a narrow-eyed look and mouthed the word »Bootlicker!«  

 »In addition, our prefects and head students are now instructed to take action with increased strictness, consequences, and vehemence against students who remain outside their common rooms after curfew! There will be no more secret nighttime walks this year! And don't even try to brew invisibility potions. We have ways of detecting the effects of various potions!«  

 Carol wondered if this also applied to the disillusionment charm. Granted, she didn't really feel an irresistible urge to sneak out of the dormitory at night to frolic around the castle. After all, she had decided to take it easy this year. However, the accumulated anger in her head was feeding her with rebellious thoughts.  

 It was interesting how quiet it had become in the Great Hall, but it was not comparable to the silence when the Sorting Hat sang. It was more of a tense, collective silence, where everyone hoped it would soon be over. No one was overly impressed with Black's lengthy speech in which he enumerated the school rules.  

 Professor Black cleared his throat and paused. Once again, a long silence ensued, during which his face increasingly looked as though he had bitten into a lemon. His expression was almost disgusted as he finally spoke the next words, with a highly irritated undertone: »Lastly, the Quidditch ban from last school year will be lifted.«  

 The crowd went wild! Regardless of the house, everyone clapped and shouted or cheered with euphoric enthusiasm. Some students had stood up to express their joy even more, and they partly fell into each other's arms. The noise swelled to an immense level, and it came so suddenly that Carol flinched in surprise.  

 Benny Strokes jumped up from the bench, threw his fist into the air and shouted, »Yeah! Finally!« only to pat Isaac's shoulders and shake him so hard he almost fell off the bench. »Finally! My last chance! Isaac, you're in!«  

 »What?!« Isaac exclaimed, still being shaken. »Not in a million years!«  

 »Hey! Who else wants to join the team? Tryouts next weekend!« Strokes shouted across the Hufflepuff table, ignoring his friend's objections.  

 »We’ll have the field first!« Imelda Reyes almost aggressively yelled from the nearby Slytherin table, causing Strokes to shout back rather nastily, »You'll need the training, Reyes!«  

 Carol was caught up in the excitement, even though she didn't care much for Quidditch. It was too fast, too dangerous, and catching a ball was already a challenge for her with her feet on the ground.  

 However, she understood the general enthusiasm for the most popular sport in the wizarding world. Secretly, Carol wondered if Madam Kogawa had really written to the Committee on Magical Games and Sports to lift the ban.  

 Meanwhile, Professor Black stood with his arms raised in the air in front of the podium, demanding silence loudly. However, no matter how conspicuous he was, nobody could hear him. Eventually, he pulled out his wand with a crumpled expression on his face and pressed it against his throat. »SILENCE!« his amplified voice boomed through the Great Hall, causing nearly immediate startled silence.  

 Black lowered his wand again. His unhappy feelings about lifting the Quidditch ban were all too evident.  

 Angry and snorting, he leisurely and slowly stowed his wand in the inside pocket of his waistcoat while enjoying the renewed calm and keeping everyone on tenterhooks. »I'm glad you're so... cheerful,« he spoke with a clear tone, clearly annoyed, and put his gloved hands back on the podium's sides. He squinted as he looked miserably slowly over the rows of house tables.  

 »I hope you will bring this same enthusiasm to your lessons tomorrow,« he snorted contemptuously. But even the most unpopular headmaster couldn't postpone his speech forever.  

 »I wish you all a pleasant evening and a good appetite. Let the festivities begin!«  

______________________  

I have to admit that I myself am a little sad that Omnis has hardly enjoyed any screen time so far :') This will change from the next chapter — promised!

#hogwarts legacy #fanfiction #ominis x oc #serpent's lullaby #carol roswell #ominis gaunt #poppy sweeting #arthur plummly #garreth weasley #isaac cooper #benny strokes #sebastian sallow #imelda reyes #lenora everleigh

[stone-stars]

songs in c3e58: giant egos (timestamps from the ad-free version. does not include the generic combat music. “a wizard’s tournament” is the recap song.)

The Scrappers - 9:49

Spearmint & Tea Leaves - 27:26 and 29:32

Left is Left and Right is Center - 33:14

The Bronze Bastard - 34:42

Snake Skirmish - 35:17

Sea Elves - 35:33

All I Need is One Thread to Spin a Web - 35:49

A Fairy Remembers - 43:00

All I Need is One Thread to Spin a Web - 45:39

A Haven Away from Home - 49:22

Left is Left and Right is Center - 51:11

A Memory - 53:31

A Fairy Remembers - 55:43

Secret Basement - 1:00:16

All I Need is One Thread to Spin a Web - 1:02:42

Shadowfell - 1:06:27

Illsed's Secret - 1:11:18

The Purge - 1:14:34

context for each song + notes under the cut!

The Scrappers - 9:49 - Giant's war map / the giants defrosting

Spearmint & Tea Leaves - 27:26 and 29:32 - Callie addresses the giants while playing a fey lullaby / convinces them to talk

Left is Left and Right is Center - 33:14 - Giants argue about who should rule

The Bronze Bastard - 34:42 - High Ember Lord Charbin's intro (Fire Giant)

Snake Skirmish - 35:17 - Stone Commander Basalt Von Shale's intro (Stone Giant)

Sea Elves - 35:33 - Wavemother Akoralil's intro (Water/Fish Giant)

All I Need is One Thread to Spin a Web - 35:49 - Garrosh, Master of Whispers, introduces himself (Cloud Giant)

A Fairy Remembers - 43:00 - Callie tells the giants about the serpents and Oberon's prophecy

All I Need is One Thread to Spin a Web - 45:39 - Garrosh suggests that Raedak's election could've been influenced magically by him

A Haven Away from Home - 49:22 - Akoralil takes the giants to the Feywild

Left is Left and Right is Center - 51:11 - Garrosh admits to seeing Aryox's divination room

A Memory - 53:31 - Garrosh tells them about the Archfey in the Feywild during his time

A Fairy Remembers - 55:43 - Garrosh bows to Oberon/Foster

Secret Basement - 1:00:16 - Garrosh talks about Raedak's bloodlust and Havoc

All I Need is One Thread to Spin a Web - 1:02:42 - Telling Garrosh about their encounters with Havoc and Gowan's presence

Shadowfell - 1:06:27 - Looking for the source of Havoc's smoke

Illsed's Secret - 1:11:18 - Moving deeper in to the hallway with the mist, moving towards Havoc's source

The Purge - 1:14:34 - Scrawled writing / Gowan in the carvings

Note: Berelain (the hill giant) just gets a generic combat song as her intro.

#naddpod #ba2mia #naddpod spoilers #song timestamps #and once again tagging song names! #the scrappers #spearmint & tea leaves #left is left and right is center #the bronze bastard #snake skirmish #sea elves #all i need is one thread to spin a web #a fairy remembers #a haven away from home #a memory #secret basement #shadowfell #illsed's secret #the purge

[lorrainmorgan]

Serpent's Fang

[ 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐮 𝐦𝐲 🐍 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 ]

Previous Part 5 Next

"LORRAIN!" Sebastian's voice boomed impatiently, taking her face between his hands and silencing her protests. "They're hunting you down..."

The night was filled with torturous nightmares for Ominis. The only thought of Lorrain being violently attacked by his brother Marvolo haunted him like a twisted lullaby.

Sebastian, always attentive to this routine, rushed immediately to his side. He shook Ominis gently, calling out his name and trying to bring him back to reality. It took several attempts before Ominis finally snapped awake, gasping for air. He awoke in cold sweat, tears streaming down his face as he cried out her name.

They sat on the bed, facing each other. He felt the genuine concern etched on his friend's face, and after a short time his racing heart began to slow down and his breathing returned to normal.

"I'm fine, Sebastian," Ominis reassured him with a shaky voice. "Just a nightmare... nothing more."

"Are you sure?" Sebastian asked. "I've never seen you… suffer like that before..."

Ominis nodded weakly, not wanting to overwhelm Sebastian with the details of his disturbing dream. But deep down, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to it than just a simple nightmare.

“Do you want me to get Lorra?” Sebastian asked out of the blue.

Ominis snarled at the sudden mention of her. He did want her nearby, but didn't want to force her to waste sleep just for the sake of easing his own anxiety and paranoia.

"No need for her to babysit me, thank you very much".

After a small pause, Sebastian finally said:

“You know she has fancied you for quite some time now, right? I knew when I saw her talking to you for the first time, and I confirmed it months ago. You two were, and still are, crystal clear obvious.” Ominis’ mind began to dredge up feelings of doubt and insecurity that he had been trying to push down. 

Sebastian’s steps faltered as he walked towards his own bed, each one feeling heavier than the last. 

"Fancied me? That's absurd," Ominis scoffed, but his voice lacked conviction.

As his friend reached his bed, he continued with a deadly seriousness. "You need to protect what’s yours Ominis. I saw Marvolo inviting her to Bal tool, right after you asked her. And we both know what that means." 

The elder Gaunt seemed to be always one step ahead. Ominis knew all too damn well about Marvolo's manipulative and cruel nature, but this time there was something more sinister at play, but he couldn't wrap his head around what that might be. 

”She declined him very… elegantly and politely. It surprised me ho-”

"I can't risk her well-being Sebastian, What if next time he actually does something worse?" Ominis muttered, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with the weight of the responsibility for someone else's safety. 

His friend shook his head. "No, you must trust her. Trust her as much as you trust me or Anne. You deserve to be happy, Ominis, plus, she is a capable and a very intelligent witch, and you two love birds are just getting started” He insinuated in a naughty tone. 

“Well… after what happened in the Deathday Ballroom I think I co-” Ominis stopped abruptly putting his hand on his mouth and started to turn bright red, realizing what he was about to say. 

Awkward Silence. 

“... You dirty bastard…” Sebastian cuckled loudly, throwing a pillow at his friend. “So? You know what, no, keep the juicy details to yourself” -He emphasized the word juicy - Just tell me, did you kiss her?” “Good night Sebastian” Ominis cut him off.

“SO YOU DID, GOOOOOD.Did you also-?” “I said good night Sebastian” “SO YOU DIIIIIIID” Sebastian teased on a high pitch voice and started blushing. He knew his friend too well to know that when Ominis didn't want to talk about an embarrassing topic, he'd just cut the conversation right off. 

“You’re a pervert, please do not torment me with your fantasies now Sallow, I’m trying to sleep” 

“If you want I could show you a secret passageway to the girl’s dorm. Mhhh?” 

“I said N- wait, WHAT? How would y- You know what? I don’t even want to hear it”...

______ 🐍 _______

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the Black Lake, the Common Room slowly stirred awake. Lorrain dragged herself down the stairs, her limbs heavy from all the previous nerve racking night. She caught sight of Ominis already up and about, waving his wand to summon some tea cups - he has always been an early riser.

"How do you manage to always look impeccable even at 7 in the morning?" she asked him with a yawn, admiring how his perfectly styled hair never seemed to falter.

A hint of pink dusted Ominis' cheeks as he turned towards her voice, only to be met with a sudden hug from her. He happily embraced it, feeling her arms tighten around him with a sense of comfort and familiarity. These were the small moments that made their friendship so special.

"Good morning, beautiful. I missed you."

As they made their way to the Great Hall, their hungry stomachs growled in anticipation of the breakfast awaiting for them inside. But as they entered the Hall, numerous eyes turned their focus on their direction.

Ominis could feel the judgment of those stares on him, some filled with admiration and others with disdain. He forced himself to eat in silence, trying to ignore the intense stares of the people around him. The weight of their judgment was suffocating. Lorra acted like nothing was happening and sooner than later was already laughing with the other Slytherin students at the table. 

Tired of everything and everyone, Reyes stood up and roared.

“DOES ANYBODY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR EYESIGHT THIS MORNING?” Imelda's sudden sarcastic shout shattered the stillness, causing everyone to jump in their seats and look the other way.  

"Thank you, Imelda," Lorra's laughter rang out like tinkling bells as she glanced at Ominis. His aura had grown increasingly dark and gloomy, finding himself once again on the spot. 

Standing up, he snatched his wand from the table and made his way towards the exit of the Hall. Lorrain watched him leave, her gaze lingered on his retreating figure before turning back to Imelda and Sebastian. Sebs let out a heavy sigh and shifted in his seat, following Ominis' footsteps with his eyes.

As soon as Gaunt stepped foot out in the hallway, he looked slightly over his shoulder, almost expecting someone to come after him. 

"Yep, that's my cue." The redheaded girl stood up from her seat and made her way towards Ominis. A small smile of relief crossed Sebs' face - she truly understood his friend.

Ominis was hunched over in a dark corner of the corridor, his back pressed against one of the House Points Hourglasses. Lorrain joined him and her presence made a small comfort in the chaos surrounding him. 

"I'm sorry if I seemed abrupt..." he began to apologize.

Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the Undercroft. Ominis usually hated when people guided- or pulled- or touched him for any matter, but not Lorra...never Lorra.

The moment the Undercroft's gate sealed them in, Lorra attacked Ominis with a ferocious hunger. How else was she suppose to make him focus on the good, that they were finally together? Her lips crashed upon his, and he couldn't resist pulling her tightly against him, matching her intensity, sucking and biting with an insatiable need. The suddenness of her actions only fueled his desire and all other thoughts flew out of the window.

The wizard could feel her urgency in every touch and he welcomed it eagerly. She pushed him gently against some old boxes, demanding more, when they heard a loud noise.

Their hearts pounded in unison as the gates of the Undercroft suddenly swung open, revealing an exhausted Sebastian trying to catch his breath. The two quickly broke their kiss to hide their mess. 

"Sebastian? What's going on?" Lorraine asked anxiously fixing her hair and skirt, but her words were cut off by his panicked answer.

Through gasps for air, Sebastian managed to utter, "O-Ominis's...mother...Central Hall…"

The air began to turn thick and heavy. Ominis's body tensed at the mention of his mother, his face contorted into a mix of fear and anger.

"Omi-"

"Stay out of this, Lorrain." His voice cut through the air like a razor-sharp knife, filled with a dangerous ferocity that stopped Lorrain right on her tracks.

In one swift motion, Gaunt composed himself, brushed away the girl's kisses and grabbed his wand with steady hands. He marched out of the Undercroft with determination, leaving Lorraine and Sebastian behind.

"We have to go," Sebastian urged Lorraine. "You need to get out of here, NOW."

"Wha- why? I’m not afraid of his moth-"

"LORRAIN!" Sebastian's voice boomed impatiently, taking her face between his hands and silencing her protests. "They're hunting you down. Marvolo told his parents what Ominis did, and now his family knows about you. I'm sorry, but they won't listen to reason. You need to understand..." Sebastian begged her, desperation creeping through his voice. 

Despite Sebastian's worried and pleading expression, she stood stubborn and unyielding. Could She be capable of hurting Ominis because of...her?

Without putting more thought into it, she rushed to the exit, then down the stairs, following the sudden screams and yelling near the mermaid’s fountain at Central Hall. Sallow chased her, his fear turned into panic, knowing he couldn't protect her from that volatile woman. But before he could do anything more, Mrs Gaunt appeared before them.

.

Notes

👉Pose reference for Lorra from Rin from DBD 👉 So proud of my proportions finallyyyyy! I think I'm gonna start doing a cover for each chapter, instead of scattered scenes :P

#ominis gaunt #sebastian x ominis x mc #ominis gaunt fanart #ominis smut #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy x reader #slytherin #hogwarts legacy fanart #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy smut #ominis gaunt fanfiction #sebastian sallow fanart

[dark-elf-writes]

Seafaring Uzumaki’s who are terrifying for being all that they are but also I want them to have songs and war chants and such. I want Naruto to have a beautiful voice that lures people in. A voice capable of all sorts of sounds and mimicry, I want a haunting battle song/war chant for the death of Uzushio’s people. I want Kurama to remember/learn those things from Mito and Kushina and teach them to Naruto. I want Naruto to start humming a melody that at first gives chills to Zabuza and when it gets to actual singing have him be like “Oh shit that’s an Uzumaki. OH SHIT THAT’S AN UZUMAKI!!”

SIREN NARUTO SIREN NARUTO SIREN NARUTO

Part of me wants this to be part of the Venomous Naruto AU. Like they used to be allied with the sea serpents so he learns them from his fuckoff massive snake friend, Kurama and maybe some scattered bits of Uzumaki lore found by orochimaru or his ‘siblings’. Pieces of a shattered history almost no one remembers.

But he does.

Naruto who is always humming to himself both because adhd and because it’s in his blood. When Tsunade comes back to the village she nearly walks directly into the wall outside Orochimaru’s office when she hears Naruto inside singing an old lullaby she half remembers to himself. The people in wave recognizing some of the snippets and whispers spread of an Uzumaki come to save them. And of course Zabuza seeing this child that stands in water more steadily than in the ground, hears the start of an old Uzumaki war song, and just about yoinks Haku and runs because n o p e.

#the elf talks #naruto #venomous naruto #song of the sea au

[leolithe]

y'know this is where i'd do commentary for this operation i wasn't here for but i'll be real: i'm gay as shit and i just want Natah's sweet dulcet tones on my blog. pls enjoy this half of her delicious orphix venom dialogue <3

Transcript:

"I speak for myself. No. I am the hollow vessel. The echo."

"Sentient as we, as they are not. Simple. It is not simple."

"The steel vipers sleep now. I showed them how. I... had my reasons."

"I sing. No. The wind sings my emptiness. I am the queen of nothing."

"Unraveled, the serpent coilings of their genes. The secret phrases of cell and cipher. I too am encoiled."

"Who woke the Orphix? Who sang the steel lullaby to the viperous children? Who?"

#warframe #warframe lotus #natah #audio #orphix venom #leoframe