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#hphm face claims
carewyncromwell · 2 months
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"No more, the crap rolls out your mouth again! Haven't changed -- your brain is still gelatin! Little whispers circle around your head... Why don't you worry about yourself instead!?"
~"Holier Than Thou" by Metallica
x~x~x~x
[transcribed from art, for easier translation]
Olivia: Cool your jets, Jacob, that prat isn't worth it. Duncan: Better to get back at Lockhart when there isn't a Hall full of witnesses around. Olivia: Not helping, Duncan.
x~x~x~x
Happy belated birthday, Jacob Cromwell!
In celebration (?), I thought I'd salute one of my personal favorite headcanons about Jacob that I haven't had much of a chance to explore...namely, that Jacob shared a dormroom with the one, the only Gilderoy Lockhart!
Yes, as you can imagine, Jacob hated Lockhart's bloody guts. 😂
Really, though, it wasn't hard for Jacob to hate Lockhart when that "toothy prat" would act like the smartest guy in the room and yet cowardly avoid any challenges or duels that could contradict that overly shiny self-image Lockhart had of himself. Old Gilderoy was also prone to grab more attention from female students than Jacob did, even with his ridiculously puffed-up ego, for his good looks and (marginally) better people skills. Oh yeah -- and then there was Lockhart's attempt to marginalize Jacob, Duncan, and Olivia's hard work dealing with the Cursed Vaults terrorizing Hogwarts by acting like he'd suspected how to break each curse all along and (even more insultingly) insinuating that it was really him who'd instructed the three Cursebreakers in the methods they'd used to break them. Lockhart even brashly reiterated this one infamous Valentine's Day in his and the Trio's fifth year when he received 800 Valentine's cards and presents (which, as it turned out, were all from Lockhart to himself) --
" -- such beautiful gifts and cards! No doubt from fans both across and outside Hogwarts itself! They must've heard of my heroic efforts toward helping break the curses on the Cursed Vaults! Taught Duncan Ashe everything he knows about puzzle solving...and poor Miss Green was clueless in dealing with those boggarts until I showed her the proper method! And those Acromantula, ho ho...I daresay our favorite Cursebreakers would've been helpless in communicating with those beasts, if it weren't for me teaching Jacob some basic phrases..."
Even if his friends successfully held Jacob back physically, they didn't stop him from verbally tearing into Lockhart.
"'TAUGHT ME SOME PHRASES?!' Acromantula are capable of HUMAN SPEECH, you brain-dead numpty!"
Ultimately Lockhart's little stunt came to an end when the Great Hall had to be cleared of students so the teachers could properly deal with the 800 owls and their 800 packages and letters cluttering up the room. Lockhart's interest in stealing credit for dealing with the Cursed Vaults waned for a short time after Olivia's disappearance, Duncan's death, and Jacob's expulsion, but came back in full when Jacob's sister Carewyn likewise had to deal with them. Fortunately Lockhart failed to collect enough information about Carewyn's adventures to take credit for them and was forced to retreat with a very basic Memory Charm as his goodbye before she or her date Andre Egwu could put together his true intentions. And more fortunately still, about six years later, Lockhart got his just desserts when all of the lies he told to score cheap fame and success came to light.
No one was more pleased when the world finally conjured up enough brain cells to see Lockhart for the idiot and fraud he was than Jacob Cromwell. And ironically enough, the world had also finally conjured up enough brain cells to see for who Jacob really was by then -- not a delinquent as so many had presumed for so long, but an eccentric, brilliant wizard with iron-clad loyalty, incredible magical talent, and a heart as brave as Lockhart's is cowardly.
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mizutoyama · 7 months
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🧡 for Alice?
🧡 ORANGE HEART — Alice’s friendships
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At the center, we have Alice. Around, items or sentences representing some of her closest friends. Can you guess who they are?
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Let me introduce you --💛 Irvin White 💛 --
For those who doesn't know him, he's Irvin White, a muggleblood Hufflepuff that study at the school of Hogwarts witchcraft and wizardry. He's Elaiza's best friend and also childhood friend. His love for music, for the adventure, for the unique friends he has and most important for his family, This means that you will also see the rest of the family face claims . (little note in the video there's a scene with two white hairs one of them is Irvin and that is the person who is also Irvin, it's a way to accept the part of you that didn't show exactly who you are, in the case of Irvin, be a boy in the wrong body)
Little summary, Lucky Blue Smith is Irvin, Sofia Vergara is Jane(Irvin's mom) , Yui Aragaki is Sango (Irvin's Aunt/wife of Samuel), Yutaka Takenouchi is Samuel (Irvin's uncle), Jay Harrington is Richard (Jane and Samuel dad/husband of Lukas), Sterling K. Brown is Lukas (Jane and Samuel father/husband of Richard). By the way, is me or it looks like a TV show of start 2000s? The song I chose is Roar cover in the musical "& Juliet".
Hope you like it 😎
Ciao ciao 💛
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missnight0wl · 5 months
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I don't know why but the new Hunger Games song 'Can't catch me now' made me think of Rakepick and I wanted to know if you get the same vibe 👀
Hm, hold on, let me listen to it…
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Ok, first of all, this is a pretty dope song. I’d probably hear it sooner or later, but thank you for telling me about it earlier. I really like it ❤
Secondly, to be completely honest, I don’t think Rakepick would come to my mind if you didn’t tell me that… But to be fair, I think it’s mostly because I knew from the start that it’s from the new Hunger Games, and while I didn’t read “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” yet, I did watch some spoiler videos, so I pretty much now the story – and I simply can’t not think of Lucy Gray when I hear this song. On the other hand, I can also see why it does make you think of Rakepick. Because... yeah, it does have the vibes. And you know what? I saw your message when I was in bed already, so I didn’t check the song right away, but I was like: “Hm, Rakepick and Katniss are kinda similar…”. Of course, not quite in personality, but like… the theme? And I say Katniss because, from what I gathered, Katniss and Lucy Gray have that type of similarity, too, so I guess I’m putting them all in one group.
Ok, so I think it’s mainly about the fact that Rakepick is a rebel. Personally, I’d say it’s one of her core characteristics. Remember when we asked Snape about her school years and he was like: “She was a danger to everyone at Hogwarts and the very principle upon which this school was built”? Sure, he was probably being dramatic because he is Snape, but I don’t think he was just being dramatic. Then we had those moments implying that she had a beef with the Ministry, and while she was not disrespectful about Dumbledore, I wouldn’t call her very respectful either. Finally, we have her whole relationship with R – and to be clear, I’m talking about Rakepick’s story before it was ruined by JC.  I mean, let’s take the letter we found in Y4.
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To me, “final warning” means there were warnings before that one. Moreover, it had to be sent in the past. And where Patty was at the time we found that letter? At Hogwarts, searching for the Cursed Vaults. It actually kinda fits the chorus of the song:
But I'm in the trees, I'm in the breeze My footsteps on the ground You'll see my face in every place But you can't catch me now
There’s just something very “uncatchable” about Rakepick indeed. Also, this idea of being ever-present actually goes along with her role in the story, imo. How she’s being mentioned in Y2 already, how she ties it all together and whatnot.
Also, not directly connected to the song, but you know how the main Hunger Games series is all about Katniss's willingness to sacrifice for Prim?
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I still claim that she was genuine at that moment because it was way too late for any attempts at manipulating MC. And I do think that sacrifice was meant to play a much bigger role in Patty’s story overall.
Finally, one last more random thought. Well, technically two. Katniss is strongly associated with fire, right? Now, tell me “the girl on fire” does not suit Rakepick perfectly. On top of that, a while ago in HPHM, there was that masquerade ball TLSQ. And I thought then that it would be way more interesting if it wasn’t at Hogwarts, and it was Jacob and Rakepick attending the event. I talked about it with my friend, and I kid you not, I even mentioned the dress Katniss had in “Catching fire” while describing what would Patty wear.
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helenadurazzo · 1 year
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Lightening Up
It has been about a month since I wrote a story about Erina (Erika x Helena) however I must admit, this might just be the favorite piece I have written for them. This tells the story of one of Erika and Helena waltzing together at the Passion Ball, hosted by the Kingdom of Hearts. While not their first interaction, it was their first meaningful conversation together that did not involve their respective kingdoms or occupations
This story is also apart of the HPHM Cardverse AU made by @ariparri
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As the personal guard to the Jack of Spades, Erika had gotten used to attending a number of events hosted by the leaders of not just the Kingdom of Spades, but the others as well. It was certainly a wonderful opportunity that she would never had dreamed of when she was younger. However, here she was now, attending the ball with a variety of Spades officials, making it the first event Spades had attended in forever.
Ever since she had officially become the Jack’s personal guard, she had gotten to know her, and her quirks better. In Erika’s opinion, Rowan was quite an unpredictable and easily excitable person who was always ready to get herself invested in a new experience. When they had first arrived at the passion ball, Rowan seemed quickly amazed by her new surroundings always seemingly finding something new to notice in the ballroom.
It had certainly been a spectacular evening. For the majority of the night Rowan, Bill, and Queen Veruca engaged themselves in a conversation with the officials of Hearts, mostly discussing possible solutions to the problems caused by the Civil War. She had even watched as Queen Veruca danced with the Diego, the King of Hearts. They practically owned the dance floor as one of the few couples still there once the tango music began to play. Erika had scene multiple impressive feats of dancing however the way the Queen of Spades and the King of Hearts dramatically glided across the dance floor topped everything else she had seen that night.
However by now, their conversation started to fade and Erika accompanied Rowan as she continued looking around at the various people in attendance. Pointing out other officials as she spotted them among the crowd, some were having their own discussions, others were out on the dance floor.
Yet there was one individual that seemed to capture Erika’s attention and refused to let go. She had seen her before due to the officials of Clubs helping with the war effort. The woman, who was only slightly younger than her, had her long dark blue hair running down to the midsection of her back like a river. Despite it currently being during the cold season of winter, her outfit emulated the beauty of spring, hosting multiple shades of greens, pinks, and purple, while also incorporating a floral design on both her dress and her mask. Erika herself wasn’t quite sure how she didn’t notice her earlier but supposed that either she hadn’t been on the dance floor or Erika herself had been focused on performing her duties as the personal guard of the Jack of Spades.
Rowan seemed to eventually take notice and correctly identify whom Erika was looking at, “Starring at the Jack of Clubs again? Can you just say something to her already?” She requested, seemingly tired to Erika’s stalling.
Erika blushed with embarrassment at the Jack’s comment, trying to claim otherwise, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Don’t deny it.” Rowan insisted with a mischievous smile, “It’s obvious you fancy her.”
“Is it really?” Erika sighed, trying to get what she felt was a light blush off her face. She didn’t have time to fall in love, not when there was so much work to do. Yet her head and heart were once again at war, trying to gain influence.
“If you don’t go talk to her, I’ll make you.” Rowan playfully threatened.
“You don’t scare me.” Erika replied with a smirk. “Besides, it is my job to protect you, can’t slack on the job, you know?”
“Just go already.” Rowan insisted, “After all, there is no danger here and besides I can defend myself if necessary, live your life, the Passion Ball only comes around once a year.” She added, before wandering off in another direction before Erika had the change to argue with her.
Rather than chasing after her, Erika felt herself being drawn closer towards the Jack of Clubs. In her head she tried to think of something to say that wouldn’t sound awkward. She usually had a better control over herself, being a force to be reckoned with. During her training to be a part of the Spades military, she had proved she was a formidable force which was certainly a key part in her being appointed as Rowan’s bodyguard. Yet now, it seemed like that version of her was no where to be found anywhere in the ballroom.
“Erika!” Helena Durazzo, more formally known as The Jack of Clubs, gently called out with a smile, “I didn’t know you were here tonight. Then again, considering you tend to go wherever Rowan goes. Speaking of her, where is she?”
“She is talking about some important matters with the Ace of Spades.” Erika professionally informed her with what seemed to be an appropriate excuse.
“Well when she is done I’d wish to speak with her.” Helena requested, “She is always such a curious spirit and I want to see if she has anymore reading suggestions since her previous ones have never disappointed me.”
“Good, good.” Erika replied, trying to sort through her own flustered thoughts as she attempted to say something that wasn’t gibberish.
The music changed from a more upbeat song similar to the tango music Erika had heard earlier, to a much slower song that consisted of elegant piano playing. Erika looked towards the source of the music then turned back to Helena. She noticed the Jack of Clubs gently swaying to the music in a relatively unnoticeable fashion to anyone further away from her, seeming to even hum along with each note that echoed through the ballroom.
“I remember my father teaching my brother how to play this melody on piano when I was a kid.” Helena revealed. “As much of a free spirit my brother is, it is ironic that he gravitated more to piano lessons than I ever did.”
“That sounds nice…” Erika remarked gently. She didn’t have any siblings of her own, only a few cousins who were pretty much all older than her. However, despite many members of the Rath family ranking high in the military, there wasn’t really other family occupational tradition, at least that she was aware of. Because of this, her childhood consisted of training with her older cousins and learning about the military. While there was occasionally music and more playful activities in the Rath home, it was very few and far between.
Suddenly, Erika noticed the Jack of Clubs extend her hand to her, “May I have this dance?”
“I’m sorry.” Erika apologized, “But I don’t dance.”
“Oh really now?” Helena replied with a playful smirk. “Here, why don’t I teach you how to do a ballroom dance that fits perfectly with this tune. You seem stiff and should get the chance to let loose even if it’s just for one night.”
Erika hesitated at first but tried her best not to display it in her facial expressions and movements. However, she kept interpreting the words Rowan told her. She was typically also very focused on work and always preferred taking combat lessons than dance lessons. The Passion Ball was one of the few events where people from all four kingdoms could go are have a good time. It would be back to business as usual in kingdom of Spades the next day, so it truly made sense to seize the moment.
“Well, in that case.” Erika said as he took Helena’s hand. “I’d be happy to dance with you.”
“Wonderful!” Erika watched as Helena smiled delightfully as she proceeded to lead her towards the dance floor. She eventually stopped in an area away from the majority of the dancers, most likely leaving room for error in the case of misplaced steps, without causing a scene
Helena assisted Erika in placing her hands in the right positions, finishing with placing her left hand on Erika’s right shoulder. “My mother taught both me and brother how to waltz.” The Jack of Clubs informed her, “It’s actually quite simple once you know the basic steps, just follow my lead.”
“First I will step forward with my left foot and you will step backward with your right foot.” Helena instructed, doing the motions with Erika once she explained them. “Next I’ll step to my right with my right foot, and you’ll step to your left with your left foot. Then I’ll step back with my right foot, and you step forward with your left. Finally, I’ll step to my left with my left foot, and you’ll step to your right with your right foot.”
“There you go!” Helena supportively cheered. “Now just keep doing it, one, two, three.” She repeated, following the beat the music, “one, two, three, one, two, three, one two, three.”
It went relatively smoothly from there. However, Erika certainly had a handful of times where she made some incorrect steps and ended up stepping on the Jack of Clubs’ lavender high heels. Surprisingly, Erika noticed that her dance partner never winced in pain or attempted to correct her, and would instead chuckle with a smile on her face as if it was a carefree joke. There were even sometimes when the Jack of Clubs would return the favor by stepping on the toe of Erika’s own shoe with a mischievous grin.
“Looks like I still have a lot to learn as well.” Helena chuckled as they continued to waltz. However, Erika still failed to decipher if the Jack was doing it on purpose or not to make her feel better, at this point though, it didn’t matter.
“You are still much more talented than me.” Erika admitted. “You waltz so gracefully” before adding, “about ninety five perfect of the time that is.”
Helena chuckled. “Are you sure this is your first time? You certainly need some more practice, but I know plenty of people who could never have waltzed so elegantly on their first attempt.”
“Are you trying to flatter me?” Erika asked.
“Perhaps” Helena answered with a smile, “Is there anything wrong with that?”
“I suppose there isn’t.” Erika blushed, just as the current waltz song finished playing and switched to another genre of dance. She turned to Helena once they got away from the new group of dancers, still with their hands grasped warmly, “I have to thank you for such an enchanted evening.”
“It wouldn’t have been so enchanting if you had not been here.” Helena spoke gently as she got closer to Erika, resting her head on her shoulder as they made it to the wall of the ballroom, where very few people were at that moment.
“Thank you.” Erika replied with a warm smile, feeing the same way, then sighed, “I suppose I better go check in on the Ace of Spades.”
“If you must.” Helena agreed as she stood up more formally and straight. “You know? you should come visit the Kingdom of Clubs at some point for something other than discussing the aftermath of the civil war, we have some wonderful events hosted there around the year.”
“What’s your favorite?” Erika asked with warm, genuine interest.
“I’ve heard of that before.” Erika recalled. If she did so correctly and if the same could be said about the books she read and the people she heard about it from. The derby consisted of two teams trying to gain points by flying through floating jewels. She was sure the descriptions and pictures of the event did not do it justice. “If I get the chance to attend, I hope to watch it with you.”
“I’d be honored.” Helena smiled as Erika herself nodded as charmingly as she could, before bidding her farewells and walking back towards when she assumed the officials of Spades were.
As she walked away Erika took a few sneakily glances at the Jack of Clubs who had seemed to have already found herself in a conversation with who she recognized was the Ace of Clubs. Even though Helena didn’t seem to notice her glances, Erika still admired how genuine she seemed. Compared to her own tough personality,
the Jack seemed to have a much more easy time expressing her emotions, something that Erika would have envied if she hadn’t taken a liking to her. However, her dreamily stroll nearly ended with her knocking over the Jack of Spades, thankfully she managed to stop herself just before she did just that to avoid embarrassment, partially because of Rowan’s quick comment that caught her attention.
“So how was it?” her Jack eagerly asked. “I watched your waltz with Andre, he took note of your and the Jack of Clubs’ beauty, particularly in your outfits. However, he did mention that your waltzing was a little bit awkward.
Erika knew full well she would never know how Andre was capable of even noticing the smallest movements. However that was a mystery she wasn’t invested in solving tonight. “It was wonderful.” She replied, to answer Rowan’s initial question. “Absolutely wonderful.”
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capricornwriter5 · 2 years
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Always on time - Chapter 12
Pairing: Jooheon x female OC
Genre: childhood friends to enemies, enemies to friends, friends to lovers, smut (later chapters), fluff, angst, slow burn, idol AU!
Warning: mentions of mental health issues, mentions of workaholic disorder, curse words
Words: 6k
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Chapter 12
On Saturday, Jooheon woke up with a headache. He didn’t remember how he got to the dorm the night before, but there he was, lying on his bed wanting to kill whoever was making noise in the living room. Jooheon tried to ignore the sound of pots clashing and the video game that someone was playing without headphones, but after five minutes, he jumped out of bed and left his room.
As expected, Kihyun was the one who had the concert in the kitchen and I.M. was killing aliens on a Saturday in Hyungwon’s room. There is a reason why headsets exist, dear maknae, Jooheon thought as he walked into the living room.
"But look who woke up!" Kihyun shouted when he saw Jooheon. "Good morning, sleeping beauty. Five more minutes and I would have thought that you fell into a drunken coma. You should take it slow, Jooheon-ah, Wonho almost fell trying to climb up the stars to the apartment with you on his back".
"Hphm... Whatever you say, hyung," Jooheon said. "Do you have to make noise so early?"
"Early? It’s almost four in the afternoon, Jooheon-ah," Kihyun reprimanded.
"Yeah, well... how are you so awake? We all came late yesterday".
"Well, I’m a normal person and I came to sleep after the auction. You went with Wonho to God knows where and came back looking like shit".
"Jeez, thank you, hyung" Jooheon claimed as he lay on the couch in the living room. "You always so..."
Jooheon stopped talking the second the images of the night before began to resurface in his memory. The images, and the words: he remembered the conversation with Julie, he remembered what he said, and he remembered the face she made him right after: a mixture of anger, fear, disbelief, and...
No, no, no, I couldn’t have been such an idiot, Jooheon thought. There’s no way I was stupid enough to tell her that in that context, I didn’t... SON OF A BITCH, OF COURSE I WAS AN IDIOT, FUCK, SHIT, I SHIT ON EVERYTHING.... I HAVE TO FIX IT... I HAVE TO FIX IT NOW...
Jooheon tried to stand up, but he did it too fast and everything started to spin. He tried to take a step, but he lost his balance and...
"Whooa, watch out, Jooheon-ah," Wonho said behind him. "Are you alright?"
"Hyung, what are you doing here?" Jooheon asked sitting down again.
"I was nearby," Wonho said. "I was seeing places to record my next MV and decided to check on you after yesterday. I haven’t seen you drink so much in a while".
"Ahhh, yes, yesterday... Hyung... what happened yesterday?"
"Well... you tell me, Jooheon-ah," Wonho replied. "At the end of the auction, you went to say goodbye to Julie-ssi and when you came back you just got in the car and drove to Kevin-hyung’s bar".
"Did you come with me?"
"Someone had to," Wonho continued. "You didn’t look like yourself, but I’ve never seen you like that. Tell me, did something happen with Julie-ssi?"
I guess I didn’t say anything stupid while drunk, Jooheon thought. And I guess none of them heard the conversation or talked to Jules after, otherwise they’d be all over me with questions... Well, I just have to worry about Jules and how I’m gonna fucking...
"LET’S EAT!" Kihyun shouted.
Jooheon felt as if someone pierced his head with a drill, but he said nothing and just got up to go eat what Kihyun had prepared. Maybe once after eating and after the headache had passed, he could think more clearly about how he was going to make Julie talk to him again.
"Ah, Jooheon-ah, by the way, have you spoken to anyone at the company lately?" Wonho asked.
"Not since I was sent to therapy," Jooheon replied. "Why?"
"Nothing, specifically. I was just hoping you could help me with something..."
"Tell me, hyung. What do you need?"
On Saturday Julie got up early. The night before she had been exhausted in different ways, but she kept rolling in bed, so at 7 a.m. she got up, had breakfast, and started cleaning her apartment.
In the last few weeks, she had spent little time at home, so everything was a mess and Julie had had no time at all. Five hours later, the afternoon sun was shining outside, and the apartment floors were shining inside. Exhausted, Julianne threw herself on the sofa in the living room and as she did so, she felt that she was colliding with something behind the furniture. She got up to check and found the box her mother had brought her weeks ago with her things. Julie had put the box behind the couch thinking she would deal with it later. Apparently, that later was today.
Without giving much thought to the matter, Julie opened the box and began to check what was inside. Right at the top were her medals: 2 for swimming, 1 for soccer, 1 for volleyball, and... many for kickboxing. Under the medals were photo albums of her in her high school years and her early college years. There were pictures of Julie with her parents, with Areum, with Kang-Dae... and with Jooheon. Jooheon was in more than half of Julie’s photos from her school years and Julie couldn’t help the bittersweet flavor that those memories produced, especially after the conversation the night before.
Julianne was still processing Jooheon’s words. Who did he think he was to judge her relationship? To judge her! And what was nonsense he babbled about showing her anything? He was definitely out of place, completely lost in life and totally an idiot, thought Julie as she closed the photo album and tried to calm down. She was really angry, frustrated, and disappointed, not only because of what Jooheon told her, but because she was sincerely happy with their interactions over the past few weeks. It almost felt like she got an old friend back... Ahhhh, but he had to come and shit on everything.
Just then, Julie reached the bottom of the box and saw her old kickboxing gloves. There were three pairs and all three were just as worn and slightly broken. The time and dust had not been very affectionate with them, but Julie tried them on anyway and they fit perfectly. At that point, she had an idea. An impulse, rather. She went over her phone and dialed her number without thinking twice. Today she needed to burn off anger.
An hour and a half later, Julie was arriving at Liv and I.M.’s apartment. The dancer waited for her in front of the building with a gym bag and a smile from ear to ear. I.M. was also there and both greeted Julie when she stopped in front of them for Liv to get into the car.
"Have fun, girls" said I.M. "In case you need me, I’m with the boys".
"Okay, Kyun," Liv replied. "Oh, what about Jooheon? Is he still alive?"
"Kihyun texted to me recently and apparently he’s still asleep," I.M. answered.
"God... he’s an idiot for drinking like that," Liv said, rolling her eyes. "But anyway, that’s not my problem today, is it, Julie?"
"Haha... yeah, right," Julie said a little awkward. Jooheon’s name made her tense up for a minute, but she tried to relax and concentrate on the plans she had with Liv. "Well, we’re leaving. And don’t worry, I’ll bring her back in one piece," Julie assured I.M. before saying goodbye.
"You took me by surprise, Julie," Liv said. "But it’s a good surprise, don’t think otherwise. And you saved me from spending another Saturday afternoon listening to Kihyun tell Hyungwon to take his meds for his allergies and watch Shownu sleep and eat like there’s no tomorrow".
"Hahahaha, well, I’m glad you were free," Julie said. "Did you bring what I told you?"
"Sports shoes, spare stockings, two cloths, a jump rope, a bottle of water, and a snack" Liv said. "Everything is here".
"Great!”
"And... what exactly are we going to do?" Liv asked.
"Well, I called my old coach. Some time ago I heard that he had opened a box in Seoul, so I asked him if he had a day off to give us a private introductory session and he told me that today in the afternoon he had space, so I called you," explained Julie. "Today we are going to learn only the basics. You are a beginner, and I am out of practice, so we are not going to do anything very complex. They’re probably going to be conditioning, balance, and coordination exercises. I imagine you’re used to that, but you’ll find it’s a little different".
"Okay, okay, I get it. It sounds like one of those sessions that seem harmless, but they leave you on the floor for a week".
"HAHAHAHAHA, something like that, yes. Good thing tomorrow is Sunday..."
Five minutes later, Julianne and Olivia were arriving at Julie’s coach’s box. The place was huge, had different rooms for different types of exercises and the equipment looked in perfect condition.
"Julie-ah!" a voice shouted. "Good to see you!"
Julie didn’t see Mr. Park coming and when she realized where he was, she was being hugged by a mole of pure muscle.
"I’m glad to see you too, coach," Julie replied.
"You don’t know how happy I was to get your call. And you must be Julie’s friend".
"My name is Olivia, but you can call me Liv".
"It’s a pleasure, Liv. I’m Park Seo-ho. Well, let’s not waste any more time, ready to train, girls?"
"Ready!" answered both at the same time.
"Well, that’s how I like it," the coach said with a slap. "Now let’s see how’s my former student’s condition".
*****
About an hour later...
"Well, it wasn’t so bad, girls," the coach told them when the bell rang for the last series of exercises. "Drink some water and I’ll be right back to do the final stretches".
Both Julie and Liv were lying on the floor unable to make any sound, much less move, so the only answer he got from the trainer was dead animal sounds coming from the girls.
"Julie... tell me" Liv started, "this is always... so... so…"
"Well... honestly... I don’t remember... this being so... wild.... But it may be because we are old, Liv"
"Pfff, speak for yourself," Liv answered standing up, "I’m as fresh as a 15-year-old girl".
"Sure, a 15-year-old girl who brings Omega 3 capsules and vitamin A in her purse," Julie teased her.
"Don’t you think I didn’t see the muscle relaxants and memory pills in your car".
"Yeah, but I never said I’m like a teenager," Julie laughed as she accepted the hand Liv offered her to get up. "I accept my years".
"Well, Grandma, I hope you don’t feel too bad today. I plan to come back, and it would be great if we came together".
"Yes, it was good to get back to training..." Julie replied.
"How about we make this our Saturday afternoon girl’s date?" Liv proposed. "We can come to practice and then we’ll go to lunch or shopping or watch a movie... If I’m honest, I need female company. If I keep dating guys alone, my estrogen levels are going to drop drastically".
" HAHAHAHAHA, I think it’s a great idea," Julie replied. "I’m going to tell Areum, a friend of mine, to see if she’ll join us, is it okay? I think you guys would get along".
"Sure! No problem".
"All right, girls! Are you ready?" the coach shouted from across the gym.
Julie and Liv just sighed and went to finish the last 10 minutes of the torture.
The following Wednesday Julie returned to the office. On Saturday, after training, Julie did something she hadn’t done in a long time: she asked for a vacation. She e-mailed her boss and asked for the whole week off, she thought she’d sleep in her apartment all day... But Wednesday morning, Director Kim called her, apologizing and saying that he needed her to come to the office in the afternoon for a meeting on a new project. Originally the meeting was to take place a few weeks later, but the client had a busy schedule and needed to reschedule unexpectedly.
Although she was on vacation, Julie agreed to go, mostly because she was bored in her apartment. Areum was drowning in work and Liv had canceled their afternoon coffee date because they had offered her to choreograph a group of rookies who were going to debut soon, so Julie had nothing to do and no one to talk to.
Julie arrived at the office at 1:30. The meeting was at 2:00, but she always liked to get there early to prepare. And more on that occasion when she didn’t even know the client. What she didn’t expect was to meet a familiar face:
"There you are," Areum greeted her as she entered the meeting room. "I knew you’d be here earlier than the rest, so I came to tidy up and say hi so you wouldn’t have a heart attack when you saw me... and before you say anything... calm down, okay? Everything is going to be fine".
"I don’t understand" was what Julie said. "Weren’t you working a lot on a new project?"
"That’s right... this is my new project and you’re in it".
"Right... of course..."
"Remember a few weeks ago I had to put together a list of specialists for my boss?" said Areum as they sat on the chairs at the meeting table. "Well, the specialists I had to gather were conceptual artists who could participate in the creation of a concept for the next comeback of the artist we are working with. My team wanted to use graphic designers or special effects artists, but I proposed that someone with a slightly more traditional background and experience could be a good choice... and I obviously put your name on the list. My boss came the first week of the Minhyuk-ssi exhibition to see your work and loved it, so he told me to make you an offer".
"I see, and when exactly were you planning to make me the offer?" Julie asked.
"Well, right now... what do you think? Are you in?"
"Areum-ah" sighed Julie, "I appreciate you taking me into account, but I’m not a conceptual artist. Putting together a concept for an industry artist entails processes I can’t even imagine... and it’s not like I can stop coming to the gallery just to..."
"I took care of that," Areum interrupted. "I spoke with Director Kim and this project is going to be a joint effort between our design company and the gallery. We have been negotiating options in the last few weeks and I think he has plans to expand the service offering of this place, so he agreed".
"And in all these weeks of negotiations did it not occur to you to ask me if I was comfortable with the idea?" Julie asked in a cutting tone. It really bothered her that Areum had taken the liberty of talking to her boss and proposing her name to take on a responsibility she was not aware of. "Did it ever occur to you that I might refuse?"
"Of course I thought about it, and I wanted to tell you sooner... I just didn’t find the time to tell you and..."
"That’s no excuse to just decide for me," interrupted Julie tired and upset.
"Actually, that was partly my fault, and I apologize Julie-ssi" Julie and Areum turned towards the direction of the voice and saw Wonho standing in the doorway. "Areum-ssi could not tell you anything before because my company and I did not reach an agreement until this past weekend, and everything has been a bit chaotic these days. There was nothing confirmed, and they had a confidentiality agreement to respect, so the mistake was actually mine".
"Wonho-ssi" said Julie standing. "We didn’t hear you coming in".
"No problem, I hope I didn’t scare you," Wonho replied. "And for what it’s worth, not only was Areum-ssi’s boss impressed with your work but so was I. That’s why when I saw your name on the list, I asked to work with you. I understand that you do not have time or that this project is out of your comfort zone, but I ask you to at least listen to the proposal and the ideas that we have so far. After the meeting, you can decide whether to participate or not. I will understand any decision you make".
Julie had only spoken briefly with Wonho on the day of the inauguration, but from what she could tell, he was a good person. Also, although Julie would deny it if anyone asked her, she knew a little bit about Wonho’s story with the group, and she had also seen what Wonho had accomplished as a soloist.
I’m in trouble, Julianne thought. A part of her wanted to be rational and say "no thanks" to the opportunity they were presenting her, and she had plenty of arguments to do so: she had a good job she liked, she felt calm and satisfied with her career, she wanted to rest a little after the marathon that had been the last months. But there was another part of her that screamed that this was her chance to fulfill the ambitions she had had years ago: while she loved being an art curator, Julie had dreamed of being the artist. Her mother still kept the thousands of sketchbooks she had filled as a child and in her spare time Julie liked to draw... she never went beyond that, but this could be an opportunity to show her ideas.
"Okay," Julie said. "I’m still upset that I’m the last person to hear about this, but I’ll listen to you".
"What a relief," Wonho said.
"You won’t regret it," Areum whispered in her ear just as Director Kim, Wonho’s company manager, and Areum’s boss entered the room. The meeting was starting.
*****
"Hyung, are you leaving?" asked I.M. when he saw Jooheon leave his room.
"Yes, see you later," Jooheon answered as he walked out the door.
Jooheon’s mood had been terrible the last few days. He wasn’t in a bad mood, but he was kind of lost, upset with everything and nothing at the same time. None of them knew what was going on and they had chosen to wait for the rapper to be more receptive.
The truth was that Jooheon was upset with himself. He was worried about the consequences his big mouth could have on his relationship with Julie and he had been thinking hard about how to apologize to her. He had even planned to go to the gallery to talk to her, but on Monday Rei told him that Julie was out of the office and that she would not return until next week.
That was good and bad: good because it gave time for the situation to cool down and both he and Julie could speak more clearly, bad because Jooheon’s anxiety increased each day alongside the feeling of guilt. Although he wasn’t quite sure what he felt guilty about; meaning, yes, he was a brute for saying what he said in the way he said it, but nothing was a lie... Now, what Jooheon didn’t understand was why the situation bothered him so much. True, Julie had been his friend, and he was very fond of her, but his blood boiled every time... Okay, okay, let’s calm down, Jooheon thought.
That day he had a session with Dr. Choi, and he also had a very important question to ask her. He had to concentrate, so he took a deep breath as he walked into the center and greeted everyone on the way to his psychologist’s office.
"Jooheon-ssi, good to see you, come in," Dr. Choi said when Jooheon opened the door.
"Thank you," Jooheon said as he walked in and sat on the couch.
"Well, tell me, how have you been?"
"Doc, I have a question," Jooheon said, interrupting the doctor.
"Oh, sure... go ahead".
"You said I’ve made progress," Jooheon began, "and, well, the point of all this is that, making progress, isn’t it? So... When can I go back to the studio?".
The doctor was silent for a few minutes thinking about how to respond. In fact, she had been waiting for this question for some time and was surprised that Jooheon had not asked it before. It was strange, but also very revealing that the rapper took his time to ask when he could get back what he considered the center of his life.
"What is the reason for this question?" the doctor asked.
"Excuse me?"
"Well... I mean, shouldn’t you ask your company instead?"
"They’re going to ask you, so why ask them if you can tell me directly?" Jooheon argued.
"Are you in such a hurry to get back to the studio?"
"Well... yes"
"In that case, why didn’t you ask me this question before?" she continued.
"I... I’m not sure, but that really doesn’t matter..."
Again, silence. The doctor was thinking about how to respond. While it is true that sometimes in therapy you can follow schedules to treat a patient for a certain time, that was not the methodology she was following with Jooheon, so she could not give him an estimated time. However, the psychologist had thought about this for a while, as at the time the therapy was taking place in an almost controlled environment, as Jooheon had controlled access to equipment and resources... That, plus the fact that Jooheon thought he had everything under control made the doctor’s job more difficult. Maybe if she saw Jooheon working, she would get a better idea of how to help him.  
"Well, why do you want to produce music again?" Dr. Choi asked.
"Because it’s my job," Jooheon replied immediately.
"Is that all?" she continued. "You’re still young, you could change jobs. And if I’m honest, this is the first time anyone’s ever told me they want to do anything again just because it’s their job, it’s interesting..."
"I like my job," Jooheon said. "Maybe those other people you say didn’t like their job, but I do".
"Sure, sure," the doctor conceded. "And what else do you like?"
"We’re straying, aren’t we?" Jooheon replied. "If this is your way of telling me I can’t go back to work yet, I’d rather you tell me directly".
"Part of my job is not to say everything directly, Jooheon-ssi" the doctor replied. "This is a process, and processes require patience. Now, I wasn’t saying no, I just wanted to know if there was anything else you liked besides your job. Some hobby, a sport, a place you like to visit..."
"If I told you all that, can you tell me when I can go back to the studio?" insisted Jooheon, to which Doctor Choi only laughed softly and did not say anything, so eventually, the rapper relented. "Well... I like to exercise, sometimes I go to the gym, or I also train in the dorm. I like to cook, go for a walk, take pictures... lately I like art, partly because of Minhyuk-hyung and his exhibition..."
"And have you done any of that in the last few weeks? You told me that you helped Minhyuk-ssi set up the exhibit, how did that go?" asked Dr. Choi. "I went to see hiter a few days after the inauguration and I liked the tour very much".
"It was good, I think," Jooheon began. "I mean, I liked helping Minhyuk hyung do something he wanted to do for a long time, and I could also get to know him better through his paintings. It was different but good".
"What did you like best?"
"Well... I think the selection part of the art and definition of the concept" Jooheon said. "It’s a lot like composing, you know? You have all these pieces that can fit together in different ways, but the idea is to make them fit in the way that resonates most in the audience or that better conveys a message... just like the melodies and lyrics of the songs. Of course, Jules took care of almost everything, but the job itself reminded me of when I was starting".
"Jules? Someone you know?" the doctor asked.
"Ah... yes, Jules... we were friends from elementary school to high school just until before my debut" explained Jooheon. "She was the curator in charge of the project".
"Oh, I see. And you hadn’t seen each other since your debut with the group?"
"Ehhh, no... I debuted; she went to college... you know".
"Right," the doctor conceded, noting Jooheon’s discomfort in talking about his friend, so she decided to let the subject go and channel the conversation elsewhere. "Jooheon-ssi, let me ask you the question again, okay? But this time, think about your answer for a few seconds. Why do you want to produce music again? What’s the point?"
Jooheon thought about it for a moment. Music was his job, but it wasn’t just before, it was his dream. Before being a trainee, everything was new and great, then when he began to train the desire to improve and get to debut made him forget everything else and helped him to overcome the most difficult moments. When the debut was a reality, the music almost seemed unreal: the days and hours passed between commitments, photography sessions, recordings in the studio, rehearsals with the group... there wasn’t much time to think. Now, music was his job, it had been for years, but was it just that?
"When I’m in the studio," the rapper said, "I’m free. I decide, I write and compose... then I work with the team to improve the initial idea, but at first, I have no limits".
"But at the same time, you have them, don’t you?" the doctor asked. "I mean, your company has standards and conceptual lines to follow. Not to mention, as an idol, you can’t say everything you think exactly the way you think it".
"In my studio, I can say what I want," Jooheon said. "And yes, we have certain rules to follow, but I have learned to play with them... that makes it more interesting".
"Sure, I imagine," the doctor conceded. "Well, why do you ask me this now and not before?"
"There’s a project I want to work on".
"Yours? For your group?"
"Something like that..." Jooheon said. "A friend is going to do a comeback next month and wants to use a song we wrote together a long time ago. It’s not finished, and the lyrics and melody still need to be improved, so we have to work on it. I can do a lot outside of a studio, but it is way more efficient to work with the rest of the team and the tools, and the equipment…"
"I see. And what else would you work on?" the doctor asked. "I mean, would you just work on that song, or would you help him with the entire album...? Tell me a little more about this project".
"Well, Wonho is in charge of the project," Jooheon explained. "He has very specific ideas in mind and is putting together a production and management team to work together. My participation would be mostly in the musical production part, but Wonho also wants the production team to have an input in the construction of the concept, so it would be something more... wholesome?"
"And that interests you? I mean to get out of what you know and do something beyond producing music".
"I want to work with Wonho on this song, and if that means getting out of my comfort zone, that’s fine," Jooheon replied.
"Well... let me propose you something, Jooheon-ssi," said Dr. Choi. "I talk to your company so you can officially participate in this project, but you have to agree to certain conditions. First, you’re going to have at least one day off a week, and by “off” I mean you’re not going to do anything that is directly or indirectly related to the project in any way. Second, at least twice a week, you’re going to do something on this project that has nothing to do with music. Third, we’re going to keep meeting once a week and, in each session, you’re going to bring me a notebook page handwritten on both sides. You can write anything you want, it doesn’t have to make sense or have an order, but it has to be complete on both sides, no more and no less. If you agree, I will talk to your company and I will also inform them of these conditions so that they are aware. So, what do you say? You in?"
“I’m in”.
Again, Saturday arrived, and Julie was getting her things ready to go to train with Liv later. The week before she ended up almost dead, but after a week of vacation, she was ready to return to her routine and had decided to make kickboxing part of that routine... at least for now.
In any case, she didn’t know if she would be able to continue training. After Wednesday’s meeting and a lot of thought, she decided to accept Wonho’s project, so the next month was going to be full of work, especially since Julie was going to have to learn a lot of things from the industry she didn’t know.
As she searched for her shoes, she glanced over the photo albums that were in the box her mother had brought her with her things. She picked up the albums to put them on her bookshelf, but a couple of photos fell out and when Julie picked them up she realized that the three loose photos were of her and Jooheon. The photos were taken by Areum when they were about fifteen years old...
"Yah, Jules, talk to me, will you?" Jooheon demanded. "You can’t still be upset about what I told you..."
"Your head is full of air, you know that?"
"Yeah, I know, so what?"
"AIIISHHHH, you’re impossible," Julianne said as she turned to leave.
"Okay, okay, I’m sorry," Jooheon said stopping her. "Bad joke, I admit... are you really still mad?"
"Let’s see, first you got mad at me because I had a date and I couldn’t go to your place and try the ‘whatever-is-called-salsa’ that you think you invented, and then you basically called me an idiot for dating Erik, and then you arrived at the park where we were meeting, OUT OF NOWHERE, and you started talking to Erik, which made him completely ignore me, and then..."
"If he ignored you, it’s because he’s an idiot" Jooheon cut her off. "Do you think I would let you go out with any kremlin-like-face that asked you out? I’ve seen how he treats girls, and you deserve more than that mediocre wanna-be of a Romeo".
"It took me three hours to get ready".
"And you looked beautiful... but that only reinforces my point," continued Jooheon. "If he was able to ignore you looking like that, he’s an asshole".
Neither of them said anything. They didn’t know what else to say. They were friends, nothing more, but that moment felt different and...
"Arg, kiss already, would you?" Areum said while still holding the camera.
"YAH!" Jooheon and Julie shouted in unison...
I guess it’s not the first time Jooheon puts his nose in my relationships, Julie thought while putting the photos back in the album. The memory of her school years with Jooheon made her laugh and that surprised her. Maybe she was already tired of being angry, maybe she had really missed Jooheon and maybe that was his way of telling her that he still cared about her... a very idiotic way, but it was a take it or leave it situation.
The truth was that Julie didn’t want to resent Jooheon again. The last few days working with him had been fun and yes, he had crossed the line by saying what he said about her and Kang Dae, but clearly, it was not the first time and there was no point in getting angry about something that was not going to change. So, Julie decided to just forget about it and if she saw Jooheon again, which was unlikely, she would act as if nothing had happened...
Anyway, Julie didn’t have much time to think about it. Her cell phone started ringing: it was Liv, she was already waiting for her in front of her building to go training.
****
"All right, ladies!" shouted the coach. "That’s it for today".
"Mphfmpghhhhh" was the only thing the two girls managed to say after the session that Saturday.
Both were quietly lying on the floor while the coach went to meet other customers. They barely had the energy to lift the water bottle, they could barely speak, let alone move.
After 10 minutes, they regained their breath and managed to stand up to go to the showers.
"Please tell me it gets easier," Liv asked.
"I don’t know if it gets any easier, but when you start training combinations it gets more fun," Jules replied.
"Jeez, at least we have a week to recover," Liv continued. "How did you train like this every day?"
"I was young... and a masochist, apparently," Julie replied. "But I think with a couple more sessions..."
"Julie?" asked a voice behind the girls.
Julianne froze. It was definitely the last voice she expected to hear that day, especially since they hadn’t spoken since... well, since...
"Oppa?" Julianne asked back. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing".
Julie and Kang Dae were silent until Liv couldn’t take it anymore and...
"Hi, I’m Olivia" she greeted. "And you must be Julie’s boyfriend".
"Oh, yes, I’m Kang Dae, it’s a pleasure," he replied. "I see you brought Julie to a very interesting place..."
"Ehhh, yeah, well..."
"Hey, Julie! You forgot your gloves," Coach Park interrupted. "You shouldn’t be so careless, with this pair you won the last competition, remember?"
"Oh, yes, coach, thank you very much".
"Well, I’ll leave you both, the boys are waiting for me" said Mr. Park. "Until next week girls".
Again... silence. Kang Dae didn’t know what was that about "the last competition" and that phrase stuck in his head, while Julianne was looking for something to say. She didn’t want to go into details, but Kang Dae clearly wanted explanations. All this was so uncomfortable that Liv had to intervene once again:
"Well, Kang Dae, if you’ll excuse us, we’re dead and we stink. We were on our way to the toilets, so you think..."
"Oh, yes, of course," he replied. "Go ahead, I’ll wait here".
The two friends grabbed their bags and went into the bathroom. None of them said anything, but Liv could sense the nervousness in Julie’s movements. While she didn’t know the full story, it wasn’t hard to guess that Kang Dae knew nothing about Julie’s past and kickboxing, which was strange considering it had been so important to her. Also, it was clear that if Julie had not told her anything, it hadn’t been by accident: she had not wanted Kang Dae to know.
Liv had already detected that Julie and Kang Dae’s relationship was a little different from hers with I.M. Not that it was a bad thing, but she did notice that between Julie and her boyfriend there was a little distance, although when Julie talked about him, she never did it with bad intentions. Although she had not gone into details, she had told her that Kang Dae had been with her in her most difficult moments in college, he also supported her when she decided to change her professional path a bit and was the one who believed in her the most when she started as an art curator at the gallery. She had also told her that because of work Kang Dae had been under a lot of pressure for a little over a year, but that would soon pass.
"Whatever it is," Liv said before getting in the shower, "you’re not alone, Julie".
"Ah?" Julianne replied without understanding since her head was in the clouds.
"Nothing, just... if you want to jump out the window, I’ll jump with you, okay?"
Julie couldn’t stand the laugh. She had no idea where Liv’s idea was coming from, but she thanked her quietly for trying to cheer her up and not ask her questions.
After the bath, the two girls went out to meet Kang Dae... and Julie’s Saturday got even more interesting.
"Kyun? What are you doing here?" Liv asked I.M. as she approached to greet him. The boy was standing at the entrance of the box with Kang Dae and… someone else. "I thought you were going out with the boys".
"Yeah, well, that was the plan," answered I.M. putting an arm around his girlfriend’s waist, "but they all had something to do, except for Jooheon-hyung, so I convinced him to leave the house and we came to invite you to eat with us, right, hyung?"
"Right," Jooheon replied in a low tone.
If the atmosphere was tense before with Julie and Kang Dae, now it was much worse.
When Jooheon entered the gym and saw Kang Dae standing there, his back tightened. Kang Dae did not like to see the rapper either, but he put on a politically correct smile and greeted the two rappers. The girls came out just after Kang Dae and I.M. had introduced themselves and now no one knew where to look.  
"Julie and I are starving," Liv replied as she separated from I.M. and ran to Julie’s side. "And while we’d love to join you, we agreed that Saturdays were girls' afternoons, so I’m sorry for the three of you, but you’ll have to excuse us... I’m sorry you drove all this way for nothing, Kyun, and it was nice to meet you Kang Dae-ssi... see you later, Kyun".
And without saying more, Olivia pushed Julie through the gym door and guide her to her car. Once they were both seated, Julie was able to breathe again.
"Thank you, Liv".
"Nah, it was nothing," the dancer said as she put on her belt. "Well, what do you want? Pizza, fried chicken, Chinese food, ice cream... alcohol...?"
"All of the above?"
"All of the above".
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wow i can’t believe merula’s been lying for possibly years. she’s lying about when she joined r either way, i thought she was meant to be an atrocious liar. but apparently she’s really refined her skills. :/
Oh anon, I know what you mean. That was the number one reason (Well, apart from bias for my favorite character and faith in her) that I thought she couldn't be the Hogwarts Mole, back when the fandom and characters were speculating on who it could be. As I recall, the main suspects people considered were Ben, Alanza, and Merula. But with how Merula was shown to be a pitiful liar, something characters even acknowledge in the dialogue, I figured there was no way she'd be The Mole, that she would have given herself away.
The thing is, though, she did. She totally did give herself away, several times. She just couldn't resist bragging about knowing inside information, nor was she especially stealthy in the constant monitoring of MC. Can't speak for everyone of course, but I think most of us just considered her harmless, if annoying, and didn't believe any of her claims that she knew more about what was going on. In hindsight, she was serious about basically all of it.
I'm not saying that Merula will always be caught in a lie if she tries to tell one, but the more I think about it, the more I don't think she's secretly a brilliant liar or anything. The only time I can think of that would demonstrate this is the Veritaserum scene just before The Sunken Vault - and she didn't even really lie, per se, in that scene. Just manipulated the hell out of MC, playing upon their perception of her. True, there are moments where she really sells herself as being against R...except, it's more like she sells herself as being against Rakepick, and I actually don't think that's a lie. They may both be a part of R, but I suspect the rivalry/vendetta is real.
She may have been developing her skills and her poker face all this time, or in just the past couple of years. And I really think she's probably better at lying now, on the whole, then she was in earlier years...but not by that much. The moment that she abruptly mentions having saved MC in the Sunken Vault once they start to suspect her really stands out. Yes, she's learning to forge an alibi, but she also doesn't seem to notice in the moment how suspicious it is that she offers an alibi without prompting. Almost reminds me of Jacob, now that I think about it. Gives away her guilty conscience.
So the way I see it, she's still a bad liar. It's just that we got so used to her brand of nonsense that it became part of the background of HPHM for a lot of players, or for some of us, something that we actually considered endearing about her. We stopped taking her seriously, and that was our mistake. The clues were all there. It's the classic literary trope. Those of us who consume a lot of media are trained to look for the plot twists and ironies, we expect the unexpected. A character who seems untrustworthy is therefore actually a lot more likely to feel like they can be trusted, provided that they're untrustworthy in the right kind of way, if that makes any sense? Meanwhile, a character who seems too good to be true, very often is. Or, to quote Frodo Baggins himself, "I think a servant of the enemy would look fairer, and feel fouler." My boy was high key genre savvy.
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indigobackfire · 2 years
Text
Lee Family - pt. 1
Barnaby Abernathy Lee
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Sometimes when you're feeling young And you're feeling tough and you're all caught up But you don't walk right and you don't talk right And there ain't nothing wrong with feeling strong (.)
“ Indigo could've never predicted how much the boy's presence would make a difference in their dynamic, even Ben looked calmer and Rowan more relaxed from her stiffness beside him because Barnaby's presence was that refreshing, bright, and fun. Indigo herself couldn't help but smile until her face hurt and at the end of every interaction conclude what a jewel she found in his friendship bringing light everywhere he went, bringing joy with every word he spoke. ”
What do I have to say? Barnaby was believed to be the heir of this wealthy and influential family - considering the low expectations for his father's siblings -, early 70s, his birth was a real event, a beautiful healthy boy. But things shifted under Voldemort's influence, under the promise of more power, under the inflation of egos in their supposed superiority.
How he didn't break under such weight was somewhat of a miracle thanks to dormant light strong enough to sustain the shadows threatening to swallow such a small boy, and despite the delay all the trauma caused in his development, he survived and thrived independent of arrogance and overflowing in grace.
Ferelith Clemence Swanhild Lee
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I wanna savor, save it for later The taste, the flavor, 'cause I'm a taker, 'cause I'm a giver It's only nature, I live for danger (.)
“ Mom was always the most beautiful woman in every room she walked into, the best clothes, the brightest smiles, the softest voice. She could get anyone to do anything with just a few words cause she was that persuasive. But she lost her glow after... after everything. And as much as I look like my dad, it was from her I got these eyes from... bad thing is I got the sadness they carried too. ”
I can't help but imagine Ferelith as the softer side of the family, yet not a model mom. It's from her Barnaby got his charm and confidence, also those bottle green eyes. She's a professional potioner and a real hard worker ever since school despite her abundant upbringing.
She placed lots of her expectations on Barnaby but, despite that, mostly before the Voldemort craze, she cared for him with devoted attention and patience. She would read for him, unhealthly boost his confidence in their pure bloodness, spoil him with gifts and such. She was no saint and Barnaby knows it well, but still, most of his scarce happy childhood memories involve her.
(An addon, I think that, like Narcissa, Ferelith was actually a D.E. by association rather than active choice, therefore she does not have the death mark.)
Earnest Montgomery Lee
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Underneath the pretty face is something complicated I come with a side of trouble But I know that's why you're staying (.)
“ The man was just sitting on his armchair in the twilight, early thirties, quiet, dark suit, handsome structure, and brushed hair. But he stood out to her like a pale white moon in a starless sky, that solid hypnotizing glow demanding attention, that coldness felt even through the distance of time and space, obfuscated by the cloud of adoration and sorrow and pain from Barnaby's mind. And they looked so much alike — Barnaby but devoid of all warmth and affability. ”
What tool this man, well, my opinion aside, Ernest thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread ever since childhood - with a rebel sister, a fool for a brother, it wasn't hard to fall in his parents' graces -, being convinced of his cleverness and superiority, Slytherin was an instant sorting. Professionally that was a giving - cold, driven, smart, highly successful in his career as a financier for several wizarding institutions - but in the family aspect of things... let's just say matters of the heart are not his strongest suit.
Which is not to say, imo, he doesn't love both Barnaby and Ferelith (in his own deranged and abusive ways) - loving himself more, obviously -, but that's kind of the problem with him, it's a really narrow and extremely selfish vision of the people around him, looking down at everyone different or simply out of his circle of influence. It's what I want for you that matters cause what I want is what's best. Needless to say where that mindset took them to...
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lifeofkaze · 3 years
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@carewyncromwell Look what @the-al-chemist sent me!
I think we have another sunshine man face claim, love, what do you think? 🥰😱
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ardent-musings · 3 years
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imma just make this face claim for orion amari. tell me i’m wrong. 🤭
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carewyncromwell · 1 year
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“I won't cry, for you see, When you're gone, I'll still be Bloody Mary.”
x~x~x~x
HPHM Cardverse developed by @ariparri​​​​​ // featuring Cato Reese @catohphm and referencing Veruca McQuaid @ariparri
x~x~x~x
Nearly everyone in the Country of Spades openly mourned the loss of their beloved “Counselor,” the Jack of Spades, Duncan Ashe. He had been very well-liked by most of its people, so even those who hadn’t agreed with him politically or liked him as a person put on a good show of empathy and compassion in the face of it. Even Patricia Rakepick -- who everyone knew was Duncan Ashe’s main rival for power -- spoke very grimly and soberly about the assassination, though there were plenty of people who didn’t believe her act.
One of those people who believed it the least was Jacob Cromwell, a courtier who had been considered Duncan Ashe’s key advisor. The day before Duncan’s death, his mother Lane’s work visa to Hearts had been abruptly rescinded by Rakepick, who claimed that Lane leaving the country posed a threat to national security. Jacob had been so furious that he’d gone straight to Duncan about it, and he wasn’t pleased either.
“Your mother’s not the only one,” Duncan had told him, his jaw clenched with anger. “All visas and permissions that had been previously given have suddenly been revoked, all supposedly because of ‘security concerns.’ Some people have already been arrested on trumped-up charges, to try to prevent them from leaving.”
“Because she’s afraid folks’ll gab about the rotten state of things here, if they’re allowed to leave?” Jacob presumed, his voice pure venom at the thought.
“Pretty much. Rakepick knows the world wouldn’t be on her side in a lot of her positions. She wants to keep this whole thing contained here, in Spades -- even if public opinion isn’t really on her side, she can manipulate that more, if she asserts control here. The less objective sources people can turn to from the outside, the more they’ll have to rely on her and her supporters’ take on things.”
Jacob’s brow furrowed. “But this is overstepping her boundaries, isn’t it? She’s only in charge of the military -- it’s your job to deal with state affairs, Ashe, not hers.”
“Of course it is, and she knows it,” Duncan spat. “She’s gotten really bold, to challenge me like this.”
The Counselor got up from his desk.
“She’s asked me to meet her later tonight,” he said solemnly. “Jacob...I think if your mother has any hope of getting back to Carewyn, she’ll have to find her own way out.”
He paused. His eyes lingered on Jacob’s hand on the desk, but he resisted the urge to take it.
“...And so should you,” he said more quietly.
Jacob’s blue eyes flared. “I’m not leaving you, Ashe.”
“You made this plan for you to leave home because you saw how bad things were getting,” Duncan reminded him. “Don’t play the hero now.”
“Ashe, Rakepick sees you as a threat! If she -- ”
“Your sister needs you,” Duncan told him very sharply. “Your mother needs you.”
It was a pointed blow. Duncan knew Jacob well enough to know how selflessly and unconditionally he adored his family. Jacob quieted immediately.
Duncan swallowed and, clenching his fist as he resisted the urge to take Jacob’s shoulder and squeeze it, he took a step forward, his dark eyes boring into Jacob’s even as his voice grew lower in his throat.
“...Rakepick knows you’re aligned with me, Jacob. You know she and her allies will want to have some sort of leverage over you, to get what they want. Carewyn’s safe from Rakepick for now, but your mother isn’t. And if she has you...well, she has leverage over your mother and Carewyn. ...Over me.”
Jacob looked up at Duncan, startled. Duncan’s face was flushed darkly, but he kept his shoulders very straight.
“Over...?” started Jacob, but Duncan cut him off defensively.
“They love you, Jacob,” he said, his voice growing a little louder as he tried to force Jacob’s train of thought to a halt and redirect it. “You and I both know that if you were in trouble, Carewyn would want to run right back here to save you, and if she did -- well, then she’d be walking right back into Rakepick’s claws, wouldn’t she?”
His dark eyes hardened.
“You Cromwells always put each other over yourselves: it’s what you do. But if you want to protect your family, you’ll have to use that brilliant brain of yours for once and get out yourself. If you don’t, then Rakepick will have the means to catch all three of you. And once she has you, she’ll make you serve her ends -- just to make sure you can never break free again.”
Jacob stared at Duncan for a long moment. Then, setting his jaw, he nodded.
“I’ll write to Mum,” he said lowly. “Tell her to get out now, while she still can.”
“Then you’ll go after?” Duncan pressed him.
Jacob hesitated. Duncan held his gaze,
“...Yes,” Jacob said very quietly after a long moment.
Duncan’s eyes softened. His dark eyes lingered on Jacob’s face, becoming vaguer as they dipped into the creases of his lips -- he even found himself taking a step forward, just to better take in the tiny, charming creases around the other man’s eyes -- the softness of the curl beside his cheek...
“Jacob...” he said lowly.
“Yeah?”
But it was as though the sound of his own voice had startled Duncan back to life. Pride shot back up through his posture like an electric charge, and he immediately stiffened up again, walls coming up around his heart like an armadillo rolling up in a ball.
“...It’s nothing. Just...be careful.”
Jacob watched Duncan head for the door. Duncan could feel Jacob’s blue eyes running along his shoulder and the back of his head, trying and failing to read his expression, but stubbornly pushed back the urge to turn around. He was afraid if he did, he’d have trouble letting go of that curly-haired idiot ever again.
Because Duncan had meant what he’d said -- Jacob being within Rakepick’s reach was dangerous for all those who loved him and longed to protect him. And with the country falling apart from the inside and Veruca’s safety still in active danger after what happened to Coby, Duncan had more than enough to worry about as it was.
He couldn’t afford to worry about Jacob. He couldn’t be paralyzed with fear thinking of what might happen to Jacob, if things got much worse -- not when he had the whole Country of Spades to consider.
x~x~x~x
That very night, following his meeting with Duncan, Jacob sent an urgent note to his mother via a courier. The following morning, the whole Country of Spades learned the horrible news of Duncan Ashe’s assassination.
When Jacob received the news of Duncan’s death, he was absolutely beside himself with grief. His reaction to the news, coupled with the message from Rakepick demanding an audience with him, was so out of control that Jacob ended up violently taking his feelings out on all of the guards who had been assigned to guard the Ace of Spades when he went to confront her. After taking down a good thirty men with nothing but his own two fists and the blunt side of a shot gun, Jacob was finally overcome by Rakepick’s chief stooge, a dark-haired man named Kazuhiro Shiratori, and about ten other soldiers providing back-up. As it’d turned out, Jacob hadn’t had any additional shot or powder besides the one currently in the gun, hence why he’d only used the blunt side of it like a club. Many of Rakepick’s supporters insisted the lone shot in the gun was clearly intended for the Ace of Spades. If it weren’t for Rakepick herself intervening and ordering his imprisonment, Jacob Cromwell likely would’ve died that day.
It was nearly two weeks later that Rakepick followed up with Jacob in his cell. When she arrived, she found the prison quiet and still, except for a low, melancholy song echoing down the empty stone halls.
“Our duty first -- love must not lead... What might have been, had fate decreed? ‘Twere better far, had we not met -- I loved you then...I love you yet... Say ‘au Revoir,’ but not ‘Goodbye’ -- The past is dead: love cannot die. ‘Twere better far, had we not met -- I loved you then...I love you yet...”
Rakepick had heard Jacob Cromwell sing before -- she’d heard both him and his younger sister Carewyn sing in passing, so she had no trouble picking out that familiarly handsome Tenor tone, even despite its slight tear-soaked rasp.
He was grieving. However handsome his voice sounded, it echoed with bottomless pain -- the aching and longing of a man who’d lost the love of his life.
It made Rakepick’s eyes narrow that bit more as the prison guard escorted her down the hall toward Jacob’s cell.
“Jacob Cromwell, your Majesty,” the guard said dutifully.
Rakepick looked into the cell. Jacob had been bound with four different chains, each restraining his limbs to keep him tightly locked to the wall. His left sleeve was completely ripped off his shirt, he was nursing several bruises on his face, and his lip was bleeding.
Jacob looked up through the bars at the sound of the guard’s voice. The sight of Rakepick made him violently shoot to his feet, only to be held back like an attack dog on a leash by the chains binding him.
“You!” he snarled.
Rakepick’s expression became a little stonier.
“Hello, Jacob,” she said lowly.
Her eyes flitted to the guard. “Leave us.”
The guard gave a little bow, before marching back up the hall.
“What do you want, you murderous snake?” Jacob spat.
Rakepick waited for him to be fully out of sight before addressing Jacob. Her dark blue eyes were very cool upon him.
“Is that how you refer to the woman who spared your life?” she asked dryly.
“I know what you did to Coby -- to Ashe!” snarled Jacob. “Ashe was supposed to meet with you that very night, when he died -- ”
“A fact that gives me no solace, in the face of his assassination,” Rakepick cut him off in a very crisp, rehearsed sort of voice. “Believe me, had I not been waiting to meet with the Jack at the location agreed upon, I may have prevented his suffering...and yours, by extension.”
“You lying -- !”
“I do lament that things had to turn out this way, Jacob,” Rakepick said a bit more quietly. “Whether you believe me or not, I sincerely do.”
She folded her arms behind her back, pacing absently to the left as she considered Jacob out the side of her eye. Then, after a moment, she spoke again.
“...When was the last time you spoke to your mother?”
Jacob twitched. He glared up at her, but didn’t reply.
“Jacob,” said Rakepick very sharply. “I asked you a question.”
“And I didn’t answer it,” Jacob shot back very coldly.
“Jacob, your mother has gone missing,” said Rakepick. “No one’s seen her in the last two weeks -- the museum has heard nothing from her, and your flat has been abandoned.”
Jacob didn’t react with any kind of surprise. This seemed to be the answer Rakepick had been looking for -- her eyes narrowed, flaring with more fire than ever.
“Where is she?” she said very quietly.
Jacob didn’t respond -- instead he just turned his head away. Rakepick took hold of the bars, her eyes searing at Jacob through them.
“Your mother avoided an official summons from the Court of Spades,” she said sharply. “As you know, that in itself is a criminal offense. And with her visa already having been revoked out of a concern for national security, that now makes your mother a wanted woman, in the eyes of both the military of Spades and the country overall. When they find her, our officers will show no mercy -- unless you give me some information I can use to find her first.”
Again, Jacob didn’t answer. Rakepick’s eyes narrowed that bit more.
“That same information could also earn you your freedom, as well, if you merely cooperate,” she murmured. “I’ve already sent a letter to your sister’s university, telling her as much.”
The mention of Carewyn made Jacob shift slightly on the floor. Rakepick tried to latch onto this.
“Carewyn would be more than capable of advocating for you at your trial -- she more than knows the law well enough to argue a plea deal before the court. Then you can go back to living just the way you did before, here in Spades. Maybe even better than before. The army could use a mind like yours...as well as your sister’s.”
Jacob bowed his head. Rakepick tilted her head a bit, trying to gauge Jacob’s expression. Then, after a long moment, without moving off the floor, Jacob very slowly raised his head again to look back up at Rakepick.
His almond-shaped blue eyes were glinting with spite, and his lips curled up in a very large and cold smirk.
“‘And once she has you...she’ll make you serve her ends, just so you can never break free again,’” said Jacob. “Looks like Ashe really had you pegged.”
The curly-haired young man sharply rose to his feet, the chains rattling loudly in the movement as he got as close to the bars he could.
“Sorry, Rakepick -- but Lane Cromwell is long gone, and well out of your reach. And Wyn is more than wise enough to see through your little game -- no matter what you might tell her, or what you might threaten me with, she will never come back to Spades...and she will never serve you.”
Jacob’s eyes blazed with hatred despite the satisfaction in his expression.
“And once I break out of here myself,” he whispered venomously, “you’ll have no more leverage over my family. And I swear, I will not rest until you meet an end even more painful than the one you thrust upon Ashe.”
By the time Jacob was finished, Rakepick’s expression had hardened, losing all possible trace of compassion.
“...Very well.”
She stared Jacob down for a long moment, her dark blue eyes just as fiery and resentful as his. Then, turning on her heel, she called down the hall.
“Guard!”
The dutiful guard from before scrambled down the hall so as to meet Rakepick.
“Yes, your Majesty?”
“Double the watch on the prisoner,” Rakepick said very coldly, “and cut three links off his restraints. I don’t want him going anywhere.”
The guard saluted, before dashing off down the hall. Rakepick shot a look over her shoulder at Jacob.
“If you will not recant your past crimes and help us locate your mother, then your execution date will be set,” she said callously. “I sincerely hope for your sister’s sake, you have a change of heart on the matter -- it would pain me deeply, to have to inform her of her brother’s passing -- ”
“You contact my sister again, and I’ll show you the meaning of pain, you heartless witch,” Jacob spat.
Rakepick sighed tiredly. “You know, Jacob, your brain could earn you the honor and esteem of the world...but your temper really does make you impossible to work with.”
With this, she strode out of the prison.
x~x~x~x
That spring, across the border in the Land of Clubs, the Ace of Clubs, Cato Reese, was startled by a message he received from a town up near their northern border. An emaciated and exhausted-looking woman had been found collapsed in a heap on the railroad tracks just north of the capitol and had been brought to the local hospital to recover. When she’d awoken and someone had told her she was in the Clubs, she’d asked if anyone could help her find someone named Orion Amari.
“Someone named Orion Amari” -- it was a phrase that could make just about anyone in the Land of Clubs laugh, considering who Orion Amari was. But Cato instead found it very concerning, and he was sure to tell Orion so, when he escorted the King of Clubs on Abraxan-back up north toward the hospital where the strange woman was recovering.
“Madam Sprout’s letter noted that her manner of dress was distinctly foreign,” Cato said thoughtfully. “A worn wool skirt, a pinstriped waistcoat and white gloves...even the pocketwatch found on her was emblazoned with a crest of Spades.”
“That would explain her not knowing my position,” said Orion serenely.
“Maybe,” Cato granted as he adjusted his grip on the reins of his Abraxan steed, “but...well, I’ve seen those sorts of pocketwatches before. The Jack of Spades had one when he came to visit, remember? That has to indicate she’s got to be at least a little familiar with the Court of Spades, wouldn’t it? But if she’s encountered you through the Court of Spades, then she would have to know you’re the King of Clubs...”
“And yet she doesn’t,” finished Orion.
“Exactly.”
Orion’s steed Tralee gave a light murr. The King of Clubs brought a gentle hand through her silvery white mane to soothe her.
“It seems this stranger has some knowledge of me outside of my position as King,” Orion said, and he too looked intrigued now. “Let us get to the bottom of that swiftly.”
x~x~x~x
When the King and Ace arrived at the hospital, Madam Sprout led them under seemingly endless ceilings and past beautiful wooden pillars carved to resemble the trees that framed the building’s exterior. They migrated all the way to the far end of the ward, which held the bed belonging to the woman in question.
She was an older woman, likely the age to be both Cato and Orion’s mother, with long blond hair around a heart-shaped face and shadows under her eyes, which shone a bright, almond-shaped blue.
A very familiar blue...
When Orion and Cato approached, the woman looked up. Despite the frailness of her features, her eyes were very bright and alert.
“You have visitors, Lane,” Madam Sprout said kindly.
The name made a strange light of recognition spark to life in Orion’s eyes. Cato glanced at him, but his face was a mask he couldn’t quite read as he walked up to the woman’s bedside.
The woman called Lane smiled at Orion.
“Are you Orion?” she said. Her voice was very soft and oddly fragile, and yet echoed with warmth and hope.
“Yes,” said Orion.
Lane’s expression bloomed like a flower, her lips spreading into a full, relieved smile. She reached out to gently take Orion’s hand in both of hers, even if the kind gesture made Orion stiffen like a lightly startled cat.
“It’s so wonderful to finally meet you,” she said earnestly. “Even if it is like this. Winnie’s spoken so highly of you...”
“‘Winnie?’” repeated Cato, confused.
He looked to Orion for an explanation, but Orion was instead solely focused on Lane.
“Would your name...be Lane Cromwell?” the King asked, his voice very soft.
“Yes,” said Lane. “I’m Carewyn’s mother.”
That strange glint from before took over Orion’s eyes at that name, shining much brighter than before and yet also looking more tense.
“You were supposed to join Carewyn in the Kingdom of Hearts this last winter,” murmured Orion. “And yet you are here. I feel that I should be very concerned, about that.”
Lane’s eyes welled up with pain.
“The army blocked my work visa at the last moment,” she explained.
“Rakepick’s officially shut down all transport in and out of the Country of Spades,” supplied Cato, and Orion glanced at him. “She just shut down the railroad three days ago.”
“I thought she would,” said Lane. “I knew I’d need to show identification to use the train anyway...that’s why I just decided to follow the tracks on foot. I knew they’d take me to the Land of Clubs...even the Kingdom of Hearts eventually, if I just kept going...”
“You went on foot?” said Cato, alarmed. “To do that -- it must’ve taken you weeks to get here...”
“What of your son, Jacob?” Orion asked. His hands were clasped tightly in front of him as he regarded Lane. “He worked for your Jack of Spades, didn’t he?”
Another pained shudder rippled over Lane’s expression.
“...When my visa was blocked, Jay promised to follow up with the Jack of Spades. When I returned home that night, a courier brought me this -- ”
She leaned over to pick up a water-stained, crumpled-up letter, which Cato unfolded and read aloud:
“‘Mum -- your fears were right. Rakepick doesn’t want you leaving the country. Ashe has said there are already others who’ve been rounded up and put in jail after trying and failing to leave.’”
Cato shot a quick glance at Orion. His King’s black eyes had narrowed slightly.
“‘I’ll have to stay in the capitol tonight, to finish up some work for Ashe,’” Cato pressed on. “‘In the meantime, pack your things and leave the Country of Spades, now. It doesn’t matter where -- just run. I know you’ll want to wait for me so we can leave together, but I won’t be home for at least a whole day, and the Ace might get to you before I do. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be for us all to get out. Don’t worry -- I’ve already promised Ashe I’ll be right behind you, and now I’m promising you. I’ll find Wyn, and then I’ll find you. I love you. Jacob.’”
“Then it’s as we feared,” Orion murmured.
Orion looked from Lane, who had bowed her head to try to obscure the grief in her expression, to Cato.
“I must make contact with Veruca,” he said solemnly. “She’ll want to know at least one of the new Queen of Spades’ targets successfully escaped.”
Lane looked up, very startled.
“Queen?” she repeated, her soft voice incredibly tense and urgent.
Cato nodded grimly. “Patricia Rakepick recently took on the mantle of Queen, in the advent of Duncan Ashe’s death. She claimed it was out of a desire to ‘better centralize noble authority.’”
Despite the stability of his voice, the Ace of Clubs’s disapproval was apparent. Orion, whose face was a bit more stoic, clasped his hands in front of him as he looked out the window, his eyes absently resting on Tralee, who was tied up securely outside the hospital.
“We’ll use the regular channels, to reach Veruca,” he told Cato solemnly. “For Carewyn, however, I may need to be more direct...”
“Are you planning on going to the Kingdom of Hearts yourself to see her?” said Cato, surprised.
“I have sent letters to the university of Hearts, and they have reached her there,” said Orion. “Perhaps if I request an audience with the King and Queen of Hearts, I can use that as an excuse to likewise seek out a direct audience with Carewyn.”
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magicapandora · 3 years
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Rosie Forget-me-Not Mayfield
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auroracrystal1 · 2 years
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If Hogwarts Mystery was made as anime.
Artist :
https://instagram.com/nikki__1115?utm_medium=copy_link
@missnight0wl I just watched the artist's works, and suddenly I couldn't stop thinking about these characters.
So here we are.
Dark witch with a wide-brimmed black hat with feathers
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Verucca
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Rakepick
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Wizard in white
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Victor Ketsueki
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missnight0wl · 11 months
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I don't get why people put Rowan in Ravenclaw just because they are a nerd when their intense loyalty (toward MC in particular) and ambition make Slytherin fit them like a glove.
Oh, tell me about it! Like, no offence to anyone who claims that, but people insisting that Rowan is obviously a Ravenclaw is one of my biggest pet peeves about this fandom. And while I absolutely see your point about Slytherin, the thing is that Rowan fits really well into every House. The same goes for MC because those characters were purposefully written that way: to fit into every player’s story. I even remember seeing Matt London’s post addressing this very thing (although I believe he talked only about MC).
No, but seriously. Let’s take a look.
Gryffindor. Back in Y2 when Rowan got hurt because of the Snowflake Door, they were absolutely terrified because it was the closest they ever got to dying. They also didn’t want to return to the Cursed Vaults. Still, after talking to MC, they decided that they can help in other ways. Later on, Rowan is even one of the options to accompany MC to the Vault of Ice. And they do agree if you ask them! Honestly, the theme of “bravery is not the lack of fear but facing your fears” is really quite common in the series (with Neville, Ben, and whatnot), so I don’t get why it’s not a more common conclusion. Also, you know how people claim that Rowan is the HPHM version of Hermione? Well, look at what House Hermione was.
Ravenclaw. Ok, so this one doesn’t need much explanation. It’s no secret that Rowan loves to learn. Although I think it’s important to point out for a Ravenclaw!Rowan in particular that for Rowan it’s not just about being a good student. They quite clearly enjoy gaining knowledge on its own.
Slytherin. Rowan might be the most ambitious person in MC’s year, if you ask me. I’d say that they can be quite determined and resourceful, too. As for loyalty you mentioned… Well, the thing is that loyalty per se is actually a Hufflepuff trait. Slytherin is more about brotherhood. And sure, you could argue that it’s similar to loyalty, but I feel that Rowan’s loyalty is more of a Hufflepuff ind.
Hufflepuff. Ok, so here we have the loyalty I mentioned above. I guess you could also call Rowan hard-working, though I’d personally qualify it rather s ambition. Still, I think that the very Hufflepuff thing about Rowan worth keeping in mind is how inclusive they are. because the thing is that Rowan didn’t have to choose MC for their friend. If they had a different personality, they could’ve decided to start fresh, befriend someone who wouldn’t have a bad reputation already.
Rowan has a pretty solid basis to be in any House, in my opinion. Let’s add to it in-game choices and personal headcanons… And honestly, I really can’t say that one interpretation is more valid than the other.
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silenceclittle · 4 years
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KIM DAHYUN AS TULIPA KARASU
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drinkyoursoupbitch · 3 years
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My personal HPHM Grownup face claims
A not at all comprehensive list of the faces I picture in my head as I think about Wendy's version Hogwarts Mystery universe. Part 1, I guess? Starting with a few bois...
Niall Horan as Murphy McNully
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George Mackay as Ben Copper
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Oscar Isaac as Diego Caplan
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Brenden Frasier as Barnaby Lee
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Richard Madden as Charlie Weasley
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