sunshine

VIVIENNE ‘VIV’ CHANG: Do you have a competitive side, and if so, in what kind of situation does it come out most?

“I wouldn’t say so, no. Especially not when it comes to being competitive with other people. I guess I do like to compete with myself, to prove that I can always do better, but I’m not the type to feel especially competitive when I’m pitched against other people for whatever reason.”

MAILAN PHAM: How far would you go for your family?

“There is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for my family. Especially my kids. Look, I love my extended family. I would die, and even maybe kill for them. But when it comes to my kids? I wouldn’t even hesitate. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my babies. They’re my entire life. And sure, I have other things that keep my going, but God, those kids. I love them so damn much. And I’m sorry for the swearing, but I feel like it’s necessary right now. They’re the best people I’ve ever met, and I hope they know how much I love them.”

OPAL TALKALOT: What do you desire most?

“Safety. It’s what I’m fighting for, really. For the safety of everyone. It’s just… It’s not fair how some have safety assured for them, and others don’t. And it’s not okay to be scared for your children to go to school. I just… I want to feel safe. I want my kids to feel safe. I want the world to feel safe.”

travelling by rooftop was sage’s preferred method of transportation. although it might have seemed inadequate to others, sage found pleasure in the fall of her stomach as she launched herself from one building to another and the way the moon kept her path clear while it obscured the sight of those beneath her. 

the night was quiet save for the thud of her feet against concrete. she propelled herself from one roof to another, taking care to avoid the drainage system attached to the side of the roof – early on, she found out that drains were often rickety with age and were not designed to remain intact under the weight of a young girl jumping onto it – and ran up the side of the roof, then hurried down the other side before jumping to another building.

sage had grown familiar with the map of wizarding london, although was just starting to get accustomed to the muggle version. she still retained remnants of knowledge from her excursions out of hogwarts and combined it with her studies of maps of the city, but she still had work to do. she’d gotten lost only once, though, on her way, and had quickly found her way back.

she descended down the stairwell in the other alley in quick leaps before landing on her feet beneath the landing. she straightened herself up and took off her jacket and twisted it around, and then again, until her jacket was now a dark grey coat, which she pulled back onto her shoulders before she made her way out of the alley and around the building.

“hey,” she replied back to susan as she came ‘round the corner. she smiled and nodded, “yeah, I’m doing alright. you?” she felt it important to ask, even if her voice came out rather nonchalantly. things had grown more difficult and more trying than ever.

Susan’s smile was genuine as she saw Sage. The young woman was around the same age as her kids, and Susan always loved seeing people that age doing something and fighting for what was right. Did it worry her? More than anything else, yes, but that didn’t stop her from being impressed. She had tried when she was younger, but it had taken her a while to become brave, and to see those kids seem to have bravery come naturally to them was very impressive to the brunette. 

“Here,” she said as she handed Sage a sealed envelope that was the main reason why the two had had to meet. That and because Susan always felt the need to check in on younger Order members. As a right hand, she felt like it was somewhat her responsibility. She was there to help, but she wasn’t the one making the big decisions, and so she felt like the least she could do was to make sure that everyone was okay.

“Heard any good information, lately?” she asked quietly as she looked at Sage. “I wish I could bring you something useful in exchange, but apart from this envelope, I’m afraid I don’t have much.”

“This is going to sound weird, but I wish I was less optimistic. Sometimes, it’s a bit like I see the world through rose coloured glasses, and when I’m faced with the horrible reality of things, it always comes as a huge shock to me. Which can be useful, but also kind of problematic considering everything that’s going on right now. I wish I could be a bit more realistic when it comes to everything that’s going on, especially for my kids. That way, I’d be better prepared if they ever face some of the horrors this world has to offer. Right now, I don’t know what I’d do if any of them had to go something terrible due to this conflict, and that scares me. I’ve always been there for my kids, but what if my eyes aren’t open wide enough to see exactly what I need to do for them? That terrifies me.”

Simone straightened at the familiar voice, her expression lightening a bit. The exhaustion was still there but a friendly face and conversation would do a lot to improve her mood at the moment. “I’m tired,” she said with a laugh. “These night shifts are wearing me down.” It wasn’t just the night shifts, of course, and that particular drain on her energy would be gone soon; she had requested a schedule change to be home with her daughter in the evenings, now that their home life had changed. “Please. How are you?”

Susan smiled kindly at Simone as she sat down in front of her. She was aware of what the other Order member was going through, having to keep on top of things like that as a right hand of the organization. Still, it didn’t make it easier to find the exact right thing to say. Susan couldn’t imagine going through what Simone was going through and remaining so strong, and she truly did admire the person sitting in front of her. “If you ever need someone to help out at home, just send me an owl, ok?” she said gently, but without judgment. Susan had appreciated all the help she had gotten when her kids were still young, and she understood that, though it sometimes stung to be offered help, it was never unnecessary. And if it did insult Simone, then Susan was ready to deal with the retort. Sometimes, wanting to help didn’t always go positively, but it was always better to offer to do something than to do nothing. 

“I’m quite good, thank you for asking. Things are a bit... Intense at the Ministry what with the new law and everything, but... Stress as usual, I guess? People don’t exactly come to me with their worries concerning the new legislation, which makes sense, but it’s kind of awful to be helpless when so many people are scared, you know?”

artemis grimaces. “is it too cynical of me to say that i totally can believe it?” she asks, head shaking. “it happens, y’know. once a generation. everywhere. our society is built upon the degradation of one class or another. disgusting.” she shakes her head. “oh, believe me when i say i’ve heard a lot more foul things. trash-talk, y’know. i think it’s healthy to let the obscenities out. and i’d hope you were more than a little mad.”

Ms. Bones,

Thank you for your interest in our organization! As it stands, there is much still to be considered. Right now, we advocate for mainly precautionary measures and actions regarding Hogwarts. Without the proper protections in place, the possibility of the encroachment of our rights remains a threat. One of our keystone policies is the proposed adoption of Bill 14.265 (first introduced in 1939 only to narrowly fail in the Wizengamot highest courts.)

I am sure you will agree, given your background, that something must be done. In times like these, protecting the rights of witches, warlocks and wixen alike are of the utmost importance. I trust the administration entirely, and hopefully, the circumstances will never necessitate these legislations, but you cannot leave everything up to chance. 

With much gratitude, 

Rose Granger-Weasley 

P.S. I regret to inform you that there was already a small number of us here at Hogwarts behind the first letter (though some of them went conveniently missing for our last meeting wherein I tried to confront them over the… most unfortunate naming of our organization) And, while I fully admit any responsibility as the head of the organization, I am afraid I have been mislead. It seems people are not always as they seem.  Thankfully, you were the first (and possibly only person?) to get the message.

P.P.S. The petition has been taken down while we try to get things back in order. However, please feel free to write back and ask any more questions you might have about the ongoing status of the organization that must not be named. 

[ when referenced, Bill 14.265 directs to a failed bill about kneazle ownership regulation]

Ms. Granger-Weasley, 

Whilst I thoroughly appreciate you taking the time to send me owl mail, I do not know just how helpful I can possibly be. However, I find your enthusiasm and care very inspirational, and wish more youth these days veered in your direction when it comes to such important things. Don’t worry, I’ll sign your petition whenever you bring it back up, and will make sure to share it around; I’m just not sure how much help I can personally be outside of that. 

However, as someone with children at Hogwarts, I am very pre-occupied with their education, and am glad to hear that people like you are making sure things are going wonderfully well. I just spoke to your father the other day, and will make sure to let him know just how thoughtful his daughter is the next time I meet with him. I honestly cannot tell you how grateful I am that there are students like you around my children. How’s everyone doing, by the way? I hope these students avoiding their duties aren’t causing any problems. Let me know if they do, and I’ll make sure to contact their parents. I know that might sound a bit “lame” to you, but it’s important for us to know about what’s up with our children, especially considering the fact that we only see them in person for around three months a year. We must make sure you kids aren’t causing too many problems for the direction, mustn’t we? With so much change happening, it’s important to be thoughtful of what the people in charge are going through.

P.S. I feel very touched that I was the only one to receive this wonderful letter, but don’t you worry, your message is important and will not be ignored.

Best regards,

susan bones + minimalistic moodboard

SAM’S WANTED CONNECTIONS FOR IIDY ( 01 / ?? )

↳ SUSAN BONES’ (AND LEE JORDAN’S) SECOND YOUNGEST CHILD

Pictured above, possible faceclaims for this connection. Open to more faceclaim ideas, but the fc must be at least half Black.

QUICK LIL SUMMARY: This would be Susan’s third child, and the second youngest member of the family, but also the youngest playable one as their only younger sibling is fourteen years old. They would have to be in sixth or seventh year, and therefore be from sixteen to eighteen years old. Susan and Lee started having kids when they were quite young, though they used a surrogate and an egg donor (along with Lee’s sperm), since Susan was unable to conceive due to various health issues. Whether or not Lee and Susan are still together will be up to whoever ends up playing Lee, but what’s for sure is that they’re a close-knit family. Susan adores all her kids, and always, always puts them first. If you want more info about Susan herself, you can check out her intro right here.

For some character ideas (that you absolutely don’t have to follow, but that I created for fun(tm), check under the “read more”!

SAM’S WANTED CONNECTIONS FOR IIDY ( 01 / ?? )

↳ SUSAN BONES’ (AND LEE JORDAN’S) SECOND YOUNGEST CHILD

Pictured above, possible faceclaims for this connection. Open to more faceclaim ideas, but the fc must be at least half Black.

QUICK LIL SUMMARY: This would be Susan’s third child, and the second youngest member of the family, but also the youngest playable one as their only younger sibling is fourteen years old. They would have to be in sixth or seventh year, and therefore be from sixteen to eighteen years old. Susan and Lee started having kids when they were quite young, though they used a surrogate and an egg donor (along with Lee’s sperm), since Susan was unable to conceive due to various health issues. Whether or not Lee and Susan are still together will be up to whoever ends up playing Lee, but what’s for sure is that they’re a close-knit family. Susan adores all her kids, and always, always puts them first. If you want more info about Susan herself, you can check out her intro right here.

For some character ideas (that you absolutely don’t have to follow, but that I created for fun(tm), check under the “read more”!

SUSAN BONES + NAME & PERSONALITY

“Can you believe it? I just... I’m in shock. I’m sorry for being this way right now, but I just can’t deal with it. It’s so... Dehumanizing. No, that’s not the right word. Humans are not inherently better than anyone else. It’s just fucking awful. Oh, shit. Oh for- Please excuse my language. I’m just a tiny bit angry right now.”

SUSAN BONES + WARDROBE [ WORK ] (01/??)

Looking up as she heard someone walk into the kitchen, Susan smiled softly when she saw that it was James. It wasn’t filled with pity, though. Although she felt terrible for what had happened to the young man, she knew that pity would be useless and insulting, and so it was mostly admiration for how he had seemed to handle everything that had led to the smile on her face. Sure, she’d have smiled at all Order members, but the smile she’d have for each and every one of them would be different.

“Cookies?” she offered as she pointed to the plate in the middle of the table. She had made them just one hour ago, and they were still slightly warm. She had already eaten three, as stress tended to make her hungry, but she wasn’t about to complain. They were good, and they made her feel slightly better. Unfortunately, though, they didn’t help with the fact that she hadn’t gotten news from her two youngest in a while. Something she thought James might understand as she was almost completely certain both of his siblings still attended Hogwarts.

“Any news?” Susan then asked, hoping both the hope and dread in her voice weren’t too evident. 

Who: Simone & Open Where: A cafe near St. Mungo’s When: Thursday, February 22, early morning

It had a long shift and Simone didn’t even bother changing out of her robes as she left St. Mungo’s and made her way to her favorite (magical) cafe. She wanted some food and then she could apparate home and maybe have time to say hello to her family before she crashed for some much needed sleep. But the news prevented her from enjoying herself; her mind kept spinning round and round the new decree, and what it meant for the extended family she barely knew, and what it meant for her own relationship. It was a bad sign, a first step on a slippery slope and she just wanted to keep her family safe. A noise behind her startled from her thoughts and she jerked up. “Sorry - did you say something?”

“Sorry to startle you, Simone. I just wanted to come say hi. I’m about to head to work, but I noticed you, and we haven’t talked in while, so... How have you been?” She asked, completely honestly. When Susan asked someone how they were, it wasn’t just to make small talk. She truly cared about what other people had to say and how they felt. Especially fellow Order members for whom she knew things might not have been so easy lately. Smiling, the brunette pointed to the chair opposite Simone and slightly tilted her head to the side. “May I?”

owl mail to @susansbcnes​ when: a… while ago

dear trusted hogwarts alumnus;

whether it be in wise old ravenclaw or bold gryffindor where you found your home, you were one of hundreds of children and curious minds that got their start in this living and learning community.  and now– it is time to give back. 

i am writing to you today about a serious issue in today’s world. as tensions escalate across the wizarding world, it is important now, more than ever, to make sure that hogwarts remains neutral and provides a safe and tolerant learning environment for people of all walks of life.  

this is more than just giving back to a community that you and any children you have (or might have) partake in. it is about creating a community where every student feels comfortable to explore their surroundings and learn the world around them. as a former student in hogwarts’ hallowed halls, you know how great the impetus is for these students that they not only deserve, but have a right to. 

please join People Everywhere Nurturing Inquisitive Students and sign the petition attached to support our cause. we aim to establish legislation that will guarantee the neutrality, safety and support of all hogwarts students. remember: the future of the next generation of leaders, trailblazers and gamechangers lies in your hands. 

yours in service,  rose granger-weasley

Ms. Granger-Weasley, 

I am very pleased to hear from you, having heard quite a lot about you from various sources (all good things, I promise). 

I must admit, this letter came as quite a surprise to me when I found it on my desk this morning, but I must say that I am more than glad that young people like you are taking things quite seriously. I didn’t doubt it before, but proof is always nice, isn’t it?

I thank you for taking the time to write to me about this, and would love to sign your petition and join your organization, if you were to explain it all a bit more. However, if it’s not too much of a problem, I would like to leave you a little piece of advice before I finish this letter: Always check acronyms. I have made a few mistakes myself in that area in the past, and I can concur that people will never let you forget about it. If you need help coming up with a new name, may I recommend assembling a team? Multiple minds are always better than one.

However, I’d like to congratulate you on your professionalism. It is clear that you care about this matter, and the way you approach it makes it very clear. 

Once again, thank you for thinking of me, and I eagerly await more information about your organization.

Cordially,

Susan Bones International Magical Office of Law Ministry of Magic London, UK

Who: Camilla & Open Where: Outside the Ministry of Magic When: Wednesday, February 21, mid-morning

“No, I’m very sorry but I don’t have any answers about the registry - that’s not my department. I’m sure someone at the information desk would be able to direct you to the proper department.” Camilla smiled polite, hiding her frustration at yet another question from yet another frantic member of the populace who couldn’t be bothered to pay attention. She had work to do - not at the moment, actually, she was looking for a cup of coffee, but it was the principle of the thing. “I swear the next time that happens I will hex - please do not ask me about the registry.” She turned as she heard yet more approaching footsteps, her polite smile a fraction chillier now.

Susan had yet another busy day ahead of her. Things at work weren’t that bad, but mix it with Order business and worrying about her family, and Susan had a lot on her plate. 

After a brief, but somewhat satisfying, lunch with a representative from Singapore, the brunette was making her way back to the Ministry, and it was then that she witnessed a certain scene. Seeing the way Camilla responded to people voicing their very valid concerns made Susan’s blood boil. She didn’t know the other woman enough to know what her stance on the situation was, but Susan very much doubted that their values aligned all that much when it came to the matter. Still, she always had to be on the lookout — always careful — and so she approached Camilla with a smile.

“Busy day?”