I Am The Son and Heir of Nothing in Particular

Well, here I am!

Hey come on, I’m sure she was very happy to see you. And she probably didn’t mind the stuttering. Lux isn’t someone to care about these things. No, it’s fine, I got it. And don’t look at me like that, I really did need two suitcases.

#gif convo #interact: Arron D #He is so excited Arron is here it is pulling him out of his depressive episode #which is a huge thing #HUGE

[Albus shrugged, not much in the mood for arguing the issue. He wasn't sure he believed Arron, or anyone, for that matter, when they pushed confidence onto him, and tried to convince himself he wasn't as out of place as he was. It felt forced, always did, and if they were trying to pass something they themselves didn't actually believe as the truth.] Well, I suppose it... the volume you would need varies with the length of your stay... which was supposed to be how long, again? [He tried to hide the fact that he wanted to hear the visit would be indefinite, that Albus wouldn't be stuck alone with people he was so unsure of.]

Well, here I am!

True. Very true. So you didn’t socialise at all? Wait, I met Lux earlier, she said you guys went to the zoo with some kid. So that’s socialising. I approve. To the library? Alright, let me just get my bags up to your room and I’m all ready to go.

#gif convo #interact: Arron D #This reply was sitting here for two hours waiting for a gif I am awful

Well that was... sort of an accident. We just ran into one another, an-and it was all incredibly... strange. I don't really know if that counts as socializing, given how much I mumbled and stuttered. Right, o-of course, sorry, where are my manners? Do you need help with your bags?

Merlin, who is making all that noise?

Arron’s going to come visit. I know he’ll come. For one thing, he’s your best friend and I doubt he can handle being away from you for that long no matter how much he enjoys other company. For another, he’s never been the type to go back on his word, as far as I’ve seen. And most importantly, he promised me a gingerbread house and I intend to collect on that promise, so he has to come visit.

Sure, that’s nice, too. But I think there are things that are meant to be and there are things that aren’t. No matter what you choose, if it’s not right, it won’t work out… But you also have to choose the right thing if you want it to work out. Does that make sense? I mean, maybe Mum and Dad were meant to be, but they still had to choose to be together.

[Lily shrugged as well, not wanting to fight with her brother as she had with Roxy.] I just don’t get why everyone’s so convinced that I'm gonna be the one to get hurt… I'm just as capable as the rest of you. [She mumbled the last part under her breath.]

#interact: Lily P #gif convo #why are they talking about love #I never talk to my brothers about love #this is uncharted territory for me man

That's... wonderfully optimistic of you, Lily. And I would really like to see him, because he's really the most consistent friend I've ever had. Which is why I don't... I don't want to assume or expect those sorts of things from him, because I'm sure that if I convince myself that he'll do that sort of thing for me, only because it's me, then I'm only putting more pressure on him. I'd rather just... Let people go. And do what they'd rather. And not worry about me.

I'm... not really believer in divination, Lily. I don't know if anything happens because it supposed to, or if it just happens because that;s how it all fell into place. I don't think you could really convince me that those sorts of things happen because they're supposed to, even if you can ch-choose what is supposed to happen? Is that right? Is that what you meant?

[Albus paused to catch his sister's words, straining to hear what she said so quietly, his brow furrowing as he thought about all the ways he could try and convince his little sister to be safe. To avoid harm, not for herself, but for him. So he wouldn't have one more thing keeping him up at night, eat at this thoughts until it was all that remained.] Maybe it's... maybe it's because none of us are all that capable, so, even if say that, it really doesn't... bring any comfort.

Well, here I am!

But I feel a bit guilty for leaving you alone. Did you at least meet a few people while I was gone, or did you just spend all the time reading in your room?

#gif convo #interact: Arron D

I-i'm shocked you feel the need to ask that question, wh-when the answer should be obvious... Which reminds me... I've got to go to the library.

C'mon.

It’s only an offer. Don’t worry about it. [Lux noticed the deep crimson his cheeks had taken and was about to apologize, but was cut off when the bus slammed to a stop. A few passengers made their way slowly out the doors and onto the street, one having to rush back to pick up her forgotten purse. She was about to continue her sentence, but was, yet again, interrupted. Logan was tugging insistently at her hand, signaling that they had finally reached their destination. But something was strangely familiar about her surrounding. Had…Had he taken them to the zoo?] Why on earth are we here? [He didn’t answer her question - as that would involve speaking - and dragged her toward the exit. Lux reached back and grabbed Albus’ hand, so he was pulled along with them in a strange sort of chain.]

#gif convo #interact: Lux S #I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG #AND HAT IT ISN;T VERY GOOD #OH MY LORD I CAN'T WRITE ANYMORE #I've been writing all day #about murder #and witches and all the other good things in the world

[Albus only shook his head, matching the motion to the sound of him clearly his throat, he wanted to switch gears. Find a topic he could talk about with ease, one that didn't trigger embarrassment or anxiety in him. Though he was having a hard time thinking up one that would suit his needs, beyond the different subspecies of dragons, or any of the other dry topics he'd read in a textbook over the last few weeks. He almost lost his balance and fell to the dirty floor when the buss pulled to a sudden stop. He grabbed blindly for something to keep his balance, his hand landing squarely on Lux's mid thigh. Albus barely had time to register where his hand was when Lux was pulling him up and off the bus, his face a shade of red that made him look like the shameful owner of a serious sunburn. He sputters when his shoes hit the slush splattered pavement, trying to figure out everything that has transpired in the last five minutes, but finding his brain has begun to short circuit. With a tight throat, Albus managed to squeeze out the first thing that had come to mind.] Y-your hand is really soft, d-did you know that? It's nice. [His voice went up an octave at the end of the statement, cracking over his own embarrassment.]

Well, here I am!

Oh, I’m so sorry, Al. Really. I got held up a little. But I’m here now.

#gif convo #interact: Arron D

I figured... You probably had plenty of important things to get done. It really wasn't a big deal.

Merlin, who is making all that noise?

The house feels sort of empty without James around, still. There’s usually so many people here, Fred, Roxy, Alice… They used to come by all the time… Even with Charlie here things feel sort of imbalanced. I like to think Mum and Dad would’ve gotten together anyway, even if her parents didn’t let him stay at the Burrow, like it was just meant to be this way.

Fighting isn’t what’s best for anyone. That’s not the point, the point is what winning this war could fix… Sometimes I wish you wouldn’t worry so much. It stops you from living your own life.

#gif convo #interact: Lily P #you are doing a really good job of making them all distinct people

It's... W-we do have a slowly dwindling roster of people to break the monotony. Well... Arron is supposed to come, I think. He might not, he's sort of visiting people in Godric's Hollow that I doubt he'd want to leave. I wouldn't be surprised- or offended- if he didn't come. I don't... I don't really know if things of that sort are meant to be, I know it's romantic, and everything, the whole concept of soul mates... but doesn't it mean more to be chosen? To know that nobody has to love you, but somebody does anyway? That... just sounds nicer to me.

A war might fix one thing, but not without breaking a dozen others. I would rather you not let yourself be one of those things. [Albus shrugged, not really sure if he should apologize for himself or not.] I can't help it. Nobody else seems to worry enough.

C'mon.

I certainly don’t think you say too much, but I guess I can see where you’re coming from. Just know that you’re always welcome over, ‘kay? Hm? [Lux thought it over, trying to remember whether or not he really did owe her something. She was almost certain he’d repaid them all, but just to be completely sure, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. It was the exact wrong thing to do, she was positive, though that thought hadn’t stopped her from doing it anyway. She hoped that maybe it would show him that nothing had changed between the two. They were still the same people who sat in the astronomy tower discussing stars. Her hands had come to cup his cheeks, and, after a few more moments, she pulled away.] Consider that last favor repaid. And I totally will! It’s about time Arron and I caught up. Ooh, that’s even better. The three of us should all spend the day together! Doesn’t that sound fantastic? Well, I’m incredibly flattered that you think I’d do so well without school. Your opinion is very appreciated. [The boy had taken to staring at the two curiously, probably wondering what the kiss was all about, but he kept his mouth shut.] Right. I keep forgetting about that.

#gif convo #interact: Lux S #we should pickflavoura of cupcakes/muffins these two are or would that be weird #don't look at me I started drinking at 2 pm today

Alright. Okay. I-I mean I've got a lot of things I'll need to do, f-for the next little while, but I'm not saying I won't come. Just... don't set a place at the table, o-or anything. [Albus wasn't entirely sure what sort of answer he was expecting from Lux, but a kiss would've hardly been on the list. He wasn't even sure it was happening at first, things were a bit hazy. He froze up under her touch, only managing to get up the nerve lightly pat her shoulder before she pulled away. He pressed his hand against his mouth, looking at Lux anxiously. He had no idea why she'd done that, or what he was supposed to think of it.] You've... o-okay. Yeah, it, uh... Mmhmm. S'no trouble... [He really couldn't get words out of his mouth anymore, he was too embarrassed, preoccupied with glancing nervously at the other passengers. Merlin, she made him flustered so easily, he couldn't even imagine the shade of red his face must've taken on.] H-huh...?

Well, here I am!

I hope you missed me!

#gif convo #Albus totally sat around doing nothing since getting Arron's letter because he is a LOSER #the only people he's spoken to have been Lu and Lily #interact: Arron D

I was expecting you sooner.

C'mon.

Don’t be silly, Albus. I’m always happier when you’re around. They’re not all that different from us, actually. They just have different things to use and different names for stuff. But they’re really just people. [Lux loved her muggle family with all her heart. Even after Danny died, they kept her around and offered her a place to stay. She couldn’t thank them enough. After being neglected all her life, that overwhelming feeling of acceptance and love was something she not only needed, but craved.] Ooh, can you imagine how many secrets and favors I could wrack up? My book would be bursting at the seams. [Her eyes seemed to glaze over for a moment as she thought of her not-so former lifestyle of selling strange things for a strange payment.] That reminds me, Lysander still owes me one. A favor, I mean. I should probably collect it sometime soon. And I should definitely pay Arron a visit sometime. I miss talking with him. Have you always been this good at reading people? I didn’t even know that about myself. I thought I was just always too distracted to pay attention. [Putting a hand gently on Logan’s shoulder, Lux offered him a small smile. He returned it, but said nothing, instead staring out the window as if he was looking for something.] I’m sure we’ll be able to find our way back, yeah.

#so lux is delicious and covered in frosting #and Albus is healthier and has less frosting #and people often insult him #even though muffins are great #yeah this metaphor actually kinda works #gif convo #interact: Lux S

Sure... I'm sure you are. [He folded his hands in his lap, feeling the skin around his knuckles with a bit too much pressure.] I know they aren't, b-but there are just so many things to keep track of. And... I'd probably say too much, I do tend to do that. [Albus really was taken aback to hear she enjoyed spending time with him, but he still couldn't trust that there was any true sincerity in her words. Things just felt so false to him lately, like every conversation was just an attempt to humour him, and didn't really mean anything at all. He smiled vaguely at her enthusiasm, not really feeling up to showing much more feeling.] It's... It's a terrifying thought, a-actually. Don't... uh, d-don't I owe you one? A favour, I mean. You could owl him, I'm sure he'd be happy to hear from you. Or... i-if you're in London the next few weeks, he's supposed to be visiting me. I'm not really that good at reading people. I'm just saying what I think. I'm probably wrong... I-I tend to make mistakes like that a lot. Don't take it to heart, or anything... [Albus watched the interaction pass between the girl and the boy, and wondered if maybe it'd have been better of him if he hadn't stopped Lux. If he'd just let her go and resigned himself to not seeing her again, at least for a few months.] It's fine either way. I can always Knight Bus.

Merlin, who is making all that noise?

I do hope she’ll stay for a while, I like having her around. We’ve been through a lot together this year alone and I don’t like the idea of her being out on her own. I’m sure she could take care of herself, but its not really safe these days, especially considering she’s muggleborn. Our family does have a tendency to sort of adopt others, don’t we….

[Lily stared at Albus for a moment, feeling the first glimmer of guilt for her decision to fight.] You’re a good brother, Al… Th-thanks… For worrying. It’s nice to know you’re thinking of me.

#you've got like a gradient of characters #from Lily to Mecaria #cute and cuddly to cute and crazy #gif convo #interact: Lily P #I am super tired sorry for any errors

Good. AndI suppose her presence keeps our numbers balanced, with James... off, wherever James goes. I think most Muggleborns are safest amongst other Muggles, less prejudice directed their way. Supposedly. We do. We take in strays, but that is how mum and dad ended up together, so it seems to bring about some positive things.

I just want what's best for you, and I'm not so sure fighting is it. Of course I worry, I'll always worry about you... [he ran his fingers through his hair, unintentionally causing it to stick up] Worrying... it's kind of my thing, I guess.

C'mon.

You should’ve owled me! I could’ve taken you on tons of trips or you could’ve stayed with me in Bristol or…or we could’ve just talked. [Lux had missed Albus. It was as plain and simple as that. She missed the way he rambled and stuttered when he was nervous, and the way she always managed to calm him down; She missed how he was able to talk about a topic for ages without boring her even a little, and how he was always so willing to do as she asked, putting so much blind trust in her; She missed the feeling of his lips on hers and his hands on her hips. The strange part was that it had only been a month. It was just that Albus was different and she liked him much more than she’d care to admit.] Things seem to be going great so far. I’ve already learned tons of new potions, potions that I never even knew existed. It’s…incredible. [A slight grin crawled onto her face, as one always did when she talked about potions.] You always have the nicest things to say, Albus. Do you really think I’ll do better out in the real world? It’s awfully scary out there..Mhmm. They’re super great to talk to. Everything’s just so simple in their corner of the universe. There’s no war or causalities or sides or anything, really. Well, not ones that needs to be fought by..students. At least not here. He’s a quiet little guy, but I’m sure he knows where we’re going…[Lux trailed off as she stared at the boy once more, unable to shake the overbearing feeling of familiarity] Logan? [He looked up from the piece of paper he was so fixated on, staring at Lux with round, oaky eyes.] When should we get off?

#gif convo #interact: Lux S #THIS REPLY TOOK ME FOREVER DEPRESSED ALBUS IS SO HARD TO PLAY #AND HE MAKES ME SO ANGRY

I... it wouldn't have been any fun for you if I was around. Besides, I wouldn't have an-any idea how to talk to you're... you're m-muggle family. [Or you. He added in his head, only finding himself even more disheartened by the invitation. It seemed like the sort of thing a person only said when they didn't mean it, promising to do things in the past when they knew full well they couldn't change it. Albus didn't say much else on the matter, just chewed on his bottom lip and tried not to look as sorry for himself as he felt. He is such a fucking baby oh my god I'm going to kill him. ] Then i-it's probably good you won't be coming back... Can't imagine the sort of havoc you'd cause if you sold these new potions to students. The stress would probably send A-arron grey. Or bald. [Albus noticed the way her expression softened, her face taking on he sort of smile he couldn't quite look away from.] I do. I think you're the sort of person who doesn't really need school to learn what you want. It... you're not the structure sort. You don't need the lines to make a picture. It's frightening everywhere, nowadays. It sounds simpler... I suppose I, o-of all people, have no right to fault him for being quiet. Even if he doesn't, busses make loops, right? We can always go back to the start. [Albus glanced at the boy as well, completely unsure around children. He never really knew what to say, the youngest person he ever spoke to was Lily, and he'd never seemed to find any substantial common ground with her.]

Merlin, who is making all that noise?

I don’t know what she’s planning to do, but she’s very strong minded and I doubt I could stop her from moving out if she wanted to. I think it’s something that she even accepted my offer to move in here in the first place. She’d rather be self reliant, and she feels like a burden to all of us. I told her she shouldn’t though, and that she could stay as long as she wants. I asked Mum and Dad and they agreed. I think they get it because of all the time that Dad spent with Mum’s family when they were our age.

I’m doing the best I can, Al, but it’s not really easy. I spend time with my friends and I’m studying for my O.W.L.s and all that. The thing is that I’m not exactly any other teenager. It’s sort of hard to just act normal and do all that with everything happening around me. Especially after Fred…

#gif convo #interact: Lily P #Evil characters are so much fun man #you do play cupcakes #sweet little babies who are tough and strong but also filled with adorableness #well we will be more than happy to read her app if she does decide to give it a shot

Well then I guess all we can do is make sure she feels welcome for as long as we can. We'll I'm not surprised, you can be very strong willed when you want to, and I can see you pressing the issue, since you two are so close and all. R-really, if we didn't open our home to the people that needed it, we'd be rubbish Wealsey/Potters. I do wish she'd be more quiet, given the time of day. I'd just started such a nice dream...

You don't... you don't have to do anything, I'm just overly worried and want you to spend all your time as far away from all of this as you can. Not that I expect you will. But I do want to stress the importance of being careful, because... if you got hurt... [Albus just shook his head, not wanting to finish the thought.]

Merlin, who is making all that noise?

Well she thinks she’s a burden to us and Mum and Dad. I don’t think she’s particularly fond of her living situation at the moment but it was really the best idea given everything that’s been happening. But the point is that she doesn’t want to have to rely on us which is why she got a job. And to answer your other question, no I am not planning on working as well. See, unlike Charlie, I am living at home with my parents and there’s no point in me getting a job, because, like you said, they have to put up with me. Or, I suppose they don’t really have to, plenty of parents don’t take care of their kids nearly as well as they should… Luckily, ours do though, so I’m counting on that.

#the potential for Mecaria to show off her messed up side is so great #utilize it as much or as little as you'd like dude #gif convo #interact: Lily P #do you think your friend will take her?

That's... a terrible way for her to see herself. Is she planning on moving out, and using the earnings of her money to pay for rent somewhere else? Because you can't let her do that, you know. This city is expensive, or so I've been told, and if she is buying her own books and things then there is no way she can afford both. Good Lily. You should just... study, and socialize, and not let these... these awful things stop you from living like every other teenager.

Merlin, who is making all that noise?

She’s still studying, she’ll get her O.W.L.s and she’ll go back to school when it reopens. Think of it as a summer job kind of deal, it’s something small. It’s not like she’s planning on working at the Magic Neep in Hogsmeade for the rest of her life. She feels bad for “being a burden on our family” so she wants so have a back up plan.

#gif convo #interact: Lily P #she could attack Asteria if you'd like #or there are probably other people Mecaria would be angry at #Arron for example or you could ask someone else who rps someone in her year or house if they feel like having Mecaria try to kill them #WE REALLY NEED ANOTHER CHARLIE GOD DAMN SHE IS IMPORTANT TO LILY

I still don't think any of us have any business working. It feels too similar to giving up. And... and it's far too early to be doing that. Are you planning on working as well? But by living with us is is there not the potential to be a burden on us? N-not that i'm saying she is, I am com-completely fine with her here! I just... you're always going to burden someone, as long as you rely on them. So it might as well be the people who have no choice but to put up with you.

C'mon.

I’ve just got tons of other stuff to do. And I don’t think I’d be able to stay sitting long enough. [Lux pulled her hand away, finally seeing the gesture as more awkward than it was helpful. They should probably restrict touching to a bare minimum, what with what happened last time they were together. She shifted in her seat, moving so she was closer to Logan than she was to Albus.] It’s…It’s more of an unpaid thing. An apprenticeship. I’d totally love to go back, but I dunno. Being home has made be realize how much I missed muggle stuff and that I already know everything I need to if I wanna become an alchemist. Oh, right…Well…He…I couldn’t just abandon him. He’s just leading me back to his house and I’m making sure he gets there safely.