take time to care

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved -- loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.

[maxfckr-blog]

thoughts as strong as wolfsbane || 07 / 02 / 77

                ( Deep in thought the young man moved his hands upwards,                 his fingers slipping through the back of his hair as his mind                 trailed elsewhere. It was  clear that  the  person  opposite of                 him was speaking to him,  however what was not clear was                 Remus’ situation on this. Ever since Greyback attack on the                 centaurs Lupin had been a  little  out of   himself  -  a little on                 edge. It was uncommon for Remus to trail  of as such, to let                 his  light  hues  graze to  the  ground  instead  of  the  person                 talking to him, he found himself stumbling all over the place                 and  nodding  his  head  a  little  too much, but whenever the                 brunette  was  asked  what was being talked about he would                 look up and his lips slightly apart, eyes dilated and enlarged                 ever so slightly as a pardoning look crossed his features. ) 

[lovewithcharity]

Whenever Charity spoke, her hands wold fly in the air and her voice would raise in the excitement. It was difficult to ignore her -- or so she thought. Most of the time, she would never notice how easy it was for someone to block her out. Those around her had the defined skill she lacked when it came to appearing they were interested when they were not. 

But from time to time, she could notice when somebody drifted. When she finally lowered her voice as she continued to speak to Remus, she tilted her head when she saw him look to nod at her.

And finally, she had to say something.

"Remus, are you alright? You seem -- really out of it."

[andromedablackx]

the dungeons | [2/2/77]

[andromedablackx]

Andromeda nearly froze in her tracks at the question, shock emitting through her body because no one ever asked her to be a tutor. Especialy not those who doned colours other than green and silver. It was a branding for life- one thiat drove people away, not closer. People often refrained from conversing with the likes of Snakes, and this was- it was daring.              She liked that. It took guts to ask              anyone of a favour when you were              not familiar with them, but a Black?              Either one of her sisters would have               scoffed at the mere idea of it.              But she wasn’t her sisters. Regardless, saying yes definitely had its repercussions. If Andromeda were to be seen helping her out, they would definitely ask questions- and it would get back to her House. Such events were inevitable. That was the life they led; your personal business was never personal. Not as a pureblood.  But that was okay. She could handle herself. If they asked questions, she would answer them just fine. It was only tutoring, after all.                       ❝I, uh- sure. I mean I’ve never been                                 a tutor, so I’m not sure how                                  good I’d be at it, but I could give it a go.❞

[lovewithcharity]

She waited patiently for an answer. That was rare for her, seeing as Charity was filled to the brim with excitement and an urge to do, but she could wait for something she felt was  i m p o r t a n t. 

The click of their shoes echoed loudly against the slick walls of the dungeon. They kept a steady beat ash Charity squinted in the darkness for the Potions room. She couldn't ever find it easily, even with the torches lighting the way, as she was accustomed to the bright light found in the Gryffindor Tower. Such was the difference between the Gryffindors and Slytherins; one would be found in light, the other in darkness. 

Yet that didn't speak to the heart of a person, now did it?

As she let out a hum of satisfaction when she caught sight of the Potions room, she turned to Andromeda in time to hear her acceptance. Beaming, Charity clapped her hands together and squealed.

❝Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you, thank you! I am really hoping to pass this class so I can actually move on to the next grade, and this is going to be a huge help!❞

Her hands fluttered in the air as she entered the room, zooming in and darting to her desk. She peeked underneath it, hummed again, and lifted up her books. ❝And I did leave them here! So I don't need to borrow yours.❞

Walking back to the Slytherin with a skip to her step, Charity smiled at Andromeda. ❝Thank you again for saying yes to being my tutor -- ❞ Thank you for not being like your sisters ❝ -- and I'll see you soon for it, yeah?❞

[lionhearted-macdonald]

what would it take? // february 6th, 1977

She’d achieved what had once been nothing short of an impossibility. N u m b n e s s without the influence of a l c o h o l.

A blanket of snow coated the courtyard, and her boots trudged through mush on her way to the nearest bench. One muttered incantation later and she had seated herself against the now balmy surface, knees pulled up to her chest and eyes scouring the area with mild interest. There didn’t appear to be anyone else around. The memorial had started a few minutes ago and, naturally, most were in attendance. … But she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t go.

She’d dressed up, written a few words for the occasion, walked towards the damn entrance — but she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t wholly accept the new state of things — the progressive worsening of everything they knew. The knowledge that there was no stopping the impending storm. She couldn’t yet resign herself to such a truth.

                                          mudblood, mudblood, m u d b l o o d

It was the real reason he’d been killed, had it not? The one no professor would concede to? The one their faltering expressions would betray nonetheless? Bertram Aubrey had met his end because of a willingness to fight — and for the supposed filth inhabiting his veins. Mary pressed her forehead against her arm.

 You say that because of who you are. How could a t h i e f ever understand?

She’d talked to him before, once or twice in the library. No friendship of any sort had been formed ( too much c o n t r a s t there), nothing but an exchange of understanding looks as a pair of Slytherins has traipsed by them, spewing slurs and insults. Then the eye contact had been broken, the brief connection shattered, and they had both gone about their day. She hadn’t known Bertram Aubrey. Not really. That shared moment of understanding hadn’t acted as the basis for anything of consequence.

But she knew he hadn’t deserved this. Nor had the girl at the Christmas feast. Or the man at the Ministry.

                                                             M U D B L O O D

For once Mary sought no comfort in the loud and brash, the wild or reckless. She just wanted things to be q u i e t.

[lovewithcharity]

Charity had every intention on attending the memorial. She had dug through her closet, past the bright cotton dresses and an impressive array of clothes to find what would be proper for death.

The news had been a slap to the face. Witnessing the body drop on the table at Christmas felt too different than this. Both were awful, both shook her to the core, but knowing that she wouldn't see Bertram in the halls or that he would be filling the seat in her class caused her to feel -- sick.

She had barely spoken to him, and she regretted it. She hadn't considered that any of them could be killed, and one had. She thought life wouldn't be too harsh, and yet, it wanted to prove her wrong.

Charity was left wondering if anything she had ever said about love would be enough for something like this.

She would have debated this for even longer at the memorial. And even with the debate, she would have offered the same passion that she had the months before because that was who she was. But when she saw Mary slip away, heading away from the Great Hall, Charity had the urge to follow.

( she would ignore the fact she also felt relief that she had discovered a reason not to attend the memorial. she couldn't face that feeling. not tonight. )

She slowly approached the other girl when she reached the courtyard. Swallowing hard, Charity took a seat beside Mary, feeling the wave of a heated charm lick at her open skin. She pressed her body to Mary's. 

( she didn't know what else to do )

Slowly, carefully, she licked her lips and whispered, "Hi, Mary."

[lovewithcharity]

GREAT HALL || 2.4.77

[flowerofblack]

The blankets that had been scrounged together scratched against her skin as Narcissa sat upright. How she longed for the satin sheets that covered her bed down in the dungeons, or for a mattress that, unlike the castle’s stone floors, wouldn’t leave her back purple and blue with bruises in the morning. It wasn’t out of desire for the material things themselves, but for the comfort she knew them to bring. Perhaps if she were tucked away in a place she felt safe, rather than bumping elbows with the students curled up next to her on the floor if she rolled over the wrong way, she’d have been able to wait the night out with a sliver of optimism.

But she wasn’t, and there would be no sleep found for her that night because of it.

She winced at the girl’s halfhearted attempt at a whisper. “Are you trying to wake everyone now?” she hushed, irritated. “Entertainment won’t keep us safe. If anything, we should be planning our escape strategy. Merlin knows that Dumbledore won’t be able to hold the pack off forever, and then what? Are we supposed to walk out in surrender and beg them to eat us in one piece rather than limb by limb?”

         It was a s l i p of the collectedness she’d managed          to feign for the better part of the day, one prompted          by fatigue and the stress that had seemed to rise          incrementally as the sun had set. 

Narcissa drew a deep breath, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. It was a slip that she wouldn’t allow to happen again, her only saving grace being the fact that the deluded lion’s opinion of her meant n o t h i n g ;                     or perhaps that Charity was as tired as she, and                     would mistake her outburst for a hazy dream.

[lovewithcharity]

"It's not about staying safe. I have full confidence that Dumbledore will keep the pack at bay. Remember, it's not just him -- it's other professors and the centaur herd. All of them have our best interests at heart. Sitting here fretting about what they will do and what's going to happen won't do us good. It'll create more harm to our mentalities."

As she spoke, her brows knitted together and the passion rose in her voice. There was an obvious struggle to remain quiet when Narcissa snapped at her to do so, but as she looked around her again, there were only a few students who had shifted on their mats. Others who were already awake were eyeing the two of them, unsure of what to do.

Turning back to the youngest Black sister, Charity exhaled slowly. With the next breath she took, she launched into another explanation. "There should be a distraction. Just for a little bit. Something that at least attempts to put a smile on another's face. Though your idea sounds fine, do you think first years should hear about the possibility of wolves eating them? They at least should be given something happier to think about. And I doubt some of the older students would mind that too, you know?"

[virtuetempted-deactivated201603]

The Emptiness Will Haunt You||Great Hall||02/04/77

[virtuetempted-deactivated201603]

For a moment Emmeline wasn’t listening, her gaze focused on that door that out of the Great Hall. Professors stood by as if to deter students from wanting out. Did it matter. The students who would even attempt to make it past the large doors were already outside, the others knew they could do more damage or more help here. Each person already knew what part they played and seemed to be well situated.

Except for Emmeline.

If felt like she had the opportunity to define her place but missed the chance. Charity spoke, the words finally hit her. She blinked out of her daze and nodded, but then shook her head. “I don’t know, there have to be different way to get past teachers other then the courtyard. If they really want to get out there they would have figured that out. I think. I would.” Two words, to many. Emmeline cast her gaze down, thoiugh the expression on her face remained so very neutral, inside she flustered, thinking of a way to back track her words, to take them back but nothing came to mind, so she kept silent, her gaze trained to the floor.

[lovewithcharity]

Despite the darkened thought Emmeline expressed, Charity couldn't help but nod. What she had said made sense. Though Charity wanted to stay optimistic and believe that no students would make it into the woods. She was sure she would see some be dragged back into the halls, kicking and screaming while exasperated professors chided them. Again, she was sure those students would bear the gold and red colors so valiantly. 

She could hope all she wanted that everyone would remain safe. But if they desired to face the wolves, then that wouldn't be the case.

"Maybe," she softly conceded. Hugging herself, she pursed her lips to keep from biting them. "I just -- want everyone to be okay. That this won't be -- something terrible and -- I don't know."

[andromedablackx]

the dungeons | [2/2/77]

[andromedablackx]

                             ❝Exactly. When it comes to things                         such as these, m’quite fine with                                 fitting in.❞

Which, generally, was what Andromeda always tried to do. Fit in. Blend into the background, try and make it so no one notices you. If there is nothing to differentiate you form the crowd, no one will bother to think about you for too long. Long enough to realize what was different. Why you didn’t belong. Fake it until you make it, right? But speaking about such trivial things to anyone outside her House could raise suspicions. Andromeda knew what was expected of her- to snear at the blonde, make some sort of rude remark, and then saunter off as if nothing had happened. As if she was better. But that wasn’t her, and it never really had been. Plus, she looked like the type to share her lemon cake. That was the sort of person you kept around.                       ❝Of course. They’re just notes, ‘s no                         big deal. And yeah, I’d say I’m                                 rather good at it, so I promise the                                 notes will be coherent. Why d’you ask?❞

[lovewithcharity]

There were small things to care about with being like everyone else. Charity vowed to be herself, which ultimately meant that she would always be different, but that didn't mean she didn't understand the longing of wanting to belong. The smallest details -- to be as smart as Lily, to be as daring as Dorcas, as good as Mary -- they caused a pang in her chest to be as wonderful as those who surrounded her. But loving herself was the most important detail in her life, and she would do so wholeheartedly.

She was one of the lucky ones, whether she realized it or not.

Clearing her throat, she scrunched her nose as she admitted, ❝Well, Potions isn't my best subject. So I thought I would ask around for a tutor. Would you be willing?❞

She wanted to dare to ask. Because that was who she was. And who she was hoped that the other girl who seemed just a bit different from her House would say yes.

[littledoeinthemeadowes]

eve of february fourth / great hall

The doors to the Great Hall were flung open, Filch’s hand on the collar of the tall brunette. Her boots were soaked in mud, arms covered with scrapes, and hair disheveled. She knew Marlene was some distance behind her, but as of now she was completely alone. Her eyes fell upon the abundance of students. Some were tucked in sleeping bags, others lounging at the tables which had been pushed to either side of the hall.

Some students stared.

Dorcas was released by Filch and as he walked away he began grumbling about stupid girls under his breath. In that moment her legs stood still. The scene which just took place replayed over and over in her head.

The forest, the bloody centaur, the cries, the wolf.

She was strangely calm. Frankly, she was more in shock after the revelation with Lily in Hogsmeade than now. Utterly frozen as she processed the events, she was too far delved into her own mind to even notice a figure was standing in front of her. 

[lovewithcharity]

Charity wasn't normally a light sleeper, but given the circumstances, it was understandable why she would be suddenly awakened by any hint of noise. Once the banging reached her ears, she jolted awake. Blinking away the last remnants of sleep, she sat up and looked around for the source.

All she saw was Dorcas standing with Filch. And with brows furrowed, a sickening feeling ran through her gut.

The girl had been missing, hadn't she? Along with Marlene. Why didn't she notice sooner?

Scrambling out of her sleeping bag, she slowly approached Dorcas. The other seemed -- in a trance. One she wouldn't snap out of on her own.

"Dorcas -- Dorcas, are you alright?"

[goldenlucinda-blog]

❧ great hall - 5 feb 1977 - lucinda & charity

[goldenlucinda-blog]

A pout was settling onto Lucinda’s lips, her eyes darkening in sullen dismay as the true injustice of the situation occurred to her anew. How dare the headmaster subject them — subject her to such primal conditions? She had been corralled into a pen, a unicorn among common cows. She was a Talkalot, for Merlin’s sake! And now sitting here upon this hard square of marble, her hands cold and throat dry, she felt the absence of her riches more acutely than ever. Fingering her coin purse, which was perpetually the pocket of her robes, she brooded over the infuriating prospects.

"If he was such a great headmaster, he wouldn’t have left us here all alone!” she exclaimed, voice regaining a sharp edge. “What if something happens to the castle? What if the werewolves break their way through? Half the professors are injured or far away! Dumbledore isn’t protecting us, he’s caging us with scratchy blankets and poor-people food.” Her face was scrunched up in distaste.

A beat of silence, then Lucinda’s little pink mouth opened in horror, her complexion paling. “If…if a werewolf gets inside, they’ll steal my gold!”

[lovewithcharity]

"The werewolves won't break through," she said automatically and with such determination. No matter the other girl's opinion, Charity was sure that Dumbledore was protecting the students, and he would do everything in his power to keep them all safe.

She would convince herself of that until it became true.

Brushing a piece of hair behind her ear, she smiled at the fifth year. "Lucinda, I doubt that the food the elves make can be considered 'poor-people' food. Food is food; it all goes to the same place. And your -- gold will remain right where it should remain, I'm sure."

[virtuetempted-deactivated201603]

The Emptiness Will Haunt You||Great Hall||02/04/77

[virtuetempted-deactivated201603]

Her question was simply polite, she wasn’t sure if she could even help with Charity if she needed anything. It was almost too cordial as if the question was rehearsed a thousand times in her head for when words were lost or when then situation was unsteady as a sea in the storm. Normally the Hufflepuff was prepared for anything, for any situation, blending in, sticking to the right people, but she was so uncertain. Her mind, her being was a jumbled puzzle piece and she was unable to piece herself together for the moment. Twitching and on edge Emmeline could only emptily smile at the blonde in front of her.

                                     The tension crept up along the back of her neck, tingling, unsettling.

Emmeline’s brown eyes shifted around the room continually, taking into account the faces she recognized and the faces that were no where to be seen. Her expression remained neutral, even as the panic rose inside of her.  

                                               Hope for the best? 

Yes that was all they could at the moment, it seemed, no matter how trivial it felt. Her dark eyes flicked to the door then back to Charity, nodding in partial agreement. There was much more that they could do then “Hope for the best” but not at this time. Not now, not for a long time perhaps.  ”People like us hope, others….” she paused looking around the room once more, “Take matters into their own hands it seems.”

[lovewithcharity]

Now, Charity couldn't say she was the most aware of the students at Hogwarts. But she took great care in doing her best to interpret body language, as that was what she felt she did best. Out of all the skills she could learn at Hogwarts, the social skills were the greatest tool the school could bestow upon her.

She could tell when a smile didn't reach the eyes. She could determine at what point she needed to push the reason why some were downtrodden.

This wasn't a point she needed to push, given the obvious circumstances.

Turning to gaze at the door, her lips pulled to a frown. There would be some to decide they needed to throw themselves in danger, and while Charity was a lion, she had limits. She wasn't going to join any lions daring the front lines today.

"I don't think they'll get past the courtyard," she said in a sure tone, like she knew what she was talking about. "Not with how many professors are outside now."

[lovewithcharity]

GREAT HALL || 2.4.77

[flowerofblack]

Narcissa Black was not built for communal living. Within the confines of the Slytherin dormitories she could survive — in the dungeons there was only a handful to share her space with, and all were tolerable at the very least — but here, amongst every student that roamed the castle’s halls, she was going mad.

She attempted to keep her eyes shut, using her own panicked thoughts as a way to drown out the incessant whisperings of those who were just as restless as she, but even as she ran through every possible worst-case scenario in her mind she couldn’t escape the chatter. Some were foolishly optimistic, reassuring one another with musings of how Dumbledore was sure to have things under control by morning — ha. Others were foolishly brave, muttering about strategies to slither out of the castle undetected and join the fight themselves — just as laughable. But perhaps the worst of them all were the ones sweeping it all under the rug, pretending that now of all times was the right moment for fun and games, blatantly ignoring the very real threat that was howling just outside the doors.

The girl that bumped Narcissa’s shoulder as she stepped through the scattered bodies fell into the latter.

"Watch it!" she grumbled, dusting off the shoulder of her robes, eyes darting down to check if the culprit had left a footprint. Glancing upwards at the girl that had stolen the sleep she’d been so close to finding, Narcissa let out a tired sigh. Even her wolf-infested nightmares would’ve been better than Charity’s search for fun. “This is a lockdown, not a slumber party,” she hissed through clenched teeth.

[lovewithcharity]

She winced at the way she had woken some students from slumber. But if they found sleep earlier, they would find it once again. She was more concerned with herself and the other students who were in the same state as her. She wished none of them would suffer under these circumstances, but not all wishes could be granted.

But one person she stepped over snapped more than a grumble, and she was called to listen. She squinted in the darkness, making out the stark blonde hair and a flash of silver lining the robes. 

"Ah, but seeing as we're stuck in this lockdown, might as well keep spirits up, Narcissa," she whispered (though for Charity, what was really a whisper?). "And if some are awake, why shouldn't we gather 'round and try to figure out how to stay entertained instead of dreading what's happening outside?"

[goldenlucinda-blog]

❧ great hall - 5 feb 1977 - lucinda & charity

[goldenlucinda-blog]

Lucinda’s eyebrows furrowed and she scornfully kicked her package further away from her. “It doesn’t matter how many times they check. It’s cheap and dirty, and on the floor. Besides, I can’t sleep in…” she eyed the blanket, which was as far from silk as could be, “that.”

"When I tell Daddy about this, he’ll march here and demand an explanation." She savoured the moment when she could send an owl to her father. Even more enticing was the moment when the owl would came back, laden with gifts. "Dumbledore left us here all alone.” 

[lovewithcharity]

Arching a delicate brow, Charity couldn't help the bemused smile that played on her lips. For some to have difficulty with the concept of a simple blanket left her shaking her head. It was the simple things in life that shaped the complex. So it made sense to her to appreciate those simple aspects to life.

But others clearly didn't share the same sentiment; even so, she pursed her lips and shook her head again.

"Dumbledore left us here under surveillance of other professors to battle the problem himself. I think that's brave him to decide to fight the threat himself. He left us in good hands, and wants to protect us. I think that's more important than the state of the blankets, right?"

[goldenlucinda-blog]

❧ great hall - 5 feb 1977 - lucinda & charity

"How boring."

    Leaning against the wall and distastefully glancing at the blanket still folded neatly in its square upon the marble floor, Lucinda wrapped her arms around her small frame, huddling into the familiar lavender scent of her robes. “We’ve been in this place for ages, and I’m freezing. And hungry.” Still stubbornly refusing to accept the standard commodities which had been issued to everyone, lest she be associated to be as unextraordinary as they, she brought her knees up to her chin and tried to savor the heat of her own essence, before turning her head and watching the figure besides her for several moments, azure eyes slightly narrowed. Her voice, usually so sharp, was tired and nonchalant. 

                                                                 ”You could get lice from that.” 

[lovewithcharity]

Making a popping sound with her lips, Charity's fingers danced over her pillow. On her stomach with her legs kicking up in the air to a slow rhythm, she was in midst of trying to remember her favorite song. If she had her radio -- which was currently far away in her dorm -- she could brighten the dismal atmosphere that plagued the Hall.

The tension crackled in the air, and she had to close her eyes to it all. She didn't want to imagine what was happening outside the walls.

The voices of other students were part of a distant background, a different set of lyrics to her soft humming, but there was one that rose and caught her attention. Looking over her shoulder, her song soon came to a slow halt as she rose a brow at the girl.

"I think they've checked the blankets enough times for lice. But if I do get any, that's what magic is for!" Pushing herself to a sitting position, she hugged her legs to her chest and propped her chin on her knees. "I think it could solve a bit of what you're -- voicing."

[andromedablackx]

the dungeons | [2/2/77]

[andromedablackx]

Grimacing slightly at the impression being given of her, Andromeda mentally scrambled to fix the situation at hand. Some people would always have a set opinion of her, such things would never change- but the girl before her seemed genuinely nice, a rare trait in such times.         Most people are far too quick to condemn others for things that can not be controlled. Like being a b l a c k. "As much as I would like to say that it’s a slight exaggeration, sadly, it’s quite true. I even go so far as to fall asleep in History of magic- though the fact that the rest of the class does the same thing makes me feel a bit better about myself." Truthfully, paying attention to Binns is not only exceedingly difficult, but saddening. To be unable to move on, to teach for all of eternity- it was not a fate she personally wished to receive. Some theorized the ghost was unaware of his state, which only made it worse. Having another ask her for something was not common- this whole situation was completely out of the ordinary for Andromeda. It was okay, though. Refreshing, even. “Sure, of course- s’no problem. I’ll walk with you, yeah?”

[lovewithcharity]

Chuckling, Charity shook her head. "Yes, who doesn't fall asleep during History of Magic every now-and-then? That doesn't exactly say anything except that you're like most of us when listening to Professor Binns. Unless you don't what to be like everyone else. To which I say you should probably look for a different way to be --- different."

Oh, she was rambling now, but that was alright. Even if she professed equality, she was going to be nervous around Slytherins. They were a little too unexpected when it came to interactions, especially with her. She never knew how they could react to what she said or did -- and how bad that reaction would be.

But there was a glimmer of relief when the other girl said Charity could borrow her notes. And then that glimmer shone in her eyes, having changed to one of satisfaction because what she felt about the Black sister could very well ring true.

"Thank you so much. And that's great! One always need a partner for a walk. A side-by-side conversation is always different than a face-to-face one." As she spoke, she began to move slowly down the hall, almost waiting for Andromeda. 

"You happen to be good with Potions, right?"

[lovewithcharity]

GREAT HALL || 2.4.77

She pushed herself up from her cot. There was no sleep to be found tonight. But she wasn't going to stare at the stars shimmering on the ceiling and feel -- worthless.

( she had already spent too many hours   criticizing herself for no GOOD reason.   she had nothing to apologize for. )

Slowly standing, she stepped over a few sleeping bodies; and yet, when she looked around, she found more than expected who were restless.

"Anyone who is still awake," she whispered, "gather 'round for a bit of fun, yeah?"

[lovewithcharity]

GREAT HALL || 1.29.77

[defendthehoops-deactivated20171]

James’ hands curl into fists, and his cheeks flush as a renewal of anger surges within him. He couldn’t have imagined ever feeling so upset with Charity, or as affronted by her accusations. “Didn’t you see what he did to me?!” he demands. “I was just having a laugh, and he went and called Lily - Evans - a you-know-what! Was I supposed to just let him away with that? Plus he used that curse of his, gave me a good gash on my cheek, and Merlin knows what else he would have done if I hadn’t been too quick for him…” 

He will never understand people making him out to be the villain when he’s only protecting himself and his mates, or shooting off an innocent hex at someone who’s cheeked him. It’s nothing like the dark magic half the Slytherins use, and yet here she is defending them and making him out to be some sort of bully. 

"I am NOT doing what they do!" James exclaims. "I’m not saying they should all be dead. I’m not even saying they shouldn’t be here, though I think the school would be a right bit more pleasant without the lot of them. Didn’t you see them at Christmas, Charity? Anyone who could look at something like that and laugh…” he shakes his head, looking revolted. “How dare you say I’m anything like them!” 

He pushes his plate away violently, and his fork clatters off it to the table. He’s almost angry enough to draw his wand, but what would that prove? And they had been friends once, though he can’t see that continuing now that he knows what she thinks of him. 

"Yes I do, as a matter of fact," he says, his voice trembling, though with frustration or some other emotion it’s impossible to tell. "I think he loves his  bullshit superiority, and You-Know-Who, and being his parent’s fucking golden boy. I wish he didn’t… I wish a lot of things were different, but I know better. I just hope you learn the truth before something awful happens to you." 

[lovewithcharity]

"I saw what you did beforehand too! You're not blameless in what happened, James! I'm not saying you forgive him for what he said to Lily, and I'm not saying I'm comfortable that he has that opinion, but for Godric's sake, you can be a damn bully! When you kick a dog, do you expect that animal not to react? And who do you blame for the reaction? The dog, or the person who kicked him?"

By now, there was no care for who could hear them. She was past any awareness of what was happening outside of their conversation. No, her focus was on James and what he couldn't see. Why couldn't he understand that his actions -- all of them, not just his positive ones-- had such a strong impact? Why couldn't he see this?

"We all share the same vein of good and bad, James. All of us. We are all capable of doing terrible acts. But if we continue to treat each other as worthless instead of worthwhile, then who are we to say we're better? That we're the good ones?"

Anger was pounding through her veins that she didn't know if she made sense any longer. Closing her eyes, she heaved one sharp breath and then another, trying to calm herself. Never had her passion been taken to this length before, and now, she was frightened over what she could lose.

( she was frightened of what she did lose )

With one last shaky breath, she murmured, "I don't. I think he's a scared fifteen-year-old boy who doesn't know who to believe. I think he's so young, James, to know better. And he must feel as if so many backs have been turned on him already, whether by his choice or not." She didn't think she needed to specify which backs she was referring to.

Finally standing from the table, she opened her eyes to stare at James. "The truth isn't clear-cut, James. I don't know what it is, but my gut is telling me yours is wrong. Maybe not some parts, but mostly, yes; it's wrong. And I hope you realize you can't treat people like shite and then be furious over their violent reactions. There is a spark to everything, and you provide one for Severus more often than not."

She pushed her plate to the side and wrapped her robes tight around her. "--- I'll see you in class, James. I hope you have a good day." She was genuine in her wishes --- but even if she would see him, she felt as if they wouldn't be speaking. Maybe for a long time.

Hold your head high as you walk away.

Breathe, Charity, breathe. 

[virtuetempted-deactivated201603]

The Emptiness Will Haunt You||Great Hall||02/04/77

[virtuetempted-deactivated201603]

She blinked, a gentle voice brought her out of her internal anger. Her head  titled slightly to gaze up and see Charity standing before her. Emmeline could plaster a smile on her face at any given movement, everyone loved a smile. Smiling always made her feel  more connected to the person she was speaking with but now was not the time for smiles. She rose from her crouched position straightening out her uniform and sighed. How was she? Angry. Frustrated. Scared. Feeling as if she was going mad. Emotions bubbled within her, turmoil and war destroying her conscience and heart each moment that she was locked away in the Hall. But her outward appearance remained meek, secretive. Once more she sighed. “As well as I can hope to be right now.” It was the truth even if was dripping with lies. “I’m a bit lost at what we are do, to be honest. The uncertainty in the air is putting the school in a panic and the relentlessness of the students is filling the The Great Hall.” Diplomatic answer, one to save face. Her arms crossed in front of her chest, “But what about you Charity, I saw you milling about helping others, do you need anything. How are you?”

[lovewithcharity]

The interesting part to interacting with different houses was to see just who they were as people. For Charity, it wasn't about categorizing, but sincerely learning more about others as individuals.

After all, not everyone was the  S A M E.

( and judging people by their houses   would always and forever be the wrong   move for her and to them )

So right then, it was intriguing to hear what Emmeline thought. Offering a small smile in return, Charity shook her head. "No, I don't need anything. But thanks for asking."

Biting the inside of her lip, she added, "But I can agree with you that the tension -- this panic -- it's just not...good."

Of course it wasn't good. But she couldn't find the right word for it all. Not when the danger lurked so closely and sent shivers of fear up her spine. This message was clear; nothing and no one was safe. Not even Hogwarts.

Yet perhaps the question was now how could she create it to be safe once more?

"I just hope that everything turns out for the best, you know?"

[virtuetempted-deactivated201603]

The Emptiness Will Haunt You||Great Hall||02/04/77

The headmaster’s voice rang clearly through the class room and the hushed whispers of panic was loud. Emmeline curled up, making herself as small as she could possibly be. She could feel that panic rise within her, a threat was so close, the kind her mother warned her about. Her sense of mind told her one thing, duty told her another. While the rest of the room got up and scrambled Emmeline waited at the back of the classroom trying to compose herself. With a false grace she walked out of the class into the hall, chaotic whisper filling the corridors with a buzz that rang in her ears. The world seemed to move in slow motion, Each step was laboured, pushed through. Brown eyes looked around, catching the fleeting glances of those brave or stupid enough to disobey orders. They were running to the fight. Emmeline turned around. There was an impulsive that shocked the dark haired girl. How easily she could have joined the ones who ran towards to the fight, the warriors. Nobody would have noticed her, everyone was bumping into her anyways, until the teacher stopped her, turning back into the direction of the forest, the world moving at a normal pace. Into the Great Hall she was shuffled, behind hundreds of students and it angered her but shew would never show it. Instead she sat in the corner, knees pulled up to her chest. Cursing herself for not getting out when she could.

[lovewithcharity]

She wasn't feeling outright terror. It was odd, but with the Headmaster's announcement and the rushing from the classroom to the Great Hall, Charity's heartbeat remained at the same pace and her demeanor was oddly calm. Maybe it was -- shock. Maybe something else. But she couldn't determine what it was at all. 

Yet by gazing at her classmates, she still understood that everything was starting to change too quickly.

Stepping into the Great Hall, she swallowed hard at the sight of a Gryffindor first year starting to shake. The moment she touched the girl's shoulder, she was suddenly checking up on those who seemed distraught and were willing to hear comforting words and directions.

This was how she found Emmeline; this was how she turned hesitant because she couldn't understand what Emmeline was feeling. The girl always managed a neutral expression when she wasn't smiling, and Charity, someone who prided on understanding body language, could not interpret anything.

"How are you, Emmeline?" she finally asked.