supernovae

Surely Amycus could fight off anyone who caused Alecto harm, intentionally or otherwise. But Emma wasn’t going to settle for Amycus’s actions. She wanted her friend to know that she would be there for her, no matter what. Most of the time, such sentiments went unsaid between the two of them. But just in case Alecto forgot, Emma wanted to remind her. “Well, if Amycus gets too busy with his girlfriend, just know you have Cissa and I to make threats on his behalf.” Other ways to get what she wanted? Emma knew logically that was true, but she didn’t feel it. What she wanted more than anything was something impossible… so while she could get close to what she wanted, it didn’t mean that she could have it all. “It doesn’t have to hurt, but it does. It’s still fresh, and I can’t just push two years of my life aside and feel happy for things that happened without feeling horrible about never having those things again. I don’t want to give up, but I also know that if I don’t, I’ll be putting my life and his on the line. I – I just can’t do that.”

alecto had to laugh at that, she knew amycus had been very busy and focused on his girlfriend but she liked emmeline and was glad to see them both happy again even if it meant she was seeing very little of her brother. “i will always appreciate the extra help.” but she rarely complained, with her list of defenders growing she was likely to complain even less than she already did. sometimes good intentions had a way of backfiring. “i know, it’s all still new but it’s just something to think about as time passes. that happiness, eventually, becomes a choice.” slight jealousy sparked because emma had a chance to make that choice at all. “and never say never, like i just said, some betrothals fall through for whatever reason.” if that reason was because someone pushed elodie allaire into a public meltdown, well, that would be something wouldn’t it? “there are ways you know, of changing things very quietly.” she understood the meaning of emma’s words and it made her deeply sad to know her friend had been threatened somehow but alecto had been working under those circumstances her entire life, she knew a few tricks. 

NARICISSA

                    as soon as she said the words she was sure she’d missed the mark but alecto’s words soon quenched that worry ❝ it’s a plan them ❞

“Well, whoever you end up with, for fun or otherwise, they better treat you like the queen that you are. Because if they don’t, they won’t know what’s coming.” She would fiercely defend her friend, even more so than she would defend herself. And Cissa would be right there with her. Emma was certain of it. “Having high standards is different from meeting them,” she noted. “And I don’t have backup plans. Not yet. That’s what I need you for – to help me figure out what else I can do. What I’m good at, what I’m capable of…” Emma shrugged. It wasn’t Alecto’s fault that things had been so terrible, and there wasn’t much more than she could say. “There’s not much to do about it now, I guess. I just have to move forward. Because I can’t look back, because if I do, I’ll only feel worse about everything. I just feel like I’m barely even myself anymore. I don’t recognize parts of myself… and that worries me.”

“somehow i doubt that will happen.” she laughed even though it wasn’t appropriate but she only realized that after the fact. “i mean, i don’t have expectations like that, but i’m sure one threat from amycus would be enough that i’d at least be safe.” safe was as much as she could hope for right now, anything else was asking too much. but until she had a ring on her finger she’d pursue her dreams of being a potioneer. “oh, i don’t think you need back up plans in that sense, though i’m happy to help with that as well. i mean, other ways to get what you want without giving up your dreams.” alecto didn’t quit easily, if she cared about someone or something and she didn’t want emma to either. the girl was already fighting for her love life, why not for herself and career too? “looking back doesn’t have to hurt though, does it? you have what, two years of happy memories with evan? things you can cherish and laugh at and enjoy. and who says you’re done anyway? not every betrothal works out, for some reason or another. i had two fall through before i was seven years old.” before she was outwardly beautiful, when those families thought she looked like a red-haired little gremlin with a thin face and big ears. “if you want to fight this, i’ll help with that too.” she’d do anything to help emma, to aid her in getting her dream because emma’s was still more realistic than alecto’s and one of them deserved to be happy, statistically.

The apology wasn’t what Ariel expected and it threw her. She looked up from the plant giving Alecto a slight frown but shrugged it off, “Haven’t been in the mood for blood supremacist families lately,” Not that she ever was in the mood, but lately after all the reading she had been doing she was particularly on edge around many of them. 

she had just apologized but it seemed she’d done so much too soon. her heart clenched in her chest and she fought the sting of tears at the corners of her eyes. “it never occurs to anyone, it seems, that just because i carry a certain surname doesn’t mean i’m a blood supremacist. as if i’m a clone of my parents. i’ve never even espoused beliefs of any derogatory kind and yet here you are, ariel, calling me a bigot. my experience has been that too many of you and your friends are the prejudiced one while i’m just trying to survive to graduation.” she said pointedly, her voice thick with emotion as she pushed down the soil around her plant, keeping her eyes firmly on it and not on the girl beside her.

“I’d think so. I mean, come on. You’re everything a person could want. And if they don’t want you, they’re both blind and stupid.” And boring. Emma could build up her friend all day, and if that’s what Alecto wanted, she’d be happy to oblige. “I want people to think highly of me and I want to do what I want. Is that so much to ask? To have my wedding cake and eat it too?” She sighed. “I feel like you’re one of the few people who doesn’t think I’m completely crazy or that I’ve turned into some kind of monster right now. I – I really appreciate you, you know that?”

the flattery was kind and not wholly unwelcome but alecto wasn’t fond of hearing about her appearance or having it be the focus of who she is and what she deserved based on it. she stifled her irritation because emma was just complimenting a friend, she meant no harm. but alecto hurried to change the subject. “i don’t mind stupid, sometimes. the dumb ones can be so naively sweet.” she gave a small laugh at that, memories moving past her mind. “i think you have high standards for yourself, which is wonderful, if you have contingency plans for if or when you fall short of your own expectations.” she said with more grace than she felt. “i want you to get everything you want, especially because your desires are just so earnest and straight forward, it shouldn’t be this hard and i’m sorry it has been, em.” she was nothing if not sincere. “you’re not a monster though, anyone who thinks otherwise can come to me and i’ll give them a better definition and example.” she wasn’t a fighter, not physically and most of her time had been spent in etiquette and learning defensive and healing magic. she was sure she could hold her own in a duel but she didn’t care to find out. 

NARCISSA

                    ❝ i say we raid the kitchens and go for a picnic at the great lake? ❞ she wasn’t quite sure if it was distraction enough for alecto but it was her only idea ❝ the weathers lovely today and merlin only knows how long it’ll last ❞

he couldn’t help the laughter that escaped or the playful roll of his eyes – how easily everything seemed natural when it came to the redhead before him, “it’s my favourite sight –” he teased, “it wasn’t always so kind and don’t get me started on you – you have men all but passing out at the sight of you –” he grumbled. it was true – alecto carrow was drop dead gorgeous and he wasn’t even sure that she knew it. he radiated warmth as he watched her, fuck she was endearing and humble when it came to the impact that she had on his life.

“that is unfortunately true, i can’t say i’m a vanilla person –” he admitted, nose scrunching in disdain, she wasn’t wrong – he didn’t necessarily need a wild child, but he did need someone who could keep up, the only person who had managed so far was just unattainable and that killed him. “i don’t doubt that for a second –” he sighed, smile stretching as he watched her, if anyone could keep him in check or remind him how valuable he was, it was her. shifting closer as he tuned in – rabastan had never mastered the art of the poker face and that was clear as day in this moment as a frown toyed at his lips. he couldn’t stop the way the irritation sunk in – men were assholes. yes, he had the potential to be one, but merlin – read the room. you could always tell where someone was at, what they wanted to an extent – it was an instinct and the idea of someone backing her into corner, wanting to move  faster than she was willing – it made him sick and for the first time in a while, he craved to sink his fist into a jaw, but she snapped him out of it. eyes widening with pride as she announced her punishment, “that’s my girl –” he murmured, she could take care of herself – he knew it. he didn’t want her to have too, but he wasn’t going to diminish her win with his own feelings of irritation.

she smirked at him, the joking was easy but she knew he valued more than his own pretty face and that was more than enough to make her laugh. “i’m not so sure, i’ve been admiring that face for far too long.” she admitted, rabastan had always been beautiful in his own way, even if it wasn’t purely physical, alecto had an appreciation for all kinds of beauty. “me?” she laughed again, another rose blush creeping across the bridge of her nose. she was certain it was quite a look but she never shied away from it, why should she? “i’ve never seen anyone pass out, but i did once witness a girl fan herself, quite the ego boost.” she knew she was attractive and it was something she often hated about herself. her mum had shoved the importance of physical beauty down her throat since she was a toddler, forcing alecto to spend hours looking at herself in a mirror, picking apart every flaw. and now she spent hours on her hair, make up, outfits as if that would save her or earn her something with her mum, but it never did. 

“crazy, right?” years of mastering the perfect smile – the facade finally paid off, was the heart capable of wincing? because her casual dismissal might have fucked him a little. it only seemed like karmic justice – what he dished out, it was what he got and as much as he’d want to say something all that came out was, “no thank you – i don’t need to relive the days where puberty wasn’t so kind –” he joked. he cherished those days – the days where it was just him and her all the time, labels were the farthest thing on his mind – how unattainable they were was not something he pondered and looking at her, just craving to be close didn’t hurt. his gaze softening at the detachment in her tone, “hey – i know–” he muttered, he didn’t need to thank her for her to feel the gratitude, one look at him and she would know that the support that he got from her was unparalleled –that she knew the hell that he faced at home and having her even willing to step between him and his brother, to protect him – he will never know how to thank her for that. 

despite the rabbit hole he seemed to be spiralling down into, he couldn’t help but laugh quietly at her tone, “you know, most women request for a tamer version –” he murmured, it was a true testament about how she adored him. this version – the real version of him that didn’t filter himself for anyone, “kitten, i was kidding – you think i can do that to myself? i dread the day that i bore myself to death with my own antics –”   he couldn’t hide the way his gaze narrowed, as much as he was trying to play it cool, “really? what happened? what did they do?” this was what jealousy felt like – he wasn’t an idiot, he knew that she dated just like he did, but he always kept a distance when she did, still available for every summoning, but for his own sanity – he never lingered too close. he would rather have amycus deal with the idiot than have the ugly green monster in him come out for the world to see, “define took care of it –”

for a moment she imagined it, felt her stomach flip in the most unusual way. she tended to avoid any strange or unexpected emotions, it was just better for her. but her and rabastan on a date? they’d certainly have fun but it couldn’t ever go anywhere, he simply didn’t think of her in that way, how could he? he was practically her volunteer brother, there was no changing how someone looked at you anyway. “puberty was always kind to you, have you looked in a mirror lately? don’t answer that.” she grinned. she felt almost possessive of those memories, when everything was just good and simple, as it always felt, when she was with him. rabastan just had this vibe, they’d always had a genuine connection she couldn’t explain and would jealously guard. she heard his tone shift and ducked her head, long eyelashes brushing pink cheeks as she stared at her shoes for a second. the sincerity in his voice always moved her and she turned her gaze back on him to nod in silence. no one made her desire to use the forbidden curses more than rodolphus lestrange. if she ever had an opportunity to bring him harm she’d take it and run. 

It was an easy enough proposal. There had to be dozens of people who would line up to have fun with Alecto. Hell, even Emma had to admit that the girl was more than drop dead gorgeous – she was smart, driven, powerful and alluring. “That seems easy enough. Who would say no to some fun with you? Hell, I’d sign up myself,” Emma teased. She wasn’t going to admit that she actually meant the words she said. She wasn’t certain that she even liked women in that way – and she certainly couldn’t imagine her parents’ reactions if she ever considered bringing a girl home to meet them. “D’ya think? What a way to go, though. I’d be like the inferi.” She’d read about them before, somewhere. “And it isn’t like being a wife and a mum isn’t hard work. It’s just as much a job as anything else – you just don’t have your own income for it. Which, at the end of the day, isn’t that bad. If anyone knows that love and marriage aren’t simple, I’d think it’s us, don’t you think?”

alecto shrugged, she knew she was fun and beautiful but she wasn’t so vain to think she could snag anyone. she raised an eyebrow at her friend however and laughed “is that so?” alecto had never been shy about her attraction to both men and women, she hadn’t been shy with her affections in public and her family had not bothered to care about it either, as long as she fell in line when the time came for her to betrothed. but emma had never given any indication, to alecto anyhow, about her possible desire to ----learn new things. and while she was flattered she wasn’t about to indulge her own desires, she’d much rather enjoy emma’s friendship than ruin it with some heavy petting. “inferi, no thanks.” she shuddered. “i agree, so don’t worry about what other people will think if that’s what you want. it’s a lovely thing to desire and pursue.” she nodded in agreement with the brunette, trying not to give away just how much she wished her desires were that ---sweet.

“red, is this a date? you can’t just spring this on me – i’m clearly not emotionally prepared for that and excuse you, i’m not ignoring it, it’s there. something else has my attention –” he chuckled, cocking a brow – he loved pushing her buttons, anything to keep that pink tinge on her cheeks and that laughter echoing throughout the room, pince’s wrath be damned. “what’s left of my self-esteem, merlin knows that he must be bored –”

“i guess we’ll see –” wiggling his brows, “come on, is that fear i hear? am i that bad?” he gasped, hand clutching the skin above his heart, “i’m still about fifty percent of a gentleman and surely, i can play nice–”  

“merlin no, could you imagine? you and i on a date? reminds me of our old tea parties though, i’m sure mum has photos of those somewhere, i should ask her to send them.” two could play this game. in fact, she supposed she was only as witty and sharp as she was mostly due to the games of wit she had played with rabastan since they were kids. not that she’d ever tell him that, but he kept her on her toes in the best way. “if he comes for you bas, i’ll repay the gesture.” she said, suddenly cold.

Though she wasn’t sure that she should, Emma placed her full trust in Alecto. The woman seemed to know what she was talking about, and Emma couldn’t remember the last time that Alecto had failed her. She was a good friend, a good student, and overall, a good witch. Surely whatever she brewed would help Emma have a restful night of sleep. “Thank you. Really. If I can make it up to you in any way, Alecto, let me know. I can’t tell you how badly I need this.” Maybe Alecto was right. Maybe she wasn’t on her own. But all the same, so much of it felt lonely, so much of it felt inescapable and solely inside of her own head. All the venting in the world couldn’t help with that. “You’re one of the best friends I could ask for,” she replied, giving Alecto a small smile. “I honestly have no idea what I’d do without you.” She wondered if Alecto would judge her for what she wanted. Alecto was brighter than most. She was good at almost everything she set her mind to. Surely she would feel sorry for Emma if Emma admitted that she wanted nothing more than to get married and raise children. “Is it bad if I do? That’s what I’ve always wanted – to raise a family. So much so that I never really made other plans.”

“tell you what,” alecto began, a grin on her lips, “you get some sleep and then help me find someone cute to have fun with in my final year.” maybe it would help emma take her mind off things and it wasn’t as if alecto had the best taste in boys or girls. she’d dated a fair amount in the past but nothing was ever serious for her, which she preferred. fun little flings with beautiful people, how could she complain? but she did covet what emma had with evan and she’d do what she could to help emma get that back. “well, you’d probably die of sleep deprivation.” she said matter of fact, trying to make her friend laugh if it was the last thing she did and mentally going through her potion prep. “is it bad----of course not!” she said indignant, offended nearly. if anyone had told emma otherwise ---- “too many people make it seem like being a wife and a mum is silly because they think it’s guaranteed. but finding someone you love, choosing to spend your life with them and have kid with them. i think it sounds lovely. no one said you had to do something crazy ambitious to be valid, especially when something as simple as love and marriage isn’t so simple anymore.”