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Once referred to as "The Mysterious Tapestry," this wall hanging first came to notice during Draconia's tenure as Headmistress. The passageway which existed behind the tapestry has long since been sealed, but the tapestry continues to be a site of great interest to those familiar with its story or those who appreciate such textile arts.
It also makes a convenient meeting place as there is no other tapestry as grand and vibrant as this in the castle.
Well there was his point. That is what happens when you ask vague questions. Though she still did not feel like talking or was she normally like this. Very weird. "You know you are very mysterious" It sort reminded him of someone in his house and another hufflepuff.
Now this was more depressing then no secret passageway. She did give him a tiny glimmer of hope with that one word. "Now that just gets people's hopes up" But there was no happy ending right now. He knew. Very sad. His hair was even worse now.
And there was no reason for her to lie and she seemed like the type to be brutally honest.
"Hmm...the light. Probably not. There was more than enough light in here for the weird tapestry."
Nigel was beginning to hate that tapestry the more he stood in front of it.
Very mysterious. Olly raised her eyebrows, a small smirk playing around her lips. "I know." That's all it took for Nigel to think she was mysterious? He was quite impressionable wasn't he?
His hair, though. It was definitely gray. Entirely. Made him look extremely old. Though, not just the hair. Should she start mentioning the other things that made him look old too? He seemed oddly obsessed with his hair. "Don't ask if you don't like the answer." She added another shrug.
It wasn't like he was the only one. Proof = herself.
Very mysterious. Olly raised her eyebrows, a small smirk playing around her lips. "I know." That's all it took for Nigel to think she was mysterious? He was quite impressionable wasn't he?
His hair, though. It was definitely gray. Entirely. Made him look extremely old. Though, not just the hair. Should she start mentioning the other things that made him look old too? He seemed oddly obsessed with his hair. "Don't ask if you don't like the answer." She added another shrug.
It wasn't like he was the only one. Proof = herself.
"It's not the light." Really, it wasn't.
What was it with Nigel and certain Hufflepuffs? It was sooo confusing, with the smirking and one or two word answers. Well at least he was stating the obvious and she agreed. He probably was quite impressionable, but usually not wrong.
Sigh, yeah he knew it, but had to ask the question anyway. The answer was still really sad for Nigel. Hair was very important to him. He was obsessed. It was in his top five and she was very blunt. He would be appreciating it if it was a different topic. Sigh.
"You are right on both accounts"
Just keep on stating the obvious. It was becoming quite fun in this conversation. It was definitely was not the light and she kept poking at this until Nigel was going to have to look in the mirror....again.
"Soooo.....why the visit to the tapestry?"
Best get away from the topic of his hair.
__________________
-------------------------------------Be a pineapple: Stand tall,
-----------------------------------------wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.
It was actually pretty easy to slink off away from the little groups of people in the castle. Now the weather was all nice, everyone seemed to be wanting to go outside all the time. But not Tobias. Not today, at least.
He wasn't entirely sure how long he'd been there, but Toby was inside his third favourite crawlspace. It had possibly been a few hours since the Hufflepuff had ducked behind the tapestry and tucked himself away in the little nook before the sealed off secret passageway started, but he was still in this perfect little space. One of the places he went to think. Toby was now curled up on his side, and was fiddling with the threads right at the bottom of the tapestry, watching them sway this way and that as brushed them with his fingertips, deep in thought. If anyone was paying close enough attention to the bottom of the tapestry, they might have seen his fingertips occasionally making an appearance.
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaays the original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
It was actually pretty easy to slink off away from the little groups of people in the castle. Now the weather was all nice, everyone seemed to be wanting to go outside all the time. But not Tobias. Not today, at least.
He wasn't entirely sure how long he'd been there, but Toby was inside his third favourite crawlspace. It had possibly been a few hours since the Hufflepuff had ducked behind the tapestry and tucked himself away in the little nook before the sealed off secret passageway started, but he was still in this perfect little space. One of the places he went to think. Toby was now curled up on his side, and was fiddling with the threads right at the bottom of the tapestry, watching them sway this way and that as brushed them with his fingertips, deep in thought. If anyone was paying close enough attention to the bottom of the tapestry, they might have seen his fingertips occasionally making an appearance.
Ella had been wandering a lot lately. Despite the effort it took, the eighteen year old was determined to see every inch of the castle she could before she had to leave this place. And it was exhausting but worth it so far because she wanted her memories of this place to be vivid ones and taking in the sights and smells and sounds would help. They had to.
Because she was taking everything in, it was no surprise that the Head Girl spotted the fingers near the bottom of the tapestry. Well, spotted them thanks to her glasses. She'd be blind otherwise. And the sight made her stop in her tracks because she was wondering what whoever was behind there was doing and if she should be worried. Head Girl duties were still happening and she probably should investigate. Yeah.
Ella had been wandering a lot lately. Despite the effort it took, the eighteen year old was determined to see every inch of the castle she could before she had to leave this place. And it was exhausting but worth it so far because she wanted her memories of this place to be vivid ones and taking in the sights and smells and sounds would help. They had to.
Because she was taking everything in, it was no surprise that the Head Girl spotted the fingers near the bottom of the tapestry. Well, spotted them thanks to her glasses. She'd be blind otherwise. And the sight made her stop in her tracks because she was wondering what whoever was behind there was doing and if she should be worried. Head Girl duties were still happening and she probably should investigate. Yeah.
Ahem.
"Um...hello? Is anyone behind there?"
At the sound of a voice, Tobias suddenly froze and his eyes went wide. There was nobody else in this corridor; he'd have heard them, just as he'd heard this person's footsteps. So... they had to be talking to Toby. This was... oh no. Tobias had never let on to anyone about his crawlspaces before, and he wasn't sure how to really explain... wait... hadn't that been Ella's voice?
A wave of relief washed over Tobias and, after a few moments of hesitation, he lifted the bottom of the tapestry and poked his head out. Toby's eyes were still blurry, but it was hard to miss the familiar blur.
Looking as innocent as ever, Toby smiled up at the head girl, tapestry now draped partially over his shoulders, giving the impression that he was protruding from the very wall itself.
Uhhh.
"Hi."
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaays the original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
At the sound of a voice, Tobias suddenly froze and his eyes went wide. There was nobody else in this corridor; he'd have heard them, just as he'd heard this person's footsteps. So... they had to be talking to Toby. This was... oh no. Tobias had never let on to anyone about his crawlspaces before, and he wasn't sure how to really explain... wait... hadn't that been Ella's voice?
A wave of relief washed over Tobias and, after a few moments of hesitation, he lifted the bottom of the tapestry and poked his head out. Toby's eyes were still blurry, but it was hard to miss the familiar blur.
Looking as innocent as ever, Toby smiled up at the head girl, tapestry now draped partially over his shoulders, giving the impression that he was protruding from the very wall itself.
Uhhh.
"Hi."
There was movement and then there was a head and for some strange reason, Ella wasn't the least bit surprised to find Tobias hiding out here. It's a spot she would've chosen for herself had she had the mind to think of it and so she merely smiled down at him, amused. "Hello there." Grin! "You make a nice addition to the tapestry, y'know." If only she had a camera or something. And because she was curious, the Head Girl crouched down and then ducked under the tapestry so she could join Tobias in hiding. He didn't mind, right?
There was movement and then there was a head and for some strange reason, Ella wasn't the least bit surprised to find Tobias hiding out here. It's a spot she would've chosen for herself had she had the mind to think of it and so she merely smiled down at him, amused. "Hello there." Grin! "You make a nice addition to the tapestry, y'know." If only she had a camera or something. And because she was curious, the Head Girl crouched down and then ducked under the tapestry so she could join Tobias in hiding. He didn't mind, right?
"Well this is cozy."
See, Ella? Ella was the kind of person that always made Toby feel warm and happy inside. She was just one of those PEOPLE, y'know? He beamed at her and shifted slightly so she could fit inside his crawlspace too. Ella was, quite possibly, the only person that Toby would consider letting in. So... that's what he did.
"It is," he nodded, brushing his fingertips along the bottom of the tapestry again. "I found loads of places like this around the school. It's where I come and... think about things."
Toby looked up at Ella properly and grinned. "So... welcome."
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaays the original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
See, Ella? Ella was the kind of person that always made Toby feel warm and happy inside. She was just one of those PEOPLE, y'know? He beamed at her and shifted slightly so she could fit inside his crawlspace too. Ella was, quite possibly, the only person that Toby would consider letting in. So... that's what he did.
"It is," he nodded, brushing his fingertips along the bottom of the tapestry again. "I found loads of places like this around the school. It's where I come and... think about things."
Toby looked up at Ella properly and grinned. "So... welcome."
"It's a good think spot. Mine are usually blanket forts but this is just as nice." And small. Small was good too. The blonde crossed her legs in front of her and leaned back against the wall, watching Tobias curiously.
"Thanks Toby." Ella glanced over and returned the smile, resisting the urge to ruffle the younger badger's hair. "Thinking about anything in particular?" If he didn't want to share, he didn't have to. She just needed to know he was alright. Pseudo big sister duties and all. Did he needs hugs? She could definitely manage that.
"It's a good think spot. Mine are usually blanket forts but this is just as nice." And small. Small was good too. The blonde crossed her legs in front of her and leaned back against the wall, watching Tobias curiously.
"Thanks Toby." Ella glanced over and returned the smile, resisting the urge to ruffle the younger badger's hair. "Thinking about anything in particular?" If he didn't want to share, he didn't have to. She just needed to know he was alright. Pseudo big sister duties and all. Did he needs hugs? She could definitely manage that.
Toby nodded. "It's a major plus of being small, being able to fit in these spaces," he added. There was something about hiding in crawlspaces in cupboards or under his bed or any little hideaway that really appealed to Tobias. It was like he could fold himself away into his surroundings for a while and separate himself from everything else. It was... peaceful.
Steadily, the grin faded, until it was just a faint smile playing on Toby's lips. His hands found a stray thread that was no longer attached to the tapestry, and he sat fiddling with it in his lap, winding it around his fingers as he glanced up at Ella. Anything in particular? Oh boy.
"A whole bunch of things," Toby explained, trying to be super casual, but not really succeeding. Because... well... he DID want to talk about this stuff. All the time. But also... he didn't. Tobias didn't like people to know that he wasn't always happy, so he kept things to himself. Just him and his thoughts and his crawlspaces. But this was Ella, and Toby trusted Ella more than he'd ever trusted anyone else. "I come here to think about, y'know, all the not-happy things."
Well, not just here. Any crawlspace. But she'd understand that, right?
There was still that faint smile on his face, though it was more the ghost of a smile than anything. Toby looked up at Ella, paused for a moment, and then finally said it.
"I don't want you to go."
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaays the original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
Toby nodded. "It's a major plus of being small, being able to fit in these spaces," he added. There was something about hiding in crawlspaces in cupboards or under his bed or any little hideaway that really appealed to Tobias. It was like he could fold himself away into his surroundings for a while and separate himself from everything else. It was... peaceful.
Steadily, the grin faded, until it was just a faint smile playing on Toby's lips. His hands found a stray thread that was no longer attached to the tapestry, and he sat fiddling with it in his lap, winding it around his fingers as he glanced up at Ella. Anything in particular? Oh boy.
"A whole bunch of things," Toby explained, trying to be super casual, but not really succeeding. Because... well... he DID want to talk about this stuff. All the time. But also... he didn't. Tobias didn't like people to know that he wasn't always happy, so he kept things to himself. Just him and his thoughts and his crawlspaces. But this was Ella, and Toby trusted Ella more than he'd ever trusted anyone else. "I come here to think about, y'know, all the not-happy things."
Well, not just here. Any crawlspace. But she'd understand that, right?
There was still that faint smile on his face, though it was more the ghost of a smile than anything. Toby looked up at Ella, paused for a moment, and then finally said it.
"I don't want you to go."
Ella nodded. See? Being small could be nice sometimes. Not when trying to kiss your aggravatingly tall boyfriend but still. The eighteen year old completely understood where Tobias was coming from. Her face fell a bit at the mention of not-happy things but that she understood too. "I have a special spot for that," She admitted quietly, glancing over at the younger badger. "I'm sure lots of people do. Sometimes you just need to be alone when stuff like that...is floating around in your head." And that was completely okay.
The change in Toby's smile was noticeable and maybe it wouldn't have been to a stranger but Ella was familiar with genuine Toby smiles. Those kind made it all the way to his eyes and exuded happiness while this one seemed forced in a way. Sad too. It made the blonde scoot a bit closer to him so that their arms were touching. Y'know, just in case he needed a squish or a hand squeeze. She was here for either.
...Oh.
She didn't...expect that. Or maybe she did but she hoped he wouldn't say it out loud because that meant they'd need to have this conversation, the one she'd been avoiding because she knew it was going to be tough...and sad. It was that word that killed her. Leaving. She needed to make him understand that she wasn't leaving him, she was just going somewhere else but she'd be in his life for as long as he wanted. He needed to know these things but she wasn't sure how to explain them. Why were the words you needed to say most so hard to get out sometimes?
"I wish I could take you with me." She'd do that if she could, did he know? But that was selfish and he deserved to have his time here and enjoy it. He had tons of memories to make and she was excited for him.
Ella nodded. See? Being small could be nice sometimes. Not when trying to kiss your aggravatingly tall boyfriend but still. The eighteen year old completely understood where Tobias was coming from. Her face fell a bit at the mention of not-happy things but that she understood too. "I have a special spot for that," She admitted quietly, glancing over at the younger badger. "I'm sure lots of people do. Sometimes you just need to be alone when stuff like that...is floating around in your head." And that was completely okay.
The change in Toby's smile was noticeable and maybe it wouldn't have been to a stranger but Ella was familiar with genuine Toby smiles. Those kind made it all the way to his eyes and exuded happiness while this one seemed forced in a way. Sad too. It made the blonde scoot a bit closer to him so that their arms were touching. Y'know, just in case he needed a squish or a hand squeeze. She was here for either.
...Oh.
She didn't...expect that. Or maybe she did but she hoped he wouldn't say it out loud because that meant they'd need to have this conversation, the one she'd been avoiding because she knew it was going to be tough...and sad. It was that word that killed her. Leaving. She needed to make him understand that she wasn't leaving him, she was just going somewhere else but she'd be in his life for as long as he wanted. He needed to know these things but she wasn't sure how to explain them. Why were the words you needed to say most so hard to get out sometimes?
"I wish I could take you with me." She'd do that if she could, did he know? But that was selfish and he deserved to have his time here and enjoy it. He had tons of memories to make and she was excited for him.
Toby only nodded. It made him feel way better that other people seemed to do the same as he did, with regards to cutting himself off. Well, actually, it wasn't even about other people doing the same. But if Ella did the same, how bad of it an idea could it be? Toby managed a little smile; small, but genuine.
But yeah... he'd said it now. Finally said it out loud. It was a relief to have finally spoken about how he was going to miss Ella, but at the same time... it still weighed heavily on his shoulders. Saying it out loud didn't make it any easier to face. In fact, Tobias felt his eyes sting and he felt a lump in his throat.
Seeing as she was right there, Toby leaned gently against Ella, thankful for her warm and comforting presence which always immediately soothed him. It did the same now, except that Toby was now even more painfully aware that the seconds were ticking by until Ella went off and did her own thing. Sure, she wasn't leaving him for good, and they'd always stay in touch and he'd always love her and always see her as a sister. But this was a big change. Toby was going to have to get used to not having her around for long periods of time, and that was more painful than he could say. He'd gotten so used to having Ella close by, and she really was the big sister he'd never had. Toby had never really had someone to miss like this before... and these were difficult emotions to come to terms with. He sighed deeply, trying hard to commit this moment to memory. Ella, the first friend Toby had made, the first person he'd formed any sort of attachment to, now so much like a sister to him that Tobias often had to remind himself that they weren't actually related.
He'd really, really miss her.
As Tobias' eyes were already pretty blurry these days, he didn't notice any tears until he blinked and one rolled down towards his ear, thanks to the angle of his head. Toby brushed it away impatiently and turned slightly, so he could get a proper hug from Ella.
"Me too," he said absently. But did he mean it? Well... yes. Yes he did. But Toby also wanted to stay. He wanted to stay here with Ella, though Ella probably wanted to move on. But what would Hogwarts be like after Ella? "S'gonna be weird," Tobias added thickly. "Not seeing you around the castle, or in the common room, or at practice. Alec too." They'd always been the constants in his life at school. It wasn't until now that Toby realised how much he appreciated them. "But you guys are gonna have so much fun out there." In the real world, that is. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to know I was sad about it. You're graduating. It's a happy thing. This is wrong."
Emotions. They didn't make sense. It was frustrating.
"I want to write to you every week."
Tobias sniffed, still impatient with his traitorous tears. There was still so much flying around in his head, but right now he wanted to make something clear.
"I love you, Ella. I just wanted to make sure you know that."
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
elephant-astic•wanderlust•stay in the ninedaaays the original Taco Belle•look at the flowers✿
SPOILER!!: ;___;
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
Toby only nodded. It made him feel way better that other people seemed to do the same as he did, with regards to cutting himself off. Well, actually, it wasn't even about other people doing the same. But if Ella did the same, how bad of it an idea could it be? Toby managed a little smile; small, but genuine.
But yeah... he'd said it now. Finally said it out loud. It was a relief to have finally spoken about how he was going to miss Ella, but at the same time... it still weighed heavily on his shoulders. Saying it out loud didn't make it any easier to face. In fact, Tobias felt his eyes sting and he felt a lump in his throat.
Seeing as she was right there, Toby leaned gently against Ella, thankful for her warm and comforting presence which always immediately soothed him. It did the same now, except that Toby was now even more painfully aware that the seconds were ticking by until Ella went off and did her own thing. Sure, she wasn't leaving him for good, and they'd always stay in touch and he'd always love her and always see her as a sister. But this was a big change. Toby was going to have to get used to not having her around for long periods of time, and that was more painful than he could say. He'd gotten so used to having Ella close by, and she really was the big sister he'd never had. Toby had never really had someone to miss like this before... and these were difficult emotions to come to terms with. He sighed deeply, trying hard to commit this moment to memory. Ella, the first friend Toby had made, the first person he'd formed any sort of attachment to, now so much like a sister to him that Tobias often had to remind himself that they weren't actually related.
He'd really, really miss her.
As Tobias' eyes were already pretty blurry these days, he didn't notice any tears until he blinked and one rolled down towards his ear, thanks to the angle of his head. Toby brushed it away impatiently and turned slightly, so he could get a proper hug from Ella.
"Me too," he said absently. But did he mean it? Well... yes. Yes he did. But Toby also wanted to stay. He wanted to stay here with Ella, though Ella probably wanted to move on. But what would Hogwarts be like after Ella? "S'gonna be weird," Tobias added thickly. "Not seeing you around the castle, or in the common room, or at practice. Alec too." They'd always been the constants in his life at school. It wasn't until now that Toby realised how much he appreciated them. "But you guys are gonna have so much fun out there." In the real world, that is. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to know I was sad about it. You're graduating. It's a happy thing. This is wrong."
Emotions. They didn't make sense. It was frustrating.
"I want to write to you every week."
Tobias sniffed, still impatient with his traitorous tears. There was still so much flying around in his head, but right now he wanted to make something clear.
"I love you, Ella. I just wanted to make sure you know that."
If Tobias thought he was the only one crying, he was sadly mistaken. Ella too had felt tears trail down her cheeks and she absently wiped them away with her sleeve, not wanting to upset the younger badger anymore than he already was. When he turned towards her for a hug, she wasted no time wrapping her arms around him and squeezing gently. Ella might not be the best with words but hugs she could do. She was an expert at them and she hoped this one helped, even if it was only for a moment or two.
It'd be weird for Ella too, the not being here anymore. Somewhere between the time she'd first stepped foot in the Great Hall and now, this place had become home for her. Some of her biggest moments had happened in this castle and to know she was leaving for good felt weird, like some big part of her was being ripped away without her permission. She knew Toby was right, though. There were bigger adventures waiting for her out there and she wasn't going to miss out on them, as much as she wished she could put them off for a little while. Tobias apologizing for his sadness, though? No. She wasn't accepting that. "You never ever have to apologize for how you feel, okay? Not to me. How you feel matters a whole bunch, even if you might not feel that way sometimes." And she wanted to know if he was sad because sometimes talking helped, even if it started out hurting more than anything else. The weight that lifted afterward was worth the hurt.
"I'll write you back, y'know. Send things too." And it wasn't the same but it was something. She didn't plan on being a stranger so he didn't need to worry about that.
What the younger badger said next brought fresh tears and Ella didn't bother holding them back. Toby was family and there was no shame in showing how she felt right now. Tears were honest, even if they were sad to see. "Love you too, Tobias." The eighteen year old shifted a bit so she was facing the boy and took his hand, giving it a small squeeze. Now it was her turn to say what she needed to.
"Here's the thing, I had someone very important to me make lots of promises about being there whenever I needed her and that person lied." Her expression was sad but her words had strength behind them. This was important, what she wanted to say. "She left and didn't come back and for a long time I was afraid I'd be just like her. But I guess I realized recently that I- I'm nothing like her at all and I need you to know that when I say I'll keep being there for you, I'm telling you the truth." She teared up a bit now but she was nearly done, just a few things left to say. "And I want you to know that I think we're a lot alike and because of this, I know you're probably hard on yourself sometimes. And maybe you don't see how great you are but I do. I think you're going to change the word someday, Tobias Tempus. In fact, I'm pretty positive you will and when you do, I'll be able to say proudly that I was lucky enough to know you. And I'm proud of you and I want to keep knowing you." Gosh, this was hard. "So pretty much you're stuck with me which is why we're not going to say goodbye, yeah? We'll just say see you soon when the time comes. Because I will see you and when I do, it'll be like nothing has changed." That's how family worked.
If Tobias thought he was the only one crying, he was sadly mistaken. Ella too had felt tears trail down her cheeks and she absently wiped them away with her sleeve, not wanting to upset the younger badger anymore than he already was. When he turned towards her for a hug, she wasted no time wrapping her arms around him and squeezing gently. Ella might not be the best with words but hugs she could do. She was an expert at them and she hoped this one helped, even if it was only for a moment or two.
It'd be weird for Ella too, the not being here anymore. Somewhere between the time she'd first stepped foot in the Great Hall and now, this place had become home for her. Some of her biggest moments had happened in this castle and to know she was leaving for good felt weird, like some big part of her was being ripped away without her permission. She knew Toby was right, though. There were bigger adventures waiting for her out there and she wasn't going to miss out on them, as much as she wished she could put them off for a little while. Tobias apologizing for his sadness, though? No. She wasn't accepting that. "You never ever have to apologize for how you feel, okay? Not to me. How you feel matters a whole bunch, even if you might not feel that way sometimes." And she wanted to know if he was sad because sometimes talking helped, even if it started out hurting more than anything else. The weight that lifted afterward was worth the hurt.
"I'll write you back, y'know. Send things too." And it wasn't the same but it was something. She didn't plan on being a stranger so he didn't need to worry about that.
What the younger badger said next brought fresh tears and Ella didn't bother holding them back. Toby was family and there was no shame in showing how she felt right now. Tears were honest, even if they were sad to see. "Love you too, Tobias." The eighteen year old shifted a bit so she was facing the boy and took his hand, giving it a small squeeze. Now it was her turn to say what she needed to.
"Here's the thing, I had someone very important to me make lots of promises about being there whenever I needed her and that person lied." Her expression was sad but her words had strength behind them. This was important, what she wanted to say. "She left and didn't come back and for a long time I was afraid I'd be just like her. But I guess I realized recently that I- I'm nothing like her at all and I need you to know that when I say I'll keep being there for you, I'm telling you the truth." She teared up a bit now but she was nearly done, just a few things left to say. "And I want you to know that I think we're a lot alike and because of this, I know you're probably hard on yourself sometimes. And maybe you don't see how great you are but I do. I think you're going to change the word someday, Tobias Tempus. In fact, I'm pretty positive you will and when you do, I'll be able to say proudly that I was lucky enough to know you. And I'm proud of you and I want to keep knowing you." Gosh, this was hard. "So pretty much you're stuck with me which is why we're not going to say goodbye, yeah? We'll just say see you soon when the time comes. Because I will see you and when I do, it'll be like nothing has changed." That's how family worked.
Ella didn't realise how wrong she was. Tobias did have to apologise for feeling certain ways. People weren't supposed to see that from him, sadness and anger and stuff. It simply... well... it simply wasn't allowed. But how could he begin to explain something like that when he didn't even understand it himself.
But... one thing Ella said sort of rang true. He didn't have to apologise about his emotions to her. That felt more accurate, especially now they were having this interaction. Now that she'd mentioned it, Toby realised it was true, and that he'd probably been hoping it was true for some time now.
"Not to you," he echoed softly, nodding ever so slightly. "Okay." Ella. Ella was the one he could talk to about... anything? Yeah.
Tobias never really doubted for a moment that Ella wouldn't write back to him, but it sort of filled his heart with a little more joy to hear the Head Girl confirm it. He nodded again, feeling a little better at the thought, though still pretty bleh.
Then Ella was taking his hand and speaking a whole lot and there were obvious tears on her face, so Tobias stayed quiet and listened intently. His usually very easily distracted brain seemed to acknowledge that this was important, and he was able to really pay attention, watching Ella sadly as she spoke. He wondered vaguely who the person was that she was talking about, maybe a friend or a sibling or... perhaps her mother? Before he let himself get too absorbed in that thought, however, he pushed it away. It wasn't his business to wonder those things. Just to listen to what he was actually being told.
Ella was right. From what she was telling him, at least, Ella was definitely nothing like that person. Toby nodded his head silently to show that, yes, he believed she'd never lie, especially about always being there for him.
They were alike, it was true. Sort of a lot from what Ella was saying, but also in marginally different ways. She was right though, and once again Tobias was only really noticing things about himself when others pointed them out. He was hard on himself, quite a lot. But the fact that this was a trait he shared with Ella actually made Toby feel a little proud, even though that made little sense.
Toby shifted slightly where he sat and glanced off at the tapestry for a moment, apparently thinking something. When he looked back at Ella, he gave a very small, but genuine, smile, and squeezed her hand.
"Well," he finally said. "You're not gonna get rid of me, y'know. Not ever. I mean... you've been around for me through a lot of stuff, Ella-" even if he'd seldom actually mentioned when he had stuff going on to anyone at all, Ella's presence was always invaluable "-so obviously I'm gonna return the favour. Even though I'll be here."
So yes. No goodbyes. Toby liked that idea.
"Ella," he said, unaware he was going to do so until he'd already done it. "I just... I'm really sorry that person lied to you, and let you down and stuff. I think I get it, like... y'know, I kinda know what it's like to be abandoned-" though, in his case, there had never been any false promises, which probably made a big difference "-but, y'know, in spite of all that? I think you're the greatest person I've ever met. You're wonderful and kind and honest and you've always been amazing to me, and I... I would trust you with anything." Toby's voice was stronger now compared to how shaky it had been earlier, though it did give a slight tremble here. "And I've never said it before but like... I just feel super lucky that I even got to know you. And I'm a better person because I know you."
Just, y'know, seeing as they were sharing.
"I'll miss you," Toby added, quieter now, because it was hard to forget and even harder to talk about. "Captain."
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
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SPOILER!!: </3
QUOTE=Felixir;11581760]
Ella didn't realise how wrong she was. Tobias did have to apologise for feeling certain ways. People weren't supposed to see that from him, sadness and anger and stuff. It simply... well... it simply wasn't allowed. But how could he begin to explain something like that when he didn't even understand it himself.
But... one thing Ella said sort of rang true. He didn't have to apologise about his emotions to her. That felt more accurate, especially now they were having this interaction. Now that she'd mentioned it, Toby realised it was true, and that he'd probably been hoping it was true for some time now.
"Not to you," he echoed softly, nodding ever so slightly. "Okay." Ella. Ella was the one he could talk to about... anything? Yeah.
Tobias never really doubted for a moment that Ella wouldn't write back to him, but it sort of filled his heart with a little more joy to hear the Head Girl confirm it. He nodded again, feeling a little better at the thought, though still pretty bleh.
Then Ella was taking his hand and speaking a whole lot and there were obvious tears on her face, so Tobias stayed quiet and listened intently. His usually very easily distracted brain seemed to acknowledge that this was important, and he was able to really pay attention, watching Ella sadly as she spoke. He wondered vaguely who the person was that she was talking about, maybe a friend or a sibling or... perhaps her mother? Before he let himself get too absorbed in that thought, however, he pushed it away. It wasn't his business to wonder those things. Just to listen to what he was actually being told.
Ella was right. From what she was telling him, at least, Ella was definitely nothing like that person. Toby nodded his head silently to show that, yes, he believed she'd never lie, especially about always being there for him.
They were alike, it was true. Sort of a lot from what Ella was saying, but also in marginally different ways. She was right though, and once again Tobias was only really noticing things about himself when others pointed them out. He was hard on himself, quite a lot. But the fact that this was a trait he shared with Ella actually made Toby feel a little proud, even though that made little sense.
Toby shifted slightly where he sat and glanced off at the tapestry for a moment, apparently thinking something. When he looked back at Ella, he gave a very small, but genuine, smile, and squeezed her hand.
"Well," he finally said. "You're not gonna get rid of me, y'know. Not ever. I mean... you've been around for me through a lot of stuff, Ella-" even if he'd seldom actually mentioned when he had stuff going on to anyone at all, Ella's presence was always invaluable "-so obviously I'm gonna return the favour. Even though I'll be here."
So yes. No goodbyes. Toby liked that idea.
"Ella," he said, unaware he was going to do so until he'd already done it. "I just... I'm really sorry that person lied to you, and let you down and stuff. I think I get it, like... y'know, I kinda know what it's like to be abandoned-" though, in his case, there had never been any false promises, which probably made a big difference "-but, y'know, in spite of all that? I think you're the greatest person I've ever met. You're wonderful and kind and honest and you've always been amazing to me, and I... I would trust you with anything." Toby's voice was stronger now compared to how shaky it had been earlier, though it did give a slight tremble here. "And I've never said it before but like... I just feel super lucky that I even got to know you. And I'm a better person because I know you."
Just, y'know, seeing as they were sharing.
"I'll miss you," Toby added, quieter now, because it was hard to forget and even harder to talk about. "Captain."[/QUOTE]
It hurt.
This conversation, seeing Tobias like this, knowing she wasn't going to be able to give him hugs anytime he needed them. It all hurt. Worse because she wasn't used to seeing him so vulnerable. Toby had a gentle heart, the kind that was big and open and easily harmed. Ella knew because Ella's was the same. It made her want to protect him, keep him from experiencing any kind of sadness but she knew deep down that the sad stuff sometimes made you stronger. That the hard stuff might bend your heart to the point of a break but that human hearts could often be resilient. And she took comfort in the fact that he was willing to show his sadness to her, even if it made her feel like this. He was being completely honest with her and that trust said worlds more about their friendship than any conversation could. This display of trust meant a lot to Ella.
When Toby looked away, Ella worried that she had said too much. Maybe she shouldn't have burdened him with certain information but she felt like he needed to know, needed to understand why her promise meant so much. By saying she'd be there, she was both trying to reassure him and trying to reassure herself. She wasn't like her mom, she wasn't going to leave people she cared about without explanation, she wasn't careless. She cared too much. And so she watched the younger badger in hopes that his expression would betray what he'd been thinking but he did her one better and she listened closely when he spoke next.
So there had been stuff. Stuff he'd kept to himself but that she'd assumed was going on. Ella felt better knowing that even if she didn't know the details, she'd helped him get through things in one way or another. It brought a smile to her face and she nodded. It was settled, then. No goodbyes. This was relieving to hear.
More tears now. Tears because it was cruel the way the nicest people Ella had ever known had had to experience abandonment. And more because she spent so much time feeling upset about her own that sometimes she forgot that she wasn't the only one who'd been left. She stubbornly wiped at her face with her sleeve and cracked a sad smile, her voice quiet when she said, "You're killing me here, kiddo." But his words, what he'd said meant everything to Ella and so she pulled him towards her again and gave him a big squishy hug. She just had to, okay?
"I'll miss you more," She whispered, ignoring the ache in her heart. "But we're family now and no matter where we are, that won't change." He knew that, yeah?
There was quiet for a bit as Ella tried to compose herself, letting everything they'd talked about sink in. She wiped the last tears off her cheeks and fiddled with a loose thread in the tapestry and as she did, she decided something.
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The Tapestry 
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