#I meant to talk about more characters besides just Ron here but I got carried away

[greenerteacups]

I absolutely adore the way you write Harry and Ron as clever and snarky in their own ways (Harry's conversation with Snape was hilarious and clever in Norberta). All too often in Dramione fanfics they are shown as lesser than because writers want to make Draco and Hermione exceptional, but your D and H are incredibly interesting and smart on a level that still allows them to shine next to remarkably wonderful Harry, Ron and all the other fascinating characters you write

Thank you so much! This is a really touching compliment, because I share the same pet peeve. Something I was careful of when writing the fic was not to pitch Harry and Ron too OOC (as with all canon divergences, you increasingly can't help it, and I think it shows in Harry the most — I just have to steer him a bit harder than JKR does in order to develop him when I can't rely on his internal monologue). I think there are three major reasons that Harry and Ron get washed out in Dramione fics — the first being a simple plot mechanic to get Hermione alone and in a mental state where she would be open to a connection with Draco, which, admittedly, is pretty unlikely if Harry and Ron remain in the picture. By the time OOTP wraps, she and Draco are just so ensconced in their separate social circles that she seems to regard him as irrelevant in HBP, so obviously, if they're going to get together sometime in that timeframe or afterward, their social situations need to change. On the other hand, though, if a fanfiction is taken in some respects as a theoretical argument for how a ship could happen, I always thought Harry/Ron bashing was implicitly a sort of weak argument for D/H, because it requires Hermione to be totally iced out of her own friend group before she considers Draco as a friend or partner. Not to mention that you lose the opportunity to develop these rich auxiliary relationships (Hermione and Harry as unofficial siblings, Draco and Harry as foils, Draco and Ron as foils, Harry and Ron as platonic soulmates) that provide shape and contrast to Draco and Hermione's relationship. The books are a story about love and family! Different kinds of love! And deep platonic love, honestly, more than anything else!

The other side of the coin is that bashing sometimes happens as a natural consequence of having to Do Something About Ron. The need to retcon Hermione's crush and/or relationship and/or marriage with Ron to clear the stage for Draco means that a fanfic author has to just fiat some stuff from the books out of existence. And so you get Death Eater Ron, or Ron as a terrible boyfriend, or cheating, or just being cruel. Or dead! I've read a few where Ron just gets unceremoniously fridged, which is maybe a little better than character assassination, but also pretty sad for all rare us Dramione Ron Enjoyers. Like, I don't think that Ron and Hermione would work out, but I think that's because they share zero interests and tend to aggravate each other's insecurities, not because they don't care about each other, or God forbid, that Ron was secretly a shit person and a bad friend for seven years.

Then you have the final group, which is people who actually do dislike Ron for his behavior in the text. Everyone has that right, so I don't hate, and I can especially understand it if you read his arcs in Goblet of Fire and Deathly Hallows a certain way (I hate the first half of Deathly Hallows, actually, almost exclusively because of the dumb ass Ron's Vacation subplot). JKR doesn't do him any favors here, because she doesn't give him a real reconciliation with Harry or Hermione before he comes back in Deathly Hallows — all their fights sort of end with a shrug and a joke and a comment like, "wow, that sucked, let's not do that again," which is not unrealistic, if you're talking about teenagers, but also does not solve the problem that caused the fight, and we know that because it keeps happening in other books: someone steps on Ron's feelings, he lashes out, they get hurt, and instead of asking for sympathy or trusting his friends to mend his feelings if he explains them, he storms off to sulk. (This is a pattern that I imagine starting at the Burrow, when poor Arthur and Molly just wouldn't have had time to have proper sit-downs and debriefs whenever their kids fought, and so Ron's self-soothing method was to isolate — we see hints of this in Chapter 32-33, and again near the end of Chapter 38 — until he can pretend to get over it.) But going from just canon, it's not impossible to come up with a reading of Ron as this selfish jerk who gets jealous of his friends and screws them over when he gets mad at them. A lot of those people come to Dramione for the catharsis of watching Hermione find a bond with someone who just... doesn't do that, and I don't blame them at all. All the same, I hope Lionheart!Ron can offer an opportunity to experience the joys of Ron Enjoyment for a wider demographic.

[ijustwant2write]

The Nice One-Fred Weasley x Muggle!Dursley!Reader

(GIF credit to @avocadosalad2​)

Masterlist

Prompt List

Tag List: @obsessedwithrandomthings​

Requested by anonymous: 'I have this idea about Fred Weasley falling in love with Harry’s muggle cousin. a dursley. Maybe y/n and Harry were always really close and she obviously knows all about magic. She’s the only person, Harry actually loved and trusted as a child and that didn’t change when he found out he was wizard so there really close, he sees her as a sister. Maybe he wants to introduce her to ginny because Harry wants her approval. And reader ends up liking Fred, and Fred likes her back.'

Characters: Fred Weasley x Muggle!Dursley!Reader, Harry Potter x Muggle!Dursley!Reader (cousin), Weasley Family x Muggle!Dursley!Reader (platonic), Hermione Granger x Muggle!Dursley!Reader (Platonic)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Mention of neglect/child abuse, lots of fluff

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

Sitting back in a plastic chair, I looked out of the huge window of the coffee shop, sighing as I realised it had started to rain. I never minded the rain really, but it had been like this since May, with no sign of a proper English summer in sight. Harry returning to the table with two mugs of tea distracted me, and I smiled as he set them on the table, sitting opposite to me.

“It feels like ages since we did this.” I said, blowing over the top of the tea.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I’ve not called or contacted you in any way recently.” he apologised, casting his eyes down.

“Harry, you don’t have to be sorry for anything.” I reassured him.“You’ve been making your life in...well, your world. We’ve all grown up, had to get used to becoming adults and such. Though it is a shame we haven’t seen each other for over a year.”

“Year and a half actually.”

“I wasn’t surprised when you invited me here though. Of course, this is under better circumstances. I’m not having to drag you out of the house to avoid my parents.”

“No, this is much nicer.”  he chuckled.“How are they by the way? I was able to see Dudley last month.”

“They’re fine, same as always. I don’t see them as much as I should, though I do call them often. Sometimes it’s hard you know, especially after all that’s happened in the last few years.” I took a sip of tea, finally able to start drinking it.

Harry seemed hesitant to speak again.“Actually, I was wanting to ask you something.”

“Yeah?” 

“Do you remember me talking to you about a girl called Ginny?”

“Ooh, has my little cousin fallen in love?” I was teasing until I saw the genuine smile on his face.“Wait, Harry, do you really like this girl?”

“W-well...I h-have for a while, we actually told each other our feelings when, when other things turned serious. And it’s been going good between us, really good, which leads me to my question.”

I was confused as to where this was going, but waited for him to carry on.

“I was wondering if you would come meet her?”

“You want me to meet her?” I excitedly repeated. 

“Yeah,” he smiled back,“there’s going to be a birthday party for me at her family home. She’s a Weasley.”

“Wait, isn’t that the last name of your friend Ron?”

“It is.”

“You’re dating your best friend’s sister?”

“I’ve already talked about it with him! Do you remember I stayed with him over that summer, and I wrote to you from there?”

“The Burrow!”

He nodded.“They’re more than happy to have you there.”

“Of course I’ll come Harry! For now, you have to tell me everything about this Ginny girl.”

The party was two weeks away, and I could not contain my excitement as it got closer and closer. Although Harry had told me much about the wizarding world, he was the only wizard I had ever met (unless I counted that giant man that had tracked us down when Harry first found out he possessed magic, though there weren’t any introductions), and I was extremely excited to meet more of them. Would they constantly be using magic? Would they just conjure up food and drink? And would they be comfortable with me there? I knew that Harry wouldn’t leave me alone unless I was one hundred percent comfortable with everyone.

It was surprising that Harry hadn’t become irritated with me on the day of his party. He was coming to pick me up, and I had greeted him with an over excited tone, setting off a party popper which made strings of confetti land on his head. I had never been able to celebrate Harry’s birthdays publicly, always sneaking into his room or under the cupboard to give him a small present and a hug to wish him happy birthday (once I was earning my own pocket money, or sweetly asking dad for a few pounds, I would buy him cupcakes as a birthday cake, stashing away sweets for him after he saw how much we were given). Dragging him into my flat, I demanded he close his eyes, dashing in and out of the kitchen with a stupid grin on my face. Counting down from three, I giggled as Harry opened his eyes, smiling when he saw me holding a cupcake with a candle in my hands.

"You didn't forget."

"Of course I didn't. Is it...is it alright?" I became worried, wondering if I had brought up bad memories.

"No, no, I actually missed this. It was one of the things I looked forward to each year."

He blew out the candle, sighing when I urged him to close his eyes and make a wish. Harry then pushed me to get a move on, his eyes widening when he saw me pick up two presents with wrapping paper, as well as a smaller one on top. I walked past him before he could say anything about them, handing him the keys to lock up.

As we turned up at the infamous Burrow, I couldn't help but stand back in awe. It was like nothing I had ever seen, and although shabby looking, very put together, it had some sort of charm to it, it was so different to other houses. Harry had already taken a few steps forward, stopping when he noticed me not move.

"(Y/N)?"

My eyes snapped back down to him."Oh, sorry."

"It's going to be fine." he said, coming to stand beside me.

I just nodded, walking next to him and standing back when he knocked on the door. A short woman opened it, squealing with excitement when she saw Harry, and as she dragged him in for a hug, she playfully scolded him for knocking, claiming that he could waltz in whenever. Staying outside, I poked my head in, still holding the presents in my arms. I watched as Harry was engulfed in numerous hugs, everyone wishing him happy birthday as well as joking and laughing with him. It shocked me. The only time I saw him this happy was when I was able to cheer him up as kids (and that was extremely hard to do when he lived in the hell hole I called home), but a sudden wave of emotion attacked me, I was so happy to see him being treated right.

"Everyone, this is my cousin, (Y/N)." Harry interrupted my thoughts once again, gesturing for me to step inside.

Sheepishly walking in, I held onto the presents a little tighter, smiling through the awkwardness. There were so many of them standing there.

"Here, let me take those from you love." a man who seemed to be the dad offered, placing the presents on a nearby table. Now I was out in the open.

"So this is the decent one?" one of the younger lads said to break the silence.

"Ronald Weasley, you mind your manners!" the woman scolded him."Don't mind him dear, it's lovely to meet you. Harry has never stopped talking about you."

"He's right though," Harry said,"this is the nice one."

"It's nice to see that Harry stayed in such a lovely place, and with lovely people."

Really (Y/N)? That's the first thing you come out with?

"Oh what a sweetheart." the woman gushed."Believe me, they look like angels, but they don't act like one."

Harry soon broke us into a general conversation, attempting to introduce me to everyone. This family was so different to mine. It felt more loving, as if they didn't hate to be around each other all the time. They included each other in every conversation, they laughed together, joked around with each other. And they also included me.

We were sat around a long table, squeezed amongst one another with food and drink laid out. I had Harry one side of me, and his old friend Hermione on my other. I believed that she and Ron had romantic connections, but I was hoping she would shed some light on Harry's love life, as Ginny was sat beside him.

"They've only recently become public. Everyone knew that they were together, it was bound to happen. But we all acted surprised anyway." Hermione and I giggled, drowned out by the sound of everyone talking.

"Oh bless him, he seemed very happy when he mentioned her. That's why he invited me actually, he was wondering what I would think about her. They don't seem to be able to keep their eyes off each other."

"Someone else seems to have their eyes on someone." she smirked.

I followed her eye line, seeing one of the twins looking in our direction before averting their gaze. I had remembered that they were each wearing the same jumper but with different colours, thankfully making it easier to tell them apart. It had been Fred looking my way, and I hated that I was blushing already; no one had looked at me like that for a long time.

"I'm sure that was nothing." I mumbled.

"If you say so." I heard Ginny say, making me whip my head round to her. She was leaning forward to look at me, and I saw Harry holding back a laugh.

"Come on, I haven't even spoken to him."

"Maybe you should. Perhaps this was meant to happen."

Molly stopped all chatter across the table, standing up to announce that it was present time. Heaps of presents were pushed down to our end of the table, Harry was shocked by how many there were, but stuck right in. After thanking all of the Weasley’s for their sweet presents, especially Ginny. With my presents left, I felt all eyes on me, nervous as to what they would think of my gifts.

One was a collection of books he read when he was younger (until my brother got angry at him and ripped out the pages), the other was two shirts I knew would look nice on him. The last present was a photo book, which I had had personalised; on the front it said ‘Harry’s Memories’, in a beautiful swirling style of writing. The toothy grin on his face fell slightly, and I began to panic again. Everyone waited for him to open the book, a slight tension in the air. Harry slowly opened the book, reading the message I had left for him in his head. It entailed fond memories we had, and how proud I was of him for setting out to school by himself, and how many times he was brave enough to put himself on the line for his friends and family. Turning the next page, a breathless laugh left his lips when he saw the photos I chose. Unfortunately there weren’t many of us together, or of him in general, but I had raided our old cameras back home to find any photos I had taken of him without my parent’s knowledge. After flipping over another page that turned out to be blank, he looked up at me, as did everyone else.

“It’s blank so that you can fill it. I knew you wouldn’t want memories of home, just...just me I suppose. But I’m sure you’ve got better memories to put in there now.” I shyly explained.

“This is amazing, thank you (Y/N).” Harry said, hugging me tightly.

“The pictures aren’t moving?” Ginny questioned.

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.“Your pictures move?”

Once dinner was done with, along with a round of singing as the birthday cake came out, we all broke off into smaller groups. This would have given me an opportunity to speak to Ginny, I had a strong feeling that she was absolutely perfect for him, they seemed well matched, but I still wanted a chat at least. However, Harry had stolen her away, and it wasn’t the right time to intervene. As I thought about who to talk to, Fred walked up to me, leaning against the kitchen counter top as I was.

“Thought you looked a little lonely over here.” he said, but it wasn’t in a cocky way, he was being genuinely kind. 

“Thanks.” I laughed.

He smiled.“I-I didn’t mean it like that.”

I looked up at him.“No I know what you meant. I was actually thanking you.”

“Ah.”

There was a moment of silence as neither of us were sure what to say next. Suddenly, something popped into my mind,“You know, I’ve seen you before.”

“What?”

“When you came to rescue Harry, in your flying car. I was in my room, but my room was next to Harry’s, so I could just about see you and your brothers.”

“That was so many years ago.”

I nodded.“I just remember how shocked I was when I saw the car, but also how relieved I felt when I saw Harry get in there. I was in trouble for not going to my parents straight away though.”

“You don’t sound like a typical Dursley at all.”

“I suppose I’m not. I was never the favourite, for some reason Dudley was. But I was so focused on keeping Harry somewhat happy that it didn’t matter. I just got good results at school, made friends and kept the biggest secret in the world.”

“It is slightly strange having a Muggle about.”

“How do you think I feel? The dishes are doing themselves over there!” I gestured to the sink where there was a floating plate and sponge. He laughed at that."That would be so useful to have at home, especially after a long day."

"So," he crossed his arms over his chest, leaning towards me,"what do you think about our families combining?"

I took a sip of my drink, following his eye line to Harry and Ginny."I can't express how happy I am for him."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. And I'm not just saying nice things because Ginny is your sister. Harry had a long talk about what happened in the past, he's mentioned her, well, all of you, a lot. You've all been able to give him much more than I have."

"That's not true. Harry has expressed multiple times how he didn't know what he would have done if you weren't there for him."

"Seems like everything has worked out perfectly in the end. It even feels right me being here."

"I can agree on that."

"Even if I'm a Muggle?"

"Can't say that's the first thing I noticed about you."

My eyes widened slightly, slowly looking down into the content of my cup."Fred, if I didn't know any better, I would say you were flirting with me."

"Thank god you noticed, thought I might have to start using pick up lines."

"You still can if you want to."

"Nah, think I'll save that for a first date."

"If you're asking, then the answer would be a yes."

"Well, glad that's been sorted."

I giggled quietly, trying not to show how much I was enjoying this."Do I get to find out where you're taking me?"

"If I'm honest, I wasn't sure if I would get this far."

We laughed together, catching the attention of his parents who were with Hermione and Ron. We quietened down, finding it hard to hold back on giggling. Before we could even continue speaking, Harry was approaching me, and I knew he wanted to find out what had happened since he left me alone.

"So, uh, what are you two talking about?" Harry failed to play dumb.

I rolled my eyes, placing a hand on his shoulder."OK, whilst you interrogate my date, I'll go talk to your girlfriend. Sound like a deal?"

"D-date?"

"Don't act like you weren't listening. Relax Harry, this is your party after all."

I heard him sigh to Fred as I walked away."You two are going to be trouble, I just know it."

[edie-k]

The Art of Segue

Title: The Art of Segue

Pairing: Ron/Hermione

Rating: PG (language and mild suggestive dialogue)

This is a sequel to a story I recently re-posted called “The Art of Christmas Tree Selection”. Originally written prior to the publishing of Half Blood Prince, this is slightly AU but not so much that it significantly bucks canon. It can be read separately but I really like the first one so, you know, read it.

Disclaimer: HP and it’s characters aren’t mine.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“What has you so happy?” asked Warren Granger as he entered the kitchen of their home.

“Oh, it’s Christmas time! What’s not to be happy about?” asked Judy, drying her hands on a kitchen towel and turning from the sink where she was finishing washing the dishes. “Everything is so beautifully decorated, everyone is in such good moods, our daughter is home for the holidays…”

“With her boyfriend,” Warren said, as he pulled a chair away from the table and sank into it.

“Whom we both love,” Judy reminded him, as she opened a cupboard door.  

There was a lot of truth in all of her statements. Warren was ecstatic to have his little girl at home. Since Hermione finished school three years ago and the violence that troubled the magical world had been over almost as long, they were able to see her more often. Still it was never enough. Having your child home for the holidays was the best present a parent could receive. And Warren enjoyed having Ron there as well. After four years of dating Hermione, Ron seemed comfortable among their family.

Warren wondered if he was too comfortable.

“It seems different this year, doesn’t it?” Warren asked.

Judy smiled and turned to her husband. “Do you need me to explain why it’s different?”

Warren sighed. “Definitely not.”

Judy laughed. “It’s the exact opposite of Ron’s first Christmas.”

Warren chuckled at this as well. When Hermione brought her boyfriend home over Christmas holiday during her seventh year, Ron avoided the two of them as much as possible and clung to Hermione as a buffer. Warren managed to drag the boy away for proper questioning by forcing him to come along to retrieve a Christmas tree. Ron looked as though he might have jumped out of the moving vehicle. However, when pressed, Ron gathered up the courage to tell him in plain terms what Hermione meant to him and Warren admired his bravery in an uncomfortable situation. Warren felt a bit guilty for cornering the poor kid (although it lessened when he remembered how pale Ron became when he mentioned keeping his hands off his daughter) because he could remember very vividly being questioned by Judy’s father. Ron would understand someday when he did the same thing to his own daughter’s boyfriend.

He and Hermione’s daughter.

Because Ron wanted to marry Hermione.

Oh yes, Ron made it clear three Christmases ago that he wanted to marry her someday. And for the past three years, Warren happily lived in the world of “someday”. But this year was different.

“You can’t avoid him forever!” Judy said with a smile.

“I’m not avoiding him!” Warren insisted.

Oh Lord, was he avoiding him. Or at least being alone with him. Ron and Hermione had arrived two days earlier. During the day, both Judy and he saw patients at the office and the only time they saw Ron and Hermione were in the evenings. Today marked what was supposed to be the beginning of he and Judy’s ten-day holiday, but Warren had offered to fix a patient’s broken crown even when a perfectly capable on-call doctor was available. After this, he went shopping for Judy’s Christmas present, which occupied most of the afternoon. He arrived home shortly before dinner to a knowing but disgruntled look from his wife and a scolding from his daughter.

“Where have you been?” Hermione screeched the instant he entered the living room.

Warren stepped back, startled at her outburst. Ron glanced up from the magazine he had been flipping through and gave Warren a sympathetic look. Warren realized that Hermione had been fuming about this all day.

“I was out Christmas shopping,” Warren said quickly.

“All day? You were only shopping for one person!”

“I-I treated a patient this morning,” Warren said. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was reminded that even though she was an adult, he was the parent and Hermione was his daughter. However, it was hard to validate this when Hermione was in the right.

“Don’t you have a perfectly good on-call doctor for that?” Hermione asked.

“Love, maybe you should just-” Ron started to say but Hermione gave him a withering look and he mumbled, “Never mind.”

“Yes,” Warren said. “But this particular patient is very squeamish about dental work and he preferred to have me as the attending dentist.”

“Well, I hope it was worth wasting a day that you could have spent with your only daughter,” Hermione huffed, sinking into her seat on the couch next to Ron and returned to her book. Ron looked up at Warren and threw him another sympathetic smile.  

And he still had not found a proper gift for his wife.

“Are you continuing not avoiding him tomorrow?” asked Judy.

“Well I-I haven’t quite finished my holiday shopping,” he admitted sheepishly.

“Can I suggest taking your daughter along? She may be helpful and I think she would enjoy the time with you,” Judy suggested.

“An excellent idea. I think I could use a female perspective,” Warren answered. “But wait. That means you’ll be here alone with Ron tomorrow.”

“I’m not the one that’s scared of him,” Judy answered, a large grin forming on her lips.

“Ha, ha,” he said dryly. He stood from the table slowly and stretched. “I suppose I will find Hermione and run the plan by her.”

“Now wait one second,” Judy said, putting a hand up to stop him. “Hermione isn’t the only one who wasn’t happy with your all day disappearing act. But I do have a way for you to make it up to me.”

“Do tell,” he smiled, noticing his wife had gathered various bowls and other baking tools on the kitchen counter.

“You can run to the store and pick up these ingredients so I can start my Christmas baking,” she answered, handing him a slip of paper.

“I think I can handle that,” he replied with a smile.

“Can I come with you, sir?” The sound of the unexpected voice caused Warren to jump in surprise. He turned to meet the eyes of his daughter’s boyfriend. Warren could feel Judy’s smirk penetrating the back of his head.

“I’m just running to the store,” Warren said weakly.

“I know,” Ron replied. “But I’ve been cooped up in the house with two women all day. No offense, Dr. Granger.”

“None taken Ron,” she said, now smiling broadly. It was horrifying how much pleasure the love of Warren’s life could take in his pain. “And I’ve told you- Dr. Granger is unnecessary. You’re an adult, you may call me Judy.”

“Sorry,” he replied, ears reddening slightly. “So, is it alright if I tag along?”

“I think it’s a splendid idea,” Judy replied. “Warren got so distracted while shopping this afternoon, it will do him good to have someone to keep him on task.”

Warren nodded numbly.

“I’ll just run upstairs and get my coat,” Ron replied, turning and leaving the room.

Warren turned to his wife, mouth open.

“He is scary. Look how he crept up on you like that!” Judy exclaimed, the mocking evident in her voice.

“What should I do?” he asked.

“Get your keys and your jacket,” Judy said. “And maybe your checkbook. I heard that the wizarding world is a bit old-fashioned so they may require a dowry.”

“JUDY!” he cried. How could she even joke about this?

“Relax,” she chuckled. “You’ll be fine.”

He sincerely doubted it.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The first time he and Ron were alone together, there were a few moments of awkward silence before Warren began his interrogation. In the times they were together since than, conversation flowed naturally with comfortable pauses. But Warren knew that this time, if he left a lull in the conversation, Ron was liable to make his move. So in the five minutes Warren had prior to meeting Ron at the car, he brainstormed for every topic unrelated to Hermione that he could think of to fire off questions about.

“Is it difficult to be spending Christmas away from your family?” Warren asked first. Ron was related to so many people that it was a topic that could keep him talking for awhile.

Ron snorted. “It’s fine. I see plenty of them the rest of the year and we’ll be spending New Year’s there. Besides, I know exactly what I’m missing.”

“And what’s that?” Be descriptive. I want all the details.

“Bill and Fleur will be arguing over baby names. Mum will be nagging Charlie and Cory about when they’ll have a baby, Fred and Angelina about wedding stuff, George about settling down, and Percy and Penny about the baby’s cough. Dad will try out some Muggle device he has no clue about. Mum will continue to not-so-subtly hint to Harry and Ginny that the love of their lives may be right under their noses and make way too much food.”

“It sounds like you know the routine,” Warren laughed.

“Oh, there’s variation. Sometimes Bill and Fleur argue over who the godparents will be,” Ron said with a grin.

That exchange ate up about 45 seconds of the car trip. Warren grasped for another topic.

“Harry is joining your family for Christmas?” Ron nodded. “How is Harry? We haven’t seen him around recently.”

“He’s fine. He likes being an Auror and I think he’s enjoying no longer having the weight of the world on his shoulders.”

“Ah, yes. And how does it feel to actually be out in the field?” Warren asked. Warren glanced toward Ron. Ron was a specialized law enforcement officer now. He must carry some sort of weaponry right? Did he have it on him right now? Warren knew that Ron didn’t have a firearm because two years ago, they viewed a program on television and Ron had not known what a pistol was. Perhaps he carried some sort of knife? Or did wizards just hold the perpetrators at wandpoint?  Wandpoint did not sound very intimidating but then again, Warren was not familiar with what exactly a wand could do. Wandpoint also did not sound like a real word, at least not in his dictionary. He made a mental note to ask Hermione about it later.

“The increase in wages is definitely something that I enjoy,” Ron said with a laugh. “It’s nice to be out there making a difference.” Warren glanced at Ron and noticed that he looked a bit hesitant.

“Is something wrong?” Warren asked and then mentally slapped himself. Yes, he could be nervous about asking his girlfriend’s father for his permission to marry her, Warren chided himself. But don’t worry; you were right there to prompt him along.

“No, no. Not really. I’ve just had a difficult choice to make and I think I made it but- I find myself second guessing.”

This could not be regarding Hermione. Even if he did not want Ron to propose, he knew that Ron was certain about Hermione. So what was he uncertain about? “Maybe I can offer some guidance?” Warren suggested.

“The afternoon before I started my vacation, my sister-in-law called me in her office.”

“I thought she taught Interrogation to trainees,” Warren said.

“She does but Cory is also the assistant interrogator in the Auror department,” Ron said.

“I don’t understand why she would call you in,” Warren said, confused.

“She called me in to tell me she received a promotion. She’s the head of interrogation for the Aurors, in addition to her training duties.”

Warren nodded. He could see where this was going but was baffled as to what the problem was.

“She told me that her and Shacklebolt, who heads the Aurors, were offering me the assistant interrogator’s position. And that’s a huge job. There’s room for all sorts of advancement and the pay is excellent.” Ron paused for a second and reddened slightly. “Told me it’s rare that someone with as little experience as me would be offered the position but I was one of the best at interrogation. I mean, they have all sorts of other people that are already in the interrogation department that would die for that job.”

“Then I fail to see the problem Ron,” Warren replied.

“At first, I was worried about not making a difference. Field work, catching the bad guys- that’s why I have wanted to be an Auror since I was fourteen. It’s why I went through all those years of training.”

“But interrogation is an important part of the justice process,” Warren argued.

Ron chuckled. “Believe me, Cory made sure to point that out many times. The fact is that even three years after the war-” Warren still cringed every time he heard that word and thought of Hermione’s involvement in it. “Death Eaters and war criminals are still being caught. With all the rebuilding and with how corrupt the prosecution department was prior to the war… without thorough Auror interrogation, people are going free,” Ron said and his eyes darkened slightly. “I can’t stand the idea of any of those bastards- er, I mean-”

“No, it’s okay,” replied Warren, thinking of the man who left Hermione unconscious in a hospital bed for two painstaking days. Bastard seemed to be the only appropriate term.

 “I just don’t want any of them to go without punishment,” Ron said. “What’s the point of field work if they aren’t going to prison?”

“There isn’t one,” Warren answered. “That’s why they want the best people possible.”

“I feel sort of guilty being promoted above all these other people already in the department but Cory says we have personality traits that make us naturals for this work. She calls it persistence but I’m not sure that’s what our family members would call it.”

Warren laughed. He himself was feeling a bit guilty for avoiding Ron this week. He did like the boy. He liked that Ron was soliciting him for advice and seemed genuinely interested in his opinion. It was almost a conversation between a father and a…

Bloody hell.

“There’s another reason why I’ve decided to take the job,” Ron said and suddenly, Warren was thrown back in time.

It was two summers ago and Warren was sitting outside with Judy during a gathering at the Burrow. Ron, Hermione, and Harry were sitting at the opposite end of the picnic table as Warren and Judy. Hermione was quizzing both boys on terms for their Interrogation exam and Ron seemed to be doing well. Harry on the other hand-

“What’s the best way to get all the details from a reluctant witness Harry?” Hermione read from the pieces of parchment in front of her.

“Take their word for it?” suggested Harry. “Bloody hell, I don’t know! What does this have to do with being an Auror? Why do I need to learn about questioning witnesses? I’m never going to be an interrogator!”

“Not with that attitude!” scolded Hermione. Ron smirked at his friend from across the table. Hermione sighed. “Ron, do you know?”

“Make the witness feel comfortable, talking about matters unrelated to the case. Be sure to obtain responses from them. Smoothly transition into your actual questions and do not let up until you have your answers. The lull and ambush,” Ron explained.

Harry scoffed “That will never work.”

Without even realizing it, Warren had been lulled. And here came the transition.

“First of all, it’s safer. There’s still plenty of risks, although I do have to be on emergency field call two nights a month. Criminals have been stripped of wands and weapons prior to interrogation, so they can still be dangerous but much less so.”

“Uh huh,” replied Warren. He wanted to stop Ron so badly but he felt compelled to listen and respond. Harry was wrong; the lull and ambush worked brilliantly.

“And I already mentioned the raise. And the hours are excellent. Except for those two nights on-call and the emergencies that are few and far between, it’s daytime hours. Hermione hated me working nights. She’ll be so happy. It couldn’t have come at a better time.” Ron stopped and took a breath. “Because I have something to ask her and something to ask you as well.”

In her sixth year, Hermione wrote her mother a letter that he wasn’t supposed to read. She informed Judy that she and Ron were dating and exuberantly listed all his virtues. Of course, she had left “master of segue” off of the list.

They approached a stoplight and Warren let his eyes close. This was it. He had three options. He could throw the car in park, get out, and run like mad. He could shove Ron out of the passenger’s side and slam on the gas pedal.

He really didn’t like option one. He loved this car. He had waited years to have this car. The thought of abandoning it broke his heart. And option two seemed even less viable. Ron was a bit taller and due to his Auror training, much fitter than him. He doubted that he would be able to push him out. That just left option three.

Accepting his fate. Warren kept his eyes closed as Ron began to speak.

“D-Dr. Granger, I-I love your daughter,” Ron started. Warren’s eyes flew open. Was he actually nervous? After that brilliant ploy to lull him into complacency? He stared at Ron for a moment until he heard a car horn sound angrily behind him. Warren pressed on the gas and drove under the green light, still processing this shocking revelation.

“And she makes me- she makes me the happiest man in the world,” Ron continued. He was stuttering!

“Hermione, she’s-she’s perfect. She’s everything that a person could possibly be. There’s no one that is even close to being worthy of her, no one that can give her everything she deserves. But out of everyone, I think I would try the hardest.“

Ron looked so serious, so earnest. Warren had no clue as to how he should reply but before he could open his mouth, Ron charged on.

“Sir, I want to marry your daughter and- and I’m asking your permission to do that,” Ron said. He paused and wrung his hands. “To ask her to marry me,” he clarified unnecessarily.

Warren took a deep, calming breath and turned to take a good look at Ron. He was extremely white; his freckles standing out against his pale cheeks and his hands were shaking ever so slightly. Realization hit Warren like a ton of bricks.

He held the power. All week, Warren was- all right, Judy, scared- of Ron and there was absolutely no reason to be. Ron held no power in this situation. Ron was forced to seek out his permission! He was practically begging! All Warren had to do was say no, send this boy on his way, and keep his daughter a little girl forever.

But even as the delicious thought formed in his mind, he knew that it was wrong.

Here was a boy- no, a man- that promised him long ago that he would defend Hermione and do anything for her. He was a man whom his daughter loved and whose name never failed to bring a smile to her face. After today’s conversation, it was obvious that his job would allow him to be able to take care of her (not that his daughter could not take care of herself but it was reassuring nonetheless). Ron even admitted that he could never be worthy of Hermione but still swore to give her everything that he possibly could.

Could he really say no to that?

Sure he could. But Hermione was going to marry him whether she had his blessing or not. And since Ron had properly and respectfully come to him, Warren may as well resign himself to maturity as well.

“Well, Ron, if you’re going to marry my daughter, you’ll need to drop this ‘sir’ and ‘Dr. Granger’ nonsense,” Warren said, forcing himself to be more jovial than he really felt. “But uh, let’s hold off on, Dad. Warren will be fine.”

Color flooded back into Ron’s cheeks and his tense face relaxed began to relax. “Really?” he said, his tone a bit incredulous. “You mean, you’ll let me marry Hermione?”

Warren laughed, more genuinely this time. “Yes, I will.”

“Wow,” he said quietly. “Wow. Now I just have to get her to say yes.”

“I doubt that will be much of a problem,” Warren replied. Ron still looked somewhat uneasy about how Hermione would really answer.

“When’s the big day?” Warren asked.

“I don’t know, I don’t even know if she’ll agree to marry me yet.”

“No,” Warren chuckled. “When are you proposing?”

“Oh, um, I have it sort of set up for New Year’s Eve. Do you want to be there? I mean, you and Judy? My whole family is going to be there and I know my mum would love to have both of you there,” Ron said nervously. “We’re all- I mean, we’re all sort of going to be family I hope.”

Warren glanced back at Ron for a second. As Hermione got older, she became more and more involved in the wizarding world and one of his fears concerning Hermione marrying Ron was that it would draw her completely away from their world. Maybe those fears were unfounded. Ron often joined them for holidays and the Weasleys regularly invited him and Judy to join them for family gatherings.

“I’ll have to check with Judy but I doubt we have anything more important happening,” Warren answered, as he steered the car into a parking space. He and Ron exited the car and head into the store.

“Oh, and would you not tell Hermione?” Ron asked.

Warren laughed as he fished Judy’s list out of his jacket pocket. “I’m not going to ruin your proposal!”

“No, about the job. I haven’t told her about it yet. I was waiting- well, I was just waiting to tell her. I thought I would surprise her after I was able to actually accept the job,” Ron said. His ears started to turn red. “I just- I just thought it would be better to tell her once we were back home.” His face had begun to catch up with his ears. “So it wouldn’t interfere with our Christmas.”

Warren looked at him curiously. Why would he be holding off on telling her? “I would think that it would make a nice Christmas present for-”  

Ron was staring straight ahead, face aflame as Warren put the pieces together. Ron wanted to wait until he could properly celebrate with his daughter, which couldn’t happen under her parents’ roof. Warren glanced down at the items on Judy’s list.

He may need to add a bottle of scotch.

The Grangers’ parent names are shout-outs, Judy to sproutgirl and Warren to lavenderbrown. Love both of those stories.

Also, I want to thank allybee for permitting me to use Ron’s line about trying the hardest from her story “Love, or Something Like It” on Checkmated. It’s my second favorite romantic line (I swear, one day, Ron will say “I remember everything.”) and I’ve been dying to use it. Blatant plagiarism is only cool with permission.

[jenoptimist]

florist!xiaojun

The flower shop was a new addition to the street. It was pretty; all pastel colored, decorated with beautiful flowers that were color coordinated and had Rainbow V  just above the entrance, a cute logo beside it that included an actual rainbow in a shape of a ‘V’ with two clouds and a sun. The brightness of the shop contrasted with the bookshop you worked at which was a dark mahogany, the only pop of color coming from the books that were on display and the gold plated letters of the name of the store. 

The job you had was a simple one, shelve and organize books and man the register, because of the small size of the shop. Usually you worked with Mark but because he requested a day off to spend some time with his friends, you were rostered with Johnny. The two of you played rock-paper-scissors to see who would have to redecorate the display tables and, unfortunately, you lost. You stuck your tongue out at Johnny as he laughed from where he stood behind the cashier, cheek in the palm of his hand as he stared out the window. 

There weren’t many customers that came into the shop, bookshops closing with the rise of the digital age, but the few that did were regulars. So, when a man with sharp features walked in like it was a runway, you did a double take from your position in the far corner of the room. Your eyes followed him, hand holding a book frozen in the air, as he went over to inspect the fiction section. Johnny coughed loudly, breaking you out of your trance, and flashed a shit-eating grin at you when you met his eye. After making sure that the customer wasn’t paying attention, you flipped off your coworker. 

Unlike large chains, the bookshop you worked at had cozy seats littered around so that the customer can have a little read before committing to buy anything. You thanked your lucky stars for it because it meant that you could secretly spy on the customer as he slowly flipped through the pages of a book that he picked up. He paid no mind as Johnny called you over, his eyes staring intently on the page.

“I’m going on my break,” Johnny smirked at you as he wiggled his eyebrows. Then he leaned down so that he could whisper in your ear. “You better have his number by the time I’m back.” You squawked, attempt to punch his arm ineffective when he dodged it and skipped away chuckling. You silently cursed at him as he exited the building. With your company gone, you decided to continue your task. You refused to look at the customer’s direction in fear of him catching you and never returning. But when you convinced yourself to allow just one, tiny peek, he was gone. You sighed wistfully, bidding him farewell in your mind.

*

The handsome customer was completely forgotten since you never saw him again. Well. It had only been a few days, so maybe you were being a little bit dramatic but honestly, the chances of him returning? Extremely slim. A lot of people came in to have a browse and never returned, so you wouldn’t be surprised if he had decided to do the same. So maybe you hadn’t forgotten but you probably should. 

“New book delivery?” Taeyong, a charming regular, asked as he saw you come from the back with a large box in your hands. Mark, like the sweetheart he was, wasted no time grabbing the heavy box from you and setting it near the small table that you set up near the counter. 

You hummed an affirmative. “Yep!” You replied as you began to cut open the box. “Taeil said we needed more popular books to attract customers.” 

“Ah,” Taeyong peeked at the box, “books like what?”

“Harry Potter!” Mark replied, then he scratched his head as his features pinched in confusion. “But he only got one limited edition set.” Taeyong ‘ooh’d in awe as you set the limited edition hard covered boxed set.

“How is it limited edition?” Taeyong asked curiously as he studied the box that you were placing on the table, “it doesn’t look like anything special.”

Although you silently agreed with him, you answered his question matter-of-factly. “Well this box that the books come in,” it was brown and trunk-like with handles and a privacy lock, “is the limited edition part. It also comes with some stickers.” You kept readjusting its position until you were satisfied. When you were finished you smiled at one of your favorite regulars, “so, T-yong, how’s your book? Tell me all about it.”

*

“So you don’t have his number?” You were on another shift with Johnny and all you could do was groan in response when the first thing he asked you was about the man he caught you gawking at. “It’s been a week, y/n!”

“Yeah and he hasn’t come back, now shut up.” 

The tall man shook his head at you, sighing dramatically, as he delicately placed his fingers on his forehead. “I expected more from you.” 

You guffawed. “You’re so annoying!” 

Johnny placed a hand on his chest, staggering backwards. “You wound me.” The two of you laughed as you continued to joke around while Jeno, a friend of Mark’s and a regular, snorted at your antics. This continued until you heard the soft chime of the bell ring, signalling that a customer walked in. “Uh,” Johnny said as he slowly removed his hold on your wrists, “we promise we’re normal?”

The sound of your hand hitting your face was loud enough to coax a laugh from Jeno. The man smiled, although it came out awkwardly, as his eyes drifted to the table where the Harry Potter books still remained. Nobody bought it yet and you suspected that it was because they weren’t willing to spend the substantial amount of money that it costed. The thought of spending that amount of money, for something that was essentially a box and some stickers, made you cry internally but you understood that some people were willing to spend that, and more, when it came to limited edition merchandise.

“I’ll take this, please.” The customer said, voice a pleasant timbre, as he began to approach the display table. Johnny, like the little shit he was, scurried off to pretend to be busy. “Can I?” He asked as he gestured to it. When you nodded, a brilliant smile made its way onto his face and he immediately lifted the trunk lid. Allowing him a moment to fawn over it, you half-heartedly pretended to price up some books that were laying by the register.

“Big fan?” You asked when he eventually placed the trunk on the table with extreme care.

“Oh yeah,” he breathed out, “the biggest.” Then, much to your delight, he started going on a tangent about the series. You listened, enthralled by his passion and beauty–if you thought he was handsome from afar, he was absolutely devastating up close; his stark brows were softened by the pretty shape of his eyes, his whole face lighting up when he smiled that made him look like a cute boy next door rather than the model you first thought he was. All that and his incredible jawline? You were surprised that you hadn’t fainted on the spot with the way he was looking at you as he spoke. “And, also, it is so out of character for him to laugh along with the others when Ron got his robes in Goblet of Fire for the Yule Ball. He knew what it felt like to get hand-me-downs, so they made a mistake on the producers part. They should have stuck with his reaction in the book.” When he finished his rant, he looked sheepish. As if he had forgotten himself for a moment. “Sorry,” he mumbled as he shuffled slightly, hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. “I got, uh, a little carried away.”

“It’s okay,” you smiled kindly as you began to ring up up his item, “I didn’t mind.” From somewhere behind the Harry Potter fan, you heard Johnny try to cover up his laugh by coughing and it took all your willpower not to you roll your eyes and flip him off. Instead you continued to smile brightly at your customer. “Thank you! We hope to see you again!” You chirped as he walked away with his purchase. When he looked back and smiled at you, you definitely melted on the spot.

“We hope to see you again!” Johnny mimicked, his voice shrill, as he flipped his hair. Jeno snickered along with him.

“I do not sound like that!”

*

It was a few days later and, upon Taeil’s request, you made your way to Rainbow V across the road. You checked your pocket to see if the money you were told to take from the cash register was still there, you didn’t want to lose it and have to spend money that you didn’t have, as you walked into the fragrant store. 

You didn’t see anybody but could hear the low strumming of a guitar somewhere. It was a pleasant sound that you listened to as you inspected the different flower arrangements. Taeil wanted to decorate the bookshop a little bit by adding a vase of flowers here and there to ‘jazz up’ the atmosphere with a pop of color. He also planned to add a menu for teas and coffees for those who wanted to stay and read for a little bit in the shop in the near future.

“Sorry about that,” a familiar voice said. You spun around to find none other than Harry Potter man. “I–” he paused when he finally laid eyes on you, “hey it’s you!” If the smile that made its way onto his face made you fall in love with him a little bit, that was nobody else’s business but your own. “What brings you here?” 

“My boss wanted me to buy some flowers to make the shop a little more colorful.” You paused for a moment before adding, “any recommendations?” 

“Plenty!” He replied cheerily then backtracked. “Not that the shop is ugly or anything! Just, uh, I know a lot about flowers?”

“Nice save.” You giggled. 

For the next fifteen minutes or so, he took you around the shop and told you which he thought would suit the atmosphere and which ones would compliment the smell of books. You were thankful that he did and just picked any random bunch of flowers, sure that Taeil would be easily pleased with any bouquet that you chose.

“Great choice!”

And with that he lead you over to the register as made some small talk about the weather. You responded readily, commenting on how it was meant to be sunny for the rest of the week. Just as you took out money to pay for your purchase, a tall man came from the door behind the register. Your jaw almost dropped at the sight of him. Were all florists this attractive or did Rainbow V just happen to attract them? He nodded at you, smiling widely, before nudging your cashier. They spoke in rapid, you listened intently, Cantonese. Not that you understood a word they spoke. Although something stirred within you when you realized that his voice had gotten deeper when he spoke the language. After shoving the taller man away, who was laughing merrily, your cashier smiled shyly as he gave you your change. 

“Thanks a lot, uh.”

“His name is Dejun! Xiao Dejun!” His companion shouted from the other side of the store. Dejun shouted something at him in Cantonese again but the other man only snickered in response.

“Thanks Dejun.” You beamed. 

“No problem.” 

As you took the bouquets you said, “my manager is going to start, like, selling tea and stuff soon if you ever want to come over and read.” Dejun nodded, smiling at you and you took that as your cue to leave.

“He’ll be there!” His friend bellowed just before you took a step out of the building and you couldn’t contain your laugh when Dejun said something in Cantonese, sounding exasperated.

*

The day Taeil decided to begin his plan of selling refreshments to customers, Dejun had made an appearance–just as he had ever since he sold you the bouquets a few months ago. In fact he made sure to consistently bring you fresh bouquets every morning for the store, never failing to chat with you whenever he did. He flashed a quick smile at you as he made his away over to his usual spot, a seat in the far corner that was adjacent to the cash register. This always gave you a good view to admire him as he read. 

“It’s your turn.” Mark said as he handed you the menu. 

“It is not!” You responded. Somehow, in between the days when you weren’t rostered, Johnny had managed to inform Mark all about your small crush on the florist. And now they were in cahoots with one another. They didn’t even try to be sneaky about it! They were so obvious about it because whenever Dejun walked in, they suddenly remembered something that Taeil had specifically told them to do. 

“It is!” Mark replied. If he were Johnny you would have cursed at him but, no, he was adorable Markie-pumpkin who was always trying his best and helped you whenever he could. That and he gave you his puppy eyes, pouting at you. 

“You’ve been hanging around Johnny too much.” You sniffed as you swiped the menu from his hands. He did nothing but smile at you innocently.

The closer you got to Dejun, the more nervous you got. You wanted to turn around and not offer him anything but alas he had already spotted you walking over to him and dropped his book onto his lap, thumb stuck in between the pages so that he wouldn’t lose his place.

“Hey, y/n.” He smiled.

You greeted him back with a smile of your own and thrust the menu in front of him. “Would you like to order anything?” 

Dejun took the menu from you and scanned it intently. It was a few minutes of silence before he said, “what’s your favorite?”

Taken back you scrambled to remember the items on the menu. “The cha-yen is quite good! The condensed milk really adds a nice sweetness to the orange blossom infusion and the other spices included.” 

“Oh really?” He hummed as he lowered the menu, eyes lifting to stare at you. “My friend Yongqin who works with me grew up in Thailand and makes the best cha-yen. Or, well, he claims that he does anyway.” Your brows lifted in interest. “I’ll have it and rave to him about it.” He said as he returned the menu to you. When you took it, he continued smiling at you for a little bit longer before relaxing back into his seat.

“Wow. He’s, like, really in love with you y/n!” Mark immediately whispered as you approached the counter. You lightly slapped his upperarm which made him raise both of his hands up in mock surrender. “He totally is! Oh my goodness, I need to tell Johnny!” And with that, he fished his phone out of his pocket and began texting your friend.

After you served Dejun his drink and returned to your position by your counter, you felt a series of buzzing from you pocket. When you slyly took a peek, the notifications were from none other than Johnny. You stared at Mark accusingly as you quickly read over the texts. He did nothing but smile sweetly in return.

“I hate you both.”

*

“You two are so pathetic.” Taeil said as he slid in the seat opposite to you. It was one of those rare days when he visited the shop and closed it for an hour so that all the employees on the shift, and whichever regular was present, could eat together with the food that he bought. You scowled as you tore apart your wooden chopsticks with more force than necessary. From beside him, Johnny hummed in agreement as he slurped his noodles. 

“I hope you choke.” You replied to which he flipped you off.

“I hate to say it,” Taeyong said as he took the seat beside you. “But he’s right.”

Your jaw dropped. “Not you too!” You then turned to stare at Mark and Jeno, who happened to be passing by when Taeil was approaching the shop, groaning when they wouldn’t meet your eyes guiltily. “Does nobody here love me?”

“No because Harry Potter boy is the only one who does.” Johnny retorted. You crumpled up a piece of tissue and threw it at his direction. He stuck his tongue out at you when you missed. 

“And, anyways, there is no way he is pathetic.” Johnny and Taeil groaned. “He isn’t!” 

“So why hasn’t he asked you out yet, then?” Jeno asked before taking a big bite of his food.

“Because he doesn’t like me at all.” You replied as you blew on your food. After taking a bite, you looked up to find them staring at you as if you were an alien. “What?”

“Oh my goodness.” Mark griped as he dropped his head onto the table dramatically. Jeno patted his back and shot you a look that was a mixture of disappointment and disbelief.

“Like I said,” Taeil piped up, mouth full of food. “Pathetic.”

“Alright that’s it. I’m quitting.”

“No you aren’t.” They all chirped in a freaky kind of synchronization. 

You hated that they were right.

*

The next morning you found yourself facing a man with cropped, silver hair. He smiled brightly when he spotted you, large bouquets in hand. “Y/n, right?” When you nodded in response, he placed the bouquets on top of the counter. “Xiaojun couldn’t make it, so he asked me to give these to you. But he said he’ll be by later.” He finished with a wink.

“Oh, uh, thank you!” 

“So, Xiaojun mentioned something about the cha-yen being amazing here?” He said while mirrored your smile and, yeah, you were pretty sure that it was a requirement that people who worked in Rainbow V to be attractive. There was no way there wasn’t with the way the staff looked.

“You must be Yongqin!” You said as you remembered what Dejun had said months prior. 

Yongqin straightened his posture, looking immensely pleased. “He’s talked about me?”

“He’s talked about all of you.” 

“Okay then I’ll take seven of those!” After quickly whipping up his orders, trusting that Mark could hold up the fort, you gave at to him at a discounted price. Yongqin tried to pay it for the full price but you refused, insisting that it was the least you could do because of all the flowers Dejun had been kind enough to drop by everyday. “Oh alright,” he said as he gave up and tucked away the remainder of his money. He paused for a moment, hands on the bag you placed the drinks in, then grinned at you as his eyes sparkled with mischief. “Since you gave me those on a discounted price, I’ll tell you a secret.” He waved you over to him. When you did he whispered in your ear, “our Xiaojunie always makes sure you have a bouquet arranged by him even though he has a day off.”

Your eyes widened. “Really?” Your heart jumped at the thought of him taking care in arranging a bouquet and delivering it to you himself.

“Mhm,” Yongqin hummed. “Have you ever asked Xiaojun about the flowers?”

Your forehead creased. “No?” You replied, still in shock.

“Never?”

“Never.”

Yongqin hummed before gripping onto the bag and swinging it by his side. “You should ask him what the flowers mean.” And with that he wiggled his fingers at you then spun on his heel and left. 

Several thoughts swirled in your mind after your encounter with Yongqin. What had he meant about the flowers? Of course you knew that different flowers had different meanings but you weren’t proficient in floriography. It never occurred to you to ask Dejun about the flowers he gave you for the shop recently, either, because the one time that you did, he just remained mute and thrust the bouquets towards you and then practically ran away. You had always just assumed that Dejun gave you whatever flowers he had on hand but you thought there had to be something going on with the look that Yonqin gave you. Then your thoughts switched onto Dejun. Precious Dejun who went and arranged bouquets to give to you for the shop even though he had a day off. 

When the person running around in your mind walked in, you attempted to appear casual–as if you hadn’t spent the entire afternoon waiting for him to walk in. Johnny snorted at you and wandered off, claiming to have something to do. But not before pointedly inclining his head at the florist and then staring you down. 

“Hey,” you greeted as he walked up to the register rather than his usual spot. You noticed that he didn’t have a book in his hand like he normally did and frowned. “Not staying long?” You asked, swallowing the disappointment that threatened to crawl up.

“No,” he replied before hastily adding, “but could I, uh, maybe borrow you for a few minutes?”

As you opened your mouth to respond, Johnny did it for you. “Yes! Absolutely! They’re free!” Your head snapped to where he was speed walking towards you, giving him a look that said, ‘are you serious?’.

Dejun shifted his weight onto his other foot. “Are you sure?”

“Yep! Definitely! I mean, look at this place! It’s basically a ghost town!” With that, Johnny placed his hands on your shoulders and steered you until you were beside the florist. “Keep them away as long as you need to!”

You felt your palms begin to sweat when Dejun held his hand out towards you so before placing your hand in his, you wiped it on your jeans. As he lead the two of you out, you turned to give Johnny a freaked out look that he returned with a thumbs up and a goofy smile.

Curiosity gnawed at you as Dejun walked the two of you over to Rainbow V, which had a ‘Closed’ sign on the front. You remained silent as he lead you to the back room where Yukhei appeared from when you first walked in. Dejun gestured you to take a seat and when you did, he immediately spun around to grab his guitar that was leaning on the wall by the seat across from you. You didn’t have time to ask him what was going on because when you finally were about to ask, he gave you a nervous smile and started strumming. Just when you thought he couldn’t be anymore perfect, he began singing. You swore that you soul ascended into a different plane of existence with each note that he sang, making sure that he looked directly into your eyes as he did so.

You immediately began clapping as soon as he ended. “That was– You were so–” you had difficulty finding the right words of praise. “Oh my God, Jun-jun, you are so talented.” A smile blossomed on his face, bowing his head as he accepted your compliments. “What was that song, by the way?” You asked. “I’ve never heard of it before.”

“I, uh, wrote it.” Dejun cleared his throat, squaring his shoulders. “I wrote it for you.” He said with more confidence than the last time. Your jaw dropped as you began to stand up but he stopped you by holding out a hand and saying, “hold on, I need to get something.”

A song. He wrote a song for you. He wrote you a song and performed it for you. If you hadn’t been sitting down when he told you, you were pretty sure you would have swooned. That had to mean he had feelings for you, right? You were pretty sure that nobody just went around writing songs for people they didn’t have feelings for. It was like the time Taeyong told you that he made a mixtape for his crush. Nobody went around doing stuff like that casually. 

When he returned, bouquet in hand, nervously meeting your gaze you couldn’t help but melt. Dejun pushed out the bouquet towards you as he lowered his gaze. Slowly, you took them from him as you stared at him in disbelief. Suddenly, Yongqin’s words from earlier came back to you and you spoke before he could.

“What do the flowers mean?” You asked him softly.

“Well,” he breathed out, “the bouquet I arranged for you is a mix of tulips, purple and red roses, baby’s breath and alstroemeria, or, uh, Peruvian lilies. Obviously,” he licked his lips, “they’re all different flowers. But I arranged them together and gave them to you because I want to tell you that I like you. And that all of the flowers I’ve ever given you for the bookshop has always had something to do with my feelings for you.” He took in a quick breath before continuing. “I want you to know that it’s alright if you don’t like me back but if you do, would you maybe want to go on a date with me?”

“Wait,” you said as you lowered the bouquet, “you mean to tell me that you’ve been, what, confessing to me all these months?” Dejun looked at you through his lashes, wincing ever so slightly before he nodded in response. “Oh my God, you absolute sap! Yes, of course I’ll go on a date with you.”

Dejun’s head snapped up, eyes full of disbelief. “What?”

“I said yes, dummy, now come over here and kiss me.” He wasted no time in doing what he was told, walking up to you with purposeful strides. You gently laid the bouquet on the chair behind you and just had enough time to see the desire in his eyes before you closed your own as he leaned in to kiss you. “Maybe I’m a little bit in love with you.” You whispered when the two of you pulled away.

“That’s good,” he replied, eyes shining with adoration as he huffed out a small laugh. “‘Cause I’m a little bit in love with you too.”

[headcanonsandmore]

Luna and Ron headcanons

Remember I posted a while back about Luna’s crush on Ron during OOTP, and how it would have been nice to see that get more attention? Well, that was on my mind for a while, so here’s some headcanons about how I think it could have gone. 

(Don’t worry, fellow Romione shippers, Ron and Hermione still fancy the arses off each-other, and Luna x Harry shippers might find something to enjoy as well...) 

Enjoy!

From the moment she saw him, Luna knew there was something wonderful about Ron Weasley.

Maybe it was the way his shockingly red hair seemed to reflect the sunlight of that September day, as the Hogwarts Express carried them to school. Almost like a beacon, shining light around it, and drawing people in.

Or maybe it was the way his smile was lopsided, so that it looked like his whole face was changing as he laughed. Ron had a kind face, the sort of face that you could imagine smiling all the time in earnest support of loved ones.  

Whatever it was, Luna liked it.

Ron and Hermione had just finished their prefect duties, and Ron had sunk into a seat opposite Luna, eyes closed as he savoured the chocolate frog in his mouth. His chin had a few coppery hairs clinging to it, as if he had missed a few whilst shaving. But maybe Ron didn’t shave, or maybe he chose not to. Luna liked those hairs regardless; they had character.

Ron seemed rather perturbed when she remembered that he’d gone to the Yule Ball with Padma Patil. Why she felt the need to point out that she wouldn’t have minded going with him, she didn’t know. But it felt necessary to make it clear. Why was her head feeling all woolly as she said it? Probably a wrackspurt…

He also seemed confused when she burst out laughing at his “baboon’s backside” joke about Gregory Goyle. But it had been hilarious; Luna couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed so much. Ron was a very funny person, and she quite liked that.

She also quite liked his little owl, Pigwidgeon. Ginny happened to have mentioned that Ron had let her name the bird, which Ginny thought was a very sweet thing to do. By the sounds of it, Ron had never really anything brand-new, and yet he had still let his little sister name the pet. Luna knew that Ron must be a very kind person.

‘He’s a sweet little owl, isn’t he’ she had said to Ron as she handed the bird and its cage over to the gangly redhead. Ron seemed a little baffled by her choice of phrase.

As he took the cage out of her arms, Ron’s hands happened to brush against Luna’s. His skin felt warm and smooth against her fingers, and Luna felt a shiver go up her spine. A Nargle, perhaps? But they didn’t collect in outdoor areas; what was going on?

In the weeks that followed, Luna often bumped into Harry, Ron and Hermione in-between lessons. On one occasion, she made sure that Harry knew she believed his story about seeing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named return. Out of the corner of her eye, she couldn’t help noticing the way Ron had loosened his collar, so that several beads of sweat were noticeable on his exposed neck. Luna thought that he looked very nice.

Another time, she saw Ron chatting to Hermione Granger in the Charms corridor, and decided to say hello. He greeted her with a cheery wave, and a brief smile. However, Hermione Granger did not react so enthusiastically; her brow furrowed into a frown, and her eyes darted suspiciously between Ron and Luna as she walked past them. Interesting, Luna thought; I wonder why…

A few weeks later, Luna accidentally ran into Ron when he was running late for a Prefect meeting. There was a tremendous crash, and Luna opened her eyes to find Ron’s shocked face barely a few inches from her own.

‘I-I’m so sorry, Luna,’ Ron spluttered, helping her to her feet. ‘This bl**dy shoes are too tight, and I keep tripping over my own feet. Are you okay?’

‘That’s no problem, Ronald.’ Luna smiled, feeling a curious giddy sensation pulsing through her stomach. ‘No harm done.’

‘What about that?’ Ron said, pointing to her ear. One of her dirigible plum earrings had cracked. ‘Did I-? Bl**dy h*ll, I’m so sorry; it must have broken in the crash!’

‘No matter,’ Luna said, casting Reparo on the earring, which fused back together.

‘Well, I’m late for a Prefect meeting, but let me make it up to you,’ Ron continued, bending down to pick up Luna’s bad, which had fallen off her shoulder in the collision. ‘What can I do?’

‘How about a drink in Hogsmeade on the next visit?’ Luna said at once.

Ron’s eyes widened in confusion.

‘Why would you want that?’

‘It’ll be fun; I don’t usually get to talk with people on Hogsmeade trips.’

‘Really?’ Ron asked, his voice now filled with concern. ‘Well, of course I’ll come along. Three Broomsticks at eleven, okay?’

‘I’ll be there.’ Luna smiled, as Ron began to hurry along the corridor again. ‘Bye!’ 

The redhead waved, flashing his usual lop-sided grin.

Luna felt positively giddy with excitement. She was going for a drink with a friend in The Three Broomsticks; she couldn’t wait. Although she wasn’t sure why she was so happy, after-all, Ginny was her friend, and she didn’t feel so excited about hanging around with her. Oh, well…

Over the next few days, Luna saw Ron a few more times in the corridors, often accompanied by Harry and Hermione. Whenever she waved, Ron replied in kind, and so did Harry (although he often seemed exhausted). But Hermione seemed to look angrier with each occurrence. Her eyes would narrow, and her lips would purse as if worried. Luna wondered whether she had done something to offend the bushy-haired Gryffindor.

Before Luna knew it, it was the morning of the Hogsmeade visit. Ron had previously mentioned that he’d meet her in the pub, rather than at school, since he’d have to get some prefect duties sorted first that morning before he left.

Luna was sat patiently at a small booth by the window of the pub. She drummed her fingers nervously on the table, which was unusual for her. She felt very nervous, but that was probably because she hadn’t ever hung around Ron for a long period of time before. She took a small sip of butterbeer from her glass; it was very delicious.

The door of the pub opened, and Luna caught a glimpse of red hair. She looked up, but it was Ginny.

‘Hi Luna!’ the redheaded girl grinned, walking over. ‘Are you waiting for someone?’

‘Hello, Ginny,’ Luna smiled. ‘Yes, I’m meeting Ron in a minute.’

‘Really?’ Ginny frowned, confused, before a thought seemed to occur to her. Her mouth stretched into a wide smile. ‘Oh, I get it. Hope you have a great time. My brother can be a bit of an idiot at times, but he’s a good person. Have fun!’

And, with that, Ginny made her way over to Michael Corner, who was stood nearby the bar, ordering a Butterbeer.

Luna wondered what Ginny had meant. What was the big deal about her meeting up with Ron? Wasn’t that what friends did?

‘Luna! Sorry to keep you waiting!’

Ron had walked through the door, followed by Harry and Hermione.

‘Hello, Ron,’ Luna smiled up at the redhead, feeling her stomach squirm again. ‘And Harry- Hermione- it’s nice to see you!’

‘Thanks!’ grinned Harry, shaking Luna’s hand.

‘Hello, Luna,’ said Hermione, giving a half-hearted smile that did not reach her eyes. She seemed somewhat apprehensive.

‘Let’s get some drinks,’ Harry said, dumping his coat in the seat next to Luna. ‘Butterbeers okay? Back in a sec.’

Ron sat down in the seat opposite Luna, and Hermione followed into the seat next to him; her eyes flicking again between Ron and Luna.

‘So, how have things been, Luna?’ Ron asked, running his hands absentmindedly through his hair, making his long ginger locks stick up in odd directions. ‘You enjoying fourth year?’

‘Oh, yes; very much so!’ Luna grinned, her vision lingering on the cowlick currently hanging over Ron’s left ear. It looked very interesting. ‘And are you enjoying fifth year, Ron? I’ve seen you doing prefect duties.’

‘Er, that’s more Hermione’s thing.’ Ron said; nodding towards the bushy-haired witch sat beside him. ‘I’m just the tag-along, really-’

‘No, you’re not!’ snapped Hermione, her eyes flashing. ‘You’re a brilliant prefect!’ 

‘You didn’t seem very convinced when I got my badge,’ Ron muttered, rubbing the said-badge with the sleeve of his robe.

‘That’s-that’s entirely different, Ron!’ Hermione exclaimed, her face turning red. ‘I never doubted your abilities- I was just a little shocked-’

‘These two arguing again?’ Harry asked, putting three Butterbeers down on the table, and sitting down next to Luna. Ron and Hermione seemed oblivious as they continued to bicker with each-other. ‘Sorry about that, Luna; they’ve always been like this.’

‘It’s no problem, Harry.’-Luna smiled at him, and noticed a small blush appear on the raven-haired boys’ cheeks-‘I know they don’t mean to.’

‘G-good.’ Harry stammered, taking a big gulp from his glass. Luna wondered whether she had un-nerved him somewhat; she often had that effect on people. Although, judging from Harry’s reaction, he looked more nervous than uncomfortable. Luna supposed it was because they hadn’t known each-other that long. Which gave Luna a sudden thought.

‘So, you three have been friends a long time, then?’ she asked, making Ron and Hermione stop arguing and turn to look at her.

‘Since first year,’ Hermione said, earnestly.

‘Yeah, we got attacked by a mountain troll,’ Ron said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. ‘That was an interesting Halloween-’

‘You mean I got attacked by a mountain troll-’

‘In the girls’ toilets, wasn’t it?’

‘I was crying because you were so rude to me-’

‘I said I was sorry! How many times do you want me to apologise for that?’

Harry rolled his eyes at his two friends, and turned to face Luna.

‘Sometimes, you just have to let them bicker. They’ll tire themselves out.’

However, another thought occurred to Luna.

‘Ronald, your freckles are very interesting.’

Hermione and Ron stopped bickering, and both turned their heads to face Luna, Ron looking baffled and Hermione irritated.

‘Er, thanks,’ said the redhead, looking a bit confused.

‘They remind me of the sky at night.’

‘Is that… good?’

Luna chuckled, dimples appearing in her cheeks.

‘Yes,’ she continued, smiling at the look of apparent bafflement on Ron’s face. ‘Your eyes are very nice too; like a sunny day in July.’

‘Ookay,’ Ron said, rubbing his neck awkwardly. ‘Er, your eyes are really nice too, Luna.’

‘Thank you!’

Hermione clenched her fists, making her nails scratch the table surface. Her brow was furrowed, and her teeth were gritted.

Harry’s eyes flipped nervously between the confusion on Ron’s face and the visible anger on Hermione’s.

‘Er, how about we all head over to Zonko’s?’ The spectacled boy asked, downing the rest of his drink. ‘Let me and Luna go pay for our drinks and then we can pop over.’

Harry climbed out of his seat, and Luna followed him over to the bar. While Madam Rosmerta rung up their bill, Harry leaned in close to talk to Luna.

‘Sorry that Hermione’s being so rude.’

‘Oh, that’s fine. I understand that she doesn’t like me that much.’

‘I don’t think she hates you or anything.’ Harry said, casting a glance back over at his bushy-haired friend, who was bickering with Ron again. ‘I just think she gets a little….er….’

‘Possessive?’

‘Over Ron, you mean? Yeah. Especially since last year.’

‘Was it during the Yule Ball when this started?’

‘Funnily enough, it was.’ Harry said, giving a small chuckle. ‘Those two never seem to be aware of how much the other likes them. Ron’s been in love with Hermione for years, and vice versa.’

Luna pondered this for a moment, her heart giving a sad little twinge.

‘I can understand why Hermione would fall in love with Ron. He’s a very nice person.’

‘Sorry you had to find out this way.’ Harry said, giving Luna an apologetic look. ‘I know what it feels like to realise your crush fancies someone-else.’

Luna felt like the breath had been knocked out of her.

‘Is that what this is? A crush?’

‘Yeah,’ Harry said, patting Luna on the arm. ‘I mean, Ron’s a great bloke, so I don’t blame you. But Hermione really is his one-and-only. At least you found out now before you got your hopes up.’

‘That’s okay,’ Luna said, sincerely. ‘I like being Ron’s friend, so I wasn’t hoping for anything else.’

Harry smiled at her.

‘You’re a lovely girl, Luna.’ He said, his cheeks dimpling. ‘I’m sure you’ll make someone very happy someday.’

It was at that moment, with Harry grinning warmly at her, that Luna felt her heart beat a little quicker.

‘T-thank you,’ Luna stammered, feeling light-headed. ‘You’re a lovely person too, Harry.’

Harry grinned again, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

‘Do… do crushes happen a lot?’ Luna asked, tripping over her tongue. She felt a great desire to find out.

Harry smiled at her, his eyes glinting so much that Luna could see herself reflected in his bright green eyes.

‘Let’s find out, shall we…’

Hope you enjoyed these, everybody! 

[thebookishgoddess]

#Project14Lists 2018: Bookish Ships

My first post for the #Project14Lists bookish event is a list of my bookish ships! I know, controversial. Not everyone ships the canon couple, or ships that one character with anyone at all. Nevertheless, we are all here to express our love for books and the couples that our favorite authors have written, not to throw shade or spill the tea on each other’s ships. We are all trash for something, and we must respect each other’s trash (if that makes any sense, haha!)

For today’s list, I will be putting up twelve of my favorite bookish ships and my favorite fanart of them (with credits to the brilliant artists, of course!). There are waaaay too many ships that I love, if I’m being realistic here. But I got lazy after the 12th graphic I had to edit up for this. I’ll be dabbling on my favorite quotes/scenes of the ships and a little reaction to said quote or scene.

Let the fangirling commence!

Cover photo credit: johannathemad

1. Thomas Creswell & Audrey Wadsworth from the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco

Favorite Quote/Scene: “You are not mine to take.” He brushed his lips against mine. Softly, so softly I might have imagined them there. My eyes fluttered shut. He could persuade me to build a steamship to the moon when he kissed me. We could orbit the stars together. “You are yours to give.” --Hunting Prince Dracula

Are you bloody kidding me with that? Honestly, Thomas and Audrey is on the top ten of my favorite ships of all time simply because of that scene alone. This scene shows how much Thomas values Audrey as his equal and partner despite all the mayhem they went through. Also because Thomas Cresswell is every girl’s #bookboyfriendgoals because he’s suave af. I WILL SHIP IT TO MY GRAVE.

Art by phantomrin

2. Elias Veturius & Laia of Serra from the Ember Quartet by Sabaa Tahir

Favorite Quote/Scene: Laia is curled in a ball on the other, one hand on her armlet, fast asleep. 

"You are my temple", I murmur as I kneel beside her. "You are my priest. You are my prayer. You are my release." --A Torch Against the Night

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. Do men like Elias Veturius even exist in the 21st Century? Hells no. Well, maybe, but the probability of one existing is about 1 to a million, so there’s that. I have never been so moved by such a simple statement, especially since that mantra is supposed to be Elias’s mantra to like, what was it? His honor in fighting for the Empire? But when he said that to Laia, it’s the same level of honor and I’m just so emotional about that?? What even?? How dare Sabaa?? 

Art by gabriella.bujdoso

11. Draco Malfoy & Astoria Greengrass from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Favorite Quote/Scene: DRACO: Which is why you need this [time-turner]. I have been holding onto it, barely resisting using it, even though I would sell my soul for another minute with Astoria.

DRACO: You [speaking to his son, Scorpius] know what I loved most about your mother [Astoria]? She could always help me find light in the darkness. She made the world — my world, anyway — less — what was the word you used — “murky.”  

--Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

CAN WE JUST TALK ABOUT DRACO MALFOY FOR A HOT MINUTE? This man, who firmly believes himself hopeless soon after the Battle of Hogwarts ended, gets the happiest gift of all by having some girl named Astoria Greengrass see the good in him and love him for who he is. If that isn’t the best trope in a ship, I don’t know what is! We know nothing about Astoria other than the fact that she’s some obscure sister of yet another obscure classmate of Draco’s named Daphne. And yet, she seemed one of the most integral characters to me in Cursed Child when Draco said that he resisted using the time-turner to see his dead wife. 

Let’s not forget how when Scorpius time-traveled to a VoldemortWins!AU that Draco still ends up with Astoria. I think that’s what so beautiful about Draco and Astoria. They’re such a minor couple in the background of Hinny and Romione, but they carry so much history we’ve yet to know thanks to their darling cinnamon roll of a son, Scorpius. Anyone who truly knows me is already knowledgeable of the fact that I cry over this ship on a daily basis. And I’m sorry again that I had to cry and make one heck of a long description for this ship because they’re my ultimate fave *ugly sobs*.

Art by blvnk-art

4. Cress Darnell & Carswell Thorne from The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Favorite Quote/Scene:

“Captain?“ “Cress.“ She couldn’t not say it, although she realized he was right. It was sort of scary. Much scarier than it had been the first time she’d told him, out in the desert. It was different now. It was real. "I’m in love with you.” He chuckled. “I should hope so, after all that.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her temple. “And I love you too.” --Winter

FIRST OF ALL, WHAT THE ACTUAL FORK I AM SCREECHING OVER THAT. That scene was probably one of the most memorable scenes I’ve read in the last installment of the Lunar Chronicles. Forget how Levana died and all was well. I cannot help but forget this very scene that sets every other couple in the series apart because of how well-written and developed these two were together. Right now, I am super tempted to re-read the Lunar Chronicles, just for the heck of rereading Cresswell (the ship name) all over again. 

Art by vvivaa

5. Tedros & Agatha from The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani

Favorite Quote/Scene: “But you are my queen. No one but you. And I like seeing you wear it. Because as long as you do, I know you still love me. And given our history of miscommunication, physical cues are helpful.” --The Last Ever After

I absolutely adore Tedros and Agatha. I have been rooting for them since day one of this series and I will never stop (even if Soman highkey tore them apart in Quests for Glory, for shame). They’re probably the most realistic couple to me, if there was a better word for it? Miscommunication definitely happens a lot between these two because Tedros can be pretty dense sometimes and Agatha can be quite arrogant. But I always love how they come together in the end to work it out because that’s what most couples do--they fight, but they don’t lose sight of what’s really important to them. Tedros and Agatha physically embodies those kind of relationships and I am absolutely here for it. Soman needs to stop hurting me after Quests for Glory though because Tedros and Agatha being apart up until Crystal of Time physically hurts me askhjsfkhja.

Art by thevioleteuphonia

6. Nina Zenik & Matthias Helvar from the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo

Favorite Quote/Scene:

“I am grateful you're alive", he said. "I am grateful that you're beside me. I am grateful that you're eating." 

She rested her head on his shoulder. 

"You're better than waffles, Matthias Helvar." 

A small smile curled the Fjerdan's lips. 

"Let's not say things we don't mean, my love.” --Crooked Kingdom

I AM STILL HIGHKEY MAD FOR WHAT LEIGH DID TO THIS SHIP. I won’t say more, but I will say that this is the most painful ship to have ever sailed and I will never get over it. But also the sweetest and well-crafted because of how much these two characters developed over the course of two books. Granted, Nina and Matthias had their history together before the Dregs, but even without it, Leigh wrote them in a way that makes you believe they really are meant for each other in the end despite all adversity. I’m happy Nina is likely going to get a female love interest in Leigh’s installment on Prince Nikolai’s story, though her being with Matthias will always have a special place in my heart.

Art by nilaffle

7. Lira & Elian Midas from To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Favorite Scene/Quote:

“If you get shot,” Lira says, “I’m going to treat you like you’re incapable of doing the simplest tasks.” 

She cradles her arms around her knees to keep out the cold. 

“See how you like it when I hold out my arm to help you walk, even though you’re not shot in the leg.” 

“I’d be flattered,” I say, “that you would look for an excuse just to hold my hand.” 

“Perhaps I’m just looking for an excuse to shoot you.” --To Kill a Kingdom

I love a good “do I want to kill you or kiss you, it’s interchangeable” trope between couples, and when it comes to Lira and Elian, they pretty much seal the deal on that kind. Lira, the princess siren, is pretty much a cray murderer that takes people’s hearts and Elian is a prince-pirate that’s set to destroy her and kill her for good. I mean, it can’t get any more angst and interesting than that. The way they slowly develop in this standalone is very intriguing because not a lot of authors can pull off a realistic romance fantasy the way Alexandra Christo did. I just absolutely love Lira and Elian, their funny banters and their angst. They’re the kind of ship I would sail forever, really.

Art by silketara

8. Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

There was a clatter as the basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione's arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Ron threw away the fangs and broomstick he was holding and responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted Hermione off her feet. --Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

CONTROVERSY. But seriously, I absolutely adore and love Ron and Hermione together because of their balance as a couple. There are times where Ron will be street smart and there are times (but most of the time) where Hermione will be book smart. Plus, I definitely think they need each other at times to get off their own high horses because we all know Hermione can be a wee bit intense and Ron can be a wee bit ignorant, but that’s the beauty of them balancing each other out. And that particular favorite scene I just showed proved just how far their relationship as more than friends have come. I practically squealed the first time I read their first kiss scene!

Plus, have you seen them in Cursed Child? I know hardly anyone considers it canon, but adult Ron and Hermione are the cutest ship to squeal at in that book--which seems to be one of the very few good things that book had ever produced. 

Art by johannathemad

9. Elain Archeron & Lucien Vanserra from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

Favorite Scene/Quote: Lucien’s hands slackened at his sides. His voice broke as he whispered to Elain, “You’re my mate.” --A Court of Mist and Fury

Here we go, y’all. Another controversial ship. Let me just say that I want Elain to be happy, and whether it’s with Azriel or Lucien or by herself, I’m totally down for that. I just simply love the idea of Elain and Lucien together because of how actual smol beans they both are. Elain, our sweet flower girl and Seer with Lucien, our soft and loyal Fae--I mean, honestly. If I’m weak for ships that want to kill each other, I’m also weak for ships that have the softest hearts. I think they both have their own struggles and I definitely think they’ll grow from those struggles together. 

We all know what happened in ACOFAS and how Elain pretty much snubbed Lucien, but I still have high hopes for them. Maas has a plethora of novels coming out for the minor characters of the ACOTAR series, and I’m betting Elain and Lucien will get their moment in one of those novels. I haven’t lost hope yet! I mean, I bought magnetic bookmarks of these two, so it’s pretty clear I want these two to be endgame, haha!

Art by embaileyart

10. Nesta Archeron & Cassian from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

Favorite Quote/Scene: Cassian grunted in pain, but lifted his bloodied hands - to cup her face. “I have no regrets in my life but this.” His voice shook with every word. “That we did not have time. That I did not have time with you, Nesta.”

She didn’t stop him as he leaned up and kissed her - lightly. As much as he could manage. --A Court of Wings and Ruin

I think the whole, if not all, of the ACOTAR fandom can agree that Nesta and Cassian are endgame through and through. Judging by that intense moment alone as per the scene presented above, I can pretty much say that while they both have a long way to go, the foundation has already been built from there. I mean, come on, people! They were willing to get killed by the King of Hybern if it meant protecting each other. If that isn’t squeal-fangirl factor trying to protect each other from some evil war lord, I don’t know what is!

Art by meabhd

11. America Singer & Maxon Schreave from The Selection series by Kiera Cass

Favorite Quote/Scene: “Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.” --The One

My high school fangirlish heart is exploding with memories of how much I loved America and Maxon back then, and I still do! This single sentence above said by Maxon says so much about how far he and America have come together through the adversities faced during the Selection and the rebellions that came with it from the people of Illea. Their love story is definitely one for the ages. While it’s your typical poor girl marries rich prince story, they’re definitely worth the remarkable development they’ve have over the course of three beautiful books.

Art by marimari999

12. Arin & Kestrel from the The Winner’s Curse trilogy by Marie Rutkoski

Favorite Quote/Scene: She turned to look at him, and he was already looking at her. 

“I’m going to miss you when I wake up,” she whispered, because she realized that she must have fallen asleep under the sun. Arin was too real for her imagination. He was a dream.

“Don’t wake up,” he said. --The Winner’s Crime

I’m in slight tears because I still remember this scene in the second book. The scene wasn’t actually real, but a dream that Kestrel had after months of being separated from Arin by some messed up duty to her country. Y’all have no idea the struggle these two had before they finally got their happily ever after (they did, just a little heads up for any hopefuls wanting to read the trilogy). This scene definitely gave me a sense of the impending tragedy of them being together (and yes, there’s also a forbidden love trope, sign me tf up, amiright), but it was a momentary bliss to everything that’s been happening during the course of when that scene happened. I absolutely adore Kestrel and Arin, and I’m so mad very few people have read of them or the series ahhhh.

Art by taylordraws

Phew! That was a lot of ships and hunting down for their quotes. Admittedly, I had some trouble with looking for scenes/quotes and that’s actually a perfect opportunity for me to start bookmarking my favorite parts of a book.

Aside from the struggles, though, I’d love to hear some of your favorite bookish ships, whether we ship the same thing or not. It’s always interesting to hear someone else’s point of view of ships, especially ones where our ships contradict. Feel free to sound off in the comments below!

[xx-thedarklord-xx]

Virginity is a Gift, Use it Well

So, I am horribly stuck when coming to this series of mine. I am rereading it in the hopes to pick up on the muse that was once there and decided to post a snippet on here. I suppose it is longer than a usual snippet but, oh well. *Shrugs*

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

            Normally, the warm heat of the classroom would have lulled Draco into a sense of calm. Normally, the heady aroma of the ingredients and the bubbling cauldron would have him at ease in the knowledge that this was the only thing in his life that he could control. Normally, he would have spent several minutes finding the perfect way to ruin Potter’s potion by now. Normally, he would be halfway into a loud debate regarding whether Weasley’s father was going to sell one of their children to keep food on the table.

            Only, Potter and Weasel were ruining this by being bloody weird.

            Today, Snape had them partnered up. Typically, that meant that Granger and Weasley were a unified front, especially considering the two were now an item. Draco shuddered at the thought. Salazar, he wasn’t sure which one had the worst of it in regard to the relationship. He wouldn’t wish either of them on another person.

            Instead of Potter teaming up with Longbottom, he chose to partner with Weasley at the back of the room. He had seen Granger frown at them in suspicion, so whatever was going on, she was just as clueless as he was. Which he figured was her karma for being so insufferable in the first place. Serves her right.

            It wasn’t necessarily that they teamed up that was so odd, it was their unusual behavior. They had been arguing from the moment they arrived, leading Draco to assume they had been quarrelling long before they reached the classroom.

            Since they were behaving out of character, he decided to work in the back of the room as well. Naturally, of course.

            Snippets of their not-so-quiet whispered debate had reached his ears from time to time. He didn’t have as much time as them to gossip, since he was flying solo on the potion. Zabini had been foolish enough to take that drivel the Weasel twins were selling to get out of class. It had worked as intended, he fainted alright, just never woke up. The other end of the disgusting sweet hadn’t worked as it should. So, the unfortunate bastard was lying in the hospital wing, missing out on all of this oddness.

            “Have you gone mental?” Weasel’s unpleasant voice carried over to where Draco was studiously counting his counterclockwise stirs.

            “I know you don’t understand it, Ron.” The frustration in Potter’s tone had him arching a curious brow.

            “That’s the only thing you have said all day that makes sense!” A pause. “Of course I don’t understand it. Are you sure you haven’t been cursed or poisoned?”

            The scoff Potter released was so harsh, Draco wondered if it had hurt. Couldn’t hurt to wish, right?

            “I take offense to that.” Potter crossed his arms and stirred the potion the wrong way. Bloody idiot. The instructions were clearly on the board and yet the golden boy wondered why Severus treated him so badly.

            “It isn’t something I just decided on a whim, you know. I thought long and hard about this. It’s what I want to do.” Draco furrowed his brows as he wondered what they could be talking about. He hated that he was getting so caught up in this. It wasn’t as if they actually mattered. He shook his head as he decided to just ignore them. With his resolve firmly planted, he focused on his work.

            “Besides, it’s my arse on the line. Literally.”

            Draco could practically see his resolve burning in a spectacular show of mental Fiendfyre. The statement had him horribly hooked and he begrudgingly hung onto wherever this argument was taking them. Damn Potter.

            “Oh God.” Weasel let out a pitiful moan, almost to the point of exaggeration. “Are you trying to make me ill? Is that what you are aiming for? Because if so, then just send me to Hospital Wing now.” Well, no one said the Weasleys weren’t dramatic.

            Potter huffed as he threw in way too many bat spleens. Draco knew the potion was unredeemable now. There was a flash of vindication that filled him as the putrid smell of their concoction wafted around the room.

            “Potter, Weasley.” The two in question startled in surprise to see Snape towering over them with a sneer in place and anger raging in narrowed eyes.

            “I sincerely detest interrupting your important conversation. So important that you have neglected to use your brains. Limited as they were to begin with.” Draco couldn’t stop the smirk if he had tried.

            Weasley spluttered inelegantly. Not that Draco expected anything less.

            “Which one of you dunderheads thought it would be a brilliant idea to use Billywig Sting instead of Billywig Slime?”

            All eyes were now on their table, so Draco felt no shame in leaning forward to observe them better.

            “It would appear that you need glasses Weasley. The instructions are written right there.” The man gestured behind him to the board. “Unless of course, you just can’t read.”

            Ah. The red hue to the freckled face was always one of Draco’s favorite sights to see. Whether Weasley was shamed or angered, it mattered none. The result led to the boy being uncomfortable and that was always Draco’s goal.

            “If it was you Potter, then I fear you are a lost cause. Can’t cite that you can’t see, now can you?”

            If there was anything that Draco liked better than an angry Weasley, was definitely an angry Potter. The way the other boy’s vivid green eyes darkened in rage was honestly a sight to see. It always fueled his own satisfaction every time he got under Potter’s skin.

            “No, sir.” Potter spat out as he clenched his fists.

            Snape vanished the contents of the wretched potion with a lazy flick of his wand. “Zero marks, again.” There was a smirk quirking at the corner of thin lips. “I want a thirteenth-inch essay on where you went wrong and how you could have fixed your mistakes. Due next class.” A billowing of black robes and the man was on his way back to his desk.

            “Longbottom, five points from Gryffindor for not letting your classmates know they were making a mistake.”

            Draco had to hold in the low whistle that was threatening to come out. Merlin, his head of house was on form today.

            “But Sir-” Granger piped up in confusion but also with a horribly annoying persistence.

            “Don’t question my decisions. Another five points.” Draco bit his lip in an attempt to stall his laughter as he began to bottle his potion into several vials.

            When they were dismissed, Draco noted that Weasley and Potter were still arguing with each other. He couldn’t deny that his interest had been piqued a long time ago. Despite being close to the doors, the two had waited for everyone else to leave before heading out. That alone sparked enough of a reason to follow them at a slower pace.

            “See what I mean? Just talking about it ruined our potion. Imagine actually following through with it!” Ron pointed out as they left the room.

            Harry sighed heavily. He was sick of this argument. He just wished Ron would let it go already.

            “Yes, because our hypothetical discussion was what ruined the potion. It couldn’t possibly be our lack of attention.” He rolled his eyes at his best friend.

            “Don’t get caught up in the details.” Ron warned. “That is beside the point. Explain to me again why you want to do this.”

            Harry grabbed Ron’s elbow to drag him down the opposite direction the rest of the class had gone. He didn’t want to be overheard.

            “I already told you. I feel as if things with Voldemort are going to pick up soon and I don’t want to die a virgin, not if I can help it.”

            Ron leaned up against the wall with pinched brows and a mouth curled in distaste. “I can understand that, I can. But why does it have to be him?” The last word was said with more confusion than disgust but the message was still clear.

            The question wasn’t one without merit. Harry had been asking himself that for months. Even after everything that had happened between the two of them, he couldn’t help but gravitate towards the other boy. It was as if they were two magnets on opposite ends of a room. Despite their hectic lives trying to keep them at warring ends, they kept inching forward until they met in the middle with such force that it ended in harsh fights and horrid insults. He looked back to Ron a little helplessly.

            When they locked eyes, Harry tried to convey what he was feeling with a meaningful glance. There was frustration mounting inside of himself at not really knowing his own feelings on the matter. For whatever reason, it did have to be him. It was always him.

            “There’s just something about him, you know?”

            “Fuck no.” Ron vehemently shook his head. “Unless you are talking about a stuck-up git with an unhealthy fascination for his father, then yes, I do know.”

            Harry rolled his eyes. “Why are you begrudging me of my choice? I am not saying I am going to marry him. I just want him to shag me senseless.”

            “What did I tell you about sending me to the Hospital Wing?” Ron’s face had turned a sickly green shade, causing Harry to let out a low chuckle in response.

            “I wish I hadn’t told you.” Harry mumbled as he ran his fingers through his hair. “I knew you weren’t going to agree with me but I didn’t think you would push the issue like this.”

            “I am your best friend.” There was an almost hurt quality to his tone. “And as your best friend, it is my duty to make sure that you don’t make the biggest mistake of your life by sleeping with someone like that.”

            Harry’s mouth twitched. “His qualities are the very reason I want him.” He pointed out.

            “You really have been cursed, haven’t you?”

            Harry couldn’t help but laugh at the seriousness to Ron’s facial expression.

            “Why don’t you pick someone else? What about Ginny? I am sure she would be okay to sleep with you. She’s fancied you for ages.”

            “Are you seriously offering up your sister?” Harry asked incredulously.

            “Desperate times call for desperate measures, Harry.”

            Harry groaned and knocked his head against the wall. “Even if we were to ignore the fact that she is like a little sister to me, she doesn’t have the things I am looking for.”

            Ron scoffed before scowling. “What is that? A permanent sneer and a holier-than-thou attitude? Because I got to tell you, those are horrible qualities in a person.”

            “When Ginny magically grows a cock and loses the breasts, then we can have this conversation again.” Harry said rather dryly.

            “Oh sweet Merlin.” Ron shuddered violently. “What a horrible mental image! Don’t ever say that again.”

            “I was trying to make a point. I don’t want your sister. I don’t want a girl. I want a boy. Preferably him.”

            “Say he turns you down, or makes a mockery of you. Then what are you going to do?” Asked Ron with a hint of worry. Harry knew his friend was only looking out for his well wishes but the repetitive conversation was taking its toll on him.

            “I guess I’ll have to come up with a backup plan.” He paused for a moment. “Do you think if I was of age, Snape would ever…” Harry trailed off expectantly.

            The way Ron spluttered and then choked, probably shouldn’t have amused Harry so much.

            “No. Hell no. What is wrong with you?” Ron was as pale as Nearly Headless Nick. “Are you a masochist? Because you are just asking for pain. First him and now Snape.”

            Harry grinned widely. “I suppose I could be. I’ll have to explore that at a later date.” He really was having too much fun. Watching the different hues Ron’s face could turn was the highlight of his day so far.

            “That isn’t a backup plan. That is suicide.” Ron shook his head rapidly. “I can’t let you proposition that dungeon bat. That would make me the worst friend in the history of shitty friends. I guess I will have to settle for your first option.” The reluctance was thick.

            Harry perked up immediately. “You mean that? You aren’t going to question me anymore?” Regardless of what Ron thought about the whole thing, he was going to do it anyways. It just would be nice to have the support of his best friend.

            “Oh, I’m going to question you about it. Probably wonder what the hell you were thinking for the rest of our lives. Then, I am going to silently and publicly judge you.”

            “But…?” Harry grinned widely at the resigned sigh the redhead let out.

            “But I will respect your decision.”

            It took a lot of willpower to not whoop out loud. But Harry figured his giant grin was good enough.

            “It isn’t exactly going to be easy.” Ron mused as he scratched his chin. “You don’t have the best history with each other.”

            Harry rolled his eyes. That was entirely obvious.

            Ron released a resigned sigh. “What are you going to do, walk up to Malfoy and say, ‘I know you’ve been an utter prat for almost five years but do you think you can stick your cock up my arse, so that I won’t die a virgin?’”

            Before Harry could so much as roll his eyes, a new voice spoke up.

            “What an intriguing offer.” The drawling voice had their eyes widening. Harry was filled with mild horror and drowning in embarrassment. Merlin, help him.

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

Here is to hoping that my muse magically appears as I try to finish this series. If you are interested in reading the rest of this story, have no fears. That is done and already has a sequel, or two. Check it out here.

[gukkle]

Fifth Season

Genre: Fluff/Angst

Characters: Taehyung x Sae Ron

Part 1

Eight years have passed since I’ve seen him. My life revolved around him, my day had began with him and ended with him. I would call him the love of my life, but he left for a better life, opportunities he could never get with me. Now he’s on top of his game and I ended up right underneath him again, in more ways than another. In your life, he was your fifth season.

2009

“Taehyung, put me down I swear to god I will destroy your little action figure collection that you think I don’t know about,” I started banging on his back. Taehyung had grabbed me in the middle of an important conversation about prom and just decided to man handle me. I was now on his shoulder being carried away as my friends continued to laugh as their one true leader was being taken away.

“Ah ah ah, that’s not nice, Saeron. I wanted your attention and you weren’t giving it to me. So I had to revert to these methods,” Taehyung smirked at you from besides your hip. My skirt was beginning to ride up more than it already had.

“I was talking to my friends, I was busy. Also Tae, my skirt is riding up my thighs. Unless you want to give everyone a show, please put me down,” I was still bouncing on his shoulder. The view from up here wasn’t that bad either. Taehyung had a nice butt and long legs. My boyfriend was pretty hot if you were to ask me. We’ve been dating since sophomore year, he had asked me out in the cutest way ever, it was in front of all his friends because he wanted to prove that he wasn’t a pussy. After he asked me, he had shouted to his friends, “Who’s a pussy now?” Fifteen year old Taehyung was shy and insecure around girls, he had trouble talking to girls he liked. But he got there after 2 years of pining. I knew he had liked me for a while, I was going to ask him out myself if he didn’t make a move himself.

“You should never be too busy for me, and we should give them a show,” Taehyung reached up and started pulling my skirt down. As much as he joked, he always would comply to my little commands. He was a pretty obedient boyfriend, he doesn’t listen only when he’s turned on which is pretty much all the time. He finally put me down on bench and he plopped down right besides me. I had to fix my hair that got messed up during that little journey. My hair had turned into a fluffy mess due to my body being upside down. Taehyung just stared at me as I tried to fix the mess on top of my hair. His eyes were so piercing it gave me chills down my spine.

“You look perfectly fine, stop doing that. I just wanted to ask you how your day was going,” He quirked his head to the side and gave you a cute and endearing smile. He looked like a puppy.

I couldn’t help but soften. Taehyung was a sweetheart to his bones. He was the boyfriend that every girl wished they had. I just managed to snag him before everyone else had. He reached out and laced his long fingers in between my smaller ones.

“My day is going fine, I feel like I have the most intense case of senioritis. Tae, I can’t believe that we’re almost out of here. We’re going to be freshmen in college in four months. We just have graduation left and we’re out of here to the next passage of our lives. Also we’re even going to colleges that are so close to each other. What couple can say that?,” I started rambling. I was just really excited about that fact that I was going to Columbia and Taehyung has been accepted into NYU Stern. We’ve been together for three years and hopefully we will go on for many years more.

I love Taehyung more than anything. Anything time he was even in the same room as me, my heart wouldn’t calm down. He’s been with me for so long. I don’t know what I would honestly do without him. During midterm weeks, he always called me and asked me if I was studying because I got distracted easily. If I wasn’t studying, he would make me go to the library and studying right in front of him. College meant everything to me, my parents always had told me that it is really important for my future to what college I would go to. My parents are slaving away at their horrible jobs to provide me with the education that would set me up for life. They saved and barely made enough for me to go to Phillip Exeter, and a chunk of my tuition came from my soccer scholarship, All my life I have been working towards getting into the most prestigious schools. I knew I wasn’t especially smart or special, but I had to try my hardest. Taehyung knew that and he understood. When we had gotten into a relationship together he had said to me,“I know that you want to focus on your studies and you might think relationships are a waste of your time, but just give us a chance and I promise it won’t be bad.”

He had told me that in with his whole sincerity. He never broke that promise. In fact, he was the one who gave me ambition and drive when I had none. When I was completely done with the amount of papers and work, Taehyung would hold my head in his hands, smile and say, “You can do this Saeron. Think of everything you have done that has lead up to this. Don’t stop now.” My favorite part of his little inspiration talks would be when he bought me my favorite croissant. He never failed to put a smile on my face and he drove me crazy with everything he does.

“I know, we’re so close. But Saeron, I want to talk to you about something,” The atmosphere in the courtyard seemed to turn grey. Taehyung was known to joke around, and that was one of the reasons I loved him. He never failed to retch a laugh, giggle, or chuckle no matter what mood I was in.

“Hm? What would that be,” I was curious, he was rarely seriously. Taehyung just looked too formal. A piece of his hair had been blown into his eye. I moved forward a little to push the hair out of his face. His eyes looked right through me as I flicked the little hair out of the way. The way he looked at me just sent a warm feeling through my body. I could see all his emotions bared out in his eyes. He was wearing our dark blue school uniform, with just his tie a little out of place. He was nervously fiddling with his fingers and it gave away that he was nervous.

“I know you’re excited and ecstatic about college, but I really don’t know how to tell you this. I want to let you know from me, rather than someone else,” Taehyung started, but he never got to finish because his name was being blasted through the PA system. The guidance office was summoning him.

“I’ll finish telling you when I come back, don’t go anywhere I’ll be quick,” He planted a kiss on your forehead and quickly got up and ran towards the main yellow school building that dominated the field, his long legs eating up the distance. I couldn’t help but stare. He was too perfect.

I was left alone once again. I should wait for him but he might take a while so I decided to stroll through the courtyard. It was May, which meant it was spring here. Rows of delicately planted flora surrounded a large thick oak tree. Our school sure had a mean gardening club, they put in the time and the money to make our school’s only courtyard look amazing. I guess that’s what our parents money went to. It was a while until I heard someone’s approach the bench I was taking a nap on.

“Tae, what did you want to tell me,” I didn’t open my eyes, the sun was too bright.

“Oh it’s not Taehyung, it’s me, Jimin,” a voice spoke. Jimin and Taehyung weren’t the greatest of friends. In fact, they were enemies in the disguise of friends. He was going to Columbia, the same as me. Taehyung always ranted about him to me, saying that he was a try hard and that he obviously had a crush on me.

“Hey Jimin, what do you need?” I still didn’t open my eyes. It wasn’t odd that Jimin was here, he always seemed to appear when Taehyung wasn’t near you. I knew that Jimin did have a small crush on me, I wasn’t oblivious. He did try to flirt with me sometimes, but I always turned him down because I only had eyes for Taehyung.

“I wanted to tell you something,” Jimin’s shadow blocked the sunlight. I finally opened my eyes, and he was standing right there. I guess it was time to get up from my little nap and entertain Jimin and whatever he had to say.

“Go for it. I’m all ears.”

Jimin huffed and fixed his uniform and tie. I lazily smiled up at him, as much as Taehyung hated Jimin, he was still a good guy.

“You know how you constantly bragged about how you and Taehyung are going to schools that were in the same city?”

“Yeah, he’s going to Stern and I’m going to Columbia,” Everyone knew already because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut.

“Well I just overheard from the guidance office, Taehyung talking to his counselor about how he’s going to a school in Korea instead,” Jimin boasted.

I couldn’t help but laugh a little, “Taehyung did get an offer from Yonsei University but he didn’t take it. He rejected in, Stern is where he wants to go.”

“No Saeron, he’s going to Yonsei, he already accepted it. He’s leaving right after graduation,” Jimin insisted. Ah, Jimin was so wrongly informed.

“Jimin, he’s not going to go abroad to study. He loves New York,” I patted Jimin on the head. He was so wrongly informed. Jimin huffed at your gesture and swatted your hands away.

“I’m telling you, he is leaving you for Yonsei. He’s not staying with you in the states. Don’t say I didn’t tell you later on when you’re heartbroken,” Jimin pushed even more. He smoothed his hand over his shiny hair, and looked me straight in the eye. The look in them unnerved me. It didn’t seem like he was lying, but no way did Taehyung make that decision without telling you. He told you everything, this shouldn’t be an exception. Jimin stared at you for ten more seconds before leaving with a silent question in the air.

I looked up at the sky, blue fluffy clouds floating in the sky. Taehyung wasn’t going to Korea, he wanted to go to New York City and Stern; where I would be. Was this what Taehyung wanted to tell you about? A gnawing sensation was burning it’s way through your chest. Taehyung had said that I was the only future for him. I closed my eyes and soaked in the sweet scent of the tulips and roses in the air. It was spring, the season of life and growing. It was the time of the year where everything was alive and reborn. There was no way that he was leaving.

Taehyung never got to say what he wanted to say to me. A couple of weeks have passed and he didn’t bring it up. It hung over my days like a dark cloud. I wanted the truth to come out of his mouth and not Jimin’s. I wanted, no needed, reassurance that he wasn’t about to leave me in a month.

“Hey Saeron, I brought you your favorite pasta from Mario,” Taehyung slid a brown paper bag towards you with a sly smile. Today he had his hair sweeped to the side and it had made you and all the girls swoon. He was so handsome.

“You’re honestly the best boyfriend I have ever had,” I greedily grabbed at the bag. The scent of tomatoes and basils wafted through the air

“I’ll take your thanks in the form of a kiss,” Taehyung pointed out his chin. I couldn’t help but giggle at his cuteness. I gave him a short kiss on his lips but drew back as fast as it had started. He pouted at me, I gave him a little pat on his cheek and ate the food he had bought me.

“That was barely a kiss, I’ll take another one later,” he stole a piece of pasta from my plate. I couldn’t let him take my pasta, we wrestled for it. I poked at him with my fork and he just didn’t care. I finally let up and started to feed him. He was eating with a sated smile on his face.

“That was a great kiss excuse me. Just be happy I’m willing to share today. I’m in a good mood,” I shoved a meatball down his throat. He swallowed it and stuck out his tongue to show me that he had eaten it all. I never felt more in love with him in that moment.

Graduation had quickly come upon us and I slowly forgot about what Jimin had told me. Taehyung didn’t show any suspicious signs that he was hiding something from me. I shouldn’t let Jimin’s words break into my thoughts and trust.

“I can’t believe that we finally graduated high school,” My friend, Amelia screeched as she threw her cap up in the air. I rushed over to hug her, we spun around. We were actually done with this place. No more high school, no more being stuck in this horrid place.

I spotted Taehyung from across the room and couldn’t help but run up to him. He held out his arms for you to jump into.

“I’m sorry your parents couldn’t make it to your graduation. At least they’ll come to your college graduation. But we made it Saeron, we finally made it,” Taehyung buried his face in your neck. I wore the scent he loved, which was a light april cotton.

“I love you Tae, we’re onto the next step of our lives. Imagine our lives in the city when we go to college. I’m already imagining late night takeout and delivery. But of course those nights of slaving over textbooks for upcoming exams. I can already see the New York skyline at night with those mesmerizing blinking lights. We also have to visit Times Square many times, I can’t wait to ride the giant ferris wheel in that giant toy store,” I would have continued if Taehyung hadn’t pulled away. The look on his face was didn’t reflect your excitement and happiness.

“I really didn’t want to tell you, but I have to. Saeron, I’m so sorry but I’m not going to be in New York with you,” Taehyung took a step back, distancing himself.

“Wait what do you mean? Did you accept the Duke offer?”

“I love you so much, but I have to do this. I committed to Yonsei University just two weeks ago. They’re giving me a full ride. I have to take it. It’s near where my grandma is, and she’s dying. I have to be with her before she passes away. I love you so fucking much I don’t know what I would do without you. But I have to do this, never forget I love you more than anything and that is why we have to part ways. I’m leaving in two days,” his eyes never left yours. They followed the tears that fell across my face. He tried to whip them away but I couldn’t have him touch me cause I know they would scorch my skin hotter than the summer sun.

I never really knew what it feels like to have your future ripped apart until that day. Taehyung was suppose to go to the city and live out the life you guys have planned for years. He was suppose to stay with you forever. Jimin was right. Taehyung was leaving for Korea. Today was completely planned out, we were suppose to celebrate our future and how many children we were going to have. Everything I imagined came crumbling apart before my eyes. The cheers from the joyous crowd turned sour in my ears. What were they so happy for? None of them knew that your world had just turned into an ice age.

Words couldn’t escape my mouth as hard as I tried. I wanted to yell at him for keeping this from me. I wanted to slap him. I wanted to hug him so he would never leave me. I stumbled back and ran. I ran faster than I ever had before. I could hear Taehyung yelling my name. I wanted to fight for him, for us. But I couldn’t. I knew he loved his grandmother more than anything in the whole world, including me. He may say that he loved me more than anything but I knew the truth. He wasn’t leaving me because he wanted to. If I told him to stay, it would be incredibly selfish. I couldn’t do that to him. Tears streaked rivers down my face. In the corner of my foggy vision, I saw Jimin looking at me. He had an unreadable expression on his face. Graduation day was over, and so was my future plans. I never knew how fleeting could be. The years I spent planning my whole life, wiped away in one day.

I didn’t see Taehyung after that day. I heard from his friend,Jungkook, that he had left quickly and sadly. He wanted to see me but I didn’t answer any of his calls. Taehyung even came to my parents home, but my dad had chased him off the property. I watched him from my window. He had written a letter for you and he sent Jungkook to deliver it. I never opened it. I couldn’t see his handwriting, if I saw it I would break down in tears. I already cried my heart out, I didn’t want to cry anymore.

“Saeron, I know you don’t want to face Taehyung, but please don’t be too sad. He wouldn’t want you to be like this. He loves you so much, he has to do this,” Jungkook tried to comfort me, but it didn’t work.

That summer I barely left my room in my parents house. They didn’t know what to do to help. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that my boyfriend broke up with me. The sun always came up in the morning, never wavering. I could never stand the heat, so that was my excuse to stay inside. The children laughing outside just depressed me even more. I thought of the talks about how many children we wanted. Taehyung had wanted four. He loves children, I always thought he would be a great kindergarten teacher.

August eventually arrived and left. My parents were so proud that I was going to Columbia, a school they have always admired from afar. Now their daughter was going to fulfill their dreams that they could never even have thought about achieving. College was going to be the start of something new. Taehyung was settled in Korea and spending his time taking care of his ailing grandmother. Jungkook would often bring up Taehyung and updates about his life. It was something he knew I needed. Jungkook would tell me what he was up to, and he always never failed to remind me that he loved me, and I never asked.

Autumn on the Columbia campus never failed to make me happy. Leaves seem to be everywhere on the ground and the orange, red, and yellow colors gave me inner peace. People say that fall is a bad season because all the leaves are falling. I loved it.

Strolling through New York City during autumn was an amazing experience. Pumpkin spice scents leaked from coffee shops. I walked along the outer edge of Columbia. I had class later, but I wanted to breath in the October air before it left. Everywhere I would see him. I’d see him in class sitting across from me, sending me a mischievous smile filled with the promise of trouble and adventure. I would see him sitting across from me in the library, urging me onto study, handing me my favorite baked good. I would see him at parties, looking straight at me with a dark look in his eyes, while lights flashed over us.

But my life was the complete opposite of summer. My mood matched winter, I felt like I was dying everyday. But winter was far away and so was Taehyung.   

[jobethdalloway]

Can I put in another one? i invited you on a date on our next visit to hogsmeade, too bad i can’t seem to do anYTHING RIGHT. SORRY I DIDN’T MEAN TO SPILL HOT BUTTERBEER ALL OVER YOUR LAP, I PROMISE I’M JUST NERVOUS. I can totally see Jane & Maura (rizzles) in this I just can't decide who would be the more nervous one in this.

(I thought this prompt was so cute! And I couldn’t decide for a while either, but I like how it turned out :) ..)

“This was stupid. This was stupid. This was so incredibly stupid.”

Luna Lovegood came up to stand by Maura in front of the mirror. “Are you engaging in conversation with yourself?” she asked, putting on a pair of radish earrings. “I find those can be very productive. Or do you have an invisible friend present?”

“No, Luna, it’s just me. Just me berating myself for my stupidity.”

“I suppose even Ravenclaws are bound to enter a dalliance with stupidity from time to time,” Luna said in her dreamy tone of voice. “What’s troubling you? Did you walk into that nest of nargles by the library?”

“No, today’s the Hogsmeade visit. And I asked Jane Rizzoli to go to Madam Puddifoot’s with me. On a date. I asked her on a date.”

“Oh,” Luna said with a touch of wistfulness. “And she said no but you’re both still going to Hogsmeade and you’re worried it will be awkward so you wished you’d never asked.”

“What? No, she said yes!”

Luna stopped talking to Maura’s reflection and turned to look at her. “She said yes? That doesn’t sound very stupid to me.”

“I’m just…sometimes I feel like I’m not genetically set up for dating,” Maura stammered. “And besides, Jane is so - well, she’s so popular and funny and beautiful, what if she only said yes as a joke?”

Luna considered this. “Well, you may not be very popular but objectively I’d say you can be funny and you’re quite lovely to look at. From what I can tell, Jane is a good person. She’s best friends with Rom Weasley’s brothers, and Ron Weasley is almost a friend of mine, and he’s quite nice most of the time. So if you follow the logic it seems very unlikely that Jane would accept your invitation as a joke.”

Surprisingly the conversation with Luna was encouraging, and Maura left Ravenclaw tower with a bouquet in hand and a spring in her step. She and Jane had agreed to meet by the library, which was approximately halfway between their dormitories. Jane was just late enough to allow Maura’s insecurities to briefly resurface.

“Sorry, sorry I’m late!” she said, jogging up. “I was uh, I was doing some laps with Frost and forgot to account for time to clean myself up so I wouldn’t show up in a sweat.”

(This was a lie - she’d woken up with a huge pimple right between her eyebrows and had spent the better part of an hour trying to rid herself of it, making it worse, and finally taking Frost’s advice to visit Madam Pomfrey. The Healer had a remedy which had worked immediately.)

“I’m glad you made it,” Maura said, smiling brightly. She held out the flowers, trying not to sound as nervous as she felt. “I hope this isn’t too forward - we’ve been covering courtship in Muggle studies, and Professor Burbage said girls often receive flowers on the first date. Is it too much? Should I have asked which kind you like?” Maura asked anxiously. She had enlisted Professor Sprout’s help in choosing some particularly romantic magical flowers, but now worried if that was too impersonal.

Jane grinned. “These are amazing. Nobody’s ever gotten me flowers before, even at home! Um, is it okay if we stop back at the Gryffindor dorm, though, so I can find a vase for them?”

“Actually the purplonium don’t need to be put in water,” Maura said excitedly. “According to Professor Sprout, so long as they’re exposed to sunlight and fertilized with bowtruckle dung every month, they should last you a while! Ah… although you’d probably not want to have to carry those all around Hogsmeade, I understand. Let’s go back to your dormitory, sorry!”

“Don’t apologize!” Jane chuckled as they started to walk. “To be honest, I’m actually really glad you got me these. I mean, not just because I like them but because … well, I was really excited when you asked me out, but then I worried that maybe I’d somehow misinterpreted. I was trying to remember your exact wording, because I was afraid maybe you’d just meant you’d like to hang out as friends, and…” She laughed to cover up her self-consciousness. “Well, now I’m rambling! Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, I think you’re cute! I- I mean I think it’s cute.”

They had just reached the Gryffindor Tower, and Jane teased her, “But you do think I’m cute, right?”

Maura shyly returned the smile. “Yes.”

She then plugged her ears so Jane could safely give the password to The Fat Lady and duck inside Gryffindor tower. Fred and George hooted at her from the fireplace as she raced by with the flowers, and she squirted them with an augmenti charm on her way back.

For nearly the entire walk to Hogsmeade, both girls silently debated whether to try holding the other’s hand. Neither did, because it felt like way too much way too soon. It was cold out anyway, and gloves/mittens weren’t as enticing to hold as bare hands (yet). Jane had to work very hard not to make a face when they arrived at Madame Puddifoot’s: it was exactly the kind of gross, lovey-dovey place that she’d normally avoid at all costs. It looked like an explosion of Hallmark cards. But she wouldn’t ever be so rude as to make any demeaning comments about it when it had been Maura’s choice.

For her part, Maura was mortified as a cheery waitress lead them to their table. She had just chosen to come here when she’d overheard Cho Chang raving about it in the common room - had she known it would be this grossly cute, she never in a Nicholas Flamel lifetime would’ve invited Jane here. Jane was way too cool for a place like this. Hell, SHE was too cool for a place like this, and that was saying something. As soon as they were seated and the hostess walked away, a handful of tiny pink and purple paper hearts fluttered and spontaneously fell on their table.

Several of the hearts got stuck in Jane’s hair and she couldn’t keep it together anymore. “Wow! This place sure has a lot of character!” she laughed, shaking her head to get rid of the paper hearts.

“Oh gosh, it’s awful!” Maura squeaked. “I just heard some girls saying they liked it and usually I’m so thorough with my own research but I was anxious about asking you before I lost my nerve and that was stupid!”

“No, no, it wasn’t stupid,” Jane said earnestly, reaching across the table to take gentle hold of Maura’s gesticulating hands. “And don’t sweat it, this place is f…fine…”

She trailed off when someone dressed as Cupid started walking by tables, asking for requests he could play on his lute.

“Should we go to the Three Broomsticks?” Maura asked, pained by the expression on Jane’s face.

“Oh, God yes,” Jane responded at once, getting immediately to her feet.

Jane’s attitude helped set a tone: she was roaring with laughter but not at Maura, just the place they’d escaped. Rather than feeling embarrassed, this helped Maura feel like she could laugh too, and they entered The Three Broomsticks in high spirits. Maura offered to pick up some drinks for them while Jane got a table.

It was funny how certain things affected people. Maura was sure that the many magical sights in Hogwarts had blown away a Muggle-born like Jane when she first arrived, but there wasn’t much in the school that had similarly impacted a pureblood like Maura. Jane had whooped and hollered every time something new revealed itself, be it a moving staircase, a professor who turned into a cat, or a ghost floating through the dinner table. Nothing had ever really taken away Maura’s breath like that before.

Perhaps there was some irony in the fact that what stopped her in her tracks was something as simple as a girl sitting at a table.

Jane had felt comfortable enough to take off her coat here (as opposed to Madam Puddifoot’s, where she’d stayed bundled despite the hot interior as though her coat was a hazmat suit). She looked so lovely there, unashamedly wearing a very Muggle-y outfit: red and black plaid flannel with dark blue jeans, which Maura instantly declared the most attractive ensemble a person could wear. Jane was pulling her hair back into a ponytail, but missed a long strand that fell back into place by her cheek, grazing one of the deep-set dimples Maura had come to adore so much. She wished she’d brought a camera to capture this image, to be able to revisit it forever.

She’d thought this vision made her stop in her tracks, but instead she’d been walking to the table with the Butterbeers in hand feeling as if she were floating. Suddenly Jane was smiling up at her and she jumped, causing hot Butterbeer to slosh out of the mugs and onto Jane’s pants.

“Merlin’s beard!” Maura cried, setting the drinks down and reaching for a napkin. “I’m so sorry!”

“Whoa!” Jane laughed, reaching for Maura’s wrist when the girl had unthinkingly been about to reach for her crotch with the cloth napkin. “I got it, thanks.”

Maura mutely sat down, the redness of her face rivaling the color of Jane’s scarf. Jane made quick work of the clean-up and took a sip of the Butterbeer, trying to be as casual as possible. When Maura remained stock-still, not touching her drink, Jane had to accept that casualness wouldn’t cut it.

“Um, Maura? Can I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

“You…you seem really nervous.”

“Well, I’d rather you know that than think I purposefully spilled a hot beverage on you.”

“I guess I’m just confused! I mean, you had the guts to ask me out and I said yes like, right away, and before we came here I told you how excited I’d gotten about it. What’s got you so jittery? Is it something I did, or said? Can I do anything?”

Maura shook her head. “No, no, no, it’s not you. It’s me, oh gosh, you must think I’m so pathetic.”

“You’re somethin’ alright,” Jane said, smiling so as to look friendly.

Maura was silent for a few long, painful moments. This really wasn’t the time to get into it all - how she’d been ridiculed and ostracized for much of her life because people didn’t know how to relate to her or she to them. There were all the incidents of people saving seats for friends who never showed up, just so she wouldn’t sit with them; two boys who’d asked her out during third year on dares; Professor Snape who somehow managed to make her feel low despite her high grades in his class. She’d overheard her own father bemoaning the fact that she’d been put it Ravenclaw, worried that it meant her focus was too much on her studies and not enough on other people. Luna Lovegood was her only close friend and Luna was younger and odd, she had no hidden agenda. By sixth year Maura had grown out of her awkward stage and boys had taken notice, but she was not confident (or interested) enough to care. Jane Rizzoli, though, she was irresistible…

Maura came out of her reverie to realize Jane’s look of amusement had turned into one of concern; Maura figured she must look quite somber herself now.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “You’re just so nice. I’m not used to people being so nice to me. It’s second-nature for me to second-guess myself socially; I should really stop that.”

“Hey, I’m here because I want to be here, okay? Here’s a story. Summer after second year, I went home and my brother’s school was having an end-of-year dance. My dad bugged me to go, and he said if any boys asked me to dance, no matter if I wanted to or liked them or not, I had to say yes.”

“Why?” Maura asked, looking startled.

“Because asking someone to dance is intimidating. I’m sure he was rebuffed at a school dance once and it was hard for him and he wanted to prevent me from potentially causing that kind of pain. I thought that was pretty weak though, because he was prioritizing the boys’ comfort over my own. I think about that a lot. I don’t go out of my way to be a jerk, but I’m also not nice just for the sake of being nice. When you asked me out, I didn’t say yes because I wanted to spare your feelings, or whatever. I said yes because I wanted to, because I think you’re cute and you’re smart and I’d like to get to know you better.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really! Cross my heart and hope to die.”

“Wh…what?”

“Eh. It’s a muggle saying; never mind.”

“Can I ask what it is about me that you find interesting?”

Jane answered the question because she knew Maura was honestly curious, she didn’t just want her ego stroked. “You are still the only person I know who sits at full attention in every History of Magic class. Your study sessions have saved me from failing every year! But it’s not like you study because you’re worried about bad grades, it’s like you’re actually into the stuff. And I think that’s so cool!”

“You do?”

“Yeah! I wrote home once complaining about my class work and my brother wrote back that if I could find a way to be bored with magical assignments, the problem was with me, not the work,” she chuckled. “So I appreciate that you don’t take a magical education for granted.”

Maura smiled and finally took a sip of her Butterbeer. “Mm. Do you miss magic when you go home for the summers?”

“Yes and no. There are times it’d come in handy for sure, but I dunno, in a way it’s also nice to remember my roots and it also keeps me from getting too reliant on magic. Practical skills are important too, and I think wizards forget that a lot.”

“Practical skills.”

“Yeah, like…” Jane cast about for ideas, then noticed a couple pieces of heart-shaped confetti from Madam Puddifoot’s that were still in Maura’s hair. “See, I could just take these out with a spell,” she said, leaning across the table to pick them out. She stayed close, whispering, “but I think this is nice.”

She gave Maura a short kiss on the corner of her mouth and sat back down. Maura grinned in return. “Please, be practical with me as much as you want!”