#Lily mothering Harry always makes me tearful

[once-upon-an-imagine]

Hello~ I saw you asked for some inspiration and it's my first time requesting from an author so, I'm giving it a try (but no pressure 🙏)

I thought about a Marauder (I can't choose between the three of them but maybe Remus?) with:

Short Reader, crying: You're... you're... you're taller than me!

Remus: And you just realized it?

With the hormones and fluffly pregnancy moments? 👀😇

Really no pressure, I can't wait to read anything from you even if it's not this 😊

Have a lovely day sweetie

Val 🌸

omg this is sooooo cute! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 I love it! I feel so honored that you picked me for your first request! 😊😊 thank you for liking my writing so much, love! I hope you like this one as well 😁 Warnings: none, this is pure fluff; reader is a bit emotional though Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter 😁 gif isn’t mine 😊

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Taller

"Remus!"

"What? What's wrong? Are you okay? Is it the baby?" Remus asked, still half asleep as he sat up and his hands went directly to your bump.

"No, Remmy! I can't sleep!" you said, as Remus turned on his nightlamp.

"What's wrong? Are you hungry? Do you have a weird craving again?"

"For the last time, ice cream and french fries are not a weird craving!" you glared at him.

"Sweetheart, I love you, but even Prongs said it was weird and that's as low as it goes" he chuckled, rubbing his tired eyes. "Why can't you sleep?"

"Remus, do you realize that my due date is one month from today?" you said, getting closer to him. "ONE MONTH!"

"Yes, I know, love-"

"That is thirty days!"

"Well, actually a bit less because it's February, and-"

"Remus! We are not ready! We do not have any of the big things we need!"

"What big things? Did you have lunch with Lilly and Alice today?"

"We do not have a changing table, we do not have a crib or a chair where the baby can eat, we haven't even picked out a name-!"

"Alright, alright, love, slow down" Remus said, pulling you closer to him and kissing the side of your head and he noticed you were crying. "Love, there’s nothing to worry about. We have plenty of time" he assured you.

"Rem, what if I am awful at this?" you asked, looking up at him and Remus wiped away your tears.

"Sweetheart" he said, kissing your forehead. "Why would you say that? You're going to be a great mother" he insisted.

"I don't know! I feel like Lily and Alice were prepared for Harry and Neville. They've been prepared their whole lives! I even remember them in school talking about how many kids they were going to have and all of that and- I don't know, Rem, what if I'm not?"

"Love, don't say that. You're just a bit nervous, I get that" he said, stroking your arms up and down. "I'm nervous too, but we're going to be great at this, you know why?"

"W-why?"

"Because we're a team" he smiled sweetly at you.

"And we are the best team" you smiled between tears.

"Yes we are" he said, giving you a peck on the lips. "Look we both are off tomorrow. So we can go the baby store that's around the corner and we will get you everything that you need. Okay?"

"Okay" you nodded before pulling him back to you. "Thank you" you said as he kissed the top of your head.

"You want to have a cup of tea?" he asked, stroking your back.

"You're not tired?" you asked, feeling guilty for waking him up.

"No" he assured you. "We can brainstorm names for the baby" he suggested.

"Really?" you asked excitedly and he nodded, smiling.

"C'mon" he said helping you out of bed and the two of you walked over to the kitchen. "I'll make the tea, you get the mugs?" he said, kissing your temple.

"Okay" you said, walking over to the counter where you kept the mugs.

Only one problem, they were on the top shelf. You would usually hop on the counter to get them but Remus would always say you would fall down and hurt yourself, so you stopped doing that after you got pregnant. And you had no idea where the little stepstool he bought for you was.

"Um... R-Rem?" you called after he put the water on.

"Yes, dove?"

"I can't reach them" you said shyly.

"Oh, let me" he said, making his way towards you and he easily grabbed both yours and his mugs, placing them on the counter and tears ran down your face again. "What's wrong now, love?" he asked worriedly, placing both your and his mug on the counter.

"You're... you're... you're taller than me!" you cried, as Remus frowned his eyebrows a little.

"And you just realized it?" he chuckled. "Sweetheart, the first time I talked to you, it was because you couldn't reach a Potions book in the Library" he reminded you, as he wiped away your tears.

"No, I know, but... what if the baby needs something and I can't reach it when you're not here?" you cried as he hugged you closer to him, kissing your head.

"We can put everything the baby needs in your reach, okay?" he said, feeling you nod against his chest.

"Thank you" you said, looking up at him and giving him another kiss.

"What for?"

"For dealing with all of my craziness" you said, making him chuckle and he kissed your cheek.

"Is not craziness, love. You're just worried about our baby, see? You're going to be a great mum" he assured you as he went to make the tea for yourselves and you sat down.

"You're just saying that because you're on my team" you said as he sat next to you.

"And because it's the truth" he insisted. "So, what names have you thought about?"

"Well, Remus, I have actually wanted to tell you that... it will mean a lot to me... if we name our kid... Sirius James Lupin" you said, making Remus choke on his tea and spitting it out.

"Please tell me you're joking" he said, recovering his breath as you burst out laughing.

"Yes, I am, James and Sirius paid me ten galleons to say that" you laughed as Remus glared at you. "You should have seen the look on your face!"

"I hate you!"

"You love me" you smirked. "They actually provided a list of names" you said, putting out a note block they gave you.

"Do they know is not their baby? James already has one, why is he giving his opinion?"

"How do you feel about the name Blaze Lupin?"

"Not great."

"What about Laser?"

"No."

"Viper?"

"No."

"Atlas?"

"Oh" Remus said, thinking about it. "I do love atlases" he said.

"Mm, common ground" you smiled.

"Wait, who suggested it?"

"What difference does it make?"

"Love-"

"Sirius" you admitted.

"Then no."

The End

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A/N: I hope you liked it, loves! threw some Friends and B99 inspo in there

[yallthemwitches]

Only Sleeping

For @jilytoberfest Day 26 🎶One bright morning goes so easy. Darkness always finds you either way🎶 - First Light by Hozier

AO3 Link Here

“Shh, Harry, we can't see daddy,” his voice breaks and the tears fall faster than he can feel them. Back at school he used to call them the miracle couple–The miracle couple now with a miracle boy. 

“Ok Harry, we have to be gentle if we are going to pet uncle Sirius.”

She takes Harry’s palms which are no bigger than snitches and uncurls his tiny fingers until they  lay flat like discs. 

“Remember—just like with daddy prongs: pat pat pat.” She holds him by the stomach and they both lean forward. Guiding his hand in hers, they give Sirius three soft pats to his back.

“Pah pah pah-” Harry gargles out, but some of his fingers start to lace into the dark fur, itching to tug. 

“Open hand Harry! We don’t want to hurt him,” and they repeat the process until Harry is capable of doing it without his mother’s guidance, crawling out of her lap to lean all of his body weight on the dog.

“Be careful, he’s going to think we have a new pet.”

James comes back into the room holding a teapot and three empty cups. Without hesitation, he settles himself cross legged next to Sirius and scoops up the baby, giving him a quick toss in the air. Harry chortles, cheeks ruddy with happiness. 

“I don’t care if I’m the new family dog as long as I have some time off to visit once and a while.” Now transformed, Sirius leans back on his hands, stretching his legs out with a yawn. 

“Dumbledore is stark mad these days—I know I’m a pretty nimble bloke but these missions are starting to take it out of me–”

James looks down at his lap, fidgeting. 

“I didn’t mean it like I was picking up your slack or anything mate–besides you can’t help it. I just wish I could visit more is what I’m trying to say.”

“Yeah–” James nods, shaking the self-disappointment from his mind. Setting Harry loose on the ground to pour their tea, the boy lurches himself in a standing position and zooms off down the hall, his little toddling feet making soft stomping noises as he goes. 

“He’ll be back,” James says simply. Even with Harry gone, none of the adults move to sit at the actual table, all used to life on the floor while entertaining a baby. 

“Have you taught him my name yet?” Sirius says, blowing on his tea. 

“Harry! C’mere kiddo.”

Harry zips back in the room, falling flat on his face before getting up without incident. He beelines to Lily, tumbling into her and grabbing onto her long hair. 

“Harry darling, can you say: Uncle Sirius?”

“Nnnkl siwisis.”

James lets out a laugh. “Well no need to push any farther, that’s good enough!”

Sirius slithers onto his belly and wraps his arms around his godson who immediately becomes interested in his hair, grabbing bunches of it in little fists while waving them around. 

“I know I tell you every time, but you both really did make a bloody cute kid.”

James cracks into a wide grin and Lily leans over to rest her head in her husband's lap, his hand instantly curling into her hair.

“Glad to hear it because we are trying for another. A girl this time if we can help it!”

Sirius shoots up, accidentally making Harry tumble back with an oof.

“You what? Please don’t tell me it’s because you lot are bored all locked up in here because I swear to Merlin—”

“No, It’s not because we are bored, you arsehole,” Lily gives him a pointed glare, “And James is getting ahead of himself—after the war we will try. Right now we are just—”

“Practicing,” James finishes. Sirius makes a puking noise which makes Harry gargle with joy. 

“See, your son agrees–disgusting.” 

James picks up Harry again and tickles his chubby belly with kisses, making his little legs kick wildly into the air. 

“Good thing you two are so grossly in love, otherwise I’d think you’d have killed each other already.”

~~~

The ground was so warm just that morning. Did he imagine it? Could it truly be the same floor?

The teacups glint amongst the rubble, even in shards they are still in the circular formation they had been used in. He suddenly has the urge to call for Hagrid to come back from the other room,“These didn’t fall, we drank them on the ground! We drank them all together just this morning!”

 Harry rustles in his arms, and he presses him closer, baby’s blood smearing into his jacket. The boy reaches up and tugs on his hair, his mother’s advice already forgotten. His eyes wide and green and alive.

“Dah Dah Dah Dah–” he coos, twisting to be free and join his dad at the stairwell. Even he knows it's an odd place for him to lay. They did everything on the ground these days, why not sleep? He looks so very asleep. 

“Shh, Harry, we can't see daddy,” his voice breaks and the tears fall faster than he can feel them. Back at school he used to call them the miracle couple–The miracle couple now with a miracle boy. 

Harry kicks his feet, but not out of joy caused by James’ kisses or Lily’s soft fingers. There's blood getting in his eyes.

“I’m here, buddy. It’s me... your uncle Sirius—remember?”

[ashesandhackles]

'Be brave like my mother, Professor'

I have always loved the Harry-Slughorn scene in the books where Harry coerces pushes Slughorn into giving him the vital Horcrux memory, because of how strongly it parallels Tom Riddle. The quality of willingness to do whatever it takes for a larger goal.

The scene begins with Hagrid and Slughorn singing drunken songs, and Harry refilling the drink in the background (already paralleling Tom who got Hagrid to fess up Fluffy information in a bar). That already adds a coercive quality to the scene, given that Felix felicis also assures Harry that Slughorn won't remember handing over this memory tomorrow (which the films try to make consensual cos they can't have hero doing messed up things, but HJP is a lil messed up. That's why he is a great protagonist).

Anyway, in my recent re-read, I picked up something I hadn't realised before:

“No — well, I was only one when they died,” said Harry, his eyes on the flame of the candle flickering in Hagrid’s heavy snores. “But I’ve found out pretty much what happened since. My dad died first. Did you know that?” “I — I didn’t,” said Slughorn in a hushed voice. “Yeah . . . Voldemort murdered him and then stepped over his body toward my mum,” said Harry.

I have highlighted a line that Harry can't have known until the next book - until he actually sees his parents' murder through Voldemort's eyes. Until now, this is the information he has:

James' death:

Then came a new voice, a man’s voice, shouting, panicking — “Lily, take Harry and go, It’s him, Go! Run, I’ll hold him off~ The sounds of someone stumbling from a room — a door bursting open — a cackle of high-pitched laughter 

Lily's death:

“Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry,” “ Stand aside, you silly girl ... stand aside, now. ...” “ Stand aside, you silly girl ... stand aside, now. ...” “ Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead — ”

And of course, Voldemort's taunts in Philosopher's Stone, which he will reference. The detail about Voldemort stepping over his father's body towards his mum is constructed - something he may have imagined while replaying their last moments in his head in POA (which he is said to have done), and he particularly uses this line, of Voldemort casually degrading his father's body by stepping over it to really push Slughorn's buttons, to horrify him.

Respectability is important to Slughorn, and he will emotionally respond to callous details like this. Harry understands this, given what he observes about Slughorn over the course of this book.

And then Harry tells Slughorn what Voldemort said in Philosopher's Stone:

Slughorn gave a great shudder, but he did not seem able to tear his horrified gaze away from Harry’s face. “He told her to get out of the way,” said Harry remorselessly. “He told me she needn’t have died. He only wanted me. She could have run.” “Oh dear,” breathed Slughorn. “She could have ... she needn’t ... That’s awful. ...”

This is what Voldemort says:

but your mother needn’t have died ... she was trying to protect you. ... Now give me the Stone, unless you want her to have died in vain.”

Interesting how Harry uses a similar tactic on Slughorn later in the scene: "give me the memory or she would have died in vain".

Anyway, back to the scene. To make the scene even more horrifying for Slughorn, Harry infers Lily's motivations from what he has heard from his parents' last moments and says it to induce more horror:

“It is, isn’t it?” said Harry, in a voice barely more than a whisper. “But she didn’t move. Dad was already dead, but she didn’t want me to go too. She tried to plead with Voldemort ... but he just laughed. ...”

The idea that Harry replayed his parents' death over and over again back when he first heard their deaths, imagined their motivation, constructed a scene for himself is extremely sad. This is how he talks about it in POA:

D’you know what I see and hear every time a dementor gets too near me?” Ron and Hermione shook their heads, looking apprehensive. “I can hear my mum screaming and pleading with Voldemort. And if you’d heard your mum screaming like that, just about to be killed, you wouldn’t forget it in a hurry. And if you found out someone who was supposed to be a friend of hers betrayed her and sent Voldemort after her — ” “There’s nothing you can do!” said Hermione, looking stricken.

But the fact that he then uses something that is obviously a horrifying and personal memory against Slughorn is absolutely chilling.

Anyway, here is Harry taking the leaf out of Voldemort's book:

"But you won’t help her son,” said Harry. “She gave me her life, but you won’t give me a memory.” Harry looked steadily into Slughorn’s tear-filled eyes. The Potions master seemed unable to look away.

After which, Harry takes ownership of being the 'Chosen One' out loud to another person. That is, of course, important in context of next chapter because it also deals with statement and interrogates it.

It is only at the end of the scene that Harry offers mercy for Slughorn's guilt: "You'd cancel out anything you did by giving me that memory. It would be a very brave and noble thing to do."

[believinghurts]

Their Daughter Part 6

Tenison was high in the dining room of Grimmuald Place as the Black brothers stared one another down. Regulus knew that part of Sirius's anger was because he thought he had lost his child to his brother, much like when they were young, and their parents favored Regulus over him. But this was Sirius's own fault; Ali had tried even after she had been hurt that Sirius went to Harry first. Sirius could not get over the fact that Ali was close with the Malfoys and had taken to projecting his anger to the only person who would love him more than anything if he tried.

Sirius wouldn't admit it out loud, but he was jealous of Regulus. He always had been, but coming back from the hell he had been trapped in to find that his own daughter had chosen his brother over him hurt more than any torture he had ever faced. Regulus had always been the perfect child who everyone adored. He had gotten fewer beatings as a child than Sirius, had gotten better grades in school, and now was considered a dad to Ali. It was only natural for Sirius to go back to what he did during his school years and focus his attention on the people who showed him attention. Harry was his godchild, but Harry also had no one else, meaning Sirius didn't have to worry about being replaced. Sirius also felt awful for the events that transpired the night of James and Lily's deaths and was trying to make up for it.

"If you just gave her a chance, you may find she is much more like you than you think." Regulus sat at the table again, watching his older brother run his hands through his hair. "She is so headstrong and stubborn that I know it revivals yours. And I cannot express enough how she just wants to be good enough for you to love, much like how you tried for years with Mother."

Sirius sighed in defeat, regrettting the painful things he had put his daughter through. "I do love her. I just…."

"Are shit at showing it. I saw the look in your eyes when Ali called me dad; I know that hurt you. But instead of talking about it, you just lash out at her or me or Remus, making it seem like you really don't care at all. I never tried to fill that role in her life. I was and will always be Uncle Reg, and that is fine. Do I see her as my child and love her like my own? Yes, absolutely. I will do anything for her, and if that fills that role as a father, I will. But I don't want to take that from you. You had so much stolen from you in your life, Sirius: your childhood, your parents, your best friend, 12 years of your life. The last thing I want to do is take more away, but I cannot and will not put you above her. She deserves so much in this world, and you should help her get it. We both should. But the question remains: will you put aside your 'every Slytherin is a Death Eater' mindset to do so? Because people have changed and we are close to the Malfoys, Notts, Parkinson's, and the Zabini's. They are not the same people anymore. Things have changed in the war; sides have changed. But you haven't. Ali is loyal to a fault and is a great judge of character; she won't betray the Order, nor will the others. Just give people a chance, Sirius."

"I did give people a chance, and it…..it got my best friend and his wife killed. We trusted Peter. I trusted Peter enough to have James make him the secret Keeper. It got them killed, and he was our friend. How am I supposed to trust that Lucius Malfoy has the Order's best interest at heart when my own friend of 9 years didn't?" Sirius started pacing before his brother. His head is cloudy in memories, tears blurring his eyes as his best friend's dead body flashed in front of him. "I know that I'm shit at showing Ali I love her, and part of it is because I'm scared to get close only to lose her again to someone like Lucius Malfoy. I owe it to James to look after Harry, but that doesn't mean I don't love him like my own because I do. But I love Ali just as much, and I know she has you, Remus, and even Snivillious to love her. And I want to try to improve things with her; I just don't know how. How do I fix what I've done, Regulus?"

Regulus caught the double meaning to his brother's question, "You can't. Sirius, you can't fix what happened to James and Lily. You can't fix how you've treated Ali so far."

Sirius felt his heart crack at his brother's words. He had hoped to get Ali back, but it seemed he had gone too far. He started for the stairs when Regulus continued.

"But that doesn't mean you can't fix it from now on. You can't change the past and bring James back, but you can make them proud by loving and protecting Ali and Harry. I mean, yeah, they don't get along now, but I think part of that is because he has seen and heard how you and James treated outsiders. I know they used to play together as babies, not that they would remember it, but Remus told me. Tell how close they were till everything happened, and bring them back together. Stop being afraid of losing Ali to someone when all everyone wants to do is love her and keep her safe. And maybe you don't trust Lucius or the others right now, but I trust them more than Dumbledore most of the time. And you should talk to Moody about the help Lucius has given the Order even if he refuses to say he has aligned himself with us." Regulus held his brother's shoulder, "Give them a chance. Don't let the other kids make remarks about Ali and her friends. Talk to her. I wouldn't start trying to act like her father, but maybe a friend? Or a really distant uncle. You'll figure it out, Sirius; you're smarter than you give yourself credit for."

Sirius followed his brother up the stairs, going to bed with hope, lighting a flame in his heart for the first time in years.

Days following the talk between Regulus and Sirius, Ali noticed that the golden trio had become slightly nicer to her. She does not make as many comments about her or her friends. She had no idea what was happening but wasn't going to complain. Regulus had come to her that morning telling her that he thought it a better idea if Blaise came to their house instead of her going over there. He believed it would show that the Slytherins were not as bad as all the others thought.

At first, Ali was hesitant about the idea. Still, after being reassured that Remus would be home as well as Regulus, Ali agreed. The thought of Blaise being at her house surrounded by her tormentors made her sick to her stomach. She wanted nothing more than to run away for a few days, but that ship had sailed, and it was only hours before Blaise arrived when Regulus called for 'those who live in this house meeting.' By the time Ali had gotten dressed and cleaned her room, everyone was already in the kitchen since it seemed to be the usual gathering place for the group. She straightened her sweater and did a quick glance down to make sure her outfit was still okay. It was slightly chilly in the house, so she had gone with a Bulgarian Quidditch sweater that was mainly red with black details and a pair of cropped black leggings with matching fuzzy socks. She and Blaise had already decided to stay for most of the day and then go and get dinner somewhere in Diagon Ally so she could change later. Remus and Regulus walked at the same time as Sirius and Harry.

"I'm assuming everyone is confused about why this meeting was called," Remus started. "There seems to be an assumption that Slyertians and those associated with them are all Death Eaters or traitors."

Scowls had overtaken most of the younger one's faces in the room, as well as Sirius's. Ali looked at her uncle, trying to figure out where this was going. She knew the reason was to inform everyone that Blaise would be here for a few days, but there was something else going on; she could feel it.

"After speaking with Dumbledore and getting his permission, not that I technically need the permission as it is my house, but nevertheless. A few individuals will be coming to stay here for the upcoming days, and there will be a couple of visitors as well." Regulus's eye caught Ali's, and gave her a wink just as the sound of footsteps entered the foyer. Ali was too short to see over everyone's heads to see who was there, but from the looks on a couple faces, including the elder Weasley, it was someone they were not fond of.

A flash of white hair caught Ali's eye as the group entered the kitchen. Her mouth dropped in shock as she took in her uncle Severus, leading the Malfoys, Blaise, and Theo towards Regulus and Remus. Cissa shot her a wink while Draco eyed Harry and Sirius up and down; Blaise kept his eyes locked on Ali, and Theo thoroughly enjoyed the shocked looks from the Weasleys.

"Sorry, we're late. Draco took too long in the mirror this morning," Severus said. Draco glared at his Godfather before continuing on with his glare at Potter.

"Well, allow me to introduce everyone. This is Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy, which I'm sure almost all of you know. This is Blaise, Theodore, and Draco. Narcissa and Lucius will be in and out for the next bit trying to get caught up on Order business while the latter three will be staying here for a bit." Remus shook Lucius's hand before joining Dora beside Ali, who was bouncing on her toes, overly excited at the fact that it was going to be back to normal in the next couple of days.

"You can't be serious. They are staying here?" Sirius exclaimed, running his hand down his face before glaring at Lucius. "I still remember what you did, Malfoy."

"I don't often agree with Sirius, but Dumbledore said this was alright?" Arthur asked. Ali knew that the Malfoys hadn't been the kindest to the Weasleys in the past, and she felt sorry for them in that aspect, but Lucius was not the same man as he was during her first year. And Narcissa wouldn't hurt a flea.

Remus stepped forward again, "He did. Narcissa and Lucius will be helping with some scooting missions that are coming up since they know that area of town better and are considering joining the Order. The three brats are mainly for Ali, though."

"Did you miss us short stack?" Theo opened his arms for Ali, who jumped straight into them. Theo gave her a twirl before pulling on her braid. She barely had time to catch her breath before Draco had her spinning again and tickling her sides, making her squeal.

"Of course I missed you! What kind of question is that?!" Ali giggled before hugging Blaise despite her uncle Remus glaring at them. Blaise took her hand and gave it a squeeze when they parted before facing the other children in the room. Theo and Draco took the opposite sides of Ali, showing a united front against the ones who had been horrible towards her.

Ali was ecstatic that they were going to be in the house more. Maybe her summer wouldn't end so badly. Sirius was shocked that Dumbledore had cleared this and even more shocked that Lucius would help the Order. He did not trust him and would go on those missions even if he had to go as Padfoot. This was outrageous and downright stupid, allowing death eaters to snoop freely in the Order business. Looking at his daughter, he could see how happy she was to be surrounded by her friends, but he also knew that he would have to keep a closer eye on her than he already was. He had asked the trio to play nice so he had more people watching her. He did trust that she was a Death Eater, and now he was surrounded by them.

"Al, Kreatcher sat up extra beds in your room for the boys. Pansy should be joining later, but she had something come up with her grandfather. Her mother said she would owl when she was on her way." Regulus leveled each of the boys with a look. "You lot know the rules. I don't care if you have fun but clean up after yourselves, and don't be too loud when it gets late. Curfew is at 10pm and no later. If you are leaving the house, go in pairs at least and let one of the adults you know be aware of where you're going. You lot know the food is fair game, and Kretcher has already been instructed to grocery shop more often. The house is also fair game, but be respectful, please."

"Don't worry, Uncle Reg. I'll keep them in line," Draco smirked at the other three before Severus whacked him upside the head.

Ali turned and looked at the younger swarm of redheads and others in the room. She cleared her throat to get the attention on her, which made her take an unconscious step back toward Blaise and Draco. "Everyone, this is Theo, Blaise and Draco. I'm sure most of you know this, but just in case. You are welcome to join our fun, but we get if you don't want to." Ali pulled the boys out of the room after greeting her aunt and uncle. They sat on the living room floor with wizards, chess, and a few other games while a movie played in the background. Kreacher brought out snack trays for them, and the laughter was music to Regulus's ears after all the quiet he'd heard from Ali this summer.

Ali could feel the stares from those around them, most directed at Draco and her. She could see the disbelief every time Draco laughed or made a joke. This was the side of Draco that was rarely seen by others. An hour had passed before a chess match went on between Draco and Ali. Blaise sat to one side of Ali, and Theo was in the middle of her and Draco, watching the death match continue.

"What dare shall I have you do this time, Als" Draco taunted her while he moved his piece. It was an ongoing rule that when she and Draco played wizarding chess, the loser had to do a dare of the winner's choice. It was always a toss-up in who won, as both were incredibly good at the game.

"Don't think too hard; I wouldn't want to overwork that one brain cell of yours." Ali stuck her tongue out at Draco when she stole his knight.

Draco was about to reply when a shadow came over the top of the board. Looking up, there was the eldest two Weasley children and Fleur. Ali could see the hearts in Theo's eyes before she kicked him in the shin. "She's engaged, you idiot."

Bill and Charlie chuckled, "We saw you guys playing games and were curious if we could join you? I have my board and thought we could do a little tournament."

Charlie held up his chess board. The teens all nodded, and with a snap of his fingers, Charlie's board was all set up. Bill took one side of the board before looking at Theo. "You up for a challenge?"

Theo crawled to the opposite side of the small table. Bill made the first move, and the game commenced. Charlie and Fleur took seats around the rest of them and started trash-talking with them, too. Charlie was on Ali's side, whereas Fleur took Dracos. Regulus, Molly, and Narcissa looked around the corner and had smiles spread across their faces at the sight they saw. It wasn't the younger kids trying to get along with the others, but the eldest and Molly knew that her children all looked up to their brothers, so maybe there was hope in this crazy plan after all.

[chlobliviate]

Wolfstar Microfics - Hurt/No Comfort

Words: 903

@wolfstarmicrofic

***

TW - mention of suicide, declining mental health

***

“I came as soon as I heard. How’s he doing?” Remus shrugged off his coat and hung it on what used to be ‘his hook’, shivering as he adjusted to the weather in the UK.

James paused, taking him in. “He’s not great, honestly.” He pulled Remus into a hug, “We’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you too, I never should have gone.” Remus wrapped his arms around James. “I should have stayed. Maybe then—”

“You can’t do that.” James pulled away from him and looked at him sternly. “I will not have you taking any kind of responsibility for this. Understand?”

Remus nodded, “Yeah, thanks.”

“How was your trip?” James led him into the kitchen, where there was already a cup of tea waiting for him.

“Grim.” Remus sat at the table and took a sip of the tea, “Fuck, that’s good. Thank you.”

“I don’t know how much Lily told you.” James leant against the counter.

“She told me that he went to Walburga’s funeral alone.” Remus frowned.

“Moony, he insisted. Do you think I just let him?” James said, defensively. “We were parked just outside the church the whole time.”

“Sorry.” Remus covered his eyes and groaned. “I just feel like I should have been there.”

“That’s possibly the only way it could have gone worse for him.” James chuckled, “Hi, remember me, oh, and here’s my half-blood, werewolf boyfriend.”

“Ex-boyfriend.” Remus said quietly.

“Shit, of course, sorry.”

They remained in silence for a while, until Lily came downstairs. She flew at Remus, tears already streaming down her face.

“You’re here.” She breathed, “I didn’t know if you’d come.”

“I left as soon as you hung up.” He rubbed her back as he looked at James over the top of her head. “You need to tell me what happened.”

Lily moved away, wiping her eyes, to stand next to her husband. “He won’t talk to us.”

“You think he’ll talk to me?” Remus scoffed.

“We think it’s better to try than just let him spiral even more,” James said. “He’s been spiralling for… a while. Then Walburga dying stirred up a whole other bunch of confusing shit for him, and then Reg. I don’t think anyone could have prepared him for that.”

“Reg?” Remus looked confused.

“You didn’t tell him about Reg?” James looked down at Lily.

“No.” Lily shook her head, "I didn't-"

“What happened with Reg?”

“He’s dead.” James spat. “He died the day after his mother’s funeral. Left a note, blaming Sirius for every bad thing in his life. It was honestly the worst thing I’ve ever seen.”

Remus sat down again. “No. No, he can’t be.”

“I’m sorry, I know you were close at one point.”

“How?”

“He drowned.” Lily shook her head. “In the pond in the garden at Grimmauld Place.”

“Drowned? He’s scared of water, why would he…” Remus looked broken. “What did he say in the note?”

“He wished Sirius had never been born, as far as he was concerned he had no brother, a load of homophobic shit that sounded just like Walburga. He ended it with something like ‘I wanted to know that this is all your fault, and it always has been’.” Remus' mouth dropped open involuntarily and he stared at the floor, tracing the faded pattern on the tiles with his eyes.

“I hate to ask.” Remus mumbled after a while, “I feel like... Are we absolutely sure that Reg wrote that?”

“What do you mean?”

“It doesn’t make sense to me. Reg spouting a load of homophobic stuff before drowning himself. That’s the most out-of-character shit I’ve heard.” Remus looked up at them, “The kid was gay and scared of water.”

“He was gay?” James’ jaw dropped.

Remus chuckled sadly, “Yeah, he had a thing for you for ages. Last I heard he was living with Rosier? But that was a while back, six months maybe.”

“Remus, what are you saying?”

“It doesn’t add up.” He closed his eyes. “I know I’ve been gone for two years, but this doesn’t make sense with the Reg that I knew. Were they still in contact?”

“That’s the thing. Yes.” Lily frowned, “Sirius showed me texts from the day of the funeral and they seemed to be close again.”

James looked physically unwell, “So what are we saying? Someone killed Reg and staged it as a suicide, and what? Hoped to do the same with Pads? Who would do that?”

“At least half of their family,” Remus said. “Maybe I’m wrong, but—”

“I don’t think you are,” Lily said quickly. “And not just because I want you to be right. Something hasn’t sat right with me since Walburga died.”

“So what do we do?” Remus asked.

“You fuck off back to New Zealand, that’s what you do.” They all spun around to see Sirius looming in the doorway. He was incredibly pale, his hair pulled back and greasy and Remus noted that what used to be a tight t shirt was now hanging off him. His bloodshot eyes blazed. “Why are you here?”

“We invited him,” James said calmly. “We thought he could—”

“I don’t want him here.” Sirius spat, then turned to Remus. “I don’t want you here.”

“Pads.” Remus stood up and Sirius shrank away from them. “Sirius.”

“Get out!” Sirius stormed back upstairs, “Fuck off just like you did last time.”

“I should probably go?” Remus looked at his friends, but couldn’t quite bring himself to make eye contact. “I’ll go.”

[mischieflower]

Sirius gives Harry a glimpse of the past

Sirius Black is brooding. something very unlike him, but then again he hasn't been much like himself in quite a long time. The order hasn't been like anything of it's past, the most obvious part being snape was a part of it now.

The dire fact was that everytime Sirius would have to enter a room to see Snape sit in the living room talking with other members of the order, Sirius can practically hear James calling him a slimy git and Sirius has to try very hard not to laugh to himself.

He's been trying very hard to not think about James as much but it's been frankly impossible. Sometimes, he thinks to himself how his best mate might have reacted to something ridiculous that happens during the meetings or the jokes he would make to lighten the atmosphere. Every time he says something unserious and Molly sends him a tired look, he thinks to himself that James would have given him a high five for that one. When Harry gives him a hug he sometimes thinks it's James, and it's rather pathetic of him.

It doesn't help when his godson contacts him through the fire in a panicked state, all worried about his parents.

"How did she marry him? She hated him"

Those words brought a wry smile, a smile filled with too many memories that made his small heart grow in size. He knew he should have been more worried or serious about Harry's questions like Remus was, but he couldn't help but use an old ruse he used all the time whenever someone at Hogwarts seemed too confused on how Lily Evan's started fancying James Potter especially since she seemed to hate him.

"Nah she didn't"

So when Christmas rolls around, Sirius decides to pick up Harry , risking almost everything (but what's new). Harry is ecstatic to see Sirius, and all the dark thoughts that swirl in his head constantly disappear. Mr. Weasley was recovering and looked much better, and after a rather rude wake up call from Ginny---- Harry tried his best to not let Voldemort to mess with his head. Things seem better than usual and he spends all his time with Sirius.

"I miss your father" Sirius said, taking a sip of firewhiskey. Harry looked up from the rug he was seated on, up at Sirius seated comfortably in the armchair. "He loved Christmas. Not as much as your mother though" He adds as an afterthought, and there's a delicate smile on his face when he mentions Lily.

"Really?" Harry asked, his eyes bright.

"I know you were struggling with everything that has been happening" Sirius said, turning to him and Harry looks at the flames dancing together in the fireplace. "Just know that I'll always be there for you, just like your parents were for me"

Harry tries hard not to let tears prick his eyes and continues looking at the flames, scared that if he met Sirius's eyes his resolve might melt. Sirius continues, "And I know you felt bad for Snivellus and thought you were similiar. I also know James would be up in the afterlife trying to figure out a way to kill himself again hearing you say that"

Harry chuckled at this, he still felt mixed feelings about the whole ordeal but he had to admit that spending time with Sirius and Remus had him feeling better about things. Maybe he had jumped to conclusions too quickly, he was always told his parents were wonderful people in love, so it wasn't right to jump to the conclusion that there wasn't love between them because of Snape's memories.

Sirius studies his godson for a couple of seconds before he decides to take weight off of his shoulders, "Look Hogwarts at my time was very different. There was an impending cloud of doom all around us because we knew a war was coming, and all of us were fighting on the side that could get us killed. Yet, those seven years went by in flash filled with mischief, friendship, love and happiness. It was the time the Marauder's welcomed everyone back with pranks and back when christmas balls were every year. Flirting with professors too" Sirius grinned as he told Harry, his insides feeling warm. "And oh god and the whole Lily Evans and James Potter saga, What a time!"

"Lily Evans and James Potter Saga?" Harry asked curiously, and he felt the ends of his mouth turn up. there was this warm feeling that filled him whenever he heard of his parents, and no matter where he was he knew that just thinking of them could conjure up this warmth.

"Oh yes" Sirius grinned. "It's no surprise I guess, but your father was a a heartthrob, though i'll never understand he looked like a loser to be honest, back at school and a charming flirt who used to charm any witch... well except your mother of course"

Sirius chuckled before continuing, "They bickered in our first year itself, and then this continued through third year before he asked her out and she rejected him. He didn't stop there though, and continued asking her out and at first he did it to tease her but at some point, we all knew that he really did fancy her and eventually was in love with her. Your mother on the other side found him an arrogant toerag and thought the whole thing was a joke, rejecting him in creative ways. A bit of personal input Harry but I'm sure she did find a bit of amusement being asked out by him she always had a ghost of a smile on her face. But then things went to hell I guess with the end of year five, which you saw in Snape's mind"

"Oh" Harry said, "so you guys did bully these people for fun"

Sirius flinched at the word choice, "It wasn't necessarily bullying, it was just teasing and pranking. very harmless and most of the school enjoyed it. but yes what you saw with what happened with Snape, was something that was reserved just for him. And don't be mistaken, you only saw one side of his memories, he certainly did horrendous stuff too. hurt your mother a great deal and of course James wouldn't tolerate that, would he know?"

Harry felt a smile start to form at that last sentence. His parents were something else, he could only hope of having a love like that, but he knew with Voldemort clouding his life, there was a slim chance. However, just hearing about his parents gave him a buzz that even firewhiskey didn't give hm.

"And like Moony was saying, James deflated his ego and matured meaning he stopped asking out Lily knowing that she didn't like him" Sirius grinned, and Harry could tell he enjoyed this part of the story. "And of course, when James stopped asking her out, dearest lilyflower starts developing feelings for him. I guess it helped that Lil's friends and us became close friends during our sixth year"

"But they didn't go out until seventh year?" Harry asks curiously, already smiling over the nicknames Sirius used for his parents.

"No and you won't believe it, but Jamsie made Head Boy and of couse as everyone knew it Lils became Head Girl. The line between friendship and love began to blur as they spent more time together and flirted a disgusting amount. And well personally I always knew she had a fat crush on him during sixth year which she tried keeping a secret since she thought he was over her." Sirius lets out a bark of laughter, "As if!"

"Anyways, they finally kiss and get together, then get married and have you and well the rest... you pretty much know" Sirius ends lamely.

"Wow" Harry whispers to himself, "and to think I was scared that they were forced or something to get married"

"Right!" Sirius laughs, "But I don't blame you, Harry, for thinking that way. You were supposed to be all our golden child, living with endless amounts of love and well...wealth. Your childhood has been exceedingly hard, something your parents would have never wanted. You didn't even know your parents well, that excuse of a human and walrus raised you"

Harry bursts out into laughter and the description of his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. He doesn't even realise when tears fill his eyes or his heart grows heavy, recalling everything Sirius had told him.

He had been so robbed.

Soon hot tears pool in his eyes and he tries looking in another direction and prays that Sirius has had too much firewhiskey to notice.

But of course, he does.

He stands to his feet and pulls Harry into a hug. A long one, a hug in which he tries to communicate how much he missed Harry's parents and how much he loved Harry as his own.

When they pull apart, Harry is smiling and so is Sirius ,though, both their eyes are still damp with tears.

"Now the next time you say you feel like you're Snivellus again, James might actually find a way to come down here... though that might not be entirely a bad thing"

[slitheringghost]

Do you have a Sirius rec list? Please & thank you

with the words going out like cells of a brain by orphan_account (James/Sirius/Remus, 9.8k, M)

Rec: EVERYONE needs to read this fic. It's my favorite Sirius fic of all time and will make you cry and just ache inside. Despite the tag, the romance is nonexistent; it's about Sirius as a haunting and a ghost, as an angry and vicious and hurt and innocent child, with James and Remus trying to save him.

“I hate him,” Sirius admits. “But I left him to die. I’m fucking. Irredeemable. Or something. He was just a kid. You know what they did to me in that house? You know what they did to me? This is fucking nothing. I’d die in that camp bed and I’d be thankful it didn’t hurt as much as it could’ve. Oh, fuck, please don’t kill me.” His eyes, not present, go blank; he starts over.  - Whoever he’s screaming at, they must not answer him. He fists the carpet up in his hands and slams his knees against it hard enough to rattle the floor, too much anger for a small body.  “It HURTS!” he yells, sort of outraged in the way kids get when you don’t apologise for making them cry. “This hurts! You can’t just go, you can’t— I hate you!”  It’s his mother he’s crying to, Remus knows almost implicitly. Sirius has always been far too much like her. And he, too, would leave almost anybody bleeding like this and shut the door in their face. 

riding a freight train's solitary wail by orphan_account (Sirius & James, Sirius & Regulus, 4.3k, T)

Rec: Another heartbreaking must-read fic from the same author as above, about Sirius running away from home. I also recommend this author's whole harry potter what-ifs + speculatives series.

Hurricane Walburga is waiting for him back home, angry enough to tear off the roof. And fuck that, honestly. Sirius darts a hand overtop of the bright orange flame and it leaves little red scuffs over the meaty bit of his palm, streaky like stings or poison or something. Fuck that, and fuck her too, and he hopes she dies, he thinks darkly, kicking a stone against the wall and watching it clatter into the drainpipe. There's a poster for some funk band on the wall and they grin down at him, and Sirius hopes she dies. 

Catch a Glimpse by @ashesandhackles (Sirius & Harry, 428 words, G)

Rec: Heartbreaking mini fic that gets inside Sirius's head so well.

Lily and James stand among the wildflowers, smiling at him, having the worn look of photographs aged by time. He can smell salt in the air, a tangy wind that scatters the flowers, sparkling like embers, underneath their feet. "Did you see where Harry has gone to, Padfoot?" James asks. He was right here. In my arms, Sirius thinks to say. Right here with me. He should be right here.

A Christmas Debacle by @ashesandhackles (Sirius & Andromeda, Andromeda & Bellatrix, 2.1k)

Rec: A great Black Family Drama fic. Loved the family dynamics here!

Sirius could feel the beginnings of a fight on the night before Christmas. He was especially attuned to this - given that he was the cause of many of the fights that the dinner table would have witnessed.

The Truth in Potions by shaggydogstail (Sirius/Remus, Sirius & James & Lily, Sirius & his pet kneazle, 42k)

Rec: Another Sirius-centric fic of all time, and best portrayal of Sirius and Remus suspecting each other during the First War.

It was Harry that Voldemort wanted, Harry that Sirius had stood up in church and vowed to protect. Harry, who laughed and toddled and lived and who everyone fell in love with. How could Remus ever want to hurt him? It was Harry who, if Sirius didn’t stop fucking everything up would never live to see his second birthday. ‘Not Harry,’ gasped Sirius, and it was more like a sob. ‘Spare him, please, don’t hurt Harry. Kill me but don’t hurt him, please.’

This Widening Bed (This Bed Has Seen It All Remix) by shaggydogstail (Sirius/Remus, Sirius & James, Sirius & Peter, Sirius & Lily, Sirius & Harry, 4.4k)

Rec: Sirius Black, his bed, and the people he shared it with. A lovely friendship fic.

They’re breathless with laughter when James arrives to survey the room with mock-disapproval. ‘Just once,’ he says, as he throws himself down between them, ‘I’d like to come home from work and not find my wife and my best friend in bed together.’ ‘Just once you’d like to get here before we finish putting our clothes back on,’ Sirius retorts, and Lily laughs so hard she upsets the punnet of peaches, sending over-ripe fruit tumbling across the bedspread.

Alphard's Favourite by @thistlecatfics (Sirius/Peter, Sirius/Alphard, 4.7k, M)

Rec: An excellent exploration of sexual abuse with a fascinating rarepair.

What had set Sirius off became apparent with the next morning’s Prophet. The story didn’t make the front pages and was buried deep in the paper - an impersonal note in the financial pages and a lurid one in the society section, but enough students read enough of the paper that soon the entire student body had seen the news. Sirius Black was always good gossip. Sirius’s Uncle Alphard had left him gold. A lot of gold. An obscene amount of gold. Though why this made Sirius act out like he was sixteen years old and on the verge of running away all over again was still unclear to Peter. 

all time is unredeemable by slashmarks (Sirius & Bellatrix, Sirius & Narcissa, 5.2k)

Rec: The most heartbreaking and compelling Sirius and Bellatrix backstory - an eight year old Sirius is the one to drive Bellatrix to Voldemort because he thinks Voldemort would save her from their family.

He hoped it wouldn't be breaking his promise. But it wasn't being bad, really. And anyway if it would help Bella it would be worth breaking a promise. Even a promise he had sworn on his magic, even if it really did make him a squib. He didn't want them to kill Bella. He inched carefully in the direction of Lord Voldemort, not enough for Cissy to notice. He pitched his voice just loud enough that he knew the people in that corner would hear when he said, "They're not, though. Bella could do better. That blue light was the isgebind curse, right? That's the heaviest thing they've used and when I watched her teaching you she said she learned it summer after her fourth year."

I also recommend all of @gracelesslady23's fic - read here

[eastwindmlk]

muahahaha i got you handing out candy 11 days early 😁

It seems that I am and I am not holding back either! In goes a king-sized snickers and I hope you are hungry!

It did not take long for me to decide what fic we were pulling from because I still smile when I think about your reaction to this silly little fic idea I called Growing Together. While I have not worked on it much, or at all, like I wanted to. I had this scene in my mind and partly in my snippets for a while now.

I hope you enjoy it!

That night, for the first time in a long time, they were joined in bed by Harry. Who had previously declared to be too old and too brave to seek his parent's company. Curing up against his mother, his head nestled in her shoulder while he pulled Sirius’ arm closer.

She felt her husband shift and the weight, now unevenly distributed, making the mattress dip. Gravity pulling her into the heat of their huddling.

There was some grunting and groaning while her son wrestled his way up to draw an easier breath while the two adult made some effort to keep him trapped between them, shoulders shaking with quiet laughter. Both of them sputtering when the ten-year-old’s hands appeared, using their faces to leverage himself a little extra space.

“Good Godric!” Harry complained, loudly and dramatically, sucking in a deep breath before he settled back in between them. “See, this is why I don’t do this anymore. You two are far too attached to me,” he huffed.

He husband snorted, his long fingers poised over Harry’s exposed tummy, threatening to tickle. “Of course we are attached to you. You’re ours after all,” he informed the boy, who stuck out his tongue in response. This earned him a good tickle until he wheezed, the tears of laughter shining against his cheeks.

She couldn’t help but notice how his cheeks were getting leaner; Becoming more and more a teens face than a boys. He’d always been clever and surprisingly observant for a boy his age. Lily wanted to pride herself for that trait even if she know she wasn’t solely responsible for this. He’d had a good example growing up.

The ache in her chest swelled when those thoughts inevitably wandered to the guest room, to her summer phantom. To James and wonder how Harry was going to react when they told him the truth. How was she ever going to explain the unexplainable?

Harry’s voice cut through the quiet, ripping the thoughts straight from her mind. “James is my dad, isn’t he?” She had hoped to avoid question a little while longer, when her own feeling about his return were no longer a restless ocean in her chest.

“Yes, darling. James is your father,” she answered plainly, it could only cause hurt to deny her son this knowledge. No need to involve him in the complications. That conversation was beyond his years and something she would spare him if she was given the chance to.

There was a thoughtful silence, where her answer took root. “Then I am happy he is staying for a little bit. I think I’d like having two dads.”

Her heart warmed at his words, hoping that it would be as easy as that for them all. But she doubted that it could be.

Hungry for more? Come knocking!

[halfblood-princes-crown]

I saw this in my emails from Quora and honestly…I’m dead asf

Ok, let’s unpack this:

Firstly, he looked down on her because she was a muggle while spying on her sister, with whom he was enchanted.

First part of the sentence I agree with but not in the way a snater would want me to. I could sit here and write an essay about WHY Severus would have a distaste for muggles but thats not the topic. Second part of this sentence is WILD…did you skim the book and not read it?

Here, let me fill you in:

"Lily, come on, we're leaving!" she said shrilly. Lily obeyed her sister at once, glaring at Snape as she left. He stood watching them as they marched through the playground gate, and Harry, the only one left to observe him, recognized Snape's bitter disappointment, and understood that Snape had been planning this moment for a while, and that it had all gone wrong...”

This ^ is the scene where he tells Lily that she’s a witch….context clues? He had been watching her and observing her do magic and planned on telling her that she was a witch, possibly to make a new friend. Had nothing to do with being “enchanted” (tf)

In this same scene, Harry describes Severus as looking “no more than nine or ten”…he was a fuckin KID…y’all have no shame. Has it ever crossed a snaters mind that poor, abused boy had no friends? Didn’t really know how to interact with people properly? Saw a witch his age and thought ‘FRIEND!” ? Nobody thought of that!?

Then decided to throw a branch on her because Petunia was eavesdropping their conversation.

…what?

"What is that you're wearing, anyway?" she said, pointing at Snape's chest. "Your mum's blouse?"

There was a crack. A branch over Petunia's head had fallen. Lily screamed. The branch caught Petunia on the shoulder, and she staggered backward and burst into tears.”

Yea. It was because she was eavesdropping. Sure, Jan. Let’s ignore and therefore defend making fun of poor people. Let’s ignore and therefore defend making fun of a little boy for “wearing his mother’s blouse” shall we? JKR would be proud.

And y’all act like he did it on purpose. He was a kid and we can’t honestly expect a kid to be able to control their magic fully!? But it’s Severus Snape and even him as a fucking CHILD couldn’t possibly do anything by accident, right? But let’s all go laugh at Harry releasing a boa constrictor on Dudley! Because that’s funny. Right?

It honestly confuses me when Snape haters bring up the branch incident because they’re always the same ones that fight tooth and nail to defend Harry’s ACCIDENT

A few days/months later, he and Lily went through Petunias room to read her letter.

Diary entry: Day 193728 of this fandom treating Lily like she’s perfect and does no wrong. There’s no food, no water, and everyone has lost their mind. I don’t how long I can make it out here. Send help.

“Setting a terrible example”…So basically the thought process is that Snape said “I wanna go through your sisters room” and Lily said ok and just let him right in like an idiot. I can’t even be mad at this because it honestly confirmes my long running theory that Lily is naive and can’t think for herself to save her life. Thank you for that. I’m glad to see Snape haters agree.

Awful boy, that James Potter

[racfoam]

I am so ashamed that I skipped over Lily, James and Snape in 1st Wizarding War AU, here is some scenes in no particular order (Harry is 24 in the fic, Lily and the Co are 18 in the first meeting scene)

Lily

Harry collided with something — no, someone. Momentarily, the colour of orange autumn leaves filled her sight. Both Harry and the person — a woman — groaned at the colission, stumbling back from each other.

Opening her eyes, Harry was met with vibrant green eyes. They were the colour of spring grass, fresh leaves. They held entire forests of trees within them. Momentarily, Harry thought she had collided with a mirror, because those were Harry’s eyes.

The heart stopped beating inside her chest as she gazed upon the face of a witch, with long beautiful red hair and emerald green eyes.

Somehow, someway, Harry managed to breathe in, ignoring the sudden flood of tears welling in her eyes the longer she stared at her mother.

“I’m sorry —” started Harry, her voice mixing with a gentle one's, one Harry knew from dreams and memories, one that refused to step aside for Voldemort, the same voice that encouraged Harry on the graveyard, the same voice that told her she would always be with her.

They both stopped, blinking, confused by the other's apology.

“Sorry about that,” said Harry quickly, waving her wand at Lily's books without saying a thing. They floated up and back into Lily's bag. “I usually don’t crash into people.”

Lily raised her eyebrows.

“I'm Harry,” Harry burst out before she could cower, internally wincing at the little squeak in her voice.

Lily peered at her. She was the same height as Harry. “Have we met before?”

Harry forced out a dry laugh. “No. I'd remember if I met a beautiful witch like you.”

Lily chuckled. “You remind me of my boyfriend. He makes silly one-liners, too.”

James

A voice coughed, loudly. Clearly, it intended to be heard. “Being a Chaser is better.”

Harry knew that voice, a confident, masculine tone. She froze up. She forgot how to breathe. Slowly, she turned her head to the table where it had come from.

Unruly, short black hair and rectangular spectacles behind which piercing brown eyes stared. A six-foot-one young man stood across from her.

James Potter offered an awkward smile.

“Sure, the Seeker gets the glory, but it's the Chasers that keep the game going to give the team the advantage. Ten points can make or break the game.”

Harry continued gaping like a fish out of the water.

“Sorry," he said, and Harry saw so much of herself in him. “I really like Quidditch. I ramble about it. Tend to do that a lot, actually, about the things I love, now that I think about it... Only my girlfriend can stop me when I start.”

“I ramble, too,” said Harry suddenly, her mouth faster than her brain. It was probably the silliest first words to say.

Then again, she inherited that trait from the wizard in front of her.

Snape

“Oh," said Harry, pausing at the sight of a young man beside Voldemort. The greasy hair falling down his head and curtaining his face gave it away. “Sorry. The doors were open...”

“Not at all, darling,” said Voldemort. “Severus and I were just finished with our discussion. Dare I say, you are right on time.”

Harry was impressed not to see Snape flinch at Voldemort's cold voice. Even this young, with only a year out of Hogwarts, Snape was clearly made of tougher stuff.

Voldemort appeared completely at ease despite the interruption, smoothly transitioning into introductions. “Severus, this is Harriet Potter. Harriet, this is Severus Snape. A promising young potioneer. He is only a year out of Hogwarts, but has already proven himself a very capable wizard.”

I bet... thought Harry, fighting back from frowning.

“Nice to meet you,” said Harry politely, offering a hand. Snape glanced to Voldemort, and upon the elder wizard's nod (like Voldemort was giving Snape permission), Snape shook Harry's hand quickly, then let it go, as if burned, like holding Harry's hand a moment longer would give him a deadly disease. His hands were certainly that of a potioneer.

“Honoured to meet you,” said Snape, and Harry was surprised by how respectful the drawling voice was.

“You may go, Severus.”

The chill of Voldemort’s voice would be enough to make anyone other than Harry and Aurors cower. Snape showed no signs of fear. Instead, he bowed his head to Voldemort, and swept away, out of the drawing room, closing the doors.

“Interesting kid,” said Harry thoughtfully.

“Severus is hardly a child,” said Voldemort. “He is the most mature of all the witches and wizards his age.”

Harry decided to drop the subject.

[dreamforest15]

If You Could See Me Now

Part 1 - harry

Harry first asked about his father when he was five. His teacher at St. Gregory wanted her students to write something about their father. Harry asked her what a father was and he never saw someone look so pityingly at him before. He decided he hated that look and never asked her again. He knew father meant dad when a nicer student told him. The kid was bullied by Dudly afterwards. 

He went home that day and asked aunt Petunia about his father. He was forbidden from asking questions but he really wanted to know who his father was and why did everyone have a father but him. Aunt Petunia's face became red with anger but she answered him anyway. 

His father died. In a car crash. He was a drunk who didn't care for his family. Didn't care for Harry's mother or Harry, not enough to stay alive and take care of his own problem. 

He asked her what his father's name was but in response, he got an angry shriek from her and was told to get out. 

That night Harry cried like he never had. He wondered if his father had ever wiped the tears off his face when he was a baby. Maybe he had. Maybe he even sang him songs to make him fall asleep. That night Harry pretended his father was there, singing him to sleep. And his mother was standing outside the door watching them fondly. 

Harry knew the truth about his father when he was eleven. He also got to know his father's name. James. It was such a nice name he thought. And it'd fit his father well. How? He doesn't know. But James sounds like a name that'd belong to his father.

He also got to know James wasn't a careless man. He wasn't the drunk that his aunt told him about. James was a brave man. He did care about Harry. He did care about his wife, Harry's mom. And for the first time, he wondered if he was anything like his father.

And when Harry got the picture book from Hagrid he couldn't help but think that's how his father was supposed to look. He had a mental image of James and Lily and it didn't match the real pictures. But he couldn't help but think that they matched perfectly.  

When Harry was thirteen he got to know a little bit more about his father. He not only loved Harry and Lily but also loved three other people. They were his family as much as Harry and Lily were and he loved them as much as Harry loves Ron and Hermione. He got to know how much of a great man his father was. How he made three strangers his family. How he managed to earn the respect of two of them to the extent that were ready to die for him. And for the hundredth time, Harry wondered if he was anything like him.

When Harry was fifteen he got to know about a darker side of his father. His father wasn't always the hero Harry and everyone around him made him out to be. He was also a boy once upon a time. He made mistakes. Great mistakes. And for a moment he hated him. Harry hated James. But then Sirius died. And the world came crumbling to his feet. He realized he never loved anyone as much as he loved Sirius, not even his real father. And with the earlier discovery, he didn't know if he should feel guilty or not.

When Harry turned seventeen he finally was able to forgive his father. He finally was able to look at him as a person rather than the hero he wanted him to be at the age of eleven or the villain he thought he was at the age of fifteen. James Potter was a human who made terrible mistakes. But even with all those mistakes, James Potter was a great man. To him. To everyone. And when he saw James in the forbidden forest he couldn't feel anything but longing. Longing for both his parents' touch, for Sirius' touch, for Lupin's calm voice. 

When Harry turned twenty-one he stood in front of a mirror and wondered if his father looked like this when he died. He has always heard how much he looked like his father all his life. Did he look like this when Harry last saw him?

Harry compared himself to the picture of his father. The one where he was a baby and in the middle of his parents. He touched his chin, his hair, his ear. It did look a lot like James. But Harry would age. He'd turn twenty-two. James wouldn't. James would always be youthful, forever twenty-one. People won't tell Harry how much he looks like James anymore. Would people stop telling him that now? He doesn't want them to stop. He loved it when people told him that, even when he hated James.

Lily's eyes and James' features, that's how he liked to be described. That's how Mary MacDonald described him when she came to meet him. Harry touched his cheek again. Would James be proud if he could see him now? Was James proud of what he's done though out his life? Would James love him as much as Harry loves him even after not really knowing him? 

How would James feel about Harry? What would he feel? How would he react if he ever saw Harry like this? Would he say what everyone says? That Harry looks just like him. He wouldn't maybe. Maybe he would say Harry was just like his mum. How would James handle all of the trouble Harry caused at Hogwarts? Would he have been proud or annoyed? Would he hate Harry for hating him at the age of fifteen? 

What would he say? What would he feel? Would James recognize Harry? Would he approve of everything Harry did or shake his head in disagreement? At that moment Harry decided that he loved his mother more because he never had a doubt that she loved him and was proud of him. But mother sounds like the kind of person that is always with you. At least the things he heard of his mother made him feel like that.

Harry was twenty-three when he started hating October 31st.

When he was at Hogwarts he didn't think much of the day. It was fun. Hogwarts' feasts were amazing. But as he became older he learned it wasn't only a day to celebrate Halloween. It was also the day they celebrated Harry and his parents. It was the day his parents died. It was the day that didn't let him get close to his heroes. The day that took the ones that he still wants the most with him. The day which changed his life forever. That was the day for which he would never get to know if his parents were proud of him. 

Harry was twenty-five when he became a father himself and he never wanted James Potter to be with him more. He named his child James. Did his father feel like this when he was born? Did James Potter feel nervous and helpless and so in love when Harry Potter was born? He accepted that he would never know. But he would do everything to make him proud. He would become the father to James that James Potter would have been for him but couldn't be. 

And no matter how old he got and how so many people stopped saying he looked like James he still looked for his father's approval. In things that didn't matter. He would always ask what his father would do or say in a certain situation. And even though he would never get the answer to that because he never knew his father to begin with he still formed an answer and went with it. Because if they were seeing him now, he only wanted them to be proud of him and happy for him. The days of worries were over. Now he only wanted his parents to be side by side and wait for him till his time comes. 

And they were his guardian angel Harry thought. They must have always looked after him. Because how did he even survive all these years if they weren't looking over him? James must have been proud of Harry. He must have loved Harry. Enough to stay there even when he couldn't. Harry's parents loved Harry and in return Harry loved them. It took Harry all these years to learn. Now he only wishes Teddy would understand that too. Understand it sooner than Harry. And he didn't know how to help the younger boy because what they felt towards their respective parents was vastly different. He can only wish with time Teddy would come to the conclusion that Harry had. His parents loved him and were proud of him.

[ourperfectlivesasleep]

A Draco Malfoy one shot... (or maybe it can turn into a ff?)

I'm currently recovering my love for Harry Potter and, of course, my favorite character: Draco Malfoy... i have a little story made up in my head but just a kind of "one shot" formally written, but believe me, the whole plot is in my head and i don't know, i wanted to publish this small part and see if i find the inspiration to write the rest of it, or some of the scenes i have planned in my head....

Enjoy...? i guess haha

-:-:-

Valerie Blanchard found herself coming out of the classroom after a very intense Defence Against the Dark Arts Class. She was holding a few books in her arms since she didn’t have the time to put them in her bag. Her friends were nowhere to be seen. Searching for them, she spotted Professor McGonagall standing in the middle of the whole crowd of students —who were just released from their classes and heading to the next one — with a concerned look on her face. A look that was telling her to come closer. She walked over to her.

‘Miss Blanchard, may I have a word with you?’ She asked with the same concern in her voice.

‘Sure, professor. What happened?’ she frowned.

‘Come, please’ Minerva grabbed her arm delicately and pulled her out of the crowd. They were now in the courtyard. ‘Valerie, I have terrible news for you…’ she started.

‘I received an owl. I – your mother had a terrible accident. A group of Death Eaters found her, they thought she had information about Potter, since she was very close friends with Lily Potter in her school years .’  

Valerie was breathing heavily, staring right into Professor McGonagall’s eyes. She felt her heart beginning to pound in her chest. Nevertheless, she was eager to hear the rest. She wanted Minerva to get straight to the point.

‘She refused to talk, she didn’t have any information at all but they – she’s dead, Valerie. And I’m so sorry I had to be the one to tell you. If you…’

At this point Valerie stopped hearing Professor McGonagall’s words. She even stopped hearing her surroundings, the voices of the students talking eagerly, everyone walking in every direction, everything.

She opened her mouth slightly and blinked very slowly, as if she was under some slow motion effect, while tears started running down her cheeks. She turned around and walked away from McGonagall, not even excusing herself, not even knowing if she had finished talking. She just left.

The slow motion effect was still before her eyes, as she walked away as far as she could, not paying attention to who or what was around her. She didn’t care. She didn’t even realize she just pushed Draco Malfoy to a side so she could make her way through the crowd she was so desperate to get away from. He frowned and intended to go after her, looking for trouble as it always seemed to be when it came to Valerie Blanchard.

He then realized she was crying and that she was desperately trying to escape from that place.

He doubted. He doubted on going after her to tease her or to just let it pass and give her a break.

Anyway, his subconscious betrayed him and he started to walk behind her. He didn’t know exactly why. He wasn’t sure of his intentions at that moment. Make fun of her for crying and looking ridiculous in front of everyone? Complain about her pushing him aside just a moment ago? Just watch her crying from the distance without knowing exactly what to do? ask her what was so wrong that she didn’t take the time to notice his presence to get on his nerves?  

‘What’s wrong?’ he thought for himself, because Valerie Blanchard never missed an opportunity to tease Draco Malfoy, and he wanted to know why.

Valerie finally reached the Clock Tower Backyard, believing she was all alone. She leaned her back against the nearest wall and let herself slide down until she reached the floor. placing her books aside, she closed her eyes and just let the tears run down her cheeks, while every memory of her and her mother replayed on her mind, crying harder as every minute passed. 

it was as if she forgot to breathe for an instant because she let out a big breath as she opened her eyes slowly. From the corner of her eye, she spotted a tall figure standing in the distance. she turned her head and noticed it was the one and only Draco Malfoy, staring at her with a troubled look. 

He had never seen this girl like this. So broken, so vulnerable. 

And he didn't know what to do about it. 

if she’d been in a better situation, she would have thrown a sassy comment at him and waited amusingly for his comeback. but at this moment she couldn't care less about his presence or if he saw her crying, or even if he wanted to make fun of her for doing so. She didn't care at all. 

She covered her face with her palms and continued to cry. loudly, desperately, as if Draco Malfoy wasn't watching her in her weakest state, but clearly knowing he wouldn't waste time on teasing  her later for that. Malfoy approached her slowly and stood beside her. 

He felt strange, he had seen himself in the same situation countless of times; crying, and alone, with the only difference that no one ever approached him or tried to make him feel better. He always ended up drying his own tears, shrugging it all off and act as if nothing happened. But seeing Blanchard in the same circumstances… a very deep part of him didn't want her to feel like this. He knew how terrible it was to be so sad but at the same time so lonely, unable to open up to someone. He wouldn't want anyone to feel like he did so many times in his life.

“I’m not in the mood now, Malfoy. Leave” she said almost in a whisper, still with her face hidden in her hands. 

“I’m not here to bother you,” he answered. 

“Then why are you here?” she kind of snapped, now looking up at him. She wanted to say more, maybe insult him for just standing there and watching her cry her eyes out, maybe making fun of her in his head or planning how he was going to humiliate her for this the next day. But she didn't have the energy to do so, not now. and honestly she didn't care if he saw her red, swollen eyes or her rosy cheeks full of tears. 

“I thought maybe you needed some company, you don't look okay” when she didn't answer, Draco continued, not very sure of himself anymore “I’m not very good with words, so I can just sit here… if you want” okay, that sounded better in his head. “- I mean…” he started again. 

“Fine” was all she said. 

Now he was surprised, he didn't actually expect her to agree. So he sat beside her, not knowing exactly what to do next. Draco wasn't sure if she wanted him to say some words of comfort, or if she preferred him to stay quiet. This made him think, because every person dealt with pain in a different way. There were people who liked some company, others that liked to be comforted, and others that rather be alone. Draco, went more with the last one. And he didn't know her at all, he just knew that she was an insufferable Gryffindor girl who liked to make his life miserable just for fun. 

Just before he could think of anything else, Valerie rested her head on his shoulder and almost hid her face on his neck, still crying hopelessly. He suddenly felt his white school shirt get a bit wet.

“I-it’s okay, Blanchard… Whatever you're going through, it will pass. Everything will be okay” he whispered, not knowing exactly if that was the right thing to say in a moment like this, but he sounded sincere in his words. 

“My mother’s dead… nothing’s okay” she said in a muffled voice. 

Now, Draco didn't have words for that statement. This was way more serious than he thought. 

“she was murdered… and I will never see her again. It’s so unfair” she broke down. 

Valerie was so affected by his mother’s death that she didn't care at all that it was Malfoy she was opening up to and filling his expensive uniform shirt with tears. And probably she was going to regret that later, and very badly. but she was really desperate for some comfort, and her friends were nowhere to be seen. She just had this insufferable Slytherin boy who liked to make her life miserable just for fun. and right now, it was enough for her. 

“I won't be able to hug her again, or listen to her voice, tell her my problems, ask her for advice… Nothing….” 

“I know how you must be feeling, believe me. But listen, the first days will be the most difficult. But time - your time, will sort things out for you and your mourning, I promise… just, don't let yourself fall in a black, deep hole alone, yeah? you - you have people around who love you and care for you, and i'm sure they will support you and help you with everything you’re feeling, and will make you feel a bit better day by day until you learn how to live without her… Meanwhile, well…  you have me” he said, hoping that his words would be at least slightly enough for her. probably not, because he was never enough, not even for his parents, but still he hoped. And oh, how he wished someone would have told him something like this in his worst moments. But sadly, he would always fall in that black and deep hole alone, and no, he didn't have as many people that loved him and cared for him like Valerie did. He barely had his mother… 

“I don’t know you very much, but I know you can do this,” he said at last. 

And then she hugged him, just like that. And yes, now she was sure she was going to regret this the next morning. 

Draco answered and returned the hug just as slightly. Was he going to regret this tomorrow? At this point, he didn't know. This wasn't so bad at all. 

Eventually, Valerie calmed down with her arms still around Malfoy and her head in his shoulder; the fabric beneath her face was already almost soaked with tears as well as her cheeks. The sky was already changing colors, from shades of orange and pink to a deep blue. Draco was starting to get hungry and he was almost sure it was already time for dinner. So he talked again after a few hours full of silence. 

“Hey, Blanchard,” he said in a low voice. 

“Hmm?”  she mumbled. 

“it's getting late, we should get going… I bet your friends are  wondering where you are” 

“Yeah, you’re right…” She started to get up. That was probably the first and the last time Draco was going to hear that phrase coming out of her mouth. 

Draco got to his feet too. “How are you feeling now?” they started walking to the great hall 

“I’m still in shock… And it bloody hurts'. He felt her voice break again “but, surprisingly, I'm feeling a bit better… you really did help” Draco opened his eyes in surprise. 

“I did?” he asked. 

“Yes… So thank you, really…” she said. honesty in her voice. 

“Yeah, anytime…” 

Eventually they returned to the Great Hall where everyone was sitting down to get dinner. They entered together, and Valerie’s friends spotted her immediately. 

“Valerie! for God’s sake where have you been? we’ve been looking for you everywhere!” said Hermione while giving Malfoy a side eye, but ignoring him. She then noticed Valerie’s been crying. “Come on let’s go to our table”

Valerie shot one last glance at Malfoy, who gave her a sad smile and went to his table, where his “friends” were of course not as worried for him as Harry, Ron and Hermione were for Valerie. 

“Why were you with Malfoy? Did he do something bad to you?” asked Harry 

“No, he didn't do anything…” Valerie said lowly. 

“Then why are you crying? you can tell us, you know, and maybe we can turn him into a ferret again, permanently, this time. that would be brilliant” Said Ron. Hermione elbowed him. 

“Guys… it has nothing to do with Malfoy…” she started and, after a not so short pause, she told them everything. Well, not exactly everything. She of course omitted the part where Malfoy comforted her. 

“Oh, Valerie… I’m so sorry to hear that,'' Hermione said and hugged her tightly, without saying another word. She really didn't know what else to say in a situation like this. Ron, who sat beside her, also hugged her and rubbed her back while whispering “I’m so sorry, Val”

On the other hand, Harry was feeling terribly guilty.

And at the other side of the Great Hall, sat Draco Malfoy watching that scene from afar. This time, he smiled sadly to himself, because he knew he would never have friends or anyone who would comfort him like that, but watching Valerie having the support she needed, well, it made him feel more at ease. and he didn't even know why, because he hated her, and he shouldn't be happy for his enemy having things he would never have. 

After dinner they all went up to their respective common rooms. Valerie and Hermione went to the girls dormitories, where they got ready for bed. Valerie felt exhausted and drained. 

“Val… I know this is very hard for you and that… words are not enough to ease the pain you must be feeling right now but, just know that I’m here for you, anytime you need me, alright?” Valerie nodded as she sat on her bed. 

“Thank you, Mione… For everything. I really appreciate it” she smiled at her and they finally went to sleep. 

But even though Valerie was extremely tired and sleepy, she couldn’t find herself to fall asleep. 

Was she going to regret everything that happened with Malfoy the next morning? 

uhmm… maybe not… not at all. 

[scrivenger-grimgar]

Reminder to EVERYONE that this is my space to be cringe and free! Now, on to the cringe!!

Hades/Harry Potter/Percy Jackson au

In 1980, Lily prays to the Gods and while they do not answer, the Primordial Chaos does. She makes a bargain with Chaos that if she or James dies, their souls are destroyed and Harry is gifted a Boon from them.

When Lily and James both die the Boon from Chaos is much more powerful than either of one of the mortals could expect, essentially making Harry the demigod child of Chaos.

Chaos is not bound by the same laws that the Olympian’s are, but is technically unable to leave their home realm. The only time the two can meet is when Harry is in a deep meditative state, so Harry thinks he’s either dreaming of or hallucinating a third parent of indeterminate gender, but their advice is good if rather cryptic so that’s chill.

The Dursley’s have a habit of putting him outside when he does something freakish, and he just wanders for a few weeks before he’s suddenly back at the house for seemingly no reason. It’s because of thirst that he gets to meet and befriend other demigod children!

Oz, child of Hodr, the Norse god of darkness, winter, cold, and ice. A fair skinned kid with long silver hair and unnatural gold-yellow eyes, they seem to be homeless and are extremely good at hiding and escaping. They are very independent, though mild mannered and deceptively tranquil, their gaze is positively intense. Despite their general paleness they can disappear into the shadows at will and even transform them into a liquid substance for them to control and use like extra limbs. Their body temperature is lower than average but they prefer and are unbothered by the cold.

Blaise, son of Bragi, Norse god of music, poetry, and the harp. A black Italian boy with long box-braided brown hair and (supernatural) dark blue eyes. He is witty and sarcastic, but his way of speaking is lyrical and poetic, he loves playing stringed instruments and is seemingly able to imbue listeners with the emotions of the songs he plays, and his insults deal actual physical damage. His mother gave him a poisoned dagger ‘just in case’ and he thinks that this is completely normal in all familial relationships.

Luna, daughter of Heimdall, Norse god of foresight, knowledge, and brightness. She is pale skinned, has long white-blonde hair and pale blue-silver eyes. She is whimsical and light-hearted, always knows more than she lets on, knows the stars and their constellations by almost every name they have been given, and collects trinkets to turn into jewelry in her spare time. Her eyesight is supernatural and she can see no matter the light level. She can even see entities that only exist on the metaphysical planes.

Chaos encourages their son to make blood bonds with his friends because their friend Zagreus had always said that ‘the blood of the covenant is thicker than the waters of the womb’ and Harry takes this very seriously and creates a literal blood bound covenant with his friends because ‘my third parent the Primordial Chaos told me it was a good idea’ and none of them think that this is in any way weird and that all friends do this.

Now the whole Hogwarts thing goes pretty much as canon except for Ron, Hermione and Neville being sworn in to the blood covenant at the end of first year. Things change at the end of second year though due to the basilisk venom and Phoenix tears mixing with Harry’s primordial demigod blood, as both monsters/beings are technically immortals, this kickstarts the process of apotheosis for not just Harry but for the entire blood covenant because they all share Harry’s blood.

In the middle of third year the covenant discovers they can turn into dragon-bird creatures during a discussion about becoming animagi, and they come to the conclusion that this is a weird reaction to the basilisk-Phoenix situation, and they’re not wrong.

(Dragon-bird form, otherwise known as Striga [singular] or Strigoi [plural])

Then at the end of third year when Dumbledore tells Harry and Hermione to use the time tuner to rescue Sirius, the apotheosis and the blood covenant are both affected and they end up in Chaos’s realm. Chaos is delighted by this because it’s so unexpected, they did not expect to have more children after so long, and decide that they simply must name these children as ‘all parents of the current day name their children do they not? The Child of Hades told me it was so, that his mother chose his name, and as such his father kept it.’

Neferos for Neville, Haris for Harry, Vlassis for Blaise, Vronia for Ron, Osial for Oz, and Lena for Luna. Chaos somehow picks Hermione for Hermione.

The seven of them can’t exactly stay there though because they aren’t gods yet, and they still have mortal needs, so Chaos sends them through a chaos gate and lands them somewhere in Asphodel, where they almost die, but are eventually found by Zagreus on one of his runs.

Zagreus just goes, ‘huh, what the fuck. These aren’t shades.’ and brings them back to the house. Hypnos is stumped because these guys aren’t dead, Nyx is a little confused over having a half-sibling(s?) but she’s got the spirit, and Hades is infuriated that they managed to get into the underworld and refuses to let them leave even though they did not mean to go there and want to leave.

So Zagreus has to break them out, which is very difficult because they absolutely cannot die. So they have to be very careful. Luckily they can turn into dragon-birds, so it is possible.

Once they reach the surface, Luna takes one good look at the stars and goes ‘oh. oh no. this is the industrial revolution.’

They have a collective panic attack while Zagreus dies, and Thanatos arrives confused to a group of strange death-like godlings. Their apotheosis was completed while they were in Styx, so they became a group of chthonic Greek gods completely on accident, and are technically no longer alive nor dead.

Hades does grudgingly hire them after the industrial revolution because there’s just so many more dead people all of a sudden, and they just help wherever they’re needed. They concluded that trying to go back to their own time is very much not a god idea considering that they’ll technically only age if they want to and that interfering with the timeline will do nothing good.

Thus they become the Circle of the Seven, the Seven Sorcerers of the Underworld, the Strigoi, the collective patron gods of survival, each with their own domain.

Neferos, of the wilderness, fungi, and decay.

Haris, of electricity, hunger, and poison.

Vlassis, of poems, criticism, and sound.

Lena, of the stars, foreknowledge, and forgetfulness.

Hermione, of study, hard work, and intuition.

Osial, of winter, shadows, and ice.

Vronia, of strategy, games, and competition.

[polychr0matic]

Chapter One.

King’s Cross Station was bustling with people, as per usual, and I stood side by side with my father, Sirius Black, looking around for the rest of our usual party that met before boarding the elusive Hogwarts Express; Uncle James, Aunt Lily, and their son Harry, who also happened to be one of my best mates and cousin by proxy. A smile lights up my facial features upon seeing the familiar mop of unruly curls and green eyes, two things I had grown quite fond of over the years, not that I would ever admit it out loud of course.

“Astri!” 

“Harry!”

We embrace and I laugh airily before releasing first, taking the time to look him over and nodding in approval. He looked much more put together than last year and for that, I was grateful and I knew he was as well, especially since he had laid his eyes on a particular redhead that was a year below us. A smirk replaces the smile I wore at the thought, giving him a knowing look and laughing again when I see the tips of his ears flush red.

“You look great, by the way. I think Ginny will be pleased.” I nudge him lightly with my elbow and he returns it, the tip of his nose now matching his ears.

“Thanks, but hush it. Mum and dad will never let me live it down if they find out.”

I roll my eyes affectionately before turning to my Uncle James and Aunt Lily, offering them a wave of my own before I’m lifted up into the air by Uncle James, a squeal falling from my lips.

“There’s my favourite little star! It’s so good to see you. Been too long, it has. Right, Lilypad?” He looks over at his wife, who now matched her son with how red she was upon hearing the nickname he had donned for her back in their years at Hogwarts, sweet really. I giggle and slap his arm playfully, silently telling him to put me down, which he does, and I look up at him with a nod of my head.

“It has been too long, but we’ll see each other at Christmas. A whole week and a half of me, along with your best mate, whom I’m surprised you aren’t sick of yet after all these years.” 

Harry snorts and Aunt Lily laughs, quickly covering her mouth as my father’s own mouth drops open with a shocked, “Hey now!”

I give him an innocent look and he grumbles before ruffling my hair, to which I shriek in protest, rushing over to my Aunt Lily who immediately springs into action and begins to fix it, her touch gentle and full of love. She smooths some of the golden curls down and tucks a few stray ones behind my ears, the same green eyes as Harry’s looking into my silver ones and smiling softly.

“You look more and more like your mother every single day, Astri. A lovely young woman and she would be proud.”

A lump forms in my throat then that I struggle to swallow, feeling the backs of my eyes prick with unshed tears. My mother was Marlene McKinnon, a singularly gifted and formidable witch, taken too soon by none other than the Dark Lord himself. I never got the chance to truly meet her, but her memory still lived on through my father and everyone else that knew her, it just was nowhere near close to being the same as actually having her here. I was going into my fifth year and she had not gotten to see any of it, not seeing me grow or getting my wand from Ollivanders, nothing. It hurt, I would not deny, although I was incredibly thankful for the people I did have. But how could anyone replace my mother? They could not and I was reminded of that fact all the time.

“Thanks you, Aunt Lils.” I manage to choke out and the woman pulls me in for a warm hug, the familiar scent of sugar and amber invading my senses, comforting and one of my favourite combinations. The pair of us had made a deal long ago that she would always be there, taking on the things that my father deemed too hard to handle and boy, did that come in handy. I smile as she kisses my cheek and steps back, looking up at her husband then.

Harry makes a face at the loving look his parents share before chiming in, “We better get a move on or we’re going to miss the train. I don’t fancy having a repeat of my second year.” He grimaces as Uncle James guffaws, earning a smack to the arm from Aunt Lily. I burst into a fit of giggles and quickly stifle them with an enclosed fist, sharing a look with my father as his eyes twinkle with a mixture of mischief and faux disapproval.

“I’m just glad Astri wasn’t there. I would’ve had to come after you and Ron for that.” My father says, reaching up to clap Harry on the back, giving a small squeeze and a now stern look.

Harry falters and opens his mouth to speak when I quickly intervene, “As if you and the Marauders didn’t do things that were twice as bad, if not more so!”

He gives me a look as we all start walking, pushing our trolleys with our trunks, making our way to Platform 9 3/4’s with haste. “I wasn’t a dad back then.”

I roll my eyes and nudge him with a shake of my head, to which he returns; all in good fun. That was the type of relationship I had with my father and truth be told, I wouldn’t change it for the world. He was lenient, but when he needed to make a point and be heard, especially when it came to being a single father of a teenage witch, he was ruthless, relentless, and everything else in-between. I tried my best not to bring that side out of him too often, but it had happened in the past and I did not want to rehash that, no thank you.

We all manage to make it to the platform on time and Harry goes first, followed by Uncle James and Aunt Lily, leaving the two sole members of the Black family, looking at each other with mirrored mischievous facial expressions.

“Together?” He asks.

“Together.” I confirm.

We turn back to face the barrier and with a running start, we walk through and are met with an abundance of witches and wizards alike, along with the gleaming Hogwarts Express, steam billowing out of the top and the whistle blowing to signify that we would be taking off soon. I turn to my father and the mischievous looks are long gone, now replaced with a sense of sadness. I feel it, too, and was more than likely showing it as well. I could not help it and it was the same every year. Not that I minded; having something to miss just meant that you had something to lose.

“Bye dad. I’ll miss you.”

He chuckles and quickly pulls my petite frame into his arms, giving a squeeze as he rocks back and forth for a moment, hand on my head as he kisses the top of it. “I’ll miss you, too. Don’t you forget to write and I’ll see you at Christmas.”

I nod and inhale deeply, memorising the moment and filing it away with all the others before pulling back, both of our sets of silver eyes shining with unshed tears. We both bark out a laugh and I grab my trolley, beginning to push it to the designated area for all student belongings.

“I love you, my star.”

My heart clenches as I glance over my shoulder, seeing that one tear had slipped from his eye and was now rolling down his cheek. The whistle blew again and I had to resist the urge to turn all the way around, running back to him and refusing to board. I continue to push the trolley and once I’m far enough away, I angle my head over my shoulder once more and shout, “I love you, too!” with a grin and he returns it, along with a wave as he reconnects with Uncle James and Aunt Lily, the latter of which was a complete mess of tears as she watches after her only son, who now stood beside me.

Harry sniffles, “Ready?”

I blink a couple of times, choosing not to acknowledge his own red-rimmed eyes, and softly say, “Ready.”

We drop our trolleys off and make our way onto the train, moving down the aisle as we look for an empty compartment, finding one after a few tries and settling in. The pair of us sit in silence for a spell, which was fine with me as it gave us time to compose ourselves, before Ron Weasley popped his head in.

“There you are! I was looking everywhere for you two!”

Harry and I look up simultaneously at the youngest Weasley boy, who had now entered the compartment and took his usual place next to Harry. They engage in pleasantries before Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood enter as well, much to my relief. There was far too much testosterone going on for my liking.

“Astri, you look lovely,” Luna says, taking a seat on my left, a dreamy smile present on her face. Besides Harry, Luna was my best friend, the two of us joined at the hip ever since our first year and Harry was sorted into Gryffindor, myself into Ravenclaw. I did not think I would find a friend as good as him until she came along, which was saying something. She truly was one of a kind and I could not have been more grateful for her.

“Thanks, Luna. You look quite lovely yourself, as do you, Hermione.” I smile at both girls and we soon dive into our own pleasant conversation before Blaise Zabini shows up for Luna, knocking on the compartment door with an uncharacteristically sheepish smile upon his strikingly handsome face. It looked odd, but I knew exactly why, sharing a look with her before she gets up to follow him with a whisper of “I shall return. Watch for the Nargles, they seem to have taken a liking to Ron.” Hermione and I giggle together before she asks, “Is that about what I think it’s about?”

I give her the same look I had just given Luna and I nod, “Oh yes. They’ve been writing each other all Summer and I think this may be the start of the epic love she keeps going on about. Did she tell you?”

Hermione returns the nod and drops her voice lower, glancing over at Harry and Ron to make sure they were not eavesdropping, before continuing, “She did. I told her I thought it was wonderful because despite being a Slytherin, Blaise seems to really like her and why not go for it?”

“I agree. It’s about time someone notices her brilliance.”

We fall back into easy conversation, which I was thankful for considering all the boys’ could talk about was meeting up with Fred and George to prank Peeves before classes started. I rolled my eyes, Harry truly was his father’s son, and looked out the window for a brief period, watching as the scenery passed us by; rolling hills and lush grass that went on forever, it was breathtaking and it also reminded me how fortunate I was to have the life I did, with these friends and all these opportunities. It was like something out of a muggle fairytale and I was determined to make this the best year at Hogwarts yet.

[musingmemories]

@fablesuntold

‘You don’t have to hide them… your tears.’ managed to coax out a chuckle as James’ soothing words proved they were exactly what Lily’s walls needed to hear, breaking down for them to flow. Several at a time cascaded down rosy cheeks and while sobs clawed their way to the back of Lily’s throat the second a chance was given, she steeled herself once more, lips pressing together firmly to prevent them from escaping. “Not in front of Harry.” A breathless murmur so their little one wouldn’t stir, sniffles allowed before they subsided, gently pushed away, composure regained.

Only to be swiftly replaced by concern.

“No word—? From either of them?” Uncharacteristic… Lily felt her heart sink. Minerva had always made it a point to send a message some way or another, arriving on their doorstep or through the fireplace in her feline form. Whereas Dumbledore announced his arrival by one single light post going out, followed by another, then another, until he’d arrived. A flair for the dramatic, Minerva had called it. “Perhaps we missed it if they’ve tried a newer, safer way of communicating with us.”

Or something happened to them.

The thought made Lily nauseous. “Dunno if I’m hungry anymore…” Until word was received, she was certain the queasiness in her stomach wouldn’t yield, spring colored orbs fixating on their spot out the window once more. Or tried to before they were drawn back to James’, reassurance heavy in undertone and light colored eyes. Just once Lily had watched them dim— the night of their wedding after he’d spoken with Dumbledore. But the worried look on Lily’s face eased it back, optimism playing forward, the James Potter signature, with such brilliance it rivaled a lighthouse’s beacon calling her home, and kept the darkness at bay and Lily getting lost in it.

If that light went out…

‘We’re going to be alright. I’ll see to it myself.’ “That’s the part that worries me the most…” Admittance barely audible, Lily knew James would do everything in his power to keep her and Harry safe… even if it cost him his life. Stubborn, she used to— and still did— call him. “An admirable quality and one I used to always claim would be your downfall, remember?” Choice of words regretful now, of course, but taking James’ attempt to ease the mood— the atmosphere she seemed to have a knack for creating of late, Lily reluctantly gave in, letting herself think back to simpler times. Where the challenge was getting James to back down from tormenting Severus. “You hate when people try to mess with what’s yours? Only if that person were Severus~” Teasing matched his, a recall to their past, when James had claimed Lily before she’d realized… perhaps not noticing how serious he’d been about her before either.

Here they were now, tucked away in their little home, shielded from the rest of the world. Where whispered sweet nothings of wanting each other all to themselves had become literal… and their pride and joy nestled in James’ arms before being passed to Lily’s so he could take over a pretty little bow. “There’s also bread in the oven.” Freshly baked, it filled the air making it cozy and warm, much like Harry’s body tucked snuggly against hers. Complete, she felt, whenever they were connected— mother and son. “And are you going to feed me? I could be that cozy~”

Pressing a kiss to James’ cheek, Lily disappeared around the corner with Harry, summoning a wrap with her wand and waving it so she were hands free with the little boy nestled to her chest, cloth secure around her. The cushions of the dining room seats bled out her exhaustion, and with Harry’s small heartbeat against hers, Lily felt her lids getting heavier. “Soup isn’t known for keeping people vigilant after eating, is it?” Chuckling to herself, Lily stared down at Harry sleeping away. “I wonder what you’ll be when you grow up… when the world rightens itself again and we’re all free to live our lives the way we’re meant to. Uninterrupted, without judgement, the world as your oyster.” To think their world had turned on its axis so quickly their wedding came and went in the blink of an eye… how fast things could change. Shadows grew longer, and Lily feared being unable to keep them at bay.

@musingmemories

‘For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.’ Death. The only thing James knew that was capable and powerful enough to tear him and Lily apart forever. Announcing those vows aloud in the comfort of their friends and loved ones, James had meant every word falling from his lips that day— promises to serve not only as her lover, but her protector as well. Somebody Lily could rely on to shoulder her burdens too in order to make them feel lighter. However, with their future looking so bleak and ghastly? James feared that he couldn’t live up to those expectations in Lily’s eyes.

“You don’t have to hide them.. your tears. I know things have been difficult as of late.” As much as he loathed to see her in this state of mind, James would hate to think she thought it silly to be vulnerable around him. And he highly doubted the fog she drew to attention was the reasoning behind her sorrow, confirmed in her confession that she’d been settled atop that counter long enough to watch the sun setting on yet another miserable day. “I haven’t heard from Dumbledore or McGonagall today. I doubt they’ll be joining us for dinner either.” Hummed out in thought, James did his upmost to keep the worry from creeping into his tone. Odd as it was for their two guardians to go even a day without updating them of their findings, James was sure they were busy making their rounds. They had their own personal lives to juggle too, didn’t they? It was unfair to expect Albus and Minerva to push aside their personal matters all day every day just to keep a better eye on them.

Plus, if push come to shove and plan A failed.. James had devised a plan of his own— a last resort that Lily had hesitantly agreed on after a minor tiff. If the time came and they had to flee for whatever reason, Harry’s safety was the main priority. James would do his due diligence to ensure her and Harry got out alive and then.. the rest was up to fate to decide on whether he would eventually reunite with them or be struck down to ensure they both lived.

But it wouldn’t come to that, would it? James quite fancied his chances when it came to duelling— confidence once again boarding arrogance, something Dumbledore had chided him about time and time again.

Regardless.. nobody could ever tell James Potter that he couldn’t.

Pulling back just slightly, James unhooked his arm from around his wife to delicately caress her face instead, thumb tracing the outline of the tear stain where the droplet had cascaded just moments ago. “Look at me, my love.” Voice as light as a butterflies touch, he aimed that charming smile of his at her once their gaze finally met— an indication that they were in fact going to be fine. “We’re going to be alright. I’ll see to it myself.” Drawing her in closer with index finger and thumb gently catching her chin, James pressed a light peck to her lips for further reassurance. “You and Harry are the most important things in my life. And you know I hate when people try to mess with what’s mine.” A light tease in reference to old times.

Truth of the matter was, James was just as terrified of what was to come. But he had to be their anchor, didn’t he? The stag. The courageous leader.

Still, that didn’t settle the unease in his stomach in which he quickly tried to push aside by refocusing on the present. “Tell you what.. let me serve dinner. You take Harry and go get cozy at the table. I’ll handle this.” Lily didn’t need the extra stress, especially not with those post pregnancy hormones still wreaking havoc on her mental health. She needed as much rest as she could get.

[startanewdream]

Hi Mah, could you write something about Jily in a world where Voldemort doesn't exist? Or, Jily + baby Harry.

If you don't want to, it's okay! Thanks ❤️

Sorry for taking so long! Hope this brightens your day with Lily watching Harry growing up and so not ready for it (no Voldemort mentioned as requested). Based on a real conversation I heard yesterday!

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

The first time she hears it, Lily thinks she was mistaken.

“What, Harry?” she asks, feeling a strange weight on her chest.

He turns to her again, an innocent smile on his lips. “Can I have another cup of chocolate, Mum?”

Yeah, she heard it right the first time. And it’s as bad as she thought. Mum.

She looks at her son, really stares at him trying to understand what’s prompting this difference in his treatment of her. It doesn’t look as if anything has changed from yesterday. Harry still looks like her six-year-old son, a few weeks away from turning seven, average height for his age, with a face that’s becoming more and more like his father everyday, shining green eyes behind the round-glasses he wears.

He doesn’t look any older than he is, no sudden spurge, no change at all, and yet he has called her Mum.

Not Mama.

“Sure, Harry,” she says slowly. “Mama will prepare for you, okay?”

“Thanks, Mum.”

Mum. Well, she reasons to herself as she warms the milk, it’s better than “mother”, that exaggerated formality that she has heard in other circles and that’s not at all how she and James wanted to raise Harry.

And, well, she couldn’t expect that Harry would call her “Mama” all his life. It is a childish call and Harry is not… is not a child anymore?

No, he is just six. Not her baby anymore, she can accept that. After all, Harry already manages most of his routine by himself; he wakes up alone to go to school—he goes to school—, he remembers to brush his teeth at night, he helps her take care of their garden and all. He is a fine little kid.

Not so little anymore. Soon not even a kid. Merlin, how fast has he grown up?

“Mum?”

Lily blinks, turning off the stove in time to just avoid the milk to spill. Her hands are shaking as she finishes the chocolate, offering it to him. Harry smiles at her in thanks, drinking the chocolate despite the warmth—like her, he prefers his food always hot—and giving himself a mustache in the process.

“Hey.” She grins at him, using the back of her hand to clean his face before he can use a napkin. Lily doesn’t think she is ready for that display of maturity from her son.

“It’s good,” he says gladly, swinging his feet in the chair, still unable to reach the ground. Then he jumps out of the chair. “Can I play outside now?”

“Sure,” she says and, for good measure, she messes with his hair. Harry giggles, but a part of Lily just waits for the day her son will go all teenager and complain about this caring gesture, will move away from her touch. “Leave the cup in the sink.”

Harry nods. He has to stay on his tiptoe to reach the stove and this also warms Lily a little. He isn’t that old yet.

She watches him play outside all day, debating with herself when he will stop having patience to play with his figure toys, his imagination. When he will ask for a real professional broomstick, or when he will be able to actually ride it; when he won’t have time anymore for his old mum, so grown-up and unlikely that baby she held in her arms, that reached for her with plump arms crying happily for his “Mama”...

“What is bugging you?” James asks, coming to her side and placing his arm around her waist. Lily lays her head over his shoulder.

“Harry is growing up.”

“Well, fawns grow into stags,” he says reasonably. “But there is still time.”

Lily sighs. She supposes James is right, but then she thinks she barely saw the last seven years going by. What if she blinks and then he is taller, no baby fatness in him anymore, having no time for his mum?

“He is just so cute like this,” she whispers. She still can hold him in his arms after all. There is a strange desire to freeze him as he is. “But soon he will be going to Hogwarts—we’ll have to go to Diagon Alley and buy his stuff and he’ll already be old enough to have a wand—”

“Oh, I can’t wait for all the Hogwarts letters telling me about his detentions,” James says, grinning. “Hope it’s big enough for a Howler, my parents never send me one.”

“That’s because Monty and Mia pampered you.”

“Well, there’s that.” He laughs. “Or maybe he will be a good student like you. No detention. Prefect even.”

“Nah, Sirius influences him too much.” She bites her lip. “We raised him well, right?”

“We still do,” James notes. “What has caused this?”

Lily flushes. “He called me ‘Mum’”.

James blinks. “You wanted him to call you ‘Lily’?”

“No, it’s just… he used to call me Mama. You know.”

“He calls me Dad,” James shrugs, unconcerned. “I think it’s normal? The other kids in school call for their mum, not mama. He is just trying to not sound too childish.”

“I know.” Lily sighs heavily. “It doesn’t make it any easier.”

James kisses her forehead tenderly.

Later that night, Lily goes to Harry’s room to tuck him in for the night. Harry accepts it without complaint, but when she looks around, she realizes his plushies aren’t there anymore.

“Where’s Godric, Harry?” she asks, thinking of the old lion plush that was his favourite. Harry shrugs.

“In the trunk.”

“Oh.” She pauses, collecting her thoughts. “You used to love sleeping with him.”

“I can sleep alone, Mum,” he answers as if she is being silly. Oh, dear.

“Yeah, you can.” She kisses his cheek and is glad when Harry doesn’t grimace; Lily doesn’t think she is ready for her son to reject a bit of motherly attention. “You are my brave cub lion on your own.”

He giggles. It’s a pure sound, happy and so childish, that she feels a strange relief with it. He is growing up, but maybe this will be slow. She hopes she can enjoy every second of it.

Lily caresses his hair until Harry’s eyes start to close, his expression easing even more, then she stands up.

“Goodnight, Harry.”

He rolls in the bed, almost sleeping already. “Goodnight, Mama.”

She pretends his slip doesn’t make her beam all night.