a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

sixth year hufflepuff, puri initiate

[cute-guysxx]

[livewithliamlumley-blog]

Dusty Mic // Liam and Open

[livewithliamlumley-blog]

He appreciated the curly-haired boy’s addition of humor to the show, keeping what few listeners he had entertained. He couldn’t say he shared many interests with him past tea, but he understood the importance of hobbies. 

“Yah man, you can’t ever get too involved in your work, you’ll go absolutely bonkers if you do that. Even I take breaks from all this to toss the Quaffle around and practice skateboarding. You like any sports, Quimby?”

[wallace-quimby-archive]

“I’m not one for Quidditch, if that’s what you’re asking. Never was very elegant on a broom. But I do like cycling, been doing that quite a lot in the summers, actually.” The past summer they’d gone and done some trails in the Andes, it was one of the better summers he’d had. 

He let his mouth follow his mind for a minute, as he did so often. “Strange to consider, I don’t know what the summertime will hold for me. What about you? You’re graduating, leaving the hallowed halls...” A good, standard query, nothing strange at all, given the end of the semester.

[cam-elliot-blog]

“Who gives a bloody fuck?” Cam responded. “All I see is that Iona is good at it. So naturally it’s all horse shit.”

[wallace-quimby-archive]

“At least you’re honest about your biases,” Wallace conceded. “It’s good to know where the hatred’s coming from. But that’s a very active stance, why don’t you just ignore him?”

[wallace-quimby-archive]

where have you been // wallux

[lux-klausen]

As soon as Wallace began to speak, something began slotting itself together in Lux’s head. Everyone had instances of déjà vu, but for Lux the feeling meant something. Not the right place. Something inside him chimed dully, at the same time something tightened in his chest and his entire being seemed to be thrumming with a panicked mantra of No. No no no no nonononono.

Immediately that was all wiped away when Wallace said. His entire mind narrowed to that- I was attacked, and he couldn’t think of a thing to say in response. Things started lining up, making sense in his head. Small things that had been off, that he had contributed to the shock of Rose dying, and the change it had affected in Hogwarts. Things that had worried him of course, but that he hadn’t wanted to focus on. Lux was in the habit of dismissing his own problems when there wasn’t a quick fix, anything that could be ignorable, was. When had he started doing that to his friends? Or Wallace?

“What? You got- attacked and you’re apologizing to me?” Lux said, and he was shocked to feel a faint sting behind his eyes. He inhaled sharply and blinked them back. He wanted to shout, he wanted to say he was sorry for being the world’s worst boyfriend and not doing more to help, he wanted to drag Wallace back up to their room and start packing both of their shit- get them to that old Klausen property he thought about sometimes, get them somewhere safe. But he didn’t get to act like this was something that was happening to him- he wasn’t the victim here.

“Are you okay?” Instead he just tightened his grasp on Wallace, wondering if it would be too much if he hugged him again. What did he do now? How did he help? Would Wallace want to talk about it? Did he ask? “Why didn’t you tell me?”

[wallace-quimby-archive]

The look of shock and hurt in Lux’s face told Wallace was something he’d imagined, and feared, but now it only vaguely registered, and his overarching thought was that at least he was distracted from questioning where Wallace was. It bought him time to think of an answer, as he replied. “Loads of reasons, I guess. Not wanting to upset you, lay something else on your shoulders. Mostly I think it was selfishness, or self-preservation if you’re being generous. I didn’t want to deal with it, at all. And it’s not like I ended up in the Hospital Wing, I was fine, physically. Pretending everything was normal felt like the best way to deal, thought maybe I’d even forget a bit. I didn’t,” he admitted, clarifying.

“And I know you’re going to have questions, but I’m not ready to talk about it. I just want you know that I feel safer right now, than I have in months.” It was all true, and quite close to the whole truth, actually. Petrov being back in his corner, at least in her official capacity, felt like having a shield. It didn’t make anything better, but it reassured him that something like that wouldn’t happen again, on her watch.

With all of... that... taking centre stage, Wallace had decided he could tie in his absence. “I didn’t mean to be gone all day, I just got walking and thinking early this morning, and before I knew it, the day was gone. I should’ve been more attentive, I knew you’d be worried but by the time I realized where I was, it took me a while to come back---I even tried Apparating closer, but I must have still been technically in the grounds... that spell does stretch in places, I think.” That should be sufficient, he thought.

[wallace-quimby-archive]

where have you been // wallux

[lux-klausen]

Lux had woken up from some unremembered, uneasy dream to an empty bed, and he hadn’t initially noticed. He’d laid there for a moment, something important on his tip of his tongue. That, was normal. What wasn’t was when he finally moved, he was numbly surprised that he was able to do so. He’d been sure for a moment his limbs wouldn’t move and he’d- something about the stars fading- didn’t they normally fall in his dreams? It hadn’t been his normal dreamscape- he’d been watching something-. He had blinked, gray and green sparks dancing behind his eyes, and the dream had drained away like water in a desert. That was about when he noticed Wallace wasn’t there.

There was an immediate feeling of unease that Lux dismissed. Wallace might have gotten an early start, might have gotten up to pee, might have done a number of different things. He knew Wallace hadn’t been sleeping well lately. The panic didn’t set in until the first class of the day had ended and Wallace hadn’t shown up. He’d skipped his second class, and his third, and all his classes after that, looking for Wallace in all the places in the castle he thought Wallace might be in. He’d asked almost everyone in Hufflepuff, along with some of Wallace’s other friends, if they’d seen him, if they would keep an eye out and tell Wallace to come find him if they did.

(He’d pulled out his cards at some point, and gotten the same card over and over again- The Lovers. It was Wallace’s card for a number of reasons, but it also indicated choices. When he tried to pull another card on the first he got nothing but gibberish and finally, straight up sass- his cards basically telling him that he didn’t need to know the answers to his questions if he was too stupid to put together what they were saying.)

By supper, Lux had gone past panic into a numb sort of terrified anticipation. He felt strangely blank, like his emotions were a wave pulling back in preparation to come back a typhoon and drown him. In his mind he’d convinced himself that they were going to find Wallace somewhere the same way they found Rose, that the dream he couldn’t remember was another warning he hadn’t tried hard enough to hold on to. Or that Wallace being withdrawn was a symptom of something that he’d been ignoring and neglecting to address, that maybe whatever had been bothering him had been so bad that he would-. He couldn’t let himself think on that, but the thought of Wallace hurting himself now loomed side by side with the original thought that someone else had.

He knew that part of the reason for his anxiety was due to his sobriety- he was always twitchy when he was clean- but something in him balked at the thought of being anything but. Numbing yourself isn’t going to help, and all the drugs in the world won’t help you if something has happened to him something inside him snarled. He had left his stash in his dorm when he returned to confirm that Wallace still hadn’t come back, so he wasn’t tempted.

He’d gone to check the library for the upteenth time out of sheer desperation, and when he still hadn’t found Wallace, Lux simply slumped to the floor against the shelves and rested his head on his knees, noticing only belatedly where it was that instinct and old habits had taken him while his mind was busy imagining Wallace bleeding out on a dungeon floor.

Lux’s head shot up at the sound of Wallace’s voice, and he was on his feet and rushing over to him before he made a conscience decision to move, pulling his boyfriend into a tight hug as he inhaled sharply. “Where were you?” He demanded, and his voice sounded reedy even to his own ears. He’d been telling himself for months that it wasn’t his place, it wasn’t his business, but that was out the window now. “You can’t- I’m sorry but you just disappeared without saying anything, for hours, and no one knew where you were, and I thought you- you can’t just disappear Wallace.“

[wallace-quimby-archive]

It took Wallace a few seconds before he reacted to Lux barrelling out of the darkness at him. A strange sort of resentment filled his thoughts, and he didn’t know where it came from, but he was pretty sure it was directed at himself, not Lux. He tightened the hug he returned, probably too late for it to seem entirely usual, but nothing about today could likely be passed off as usual.

He hadn’t come up with an excuse, even with all the time he’d had while he was in the potion’s grips. He hadn’t realized he’d need one, hadn’t planned on staying passed out in the woods when he finally got free, and once he had laid down, his mind had become a blissful blank. There had been so much he’d considered, he’d pretty much thought through all sorts of lies, for all sorts of situations---but he hadn’t prepared for this. Sloppy, careless. Going to get caught, obviously. Pulling away slightly, and meeting Lux’s eyes, he tried to think of something that’d explain his absence for a whole day, but by the time he realized he had shit-all, it had already been too long. Lux would know an obvious lie. So instead, he said plainly, “There’s something I should’ve told you, a long while ago.” 

If one truth was impossible to tell, he could always tell another. And the fear that’d held him back from telling this one had been buried, countless hours ago. “I know I’ve been acting strange, you’re bound to have seen it, even I’m not oblivious enough to think you haven’t...” The words were clunky, wooden, casual---but he supposed that could actually help him sound more convincing, given everything he intended to say. “Something happened to me. I was... attacked. Shortly after we came back from break. I didn’t want to tell you.” He paused, for a good two beats, before following up with an apology. “I’m sorry.”

[pensbridgerton]

[wallace-quimby-archive]

---inspirational fashion choices---

[wallace-quimby-archive]

---Wallace, field day.

[cam-elliot-blog]

“It’s not so much that I’m not good at cup stacking, I just don’t see the point of it.”

[wallace-quimby-archive]

“Well... d’you get to keep them, once they’re stacked?”

[livewithliamlumley-blog]

Dusty Mic // Liam and Open

[livewithliamlumley-blog]

Liam tried his absolute best to avoid any and all Puri talk, but he knew members and initiates lived inside the same walls that he did. Especially as of late, Tanner had been keen to join up, despite Liam’s protests. He had heard Wallace was part of the initiate group, but he didn’t know for sure. The way he spoke made it seem like he might be. He knew that’s all his parents wanted from him, but he didn’t agree with the movement.

“We should all do what we’re best at, or what we enjoy the most. That’s why I’m doing this here radio show, yah? Makes me happy, even if nobody is listening in. With all that brain, you could be a whole lot of things, Wallace.” He affectionately punched the other Hufflepuff in the shoulder.

[wallace-quimby-archive]

It made perfect sense, of course, to do what you were best at. Wallace wondered briefly what that was, for him. He had no idea. He knew he liked reading, and he liked talking to people about things he’d read. That was about it. “Sure I could,” he replied cheerily to Liam, rubbing his shoulder where he’d been punched. 

“But of course there are only so many hours in the day. And I don’t want to have a political career interfere with all my other interests... knitting. Drinking tea. Collecting tea in order to later drink it. Reading. Reading with tea. Knitting while reading with tea...” He figured if he rambled in a light tone of voice, that’d do just fine for the listeners---though what sort of numbers Lumley’s show pulled down, he had no idea.

[stevie-hopper-blog]

Stevie’s bones stacked on themselves as he stared hard at the boy. This wasn’t a conversation where Stevie wanted to give answers - he just wanted answers. After a brief moment, the boy’s tongue swiped his bottom lip, and all at once Stevie began to gather his things. How he’d found himself on the ledge in a courtyard with Wallace Quimby of all people, and why he asked to sketch the boy was beyond him. Perhaps to be closer in some way to Lux? Stevie wasn’t grounded in answers, just more questions. “I don’t know what you’re on about.”Stevie spat, not meaning too, but his tone came out harder and sharper than he intended. “Here.”he muttered as he bunched the paper up of the boy’s face and tossing  at him underhand.

[wallace-quimby-archive]

“Oh, clearly so,” Wallace said dryly. From Stevie’s reaction, he’d say he was right on the money. He caught the paper the other boy tossed, examining it without much interest. “To go back to your question, you’d have to ask Lux for a sure answer. But my personal opinion? I stopped being a pussy about how I felt. We went from there. No one voiced an objection. We didn’t have to crush anyone on the way, or worry about anyone getting caught in the crossfire--- ‘cause conveniently, no one was there to get caught. If there was someone, they certainly didn’t make themselves known.” He smoothed the paper, and crossed to Stevie, pressing the drawing back against the boy’s chest. “And I’d feel sorry for you, really, for missing your chance--- if you weren’t letting it turn you into such a bitter prick right now.”

[stevie-hopper-blog]

“My names not Steven.”he quipped back with a narrow of his eyes, watching the boy rise, and biting his bottom lip. “I just don’t get it. I don’t get why it had to be you.”he said after a pregnant pause.

[wallace-quimby-archive]

Wallace knew they were both perfectly aware of what Stevie was talking about. They did only have one mutual interest. He looked down for a second, contemplating, before meeting Stevie’s eyes again. “And not, say, I dunno... you?” Wallace asked calmly. It was a guess he was willing to push at, just in case it was accurate.

[wallace-quimby-archive]

right place, right time // wallux

[lux-klausen]

Lux glanced up from where he was looking at his feet, noting the change of subject with a confused frown but not commenting on it. As always, he figured Wallace would get there when he was ready to. Or maybe it was nothing at all.

Rolling his eyes heavenwards, he sighed in a long suffering way. “Yes, I saw. I saw for 0.5 seconds before I turned around and left. I was not prepared to deal with first years covered in edible glitter and aggressive third years who act like you’re the anti-christ for not feeling hungry enough to buy a cupcake. Let alone a cupcake with a little singing bird on top. I mean, you’re completely right- what monster looks at a tiny fondant animal and is hungry?”

Shaking his head, he smiled at the mental image of a sparkly frosting dog roaming the halls of Hogwarts. “Thanks for the wandering sentient dessert, anyway.” Lux teased. “It’s the thought that counts.”

[wallace-quimby-archive]

—backdated, pre-third-task—

They reached a small bridge that crossed a stream, and Wallace watched the current for a minute, craning over the side slightly while they walked. Ash from his cigarette drifted down and was washed away in a flash. His mind was incredibly distracted and distant---he only half-registered Lux’s reply about the cupcakes. 

He should just admit everything, now, he thought, but hesitancy gripped him again, and he just smiled, saying, “I dunno, man. The thought counts, sure, but I want to eventually get you a real puppy, or something. Is it wrong of me to say it felt prophetic?” His grin turned ridiculous, and he dropped the end of his cigarette, pulling Lux closer now both his hands were free, and looping an arm around his shoulders. 

Pressing a kiss lightly to Lux’s temple, he said, “Sorry, I know I’m being strange---even by my own standards, which are non-existant. Is it enough to say, it’s good-strange, not bad-strange? And you’ll know why when we get back to the castle, or shortly there-after.”

[stevie-hopper-blog]

Every move made Stevie twitch, because the boy’s brows would shift and his gaze would shift meaning the glint reflecting would leave. While Stevie wasn’t so anal about things, there were minor annoyances that were stacking against Wallace. “Then you know enough if know from him.”He threw out in a clipped manor.

[wallace-quimby-archive]

“Right you are...” Wallace said absently, his gaze being drawn to Hopper’s face and his look of irritation. He clearly wasn’t really wanted here---so why had he been asked to sit? Obligation to Lux, came the answer, easily rising to the surface of his reasoning. Well, if that’s the case. Wallace wasn’t in the mood to indulge someone, not even for Lux’s sake, and if Stevie wasn’t providing adequate occupation, he’d find it elsewhere. Quietly he remarked, “Perhaps you should try still-life next time, Steven. A fruit basket’d probably suit your needs better, conversation-wise.” He gave the other boy a brief smile before rising to leave.

[aineohannigan-deactivated201608]

“Of course. Weapon making is just my sort of expertise, Quimby.” Aine remarked. She laughed again at his joke. A little part of her thought she was coming on too strong. She should really tone down the laughing. “Traditional apples it is.” She jerked her head down the corridor, indicating for them to walk. “So Quimby, it is curious, you’d pick something where I get to shoot things at you– Not afraid I’ll shoot one through your skull?”

[wallace-quimby-archive]

“I’ll not forget that, next time I need a broadsword or, I dunno. A mace. For whatever reason.” Aine had a sweet laugh, he was surprised he didn’t hear it more often. His knowledge of her had never extended beyond being aware she was part of a long line of O’Hannigans, and all that entailed---whether it be ducking the family name, or owning it, he was less interested in that than he was with Aine herself, on her own. At her question, he considered only for a split second, before replying, “Not particularly.” Adding casually, “I’m told my head is rather small, if you ignore the hair---we’ll be lucky to hit each other in the body, let alone anything that’ll cause any real damage.” He really wasn’t perturbed.

[wallace-quimby-archive]

where have you been // wallux

He couldn’t pretend anymore, that he’d been gone less than a full day. The sun had been descending when Nadya came to fetch him from the Forbidden Forest, and now it was well and truly nighttime. Wallace brushed the last remnants of the forest floor from his hair and clothes before he entered Hufflepuff---only to be accosted by three voices from separate areas:

Klausen’s not here.                Lux has been looking all over for you.                                Oi, Quimby, where’ve you been? Your boyfriend’s been badgerin’ us all day.

The last was followed by snickers and a sharp ‘ow!’ from the speaker, who’d been punched in the shoulder for his troubles.

But Wallace got the picture, and so he set off again. He should find Lux. He should. It would... clear things up.

He wished he felt guilty. But he was only exhausted.

It was luck that he hit the Library when he did, and Wallace skirted the tables, his eyes scanning the stacks until he reached the K-L aisle---something they’d thought was hilarious to have as a ‘spot’ for them. He saw the hair first, as usual, and stepped into the shadowed space between the shelves. “Hey,” he said quietly, hands pressed deep into his pockets.

[wallace-quimby-archive]

Some will beg for forgiveness From someone above For something they did To someone they love

[aineohannigan-deactivated201608]

Aine wondered how many times Wallace would suggest something only to find out she’d already done it. In the time he was thinking, so was she– trying to come up with something for her first and their last suggestion. 

Though, Aine paused and raised her eyebrows for Wallace to go on when she saw his large, and rather smug, grin. “I haven’t.” There was a slight surprised tone in her voice. She hadn’t expected he’d come up with something so easily. Aine was pleasantly surprised. 

She laughed at Wallace’s dilemma before walking just a few steps away from him to the vase on the pedestal. Pulling her wand out, she easily transfigured it into a bow. Aine strung the bow string with her thumb before handing it to Wallace. “This one is yours. I’ll get mine once we’re outside.”

[wallace-quimby-archive]

Wallace appreciated the pleased look she got. Turned out his weirder guesses were exactly what the situation asked for. He was more than a little taken aback when she handed him the bow, however, idly inspecting it. He knew nothing about archery, but it looked like it had all the pieces---wood, stringy bit. Yup. “Great, ‘cause I’ll confess, random object to archery equipment is really not in my Transfiguration repertoire. Bit intriguing that it is in yours, t’be frank.”

That he’d just basically volunteered to have someone shoot projectiles at him hadn’t escaped his notice, it just hadn’t caused any particular kind of alarm. “We’ll either need to stop and grab apples,” he told her, “Or find an apple-substitute---Gamp’s Law of Inconveniently Not Solving World Hunger, y’know. But I feel like we’ve gotta go traditional on this one. So, quickly by the kitchens?”