eachdraidh | ( video - seelie & unseelie )

[ At first the feed is silent, just showing a small grassy plain. Then, suddenly, there's a quiet little yip and something pops into view -- a puppy, looking more than a little excited, with wings fluttering around it's little body as it moves, barking at the camera (or, rather, who is behind the camera). Eventually it moves, with a scuffling noise, and Hermione's face pops into view, at least until she is mauled by the dog licking at her and clambering to get into her lap. She accepts it with good grace, of course, just laughing and patting at the lovely thing's head. ]

I was given this lovely boy by the faeries today and I have no idea who it's from - it must be a gift because I didn't ask for him, at least not this time. I wanted to say thank you to whoever it was because he's adorable! He's the cutest thing I've ever seen - and I've decided to call him Padfoot.

[ She knows Harry and Ron will understand and she hopes neither of them will be put off by the nickname. She moves to shut off the feed even as the puppy goes to try and bite at the chain holding the locket in her fingertips. ]

Padfoot, no ---

[ and it goes. ]

( PRIVATE TO THE KREW + ANYONE WITH A COMPASS. )

I was given my boon by the faeries and - it's incredible. They've given me a book that'll teach me how to make my own network, like the lockets but only for us to use. I was wondering if you'd all tell me what kind of thing you'd want, if you want a personal network for anyone or just for you and some friends? And what you'd like it on - a watch or a necklace or something? Let me know, please?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The contracts -- Harry. What have you been doing?

Just what I said. We went to the Midnight Court, where all the thieves go, and spoke to the head of the largest group of assassins to make the deal.

You...you let them know how much Alyosha cared about them, okay? She's dead, --[ His voice breaks and he has to pause, get a drink of water, and rest a moment before continuing. ]-- so I have to be the one to deliver the payment, but I've got it.

Reynard did it. He came and called her out and I've never seen anything like it.

Oh, Harry, I -- oh. I will, I promise.

[ She hesitates, completely at a loss. What does she even do? Her own contact with Alyosha was limited, all things considered, but -- obviously Harry cared about her, a lot. ]

I'll tell them. Are you alright? Do you need me?

She bought their lives with her husband's shard. She...

[ He goes quiet again before turning on the video aspect. Harry doesn't really want her to see him, but he needs to see her again. He's still half in his disguise - rough clothing made for a criminal - but he's made an effort to wash his face and hands free from the dust and blood of the court. He's missed a few spots. ]

I do, I really do, but I have things here that I can't put off. Once I'm done we need to talk in person. First though, I need you to spread the word that Reynard is unbelievably dangerous and powerful. He's been shard-collecting and has at least twelve.

Her husband's...

[ Hermione watches him with flickering eyes and she hesitates for a moment. She's losing herself to the worry and panic and she breathes out, forcing back her tears. All Hermione wants is to go to his side and take care of him but -- obviously that's not possible right now. ]

I'll tell John and Bolin they're safe and I'll pass the message along to Korra and everyone else. Is there anything else I need to know?

Umm, I don't know. Sorry, it's been a very long night and I'm pretty rattled.

[ Give him a minute and he'll think of something. ]

I'm okay? I mean, I've still got all the parts I went in with.

That's okay - take your time. There's no rush, you know that.

[ She nods, looking him over. ]

I'm going to make us our own lockets, okay? Our own network, just for us. So we can look after each other.

[ He's in a small room somewhere, nicely appointed, and clearly not a rough and tumble inn. ]

Can we just talk for a bit? I, umm, I can't sleep. Not yet. Tell me about Padfoot or whatever you're reading? Honestly, if you just want to read aloud, I'd be over the moon.

Of course. Do you know what I have with me?

[ She disappears from view for a moment, Padfoot taking over the video feed, before she pops back with the Tales of Beedle the Bard in her hands. ]

Bedtime story?

Perfect.

[ Harry adjusts how he's sitting, curling up small and settling in. His relief is profound. The silence is just too much for him. ]

Have I recently mentioned that you might, in fact, be a radiant queen of perfection? There's something to get sewn on the back of a jacket.

I am travelling with a prince. I'm as close to royalty as I'm going to get.

[ She smiles and opens the book. ]

I think we've heard about about the Three Brothers. Maybe the Wizard and the Hopping Pot?

Mmhmm. Please?

[ He's got a bowl of food with him and while he's exhausted, he knows he needs to eat. Priorities, Hermione. ]

[ She watches him and gives a little nod at the food even as she pats her lap, letting Padfoot snuggle up to her. ]

Some of it might still sound a little strange -- I'm still translating it all.

I intend to judge you based on your verb tenses. I feel that it's only right you're made aware of this.

[ He sighs and there's almost a smile. ]

Are you going to grade me from O to T?

[ Eyebrow. ]

Mmm, no. I've worked out a system best represented by interpretive dance. You read, I'll shimmy.

[ Besides eating, Harry isn't going to move in the slightest. ]

The more violent the motions the better the reading, I assume?

[ She grins before she settles down and starts to read. ]

Something like that, but it'll take me a while to work out the choreography.

[ As she reads, he feels a bit of the weight on his heart lift and while he's not happy, Harry is briefly content. ]

[ She reads through the story with the dog lounging on her lap, her eyes flickering up sometimes to check on her friend. When she reaches the end Hermione hesitates, pauses, before she smiles. ]

I'll give you... Two weeks.

[ His eyes are closed and his breathing has evened out. Harry isn't sleeping, but it's close. ]

S'fair.

[ He yawns, wide enough to eat the world, then adjusts how he's curled up, before turning away from the locket to discretely palm his fake eye. It's easier to sleep when it's not in. ]

Thank you.

[ Hermione's expression softens; Harry looks like he's about to doze off and she's glad to see it. ]

You're welcome. Anytime, alright?

Same for you, you know that, right?

[ Harry snuffles again and...yeah, he's going to be asleep before she answers. ]

I know.

[ He's gone, off to sleep, but Hermione smiles to herself. ]

I promised I'd go wherever you needed me. Hasn't changed yet.

( video - seelie & unseelie )

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