is the road ahead unmade?

.

Schoolwork had already piled up to a familiar point. Not that Sybill minded a whole bunch, she liked having work as an excuse to avoid too much social interraction. (She used to avoid it entirely, but somehow she’d conned Pandora into thinking she was pretty, and now there was someone she wanted to spend time with.) Sybill used it to avoid people so much that she even read textbooks as she walked through the halls, and didn’t even notice Otto until he was on the floor at her feet. “Oops! Sorry, Otto.” She dogeared the page and tucked the book under her arm, offering out a hand to help him up, “one of these days I’ll remember to look up every now and then.”

          Otto was ignoring all the schoolwork he technically should be doing. He knew he’d get an ear full from all his professors later, but he didn’t care. He likely wasn’t the only person having a stressful year and personal drama aside, there was still stressful events happening at school. So far, he’d spoken to his professors about how stressed he was and most of them seemed to care about him enough to understand what he was going through. Though he didn’t want to be behind, he was struggling to keep up. “No, you’re all good!” He grinned. “It was totally my fault. I’d run into a wall standing still. Which we all know I can’t do.” He took her hand. “I’m good.” 

.

Look, Jimi understood why an institution like Hogwarts thought rules were necessary. But she’d spent most of her life in communities that trusted individuals to have common sense to keep themselves safe and healthy, and didn’t use fear of consequences to corral people into behaving a certain way. She resented that her education now hinged on her following these rules closely enough to avoid expulsion. Not that her dad would be too peeved if it did happen, but it would mean the last few eyars were a waste. “Don’t worry about it lass, rule breakin’ is good practice.” Jimi hummed, taking a drag of her cigarette and exhaling a cloud of smoke, head angled to the side so it didn’t blow towards Morgana. “I’m not tired yet, so I ain’t goin’ to bed yet.” 

          When it came to following the rules, she tended to follow them. Morgana didn’t like people paying attention to her. She was doing her best not to draw attention to herself, but she knew that that wasn’t her choice these days. She was a target even if she didn’t want to be. Morgana wanted to keep herself safe and secure, which meant she was quiet a lot. “It’s not. Not for me. I don’t... I don’t want to draw any more attention to myself than necessary.” It was tough, really. The Ravenclaw was soft, too soft, for her own good. “Oh. I mean it is late though.” 

.

Honestly one of her goals of the school year was to see Millie let her hair down. Have a drink and a laugh and just chill out for a bit without feeling like the world would crumble around her if she wasn’t working or studying. Jimi knew she was a staunch nerd, but if anyone was up for the challenge it was her. “Four hours? Jesus lass, that’s more than enough.” Jimi shook her head, “another secret?” She teased, “that’s two kisses a day, hen.” Jimi winked, “I got plenty in mind when it comes to fun with you, but I was wonderin’ if you’re interested in the makin’ out kinda fun or lookin’ for somethin’ a little more PG.” 

          She knew she’d been here a long time. Millie wasn’t working on homework though, so at least that’s how she justified being here so long. All her homework had been done for ages and she was caught up enough that she knew what was coming in her studies for the next few weeks. However, she had research topics she wanted to look into before leaving. “Well, probably, but I’m working on a personal project, so I got carried away.” Millicent smiled. “Maybe you should check in here every so often and make sure I’m not still here.” She laughed. “Two kisses. Now you’re getting greedy.” She couldn’t help the grin on her face as Jimi spoke. “Oh, um... I donno. I could be persuaded either way if you give a compelling argument.”

–

“Did they make you chew them or did you have to swallow them whole? When I was little, I swore in front of my nan by accident and she made me put soap in my mouth it was awful.” Luckily it was just the once but it had left an impression. She rarely swore now, just in case it somehow got back to her nan.

“It’s so pretty! I was only there for a day or two, once we graduate we should go together. It can be a girl trip! I don’t even know where we’d start though. There’s so much of it there.”

–

          “They made me chew them. If I swallowed them whole, they doubled the punishment.” Millicent snorted out a laugh. “I never got in too much trouble though, so it was never a huge problem. I think I cursed like twice and then learned my lesson. I suppose having to eat jellybeans as a punishment isn’t that bad. Real soap would have been worse.” 

          She smiled and nodded. A trip sounded nice. She didn’t know if that would actually happen though. After graduating, she was sure she’d have to work. “Yes! I want to explore a lot of places. I have trinkets from all over because of my parents, but I want to explore. Maybe we can invite Jimi! Bet she has a list of really cool places.” 

*

Remus nodded and watched the Slytherin’s round the corner, but when they saw Morgana was alone and with a prefect no less, they seemed to decide they had other places to be. Some of the tension eased out of his shoulders, and he gave the girl a kind and reassuring smile. One less thing to worry about.

“I take it you’re close with him then?” Admittedly he didn’t know the girl very well, likely because they both resided in different houses, but she seemed nice enough the times that he had interacted with her. The topic at hand seemed to be making her a bit emotional, which he had no idea what to do with, but he just tried to maintain the same steady and reassuring demeanor, hoping it would suffice.

          She let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding when they left her alone. Thankfully, Remus didn’t seem to mind being used as a human shield from bullies. Morgana had her fill of them these days and it almost hurt being back at Hogwarts where she had to deal with them. She didn’t know Remus very well, or as well as she’d like. But then again, Morgana was a quieter student who liked to fade into the background. 

          “Oh, yeah. As close as you would be with people who call you a blood traitor for your mum sleeping with someone that’s not her husband resulting in a bastard child who doesn’t have pureblood,” she said, surprised at her own sarcasm. Morgana had no love for her family. “Sorry. I just... wish people weren’t so rude about it.” 

*

To be completely honest, Lucius didn’t care what excuses the girl had to give him. If she had been a Slytherin, he would have put more thought into giving her a free pass. Tonight, he wasn’t feeling so generous. Her tears did absolutely nothing but annoy him. “You shouldn’t be breaking curfew if you don’t want a detention,” Lucius murmured, his arms crossing over his chest. “You’d think a Ravenclaw would be more careful.” He tsked. 

          “I didn’t mean to,” she protested. Morgana rarely lost track of time. Coming back to Hogwarts after spending time with Louise was weird. The Oakes never made her leave the greenhouses and she loved staying up late with Louise tending to the different plants or up late having tea with Oliver. A part of her was still back on break time, not remembering that she had a curfew. “I’ll do anything to get out of a detention. Really. I...” That wasn’t entirely true though and she knew it. Morgana Killick knew people like Lucius hated her. She knew that people considered her a blood traitor for no reason other than she existed. “Please.” 

.

Bedtime was an absurd concept, and one Jimi’s father had not payed heed to since she was about seven, telling her that if she wanted to stay up it was fine but he wouldn’t be making allowanced for her grumpiness the next day just because she was too stubborn to be tired. So, coming to a castle that had strict rules on when you could and couldn’t be out of bed was really more of a personal challenge than a limitation to her. Really, once you were out of the castle and on the grounds there was little to hold you back, and that was why the greenhouse was the best place for a smoke. 

“Relax, Morgana.” Jimi sighed, “I promise you I couldn’t care less why you’re out here, or whether your rule breaking is purposeful or not.”

          Morgana was usually better about remembering bedtime. She was typically one of those students that knew exactly what time it was. She rarely ever broke rules and the only ones she did break were the ones that most everyone broke all the time anyway. She wasn’t a person like Otto or Jimi who were always breaking rules. So she was nervous when anyone caught her breaking the rules. Plus Morgana had been seeing Jimi spend more time around Millicent and everyone knew that Millie never broke rules. 

          “Sorry. I’m a little jumpy. I shouldn’t be breaking any rule. What are you still doing up?” 

The moon stood high, bringing light to these darkening days. This time of night was one that Regulus had always enjoyed. They found something akin to serenity in the solitude. It was a reprieve from the feigned niceties and harsh looks that colored their day. There was no need to be demanding or clever or shiny —- there was no one to perform for or disappoint. Still, it was not enough to quiet their mind that obsessed and raced. Taking on rounds during this time of night was an excuse to turn their restlessness into something supposedly productive. Still, some part of them was still surprised to have another person interrupt their quiet. “What were you doing in the greenhouses?” Admittedly, it was more of an obligatory question than genuine concern. “-I haven’t decided what a fair punishment is yet, but if you start to cry I’m doubling it.” Honestly, the emotionality of it all troubled them much more than the rule-breaking. 

Where: Fourth Floor Corridor With: Open

For the first time in years, Sirius hadn’t spent winter break counting down the days until he could again leave Grimmauld Place to return to Hogwarts. Spending break with James and the Potters had made it the best holiday ever, and it had gone too fast. Returning to Hogwarts this year didn’t hold quite the same level of excitement for Sirius, but he didn’t mind.

He’d been excited to play with the mysterious gift he’d received on Christmas morning - a map of the Black Lake and a set of keys. He’d carefully tucked them away amongst his things, but he brought them out the first chance he got upon returning to the castle. He was currently testing out the keys on a door in the fourth floor corridor, his tongue poking out the side of his mouth as he wiggled the key in the lock - with no luck. He huffed out a sigh. “You’d think these keys’d work on at least one bloody door in this castle,” he said aloud to anyone willing to listen.

          Winter break was always nice for Charity. She loved Hogwarts and being around magic, but when she was at home, it was very much a no magic zone. Sometimes she felt like she was living in an entirely different century when she was at home because her parents didn’t really use any electronics. Charity supposed that was probably the whole point of living in the middle of nowhere. Coming to school was almost a relief from the isolation of home. 

          She smoothed out her dress as she walked down the halls. Charity really didn’t want to wear her uniform, though she had paired her dress with her Hufflepuff socks and probably looked like she didn’t know how to dress. Spotting Sirius, she curiously made her way over to him to see what he was doing. “Let me see the key,” she put her hand out. “I bet I can figure it out.” 

.

Jimi wasn’t always looking for a response honestly. Part of it was just her crude personality and the rest was flirting in good faith. She’d faced many a rejectioon owing to her brazen honesty and was no longer frightened by the idea of them. She took the chance as often as one presented itself. She cracked a grin at what Millie had to say anyway, pleased she seemed to be in a fun mood. “Absolutely. Spendin’ too long in a library makes me sneeze.” Jimi hopped out of her seat and made a dramatic show of offering Millie her arm, “now tell me trouble, what kinda’ fun did ya’ have in mind?”

          When it came to people she would stop studying for, the list was very short. It was actually honestly, only a few people and Jimi was on that list. Maybe she was better at flirting than she thought she was because Jimi seemed to think she was funny. Millicent didn’t think she was that funny and was a bit of a disaster in the romance department. “I’ve been here for four hours and even I want to sneeze,” she admitted. “But don’t tell that to anyone.” Millie liked keeping up her bookworm appearance. “I donno. Do you have something fun in mind?” 

–

“I had soap once, and it was awful. Haven’t had earwax yet thankfully. Sometimes I give them to Luds first so he can suss out the really gross ones for me.” She admitted, fishing through the small pile of jellybeans to see if she could spot something good.

“Aww, don’t be silly Millie I’m always proud of you! I’m glad you had lots of fun though. I got to take a trip to Ireland for a few days, it was very spontaneous. Do you know my friend Dahey? He’s in Slytherin, we went to go hang out with his twin brother.”

–

          “My grandparents used to stockpile the soap ones. Somehow they thought that was better than actual soap.” Millie didn’t talk about her grandparents that often. She didn’t have a reason why, just that she did want people to feel bad for her. Millicent hadn’t been through some of the things that other people went through and she didn’t like complaining about her life when she had it better than a lot of people. 

          “That’s fun! I’ve never been to Ireland, but my parents have. What’s it like? I’m thinking about travelling for a bit after I graduate. Hopefully I can swing it. Ireland’s on my list.” She smiled. “That sounds like a great holiday.” 

𝓃

She didn’t make a habit of doing favors for others, things that could lead to the type of relationship where someone relied on her were messy and complicated. Narcissa preferred to breeze through life, sticking with what she knew and felt comfortable with. Studying, while a relatively easy thing to do, would not go well if Pince decided to make a scene over the scent of sweets. “I can watch your table. I would rather not hear her shrill shouts today if possible.” Or the smacking of lips in the quiet of the library.

          Usually she was better about following the rules, but these days it seemed like following the rules was... well pointless. Other students were scared and bullying each other in the hallway because of the war and Millie didn’t think eating in the library was that bad in comparison to some of the stuff that she say other students getting into. Millicent wasn’t trouble like most students. Pince wouldn’t kick her out of the library for eating because Pince liked Millie, but she also didn’t want to deal with the woman’s face of disappointment. “She was distracted on the other side of the library last I saw. Some first years trying to break into the restricted section. Honestly, I don’t know why they even try that anymore. But that would be nice.” 

+

She grinned brightly as Millicent offered her what could be described as her favourite sweets in the entire of honeydukes. “You’re the best Millie” she smirked, popping the sweet into her mouth and savouring it for around a half second, before swallowing. She really needed to get to Hogsmeade, or place an owl order, especially with exams coming up with year. “You don’t want to tell me that, I have a sweet tooth and zero impulse control. You may come back to your dorm one day and find me in a sugar coma” she teased. She wouldn’t really do it, she hoped. She had heard some crazy things about seventh years during NEWTs. “If you could that would be great, unless you’re super busy in which case, I don’t want to take you away from it…”

          When it came to sweets, Millicent always had a bunch of them stashed with her stuff. She liked having them and often would give them to someone else that was around or helped her out. “Of course. Part of the reason I have a lot is to give them to other people.” Although she did eat quite a few of them herself. “You’re telling me. I always stockpile up near exam season. You should see Ravenclaw tower during exams. Everyone’s... a lot. I know sometimes I get to studying and forget about everything else.” Exams were a while a way, but she would always be the same way during them no matter what. “Don’t worry, my stash is pretty hidden.” She grinned at Doris. “I’m never too busy to help someone.” School was important to her, but Millie had learned that people were important too. These are the people that would eventually need to like her whenever she became Minister of Magic. 

charity burbage / task 011.

Basics:

Name: charity burbage  Nicknames: char Birthday: 4 may  Age: sixteen Pronouns: she/her Sexuality: homosexual  Siblings: none  Other Family: elisabeth burbage & flora burbage, daniel vane 

(…)

   As soon as Declan had pulled away from Otto the panic had set back in, consuming him and making it almost impossible to focus on anything outside of his racing mind and the gut-wrenching feeling that had taken up residence in his stomach. However, this time Declan wasn’t sure what the panic was for. Was it over the fact that he had finally just kissed the boy he had been head over heels for since second year, or was it over the fact that not only had he just possibly ruined everything between the two of them for a second time while also breaking silence on the secret he had been hiding for years.

   Declan remained silent for a moment as he watched Otto start to leave, before fighting every urge in his body and standing to face Otto. “Please don’t leave, Otto. That’s not what I meant…. well that’s not completely true, I just-” Declan took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm any of the nerves and panic that were running riot in his head. “That kiss was… really good” he finally continued, not being able to stop himself from blushing a little. “I’ve been wanting to do that ever since third year, I just…..I’ve never said anything about that to anyone before, not even my own sister. The only person who knows is Rita, and surprisingly she’s been pretty good at keeping the secret. Well… her silence hasn’t been completely free, but she could of been a lot worse about the whole thing than she has been” he continued, the words simply flowing from his mouth uncontrollably.

   “The truth is, Otto. I’ve been wanting this moment to happen for years, but I’ve held back, not only because I was scared of ruining our friendship, but also destroying everything my parents worked so hard their whole lives to build up.   I didn’t want to loose anyone over this, so I just decided that it was easier to just not do anything about it”

          Otto didn’t like that his brain automatically went to the worst conclusion there was. He’d always assumed he built up something romantic between them in his mind. He had always thought that it was just him that felt the same way. Of course he was going to think that Declan just kissed him for whatever bad reason came to mind in his head first. Otto had given Declan so many chances. He’d said so many times that he had feelings for Declan. Otto didn’t understand and he didn’t know what he was supposed to do now. Obviously, his heart was telling him to kiss Declan again, to forget any awkwardness between them and just let this be what it was supposed to be. Except he couldn’t do that. The Ravenclaw looked down at the ground while he let his best friend talk because that way Declan wouldn’t see him cry. 

          He wired his mouth shut, otherwise he knew he’d protest against what Declan said next. Otto’s parents knew he wasn’t straight and they were fine with it. In fact, they seemed to know before he told them how he felt. His parents were good people. That didn’t mean that other people had good parents or that Declan’s parents would approve. While Otto knew that, it still stung that his best friend wasn’t in a situation like him. And that over the years kept this from him, that Declan, of all people, made Otto feel ashamed of his crush. He let Declan say his piece, trying to formulate a sentence. 

          “I want to say I understand, but I don’t. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this and that you felt like you didn’t have anyone to talk to about it. But Declan, I’m supposed to be your best friend. You’ve known for years I like boys.” He let out a shaky breath, feeling the tears in his eyes, which he wiped away in frustration. “Except here’s the problem, I’ve felt like shit these past months. I realized I had a crush on you at the end of fifth year. I told you I had a crush on you and you made me feel like shit because of it. I can’t do the secret relationship. I am who I am and I’m damn proud of it. I don’t know what you want from me.” Otto couldn’t help the tears now. “I love you, Declan, but you can’t ask me to hide a part of who I am.” 

The switch between classes could always be said to be somewhat of a mad rush. Tall students with long legs practically stepping on first and second years to make their way through the crowd, gaggles of girl walking four or five people wide pushing their way through the fray, and people like Otto Bagman falling swiftly to the floor as expected.  Taking a few steps back, Narcissa glanced down at the pile of limbs near her feet. “Are you injured?” She inquired, eyes searching to see if anyone else had been affected by the show of poise and grace.

          Otto was a mess of limbs and inability to do anything without causing a bit of chaos. He wasn’t graceful and he didn’t want to be graceful. Personally, he liked that he was a little bit chaotic because it was more fun to be that way. A group of people laughed as he fell. Okay, so that part wasn’t as fun. Otto knew they were laughing at him, but if he laughed with them, then it made the situation easier. He wondered how many people were laughing at him for being in love with Declan? 

          “No, I’m fine,” he shrugged, and waved a hand. He sat for a second before popping back up. “Did I hurt you? I didn’t mean to if I did. I can make it up to you.” He wasn’t sure how, but he would.