Fairy Falls [James]

[fae iona cloudbreaker]

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June 21st, 2028

Light. That was how Fae felt as she trekked through the woods, leading James by his hand towards a series of waterfalls deep into the island. Another one of her locations that she kept secret and to herself. She was very much a High Druid of the people, apparently. There had to be other druids that knew, but she had always been the only one there whenever she visited. And now she was sharing it with James. After the night before and a small amount of wine in the morning as a hair of the crup to stave off the impending hangover, Fae was feeling pretty good. Summer solstice was over and she still had the rest of the day with him. The real tricky part now was trying to disseminate between work and personal time, which was absolutely going to happen now if he was assigned to Hy-Brasil. Such a thought had crossed her mind a few times in the leadup to yesterday, but she allowed herself to do what she wanted for once. And that just happened to be James.

”I really think you will like it here,” she said excitedly for what had to be the fourth or fifth time that morning, as she pulled at his arm a little harder hoping to pick up the pace. The more time they spent walking across the island, the less time they’d have ‘together’. She conflated this with what they had done previously, and now that they had crossed that line from professional to personal, she wanted to make the most of it. ”And after, we can see if the griffins are awake.”

Showing James her extended family of sorts was important to her. They had always relied on her, and likewise, their company had been important to her when she didn’t want to interact with other humans. And James was so obviously different than the occasional, druid boyfriend she’d had in her teenage years. She still felt like she was sneaking him around her home though, dodging other druids and animals as if they cared who she slept with. Which they probably would because she was their leader despite being fairly free thinking about these sorts of things. Fae wasn’t concerned in the slightest, but the excitement was still the same as being a teen again. ”Maybe the kelpie will be there too…” she theorized as she pushed through the last row of branches to reveal the waterfalls to both of them.

james sirius potter ● 414 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

A falling star fell from your heart

and landed in my eyes

June 21, 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

The buttons on James’ shirt were misaligned as he’d been distracted getting dressed that morning. Wine always hit a bit harder the following morning than whiskey or beer ever did, but really, James just wanted to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. James had always enjoyed spending time with Fae, and it had not really hit him just how much until Aurelia entered the picture. Whatever they shared was short-lived, but James never looked at her with the same expression in his eyes. Not like with the woman in front of him. And thank Merlin for the wine helping push James forward into letting his feelings be known.

He grinned softly, letting Fae lead him to their destination. His long strides easily kept up with her excited pace. ”You still haven’t said where we are going.” James reminded her again. It appeared the rest of the Island was likely still asleep and recovering from the previous night’s festivities. Technically, James wasn’t due back to work on the Island until the following Monday, but he still had work back at the offices in London. He wondered if it was possible to sneak in another day before returning home for the weekend.

James did not want this to be a one-time thing. He didn’t want this feeling to end because he left. ”Will they let me near them?” The griffins at night had been intimidating but amazing all at the same time. At least it was daylight. He was about to ask for their destination, but finally, they passed through the last barrier of branches. The waterfalls glimmered despite their hidden location. The water was clear, and the sound was equally peaceful. ”Is this another one of your secret places?” James asked Fae, turning to give her a quick kiss. Though he lingered a moment, always fascinated by how her hair shifted colors.

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[fae iona cloudbreaker]

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Telling James that they were going to one of her ‘secret locations’ would give it away that it was a secret. She knew he hadn’t seen this set of waterfalls because no mainlander would ever manage to find their way here without getting abysmally lost and turned around first. Plus, the silence of where they were going was so much more fun than outright saying. At least, she enjoyed the playfulness of it more. ”You will see,” was her only response to his question, because he would in only a moment or two.

”The younger ones probably will. They are more curious about people they do not know than their elders.” Strangely, the same could be said about the druids. While there were definitely those on the Council that agreed with her across the board on international relations (and not the sort the two of them were up to well into the wee hours of the morning), plenty more were still stingy about the whole letting mainlanders onto the island frequently. And to that, Fae said too bad. She would see the effects of this decades down the road while the older Council members wouldn’t. If this caused a rift, she would own up to it. ”It is more that the adults are indifferent, and demand more respect. But anything is possible.” Especially when she was the one that was going to be introducing them.

Fae wiggled her eyebrows at him as he asked again if this was one of her secret spots, now that the waterfalls were revealed. She only had a moment to respond, but he kissed her first. ”Well, it was until now,” she hummed back, pushing the newly pinkish-red hair out of her face. ”I have never seen anyone else here before…so that at least makes you the second person to see it.” Realistically, there were probably a few other living druids that passed through the area on occasion. The day after the end of the summer solstice though? She really doubted it. ”There is a kelpie that sometimes lives in the pool,” Fae repeated without breaking eye contact with James. ”But I think it is just us this morning…”

james sirius potter ● 364 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

A falling star fell from your heart

and landed in my eyes

June 21, 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

When had he last felt so giddy? Like the extreme opposite of how awful he had felt at the beginning of the year. Playfully, Fae still didn't answer his question. Not that he had asked it seriously. These little adventures with a surprise at the end were typical for them, although he had to say the previous night's surprise had been his favorite by far. In fact, he was sure if not for these butterflies in his stomach, the slight hangover and lack of sleep would have weighed him down and ruined his mood.

The griffins. James still felt nervous about them but merely a healthy fear of doing the wrong thing. But he also trusted Fae not to lead him astray. ”I’ll follow your lead.” His father had told him a story or two of the arrogant idiot standing up to proud creatures such as hippogriffs and reaping the consequences. And James wasn’t interested in starting some international relations nightmare because the High Druid had gotten a British Hit-Wizard (and Harry Potter’s son) maimed by a griffin. Not that James ever saw himself playing a role on the international stage, aside from perhaps participating in activities with no cultural boundaries, such as the night before. But he’d keep that to himself.

Letting his eyes linger on her a moment, James took in the pink hair. He liked that color. But he looked at their surroundings and the waterfalls. The roar of the water was not overwhelming and was calming in its steadiness. But he looked back to Fae. ”So, it's our secret place?” James suggested. Although he felt that all these hidden magical places felt like their place when they would visit. Though James now appreciated the privacy, it could afford them. For now, James actively avoided thinking about anything past the next five minutes, especially about them and what was next. He certainly hoped the kelpie had other plans that morning or that day, as James lost interest at the mention. ”Just my luck…I get you all to myself.” He kissed her again. Merlin knew how many more moments like this they’d have.

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[fae iona cloudbreaker]

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Calling the waterfall and pool their own secret place was definitely subjective, as Fae had no doubt that there were other druids past or present that knew of its existence. Everything on Hy-Brasil was simultaneously private and not. It just depended on who was there at the time. Same with how no one technically owned a home or land. They merely borrowed it to harvest what they needed. But today it was secret for the two of them.

”Mmm something like that,” she responded as she let him kiss her again. Who would have thought finding Merlin’s staff would end up with her here? Those months of darkness and stress over what was going to happen to the island were finally behind her, and now she was able to enjoy being herself again. Because being the High Druid every waking moment was not how she wanted to spend the rest of her life. Yes, that was who she was, and she knew there was no escaping it at this point. That also didn’t mean she couldn’t experience life like a normal person.

”You always get me to yourself,” she smiled at him. That was always the deal when he was bringing her somewhere, her guards relinquishing their duties for the time being. James was more than capable with his wand.

Flexing her toes in the grass, she pulled him closer to the wading pool underneath the waterfall. She wanted to see if the kelpie was actually there or not. Even if it was just a magical creature, she really didn’t want to have one that she knew staring at her and James. That seemed…creepy. Sitting down at the edge of the water, she dangled her feet into it. It didn’t feel like there were any kelpies in it. ”I come here to read often. In the early afternoon, the sun shines through that gap in the trees,” Fae pointed at it. The warm rays always ended up with her drifting off into happy naps, almost always waking up with her book on her face and a curious griffin that had come to find her. There was even a spot where she normally lazed around, made out of griffin feathers and thick grass. Maybe they could go there after spending time by the waterfall…

james sirius potter ● 383 ● Song by Artist

MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[james sirius potter]

A falling star fell from your heart

and landed in my eyes

June 21, 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

James decided this would be their place. Private and close to Fae’s home—it was an easy escape. It was not at the forefront of his mind, but James knew places like this would be necessary for many reasons. Being spotted with the High Druid in such an intimate way would only ruffle feathers. And James didn’t want anyone or anything ruining how great he felt. After what felt like months of misery—no, years of riding the rollercoaster of his life, James felt like he was floating on cloud nine but also very grounded at the same time.

His stomach did a little flip. And James wondered, had he had the same ability as Fae, what color his hair would be at that moment. Or maybe that flower from Aurelia’s shop could tell him. They were still friends, after all. And it clicked for James that he never felt like this with her. Fae guided him toward the water, probably best before they got carried away. While she sat down, James waited before taking a seat, leaning forward to peer into the clear water. She had mentioned Kelpies, but there was nothing in sight so far. And as far as James knew, they were not hard to miss. It reminded him of a rumor Aurelia once mentioned about a Kelpie residing in a Knockturn Alley well.

”It doesn’t look like that Kelpie will be visiting us.” James sat down next to Fae, letting his legs dangle next to hers. ”So that’s where you disappear off to…” James teased as his eyes followed to the trees. It looked like one of those rare cozy spots people could fight over. And he thought about how calm it must be. ”You know you give Finnigan a heart attack every time you lose him.” Absent-mindedly, James placed his hand on the grass behind Fae, letting his shoulder gently graze hers. When James had other work in London or wasn’t on duty, Finnigan was another Hit-Wizard assigned to fill in for James. At least somewhat. Fae didn’t need an Auror or Hit Wizard with her at all times, like on the mainland, but James knew Finnigan wouldn’t mind the break from his usual patrol route. This was probably one of the places she escaped to away from Finnigan or her security detail.

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[fae iona cloudbreaker]

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”It does not…” Though that did make her wonder where the kelpie was. Obviously, there was an outlet that it could travel between, but she had made note of the fact that it wasn’t always in the pond when she’d been there before. Even if they tended to be skittish, they still took interest in druids like most creatures. If it was here, she would know because it would definitely make its presence known.

Fae rolled her eyes at the mention of Finnigan. ”He is very good at his job and a nice man, but he takes it too seriously. Especially when he is on the island.” It was frustrating being followed around her own home. Half of the time he was like a clingy dog – restless and underfoot all the time. She spent more time rescuing him from getting lost than he did ‘protecting’ her. When it came to the mainland, Fae had absolutely no problem listening to her various guards, whether they be her own or Ministry appointed. But on Hy-Brasil, she controlled everything. Finnigan was better off staying at the port and monitoring anyone that came and went than wasting his time trying to tag along behind her. Only James was rewarded with that now. ”I do think he is smitten with one of the girls that works in the vineyards. I saw him heading there the last time he was here. It is the only place he has not gotten lost going to and from.” That and she heard cute little rumors about it. Surely there were similar ones about her. Not even the High Druid could get away with inviting a mainlander and then completely disappearing with him after the solstice rituals.

Feeling James’s shoulder brushing against hers, she moved closer to him and set her head down on it. Her hair began to shift colors again, into a soft lilac, a shade she hadn’t seen in years. Extreme comfort was usually when it appeared, in a calm, even state. There was always too much going on in her life to have it pop up these days. Seeing it almost surprised her, but she knew what it meant after a moment. ”If Finnigan is not careful, he will end up caught just like someone else,” Fae said after a moment, teasing James. She had heard the mainlanders speak about her kind. As if they were akin to muggle stories of mermaids, luring unsuspecting sailors into their watery graves. In this case, the druids just so happened to be expanding their island’s inhabitants. What the mainlanders didn’t know was that the island lost more druids to them than the other way around. ”I cannot remember if I have thanked you for coming yet…I truly am grateful to spend time with you like this,” Fae said as she gently kicked at the water with her feet.

james sirius potter ● 479 ● Song by Artist

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[james sirius potter]

A falling star fell from your heart

and landed in my eyes

June 21, 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

James lightly shrugged. ”He’s just trying to do a good job.” High Druid or Council duty was much more glamorous than the regular patrols. James recalled the first time he was assigned to Fae’s detail and ensured he didn’t make a bad impression. Not that Rivera would have let him live long had he disgraced her department. But Finnigan could be a little over-eager. Overall, however, James thought he did a good job. The regular group of Aurors, Hit-Wizards, and patrolmen had finally become a regular group of those who not only liked this assignment but also respected Hy-Brasil. Something very important for this arrangement to work.

”Really now?” James lifted his eyebrows in surprise. Honestly, a man would’ve had to be blind. He could hardly judge, considering his situation. He supposed it was another side effect of their constant presence as well. Feeling her head on his shoulder, James glanced down and watched how her hair shifted again. That color was new—he hadn’t recalled seeing it before. ”If he’s lucky.” James remarked, feeling his stomach flip. If only everyone could be so lucky to feel something like this. The only other explanation James could come up with was that mainlanders like himself were made weak by Druid wine.

James’ hand rested loosely on her hip. This was far different from other moments shared together for many obvious reasons, but he would have been happy even if they had merely talked all night. While James had never thought of himself as the romantic type, he knew how he felt. ”You did.” He placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. ”More than once, if I recall.” Suffice it to say their night had gone well. Right now, he just hoped their time would not be cut short.

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[fae iona cloudbreaker]

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Years ago, Fae would maybe agree with the concept of ‘doing one’s job’ as seriously and effortlessly as possible. Her job, unfortunately, required her to be on her toes and on notice at all times. She was jealous of past High Druids who only had to deal with minor changes or issues with the mainland and spent the rest of their days lazing about. That should have been her destiny, but something or someone had to go and disturb Merlin’s staff. At the same time, she couldn’t be upset by all of it. Was the stress at the beginning almost unbearable at times? Absolutely. Fae would never wish what she had gone through as a leader onto anyone else. That was why she felt like she could sympathize with Bianca at times, and also understood why the Ministry was so worried with protecting her. And without any of this, she would have never wandered off of the island more than was necessary. That meant no butterbeer or Xiulan or James. So doing her job despite everything, was sort of important. Even if it felt like it wasn’t at times.

”That is a secret that stays between us,” Fae added quickly. She didn’t want it to spill to elders that weren’t as keen on outsiders mingling, especially those here for work. It was completely different when it came to them marrying and moving to Hy-Brasil, but some really had trouble getting over the casual relationship part. As if there weren’t plenty of free loving druids on the island. Just thinking about it made her want to laugh at times.

She inched even closer as James kissed the top of her head. ”Was it before or after the hammock?” She teased. For as long as the night had been, it felt ages ago already. Time operated differently on the island, and she had only truly become aware of it as she spent more days on the mainland. With the way everyone was so absorbed by their telephones and where they needed to be, it restricted them so much. Despite her desire to spend as much time there learning, she did miss the calmness that home provided. She didn’t know of anywhere outside of Hy-Brasil that had a pond like the one in front of them. If she hadn’t been so afraid of missing out on that time with James, she felt like she could drift off to sleep at any moment. That was usually how she spent her days in this area anyways…

She couldn’t take it anymore. Giving him a long look, Fae stood up abruptly and held tightly onto the hand that was around her waist. ”Over here,” she directed James, towards the pile of old griffin feathers by the nearby tree.

james sirius potter ● 462 ● Song by Artist

MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[james sirius potter]

A falling star fell from your heart

and landed in my eyes

June 21, 2028
fae iona cloudbreaker

James nodded in earnest. ”Of course.” The idea that another mainlander might feel what James currently felt made him want to smile stupidly. For obvious reasons, James felt more comfortable than ever here. But he supposed the locals had grown accustomed to his presence. For the first time, he was also simply ‘James’. James could hardly turn a corner at home without running into someone who knew his parents or one of his many uncles. On Hy-Brasil was a sense of individuality James never knew could exist, especially when Fae looked at him.

He smirked at Fae’s answer. ”Both, I think.” Who could keep track? James only knew that he felt good, and this all felt right. He couldn’t describe it, but James thought of it earlier in the year when he and Aurelia had seen one another for a time. She was a lovely girl, but even James had to admit that something had been missing. So, even while her admission that she did not want anything serious had blindsided him, he hadn’t felt the urge to fight it either. Feeling Fae looking at him, he looked at her. Her hair shifted from the soft shade of light purple to something far less gentle. He dutifully followed her lead.

[ end james ]

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