Octopi Octopus

[Qingying]

Lane’s Multisight jiggled in his robe!

The Multisight was the thumb-sized magical item that allowed real-time communication. Twenty years ago, it had the rather ridiculous name of Bifacetransferer. Apparently, its inventor, Mistletoe Manduke, had changed it after a few suggestions.

It still didn’t sound cool, though.

But hey! Almost everyone used it now. It was easy to carry, transferred voices and also moving images, allowed users to decide how they wanted to be notified, and let people chat without having to stick their head in the fireplace while their butts were used as dartboards.

Greg had mentioned to Lane that Qingying would call about now.

[Lane Foster]

Lane wasn't sure why he was receiving this call, and he fished the multisight out of his robes skeptically before activating it. "Yeah?"

[Qingying]

An image appeared in front him.
Qingying had one of Lane’s few close Ravenclaw friends with him, and Lane could tell they were standing outside of his House common room.
“Hey there,” Qingying greeted, and let Lane’s friend greet him too. “We’re going to be sending some of your things over – let him know what you want to pack.” Qingying showed Lane a duffel bag.

[Lane Foster]

If anyone felt like they didn't belong in their house, it would be Lane. He spent a great deal of time wondering if the Hat made a mistake, and had very few Ravenclaw friends, with the exception of Daphne Suarez, a Fifth Year and Beater on the Quidditch team. She was stocky and well-built, and quite brusque, probably why her and Lane got along. "Wha? Uh, mate, just pack me a toothbrush. I'm good. Daphne," he winked.

"Shut up, Bird Brain."

"Aw, c'mon. I'm lamentin', over here. I'm wastin' away behind bars."

"You are not. That bed has satin sheets on it."

"OK, listen--"

[Qingying]

Qingying answered the portrait’s question while they talked, and beckoned Daphne inside.
“You sure just a toothbrush? What about clothes, books, games?"

[Lane Foster]

"They got clothes 'ere, I don't read, and I don't own games," Lane recited, counting off his fingers. "Oi, Daphne, read to me," he clutched his chest.

"Man, ya better fuck right off--"

Lane cackled.

[Qingying]

But he was in the library the first time they met…

“Well then, I’ve got class stuff here” – Qingying showed Lane a handful of parchment and notes from various subjects – “so you can occupy yourself with these.” His expression may or may not have been a bit evil. :3

Qingying watched Daphne go to collect Lane’s toothbrush. “What about snacks? Want something to munch on?”

[Lane Foster]

Shut up no he wasn't.

"Uhhh... sure?" Lane squinted at him.

[Qingying]

“What do you like?”

[Lane Foster]

"Uhhhh, oh, y'know they have those little packaged salads n' shit," Lane snapped his fingers. "And raspberries."

"You're such a nerd," Daphne's voice could be heard in the background. "Shall I fetch you some gluten-free, non-GMO vegan--"

"Ah, shut up ya old bint--"

[Qingying]

“Okay”, Qingying nodded. “Do you like little packs of fruit? What about carrot sticks?” Look, some people liked packs of fruit more than they liked actual whole fruit.

[Lane Foster]

"Yeah, man, sounds great." What a weird conversation.

[Qingying]

“Okay,” his eyes curved as he smiled. Daphne returned with Lane’s toothbrush – and brought his towel, too.
“You sure there’s not anything else? Books for art, pens to draw with… favourite pillow… jumper?”

[Lane Foster]

"Nah, man, livin' in comfort over here."

[Qingying]

“Okay. I’ll get the salads and fruits sent to you later.” Below the ‘frame’, he put Lane’s school books into the bag along with his toothbrush and towel, and also dropped in a few sweets.
“Well, feel free to let me know if you need anything.”

[Lane Foster]

Lane frowned. "Uh, yeah, mate. Sure. Thanks," he pressed his lips together and gave a nod.

[Qingying]

He smiled back. “You’re welcome.” They said see you later, ended the call, and the duffel bag arrived at Lane’s location soon after.

Qingying sent a different assortment of salads, fruits, and some other snacks everyday – because while there may be things Lane didn’t like, there would be things he did like.

[Lane Foster]

Lane didn't contact him again directly, but he sent one of Qingying's owls back with a scrawled thank you attached to a note tied around its leg. Lane was kept at the Ministry for a week and a half while advocates deliberated and the full story was investigated.