battles with yourself [ana]

[ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON]

18 January 2026

Astrid pottered around the modestly sized flat she kept just twenty minutes walking from the Snowdonia Dragon Reserve. She enjoyed the solitude, the song of the surrounding mountains and the slice of evergreen that filtered the weak, Welsh sunlight. She leaned out the window of her kitchen, breathing in the crisp winter air. The roar of dragons occasionally resounded around the glen, an unnecessary reminder to Astrid what drove her forward in her career. Her desire to understand all aspects of these magical beasts was central to her happiness.

However, dragons didn't happen to be the only oversized beings in her life. Astrid's cheeks flushed as she allowed herself a secret smile, recalling those long, warm nights with Kal. He fulfilled her and completed her, the other half of her she didn't realise she had been missing. And now that she knew Kal, it was unlikely she'd be able to live without him. His kindness, his open heart, his loving soul. Even after a short span of knowing each other, Astrid believed she'd found the other part of her soul. With a deep, pleased sigh, Astrid closed the kitchen window and sauntered over to the teapot, setting it to boil.

Astrid had invited Ana over for a Sunday Roast, a typical meal for Britons. She hadn't been sure if Ana would be interested in joining her, especially not as she'd turned into that frightening thing at Yrisle. Astrid had been pleased and relieved to find Ana's quick acceptance of her proposal, and busied herself preparing for her friend's impending visit. It was almost as if nothing had passed between them, no form changing or anything.

The true meaning of Ana's visit was that Astrid would finally be able to speak to someone about how she felt with Kal. She was an unbelievably private person, but she felt no confusion or shame at her union with the half-giant. However, she wanted a second opinion to know if she should be careful as to who she should speak to. Astrid did not always understand social cues, at least not as much as Ana. It would be lovely to welcome her friend into her home, with the calls of dragons and the bluish purple mountains creating a magical backdrop to the mountainside cabin.

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

love'll die and lovers fade

but you still remain there

January 18, 2026
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON

It had been over a fortnight since Ana had last visited the island, and she’d received a message from Astrid inviting her for a visit. Ana still had that image in her mind, that creature that her old friend had turned into on that island though as soon as she had stepped off the red sand and onto the boat, she had reappeared. It still baffled her, but even Ana could admit it was magic that she didn’t understand—though she hated not knowing what had happened exactly. Fortunately, the noise she had kept hearing had subsided, and it had let her feel like she was in control of something again. Despite all the stress, however, she’d managed to avoid a bad habit—that habit being a him. It wasn’t yet desperate times, but a social life was hardly a priority in her life. Harry Potter had reunified the warring factions, but there was still work to do with her utmost priority being her family, of course.

Ana couldn’t understand why one would want to live so close to dragons, but she apparated near her friend’s flat and walked up to the door. What had happened on that island might have put some distance between some friends. But, they had known one another for many years, and trust was not something Ana extended to really anyone outside her brothers, with Astrid being on the shortlist of exceptions. Some magical phenomena or curse was not going to be enough to change the youngest Karkaroff’s mind. It was chilly, but that was expected for this time of year. Ana dug her hands deeper into her jacket pockets, but at least one hand was near her wand because one never knew, and she approached the door. Taking out her free hand to knock. The door opened, and there she saw the familiar icy blue eyes of her friend. ”I don’t know many people who willingly live so close to dragons.” She commented in her usual flat tone.

template by vee

[ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON]

Ana was one of the few people who knew the true Astrid, even if it was just the bits she chose to show. She knew that Astrid saw the world in a black and white sort of clarity, doling out measured portions of control when she felt necessary. On the other hand, she had never shared her cryomancy with Ana. Even with years of knowing each other, that bit of herself was still safely tucked away. For the longest time, she had been afraid of scaring Ana off. And now, it was more about keeping her powers a secret for her own sanity. The ice wouldn't hurt her or Ana, but something still held her back. It was a secret shared between Astrid and Kal only.

Kal, her boyfriend.

Astrid trilled at the thought as she let her friend in, beaming. Bright brown eyes met her own, and Astrid ushered in her oldest friend. She chuckled at Ana's disbelief at the location of her flat. "I can think of nothing better. I know they will not hurt me," said Astrid as she shut the door behind her. "What better way to immerse oneself but to truly live with dragons? You know, I met a druid who could transform into a dragon. I do not understand it still, but... it was very interesting to get a true perspective of dragon lifestyles and habits," said Astrid. The words tumbled from her mouth without stopping, though this wasn't the reason why she had invited Ana around. "Tea?" she offered, bustling off to the kitchen. It was a British custom she had picked up in the few years that she had lived her. She was itching to divulge the details and get Ana's opinion, but pleasantries had to be made first.

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

love'll die and lovers fade

but you still remain there

January 18, 2026
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON

Trust and friendship. These things weren’t taught to be something essential for her. Trust was something you kept close and rarely gave away. People existed only to betray it. Friends were kept around because they were helpful in something or had some way to help you toward your goals. In her early school days, that is what Astrid had been, a way to anger her mother. As Purebloods, they didn’t dare associate with anyone that wasn’t like them. So, what better way to anger her mother than to befriend a muggle-born student a year below her? That had been the intent and how Astrid had been useful to Ana at the time though it became very quickly apparent that the two girls simply got along. Ana’s serious demeanor, snarky tone, and lack of a smile hadn’t sent Astrid running. And maybe Ana had merely been taken aback that someone was patient enough to befriend her and from then on, a trust formed.

Ana entered, feeling the warmth and difference from being outside. Though she’d preferred to brave the cold than ever live this close to dragons. She listened as Astrid rambled on about dragons. She talked a lot more than Ana ever did, though because it was Astrid, it didn’t bother her as, say, a coworker at the Ministry. Perhaps there was patience in her cold heart after all, though you’d never find Ana saying it out loud. ”Try immersing yourself at the Ministry and figure out which habitat has more intelligent life.” Ana responded, sometimes she wondered what the difference was between some simple creatures and some of the Ministry employees. Not that there were many she thought highly off, the few she could on perhaps two hands. A dragon animagus was interesting, though, then again, if it was a druid, that did explain possibly why there had been no fuss really about it at the Ministry.

She removed her coat and hung it on the coat rack near the door, removing her gloves as well. ”Yes.” She responded to the question about Tea. It had been a part of her life when she was younger, if only to prepare for the possibility of being invited to Tea with an appropriate English pureblood son. Though it only just made sense that her home was here now. She glanced around the flat, more a habit out of anything but then paused. ”How have you been since…?” Ana asked. It wasn’t like her to be so vague, but the island was such a unique event in both their lives. It warranted the wariness.

template by vee

[ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON]

Ana quickly joined Astrid in the warmth of her little cottage. The wood stove had been going since the morning, starving off the damp cold that threatened to break in through the old stone structure. Stone, because naturally living close to dragons made living in a wooden house a substantial risk. Astrid politely offered her friend tea after chattering about how much she'd love to continue living amongst dragons. There was something about how regal the beasts were, how purely magical. They'd drawn her attention since she was young, and even more so when she discovered that they were more than the creatures of legend.

Ana accepted the offer for tea, and Astrid busied herself with brewing a pot of chamomile tea. Ana enquired after her health after that... strange incident on the island. Astrid cringed, glad her back was turned to her friend. She nearly dropped the lid of the tea pot, but rested her hands on the countertop. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Astrid replied. "I don't remember anything," said Astrid, finally turning and meeting Ana's dark gaze. "I don't remember what happened at all. From seeing that mist to being on the boat, it's all blank," whispered Astrid. She collected the tea pot and cups and brought them over to Ana.

"I thought... I thought it would come back to me. I didn't realise I would never regain that. It feels like I was a different person," she added, chewing thoughtfully on the inside of her cheek. She straightened, a smirk creeping across her lips. "Speaking of becoming a different person... you'll never guess who has landed herself a boyfriend."

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

love'll die and lovers fade

but you still remain there

January 18, 2026
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON

Ana heard a slight noise as Astrid went to prepare the tea. She figured it was in response to her question. It had been a unique experience, and Ana had been frightened only because it involved her closest friend. The amount of time and effort it took to win Ana’s trust wasn’t sure about the energy to go through that with another person. And the benefit of their friendship was that they were truly friends. Ana could say it wasn’t because Astrid provided some use—she enjoyed their time together. It certainly kept her sane and not completely stuck in her paranoid mind all the time. Between the island appearing and her brother's work to steal the item from the Ministry, even she needed a moment. Astrid’s experience had been a very obvious one while Ana’s had slowly driver her a bit insane, and she was still recovering from that.

She turned to look at Astrid as she spoke. All Ana could do was nod in response. It had been strange for both of them, and as long as they were both fine now, there wasn’t much to gain from trying to analyze it. If Ana never had to hear about the island again, she would be thrilled. However, the topic changed quickly, and Ana was caught off guard. ”Boyfriend?” She took a seat, crossing one leg over the other as her face showed a keen interest. ”Please tell me he isn’t someone we went to school with.” She said with an obvious distaste. It had become common to run into an old classmate regardless of whether Ana remembered them and exchanged awkward pleasantries. She already made a mental note to look into this new character when she returned to work. One needed to know who they were associating with, after all.

This was the part she enjoyed from time to time, a break from her work in Interpol or tying up her Ouroboros work and now Order work or discussing future plans with Cas regarding either or their family. He may not have understood it, but she needed this in her life—balance. It was necessary, or they would both end up like their mother, who had just about lost her mind to the paranoia of their world. ”Tell me about him.”

template by vee

[ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON]

Boyfriend

The word echoed around the stone interior of her cottage, warmth spreading from Astrid's insides. She couldn't help the grin that crept up on her face as she beheld Ana, noticing the keen interest that was so rare. Ana was typically stoic and cold, much like Astrid. Perhaps this was the reason why the pair had gotten along so well. Neither had pushed the other outside the realms of their comforts, able to exist peacefully in silence or in idle conversation. And there were even times when they didn't need to speak in order to portray their minds.

Astrid let out a laugh at Ana's obvious distaste for their former classmates. "No, absolutely not," she said with an uncharacteristic lightness to her comments. Kal drew out that bright, light girl within her, and even though he wasn't here with her now, she felt his lasting presence nestled within her heart. "He's actually a druid. And..." she lowered her voice and went on in a conspiratorial whisper. "And he's a half giant." Her eyes widened meaningfully, and another giggle bubbled from her lips.

Settling into the chair across from Ana, Astrid took a sip of her too hot tea, and cringed. She had never dealt well with heat, hence her interest in northern beasts. "He's called Kal, and he's a magizoologist too. He's really, really wonderful. I feel much more... me when I'm with him." She tilted her head thoughtfully as she appraised Ana. "You know?" She didn't presume that Ana actually did know, as her friend was very unlikely to let someone in the way she had done with Kal. But Astrid wouldn't let her assumptions get the best of her.

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

love'll die and lovers fade

but you still remain there

January 18, 2026
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON

Ana herself had never considered dating a priority. Dating in pureblood society was hardly the same as dating as most people knew it on an everyday basis. She was reminded of business meetings and job interviews instead. It hadn’t stopped Ana from having her fun while at Durmstrang. There was a lot to be learned while rebelling from one’s family and mother. Hearing that Astrid had a boyfriend now, there was the tiniest twinge of envy. Ana had traded close interpersonal relationships for her secrecy and walls instead. Focusing on her personal and family goals, there just typically wasn’t time for such things, and to attempt to balance it all was asking for mistakes to happen. Nonetheless, her eyes softened as she watched her friend speak. Picking up her cup of tea and cautiously sipping the liquid to test its temperature. Still a bit too warm to drink safely, but in this weather, she was sure it wouldn’t stay like that for long.

Ana was still processing that Astrid had found herself a druid when she heard the following statement. In a very rare moment, she was caught off guard, and she was sure that her face showed as much. Astrid was one of the few people who had Ana’s complete trust, hence why her facial expression even bothered to shift at all while she was used to the stoic and steely mask she wore on a daily basis elsewhere. ”A giant?” She repeated, ensuring she had heard her friend correctly. She paused, many questions entering her mind. ”Is he…tall?” She asked, the corner of her mouth turning up ever so slightly in a smirk as she sipped some of her tea, it had cooled down quite a bit. A half-giant, that was not expected, but now Ana had a greater curiosity of the man that had captured her friend’s attention and heart—her friend who was typically as guarded as she was.

But if there was one thing Ana could do, it was read people. After years of training as a child and in her work at the Ministry and along with Occlumency, she did not doubt that what Astrid was describing was true. While Ana may have not felt what she was describing herself, at least not in that complete way she had seen it and heard about it. Some in her world might have found it silly, love? Useless. Not required. Why bother? There was a tiny part of Ana deep down inside of her that wondered what it would be like, but she’d never expected it for herself—nor sought it out. She grinned at her longtime friend, genuinely smiled—not the smile she brought to work to appease her coworkers. She knew Astrid could tell the difference. ”He sounds special.” She responded. He had to be to warm the heart of such cold women. ”When do I get to meet him?” And by meet, she meant ‘interrogate’, naturally. ”How did you meet him?”

template by vee

[ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON]

Before Kal, Astrid had never considered dating at all. After all, she did so much better on her own. Men, and women alike, were simply a waste of time. And with her own issues to deal with, Astrid hadn't made any sort of effort on that front. Not to mention her frigid demeanour scaring off any potential suitor. It was a miracle that Kal had managed to penetrate her defences and steal her heart and soul so fully. In addition to the fact that he had penetrated her too. Ana picked up her mug to take a tentative sip of her tea, but Astrid couldn't reign in her excitement any longer.

Giggling at Ana's immediate reaction, repeating after her in a clarifying manner, then asking if he was tall, Astrid continued. "Oh er... yes, he's very tall. Like three metres tall," she added with a slight frown. Kal was nearly double her height, and yet when they were together that didn't seem like an issue. "But it's not strange or anything. More like... lots of bending on his behalf," said Astrid with a shrug. A half giant was not exactly Astrid's type but... no one was Astrid's type.

Ana gave Astrid a genuine smile, that one reserved especially for her, and Astrid returned it with a secretive one of her own. "He really is," she said in an uncharacteristically dreamy voice, her mind turning their interactions with one another over and over. They'd barely spent an hour apart in the past week, and Astrid wanted it no other way. With a chuckle, she added "You can meet him whenever you like. I'm not hiding him, shockingly," she said, sipping her tea. "I actually met him on Magizoo Island. I know, didn't really expect much from there. But I suppose love finds you when you least expect it," said Astrid, glancing at Ana over the rim of her mug. "He's a druid," she added as if that mattered.

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

love'll die and lovers fade

but you still remain there

January 18, 2026
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON

They shared a moment just as two girls talking about boys, like the rare moments back in their school days when they weren’t defending themselves against other students and their various types of attacks. Ana had always been serious. She hadn’t been able to afford to show emotion or weakness to her classmates as such an apparently easy target and especially when her brothers wouldn’t bother to help her. And naturally, the few people that Ana had become close to were those she would happily jump in and defend as well. Still, in those years, she’d met boys, and when she was older, girls that caught her interest, but she didn’t have time for games or dating. It wasn’t part of the plan.

Ana missed inhaling her tea, but a moment after, Astrid answered, and thankfully she didn’t and kept her composure as best she could as a rare surprised expression came across her face. ”Three?” She asked in confirmation. Then again, she did say half-giant, so Ana shouldn’t have been so surprised. Naturally, even Ana had questions, but she refrained for the moment. Astrid smiled in the way they only did as Ana had long grown into the habit of not having such high walls up to her best friend. Similarly, she would never keep her brother at a distance, though her family was always the priority. Then again, she could hardly see herself discussing whom she was dating with her brother over tea.

It wasn’t a surprise that they had met on Magizoo Island. Astrid spent quite a bit of time there. ”Is he a magizoologist as well?” It would make sense. Though Ana would readily admit, it had never been her favorite subject. Ana found that she paused for a split second when she mentioned druid. So a half-giant and a druid? Either more were coming to the mainland than she previously thought, or it was quite a coincidence. ”Oh?” Ana sipped more tea. ”I happened to meet a druid recently, at St. Mungo’s.” Petri wasn’t a half-giant but still rather tall, very tall, and Ana could see those intense, smoldering green eyes still in her recent memory. ”Though, he’s certainly not a half-giant.”

template by vee

[ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON]

Astrid set down her tea, wide eyed and fighting to keep the huge grin from cracking across her face. She failed, however, and beamed at Ana. "Three," she confirmed, a his of laughter escaping her lips. "I have so many questions that I don't know if I want answered about how he came to exist. But Ana... the sex is incredible," said Astrid, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "But it leaves me rather... er, well, rather sore. I could hardly walk for a while afterwards, but then found a pain relieving potion. Thank Merlin for magic," said Astrid in a rush.

With a dreamy sigh completely unlike herself, Astrid replied with a nod. "Yes, he's a magizoologist as well. He doesn't specialise though, more general. He couldn't pick, he has such an affinity with all creatures," she said with a smile. Astrid further revealed that Kal was a druid, which explained the animal affinity.

To her immense surprise, Ana fed Astrid a tidbit of gossip herself. "Did you?" asked Astrid, masking her shock masterfully. She knew Ana wouldn't have brought this man up if he didn't have some sort of convincing backstory. "Tell me more about him. What were you doing at the hospital anyways?" asked Astrid. As far as she could remember, she didn't recall Ana having any sort of medical issues. Not like... well, not like her, turning into a frightening beast on that horrible island. Astrid had vowed never to return there for the rest of her life, especially considering the dread that crawled up her spine at the mere memory of it.

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

love'll die and lovers fade

but you still remain there

January 18, 2026
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON

The expression on her friend’s face told Ana all she needed to know. There was that happiness threatening to burst, and such emotional expressiveness was not typical for them or either of their backgrounds. Astrid and Ana were not like the girls she encountered at work—giggling in the corner of the breakroom when Potter or others smiled at them, almost squealing with joy. But three meters tall? Goodness, that was tall and only seemed to bring more questions than anything. But, one of those questions was quickly answered when Astrid confirmed specific facts about their physical relationship. No wonder she was smiling more than usual. Ana’s mother had tried to drive home the fact that such topics were inappropriate for conversation as a ‘lady’ but just as other things, it hadn’t stuck with Ana.

”Well he’s three meters tall Astrid. I’m surprised you were able to even crawl.” By this point, there was a tiny smirk on Ana’s face. This girl talk was certainly saucier than she thought it would be. And while she was happy for her best friend, she still held onto her natural suspicion of this new person in her life, at least until she could learn more about him. And even better that he was in the same field as Astrid. Still, her smile shifted to a look of surprise when Ana admitted that she’d met a druid herself—though a normal-ish sized one. ”Well I met him last year after that case with the belladonna.” She still mentally kicked herself for such a rookie mistake. ”The Minister insisted that all of us immediately report to St. Mungo’s for physicals, and I ran into him again.” Still a silly policy, if asked her. ”He’s rather new here and too cheerful but he has these eyes…” Ana paused and almost looked distracted. A very rare look for her. ”They’re this interesting green.”

template by vee

[ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON]

When Ana shot back that she was shocked Astrid had even be able to crawl, Astrid let out a laugh that was very unlike her. Full of joy and lightness and it sounded like ringing bells. "Honestly, me too!" she decided after a moment. "But merlin, it was worth every second. I love him," she said easily. She then asked her friend about this mysterious healer that she mentioned, who was not quite as tall (or handsome, likely) as Kal. "Maybe they know each other," said Astrid after a moment, before requesting more details.

Nodding slowly, Astrid vaguely recalled Ana being poisoned last year. She'd been in Norway at that point, researching how Norwegian Ridgebacks habits regarding their older generations. There seemed to be no difference between the generations, except that the young were fiercely protected. How very different from humans, she had thought at the time. "At least you know not to deal with plants anymore," she teased. "Or I suppose this druid healer can teach and protect you," she added after a moment. She quirked a brow, inviting Ana to continue.

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

love'll die and lovers fade

but you still remain there

January 18, 2026
ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON

Nobody would have ever believed that Ana was capable of such conversation. She hardly gave way to any of her high walls when she was working or otherwise. Her social circle was full of vultures and women with fake smiles and only their pedigree to stand on in terms of accomplishments. She thought of one of her neighbors, the Burke family had been introduced to them at a young age despite living on separate continents, and she had the misfortune of seeing the eldest at work on occasion. Aside from the distaste of being connected through blood status, he was also crass, arrogant and made her brother seem like a happy ball of sunshine.

Astride continued on her feelings about this new man in her life, and really Ana was happy for her. Genuinely. It was hard to find a true connection in this world, and they both knew that from their own experience. Durmstrang had been a crucible of sorts but so had Ana’s life in terms of who she could trust and who was there for their own personal gain. And now they both seemed to know Druids. More were making their way onto the mainland, it seemed, and despite all the history of bad blood, this particular druid didn’t seem to mind she worked for the Ministry.

”They might, I’d have to ask him.” There were some tentative plans, but Ana looked at this like a social appointment. That spark might actually be nothing, and really he was another person outside the hospital. Which would be a shame. Those intense green eyes of his hadn’t entirely left Ana’s mind—though she had to admit she hadn’t really tried. Ana mostly kept a straight face, though the corner of her mouth moved a little for a lightly mischievous expression. ”I suppose extra training wouldn’t hurt.”

template by vee

[ASTRID ALVA ABRAHAMSSON]

Ana was the one person Astrid felt as if she could count on apart from herself. After her family's abandonment and having to strike out on her own, Astrid had developed a strong sense of right and wrong. And despite the fact that Ana's family was known for dabbling in dark magic, Astrid knew the truth about her friend. Though they both boasted chilly exteriors, their fierce loyalty and courage were their true strengths. It was what had drawn the pair together - they had seen something within one another that no one else had. Blood didn't matter - only what was in their hearts.

Astrid swelled with pride as she explained her situation with Kal - almost a dreamlike one, at that. She had never been one to love easily, or even to like easily. And yet with Kal, loving him was as easy as breathing. She hadn't told him exactly how she felt yet, but Astrid felt certain that he already knew. And that her feelings were wholly reciprocated. Astrid was delighted to find that Ana was starting to open up to someone as well, and funnily enough another druid. "Seems we just needed Hy-Brasil to open its borders to finally shed our icy shields," said Astrid with a laugh.

Standing, Astrid collected their mugs of now cold tea. "Another brew?" she asked, peering over her shoulder as she sauntered off to the kitchen to boil the kettle. "Well, you can teach me about plants and I can rattle on about various different magical creatures. More than just dragons, who knew," said Astrid dryly, a little smile forming on her lips. "Does extra training involve..." she trailed off suggestively, grinning to herself as she fixed another pot of tea and returned to Ana's side.

anastasia marie karkaroff