it was as if the tales his mum had foretold manifested themselves into reality ; brought to life again by the resurrection stone … @ichorled, who was presumed as good as dead, is standing before him like a ghost who had finally returned to his flesh, and bones. there hasn't been a day that has passed where his thoughts, as haunting as they have been riddled in gut-churning guilt, been plagued by the last sight he saw of hugo. taken by the dark, never to be seen again for two years. oh, cousin, dear friend, shared blood, laughter, and ambition all the same : how you've grown without me. “ it's you. it's really you, ” there was no hesitation in his step as two of james' legs swing over the other, immediately pulling the other into a hug. face buried in his cousin's neck, breathing in the scent he's grown rather unfamiliar with. hugo's figure, improbably bound by immeasurable pain, and anguish, is held in his arms within a tightened fervour. he's here, he's here, he's here. “ hugo, i — ” james only pulled back for a moment, emerald glistening with an unmistakable sheen : to have a brother return to you, just when many have told you that all hope is lost ... this is why he will never lose faith. miracles can come from anywhere, especially when you least expect it. those who are lost, will return, and those who have been wronged, will be avenged. he will see to it himself, even if it's the last thing he does. “ i can't believe it. i still can't, it — it's a fucking miracle … ” his hand steadied on hugo's shoulder, and he takes a step back ... allowing for the other to have some much-needed space as james fully takes in the reality of unwavering belief. “ welcome home, "