live fast while you're young honey

amelia susan bones: 

“Sweet, crazy conversations full of half sentences, daydreams and misunderstandings more thrilling than understanding could ever be.” -- toni morrison, beloved. 

MODERN AMELIA BONES

because i wanted to make an edit and had this template so why not?

That’s fair. Though still, you think that would’ve mellowed him out a bit, to get actual affection. [ he shakes his head ] I hope I do, because right now it’s just nonstop madness. I barely have enough time to eat my lunch. 

“He likes cuddles from time to time but I am actually convinced it’s just because he’s cold and is stealing my body heat.” She shook it off, deep down she knew her owl loved her, or he’d have taken off a long time ago, but it was hard to tell sometimes, really. “I survive off tea and granola bars, nothing I can’t eat while walking. That you just get used to. Bring food that travels well.” 

You’re plenty talented, don’t give me that. How’d you manage to get him to be friendly in the first place, if he’s always been that nasty? [ he nods ] I can manage that, yeah. Can’t say I’ll have a ton of free time, but I’ll do my best. It’s crazy in that office, I’ve never seen anywhere so busy. 

The witch gave an honest shrug and shook her head. “He just recognizes I guess that I’m the only who he hasn’t terrorized to the point of hatred so I’ll still feed him.” She laughed warmly. “You’ll get used to it, Remus. There is a pattern to the business, like everything else. It ebbs and flows.” 

He really needs to learn how to make friends. I bet you trained him like that on purpose so he’d love no one but you. [ he laughs ] I have to finish mine first, but I’ll help you if I’ve got time. [ he shrugs ] Uhm, dunno’, I draw people a lot, I just sorta’ doodle, I dunno’. Whatever I feel like drawing. I was a very bored child, I needed something to do.

“I only wish I was that talented,” she countered with a sigh which dissolved quickly into giggles. “He’s just always been like that, I saw him at Eeylops and knew I had to have him, when it’s your familiar you just sort...know. But he was a menace.” Nodding slightly she smiled. “Alright then, how about you just doodle on them in your free time and whatever you come up with you can put on the wall?” 

Phoebus grinned; her enthusiasm was infectious. 

“Or the airwaves. I’ll be first in line to buy a copy. You’ve got my vote.” 

Alright, so he was a bit hasty in voicing his support, especially in the current political climate, but she seemed like dependable sort. And an appreciation for the fine art of a good joke and a fair sense of humor were key components on his ‘attractive qualities in potential friends and aspiring politicians’ check list. If he kept that sort of thing. 

“You mean the article that thinks growing gills on land will ease the presence of fluid in the lungs? It’s charmed in theory, but it could use some work. For one thing, unless it’s mixed with something to balance out the merman effects, you’d just be trading one sort of shortness of breath for another, don’t you think?” 

The way she spoke about her family… if Phoebus had doubts about his hasty declaration of partisanship, he rescinded them now. A soft look came over her face when she spoke of them; a lightness in the eyes and an openness in her expression. To Phoebus, who had never grown up with siblings, it spoke volumes. He wondered, not for the first time, what it was like to bond so innately with another person. Was it fate or fortune that connected siblings in all their idiosyncrasies? The same fate or fortune that had also, he had witnessed, torn some apart. 

“What’s it like?” He asked, curiosity getting the better of him. “Having siblings? You must really love them.”  

“Not a half-bad idea actually I could pull a Rita Skeeter and then the whole wizarding community would know that I am divorcing my job to pursue my true passion!” Grinning brightly she nodded vigorously. 

“That would be, in case you were wondering, remodeling my apartment into a perfect replica of the Ravenclaw common room, and turning my window seat into a comfy sleeping area. No one will ever be able to find me again, because I’m sure the books would take over, but who cares? Besides my owl would have full run of the place and nothing would make him happier.” 

She listened to his comments with the well practiced air of one used to departing the finer points of magical application, respectfully and with rapt attention. “Being totally honest with you?” She began with a sheepish shrug of her shoulders. “I was and continue to be awful when it comes to the finer points of magical plants and their applications. Give me ancient hexes and turn of the century shield charms, and I’m the happiest witch in the world!” Her potions marks were something of a wonder, and she had opted out of NEWT level potions deciding instead on Charms, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Astrology. 

“But I do agree, the idea has merit though, perhaps not Gillyweed on its own, but in our lifetime we might yet see a cure for asthma. And then who knows what will happen! We had a couple of very gifted potioneers in my class at Hogwarts, if I may say so, one from what I hear is running his own shop at the moment and the other is training to be an Auror which I think is a waste of her talents,” Lily was too gifted in magic to simply be an Auror, but...well. The times were demanding of them all. 

“Hm? Oh, having siblings?” She laughed softly and went silent for a moment thinking about her brothers, and her family. Her childhood had been very pleasant, even when her brothers had gone to school. She was never forgotten. That was a good feeling, she supposed, and they wrote often, even when little Amelia still couldn’t quite read by herself yet. “Edgar, my eldest brother got married, so I am trying really hard not to hold it against him that he hasn’t written. But he...Edgar is brilliant.” She smiled softly. “I’m the youngest, Charles is the middle child. So I can only really speak from my experience but, having siblings is the greatest gift whichever God’s or powers you believe in can give a person.” 

“Oh you are a beautiful, brilliant woman.” Dorcas grinned, she really should start keeping a few hangover cures around her house. It wouldn’t be difficult to make them to keep on hand. Just in case incidents like this happened and the other party wasn’t as well prepared as Amelia was. “There’s something special about drinking right out of the bottle. Makes you feel like a real badass.” She laughed. “So I say we do that. Plus, like you said, saves on dishes.”

“I know,” Amelia agreed with a mischievous grin. “And modest to boot, I’m the total package, love.” Winking she raised the bottle in mock salute before she took a swig and sucked in a breath at the burn of the alcohol making its way down her throat. “At yet, people don’t do it more often, I don’t get it, well...maybe at the bar. That runs the risk of being a bit disgusting too many people, but at home it is clearly the only way.” 

I’m a very efficient worker. Sorta’ had to be. [ considering how often he missed classes in school, being able to catch up and do things quickly was his only saving grace ] Oh, naturally. My owl just hangs out and hides, he doesn’t do much. He bites Charles? But he’s so nice and sweet. [ he chuckles ] Hadn’t thought of that. What do you want me to draw?

“Rochester doesn’t like anyone! I don’t think he even likes me half of the time but I feed him, and care for him so he lets me exist. Grudgingly. And gives me the rare affection to keep me invested. I’m a well trained handler.” Laughing melodically she shrugged. “If you’re as efficient as you claim I’ll be counting on you to help me with all of this paperwork!” Glancing at the wall, then back at Remus she frowned. “Whatever you draw best? I’ll have to keep it up for a while yeah? So it should be good!” 

“You’ll hear no argument from me there.  I hate the Dementors.  They’re bloody uncomfortable to work with.  But we have to do what we have to do.  Would they prefer there be no oversight at all?”  He didn’t discount that there was merit to everything she was saying.  She was right.  Which is what made it all the more frustrating.  He rested his head back and stared at the ceiling as they spoke, as if the answers would magically appear there.  “There’s never going to be a solution that everyone is happy with, it’s naive to think there would be.  But we can’t get anything done if we don’t have support and I would think someone who seems to care so much would see that.”

Amelia for her part smiled, warmly, comfortingly. In a way Charles might have accused of her of taking after their mother for and shrugged. “All war,” she started her tone that annoying Ravenclaw timber of one about to impart unwanted wisdom from the past. “Is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal. John Steinbeck.”  Flicking her wand in motions so well practiced and at ease they hardly drew her attention she summoned a pot of fresh tea, two cups and the necessary cream and sugar to make them worth drinking, and pouring herself a cup nodded her head. “People I think are just lost and confused and are as guilty of ‘flailing about’ as we are.” 

‘It’s comforting, at this point, the rain and the cold.  I don’t particularly like being hot.  I’m a creature of habit and this is my habitat.  So sorry you’re stuck here with me.”  He looked at his desk in front of him, the paperwork and the files he could be dealing with, and he fought the urge to groan again.  “On what planet does it seem like a good idea to shake the public’s trust in the force attempting to protect them instead of urging cooperation and personal safety?”

She plucked her wand from its place in her hair, it had done well in holding the mass at bay for a time, and was now rolling the finely carved aspen between her fingers, a habit from her school days as she considered his question. “Well,” she sighed softly. “To some degree I suppose I understand. Dementors do little to inspire the faith of the people. Not everyone can produce a corporal pratronus, If that is your only line of defense against them and you cannot produce one, they would be terrifying. Add to that the fact that these are war times...” she smiled, sheepish. “There are a great deal of negative emotions going around. It’s practically a gift wrapped feast I’d think to those whose faith in the Ministry has been shaken.” Amelia shrugged. “Still not a good enough reason for a broadcast call to arms however.” 

‘I did say half a mind.  I wouldn’t actually do it.  If you think the paperwork would be bad, you cant’t imagine the race between Moody and Hodge to see which could oss my ass out of the DMLE first.’  He ran a hand over his face, forcing a huff of a laugh at her suggestion.  ‘I’ve never been a fan of Japanese food so that’d be a pass for me.  Besides, for some strange reason I actually like London?’

Cocking her head to the side she hummed in thought. “Well,” the witch began with a long suffering sigh. “As I actually, kind-of sort-of enjoy your presence these days,” at this she managed a smile at him. “I can’t say I’d enjoy seeing you go. So you best keep your job, I’m counting on you!” Nose wrinkled she frowned. “But it’s grey and freezing half the year, at least Japan has....I don’t know, seasons. I hear America is very nice in some parts, though their absolute rules on contact with Muggles would complicate my life too much...London it is.” 

‘Do they think we like, having to rely on dementors to bolster our ranks?  We’re not the muggle police, we can’t be everywhere.  And if we were they’d complain that there is too much of a presence and that we’re infringing on their privacy.’  He groans, letting his head fall back and slumping in his chair in a way he only does when the door is closed to his office and the vast majority of the trainees cannot see.  ‘I’ve have a mind to write a complaint letter to that station myself.  He’s worse than Skeeter when he’s trying to be ‘reasonable.’’

Eyes as wide as dinner plates the witch shook her head frantically. “With all do respect John, the last thing the DMLE needs is a letter from John Dawlish to read on air tomorrow. Can you imagine? DMLE employee sends shocking notice of proper discontent after the ministry has been called on its failure to act -- no. I think not.” She groaned, this was annoying. And the paperwork, she could feel a rise in the tide. Massaging her temples she mirrored his posture, slumping into her seat. “Japan? I hear Japanese magic is very precise and worth a study? We could go to Japan!” 

If he’s so passionate about the safety of Hogsmeade, why doesn’t he roam about day and night on guard.  Does he think our resources are limitless?

     ( open )

“Well, as if sheep for slaughter becoming a petrified mass of lethal panic wasn’t already a large concern to contend with, lets tell them they have a voice and to speak out. Protect the children? We’re trying to protect the children!” There is an annoyed flush to her cheeks. “Not that I particularly care for the beasts to be near school kids, but what choice is there?” Thumping a folder against her forehead she exhaled heavily. “Let’s swear off the radio?” 

Of course, I’m not an idiot. [ he shakes his head ] I made it through my entire Hogwarts career with pristine organizational skills. I’m not letting up now. I’ve got this. [ he laughs ] Yeah, not the best of ideas. I think biting is frowned upon in the office. I can give you some of my stick notes to put up on the wall or something. 

“Well, I did too you know, but when things are real busy there isn’t much time for color coding and revising.” That was usually a task she left for her own free time. “He’s my familiar, so naturally he listens to nothing I say and only lets me touch him, even Charles isn’t safe, and you know Charles, he’s the sweetest thing to ever breathe!” She hummed in thought. “Well, what are you going to draw on them?” 

I know, I know, I’m sorry. But they’re very organized, I promise. It’s not that much. I marked all the stuff you gotta’ look at for you and everything. [ he grins ] Comforting weird is good. I like it here, it’s really cool. A little weird, but I like it. Your office is…. super depressing, though. [ he looks around ] There’s no color in this entire wing. 

She laughed warmly. “Color coded and everything, I’m sure!” Taking the file she flipped through it, her eyebrow raised as she flipped between the clearly marked bits. “I’ll try not to be angry in about a month when you can’t be this organized any longer,” she promised with a wink. “Hey! I tried having Rochester come sit on his perch while I worked and he kept biting everyone because they ignored the ‘do not touch’ sign. Now I’ve just got an empty perch for company. It’s very depressing here right now.” 

Fenrir was enjoying his drink, something strong. He was about a quarter of the way through it when someone spoke up beside him. It took a moment for him to realize that he was the one being spoken to. “Me?” He asked with an eyebrow raised. “It depends what you’re looking for,” he answered before taking another drink. “Fenrir. You?”

Shrugging she smiled winningly. “Something tall, dark, and sparkly eyed so as I’m sure you can figure, you’ll do.” Bringing the drink to her lips she took a sip, cocking her head slightly to the side as she looked him over. “Fenrir is a very proud name, I think.” She nodded in thought. “Oh, right. Amelia. Nice to meet you.” She offered her free hand for a shake.