James Clarke

[eleonoraxaltieri]

shadowedclarke‌:

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[shadowedclarke]

She was going to drive him mad, responding with such fervour. His body responded to her movements, his pants feeling tighter with every second, and his laugh was almost a groan when she teased him. “Perhaps as much as I wanted to reverse our situation, or at least have us equally undressed?” He teased back, his hand moving from her breast to slide up her thigh, pushing up her skirts. “This night is certainly far better than I thought it’d be.” He murmured as he kissed her again. Underneath her skirts, his hand moved higher, finding her wet and wanting. He didn’t do more than rest his hand there, wanting to let her decide just how far this went. 

[shadowedclarke]

lucyinthewest

Lucinda looked down, tears forming in her eyes. It wasn’t fair for him to say that to her, and he would never understand why. “If I deserved love I would have it by now.” She said quietly, “It’s not like people are banging down the door to get my hand, even–” she stopped abruptly. She was about to say that even he failed to see her feelings but knew that wasn’t something she could walk back. “Your sisters are younger than me. I’m twenty two. I have done nothing with two decades of life.” She sighed, “I would never give up on you. You have so much more to offer than I do. It is easy to believe in you. I have had no evil father, no family to protect. I have always been alone and it seems I will be alone forever. What could Roland possibly want with such a pathetic sister?”

“You do deserve love, and you are young still.” James insisted. “You are the same age as my brother, and he is unmarried, as are both of my sisters. One of which is two years older than you. Neither of them have done anything grand with their lives, except bring happiness to those who meet them. Unlike them, you will have the chance to do more if you wish. You have magic, they do not.” He tilted Lucinda’s chin up to make her look at him. “You have a good heart and a sharp mind. Even if you do not marry, and I beg of you, only marry if it is what you wish, you are still never a burden. If Roland - wait, do you mean Roland Kesser?” He offered her a small smile. “I’ve met him. Army and Navy may have a rivalry, but we do not hold it against each other. He’s a good man, and I know family is important to him. You will not be alone. If I am mistaken about him, than remember, you still have Melanie, and you still have my friendship.” 

[shadowedclarke]

eleonoraxaltieri

Her own little moan was torn from her lips when he returned her movement, and she couldn’t resist doing the same once more, hoping she’d get his response another time. The instant he broke the kiss, her lips were questing for his jawline, drawing a path of little nips and kisses down the length of his neck. His words sent another little thrilling shiver down her spine, one she was certain he could feel when she was pressed against him. A needy little sound came from her at his words, and she could feel how badly she wanted him. And it wasn’t just the physical spark they apparently had beckoning her onwards. After all, that hadn’t been what had made her read his poem too many times over. “I want you, too,” she groaned out, her lips smirking a little against his neck. But… “I- I- shouldn’t do…too much, though,” she said with some embarrassment, her senses returning for a single moment. Then, a little sinfully she added on as a whisper against his ear, “Even if I want to.” Then she was more than happy to be swept up in his kiss once more.

Her moans definitely had him wondering what it’d be like to bury himself inside her, make her moan his name. He groaned as her mouth followed a path along his neck, loosening his shirt with one hand so she could kiss further if she wanted to. When she admitted she wanted him, James ground his hips against hers, only to stop when she kept talking. “We can do as much as you want.” James would never be one to push someone into doing something they didn’t want to, even if he was a tiny bit disappointed that he wouldn’t be able to do all of his ideas. A small part of his brain said he should stop now, respect the boundaries, but he didn’t want to. Not when she was kissing him back. “Just tell me when you need to stop.” Kissing her was still a heady feeling, even with the limits there. A hand moved to her breast, massaging her through the fabric. He had every intention of making her feel as crazy as he did, even if they would have to stop. But he wanted her to know that he could make her wet, make her crave him, just like she did to him with her sinful voice. With that goal in mind, he moved against her again, creating friction that was not going to make this any easier on either of them. 

[shadowedclarke]

eleonoraxaltieri

Eleonora offered no resistance as he tugged her close and changed the tone of the kiss, and her own arm went to find its way around the back of his neck so that she could press herself onto him, apparently all too eager to have him against her. She could taste alcohol on his lips, and something about that made a part of her think to hesitate. But that part was quickly squandered as he lifted her, and she gasped against him, savoring the feeling of being kissed against the wall. A moment later her legs hooked themselves around his hips, seemingly of their own accord. Ever a passionate person, she arched against him greedily, her kiss trying to take as much of him as she could for however long this moment would last.

James groaned into the kiss, feeling her arch into him. His body responded in kind, meeting her passion with his own as he moved one hand to her waist, the other holding her up. Experienced enough to know where this was leading if it kept up, he broke the kiss, but didn’t move away. “God, Eleonora.” His voice was low. “I want you.” He saw no reason not to admit it, not when it was fairly obvious already. Every part of her appealed to him, her beauty and her personality, so having her against him like this was just bringing all of that to the surface. “You’re killing me.” He couldn’t seem to help himself, following the words up with another kiss, just as desperate for her as the last. 

[shadowedclarke]

eleonoraxaltieri

Her fingers curled a little tighter into his locks when his lips found her neck, and a moment later her breath gave a few little hitches as if she’d forgotten how to breathe evenly, utterly and wholly taken in by the way he felt against her skin. “James.” It was only his name she breathed, but the single syllable held her need, and the question of whether or not he was going to answer it. Eleonora’s eyes fluttered closed a moment later, lips falling open a little as she stood very still, as if afraid the moment would break the second she moved. But then— he spoke her name and her eyes opened once more to latch onto him, the moment unmoving as he stood unbearably close. As he dipped down, Eleonora was granted movement once more, unfroze with her need to have the kiss he was promising. She rose to meet him, standing on tiptoe to better press her lips to his, and the the world shrank to include only them and the the feel of him against her.

What had started as a sweet, teasing kiss to see how she might react, one with the promise of more quickly went further, James craving her. His free arm went around her waist, pulling her against him. Every sense was filled with her, making her the only thing that felt real in the moment. Nothing existed but them. He didn’t want anything to break the spell they were under, not when it felt so right to have her in his arms. Encouraged by her responses, keenly aware of every movement she made, James lifted her easily and spun them so he could press her against the wall of the alcove.

[shadowedclarke]

eleonoraxaltieri

How many times had he complimented her now? She felt dizzy just from the words that had fallen proceeding to swirl around in her head. “Well I’m- I’m- very glad you weren’t dead. And you have my vote when it comes to getting into heaven,” she managed to say, once again cursing herself for being unable to say anything even remotely on the same level of flirtation that he’d spoken with in return. Their roles seemed very much reversed from their first reunion they’d had at Hogwarts. As his hand travelled, a delicious little shiver went down her spine, and she could have sworn she forgot to breath for a moment. Every inch of her skin felt unbearably hot, and her hand curled reflexively against his when he made his little pinch. “I think I’m rather glad it’s not a dream,” she uttered quickly, His lips brushed over her ear as the familiar words tickled her, and a little gasp was raised from her lips, goosebumps rising as an instinctive hand raised to tangle lightly into his hair. Her body had always been better at saying what she wanted than her words had. Her neck tilted a little to the side, as if offering it to him.

“So am I. Very glad.” Feeling her shiver and hearing her gasp was not doing anything to help James gain control of his infamous common sense. Instead, his mind was racing, thinking of all the ways he could bring out more of these responses from her. It had been too long since he’d had any company of this kind, and while he could admit to himself he’d been attracted to Eleonora, he’d never thought this would happen. But he was very glad it was happening. His hair had already been dislodged from the neat style he usually wore, so her fingers only served to make his curls messier. Taking her silent offer, his lips brushed over her neck before kissing along her jawline. He pulled back slightly to look at her, his free hand moving to her neck. “Eleonora.” He whispered her name before leaning down. Feeling her lips against his, he had no reservations, no fears. All there was in the moment was the two of them, hidden in this dark corner. 

[shadowedclarke]

eleonoraxaltieri

Eleonora had, quite honestly, absolutely no idea what it was that had apparently gotten into James. Why was he seemingly so set on saying things that brought an embarrassing amount of redness to her cheeks. Flirtation was truly one of the only things that could disarm her generally confident and competent self, especially when it was coming from someone who’s compliments she seemed to…enjoy. Her breath caught a little as his finger traced over her cheek, and she made no move to pull her away. In fact, she might have unconsciously leaned in the slightest bit. He’d quite literally rendered her speechless, which was something she wasn’t even entirely certain had happened in all of her life. “Well- well you are. Fit and pretty.” Jesus, it was no fair that he was so composed and artful with his words when she could barely process a sentence. “I think I rather feel like the one overwhelmed at the moment,” she said with somewhat wide eyes, and a bit of breathless tone. “Your’e far too kind, James. I’m fairly certain I might still be dreaming.” But the heat of him felt…quite real. “But if I’m dreaming then it won’t matter if I say that you’re beginning to sound like your Christmas poem come to life. Which I probably read too many times.” Oh no. She hadn’t meant to admit that. Hastily she added on, “Thank you for that, by the way.”

It was tantalising, watching the blush darken. It was one thing to admire her beauty in the light of day, but in the shadows of the alcove, so close to her, James was very much distracted from all common sense. “And you are beautiful. You know, when we first met, and I opened my eyes when I’d been certain I was dead, and I saw you, I wondered how I had managed to get into heaven.” He moved his hand to her shoulder, lightly sliding the hand down until he found her hand, and with a faint smirk, pinched it lightly. “Is that proof enough that this is no dream? Even I do not have the imagination for something as wonderful as you.” The smirk grew, not embarrassed for once about his poetry. He’d almost decided not to send it, but now he didn’t regret it one bit. “Every word it it was the truth.” Leaning forward, his lip brushed against her ear as he whispered the first line of the poem, glad he remembered it. It had been easy to write, Eleonora quickly becoming one of his closest friends here. Of course, that wasn’t hard, as Lucinda was the only other, but that didn’t change how he felt about either of them. 

[shadowedclarke]

thatsyourbadluck

She looked down at her hands like a schoolgirl when he said her name. As though the mere fact that he’d remembered her was flattering. Pathetic. That was what men wanted, though right? And men like James–despite all his knowledge–were the easiest to play. He wanted to be a good man and believed that he never could be. He still didn’t realize that ‘good’ and ‘evil’ were relative terms.

“I suspect I am doing the same thing you are.” She said, biting her bottom lip and looking up at him with big blue eyes. “Trying to start a new life. I heard about the school in November and knew it could be a new safe haven.” She stepped forward, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, “After everything you’ve seen…I know you have left darker days behind, I just hope you will give me the same chance that you want.”

Wanting to give her the same benefit of the doubt that he could not give himself, his expression softened. “I think you will like it here. I have learned so much more magic than I could possibly have dreamed of.” Safe havens were something he was not used to, and even Hogwarts didn’t quite feel like that for him, but he hoped it could for her. 

Her mention of the things he’d seen made him shake his head. “Miss Felicity, you and I were doing our duty. There is nothing more to say on the matter.” James knew she was smart enough to know that meant he didn’t want her to talk about his own actions. While he wouldn’t betray her, even if she told others about his past, he did hope she would keep quiet. It was easier to leave the past unsaid. 

[shadowedclarke]

lucyinthewest

“I’m not asking you not to care, I’m asking you to let me care in return. Instead of rejecting my sentiments, accept them even if you can’t believe them yet. That is what friends do.” At least that was what she wanted out of his friendship. His enthusiasm surprised him, she had never seen such a display of emotion from James during their entire acquaintance. “Did I not say something similar to you before, James? You couldn’t accept it then. I know in my soul that I am worthless. What benefit have I brought to anyone’s life? I am a drain on my mother, I have no husband or family, all I can do is look pretty and plan parties. I’m no genius like Master Ravenclaw, I’m not even nice like Leila is. And every person I try to support I end up making things worse between us.” She looked up at him, “Can you really tell me that I deserve love when I pushed my own brother away out of self preservation.”

He could see some truth in her words, and didn’t want to be a hypocrite. “I will try. That is the best I can promise you.” He frowned as she talked, irritated on her behalf. “Yes, I can tell you that, without question, you deserve love. You would like to know what benefit you have brought? I cannot speak for others, but you have reminded me to focus more on the future rather than dwell on the past. Neither of my sisters are married yet, but they are no drain on the family. You pushed away your brother in self-preservation, and I ran away from home for my self-preservation. You and I are not so dissimilar, so just as I must listen to you more, you must listen to me. The only way you will ever ruin our friendship is by giving up on me. I implore you, don’t. And I shall not give up on you.” 

[shadowedclarke]

eleonoraxaltieri

“Oh,” she said with a little embarrassment as she realized it was indeed dark outside. Then a moment later a small yawn claimed her, and her body stretched like a little cat. She was momentarily mystified by his continued touch, and in a moment of continued grogginess she let herself relax into it for a time. Then— another sleepy smile came over her, just waking having made both her words and actions softer compared to her usual determination. “Mmm, I’m afraid not,” she teased a little. “I still hold the crown for saving you. Are you disappointed?” Gosh he was close. Was he usually this close when they talked? No, she was certain she’d remember. “I wouldn’t want to trouble you,” she said reflexively, though she certainly wouldn’t mind more time with him. Then, she finally remembered to blush, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks when he spoke again. “You’re one to talk about being a pretty picture,” she teased with a little tap on his nose. Apparently, not being all that aware from just waking also allowed her to compliment a little more ably.

He was only human, looking over her as she stretched with some appreciation in his eyes. It was sweet, how soft she was just waking up, James smiling at her. "How can I be disappointed when I am looking at you? All you need is an actual crown. You already are like a fairytale, a sleeping beauty." He rolled his eyes at the idea she could be troubling him. Since she bopped his nose, he saw no reason not to trace the spread of her blush over her cheek with a light finger. "So, not only do you think I'm... how did you put it? Fit. You think I'm fit, and pretty. I think I best up my game, you deserve far more compliments than I do. Where should I start? Your beauty? Your intelligence? Humour? Kindness? You do make it hard on a humble man, but I suppose a goddess cannot be blamed for overwhelming a mortal soul."

[shadowedclarke]

flyingollivander

“I know what your opinion will be. Only a fool dislikes flying and you are not a fool James.” she likes that, wise instructor. It has a nice ring to it. “What’s next, is that you will try to mount the broom.”

“There are some who would argue with that.” He joked, although foolish was not a word he’d ever heard used to describe him. James had heard many negative words, but not that one. “Right. Mount it. Is that like riding a horse?” 

[shadowedclarke]

lucyinthewest

Lucinda drew back. “Stop it. Don’t make me feel guilty for pointing out a problem.” She said coolly. “I don’t want to be worried about.” She crossed her arms. “I don’t want to be your little sister, I don’t want to be a ‘vibrant young woman’ I’m every bit as capable of taking care of myself as you are. I don’t recall you taking anything I said seriously in our last conversation. You wish to advise and guide me like a teacher but you are supposed to be my friend.” She sighed, “Would he be so pleased with me? I’m…I’m damaged. Whatever relative adopted him had no issue abandoning me. Is that not complete proof that I am detestable since birth? And completely unlovable!”

“I have no doubt you are capable of caring for yourself. But just as you wish to care about me, just you see better in me than I do myself, I feel the same towards you. I do not have many friends, Miss Luci, so perhaps I do not know how friends are supposed to act. The way I know is to try help them in anything they require.” He frowned, recognising some of himself in her at her words. “You are not damaged. You hear me?” There was a hint of temper in his words, not directed at her, but all the flawed adults in the world who could treat children as such. Those who abandoned her, his father. He hated them all. “I cannot say why they adopted him, I don’t know him or them. But it is simply proof that those who took him and not you are the detestable ones. Just as my father is a monster, so are they. They do not deserve our love, for they have none for us. If he is not pleased with you, than he has clearly been influenced by them, making him the unlovable one. Not you. Never you.” It was a sentiment that could have saved him pain if he had been told that when he was younger, but it was too late for him now. That loneliness of being unwanted, being nothing had sunk into his head. He didn’t want Lucinda, his better in every way, to feel that way. 

[thatsyourbadluck]

@shadowedclarke

It was deeply important that James suspect nothing. After his theatrical little threats, his father had found someone far more effective than himself in taking him out. Felicity liked James, or, she saw his potential. He was attractive, and still young enough. He had a knack for acting quickly and rationally and what little magic he knew he used very effectively. If only he could get over his sentimentality. Perhaps she wouldn’t finish her job–that would be a first–perhaps she would just help him to sever those pesky ties that held him back. 

“Mr. Clarke.” She said gently, finding him alone in the corridor. “Forgive me, but I thought we should talk.” She rubbed her arm. “I suppose there is great irony that you and I should look for redemption in the same place.” She was all nervous energy, her eyes full of affection. “I’m sure you remember me.”

[shadowedclarke]

For a second, James thought he saw a ghost from his past, come back to haunt him. Surely he hadn’t drunk that much, he still had full control over his facilities. But no, she was here. Guiltily, he glanced around, but so late at night - it’d soon be morning, really -, it was just the two of them. “Miss Felicity.” He looked back at her, not quite sure what to make of her arrival here. 

They had worked well together, but this was a piece of his past he didn’t want reminders of. What he’d done in the name of his country, he bore no guilt over, and that was what he considered to be worse than the actual acts themselves. “I - I honestly never thought I would see you again. What are you doing here?” Too many times, he had seen her lull their enemies into complacency, so he could not trust that look in her eyes, as much as he wanted to. “Have you left our work behind as well?” 

[shadowedclarke]

eleonoraxaltieri

Since Abraxas had returned with their mysterious manuscript, she’d been spending more nights in the library, pouring over tomes and things looking for anything that might host an answer to cracking the code of the strange piece of work. Tonight had been no exception, and admittedly, she was still feeling some after-effects from overexerting herself in the snowball fight. So when she’d stopped to take a little rest, well…it hadn’t taken much for her to fall asleep.

Now though, she stirred a little as she heard her name, and felt warmth on her cheek. A little stubborn groan of complaint for being woken up came from her. But the familiar voice persisted, and she opened her eyes to be meet with a sight that made her pulse rush a little. “James?” she mumbled out sleepily, eyes blinking a few times as they adjusted to being awake. He was touching her. Why was he touching her? “I- ah- good morning? A scare?” she repeated, still not entirely fully awake.

His eyes studied her face, still a little worried about her, but he couldn’t stop himself from smirking. It seemed to be a regular occurrence for them, being caught unawares. “Good night, actually.” He brushed some of her hair out of her face, just drunk enough to not stop himself. “I thought perhaps I’d found myself a fair maiden to rescue.” Since it was obviously just exhaustion and nothing else that had made her fall asleep, he knew he should give her more space, but he didn’t move from where he’d knelt beside her. “Would you like me to take you back to your room?” He’d carried people before, and she was tiny. It wouldn’t exactly be a hardship. “I can’t exactly leave you lying here like this, even if you do make a pretty picture.” Perhaps he had drunk too much after all, he had actually said that aloud, and not just thought it. 

[shadowedclarke]

@eleonoraxaltieri​

Drinking with Gunnarr had been a better stress relief than he’d expected, considering that there had been a time that drinking with Vikings was highly likely to end in someone’s death. But he wasn’t at war here, so he had let himself enjoy the company of a man who was supposed to be his enemy. Despite being on opposite sides, the two had shared war stories, drinking and joking, but Gunnarr’s attention had been stolen by a pretty woman. Not blaming him at all, James had excused himself and made his way back up the castle. 

Although he was most certainly drunk, he did not stagger, not until he saw a familiar woman tucked into an alcove. “Eleonora!” He rushed to her side, hands going to her shoulders, afraid he’d see an injury. It took a moment for him to notice the slow rise and fall of her chest. She was asleep. His fear turned into amusement, shaking her awake more gently now. “Come on, sleeping beauty.” He teased, his hand cupping her cheek as her eyes opened. “There you are. You gave me a scare.” 

[shadowedclarke]

(A star chart that is enchanted to move with the stars, throughout the year, a potions’ set, and a strange device are set out before him at breakfast before the feast along with a note) 

Dear James, 

You have made me proud this year. Here are some items that I hope will assist your studies this year. The central device is something of a puzzle, being in my house, I’m sure you’ll have fun figuring it out. 

Rowena Ravenclaw 

[shadowedclarke]

(A little cauldron sits on top of a piece of parchment, it has an ornate handle in the shape of a dragon) 

Dear James, 

It was fun pretending you were my brother for a day. We should definitely go shopping again, I’ve nearly run out of school supplies already. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! 

Annie.