#/ misery loves my company / ( lupin in character )

[v011d]

❛Did you know pumpkin spice lattes don’t contain pumpkin? It's false advertising, if you ask me.❜

[look-at-the-soul]

900 followers short celebration 🎉 (Part 2)

I want to thank each one of you for following, for leaving ♥️, for sharing your thoughts and reblogs! It means absolutely everything to me ✨this is crazy, I never imagined I would get more than five, let alone this many.

But beyond the number, I’m very grateful for the beautiful and kind people I’ve been able to meet here. Really lovely mutuals sharing incredible stories that make my day go a million times better and take my mind off of worries, stress, etc. So thank you for the chats, for the laughs, for the learning, for sharing bits of your day to day with me, for listening to my non-sense as well. 🥰 You’re a shining light ⭐️

I still have some requests in my to-write list, so this celebration will be sharing some fics recommendations of mind-blowing stories written by the best fandom. (There are so many great stories so I will keep it down to one per writer) and I highly encourage you to stop by and read them if you haven’t -leaving the proper tip (also know as your thoughts, comments, reblog) it’s highly appreciated.

This is my master list in case you want to take a look around, who knows? Maybe you’ll find a story you haven’t read yet 🥰 I write for Tommy Shelby (Peaky Blinders), Cillian Murphy and some of his characters like Robert Fischer (Inception), Scarecrow (Batman), Lenny Miller (Anna movie), Emmett (A quiet place), etc

Last but not least, my recommendations to read (in no particular order)

Story share - proposed by @zablife (on going) each chapter is written by a different writer and trust me, you will want to get some snacks to enjoy the show 😉

Midnights -by @madame-wilsonn This series is just starting, I’m curious to see where this is going, join Tommy through the memories from the war, see by yourself the struggles he has to deal with.

All apologies - by @gypsy-girl-08 One mistake broke apart Tommy’s family, a thousand apologies won’t be enough to get back what he lost. The perfect mix of everything smut, angst, love…

Tachipen - by @zablife (series on going) This story will take us along reader when she moves to the Shelby house because her father lost a flip coin against Tommy and she starts to take care of the Shelby kids.

Betrayal - by @cillmequick (on going) You’ll find the perfect amount of angst, the war between the Shelby’s and the Changretta’s is about to get ugly.

Birmingham - by @runnning-outof-time get to see as reader escapes from her family gang and ends up in Small Heath with no other than the Shelby family, there will be angst and mystery.

The boy in the window - by @notyour-valentine (series) I’m fascinated by this story and how little Emma takes us by the hand to meet Charlie Shelby, the boy who her mum thought was an imaginary friend.

Misery loves company - by @shelbydelrey Tommy is sleeping with Arthur’s wife, follow their forbidden relationship and get ready to gasp constantly as you read!

Getting away with murder - by @theshelbyclan Join Teddy in one of her adventures, she will find out becoming a stylist isn’t the best idea, but at least Tommy wasn’t her target.

Dear Sister - by @l1-l4 Intriguing story about Grace’s sister, who happens to marry Tommy… loving it from the start!

A kind heart by @forgottenpeakywriter The relationship between Charlie and his sister will melt your heart, fluffy Tommy included.

Family ties - by @peakyscillian follow reader and Tommy’s story, they met at a gentlemen’s strip club, Tommy wants to help her out…

Birdcage - by @raincoffeeandfandoms Corrupt a wish stories will never be the same after you read this. (I don’t want to spoil anything, just read it!)

Prima ballerina - by @padfootdaredmetoo Loved the whole ballet idea, and the story is amazing!

Destiné à Être by @the-forest-witchh Remus Lupin story, if you’re a Harry Potter fan this is your story

The library - by @evita-shelby Tommy realizes the only way to shut you up is… 🤫 💋

Men with blue eyes and dark hair by @dandelionprints Tommy jealous of his brother for being close to Y/N, will he ruin the only chance to share his real feelings?

Christmas traditions - by @midnightmagpiemama get festive with Charlie and Tommy while decorating for the Christmas festivities! Lovely details. A lot of fluffy content!

Plus two recommendations @heidimoreton shared with me and I loved it!

Freedom / Poison

Tagging some lovely mutuals I adore 🥰 @lyarr24 @ange-thoughts @imichelle-l-rigby @heidimoreton @thesoldiersminute @theshelbyslimited @peakyv @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @allie131313 @lovemissyhoneybee @kittycatcait219 @already-broken144 @babaohhhriley @cillixn @sloanexx @kittycatcait219 @lespendy @moral-terpitude @theshelbyslimited @rangerelik

[uncertainwallflower]

Bella's Masterlist

Complete:

THREE IS A LUCKY NUMBER, YOU KNOW Words: 4K | Chapters: 1/1 | Rating: T | AO3

Remus leaves Sirius in the lurch, going on an Order Mission with Marlene McKinnon and leaving nothing but a rushed letter containing no real detail. Sirius is left to grapple with his abandonment while Remus secludes himself in misery.

CHRISTMAS KISSES Words: 1K | Chapters: 1/1 | Rating: T | AO3 WATTPAD 

A fluffy Jily one-shot inspired by one of my favourite Christmas carols, “Baby It's Cold Outside.” 

Ongoing:

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Words: 24.1K | Chapters: 7/25 | Rating: T | Co-creator: @merlinsbbeard | AO3

Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. And the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have very small minds, indeed. Or: Lily Evans is flung into the vicious cesspit that is the Hogwarts Dating Scene. Filled with boys and Quidditch parties and Firewhisky and friendly inter-house relations and tears and mean girls and public displays of affection—gag.

BETWEEN THE DESIRE AND THE SPASM Words: 24.3K | Chapters 9/? | Rating: M | AO3

Trains are arguably the centre of everything. The sinew of civilisation for muggles and wizards alike. They are where all walks of life converge. Congregate. In synchronised traversal. Shared agony inflicted by the piercing screech of metal on metal, bonding all patrons aboard a carriage. And outside. A passing glimpse of someone you thought you’d never see again. Trains. They change everything.

Related content: Chamomile,

EXPECTATION’S ENCUMBRANCE Words: 3.5K | Chapters: 2/? | Rating: G | AO3

Miss Lillian Evans is entirely uninterested in marriage, thank you very much. James Potter, Viscount Godric, could not agree more. After an introduction from a mutual friend, one Mr Lupin, the pair form a friendship in which they laugh at the ridiculousness of their marriage-minded society together and pass away endless tiring fetes in each other's company.

I CAN’T LOVE HIM Words: 48.9K | Chapters: 9/? | Rating: T | AO3 | WATTPAD | CHARACTER AESTHETICS

James Potter was an intolerable prick. A dim-witted, egotistical toerag who wasn't worth Lily's time. Well, unless, in the case of a good telling-off; that was very much worth it. This was true right up until the last few weeks of fifth-year when her whole life was flipped on her head, and she was left to work out what in Merlin's name to do with it.

SO, DOE Words: ~400 | Chapters: 2/7 | Rating: G | AO3 | WATTPAD

A record of all the letters James ever sent to Lily and some replies. From 1st through to 7th year. 

TO LIVE WITHOUT A HEART Words: 1.3K | Chapters: 2/? | Rating: M | AO3 | WATTPAD

James wasn’t home that night. It was the one decent thing Peter did, and James hated him for it.

MICROFICS SERIES Words: 7.68K | Works: 32 | AO3

A collection of drabble ranging multiple characters and ships.

To Be Undone E Twiggy Contraptions of Death G In Which James Lost Lily G O Captain! My Captain! G Make a Wish Harry G Fumes That Curled and Twisted G A Commingling of Events G Sweet Sweet Salvation T Anguish & Anchorage T The Virtue of Sharing G Sneezewort Pruning G If Not Forever, For Now G Creature of Habit G Kumquat Jam T Nettle Wine & Commiseratory Snogging T Fear My Wrath G The Constant Tang of Blood G The Heads’ Private Quarters M A Welcome Distraction T Because You're Mine G Loose Strands and Sleeping Draughts T It All Comes Out in the Wash T Red Velvet Curtains T The Cruciatus Curse M Tender Flesh M Beetle-Browed Boy E The Price of Lust M Blossom Bodies E Broom Closet Communion E Setting A Proper Example M Familia, Amare, Fide G Beastly, Silken-Lipped & Smirking T The Mind's Eye M Academic Attentions E James "Blood-Traitor" Potter M Sunburnt Skin Hitherto Forbidden T Telliephone T Pressed & Bandaged Flowers T Never Far Behind (Those Vivid Knuckles) E Grated Nerves G Atlas (Muggleborn Burden) T Like a Lovesick Puppy G Giggling Grown Men T Dead Skin Cells G Lovey Dovey T Nesting G

LAST EDITED: 25/07/2024

[dewitty1]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Characters: Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Original Female Character(s), Narcissa Black Malfoy, Andromeda Black Tonks, Teddy Lupin, Original House-Elf Character(s) Additional Tags: Auror Harry Potter, Ministry Worker Draco Malfoy, Ministry of Magic, Deadly nightshade, Hurt/Comfort, Grimmauld Place, Cooking Lessons, Wine, Addiction, Potion Overdose, Sharing a Bed, Bickering, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Board Games, Insomnia, Domestic Fluff, Humor, Nightmares, Magical Outbursts, Family Fluff, Romance, Flirting, Stretching, Voyeurism, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Resolved Sexual Tension, Masturbation, Spooning, Frottage, Pining, Sexual Frustration, Explicit Sexual Content, Competence Kink, Public Speaking, Blow Jobs, Anal Fingering, First Time Topping, Top Harry, Bottom Draco, St Mungo's Hospital Summary:

When Harry encounters a frail and fidgety Draco Malfoy at the Ministry, he just knows something is wrong and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it.

A story about Deadly Nightshade, crippling insomnia, excellent wine … and finding what you need in the strangest of circumstances.

Excerpt:

Harry stepped through the Floo and threw off his Auror robes. It wasn’t until he’d collapsed onto the sofa with his head in his hands that he realised he could smell food.

He groaned. As much as he loved his friends, all he wanted after the day’s events was to curl up, alone, with a bottle of Draco’s expensive white wine.

He stumbled through to the kitchen and stopped in the doorway as if Stunned.

Ron and Hermione were nowhere to be seen. Instead, Harry was greeted by the sight of a familiar shock of white blond hair. Draco was bent over the hob, stirring the contents of a saucepan.

He’d changed out of his formal robes into a dark green jumper and a pair of fitted grey trousers. One of Harry’s tea towels hung from the back pocket.

“I figured it was my turn to cook.” His tone was light, but his eyes were careful.

“About time,” Harry replied hoarsely. His heart was pounding in his chest, and it took every shred of willpower he had not to cross the room and snog Draco senseless.

A glass of white wine floated smoothly across the room and into Harry’s hand. He swirled it and inhaled slowly, deeply, as the cool beads of condensation on the glass soaked his fingers.

“Lemon and … grapefruit?” he guessed.

Draco shook his head. “Gooseberry. You’re along the right lines, though – it’s a sharp one. Bit of an acquired taste.”

Like you, Harry thought as he nodded and took a sip. The wine was dry and tangy; it almost fizzed on Harry’s tongue. 

“I needed that.” He sighed. “I had a nightmare of a day.” Draco raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“I made a twat of myself in front of someone important,” Harry said, looking pointedly into Draco’s grey eyes.

Draco smirked. “Sounds like you.” Harry shook his head in disbelief. “You are such an arsehole. I honestly don’t know why I let you into my house.”

Draco appeared to be biting back a laugh. “Because I have world-class taste in wine?” He paused. “Or perhaps because you find me terribly attractive and excellent company to boot?” he added cockily.

“Definitely the wine,” Harry said stubbornly. “What are you cooking, anyway?”

He padded across the room to peer into the saucepan, but Draco stepped in the way, effectively blocking his path.

“Wait and see – though if you can't tell from the smell of it, you’re not the chef you held yourself out to be.” Draco put his hands on Harry’s shoulders again – that same, light touch he’d used in his office – and turned him gently around to face the door. “Go and make yourself look presentable,” he said, his breath ghosting across the back of Harry’s neck. “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”

Harry stumbled off to get changed, barely registering where his feet were taking him. His stomach was a bundle of nerves and excitement, and he began to wonder if he was out of his depth.

When Harry returned to the kitchen, feeling rather more put together in his nicest pair of jeans and the black shirt Ginny always said made him look ‘buff’, he found Draco sat in his usual spot at the table.

Draco’s eyes widened when he caught sight of Harry. He’d opened his mouth to speak, but it took a moment before any words came out. 

“You took your time,” he said eventually. “I was starting to wonder if I should cast a warming charm.” He gestured to the two steaming bowls before them.

“Sorry,” said Harry sheepishly as he slipped into his seat. He leaned down and inhaled the rich, sweet aroma of tomato and basil. “Spaghetti bolognaise.”

Draco nodded. “Of course. It was the—”

“—first thing we ate together,” Harry interrupted. “I remember. I cooked it, after all.”

They ate in silence for a while, focusing their full attention on twisting the thick ribbons of pasta around their forks. The sauce was rich and glossy; Draco had clearly followed Harry’s tip of adding a cup of starchy water from the pasta and boiling it down to the right consistency. The flavours were well-balanced, too, if a little more subtle than Harry was used to.

All the while, Draco watched Harry closely, eagerly anticipating his verdict. Harry decided, somewhat cruelly, to make him wait. He ate slowly, pointedly avoiding Draco’s expectant gaze. Of course, Draco was far too stubborn to simply ask Harry what he thought of it. Only when Harry had finished his final mouthful and set his cutlery against edge of the bowl did he put Draco out of his misery.

“That was pretty good,” he said, licking his lips. “Very good, actually.”

“I’ve been having cookery lessons. A night school, of sorts,” Draco said with a wry smile.

“Oh, really?” Harry grinned, playing along.

“Yes. I’ve not been the best student, though. I keep getting distracted by the teacher. He has the most fantastic arse, you see…” Draco put down his knife and fork, looking intently at Harry.

Harry’s pulse stuttered, then picked up at speed, bringing with it a wave of dizziness. “Is that so?” he asked weakly.

“Oh yes,” Draco said seriously. “And naturally, he’s a teasing bastard and insists on walking around half-naked at every opportunity.”

Harry desperately tried to think of something to say, but his brain failed him. He sat, gaping like a Freshwater Plimpy, as Draco got to his feet and cleared the table with a flick of his wand. After a few moments, Harry picked up his wine and took a sip, mainly to hide his slack-jawed expression. The last thing he needed was for Draco to start teasing him.

When every pot, plate and pan was stacked neatly by the sink, Draco came and stood by Harry’s chair. Harry automatically stood up and turned to face him, causing the chair legs to scrape harshly against the floor. An awkward laugh escaped Harry’s lips, but Draco’s face remained perfectly serious.

Draco gently took Harry’s glass from his hand and set it down on the table, without taking his eyes off Harry. Time seemed to stand still. Harry’s heart was beating so hard he was almost convinced Draco could hear it.

Draco reached up and slowly ran his fingertips along the line of Harry’s jaw, ending at his chin and coaxing him forward, and Harry suddenly had no doubt where this would lead.

All those weeks of agonising frustration, the awkward moments and casual flirting, it had all been leading up to this.

Harry realised he was holding his breath but didn’t dare release it. The moment felt fragile as spun glass. They were standing so close that the tips of their noses were touching. Harry could smell the sharp tang of the wine on Draco’s breath.

“I’ve wanted to do this for months,” Draco whispered. “I’ve never been this patient about anything, before.” His eyes flitted down to Harry’s lips, granting Harry a fleeting view of his pale lashes before he closed the miniscule distance between them.

It took Harry a moment to catch up, to register that Draco was finally kissing him. His lips were soft but he kissed firmly, insistently, mapping every inch of Harry’s mouth with his tongue. 

It was even better than Harry had imagined, and he wanted more.

Without breaking the kiss, Draco nudged Harry backwards until he was pressed against the counter, cornered in his own kitchen. 

Once there, the kisses became desperate. Harry tangled his fingers in Draco’s hair as Draco bit his lower lip, hard enough to sting.

After several long minutes, Draco broke the kiss and pulled back to look at Harry, breathing heavily. 

When Harry opened his mouth to ask why he’d stopped, Draco dropped to his knees in a single fluid motion.

[owlways-and-forever]

Summary: The Marauders are getting older, and that means so many things. Mischief, heartbreak, and trying to figure out who they really are. They’ll face problems within their group, prove their loyalty to each other, and discover the ugliness that is brewing in the wizarding world at large. Welcome to Years 2-4 of the Marauders time at Hogwarts. **This piece is a sequel to Behind the Mango Tree, however, you do not have to have read the first installment to pick this up. It does stand alone, but there is some carry over from the last book, especially with inter-character relationships. Basically, you don’t have to have read BtMT, but it certainly helps. Word Count: (5256) 9786 Links: FFnet | ao3 | tumblr: Ch 1, Ch 2

A/N: Happy hump day everyone! I hope you didn't think I forgot to update! This chapter is pretty long, and I think somewhat emotional, but I hope you guys enjoy it! See ya next Wednesday!

Chapter 3: Home for the Holidays

"Come in," Dumbledore called from inside his office, after Remus knocked on the ornate wooden door.

Slowly, he pushed it open, dreading the conversation they were about to have. In the year and a half that Remus had been at Hogwarts, he had been in the Headmaster's office a handful of times, and never for anything good. Not that Remus was one to get in trouble, but his condition sometimes necessitated these chats, and Remus had no doubt that that was why he was there.

The Headmaster was sitting at his desk, fingers steepled together and eyes closed in calm consideration. Behind him, Professor McGonagall stood, looking altogether more intimidating, her lips pursed as usual. Remus approached them, taking a seat in the chair across the desk and dropping his bag at his feet.

"Mr. Lupin, Professor McGonagall and I would like to discuss the upcoming winter holidays with you," Dumbledore began, fixing his blue eyes on Remus.

"There's a full moon on the second night," he answered, shrugging slightly. He paid close attention to the lunar cycle, and he was well versed in when his transitions would happen.

"We've talked to your parents, and they don't feel... prepared... to keep you safe during your transition, and they thing it would be better if you remained here over the holidays," Dumbledore continued, watching Remus carefully.

"They don't want to see me?" Remus asked, unable to contain his disappointment, or even hide it.

"Of course they do," Professor McGonagall interjected kindly, her expression softening. "They just think that we can provide for your needs better here. Madam Pomfrey will be on hand to help you recover from any injuries, and you'll be safe in the Shack as usual."

"Right, of course," Remus agreed, his mind stuck on his parents and feeling undeniably rejected. He had thought that they would be excited to see him, even more so since his sister's death, but they didn't want him at all. "I should get back to the library, Professors, some of the end of term projects are rather difficult."

Remus stood and grabbed his bag, turning to go before he could start crying. He felt very emotional, and he didn't want to break down in front of the Headmaster and his Head of House.

"Mr. Lupin," Professor McGonagall called out to him as he reached the door of the office, "your parents care for you very much."

Remus nodded and swallowed thickly, but at that moment he felt distinctly like Professor McGonagall cared more for him than his family did. He knew his father thought his kind were monsters, and his mother only really knew about his condition from muggle fairytales and his father's work, and he wasn't sure which gave his kind a worse reputation. But he had always believed that, even though they thought he was disturbing, his parents had still loved him. Maybe not as much as his sister, who had been perfect in every way – in his eyes as much as theirs – but he had thought that they loved him somewhat. And yet, here was the proof that Remus had been mistaken, that he had been fooling himself this entire time.

A few floors down from Dumbledore's office, Remus ducked into an empty classroom, quickly locking the door behind him. He collapsed into the professor's chair, letting his head sink onto the desk. The cool wood felt nice against his skin, which had grown hot with emotion. Tears began to flow freely across his cheeks, making little puddles on the desk, and Remus was happy to let them come.

After half an hour, maybe more, Remus heard a small click that meant someone had unlocked the door. His tears had stopped several minutes earlier, but it had only left him feeling defeated, rather than better, so he had stayed where he was. But as the door opened, he straightened up and wiped at his face, trying to erase the evidence of his tears. To his surprise, Lily Evans walked through the door, a curious look on her face.

"Remus?" she asked, closing the door behind her. "Is everything alright? Only I heard noise and it sounded like someone was upset..."

"I'm fine, just having a rough day," Remus sniffed, giving Lily a weak smile.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she offered, sitting down on one of the students' desks.

"I dunno," he shrugged, and Lily was kind enough to sit quietly, waiting for him to decide. "My parents don't want me to go home for break."

"I'm sure that's not true," Lily said automatically, but she frowned when Remus gave her a withering stare. "Well, did they say why?"

Remus was quiet for a moment as he considered what to tell her. He didn't like lying to her, Lily had always been kind to him, but he couldn't tell her the truth about his condition.

"They just think it would be better for me to stay here," Remus answered at last, trying to toe the line between truth and lies.

"Because of your sister?" Lily asked, her brows dipping down in concentration. "I guess that makes sense, they think it'll be too hard to be at home without her."

"Maybe, but I thought they would miss me even more," Remus replied, frowning.

"I'm sure they do," she said. "But maybe they need more time to grieve on their own. It's a big change for them, and I'm sure it takes a long time to deal with. They might be worried that if you come home, it'll be even worse when you leave to go back to school again."

Remus was torn. He knew that it wasn't the reason that he was being set aside, but he couldn't tell Lily that. Yet at the same time, her words made him feel slightly better about the situation. She might, at least, be right about them missing him, and oddly that made a difference in the situation.

"But I still want to go home," Remus said at last. "I miss my parents and I want to see them."

"Then you should tell them that," Lily shrugged, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. "Remus, your parents love you, and if you really want to go home, I'm sure they would let you. Or at least, maybe you could stay with James or Sirius or Peter for the holidays? I know it wouldn't be your family, but it might be better than staying at Hogwarts."

Remus appreciated her words, but he knew that staying with any other families was completely out of the question. Deep down, he knew that his parents were right. He would be better of turning at Hogwarts, and everyone else would be safer. His werewolf form was growing as rapidly as his human self, and he could no longer simply be contained in a soundproofed basement. The days when Remus transformed into a cub were long gone, and now he was easily strong enough to break through a door. The thought of what he could do to innocent villagers if he got out was enough to make him shudder with fear. No, everyone else would be much safer if he stayed at Hogwarts. But even knowing that it was for the best, Remus was filled with sadness.

"You should talk to the others about it," Lily said, pulling Remus from his thoughts. "James, Sirius and Peter. You should tell them what's going on. They might be able to help you."

"I don't want to burden them," Remus answered, shaking his head lightly. "They won't be able to change anything, so there's no point."

With a sigh, Lily stood and collected her bag, scooping up the rolls of parchment that had fallen out. She felt more than a little exasperated at boys and their stupid need to do everything themselves. Why didn't they realize?

"Friends are meant to share your burdens," she said, looking over her shoulder at Remus, "even the ones they can't change."

With that parting wisdom, Lily walked out of the classroom, leaving Remus to the company of the misery he was resolved to keep.

Lily made a beeline for the Great Hall, where she knew that she was most likely to find the boys. She didn't particularly care if Remus showed up there, but she felt pretty confident that he wouldn't. In his mood, he would probably sulk in the classroom or hole up in the dormitory. Predictably, James, Sirius and Remus were sitting at the table, stuffing their faces with food. They didn't even seem at all concerned that Remus had been called away, that he hadn't returned yet, and Lily felt a surge of disgust roll through her stomach. She liked Remus well enough, and Peter was alright. Both of them were prone to self-pity, which thoroughly annoyed Lily, but they were good people besides that. But James and Sirius were complete idiots, often jerks, and they consistently made Lily's blood boil.

"The three of you could look a little more concerned that Remus got called to the headmaster's office," Lily huffed, coming to a stop next to Peter.

James looked between her and Sirius in confusion, and Peter looked up at her, frozen, with food halfway to his mouth. But Sirius just rolled his eyes at her and shrugged, and Lily had to suppress the anger boiling inside her.

"He get's called to Dumbledore all the time," Sirius answered nonchalantly.

"And how often does he leave those meetings and go cry in an empty classroom?" Lily snapped, anger flashing in her eyes.

"How is this your business?" Sirius retorted, his mouth twisting into a sneer.

"Because I'm the one who found him!" Lily answered, crossing her arms against her torso.

"So?" Sirius scoffed. "It's not like you're -"

James reached out and put a hand on Sirius' shoulder, stopping him in his tracks before he could say something regrettable.

"What happened, Evans?" he asked, and Lily turned her glare on him.

"His family told him not to come home for the holidays," she answered, a bit more sharp that necessary. "He's pretty cut up about it, feels like they don't want him."

"We'll take care of him," James assured her, though his tone was stiff.

"Thank you for letting us know," Peter said quietly, dropping his fork to his plate.

Lily turned and stalked away with a huff, her mary janes clicking against the stone floor. Overhead, the stars began to wink out as storm clouds drifted through the sky.

"Why does she have to go about, sticking her nose where it doesn't belong?" Sirius mumbled, poking at his food aggressively.

"But it was good she told us," Peter countered, his eyes round and sincere.

"I guess, but still, what does she care? She's not Remus' friend, she hasn't given a hippogriff's behind about him before," Sirius argued heatedly.

"Look mate, normally I'd agree with you," James cut in. "Evans can be bloody annoying most of the time. But I think right now we just need to focus on Remus. We have to make him feel better about this somehow."

"He could come spend the holidays with one of us," Sirius suggested, as if that solved the entire problem.

"Don't you think that would really just be rubbing in that his family doesn't want him at home?" James countered, shaking his head. "No, that's no good. We'll have to do something else..."

"What if... what if we all stayed here too?" Peter offered, looking nervous. "I'm sure it's a rubbish idea, but..."

"No, actually, I think it's brilliant!" James replied, smiling broadly at Peter.

"Look, normally I'm as chuffed as anyone to avoid my parents," Sirius said, "but won't your parents' mind you not coming home? Not to mention, I don't think Remus would take it as well as you think. He doesn't like people doing things for him, especially if it means sacrificing something."

"My parents will be sad not to see me, but they'll understand," James answered, and Peter nodded in agreement. "But you might be right about Remus. What if we just... don't tell him..."

"You want to lie to Remus?" Peter asked, incredulous.

"I think it might be the only way to get him to accept the situation," James said, giving Peter a tentative smile. "Isn't a white lie alright if it's to help someone?"

"I'm not sure..." Peter answered, looking uncomfortable.

"Peter, you know Remus would never let us give this up for him," Sirius argued. "Not that there's much to give up, really. But he would see it as a sacrifice, and he'd be upset. It's the only way."

"I suppose," Peter admitted, reluctant.

"We'll have to come up with different excuses," James reasoned. "And tell him at different times."

"Well my excuse is simple, I just don't want to go home," Sirius shrugged.

"You should go last, once we're all staying, you can say that you'd rather stay here with the rest of us," James said, nodding.

"I suppose I could say that one of my parents is sick," Peter suggested, hastening to amend his words when the others looked at him wide-eyed. "Nothing life threatening! The flu or something, just contagious enough to keep me away."

"Alright, well, I guess my parents could be traveling, they might not return before Christmas. If they were abroad, a storm would be enough to delay them," James considered. "I can go first, I'll send myself a fake letter from them and get it in front of him tomorrow. Peter you can go a day or two after that, and then Sirius, you last. We'll have to do a fair bit of acting to sell this though."

"Good thing we've had a fair bit of practice acting to get out of trouble," Sirius replied with a mischievous grin.

"When have you ever gotten out of trouble?" James scoffed, laughing lightly at his friend. "We all know you're the master of getting into trouble."

James pulled a small roll of parchment from his bag and extracted his quill and ink. He dipped his quill and began scratching a note out, imitating his father's handwriting flawlessly. When he was done, he held it up, satisfied, and blew on the ink lightly to dry it. He waved his wand at the base of the letter, and it tore cleanly away from the rest of the roll and folded itself neatly into a note.

All three boys got up from the table and left the Great Hall, making their way to the Owlery. James found his owl, Driscoll, and gave him specific instructions to bring the letter to him in the Great Hall at breakfast the next morning. When it was all arranged, they returned to Gryffindor Tower, finding Remus surly and brooding over his textbooks.

He said nothing about staying at Hogwarts for the holidays, and with an exchange of looks, the other three boys agreed it was better to pretend not to know. That way, when they announced they would be staying, it would be more plausible that it wasn't all for him.

Remus' mood had not changed by breakfast the next morning. He stared at his plate sullenly and pushed around bits of food without eating anything, though he had skipped dinner the night before. He didn't even notice when Driscoll swooped low over the Gryffindor table, landing gracefully on James' shoulder and dropping the letter in his lap. James opened the letter and did his best to look upset, tossing the letter down on the table and sulking into his beans on toast.

"Something wrong?" Sirius asked, nonchalant as ever.

"Mum's written, she says that she and my dad won't be home for Christmas," James answered, keeping his eyes on his plate and frowning seriously. But he saw through his lashes that Remus was looking up at him curiously. "They've been traveling a bit, seeing some of her extended family in India and friends in Egypt and Greece. But there's some big storm happening I guess, and she says they won't be able to get back in time, so I'm to stay here for the holidays."

"Really?" Remus asked, his voice a touch more upbeat. "You're staying here?"

"Looks like it," James said glumly, poking around at his breakfast. "Wish I didn't have to though. It'll be rubbish here alone for Christmas. Although I guess some people are staying. I think Benjy and Stebbins are both staying, since Hanukkah will be over by then."

"Well, I'll be staying too," Remus admitted, a little sheepish.

"You will?" James answered, markedly happier.

"Yeah, I found out yesterday," he said, shrugging. "I guess my parents are just... not feeling very festive this year. They're not ready to do the whole Christmas thing, so they want me to stay here."

"Well that's excellent!" James replied, cheerfully. "I mean, not... not that your parents aren't... but it'll be much more fun with you here!"

He stammered through the end of his speech, blushing slightly as he tried not to imply that everything was fine and dandy. If what Remus had said was the truth, then he must feel awful for not being wanted. But as it was, James suspected that there was more to the excuse than what had been said, and if Remus didn't feel like he could tell them what it was, then it was probably very upsetting.

Peter waited two days before announcing over lunch that his parents had both gotten bronchitis, and they didn't want him to come home and get sick, so he really ought to stay at Hogwarts. Neither James or Sirius had any idea what bronchitis was, but it seemed sufficiently contagious that Remus accepted the explanation without question. Peter had been brilliant – he'd gone to Professor McGonagall's office to tell her about their plan, and when he came back, he pretended to be all doom and gloom and said that she had called him in to tell him the news.

Sirius didn't even bother saying anything at all, but when Professor McGonagall assembled all the Gryffindors who were staying over the break, he followed them. When Remus gave him a confused look (which James and Peter were quick to replicate), Sirius just shrugged and said, "Much better to stay with you lot than go home to my family." Remus mere shrugged in reply, used to Sirius' oddities and dislike of his family enough not to be surprised by the decision. And just like that, all four boys were spending their first Christmas away from their families ever.

Most of the students left two days before Christmas, leaving the castle empty and quiet. Of the Gryffindors, only a handful remained, and mostly from the upper years. Alastor Moody and Iseult Courtenay wanted to stay to prepare for N.E.W.T.s, while Straton Faulkner wanted to study for the O.W.L.s, and Frank Longbottom wanted to spend the holidays with Alice Matthews. A few younger students stayed, but most had gone home, missing their families. Nearly all the Jewish students remained – they always had special permission to Floo home for suppers with their families during Hanukkah, the high holy days, and pesach, if they didn't fall during the breaks – which meant that Benjy Fenwick and Daniel Stebbins were staying, as well as Leon Wycliffe and Simon Beringer, although it was a shame that Rosaline had decided to go home to see her family anyway. Only two students in the entirety of Slytherin stayed at Hogwarts, Vortigurn Warwick, who was being made to do extra Charms lessons, and Emma Vanity, who hadn't been assigned a new foster family yet. Altogether, there were only 23 students staying for the break. The House tables had been replaced by one long table, with professors sitting interspersed among the students, and the decorations in the Great Hall had been scooched in closer so that the room didn't feel quite so vast and empty.

Remus was peaky and tired as break began, and the boys assumed he was just gloomy about being away from his parents. They tried everything to cheer him up. Together with Foxtrin Flint and Benjy Fenwick, they started a wizarding chess tournament, after finding a hidden passageway to Hogsmeade Sirius snuck bottles of butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks, and they even talked about setting off some of the stink bombs they had to trick Filch. But Remus seemed to only half enjoy all of it.

On Christmas Eve, Dumbledore declared that they would have a pajama ball after supper, and everyone should come dressed for the occasion. It was a bit odd, seeing students from other years and houses, even professors, all in their pajamas, but they had a blast. Professor McGonagall, predictably, excused herself early, and Remus said goodbye as soon as dinner was finished, the sun dipping low in the sky, and the ceiling of the Great Hall stained pink and orange.

"I'm going to go for a walk," he said, pushing his chair back and looking up at the ceiling. "I don't really feel much like partying tonight."

"Right, sure," Sirius replied, jumping out of his seat. "Let's go!"

"No!" Remus answered quickly, a bit louder than normal. "I mean, no, thank you, I... I feel like being alone."

"Oh... okay..." Sirius slowly sank back into his seat, looking confused and a bit disappointed.

Remus ducked between two Christmas trees, slipping into the shadows and out of the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall was waiting for him in the Entrance Hall. As usual, she was carrying a dark cloak to help hide him as they walked through the grounds, and she handed it to him as they stepped through the doors.

"Do you think Remus is okay?" Sirius asked, looking at James and Peter.

Around them, the Great Hall was transforming from a cozy dinner room to a festive night club. Most of the professors began to dip out, leaving the party in a respectable manner, without too many drinks. But the students took advantage of the free flowing butterbeers and the music echoing from the rafters. It was tame as far as parties go, no one was stumbling drunk or making out on the dance floor, they were all just letting a little loose and having fun.

The night dragged on, and the full moon climbed higher in the sky, bathing the Great Hall in light. Peter stood on the edge of the room, looking up at the ceiling. He didn't much feel like being at the party. As much as he agreed with what they were doing for Remus, he did miss his parents, and he sort of wished he was home with them. He supposed life was good at Hogwarts, and he was happy here. He had friends and didn't get bullied as much, but... but he wasn't like Sirius. He loved his parents, very much, and it was hard for him to be away from them so much. He huffed a breath of air and squinted at the moon, trying to make out some detail of its surface, even just one crater. Something clicked in his mind then, and he thought back to Remus' words, his behavior for the past few days, and suddenly he knew. But it wasn't his secret to know, much less to tell the others. Peter could guess though, why his parents had really told him to stay at Hogwarts, and he was more glad than he had been before that they had all decided to stay.

Half an hour later, James started yawning and dragged Sirius away, finding Peter. The three boys left the Great Hall, waving goodnight to the other students, and returned to the Gryffindor Common Room, making a beeline for their dormitory. The fire was crackling in the warming stove in the center of the room, making them even sleepier. Remus' bed was still immaculate, so he clearly had not returned from his walk yet.

"I think I'll stay up and read or something until Remus gets back," Sirius said, as all three boys got ready for bed.

"If you like," James shrugged, crawling under his comforter. "He's probably fallen asleep in the library or something though."

"Maybe," Sirius answered, but he was a little concerned.

"I might stay up for a bit too," Peter chimed in, but he didn't expect Remus to come back that night at all.

"Goodnight, then," James said, drawing his curtains around him, and his friends echoed the sentiment.

Try as they might, Peter and Sirius were both too tired to stay awake for long, and both drifted off to sleep within the hour. When Remus snuck in not long after sunrise the next morning, he found Sirius asleep sitting up, a book about Megaera the Magnificent fallen, abandoned, on his chest. He smiled, knowing that his friend must have tried to wait up for him, before crawling into his own bed to try and get a few hours of sleep before the others awoke.

Peter was the first to wake the next morning, looking over to find Remus asleep soundly in his bed. For a moment, he began to wonder whether his conclusion was wrong, but he saw fresh cuts on Remus' hands, and knew that he'd been correct. Quietly, so as not to wake the others, Peter slipped out of bed and padded over to the stove, warming his hands by the fire.

They each had a pile of presents at the base of their beds, delivered in the night by teams of owls. Peter examined his carefully, and saw a few from his parents, one from each of his friends, and one small, oddly shaped parcel that he couldn't identify. Remus had a similarly modest pile of presents, but James and Sirius both had small mountains of gifts at the base of their beds. With a sigh, Peter returned to his bed, pulling his Herbology textbook onto his lap and cracking it open.

He'd read a chapter and a half when James began to stir, stretching his long limbs and cracking his joints. He sat up, pulling the curtains of his bed aside and blinking sleepily at Peter. Then, without a word, he grabbed his pillow and threw it at Sirius, hitting him in the face. Sirius groaned and wrapped his arm around James' pillow, sinking deeper into his bed.

"Oi, wake up you muppet," James mumbled, and Sirius grumbled in response.

"Let them sleep longer," Peter said, watching as Remus rolled over onto his stomach and yawned.

"But it's Christmas!" James answered, his voice brimming with excitement, and he reached out to grab one of his presents.

"Even more reason to sleep in," Peter retorted, exasperated with his friend.

"What's got your wand in a knot?" James asked, grimacing across the dormitory.

"Nothing, but neither of them slept very much last night, and we haven't got anywhere to be, so what's the rush to wake them up?" Peter snapped, a bit louder than he meant to.

"'S'goin' on?" Remus mumbled, sitting up and yawning, running a hand through his very messy hair.

"Peter thinks I'm being a twat for wanting to wake you two," James answered as Sirius blinked his eyes open.

"I didn't call you a twat," Peter said, gritting his teeth. James was really trying his patience.

"Well, it doesn't matter, we're awake now, right Sirius?" Remus replied pacifyingly, scooting down to the foot of his bed. "C'mon let's see what we've got this year."

Peter's annoyance dissipated fairly quickly as his friends woke up and began tearing into their presents, whooping excitedly. Even Remus seemed a bit happier than he had been the day before, although he looked positively exhausted. Still, he was smiling and happy as he opened his presents, and Peter relaxed a bit.

It was a good haul for all of them that year (not that it ever wasn't). Sirius' parents had sent him a few things that he hated (a book of his lineage, really?) but they'd also included a bunch of chocolates and a few treats made by their kitchen elf. The Potters had more than made up for Mr. and Mrs. Black's poor choice in presents, sending Sirius a bunch of fun gifts, many of them mirroring things James had gotten himself. They'd also sent James a new broomstick, with explicit instructions that it was for practicing quidditch ONLY and that if he broke this one, he would be buying the next one himself. Sirius cackled at the note, but James blushed scarlet, looking horrified at the memory. Remus' parents had sent him a framed photo of him and his sister when he was young, which left him in a teary sort of smile as he opened the rest of his gifts. Peter had gotten some clothes and books and sweets, nothing big or fancy, but he was more than happy with his lot. The oddly shaped package turned out to be a small plant from Professor Sprout. It looked like a little succulent, and it emitted a kind of soothing energy. He could feel it leeching the anxiety from his brain and almost instantly felt more relaxed, even happier. He placed it on the nightstand by his bed, making a mental note to spend a few minutes holding this plant each morning and night.

When they had finished opening all their presents, the four boys made their way to the Great Hall for a fabulous Christmas breakfast. The spread was fit for a king, and they couldn't help but grin as they tucked into their meals.

"You know," Remus said after a few moments of idle chatter, "this Christmas hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be."

"No?" James asked, grinning happily.

"Nah," Remus answered, echoing his friend's smile.

"And we still have days before everyone else returns!" Sirius added. "Loads of time to get into all sorts of trouble."

All four boys giggled delightedly, thinking of the different pranks they could pull and thinking about sneaking out of Gryffindor Tower. It felt like the world was their oyster.

"Really though, thank you all for staying," Remus said sincerely.

"Dunno what you're talking about," Peter denied, but his smile told a different story.

They all knew what had transpired that Christmas, and more than anything, it had cemented their friendship. Beyond friendship, really. They were family now.

[nomchonks]

i decided to watch the entire harry potter series straight through because i hate myself (forcing matt to watch them too because misery loves company) and im currently in the middle of #4. im pretty sure #3 will be the only good one lol but anyway

basically everyone shits on michael gambon’s performance but i like it. i never gave a fuck about dumbledore and he was basically just a plot device so making him kind of a dick actually makes him kind of interesting? i really dont care for the saintly old guy who can do no wrong and everyone is just sooo loyal to him. get fucked Book Dumbeldore, basically, you deserved to die.

people also universally don’t like David Thewlis as Lupin and I like that too. Lupin in the book was one of two characters out of a cast of thirty billion I actually cared about and Thewlis is definitely not my image of Lupin but I appreciate that he is kind of an awkward weirdo. It’s like he has his own life going on aside from hanging around Harry and telling him how great he is and how genetically superior to everyone else the potters were. lol. 

ive realized i enjoy tom felton’s performance as a complete turd but he barely gets to do anything. same thing with snape. the only good thing about snape was him just being an absolute dick to small children because he can and they won’t let me see it! i want to see him torment children who can’t fight back!

anyway these movies are bad and dumb and i cant believe i have like seven more to go

[v011d]

𝑺𝑬𝑽𝑬𝑵 𝑫𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑳𝒀 𝑺𝑰𝑵𝑺. - bold what applies, italicize what sometimes applies, strike through for never applies.

LUST.desire for connection. pursuit of pleasure. emotional intelligence. obsessive. lovesick. one-night stands. seductive encounter. flirtatious conversation. erotic party. seductive attire. revealing clothing. passionate gaze. provocative makeup. sensual expressions. suggestive gestures. flirtatious smiles. lingerie. love letters. perfumes. provocative behavior. love poems. erotic art.

GLUTTONY.indulgence in experiences. savouring moments. hospitality. generosity. hedonism. culinary expertise. wine-tasting. excessive snacking. overloaded plates. excessive portions. bloated stomachs. messy eating. greasy fingers. full tables. indulgent spreads. overflowing cups. satisfied expressions. wine bottles. just can't get enough. fast food wrappers.

ENVY. motivation. competitive spirit. strategic planning. observational skills. bitter rivalry. contest. envious gossip. resentment-filled argument. social media jealousy. furrowed brows. clenched jaws. side-eye looks. pursed lips. tense posture. whispering behind backs. crossed arms. gossip magazines. keeping up with the joneses. the grass is always greener. feeling inadequate.

GREED. resourcefulness. entrepreneurial spirit. negotiation. materialistic. aggressive investment. lavish spending spree. resource-hoarding. get-rich-quick schemes. auction-bidding war. property acquisition. piles of money. overflowing wallets. luxury items. locked safes. penny-pinching. rare collectibles. selfishness. unwillingness to share.

SLOTH. calmness. stress management. nonchalance. relaxation techniques. lethargic. apathetic. inactive. lazy weekend. binge-watching marathon. neglected chores. skipped workout. long nap. lounging on the couch. missed deadlines. unkempt appearance. messy hair. pajamas. blankets. slippers. procrastination station. self-care routines.

PRIDE. confidence. self-assurance. self-respect. dignity. public speaking. self-promotion. arrogant. conceited. egotistical. self-important. vain. boastful speech. puffed chest. raised chin. smug smiles. spotlight. tooting your own horn. showing off. refusing to admit mistakes. feeling entitled. personal branding. leadership development.

WRATH. assertiveness. decisiveness. strength. intensity. boundary setting. courage. indignant. heated arguments. road rage incident. physical altercation. angry outburst. clenched fists. glaring eyes. tense muscles. raised voices. reddened faces. aggressive gestures. stormy demeanor. intense frowns. destructive actions. broken objects. punching bag. out for blood. fists. simmering anger.

TAGGED BY. No one.

TAGGING. @sacredpyre @investighost @hunteroftruths @lovedying @handgiven @teethearted @wickedslip @herleaf @bledtitanium and anyone else who sees this.

[v011d]

𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞?

COFFEE. key words: intelligent, old soul, complex. you are an extremely thoughtful individual with a creative mind and loving heart. being around you is like sinking into a warm bath. there's something truly wise about the advice you give others, and being in your presence leaves others feeling warm, reassured, and inspired. compatible with: coffee, candle smoke, freshly baked bread.

TAGGED BY. @wickedslip ( thank you <3)

TAGGING. @chrislaplante @auntiezelda @handlcd @frostise @peaceinthelight @hunteroftruths @notwithoutsins and anyone who sees this.

[v011d]

WHICH ROOM IN THE HAUNTED HOUSE DO YOU BELONG IN?

THE NURSERY. The house knows how much stories mean to you. The room's walls are painted in a thrilling scene of lions and fairies, sea monsters and champions. The scene changes as your mood does. Here, you can be an endless font of myth and story. Here, the outside world is the faintest it's ever been. There is a world in this room and the house is asking you to explore it. Who will see me, the house says, if not you.

TAGGED BY. @handgiven

TAGGING. @ripgray @wickedslip @handlcd @lovedying @unbeleveable

[v011d]

what are you the god of?

PATRON OF FAREWELLS. you see your craft as a necessary evil, in order to foster growth and allow the world to run its course. you bless both the weary traveller, and the loved one they leave behind—but you can never promise a safe return. think of the sun setting, bidding farewell to all living things that need its light, so that the moon may rise and take its place in the sky. think of a queen leaving her kingdom when the winter thaws, and the empty throne beside her king while the world blooms. you are the god of endings both happy and sad, the one who blesses the beaten path; of wanderers and adventurers, of mapping a way home even when there is no intention to return. god of last words, god of forked roads, god of lingering touches and regretful parting. 

 you bestow beautiful memories unto the dreams of those who are apart, a small mercy for they must wake up alone. you keep them separated for as long as it is required, allowing them to live their lives in half and guiding them to things that will make them feel more whole. bittersweet farewells are not your only trade: you also bless final farewells, cutting down sharp as a knife and separating lives so that no further harm can be done. the harbinger of peace, of the unruly kind.

TAGGED BY. No one.

TAGGING. @wickedslip @ripgray @handgiven @magaprima @auntiezelda @malka-lisitsa @frostise @iisoldmysoulxx

[v011d]

@frostise continued from here.

❛Are you trying to make me blush because it's working?❜ His hands grapple around her waist for stability as he stumbles backwards when she pushes him up against the brick wall of a dimly lit alleyway. His apartment is less than ten minutes away, and he could teleport into his living room in a couple of seconds at most, but it appears she could not wait that long before kissing him heatedly ❛ You are beautiful, mon cheri. ❜ His compliment is slightly breathless from the amount of kisses she places upon his lips and he pulls her closer just to admire her further. ❛ I swear you get more beautiful every time I see you. I love your hair and the way it seems to glow in the moonlight like a sea of twinkling stars.  ❜ 

[v011d]

❛Trust me, you don’t want to get on my bad side.❜

[v011d]

❛ Sleepless night? ❜

He would have likely laughed at his question if he hadn’t been caught red-handed standing over a dead body because there wasn’t a single night where he didn’t struggle to sleep in some shape or form. It was one of the drawbacks of being the void's true vessel because all he could think about when he closed his eyes and his head hit the pillow of a poorly made bed was returning the universe to its former dark, empty state.

He nudges the corpse with his foot, turning him over to look into his dead, unseeing eyes, and responds with a quick shrug of his shoulders as he looks down at the dead man's heart cupped in his hands. He, like his herald, the Uninvited, didn’t take rejection well, and when he was denied entry to the now-deceased man's home due to his disheveled appearance, he had killed him on the spot  by cleanly ripping his heart from his chest. ❛I leave sleep to mortals. Are you  also unable to sleep? You must be if you are approaching sinister-looking strangers in the middle of the night who are ominously standing over a heartless corpse. Why are you not freaking out? Most people would be freaking out by now, but you are as cool as a cucumber ,which tells me that you are not human.❜ 

@burninq

[v011d]

god called.

Message from God to Lupin: "We're coming for you."

 ❛Yeah, well, you might want to get in line because you are not the first powerful entity to try to kill me, nor will you be the last, so I say take your best shot and we will see who survives at the end. ❜

STOLEN FROM. @wickedslip

[v011d]

 ❛ It must be difficult for you to realize you will never be anyone's favorite.❜ He was also speaking about himself when he said this as he tapped his cigarette against the black cat-shaped ashtray while watching them from his seat in the shadows.  ❛ Does it break your heart?❜

[v011d]

   ❛We can talk about this at a later date. I am a little busy right now.❜