#//actually remus will end up “accidentally” getting in the way many times

[starrymused]

@lannamused

Nothing was more dangerous than Sirius Black and James Potter competing with each other. Remus hadn't been present to witness this come about but he'd heard it had something to do with the Slytherins. It always came back to the Slytherins. They'd seen James get rejected by Lily in the Great Hall and made snide comments about his lack of skills when it came to girls. This had then led to Sirius pointing out that maybe he had to work on his wooing abilities by going on dates with girls that weren't Lily.

Of course, with James being James, that set him off and he insisted he had more game than Sirius did. And now here they were with the challenge presented to them by Peter who looked far too pleased with himself. It was simple, he said: "Which one of you can keep a girl happy for an entire week? Whoever wins will be considered the ultimate charmer!" He said the challenge would run from Saturday to Saturday and there were no rules in place. Remus wanted to point out that this was a waste of time and would only cause hurt feelings in the end but it was clear that James and Sirius were already in competition mode.

He could already feel a migraine coming on...

---

"Why did he choose Olivia Harper of all people?" Remus wondered aloud as he trudged next to Lily and her friends, Peter on the other side of him. After choosing their targets, Sirius and James had went ahead of them to Hogsmeade on that Saturday afternoon. Remus could still see them in the distance but a few students had overtaken their group, including Regulus and Desiree.

"What's wrong with Olivia?" Peter asked, sneaking a look at Lily who just seemed amused by this whole situation. Not at all annoyed that James had gone off with another girl.

Remus shrugged.

"I figured she'd be too stuffy for Sirius."

"But you're stuffy and he still hangs out with you."

"Thanks, Pete."

---

"Whatever that is," Regulus nodded to the boys up ahead who were strutting about with girls on their arms. "We're steering clear of it." As soon as this path to Hogsmeade branched off, they were going in the exact opposite direction to his brother and Potter. He just sense Marauders shenanigans at play here and refused to be anywhere around it when it inevitably went terribly wrong.

[cressthebest]

Crimson Rivers thoughts pt. 15

chapter 26: (check tags for triggers)

1. james’ stab wound will heal, but of course he’s gonna have to use a cane for the rest of his life. my poor darling. but also! CHARACTERS WITH DISABILITIES THAT WONT BE ERASED!!! HELL YEAH!

2. this nurse is pissing me off. sirius is asking if james and reg are gonna be okay, and all she can talk about it appearances and scars. not if they’ll be okay

3. sirius and reg are reunited. thank god. this is what the world needs

4. “"I love you. You're my brother; of course I love you. Always have, always will, and nothing—absolutely nothing in this world could ever change that, do you hear me? You're enough for me, and I love you. Never, never fucking doubt that."” AHHHHHHHHHHHHH reg needed to hear that so bad, and james needed to say it so bad

5. 😧😟 reg is vomitting blood. yikes. wow. that’s yikes. it’s not even HIS BLOOD that he’s vomiting. and i wanna know who’s blood filled that river. i want to know who was killed to make blood for that river

6. “”It's fine. I didn't even like this shirt.” (Sirius really liked this shirt.)” 😭😭

7. 😊 siblings! sirius wipes reg’s face, and reg threatens to vomit on him again

8. reg questioning if he actually made it out. that breaks both mine and sirius’ heart. “"I—I thought it made sense, because why would I have scars if I was dead?””

9. reg breaking down and sobbing to his brother. wow. i- wow

10. gosh, remus and sirius are already like a married couple. i love them

11. regulus would just wake up and ask for james. that hurts. in no way was my experience any where near as bad, but i know it must suck to wake up, calling for someone, and them not to be there. when i woke up from wisdom tooth surgery, i called out for my mom many times, and the nurses jsut told me to be quiet, and i can’t see her. i was so distressed that i cried. my pain is not anywhere like james or reg’s but i know that it sucks.

12. sobbing. reg needs to shower, but doesn’t want to get in the water. he’s scared of the water. like wow

13. god, james wakes up and starts fighting people. he never should have had to go through that.

14. james is begging to see regulus, and regulus begged to NOT see james. idk how zar could have hurt me any more, but here we are

15. james and sirius have matching scars! that’s horrific! but! they’re matching!

16. sirius’ words before james went into the arena. we get to know them. and it’s both healing to know the memory, but also hurts like a motherfucking truck

17. sirius asking for remus to kiss him! consent!

18. shit. remus realized he loved sirius. like. loved him. wolfstar better be granted happiness in this universe

19. authors end note: “you think regulus is unhinged? sirius is so, so much worse 😳”

chapter 27:

1. god, regulus needs to take a shower. he must STINK. but also, i do not blame him for not wanting to

2. i appreciate remus’ honestly. he will not dance around the point with reg, and honestly, that’s what he needs

3. oh my god. is remus gonna get reg to take a bath? honestly, if anyone could do it, it would be remus. nobody else could do it

4. remus sharing the petty hallow drama 😭😭

5. james and sirius friendship is all i need in this life

6. oh wow. sirius is hurt that james never told him about his crush on regulus. not that james likes regulus. i love when fics do that instead of sirius being angry

7. i love that it’s no issue for james and sirius to share a bed. they need comfort. they share. that’s that.

8. sirius not letting james have a drink cause he knows it’s a slippery slope >>>>>>

9. ✨remus lupin✨

10. 😧 reg but sirius as a reflex from the arena. and immediately apologized. he’s never hit sirius before. and wow. that-

11. sirius is admitting something he never even told james. that he accidentally hit effie. and 😧😧😧

12. AWWWW REMUS CALLED JAMES SWEETHEART

13. honorable mention for all pandora did in this chapter. she is a lifesaver, she is a queen, she is a goddess, and she deserves so much

[the-barricade]

Drunken Nights

pairing: Remus Lupin & Sirius Black

A/N: hey guys so I'm not actually part of the marauders fandom, nor have I even seen most of the source material, but I wrote this as a joke for my friend @wolf-pads so don't slaughter me for mischaracterisation pls!!

-------------

The holidays were always an interesting time for students of Hogwarts, with the Marauders being no exception. Typically, it entailed going back home to your family, which some may dread, or love – in the case that they’ve missed them whilst away and getting their education. However, some people may just miss their found family a little more.

This would’ve been the case for the marauders, too – except, now being in their seventh year of school and being adults old enough to make their own decisions, they found themselves spending the holidays together at a hotel in muggle London. It was supposed to be fun… and it was, save for one small issue. The boys had paired up together in rooms, to save money. James and Peter in one, Remus and Sirius in another. However, Remus could’ve sworn that it felt much more like he had booked the room only for himself. Truth is, with James and Peter always being much more willing to find some impulsive, occasionally stupid thing to do together and Sirius consistently off doing Merlin knows what, Remus was starting to get lonely. Maybe he should’ve went home as usual after all…

But moping around with no end in sight wasn’t like Remus, he knew it wasn’t productive… or enjoyable for that matter.

And so, here he was now, in the least typical place for him.  Then again, it was late and he was a little upset about barely seeing his friends… and a bar? Well, those were the perfect conditions to go to one of those, surely. He stepped in, at first a little hesitant but determined to loosen up. Sitting down at a barstool, he decided on a drink on the lighter side, considering he wasn’t trying to get completely sloshed as opposed to some others in the place… he wasn’t judging of course, though he could say he was a tad concerned for some. Though his concern wasn’t that prevalent, it’s not as if he knew any of them, and they likely weren’t getting drunk everyday – or not. Maybe his alcohol tolerance was weaker than he remembered, because what were the chances of that? Going to a bar because you’re sad about not seeing your friends, and ending up in the very same bar as your friend who’s now piss drunk? Absolutely ironic. Funny? Possibly…

It couldn’t just be concern though… not with the way he felt his chest tighten at the sight of Sirius with a girl all over him. Is this what he’s been doing every day that Remus had been lamenting his absence? Well, it wouldn’t be unexpected… But now Remus didn’t know what to do - a strange feeling to have when Sirius, his best friend of many years was involved, but it was there regardless. Should he talk to him, or just leave him be? He wanted to talk to him, not only because he missed him. On the other hand, Sirius did look like he was enjoying himself.

Oh, damn it. Nothing wrong with approaching your friend when you accidentally see them in public, right? Remus got up from his seat and made his way over to Sirius, regretting his decision a little when Sirius and the girl he was with were too busy making out to notice him. When they were done, he awkwardly cleared his throat. Sirius noticed and turned to see Remus, now standing at his side. “Moony…?” At first, he was noticeably confused at seeing him here, but he quickly accepted it, his eyes lighting up a little as he did. “What are you doing here? Did you come to find me, or something?” Right. No amount of alcohol would ever take away Sirius’ teasing nature, in fact, it probably enhanced it.

“No, I just noticed you here and thought I should say hello.” Remus responded, accompanied with an awkward chuckle from him.

Sirius feigned a thoughtful look before speaking, “Hm, well did you want to have a drink together?”

Remus, however, was quick to shut that idea down. “You don’t think you’ve had enough already?” The question was rhetorical, a slight admonishment of the amount Sirius had evidently had, noticeable through his slurred speech.

“Don’t be such a bore, Remus.” Sirius rolled his eyes, and Remus had to fight off the urge to do so back.

“Whatever… but I’m going home, and I recommend you come with me, too.”

“Woah there, at least take me on a date first!” Despite his teasing, Sirius gave in and put his arm around Remus’ shoulder for support, ready to leave.

On the way back, Remus felt conflicted. Earlier, what he had felt was jealousy, that much was clear. It wasn’t surprising either, there had been feelings between the two bubbling beneath the surface for a long time now, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready to admit that to himself. And yet, it was obvious that he was more comfortable, alone with Sirius who was strangely quiet and seemed vulnerable. Maybe it was the alcohol. Nonetheless, Remus found himself wanting to talk, though not because the quiet was uncomfortable. “So… who was that girl you were with?”

Sirius took a moment to respond, before he began to smirk. “Oh her? That was my girlfriend… I swear you’ve met her before.”

Remus felt his heart drop momentarily as he stopped walking, but quickly made an attempt to recompose himself. “Your… girlfriend?” He hesitated, the words leaving a sour taste in his mouth, “Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve left you to it…”

As soon as Remus finished speaking, a borderline cackle escaped Sirius before he could calm down enough to speak again. “I’m kidding! I’m kidding… You should’ve seen your face.”

“Pads… not funny.” Remus felt a sense of peace return to him at that, but was still a little upset and on edge. ‘What a cruel drunk’, he thought. Sirius had to have known the effect that would have on him, and they continued the rest of the way back in silence.

By the time they were back at their hotel, Sirius was practically asleep – yet he remained enough consciousness to cling to Remus when he tried to leave him be after carrying him over to his bed. That was a little odd coming from Sirius, but it made Remus’ heart flutter, albeit with a little melancholy. He had to wonder just how much Sirius would even remember in the morning.

Unfortunately, it felt as it would be forever before he would get a chance to find out. Now in his own bed, sleeplessness plagued Remus as he thought about Sirius, who he looked across the room at to see sleeping easily. Merlin, he was a fool for Sirius, and in reality, they both knew it. However, sleep would come eventually, as did the morning.

It was a little late when Sirius woke up, around 10AM. When he did, he looked around to find a glass of water and some painkillers at his bedside. They must’ve been laid out for him by Remus, who was still in the room, reading. “Morning…”

Remus looked up from his book with a small smile, “Morning. How’d you sleep?”

“Like the dead.” Sirius’ deadpanned.

“Hm, yeah, I figured. I left you some water and painkillers, you’ve ought to have quite a hangover…”

“I noticed, thank you.” Remus had always been the caring one, and Sirius was painfully aware of it.

“So,” a semi-awkward silence befell the two before Remus continued, “is that why I haven’t seen you at all lately?” He laughed, almost trying to make a joke out of it, but he was fully serious.

“Haha… yeah, sorry.” Sirius put his hand to the back of his neck and looked away.

“No need to apologise, I’ve just been a little worried about you.” Remus stopped, but then decided to be honest, continuing, “I also missed you a little.”

This gave Sirius pause as Remus was often more reserved, despite being quite in-tune with his emotions. “…I missed you too.”

“Didn’t look that way.” Remus hadn’t really thought before the jealousy had seeped into his tone, but in all honesty, he didn’t regret it.

Sirius sighed and made his way over to Remus’ bed, sitting down next to him, and putting his arm around Remus’ waist. “I did miss you.” He wasn’t going to allow for any confusion there.

Both the confession and the contact had softened Remus up a considerable amount, but he wasn’t going to show it just yet because he’s petty. “More than the bar? Or the people there?”

Sirius began to feel slightly exasperated, but went along with it anyway. “Yes, more than them.” Sirius stopped to stare at Remus for a second, before letting his usual playfulness make a return, “after all… they don’t have what we do.”

Remus knew exactly what he was talking about, but decided to push it anyway. “And what do we have?” This prompted Sirius to give him a look that just screamed ‘Seriously?’ before he had an idea. He gently took Remus’ face in his hands, forcing Remus to look at him, before speaking again. “This,” Sirius leaned in and kissed Remus passionately, something that they had both been waiting a very long time for. Their chemistry could’ve caused sparks as Remus was eagerly receptive of every move Sirius made, and he leaned in closer, before they finally broke away – a little breathless. Sirius then smiled stupidly wide once more before continuing his previous sentence, “is what we have.”

[dufferpuffer]

hi! I just absolutely love how your mind works and I was wondering what you think Snape would grow up to be if he and Lily didn't break off, or if he had some sort of healthy support system? thanks!

Hey lovely - shit... I'm late. B^)

If he and Lily didn't break off... hm... Lets say everything was the same - he even called her Mudblood - but after a fight she accepted his apology and he made an effort to distance himself from the other Slytherins, and she recognized this strong attempt to better himself like she recognized James.

He wouldn't have been a Death Eater - and if he didn't go down that route, I think he would have been a healer/medical potioneer. What sort of jobs always need more hands, but requires people of skill - and will be in even higher demand during a war...? Hospital work. She was good at potions too. Her connection to Severus would have made her a more difficult pick for the OotP straight out of school (even if Severus was considered safe - he was still very recently a Slytherin surrounded by DE children - he could have connections...) So I see little reason for her to go down the spellcaster/auror route. Especially when healing is helping people.

I think they would have stayed inseparable, in the same career. Lily was popular - and yet for 5 years she only hung out with Sev. They were a duo. They were dedicated. When she moved on from Sev she just went to James/Sirius/Remus/Peter - and didn't seem to keep close contact with anyone else. Lily is kind of a private woman. She keeps close allies regardless of how many people like her.

Would they have married and/or had kids...? Eh. Maybe. Maybe they just weren't into that. But if they did... I don't think it would have happened during war. Severus is too careful. A child when they work so hard? When they are so young? When she is a muggleborn - in this war?? He doesn't even LIKE kids. He would be unsure about being a father. Hell - he doesn't know what good parents even look like.

That might put strain on the relationship as they get older, if she WANTS a kid... but its never 'the right time' for Severus.

But yeah - basically I think they would actually work out decently. They were pretty tight friends, and whether or not you think Snape was romantic or platonic - he was dedicated either way.

Regarding James and the boys... Imagine if James was still pining for her. He's in the OotP and intentionally gets hurt on missions so he goes to hospital to flirt with his pretty Potioneer~ Insufferable. But he could brag a little about the work the Order does... and it would have some allure to Lily, who is cooped up in the hospital all the time, overworked and often brewing the same things...

Without Harry - the only baby that would fit the prophecy would be Neville. We don't know much, but it was likely the Longbottoms had just about the same protections as the Potters did. Who was their secret keeper...? Without knowing who they were close to... probably Dumbledore. Which poses an issue for Voldemort.

The war would go on for longer, more and more Order members would be picked off, Neville would grow up heavily sheltered - but with his parents... and with HEAVY child-soldier messiah vibes. More desperate. Perhaps Lily does actually accept an invitation to help the Order - something Severus isn't sure about, because he has a better idea of what she as a muggleborn is facing. He isn't as pro-active as her. He has a comfortable spot where he is being useful. But she knows something has to be done, sooner or later, to end this war...

I gotta stop because I'll accidentally write a fic lol

[the-delta-42]

Ripples 1

Ripples

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Chapter 1: In Summary

Ariana swung her feet back and forth as she listened to her parents argue. Her dad wanted to hunt the muggle boys down and punish them, her mother argued that since nothing actually happened, his attack would be seen as unprovoked.

Albus and Aberforth would always keep a close eye on her, at least until she received her letter for Hogwarts. Ariana looked at her new wand, Maple, 10 ½ inches with a Dragon-Heartstring as the core, she gave it a wave, dully watching as sparks flew from the end. Ariana hoped to get into the same house as her brothers, although Albus was absent at times, Ariana had a feeling that he was spending time with that Gellert boy he’d met.

Ariana grinned as the Sorting Hat put her in Gryffindor, she sat down next to a boy who was absent-mindedly chewing on the end of his wand, at least until he accidentally singed his eyebrows, earning a few laughs. Ariana’s grin slowly fell, suddenly she felt that she was surrounded by idiots.

The boy, Hadrian Potter, sent a stool into the ceiling during charms, and tricked another student into using a size enlarging charm on themselves, until they had to go to the Hospital Wing, granted that other student had been making a second year do their homework, but Ariana doubted tricking them into enlarging their own privates would count as an acceptable punishment.

After their Fourth year, Potter actually looked for her, having heard about how a fight broke out between Gellert and Albus, which left her parents dead.

Ariana scowled, she had known Potter for five years and he still acted like an arse, although she couldn’t help by laugh when he intimidated Professor Binns or when he woke up with ink stained on his cheek after falling asleep on his essay.

In their Seventh year Hadrian and Ariana started courting, before getting Married in the summer after they Graduated, a couple of years later Charlus was born and then came the time for him to go to Hogwarts and then he graduated, he Married Dorea Black and had Arthur, who went to Hogwarts, graduated, got married to Josephina Fleamont and had Henry, who went to Hogwarts, graduated, got married to Athena Bones, had Fleamont, who went to Hogwarts, graduated, got Married to Euphemia Prewett. Due to the various wars, both Muggle and Wizard, Ariana had seen many members of her family die long before their time, Hadrian and Charlus died in the fields of Belgium and France walking out of their trenches, Arthur and Henry would help fight Grindlewald, both being killed for it, but Ariana, as well as the other widows in the Potter family felt the pain of Fleamont and Euphemia as they struggled to have a child, the pair seemingly giving up, up until the late 1950’s when the pair arrived at the Manor and proudly announced that a baby was on the way.

James Potter was born in the early hours of the 27th of March 1960, red faced and screaming, at least until he was wrapped up in a blanket. James went to Hogwarts, befriended one of Dorea’s great-nephews Sirius Black, a small watery eyed boy Peter Pettigrew and Remus Lupin, who looked worse for wear at times.

The group were as thick as thieves throughout their time at school, although Ariana made sure to pull James aside to get him to fix his attitude, after Albus contacted her and informed her of James’ antics, the following summer James came back with a boy with a hooked nose, Ariana could tell that Severus Snape was wary of James and the other four. Ariana was talking with Dorea when they rounded the corner and found the group, minus James holding a cupboard door shut. They later found out that they had locked James and a girl he liked, Lily Evans, in the cupboard and they were trying to keep them in there.

After they graduated, they all joined the Order of the Phoenix, an organisation set up by Albus to combat the Dark Lord Voldemort. James and Lily got married, Severus joined the Death Eaters as a spy for the Order, Remus went to speak with the were-wolves and James and Lily went into hiding shortly after their son Harry had been born.

Josephina died before Fleamont had been born and Athena had been on her last legs before James was born and died a month after from a heart attack and Fleamont and Euphemia contracted Dragonpox and died shortly before Harry’s birth. Sirius had told Dorea and Ariana about the plan to prevent Voldemort finding the Potters, with himself as a decoy secret keeper and Peter being their actual secret keeper.

On the 31st of October 1981, Ariana convinced Albus to allow James and Lily to sit in on an Order meeting, while Dorea watched over Harry. A little while into the meeting, a small device that Dumbledore had on the table set off, screaming. James and Lily paled before rushing outside and disapperating to Godric’s Hollow, where they found Dorea dead and Harry screaming with a red lightning bolt scar etched onto his forehead. James ran into Sirius, who gave James his motorcycle and took off looking for Peter.

Peter blew up a muggle street, killing thirteen muggles, before turning into a rat and running away. Sirius as arrested and placed in Azkaban without receiving a trial.

For the past four years the Potters, as well as the rest of the Order kept protesting Sirius’s innocence, while taking care of Harry and Neville, whose parents had been driven insane by Bellatrix LeStrange and three other Death Eaters. In the immediate aftermath of Voldemort’s disappearance, several of his former followers claimed to be under the imperious curse, while paying the new Minister to ensure their pardon.

Harry watched as the water in his cup poured into the sink, before he refilled it and repeated the process, giggling as he did it.

“Harry’s discovered physics.” Said Lily, as James walked into the room.

James gave a small smile, before walking out the back door and throwing a blasting curse into the sky, a bright flash appearing, making Harry look up from the water and at the unintentional fireworks display.

A crack behind her told Lily that the others arrived.

“I take it you’ve heard the news?” Said Remus, his hair greyer that it had been the last time she saw him.

“Well, James didn’t say anything, except go outside and give Harry a new form of entertainment.” Said Lily, as Severus walked into Harry’s field of vision and boop him on the nose.

“The Minister has said ‘Since there is no evidence to prove Black’s innocence, the case is going to be closed.’” Said Remus, making Lily scowl, before Rose and Violet ran into the room, screaming.

Lily sighed, before picking Harry up and moving him away from the sink, so that she could finish the washing up, “Any other news?”

“Charles Steven has been sent to Azkaban, after he killed his brother for branding Mercutio with the Dark Mark.” Said Remus, picking Violet up, “Fenrir Greyback has attacked another child and a delightful toad has gone on a warpath against anything that isn’t human.”

Lily rolled her eyes, as James came back in, “You left out the part where a healer decided to amputate Mercutio’s arm.”

Lily stopped, before she turned and looked at James, “They what now?”

“Amputated the left arm of a five-year-old.” Said James, scooping Harry up, “I also got a snotty letter from Croaker, asking how your charms are coming along.”

“The sleeping charm works perfectly, the mental restoration charm is a bit foggy, since we don’t have anyone to test it on.” Said Lily, as she looked at Neville, who was looking at the pictures in a Herbology book.

James followed her gaze, “And since the one’s the spell is being made to help are off the table, you practically have no way of knowing if it works or not.”

The room was silent, with the exception of the two four-year-old girls who seemed to speak their own language.

“What if we found someone whose mind was broken, but not to the extent that they are not aware of their surroundings.” Said Severus, looking at Lily.

Lily was silent, before her arms went slack and dangled at her sides as she stared aimlessly into nothing.

“Like victims of a traumatic experience, like a car crash.” Said Lily, suddenly starting to pace, “And St. Mungo’s is full of people who has undergone at least one form of trauma, several of which should be able to give their consent to be tested on.”

Lily suddenly walked out of the room and grabbed her wand and prepared to disapperate.

“Um, Lily,” Called James, “aren’t you forgetting something?”

Lily quickly walked over and kissed James and each of her children on the cheek.

“Lily, you’re still in your pyjamas.” Said James, making Lily look down at herself.

“Ah.” Said Lily, before she rushed upstairs and got dressed.

James smiled and shook his head, looking down at Harry, “If we’re lucky, you might get her brains and my good looks.”

Harry giggled, “Can we have more fireworks, daddy? Please?”

James smiled, before leading Harry and the others outside, Neville pressing himself against Remus, as James conjured a blanket for the children, before pointing his wand in the air and letting a stream of bight flashes from the tip of his wand. The children laughed and clapped; James vaguely heard the phone ring. Lily had insisted that they install it, so she could speak to her Muggle relatives. The phone stopped ringing and James finished off his show by settling some of the sparks into the shape of a dragon.

Lily arrived at the back door, a sour look on her face.

“That was my sister.” Said Lily, “Apparently she invited her family to our house for dinner.”

James felt his stomach drop.

‘Well,’ Thought James, ‘this is going to be fun.’

The dinner was not fun, Petunia had not aged well, in Lily’s opinion. It didn’t help that her son, even though he more resembled a mix between and pig and a beach ball, wanted more food and started to throw a tantrum. It certainly didn’t help that Vernon was feeding into Dudley’s tantrum. It absolutely didn’t help that Petunia ‘forgot’ to mention that Vernon’s sister was joining them.

Harry, Neville and the girls ate quietly, watching Dudley make himself look like an idiot, while Marge was going on about dog breeding, trying to subtly insult James and Lily.

Lily struggled to keep her face neutral as Marge continued to insult them. Vernon then reached across the table and snatched Harry’s food away and giving it to Dudley.

“Give that back.” Said Harry, glaring at Vernon, while Dudley ate Harry’s food.

“Dudley needed it more.” Said Vernon, a sneer on his face.

“What he needs is a diet and exercise,” Said Harry, “although, I think your entire family needs it, then you might stop looking like a pig.”

Vernon’s hand connected with the side of Harry’s head. Marge’s dog would’ve gone for Harry, were it not for the black Wolf Hound suddenly snapping and snarling at him.

“Address me like that again, Freak,” Bellowed Vernon, while the other Dursley’s looked amused, “and I’ll whip you with my belt.”

“Get out.”

James was already half-way out of his seat when Lily spoke.

“What?” Snarled Vernon, glaring at Lily.

“I said get out,” Said Lily, cold rage on her eyes, “you’re not welcome here, and I want you to leave.”

Marge scoffed, before leaning forwards and put her face in Lily’s, “Now you listen here…” Said Marge, before her finger started to inflate.

Marge continued to inflate until she looked like a massive beach ball that was floating around. The Dursley’s all started to rush out, Petunia being the last out the door.

“We never should’ve come here,” Sneered Petunia, “The Freaks are too dangerous.”

“You’re right, Mrs Dursley,” Said Lily, from the door, “I don’t even know why I let a stranger into my home.”

Petunia stopped dead, before she turned and looked at Lily. Lily glared at Petunia, until Petunia got into the car, with Marge strapped to the roof so they didn’t lose her.

Lily looked at James, “I take it, inflating her was you’re doing?”

James shook his head, before a sniffle caught their attention, making the pair look at Harry, who was struggling, and failing, not to cry. Lily rushed over and looked at the red mark on Harry’s face, his glasses broken in his hand.

“I’m- I’m sorry, mummy,” Harry hiccupped, “I-I didn’t mean to ruin tea.”

“Harry,” Said Lily, while James fixed Harry’s glasses, “You didn’t ruin everything.”

The dams burst and Harry was crying into his mother’s chest, Lily carried Harry into the kitchen and set him on the counter, before locating a bad of frozen peas, wrapping it in a tea towel and gently pressing it against Harry’s face. Harry whimpered, before falling silent. Suddenly feeling sleepy, Harry started to doze off.

Lily looked at the clock and decided that it was time for the children to go to bed.

The next day, Severus arrived at the Potter’s home with a jumpy, jittery five-year-old who looked like he’d been attacked by a Dementor.

***Seven Years Later***

Harry groaned and rolled over onto his front, his arm covering his eyes. A small black orb on his desk rattled, making Harry sneer at it and stalk over to it. Harry picked the orb up and shook it, the orb went from black to a light blue, after dismissing the alarm, Harry went back to bed.

Rose and Violet burst into Harry’s room.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” They screamed, making Harry jump and tumble out of bed.

“I really wish you didn’t do that.” Said Harry, as he lay face down on the floor.

“But why deprive us of the entertainment?” Came an amused voice from Harry’s doorway.

A dark-haired boy stood in the doorway, Harry then spotted Neville and Ron behind him.

“Very funny.” Said Harry, getting to his feet, “I take it the alarm was your idea?”

“Ginny’s actually.” Said the boy, standing up straight, the sleeve on his left arm shifting up as he moved, revealing the silver bones of a human arm, “After all, what girl doesn’t want to wake their boyfriend up?”

Harry threw his shoe at him, “Bones, Ginny and I are just friends.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Said Bones, a smirk on his face, “one day you might believe it.”

Bones gave a short whistle, getting the girls attention, “Go tell them that he’s awake.”

“Why can’t you do it?” Violet demanded, crossing her arms.

“Because the moment I turn my back, he’ll throw his other shoe at me.” Said Bones, causing Rose to look at Violet and pull a ‘fair enough’ face.

The girls shot past the boys, before Bones, Ron and Neville entered Harry’s room.

“That was easier than I expected,” Said Bones, casually strolling into the room, “Your parents already know you’re awake, but they’ll be roped into setting the table. Which give us time to talk about the date.”

“My birthday?” Said Harry, tired.

“Precisely,” Said Bones, “Today is the day you get your Hogwarts letter and the day your family steps out of the shadows.”

There was a bang, making everyone look at the window, just in time to see a grey owl falling to the ground.

“Was that Errol?” Said Neville, as Harry pulled his clothes on.

“Probably.” Said Ron, looking back at Harry, “Hurry up, the food’s getting cold.”

“Of course, you’d think with your stomach.” Neville muttered, before walking out of the room.

Harry was quiet, before looking at the others, “I take it the spell still needs refining.”

“Yeah, they showed awareness of their surroundings for about an hour, before they relapsed.” Said Bones, walking to the doorway with Ron and Harry following.

The morning was a small affair, before Harry’s letter arrived, then it was off to Diagon Alley.

[that-sweet-almond]

The Monster Under Virgil’s Bed

Word Count: 2896                                            (Check it out on ao3)

Characters: Virgil, Roman, Patton, Janus and Remus

Pairing: None

Rating: Gen

Warnings: None

Based off of this prompt by @sleepyvirgilprompts

It was the middle of the afternoon and Virgil was wide awake.

Not of his own will, no, but after the week Thomas was having, he had to question just how much that was actually his own fault. A lot of things were coming up all at once and unfortunately, most of them involved getting up pretty early when the main idiot would rather stay up until 3 am, playing Kingdom Hearts Whatever Number that game was currently on. Virgil never paid much attention to it unless he could use it to his benefit, but since most of the story lines were the equivalent to listening Logan’s manic rambles after Thomas had his fifth coffee of the day, the emo had put that idea to rest pretty quickly. Unlike what Thomas was doing.

Now that he thought about it, he actually hadn’t been doing his job much. Probably because he was just so tired.

He couldn’t even remember all the stupid things Thomas had put himself through throughout this week. There was that weirdly flirty interaction with a barista the other day, but that might have been a couple of weeks ago, and then some new acquaintance of his had tried to hang out but Thomas had gotten lost on his way to their house, so they never ended up hanging out. Considering how he usually reacted, Virgil would like to think he had actually been constructive for once. That was to say he had just stared at the unfolding mess and had decided to pass out on the couch instead of whispering in Thomas’s ear about all of the ways he could die out on the road without ever seeing his friends and family ever again. Stellar progress, 10 out 10.

All of that being said, there was definitely a monster under his bed.

Well, not definitely, but what does Virgil know at this point.

Patton had caught him outside of his room one too many times to seem “normal” by Virgil’s standards, and in true Patton fashion, the moral side had come to sit down next to him on the couch and had showed just how suspicious he was being by asking if they could have a talk. A talk. The idea had put him in so much immediate distress that he almost sinked out once the words finally registered, but by then, the look in Patton’s eyes and his quick clarifications served to temporarily deter some of those instincts, if only for a few seconds.

Most of the conversation was one blurry mess of words and puppy dog eyes, because he didn’t need to listen further once he realized Patton’s concern for him essentially boiled down to the reason why he was avoiding his room in the first place.

Virgil felt like he was being watched.

It was probably an anxiety thing, or so he had thought at first, but it had been a while since that had last happened, so it wasn’t completely unreasonable if he turned out to be right in his delusions. It had been almost too long, now that he thought about it. He must be doing something wrong for it to start back up again, he should have seen it coming—

No, there was no point in beating himself over it at this point. Especially because he didn’t have the energy to actually think about the consequences all that much.

Which was why he had decided to sleep on the Common Room instead of dealing with the problem. Dealing with the problem involved a sharp mind, and talking, and millions of other things that Virgil was just too exhausted to really remember, and it’s not like he couldn’t sense when he was in actual danger, even when he was asleep. No one dared to try to wake him up ever since he accidentally hauled Princey into the Tv stand at one of their first sleepovers.

This presence, this thing... it made his skin crawl in the exact same way.

Still, he had tried it. He tried going into his room after avoiding it for the last few days, if only to get Patton off his back. For an air head, the father figure was surprisingly observant, and Virgil always seemed to forget about that trait of his when he sweetened their conversations with just enough kindness to make him think he was actually a fun person to be around.

Virgil glared at the bed from the distance, trying to see if there was something wrong with it. Goosebumps broke across his skin as soon as he had popped up in the center of the room - too groggy to trust himself to climb up stairs - and that sense of uneasiness that had started on Monday was still there. It grew more intense with each step forward, the churning in his stomach turning more violent, the chills rushing down his arms growing colder, and the need to hiss at it left his throat feeling all the more dried out when the shadows under his bed were uncharacteristically still.

There was something under there, for sure.

His teeth gnawed and chewed on his thumb until the first layers of skin had been picked out, raw flesh peering through. It didn’t hurt just yet, adrenaline keeping his veins electrified until he solved the problem, but for once, his sense of self preservation was working and it was telling him that he should not try to mess with whatever that thing was.

Virgil dropped his hand, moving onto nibbling at his chapped lips. He desperately needed a nap before he made a mistake that he might not be able to cover up, but to get to that, first he’d need backup, someone stupid enough to believe him and just too self-centered to ask too many questions.

He knew just the right guy.

- Alright, where’s the Boogeyman?

- No-- There’s just something under there – Virgil corrected, gesturing towards the small space between his bed and the floor. – I’m already on edge, don’t tip me off.

- Okaaay, no need to tell me twice – Roman huffed, raising his dramatic hands defensively.

It was weird to see him in his room, and even weirder that he had believed him. There was doubt in Princey’s eyes when the anxious side told him about his suspicions, a joke on the tip of his tongue as his lips stretched into a mocking grin, but something made him hesitate, specks of worry dancing in his pupils as his expressions mellowed out into something more somber.

- My ideas do flee from me sometimes – he had said instead, overperforming his supposed embarrassment related to that notion. – Let’s hope this is not one of Remus’s.

Still, something was off. Roman was acting like he always did, talking his ears out about some metaphor that Virgil was not really following, and then he pulled out his sword, which to the sleep deprived emo seemed to have just appeared out of thin air. Maybe it did. It glimmed glamorously as the prince raised it in the air, the blade glistening perfectly against the gloominess of the room, and Virgil watched dumbfoundedly as Roman all but dropped to his knees in front of the bed, placing his hands on the carpet before bending forward, peering into the shadows.

- Princey, wait—!!

His high pitched scream reverberated across the entire Mind Scape, sharp like the blade of his sword as it stabbed right through Virgil’s ears, and as he was recovering from the dizzying attack to his senses, Anxiety found himself with an armful of a cowardly prince, his urgent grip on his clothes breaking through his fear until it turned into irritation.

- That’s no monster!! – he declared, clawing at Virgil when he tried to set himself free. – It’s much, much worse!

Roman’s exaggerated cries fell on deaf ears as the anxious side stared at the darkness from which he had fled, the newfound ringing in his eardrums drowning out any other sound.

There, amidst the shadows, two beady eyes fixed him, a row of sharp teeth gleaming menacingly.

Suddenly, he couldn’t care less that Princey was still holding onto him for dear life, because this might actually justify it.

There was an actual monster under his bed.

And Roman had been inches away from getting his face ripped out.

It tried to retreat back, escape from their gazes as Virgil forced himself to not punch the threat right then and there, but a subtle rumble picked out in the distance before he could move, shaking up the floorboards under his feet as his ears slowly adjusted. Patton’s face appeared in front of his open door, concern wrinkling his features.

- Virge? – he addressed him first, his eyes only then noticing the prince clinging to his side. – I heard screaming. Is--

- Do not come any closer! – Roman shouted, extending an arm out to stop him. – There’s, There’s...

Rapid breathing fanned at the side of Virgil’s face, forcing him to turn to look at the fanciful side, and to his disbelief, a smudge of black eyeshadow smeared underneath his eyelashes, only seeming to get darker with the pacing of his breaths. Fuck, he wasn’t actually joking.

- Roman, what is it? – Patton encouraged softly, ever so impatient as he came into the room. – You’re scaring Virgil. I need you to breathe with me, okay?

The prince refused to let go of Anxiety even as his despair grew palpable, shaking them back and forth with his frantic head movements. At this point, he seemed to have gotten mostly non verbal in his attempts to get Patton out of the room, resourcing to pointing under the bed in the hopes that would get the message across, but that only got Morality to frown at him, his eyebrows disappearing behind his glasses. His eyes searched for Virgil’s, for an explanation that wouldn’t come, but the prince had his arms pinned to his sides, and there was only so much he could do when another person’s anxiety was so overwhelming present.

- Guys, you’re scaring me. – a nervous smile tugged at the corners of Patton’s mouth, his hands coming up to fiddle with the sleeves of his cardigan. – I don’t like to be in here much, so unless you found a cute puppy you want me to pet or need me to deal with a monster under your bed, I’ll leave you guys to it.

Oh, the irony.

Roman seemed to regain whisps of his voice at the mention of their problem, pointing an offended finger at the space under Virgil’s bed immediately. The eyes were still there, as were the teeth, still as visible as before despite having been found, and a chill started from the bottom of Virgil’s spine, quickly crawling upwards as the word blurred around the edges.

Patton turned around, and yelped.

His scream was different than Roman’s, more surprised than startled, but the monster didn’t even flinch, only showing more of his teeth as Morality rushed to their side.

- What is that?! – he screeched, doing Virgil the favor of covering his right ear before speaking right next to it. – I’m too old for these pranks, kiddos!

- It’s not a prank! – Roman whined, his voice breaking as he caught sight of the monster again. – It’s a breathing, living thing, just like you and I, and it’s the most hideous—

Someone cleared their throat just as Roman’s voice started to get louder, directing them all to the open door again. Now, where Patton had stood before, Janus’s figure replaced his spot, wearing his usual caplet and his signature outfit. He was missing his hat and his gloves, but considering that the room was spinning and Roman’s strength wasn’t actually an exaggeration on his part, you could say Virgil had more important things to focus on at the moment.

- Would you mind keeping it down? I was totally not in the middle of something.

- Get lost, snake face! – Roman shrieked in response, only squeezing Virgil harder.

- ... Snake face? Really?

- It feels like there’s millions of spiders running in my blood, I can’t think about nicknames right now!

Deceit took a step forward before chaos could break out again, hands clasped behind his back as he assessed the situation. The left corner of his mouth pulled his scales with it as he gave them all a lopsided smile, following their eyes to the sparkling orbs floating in the darkness, and as if he knew something they didn’t, Janus positioned himself right in front of the bed, quietly staring at the monster. Next to them on both ends, Virgil felt Roman tense up, heard Patton gasp, but neither tried to come forward and stop him before he crouched next to the creature, all but shoving his hand under the bed.

A wounded whine echoed throughout the room, and then Janus stumbled backwards, almost falling on his ass.

- What do you think you’re—?!

- Oh, calm down, will you? – he snapped, his words almost like an order. – Never expected you to be this afraid of your brother, but if that’s the case... It’s not like I’ve been searching for him.

All three sides stared as Janus pulled his arm back, revealing the beastly man dangling from his sleeve. His sharp teeth pierced through the fabric as Remus growled at him, just barely missing his forearm as his eyebrows showing off his discontent over being found, but he was quick to let go once Deceit shook his arm for long enough, dropping on all fours against the ground.

Questions were left unanswered as they watched Remus try to return to the comforting darkness of Virgil’s bed, arms and legs moving at an unnatural speed to try to escape Janus, but the snake side clearly did not intend to let him get away with that hiding spot twice, summoning the rest of his arms before promptly getting to work. Two hands grabbed at Remus’s ankles, dragging him across the carpet, and a third hand quickly ceased him by the back of his neck before he could try to bite him again, unmoving even as the duke struggled against his grasp.

From an outsider’s perspective, the capture seemed to take no effort at all given how quickly Janus had done it, but Virgil knew these two just well enough to know neither was truly fighting to win. At least, not just yet.

- You’re absolutely filthy. Are you proud of yourself? – Janus said, acting as if he didn’t have an audience listening to his every word.

- Depends. Will you punish me if I say yes?

There was undeniable anger under the flirtatious pretense, his shoulders trashing against the floor as he desperately tried to set himself free, but Janus barely paid him any mind, only tightening his grip on his wrists. Remus purposefully moaned.

- You’d actually appreciate that – he grumbled, rolling out his eyes as the rest of his arms disappeared under the bed. – No, I might let you live if you actually behave.

- Oh, we both know that’s not going to happen.

Janus hummed in response, fingers digging into the back of his neck. From under the bed, his arms returned with the missing pair of gloves and his hat, which he would have immediately put on if it wasn’t for the dust covering it, and without further ado, the snake hoisted himself to his feet, not bothering with giving Remus the same treatment before starting to walk out of the room. Face down against the carpet, Virgil couldn’t help but wince with sympathy for the duke as Janus let go of his neck, dragging him backwards by his feet, and no matter how much he kicked and screamed, Deceit was set on not listening to him, not looking back even as Remus stabbed his nails into the carpet, only pulling him harder until he let go.

The newfound silence sounded foreign to his ears as Virgil stood in the middle of the room, unsure if he wanted answers for what had just happened. Roman still refused to unhand of him by the time Patton slowly started to pull away, quiet chuckles falling from his lips as he apologized, but to his growing confusion, the anxious side found himself missing his touch, exposed to invisible attacks without Morality there to stop them.

- You guys should leave now – he said a little too softly, his eyes dropping to the ground. – Princey will have a heart attack if he stays in here for much longer.

Roman might have complained about the comment, and Patton might have agreed, but despite how ridiculous this whole thing was, it was still incredibly draining for someone that hadn’t slept much in the last three days, and it only served to make his eyes feel all the more tired as Virgil’s blinks turned longer and harder to complete.

The warmth pressed to his side slipped away as Patton convinced Roman to hold onto his hand instead, to which the prince responded by clinging to his entire arm, and they walked out of the room without much further prompting, their voices echoing inside of Virgil’s mind as he rushed to close the door behind them with a click of his fingers.

The covers draped over his body didn’t serve to replace the cooling presence of another person, but he wouldn’t need to think about that if he fell asleep fast enough.

[anxiouslyfred]

Froward

Summary: Thomas has a difficult day dealing with Remus interrupting constantly with disturbing ideas.

Authors Note: According to 'An Emotional Dictionary' Froward means 'Perverse and hard to please'. This was the definitiion in my head while writing. The definition at the end literally is what came up when I searched 'define froward' but thankfully still fits

/\/\

Thomas was getting more tired by the minute and it was entirely because of Remus and his need to contradict everything today.

First he'd had plans to meet his friends in the morning and had Remus and Virgil talking about all the ways he could die the entire time he was out. Remus had gone so far as to give him a nightmarish daydream over getting into a car crash with a bus and all the injuries, blood and damage that would be caused by it.

He'd honestly felt like kissing the ground after parking his car and only part of that was from Virgil cheering that they'd left the mobile death trap as Remus had convinced him the car was.

It hadn't gotten better from there. 

One of his friends had mentioned something they were struggling with which of course left Thomas and Patton beyond ready to help, but gave Remus the chance to imagine how said friend could die either doing it alone or by Thomas murdering them under the pretense of helping. Patton's lecture on how that's wrong still hadn't really ended having changed to fit the rest of the things Remus had been putting into Thomas's mind since getting home.

Eventually something in Thomas just snapped, "Fine, Remus! Let's entertain you for a while. What is going on that you're so desperate for attention?" 

"I'm just froward, Thomas. Nothings going on, yet at least. But how about we set a challenge hunger games style for your fans; survivor gets to decide the next video to be posted on the channel and it has to be up within a month of posting. Losers are dead so we can attend their funerals acting like the spurned loved ones who'd vowed revenge when rejected." Remus grinned offering the suggestion instead. 

Logan popped up then, at the same time as Thomas threw his hands up in exasperation so he wasn't certain if he'd accidentally summoned him or his logical side had just decided it was time to intervene. "I believe you mean you are forward, Remus, which we've all known for a while and doesn't explain your behaviour."

"I said what I said and if you don't know what my words mean I don't need to tell you." Remus countered, laughing at the confusion of sticking to his words caused. "Actually let's go matilda style. Thomas you've gotta eat your dictionary right now! Logan is missing knowledge of words."

Thomas blinked between his sides now, glancing over to where Patton was currently still muttering over how the competition Remus had suggested was wrong in so many ways, not including giving inviable timescales. He could see Logan preparing to say something more, perhaps elaborate on how being forward doesn't mean someone shares all their ideas to upset others and Remus already smug at having a counter to whatever could be said and that made Thomas's decision.

He went and pulled down the dictionary, setting his phone beside it. "I'm not going to eat any books but I will look up whatever you think Logan has misunderstood. You said froward, right?" 

"Yup freaks roaming over willys after radiation disaster." Remus cheerfully nodded, blinking each eye individually when he got a side glance aimed at him.

Thomas turned through the f section of the dictionary for a few thankfully quiet moments. "It isn't in this dictionary so I'll Google it, but after this, you can sit down and get all your ideas out while I write some fanfiction. Okay?"

"Look the word up first, Thomathy." Remus goaded, agreeing to nothing.

Thomas read the first definition and decided now was the time to follow Logan's advice from the first time he met Remus and convince Patton, Virgil and Roman to stop reacting to him

froward

ˈfrəʊəd

adjective archaic (of a person) difficult to deal with; contrary.

[harrypotterbrainworms]

Painful Living

Summary: Remus hurts you accidentally as a werewolf as you’re trying your best to hide it. 

Pairing: Remus Lupin x Male Reader

Key: (Y/N)- your name

Word Count: 2718

Your face burned a little as you managed to get out before anyone else got hurt, and now you were limping back to your dorm. Now in the light you could see that it was worse than you initially thought. A fair scratch across your face with some added bruises and scrapes on your legs, better and worse than you had thought.

Things happened so fast, faster than you would’ve liked. This was a rare occurrence which the marauders barely prepared for. The evening outside still raged on as you cleaned yourself off. Nothing felt off or wrong at this moment, so you thought it’d be better to see Madam Pomfrey when it was actually daytime. You winced as you dabbed the alcohol on the wound. This was gonna leave a nasty scar. You collapsed into bed, your dreams felt hot and out of order. Your eyes burned as you opened them to find that as it usually does… time passed and now you were being awoken by an awful talking sound.

“Wah-What?” You managed to say before passing out again, the smell and taste of metallic blood filling your senses as you fell face deep into the pillow. Dreaming of nothing and kind of everything. Hearing the sounds around you and the frantic people making weird sounds you assumed were probably words, but everything was so muffled.

“(Y/N)? Are you okay?” You could hear the fuzzy idea of words coming from a cocky looking mouth. Sirius.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just fine” You slurred out as you waved him away, you just felt a little sick, he should stop worrying. You shivered and pulled the duvet around you. It was cold last night and you think you had bled all over your pillow which was true as you looked back to see the red stain.

“Dammit.” You cursed as you got up, your head spinning before it settled and you could focus your eyes on Sirius.

“What happened last night?!” He scolded you, taking your face aggressively as he inspected the wound. It didn’t sting that much anymore, so you assumed it must’ve properly closed up now. He whispered a few curses to himself and let go of your face. “You just left?!” He pointed vaguely to the air, turning back to you with a hand on his hip.

“Did I?” You mumbled, rubbing your temples trying to remember the exact events of the night. Sirius clicked his fingers in front of you. “Earth to (Y/N), we need to get you to the hospital wing. Remus just got out” Sirius held his hand out towards you.

“Did you say anything?” You said as Sirius helped you out of bed. Your memory became less fuzzy as you walked towards the wing. “Remus. Oh god… Remus” He winced slightly.

“Remus what? Oh.” He looked at the door of the hospital wing, pausing to see if you wanted to go in alone. You nodded and he let you go, waving him off as he headed to breakfast.

Getting patched up, Madam Pomfrey didn’t chat or even scold you. Just working silently with pursed lips as you winced away from her every now and then. She checked you for any sign of infection before dabbing a potion of some kind that made it feel like your body closed in on itself, making you feel dizzy.

Just as quickly as you got in, you left, Lily waiting outside of the doors to escot you back and make sure you were okay.

“I’m fine.” You rolled your eyes, your feet dangling off the edge of the bathroom counter as she applied makeup to the newly formed scar across your face. “See? I’m dandy. Pomfrey patched me up and now no one needs to worry” You tried to give a reassuring smile, but Lily just shook her head.

“You need to tell him (Y/N).” Lily frowned, a hand on her hip as you watched her work her muggle magic on your face. You frowned back. No one needs to worry about you, you were fine. Why couldn’t anyone believe you? “Here. Bring it back after school… Tell him… for your’s and his sake.” She put a hand on your shoulder and you shrugged it off, getting up. “Fine.”

It was hard not to bump into someone as goddamn tall as Remus, but somehow you managed just long enough to make sure he didn’t see you as you slipped out to reapply. James gave you sad side glances from his desk until he managed to corner you. He got up, walking over to your desk, a furrow in his brow.

“Sirius told me.” Similar to Lily, he had placed a strategic hand on his hip, pouting slightly. “Of course he did.” You frowned, giving Sirius a side eye from your vantage point. “No, no. No ‘of course he did.’ It’s not fair to him” He pointed at Remus who was sitting away from the other Marauders similar to he was, looking very deep in thought. Your heart dropping a little bit.                

“Tell him.” His nostrils flared as he looked at you, you looked away, guilty.  “I can’t.” You whispered away from him, so he could barely hear you. He shook his head disappointedly.

“Fine. I warned you.” As he walked away, you subconsciously touched your face looking over at Remus as you sighed. It’s harder than James thinks, you thought to yourself. An audible sigh leaving you, you didn’t want to lie to your boyfriend, you really didn’t.

Sitting in the darkest corner of the library you can avoid the other, you hear footsteps approaching you. You froze before looking up to see Sirius. “I don’t want to hear it from you too, Pads.” You sighed, sinking further into your seat.

“You can’t tell him, (Y/N).” He sat down next to you, grabbing a book to hide his face as you both talked. “What?” You whispered.

“We both know he’s stubborn. He’ll dig himself into hole.” He whisper shouted back at you, his eyes peering from the top of the book. His eyebrows falling and rising as he talked, ending in a furrow and side glance towards James and Remus on the other side of the library.

“I don’t know.” You replied, sighing heavily as your brain tried to decipher your feelings. Tell Remus, Don’t tell Remus. it was a 2 for 2 vote, you sighed again. This was stupid. You touched your face again, thinking about what Remus would want. Probably to tell him. “Just keep it in mind.” Sirius ended on another frown, today sure was the day for frowning, you thought. He put the book down, giving you a nod as he disappeared behind a bookshelf.

It had been a full two days avoiding Remus like the plague, until he finally cornered you in a hallway on your way to class. Two arms trapping you to the wall, you could feel his breath against you.

“I’m not an idiot.” He asked in a calm anger, a scary trait he had. His eyes burning with determination as you wondered if you could just fall through the wall to avoid him. “I don’t know what you mean.” You lied.

“If you’re scared of me… Just say it.” His eyes pleaded for an answer from you as you struggled to further the lie. With his statement, he back away from you, seeing the metaphorical sweat on your brow.

“That’s- that’s not it” You fumbled, wringing your hands together as your heart pounded into your ears. “Then what?” He barked.

“I don’t- I can’t… I don’t know how to tell you-“ You smudge off makeup to reveal the scar. His face fell as you looked down. He wanted to reach out and trace your scar, but his eyes were filled with betrayal and sadness. You stayed quiet.

“I hurt you, didn’t I?” He demanded softy as you prayed to be sucked into the wall again. His eyes were filled with a kind of hurt you hadn’t seen before. A wave of guilt keeps you somehow quieter than silence itself.

“Just tell me!” He pushed further, stepping back as if your silence struck him a blow.

“I didn’t mean to lie, okay?-“ You tried to start, but he wasn’t having any of it.“What.” He deadpanned, his worst fears coming true as he watched you fumble your wording.

“It got out of hand and then no time was the right time and now-“ You tried even harder to explain yourself, but you had already dug yourself into a hole as you watched Remus’s eyes look for any reassurance that he was wrong.

“All of you lied to me?!” You gulped as his voice was raised, his voice straining as he tried to hold back tears. “To protect you!” You defended yourself as best you could.

“No.” He just said, his hands wanting to reach out even more, but he held them in front of his chest.

`I thought you’d be mad and then we’d break up and never speak again and-“ You wrung your hands together more frantically as he stepped away more.

“You thought right. I am mad.” He sighed sadly, not giving you the satisfaction of a last look as he walked away. A few tears finally escaped your eyes as you watched him.

You paced up and down the common room as Sirius, James and Peter did their own thing, your relentless thinking seemingly escaped your own head as James spoke up.

“I told you.” He hummed sadly as he waxed his broom. “I know.” You sighed. “So many times.” He looked up at you, a motherly shake and sigh as he rubbed circles around the helt. “I know.” You groaned, frustrated with your own decisions.

“For the record I said he’d be hurt.” Sirius wedged in his own opinion, you and James shooting him an angry look. He held up in arms in surrender, shutting his mouth before someone could tell him.

You groaned loudly, throwing your arms up in the air. “I’m going to sleep.’ You announced and your audience shrugged as you stormed off.

Tired and sad, you crawled into the sad excuse you called a bed, a light brown blood stain still on your pillow as you climbed in. You needed to tell Remus something, anything, that reflected your guilt, but you thought it best be a job for tomorrow if you could ever fall asleep.

You caught Remus in the courtyard, the sunset sky looking over it. He was alone, thank merlin, as he read to himself. You took a deep breath and tapped his shoulder. “What.” He stated, still mad. The statement not really in question and more ‘Please leave me alone.’ You sighed and tried to make the words come out, but as he stood up towering over you, you had to clear the lump in your throat before you spoke.

“Let me explain myself and you can hate me in peace, I promise.” You looked up at him with pleading eyes, he chuckled bitterly. “Please, Moony…” You pleaded further trying to catch his gaze.

“I don’t hate you, (Y/N)… How could I? It’s just that I don’t want to hurt you again. Look at you” He pushed your face up with his hand, tracing the scar across your face. “I couldn’t handle that. We made a promise and then you just lied to me.” You looked down, ashamed of his soft eyes piercing your soul. “Your word means nothing if I can’t trust you or myself.” You sat down on the stone ledge in the courtyard.

Remus frowned down at you, his lips pursed slightly as you tried to speak. He bent down to sit next to you.You were trying so hard to get the words out in a way that made sense. He sighed and looked away from you and up into the lilac sky. “Everyone promised no one would get hurt.” He looked back at you, laying a hand on yours. “I can’t handle hurting you again.” You keep your eyes locked away from him. You could hear him sigh again, taking the hand away. “I can’t handle you hurting me again…” He struggled to get the last words out, his throat catching the last syllable.

“This is why I couldn’t tell you. I can rest and be fine. You do it every month, I think I can handle getting a scratch.” You felt yourself growing more frustrated with him. Treating you like you couldn't handle a bit of roughhousing. Though every time he looked at your scar your heart hurt. You put a hand on his shoulder softly, trying to keep the same energy as him.

“It’s not fine. It’s different for me. I deserve this.” He shrugged it off, staying as stubborn as ever.

“You, Remus Lupin, don’t deserve this.” Your frustration was very clear through your tone now, pausing before every word.

“You can’t possibly understand what I go through.” He turned away from you now, eyes truly locked on the sky, refusing to look at you.

“I know that, but I’m trying to, okay?” You huffed out, crossing your arms as you watched his eyes dart from cloud to cloud. Choosing to focus on everything, but you. Your chest growing heavier with guilt and anger.

“Maybe you should stop then. You don’t need to.” He said as he stole a side glance as your frown, looking a little proud at his affect on you. “But I want to, Remus.” You sighed, crawling into yourself as you laid your arms and head on your legs.

“Then maybe we should break up.” The words landed into your brain with a crash, the feeling of the moon being pulled from the sky. Leaving you to feel the darkness that was washing over the sky as the sunset. “W-What?” You managed to choke out.

“Maybe we just shouldn’t be together, We can’t keep hurting each other.” He stared off into space, failing to notice the stream of the tears that started to fall down your face as the words felt like they were slowly choking you. “How can we date if you can’t be honest with me?” The sounds from your sobs were getting more difficult to keep to yourself. Your shoulders shuddered with the exhausted sobs leaving your body, Remus’s ‘peace’ being disturbed by this, he looked back at you.

“I’m s-sorry, I really… I really didn’t want to lie. Please don’t hate me, Remus. Please. I thought it would be okay, that you could be okay. I didn’t want to hurt you” The violent sobs took a course through your throat, the words harder than you thought they’d be. He frowned, this isn’t how he hoped it would go. Against all his better judgement he grabbed you, holding you close as you sobbed.

“It’s okay.” He hummed softly as he held your shaking frame, you sobbed harder into his chest. “It’s not. I lied t-to you. You deserved to know” You spoke muffled by his sweater. “I don’t want to lose you.” “You won’t lose me, love.” He squeezed your body a little tighter, your arms weakly snaking around him too.

“I shouldn’t have lied, it wasn’t fair to you.” You hiccuped as you pulled away from his grasp, looking up at him with the softest look you could. The guilt eating away at you as you watched him look back just as lovingly.

“It wasn’t” He sighed, taking your hands into his while you desperately tried to control your crying.

“I just… You can’t protect me all the time, even from yourself” His heart broke looking at the tears streaming down your face, his eyes softened as he held your hands pulling them to his lips to kiss softly. “I shouldn’t have said that to you.” He whispered into them which felt like it made you sob harder. He was so kind to you.

“I really am sorry, Remus.” You said as you held onto his soft hands, feeling his lips plant another kiss softly onto them.

“I know.” He said softly as you brought you into another hug, wrapping his arms warmly around you. It made you feel safe. It made him feel better.

[theweasleysredhair]

Going muggle clothes shopping with the Golden Trio Era boys would include...

so me and my babe @obsessedwithrandomthings noticed that our hp boys aren’t exactly the most fashion forward (sweater vests, paisley shirts, etc) and started talking about how it would be fun to go shopping with them for new clothes. and then these headcanons came about so we thought we’d share 😂

these mini headcanon scenarios could become a weekly thing if you guys like them! 💗

Fred, and you can fight me on this, immediately goes towards the underwear shops and either picks out things for you instead of him, or tries to put a bra on himself and prances around the store with it on

“What do you reckon? Am I a DD or what?” “Please put that back.”

Definitely buys things for you without you looking, more specifically the skimpiest lingerie he can find

When you try and get him to actually shop for clothes for himself, he chooses the ugliest things on purpose, just so you feel inclined to tell him to sit down and wait for you, instead of him having to walk around after you

Would 110% go straight into Ann Summers and definitely ask you try on one of those slutty bunny costumes

“You’ll look all pretty in it for me, though.”

Lots of pda, grabbing your arse, overall just trying to keep himself entertained whilst you shop for him

George, for some reason, actually has really good female fashion sense so is amazing at helping you choose what to buy for yourself

Also very much enjoys it when you try clothes on in the changing room and model them for him

“Can I watch you take them off for me too?”

Needs help when it comes to male fashion sense, is skeptical about some things you choose for him but trusts your judgment

“I don't know why we're putting so much effort into this when you're going to go home and want me to undress anyway?"

Picks up the worst shirt imaginable, laughs at the look of horror on your face

“Please put that back.” “I can’t, I lost a bet with Fred.”

Most likely ends up accidentally taking one of your bags instead of his and wears a shirt you bought for yourself out in public instead of one of his new ones without realising

He still makes it work somehow

Draco is the best dressed male at Hogwarts, I mean did you see his suits in GOF onwards? He don’t need no help because he’s stylish af, but will always bring you along to help him pick out new shirts and trousers

Will shower you with gifts even though you beg him not to

“Only the best for my girl.”

Probably rented out the entire shopping centre so you’ve got the place to yourselves

Takes advantage of the empty space, particularly in the dressing rooms

Especially in front of the mirrors

Gets you to try on loads of pairs of heels and walk up and down the aisles for him

Really just wants to look at your arse whilst you’re walking. you know, but do it anyway

He ends up buying every single pair you try on

Harry “but I am the chosen one” Potter is fed up of having Dudley’s castoffs and buys everything he sees, much like he did with the treats on the trolley on the hogwarts express, even the ugly items

Buys a leather jacket because he wants to be like his godfather Sirius

Also buys a sweater vest to be like Remus

Is oblivious to fashion as a whole and ends up just wearing hoodies and sweaters every day

Sees a shirt that is almost identical to the one he wears all the time and tries to buy three more of it

Buys more glasses because his are extremely old

You actually decide to secretly keep the old ones, for sentimental reasons

Gets extremely distracted by non-clothes shops, meaning you spend most of the day browsing music and films instead of buying what you intended, but still have a good time regardless

Overall Harry is just a lot of fun to go shopping with and has you smiling the entire time

Ron is extremely insecure whilst shopping as he’s never had to choose his own clothes before (never had the chance) and also is afraid he’ll choose something you’ll hate

Is kindly reassured that you’re there for fashion guidance

Asks a lot of questions about muggle fashion, is confused about why fashion trends come and go

Ends up with a few different items

Also insists on buying a lil something for each of his family members, as a token of his day out

Arthur in particular is extremely chuffed with his new muggle tape player

Is shocked at the prices for some of the more high end sweaters

"Mum could be making a fortune selling the sweaters she knits, don't you think?"

Ultimately gets bored after an hour and just wants to sit down for food or go home

Would ask you shyly if he can watch you try on your new clothes once you get home

You obviously say yes

Neville would literally wear whatever you tell him because he wants to make you happy

Asks for your opinion on everything he picks up to make sure you approve

Holds your hand all the way through

Half because he adores you and half because the crowds make him uneasy and he likes being close to you

Carries all the bags and insists you buy something/s for yourself too and then pays for it even though you tell him not to

Literally would buy an entire new wardrobe if you asked

Definitely buys a shirt with “go green!” written on it, lil plant boi he is

As a joke you say to buy a leather jacket. He buys it anyway

Buys something for his grandmother, possibly a new handbag

Suggests buying matching sweaters, which you agree to and both look cute af

Cedric you can’t convince me doesn’t already have great style

But it’s more outdoorsy which can be borderline middle aged dad so may need help straying from that

Tbf would look good in anything, even a bin bag

Gets sidetracked looking at fishing/golf gear

Is overly invested in hair and skin care products, loves looking at all the muggle items available

Would spend as long as you liked shopping though, and would carry all your bags

Models his new clothes for you when you gets home, poses dramatically

“We should go muggle shopping more often!”

Oliver spends most of the day in one of the sports shops, marvelling at all the muggle things

Wonders where all the quidditch things are

Asks the poor shop employees so many questions about sports, teams, rules - anything and everything

Just wants to buy all the sporting t-shirts but you convince him to try other shops

Actually has a good fashion style when he’s not talking about quidditch strategies

Ends up talking a lot about sports whilst you’re busy choosing clothes for yourself

“You still look the best in my quidditch jersey, babe.”

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

Mute

Prompt: I absolutely adore your writing! Could I ask for a request too, please? I was thinking of a back-and-forth between Janus and Logan, just lies after truths after lies, until one snaps and accidentally causes the other to lose the ability to speak? Since they can both technically change the reality around them. Either the recipient becomes forcibly mute or the very angsty "sowed up mouth" method. Whoever caused the other to lose their speech freaks out and tries their best to fix their mess while apologising. Either a platonic or romantic ending -whichever you decide- but with at least a happy ending please? - willowaudreykeyes

Thanks for the prompts, babe!

Read on Ao3

Warnings: sympathetic janus, logan gets his mouth sewn shut but it's okay we fix it

Pairings: can be platonic or romantic I don't care, but we hit logince, rociet, lociet

Word Count: 2922

He doesn’t even remember how it started.

Or, an argument between Logan and Janus spirals dangerously out of hand, and powers in the Mindscape are sometimes more curses than blessings.

It hadn’t been something Thomas knew about, it hadn’t been a group discussion—he doesn’t think the others know where they are. Virgil is probably in his room, Roman is working in the Imagination, Patton is baking with Remus.

He doesn’t remember how it started.

He does know how they got here.

“I fail to see what use this is,” Logan had grumbled, standing up from the library table, “I will be better off figuring this out myself.”

“Oh, yes, of course, because that’s always gone so well for you in the past.”

Logan’s eyes had flashed with anger he still denies he has. “I fail to see what gives you the opinion that you have any right to complain.”

“Because I’m certainly the one saying that I’ve done all my best work alone.”

Janus had smirked cruelly as Logan shoved his glasses back up his nose and pointed a finger at him. “Your track record, may I remind you, has certainly shown that.”

Janus had thrown his head back and cackled, filled with mirth that sat like rot in the pit of his stomach. “And yet I managed to do so much more in the few times I appeared than you.”

“Oh, like that’s the same thing.”

He had held his hand to his mouth in a mock gasp. “Why, Logan, surely you can’t be insinuating that you think the others are incompetent. How hurtful, what on earth would they say?”

“I did not say that.”

“But you meant it, didn’t you?” Janus had morphed his expression into a mock pout. “They’re all so slow, so irrational, all they do is get in the way, they’re so irritating.”

“You’re attempting to convince me that I said something I did not,” Logan had said firmly, “it will not work. The meaning of my remark, as you are aware, was that you, as your role in the videos, have an easier time disrupting the flow of conversation that I do as a member of the main cast.”

Logan had ignored—or perhaps not noticed—the subtle tightening of Janus’s fist. He had simply sniffed and looked down his nose.

“And even then, it’s a surprise you haven’t been more capable.”

Janus had bared his teeth. “Yes, because obviously, you could’ve done better.”

“Oh, please.” Logan had tucked his notebook into the crook of his arm. “Can you name one of your haphazard schemes that actually worked?”

Janus had gritted his teeth as Logan opened the notebook and began to read down the list.

“Your attempt to get Thomas to lie to Joan failed when Roman started to believe that lying was wrong as well, leading to Thomas discovering your true identity.”

“By all means,” Janus had growled, “keep going.”

“Most notably, your attempt to get Thomas to go to the callback backfired quite spectacularly—something that wouldn’t have happened in quite the same fashion had you actually let me participate—“

“Keep talking, Logan,” he’d said again, inching closer to the nerd, “that’s a wonderful idea.”

“—and of course, led to what is the most disruptive event in recent memory,” Logan had continued, undaunted, “the wedding.”

Janus hadn’t even bothered with words this time, reaching for the notebook with a growl. Logan had tucked it away before he could reach it.

“Tell me,” he had said, “was it worth it? Knowing how much it cost us?”

“Surely,” Janus had growled back, “then you know it’s not because you didn’t do your job well enough.”

Logan had stiffened. “What are you talking about?”

“Well surely you haven’t realized that the reason I was able to make it into that video in the first place,” Janus had said smoothly, sliding back into the ‘villain’ persona Logan has so graciously cast him in, “was that you were so painfully easy to replace.”

“Falsehood,” Logan had said lowly.

Janus had raised his hand again. “Oh, so you did notice. Splendid. Then you know that when it comes to pushing blame around the Mindscape—“

He had leaned closer.

“—you’re where we should be looking too.”

“I am—“

“Easy to overlook,” Janus had sung, prowling around Logan in a circle, “easy to silence. And surely there’s no correlation between when you attempt to override the others and when Thomas gets hurt. You want to talk about my failures? Then let’s not forget getting the others trapped in Patton’s room, shall we?”

Logan’s fists had tightened. “That’s not—“

“After all,” Janus had continued, speaking over him to illustrate his point, “if I’m to blame for knocking all the dominos down, you certainly didn’t give me a hand setting them up.”

“As if that in any way equivocates to what you did,” Logan had spat, the emotionless facade finally giving way as he whirled of Janus, “I did not use, manipulate, and lie to get the others to do what I want.”

“Oh, of course you didn’t.”

“And if I did, my lies would be nowhere near as comically obvious.”

“Ah, yes, of course you’re never comical.” Janus had tapped Logan’s flushed cheek. “The possibilities of you being a joke have always been…infinitesimal.”

Logan had bared his teeth as Janus chuckled. “At least my concept of a joke never hurt anyone.”

Logan’s mouth had tugged up cruelly too.

“Setting Remus loose on Thomas when you knew he was already upset, pushing the others to follow on whatever path you decided was best. And let’s not even start on what you did to Roman.”

Janus had flinched.

“Have you ever apologized?” Logan had shaken his head. “For everything that you’ve done to hurt him?”

“Have you?”

The room had dropped several degrees.

Janus had dropped the villain persona, staring directly at Logan.

“You want to talk about hurting the others, hurting Roman,” he had said lowly, “what do you think it is that you do?”

Logan had opened his mouth to speak but Janus had raised a finger.

“No. Do you know how much you’ve hurt him? Over how many years you’ve made him ashamed of who he is?” He had shaken his head. “I know I’ve hurt him. But you don’t seem to recognize it.”

He had looked Logan up and down, mouth curled in disgust.

“Maybe I’m not good enough at my job for your liking, but I sure was good at yours.” He had raised an eyebrow. “Maybe they wanted you silenced permanently. They did press the ‘skip’ button, after all.”

He had looked for the shadow of the bruise on Logan’s neck.

“And it was so easy to replace you. To silence you properly.”

He had turned away, not bothering to look at Logan’s face.

“Maybe I should do them a favor and keep you quiet.”

There had been a strangled gasp behind him.

“Oh, what,” Janus had drawled, turning around, “did you finally realize you don’t have a smart comeback for…”

The room had frozen.

…so that’s how they got here.

Janus, standing a few paces from Logan, turning back to face him, the sharp quip dying on the edge of his lips as his mouth drops open in horror, staring back.

Logan, his eyes wide, shining with unshed tears, glasses blurred and obscured by the bright light shining from the golden stitches that sew his mouth shut.

Logan raises trembling hands to his mouth, feeling the stitches, tears rolling down his face. His fingers disappear into the bright golden light as he fumbles with his mouth, until he realizes that he can’t.

The strangled scream lingers in Janus’s head long after Logan shrinks into a crouch on the floor.

No.

No.

No, no, no, no—no, not Logan. Not Logan.

“Oh, god—“ Logan’s hands keep pressing fruitlessly against his mouth— “no, oh, god, Logan—“

He runs back, ready to crouch and pry Logan’s hands away before he hurts himself, chest splitting open from the ache of hurting the poor thing like this.

He doesn’t think it could hurt more.

Like so many other times today, he’s wrong.

The instant Logan catches a glimpse of him moving toward him, he shoves himself away, scrambling backward until his back hits the wall. Eyes wide, breathing as heavily as he can through the stitches, utterly terrified.

As he has every right to be.

“No, no, Logan,” he murmurs frantically, “no, it’s okay, I’m not trying to hurt you—“

Does it matter that you’re not trying? You certainly were earlier.

“—I promise, Logan, please, I’m—I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to—“

Through the pants, the sobs, the shakiness of his chest, Logan huffs, disbelieving.

“I didn’t, Logan, I promise.” Janus drops to his knees in front of the crying man. “I—we went too far. I’m sorry, I didn’t know this would happen, I didn’t mean to, please—“

The poor thing presses himself further against the wall. Janus swallows, feeling guilt press hot and heavy against the underside of his tongue. He reaches out, trying desperately to show him that he’s sorry, he didn’t mean to, he doesn’t actually believe anything he just said, he’s nothing but a liar, a horrible liar, please—

“I didn’t mean it, Logan, I promise, you’re—you’re not replaceable, I don’t want you silenced, the others don’t hate you, they don’t want you gone, I’m sorry—“

Slowly, too slowly, and not slowly enough, Logan’s breathing begins to settle. His eyes lose that awful whiteness and he slumps a little against the wall. His cheeks are damp, his glasses knocked askew, but he stares at Janus and slowly, slowly, nods.

“L-Logan?”

Another nod, a little less hesitant.

Janus’s shoulders slump. “Oh, Logan, why does it always end up with you being the better person?”

A tiny quirk of the eyebrow, nowhere near Logan’s typical sass levels, but it’s enough. It’s enough. Enough to make a weak smile come to Janus’s face.

“Can I come over, please? Can I come help?”

Logan nods, still wary as Janus shuffles across the floor. Before he makes it all the way there, he tugs off his gloves and stuffs them in his pocket.

“There,” he says quietly, wiggling his fingers to get used to it, “don’t want the fibers getting caught on anything.”

Logan’s wide-eyed stare tells him he knows why Janus really took the gloves off. Something Janus confirms a moment later.

“And I want you to know that I mean it.” He reaches forward. “Can I touch?”

Logan still flinches when Janus runs his thumb carefully over the cruel stitches sewing Logan’s mouth shut. He winces as he takes in how taut the thread is, how many stitches there are.

“Oh, Logan, I’m so sorry,” he mumbles, “does it hurt very badly?”

Another miserable nod.

Then it clicks.

Logan.

The one who submits least to the Imagination. The one who tethers himself tightly to the fact that they are metaphysical, they are subjective, they need not subject themselves to real-world consequences of whatever nonsense the other Sides pull.

Logan still has the stitches.

It threatens to break Janus’s heart all over again.

“Oh, sweetie,” he murmurs, cupping Logan’s face and slipping his glasses to the top of his head, “I’ve hurt you more than this, haven’t I?”

For indeed, if Logan is too upset to remember how to pull himself out of turns of phrase, then the poor thing is distraught.

“Shh, shh, it’s okay,” he murmurs, gently wiping away Logan’s tears, “it’s okay, sweetie, I’m not going to hurt you, it’s over, I’m not angry, I’m going to take care of you.”

And oh, the way Logan pushes shyly into his hands feels warm.

“Does this help, sweetie, is this alright?” At Logan’s nod, he moves, tucking Logan’s legs across his lap with his other hands. “Come here, yes—that’s it, shh, I’ve got you, you just focus on me.”

Logan’s eyes fall closed and a muffled whimper comes from his throat.

“I’ve got you, sweetie, I’m right here,” Janus murmurs, still cupping the poor thing’s head as it leans into him, “shh, shh, let’s get you a little calmer before we have a look, okay?”

Logan gives a huff of ‘what do you think I’m trying to do?’

“I know you know that, sweetie,” he chuckles, lifting Logan’s head to gently knock their foreheads together, “you’re clever. Our resident brain cell.”

He wraps one hand around the back of his neck.

“It’s just like what you taught us, remember? Object impermanence. This won’t last forever. I’m right here. You were so brave, you are so brave, so wonderful, so sweet…just give yourself time, sweetie, it’s okay.”

Logan relaxes a little in his hold as he keeps talking quietly. The poor thing gets over his hesitation and buries his face shamelessly in the crook of Janus’s neck.

“Shh, shh, that’s it, sweetie, easy now—“ Janus cradles him as he sets his glasses out of the way— “I’ve got you. I’m right here, sweetie, I’ve got you. It’s almost over, now, you can do it, shh.”

Another muffled noise from Logan.

“You’re not easily replaceable,” Janus says firmly, “you’re not unwanted. You’re not a joke, the others know how much you care about them, how much you help them, how important they are to you, how important you are to them.”

He tilts his head to press a kiss to Logan’s temple.

“How important you are to me.”

The golden light dims, sputters, and vanishes.

“…sweetie?”

Logan pulls back, carefully rubbing his fingers over his stitch-free mouth. He opens and closes a few times.

“Ouch.”

“Are you alright, sweet? I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to—“

“I know,” Logan says quietly, “I’m sorry too. That…escalated very quickly. I did not mean the things I said either.”

He squints.

“Oh, here—“ Janus passes him his glasses.

“Thank you. But that’s not why I—what were we arguing about, to begin with?”

Janus huffs a laugh. “I had been meaning to ask you that question.”

“Well, whatever it is, it must not have been very important.”

There’s a moment of silence.

“I’m sorry too,” Logan repeats after that pause, “you are not just a villain, you are not incompetent, and you…you are not to blame for everything that has gone wrong.”

Janus chucks him lightly under the chin. “Neither are you.”

“I know that, intellectually, and yet…somehow, it remains difficult for me to grasp.”

“Because even though you’re Logic, sweetie,” Janus says, “you’re Thomas’s Logic.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Because Thomas is, frankly, something of a dumbass.”

It startles a laugh out of him at any rate.

“I mean, that also makes you a dumbass.”

“Oh, I’m perfectly aware.”

Logan’s smile is wonderful. “What is it that Roman is quite fond of saying?”

“That he’s pure of heart, dumb of ass?”

“That’s is.”

“Well, it’s true.”

“It is.” Logan frowns. “Even if he’s far more intelligent than he gets credit for.”

Janus nudges him. “I hope you know that you can be big of brain and dumb of ass at the same time.”

“Ah. I see.”

There’s another moment of silence as they reflect on what’s been said. Then Logan nervously adjusts his tie.

“Speaking of Roman…”

“I was about to say.” Janus gives his knee a pat. “Shall we see if we can find him?”

“I believe his business in the Imagination should be done.” They help each other to stand, Logan keeping a grip on Janus’s sleeve. “Should we check his room first?”

“I think so.”

Roman, of course, swings open the door with a cheerful greeting, the role of the pompous prince firmly in place until he takes in their tear-stained faces and he melts, dropping the act almost immediately.

“Oh, my darlings,” he coos, cupping each of their faces in a hand, “what’s the matter? Why do you look so upset?”

“May we come in, please?” Indeed, poor Logan looks as if he’s about to melt into Roman’s arms. Janus can’t talk, though, he’s about to do the same.

“Of course, come on, let’s get you sat down—“

Roman bustles about the room, fetching them a glass of water, sitting on his bed with them, almost bursting into tears himself when he hears what’s happened and promptly telling them they’re going to spend the rest of the day right here, in comfy clothes, watching ridiculously obscure documentaries until Patton and Remus call them down for dinner. They keep a hand on each other at all times, laughing at Janus’s snarky responses to awful narrators, Logan’s quick corrections when the information is out of date, and Roman’s impersonations of the strange wildlife. Roman’s room is pleasantly noisy and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

He doesn’t remember how it started, but he will always remember how it ended.

Curled around each other, in the warmth and safety of the people who care about him.

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[sidespart]

Mundane Mysticism

Fake fic meme

platonic or pre relationship LAMP + platonic (or romantic tbh) Demus, Fantasy AU, Circle of Magic (Tamora Pierce) AU

Universe primer for anyone who has not read the books:

Universe where some people are born with magic, with varying degrees of power. Some people get academic magic, where the magic comes from the person, and some get ambient magic, where the person can 'tap into' the magic of something in their surroundings, normally through performing a craft (eg cloth weaving, smithing etc).

Academic magic is much easier to see and children with magic are normally detected early and trained in how to control their powers. They can choose to study to be mages at universities/temples. it is more common and, in general, more powerful than ambient magic. Ambient magic is much harder to spot and can be harder to control, as practitioners are constantly bombarded by magical energy from their surroundings. it can 'get away' from the user and cause problems if they don't learn to control it. Normally taught via apprenticeship by another mage with the same craft.

Actual Story:

Roman (dancing magic), Logan (water magic) and Virgil (weather magic) are all kids with ambient magic who arn't discovered until they're much older (13+). None of them were aware they had magic and had just resigned themselves to being 'weird'.

inevitable tragic backstories:

Roman's family are nuovo-riche and have always been resentful of mages, who they think look down on normal people. They have a 'children should be seen and not heard' attitude and are basically waiting for Roman to be old enough to marry a suitable girl/ take over part of the family business before they will be interested in him. He is absolutely forbidden from singing and dancing/generally making a nuscience of himself, but he can't help but feel he gets good luck for the day whenever he's able to sneak off and dance...

Logan is a street kid with a reputation for always knowing which water pumps are working and safe to drink from. This is enough for one of the local gangs to take him in even though he's not strong and has bad eyesight, although he can see clearly when he looks at reflections in water. His whole gang end up being rounded up and arrested after robbing the wrong rich guys house, but Logan manages to escape through the sewers, ending up alone on the wrong side of the city....

Virgil is a noble and hears voices. His family care about him but are also terrified of anyone finding out that their heir is 'mad' so he is locked up in his room for most of his life. He was tested for magic as a little kid but they didn't find anything, they don't realise he's hearing voices on the wind. When Virgil was little he got incredibly angry with one of the servants, for reasons he now can't even remember, and said he hoped she would die. That evening, she was killed in a freak storm whilst walking home. Even though Virgil didn't know he had weather magic at the time, he still blamed himself and is absolutely terrified of storms as a result...

All three of them get found and rescued by Janus, an academic mage who specialises in 'finding hidden things' amongst other seer related skills, and brought to a temple to be trained. None of them can fit in with the other children (a mix of academic magic users and non magic kids who are training as adepts) so they're moved out of the dormitories and into a cottage on the temple grounds. Janus and Remus (a plant mage who is always covered in dirt) are the adults living there who become their main teachers.

Janus and Remus are trying their best but like....there is a REASON they haven't taken on apprentices before, let alone kids with as many issues as these three. And the kids do not get along. at all. Roman's too loud, Virgil's too quiet, Logan doesn't trust anyone. Things in the cottage are ~tense~

Patton is another kid adept in training who is being raised at the temple. Whilst there, it's discovered that he also has ambient magic - in cooking. This is a much more common, mundane form of magic than the overpowered, rare magics that the other three have. But it does mean he gets extra 'lessons' in the temple kitchens at odd hours, and ends up meeting and bonding with the other three separately.

Roman's terrified of messing up in front of adults and acts loud and obnoxious in his efforts to be 'perfect' (or at least better than the other two) (even though he can't sit still and meditate AT ALL and he knows that drives Janus crazy and he's totally going to kick him out and send him back home to his parents and and and- ) but Patton is just another kid, and Roman can sneak off at lunch break to meet him and just play and dance silly jigs without worrying about it being perfect. And Patton will always clap and whoop and reward him with home made toffees (his parents never allowed sweets) which give him this like. confident feeling he's never had before.

Logan meets Patton whilst trying to steal extra food at night. Logan doesn't trust adults At All and finds all the rules and regs of temple life baffling, but Patton makes sense to him - Logan needs extra food and Patton needs protection from bullies in his dorm. It's a good trade, even if Logan gets in trouble for 'accidentally' soaking some snooty adepts on their way back from the library. Patton gives Logan biscuits which never go stale, even if he hoards them in his room for weeks, and starts teaching him to read in exchange for stories of life outside the temple. He also accidently gets Logan addicted to jam.

Virgil absolutely hates leaving his room but R&J give him one chore which forces him to go outside: collecting breakfast from the kitchens in the morning. Patton notices Virgil looks terrified of entering the busy kitchen, so he starts meeting him outside with a basket of food. Eventually Vigril's starts coming earlier and earlier so he can stand and chat with Patton for longer before he goes back. he doesn't really get WHY Patton likes him but the morning conversations quickly become the highlight of the day. Patton brews him his own bled of tea which gives him this feeling of calm, even during a storm.

ANYWAY. Eventually SOMETHING happens which puts Patton in danger (i'm thinking....Pirates? Fire in the Kitchen? Bears? idk) The other three have to work together to rescue him and end up finally bonding as a result. After that they start hanging out as a four whenever they can. At some point Janus starts inviting Patton along to their group teaching sessions since he's a good influence on the other three and then he starts staying for breakfast/ lunch / dinner until one day Janus looks at Remus and is all "...do we have a fourth child living in this cottage?" And Remus just sighs at him like. Honey. You're meant to be this all powerful seer how did you not notice we essentially adopted this kid three seconds after he tasting that soup he made. And Janus grumbles but like. He loves these kids he wants them to be happy and Patton is TECHNICALY in need of a teacher too, even if he's got way more control of his powers having grown up in a temple, he is still a kid, so its not totally unreasonable he should move into the cottage.

And it was really good soup.

Story about the Power of Friendship And Also Home Cooking

[ghostofbambifanfiction]

Part 1 of ?????

Started writing this fic a while ago and then lost faith in it. Should I continue? Feel bad for not posting much lately so I thought I'd share this. Read on and weigh in.

COME OUT TONIGHT

NO

You don't have to fucking shout?

Said the pot to the kettle?

Oh you grandmother The caps were an accidental by-product of voice-to-text Blame Siri if you're going to blame anyone

You have a Samsung Galaxy S20.

HAD. It got smashed. Worst luck. Listen, come out with me tonight.

Urghhhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm tired!

https://www.boots.com/wellness/vitaminsandsupplements/vitamins-supplements-shop-by-ingredient/echinacea

Hah (indifferent)

Just come out with me! Isaac has to go see some godawful student performance of the Antigone in wherever the fuck Chichester is and it's Sirius's flatmate's birthday party so I have to go and I don't know any of his weird mates

You don't HAVE to go.

Have to/want to Semantics

I'm not in a birthday party mood. I'm having a stressful week. My arse has been tense since Tuesday.

I will wade into the deep and massage your arse if I have to, just come It's a swank pad in Belgravia! I bet they'll have all sorts of expensive nibbles!

I read that as expensive nipples.

Those too!

Partying it up with the children of wealthy Tories. Sounds super fun.

Just come out with me, for fuck I'll pick you up at 7 and we can steal their silverware if it's boring as the grave

URGH I'll go but I'm NOT dressing up!

You don't have to dress up!

FINE!

*

take the drawings down please i'm begging you i'm actually begging you

Nah mate

siriusssssssss pleeeeeease

Nah

PLEASE

Nah

PLEASE ffs it's MY birthday!!!! there are going to be PEOPLE there! standing around! AT EYE LEVEL

I don't see what the problem is.

EVERYONE will see what the problem is! they literally will not be able to IGNORE what the problem is!

Sounds like a recipe for lively discussion to me tbh

that is NOT what i want people talking about at my birthday!

If I take them down, I'll have to take all the nails out and that'll leave nail marks all over the walls. It would be unsightly.

MORE UNSIGHTLY THAN YOUR DICK, SIRIUS?

My dick is bewitching.

DIE

*

She walks in expecting to find herself the infiltrator of a Made in Chelsea/Royal Ascot/Henley Regatta netherworld, filled with a gaggle of giggling, SW-postcode socialites wielding suspiciously powder-edged Harrods Amex cards in the place of horses and boats, but that's not what actually greets her on the other side of the lacquered front door.

What greets her is really quite ordinary.

Aside from the naked drawings of Kingsley's mate, which aren't.

Otherwise, the whole affair is pretty relaxed. People her age are clustered in their small groups, swigging beers. There's a table of oven-heated party foods, salty snacks and rapidly depleting ramekins of guac. She spies more band shirts than there are dress shirts. There's a round of Fortnite in full swing on the TV.

It's all just...startlingly normal. A normal birthday party.

And that's sort of embarrassing, really.

Where are all the visible Tory toffs, she wonders? Where is the braying laughter? The Eton alumni reunion? The glimpse of hunting-happy tweed and shotgun barrels as a coat cupboard door swings shut? Where's the indelible air of sneering superiority, of "we're richer and more privileged and better than you, so fuck the NHS and death to foxes!" that she'd been expecting? There's a fucking Henry Hoover in the corner of the hall, for Christ's sake. Lily came here to smile through her teeth at them all, to listen to the champagne problems privilege that bubbled from their lips and tell herself that she was the one who knew better, who thought better. Her plain white tee and skinny jeans and scuff-toed, high-top trainers were supposed to be a statement, a subtle setting-apart, but she's not even the most underdressed person in the room.

She pre-judged a house full of people. What's that about?

There's a lesson to be found in this. Perhaps.

*

James covered all of the dicks in Paw Patrol stickers that he bought from the newsagent on his way home from his mum's, but Sirius peeled them all off while he was taking a soothing lavender bath, so what's the bloody point in birthdays anyway?

It's early in the evening, and he's wedged—against his will—between the dining room bar and Shane Ruttle, who has just pointed at one of the many lamentable dicks and asked, "Is this one of yours?" which James kind of wants to thump him for. It's bad enough that he looks like a madman who stuffed his house with naked drawings of his brother, now people are actually assuming that he drew the damn things, even though most of the compositions are appallingly far beneath his skill level. He's a professional illustrator, for the love of god, and Shane is really standing before him like the posturing prick he is, asking him if he's the one who drew Sirius with one arm disproportionately longer than the other.

He knows that he should cheer up.

It is his birthday. There is cake.

Good cake, too, not the kind that gets buried in too-thick fondant that he has to pick off before he can eat what's underneath.

The problem is, there's also a party, and his friends are his friends, Peter and Sirius included, and Peter and Sirius can both get drunk much faster than James can. When Peter and Sirius get drunk, serious injuries tend to follow, Remus tends to fuck off in a flash and James tends to be the one who calls for an ambulance or mothers them back to health—physical, mental or otherwise. He has just turned twenty-six, and these repeated, drunkenly dramatic medical emergency scenes are starting to wear a little thin.

Can't a man get comfortably drunk and have a laugh at his own birthday party?

No, he can't, because Peter's already halfway to trashed, wobbling unsteadily towards the French doors that lead to the terrace, wearing that look on his face that says I'm definitely going to vomit or maybe even shit myself like I did on that one night we all spent in Munich with the Belgian handball team and the creepy tour guide who couldn't keep his sleazy hands to himself. For the sake of sparing the lawn such a punishment, James hastily removes himself from Shane, grabs Peter by the collar, shoves him in the direction of the downstairs loo and retreats to the safety of the living room, where there are, at least, no naked drawings of Sirius gracing the walls.

Most of the people in here are transfixed by Saffy Stephens, who is down to the last three in her Fortnite game and cursing like a sailor, but there are a small pile of birthday cards on the end table where James and Sirius normally keep their keys. He perches on the sofa arm, sets his half-drunk beer bottle on the carpet, pushes his dark, disheveled hair away from his forehead and begins leafing through them. It's a necessity when one lives with Sirius, who thinks nothing of swiping gift cards when the mood strikes him and he's had enough to drink.

They're mostly from his female friends, and all pretty standard, until he reaches the middle of the pile and finds a card bearing a picture of a moustached tabby and the caption: Have a Purr-fect Birthday!

The inscription inside is written in a lovely, swirling hand.

To Jasper/Jack/Jason/maybe Ja Rule?/J-something idk

(see above: everything I've learned about you from the friend* I came here with, verbatim)

(*who can't remember your name)

Happy Birthday! Thank you for (not) specifically inviting me, a stranger, to your party to celebrate this momentous event in your life. Please enjoy this festive card/social nicety/convention from me to you. My friend brought rum which you may prefer.

I'll be around. Not that you'll know.

LE

James lowers the card and twists on the sofa arm at once, eyes darting around the room in search of its author, as if they might be laying in wait to watch him read it and see how he reacts. Nobody appears to have ducked behind the couch, however, so the situation merits further scrutiny.

Obviously, he needs to meet this person.

A mystery! At his birthday party!

He perks right up after that.

*

She's coming out of the downstairs loo when a short, blonde man in a garish Hawaiian shirt barrels past her and pukes all over the chequerboard tiled floor, narrowly missing her jeans.

"Oh no," he moans into his wet hands. "Oh no—"

"There there, mate," says Lily consolingly, never one to judge somebody for getting drunk early at a party. She pats him on the back before squeezing past him and rejoining Kingsley, who is standing in one of this meandering Georgian house's many hallways, chatting to a bloke in a houndstooth sweater vest and holding two glasses of something very, very sparkly that she must try at once.

"It's like...it's like everything and nothing at the same time," Houndstooth Bloke is saying when Lily draws close, gesturing to a huge canvas painting of a rain-soaked fairground at night.

"Is it?" Kingsley asks.

"Mmm. Very." Houndstooth shakes his shoulders like he's slipping out of a robe. "Meant to be esoteric, I suppose."

That sounds suspiciously like pretentious bullshit to Lily, who doesn't find the concept of a merry looking fairground all that difficult to absorb. Kingsley knows more about the art world than she does, but he must agree with her assessment because he grunts and shoves her glass into her hand when she stops beside him, and more roughly than she deserves, as if she's the one who landed him in this mess of a conversation to begin with.

Trust him to find himself stuck with the only dick (not etched by a 4B Steadtler graphite pencil) in the building, and trust her to be stuck with the person who got himself stuck with King.

"What are we talking about?" she asks brightly, just to fuck with him.

"Drink your champagne, there's a good little hen," King mutters, his teeth clenched together, hallway lights bouncing off the smoothly waxed dome of his bald head.

"We've been discussing this piece." Houndstooth nods to the painting, but his limpid eyes narrow on Lily's face. "Christ, you're very redheaded, aren't you?"

It's decided. She'll wait 'til Houndstooth is drunk and trip him up with Henry Hoover's hose.

"Ergo soulless, yes," she agrees.

"And you...enjoy that?" he asks, as if being redheaded is her profession.

"Very much, thanks."

"Hmmp. Well. I came here with Saffron," he announces, pronouncing it Sef-ron. As if Lily is supposed to know who that is. "Platonically, of course. Actually, we're some sort of cousins, I think. What do you think the artist is trying to convey?"

He's very pointedly asking her, so Lily blinks at the painting, her eyes on the outstretched arm of a child on the carousel.

"I like the pretty colours," she decides aloud.

"Right," says Houndstooth, "but that's not—"

"And the lights, too. The lights are really pretty."

"But—"

"I love funfairs, actually," she brightly continues, finding a strange satisfaction in playing dumb in front of Houndstooth and his overbleached fade. Although she does really like the colours. "Haven't been to one in years!"

"Yes, good, whatever, but what is the artist trying to convey?"

"What artist?" comes a voice from behind them.

Lily glances over her shoulder and finds herself looking up at the man whose penis she's spent the past thirty minutes avoiding eye contact with, though he is taller, better proportioned and infinitely more beautiful than any of those crudely drawn depictions could possibly convey. He is also beplumed and bejewelled like a pirate, wearing a sumptuous velvet jacket over a loose white shirt, numerous rings on his fingers and an assortment of silver chains around his slender neck, while his grey eyes and elegantly high-set cheekbones are framed by a tumble of black hair that genuinely looks like silk.

The man is so beautiful, in fact, that Lily immediately wonders why he's been taking sketches home from the life drawing class that he and Kingsley pose for—hence their acquaintance and Lily's presence at this party—when nothing she's seen tonight has done him any justice.

Most happily, his penis is tucked safely out of sight.

"Alright, Sirius?" says King.

"Alright, Marvel?" Sirius claps a hand to the taller man's massive shoulder. Kingley's muscles bulge in a way that cannot be hidden by modern habiliments. "What are we talking about?"

"Not much." Houndstooth looks put out by the arrival of yet another person. "We were just mesmerised by this piece."

Lily refrains from gesturing to the painting with both hands and a "ta-dah!" choosing instead to sip her champagne.

It's very good champagne. Mmm. Yes.

"Oh, yeah, it's really something," Sirius agrees. He brushes past Kingsley and runs a finger over the illegible squiggle of a signature on the canvas. His nails are beautifully manicured. "Local guy, young up-and-comer. I assume you've heard of Algernon?" he asks Houndstooth, fixing him with a steely-eyed stare.

"Er, yes." Houndstooth's gaze slides from Sirius to the painting. "I know him."

Sirius's eyebrows lift. "Know him personally?"

"Well—"

"That's so weird, I heard he never speaks to people."

Houndstooth chews on the inside of his cheek, weighing up the challenge. "How…funny."

"Funny?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just, I know I've spoken to him before, and since you've bought his painting I assumed that you'd have—"

"That is funny, actually," Sirius interrupts, "because the artist is my brother, and Algernon is the name of his cat."

Kingsley has been tugging on his earring and almost rips it out of his ear as his body convulses, champagne spraying from his nostrils, while an alarming red flush sweeps across Houndstooth's face and he begins to sputter on his own self-importance. Sirius has clearly decided that he's done with all of that noise, however, because he turns back to Lily instead, looking her up and down with great and sudden interest.

"Who's this then?" he asks Kingsley, cocking his head to one side. "James's present?"

The champagne glass swings down and Lily fixes him with a deadpan stare. "Excuse me?"

Sirius slants a grin at Kingsley, a quick flash of teeth. "This one's queenly, isn't she?"

Kingsley wipes his nose with the back of his hand and laughs again. "Hardly."

"This is Primark, mate," Lily retorts, tugging on her t-shirt.

"Queenliness is a state of mind," says Sirius, "not a state of wardrobe."

"You had me marked down as a prostitute not ten seconds ago."

"Oh, that. I was only joking," he sighs, and grips her arm at the elbow, his long fingers cool against her skin. "But still, you're far too attractive to stand here talking to this clown. Come with me and I'll find you someone better."

*

James's friends are useless.

And drunk. Useless and drunk—or sort of drunk, in Saffy's case. Remus is certainly already pissed, but Remus is on meds so often that he drinks but once in a blue moon. One cocktail is usually enough to set him off, and he's been hard at the gin since he turned up with Peter at six.

"I don't know anyone with those initials," Saffy declares, once she has read, examined and even sniffed the birthday card for clues. "Except for Lisa Edelstein."

"Who's Lisa Edelstein?"

"Cuddy from House," says Remus, lowering the negroni from which he has been drinking deeply.

James pulls a face. "What the fuck is a Cuddy?"

"Oh, actually, it could mean le?" Remus suggests.

"Yes!" Saffy points at him like he might be onto something. "Like the French word for the?"

"Exactly, like—"

"It doesn't mean that!" James interrupts, unwilling to allow such profanity in his home. "That doesn't make sense, why would somebody sign their name as the?"

"Now you're asking me to explain how French people think?" says Saffy derisively, adjusting her bra strap beneath that burnt orange waistcoat she loves, the one that makes her look like she's directing a pornographic movie in the 70s when she pairs it with her tortoiseshell-framed aviators. It clashes wildly with her electric blue buzz-cut. "Am nooooo drunk enough for that."

"They could be one of those one word moniker pop stars, I suppose," Remus pipes up, smiling slyly. "You know, like Madonna?"

They think James doesn't realise that they're taking the piss out of him, but neither of them are sober enough to attempt their gambit with any kind of subtlety or grace.

"You know that's actually her real Christian name?" says Saffy.

Remus turns towards her with interest. "What, Madonna?"

"Yeah!"

"Really?"

"Yeah!" Saffy repeats. "I thought it couldn't possibly be her real name because, I mean, Madonna, yeah? But then I looked it up and apparently that's the name her mummy gave her, just goes to show—"

"I'm sorry," James interrupts, "but is Madonna relevant to this conversation?"

"Yes, always," says Saffy.

"She's an international pop megastar," Remus seconds.

James stares at his friend incredulously. "Drinking really chips away at your wit, y'know?"

"Does it?" Remus grins lazily and jiggles his cocktail in the air. "Oh, well, I'm negronly joking."

Saffy does a spit-take without the spit and clings helplessly to Remus's shoulder as she laughs, knees buckling, bangles tinkling, but James fights his own urge to start snickering.

"It's not that funny," he lies, and Remus eyes him with an alarmingly teacher-like shrewdness, despite the tellingly intoxicated flush that has crept into his thin, freckled face.

James's love of puns is tragically well known.

"You didn't get it." Remus points at his drink. His speech is starting to slur. "This is a negroni, what I said was—"

"Yeah, I got that part, I just—"

"Jesus fuck, look at her!" Saffy suddenly hisses, staggering sideways into Remus and sending him into the wall in a flurry of giggles—Remus giggling?—her voice hushed and urgent. "Who the hell is that?!"

James does look, following the direction of Saffy's gaze. Sirius has just entered the living room, casually clutching the elbow of a……

……goddess.

An actual. Like. Goddess.

A goddess. In James's house. In his living room. In the place where he eats his chocolate boulder cereal and rewatches Scrubs (even season 9, which is hilarious, and very unfairly disparaged by Joe Public) on Saturday mornings.

She's a goddess. A real one, and cleverly disguised as a mortal, sure, with her slouchy white t-shirt and her big hoop earrings and her light blue jeans that are torn at the knees, wearing her shoulder-length red hair half up, half down and slightly messy, but that doesn't hide what she is.

"Oh my god," he murmurs. His heart is pounding all of a sudden, which is so...utterly bloody stupid, but Saffy's right, bloody look at her, Jesus fuck.

"Surely she can't be with Sirius?" Saffy murmurs back.

"No, she—" He watches Sirius lean down to mutter something in the redhead's ear. A ghost of a laugh flits across her beautiful face. "She's not his—he isn't—"

"D'you think—"

"No, I—"

"Good," says Saffy firmly. She lets go of Remus and rises, lengthening her spine. It is a battle stance of some sort, presumably. "Because I saw her first."

"No!" James cries, wounded, and the redhead shoots him a curious look with a pair of eyes that are startlingly emerald green, even from all the bloody way over here. He spins to face Saffy and lowers his voice, face burning. "It's my house!"

"What are you arguing here, ownership rights?"

"No but it—it's my birthday!" James retorts, jabbing at his own chest. "And, actually, and—"

"It's in the bloody post!"

"—you didn't get me a present!" he finishes in triumph, not that he knows what he's arguing for, because the likelihood is that his tongue will glue itself to the roof of his mouth if he even dares to look in her direction one more time. "Plus I set you up with Vanya Petrich, with whom, as I recall, you enjoyed four years—"

"Stop throwing that in my face!"

"—four blissful years—"

"Is it my fault that you've never fancied any girl I've set you up with?!"

"—promised me an Easter ham for setting you up with her and I never got it—"

"So now you'll trade a woman for a ham?" Saffy accuses, though her face is too lit up, her brown eyes too crinkled at the corners—she's having fun with this and she isn't going to fool him and she knows it. "That's so low, even—"

"Don't start with that," James scathingly cuts in. "You offered me Sean Connery's autograph for Bonnie Grogan's number—"

"Which you never gave me!"

"Because you forged the bloody signature!"

"And now she's bloody married!"

"Yeah, well, Isabella wouldn't give me a counterfeit present, would she?" he retorts, and Saffy lets her shoulders drop, smirking. "This is pointless, Saf, we can't—"

"She's just left with Sirius," Remus informs them, and burps.

[fernisworm]

Lycan!Karl Heisenberg x Reader Headcanons (Pt2)

[an;

sorry not sorry I literally had so many ideas even after my first post being 2385205489529387 words long LMAO

-

🎕 You can find Pt 1 here! (& Pt 3 here!)

❀ Characters: Lycan!Karl Heisenberg x (Gender Neutral!) Reader

❀ Warnings: Cursing (as always with Heisenberg lmao)

✿ You can find all my stories here!

✿ My requests guide is here! (And you can place a request here!)

-

🌟 Continuing on from the last post;

🌟 You found out the hard way that Karl can unintentionally “wolf-out” when he gets really worked up or angry

🌟 Especially when his emotions are hyped up bc of a full moon 

🌟 “Wolf-out” is the official term the two of you have come up with for it

🌟 It’s to help with communication more than anything tbh

🌟 i.e. “Do you feel like you’re going to wolf-out?”

🌟 Fun fact, Heisenberg does posses almost complete awareness while in lycan-form, although some full moons he returns home having little to no memory of the previous night

🌟 However complete awareness does not equal complete control 

🌟 His grip on control is usually pretty good tho, save for times when his emotions are out of check (or if there are any wacky moon events)

🌟 Karl actually doesn’t spend a lot of full moons in the factory 

🌟 As mentioned before the environment is really overwhelming for him around full moons

🌟 But occasionally he finds himself needing to stay with you, since your presence grounds him and overall just calms him down 

🌟 He never admitted this to you (obviously smh) but you figured it out eventually lmao 

🌟 But fr, sometimes he becomes so sensitive and easily overwhelmed by sounds/smells that he will just need to hold ur hand to keep himself present and in the moment 👉👈

🌟 And you usually let him without another word, but other times you like to tease him a lil about it hehe

🌟 “Aw does the big bad wolf man need to hold my wittle hand? Well, if you must :]”

🌟 One full moon he felt the incessant need to stay home because he literally just felt so distant and out of it

🌟 You offered to sleep beside him because you knew his ego was too massive for him to actually ask

🌟 Actually seemed very glad and relieved that you did end up offering

🌟 You didn’t tell him that halfway through the night he transformed and basically snuggled into you like a helpless puppy

🌟 It was very cute and you appreciated the warmth 

🌟 At some point in the night he ended up transforming back while you were asleep

🌟 You knew if you told him about it he would never stay home on a full moon ever again so now you just keep that in your back pocket for an emergency lmao

🌟 You actually???? Give him lots of nicknames that are like,,, canine related??? and he hates it but maybe secretly loves some of them????

🌟 Nicknames include (but are not limited to);

🌟 Rover, Muttley, Fur-Face, Wolf-Boy, Remus, Wolfgang (he hates that this one has genuine German origins LMAO), Fluffy, Big Bad Wolf, Stray, etc

🌟 You can bet he despises when you patronise him with “good boy”

🌟 Almost bit you once bc of it, man wasn’t playin

🌟 One time when you were visiting Alcina for your monthly girl’s night you accidentally spilled the beans on Karl having fleas

🌟 SHE LITERALLY CALLED HEISENBERG ON THE PHONE WHILE YOU WERE STILL AT HER HOUSE AND HE SOUNDED SO DEAD INSIDE

🌟 “Hey little brother, your little pet-parent here just informed me that you have fleas? Man that must suck, imagine having fleas I bet you’re rabid too 🤢🥰🥰”

🌟 “....Tell (Y/n) not to come home tomorrow 💀💀“

🌟 He literally wouldn’t talk to you for a week LMAO

🌟 You were actually curious on why Heisenberg wasn’t worried about you catching his fleas 

🌟 He explained that they weren’t regular fleas and they didn’t care for regular human/animal blood, and that they were basically fleas hopped up on Cadou effects and only liked the blood of those infected

🌟 This list included anyone affected by the Cadou, including Karl and the other lycans

🌟 After explaining this to you Heisenberg realised that Lady Dimitrescu was a prime candidate for “Cadou fleas”

🌟 He may or may not have planted fleas in her house as a revenge ploy

🌟 It’s safe to say that Alcina helped you de-flea Karl after that

🌟 Sometimes Heisenberg feels really segregated from you because he’s part lycan and he feels like you can’t relate to his problems a lot and vice versa

🌟 During one of these rare occasions you managed to drag him to the roof of the factory so you could both childishly howl at the moon together

🌟 You don’t understand a lot of what he deals with, and you probably never will, so you always try your hardest to see things from his point of view

🌟 Sometimes different phases of the moon can have him acting more/less canine like

🌟 Oh yeah because of this sometimes he straight up just sleeps at the end of your bed like an actual dog

🌟 Then one time for his birthday you bought him a dog collar and a bunch of dog toys

🌟 Karl was very unimpressed 

🌟 He reminded you that he was still part lycan and would bite a bitch if he needed to

🌟 At first you laughed it off as an empty threat and then you remembered that one time he actually almost bit you 

🌟 One full moon you got a call at like 2am from Donna who was angrily telling you to come and collect Heisenberg because he’d broken into her house while in lycan-form and started chewing on Angie

🌟 In the background of the call you literally heard Angie’s shrill screaming, apparently distressed

🌟 “AAAAAAAAAA!!! COME AND GET YOUR STUPID MUTT, (Y/N)!!!!!!”

🌟 You had to walk all the way to her house in the middle of the night 

🌟 (You never have to worry about lycans because they recognise you as having a place beside Heisenberg.... but also you just literally smell the same as him half the time because you live together)

🌟 After apologising profusely to Donna (and especially Angie) you had to walk lycan-Karl home 

🌟 “I can’t believe you just broke into Donna’s house like that! They’re our friends, Karl! You can’t just chew on whatever you like!”

🌟 “ *disagreeable werewolf sound* ”

🌟 Basically full moons get really wild sometimes

🌟 Lunar Eclipses are the total opposite tho

🌟 Like Karl is totally incapable of changing????

🌟 You aren’t sure if it’s actually a biological thing or if he’s just internally convinced himself that he needs the moon to change

🌟 The full moon affecting his mood/sensitivity is definitely a bio thing tho

🌟 Either way on total eclipses he just mopes around all day

🌟 Is just really tired for it’s entire duration, very weak and sickly even

🌟 You try your best to take care of him but as usual he protests 

🌟 But I mean what’s he gonna do really when he’s barely able to stand up from the couch on his own

🌟 If he has enough strength he’ll try to walk around and do work as if it’s a normal day

🌟 Did I mention this man is an absolute workaholic?

🌟 You always try to prevent him from doing stuff like that on lunar eclipses since he just gets really really sick because of them [lunar eclipses]

🌟 If he does manage to sneak down to his workshop, he barely has the energy to do anything before falling asleep on a bench

🌟 Since you can’t really carry him back to his room you usually just set him up with a blanket and a pillow so he’s at least a little bit comfortable

🌟 Okay but like fr his room is basically a makeshift den like almost constantly

🌟 Very dark and kinda messy tbh

🌟 (I forgot to mention that Heisenberg has night-vision to an extent outside of his lycan-form)

🌟 His room kinda smells too so you always open the curtains, windows, doors, etc. to air it out

🌟 He gets very mad when you do this and claims that you’re “impeding on his territory”

🌟 Yeah okay whatever bud go back to scratching your fleas

🌟 Despite how much you judge Heisenberg’s room it’s actually??? very cosy and absolutely bomb to sleep in???

🌟 Apart from that you wish he’d keep it tidier

🌟 Having “’Alpha Blood’ coursing through your veins” isn’t a valid excuse to live in a pigsty, Karl

🌟 Literally there’s no reason for there to be a pile of dirty clothes in the corner of your “den”

🌟 Just put them in the laundry basket like a normal person????

🌟 Something tells you he’d live like this even if he wasn’t part lycan

🌟 What would he do without you?

🌟 Probably reinvent the bubonic plague, actually

-

[an;

My Lycan!Karl  obsession  interest has been quenched for now, hope y’all enjoyed my follow-up list of headcanons as much as I did! :]

[seriouslysnape]

With a student aged Sev, could you do one where the school is having a ball, and it’s girl’s choice where the girls are the ones who ask for dates. Sev hears a rumor or something that his friend that he loves has asked some other guy, so he’s devastated. In reality, that’s not true, and she’s always planned on asking him, but has just been busy. He’s all down, but then can’t believe it once she asks and is unbelievably excited and stressed over what to wear and so on. And the ending is just a lot of fluff and romance, please?

SO. CUTE. I actually got a little emotional writing this, hahahahah. 

(Below the cut) :)

__

The Spring Formal

Young Severus Snape x Fem. Reader

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 2,191

“How many times have we heard things about other students that weren’t true?”

__

It had been all the rage through Hogwarts for the last couple of weeks. Hogwarts was hosting a spring ball, somewhat similar to the Yule Ball that always took place in the winter. Hogwarts’ witches and wizards would dress in their most formal clothes and have the time of their lives for one night of the year. Young wizards would shake in their robes when trying to ask their witch of choice to accompany them. 

However, everyone soon learned that there was a catch. 

For this dance, the girls were to ask the boys.It was a totally different idea than everyone was used to. All the boys were on their best behavior in hopes that they could get the attention of the cute girl from their Potions or Charms class. It was a totally exciting role reversal.

The only person who wasn’t thrilled about this was young seventh year Severus Snape.

Severus had always been reserved, and everyone knew it. He kept his head lowered at all times and only spoke when spoken to (and sometimes not even that). He was textbook insecure and doubtful of everything about himself. He was sure that no girl would want to go with him, but there was one that he desperately wanted the hand of. You had been his friend for years now. You were strikingly different than he was, which is why he supposed he was just so fond of you. 

He could only ever dream of being as outgoing as you were. With this hope in mind, he found himself in your presence more than usual.He would walk you to your classes that you didn’t have together, sit next to you in the classes that you did, and even carry your books for you most days. He tried to be more talkative, striking up conversations that he normally wouldn’t. 

He would compliment your outfit and ignore the burning blush that embarrassedly appeared on his cheeks when he did so. He wanted nothing more than to go to this spring formal with you. That wish fizzled out into disappointment, however, when he heard some classmates talking in his Potions class. 

“Can you believe that she asked Remus Lupin to the dance?” A young Slytherin boy said from in front of Severus.

His friend leaned over, matching his friend’s whisper, but still loud enough that Severus could hear every unmistakable word.

“Yeah, I know. [Y/N] had the pick of the litter and that’s who she went with? It’s a bloody shame. I could’ve shown her a better time.” He sneered.

Severus felt his heart seemingly sink into his shoes. It was true that lots of wizards were hoping you’d ask them. You were rather popular after all and stunningly beautiful. Severus had just had a glimmer of hope that you would’ve seen something a little different in him. That you’d want to ask him over everybody else. He supposed he was wrong.

In his saddened focus, he accidentally tipped over his cauldron spilling the beginnings of whatever potion he had been making. The class erupted into laughter, causing the tears that were already stinging at Severus’ eyes to go spilling down his pale cheeks. He ran out of the class in a hurry, not wanting to see anyone for the rest of the day. His robes were drenched with this sticky potion, the bottoms of his shoes making this horrible squelching noise with each step he took. He was zooming through the halls to get back to the Slytherin tower, but stopped when he bumped into someone else. 

He didn’t bother with an apology, but felt his blood run cold when he saw it was you.You briefly shook your head to recover from almost getting knocked over, smiling casually when you saw it was him.

“Woah, hey, Severus!” You piped, readjusting your own robes.

Your smile faded into a frown when you saw the orange colored potion dripping from his clothes, and his reddened, glassy eyes. Before you could ask, he brushed you off and ran down the hall.

“I have to go.”

He was hurt, and now dreading going to this dance alone. He avoided you at all costs now, which you noticed was odd in comparison to the way he had been right on your heels. You tried to reach out to him, but he just gave you the cold shoulder at every attempt. The next week went by, and the more people that had dates, the more irritated Severus became. It was already bad enough that he had a hateful passion for Remus Lupin, along with his other friends that made their lives about torturing Severus. 

You were so kind, so loving. He couldn’t make sense of how you could possibly go with someone like him. The dance was only two days away now, and Severus was beginning to toy with the idea of not going at all. He didn’t want to be the only one without a date, and he definitely didn’t want to be alone all night. He sulked as he fiddled with a stick out near the Quidditch fields. 

He sometimes liked to get away from the castle when things were rough. He lazily dragged the stick through the dirt, poking at a small beetle as it scuttled by with a fellow pal.

Lucky beetle.

He sighed heavily as he continued to pout, almost not noticing the new presence that had placed themself next to him. He looked over hesitantly, and had to fight the urge to get up and leave without saying a word. But you just looked so concerned that he couldn’t bring himself to go. So he stayed put, but returned his gaze to the stick in his hand.

“Hello.” He said dryly.

“Hi,” You acknowledged him. A silence went by, so you pressed on; “You want to tell me what’s going on with you?”

“Nothing. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He lied.

You scoffed, forcing him to look at you.

“Please. You know you’ve been ignoring me. If I’ve done something, I want you to tell me.” You said almost as a plea.

Now it was his turn to scoff with a scowl.

“Why don’t you ask your boyfriend? Since he’s so interesting and all.” He barked, tossing the stick away in an aggravated manner.

You were annoyed with his tone, but more confused as to what he was he was on about. You furrowed your brows and scrunched your nose at him.

“What?” You queried, completely lost; “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“So I guess your date to the dance is just a friend?” He asked sarcastically.

You were beyond puzzled. Boyfriend? Date to the dance? Where was he coming up with this stuff?

“Severus, enough. Just tell me what you’re talking about.” You said, fed up with his guessing game.

“Lupin, [Y/N], I’m talking about Lupin.”

That’s when you felt the lightbulb go off in your head. Realization came crashing over you like an ocean wave on a shore. You had heard the rumors that you had asked Remus Lupin to the spring dance, but you denied them, considering that they weren’t true. Remus was already going with someone else, but you had wanted to ask someone else. A knowing smile crossed over your face. Severus was brutally jealous.

“Oh, Sev...” You breathed out; “I didn’t ask Remus to the dance.”

You swear you saw a shimmer of joy wipe across his dark eyes. His heart did a happy leap.

“You didn’t?” He asked softly, suddenly ashamed of how he had been acting.

“No!” You laughed, leaning your head on his shoulder as you giggled.

“But...they said that-”

“Come on, S. You should know by now how stuff gets started around here,” You pointed out; “How many times have we heard things about other students that weren’t true?”

Severus pondered on that for a second. You had a fair point. Hogwarts was notorious for meddling, gossiping kids. He was relieved, but a new question crossed his mind.

“The dance is in two days. Are you going to ask someone?” He asked, not even thinking that you might want to ask him. 

“Why else do you think I’m out here with you now?” You posed.

He paused hard, hardly believing what he was hearing. 

“You...want to go with me? Why did you wait so long to ask?” He questioned.

You were a little offended that he asked you that, but were mostly amused. You lifted your head from his shoulder and looked at him.

“Well, I’ve been trying, but you run away from me every time I try to talk to you. On top of that, I’ve been slammed with work,” You explained; “But better late than never, right?”

He agreed with a shy smile, apologizing for his behavior and making up with you. It wasn’t until you left that he felt a surge of a thrill. He had a lot of preparation to do. 

He sprinted back to his dorm and to his trunk, digging through his clothes trying to find something spiffy to wear. His outfit had to be nothing less than perfect. He liked you a lot, and he wanted to make you look good. Although, you’d look amazing with or without him in his best clothes.

He tossed pants, shirts, socks, and everything else that wasn’t good enough over his shoulder. He went through all the way to the bottom of his trunk before finding something suitable. He bounced up with relief, thankful that he found something on such short notice. He made sure to try it on to make sure that it still fit. Much to his pleasure, it did. 

After the outfit was settled, a new concern sprang to mind. Should he get you flowers? Chocolates? Maybe a present? He was sure he was overthinking everything, but he wanted to be the very best date he could be, as your friend and possible future lover. With a little help from his Herbology professor, he was able to get a hold of some flowers that would be ready the afternoon of the dance. 

He was bright with giddiness. He could barely wait for Saturday.

Saturday night came around, and Severus was shocked that he didn’t collapse when he saw you. His breath caught in his throat, he became lightheaded, and his heart raced like a car on a track. However, he was able to keep his composure and attend the dance with you. And he had the time of his life.He danced with you, laughed until his sides hurt, and he was sure that his cheeks would be permanently stuck from how much he had smiled. He never knew how amazing one person could make him feel.

By the end of the night, you both had sore feet from dancing, but happy hearts from being with one another. To get away from the hustle and bustle of everyone else, you two took a stroll around the outer perimeters of the castle. You both needed some fresh air and some quiet. 

You were both still laughing and soaking up every moment together. You had both hit a positive spot in your lives. You stopped at the edge of the lake, mesmerized by the way the half-moon was glittering on the reflection on the surface. You stood side by side, now silently looking over the water and the small ripples. 

“I had a really nice time tonight, [Y/N].” He spoke lowly, afraid for a moment that the feeling wasn’t mutual.

“Me too. I’m glad you came with me,” You replied; “This was the best night I’ve ever had.”

Suddenly, you felt a warm presence in your hand. Severus had slipped his hand into yours, entwining your fingers. 

His thoughts were racing. He thought about how everything in his life had led to tonight...this exact moment. He always wondered if everything happened for a reason. He wondered if every second of life was connected. Had his small choices determined the big things in his life? The good and the bad things? If he had made one tiny, menial different decision somewhere down the line, would that have prevented him from making it to this moment in time?

Whatever the answer was, he was glad for whatever choice brought him here.

You saw that his eyes were dead set ahead, but the blush on his cheeks were evidence that he knew exactly what was he was doing. You could tell he was nervous, and he hadn’t been the entire night. You knew what he was thinking.

 “Hey, Sev?” You called gently, his eyes diverting to you. 

“Yes?” He replied.

“Just kiss me already.” You said with a smirk.

Before he could overthink it, his lips crashed into yours. His hands went to the sides of your face as yours settled on his shoulders. A million spastic fireworks were going off in your mind, body, and soul. Severus didn’t have a great life, but always felt like he’d know the moment that his life did finally begin. 

And that moment was now.

[ijustwant2write]

Subtle-Remus Lupin x Professor!Reader

(GIF credit to @shurley​)

Requested by anonymous: ‘hello! can i request professor remus lupin x professor reader where they are married but try to keep it in secret just to avoid gossip but eventually students get suspicious because of their closeness? thank you, love your work💕’

Characters: Remus Lupin X Professor!Reader, Severus Snape x Reader (platonic), Minerva Mcgonagall x Reader (platonic)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name 

(Y/L/N)=Your last name

Warnings: Fluff, gossiping, hiding relationship/feelings

                                      *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Please make sure your homework is completed and handed in to me at the beginning of tomorrows lesson. You’ve had a week to complete it, so I expect full pile on my desk.” I shouted over the hustle of the students packing away their things.

I hated having the last lesson of the day. No one was focused, they were tired from their other classes, and all they could think about was getting to the Great Hall for dinner; although I was exactly the same, I couldn’t wait for a good meal. Now alone, I started to tidy up my classroom, yawning when I realised how tired I was as well. Luckily, it was the end of the week, and this weekend I was chaperoning the students to Hogsmeade, meaning I could have some retail therapy. I heard the door open, thinking it was a student who had forgotten something, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw my husband waltz in.

“Oh, hello you.” I smiled as I approached him.

“Hello you.” he leaned down to kiss me before glancing around the room.“Need any help before dinner?”

“No, not tonight. I’ve just got to put a few things away in my desk.”

I went back to tidying, making sure I wasn’t coming back to a mess after the weekend, and that everything was in its right place.

He perched on a student desk.“Are you still going to Hogsmeade this weekend?”

“Of course. I can’t wait.”

“Did you want to...did you want to go for a drink?”

“I don’t think we should be drinking whilst looking after the students Remus.”

“We won’t have anything alcoholic. Perhaps even a meal?”

“What if someone sees us?”

“How many students have we seen go into a restaurant on any trip, hm? And if they do, it’s a meal between friends!”

“You know, I don’t think that whole story about us being old friends worked.”

He suddenly looked panicked.“Why? Have the children been saying anything?”

“No. I can just see it in their faces.”

“You’re overthinking this. It’ll be fine. Let me treat you.” a charming smile spread across his face.

I rolled my eyes, giving in.“Alright. But I’ve got to pop round some of the shops first.”

He groaned.“So we’ll have time for a starter then?”

I scoffed a laugh at him, grabbing a nearby scroll to hit him with.“I might be going shopping for you, did you ever think of that? I am a very loving wife after all.”

He chuckled, shielding himself.“Alright, alright!”

“Plus, and as much as it pains me to say this, we’ll be apart for a while. That means students won’t see us together.”

“Unfortunately, you’re right. We haven’t been too careful as of late.”

“Saying that, should we head to dinner?”

I walked out of the classroom first, checking the corridors, and like always at this time, they were empty. We freely walked towards the Great Hall, daringly holding hands whilst we were still far away. But as it neared, we sadly looked at each other, having to let go. It broke my heart that we had to hide our marriage, we couldn’t even wear our wedding rings for fear of being questioned, and accidentally revealing a detail that was too specific towards each other. 

“You two might want to be more careful if you don’t want your secret out.” the monotone voice of Severus said behind us. How was he always so quiet?

Remus sighed.“Well, do you see any students?”

“I was able to sneak up on you,” we were at the entrance of the Great Hall now,“and with all this chatter amongst the students, I would take extra precaution. The gossip is starting to disrupt my lessons.”

He walked away from us, and we glanced at each other. Severus was horribly truthful about these kind of things. I was right. The students had their suspicions. 

“Remus, what are we going to do?”

We began walking towards the head table.“Relax, we’ll draw more attention to ourselves otherwise. Look, just forget about what he said. I’m sure it’s a group of first years thinking they’ve discovered something and have irritated him.”

Although he was attempting to comfort me, the dreadful feeling of all the students eyes on me was making me feel sick. It wasn’t that I was ashamed to be with Remus, I loved him with my whole heart, I couldn’t wait to be with him forever. When we both got a job at Hogwarts, we had had a long discussion beforehand. Obviously we were excited to have new jobs, until I thought back to a friend who also worked with her partner. They were open with it, and unfortunately, the students would gossip, make up rude stories and interfere, ask too many questions to get into their personal life. It was awful for them. It sounds like a bunch of children ‘bullying’ professors wouldn’t effect them, you should be able to handle children as a professor; but it really took a tole on them.

"Chin up dear," Minerva said as everyone started eating,"I'm sure this will all pass by."

"You might be right. But I can't help thinking...maybe everyone knows." I stated down at my plate.

"Would that really be so bad?"

"I just don't want them talking about us. I've seen it happen to my friends, and I know a lot of married couples aren't work together because of it."

"Perhaps you two will be different."

I sighed."How many times has someone said that?"

"But, don't they see you leaving the castle together?"

"We said that we live near each other so we share lifts to work. It was the only thing we could come up with."

There was empathy on her face."It will all be fine (Y/N), just you wait and see."

The next day had arrived, meaning it was time to chaperone the students to Hogsmeade. When we returned home last night, I had dropped the subject, knowing Remus was much calmer about all of this than I was. I would only cause a fuss, which would perhaps lead to a small argument between us; and I didn't want the tension there tomorrow, if anything came out of this trip, I wanted to enjoy my time with Remus.

"Are you sure I cannot accompany you on the way there?" Remus had asked as the children's permission slips were approved.

I nodded."I just think it's best to split up for a few hours, then we'll meet up at that restaurant, yeah?" 

"Alright, see you later." 

In any other circumstance, we would have shared a small kiss before leaving one another, but everyone was here. A small smile graced our lips as he walked away, though mine disappeared as soon as he turned around. Sighing to myself, I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to keep warm as my group was assigned to me. 

The students practically ran off as soon as we got there, leaving me alone to wander. Remus was no where to be seen, but we had a set time to meet up. For now, it was aimless wandering.

I couldn't stop checking my watch throughout the day. I was too excited to see my husband, have a dinner out together. Teaching was hard, it took up so much time. Although in the evenings Remus and I were together, we weren't actually together. We weren't present because we would probably be marking papers. And having to constantly remember to hide our love at work was tiring and infuriating. Passing some students in shops, I politely smiled, maybe asked if they were having a good day or making sure they stayed in line, before it was finally time to meet my husband. 

There was much more of a spring in my step as I made my way to the designated restaurant. Luckily the number of students got smaller as I strayed away from the main hustle and bustle of Hogsmeade, though they should be minding their own business anyway (that would have avoided this whole mess in the first place). I almost missed the place because it was so small. It was made out of old, dark brick, with a narrow but long window, made of old wooden panes. The door was also small, and I smiled at the thought of Remus ducking through it. 

It felt more like a cafe than a restaurant. Like the window, it was long and narrow, tables either side of the room, because if there were tables lining down the middle, no one would be able to move. Remus caught my attention by standing up from our table. 

"You look beautiful." he greeted, kissing me. 

I scoffed as I sat."You knew what I was wearing, we do live together."

"Doesn't mean you're not beautiful." 

I bashfully smiled."You're still able to make me blush after all these years."

"Good, I must be doing something right then."

The lunch together reminded me of old times. It was easy to forget about the stress that had been piled on top of our usual schedule in that moment. We laughed, started reminiscing on our lives when we met each other, it was as if we were catching up after not seeing each other for a long time. When we weren't eating, one of our hands was holding onto each other. I knew I had to cherish every moment, especially since it went by far too quickly. 

We found ourselves putting on our coats and scarves, taking a few seconds to just gaze at each other. Neither of us wanted to leave. We felt safe here, hidden away from any prying students. Our marriage shouldn't have been hidden, we loved each other, it was supposed to be shown. 

"Ready?" he asked. 

"Ready."

We quickly kissed each other before making our way to the door. Thanking a waitress as we passed by, I was about to open the door when something in the window caught my eye. My heart dropped as I spotted three children poking their heads up, watching us until they realised they had been caught. 

"Remus!" I snapped."We've been spotted."

He had his usual calm tone."We're just two friendly colleagues getting lunch, there's nothing wrong in that." 

"We don't know how long they've been there. What if they saw us kissing?!" 

"Very friendly colleagues?" 

I huffed as I opened the door, trying to see if the kids were still there. They had started running off in the distance, headed in the direction of our meeting point. We had to head back now, it was the end of the trip, and I was expecting a lot of hushed whispers as we arrived. 

"Professor (Y/L/N)?" a fourth year student approached me as we rounded up our groups for counting. 

Here we go. 

"Yes?" 

She seemed nervous, glancing back at her friends."Um...just so you know, we all think you and Professor Lupin make a really cute couple. Like, you two are probably the coolest professors we have."

I was shocked by her words."O-Oh. Thank you...that's a very nice thing to say." 

She just smiled before leaving to join her friends again. There had been no point lying to her, it was obvious to everyone. But that small opinion meant a lot to me. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad thing to put our marriage on display.

" You see?" Remus approached me."It's not as bad as you thought."

"No, I guess not. I just...I didn't want anything to effect us."

"You're my wife. I love you with all my being. A few gossiping children wouldn't change any of that."

He leaned in to kiss me again, but I giggled as I stopped him.

"What?"

"We may let them know about our marriage, but PDA from staff is still frowned upon." 

"Do you know how hard it is to resist you?" 

"Guess we'll have to make up for it when we're home."

[sidespromptblog]

He Didn’t Mean To: Part 2

One

Warnings: General angst, Virgil being scary, hurt/comfort, and threats. 

Summary: After dealing with an intrusive thought involving Janus, Remus is left reeling after he accidentally hurts the other side while going through his own self-destructive thoughts. And before Janus can even recover from it, Remus is gone...

Word Count: 1,692

Remus could not believe that he was here, of all places his frazzled mind had to choose here of all places to go. 

He could have gone to Roman, he could have gone to Virgil for help, and hell he could have even gone to Patton of all people. But he had to choose the person who was least likely to help him in his time of need. 

Logan blinked down at him, quizzingly, the dark circles from a sleepless night etched under the logical side’s eyes. “So…” He sighed, pinching the slope of his nose as he looked back at Remus again, “Why are you here again? What does any of this have to do with me? Don’t you hate me or something, right? Or you at least find me boring, correct?” He asked, sitting down heavily on his computer chair, before motioning to Remus to do the same on his bed. 

He didn’t know why Remus was here, and for all he knew it would be nothing but badness on his end to even let the wild creative side into his room in the first place. But…

Here he was. 

“I need your help.” That got Logan’s attention, as his eyes darted up and over to Remus, and narrowing his eyes he silently motioned for the other side to go on. “I…” Remus ran his fingers through his messy hair, the bruise and cut on his forehead stinging like crazy just from his casual touch alone. “Something happened, and I just… I need your advice on what to do next.” 

Logan’s eyes trailed up and down Remus’ body, taking in every fidget and motion that the other side was taking to avoid looking him in the eyes. It certainly was… curious, that the creative side was coming to him of all people. He wasn’t the kind of person to sugarcoat many things, and he had directly butted heads with Remus multiple times before this. So just the fact that Remus was here and not attempting to cause any kind of chaos, or even hurt him in any way was definitely… worrying for Logan to even consider. That something that must have happened must’ve really rocked Remus to his very core, or in the very least made him scared enough to come here. 

To Logan of all sides. 

“We’ve established that you need my help.” Logan cooly said, covering up the worry that was easing through to him. “But what exactly do you need it for? That’s what I’m wondering about… What happened, Remus?”  His tone shifted, starting with an almost haughty expression before almost immediately softening into a calm understanding look. He just wanted to understand what exactly he was supposed to be helping with, without that… 

How could he even help in the first place?

He hoped that Remus understood that…

Before him, Remus’ bottom lip wobbled a little bit, and Logan felt his stomach clench in worry, guilt, and suspicion. Remus' eyes looked shiny, like he was just mere moments away from crying right then and there. It was then and only then that Logan finally understood that whatever had happened, it happened to more than just Remus, and it was something that actually affected the other side, to the point of tears. The in itself was something that worried Logan, as he leaned forward in his chair reaching his hand out to lay overtop Remus’ knee. 

Just to stop mere inches away, as soon as the other side flinched. 

“Remus?” He asked softly. “What happened?” 

Remus’ breath hitched, and a heartbreaking whimper crawled up from his throat. Quickly he buried his face in his hands, determined not to let the logical side see him completely breaking apart at the mere thought of what he had done to Janus. Accident or not… it had still happened, and he had still hurt someone close to him. Someone… someone who he had never wanted to hurt in the first place, someone who.. someone who had always been there for him and someone who had always cared for him no matter what he was like in the past. 

The words came out regardless, like pulling apart bones. 

“I hurt Janus…”    

The sound of a fist slamming against a wall, and a foot stomping on the ground made both Logan and Remus look up from their conversation clearly startled, before looking to the entrance to the door that Remus had completely forgotten to close when he had barged into Logan’s room. His balled hand still pressed against the doorframe, and faintly… just faintly Logan could see the cracks of the wood from the strength of his punch. There in all of his terrifying glory was Virgil, standing like a dark silhouette against the incoming light from the hallway. Never before had Logan felt more scared of the anxious side, not necessarily for himself…. 

But rather for Remus’ sake.

“You what?” 

There was no mistaking the dark rumbling growl of his voice, as he took another step inside of Logan’s room. 

“What do you mean… you hurt him?” Virgil’s voice was dangerously quiet, but there was no mistaking the absolute pure intent to murder right then and there, as he stared Remus down as if he were nothing more than an enemy. “What. Did. You. Do?” He practically snarled, pacing forward slowly like he was a wolf with his hackles raised. 

Remus licked his lips nervously, his insides feeling like a pile of spaghetti flavored worms. “I.. I pushed him…” He softly admitted, his voice barely a whisper. “He tried to help me… and I pushed him…” 

Virgil’s eyeshadow had never looked more dark than it did now, as all of the air from Virgil’s lungs disappeared in an instant.

He had thought that the anxious side had looked intimidating before, but now… with the clenching and unclenching of his fists… It told Remus well enough what Virgil would do if he got his hands on him, and that it most certainly would not be pretty. 

The rage in the other side’s eyes was uncontainable, as he moved forward. He looked like he wanted to kill Remus then and there, he looked like the moment that he got his hands on him that Remus would be a dead man walking, and… he looked like he wanted to run off and look for Janus wherever the dishonest side was now. “I knew that I never should have left Janus alone with someone like you, you-”

Smoothly a wall of black fabric moved in between Remus’ line of sight, before Virgil could so much as take another step.

Firmly Logan stood there, not even moving a single inch even as Virgil’s chest almost bumped against his, and even as Virgil’s ragged breathing reached Remus’ ears. “That’s enough Virgil, if you’re going to be angry and if you’re going to be violent… then get out of my room.” To Logan’s credit, he didn’t seem even the slightest bit afraid of Virgil, even knowing that Virgil’s anxiety could throw his very room into disarray, Logan stood there calmly... like the eye of a storm. “So what will it be, Virgil?” 

For a tense solid second there was nothing, just the still air in which both sides stood against each other. 

Peering around Logan, Remus could see that Virgil was trying to visibly restrain himself and hold himself back from spouting off something against either Remus or Logan. He was angry, there was no denying that. But why exactly he was angry almost felt like a mystery to Remus, as it was more than obvious that Virgil hated him now that he had left them and joined the light sides. So this… emotion coming off of Virgil in waves felt more than a little odd to Remus, he had thought that Virgil wouldn’t care about Janus.

Or at least not this much.

“So what?” Virgil snapped at Logan, his teeth bared in what looked like a snarl. “You’re just taking his side now?!” He waved his hand to where Remus was standing behind Logan. “He’s fucking hurt someone Logan, that’s not exactly a good thing!” 

Remus couldn’t help but to flinch at the accusation that was being flung at him, a very honest accusation that he knew to be true. He had hurt someone, he’d hurt Janus, and that made him dangerous now. While he’d ‘attacked’ Logan and Roman, his damage had been temporary at worst or even just imaginary at best. But with Janus… he was sure that whatever he had done, the pain of it had been etched onto the other side’s face. It had… it had lasted. 

No matter how much he wished that it hadn’t. 

Logan raised his hand gingerly, as if that alone would quell Virgil’s rage. “He has come to me for help and advice, and help and advice is what he’s going to get while he’s in my room. Do you understand?” Logan softly asked, and as soft as his words were there was no mistaking the firmness behind it. It was fairly obvious that he was giving Virgil a chance to back down before Logan full on just kicked him out of his room. “I swore, didn't I Virgil? That anyone who needs my help would have a safe place in my room. Didn’t I? I swore it on my status as Thomas’ logical side.”

And just like that the wind seemed to have been taken out of Virgil’s sails, as the anxious side deflated a little bit. 

“Yes… yes you did.” Virgil muttered sourly, although not without a touch of fondness to his voice. They both knew just what Logan was talking about, and what exactly he was referring to, even if Remus had no idea. But without even missing a beat, Virgil cast a vicious glare back over to Remus, not even attempting to hide it from the logical side this time. “But if I catch you outside of Logan’s room…” 

The threat was left unfinished, but Remus knew exactly how it would end. 

Virgil would win, because Remus wouldn’t want to.

Not with this kind of fight.