conrad eric oswald keating

seventh year - gryffindor - he|him|his - headboy

[arlen-luca]

“Oh, yes, I’m quite American. I hope to be proving the negative stereotypes wrong, though,” Arlen chuckled. “My mother is the president of the Ancient Wizarding Relics Corporation. The headquarters were recently relocated to Cardiff. She dragged me and my father along to live in the United Kingdom with her. Alaina stayed with my older brother in America, so that’s why she’s still there.” He closed the magazine and put it back in his bookbag before returning his attention to the headboy. “So, are you doing rounds or perusing the library for a good read?” he asked.

[conradkeating]

Mr. Luca rattled off things left and right, casually mentioning things a part of his life. It took Conrad a bit by surprise, arching an eyebrow. It somewhat didn’t surprise him though, most everyone else from a pureblood wizarding family seemed to be successful at everything they did and could always be sure that they were related to someone who did something good. Not wanting to compare his broken family to this new American’s family, he shrugged at his question. “Rounds, mostly. I don’t read a ton, at least out of books. I’m more of a newspaper sort of fellow. What about you? Just needed a quiet place to read your mail?”

[conradkeating]

conrad eric oswald keating aesthetic (2/??)

[its-samantha-harvey]

Sam glanced at him and quickly looked back to her cookies - they were moments away from being done and she had to be ready to take them out of the oven. She tried not to sigh out of sheer frustration at herself and felt a tear begin to fall down her cheek. “I opened my big mouth and ruined a friendship because I’m a fucking dumbass,” she muttered. Her sadness was beginning to turn into anger and she kind of wanted to ask Conrad to leave so he wouldn’t see her like this.

[conradkeating]

Conrad really didn’t understand why she was getting so angry, sure, it may have been her fault, but he had to admit he was in the same spot after loosing both Lily and Ciara. “For the record, I haven’t been on the best terms with my friends either. However, you don’t particularly strike me as a ‘dumbass’ in any sense of the word,” He arched an eyebrow at her, but if she genuinely thought that about herself, he was going to change some part about it.

[arlen-luca]

Arlen recognized the headboy immediately, he’d seen him patrolling the halls almost consistently since the stricter curfew had been set. Arlen had to admire his effort. “Witch Wear America,” Arlen laughed to himself, knowing it seemed ridiculous without context. He wondered how many people had walked by while he was reading and started questioning him in their heads. At least this boy had the guts to do it aloud. “Don’t worry, my sister Alaina has a spread this month. I don’t go around reading about women’s fashion for fun, although there’s nothing wrong with that,” he explained as he held up the magazine so that Conrad could see the smiling witch on the front cover that resembled the American in front of him.

[conradkeating]

The headboy chuckled, almost as if the idea was a bit of a joke. At least he had a reason for reading it. “Your sister?” Conrad had to smile, he understood how proud he must feel, he’d feel just the same if his brother had anything like that. It was rather odd that he was reading it, but Conrad did as he always did: nodded an continued on. The accent, his newness, the magazine... “How does an American even end up here? Unless your sister traveled there, I assume you’re rather American,” Conrad smiled a bit.

[arlen-luca]

When Arlen’s mother departed from Hogsmeade after her brief visit, she left him with a box of assorted goodies and updates from his family. Arlen had already taken to sharing the assorted candies with his friends in Ravenclaw and storing his new broom down by the pitch. Now he had made his way to the library to start homework and to look through the other things she had left him with, a small sheet of paper and a magazine.

One of the papers was a note from his older brother, Aiden. It started off with an explanation to the Lucas in the United Kingdom how things were going in the American Auror Society. The Americans were tentative to join in on the war, which Arlen couldn’t help but snicker at, but they were working on a compromise where they would hopefully transfer numerous American Aurors to England to help keep the use of Dark Arts to a minimum in the trying time. 

Aiden went on to explain how wonderful everything was at home and how much he and Arlen’s younger sister, Alaina, missed him. He talked about their adventures in New York and living together without parental supervision. As much as Arlen enjoyed hearing about their lives, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy and longing. 

After he had finished the letter Arlen took a look at the magazine. It was Witch Wear America, Teen Edition. A smile crossed his face as he saw a familiar face on the front cover.

He quickly turned to the spread on his sister. She was so poised and graceful. She was truly in her element. The interview was even more magnificent than the moving pictures of her that were scattered throughout the magazine. She was so eloquent and humble, and although a hint of jealousy tugged at his heart it was mostly pride that welled within him. His eyes lingered on the page, on his sister’s genuine smile, and he let out a soft sigh. He didn’t think about what others’ opinions might be if they caught him reading a teen women’s fashion magazine without context, even when someone approached.

“Good Afternoon,” he smiled as he set the open magazine on the table  and looked up at his new company, obviously in a pleasant mood. 

[conradkeating]

Conrad had just been milling about, walking to and fro around the hallways and atriums, noticing every single student, normally making their way about their day. Hogwarts even in its current state had always been the same, people doing the same things day to day, going to the same places with the same intentions in just about the same way. Everything was always continuous, just how Conrad liked it.

One thing that had changed (actually halfway through the year) was yet another transfer student. Hogwarts never had many, but the lack of that many schools across the globe (and Hogwarts was of the highest quality) lead for lots of different transfers. This one was a bit different, as headboy Conrad had sort of seen him from afar, the new student label as obvious as bowtruckles on doxy eggs. It didn’t help that he was reading a young girl’s magazine- “Afternoon- might I ask what you’re reading?” he inquired, not intending to be rude, but being rather upfront.

[conradkeating]

Challenge #3

Growing up, the idea of romance was beyond me. My father left when my mum found out she was pregnant with me, leaving my whole family alone on the support of the Ministry and my aunt. It wasn’t easy, but my family made it through. Romance wasn’t an idea I even gave a second when it had torn my whole family apart.

My second year, I had met two of my best friends (although they didn’t really talk much) Jay and Ciara. Jay was an over-dramatic, boisterous, fun spirit while Ciara was quiet, but once she warmed up to you, was sassy and fun to be around in every aspect. I was never really close to anybody else my age, they all stuck together, and I stuck to my friends that were a bit younger than me.

Fast forward to my third year at Hogwarts. As a young 13 year old, my classmates started becoming interested in each other, I couldn’t really find anyone who struck my fancy. At the welcoming feast, I sat next to Jay (I’ll always remember this moment). He was so stricken with this new first year- her name was Lily Potter- it was like he changed into a different person.

The next few years he’d be determined to get closer and closer to Lily- she wasn’t interested to say the least. However, I got the chance to add another best friend to my list- we’d laugh and joke about all the same things, she joined the quidditch team with me, and on.

In fourth year, I discovered I was asexual. Thanks to Ciara, I figured this out honestly, where would I be without them? but that didn’t ever stop me from wishing one day I might fall in love. I hated it- this stupid emotion made my family life a living hell, why did I even think twice about wanting it? I couldn’t ever tell if what Jay wanted was romance, infatuation, or obsession, but I wanted anything close to it. He saw her in a different light than I ever could.

Sixth year, it all changed. I felt my life turn upside down, the girl whom one of my best friends had been going after since second year suddenly got really attractive. I still remember it, quidditch tryouts. Sam Wood was captain, his last year, with the people I’d practically grew up with, after Lily convinced me to try out for the quidditch team with her my fourth year (and I made it).

We both were gonna get in, that was for sure. But something else happened that day, I don’t even know what it was. Through the jokes on the cloudy, dreary, September day, something made the edges of my mouth curl up, really want her attention, I remember thinking of how contagious her smile was, did I really only want to be best friends?

I had to admit I was almost excited. I had spent my entire life hoping I could fall in love eventually, one day. And there she was, right in front of my face. The one girl my best friend had wanted since practically the first day she walked into Hogwarts. I may have felt something I never had before, but I wasn’t a total idiot. I remember crashing through the door of the common room a day or two later, decisive, excited, and wanting to tell Ciara, they probably thought I had taken something of theirs I was so excited for everything.

Even in retrospect of what happened this year, I think I’m almost thankful. Sure, I didn’t get the girl, but Lily now has who she wants, and quite honestly? I can live with that. I can be alright with living without someone else.

[its-samantha-harvey]

Sam shook her head. “That’s hard, yeah, but that’s not it,” she said softly, her voice trailing off. She wasn’t sure if she should bring it up; it wasn’t really that big of a problem in the grand scheme of things, especially not compared to two of her friends being missing. She sighed and figured she should say something about what was bothering her since she hinted at it, but she didn’t really know how to say it without sounding like a whiny drama queen. “I, uh, had a falling out with Erian,” she said, her voice even softer than before. Conrad probably didn’t even care about her stupid friend problems. Sam tried to shrug it off, muttering a quick never mind and standing up to check on her cookies.

[conradkeating]

Conrad shot up to meet her in the eyes, noting her sudden drop in voice. He wasn’t super great with people, but even Conrad that Erian and Sam were close. “That’s uhh- not good. What went wrong? You two were so close, what happened?” He grabbed another cookie, and ate it quickly, despite the fact that he was listening intently to whatever Sam said next.

[ciara-travers]

Soulmate AU

[ciara-travers]

“Thats gross, get someone else to take the worst shifts” Ciara said, making a face. They were really a fan of their sleep, although midnight ramblings around the castle weren’t exactly unfamiliar to them. Of course, patrolling had a purpose, which, ew. “Just make like, the fifth years take them. Not Carrow, she’s twenty pounds of shit show crazy in a five pound sack, but the others.” They replied, shrugging and examining their nails. They glanced over, checking out his profile. “ Come on, you’re gonna have crows feet before you’re thirty at this rate” They teased. 

[conradkeating]

Conrad laughed along with their joke. “If it means anything to you, I was already planning on it. Can’t be Minister without a hard work and a few sleepless nights. Besides, the fifth years are newbies at shifts. I’ve been doing this for three years.” He shrugged. He didn’t mind particularly being tired, if it meant keeping Hogwarts safe.

[conradkeating]

God, how pathetic can you get? You're so desperate to prove yourself, yet the only people you talk to are younger girls and the schools biggest fuck up. Of course Travers is the only person who can stand to be around you. You claim to be so virtuous, but we all know you'd go after Potter if she glanced away from Cannon for more than a second. Maybe if you weren't such a little poser bitch you'd find someone better than a child and the schools crack whore

Okay, fine. You want to be like this? You can’t even show your face and make a single one of those incredibly false accusations? Pathetic.

First and foremost, why does it matter who I talk to? Just because Sam and Lily are my close friends doesn’t mean they aren’t the only people I talk to. I’ve got Clint, Jay, Ciara, surprise.

Second of all, Ciara has stuck by me when the rest of my life has been a living hell, and I’ve done the same exact thing for them. If you want to talk about a quality relationship, that’s one right there. And Ciara isn’t the only one but as of late, they’ve been there.

If you think I’d drop one of my closest friends in a moment for a relationship, you must think me really shallow. Because there’s no way in the world I’d leave Jay in the dust for a relationship.

And fucking finally, Ciara fucking Travers is the closest friend I’ve ever had. Maybe if you had the dignity to learn to know someone, you’d learn that to. I may be the biggest arse in the whole universe, but they’re a better friend than you probably ever could be.

[ciara-travers]

Soulmate AU

[ciara-travers]

The common room was mostly empty, aside from a few first years whispering and one very sleepy head boy that appeared to be just waking up. “ I don’t know why you take naps in the middle of the day, you know they give you headaches” Ciara said, sitting on the arm of the couch, glancing at the back of his head. “ You need to change your patrol schedule. Or invest in some sleeping pills” They continued, shooting a look at the first year students until they scattered. 

[conradkeating]

“I take naps in the middle of the day,” He began, rubbing his neck, not particularly paying attention to his best friend, “Because I can’t sleep at night. Of course the one year I’m headboy they decide to put us on ridiculous sort of patrollings...” He sighed, his voice deep.from still waking up. Conrad didn’t have to turn around to notice his best friend, their voice was clear and distinct as the day he met them.

[conradkeating]

Keating Family:

Journey Keating (Mia Kirshner)

Ronald Keating (Sam Barnard)

Conrad Keating (Justin Kelly)

[ciara-travers]

Ciara clung tightly to Conrad, standing on their toes to avoid being completely crushed against his chest. They were unspeakably glad that Conrad had forgiven them, and they had to bite their lip as he spoke. They didn’t respond at first, to busy trying to force the tears back down. “Don’t be an idiot Keating, I’m not the one whos gonna let go” they said at last, voice still shaky, but fond none the less

[conradkeating]

“I guess we’re stuck together.” He chuckled a little bit, noticing their shaking voice and pulling them closer to him. In any sort of situation, Ciara would have been someone he would of had a particular distaste for, had he met them any later. But despite their differences in personalities, he wouldn’t trade them for anything. As much as Conrad would have liked to contiune with mushy-gushy emotion... he didn’t really want to. He held onto the hug for as long as they wanted to.

[ciara-travers]

Soulmate AU

This whole seeing in black and white thing was not working out for Ciara. What type of idiots were working in the ministry that something got mixed up and people lost their color vision? Who even did that? And of course, the solution was no better. All the ministry had been able to find was that seeing your “soulmate” was supposed to bring the color back. Ciara kinda hated the ministry at that point, so they had just gone back to their room and refused to emerge again. Skyler had joined them at one point, and Ciara had listened to a very long winded ramble about the history of soulmates as a romantic trope before they had wandered off. 

Ciara had spent a lot of time after that drinking, though it was a bit inconvenient when they couldn’t see the color of the liquid. Honestly, who ever actually read the lables of their booze. But even getting plastered couldn’t keep time from marching forwards, and they were eventually forced to emerge from the dorm rooms. Luckily most of their clothing was black anyways, so they didn’t have to try and remember which shirt was which color. 

Storming out of the common room, they were slightly disorientated to see shades of grey instead of the usual blast of red and gold. The lack of colors just made their mood even worse, and the bowed their head, striding towards the door, hoping no one would try to intercept them. 

[conradkeating]

Conrad never thought in colors, his life had always just sort of been black and white. He never had thought about how wonderfully vivid life had been- until it had been taken from his grasp. He wasn’t particularly offset by this, but it was a mild inconvience when everything wasn’t black and white, and he knew it. The world just seemed to have a bit more meaning when the world was in color.

His regular patrols of the castle had gotten out of control, he was now known for taking regular 3 hour naps on the common room couch. The moment he would finish his History of Magic class, he would find his way up the tower, drop his bag, and pass out. Today was no different, but naps always gave him a bit of a headache. He sat up, head throbbing. Conrad only hoped nobody came barging through the common room door loudly.

[its-samantha-harvey]

Sam laughed and nodded. “Yeah, help yourself.” She sighed deeply and leaned back against the counter. “It’s more than just these attacks that are getting to me,” she admitted quietly. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to tell him everything that had been going on. It’s not that she didn’t trust him, she just didn’t want to come off as whiny or anything. She sunk to the floor on the opposite side of the counter from him as she tried to fight back tears. She had cried herself to sleep every night since her conversation with Erian and barely got any sleep the whole time either.

[conradkeating]

Conrad grabbed the bowl of cookies as he hopped down from the counter, sitting next to Sam. It was nice to actually be at her height for once, perhaps a little weird. He was so much taller than her, but being equal to her was nice. “What do you mean? I know both of us were particularly close to Lily, who still has yet to be found, but...” His voice dropped, and he grabbed another cookie, trying to fill the silence.

[renfairfax-blog]

“You can say that again,” Ren replied, a yawn of his own forming at the base of his throat. He blinked several times, and for each one his eyes remained closed for a little longer. “You know, you seem due for a nap.” This, coming from Ren, felt hypocritical to say, but he said it nonetheless. “I would join you, but at this point I’m posing an important research question: how long can I stay up before passing out?” As he said it, Ren fought back against another yawn. “I wonder if there’s a spell for an instant energy boost?”

[conradkeating]

Conrad laughed audibly, he didn’t know if his roommate was intentionally trying to make him laugh or if his exhaustion from the weekly watches that had been getting to him. “If there was, I would much rather like to know about it now,” Conrad shook his head with a smile. “However, what are you even doing outside of the common room? Going for a midnight stroll?”

[ciara-travers]

Ciara shook slightly as Conrad hugged them, wrapping their arms around his ribs and holding on for dear life. They pressed their forehead against his shoulder, trying not to cry on to his shirt. God bless water proof makeup, really. “You don’t”They said, voice trembling. “You dont and you haven’t and I don’t know what I would do if you started.” They confessed, tears falling freely now. “I’m sorry just don’t leave, please, just don’t leave”

[conradkeating]

Conrad was happy they were recpriocating, he wouldn’t of known what to do if they weren’t. He hadn’t felt this comfortable in someone’s arms in he didn’t know how long, glad to finally have his best friend and partner in crime right back next to him. “If anything,” He whispered softly in their ear, “You’re going to have to let go before I even think of leaving.”

[lilypotter-bnw-blog]

The Keating Family (Alternate Next Next Gen AU)

Keep reading

[conradkeating]

bonus points:

Ciara Travers (Marion Cotillard)