#Harry Potter and the stunning lack of reasoning

[welcometotheravenclawcommonroom]

Wizards: it is critical to our survival that muggles not be allowed to know of our existence. That means no magic in front of muggles, no talking about magic in front of muggles, and really it’s better not to even THINK about magic in front of muggles. Failure to comply may result in being thrown in Azkaban.

Also wizards: alright, tiny little magic school children. So you’re just gonna take all your magic school supplies, wearing your magic school clothes, and go to the busiest train station in London, and walk right through the wall! Try to make sure no muggles are watching, mkay?

[the-magiarcheologist]

Magical Theory: Categories of spells

Look, for all of his qualities, Prof. Fig did not teach us much about Magical Theory. So I guess I’ll just make my own lessons! Interested students, come in, come in! You can make some room on this desk over there! Yes, put all those books on the ground, it’s alright. Sit down and let’s discuss! (And I hope you have some time to spare because this will be long!)

Lesson 1: Categories of spells

There has already been a lot of discussions within the fandom about the basics of what Magic is, especially about how it requires intent and/or emotions in addition to an incantation and wand movement to work. I myself have already participated in this discussion (although my point of view on this has evolved a little bit since then) and I can direct you to many other sources on the question (yes, each of these words is a different link you can go look up for further reading!). So I won’t be talking about this today and instead we will focus on the different type of spells that exist and see if we can neatly group them into different categories. In other words, let's see if we can define a taxonomy for spells.

So let’s start at the beginning by defining what a spell is. The Harry Potter Wiki, citing as source the game «Wonderbook, book of spells», tells me that a spell is:

"a controlled manifestation of magic that affected the world in a supernatural fashion."

And further:

"Generally cast by a witch or a wizard, spells were often produced with certain wand movements and a verbal incantation, or for more experienced witches and wizards, silently and wandlessly."

So I would say that a spell is any magic cast from a wand with a particular intention and a specific intended effect.

Within the HP books we hear of different kinds of spells: Charms, Hexes, Jinxes and Curses. So what differentiates them? JKR herself admits that the boundaries are flexible and that every wizard or witch classifies different spells differently.

For some insight on how JKR decided to name the different types of spells within the books, here is what she says:

Spell: The generic term for a piece of magic. Charm: Does not fundamentally alter the properties of the subject of the spell, but adds, or changes, properties. Turning a teacup into a rat would be a spell, whereas making a teacup dance would be a charm. The grey area comes with things like 'Stunning Spells', which on balance I think are Charms, but which I call spells for alliterative effect. Hexes: Has a connotation of dark magic, as do jinxes, but of a minor sort. I see 'hex' as slightly worse. I usually use 'jinx' for spells whose effects are irritating but amusing. Curses: Reserved for the worst kinds of dark magic.

The lack of consistency in naming different kinds of spells throughout the books is frustrating for those of us trying to make sense of it and figure out how magic works, but we have to admit that this type of vague and variable naming is actually very realistic. Throughout the books, we never meet any wizard scientist or wizard philosopher (apart form Dumbledore I suppose) that talks about Magic in a scientific/philosophical way, with strict definitions. What we encounter is wizarding vernacular language which tends to be inaccurate.

In fact, we muggles are equally as inaccurate when naming things. Take for example what we call ‘vegetables’. Vegetables, scientifically speaking, don’t exist. There is no category of things, biologically, that are vegetables. What we call vegetables are actually an ensemble of fruits, roots, stems and leaves from different plants. There is no reason why we should name an apple a fruit and an eggplant a vegetable, when they are, in fact, both fruits. What we do call fruits tend to actually be fruits, so there is that. But then there is the whole mess of berries! A strawberry isn’t actually a berry (and it might not even be a fruit!) although an eggplant is. All that to say, if aliens landed on earth and tried to establish a taxonomy of edible plant parts based on our vernacular language, they would probably be confused as hell and might even exclaim: «This makes no sense! There is no structure! No rules! Horrible world-building!» when, in fact, there is a structure and biologists know this structure (more or less) it’s just that the average person does not care about this structure and categorises things by different standards such as how they are used (vegetables are usually cooked and eaten in savoury meals while fruits are eaten raw for dessert).

Anyway, the lesson we should take from that is that, when trying to understand and classify different types of magic, we should not rely overmuch on the names given to such magic by characters from the books. This also goes for what is called Dark Magic (as opposed to all other types of magic). Again, there might be an actual scientific or philosophical definition of Dark Magic but I don’t think the average wizard cares about that. I think that, in the Wizaring World (as in our muggle world), societal/political views dictate what is considered Dark Magic more so than an actual definition with clear rules and criteria. Any magic deemed unacceptable socially is called Dark Magic. It could explain why the Imperius Curse is called Dark Magic, since it has been outlawed so is clearly not socially acceptable, while the Memory Charm (Obliviate) is never called Dark Magic (even though it is equally as invasive and harmful to the person it is cast on) since memory modification is legal and is frequently used by wizards to protect themselves against muggles by upholding the Statute of Secrecy.

And, by the way, we can notice that this arbitrary societal classification into Dark/Not Dark Magic also affects the naming of the different types of spells since the Imperius spell is called a curse (bad connotation, considered the most harmful) and memory modification is called a Charm (good connotation, the most harmless of all the spell types, is considered to not fundamentally alter the properties of the subject it is cast on) even though the Memory Spell more fundamentally alters the mental properties of the subject it is cast on (the memory is erased pretty much permanently, or at least it is very difficult to retrieve it) than the Imperius Spell which is only temporary, with no fundamental change done to the subject of the spell who returns to normal as soon as the spell ends. So, by all means, according to the general definitions given, it should be called the Imperius Charm and the Memory Curse!

So if we cannot trust the vernacular classification into different types of spells as encountered in the books, maybe we can identify other common characteristics or dimensions of spells to distinguish different types of magic.

My personal working theory is that the duration of a spell’s effect is a major dimension to consider to distinguish different types of magic (and might even be used to distinguish Dark from Non-Dark Magic, but that’s a topic for another lesson). The ‘duration’ of the spell is basically: how long does a spell continue to have an effect after the caster has stopped focusing on it. Thus, the ‘duration’ property also interacts with a property of spells being self-sustaining or not. This might become clearer as I explain.

We have several examples of spells of very short duration, which I will call perfectly ephemeral spells, i.e. spells that stop having an effect as soon as the spell is done being cast. It’s many of the basic spells that we know: Accio, Wingardium Leviosa, Aguamenti, Incendio or others. As soon as the caster stops concentrating and exerting their will, an object hit with Accio or Wingardium Leviosa will drop to the ground. Same with Incendio or Aguamenti, as soon as the caster stops willing fire/water from erupting from their wands, it stops.

When casting perfectly ephemeral spells, the caster is perfectly in control, there is no chance of the spell escaping out of their control (unless it’s cast improperly) because as soon as they stop feeding their intention and will into the spell, it stops. For this reason, we can also call these spells non self-sustaining. They cannot operate without a wizard’s active will and intent.

To complicate things a little bit, within the category of perfectly ephemeral spells, we can add some spells that are short-lasting because their intended effect itself is short-lasting or transient. Expelliarmus, for example, seems to be a one and done thing: the wand is knocked out of your opponents hands and that’s it, the spell is done. You cannot keep the spell going, even if you wanted to, because you cannot keep knocking a wand out of someone’s hand, once it’s out of the hand it’s not possible to knock it out anymore. (Of course, you could have a spell that permanently repels the wand of your opponent from their hand, so that each time they reached for it, it would be knocked back again, but I think that would be a different spell.) Alohomora would also be a spell that has to be transient and short-lasting. Because of this particular property of the spells’ effect, it’s impossible to call such spells self-sustaining or not, since there is nothing to possibly sustain. The intended effect cannot continue to be applied.

On the opposite side of the duration spectrum, we can consider perfectly permanent spells. I suppose it’s actually impossible to say for certain what spells are perfectly permanent because it would require observing them over an infinite amount of time to be able to say with certainty that they never stop or weaken. So, one degree removed from perfectly permanent spells, we can consider very long-lasting spells, spells that have endured for several centuries without getting weaker. Those would include all the Hogwarts wards and protection spells and other enchantments like the ever changing floor plan. Those have endured for over a millennium and still remain very strong. We should note though that it is possible that those spells did weaken over time, we just don’t know since nobody was there in the 10th century when they were cast to know exactly how powerful they were then. Even if they have weakened over time, the fact that they are still powerful spells such a long time after they were cast still qualifies them as ‘very long-lasting spells’ in my opinion, and we can indeed make the approximation that they are permanent.

If we venture a bit beyond the category of ‘spells’ to consider magical objects (likely affected by a spell that gives them magical properties) we have the Deathly Hallows which continue to be powerful magical objects with the same intended effect centuries after their creation. We can add the Relic of the Dead that Sebastian finds in the Feldcroft catacombs that still works after centuries of sitting there unused.

Such very long-lasting spells seem to be self-sustaining because the spells’ effects continues to work long after the original caster stopped focusing on casting the spell (feeding it their intention), and even long after the original caster’s death.

Working back down the ‘spell duration’ spectrum from permanent to ephemeral spells, this is actually an interesting distinction we can make: spells that continue to work after the caster’s death versus those that don’t.

We know that some otherwise long-lasting spells are abruptly stopped when the caster dies. One example is Dumbledore wordlessly casting an immobilisation charm on Harry just before he gets disarmed by Malfoy (and then, Spoiler Alert!, killed by Snape) up on the Astronomy tower at the end of book 6. Since the spell was cast without incantation, we don’t know exactly what spell it was. It looks like it was Petrificus Totalus since Harry suddenly feels himself becoming rigid and immobile and he falls backwards against the wall. This looks very similar to the effects of the Petrificus Totalus curse cast by Hermione on Neville in the first year. We know Petrificus Totalus is one of the long-lasting spells that seem to sustain themselves even after the caster has stopped focusing on it. We have several examples of people staying petrified even after the caster leaves the room to do something else. I suppose a gifted wizard would be able to sustain the spell ‘distantly’ even while doing other things but, most of the time, we see Petrificus Totalus cast by young students (including first year Hermione) and I don’t think students have the mental capacities to distantly sustain a spell like that. So we can assume that the spell is long-lasting because it sustains itself somehow. Anyway, back to Dumbledore! He casts this spell on Harry and the spell continues to work up until Dumbledore dies and Harry is suddenly ‘unpetrified’.

This instance of a spell being terminated by the caster’s death might be why many seem convinced that any curse will stop with the death of it’s caster. But, in reality, we also have many more examples of spells or curses that endure after the original caster dies. In the last book, Crabbe casts the Fiendfyre spell and is killed by said spell, yet the flames continue even after his death. I’ve already mentioned several powerful magical artefacts whose magical effects endure long after whoever created them died. We also have examples of curses placed by old Egyptian wizards on their tombs that are still active centuries later (mentioned by Ron in Prizoner of Azkaban) and, in HL, the curse placed by Marmaduke Dale on the Dale family crest at the end of the 14th century that still affected Samantha’s brother 500 years later.

Of course, it is not always so easy to distinguish was is truly long-lasting or simply a transient effect which introduces long-lasting change. Two interesting examples to mention here are Avada Kedavra and Blood maledictions. Are these spells long-lasting or not? They certainly seem to be long-lasting! Regarding Avada Kedavra: once you’re dead, you stay dead forever, nothing can lift the spell; and regarding Blood maledictions: they endure after the original caster is dead and continue to have effects over several generations.

But, regarding Avada Kedavra, anyone would understand that the spell itself is not actually long-lasting, one can take a life in an instant and that momentary effect remains permanent because that is just how Death works. You don’t forever continue to kill someone, you do it once and they stay dead.

Blood maledictions is a more murky case. It could go either way. You could have a spell that continues to have an effect on someone and their descendants forever. But, on the Harry Potter wiki, it says that this curse actually produces a genetic defect that is then passed down to the descendants, hence why the curse endures. Then, the spell does not need to have a continuous or long-lasting effect. A moment is all it takes to create the genetic mutation and then the magic is done but the change made is permanent and has consequences over several generations. (As an aside: they cite The Cursed Child as a source for blood maledictions being genetic mutations. I have gone through the mentioned scene in the The Cursed Child and nothing about genetics is mentioned so I don’t really know where they get this from but whether blood maledictions in canon are genetic defects or not does not matter, we can still use this as an example to illustrate how this curse would be classified if it was a genetic mutation)

Going back to our ability to distinguish truly long-lasting spells from ephemeral spells with long-lasting change, in the case of Avada Kedavra and Blood maledictions we can say these spells are not actually long-lasting (their effects don’t continue in time) but have brief effects that produce long-lasting change because we know how these spells work. However, for spells with unknown mechanisms of action it is possible one would confuse truly long-lasting continuous effect with a singular, instantaneous effect leading to a permanent change.

To explain more clearly what I am talking about, think about the spell Alohomora. I think everyone would agree it is momentary: it unlocks the lock and then the spell is done. The spell does not continue to unlock the door, once unlocked, the door stays unlocked. This is what I mean by ‘brief effect leading to a permanent change’, the ‘permanent change’ is the fact that once unlocked, the door stays unlocked. (If we want to get into the physics of it all, and if I’m able to remember my physics and chemistry classes from long ago, I think it has to do with thermodynamics, energy transfer and entropy. But I will let more intelligent people get into that if they want and instead rely on everyone’s intuitive understanding of how the physical world works!).

Soooo… we have now deviated a little bit from our original point so let’s do a mid-lesson recap: we are interested in differentiating spells by their duration. We have established that we have ephemeral spells with very short-lasting effects (which may or may not produce long-lasting changes in the objects they are cast on). These spells are not self-sustaining. As soon as the caster stops intentionally casting them, their effect stops. Then, we have permanent (or, at the very least, very long-lasting) spells. Their effects endure for centuries or more, even after the original caster’s death. And in between these two extremes we have a whole range of more or less long-lasting spells, some of which are stopped by the caster’s death, some of which wear off on their own after some time. The more long-lasting spells can be said to be self-sustaining, because something must allow the spell to continue to work even after the caster stops exerting their will to make the spell work. I have not yet offered examples of such ‘middle of the spectrum’ spells but, by now, an attentive pupil should be able to produce examples of their own ;)

Let’s see… we have Levioso and Arresto Momentum that last a short time after the caster stops focusing on them (hence why we can immobilise enemies in battle using these spells, the enemies stay immobilised for a short time while we start casting other spells). Immobilisation spells are actually a good example of a range of spells that have similar effects but vary in their duration. We have already talked about Arresto Momentum, in the books there is also Impedimenta that lasts about a minute but, on the other hand, Petrificus Totalus lasts much longer. I’m not even sure if Petrificus Totalus wears off on it’s own after a while or if it needs a counter-curse to be lifted.

And speaking of counter-curses! Let’s now get into another dimension of spells: whether they can be counter-acted or not. This part of the lesson is heavily inspired by the writings of White Hound on her website. She has done some wonderful and extremely well-researched analyses on the HP books and I encourage anyone to go look it up if interested! Most illustrative examples I will use are also from her.

I’m very sorry for everyone who loves poor Anne Sallow and wants to see her cured but I’m afraid that, within the wizarding world, there are actually a lot of incurable conditions! A few examples include:

Mad-Eye Moody’s body parts that were amputated and could never be grown back. Similarly, George Weasley’s ear that got cut off with the Sectumsempra spell and could not be grown back either.

The curse that Dumbledore got from the Gaunt family ring. He could slow it’s spread but not stop it entirely and he could not cure it.

Ominis Gaunt’s blindness

Blood maledictions

The Longbottoms permanently loosing their minds as a result of the Cruciatus Curse

Gilderoy Lockhart having permanent amnesia as a result of a backfired Memory Charm

…and I’m sure we could find many more.

On the other hand, we also of course have examples of spells who can be counteracted. Some longer-acting and self-sustaining spells can be stopped by the caster or another wizard casting a counter-spell (often called counter-curse or counter-jinx). For instance, in year four, Hermione casts a Jelly-Leg jinx on Harry. The Jelly-leg jinx is clearly one of the self-sustaining spells because Harry is said to continue to wobble on his legs for ten minutes while Hermione looks up the counter-jinx to stop it. Once cast, the spell is acting outside of Hermione’s will and intent because she clearly wants to stop the spell but can’t, she has to find and cast the counter-jinx. Petrificus Totalus works similarly because it appears permanent when left alone but can be stopped with a counter-curse.

Most serious and harmful spells called Curse (and usually associated with Dark Magic) are implied to be irreversible and incurable. For instance, both Remus Lupin and Molly Weasley, in response to George’s ear being cut off by the Sectumsempra curse, say, respectively:

"I can’t make it grow back, not when it’s been removed by Dark Magic."

"there’s no chance of replacing his ear, not when it’s been cursed off -"

However we do have examples of spells clearly called ‘curse’ that can be cured. Indeed, the same Sectumsempra Curse that permanently amputated George’s ear was used by Harry to cut Malefoy’s face and chest in book 6 but, in that instance, Snape was able to heal Malefoy’s wounds. (Although it is worth mentioning that the wounds were not easy to heal, Snape had to recite long incantations three times before they closed and, even then, Malefoy had to be taken straight to the hospital wing.) Another example is the character of Eloise Midgen in Book 4 that tried to curse her pimples off. It’s implied that she botched the spell and cut her nose entirely off but Madam Pomfrey was able to heal her. (Albeit, again, with difficulty.)

There are other examples of seriously harmful spells which, on the contrary, are counteracted quite easily. I’m thinking of the spell cast by Gilderoy Lockhart that removed all of Harry’s bones in his harm. A very harmful spell indeed! But Madam Pomfrey was able to re-grow Harry’s bones (thus undoing the initial spell) quite easily with a single potion. (Although the process was long –a whole night– and painful for Harry).

So what’s the difference, then? How come it’s impossible to undo the effects of some spells, while others can be undone with great difficulty and other can be undone quite easily? I think this actually brings us back to our classification for short-lasting/non self-sustaining and longer-lasting/self-sustaining spells. I propose the hypothesis that the spells that cannot be reversed or counter-acted are of the long-lasting, self-sustaining kind. This spell that just cut off your ear? It continues to permanently cut off you ear so you cannot grow it back. Anything that starts to grow back will be cut off again by virtue of the spell that is still active. Whereas spells that can be reversed or fixed or counter-acted easily are short-lasting, their effect has worn off and you can now use a new spell that has a new effect that reverses what the previous spell did (such a re-growing Harry’s bones after Lockhart’s spell was done).

But, you, attentive reader, have surely identified a glaring gap in my theory: I said the Petrificus Totalus curse was long-lasting and self-sustaining but it can be counteracted very easily! My answer to this is that not all long-lasting spells are created equal. Again, we are operating along a continuum here, it’s not black and white and we have already made a distinction between self-sustaining spells that stop with the caster’s death and those that don’t. We know Petrificus Totalus stops if it’s caster dies, however it seems that the effects of the Sectumsempra spell continue even after the caster’s death since George’s ear was still amputated (it never grew back) even after Snape died. This difference between the two spells could explain why one can be counteracted easily while the other can’t.

But, that still does not explain everything. What about the self-sustaining Sectumsempra spell that sometimes has permanent consequences (amputation of George’s ear) and sometimes not (Malefoy’s cut that could be healed)? Well, it seems that the length of exposure to the spell before attempts to counteract it are made are key in this case! I bring forth two new examples: the cursed necklace that Katie Bell touched in book 6 and Neville’s parents that lost their mind as a result of the Cruciatus Curse.

Let’s start with Katie Bell: she touched an opal necklace that bore a deadly curse that had already claimed the lives of 19 muggles. But Katie did not die. According to Dumbledore, Katie survived because she had very minimal physical contact with the necklace (touched it through a tine hole in her gloves) and then was carried quickly to the hospital wing where Snape was able to "prevent a rapid spread of the curse" (still according to Dumbledore’s words). She was then sent to St Mungo’s where she spent many months recovering. So it seems, based on what Dumbledore says, that self-sustaining curses (such as the one on the necklace that had already been cursed for many generations) do take some time to take hold onto a new subject and, presumably, before the curse has fully taken hold, it is possible to counteract it.

I hypothesise that this is also what made it possible for Snape to cure Malefoy’s wounds from the Sectumsempra curse since he arrived on the scene shortly after Harry cast the spell, presumably before the curse had fully taken hold. George was not so fortunate since he was cursed in the middle of an aerial chase scene and could not be seen to straight away.

In the case of Neville’s parents that got hit with a Cruciatus curse, we see what happens with a spell with otherwise no long-term consequences when you are subjected to it for a very long time. After a very long period of exposure, the curse ended up permanently damaging their minds.

And, in Hogwarts Legacy, I personally think that there is indeed no cure for Anne’s curse. Most likely, she got hit by a Dark Magic curse, the self-sustaining kind that endures long after Rookwood was done casting it and long after Rookwood’s death, and whoever found her in that fire was not quick enough to get her to a healer. By that time, the curse had taken hold and it cannot be counteracted anymore.

But there is yet another aspect of some spells left to discuss: spells that cannot be blocked. Some say all Unforgivable spells cannot be blocked (and, correct me if I’m wrong, I think that’s the case in HL where all three Unforgivables break through any shields). I’ve gone back to the scene where Moody explains the curses in Goblet of Fire and, in that scene, he says that only the Killing Curse cannot be blocked (except by physical objects in the spell’s path). Whatever the case, nothing we have discussed so far (a spell being self-sustaining and the length of exposure) can explain instances of ‘un-blockable’ spells. In fact, we have established that the Killing curse is short-lasting and therefore not self-sustaining and the length of exposure is irrelevant when talking about blocking the spell. So there must be something else specific to some spells that make them impossible to block. It could be that these spells are particularly powerful and not just in a way that is proportional to the power of the caster themselves and the force of their concentration and intention, but with an added power inherent to the spell itself. This would make them similar in a way to the self-sustaining spells. The self-sustaining spells depend on a mysterious force to make them endure beyond the caster’s focused intent and Unforgivable Curses (or just the Killing Curse) would depend on a mysterious force to make them more powerful than ‘normal’ spells, beyond the power given to the spell by the force of the caster’s concentration and intention. That’s just a random hypothesis I’m trowing out there. I would need to think about that more. (Also note that the Imperius Curse can be countered since it can be resisted mentally, even of it cannot be blocked by usual protection spells.)

OK, I think we’ve done it! I think we’ve arrived at the end of this long analysis and discussion! Some take-home messages:

I propose a classification of spells according to the duration of their effects: short-lasting spells (e.g., Accio, Wingardium Leviosa, Incendio, Aguamenti) whose effects stop as soon as the caster stops actively casting the spell and long-lasting spells that endure long after the caster has stopped focusing on casting the spell (e.g. Levioso, Arresto Momentum, Petrificus Totalus) and sometimes long after the caster is dead (e.g. Rookwood’s curse, Hogwarts Protection spells).

I further hypothesise that long-lasting spells must be self-sustaining, meaning they draw onto something (we don’t know what yet) that allows the spell to continue working even after the caster stops feeding their will and intention to it

Self-sustaining spells tend to be difficult to counteract and in fact can become impossible to counteract if the object has been exposed to the self-sustaining spell for too long. Although we note some exceptions of self-sustaining spells that can be easily counteracted (e.g. Petrificus Totalus).

I would like to close this lesson with some last considerations: you may have noticed that Dark Magic and Ancient Magic seem to lie at the ‘self-sustaining’ extreme of the continuum. These two classes of Magic seem to produce magical effects that do not fade away but instead endure after being cast, even without the input or participation of the original caster. This is what we will discuss next! So come back next week for the next lesson where we will get into self-sustaining spells and possibly a definition for Dark Magic!

Now, does anyone have any questions? 👩‍🏫

(And in case it isn't clear: I'm just having fun by pretending this is a lesson that I am teaching :) I don't pretend to be an authority on this subject, this is just my personal theory that is not any more valid than the headcanon of any other fan. Everyone is welcome to disagree with me, I'm just being facetious!)

[encantadiafan12]

Severus Snape x Half-Grim Reaper! Half-Immortal Human! Reader

The Girl who's in the void 🖤

Introduction: Y/n L/n, the Daughter of a Grim Reaper, known as the Undertaker also known as Adrian L/n and an Immortal human, named Y/m/n L/n. She was a retired Grim Reaper like her father. She knew Severus Snape when he was still a student. What happens if our Potions Master have talk with the same girl he knew back then after so long.

Warnings: Venom, Mentions of Death, Human corpses, Child neglect, discrimination, and bullying.

Severus then approaches the Half-Grim reaper as she was standing on a ledge. “Y/n....” He calls to the her. She knew him when he was a student. However, her appearance didn't change as she couldn't age physically she still looks like a 17 year old but she can age mentally.

The said girl then turns around. “Severus...” she just says as she looks at him. She then jumps off the ledge as the Potions Master approach her. The Potions Master gently place his hand against her cheek as the reddish-brown eyes then looks at his obsidian ones.

Months ago she saved him by giving him an anti-venom to prevent Nagini’s venom from killing him. She then closes her eyes as he caress her cheek. “I wish to speak to you, Y/n....” He says as the Half-Grim reaper then looks at her confused. “Yes, Severus?” she asks him. “*sighs* I remember how Bellatrix called you a Half-Breed to the point she threatened to kill you.” he says as he was careful to used the word Half-Breed as Y/n finds it offensive. The coal black-haired girl just frowns at the word “Half-Breed” and of course the mention of Bellatrix's name.

That time the crazy woman threw that threat at her was later when Severus, along with Bellatrix, Draco, and a few more Death Eaters trying to escape. That night after Dumbledore was killed by the Astronomy tower. Well, as if a mere human can scare her. Bellatrix practically made the wrong mistake on underestimating her because of her physical age. Despite being more than 4 centuries old. The Half-Grim reaper did reveal her real age towards them which the Death Eaters (including Severus) and of course Harry Potter were stunned that she was more than 400 years old.

Despite being the only Half-Grim reaper during her time in the Grim reapers’ dispatch. William T. Spears does admire her as well but she refers him as nosy. She did scare Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter on how she was able to bring the dead human corpses alive again but lacking a soul which were the Bizarre Dolls. She learned on how to bring a corpse back to life through her father. She summon out coffins to attack them but she never expect Severus to overpower her. The Potions Master then moves his hand from her cheek before he then grabs both her hands. “Y/n, I know you remember me when you pretend to be a student back then but 2 decades later you disguise yourself again but this time under the name of a different student. Without Dumbledore knowing it was you. You were very smart to hide your true form.” he says as the Half-Grim reaper girl then looks to the side.

“I was a student when you remember me during your time back at school but the reason behind my return was because I want to help you maintain your cover as a spy.” The Daughter of the Undertaker explains.

The Potions Master then widens his eye the woman he loves wants to help him? He never expected that. The Half-Grim Reaper girl thought he wouldn't love her back. But he does as he starts to pay attention to her after he ended his friendship with Lily.

Severus then wraps his arms around her as he surprised the black-haired girl. As that surprised her. He found out about her past of being discriminated/bullied for being so different. He understood her as he had been bullied himself.

Her friend; Elena who was an immortal human told him about it. Y/n hates “normal people” in general. She was envious of them because they grew up with a family while her father and mother paid little attention to her.

The Half-Grim Reaper girl looks at him surprise as he hug her. She then hugs him back.

“I've missed you so much, Y/n.. I've been looking for you everywhere” Severus said making the Y/n smile at him “I know.. But I just don't wanted to bring you troubles” She confessed “You're not a trouble to me” Severus said as he let's go of her and cupped her cold skin “You're always special to me.” He said making the Half-Grim Reaper’s eyes got widen.

“But I...” She then starts before the Potions Master puts a finger over her lips. “You are about to say it was never your intention to hurt me after I killed Dumbledore that night. I know you would never hurt me.” he says as he continues to caress her cold skin.

The Half-Grim Reaper then looks to the side. “Sorry, if I scared you seeing dead corpses. I really hated when someone knew I was Half-Grim Reaper to the point they call me Half-Breed because I'm a mix of the Dead and the living.” she says as she avoids any eye contact from him.

“Don't worry I'll never ever let anyone hurt you anymore” Severus said making her smile. “Thank you for staying and caring for me” She said.

The Potions Master hadn't seen her for a long time. She still looks like the way she look back then (well, in her true form). “Even after 2 decades. You're still beautiful as always.” He compliments making her blush bright red. “B-Beautiful?” The goth girl then stutters not believing what she just heard.

The Potions Master then places his hand against her cheek once again. “Never change, Y/n. Never change.” he mutters. That made her smile “I won't. I promise you, Severus.” she says.

The Half-Grim Reaper still looks the same as he remembers her. She still wears the same dress. He knew her weapons were two swords but one conceals her Death Scythe.

In which it was disguise as a sword to the point when it was reveal. Y/n can kill anyone in a single swoop as seen when one Death Eater attempted to kill her to the point she stabs them with it while it was disguise as one of her two swords.

She really surprised them when she revealed she stole it from the office of the Grim Reapers’ dispatch. And of course her duty to observe life and death of humans not to mention her original duty of reaping souls.

And of course not to mention, her attempt experiments on human corpses to the point she nearly made Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter threw up because of it.

The goth girl then notice that the Potions Master seem lost in thought. “Hey, Sev.... What are you thinking about?” she asks the former Death Eater.

Severus then looks at her. He caresses let's his hand go through her hair. Y/n still wears the same headrests with spikes as he remembered her 25 years ago. “Y/n, you never deserve to suffer. We're both similar. We suffered from bullying at such a young age. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry, I wasn't around when you needed comfort back then.” he says as he apologizes to the Half-Grim Reaper.

The Goth girl smiles at him and press her lips into him as Severus's eyes got widen from her action.

The former Potions Master then closes his eyes before he kiss her back. While wrapping his arms around her waist as he could feel her wrap her arms around his neck.

They then pull away as they both look at each other's eyes. Severus then places his hand against her cheek while looking at Y/n’s reddish-brown eyes.

“I love you” Severus breathe out as he rest his forehead on hers “I know that I have a dead and cold heart.. But believe me when I say that i love you too” Y/n said.

The Goth Girl had been betrayed by her first love she did kill him after his betrayal out of anger. And vow to never fell in love again. But now she's with someone who suffered as much as she did.

The Half-Grim Reaper then wraps her arms around him once again giving him a hug. The former Potions Master then hugs her back.

[alexjcrowley]

Severitus Headcanons, I guess (pt. 2)

Quick introduction: this is the second part of a post written more than a year ago when I was stressed for am exam because, guess what, I am now stressed for an exam. Here's the last post

As you'll also find in that post, here's the disclaimer, more or less modified.

Obviously I don't support the terf bitch, the only reason why in the year of our Lord 2023 I am writing something like this is because fantasizing about yet another fictional father-son relationship to make up for the one I lack takes the edge off my stress for exams and...well, other stuff.

I don't give a flying fuck about the Snape discourse, I don't care if he is good, bad, or in the middle, I did not write this to be accurate to the books I haven't read or the movies I hardly remember, I wrote this because it's comforting to me. So if you are personally offended by Severitus as a concept or Snape in general, don't make me part of your grudge, because I don't care for it. There are better ways to spend your time rather than insult me.

As I've made patently clear, I don't know Harry Potter that well, so if there are inaccuracies, I'm sorry. I linked my last post because these headcanons take place in the same "universe" as my last post, so you may want to read that too.

Let's begin.

Snape only uses his Legilimens ability on Harry to win at cards.

Harry only learned Occlumency to stop losing at cards (it may or may not have been Snape's purpose from the start).

"Do you have...a seven?"

"No luck. Now stop trying to get inside my head, literally."

"...you're getting better at this."

"Cards or Occlumency? I bet they go hand in hand."

"Shut up."

The hardest thing to adapt to when Harry starts Hogwarts is new boundaries. Harry and Snape have to pretend they don't know eachothers. Especially with Harry being a Gryffindor, Snape can't even use the excuse is looking out for a little Slytherin. But the necessity to protect The Boy Who Lived from all dangers hidden at Hogwarts (and the urge to look out after Harry who has a special ability in putting himself in trouble) is too strong to ignore. So now everybody thinks Snape is just really weird about Harry, he never lets him out of his sight, he is almost following him around and also they fight a lot in class. Honestly it's a bit weird to see a thirty-something years old professor have beef with an 11-year-old, but nobody dares to bring it up to Snape, they're scared of him, alright?

So the whole...turning down Draco's friendship is real pickle. Like, yes, being close to Draco, who is Lucius's son, is a bad idea because Lucius can't find out Snape is working for Dumbledore and Harry literally lives with him but also purposefully antagonize Draco Malfoy? On your first day? That's simply suicidal.

"Why did you have to be so...stubborn with him?"

"Me? I'm the stubborn one? He insulted Ron!"

"Whom you had known for 2 hours then!"

"Well, I only needed to know Draco for five minutes to understand he was a bully and I am not friend with bullies."

Snape wants to reply but he is stunned for a moment. That's an admirable stance for an 11 years old. Merlin, if someone told me years ago I'd hear this coming from James Potter's son...

"It wasn't the worst decision you could have made. That was Draco Malfoy. His father, Lucius, is...a dangerous wizard. Not accepting his friendship will certainly breeds problems, but you could have hardly afford the scrutiny you would have been submitted by such proximity to the Malfoy family. You'd need to be a far more cunning Slytherin to avoid giving yourself away while making...friends with Draco, and you're a foolishly impulsive Griffindor, as we've witnessed today."

"Even if it was bad choice, I wouldn't have turned my back to Ron."

"I am well aware of that, Harry, but would you be so kind to let me believe in all the years I've brought you up I instilled some sort of Slytherin smarts in that red and gold head of yours?"

It's not fair, Severus thinks, it's really not fair. James Potter was the rich kid who strutted Hogwarts halls like he owned them and his son turned himself against an entire house not to turn his back towards a kid he met on a train. One day, Severus will have to tell Harry about his parents. He won't lie, he has never been one to sugarcoat things, but he doesn't want to tell Harry who is father truly was either. The side of James Potter people don't talk about, people turn a blind eye to, because it was just with Slytherins and everybody knows they're bad news anyway, because it was him and nobody cared if it was him. Harry doesn't deserve to know the truth, but one day he'll have to.

Harry didn't exactly took well the news (well, news to him) that Draco was Snape's godson. When Draco told him Harry couldn't believe it. He said it was joke, that he was lying. Everybody seemed to know at school. When he asked Snape for explanations, he said he "didn't want to burden him with this information", that was also "never relevant until this moment" for him. It doesn’t calm Harry down, on the contrary. He locks himself in his room. The only reason Harry doesn't fully blow a fuse is that they're at Hogwarts now. Of course, he can't tell Ron and Hermione why he is upset. Really, Draco Malfoy? Snape is his godfather? In which alternate universe? Sure, Draco is a Slytherin, but he is also pretentious, and whiny, and he is always ready to go tell his father things, and he expects to be treated like royalty by everyone and he is a bully! Snape hates all of these things, how is that even possible that he is connected to someone like Malfoy? Everytime Malfoy flaunts how being Snape's godson gives him certain priviledge, Harry wishes he'd know a spell to shut him up. And no, this isn't jealousy, it's something else that right mow he cannot name, but it's definitely not jealousy. And it's not jealousy because he knows Snape doesn't care about Draco more than he cares about him. Draco may be his godson, but Harry is his...protegè? Maybe? The exact definition of the nature of Harry and Snape relationship has been a bit foggy. Whatever, it's not important the title or anything, he knows Snape cares more about him, right?

Snape is torn between keeping up apperances and following his heart. As disgustingly sentimental as it may sounds. Draco and Harry fight ever more than he precicted. And as head of Slytherins and Draco's godfather the only sensible behaviour for him to follow would be take Draco's side everytime, he knows that. But no one could prepare him on how hard it is, especially when Snape knows Draco is wrong, to look at Harry and call him a liar when he denies to have started the fight, an insolent and a brat. He explained him he has to do it, no one can suspect, but Harry is just a kid, of course there's hurt in his eyes when Snape says those things. He pretends to yank Harry from an arm to some classroom so he can give him a proper scolding, while the other kids who witnessed the fight chatter about the tremendous punishment Snape is going to inflict on Gryffindors' golden boy. Some of them try to subtly follow Harry and Snape, hoping to hear some of the insults the Potions teacher will throw at Potter and make gossip out of it, but Snape glare at them so hard some think it's a new kind of spell. When they're away from indescreet eyes and ears, Snape lowers himseld at Harry's level. "It's just pretend. Don't believe anything I say in front of the Slytherins and in front of Draco, especially. You're good kid, Harry." he whispers. "But I was right! It wouldn't be suspicious if you tell them I am right when I am! Draco pushed me and-" "It's not that simple, Harry." A sentence Harry will grow tired of hearing pretty soon. "And now go to your dormroom!" shouts Snape at Harry, theatrically, in front of the students who waited to catch a glimpse of Snape's rage. Snape is pretending to be be angry, but when Harry looks at him with fire in his eyes Severus knows he is not faking it.

Snape cannot stop directly Draco from harassing Harry, but he can still find alternative ways, after all he is a Slytherin. He opted for convincing Draco that fighting Harry Potter is a waste of time and all of the public insult matches he gets up to with Harry doesn't make him look good on his curriculum. Draco has an ego and Snape knows how to play with it. Snape does care about Draco, in his own way. He is not surprised he turned out the way he did, snobbish and egocentric and with a mean streak to him- he is after all Lucius's son and a Slytherin, you couldn't expect a Hufflepuff behaviour. But, because he knows Lucius, he can also tell that he and Draco are different. Surely Draco resembles Lucius physically, but it's clear he is putting effort into acting like his father. His meaness is not as nonchalant, one could say, as Lucius's. Snape pretends not to notice. He really did wish Draco didn't always use Harry as an assistant to prove the world he is just like his father, especially when he is better than him.

In the rare occasions Snape is forced to give Harry punishments he doesn't deserve (very rare occasions, since Harry usually breaks four rules a day)

At some point, way earlier than Snape wanted, Ron and Hermione found out Harry had been growing up with Snape. Which was weird, to say the least, but for very unexpected reasons. First of all, because for how much they argue in class you can tell they've got something personal going on, but "father-son" relationship is not what you would expect. Second, because Ron especially couldn't believe someone could ever entrust Snape with a child. When Harry told him in muggle children stories usually wizards and witches are evil and eat children, Ron thought it was about Snape. Having lived with Dursleys for a few years, though, Harry is very firm in defending Snape from accusation of being a bad guardian/parent. Snape can be hard to deal with sometimes, sure, but there's a difference between that and bad guardians, Harry knows, he's been through it. Snape doesn't deserve to be put on the same level of the Dursleys.

It's also weird that Harry and Snape live together for Ron and Hermione because it's just so much harder to hate Snape. It's not like they suddenly love him as soon as they find out he's Harry's guardian, but damn. You just cannot say things anymore. It's not even "it would be impolite in front of Harry", more often than not Harry is openly fighting Snape when he thinks he did something unfair, but because now you know Snape is not The Worst Person Alive. What is Ron suppose to say when he gets a low grade in Potions? Oh, Snape is probably a frustrated asshole who tried to get back at me for his sorry life? THAT MAN BROUGHT HIM, HARRY AND HERMIONE SLICED FRESH FRUIT FOR A SNACK WHEN THEY SPENT SUMMER AFTERNOONS AT SPINNER'S END. HE ACCOMPANIED HARRY TO RON'S HOUSE. He stayed over for tea once with his mother. You just cannot pretend he is the devil who spends time huddled in his home to making up new ways to torture his students anymore. He medicated Hermione when she hurt her knee falling from a swing. You can't hate the man who put a hello kitty band-aid on your knee (Hermione always brings with her her own small aid kit, funny band-aids included).

Make no mistake, same goes for Snape. It's pretty hard to maintain your reputation as unsufferable professor when two of your students hang out by your house an awful lot. It's harder to be strict with them. And he does want to do that, Snape prides himself in projecting his image as a hard professor to deal with, who requires respect and the maximum effort in his subject. Ron sucks at Potions, and Snape is not going to give him better grades just because he is Harry's friend, but damn it's just...harder to do that thing when you don't care about how you students perform when they don't strive for perfection. Now he is disappointed. Disappointed in Ron Weasly. Disappointed in Ron Weasly's grade. He shouldn't care about it! And also it's not fun anymore to tease Miss Granger. Now when she raises her hand Snape has resorted to tell her he knows she knows the answer, so why doesn't she give the rest of the class a chance? See, it lacks sarcasm, it lacks spite, it lacks maliciousness, it lacks...Snape's treadmark snarky attitude. "You're becoming soft, Severus" sometimes he sighs to himself, after missing what he would once consider a brilliant opportunity for a nasty comment. He then looks at Harry, Ron, Hermione, or whatever other kid his tongue now decided to spare by force of habit, taking a huge sigh of relief becayse Snape's remark has been less cutting than they expected. "Maybe it's not a bad thing" a voice in his head suggests. But what if his students lose respect for him then, it's always either feared or loved right? "You'll cross that bridge when you get there" a softer voice answer.

Speaking of failed Potions classes, Snape really can't hide his disappointment for Harry's grade. He'd thought living with him he would have learned something, even just observing him preparing potions as a child- they used to do this a lot when Harry was little, Snape brewed potions while Harry stayed in the same room, drawing or reading or making muggle homework or even helping sometimes. Harry is average at best. And Snape is only being fair, doesn't matter their relationship, he doesn't give him a point more or less on his homework, his work ethic is very strong. Snape considers this his greatest failure in Harry's regards.

But guess what he is great at? Bleah, Quidditch. Snape didn’t understand the appeal of the sport when he was at Hogwarts and he doesn’t understand it now. Harry blabbers to him excitedly about brooms and snitches and points and teams, but Snape barely understands him. "If only you were to pour such enthusiasm in more useful activities, like studying for Potions class". Harry puts on a face and looks away so Snape doesn't see him. He can't utter a word of Quidditch that Snape starts lecturing about "more useful activities".

"I am merely worried, Minerva, that pointless glory achieved in...sports will lure his mind away from his studies. I won't let the boy turn into a good-for-nothing brawny knobhead like all athlestes. " Severus complains to professor McGonagall. "He shouldn't waste away the little cleverness he has." He adds with a calculated insulting remark, in fear he let too much of his true feelings show.

"First of all, Severus, not all athletes are good-for-nothing brawny knobhead. There's nobility is sports." Minerva lectures him.

"You would say from such an unbiased point of view." Severus retorts. It's no secret Minerva is the biggest Quidditch fan in the school, her enthusiasm can trump that of the students.

"Secondly, Harry has had an eccellent education and a dedicated teacher" she says, stirring her tea while giving Severus a knowing look "he is not a knobhead and he will never be. About being brawny, I don't see how a bit of exercise wouldn't help in preparation for darker days."

She and Severus drink their tea in silence.

[keijislove]

Happiness: Harry Potter X Muggle!Reader

Ding dong

The bell at Number Four, Privet Drive rang.

‘Boy, scurry off!’ Petunia growled at Harry; afraid he would do something to the person who was at the door.

Harry hid inside his old broom cupboard.

Even after spending two whole years at Hogwarts, and about to start his third, the Dursleys never let him come and see whoever was at their door.

It’s not like I’d stun them, Harry gloomily thought. I’ve got better things to do.

In truth, he really hadn’t.

Which is why he peeked through the small crack in the door to see who was there.

Petunia opened the door.

‘Er, yes?’ Harry heard her say.

‘Mrs. Dursley, good afternoon!’ a voice spoke.

The voice was gentle and sweet, a great variation from the Dursleys’ harsh, barking tones towards Harry.

It was the voice of a girl; one he did not know.

‘How may I help you dear?’ Petunia smiled.

‘Er, well, Dudley took my maths book yesterday, and I-I have a test coming up day after, so could you please ask him to lend it back?’ the voice asked.

‘Of course.’ Petunia smiled. ‘Come in, dear.’

That was when Harry finally saw the owner of the calming voice.

It was you.

Looking ever so beautiful and elegant with a halo of politeness surrounding you.

Petunia went upstairs to retrieve your book.

He did not know why exactly, but Harry felt like he had to talk to you.

He had to.

And if he didn’t, then the chance would be lost forever.

He walked out of the cupboard.

‘Oh!’ you exclaimed in surprise.

‘Er, sorry.’ He muttered, feeling foolish.

‘No, no... quite alright... I’m Y/N. Y/N L/N. you are?’ you asked, holding out your hand.

‘Harry. Harry Potter.’ He said, shaking your hand.

You frowned slightly. ‘Potter... I’ve heard that before... you’re Dudley’s cousin, aren’t you?’ you asked.

‘Er, yeah.’ Harry awkwardly said.

For a moment, a small flash of fear took over your face, but you tried your best to hide it.

Harry noticed it anyway.

He felt anger bubbling up inside him.

‘I don’t go to St. Brutus’ if that’s what’s scaring you.’ He said with more venom than intended.

You looked positively nonplussed. ‘Oh? Oh dear, I’m terribly sorry. It’s just that... Dudley says such awful things about you... I’d started thinking you were a mad hooligan!’

‘Dudley says a lot of things that aren’t true. For instance, he beat up a toddler and told me he’d won a boxing match.’ Harry shook his head.

You giggled slightly.

‘So... you’re his friend, then?’ Harry asked.

You looked down. ‘Uhm... well, no. I’m afraid he’s not very nice to me. I don’t think he likes me much.’

Harry felt yet another wish to strangle his cousin.

‘Why’d you lend him your book, then?’ he asked in confusion.

You sighed. ‘I didn’t. He took it from me when we were out during recess.’

‘Prat.’ Harry muttered.

When they heard Petunia’s footsteps, Harry jumped back inside the broom cupboard.

She was wiping fake tears, mumbling.

‘Diddykins, always such a gentleman. Asking for a girl’s book so politely.’ She mumbled.

You had to look away in order to roll your eyes.

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

Needless to say, you and Harry became friends since that day.

The Dursleys would always kick him out, and this used to annoy him, but now he had somewhere to go, so he used to leave without a word.

You two would meet up in the nearby playground and do one of the things Harry considered a big privilege.

You’d talk.

Nothing in particular, you’d sit on the swings and just talk.

Harry deeply wished he could tell you about Hogwarts, how Voldemort was a huge threat to his existence, but what would you think?

You’d call him mad.

You still followed the same routine.

You’d talk, everyday you’d talk and talk and one day he would leave, leave you behind, lonely.

Things however, changed quick after that.

He had just gotten home from third year, and was spending the summer there.

You had met up as usual, and he’d excitedly told you how his best friend, Ron Weasley, had invited him to stay over that Sunday for the rest of the vacation.

‘Oh... you’re leaving so soon?’ you had asked, and Harry thought he had heard the slightest bit of sadness in your voice, but that couldn’t be.

You wouldn’t be sad if he left, he wasn’t even on your priority list.

Which is what he thought.

To you, Harry was that cute boy whom you could consider one of your closest (and only) friends.

So, upon hearing that piece of news, you were jealous of this Weasley person.

No, that wouldn’t be right. You thought. He’s been at that school for three years; you’ve just met him. Why would he want to stay because of you?

You had been lonely that summer, and when Harry came back, it was unusual.

When he came back from his fourth year, he was a mess.

He’d jump at the slightest things, like a cat or a stray dog, and would hyperventilate a lot.

One day, he’d had a particularly bad panic attack.

You were on your swings, as usual, when Harry started rolling around on the floor, clutching his head.

You had gotten used to this, so you crouched next to him.

‘Ssh, Harry, breathe.’ You’d soothingly whisper. ‘Focus on your breathing, take deep breaths. Yes, that’s better, isn’t it?’

Harry was more grateful to you than he could have been.

Despite you not knowing the reason his scar hurt, you didn’t poke in further.

You left it at that and helped him whenever he needed help the most.

Your heart sank when Dudley’s gang came marching.

You hurriedly propped Harry up on the swing, before sitting down yourself.

‘Come on a date with a girlfriend, have you?’ Dudley sneered at Harry, his mates laughing loudly.

Yet another surge of anger passed through Harry’s body. ‘Beat up another ten year old, Dudley?’

‘This one deserved it.’ Dudley nonchalantly replied.

‘Five against one... that’s nice.’ Harry snapped.

Dudley’s lips curled over his teeth in a snarl. ‘At least I’m not afraid of my pillow! Don’t think I don’t hear you moaning in your sleep!’

A muscle was jumping in Harry’s jaw.

‘Leave it.’ You whispered.

‘Oh, don’t kill Cedric!’ Dudley mocked. ‘Who is Cedric, your boyfriend?’

More laughter issued as you held onto Harry tighter.

‘Mum, he’s gonna kill him!’ Dudley went on. ‘Where is your mum? Where is your mum, Potter? Is she dead? Is she dead?!’

You had released Harry; however, it was not him who went up to Dudley.

‘Pathetic!’ you snarled in his face. ‘What do you think you’re playing at, joking about his mother’s death? Absolutely pathetic!’

Dudley had given you a half smile, gesturing to his friend.

One of the boys held you and slammed you against the roundabout, making you hit your head as you groaned.

Harry jumped up and pointed his wand right at Dudley.

It was at that moment, that the skies darkened, as if a storm was ahead.

In mid-summer.

You and Harry walked home, Dudley following behind.

Suddenly, you felt cold.

Not because of the lack of warmth, but because it became really, really cold.

You heard a scream as your vision darkened.

Harry choked for air as a Dementor held him in place, desperately searching for his wand.

He saw you collapse to the floor, panting heavily.

With great effort, Harry grabbed his wand and managed to croak out.

‘EXPECTO PATRONUM!!!’

A silver stag rose out of Harry’s wand tip and fought off the Dementor holding him in place, before heading to you.

The Dementor instantly dropped you, almost scowling, which it would have done if it had no face, and glided out of the alleyway.

Dudley looked sick, but Harry didn’t care.

He rushed to your side immediately.

‘Oh my god, oh my god, cloaks.’ You whispered. ‘Cold air, c-cloaks, I saw my father die... all o-over a-again and i-it was so c-cold, all over...’

Harry shushed you, smiling understandingly at your rambling, disgusted at whoever sent those stupid Dementors to harm somebody as innocent as you.

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

‘So... he’s a wizard.’ You clarified, looking at the batty woman whose living room you were sprawled across.

‘And a ruddy good one at that, I mean, a corporeal Patronus at his age-’ she said.

‘Mrs. Figg.’ You interrupted. ‘He’s... he’s going to come back next summer, isn’t he?’

‘Of course, dear, whyever not?’ she looked at you as though you’d gone mad.

‘Those things... Dementors, as you said... were they trying to harm Harry?’ you tentatively asked.

‘Yes dear, sadly, yes.’ Mrs. Figg distractedly muttered. ‘Mundungus Fletcher, when I get my hands on that little squat again, I swear!’

You were trembling.

Something was after Harry, something terrible.

And you were in no power to help him.

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

‘Is something the matter?’ you asked, trying hard to keep a straight face.

‘Have you ever tried macaroons; I reckon they’re brilliant.’ Harry mumbled, ignoring you.

You rolled your eyes. ‘Harry.’

Sighing, Harry looked at you. ‘Hm?’

‘What’s wrong?’ you repeated.

‘Nothing.’

Lies.

‘Harry, something is very much wrong, and you know it.’ You disapprovingly said. ‘What is it?’

Harry sighed. ‘Its just... he’s growing stronger, you know. I... I fear there might be a day where I go to Hogwarts and never come back.’

Your heart sank into your stomach.

‘Its... cmon, Harry.’ You spoke. ‘We can’t... if you think like that, then, you’re not going to fight very well, are you? I’ll have you know, I am always here for you, and I have absolutely no intentions of letting whoever kills you live in peace.’

Harry chuckled at your scathing threats.

‘I’m gonna miss you, Y/N/N.’ Harry mumbled, intertwining your fingers with his.

You sighed. ‘I’ll miss you too Harry.’

More than you can imagine.

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

‘Harry Potter, open this door!’ you screamed, banging furiously, not caring it was raining and you were sopping wet.

‘Harry, I swear, I WILL BREAK THIS DOOR!’ you yelled, ripping your throat raw.

The door hesitantly opened, as a certain boy stood before you.

Choking an enormous sob, you pulled him into a bone-crushing hug.

Sobbing into his shoulder, you melted into his touch.

‘Ssh Y/N, ssh.’ He mumbled soothingly.

‘Harry Potter.’ You croaked. ‘You had best returned from this war ALIVE.’

‘I’ll try Y/N/N.’ Harry whispered. ‘I’ll try.’

Your sobs were growing uncontrollable, and Harry did the only thing he could think of to shut you up.

He kissed you.

Slowly and carefully, his lips took in your own, as you melted into the kiss.

Not caring about the salty tears you could taste, you gently stroked his cheek.

When you pulled apart, you sniffed. ‘Good luck, Harry.

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

The rain beat down on your house heavily, as you sat near your window.

Something was wrong, you could sense it.

He’s alive... God, no, he’s alive, please.

Each thought, each dream, showed you endless ways Harry would be dying.

You hated it.

After many days of crying, a knock on your door made you jump.

‘Y/N!’

That voice.

That amazing voice.

Trembling, you opened the door, seeing a messy haired Harry standing there, tears painting his face.

‘My God.’ You gasped. ‘You’re alive. Oh, Harry!’

After yet-another hug, Harry came inside.

‘I reckon I should’ve made this more special.’ He said seriously. ‘But I can not wait any longer.’

You watched, confused, as Harry took your hands.

‘Y/N L/N, the moment you came into my life, I have felt nothing but pure happiness. I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?’

You gasped, hand flying to your mouth.

Sobbing harder, you hugged him.

‘Yes.’

[fangirlyah]

✦ to be so lonely - Draco Malfoy x Slytherin!Reader

one shot inspired by the harry styles’s song ‘to be so lonely’ 

summary: draco makes bad decisions that alienate what he loves the most

warnings: it’s pure angst so yeah

word count: 2,640

Don't blame me for fallin'

I was just a little boy

it was a freezing winter night when draco realized that he was in love with y/n. it was extremely cold when he saw her go through the door of the manor with her reddish nose and an elegant coat covering her green dress. her parents in front of her receiving his parents with a handshake. they already knew what was going next, but neither draco nor y/n were involved yet, they only accompanied their parents in the meetings; they were almost always left outside the room, together in the kitchen having a cup of hot tea and sharing chats that kept draco awake that night and maybe the next.

Don't blame the drunk caller

Wasn't ready for it all

it was an autumn tinged with warm tones, when y/n realized that she was in love with draco. she saw him pick up a book from the library while she accommodated the ones she had recently used and felt her heart jump. they knew little of what lay ahead, only accompanying their parents as it would be dangerous to be left alone at home and unable to use magical protection because of their age. so y/n visited malfoy manor or draco visited the y/l mansion very often. when it was the blond’s turn to leave his home, they always went up to the roof to look at the stars that left her stunned.

You can't blame me, darling

Not even a little bit

I was away

And I'm just an arrogant son of a bitch

Who can't admit when he's sorry

everyone knew of their friendship but no one dared to ask how it had begun. they knew the answer would be something like: ‘our parents are death eaters, what did you expect? ', so they just kept their doubt behind their backs and watched their movements together. which were not many, but enough to bring to light their friendship. 

Don't call me "baby" again

You got your reasons

was the week after that icy night, when draco put his head on y/n’s lap as they read in the private library of her mansion and said, 

"I think I’m in love with you" amidst the entrancing silence, in which only the passing of the leaves and their breaths were the only noises. after three years of friendship, draco was confessing his feelings that, a week ago, had really been recognized by the youngest malfoy. at that very moment y/n leaned her lips gently on those of draco who was looking at her from her lap. silently sealing a promise that would not last long, but that she believed it would.

I know you mean it

But don't call me "baby" again

their first kiss was seven weeks before september first, seven weeks spent between kisses and hugs in the library, the kitchen and some other room. 

seven weeks filled with cups of tea and stargazing. 

seven weeks in which draco’s hands did not seem to leave those of y/n; not even when they ate around the other minions of who-must-not-be-named, which was when he intertwined their hands under the table.

seven weeks, which both enjoyed each other’s presence deeply and did not pass a day when they did not remember each other how much they enjoyed the other's company.

It's hard for me to go home

Be so lonely

 but it was a week before september first when draco, was personally requested by the dark lord to entrust him with what would be a life-or-death task, which they did not believe to y/n able to perform. 

and they were right, she couldn’t murder someone even though the dark mark had been impregnated in her arm since she was twelve; unlike draco that got his that week before school. he didn’t say anything. not even when his girlfriend approached to kiss him goodbye and meet again on platform 9 ¾ just a few hours before the return to hogwarts. 

draco was terrified, more terrified than he had ever been in his life, but he said nothing.

that night apart was the first in a long time, a night that for the lack of company and what was ahead for them, he did not rest a minute. his head hovering in the fact that the ray of light, also called y/n, was almost involved in such a situation. he did not know that she had been involved for much longer than that vacation and that the mark had been placed on y/n’s arm, by that time, she was still an infant. y/n had lied, she said that she had obtained it just a few months ago.

"but it doesn’t hurt?, I heard that the first few months are fatal" her boyfriend stared at her, moving his eyes between hers and her arm. y/n wanted to say yes, that her first few months were horrible but she didn’t want to frighten him and tell him that a 12-year-old girl used to scream out of pain every night when she went to sleep. she was afraid he’d walk away, judge her. 

"I put on a lot of moisturizer to keep it from burning, so it doesn’t hurt so much" she wasn’t lying, but those lotions had long expired after she had used them. he gently kissed her arm wishing with all his might that, when he opened his eyes, the dark mark would have disappeared from y/n’s arm.

I just hope you see me

In a little better light

it was only a few hours before their re-admission to hogwarts when he refused the kiss that y/n went to give him when she saw him standing at the train station, alone with his suitcase.

 she thought he was waiting for her but he wasn’t. 

their reunion had been idealized in y/n’s head that night, in which draco had not been able to sleep, but she had. she had managed to fall in a deep sleep, being draco the last thing her brain thought consciously. she imagined that their reunion would be like those muggle romantic books she read hidden in the library of her house. something romantic and happy that people around would see as a movie scene.

but it was not so, he did not look her in the eyes. not even when they were already inside the train and y/n took a seat beside him in some padded seats. 

not even when he mentioned that he would stay a few more minutes on the train, giving permission to her, blaise and pansy to get off without him.

not even when y/n looked at him indignantly when she saw potter come into the great hall with a bloody nose, knowing exactly what he had done.

not even when she said good night with a kiss on his cheek before she left for her bedroom.

he looked at her for the first time when, surrounded by his minions. draco was having lunch without paying attention to the people around him. y/n had returned from the care of magical creatures class, when she saw him almost without expression, putting a piece of bread in his mouth. 

"hi, baby" y/n spoke softly as she sat in front of the mysterious blond. the word 'baby' caught the attention of his friends who shut up with the intention of meddling in the conversation.

"don’t call me that" her boyfriend spoke looking into her eyes. his eyes full of cold, transmitting seriousness and stress; very different from those she had enjoyed throughout the older days.

"draco, what's going on?" crabbe, goyle, zabini and millicent watched the situation on their sides. y/n thanked merlin internally, that pansy was not in the situation because otherwise her mockery would be endless.

"why the fuck do you care?" his hands trembled slightly on the table, but these immediately became fists when he saw the look of y/n on them. 

"why the fuck do I care? draco, you’re my boyfriend, of course I care" suddenly the laughter began to flood the, formerly silent, table. including draco who laughed out loud. a laughter that caused y/n’s body to begin to feel more and more weak.

"your boyfriend?!" replied the blonde keeping his arrogant smile "you’re crazy, really. what do they feed you at home? poison?" 

he knew perfectly well how he was hurting her. 

he knew perfectly well how he was crushing her heart into thousands of pieces. 

he knew she had always had a bad time in her own home, and yet it was the first thing he came up with to bother her. 

when he finished his second sentence, even millicent’s laughter bounced into y/n’s ears, she was supposed to be her friend. 

why endure more humiliation? y/n decided to leave the great hall as fast as she could and run to the bathroom where everyone would go to cry. it wasn’t the first time myrtle saw her come in with tears in her eyes, and she already knew how the girl didn't like to be invaded with questions as soon as she arrived, so the ghost held back.

Do you think it's easy

her knees were covering her chin as her eyes kept shedding tears and her mouth noisy sobs. everything had been a farce that she had swallowed as if it were a sip of warm milk. 

he had used her completely so he wouldn’t be alone on those scary holidays.

sitting on the floor of the damp bath her thoughts wandered in the beautiful memories she believed had been real and sentimental to both of them. 

she was not wrong. draco had to leave the great hall within minutes of her departure because his body was about to collapse, he felt that the panic attack he had not yet had that day, was about to blossom. so he ran straight into the prefects' bathroom, without avoiding shedding a few tears as he hurried over there. 

the only person who had never left his side was now heartbroken because of him. he had a reputation to maintain and a girl to keep safe, so pretending to hate her was the best option.

but his regret came faster than he thought. he never would have thought it would hurt so much to see her after that noon, where, indirectly, it was all over.

his body trembled every time he saw her sitting alone on the other end of the table. he had caused her to be left completely alone; she had devoted her entire attention and friendship so many years to him, that she had never developed such a deep friendship with anyone else, so she was now alone. 

Being of the jealous kind?

'Cause I miss the shape of your lips

she remained alone until the day draco saw her enter the great hall accompanied. 

it had been a month since those hateful words had come out of his mouth and he was getting worse, thinner and sadder every day. not only was he sad because he had to kill dumbledore in less than a month and a half, but he missed her. he missed her so much that, especially during the night, that nostalgia became present as physical pain that twisted him in his bed.

the night he saw her walk with neville by her side, smiling like she used to do with him, he definitely didn’t sleep. it was an image that would not be removed from his head; to see her eat with a little of her characteristic light back. he wept inconsolably at the fact that he had stolen and shattered that joy and it was someone else who was giving it back to her.

that night, thoughts consumed him like a lit candle. he was wondering if all that stuff he missed about her, now she was sharing them with someone else. He wondered if longbottom now owned her lips and her soft morning voice, if she kissed his cheek as he came out of the shower as she did with him, or if she had already learned how many spoonfuls of sugar he drank with his tea, as she had done with him.

Your wit

It's just a trick

thanks to luna and neville, y/n had come out of her misery faster than she thought.

but it still hurt; because everything made her remember, even the starry nights hurt her internally to the point of crying for hours. 

that’s why she avoided him as much as possible, she had begun to sit at the ravenclaw or gryffindor’s table since she had no one to sit with at her own house table.

"he’s looking this way," neville whispered, beside her as he ate "it’s scary"

"I don’t want to be here neville, can you eat a little faster please?"

in the months that passed, draco had not even tried to approach her. he was not brave enough. so when the day he was supposed to kill the headmaster came, y/n couldn’t get near the astronomy tower. she could not be near when such an atrocity was to be carried out. for what she waited uneasy at the entrance to the castle, she was betraying her recent friends and the entire institution, but she had a choice.

when bellatrix���s arrogant laughter began to approach, y/n knew that it was the time when they had to escaped from hogwarts without an early return date. 

when draco arrived at the place where she was standing, his only desire was to take her in his arms as he used to and run away with her where no one could find them. he saw her weak and worried and he just wanted to kiss the wrinkles on her forehead and make them disappear. he wanted to tell her that he couldn’t kill dumbledore, because her face had gotten in his brain; the memory of her by his side and how her presence used to make everything disappear.

but before he could get close, all the death eaters started dragging them out of the castle. in spite of potter’s screams that chased them, they continued to run into the forbidden forest, together. 

it would be a lie to say that when they entered the malfoy manor their fears calmed down, because the terror did not leave them alone even for two seconds. their bodies and minds were still in complete shock. their parents sent them to clean themselves as soon as they saw the two teens arrive, so y/n started to go to the guest bathroom that was almost hers, but her ex-boyfriend’s body stopped her in front of the door.

"y/n all I ask is that you listen to me" his voice was pleading and he dragged his syllables, almost as if he had been torn from a good dream and he would not fall asleep again. 

"I’m sorry but...no" she tried to pass, because tears threatened to leave her eyes, but draco’s body did not leave her. 

"nothing was true!"

"of course nothing was true! you lied to my face for months, made me believe you loved me!" the tears that had accumulated in her eyes now ran down her face without stopping, and to her surprise draco’s face was even more submerged in tears. "for years, draco, years. I gave you everything! my friendship and then my deep and devoted love! I gave you everything and you left me alone, without even explaining!" 

she was right, he had lost her because of his idiotic decisions that, in the end, made no sense. his body had weakened so much that y/n was able to move his body out of the front of the door to get into the room as fast as she could.

And this is it, so I'm sorry

[wolfwind3]

Bring Back the Bastard Day 1

Work Summary: After the stunning success of his convoluted Goblet of Fire plan to regain his body, Voldemort has come up with an even more amazing plot. What better place to publicly declare his return to power - and kill Harry Potter in full view of everyone - than at the London Season where Harry is being presented?

And who will be his man on the inside to make sure it all goes smoothly this time around? Why, his most loyal spy - his only follower who knows what it's like to be presented from a Muggle background - Severus Snape.

Or: Instead of Occlumency lessons, Snape gives Harry etiquette lessons in OotP. To say that neither of them is pleased is an understatement.

(AN: I’ll be posting a vignette from this crackfic scenario every day in line with the BBtB prompts, so they won’t be chronological from a story standpoint. I’ll fix that in AO3 after the Fest.)

@bringbackthebastard; inspired by this discussion (read that first!)

Prompt: "That's Professor Snape. He teaches Potions, but he doesn't want to--everyone knows he's after Quirrell's job. Knows an awful lot about the Dark Arts, Snape."

Day 1: Not the Job He’s After

“Severus? Are you well?” Albus asked, as always, when he stalked into the office.

“Fine,” Severus said shortly, forcing himself to sink into the chair with a modicum of grace instead of collapsing. The effort caused his stomach to flare with pain, and he clenched his jaw to hold back a gasp.

Albus offered the obligatory cup of tea, and Severus tightened and relaxed his fingers to try and stop the shaking before accepting it. The liquid shivered, and he raised the cup to his lips before Albus could comment.

“Well?” the Headmaster asked, reseating himself and picking up a quill.

Severus shook his head at the notetaking materials. “It’s a simple matter - a private meeting. He has another-” he winced, the memory of pain too close to dare even think the words he wanted to say, “-unpredictable scheme in mind to get to Potter. He has not entrusted me with the details.” He said the last with a sneer to disguise his own worry and guilt.

Albus gave him a look that indicated that he knew that Severus was hiding wounds he’d gotten from attempting to inquire further into the Dark Lord’s plans, and then let it go. As he always did. It was easier for both of them if Albus had plausible deniability.

“He wishes Potter to be presented in next year’s Season.”

Albus’ surprise was only indicated in the slight arching of his eyebrows. “He does know the boy’s birthday.”

Severus snarled to hide the pain those memories brought. “Of course.” He took a breath to center himself. “I believe Lucius is going to be in charge of that portion of the plan. My role is to mentor the brat into the semblance of a proper heir to the Sacred 28.”

“Hmm.” Albus leaned back with far too thoughtful an expression on his face.

“Albus,” Severus growled, fighting to keep his head clear as he felt the effects of blood loss overcoming his Occlumency, “you cannot be considering this.”

Albus blinked at him innocently. “You know I will not risk your status with him, Severus.”

“Molly Weasley was supposed to present the whelp. Let her prepare him. She can give me progress reports, which I will then pass on to the Dark Lord.”

“And when young Mr. Malfoy reports to his father that you spend no time with Harry?”

“I can handle the Malfoys,” Severus lied. By the look on Albus’ face, he knew it for a lie and was not accepting it.

“Take the rest of the summer to come up with a plan of what he needs to know,” Albus suggested.

Severus tried to straighten up and hissed in pain. “Albus,” he said, “there are any number of things the boy needs to know. Let me teach him dueling, defensive tactics, decent spells! Let someone else teach the brat the social airs and graces he will never actually need.”

“Ah, but he will need them. And who else do we have who came out of a similar background-”

“Not similar at all, Albus. Potter did not grow up in a slum.”

Unfortunately, mentions of his lack of advantages never embarrassed Dumbledore into shutting up. He might have remembered that if he hadn’t been growing dizzy.

“-who came from a Muggle background, then, and yet achieved such success in Society?” He smiled as if Severus had already acquiesced. He knows I have no choice, damn him. “I will inform Harry at the beginning of the school year.”

“And all the gossip that will result?” Severus demanded, forcing enough air from his lungs to keep his voice wheezing. Of course, this caused a shooting pain in his abdomen; he subtly curled his arm around himself to try and support the torn muscles.

“We’ll discuss it later,” Albus said, eyes twinkling. “You need to rest, and I have some things to set in motion. Thank you, Severus.”

Biting the inside of his lip to drive off light-headedness, Severus managed to stand and walk down the spiral staircase. At the bottom, he leaned against the wall to gather strength for the walk down to the dungeons.

“Severus Snape!” The sharp voice caused him to wince before he carefully turned to face the woman hurrying toward him.

“Poppy,” he said, in a vain attempt to pretend he didn’t need her help. She turned up every time he was badly injured; if he didn’t regularly cleanse his person of any and all tracking and listening spells, he’d think she had an alert on him.

She raked him up and down with her glance and clicked her tongue. “You are not walking in that state. I’ll conjure a stretcher and you can lie on it, or I’ll knock you out and levitate you; your choice.”

He sighed and squeezed his abdomen more tightly. “Very well.”

He saw the flash of worry in her eyes when he didn’t have a snarky response for her, but it was immediately covered by professionalism. The stretcher appeared beside him. “Come on, then.”

He altered it to a reclined sitting position instead of laying flat and then took his place, avoiding her scornful look. “All right, then,” she said, setting the stretcher in motion. “Are you going to tell me what’s most likely to kill you before we reach the Hospital Wing, or shall I just run the diagnostics and be done with it?”

He relaxed back against the pillows and closed his eyes, waiting for her to start her spells. While she was working, he could wonder about the mad start both of his masters had agreed on. Just because he’d had to master Society out of the most impossible background didn’t mean he ought to teach anyone else. Particularly the spoiled brat of the Muggle world who would probably resist Wizarding ways on the principle that his were naturally better.

His thoughts began to go hazy and Poppy’s voice got sharper at the same time it seemed to recede down a long tunnel. He cemented his assignment into his mind with Occlumency so that it would be the first thing he considered when he awoke, and relaxed into unconsciousness.

* * *

Harry stood next to the gargoyle at the bottom of Dumbledore’s staircase, feeling shellshocked. Here he’d spent all summer dreaming about being back in the Wizarding world, joining the fight against Voldemort for real. That ought to stop the nightmares. And instead...

“Harry!” Hermione and Ron must have gotten tired of waiting for him. They came hurrying up the corridor.

“What did the Headmaster have to say?” Hermione asked.

Harry ignored her and turned to Ron. “Wizards have a stupid social thing every spring with… with dancing and etiquette and - and-” He trailed off, unable to come up with any other words.

Ron looked at him in confusion. “You mean the Season? But we’re not old enough for that.”

“Season?” Hermoine looked at him sharply. “I’m guessing this is like the old-fashioned sort of Season?”

“Why is this even a thing?” Harry demanded at the top of his lungs.

“Um, why do you care?” Ron asked warily.

“Because Dumbledore,” Harry spat the name, “says that the best thing that I can do for the war against Voldemort is to prepare for my effing Season.”

“What?” Ron and Hermione chorused.

“No, no, it gets even better,” Harry said bitterly. “Who do you think he wants to teach me how to do all this society garbage?”

Hermione and Ron exchanged glances.

“Erm… my mum?” Ron suggested. “I know she taught my brothers… I expect she’s going to be roping me into lessons over the summer, although as a sixth son, it doesn’t actually matter much…”

“No,” Harry said. He wished it were Mrs. Weasley. It would still be stupidly annoying, but at least she liked him. He would probably have gotten a lot of sweets out of it, too.

“McGonagall?” Hermione suggested.

“McGonagall?” Ron said in disgust. “You must be joking.”

“Why shouldn’t she?” Hermione demanded.

“That’s not the point,” Harry interrupted, unwilling to let his grievance get derailed. “The point is, Dumbledore doesn’t want me studying with your mum, or McGonagall, or anyone sane. He wants me to study with Snape.”

“WHAT?” Ron and Hermione chorused again, much louder this time.

“He’s gone mad,” Ron said flatly. “Mum’s been saying he’s overworked, it’s gone to his head, he’s gone round the twist.”

“Did he give a reason?” Hermione asked. She sounded like she was begging Harry to make this make sense.

Harry shrugged. “Only that he ‘entered Society from a similar background,’ whatever that’s supposed to mean. And that since he’s here, it will be easy enough for him to give me lessons.” He slumped down the wall to sit with his head in his hands. “I can’t do this. I’m going to either laugh in his face or explode when he tells me I have to - to dance or whatever, and then he’ll actually kill me.”

“I’m sure he won’t actually kill you,” Hermione said. She was obviously trying to sound reassuring, but the worry in her voice didn’t actually help.

“Look, let’s go write Bill and Charlie, all right?” Ron suggested. “They both survived being presented. I’m sure they’ll have some ideas.”

Harry shrugged, but he allowed Ron to pull him to his feet. “I guess we might as well ask what I need to learn. I’m not supposed to tell anyone else about Snape, though.”

“Why not?”

“I was a little too busy being furious to ask about that.”

Hermione laid a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll figure it out, Harry. Don’t worry.”

Harry tried to smile at her as they set off down the hall, but he knew better. Dumbledore always got him to do things. This would be no different.

[dhrdrabbles]

Part V

(Part I,  II, III and IV)

His growth spurt between the Battle of Hogwarts and his trial made vulnerable situations with Draco Malfoy extremely awkward.

Hermione noticed this three years later, at a particularly poorly visited DMLE regulars’ table. They had been a small round tonight anyway, with a large number of aurors, including Harry, being dispatched to an emergency in Aberystwyth.

Terry Boot called it a night after the first round of butterbeers, clearly irritated by the only other two participants tonight. As a result, Hermione and Malfoy awkwardly shared an otherwise empty table until Hermione sighed and went to the bar to order another round.

Malfoy thanked her, his eyes glued to the stains and wood grain on the table. Hermione rolled her eyes. Malfoy had joined the department in the past autumn, too much scepticism in the public and Ministry alike, but his behaviour during his probation had been impeccable. From the moment he became an auror trainee, his record was spotless. Robards had mentioned more than once that he would allow him a shortened training period if it weren’t for the Mark on his arm. There were limits even to a Department Head’s power.

She sipped her butterbeer, eyeing him.

Malfoy wasn’t unfriendly towards her, but he had made much better amendments with Harry or Terry, or even Ginny at this point. With her, he seemed to distance himself more than necessary. He was going out of his way to be polite, but barely able to meet her eye when they spoke, which had been a nuisance when they were assigned together during Malfoy’s first field training. When she mentioned it to him, he had become eerily quiet, his gaze – as always – trained on some point behind her shoulder, assuring her that it was nothing personal and just his nerves.

Hermione’s thoughts lingered on this exchange, although it had been five months ago. She had never seen Malfoy so obviously nervous. It was this reaction that made her firmly believe his behaviour hat little to do with his or her blood and everything with her as a person. She just didn’t know what it was.

Malfoy was now sipping his second butterbeer gingerly. Half of his was finished and Hermione had only taken a few sips, so she hurried to follow suit, only to choke on some beer that had sneaked its way into her trachea as she rushed to drink.

Hermione coughed.

Malfoy chuckled.

The small sound from across the table made her look up in disbelief, still coughing lightly.

She must have looked menacingly because Malfoy’s hands quickly shot up in defence. His smile, to her surprise, remained. “Sorry. But the second you started downing that beer, I knew the choking was imminent.”

The next and final cough hid her surprise at his nonchalant small talk and Hermione was thankful for it. She looked up at Malfoy, who loomed over her even when seated. “And you didn’t think of warning me.”

“Granger.” Ah, the drawl. She only ever heard it when he joked with Harry and Terry, or anyone but herself. The tone that once made her shiver uncomfortably in the Hogwarts halls tickled a giddy curiosity in her these days. She itched to find out why he excluded her from it. “Why would I ever warn you when I could just sit here and enjoy watching you chug that beer – and fail?”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t be angry with him. Not when he finally seemed at home in small talk territory. Not when the corners of his mouth were still pulled upward.

He finished his beer in an impressive performance of ‘elegant chugging’ which Hermione filed under yet another Malfoy-only specialty. Putting down his jug, he looked over at her, caution now dominating his features once more. Hermione looked at him questioningly for another second before he took a small breath and pointed at her beer. “Do you want another of these? Because I actually cannot stand the stuff and will order some good whiskey instead.” He paused for one second and then added, hurriedly, “If you want to stay. Feel free to leave.”

Now it was her turn to grin up at him. “It’s fine. I think I’ll stick to this one for now”, she pointed at her glass which was still half full.

At that, he seemed to relax visibly and got up to order.

Hermione’s gaze lazily followed him as he glided through the crowd. His bright, blond head towered over most of the other guests and was visible up until he stopped at the bar.

*

Two butterbeers and three whiskeys later, she returned from the bar with yet another butterbeer and a top-shelf whiskey for Malfoy, the snob, who had actually warmed up to her at long last over the past few drinks. She already thought about mentioning his behaviour another day, when they – hopefully – established some sort of routine with each other as she pushed his drink in front of him and dropped down on the seat across from him, head spinning slowly, in an unrushed pace.

She was just about to pick their conversation about the dominance of Veela traits in descendants back up when Malfoy’s gaze made lose track of her trail of thoughts. In her vision, only his grey eyes remained, as he intently stared at her from across the wooden table in the noisy Leaky.

The words were trapped somewhere in the same trachea where their evening had started. Hermione opened her mouth, instantly thought she must look like a goldfish and closed it again, now extremely self-conscious about her messy bun, the layer of sweat on her upper lip and her frantic gaze from Malfoy’s eyes to his frowning mouth.

For lack of a better word, he appeared sad to Hermione. She tried to pinpoint where they had left off the conversation, looking for a clue where she had said something stupid. Slowly, she opened her mouth again.

Malfoy averted his eyes, dropping on his whiskey.

He sighed. “Thank you.”

Hermione stammered a reply, still wondering what had happened while she was gone. Her insecurity seemed to irritate Malfoy even more, he rubbed his eyes with both of his hands in a slow-motion and groaned almost inaudibly. He leaned back in his chair, his long legs carefully draped next to hers under the table, never quite touching. On various occasions that night, Hermione had heard a soft bump and had always assumed it must’ve been his one of knees that hit the table every time he shifted.

When he removed his hands from his face, Malfoy looked as shattered as he had before. It seemed so wrong on this man, always the epitome of composure and elegance. Even in the field, as a trainee, he appeared in control of every situation. On Thursdays, at the regulars’ table, he dominated the round merely by being such a stark contrast to the rest of them, with his bright hair, light skin, and impeccably straight posture.

Malfoy never sagged, not even after numerous whiskeys. He could raise his voice without automatically shouting as Harry did. He could direct his attention to someone by merely nodding briefly at them. His speech was always impeccable, whether he was stressed or tipsy. He never lost composure.

Yes, Hermione had paid attention to the enigma that was Draco Malfoy’s behaviour towards herself, and she had never seen him lose composure.

Hence, her breath stopped before speeding up excessively when he shifted forward, his elbows now resting on the table, and hid most of his face against his hands again. He was so tall; the table support automatically led him to cower slightly before her. Still, she had to look up to watch his emotions unfold before her.

Hunched Malfoy seemed so at odds with every observation Hermione had made over the past years. She briefly noticed how awkwardly unproportionate he seemed in comparison to the small table and the bench he sat on, but then Malfoy finally raised his voice again. All the effortless command it usually carried via ductus and volume, supported by the sheer size of his torso, had disappeared.

“Granger, how can you stand just sharing a table with me all evening?”

The question startled her so much, she just blinked rapidly at him, her pulse quickening. “I –”

He sighed and rubbed over his face with his hands once more before carefully placing them in front of his torso. His long fingers fiddled with a napkin on the table. His cheeks were flushed, and the corners of his mouth were facing downwards. The image reminded her of their Hogwarts days, but all animosity between them was gone. What remained was a healthy dose of anxiety after what had started as a civil evening.

He sighed again, still hunched in his seat. His eyes never left her face and Hermione struggled to meet his gaze, its intensity almost overwhelming her. The melancholy never left him.

“You testified at my trial – why?”

His voice was levelled, but not its usual nonchalant self – too quiet. Again, Hermione stumbled over his question. She knew the answer, didn’t she? She knew every answer to every question, and this one was so clear to her too. He was just a boy, not even of age. His family – his mother, especially – was in danger. He was – bully or not – just her classmate. He had looked so ridiculously skinny and unhealthy back in their sixth year, crying in the presence of a ghost living in a bathroom. He had stalled when they were captured and brought to the manor. He had not fought during the final battle. He had shown her every day since he had joined the department that the testimony was worth it.

And yet, the question stunned her.

He still sought her eyes with his. “What I want to say, Granger, is this. Whatever your reasoning, your testimony sealed my fate. You made it possible for me to join the auror squad. And I’m thankful.”

She furrowed her brows. “With all due respect, Malfoy, I really appreciate it. But Harry also –”

He interrupted her with a faint smile, but the sadness remained. “Potter has my thanks as well, rest assured. But you – I couldn’t believe it when they said your name. With Potter, I had a ridiculous rivalry. You– you never harmed me, Granger”, his voice cracked. “I depreciated you whenever I could, just to make myself feel better.”

He finally tore his gaze away from her. He was obviously ashamed. Hermione couldn’t reply. Her face was hot, her eyes roaming from Malfoy’s face to his still fiddling hands. She watched as he drew another breath.

All the noise in the pub had numbed around her a long time ago.

“Granger – Hermione – I’m incredibly sorry for how I treated you throughout our years in school. You never gave me any reason to despise you, and yet I did, based on what I now know is a ridiculous notion.”

She watched in awe as he pressed his thin lips together, obviously struggling with the situation, the words, but most of all, with himself. “You are the most impressive person I know. And in retrospect, I knew it a long time ago, but I was so preoccupied with working towards all the wrong goals. Please forgive me. For all the pain I caused you.”

Hermione stared at Malfoy, who had sought her gaze once more at the last sentence but now turned it back to the table, intently staring at the woodwork.

Hermione blinked once, twice, and then the noise of the pub returned to her ears as she slowly rose to her feet.

Malfoy, the tall man across from her, shrunk in his seat. He expected her to leave.  

Instead, Hermione made her way to his side of the table and found an even stance in front of him. Despite being seated on a bench in a pub, Malfoy’s face was almost at the same height as hers, small as she was.

Without another word, she unceremoniously dropped next to him on the bench. He jumped slightly, but Hermione caught his long, lithe fingers in her own and pressed them slightly.

“I forgive you, Draco. I forgave you a long time ago.”

His shoulders sagged next to her. A small breath escaped him, and his lips finally curled upward in the most beautiful way once more. His chin trembled.

She sought his eyes – no longer the usual, composed grey now, but a softer, darker hue.

Her thumbs slowly, tentatively began to stroke the back of his hands in reassurance, but he didn’t move, his eyes still trained on her face so close to his own.

Hermione leaned in and kissed him.

---

Author’s notes: This story is now also available to you on AO3 and I have an extra scene planned for you! It it almost finished and should land in the next couple of days. This format was fun! Although I have waded dangerously far away from drabble territory with some of them, length-wise. Thank you for following along and for being a part of it! 

[blue-moon-potter]

May I have a Harry potter matchup please and thank you.

I am an asexual, polyamory, and cis girl who happens to lean-to boys. Though I am known for being shy around them. Yet once I am comfortable, I will become more genuinely cheerful and goofy. Although, I've been told I speak before I think and it tends to be sassy or sarcastic remarks unconsciously. Though I do also have an innocent mindset for my lack of general knowledge, for the way I look at things differently from others. INFP

Hufflepuff, and a little aloof. Although I have a huge imagination and I tend to get lost in them.

I'm a tan brown girl with dark brown curly hair. A petite figure, 5'6. I have girly, pastel attire. I love vintage things, post-rock, old rock, and jazz songs. I love to draw and express myself through art. My dream is to become an illustrator or some form of artist. Including my love for stuffed animal plushies, dark Grimm stories.

Hi 😚Thank you so much for asking 🙏

You seem like a really fun person!!!!!!! 😀

@daydreamerneko123

I ship you with...

Cedric Diggory

Huffelpuff power couple!

I imagine him also being very artistic so you two would love to do art together!

You would be very supportive of all his choices and be there for him every step of the way

You two probably met before a trip to Honeydukes on Saturday

Because you were in the same house, the same table at the Great Hall, he noticed you

You and your friends were laughing, and the sound of your voice immediately caught his attention

He craved the feeling of him being the reason for you laughing and making you happy

He then sat next to you

Everyone was confused, a specially you

He casually went on chatting to his friends, when out of no where he tapped you on the shoulder, and straight up ask you if you would go on the next trip to Honeydukes with him

You were stunned and was still busy processing it all

You were just staring at him

While he tried to make out your answer

Your friend brought you back to reality with her elbowing you

All you could get out was "uuuuh huh... Sure-yeah thanks!"

That Saterday came by quickly

You spent the whole day chatting and getting to know each other

After the 'date' you sat in the Huffelpuff common room just chatting the night away

When you two eventually went back to your dorms, you were both smiling like fools

The both of you happily told your friends every little detail about that day!

You gradually started to get to know each other better and eventually got official

You were really happy together 💕

Sorry for answering so late!!! 😅I hope you enjoyed reading this. Happy Holidays 🎄🎉

[sssshhhthefilmsabouttostart]

The best and worst films of 2020

Let’s be honest - 2020 was an extremely shitty year for moviegoers everywhere, as the Queen would say an annus horribilis.

Due to the Covid pandemic’s dramatic impact on nearly every facet of human life, cinemas closed, film festivals went virtual and film productions became an intricate mess of insurance and safety challenges.

Yet despite these dire challenges and an unpredictable future, cinema remained very much alive throughout the year, with a wide range of ambitious undertakings snaking their way into whatever form of release seemed viable. Blockbusters receded to the background, allowing a wide range of movies to trickle through an uncertain marketplace that would have been hostile to them even in pre-pandemic times.

So what cinematic gems and unmitigated disasters were dropped upon audiences during the year?

Ladies and gentlemen, may we please offer for your consideration...

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

THE CURRENT WAR - THE LIGHTHOUSE - IN FABRIC - BEING FRANK: THE CHRIS SIEVEY STORY (D) - BOMBSHELL - THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON - THE SOCIAL DILEMMA (D) - LIGHT OF MY LIFE - THE ASSISTANT - THE LODGE - THE GENTLEMEN - THE WAY BACK - DARK WATERS - 1917 - THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY - THE HUNT

2020′S TOP TEN BEST FILMS

10. THE WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW

Hot off the critical success of his debut feature ‘Thunder Road,’ writer-director Jim Cummings’ refreshing yet effective take on the werewolf genre amped up the dark comedy whilst delivering quite a few chills. Tinged with realistically flawed characters and clever scares, ‘The Wolf of Snow Hollow’ might not have been your typical werewolf flick but it successfully managed to bring that classic legend to life once again.

9. LET HIM GO

Previously last seen together as Clark Kent’s adoptive parents in ‘Man of Steel,’ Diane Lane and Kevin Costner were reunited onscreen as husband and wife again in writer-director Thomas Bezucha’s neo-Western drama ‘Let Him Go.’ Adapted from author Larry Watson’s 2013 novel, the film featured stunning landscapes, full-blooded moments of sudden violence and compelling performances from Diane Lane, Kevin Costner and, most memorably, Lesley Manville’s turn as a gritty and cunning matriarch.

8. COLOUR OUT OF SPACE

Based on the classic short story by HP Lovecraft and featuring another scene-stealing performance from Nicolas Cage, this clever adaptation was an effective horror film with an unrelentingly grim sci-fi bent. In addition to the truly disturbing and inspired images of queasy body horror, ‘Colour Out of Space’ also marked the eagerly-anticipated re-emergence of filmmaker Richard Stanley (his first time back in the director’s chair since being fired from his 1996 remake ‘The Island of Dr Moreau’).

7. THE INVISIBLE MAN

Who knew a remake could be so refreshing? With this updated take on the H.G. Wells tale, writer-director Leigh Whannell did just about everything right, delivering a tense, clever thriller with touches of both horror and sci-fi. As the fascinatingly flawed yet appealing tough protagonist, Elisabeth Moss gave a captivating performance in a film that was chilling in all the right ways, packed with plenty of twists and a deliciously nasty resolution.

6. THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 (NETFLIX)

Whilst the subject matter of ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7′ shared an uncanny relevance to today’s politically charged times, as a gripping courtroom drama with a stellar cast, the film ticked all the boxes. ‘West Wing’ creator Aaron Sorkin put his trademark traits - razor-sharp wit, rhetorical flair and political insight - to very good use in this masterful retelling of the trial following the 1968 anti-war protests outside the Democratic National Convention.

5. HEARTS AND BONES

In his debut feature film, Australian director Ben Lawrence created a spiritually rich and immersive drama about the relationship between a grizzled, broken war photographer and a Sudanese refugee. Whilst Hugo Weaving was note-perfect in his portrayal as a crumbling man wrestling with his past, equally impressive was first time actor Andrew Luri who delivered a quiet yet memorable performance in what was an affecting piece of cinema.

4. TOTALLY UNDER CONTROL (DOCUMENTARY)

Watching a documentary about the COVID-19 crisis in the middle of a global pandemic might not sound appealing but prolific filmmaker Alex Gibney’s latest work was easily the most essential non-fiction film of 2020. Shot safely in secret for five months, ‘Totally Under Control’ played out like a tightly-wound thriller as it placed the Trump Administration’s inept response to the coronavirus pandemic under the microscope.

3. BAD EDUCATION (HBO)

As far as crime stories go, embezzlement isn’t always the most thrilling subject. However, ‘Bad Education’ turned a relatively simple white collar crime story about a New Jersey school administrator caught stealing money into a compelling drama, thanks to an incisive and nimble script and spot on performances from Allison Janney, Geraldine Viswanathan, Ray Romano and especially Hugh Jackman.

2. MANK (NETFLIX)

Director David Finch’s dazzling portrait of Herman J. ‘Mank’ Mankiewicz, the screenwriter who collaborated with wunderkind filmmaker Orson Welles to write the first draft of ‘Citizen Kane,’ was a cinematic jewel from start to finish. Similar to last year’s ‘Once Upon A Time in...Hollywood,’ ‘Mank’ delivered a layered depiction of the filmmaking process, whilst Gary Oldman continued to excel at immersing himself in playing real-life characters, this time as the hard-drinking, intellectual screenwriter.

1. NOMADLAND

Writer-director Chloe Zhao’s intimate drama about an unemployed widow living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad was a thoughtful, contemplative and reflective piece of storytelling. It may have touched upon mature themes about loneliness, financial instability and restlessness, but ‘Nomadland’ remained an uplifting and hopeful piece of cinema that captured the various bittersweet reasons people choose to live a life on the road.

With an outstanding performance from Frances McDormand, brought to life through the charm of the ‘real life’ supporting cast, great direction and Joshua James Richard’s mesmerising cinematography, ‘Nomadland’ was the perfect film for 2020.

...AND NOW THE WORST!

DISHONOURABLE MENTIONS

VAMPIRES VS THE BRONX - BAD BOYS FOR LIFE - THE OLD GUARD - PROJECT POWER - ISN’T IT ROMANTIC - THE RHYTHM SECTION - WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE - I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS - MIDWAY - YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT - BABY DONE - FORCE OF NATURE - CAPONE - THE NEW MUTANTS - DOOLITTLE

10. WONDER WOMAN 1984

To quote Red Letter Media’s resident film critic Mike Stoklasa, “this movie was the cinematic equivalent of the Bluesmobile.” Directed by Patty Jenkins, this 80′s-set sequel to the 2017 DC superhero hit was lethargically paced and featured a completely bonkers narrative that made absolutely no sense. Horribly scripted, disjointed and overstuffed (a runtime of 2.5 hours), ‘Wonder Woman 1984′ sadly jettisoned everything that made Jenkins’ original film so compelling. The result? An appalling misfire.

9. THE GRUDGE

A curiously talented and interesting cast were somehow lured into - and subsequently wasted in - this pointless, tired, reboot/revival of the long-running ‘Ju-On’ Japanese-based horror series. Despite director NIcholas Pesce’s attempt to disguise the rudimentary nature of the plot via back-and-forth timeline jumping, ‘The Grudge’ was just a formulaic paint-by-the-numbers meander through a poorly developed story that existed only to prop up a bunch of uninspired jump scares.

8. BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN)

There are many movies that have no reason to exist - and this latest misfire from DC Comics was one of them. Directed by Cathy Yan, ‘Birds of Prey’ was a mire of uninspired ideas and recycled genre conventions that got old real quick. Penned by Christina Hodson (’Bumblebee’ being the ‘highlight’ on her resume), the script was as simplistic as it was thin, with needless subplots merely introduced to inflate the film to a decent running time. Even Margot Robbie’s manic performance as the ‘Mistress of Mayhem’ couldn’t save this mess.

7. JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT

What could’ve been a dream film for fans of these two classic stoner characters instead was nothing but a string of cameos and callbacks in a plot-less bore. Director Kevin Smith sucked all the life and fun out of this watered-down story, that suffered from a constant series of awkward and forced jokes that were painfully unfunny. An unfortunate stinker.

6. AVA

This latest foray into the ‘female assassin for hire’ genre was about as cliched as you could get. An emotionally troubled female killer whose male mentor assumes the role of the surrogate father? Check. Pounding dance music score? Check. Obligatory nightclub fight sequence? Check. Confused love interest? You betcha! Humourless, dry and uninspired, ‘Ava’ played out like a poor man’s ‘La Femme Nikita.’

5. FANTASY ISLAND

Hollywood’s obsession with repackaging Gen-X childhoods continued with this absurd attempt to reboot the classic 1970′s TV series as a low-budget horror joint under the Blumhouse label. At a dangerously close two hour runtime, there was simply nothing interesting about the film’s characters or its inane plot about a mystical island that grants wishes (a’la ‘The Monkey’s Paw’). Our advice? Turn ‘de plane’ around if you ever plan to visit this ‘Fantasy Island.’

4. ARTEMIS FOWL

For every ‘Harry Potter’ that explodes into the public consciousness, there always seems to be a dozen or more failed franchises. Sadly, Disney’s ‘Artemis Fowl’ found itself in the latter category. Director Kenneth Branagh’s dull and superficial attempt to transfer this popular children’s book series from page to screen suffered from a lack of character development, an over-reliance in CG effects and featured a lifeless performance from newcomer Ferdia Shaw as the titular character. 

3. HUBIE HALLOWEEN (NETFLIX)

A month before last year’s Oscar nominations were released, Adam Sandler joked on ‘The Howard Stern Show’ that if the Academy snubbed him for his role in the film ‘Uncut Gems,’ he would make a movie “that [was] so bad on purpose.” And that’s exactly what happened. Supposedly a comedy, ‘Hubie Halloween’ was unfunny, disposable and completely devoid of any originality. Sadly for audiences, Sandler signed a four-movie deal with Netflix last year, worth up to $275 million - so we can expect to see more of this shit soon!

2. ALIEN ADDICTION

Aliens visit New Zealand and get high smoking human faeces? Someone should have advised Kiwi director Shae Sterling that audiences have moved on from such puerile comedies as this abomination. Suffice to say, if anybody ever admitted to finding this film remotely funny, they’d probably be outcast from society. An embarrassment to all those involved. 

1. THE BEACH BUM

Director Harmony Korine’s generic stoner comedy about a prolific poet who drifts through life in a drug-induced haze had all the natural high of an unfiltered, soggy joint and was easily, hands down, 2020′s worst film.

‘The Beach Bum’ was a pretentious and uninteresting movie whose lead character, considered to be an ‘artistic genius,’ was nothing more than a relentless shithead to everyone around him. As Moondog, the semi-naked, bongo-playing, pot-fuelled beat poet, Matthew McConaughey was insufferable and grating in his portrayal of a character you would quite easily want to punch in the face - repeatedly. Blazed and confused, ‘The Beach Bum’ had no plot, no class and no entertainment value whatsoever. 

MOVIE POSTERS

From the classic to the abstract, here is just a sample of some of the best poster designs from a highly unusual year of movies.

...AND FINALLY, WHEN WHEN IT COMES TO DIRE-LOG, THEY SAID WHAT!?

“I've never wanted anything more. But he's gone, and that's the truth. And everything has a price. One I'm not willing to pay. Not any more. This world was a beautiful place, just as it was, and you cannot have it all. You can only have the truth. And the truth is enough. The truth is beautiful” (’Wonder Woman 1984′).

And who could forget this little chestnut of advice...

“That is the only truth and truth is all there is. You cannot be the winner because you are not ready to win. And there is no shame in that. Only in knowing the truth in your heart and not accepting it. No true hero is born from lies” (’Wonder Woman 1984′).

[definitelynotobito]

Why I Love Sakura Haruno

This is not responding to any hate, it's just me sharing my opinion.

She Wasn't Born Into A Prestigious Clan

Sakura was born into a weak, unpopular clan and still became very powerful. She started off with no kekkei genkai or special abilities, and there wasn't really anything she could do. She was almost as hopeless as Rock Lee was as a child. This shows how hard she truly worked to get where she is now, even if she can't compare to her peers that were born with greater potential to become powerful. For example, Sasuke was destined to awaken a Sharingan and Naruto was both an Uzumaki and a Jinchuuriki. Sakura had nothing. Still, she became quite powerful. I think this is particularly stunning, and it's genuinely praiseworthy.

She worked for her power, and she worked hard. When Sakura was a child, she was completely weak. She had her smarts, but she lacked battle skill. We were shown her hard work with Tsunade later on. Although Sakura did start out with the upper hand having great chakra control, it doesn't mean that her journey to achieving a Yin Seal wasn't a long one. Even other Medical Ninja with exceptional chakra control weren't able to do this.

Sakura sometimes even passed out because of how hard she worked. It was shown once during her training with Tsunade, and another time after she healed an injured person. She truly pushed herself to the limit, and it's definitely a reason to at least respect her. I really enjoy characters who had to work harder for their power.

Intelligence

Sakura's definitely intelligent, even if she isn't on par with Shikamaru or Kakashi. In classic Naruto, she explained various things to her teammates and was able to answer all 9 questions in the Chunin Exams without cheating. In addition, these questions were said to be too complicated for a mere genin. This didn't stop Sakura.

In original Naruto, Sakura lacked battle skill since she usually focused on being book smart. She knew practically everything in her grade and even things above her grade. Kakashi even calls Sakura Team 7's sharpest mind. In classic Naruto, Sakura even reminds me of Hermione from Harry Potter. Her intelligence definitely shined through more than anything in her early years.

Sakura was also very intelligent throughout the rest of the series, her analytical skills said to be better than Sasuke's Sharingan's by Sasuke himself. It's notable to mention that she usually depended on outsmarting her opponents in order to trick them. It's also notable to mention that this tactic often worked.

Personality

I really love Sakura's personality. She's

intelligent, confident, and caring. She has a very quick temper, but she loves her friends and puts their needs above her own. I'd say that Sakura's weakness would be her feelings, and it's great to give a character a flaw that hinders them. For example, Hinata. Hinata's weakness is her gentle nature. In my opinion, It makes her more likeable. I like that Sakura has this weakness of letting her feelings get the best of her from time to time.

Sakura is very kind. We all know she is hotheaded and short-tempered, but her kindness does shine through. Although he might've been the enemy, Sakura didn't deny to help someone who was dying during the war. Even though her peers told her it could potentially be a bad idea, she took him in while being cautious at the same time. Sakura is shown being very kind to strangers in particular.

Sakura is also very caring. She cares about Naruto and his dreams to become Hokage, claiming she wouldn't let him die in the Great Ninja War and feeling dejected when he is hurt. In addition, She threatens Sai when he deems Naruto weak, as she has immense faith in the blonde. She cares about the man who became both a traitor and a criminal. What Sakura had for Sasuke was true love, even if it was one-sided. She didn't give up on him because she cared deeply about him and had hope he could still be saved even after he did so many unspeakable things. While it deterred more as Sasuke committed more horrible crimes, I still think Sakura always had a sliver of hope.

Sakura cares more about everyone than herself, and this is an upgrade from when she was young and selfish. She puts herself in harms way, even if it's just for the tiniest distraction. This was shown when she served as a distraction in the fight against Madara, running at him head-on so Sasuke and Naruto could attack. While this can be a liability since a Medical Ninja needs to survive, it shows just how much she cares. It's notable that this might not even kill her because of her quick regeneration. What can I say? Sakura's not perfect. But you know what? She has heart and that's something I admire tremendously.

Her confidence is certainly noteworthy. Sakura is very confident in herself. You can easily tell Sakura is confident just by watching her scenes in the Anime or reading them in the Manga. Sakura has trust in her abilities, and that's also something I tend to favor. I love how she is able to assert herself as well as be certain about her actions.

Her short temper is another one. This is a hit or miss, and is a big reason most people don't like her. Sakura is very hotheaded. She usually gets angry when Naruto voices something derogatory or is perverted and punches him. Most people consider this an act of violence or abuse, but I don't. I mean, you can't deny that he deserves it sometimes.. Her anger dies down pretty quickly, and she ends up brushing off Naruto's statements and smiles. I think this adds a little bit of spiciness, character, and imperfection. Short-tempered characters often bring forth comedy and are interesting and exciting to watch. This is another part of Sakura's personality which I love deeply. But, like I said before, this is pretty much a hit or miss and some people do not respect this.

Sakura is also determined. In The Forest Of Death, she takes on enemies much stronger than her so she can protect her teammates until they wake up. She needed a lot of help in this fight, but it's exemplary that she put herself in danger for Sasuke and Naruto. In addition, her determination is also apparent when she asks Tsunade to be her sensei. She works really hard until she finally becomes powerful. She even acquired a hate for losing after her training, making her intent on defeating her opponent.

Abilities

Medical Ninjutsu is a favorite of mine. I've always wanted to be involved in medicine, so I appreciate all of the techniques and helpfulness shown in Naruto. I also enjoy watching Sakura and Tsunade's brute force be put into play. It's always exciting, not to mention Taijutsu is another favorite of mine.

Sakura is one of the best medical ninja out there. She mastered a rare technique at a very young age. This is the Mystical Palm Technique. Sakura was able to master it in roughly three months, while other medics weren't able to master it at all. Amazingly, she is also able to form a Yin Seal, which is even more rare than the Mystical Palm Technique. As I said before, even Shizune (A very skilled Medic) could not form the Yin Seal.

Furthermore, She has various powerful healing jutsu such as the 100 Healings Jutsu. The 100 Healings Jutsu allows Sakura to continue fighting while her body heals itself. This means she does not even have to stop to think about it or weave handsigns. In my opinion, this is a very useful and interesting jutsu. Sakura can withstand deathblows using this technique.

Speaking of the 100 Healings Jutsu, Sakura saved up chakra for three years. At one point in time, Tsunade forbade Sakura to perform surgeries or battle. This is because building up chakra in order to form the Yin seal drains the user's normal reserves of chakra. However, Sakura is actually able to divert some of this chakra back into her normal reserves and she is able to perform surgeries and fight again. It's unknown how she accomplished this, but it had to take some hard work and focus. It also had to take some intelligence to even think of it.

Sakura was very supportive during the Pain Invasion arc and the War arc. She summoned Katsuyu, who traveled around to aid fallen citizens and shinobi in both arcs. She successfully did her duty and mended the wounds of many people. Countless citizens would have died without Sakura's expertise and dedication. Every Medical Ninja had to weigh in greatly for these two arcs, showing just how serious they were.

As for Taijutsu, I think it's amazing how both Sakura and Tsunade fight. The women obtain their monstrous strength from transferring chakra into their fists and sometimes their legs. Another Taijutsu user, Choji, was able to defeat Jirobo by transferring his chakra into his fist and punching him. This proves just how effective this technique is. This also requires a vast amount of skill in Chakra Control, something that Sakura was shown having from the very beginning. In addition, Sakura is pretty good at evading attacks. I guess she was just destined to gain monstrous strength.

Growth

This is commonly brought up. Sakura used to be weak, annoying, and selfish. All bad traits. As Sakura works and betters herself, she eventually becomes a powerful woman who thinks of others above herself.

In the early episodes of classic Naruto, Sakura badmouths Naruto. This is a line even Sasuke knew was going too far. After Sasuke calls her annoying, Sakura is able to sit down and sympathize with Naruto. She knows partly how he feels now, and vows to be nicer to him. In Shippuden when she is older, she always put her faith in Naruto. She would never badmouth Naruto again, and got angry when others such as Sai did. By this point, Sakura truly cares for Naruto and understands him more than she did before.

Another thing substandard about Sakura in classic Naruto would probably be her love towards Sasuke Uchiha. This was a typical 13-year-old crush and you can't deny it got annoying easily. She was obsessed with Sasuke as a young teen, but grew out of it once she got older. She has always loved Sasuke, but she was more calm and less boy crazy. There are scenes where Sasuke causes Sakura to blush, but that's nothing compared to how she acted as a young teen. Her feelings develop into true love, even if she only had a crush on him because of his calm attitude and good looks before. She truly cares about him and wants to save him in Shippuden, even if she doubts it sometimes.

Unlike when she was younger, Sakura often cares more about others than she does herself. This is shown a few times throughout the series. As I said before, she usually uses herself as a distraction so her teammates can attack. Moreover, she is not as selfish as she was regarding her feelings. She now takes other's personal feelings into account instead of her own. While she still does focus on her feelings sometimes, she's not entirely egocentric as she was before. Great Development.

Now on to her power. Most don't deny that Sakura was utterly weak during Classic Naruto, but in Shippuden we were able to see how strong she had gotten thanks to her hard work. She gained brute strength, evasion skills, and advanced Medical Ninjutsu. All of these are useful and supportive when in battle. Sakura doesn't need to be rescued as often as she did before, and it's amazing she finally became a bit more independent as well as more powerful.

Bonds

Sakura is close friends with the two main characters, so of course her relationships come off as likeable. She is very supportive of our protagonist, Naruto, and puts a great deal of credence in him. Even if she couldn't, Sakura has always tried to understand and sympathize with Naruto. She believes in him and is there for him if he might need her. She does lash out at him sometimes, and he can be unknowingly rude to her, but not every relationship can be perfect. Naruto is determined to keep Sakura safe and is in love with her for quite a while. I think her relationship with Naruto is more notable than her relationship with Sasuke. Seeing Naruto and Sakura together is never a bad thing.

Next, her relationship with Sasuke. This is probably the most obvious one, as she is married to him. A big part of Sakura's motivation to get stronger involved bringing Sasuke back to the village. Sadly, she was not strong enough to match up to him and instead trusted Naruto would save him. Even when she tried to kill Sasuke, she couldn't do it because she loved him too much. Sakura had very deep feelings for him, even if that love was only one-sided. She has always wanted to be acknowledged by him since her youth, much like Naruto wanted to be acknowledged by this village. Finally, Sasuke did acknowledge her. He conveys that she is now someone people can depend on. Additionally, Sasuke accepts that no matter what he did to her she was always going to love him.

I feel like this next one is unpopular, but I adore the relationship between Sakura and Sai. Sakura started off angry at Sai for calling her ugly, but later tried to be more open-minded. This failed after Sai insulted Sasuke, of course. Later, Sai wished to learn more about human bonds and Sakura showed compassion towards him and aided him in this quest. Sakura and Sai's relationship is pretty sincere in my opinion. She helps him to understand people and bonds more, and they even rescue one another and share intimate moments. Not to mention Sakura showed interest in Sai.

Next is her rival and best friend, Ino. From the very beginning, Ino and Sakura were shown to be very competitive towards each other. It wasn't really surprising that we later found out they were childhood friends. Sakura was ridiculed for her large forehead, but Ino encouraged her to embrace her forehead rather than cover it with her bangs. Sakura continues to be shy about her forehead, and Ino constantly had to tell her she was just making it a big deal. Sakura and Ino become close friends, Ino helping her to become more confident around others. Eventually, Sakura decides to tell Ino that she has a crush on Sasuke. They become rivals at this point, competing in everything. Despite this, there are times where they really show their care for eachother. One of these moments include Ino fixing Sakura's hair after she cut it in the Forest Of Death. Also, let's mention that Sakura wanted to be like Ino when she was younger. If that isn't cute, I don't know what is.

Finally, her relationship with her senseis. Kakashi and Sakura are very understanding of each other. Kakashi is very protective of his student, reassures her, holds her in high regard, and never judges her for her mistakes. Sakura in return worries for him, shows him respect, defends him, and isn't afraid to tell him about her feelings. This is exactly what a sensei and student relationship should look like. A teacher who never belittles the student and a student who respects the teacher. Furthermore, there are many characters who understand Sakura, but Kakashi really takes the cake with this one. He is the one who understood her feelings and the reasons behind her mistakes.

Now the next teacher: Tsunade. Tsunade is really the one to thank for Sakura's strength and skillful Medical Ninjutsu. Sakura and Tsunade respect one another, and Tsunade compliments her for her achievements. Sakura always listened to Tsunade, and took her battle advice. Moreover, she also inherited some of Tsunade's views and ideals. Although Sakura was weak when she first started training, Tsunade acknowledged her potential and took her under her wing.

Teamwork

Sakura is proficient in teamwork. Whether it be with her squad or one other person. Chiyo and Sakura made a great team, as Sakura made up for Chiyo's weaknesses and Chiyo made up for Sakura's. Chiyo did not have enough strength to destroy Hiruko, but Sakura did. Sakura had trouble evading Sasori's fast attacks, so Chiyo took control of her body. I really admired the way these two worked so well together. Another notable team involving Sakura would be her and Obito. Obito and Sakura worked hard to retrieve Sasuke from an alternate dimension. Obito was the one who could open gateways to the other dimension, but he did not have enough chakra to do so. Sakura helps out by activating her Yin Seal and pouring her chakra into Obito. With this, Sasuke is able to save himself.

She does stand in the shadow of others, but Sakura is a phenomenal character. I personally feel her flaws and mistakes make her relatable, which makes her a character that you can be comfortable watching. I feel bad when I see Sakura being hated on for her tiny flaws but never given the benefit of the doubt. I believe this is because she is the main heroine and is judged and looked at more than the other women. In all honesty, Sakura's strengths shine through more than her flaws. I feel so inspired when I watch Sakura or think about her character. She proves you can change yourself for the better. She proves everyone makes mistakes. She proves you can truly be confident in yourself. And last but not least, She proves it's okay to show emotion. She's amazing. Truly.

Thank you for your time. If you dislike or even hate Sakura, I don't mind if you share why in the comments or in a DM! I respect everyone's opinion, and all I'm asking is for you to respect mine.

[aminathescorpio]

No Bright Stars

Hey guys! This is a work I’ve already posted on ao3, but decided to publish it here to give to @faevorite-main-blog. She’s such a sweet person, and I love talking to her! It’s not really long (like 3k words) and I hope you enjoy it :D

Draco had the world at his fingertips, spilling into his palms. But not anymore. It is rather hard to balance the world in your palms when you cannot balance yourself. But nobody can anymore.

Eight year Hogwarts is bittersweet. Mostly bitter. He is surviving off a Ministry-issued wand and his wits, which are not very useful anymore. The jinxes sent his way are usually mild, like a stick-fast hex or stinging jinx, but usually not serious. Of course, every once in a while, some fools decide to go farther, like physically assault him. Of course it hurts, but Draco focuses on the galaxies spinning in his head, and each time they land a blow, a star explodes, creating a supernova.

He imagines the stars in the Draco constellation erupting one by one until there is nothing left of it, of him.

He never cries out, for that would be a sign of weakness, and Malfoys do not show weakness.

Classes are alright. Most teachers generally ignore him. For once, the lack of attention makes him grateful.

He eats, he sleeps. The schedule never differs.

His dreams are filled with star clouds, burning their image into his eyelids. He dreams of constellations forming the Dark Mark, then one by one the stars etch themselves onto his skin until there is no difference between pain and glory and  the surreal reality of dreams.

He wakes up in a cold sweat. He casts a Tempus charm. It is still 4 am.

He rises. Dawns his robes and walks slowly out of the Eighth-Year dorms. He walks until he knows where his feet are taking him.

The astronomy tower is especially quiet today. He sits and watches. He watches as the sun rises, casting its unearthly glow across the castle, marked with war. He can feel the sun breathing into him, filling him with its glow until he is full and cannot take anymore.

Today is a weekend. He’s done all his homework already. He sits and watches the sun make its slow ascent until it is almost noon. He sits in his thin robes and his silk pajamas looking at the mighty Ra, Helios, Phoebus, Sol climb up the sky in their glorious ascent.

He doesn’t leave until lunch time, when everyone is in the Great Hall. He sneaks to his room, using the secret passageways he used in his sixth year.

He showers, changes to his uniform and walks away. Not to eat, but to dream. He walks up the stairs until he reaches the seventh floor. He paces. He says nothing, but the doors still appear for him.

As he walks inside, he is amazed. There is nothing except galaxies in the night sky and stars in their glory and hazy fogs and asteroid belts and cold moons.

He is surprised that it still works, and that he cannot see the burns and the sears of the Fiendfyre curse against the walls.

He does nothing except sit down and marvel the cosmos. He does not need food. He does not need drink. He needs nothing now. His belly is filled with stars and planets. He does not need to breathe, for the universe will sustain him. He needs nothing but the beauty of the heavens and the celestial planets and he can live forever floating with content.

He stays in the Room of Requirement until midnight.

When he leaves, the want of the real world comes crashing down on him. He is famished and parched and stiff from sitting down all day. He staggers down the stairs, until he reaches the basement. He walks slowly until he gets to the kitchens. The elves are not there. Perhaps they retire at night, too.

He walks the whole length of the kitchen. There is still food about. He picks up a steak-and-kidney pie, a bottle of butterbeer and a green apple.

He sits on the kitchen floor, eating in the silence, staring up at the stars he cannot see. He does not flinch when Harry Potter comes in.

The Chosen One has obviously had his life on track. The hero, his little trio, and his girlfriend. The perfect life. Of course, Draco knows that this is not entirely the case, but he wants a reason to be jealous.

“Malfoy.” Potter breathes out. Draco looks away from the stars and turns to meet him. With the perfect façade of indifference he arches an eyebrow cooly.

Potter looks rather flustered. “What are you doing here?”

“I could say the same for you.” He replies. “Where’s your girlfriend?” Draco asks, not meanly.

“Er, we broke up a while ago.”

“Oh.” He says, genuinely surprised.

Potter looks at him for a minute longer, then walks away, probably to get some food.

A minute later, he walks back towards Draco, a plate with treacle tart in his hands. He plops himself down rather roughly next to Draco. Draco pretends not to notice, and looks up again, admiring the stars he cannot see. However, for some reason, the ceiling starts to shimmer and then he can see the night sky and the twinkling orbs against the midnight blue backdrop.

Stunned, he turns to Potter, abandoning his pie. Potter looks rather embarrassed.

“I’m not stalking you or anything! It’s just that, well, today I went to the Room of Requirement. I don’t know why, but I saw you. You weren’t moving or anything. You were just floating in the air surrounded by stars and stuff. You looked really... peaceful.” He admits.

Draco finally stops staring at him and looks back up at the sky, admiring the stars he can see.

“Thank you.” He hesitates. “Harry.”

Harry smiles at him, and he soars in to the heavens once more.

“No problem. Draco.” He replies. Together, they eat and drink to their heart’s content. They do not say anything, for the silence of new friendship is great and fragile, and it would not do to break it so early.

The day after is a surprise for Draco. He is in the library, reading, when Harry comes.

“Hey Draco!” He says rather loudly, making everyone stare at him and Harry, confused.

Harry ignores them and plops himself in front of Draco’s empty table. Draco is shocked.

“Have you done the Charms assignment? I have no idea what to do, and Hermione’s not helping me with it.”

And just like that, the friendship clicks into place.

The following weeks are both better and worse for Draco. Better because of Harry, and now his little trio too. Granger Hermione is an absolute diamond, and she and him now often have intellectual debates. Weasley isn’t as welcoming, but he is still courteous nevertheless (mostly due to Hermione keeping him in line.) He definitely isn’t a part of their trio, but now he has friends. Most of the Slytherins in their year didn’t come back, and the only ones that did never talked to him much. He still talked to Pansy and Blaise, but only through owls, and if he was lucky enough, the Floo.

It is worse because the bullying has become worse too. Of course, normally, Draco wouldn’t let this affect him, but it is very hard to think of galaxies while being hexed so badly he can’t even stand. People accuse him of doing something to Harry, even though there was no way he could have, with his wand and his probation.

Of course, people always need to blame someone. Once, Smith even used the Cruciatus curse on him, and he couldn’t help but scream and beg, but Smith was merciless and used it countless times until Harry burst in and beat the shit out of him. At that point, Draco was barely conscious, but he remembered the way Harry’s knuckles had been covered in blood, the way it took three people plus several restraining charms to hold him down. Then he faded into black, illuminated softly with the stars.

He wakes up grasping the sheets and sitting up abruptly. He looks around, frantic. He’s in on a hospital bed. In the hospital wing. Then he starts to feel the after-effects of the curse. He groans.

He looks up. It’s nighttime. Without thinking, he stands up from his bed, even though his body screams in protest. He walks until he reaches the astronomy tower. He is alone. He sits and looks up at the stars, drinking in the scene. He drinks and drinks until he is content. He can feel the stardust in his belly, the liquid light in his veins. He breathes in, then out. He is at peace.

He trudges back to the hospital wing at half past six to get his books and his bag. Madame Pomfrey is worried, but she doesn’t hassle him too much. As he is about to leave, she slips him a little tub. He opens it, and the smell of ointment hits his nose.

“For minor injuries. She whispers. Draco is surprised. Then he smiles.

“Thank you.” He says. She beams. “Anytime!”

He walks away from the hospital with a smile on his face.

Breakfast is quiet. He eats some toast. As he scans the Hall, he catches Harry looking at him. Harry smiles, and Draco smiles back.

It is Monday, so he has classes. First period is double Potions, which really should be illegal. He walks into the dungeons, determined not to become moody. He only gets one tripping jinx.

“Good morning class!” Slughorn booms. Draco listens as the bigger man talks about the potion they are brewing (Amortentia) and how it is important to their grades. They will brew it in pairs over the course of nine days. After that, they’re going to brew the extremely challenging Felix Felicis to make up the rest of their grade.

Since there are 13 people in their Potions class, Draco starts to get ready to work by himself. He doesn’t mind, after all it reduces the risk of-

“Hey Draco?” He looks up and sees Harry looking down at him.

“Wanna pair up?”

Draco is shocked for a moment, before snapping out of it.

“Sure.” He smiles.

Draco leaves to get the ingredients while Harry sets up the cauldron. As he reaches for the powdered moonstone, someone shoved into him and he trips.

“Are you fucking blind?” He asks, annoyed. He looks up and sees a Hufflepuff. Macmillan, he thinks. Normally, he would keep quiet, but he has had it with these people and all their shit.

Macmillan sneers at him. “Fuck off, Malfoy.”

“Go fuck a troll, Macmillan.” Draco snaps. He gets the moonstone and stomps away, annoyed.

He starts to arrange the ingredients around the gold cauldron.

“Ok let’s start grinding the peppermint flower heads.” He says. Harry taps his shoulder.

“What?” He asks roughly.

“You’re finally coming back.” Harry smiles. Draco opens his mouth, then closes it. He flushes. But it is true. His old self-confident nature is coming back. It makes him feel familiar again, like this is just first year and he’s being rejected a handshake and a friendship. He smiles, nostalgic.

The rest of the lesson is spent in silence, with them adding the peppermint, moonstone and rose thorns in silence. At the end of the period, they take the cauldron to the back of the class and cover it with a silk cloth. They agree that they’ll both check on it after dinner for the next week to stir it and add the final ingredients.

“Thanks for pairing with me.” Draco says genuinely.

“Christ, you’re becoming more like Luna.” Harry says, bewildered. Draco freezes for a moment, then laughs.

Harry hesitates, then starts to laugh too.

“Perhaps I am.” Draco admits. “Honestly, it isn’t actually that bad.”

He and Harry talk all the way to Arithmancy, where Draco has his next class. As  Harry leaves, Draco feels lightheaded. The stars were doing their magic.

Arithmancy goes by smoothly, and Draco has a free period now. He walks around the castle, looking around wherever he goes. He takes twists and turns he is unfamiliar with, until he is in a section of the castle that he hasn’t seen before.

It’s filled with abandoned classrooms, covered in cobwebs. He wanders around aimlessly, looking around. In one classroom, he sees yellow feathers strewn on the floor, though he can’t imagine why they’re there.

He walks into a particular classroom that has a beautiful view of the Quidditch fields. Draco wonders if he can ever go back to playing again. Besides, he had wanted to become a professional player. He was talented on a broom, even though he bought his way in.

Maybe he will.

He spends the rest of the free period trying to locate his way out of the mysterious halls. He finally finds a hidden staircase which leads him to one of the the main staircases.

He makes his way down for lunch in the Great Hall. He doesn’t eat much, just a tomato sandwich and a bit of lemonade. Harry waves at him from across the Hall. He waves back.

On the way to Charms, someone trips him. In response, he whirls around and snarls “Trip me again and you’ll regret it.”

He says it so fiercely that the Gryffindork actually backs up. Draco tilts his chin up and walks away imperiously. He can hear people mutter, but he doesn’t care. He walks proudly all the way to Charms, then deflates a little. Once he enters inside, he spots an empty table and starts to walk there when a hand yanks him back into another empty seat. He’s about to curse when he notices Harry, Hermione and Weasley sitting with him. Harry’s hand is on his wrist.

“Come sit with us.” Harry says. In that moment, Draco absolutely loves him because he isn’t saying it with pity, but just nonchalantly, like they do this everyday.

“Alright.” He says. Hermione smiles, and Weasley surprisingly grins at him. Perhaps she finally knocked some sense into him.

He’s starting to like having friends all over again. They’re much more fun than stars.

Charms is amazing. Draco spends the next ninety minutes laughing and smiling as Harry and Ron fail spectacularly to cast an illusion of a cat dancing on top of a water fountain. Of course, Hermione gets in her first try. It takes Draco two tries to get it. It takes Harry and Ron the whole period to even get the cat. The four of them leave the classroom happily. They spend their break on the abandoned staircase, making jokes and laughing. Afterwards, Hermione leaves for Ancient Runes, while Ron goes to the common room for his free period and Harry and Draco leave for Transfiguration.

McGonagall simply tells them to revise in pairs on human transfiguration, which leads to groans, which leads to a silencing stare by McGonagall. She morphs into a cat and sits on her desk, watching them for the rest of the class.

As they practice on each other, Harry somehow manages to turn Draco’s hair purple. He nearly shrieks, and in retaliation he turns Harry’s nose bright red.

Harry gasps, then turns Draco’s eyebrows pink.

After a while, they are both a multitude of colors that cause people to stare and whisper.

If McGonagall noticed (which she most likely did) she didn’t comment.

For once, Draco doesn’t care. He looks at Harry, with his yellow hair and red nose and blue eyebrows and purple eyes and feels something turn deep within him, like a star being born. He can feel the star being formed in his core, but this star is love, not quite platonic and not quite romantic either. He can feel the burst in his belly, and knows that the love is pure, for the one that rescued him from his misery, for sooner or later he sure would have pitched himself off the astronomy tower from sheer madness.

He waits until they walk out of class along a hidden staircase.

The old Draco would try to hide it away, but the old Draco never did anything right. Draco will be the new Draco, and share a piece of the star with Harry, even if he doesn’t want it, for he has many, many more.

“I love you.” He says simply. Harry looks shocked.

“It is not quite romantic, not quite platonic either. It is simply love, and I wish to share it with you.” Draco says.

Harry looks stunned. Draco can feel the rejection before he says it.

“It is alright. Perhaps I can-“

He doesn’t finish before Harry pulls him towards his body and effectively shuts him up by kissing him. It is short, but pure and full of star dust and the origins of the cosmos and everything everything.

“I think I love you too.” Harry says. He looks strangely flushed. Draco looks at his body and notices that Harry is half an inch taller than him, and broader too. Draco places a hand on his chest and feels for the soft beating of muscle under his robes. It is strangely quickening, but beating strong nonetheless. He looks up to Harry, and they have their second kiss.

They don’t have anymore classes, so they spend their time walking around the grounds, talking and kissing like there’s no tomorrow.

By the time they go back to the Great Hall for dinner, it’s hustling and bustling and nobody notices them slip in. For the first time, Draco sits at the Gryffindor table. People stare and whisper, but he’s on top of the world now. Hermione has a wicked gleam in her eye, while Ron is just confused as to why they’ve been AWOL for the whole afternoon. Harry snickers and grasps Draco’s hand tightly under the table. Draco squeezes back.

After dinner, they go to check on their potion. It’s started to develop that characteristic sheen. They stir it seven times anti-clockwise, and put it back to stew.

“It’s starting to look normal.” Harry says.

“Of course it is. My potion brewing skills are impeccable.” Draco says, not haughtily. Harry laughs and bends for a quick kiss.

“Git.” Harry murmurs against his lips.

“At least I’m a sexy one.” At that, Harry laughs out loud, making Draco laugh too.

They walk out of the dungeons and walk wordlessly to the Room of Requirement. It opens for them once they pace. As before, it’s filled with spinning galaxies and brilliant nebulas.

“This is home.” Draco says. And Harry kisses him and one by one, the stars explode, searing them and filling them with light, until they are glowing through the cracks in their skin, and they are everything.

Then they talk. They talk about their lives, and mainly the War. It is hard, and there are quite a few tears, but they manage to let it out and that’s what matters most.

As they talk, they stargaze. Draco points out his constellation. It has no bright stars.

“Perhaps you can make them yourself.” Harry says. Then they kiss, and they fail to notice that in the Draco constellation, the stars twinkle and gleam, for they have made the bright stars for themselves.

[starcrossedrose]

The Flower And The Moon

I was deep into my Romilda Vane feels when my hand slipped and shipping happened.

Luna is the “moon” in the title but Romilda being the “flower” is a reference to this post right here.

Tagging:

@hprarepairnet

@petuniaevans because Harry/Pansy managed to slip in there.

@solembum22 because George/Hermione and Ginny/Lavender decided to sneak in there too.

@firstdove15

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

🌹 - Romilda figured out very quickly that her last two years at Hogwarts were going to be a very lonely endeavor.

🌹- Despite the fact that mostly every single student that returned to Hogwarts and fought side by side against Voldemort in the very walls they studied in, it didn’t change anything.

🌹 - She was still remembered as the girl who tried to feed a love potion to the savior of the Wizarding World.

🌹- She did it. She wouldn’t deny it.

🌹- She hated every minute of it though. She hated it as much as she hated opening up the only package that her mother ever sent her to see those stupid chocolates to give to a boy she absolutely had no feelings for-

🌹- No point in crying over spilled milk. What’s done was done.

🌹- So, as a result, everyone avoided her like the plague, even the students from her own House.

🌹- It stung at first, but it didn’t take her long to adapt to the loneliness.

🌹 - But whenever it got too hard on her, she would always pull out a picture of a woman that passed before she got the chance to know her and find some comfort in looking at it.

🌹- So, one day when she was once again sitting alone and picking at her meal during dinner, she looked around at all the groups of kids, happily chatting with their friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, romantic partners, etc and felt the painful sting of solitude once again.

🌹- She was about to pull out the picture, when all of a sudden...

🌹- THUMP!

🌹- Stunned beyond belief, Romilda looked up to see a familiar girl with silver-blonde hair sitting across from her.

🌹- “Sure you want to sit with me, Lovegood?”

🌹- “Yes. I am absolutely quite sure that I want to sit with you. I find myself very lonely these days.”

🌹- “Why? Don’t you have a whole group of friends now?”

🌹- “Well, yes.....but they have something I lack, and the dynamic seems to have changed. It makes me feel awkward.”

🌹- Luna gestured to the table where her friends were sitting and right away, Romilda noticed what Luna was talking about.

🌹- Potter and Parkinson sat next to each other with their fingers intertwined underneath the table. Granger rested her head on George Weasley’s shoulder. Blaise and Ron both wore wearing matching green scarves. Lavender was braiding Ginny’s hair while the purple flowers of her were appeared and wore themselves in the redhead’s hair with the wave of a wand.

🌹- “So, is it okay if I sit here?”

🌹- “Suit yourself.”

🌹- They ate in silence and for the first time, Romilda didn’t feel alone.

🌹- But she didn’t get her hopes up for a second time.

🌹- Yet, much to her surprise, it did. And it kept happening again and again and again.

🌹- Luna sat with her at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even during her study periods in the library.

🌹- And they even began starting to talk to each other.

🌹- Turns out the reason why they sat in silence for so long was because Luna only wanted Romilda to talk to her when she felt ready to talk.

🌹- Which Romilda found incredibly considerate, compassionate, and even...sweet.

🌹- So, she found herself talking about almost everything to Luna from which classes they loved and hated all the way to every single creature that Luna believed to exist.

🌹- Romilda found herself enjoying those parts of their conversations the most: where Luna was passionately speaking about her love of every single magical creature in the world with all the joy in the world.

🌹- In Luna, Romilda found a true friend.

🌹- And as time passed.....

🌹- Romilda became scared when she started developing feelings for Luna were turning into something more than platonic.

🌹- She couldn’t like Luna...not like that.

🌹- That would ruin their friendship and Luna was her only friend.

🌹- So, she distanced herself from Luna.

🌹- When Luna walked towards her table, Romilda grabbed all of her belongings and sprinted out of the Great Hall.

🌹- When Romilda saw Luna working towards her in the crowded halls on the way to class, Romilda turned on a dime and went the other direction.

🌹- Seeing a pained expression fall on Luna’s face every single time Romilda avoided her made Romilda’s heart tear in two.

🌹- “It’s not for forever. Just until these feelings go away....”, Romilda kept telling herself as she ran up a stairwell.

🌹- Unfortunately, she lost her footing in mid-step and ended up tripping on the stairs at the same time they started to shift.

🌹- Her tumbling body zigzagged down the stairwell, hitting both sides of the railing on the way down with every limb of hers exploding in pain.

🌹- Eventually, she met the bottom floor with a loud SPLAT while her head was ravaged with agony.

🌹- The last thing she saw before her world went back was silver hair and worried blue eyes.

🌹- When Romilda woke up in the Hospital Wing, she was met with the sight of Luna sitting at her bedside and the feeling of her stroking Romilda’s black hair.

🌹- “Did you-”

🌹- “What did I do wrong?”

🌹- Romilda looked confused, but Luna kept on talking.

🌹- “I know that I should be more concerned about your welfare, but right now...all I can think about is what I did to make you hate me and how I can fix it.”

🌹- “You didn’t do anything wrong and I don’t hate you.”

🌹- “Then, why-”

🌹- “I was scared that my....my feelings would ruin everything.”

🌹- “How would your feelings ruin anything, especially between us?”

🌹- “Because, I like you, Luna.”

🌹- The confession was out in the open. Time seemed to slow to a standstill as Romilda watched Luna process exactly what she just said.

🌹- Finally, a slow smile inched its way across Luna’s face before she leaned in and kissed Romilda. “Your feelings have not ruined anything because I like you too.”

🌹- Luna intertwined her fingers through Romilda’s. “But next time, don’t hide your feelings from me.”

🌹- “Deal.”

🌹- Weeks after Romilda was discharged from the Hospital Wing, Luna convinced Romilda to befriend Harry, Pansy, Blaise, Ron, George, Hermione, Ginny, and Lavender.

🌹- There was hesitance on both sides (even after Romilda explained the reasoning behind the Chocolate Incident) but after Pansy lectured everyone (Harry and Ron especially) that if they could forgive her for trying to turn Harry over to Voldemort when she was seventeen, they could forgive Romilda for something she was forced to do when she was fourteen.....Romilda was eventually accepted into the group.

🌹- It was awkward at first, but after a while, Romilda fit right in with everyone.

🌹- They were all chatting amongst each other when Romilda laced her fingers through Luna’s and kissed her palm. “Thank you.”

🌹- Luna looked puzzled. “For what?”

🌹- “For sitting with me that day. Thanks to you, I’m not alone anymore.”

🌹- Luna laid her head on Romilda’s shoulder. “Same goes for you.”

[theacerbicprince]

Answering Harry Potter Tag Questions

So my darling @xweofmanyfaces answered this in video form but I don’t do videos because I don’t know how to edit and stuff. Really, all I can do is type and prance so I’m going to type out my answers to these questions. It may be long, I apologise in advance. If there are any other questions you’d like to ask me that I haven’t answered then let me know. 

What house are you in?

I am a Gryffindor which surprised me initially but if I think about it makes a lot of sense because I am very loyal to the people I care about and I don’t think I’m brave but I know people who would disagree with me just based on the challenges in my life. 

What is your Patronus?

My patronus is a white stallion according to pottermore. I read up on what it meant on the lexicon and it was amazing how similar it was to me. 

What is your wand?

My wand, as on pottermore, is Pear wood with phoenix tail feather, 13 and 3 quarter inches, slightly yielding flexibility. According to pottermore, there has never been a recorded instance of a pear wood in possession of a dark witch or wizard. 

Favorite book?

I liked the Deathly Hallows because it gave us so much and it wasn’t as badly paced as some of the other books were and it moved me emotionally, very much so and it revealed so much of my darling boy. 

Least favorite book?

Probably the Chamber of Secrets if I’m honest. 

Favorite movie?

From an aesthetic point of view, the Half Blood Prince. Overall favourite movie in terms of soundtrack is the Deathly Hallows Part 2 but overall, tying everything together would probably have to go to Order of the Phoenix. I live for Imelda Staunton in that movie and ugh, just that bit where Alan manages to inject that much snark and sass and condescension into the one word ‘obviously’. 

Least favorite movie?

Goblet of Fire, I think a lot of people might agree with me on that one, it’s not universally that well received. 

Is there a movie you preferred over the book?

The Chamber of Secrets movie is better than the book for me. I actually feel very emotional about the ending of that movie probably because of Chris Columbus to be honest and some of the shots are amazing and the music too, John Williams excellent. 

Favorite quote?

I love this so, so fucking much. 

“It is good to see that six years of magical education haven’t been wasted on you Potter; ghosts are transparent.” 

Favorite character?

Severus without a shadow of a doubt. He’s my boy even when he’s being a total jackass and he just brings so much joy to me because he makes me laugh so much. 

Least favorite character?

Ron. I hate getting on the ship in that sense but yeah, I don’t like Ron as a character although a lot of that comes from the fact that I just don’t see him ending up with someone like Hermione. This does not mean I don’t want to write with Ron because Molly loves all of her children regardless of their flaws but I don’t personally like him. I like him even less in the movies because they took away some of his kinder, more human moments and he was like 95% jackass. 

Favorite professor?

Minerva is an absolute boss, always, that never changes. She teaches the kids so much and she’s so supportive but at the same time she doesn’t take any shit. I will always have to defer to my home boy though because he’s an amazing teacher even though he is a giant asshole about it. He is multi talented because he can teach more than the one subject and he can teach them well. He fully understands his subjects and he takes them both so seriously, more seriously than his other professors I would say. He doesn’t express it the right way but he cares a lot about the welfare of the students. There’s a reason he loses his shit when Neville fucks up so badly at Potions that Severus is practically apoplectic, because the boy is dangerous and he doesn’t want to be responsible for a death or severe disfigurement. 

Favorite villan?

Bellatrix Lestrange. She’s a great villain in that she is so unstable and you don’t know what she’s going to be doing next really. She is the sort of villain where you are constantly on edge around her and we actually get to see her in action properly and we get a full, real sense of why she’s so terrifying. A lot of that was missing as far as it went for Voldemort because we didn’t get to see much of him or how he earned his reputation. 

Favorite weasley?

Molly, she is my girl but she is also super strong, super loving and she has dealt with so much in her life and so deals with it all with barely any complaint. She is so giving to everyone, she takes everyone in and is so welcoming and approachable and it’s not something that she thinks about doing, it’s just natural to her. 

Favorite marauder?

Remus because he isn’t a giant douche. Remus is also the one that seems more understandable to me. I think we’ve all been there at one point or another where we have seen an injustice and we have to decide what we are going to about it. He didn’t actually want to kill anyone, he didn’t take a savage delight or really any delight in what was going on and he’s apologetic about it. He doesn’t come up with excuses for his actions or lack of actions, he accepts the responsibility of what he’s done. 

Are there any characters you felt differently about in the movies versus the books?

Gilderoy Lockhart and that is just because Kenneth Branagh is just amazing, he is a stunning actor and I admire him greatly as a professional and he made Lockhart far more likeable.I actually enjoyed watching him in the movie whereas I hated reading him in the books. 

Which character do you think you’d have the closest relationship with?

Probably Molly if I’m being honest, we are quite similar in some senses. Severus would struggle to tolerate me but I think he still would put up with me. 

Which class would be your favorite?

I am a huge history fan so yeah, History of Magic would probably be quite high up on my list. I think I’d like DADA too, combat you know. 

What would your boggart be?

My daughter (from my dreams) desperately wanting my attention because she needs me but I’m too out of it to be able to help her, my darling Penny with my health conditions. Oddly specific I know but it is a massive fear. 

What position would you play in Quiddich?

Seeker probably, I have good eyesight and good hearing too. 

Would you be a pure-blood, half-blood or muggle born?

I would be half blood, just makes sense for me. My mother is Scottish and my father is English so it makes sense that I’d be half and half magically. 

What job would you want to have after leaving Hogwarts?

It really depends on what my specialisation would be to be honest. I might teach for a while, I really enjoyed being a tutor (which was my job up until September last year). 

Which of the Deathly Hallows would you choose?

The invisibility cloak. I don’t need great power in my life and my loved ones would drive me insane because I would want to see them so often, to touch them and I couldn’t. The invisibility cloak is remarkably useful. 

Which spell would be the most useful to learn?

A healing spell of some sort, always useful. 

Do you have any unpopular opinions about the series?

MY HOME BOY IS A GOOD MAN! It is not creepy that he was in love with Lily for that whole length of time. Stop having a go at my man, he’s not a creeper. 

Either or/if, would you rather:

Wash Snape’s hair, or listen to Lockhart ranting about himself for a day?

Do you even have to ask that question? I would massage that scalp aaaall day.   

Duel an elated Bellatrix, or an angry Molly?

Angry Molly would be terrifying but an elated Bellatrix is guaranteed to torture me to the point that I am desperately crying out to die. 

Travel to Hogwarts via Hogwarts Express, or a flying car?

Hogwarts Express, you can get up and walk around the train, stretch the legs which is good for me because of my nerve damage and pains in my hips etc. 

Kiss Voldemort or give Umbridge a bubble bath?

Kiss Voldemort, I do not want to see Umbridge naked. 

Ride a Hippogriff or ride a Firebolt?

Probably the Hippogriff, I think it’d be far more comfortable and I could actually talk to the Hipprogriff and not feel like a lunatic. Who talks to their broomstick eh?

Hallows Or Horcruxes?

The horcruxes are a fascinating and interesting concept especially when you look into the whole process and splitting the soul. Is the soul split every time that you kill? 

If you could own one of the three Hallows, which one would it be and why?

Invisibility cloak, this was addressed earlier. 

If you could bring one character back to life, who would it be?

This motherfucking question right here. I’ve been thinking about this question for hours, honest to Lords hours. You’d think I would want to bring Severus back to life but there is one person in particular who comes to mind because it’s just so tragic and I would want to change it so badly and that is Tonks. I want Teddy to grow up with his mother and Andromeda to not have to deal with the loss of her daughter as well as her husband. 

[anamurielveron]

A Palace

A Travel Essay

When I was 14, we went there and my dad got to tag along in the last month because one of my cousins was getting married. That year, we were able to go to more places than usual since we finally had someone who could drive us around while my aunt and her family were at work or college. We got to go to Disneyland (again) and Universal Studios (for the first time). Both were fun, I loved the nostalgia and I’m a big fan of fairy tales and fantasy so Disney was brilliant and Universal had Hogsmeade from Harry Potter where I got to pick out some wands which were pretty magical. I was more excited about going to San Francisco, though. My aunt and her family lived in LA County and it was the first time we’d driven that far from LA. Except for the couple times when we went to Vegas (which, by the way, is actually a pretty boring place when you’re under-aged).

I preferred San Francisco’s winding streets and beautiful buildings. The Victorian-style houses perched on the waves-hills and the quaint cafés on every corner made me feel like I was in some cheesy rom-com, but in a good way. Everything was so photogenic. The cold spring air gave everything a calm, muted look.

We drove to the city in a rented car but we spent most of the trip walking and taking the cable cars. We were absolute tourists the whole time. Backpacks, running shoes, and all. We went to see all the iconic places in San Francisco that you’d always see in movies:  Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, The Painted Ladies (a row of gorgeously painted Victorian houses), the famed Lombard Street, and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. However, my favorite was definitely the Palace of Fine Arts.

It was a long walk from the nearest cable car stop to the monument. Like, a really long walk. We had to climb up hills. It was like some kind of urban hiking thing. I’m not particularly athletic in any way plus I had no endurance whatsoever so the journey certainly wasn’t the most enjoyable. I might’ve uttered a few “grabe, pagod na ko”s here and there but I managed to bite my tongue about why we didn’t just take the car. I also didn’t actually know where we were going which meant I didn’t know what to be excited about, so my lack of complaining was actually quite impressive.

When we finally got there, I was pleasantly surprised to see Greco-Roman style architecture. I was absolutely stunned. I loved seeing buildings from long ago, which is one of the main reasons I love going to grand cathedrals and other historic structures. Walking the grounds of The Palace of Fine Arts felt like I was inside a painting set in ancient Greece and I was some kind of scholar or philosopher contemplating the secrets of the universe. The large, domed rotunda, the most iconic part of the place, was so magnificently detailed and walking through the pergola, between all the tall columns, was like going back in time. The whole place was like a site of ancient ruins before the ruining. Like it was a courtyard on Mt. Olympus, home of the gods.

While we were taking in the sights and snapping pictures, I noticed this one couple taking a stroll. They weren’t tourists, I think. They had their arms around each other and looked so happy and content. I’m kind of surprised I didn’t think it was weird or wrong at the time, knowing I come from a conservative school. I think that was one of the moments that when I remember it, I knew I’d had a pretty liberal mindset already. Mom had somehow managed to take a couple of candid photos of them. I had to give it to her, the pictures turned out really nice. Like they were really having a photoshoot or something.

By the time we were about to go home, it was sundown and everything was a beautiful golden orange. I honestly didn’t want to leave. Partly because I really didn’t want to walk all the way back, but also because I had that feeling about the Palace of Fine Arts. Whenever I’m in places like that, I get this feeling in my heart. I could never explain it. I know we shouldn’t get too attached to worldly things but I have to say, places like this just get you.

[brunhiddensmusings]

avada kedavra is dumb

i know many a time ive critisized harry potter, and for the most part i try to keep it indirect as i understand that its a very important part of many peoples childhood and the bulk of the problems are sub-par writing based but this one is mechanicahal as well as sub-par writing and the last few days its really stuck in my craw so i want to not just complain why its bad but also pitch ways to improve it or replace it with better options many of you may have heard the argument that avada kedavra is basically handing any and all wizards who want to cast it a gun, with infinite bullets and no real restrictions. thats pretty on point, you cast gun, and by handing wizards a gun you then remove any reason a ‘badguy’ wizard would cast literally anything else ever, and by making it accessable to 12 year olds you really do establish ‘anyone can cast this infinite times’ and even have a scene where someone rapid fire casts it seven times because they keep missing now as someone who cares about writing, well designed worldbuilding, setting balance, and has experience with magic systems in better written content this just really sticks out as a hundred or so ways to improve on this option 1, nerfing. render the spell limited - single most obvious one, dont allow 12 year olds to cast it. not ‘allow’ as in ‘forbidden’ because that stops nothing in this setting. say its too complex, too draining, chance of catastrophic failure is too high, and just takes up too much raw power untill you hit college age not middleschool age - to cast it you must have a fairly uncommon material component that is consumed in the casting, for example a specially prepared vulture feather, you are unlikely to have more then a few of them on your person, theyre expensive, and some wizard equivalent of stores keeping a record of who just bought thirty vulture feathers if the cops start asking around - to cast it you need an ILLEGAL material component, like the finger bone of a dead human, possibly specifically a human who was murdered or was a murderer. very not sold in stores, youd have to grab a shovel and go find one, and if you are found in possession of one you are brought before the wizard police and thrown in a more sane version of wizard jail (the wizard justice system is pretty badly run) for at least a year for possession of a spell component only used to kill - to cast it actively shortens your life, by at least one year, possibly as much as five years. you feel it like a hammer or a wraith’s grasp - to cast it drains your lifeforce. casting it once makes you feel like a zombie was fondling your whole body and you are winded, casting it again will probably leave you prone on the ground unless you rest for a day or three first - to cast it makes your arm numb and tingly, technically you could cast it again but high failure/miss chance as your casting arm is near-useless as well as hindering any OTHER spellcasting for fifteen minutes to a half hour - casting it without severely damaging yourself requires you to have studied for at least two or three years under a death wizard teacher and undergone a harrowing and hazardous initiation ceremony... seriously why wasnt this one used, you even had a cabal of asshole wizards, give them a POINT option 2, adding other, better options for wizards who are in combat, evil or good, that also add variety to writing and world building beyond ‘i cast gun’ - throw a glass flask of water on the ground as you cast this spell, the water inside grows to a volume of about 50 gallons and animates, able to slam or grasp a target - tingle, the targets whole body spazms like they just hit their funnybone, rendering them unable to escape, cast spells, or in any way defend themselves for roughly a full minute. only severe concentration allows you to even keep walking - throw a spool of thread as you cast a spell that makes the thread grow to be the thickness of rope you would normally see at a hardware store marketed for mooring boats, the caster must concentrate to command the rope what to do such as ensnare legs, tie down a person, create a safety net, construct a rope bridge, a hasty tripwire at ankle or neck height, rescue someone who fell off a boat, or setup a crude hoist- if you arent a succer for non-combat uses of combat based spells why are you even working with a magic setting - suck the air out of a three foot sphere, originally used to snuff large and dangerous fires it can also be targeted on someones head/chest to force them to gasp from lack of breath. normal casters can only stun, not kill, the five seconds of effect will leave someone on their knees for nearly a minute to recover. a seriously overpowered wizard can kill you airbender style like this - temporarily turn the floor to soft, wet mud untill the targets feet are stuck, then harden it back. possibly limit to ‘only natural dirt/stone’ - spell that shrinks targets clothes, also strengthens them, to restrict movement. it strenghtens because if the clothes ripped they wouldnt do much to stop someone from running or swinging their arms - spell that does nothing but instantly lock targets shoes flat to the floor - sleep. seriously you could very easily have so much use from jsut ‘power word sleep’ that puts someone out for an hour - spell that forces someone to do a silly dance, perhaps the macarena (imply this is a very old spell from the byzantine era, the actual maccarena is a weird coincidence) again rendering them unable to run or cast spells - spell that causes your target to be unaffected by gravity, they float there helplessly a foot off the ground unable to do anything. duration of spell when not dismissed is about a week - spell that causes target to have debilitating cramps making almost anything difficult gee, look how many combat based spells you could use instead of ‘i cast gun’ that your ‘badguys’ can use to harass the ‘good guys’ and that the protagonists can use to defeat the villians without, you know, just handing 12 year olds ‘power word kill’ and assuming they have 15 level 9 spell slots. many of these have much more flavor, many of them have much more situational use and quick thinking options to defend against, many of them might fit the tone you are going for better then fire bolts, death rays, or ‘turn opponent into a pig’..... okay adding ‘turn opponent into small animal’ to the list seriously, i have beef with a setting that says ‘theres so many crazy things we can do with magic’ and then kneecapping themselves with ‘wizards only know four spells theyll ever use outside of class’