For the Climate Control Challenge on the Ministry of Magic Discord.


Leah doesn't often make it to the beach. For the most part, she prefers to stay in her cottage, surrounded by clay and paints. But once in a while, she weaves through the town centre and heads south towards the sea. And when she does, Elliott is there at his window. He'll leave her for a moment, watching as sets up her easel on the wharf.

The breeze sweeps through Leah's hair as she paints a swirl of orange, yellow and red. Even when Elliott moves to stand beside her, she doesn't flinch or even acknowledge him. Her eyes remain steadfastly on the scene in front of her. It takes several minutes for her to break the silence.

"You're watching me," she says quietly. Still, she doesn't pause to look at him. "It's unnerving."

"It's inspirational."

"Not for me." Leah frowns at her canvas. "For me, it's just annoying."

And so, Elliott falls silent. Instead of hovering over her, he takes a seat and lets his feet hang above the water. And, with the occasional glance up at her, he pulls out a notebook and pen and begins to write. But while Leah finds her muse in the sky, he finds his in her. When he looks at hers, he finds the words come easy.

"You're still watching," Leah says. But the bite in tone has disappeared. She puts down her brushes and takes a seat next to him. "What are you writing? Are you working on your novel?"

"Nah." Elliott glances down at his scrawls—all half-hearted thoughts on caramel hair and paint-stained hands—and shrugs. "Just writing down some thoughts."

"Really?" She gives him a nudge. "I thought you said I was inspirational."

"Yeah, well..." He stands and takes a peak at what she's been working on. "This is great. You should sell it."

"It's not even finished yet! And don't think you'll distract me that easily. Read to me."

"Next time."

And if it's all just a ploy to get her back to the beach...well, he'll never admit it. But he can't help smile when she promises to come back the next day to hear it.