name one hero who was happy

“Sure seems like it,” he added lies upon lies.  He could see the gears in her head turning. “That must mean that the wizard was a foreigner. That or they got it from someone who was.” That was the most he’d say about the matter, not wanting to get caught in contradicting lies down the road. “Anyway, it’s out of my hands now. I’ve surrendered the wand back to the Department.” It wasn’t the real one of course. Isaac was damn lucky to be able to find an excellent duplicate with his cousin’s contacts. All they needed was the wand’s description which Isaac got from Ollivander himself.

“Yeah but… I don’t know, don’t you ever want some time for yourself. Some time to just think and breathe?” Everything was just weighing down on Isaac and a release was way overdue. Even he didn’t notice he badly needed to. Until now. “We’re doing something, yeah. But how do we know it’s the right thing? Or if it’s the proper thing to prioritize.” As soon as he finished, Isaac and Dorcas reached an open space without a lot of foot traffic. It seemed like a good place as any to apparate. “Anyway, I’m just rambling,” he apologized before offering his arm out to them. “Shall we?”

The more he explained, the deeper they found their frown growing. Nothing he said was the least bit reassuring - not that they needed it when they were all too aware of the world nor did they suppose that Isaac had intended for the facts to be of any comfort. It was the world they lived in now. “I’m not sure which I like less.” Neither option sounded all that promising when either meant that the Death Eaters were gathering support from abroad. Gaze flickered over his features once more before they gave a hum of acknowledgement as to where the wand had gone.

“Not personally, no.” Their words were blunt but not intended to be harsh when they had just never seen all that much point in sugarcoating the truth. Part of them could understand what he was asking but they’d never been one to have any doubts. One thing they had always been was sure of themselves - of their abilities and their choices. “People keep telling me I should but it’s not for me, never has been. I’d rather be doing something than nothing.” There’s a pause as they look at him curiously, taking his arm to apparate. Only after the crack of their arrival did Dorcas pose the question. “What would you prioritise?” 

alastor had been at the auror office, what –– twenty five years? thirty years? longer than most of the furniture. hell, he remembered when the office wasn’t on this floor at all. good aurors didn’t really exist because they were all good if they got far enough. but he knew how to weed out reliable aurors from the ones that lasted all of about five minutes before transferring to cushy desk job across the hall. or recklessly making a mistake out in the field. “ someone left us a present, ” he replied, handing them the file in his hands. “ left behind a few dozen witnesses who saw everything. ” this wasn’t going to be all that hard, but dumbledore had told him to cover it immediately. “ maybe even a trail. ”

“You’d think by now they’d have learnt that we prefer other sort of gifts.” Dry words left their lips as they took the offered file, keen gaze quick to skim over them. “Witnesses.” Lips thinned slightly when they knew that even though having people at the scene of the crime was useful in term of evidence, a few dozen of them meant that whatever dark wixen were operating were becoming more and more bold. It simply made them want to step up their own efforts, ensure that there was a constant threat of them being caught looming over them all. “Seems straight forward enough at the moment.” But they knew how quickly that could change.

Not there yet. It took everything in James not to punch the bag with the force of his frustration. If he hadn’t wanted to actually learn how to do it the right way, he might’ve taken it out on the bag. Instead he stood, hands on his hips, watching one more time as Dorcas demonstrated. He took over the stance again, following her movements the best she could, trying to respond in between his punches. “I don’t–” Blam. “–have a–” Swoosh. “–while.” He stood back, huffing as he watched the bag swing between them. “I just don’t, Doe. I don’t mean to be a pain in the arse, but I need to learn this. Today.” Now would have been preferable, but James knew that he wouldn’t be frustrated right now if that had happened. His head fell against the bag, sweat sticking to the fabric. “Bloody stupid bag. Not even fighting back. Does it even know how to punch? I don’t think so.”

Watching their friend spiral into frustration and once again they were torn between love and duty as to what the right thing to do for him was. Part of him wanted to have him let it all out but another knew that nothing good came from training while angry. His head falling against the bag was enough to make up their mind. “Let’s take a break.” To make it clear that their words were an order not a suggested, one more firm word was given. “Now.” With a wave of their wand they accoi-ed some water but chose to close the distance themselves to give it to him. “Drink this. You’re not being a pain in the arse. Yet. I get that you need to learn but if you keep going you’re going to burn yourself out. We’re taking five and then we’ll spar. I always found it easier to get when fighting against something sentient.”

Pubs were a breading ground for a unique form of idiocy, the kind that caused people to scream about their stupid, ill-conceived thoughts without a care in the world.  Opinions were like arseholes.  Everyone had one, and some were more willing than others to show them off.  Aila had no problem speaking her mind until there was nothing left to say, something that didn’t happen all that frequently.  Apparently Dorcas took the alternative route, giving off a bloody terrifying look that just dared the speaker to keep running their mouth.  Damn.

“You’re bloody terrifying, has anyone ever told you that?” She laughed.  She knew her own brand, and that was annoying people into either agreeing with her or shutting up– she didn’t give off a frightening vibe, even when her fists were doing the talking.  “That was brilliant.”

“Just some beer.  It’s fairly disgusting,” she admitted.  “But at least it’s cold.”  She shrugged, shifting her body so she was halfway facing them.  “Haven’t seen you in awhile.  How’s it going?”

Even though their aunt had done her very best to grind the strength out of them, or at least repurpose it for her own gain, she had never succeeded. They had always been acutely aware of their own talents and dedicated to using them for the best, rarely needed reminding of their own skill. That didn’t mean that they didn’t appreciate comments about it, especially from a friend.  “Maybe once or twice.” Smirk tugged at the corner of their lips, dry but still sincere words leaving them soon afterwards. “Nice to know I’m not losing my touch.”

Beer had never been their drink of choice anyway so at the witch’s reply, they couldn’t help but wrinkle their nose and somewhat regret their decision. “Cold seems like the minimum requirement.” It’s something of a rare grumble from them but they thank the bartender nonetheless, schooling their expression as they take a sip.

Light shrug is given, not wishing to be dismissive but they knew that their life rarely varied. “The usual. Work’s keeping me busy.” Their curiosity was turned onto Aila, certain amount of pride in their voice as they acknowledge what the witch has been doing. “How about you? You show’s sounding great.”

his mouth fell open in surprise, an action that he was only halfway jokingly doing.  “oh, and they’re so modest too.  fancy that.”  of course it was all in jest.  no ill will towards his fellow auror.  “why would i want to do that?  i heard no enough growing up.  i’m a grown man now and i can make my own choices.  and that current choice happens to be wanting to do something nice for a dear coworker of mine.”  danny batted his eyelashes a couple times, really driving the point home.  “that’s you, by the way.”  at their concession, the smile on his face grew once more.  “aha.  i’ll take you up on that.  no going back on your word.”

Shoulders rolled into a shrug, never one to apologise for confidence in their abilities. “Modesty is overrated.” Part of them wondered if they sounded too much like their aunt but it was soon drowned out by a spark of curiosity about their coworker’s upbringing. But they didn’t voice it when prying was the last thing they liked doing. “How noble of you.” Eyerolled at the batting of eyelashes, almost wishing they hadn’t just decided to stay a little longer. “Well just this once I’ll let you get what you want then.” Lips pressed together as they fought back a smile, instead settling for a mock stern look and an exasperated sigh. “Don’t make me regret this, Fawley.” 

In many ways, Dorcas was one of very few people with any hope of understanding Sirius’ pain. They always had been, really; all tough love when he needed it but a comforting presence through everything. Maybe it wasn’t quite in the same way, but they’d both lost their families - and they’d both lost Harry, too. But Dorcas had always been better than him and he didn’t exactly mind that this extended to dealing with grief, too. As much as he’d expected the answer, it still sent the constant pit in his stomach deeper. Sure, there were no emotions playing around in his head, but there was still the weight of the world anchoring him to the couch. “Look, Doe, I know you mean well, but personally I think I’m just fine here.” Sirius lifted an arm to gesture vaguely at himself and the couch. Admittedly, even the drop of patronization in his tone was far more than they would let fly and he knew it, but that was the thing - he just couldn’t bring himself to care about any of it. “That’s the thing, though.” His voice suddenly grew soft, as if he wasn’t even fully aware he was speaking. “I don’t feel sad. Nothing hurts. Isn’t that supposed to mean I’m okay?” With a sharp intake of breath, he looked up at them with something like pleading in his gaze, but he didn’t know just what he wanted them to say.

If they had been exasperated only moments earlier, it soon increased tenfold as he seemed determined to stay where he was. But they had always been stubborn and so they stood their ground, eyes narrowing slightly as he motioned for them to join him. “Bullshit, Sirius.” Words snapped from their lips, patience wearing thin only because they thought him better than this. He had fire and drive and endless amounts of passion. There was something so uncomfortable about seeing him reduced to almost nothing more than a flicker. Perhaps their own spark could rekindle his, challenge issued in the hopes that it would cause him to snap or fight back. Anything but remain the shell of himself that grief had made him become. “Since when did the Sirius Black give up?” The pleading in his gaze made them pause. Sirius Black had never begged them for anything. Sigh slipped from their lips and they finally take a seat on the couch, just perching on the edge. Head shook, tone soft but still firm as they spoke from personal experience. “No. Numbness can be scary.” They hesitate when they guard memories of their parents so fiercely but if there was ever a moment to bring up a childhood anecdote, it was now. “My dad told me it was just our response to when something hurt too much. It passes.”

“   Well that depends.   You got a warrant?   ”   She teases back,   though everything about her demeanor suggests she is serious.   Adinah breaks the facade only moments later though,   matching the others grin.   “   I’ve been a good girl,   Meadowes.   Keeping my nose clean and the like.   ”   She’d always been fond of Dorcas,   thought it was good that Marlene had a friend like them to keep her straight   -   or at least try to,   that is.   Even if she did want to shake some fun into them from time to time,   remind them that they were still young,   after all.   “   Glad to see you’re affording yourself a break.   Butter beer for old time’s sake?   Or can I tempt you with something a little stronger?   ”   The last part is said with a quirk in her brow,   not expecting the younger wix to bite.

“Not this time. Just a request to spend some time with an old friend.” For all they were prone to blunt honesty, they weren’t often quite so open with their feelings. But somewhere along the lines they’d developed a bond with the witch and they were grateful for it, it seemed only fair that they admit to it every now and again. The fondness was fleeting though and soon a smirk tugged at the corner of their lips. “I’m glad to hear it. I’d hate to put you in handcuffs.” Shifting slightly on their stool, their head shook as lips curled up into a smile knowing full well that Adinah was determined to get them to loosen up a little bit. But their stance on alcohol was unlikely to ever really alter, despite her best efforts. “A butterbeer is fine. But you’ll be the first to know if I ever want anything stronger.”

He returned the kiss, lips still jut out as he nodded his head slightly. “Yeah, I know the feeling,” he replied, lifting a hand to scratch at the back of his head. He couldn’t remember the last time he ate a proper meal either. It was probably with them, or the Marauders before… before everything. He couldn’t stomach anything anymore. “We can do that, we can sleep,” he offered, dropping his hand, but reaching out to grab theirs. “We can go lay in bed and just…” he trailed off with a one shouldered shrug. He didn’t know that either of them would be able to sleep, but they were both exhausted. They could at least let their bodies rest and… he could hold them, as long as they needed him to. As long as they let him. “Let’s go to bed,” he said, pulling them in the direction of the bedroom.

Soft nod was given to him as they quickly entangled their fingers with his like they had done countless times before. Yet somehow even though the gesture was so familiar, it felt different this time. They’d never faced something like this before - or at least not this kind of grief - but they knew that they were with the best person to sort through emotions with. They almost attempt a smile in a small show of gratitude for his willingness to not push for them to eat something, there’d be time for all that tomorrow. Instead they simply offer soft words, letting their expression communicate their feelings. “I like that plan.” 

Emilie was immediately annoyed by their response, but she did not let herself show it. Instead she pursed her lips, taking a moment before her face melted into the smile that often stitched itself across her face. “Don’t apologize darling,” she insisted as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Her hands often found themselves fidgeting when she felt nervous or uncomfortable or lost or even simply bored. Of course if she had a cigarette she would not have to worry about looking like a damn fool flitting about with her hair, but as it would seem luck was not on her side that day. 

“It’s probably better this way, I’ve heard a bit of talk saying that smoking might be bad for you,” She didn’t know why she was still talking. “Have you heard that?”

Even though they were generally considered reserved it was usually only because they chose as few words as possible to convey their opinions. Only chiming in when necessary instead of wanting their voice to be the loudest. It was never through any sort of shyness, more a soft disinterest when most discussions weren’t all that interesting to them when they would much rather be working. For their friends, they tried and at points didn’t even have to feign being invested in them but as the blonde continued speaking, they knew that they were going to have to drum up some interest so as to not seem rude.

Still, despite them entertaining the continued conversation they couldn’t help but shrug. “I’m not sure really. It would make sense though, I guess.”

“Ah, Dorcas! I nearly didn’t recognize you! But you are truly a sight for sore eyes - the people in Hungary just aren’t as beautiful as us.” Gilderoy shook his head, as if in genuine sympathy for their obvious misfortune. Hungary had been the last stop on his ‘extravagant’ travels before coming back to England some months ago to promote Magical Me, and promote he did. “I’ll sign something for you anyway, just in case you change your mind,” he winked. “Oh, me? I’m doing incredibly, wonderfully! As I’m sure you’ve heard, I’m a best-selling author. You’ve read all my works - no doubt - of course you have. Do you think they’re quite splendid?”

Light hum of agreement was given, acknowledging that they hadn’t seen one another in quite some time. “It’s been a while. I hope you didn’t tell them that.” The dry remark was intended for humour but part of them couldn’t help but wonder how he managed to keep his fans if he insulted all of them. “I won’t but by all means.” Head shook slightly at the wink, they never had been able to believe his antics though they tended to find them amusing rather than irritating. At least in small doses. “Congratulations, Gilderoy, I’m sure you deserve it.” Reading wasn’t exactly something they had time for unless it was case files or evidence and even if they did find themselves with spare time on their hands, his books wouldn’t be the ones that they reached for. Still, they weren’t harsh enough to point that out and burst his bubble just yet. “I’m sure they are, if I get a spare moment I’ll be sure to pick one up.” 

–––– in conversation with @ofmeadowes​ ; level two, ministry offices. 

“ meadowes, walk with me, ” he called out, already slinging his jacket on in one easy movement –– the damned thing was older than most of the aurors in this office –– and grabbing a file on his way to the lifts. the lead had just come in, something he didn’t want to talk about among the others. alastor had even gone out of the way to feed everyone he didn’t trust just enough false information to see who would end up ratting on the department first. and the people he did trust? well –– “ come on, ” he said impatiently, holding the door open for dorcas and shooting them a private look as soon as the elevator rattled to life. he had his favourites, just like anyone. “ time for a field trip. ”

At the sound of their name coming from a familiar voice ( one they knew better than to kee waiting ) they instantly stopped what they were doing to follow him. Coat was grabbed on their way out, happy to go stay quiet as they did when silence never bothered them. Gaze flickered over him as the lift began to rumble, it’s not curiousness in their gaze but something closer to determination. A readiness to deal with whatever he threw at them. “Good, I was in need of a new case. What are we going to?” The where had never mattered all too much for them. It was simply the scene, a key to helping them solve the crime. They were far more curious about what had caused their mentor to summon them.

“I don’t know how an extra pair of eyes might help,” he answered, hoping that he didn’t sound too dismissive of their offer. “Our only lead was the wand. But Ollivander didn’t know who owned the wand. He was pretty sure that he wasn’t the one who sold it in the first place.” Isaac made sure to add that last part. Ollivanders was notorious for remembering each wand he sold to each wizard. Telling them that Ollivanders didn’t recognize a wand he sold would be a red flag. “Other than that, we have nothing. Thank you for the offer though.” Isaac hoped that that was enough to keep her from looking into the case themselves.

“That sounds about right.” The current times have definitely increased the work they have to do, Aurors and Hit-Wixens both. But he didn’t doubt that Dorcas had more since they already finished their training. “At least you’re grateful for it. I guess I could try being more grateful.” 

Frown settles on their brow as the listen to what he says, processing the facts that he gives. Lips purse slightly as they process it all, trying to put their finger on what doesn’t add up to see if they can find something that was missed. “He didn’t sell it?” The question was rhetorical, more thinking aloud when if a wand wasn’t Ollivander’s then chances are it was from a foreign wix. They weren’t sure they were all too comfortable with that revelation but they’d heard and suspected enough. Blood supremacy wasn’t restricted to Britain after all. “The rumours must be true. If you change your mind, you know where my desk is.” 

“You could. After all, Bones is being oh so generous with the cases.” Smirk tugged at the edge of their lips as the let their dry words hover in the air before shrugging. “More cases make me feel like I’m doing something during all this.” They didn’t feel the need to add that much more when they were pretty certain that their family background and stance on it all was common knowledge. Sitting by wasn’t in their repertoire. 

She hadn’t planned on ending up in a pub.  She had planned on stopping by a shop, picking up a pint of milk, and eating cereal in her underwear while dreading heading into work that night like a proper adult.  But it started raining and once she felt her socks getting wet she knew she needed a drink or two before she was going any further. 

Her back was to the bulk of the room, prioritizing brevity over socializing.  One drink then back to the milk errand.  The mug was heavy and satisfying, and the beer was disgusting as always.  But it served its intended purpose – warming her and helping to take her mind of her wet socks.  As she sat there she let her mind drift, listening to the various conversations around her.

“Wait, you’re joking right?” She turned, spinning on her stool to look at the person behind her, interjecting herself into a conversation that she hadn’t been a part of.  “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Pubs had never been their favourite of places and yet they’d found themselves spending an evening in one more times in the past month than they had the rest of the year. They hadn’t resorted to drinking, not when they disliked the way it impaired their senses and judgement, but part of them wondered where along the lines they’d stopped liking their own company. 

Usually they were most content on their own having been used to it for so long but more and more frequently they’d found themselves seeking out others. Sometimes not even to interact with but just to be around so that they didn’t feel quite so isolated. They thought it was just a phase they were going through, grief bringing it out but that didn’t change that they were relieved to see a familiar face.

Their greeting was cut off by some comment that they barely caught but they’d heard enough to shoot the speaker a withering look. “I would think carefully about answering that.” Attention soon moved back to the bartender. “I’ll have what she’s having.” Smirk tugged at their lips as they turned to their friend. “I’m not going to regret that, am I?”

It felt like the pair of them had played for hours and hours, Susan boundless in her enthusiasm for it all. But eventually she’d drifted off, leaving them waiting for Angelina to return. “I thought she was never going to run of out energy.” Head shook slightly, still in disbelief that the little girl had kept going for long. Still, she was undeniable fond, both of Susan and her mother. “But she’s down now. Hopefully tired enough to sleep all night.”

Peter couldn’t imagine how crazy things had gotten at the Auror’s office - the entire Ministry seemed to be buzzing - so he was sure Dorcas wasn’t the only Auror working late nights and even into early mornings. They had a lot of work to do, and part of Peter wanted to help… but he also knew he was the root of the problem. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place and didn’t know what he was doing. Dorcas needed a break though, and Pete could be that for them. “Remind me to put a complaint with Bones,” he retorted, gravitating towards them as they stood up. “Who said anything about a surprise?” he teased, one eyebrow raised playfully. “Maybe I am the surprise,” he continued, reaching for their hand and pulling them with him as he started taking steps backwards and away from their work.

It was all too easy for them to get too caught up in work. To fall into that familiar place where they became more Auror than Dorcas. Part of them couldn’t say they minded it all that much, not when being the very best Auror they could set them on the right track to achieve their goal. But the part of them that did mind, that wanted to remember who they were, would never cease being grateful for Peter. “Remind me to wish you luck when you do. You’ll need it to come out alive.” Smile tugged at their lips when they knew that their boss would most likely not take such a thing well, still they’d always respected her for that. “Then I would say it was the best kind of surprise.” They followed him slowly, dragging their feet somewhat as dry words left their lips. “If a lot cliche.”