#Canon failed Harry so bad

[your-neighbourhood-antisocial]

Harry would be as good as a liar as Tom riddle was, why? Simple bc he grew up in an abusive household where lies flow far more easier than truth and you do anything to avoid punishment. Thus, abusive houses produce great liars.

Harry would be smart like he was the child of the Head students, ofc he must be smart.

Harry would be a quick thinker and would possess a silver tongue, another thing you use to get away with punishments.

These are the reasons why harry would've been so similar to Tom riddle(and his equal romantically ofc) and a perfect Slytherin. Canon didn't have any of them, and it frustrates me.

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Harry Potter is Actually Really Clever

So often, I feel like Harry is underrated in his own series and I want to talk about how much I love Harry James Potter. Harry is my favorite character in the books and I want to showcase some moments of Harry proving the Sorting Hat knew what it was talking about when it comes to Harry possibly doing well in Slytherin and even Ravenclaw.

(I have more moments listed in my notes, and I'm in book 6 in my current reread, so I definitely am not covering everything)

Let's start then with the words of the Sorting Hat itself:

“Hmm,” said a small voice in his ear. “Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There’s talent, A my goodness, yes — and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that’s interesting….So where shall I put you?” Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin. “Not Slytherin, eh?” said the small voice. “Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it’s all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that

(Philosopher's Stone, page 88)

The Hat says Harry is brave enough for Gryffindor, clever enough and talented enough for Ravenclaw and has the ambition and thirst to prove himself for Slytherin. And the hat isn't wrong about it's assessment of Harry. Harry is clever and talented and I so often find it underplayed in fics, or ones that do include it, acting like it's fanon characterization when it's really isn't.

Harry Potter is canonically a BAMF.

So, here I'm going to talk about his cleverness and give some moments of Harry being clever from the books.

(I'll have a different post for his magical prowess.)

Harry Has Brilliant Memory

So, Harry James Potter practically has close to an eidetic memory, and no one really seems to mention it.

An eidetic memory is described as an almost perfect recollection of images or events. And Harry actually shows himself as being very capable of it:

Angelina: “…Harry, didn’t you do something to your glasses to stop the rain fogging them up when we played Hufflepuff in that storm?” “Hermione did it,” said Harry. He pulled out his wand, tapped his glasses and said, “Impervius!”

(Order of the Phoenix, page 379)

In thus scene its raining during a Quidditch match and Angelina asks Harry about a spell he used a year before. Harry remembered that moment, remembered Hermione was actually the one who cast the spell, a spell he himself never cast before this moment, and he then casts it perfectly from memory.

Harry remembers the incantation and wand movement perfectly enough to succeed on his first try.

Actually, almost every time we see him cast spells he gets the wand movement and incantation right on the first try (even his first attempt at a patronus worked, the happy memory just wasn't strong enough)

In general, they moments we see Harry fail at casting spells on the first try is when he overthinks it and fails himself like that.

Harry stared at the letters in brackets. Nvbl . . . that had to mean “nonverbal.” Harry rather doubted he would be able to bring off this particular spell; he was still having difficulty with nonverbal spells, something Snape had been quick to comment on in every D.A.D.A. class. On the other hand, the Prince had proved a much more effective teacher than Snape so far. Pointing his wand at nothing in particular, he gave it an upward flick and said Levicorpus! inside his head. “Aaaaaaaargh!”

(Half-Blood Prince, page 239)

Harry tends to fail potions, and nonverbal spells when Snape is breathing down on him expecting him to fail, though, in this example, the moment Harry feels he can succeed the spell and isn't overthinking it, he casts it perfectly and nonverbally on the first attempt.

He is the same with potions:

Snape, meanwhile, seemed to have decided to act as though Harry were invisible. Harry was, of course, well used to this tactic, as it was one of Uncle Vernon’s favorites, and on the whole was grateful he had to suffer nothing worse. In fact, compared to what he usually had to endure from Snape in the way of taunts and snide remarks, he found the new approach something of an improvement and was pleased to find that when left well alone, he was able to concoct an Invigoration Draught quite easily. At the end of the lesson he scooped some of the potion into a flask, corked it, and took it up to Snape’s desk for marking, feeling that he might at last have scraped an E.

(Order of the Phoenix, page 660)

When Snape wasn't breathing down his neck and stressing him, even without the Half-Blood Prince's superior instructions, Harry is good at potions. He accomplishes the potion to a level of Exceeding Expectations easily. The problem is never his skill, memory, or talent; usually, it's stress, being stuck in his own head, or carelessness (did anyone diagnose him with ADHD?)

Another example of his eidetic memory in OOP:

“Well, you know, they do work well on non-magical wounds,” said Hermione fairly. “I suppose something in that snake’s venom dissolves them or something. . . . I wonder where the tearoom is?” “Fifth floor,” said Harry, remembering the sign over the Welcome Witch’s desk.

(Order of the Phoenix, page 508)

When Harry describes St. Mongos for the first time (about a week before the above scene) he reads a sign that describes what is located in each floor of the hospital.

A week later, without reading that sign again, Harry can recall where the tea room is since he has that sign he read once a week ago, memorized.

Harry is Sneaky

Harry is a proper sneaky slythein and actually has more cunning moments than some slytherins in the books. Here are a few examples I have from my notes:

“Should call Filch, I should, if something’s a-creeping around unseen.” Harry had a sudden idea. “Peeves,” he said, in a hoarse whisper, “the Bloody Baron has his own reasons for being invisible.” Peeves almost fell out of the air in shock.

(Philosopher's Stone, page 197)

Harry is a good liar and scared of Peeves like this in his first year.

“…He likes to keep in touch with me, though . . . keep up with my news . . . check if I’m happy. . . .” And, grinning broadly at the look of horror on Uncle Vernon’s face, Harry set off toward the station exit, Hedwig rattling along in front of him, for what looked like a much better summer than the last.

(Prisoner of Azkaban, page 435)

But their attitude had changed since they had found out that Harry had a dangerous murderer for a godfather — for Harry had conveniently forgotten to tell them that Sirius was innocent.

(Goblet of Fire, page 24)

Again, Harry lying and tricking the Dursleys so they won't hurt him. Leveling Sirius as a threat against them.

“Not unless you can answer my riddle. Answer on your first guess — I let you pass. Answer wrongly — I attack. Remain silent — I will let you walk away from me unscathed.”

[the riddle and Harry thinking through it]

“Spy . . . er . . . spy . . . er . . .” said Harry, pacing up and down. “A creature I wouldn’t want to kiss . . . a spider!” The sphinx smiled more broadly. She got up, stretched her front legs, and then moved aside for him to pass. “Thanks!” said Harry, and, amazed at his own brilliance, he dashed forward.

(Goblet of Fire, page 629)

I skipped the sphinx's riddle, now the riddle isn't a hard one, but still, Harry isn't stupid. But he thinks he is. He even tells himself during that scene:

Harry’s stomach slipped several notches. It was Hermione who was good at this sort of thing, not him. He weighed his chances. If the riddle was too hard, he could keep silent, get away from the sphinx unharmed, and try and find an alternative route to the center.

(Goblet of Fire, 629)

But it's just Harry and his low self-esteem. He solves the riddle quickly thinking aloud near the Sphinx and he does solve it, and is amazed by it because he doesn't think of himself as smart, even though he is.

Most of the riddles to the Ravenclaw common room are probably along this line of difficulty too. It just goes to show he isn't stupid.

“There,” she said, handing it to him. “Drink it before it gets cold, won’t you? Well, now, Mr. Potter . . . I thought we ought to have a little chat, after the distressing events of last night.” He said nothing. She settled herself back into her seat and waited. When several long moments had passed in silence, she said gaily, “You’re not drinking up!” He raised the cup to his lips and then, just as suddenly, lowered it. One of the horrible painted kittens behind Umbridge had great round blue eyes just like Mad-Eye Moody’s magical one, and it had just occurred to Harry what Mad-Eye would say if he ever heard that Harry had drunk anything offered by a known enemy. “What’s the matter?” said Umbridge, who was still watching him. “Do you want sugar?” “No,” said Harry. He raised the cup to his lips again and pretended to take a sip, though keeping his mouth tightly closed. Umbridge’s smile widened. “Good,” she whispered. “Very good. Now then . . .” She leaned forward a little. “Where is Albus Dumbledore?” “No idea,” said Harry promptly.

(Order of the Pheonix, page 630)

Harry is clever enough to recognize drinking anything Umbridge gives him is a bad idea, so he doesn't. And he does so without her realizing.

“even if you do cause a diversion, how is Harry supposed to talk to him?” “Umbridge’s office,” said Harry quietly. He had been thinking about it for a fortnight and could think of no alternative; Umbridge herself had told him that the only fire that was not being watched was her own. “Are — you — insane?” said Hermione in a hushed voice. Ron had lowered his leaflet on jobs in the cultivated fungus trade and was watching the conversation warily. “I don’t think so,” said Harry, shrugging. “And how are you going to get in there in the first place?” Harry was ready for this question. “Sirius’s knife,” he said. “Excuse me?” “Christmas before last Sirius gave me a knife that’ll open any lock,” said Harry. “So even if she’s bewitched the door so Alohomora won’t work, which I bet she has —”

(Order of the Phoenix, page 658)

Harry can and does strategies. He planned how to get into Umbeidge's office. He employed his friends and actually led them. Being a leader and a strategist — rules we see him grow more into later.

Harry’s mind was racing. The Death Eaters wanted this dusty spun-glass sphere. He had no interest in it. He just wanted to get them all out of this alive, make sure that none of his friends paid a terrible price for his stupidity . . . The woman stepped forward, away from her fellows, and pulled off her hood. Azkaban had hollowed Bellatrix Lestrange’s face, making it gaunt and skull-like, but it was alive with a feverish, fanatical glow. “You need more persuasion?” she said, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Very well — take the smallest one,” she ordered the Death Eaters beside her. “Let him watch while we torture the little girl. I’ll do it.” Harry felt the others close in around Ginny. He stepped sideways so that he was right in front of her, the prophecy held up to his chest. “You’ll have to smash this if you want to attack any of us,” he told Bellatrix. “I don’t think your boss will be too pleased if you come back without it, will he?” She did not move; she merely stared at him, the tip of her tongue moistening her thin mouth. “So,” said Harry, “what kind of prophecy are we talking about anyway?” He could not think what to do but to keep talking. Neville’s arm was pressed against his, and he could feel him shaking. He could feel one of the other’s quickened breath on the back of his head. He was hoping they were all thinking hard about ways to get out of this, because his mind was blank.

(Order of the Pheonix, page 783)

This is a bit of a long quote, but I really like it. Harry gets the Death Eaters at an impasse because they can't destroy the prophecy. Then, when they threatened Ginny, he changed tactics and got them talking to buy time.

And even when he says his mind is blank:

“What?” whispered Hermione more urgently behind him. “Can this be?” said Malfoy, sounding maliciously delighted; some of the Death Eaters were laughing again, and under cover of their laughter, Harry hissed to Hermione, moving his lips as little as possible, “Smash shelves —”

...

“NOW!” yelled Harry. Five different voices behind him bellowed “REDUCTO!” Five curses flew in five different directions and the shelves opposite them exploded as they hit. The towering structure swayed as a hundred glass spheres burst apart

(Order of the Phoenix, pages 785-786 and 787)

He's still the one coming up with plans and pulling them out of there.

And if we look at his grades:

(Half-Blood Prince, page 102)

He is very far from failing academically. Actually considering how little studying Harry actually does, he receives very high grades, even for Hogwarts' abysmal education standards. Harry is naturally smart enough and talented enough that with the bare minimum of effort, he can get almost exclusively Es (his failing being in History, an exam he didn't finish, and Divination, which Harry has only been thought bullshit in).

Makes me wish we saw him put in an active effort. I bet it all would've been Os with his memory.

Even Potions, which Harry is supposedly bad at, he got an E...

I just... Harry is just really smart and it kind of frustrates me how I don't see enough fics that treat Harry being clever and with a cunning streak as if it's canon, even though it very much is.

I don't know, maybe I'm just reading the wrong fics...

[mentallyadinonugget]

“but james potter was a bully””he bullied snape!!!” ok? someone had to do it.

🙄

~Here’s a list of good and shitty things Snape did canonically:

Bad:

•Snape was a blood supremacist who called lily a slur.

•invented a curse for enemies (marauders)

I don’t think a good person would make up a curse which mutilates someone terribly. That too, during his time in Hogwarts.

•oh yeah later on he became a death eater 😋 (the main goal of the death eaters wasto eliminate all muggle-borns in the wizarding world and establish voldemort as its ruler)(magical nazis basically).

Plus when voldy was going to kill lily, Snape was like yk what you can kill the husband and the INFANT just don’t hurt my lily flower teehee like okay james bullied him so him not caring about james made sense but harry was a child bro

•BULLIED CHILDREN DURING HIS TIME AS A PROFESSOR????? he was literally neville’s bogart ffs and not because “some teachers are just scary okay Neville was afraid of almost everything!!!” but because Snape bullied neville on a daily basis plus threatened to kill his pet after a failed potion thingy. plus he made fun hermione’s physical appearance (when draco made her teeth all big and Snape was like hah it’s the same there’s no difference) and he bullied for BEING GOOD AT ACADEMICS LIKE 😭😭😭???? He bullied almost everyone in Hogwarts I just know it.

•sectumsempra’d George’s year off.

•tried to out Remus Lupin as a werewolf for NO reason other than his childish misdemeanour.

Good:

•called Sirius and Remus an old married couple.

•saves Katie bell from a cursed necklace

•saves draco malfoy from a terrible curse that could’ve killed him by the counter charm “vulnera saneteur”

can someone guess which curse Snape saved draco from??? You’re right! It was sectumsempra!

•switched sides or smth

~Here’s a list of good and shitty things james did canonically:

Bad:

•called Snape snivellus (was funny ngl)

•bully snape

Good:

•turned into an illegal animagus at the age of 15 so his werewolf friend (Remus) has company during his transformations.

•took sirius black in after he ran away from an abusive hoursehold.

•SAVED FUCKING SNAPE FROM REMUS IN HIS WEREWOLF FORM AFTER SIRIUS SENT HIM THERE.

JAMES SAVED SNAPE.

•literally died trying to stall Voldemort so Lily and Harry have some time to escape or just live in general.

So my point is canon james was a bit of an asshole but he still did way more good deeds than Snape even though Snape was in all the seven books like one of the good things he did was literally the consequences of his own actions (healing draco).

All of this is canon btw. NONE of it is fanon.

sincerely keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth he did what should have been done.

cutie

[lieutenantism]

there was a post on here talking about how jean would be terrible with kids in contrast to kim and harry and i can't help but think of how shallow that pov is, considering how you don't possess enough information about jean to make that judgement.

would jean be bad with kids? i don't think he would be.

the only instance we have of him interacting with a child is when you partner up with cuno, and i think that still doesn't give us enough room for judgment given the fact he was extremely frustrated with harry at that moment, so much that he barely acknowledges the kid. when he does though, he uses him against harry, as another sin to add to the record. jean claims he would've never let harry partner up with a child, that he's still better than him in that regard.

but he's only better at protecting children as long as he doesn't have to take care of them. jean is trying to shelter cuno from sacrificing his life to law enforcement while simultaneously dooming him to a fate much worse than that, even if he knew that he had nothing. but jean is also a jamrock resident, he knows what's it like to have nothing, he lives among people who have nothing, he quite literally says it which feels personal, almost like he was that kid at some point. perhaps there was a time in his life where he was cuno, and joining the police was the only way out. after all, he doesn't want cuno to be a cop because he thinks he's too young and too childish for it, because he believes kids with nothing shouldn't join law enforcement to survive. after all, this is the same jean that kept the mural.

when jean interacts with cuno, he has an air of carefulness about him; he respects the child, to a certain degree. even more than he does harry, which is telling. unlike harry, he doesn't immediately try to assert himself over the kid, i would say it's because he has experience with children like cuno. after all, he does assess him and then speaks to him politely, which means that he's already done it before with other children from similar backgrounds.

contrary to popular belief, jean is an extremely patient individual. however, the game takes place after he's had enough of harry, therefore we never get to see him patient, although there are many, many, many references to that in his interactions with others for those with the literacy to find them. for example, here when cuno's eagerly explaining the encounter with the deserter and he's barely making sense, jean's doing his best to understand the kid although both him and harry provoke him. i've talked about jean's nervous tics in another post, and how jean needs to physically steel himself whenever he feels like he's losing control over the situation (in this case, he rubs his temples). yet, compared to harry and kim's first interactions with cuno, i think jean did well.

after he gets around to having him become a cop, he treats him like a peer more than a kid because he is going to be one of them, eventually. he never lacks respect for him, even if he still thinks he's a mere kid, so i don't really understand where the "jean would be bad with kids unlike harry and kim because he'd pick a petty fight with them" sentiment came from, given the fact harry can canonically attempt to shoot a child, physically assault another, and pick a fight with them (and lose).

and kim doesn't even bother to speak to them, probably because he's had similar experiences and learned that it's better not to try with such children, which is something i wouldn't put past him. after all, kim rarely challenges the status quo or the system that's failing these children, if anything he aims to protect it. these children are mere collateral damage to him, in my opinion. he barely even acknowledges them throughout the entire interaction with them, and only expresses disdain if you punch cuno because it's "far from normal police conduct", not because you shouldn't physically assault a 12 year old. the most he does when you try to shoot cunoesse is putting a hand on your shoulder to tell you not to, he doesn't disarm you or even try to.

so all in all, i don't think jean is bad with kids. he doesn't lack empathy or respect, doesn't think they're anything other than children, doesn't physically assault them or tries to, and most importantly he tries his best, if we consider the clinical depression and the responsibility he bears when harry's not well enough to work and the excuses he has to make for him in front of their superiors... etc. i mean, imagine having a coworker who always shows up inebriated try to convince you to take in a child to enroll in the academy knowing very well he's not old enough for it so you'd have to falsify documents for it (another responsibility to add to the pile), and the guy recommending him never has his wits about him. pretty crazy! i wonder how everyone would react.

[chaoticfandomgirly]

People who say that most of the Marauders fandom is made up, like it's a bad thing...you have another thing coming.

The whole point of our fandom is to separate us from the absolute BS of canon and JKR.

We are the ones who claimed the smallest part of Harry Potter and made it into something big and wonderful!

We are the ones who fixed plot-holes, improved representation and bought life to characters that were mentioned ONCE.

We made the most beautiful ship- Wolfstar along with Jily, Jegulus, Dorlene, Rosekiller and more!

We made a world where calling a non HP fan a muggle wasn't an insult.

We make the most elaborate pranks and have really good taste in music.

We are the ones that made the Golden Era seem like a spin off for the Marauders Era.

Our fandom knows pain and loss of a whole new level.

So yeah, what if half of it is made up? Not everything has to be canon for one to enjoy it. The Marauders are a testament to the creative minds and passion of all the HP lovers. It is art even if it's inspired by another piece of art. The Marauders fandom is a place untouched by jkr and we all know that if she ever decided to write anything about them it would just not live upto so many beautifully done fics, she really missed an opportunity with this. Therefore, it's safe and diverse which the author herself failed to achieve. Moreover, it's something that allowed people to reclaim their beloved fandom even when jkr ruined it for many. This fandom is OURS. Yes, we did not create the characters or the world but we made it BETTER.

Better ships, better representation, better world, better music, better characters and better everything!

I do not want to seem like I hate the original work, I don't and that's precisely the point. I love it, it's my childhood and the reason for my love for reading but at the same time, being mature and recognising the problems in the original series is essential no matter just how much it might break your heart. That's why I am thankful for The Marauders fandom, they gave me doorway to not abandon my love for Hogwarts and magic. In fact, I only fell deeper in love.

Thank you for reading my rant, you may proceed.

[neverenoughmarauders]

Hi! what are your thoughts on the ever present fanon idea that James repeatedly asks Lily to date him before she finally concedes (he pesters her tbh)?

I feel like this throws a lot of people off of Jily as it just adds a bit of creepiness to the ship and makes it weirder for Lily to get with James considering this behaviour, after what must’ve been a fair amount of reckoning since he tormented her childhood best friend for years. Like even if Lily hated Snape at this point I don’t think she’d forget how James treated him easily and let James off the hook without a proper reckoning so adding pestering behaviour to that dynamic just makes their relationship more unlikely ya know. Honestly just tryna find reasons why fandom in general dislike Jily more than jegulus atp.

Hi anon

This idea that James repeatedly asked Lily out I think far precedes Jegulus. In my youth, the few fics I engaged with (often because my best friend kindly helped translate them) seemed to position it as a very cute thing - although it always annoyed me even then, because it has no basis in canon. The day and age where James persistently asking Lily out was seen as cute are over, and now this fanon idea is presented in favour of Jegulus or Snily.

Actually, as an aside, in general the marauders' story is one that has aged poorly... You can't really view the marauders without the lens of it being the 70s and during a wizarding world war - but people do and it completely changes everything.

How do I feel about it?

I feel the same way about this as I do with all fanon ideas that get presented as evidence. It drives me up the wall no end. We all get carried away with our own interpretations and that's fine, but if people cannot separate canon from interpretation of canon /headcanon from fanon, how can we have an informed debate?

Canon:

"Why are you so obsessed with them anyway? Why do you care what they’re doing at night?” “I’m just trying to show you they’re not as wonderful as everyone seems to think they are.” ... “I didn’t mean — I just don’t want to see you made a fool of — He fancies you, James Potter fancies you!” The words seemed wrenched from him against his will. “And he’s not ... everyone thinks ... big Quidditch hero — ” Snape’s bitterness and dislike were rendering him incoherent, and Lily’s eyebrows were traveling farther and farther up her forehead.

My interpretation of canon:

The conversation between Snape and Lily to me indicates that it is a relatively new development (which means sometimes not long before/after the whomping willow incident). At this point I think it's hard to argue that James has asked Lily out - why on earth would Snape feel the need to point out that James fancies her if this be the case.

Canon:

“I will if you go out with me, Evans,” said James quickly. “Go on ... Go out with me, and I’ll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again.” ... “I wouldn’t go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid,” said Lily. “Bad luck, Prongs,” said Sirius briskly, turning back to Snape. ... “There you go,” he said, as Snape struggled to his feet again, “you’re lucky Evans was here, Snivellus — ” “I don’t need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!” Lily blinked. “Fine,” she said coolly. “I won’t bother in future. And I’d wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus.” ... “What is it with her?” said James, trying and failing to look as though this was a throwaway question of no real importance to him. “Reading between the lines, I’d say she thinks you’re a bit conceited, mate,” said Sirius. “Right,” said James, who looked furious now, “right"

Also canon: Lily found James attractive at this point, despite not liking him very much. It was confirmed in an interview, in response to whether or not Lily hated James, but as we know even from the source text:

“How come she married him?” Harry asked miserably. “She hated him!” “Nah, she didn’t,” said Sirius.

My interpretation of canon:

James is being an immature d***. That aside, nothing about this dialogue suggests to me that James has ever asked Lily out before. Why? James looks FURIOUS at the rejection, he does not give off the vibes of someone who has routinely been rejected by Lily.

There's also the small stuff which doesn't by itself mean anything but which adds up, such as Sirius' and Snape's reaction. Sirius doesn't come across as someone who has seen this a hundred times. He's obviously far less affected or surprised by the outcome, but that's not the same thing. Snape completely loses it with Lily - why? It's not the first time James and Sirius has bullied him, but if it's the first time Snape has listened to James ask her out - worse still, use him to ask her out, he might be furious. He told her so, didn't he? James Potter fancied her.

My headcanon:

We know Lily found James attractive, and that James is shocked to be rejected. We also know Snape is nervous that Lily might be falling for James: 'I’m just trying to show you they’re not as wonderful as everyone seems to think they are' Why? Probably because by now Lily and James have flirted a little on and off. If Lily spoke the way she spoke to James by the lake - if James routinely asked Lily out - then the conversation between Severus and Lily makes no sense.

If people want to like Jegulus, they can. Personally, I think Jily holds everything I want from an "enemies" to lovers trope, and if I want another trope it's usually best friends to lovers, and I've got prongsfoot for that. Or if I am feeling like I want both, there's always Jilypad <3

[hyperfocuscentre]

i’m gonna make a statement and the sirius/severus fans might not like this one but…

sirius and severus are very much opposite sides of the same coin.

(before you continue, i would just like to suggest proceeding with caution as i will be mentioning topics such as abuse and bullying).

sirius grew up with wealth and privilege, severus did not. however, it’s heavily implied in canon that they both experienced some form of abuse whether it be mental or physical. gonna sight some sources because i’ve had people argue with me over that:

^ as shown above, we get a lot from sirius that suggests the way his mother’s portrait acts is similar to the way she acted in life (although presumably more extreme). furthermore, we get a direct comparison of harry’s childhood house to sirius’ from harry himself, implying there’s similarities in their treatment and the memories formed in these households.

it was actually much harder to find evidence for severus’ possible abuse, but there’s definitely signs of neglect. he was obviously poor, so his appearance might just be a reflection of that but the stuff about the arguing and his father’s distaste for everything does imply abuse.

^ as shown above, this is actually considered a form of emotional abuse.

ANYWAY, onto my original point! both sirius and severus do negative things, possibly as a result of this abuse:

- severus’ distaste for muggles, stemming from a young age, is arguably because of his father. he joins the death eaters and picks prejudice friends as a result. however, it’s also possible he joined the death eaters to feel powerful, considering it’s implied he’s felt anything but throughout his childhood (and also during hogwarts because of james and sirius). this, obviously, is an awful decision and cannot be justified but it’s always interesting to look deeply into the motives of morally grey characters.

- also, he rejects his surname and creates the title ‘half-blood prince’ which probably suggests bad relations with his father (or maybe he just wanted a cool name, although that’s not an argument that fits with my yapping).

- sirius similarly seeks power through his constant defiance: he becomes a gryffindor (there is some level of choice during the sorting, remember!), he completely opposes his parents beliefs and was probably only further motivated by their mistreatment considering he ends up disowned. additionally, he seeks out power through bullying in canon. it’s a well known fact that bullies maybe be acting this way due to bad situations in their home life.

arguably, these two guys are acting out in attempt to combat their shitty situations.

FINALLY, in adulthood these two guys seem to be heavily controlled by their past. sirius never got the chance to mature and grieve, stuck in a prison with creatures that literally sucked the happiness and positivity out of him. he was stunted, dealing with his grief and incapable of joining society. instead, he got trapped in his childhood home which was probably full of great memories!! (sarc) he remains impulsive and clearly still holds his childhood grudge against severus.

severus’ only purpose for living was avenging lily (i believe?). he joined dumbledore in attempt to save her, and then just continued to help him when he failed. he’s very clearly burdened by his mistakes and stuck grieving for his past friendship. adding onto that, he can’t let go of his anger at the marauders: he takes it out on harry, absolutely jumps at the chance to get sirius ‘kissed’ and blatantly despises remus.

i’m done! i’m not doing a conclusion because i hate those so… enjoy my badly worded ramble? please don’t be mean in the comments if you disagree!

[hellolovers13]

💟I Hope We Never Change💟

Harry/Louis | E | 13k | genderfluid harry, angst, canon compliant, gender dysphoria

“I just wanted to try how it feels.” “The clothes?” Niall asked .Harry nodded. “Is that, that's too weird right, I shouldn't-” “Hey, stop it. I told you already, it's not weird. It's just how you feel. That's okay. You can try whatever you want, okay. And you can always, always talk to me. Remember that.” or Harry is confused about everything, so is Louis. At least they have Niall.

🌱Plant New Seeds🌱

Harry/Louis | T | 2k | meet cute

L: i think i might have a watering ghost. There’s water on that plant and it sure wasn’t me Z: 👻💦 either that or you’re just sleepwalking. Best guess is still the magical plant thing. Lemme know if you find your princess 😘 or Someone was desperately trying to keep Louis' poor houseplant alive.

💞Up on the Roof with a School Girl Crush💞

Harry/Louis | M | 4k | meet cute

Harry was just trying to get some work done and have a quiet night in. He did not expect to become host to a drunken Louis, who had overestimated his Halloween costume's ability to fly.

🚑haunted🚑

Harry/Louis | M | 1k | TW: miscarriage, stillbirth

Before 24 weeks it's considered a miscarriage, not a stillbirth. No matter that he had to go through labour. No matter that he was holding his child in his arms.

🍼fragile line🍼 (second part to haunted)

Harry/Louis | M | 2k | TW: talk of abortion and suicide, mention of previous miscarriage, stillbirth

Now, five different fonts told him the same thing. Pregnant.

🌃Chicago🌃

Harry/Louis | G | 3.5k | getting back together, momrry

They hadn't seen each other in four years, why was Louis still writing songs about Harry? Larry take on the song Chicago

🛏️London🛏️ (second part to Chicago) Harry/Louis | M | 2k | fluff, kid fic, momrry

A lazy morning in bed. Finally home.

👶Glasgow👶 (third part to Chicago) Harry/Louis | T | 2k | fluff, kid fic, momrry

Louis' first moments with his newborn daughter.

🎄Every Snowflake Is Different (Just Like You)🎄

Harry/Louis | E | 20k | meet cute, christmas fic, genderfluid harry

Turns out, getting snowed in with your not quite One-Night Stand wasn’t actually that bad. But the snow wouldn’t last forever. Was there a chance for love even after the snow had melted?

👄Slow Hands👄

Harry/Niall Harry/Louis | E | 3k | smut, dom louis, sub harry, genderfluid harry

“Wait. So when you say you’re genderfluid, that means sometimes you’re a girl, right?” “Uh, yeah.” “So when I asked what you’d do if you were a girl and you said ‘Niall’. Does that apply now?”

📞Love In Conversation 📞

Harry/Louis | T | 5k | meet cute, baking fails

King Arthur Baking Hotline. Your bread fell flat. Your cookies crumbled. Who do you turn to? The King Arthur Baker's Hotline. or Louis has a severe baking breakdown. Thankfully, he gets help from baking-hotline operator Harry.

❄️love drunk, waiting on a miracle ❄️

Harry/Louis | T | 15.6k | coffeshop au, christmas fic

Harry has a bit of a crush on a customer. Thankfully, the feeling is mutual. These are their first 24 days together.

🍆Pretty Miscalculations🍆 (part one of the Mess Me Up Series)

Harry/Louis | E | 5.2k | dom louis, sub harry, sex toys, nipple play, aftercare

After rudely interrupting Louis’ Christmas shopping, Louis offers Harry a choice and an opportunity to try out his new purchases.

🌶️Hits Different🌶️ (part two of the Mess Me Up Series)

Harry/Louis | E | 4.8k | dom louis, sub harry, spanking, daddy kink

After their one night together Louis had not expected Harry back for more. Turns out he was wrong.

🍼known it all this time (of tiktoks and baby making)🍼

Harry/Louis | E | 1.7k | smut, pregnancy kink, momrry

If Harry doesn't stop sending Louis those videos, who knows what's gonna happen.

👑The Pros and Cons of Breathing👑

Harry/Louis | E | 82k | A/B/O, arranged marriage, historical fantasy, angst, enemies to friends to lovers, slow burn, trauma

Harry wiped the tears from his cheeks. No. He’d not been raised to give up. He’d find a way to survive this. He might be an omega, but he’d never been weak and he wouldn’t start now. His gaze fell to Louis, who was already asleep, chest rising and falling evenly. Harry would become the perfect omega for him. No matter the disgust he might feel in doing so. It was his duty, after all. or Omega Harry has always known he'd be married off someday. It's to be expected, given his station. So his betrothal to Prince Louis comes as no surprise. While he's nervous about leaving his home, and the life and people he knows, he's still hopeful for a good match and a happy marriage. But when Louis avoids him at all costs, and is downright cruel to him at times, it leaves Harry trying to make sense of his new life alone. Can he find happiness - and a home - even in a broken marriage?

🌷Something Secret🌷 (TPACOB - Companion)

Niall/Zayn | E | 3.5k | A/B/O, fluff, falling in love

Eternity starts with a pink rose.

👰Wed’n Walk (Or, We Went to Amsterdam Together)👰

Harry/Louis | E | 11.4k | friends to lovers, fake married au

When Harry had first started planning his honeymoon to Amsterdam, he had not envisioned ending up there with his best friend. Or getting fake-married to him for 24 hours.

🪴Unplant����

Harry/Louis | M | 4k | strangers to lovers, trans harry

Please do not disturb my plant She needs 2 hours of sunlight a day and I live in a sunless flat I’ll be back to collect her soon Thank you and stay well. or Louis should've looked where he was going, then he wouldn't have to desperately try to save a little flower now.

🏆Brit's AU (The Kissing Game)🏆

Harry/Louis, Niall/Lewis Capaldi | E | | 1,5k | crack, one direction reunion, kissing

Lewis' quest to reunite One Direction via kiss

😟play pretend😟

Harry/Louis | T | 1k | gender dysphoria, depression, implied self harm, trans harry

just a bad day for him for her

🩷His and Hers🩵

Harry/Louis | T | 1.8k | trans Harry, canon compliant, fluff, tiny bit of angst

It's just a blanket, it shouldn't make Harry freak out like this

🌇Together We're the Greatest🌇

Harry/Louis | E | 4.6k | dystopia, getting back together, blood and injury, angst, soulmates, misunderstandings, hand jobs, hurt/comfort

“How the fuck does this always happen to you?” Louis huffed, pulling Harry's limp body into the half fallen apart car he'd borrowed for this. Well, he didn't intend to give it back, really, but insurance covered theft, did it not? And this thing was basically held together with duct tape and good faith, so really, the former owners should thank him for taking it off their hands. - It's not the first time Louis has to stitch Harry back together, but Louis will make sure it is the last.

🏳️‍⚧️Hold Me Tight (Or Don’t)🏳️‍⚧️

Harry/Louis | E | 13.6k | trans harry, famous/non-famous au, fangirl harry, angst, falling in love

Falling in love with Louis is easy enough. Separating Louis from the singer persona Harry has been a fan of for years, however, is not. But she's not the only one making assumptions.

💗Til the Afterglow💗

Louis/Niall/Harry | E | 8.1k | A/B/O, heats, falling in love, smut

When Harry goes into heat in a random hotel room a thousand miles from home, there's more than one Alpha offering his help. Harry can't possibly be asked to choose.

☕I'll Get You Through☕

Harry/Louis | G | 1.1k | pining, domestic

Louis will always pick up when Harry calls. Always.

Ω we don't fight fair Ω

Harry/Louis | E | 2k | A/B/O, smut, non-traditional A/B/O dynamics

“What, you think I'll just roll over for you now?” The smirk on Louis’ face was almost devilish. “Yes,” He breathed against Harry’s lips, cocky and sure, like it was a fact of life. It sent all kinds of shivers through Harry. God, but he wanted to. Wanted Louis to have him right against this wall, let everyone see how he fell apart under him. But not tonight. Harry fixed his posture, standing up straighter and trying to get himself under control. “I don't think so, omega.” Or: Nothing like a little chase to start off Louis' heat.

👗Secret Moments👗 (First Part of the She Series)

Harry | G | 1.7k | trans harry, gender things, gender euphoria

Harry's first dress.

🫂The Truth In Me🫂 (Second Part of the She Series)

Harry & Zayn | G | 1.1k | trans harry, coming out, harry & zayn friendship

Harry is ready to come out to her best friend.

💄Hold On Tighter💄 (Third Part of the She Series)

Harry | G | 1.4k | trans harry, coming out, angst & feels

Harry finally has the house to herself again. Or so she thought.

📿Take the Moment and Taste It📿

Harry/Louis | E | 4.6k | strangers to lovers, smut, cheeky harry, meet cute

“You made him a bracelet?” “Yeah. It’s a whole thing, people make these friendship bracelets and trade them at the shows. I got a bunch from fans while I was there, but I wanted to give Harry one, with my number on it.” “Your number as in 28, your squad number, or your phone number?” Louis smirked. “You know which one.” or Louis didn't get the chance to give Harry his bracelet in person, but Harry isn't one to leave fate alone.

🧹Disenchanted Series🧹

Harry/Louis | E | 25.2k | witch!harry, strangers to lovers, Magic AU, slow burn

Witch Harry is just trying to live his life. Then there's Louis.

The Potion

If Harry were a calm and collected person, he would simply take the scroll back now and leave. Sadly, his mama had blessed him with lots of wonderful things, his soft curls, his biting green eyes, his magic affinity, but he had not inherited any of her patience. So instead, he got right up in Hedgehog’s face, thrilling at the fact he had to bend down just the tiniest bit to look into his eyes. Such a shame, too. This guy had pretty blue eyes and if he wasn't drenched in the stench of The Hunters™, he might've even made a decent fuck, but that was neither here nor there now. or Harry is a witch minding his own business, Louis is a nuisance.

The Escape

Harry is still minding his own business, Louis is still annoying. Well, fine. Maybe he is the tiniest bit helpful, too.

The Healer

Harry is trying to- Louis is- He's going to make it. Harry will make sure of that.

The Curse

Time for Harry to confront his past. Or not?

The Heart

True love isn't something that was ever going to be in the cards for Harry. It finds him anyway.

🧛If You Leave me🧛

Niall/Zayn | E | 5k | Vampire AU, Exes to Lovers, angst, smut, overthinking

Niall spends too much time in his own head, almost breaking his (and Zayn's) heart in the process.

💌Lonely Cards Club💌

Harry/Louis | T | 25.8k | Advent fluff, strangers?/exes?/friends? to lovers

Harry's life in Cardiff is rather uneventful. Until he receives a strange Christmas postcard. It gets even stranger when he finds another one the next day. 💌 An Advent story about missed opportunities and second chances.

🫂It's okay, 'cause you're not alone🫂

Niall/Zayn | T | 1k | panic attacks, canon compliant, hurt/comfort

Niall focussed on Zayn’s steady heartbeat, tried to use it to ground himself. thump, thump, thump One, two, three. He was safe. Always safe in Zayn’s arms.

💚Dreaming of a Green Christmas💚

Harry/Louis | E | 4.2k | Size Queen Louis, sex toys, Harry in panties

Harry opens the wrong package by mistake and finds the sex toy Louis ordered for himself. That's not an opportunity Harry can pass up on.

✒️What's in a Name✒️

Harry/Louis | T | 2.6k | Soulmate AU, Trans Harry, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers

Louis had always known Harry was his soulmate. The name on his arm disagreed. But what did his soulmark know about true love anyway.

🧟‍♂️Hope🧟‍♂️

Louis, Harry | T | 2k | Major Character Death, Zombie AU, fatherhood

A father's desperate journey against time.

🚪On Love's Doorstep🚪

Harry/Louis | T | 1.6k | Fluff, Harry in a dress

Harry Styles: a day in the life ☑ Stuck in a dress ☑ Abandoned by his best friend ☑ Date with hot neighbour All in all, not the worst day ever

🍯we could be enough🍯

Harry/Louis | M | 5k | Trans Alpha Louis, Omega Harry, nesting, fluff

“You know I am flirting with you, right?” Louis freezes mid-bite. Just manages not to choke on his steak. Harry laughs a bit too loudly, almost like he’s nervous. “Yeah, should’ve known you weren’t the observant kind. You think I get this dressed up for a random dinner with a mate on a Tuesday night?” or Louis never imagined anyone could love him for who he truly is. Then he meets Harry.

🌟Stars over Amsterdam🌟

Harry/Louis | T | 4.7k | Exes to Lovers, Harry in a dress, idiots in love, Eras Tour

Louis remembers how stressed they were, trying to get tickets at all. The waiting for the email with the code, which only Louis got, the actual On-sale. How Harry stood behind him, peeling at his nails nervously. Trying not to distract Louis. But it had all gone smoothly and he had gotten the tickets within just a few minutes. Harry had jumped around Louis’s chair in excitement like a bouncing ball. Already starting to plan their outfits. A gold fringe dress for Harry, Fearless was his favourite album, after all, and a matching shirt he had found online for Louis. So people could tell right away they were an item. That was their plan. Before it all went to shit. or Fate in form of Eras Tour tickets forces Louis to meet up with his Ex. Hopefully soon to be Ex-Ex.

[saintsenara]

All Lupin ships:

Remadora

Wolfstar

Snupin

thank you very much for the ask, anon - and yes, i'd say that's the order i'd rank them in too...

remadora

i've spoken about this one here.

wolfstar

here.

snupin

i have read and enjoyed some snupin, but i certainly wouldn't go so far as to say it was a fave of mine.

and the reason for this is that i find that it so frequently misrepresents snape and lupin's dynamic - turning the fact that lupin canonically stays away from the more egregious bullying the marauders do against snape and canonically defends dumbledore's trust in him into evidence that he likes or respects snape, but was simply unable to restrain james and sirius' hatred of him while they were at school [something he regrets as an adult].

while this gets a couple of things right about lupin as a character - that he cannot bear to be the bad guy; that he is unfailingly loyal to dumbledore - it fails to showcase others, especially the fact that he has just as much capacity for cruelty as the other marauders [this is a man who's ready to murder wormtail in cold blood in front of three children literally seconds after learning he's still alive] but that the mask of meek affability he has created for himself hides this much better than james and sirius' "what you see is what you get" personalities.

and it therefore also fails to engage with the fact that snape is canonically terrified of lupin. i seem to see a lot in snupin the idea that snape is so rude to him - especially in prisoner of azkaban - because he doesn't want to acknowledge his feelings or let anyone close enough to see the real him, and while - yes - that's a way of behaving that suits snape to a tee, it's clear in the canon text that snape's treatment of lupin is actually caused by his belief that lupin was both in on the scheme to lure him to the shrieking shack and that lupin is aiding and abetting the man who killed lily in his attempt to kill harry. and it's also clear that lupin really quite enjoys the fact that snape is scared of him - and that he goes out of his way to engineer situations where he can needle snape and revel in his response.

[and it's also clear that when snape has more of a... vibe with someone, he's happy to get in their face. him coming round to grimmauld place to neg sirius about having to do housework and hide is very much giving "i love you"...]

and so i think you can just do something so toxic with snupin's canon dynamic - with snape being, essentially, hunted by lupin. you can have it be really messy, with a really interesting power-dynamic. you can have both men refusing to be honest about themselves and their history, even as it destroys the connection they've forged. you can even untangle years of resentment and tension and have it turn into something real.

and i much prefer those scenarios to remus being sweet and just wanting snape to share his chocolate.

[seekforwarmth]

hello and welcome to the last fic rec of the year featuring my favourite works from what i’ve read during the past weeks. as always, please check tags before reading. if you liked the fics please reblog their posts, leave kudos and write a nice comment. happy reading! rec tag | more rec lists

— harry/louis —  

໑ A Christmas at Home by @parmahamlarrie (T, 3k, established relationship, nurse louis, kid fic, christmas fluff) After meeting his boyfriend in the emergency room, not having Louis home for Christmas Eve (and his birthday) was not a big surprise to Harry. What he didn't expect was just how hard that would be on his six year old son, Arlo.

Or, the one where Arlo wants nothing more than to celebrate Louis' birthday with him, and Harry hates having to be the parent who says no.

໑ Could Be Kissing my Fruit Punch Lips by thecheshirepussycat / @the-cheshire-pussy-cat (E, 4.5k, strangers to lovers, college au, camboy louis, pining harry) Harry happens upon a porn site that specializes in live videos and sort of falls in love with the cute boy he only knows as Kitty.

And then he gets the surprise of his life when he finds out Kitty attends his university…

໑ Your name is tattooed to the bottom of my heart by @meloummy (E, 6.6k, canon au, established relationship, ass tattoo, light dom/sub) Prompt 114: a PWP where Louis gets an arse tattoo with Harry’s name for his birthday.

Or where Harry likes to mark what is his and receives a very special surprise fulfilling one of his fetishes; to see Louis marked for life with something related to him and in one of his favourite places.

໑ with gilded wolves on the wall by bruisedhoney / @yvesaintlourent (E, 13.3k, enemies to lovers, a/b/o game of thrones au, arranged marriage, fantasy) The Game of Thrones ABO AU where Harry is of the North, and Louis cannot be burnt.

໑ Wedding Bells Will Never Ring For Me by @lousmoonshine (E, 14.8k, exes to lovers, champagne problems au, famous louis, non-famous harry) After a failed proposal a few years back, Louis gets an unexpected invitation to his ex - Harry’s – wedding.

໑ play by the rules by @shimmeringevil (E, 21.8k, established relationship, bdsm, soft dom harry, read tags) Fed up with the excess energy that’s wreaking havoc on his personal and professional life, Louis asks his boyfriend to dom him in the hopes that it’ll help him relax. Unfortunately, Harry is a bit of a disaster when it comes to being a dom. So, Louis decides to get creative to try and encourage the dominant side out of him.

໑ tell me that your sweet love hasn't died by punk_pillow_princess / @punkpillowprincess (M, 27.4k, established relationship, happiest season au, movie inspired, hidden relationship, coming out, christmas) Louis and Harry have been in a relationship for a year. While on their way to Harry's parents' house and his family's legendary annual Christmas party, Louis discovers that Harry has not yet come out of the closet to his family, who are also full of secrets, fears and afraid of a bad reputation in town.

໑ Snow In Love by @lululawrence (NR, 33k, friends to lovers, advent fic, fake/pretend relationship) Harry and Louis are best friends and have been for basically as long as they can remember. For the first time since middle school, they are both single for the holidays leaving them with the brilliant idea to take each other as their dates to work events. To make things easier they will pretend like they’re dating. But then they learn something funny.

People thought they were already dating. Weird.

໑ Heart Beat by @allwaswell16 (E, 33.4k, acquaintances to lovers, advent fic, small town au, teacher harry, single parent louis, kid fic) Hideaway Haven is the place that Louis has always called home. It's also the place that Harry had tried to leave behind him. When Harry returns to start a music academy in his hometown, he finds himself face to face with his high school crush—and his charming daughter who wants to learn to play the drums.

— rare pairs / categories —  

໑ Chaos by @haztobegood (louis/omc, M, 100, canon, fitf tour, bodyguard) Against the barricade, it’s complete chaos.

໑ Fine Line by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13 (louis/nick grimshaw, G, 1k, established relationship, canon compliant, relationship reveal) Telling his family was always going to be a big deal, but doing it alone was a sacrifice he could make. He never thought they’d fall about laughing.

໑ Daydream by @allwaswell16 (girl direction louis/zayn, T, 2k, strangers, coffee shop au, university student louis, farmer zayn) Every Thursday, Louis nods hello to her fellow regulars at Horan’s Cafe, one of whom is the woman of her dreams.

໑ Baking Memories by @haztobegood (louis/jack cochrane, T, 2k, canon compliant, kitchen chaos, christmas baking) After a long day of songwriting, Jack convinces Louis to bake mince pies together.

໑ say yes to heaven by edensrose / @holdingthornsandroses (louis/ethan hawke, M, 2.8k, strangers to lovers, 90s theatre au, references to shakespeare) Later when he’s back at the apartment with Oli, as Louis is somewhat dreamily waxing poetic about Ethan, Oli interrupts.-

“Does he quote Shakespeare when you fuck?” he asks, poking at the sizzling eggs on the stove.

Louis’ cheeks turn suspiciously pink.

Oli peers at his face. “Oh my god, he DOES. I KNEW IT.” He triumphantly brandishes his spatula in the air.

໑ Two Stars Passing By by Stria (Asia117) / @nooradeservedbetter (niall/lewis capaldi, G, 2.9k, established relationship, a/b/o au, domestic fluff) “I’ll have you know, I’m perfectly comfortable not looking and acting like a traditional alpha.” He needs Lewis to know that, for some reason.“Sure, mr feminism,” Lewis snorts. “Come on, we’re missing the game.”

(Or, fluffy slice-of-life moments in Niall and Lewis' relationship)   ໑ One by @allwaswell16 (louis/tommy shelby, E, 4k, one night stands, pack a/b/o au, peaky blinders au, historical, pregnancy) When omega Louis Tomlinson becomes pregnant after an unexpected encounter, he decides his only option is to flee his pack. But Tommy Shelby, pack alpha of the Peaky Blinders, might not be willing to let him go so easily.

໑ it's a holidate by @disgruntledkittenface (harry/nick grimshaw, M, 4.3k, strangers to lovers, american au, company holiday party) When Nick meets Harry at his company holiday party, he never would have predicted that he’d met his match. Luckily, he’s been known to be wrong on occasion.

໑ a silent night with you by edensrose / @holdingthornsandroses (louis/lee pace, M, 7.8k, strangers to lovers, christmas au, writer louis, fake relationship louis/omc) Louis Lane. Popular British columnist and cook extraordinaire. He has a fiancé and and a sixty acre farm. Except Louis Tomlinson has none of these things. Guess who’s coming to dinner.

໑ Jump! by @reminiscingtherain (louis/tommy longhurst, M, 15.8k, strangers to lovers, canon, touring life) He let out a noise of surprise as his arms were suddenly full of a sweaty body, as Tommy threw himself at Louis and held on tightly.“Thank you so fucking much,” he muttered against Louis’ shoulder, squeezing a little. “You have no idea how much this means to us.”Louis softened a little, gently tapping Tommy’s back.“I absolutely know what this means, lad,” he replied, his voice gentle and supportive. “The way you’re reacting to being out there? That’s exactly why I chose you for the support slot.” He gave a reassuring squeeze. “You deserve this, okay?” He pulled back a little, gripping the back of Tommy’s neck and looking him in the eyes. “You deserve this.”

໑ 'tis the damn season by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf (girl direction hl, E, 17.9k, friends to lovers, advent fic, returning home) Harry returns to her small hometown over the holiday season and starts to think about the road not taken.

[sevilynne]

Nah, you’re right poster. Ignore the dickheads sending you horrible messages for an opinion. Lily didn’t do anything bad. But I don’t think based on the book that she even liked him that much even as a friend, and so it is sad and fucked up that Severus was so loved-starved that she was the best that he ever experienced when she just…wasn’t that fussed about him.

Idk who you are, but I love you sm.

I have a little theory with a few people that Lily has been waiting for anything Severus would do wrong to get rid of them, and before anyone else beats me up for this, it kinda makes sense.

Lily is perfect headgirl who's quite beautiful in probably almost everyone's eyes, and her having 'Snivellus' would make her have this imperfection.

It would also make sense for her friends to be like "Oh Severus is a Slytherin and likes the Dark Arts!" Since she'd obviously have Gryffindor friends.

And he's also like that weird student in school that no one would want to be friends with.

It honestly sucks that Severus has her as the best person that happened to him, it's so fucked up because Lily's just a red flag friend (KEYWORD: friend) and everyone just bullies him.

I mean, who would laugh at their friends while they get publicly humiliated? James knew what he was doing, literally no one in the Wizarding World wore trousers. Severus would've cursed anyone who would even try that on Lily.

I just want to give Severus a hug man, he never got his happy ending (And he's so depressed in Hogwarts Legacy too) he has Lily as the best thing that happened to him, had bullies who SA'd him and attempted to murder him, and his father and mother canonically neglected him (Since Harry is abused, he'd view this as neglect since Harry's life is also fucked up, so it's also heavily implied that Severus was abused as well.)

I don't know why people hate me for an opinion, if you see Lily as a great person, then sure, but Lily is just a red flag for me, because she's not a great friend. Sure, she has flaws and imperfections, but I—an imperfect and person with flaws—would never deflect any stuff a bully did to my best friend nor would laugh at them while they get SA'd.

Severus did terrible stuff, sure, but he never failed his duty as a friend like Lily did :/

[iamnmbr3]

Thoughts on Tomarry/Harrymort? I saw many people said that are some hints of them in the books, is that true?

I think it's an interesting ship. I've read some fic for it tho I'm not as active in the tomarrymort fandom as some so other blogs could probably give you better meta on canon evidence. Given that in canon both characters spend the majority of their interactions trying to kill each other on sight, you need some sort of AU for it to work. So there's less "evidence" in canon.

It's more that there are a lot of things that make the ship interesting - namely the way Harry and Tom have similar upbringings and backgrounds, share certain personality traits in common (as diary!Riddle himself points out in book 2) have a very intense relationship in canon in which they play pivotal roles in each other's lives, and also are canonically literal soulmates. That said there are certainly some things in canon that can be read as a basis for the ship (beyond the general context of the characters).

Harry canonically finds Riddle extremely attractive - something he notes multiple times throughout the books. He also really likes Tom Riddle when he meets him in book 2 and is very resistant to believing that he's an enemy. Riddle basically has to straight up announce 'I'm Voldemort and I want you to die" before Harry gives up on them being friends and fighting the basilisk together. Harry also is the only person to ever offer Voldemort mercy or compassion - when in their final duel he makes a last ditch effort to get him to repair the damage to his soul and to warn him of what state he'll be left in in the afterlife - even though he expects this offer to fail; again this sort of stuff adds interesting complexity to their interactions.

As an adult, Voldemort can also be read as being kind of obsessed with Harry (though I've read very persuasive meta that argues the opposite as well). These readings often focus on things like the fact that instead of running the country he's just taken over or going on a general murderous rampage or anything like that Riddle spends all of book 7 looking for a better wand so that he can have a duel with Harry and beat him. Like that is the main thing he wants to do. He doesn't want to capture him and slit his throat or feed him Nagini.

He specifically wants to to duel him, which could be read as a sort of obsession. He also seems to enjoy torturing Harry a lot more than other people. Like yes he's certainly very willing to torture and kill people in general if they cross him or...you know...happen to be in the room when he's having a bad day. But he seems to really take inordinate delight in toying with Harry and in hurting in a way he doesn't with other people, which can be read though the lens of Harry representing a failure and unique threat, but can also be read through a Harrymort lens.

For me I think it's more about the potential for interesting stuff given the fact that they are both deadly enemies and also deeply connected to the point of literally sharing a soul. I think a lot of interesting things can be done with that - whether canon divergence with things like Voldemort discovering Harry is his Horcrux and therefore not wanting to kill him, or time travel etc.

[grangertrash]

God Tier Death Eater!Hermione Fanfiction Masterlist

Devil Doesn't Bargain by starbucksofancientgreece Hermione Granger x Draco Malfoy Words: 141,713 Chapters: 46 "Rule number one: never assume you are safe." During the hunt for horcruxes, a group of snatchers discovers the Golden Trio. In the squabble, the three friends are separated, and while Harry and Ron apparate away to safety, Hermione is taken to face the consequences at Malfoy Manor. This is a dark AU where Hermione finds herself in a tough situation--swear fealty to the Dark Lord, or die. As much as she'd like to claim otherwise, Hermione is nothing if not self-preserving. When she makes the choice, it is an easy one.

Last Year by Canimal Hermione Granger x Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger x Antonin Dolohov, Hermione Granger x Augustus Rookwood Words: 714,320 Chapters: 367 There's nowhere to hide when a victorious Voldemort sends his best tracker to find Hermione. Draco won't give up until he finds her again. A story of the unraveling of the lies we tell ourselves.

False-Hearted by its_banannaz & Literalily Hermione Granger x Draco Malfoy Words: 76,459 Chapters: 42 Hermione Granger has the potential to be more, MUCH more. And now, she's ready to climb her way to the top, no matter what it takes. Sick of her insincere "friends" and their lack of recognition, Hermione makes a decision that alters the outcome of the war. If no one will put Hermione Granger first, she'll simply have to do it herself. There is no good or bad, not anymore. It's about what gets her where she deserves to be. After reaching a boiling point, she does something that no one ever expected - she becomes a Death Eater. But not just any Death Eater - Voldemort's apprentice. Playing both sides, Hermione Granger now holds more power than anyone realizes. Is it so wrong to be false-hearted when you're finally putting yourself first?

When a Lioness Fights by kayly silverstorm Hermione Granger x Severus Snape Words: 416k+ Chapters: 80 Hermione Granger, master spy, and Severus Snape, spymaster to the Order. An unlikely partnership, forged to defeat the Dark Lord on his own ground. But to do so, they must confront their own darkness within. Spying, torture, angst and love. AU after fifth

The Last Marauder by Resa Aureus Hermione Granger x Remus Lupin Words: 238k+ Chapters: 78 In the wake of the war, Dumbledore's portrait gives Hermione a task that could change the course of history if she succeeds, but unravel time itself if she fails.

Mon Couteau Aiguise (My Sharp Knife) by gillianeliza Hermione Granger x Draco Malfoy Words: 169,542 Chapters: 99 “And you understand, I assume, the implications of wearing a piece of jewelry such as the one you have around your wrist?” Professor Snape asked. Hermione looked down at the bracelet in question, remembering the warm and joyful sensation of it first being clasped around her. The words Draco had spoken – will you have me? Will you accept me? “I do, sir,” she answered in her best impersonation of confidence. “But Miss Granger… I must ask – do you understand the cost?” Her brows pulled together. “The cost, sir?” “The Dark Lord will return, girl... When he returns, Lucius – and I for that matter – must resume our places at his side.” Hermione still said nothing, which she could tell surprised her potions professor greatly, so he continued. “What do you think will happen to Draco when his father once again becomes a follower of the Dark Lord?” The sticky dread clawed its way up her throat, as if choking her. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes as she thought of the implications. “So I ask you again, Miss Granger, do you understand the cost?” This work is a dark, Death Eater Hermione AU that begins during third year. Eventual canon divergence.

The Green Girl by Colubrina Hermione Granger x Draco Malfoy Words: 150k+ Chapters: 22 Hermione is sorted into Slytherin; how will things play out differently when the brains of the Golden Trio has different friends? AU. Darkish

Send me your favorite and I'll add it!

[annabtg]

You portray Sirius as this stud muffin that everyone was tripping over. It’s kinda vain as a women. Sirius not being able to recognize that his best friend/brother was in love with Lily Evans? Bruh, please. The whole fucken school knew. Sirius doesn’t have tattoos and he’s pretty much asexual in canon from what we know. Not in your fics because he’s fanon and not canon.

I shouldn't even publish this ask, because people will laugh at your lack of reading comprehension, but you started it and I love talking Sirius so here's a breakdown of your seven deadly sins:

1. You completely failed to understand the assignment. Fanon doesn't mean "written by a fan". Fanon means a prevalent version of a character or event which is not supported by canon. Fanon Sirius is a very specific phenomenon, ranted about by @artemisia-black here and summarized by me here. You have failed to provide any examples from my writing that allude to such a portrayal of Sirius.

2. Instead, you complained about my portrayal of Sirius and called it fanon, providing (a pathetic excuse of) examples that aren't anywhere in the fanon version of Sirius and are in fact much closer to canon Sirius. You might have been trying to call my Sirius OOC, but you're probably like twelve and have yet to learn your fandom terminology.

3. "You portray Sirius as this stud muffin that everyone was tripping over" that's canon actually. JKR goes out of her way to tell us how handsome and attractive he was pre-Azkaban every time it comes up:

His face wasn't sunken and waxy, but handsome, full of laughter. (Prisoner of Azkaban)

Sirius was lounging in his chair at his ease, tilting it back on two legs. He was very good-looking, his dark hair fell into his eyes with a sort of casual elegance neither James's nor Harry's could ever have achieved, and a girl sitting behind him was eyeing him hopefully, though he didn't seem to have noticed. (Order of the Phoenix)

Sirius stared around at the students milling over the grass, looking rather haughty and bored, but very handsomely so. (Order of the Phoenix)

(I'll stop here because I don't have my books with me and digging up the quotes is proving difficult.)

4. "It's kinda vain as a women" Can You Even English, Bro. Are you saying that I describe Sirius as a person who is as vain as a woman? If so you're not only incorrect, but also sexist.

5. "Sirius not being able to recognize that his best friend/brother was in love with Lily Evans?"

We're talking about My Best Friend's Girl, right? Here's the quote you've been searching for:

Sirius had sometimes thought that James might fancy Lily. He had caught him staring at her, he had noticed something particular in his tone of voice when he spoke to her; and yet, every time he had asked him, James had vehemently denied it.

And because I can't shut up about this story, here's another quote from that same scene:

“D’you think she likes you?”

“We’ll find out.” He grabbed another handful of beans out of the packet in his backpack and stuffed them in his mouth, watching James intently. He had returned to his studying, but he looked vexed. “D’you think I shouldn’t?” he asked.

“Who am I to stop you?” James muttered, his eyes still on his book.

Sirius shrugged to himself. If James insisted on taking it all in stride, he wasn’t going to miss his chance with a beautiful girl on a hunch.

Sirius is not stupid. He knows James has a thing for Lily. But it's not his place or his responsibility to do anything about that for a James that won't so much as acknowledge it to his best friend. And he definitely doesn't think that, just because James likes Lily, Lily shouldn't go out with anyone. She's a free girl and she can like a boy if she wants to, including one whose best friend has a crush on her. Bad luck, Prongs.

(I could talk at length about everyone's behaviour in this fic but I'd rather do that in a separate post and not in one addressing a rude anon.)

6. "Sirius doesn't have tattoos" Still waiting for any quote from any of my stories where he has a tattoo.

7. "he's pretty much asexual in canon from what we know" lack of a sexual relationship ≠ asexual. Your interpretation is not the only valid one.

Final grade: L for LURK MOAR.

[revalition]

HEY i read your rambles on the authority skilltober drawing and i just wanna say that id love to read your thoughts on authority and volition's dynamic!! if you want to share them obviously lmao

hi anon!!! you sent this in 6 weeks ago, I am so sorry :( hopefully you still see this

I am! extremely excited to dump about these two!! just needed to have the time/energy to and then it took forever hgkjh

it's gonna be long so putting a break here :) but there are quote screenshots *and* doodles under the cut

first off, a bunch of this stuff is in this post about them, this Volition skilltober post, and this Authority skilltober post, but now it's all together. so if you've seen some of this commentary or screenshots before... that's why

so ... going to sort this into canon and headcanons.

CANON:

we get: all volition and authority interactions I can find!

them agreeing:

them disagreeing:

this ones not really agreeing or disagreeing ig:

this one, the authority passive only fires if volition's doesn't. they're covering for eachotherrr.

I ran a very complicated SQL query to find all the instances of them having dialogue right after another, but it doesn't account for when the dialogue is separated by a variable check (eg. the sorry cop dialogue needs to check if you have the sorry cop thought). so I did what anyone would do and spent 3 hours making a far more convoluted query to iterate through the variable chains until they reached another line of dialogue. Which for some reason was a lot more easy in theory than in execution. And every time I messed it up it would sit for like 15 minutes and then bomb my computer with 10 million rows of dialogue. And sure, maybe twice I accidentally made it trace through every single dialogue path possible in the game recursively which. required killing it because it blew up. but it eventually WORKED and that's what matters.

So these quotes! Basically. They agree on stuff plenty, backing eachother up against bad ideas presented by Harry, other skills, or other people. but they also bicker a lot, trying to shut down eachother's ideas. Volition is the voice of reason in a lot of these, mostly just his desire not to die out of sheer willpower, as well as shutting down a few of Authority's more impulsive suggestions. But there is one where Volition disagrees with Authority, telling you to keep pushing on the stickbug issue despite the fact that he's only doing it to be stubborn and is actively making the situation worse... I think Authority helps balance against the extreme stubbornness Volition sometimes takes too far.

Here are a couple of them referring to eachother's specialties...

Authority is also extremely anti narcotics and encourages you to do the right thing (like declining Evrart's bribe) which I'm sure Volition would be happy with, until Authority takes it too far and encourages you to drink and smoke more because it's better than narcotics, and starts encouraging you to basically fabricate situations where you can pretend to be honourable for karma coupons. Which. Sigh.

That's them! They're on the same page and everything is going great right up until it's not.

Also Authority triggers the only instance of healing *all* morale damage in the whole game... :)

Of note is also when Volition *doesn't* chime in. Volition is well aware of the gun idea during the Hardies fail, even before you are, and makes no move to stop it. (Also, the back and forth during that fail when Volition tells you to give the gun back is. hgkh. I can't think of any other instance of Volition trying to override some bad decision and the skill in question talking/fighting back. If it does happen, it must be pretty rare.) He also doesn't stop you during the Authority fail dancing in the church, just urges you to go apologize after the damage is done (despite stopping you from making a racist comment during an encyclopedia fail a different time).

They also do take over for eachother from time to time! Especially with Kim asserting his authority, both of them do it several times. Authority obviously has the eyebrow standoff, but the check to not wipe coal off your face is an Authority check. The check to refuse to drink water after you faint is Volition, as well as Volition will allow you to tell Kim you don't need to be supervised.

HEADCANONS:

YES behold. my headcanons about them.

skill parents... the two of them are the ones all the other skills go to if they need help, or to break up a fight, or to hide from if they're being irresponsible

one sided rivalry!! volition just wants to keep everything together and authority took that personally. he's far more invested in asserting himself over volition than the other way around -- volition just wants authority to listen to him. we've got volition at 10 skill points and authority at 8, and authority is cooperative right up until Harry takes too much morale damage and volition's points dip below authority's, and then all bets are off.

ouh I love these two. when they get along, they work together wonderfully and do a great job running the ship together. and when they don't it turns into a mess! :) they absolutely fight over who has to (or gets to, depending) resolve an issue when something comes up while they're fighting. or will defer to the other one if they're separate (go talk to authority > go ask volition loop)

Authority is like this absolute force of nature that can't stand being told no, or anything or anyone getting in his way, and will use intimidation or force or whatever he has to to get his way. And Volition is this wall of willpower that will completely dig his heels in at the first sign of anyone trying to force him to do something he doesn't want to do, and continue to be unrelentingly stubborn about it until the bitter end. Unstoppable force vs immovable object. Authority's desire to control everything is only matched by Volition's desire for control over himself. Like I am not convinced Volition would be able to put self preservation above his stubbornness. And it's this eternal standoff until something (either of their skill points dropping/raising) changes the playing field. They're awful for each other sometimes but they're the only ones who can balance each other out a bit. I'm so normal about them.

I will say with regards to my morale critical volition, which I have many thoughts about constantly... that authority is so much more attuned to volition's strength relative to his own that he often realizes way before the others that morale is getting low. :) may make some mini comics about them because writing is much more fickle... and I like drawing them.

okay... that's far more than anyone could have possibly wanted about these two idiots, I think. hope u enjoyed anon, ty for asking about them!!!

[welurklate]

In defence of Ron Weasley - or: why Weasley is our King!

I have noticed that in the last decade so-called Ron-bashing has almost become a sport in the Harry Potter fandom, or at least in certain corners of the fandom. And that makes me quite sad, because in my eyes it is unjustified and a product of circumstances that have nothing to do with the canon character. People depict Ron as a laughing stock, a truly incompetent wizard who is nothing but jealous and petty. Even in fanfics where Ron is an adult he rarely outgrows his teenage character. I believe this has to do with a few thing I will get into here.

First and foremost, we have to take a stance and decide if we believe that redemption is possible or not. If you think that once a fruit shows signs of rot it is better to throw out than to salvage it, stop reading here. If you think there are parts that can be saved and possibly restored, you are probably a Draco fan as well 😉 and you're welcome to read on.

So first of all, everything we see the characters do in the books they do as children and teenagers. Adolesence is a time of great changes, physically and psychologically. The prefrontal lobe of our brain still develops until our mid-twenties. It is a time to experiment and to make decisions, even if they are objectively the wrong ones, and to learn from that and to evolve into well-adjusted, open-minded and self-reflecting adults. So it isn’t even necessary to ‘redeem’ oneself for what you did growing up, it is just imperative to evolve. I have been working with teenagers my whole professional life and I am always amazed by what happens between the ages of 10 and 20/25.

So Ron is a child in the first books and an adolescent in the final parts and we actually see him grow and evolve. Not everyone is as perfect as Hermione and we sometimes forget that people can be flawed in small ways (not only in big ways such as ‘oops, I’ve taken the dark mark and commit war crimes’). I think people tend to hate on Ron because of this. He is so normal in his jealousy and his envy. We see a lot of ourselves in him and that is uncomfortable. We turn to fiction to experience the extraordinary in both good and bad, but we rarely want to see our very common shortcomings reflected in the characters. Because then we could just read self-help books and do something about it. But we don’t. We just want to escape reality and enter into worlds where everything is starker in contrast, emotions are deeper and stakes are higher.

And Ron is not such a character. He is a mild grey. He is not the hero, but he is also not the villain. Ambiguity and nuance have very little place in fantasy. But I think that is exactly what makes Ron such a great character and the books (despite JKR’s bigotism) so fascinating.

So what I see people do in fanfiction is to push his character to the extremes – mostly make him an antagonist. Interestingly, this usually occurs in in Dramione or Harmony fics. In Drarry fics or others where Hermione and Ron stay together, he usually gets to grow up into a reasonable and well-adjusted adult. And I get it. I love Hermione and I get what she sees in Ron (stability, a deep understanding, loyalty, common values, a wise mind that complements her academic one etc.). But in stories where we pair Hermione with other people we need to get Ron out of the way. Because we cannot, for the love of Merlin, make Hermione be the problematic one in the relationship (she is the queen of the books - she cannot be touched). So of course we have to make sure that Ron is the reason why their relationship fails. And to make their breakup believable, we antagonize Ron so that there is no chance for them to get back together. From a storytelling viewpoint this makes absolute sense. But it does not do Ron’s character justice. Canon Ron is a truly amazing character. The movies did him dirty and depicted him as the slightly stupid one with the punch lines and this has often clouded our image of him. Book Ron holds much more power in the trio's friendship. He is the one who introduces Hermione and Harry to all things in the Wizarding World. He is smart – even though he is not as zealous as Hermione, he is a good student and a brilliant wizard’s chess player. He is genuine, kind and loyal. I won’t reiterate all the smart things people have said about his character before. If you are interested you can check some good arguments here:

here, here or here

Everything he is and everything he goes through makes him a hero in his own way. He is the character with the biggest development and the biggest potential. He overcomes his own shortcomings again and again to stay by Harry's side. Especially in the last books he struggles, makes decisions he deeply regrets and faces his insecurities.

I could go on and on about this… but leave it at this for now. I hope this makes you see Ron in a better light! Fight me in the comments or sing along my praise of Ron!

tl;dr: Ron is a truly interesting character but the movies and fanon have skewed his image in a negative way.