#Muggle May Jily Challenge

[eastwindmlk]

For this month's @jilychallenge I wrote a little successor to last month's Dillweed in a Fancy Metal Can.

Partner: @charmsandtealeaves

Prompt: University Football/rugby/field hockey training is open to the public, on a very hot day star player A takes a shower from a water hose and B walks against a lamppost bc B might have been staring Either read on AO3 or under the cut!

At least this one had trees, Lily thought as she once more hobbled down a sandy path surrounded by people in costumes ranging from breathtaking to mind-boggling. Though, admittedly, there was an odd concentration of steampunk at this particular faire. Which she did not mind in the least.

Lily was drawn to all the shiny brass, gears, and pants. There really was nothing like dragging a full-length gown through the damp grass and dusty paths of a castle’s garden to really make you appreciate the comfort that comes with wearing trousers.

Which was nothing against the red dress Mary had let her borrow this time around. Even if she did feel a little suspicious about the colour, of the myriad of colours, the sneaky blonde had selected the only red. 

It did not stop her from making note of the styles she liked. For possible future reference. While she would not admit it to Mary, who would become more insufferable than she had been when she mentioned wanting to come with her to this event., But she was making mental notes for a potential future endeavour. 

In one of the larger clearings, there was a section cordoned off with a thick rope. A sort of playpen where a bunch of kids, some in costume, were running around with foam swords. All screams and giggles as they chased each other. 

But that was not what caught her attention. Casually leaning on a large wooden sword stood a Ren Faire snack. His linen shirt hung open to reveal a healthy amount of dark chest hair and an impressively muscled chest. 

She could not help but let her thoughts wander when his hand ran through his wild, ebony locks, showing off a hint of some very, very toned forearms a better person would have ignored. But who was she kidding? The way this man casually leaned against his sword did things to her. 

Mary caught her attention by grabbing Lily’s wrist and pulling her towards a steampunk contraption. It was not until she got closer that she realised it was a grill. They sold burgers and sausages that smelled pretty damn good. 

It also meant they could sit down in this clearing and enjoy the show. Watch and listen to how this tall, dark, and glasses-mediaeval man-candy would teach the little whirlwinds some basic sword fighting. That sounded like the perfect show to go with their pit stop. 

And so, Lily and Mary found themselves a large tree to lean against that offered a perfect view of the clearing. 

“Oh, you picked a brilliant spot, Lils.” Her friend complimented and settled in. “Never say no to a little dinner with a view.” She could feel her elbow trying to poke her through her corset, and she nudged the smirking blonde back with her shoulder. 

Taking a bite from her burger, Lily grinned. Enjoying the way this man’s commanding voice got all the kids in line so easily. The baritone that floated over was not entirely unpleasant. The smile that she could spot was positively dazzling. 

“He kind of looks like your knight, doesn’t he?” Mary suddenly commented while they watched the swordsman make a brave attempt at battling a hoard of kids. Laughing and pretending to get hurt as they smacked his shins and hips with their weapons. 

Lily squinted, trying to remember how ‘Sir James’ had looked up close. But frankly, she couldn’t quite remember his face. Besides, with the armour on, he could have just worn a lot of padding. “No, he didn’t wear glasses,” she decided after a moment of scrutiny.

Then she paused to glare at her friend, swatting her on the arm. “And don’t call him my knight!” Lily huffed and rolled her eyes. He was here, somewhere. She knew that much. His troupe had been on the pamphlet, and they’d contemplated going to another show. 

Not that she saw the point. They saw one, and she was pretty certain they were basically the same thing. Besides, and this was something she was not going to admit aloud if he did not recognise her, she might actually be a little hurt. 

It was silly, but for a moment, there had been a spark. And immature as it was, Lily hoped that he did not have that every show. That she was just a little special.

“Do you want to get a closer look? Maybe you’ll know him better by his big, manly hands.” Mary’s voice dropped as she mocked her with a gleeful grin on her face. 

Taking a large bite from her burger, Lily used it as an excuse not to answer immediately. To let the rosy dusting of her cheeks come down. “That is unfair to bring up, and you know it. I had a few cups of wine at that point,” she protested as if she had not wholeheartedly meant them. 

“Come off it, Lils. We both know he is ridiculously hot and so very into you. I still can’t believe you didn’t ask him for a drink.” Again, it wasn’t like she had not considered it, but she was sure he got offers like that all the time. “Tonight, when we go to the show, you are going to stroll up to your prince charming and get that drink. Or, I swear, I am going to slide into his DMs and give him your number.” 

“You wouldn’t!” She gasped, even though she knew that she absolutely would. “This is just some ploy for you to get into these things for free, isn’t it?” Lily narrowed her eyes suspiciously and let out a loud ‘Ha’ when Mary pulled up her shoulders, looking guilty. 

“It would be a nice perk. These things aren’t cheap, you know. Plus, it would get you laid. Who knows, maybe he is particularly talented with those large, masculine hands of his.” With every word out of Mary’s mouth, Lily’s look turned a little more disappointed and then exasperated. In the end, she flicked open her fan to hide her face behind it. 

“There are kids present,” she hissed, though it did not seem to bother Mary in the slightest. “I bet he is into every halfway decent-looking girl.” Taking another bite from her burger with a little more vigour than strictly necessary. “The man has a fan club, Mary. I doubt I crossed his mind after turning down his advances.” 

Mary tutted, rolling her eyes at her friend. “Or, you have been on his mind because of that. Ever considered that?” 

Yes. “No, because that is bonkers,” she lied in return. Of course, the thought had crossed her mind; on more occasions, she would like to admit. She mostly blamed sleep deprivation and slow days at her residency. There were too many opportunities to have caffeine-induced delusions about a bloke who practically flirted with girls for a living.

“Suit yourself,” Mary quipped with a shrug and set her eyes back on the field of shrieking children brandishing practice swords at each other. They ate their snacks in peace until the blonde decided to pose a queer question. “Say, Lils?”

“Huh?” 

“Think we’re getting old?” 

The redhead’s eyebrows drew together, and she turned her head slowly in the direction of her friend. “What on earth makes you say that?” The offence dripping from her voice, and a lifted eyebrow punctuated her ridiculous question. 

She nodded in the direction of the feral hoard, making Lily giggle while they brutally attempted to bring down the instructor. Her head tilted curiously, hoping her friend would elaborate so she did not need to admit that there was something incredibly hot about the way he humoured those kids. 

“Well, you know how I feel about offspring. But damn!” Mary laughed, sighing longingly. They watched, spellbound, while he bent down just enough for one of the smaller kids to mount his back. Little arms wrapped around his muscular neck in a clumsy chokehold. 

Lily hummed in understanding, unable to contain her giggle as the girl on his back decided to use the man as a mount. A very impressive, feral battle cry came from the little princess as she raised her sword and the Ren Faire snack charged. 

Her friend was right; she could almost feel her temperature climbing, the baby fever simmering far closer to the surface than it had before. The little voice in the back of her mind sounded remarkably like her mother singing about a biological clock. 

“It is almost rude, really,” Lily decided with a determined nod. Making it Mary’s turn to look at her in utter confusion. “How are we supposed to shamelessly stare when he’s being this adorable?” 

The sheer volume of Mary’s laugh made her jump, drawing the attention of a few people around her. A collection of pirates and Batman are pausing their conversation to look at the pair with a hint of judgment. 

The pair of them glared back with equal fervour until they could not contain their giggles any longer. That was when they decided to move along. There were still plenty of things to do, and it would be good to get her mind on a luscious piece of topped flatbread. 

Still, she could not help herself. The children were rushing back to their parents, and the humdrum was bound to catch anyone’s attention, really. It had nothing to do with the fact that she felt drawn to the gorgeous, bespectacled man.

There he was, standing next to one of the treasured water points, the water trickling down his chin, his throat bobbing. Her eyes were drinking him in as thirstily as he was. She was unable to keep her eyes off of him. 

Then he dealt a killing blow by leaning forward and dipping his head under the hose. The water made his white linen shirt cling to his beautiful tanned skin, showing off the muscles they’d mused about. 

Entranced by the sculpted shoulders and the rippling trapezoids. “I need to see something,” Lily mumbled to her friend, letting herself be lured by the siren song of his anatomy. 

If she could only get...

SMACK 

Something hit her right in her ribs, knocking the wind out of her. Her eyes were tearing away from the delectable display and from the culprit. One of the unvarnished plywood poles that made up the makeshift fence posts stood right in her path. 

Lily stared at it in horror, the realisation dawning on her, while Mary giggled uncontrollably. She was never going to live this down, but hopefully no one but her friend noticed. 

The crowd was still trickling by; no one had stopped to laugh at her, and she would count that as a win. She could deal with Mary’s teasing; that was something that could be bought off with a pint. The idea of some stranger, though? No, thanks. 

“Ouch,” she complained, rubbing at the sore spot as she fell into Mary’s arms. Stifling a laugh at her own, she soon burst out in rumbustious rolls. A sound died in her throat when her eyes landed on a pair of heavy leather boots. 

Her emerald eyes followed them up, only to stall when she noticed a wet white shirt clinging to disgustingly defined abs. She swallowed, her face heating up once more. Curse her pale complexion, she supposed. 

“You alright?” The sound of his voice was low, insouciant, and familiar. Making her eyes travel up curiously. She hoped that, maybe, his face would give her a clue as to why his voice stirred more than just something mischievous.

However, before Lily could place it, there was a spark of recognition in his eyes and a smirk curling from his lips. “You’re back! I was starting to think I might lose the bet.” 

Both the women now frowned and blinked at him curiously. Mary was poised to speak when the Ren Faire Snack laughed, his strong, calloused fingers carding through his damp locks. “It’s the glasses, isn’t it?” he asked while his hand lingered on the back of his neck. Granting them a nice peak at his bulging deltoids and defined triceps.

The thought crossed Lily’s mind that, with him around, studying for her anatomy exam might have been a lot more fun. Unfortunately, she was not quite as intimately familiar with these specific muscles yet. 

“We met a few weeks ago, my lady,” he winked, and it struck her like lightning. “Uhm, James. Sir James. I guess.” 

At this revelation, Mary did an amazing re-enactment of the first time he’d approached her on his white mare. She squeezed her arm so tight that it cut off circulation for a moment. “See, I told you he’d remember you,” her friend hissed in her ear. 

Lily took a moment to deploy one of her deadliest side-eyes at Mary, who released her Kraken-esque hold on her. 

“Sir James? I suppose I remember,” she replied coyly, her eyelashes fluttering flirtatiously in his direction. Her hand deliberately lingered on her neck as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear while her eyes slowly drank him in from crown to sole. Making a show of looking. 

She bit her lip while her eyes travelled back up, meeting his eyes with a giggle. “I do think I said I’d have a drink with you last time; did I not?”

He laughed, the sound sitting somewhere in the hollow of her chest, glowing warm and bright. “I do believe you said I’d have to win you another crown. So, I suggest you come this afternoon. Be my lucky charm again.” 

Mary pushed her forward, her hands landing against his chest right before he caught her at the elbow. The hint rather clear. 

“Maybe we can celebrate prematurely,” she proposed, her fingers curling against his wet shirt. The sensation of sparking an idea was a little risque and definitely crazy. But the best ideas always were. 

“After you’ve taken off that shirt.”

[jilychallenge]

Don't forget to submit your @jilymicrofics for May's Mystery Microfics (click the link for more info & the promptlist.) It is a lot of fun, so hope to see you all there (commenting, guessing etc) And then spend the month May guessing while you write, draw, moodboard, paint, sing, collect songs or whatever takes your fancy for this year's May Jily Challenge ;-) All without your shirt on if the weather permits, and definitely styled Modern Muggle (but love is it's own kind of Magic, so let's not forget to sprinkle some in).

Each pair of creators will receive a prompt from us to spark your ideas. You are always free to use and interpret your prompt as loosely as you want.

how to enter:

please reblog this post by the 3Oth of April tagging with what you'd like to make (for example #one-shot, #writing, #art, #drawing, #mood board, #playlist etc. You can be as vague as or specific as you like)

At the beginning of the month, we will assign you a partner and you will receive your prompt (here or on the JilyChallenge Discord- dm for an invite). Keep an eye on this blog or Discord and please check your messages on Tumblr.

Each creator makes their own creation, collabs are encouraged but not the aim of this challenge. 

(optional) please follow the jilychallenge Tumblrblog for updates.

(optional) join the Jily Challenge on Discord (send an ask for an invite) for beta help, chatting and mental support.

when posting: 

creators should try to post their entries by the end of the month (What to do when you miss the deadline?)

please tag your partner and the jilychallenge in your post (including the theme and your prompt, if possible)

we will reblog all entries tagged #jilychallenge

if you post your art or story on ao3, please add it to the collection of Jily Challenges 2024

If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to send us a message or ask! If you have an idea for a theme for an upcoming month we'd love to hear it!

[jilychallenge]

🤩

Tranquil Solitude (Until You Came Along)

Written for May 2024 @jilychallenge Prompt: I thought I went skinny dipping alone but oh my god this beautiful human is also here naked and I am a fool Partner: the amazing @petals2fish

Without thinking, Lily let out a startled scream and instinctively dove deeper into the water, seeking cover behind a large branch that extended into the pond. It offered little cover from the humiliation of being caught in such a compromising position. "Oh! Alright, Evans?" James called out, his voice tinged with amusement and surprise. Lily's heart raced as James's voice echoed through the trees, breaking through her moment of panic and embarrassment. She peeked out from between the gaps in the branches that concealed her naked body. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "What are you doing here?" Lily shouted back, trying not to sound panicky or nervous. James stepped closer, a crooked smile playing on his lips as he shrugged casually.  "Can't a man enjoy a walk in nature? What are you doing naked?" His tone was teasing, but a warmth in his eyes softened the teasing edge.

[arianatwycross]

Hi my tumblr name is arianatwycross (this is not my real name but you may call me A or Ari) I'm a pommy that lives in Australia, I have a golden retriever that owns my heart and I'm addicted to cheesy romance novels.

I write mostly Jily but have been known to delve into Romione and am dipping my toe in some wolfstar!

last updated 18.03.24

Jily

Multi-chapters:

The Process of Wanting- University Muggle AU / Jily-microoops March prompts

Headlines - Muggle AU / Popstar James

once upon a dream - WIP Hogwarts AU / Lily has a crush

To send or not to send? - (Two Parts) 2023 April Jily Challenge / Theme: Letters, Notes and Texting

A (not so) bad day - (Two Parts) - Hogwarts idiots in love

We'll be a fine line -WIP a chapter a day for jilytober 2022 / a muggle au

Only for the Summer -WIP Rated E / Muggle Job AU / Friends to Lovers

Beach Reading -  Rated T. July 2022 Jily Challenge / Theme: Summer Prompt: “i really, really need this summer job, so please stop distracting me with your wiles/good looks. you’re going to get me fired”

The Art of Fake Dating - WIP written with @vertraymer / For the Mixed Up Writer Fest 2022 / Prompt: Fake dating AU!

Unlearnable - WIP, Rated M. Muggle AU. Angst.

Strawberry Lipstick State of Mind - Rated E. Canon. Seventh Year.

Just a touch - Rated E

Teenage Kicks - Rated E / Celeb AU with minor wolfstar

you are the sun - Rated M (Three-parts) Muggle AU/Secret Relationship

One Shots:

Skinny Dipping Part 1 - a jilymicrofic

Just the two of us - Hogwarts / Forced proximity, Hurt/Comfort

A Sweet Meet Cute - Muggle AU, small town romance

A romance of their own - Jily Valentine Gift Exchange 2023 / Celeb AU

Wet, Cold & Bothered - Rated M / 2022 Jily Challenge December Christmas challenge; prompt: Snowball fights

Muggle Christmas Traditions - Rated G/ 2022 December Christmas Jily Challenge. Prompt: The night before Christmas

The One Where Remus Has no Filter - Rated G. Jily Challenge December Christmas challenge

a year and 22 days - Rated T. Summer of Jily 2022 / lyric: all that I know is you caught me at the right time —"golden hour" (kacey musgraves) Scenario: late evening with friends in the garden

The One Where Petunia Can't Drive - April JilyChallenge / Meet uglies + prompt "i hit you with my car/broom and was the only one to visit you in the hospital"

two fools - Rated T / Feb 2022 Jily Challenge romance theme + prompt " “It’s not like I've thought about kissing you, or anything…”

Shut up & Kiss me - Rated M / December Jily Challenge, Winter theme. Muggle AU

Crush Phase - Rated T. Muggle AU

A Year Later - Rated M / Jily Challenge August 2021 . Muggle AU

consciously unaware - Rated GA / Jilytober 2021 bingo (5 prompts in one). Canon, friends to lovers.

Say my name - Rated M. Canon.

Romione

Multi-chapters:

Backseat Rider - Rated T / Muggle AU

One Shots:

Willow - Rated GA. Written for M.Windsor for the 2021 HP Romione Discord Secret Santa!

It’s better In the front seat… - Rated M (Backseat Rider One shot)

Confessions - Rated E / Canon

Books & Freckles - Rated T

Nobody Compares - Rated T / Muggle AU, professional football player Ron

Wolfstar

Skinny Dipping Part 2 - a wolfstarmicrofic

Teenage Kicks Spinoff coming soon!

[yevanss]

@hprecfest Day 28: a fic over 100k

Everlong by @emeralddoeadeer [Jily, M, Muggle AU: second chances, emotional hurt/comfort (read the author's tags on ao3). Multi chap, 2021]

Summary: Lily meets her flatmate's new boyfriend, and it feels like coming home. A group of twenty-somethings face challenges as they navigate through difficult times. A journey through pain, miscommunications and complexities of the heart.

There are no words I could say that would make justice to the journey that is Everlong. A rollercoaster of a story that pulls at every heartstring. Wholesome. The way I care about this whole group of characters is not even funny. I will say this though, James and Lily may be the heart of the story...but its soul is all Blackevans. 🖤

[practicecourts]

Ten Lines Tag Game

Thanks @abihastastybeans for the tag!

Rule: Share the first lines of your ten most recent fics and then tag ten people. If you have written less than ten, don’t be shy--share anyway ❤️.

Here goes from old to newest. (Do I see a pattern? Nope. Maybe. This was certainly a fun thing to do, so thanks again for the tag.) 10)

Lily checks her dive watch. 60m (Life's a beach and then you dive Muggle AU WIP -May jilychallenge)

9)

The bell chimes, a harsh loud noise in the otherwise silent street. (Beggin' - jilytoberfest Masquerade Fic - oneshot)

8)

For anybody else it would have been an incredible thing to see: two shoes without a body wandering through the dark corridors of Hogwarts. ( It Was A Clear Black Night, A Clear White Moon - November Jily Challenge - one-shot)

7)

‘James, there’s no way he can do that, he's too small to put him on there on his own, he’ll fall off the sledge,’ Lily said, her words turning to smoke as they left her mouth. (Snow Magic - December Jily Advent Calendar - oneshot - with the amazing & sweet Art made by @constancezin)

6)

He heard a rumour she had a good time yesterday. (jily microfics / one word prompts)

5)

Something’s not alright. (Revelation - Jily Microfic)

4)

As Lily clicked through her emails about her sister's hen-do, she checked her calendar, something was very wrong. (Head Over Handlebars For You - Muggle AU- Wip)

3)

“What’s gotten you in a funk, Evans?” Sirius asked, leaning back against the stones of the dungeon wall next to where she’d been standing. (Imagine Dragons - January Jilychallenge - oneshot)

2)

He thought it might be painful.  (Big Little Lion Man - Valentine Fic Exchange)

1)

The soup was warm, hot really. (Hero Without a Cape - Valentine Fic exchange)

Tagging 10 pple, sorry if you're already been tagged & no pressure of course (it took me a little while ;-) @annabtg, @evesaintyves @nought-shall-go-ill @downn-in-flames @ashesandhackles @witchofimber @uncertainwallflower @wearingaberetinparis @welsh-green @only-that-but-that

[theroomofreq]

THEROOMOFREQ'S MASTERLIST

AO3 ACCOUNT

SUNDAY BREAKFAST

James/Lily, minor Harry/Ginny // T 400 words // Parents who embarrass their children are cool, right? - Asking for some friends.

THERE'S NO BETTER VERSION

James/Lily // T 900 words // For clarewithnoi's november prompt challenge "I think you're severely underestimating how long I've waited for this." & chasing pavements by adele

PERSONALITY BEFORE PUNCTUALITY

James/Lily // T 10k // Muggle AU, In which Lily is always late and James looks tougher than he is. Baker!Lily & Musician!James

IF LOVE RETURNS

James/Lily // T 700 words // Bitter-sweet drabble collection. Lily and James letters to one another throughout the war.

THROWING CHANCES

James/Lily // T 4k // Coffee Shop AU, written for august jilychallenge, “I’ve spent the summer climbing through your bedroom window so no one sees, please won’t you give me a chance?”

ALL AROUND YOU

Harry/Ginny // T 4k // “Your sister is a professional football player?”

Ron stops and turns around to face Harry. “Yeah? I thought I told you?”

“No. Ginny? Ginny plays professional football?”

BEMUSED FRIENDSHIP *(WIP)*

James/Lily // T 2k* // Lily Evans wanted the person next to her to know she was hell-bent on living up to a challenge.What challenge, you ask?A challenge presented to her by two incredibly frustrating Gryffindors, two Gryffindors who didn’t realize the precarious situation of going against Lily Evans and her intensely stubborn personality. *unpublished to ao3*

CHANGE OF PACE

Harry/Ginny // G 500 words // Missing OTP moment, written for clarensjoy's hinny ficfest

HER

James/Lily // T 5k // Shirtless JP may, but FEM. But what do you say to a dorm mate turned friend who you might be a little bit gay for? Fem!Jily

ALL I THINK ABOUT IS YOU

James/Lily // T 2k // James and Lily are both aware of their changing relationship but oblivious to each other's feelings. AKA, they are pining fools, your honor.

SIMPLE THINGS YOU DO

Harry/Ginny // G 400 words // Harry and Ginny let the noise fade out post-war.

ADORING FANS

James/Lily // G 900 words // Tumblr prompt: I'm sorry to bother you but my son thinks you're famous and he wants your autograph.

WHOSE PARTY IS THIS, BY THE WAY?

James/Lily // G 3k // Jamie has one more year of attending these fancy balls and then she will be free. While she isn't exactly royalty, she can't really escape suffering through these events year after year. Her only hope is someday she might meet someone else who doesn't care much for nicely dressed men either. Fem!Jily

NOT IN THAT WAY

Lily & Remus // G 1k // “We are both in love with a friend-” Lily’s voice came out quieter than she had intended. Despite the softness in her words, Remus flinched. Fem!Jily

DRAWN CLOSER TO YOU

Ron/Hermione // G 400 words // The crack of overburdened branches in a near-silent forest, a missing Deathly Hallows moment.

SNOWY COMPETITION

Harry/Ginny // 300 words // Winter prompt: Being unable to go anywhere because you were snowed in.

MILDLY UNCOMFORTABLE

Harry/Ginny // T 700 words // Harry and Ginny get happily drunk from spiked eggnog.

WE LOST TRACK OF TIME

Harry/Ginny // G 800 words // We accidentally got married in Vegas, Oops. Male!Ginny Female!Harry

2 AM

James/Lily // T 2k // Becoming close friends with Jamie Potter had never exactly been on Lily’s to-do list, but seeing the way Jamie laughed reminded Lily that it was one of her favorite accomplishments. Fem!Jily

ARE WE ON A DATE RIGHT NOW?

Harry/Ginny // G 6k // Harry is abandoned at the Three Broomsticks and gets some unwanted attention, shenanigans ensue as Harry tries to escape.

NOT TOO SUBTLE

Harry/Ginny // G 600 words // A missing HBP moment ficlet. Harry is rather obvious about his feelings toward Ginny, but it’s Luna who helps her realize how he feels.

[sneverussape]

What kind of person do you think lily was? There's a lot said about her in the series, but i have trouble reconciling pure, shining paragon lily with someone who would marry someone that spent years tormenting her friend, 4 on 1.

ooh boy this will be a LOT. i can't even promise it will be coherent but i'll make an attempt to be. (going under a cut to save us all the grief).

first off, i think it's fair to state that one of the biggest drawbacks of lily's character is how she was written. she is a plot device. she exists to boost other characters’ narratives: she's simultaneously the Rich Boy's trophy wife, the self-sacrificing mother of the Boy Who Lived, the best friend slash lost love of the Fallen Hero, and, at the same time, also no one at all. lily is a character with little to no background and character development that she can barely stand on her own two feet without any of the associated (usually male) characters to prop her up. it absolutely sucks but that's how it is. that's how jk wrote her.

given that and working with the scraps that we do have, my opinion of lily is...complex. i try to give her justice by trying to understand her context, the workings of her mind, and the possible pressures she was subjected to, but it can be challenging especially since lack of canon pushes you into a space where you have to put them in Either/Or situations. my opinion of her has also changed as i got older. when i was younger (i read the books waaaay back, as they were getting released in fact) i only saw her as an extra character (i was most interested in snape, if that's not obvious enough, but neither did i think snape was 'obsessed' with her as a lot of hp fans now think). i saw her and snape as good friends who had had a falling out, and that he'd probably had a crush on her at some point, and it got naturally overtaken by guilt etc when she died. then when i reread some chapters containing her, i was quick to put her in the Bad Friend camp. i don't think that now. i think that she, like snape, was a complex human being who made a lot of questionable decisions but shouldn't be entirely vilified for them.

my main thoughts of her that are kind of built on material from canon as well as what jkr has said herself:

- she was not posh. she grew up in cokeworth, in the same town as severus. i don't think she was middle class as a lot of fics portray her. i think the evanses were slightly better off than the snapes but they were all working-class, and living was a day-to-day struggle. the kids spoke in the local accent, their clothes were all worn and patched over, there were no green spaces or public infrastructure for kids to safely play in, and they were all mostly running wild about the town since all their parents had to work. food was something to be thankful for because there was never enough, and sometimes they had to share with their neighbors. that's the kind of setting i think lily and severus grew up in, although severus suffered abuse on top of it all. it's possible that lily did too because of the setting (post-world war 2, poverty, adults dealing with repressed trauma from the war, etc) and it wouldn't even be that surprising if she had been;

- she and petunia got along fairly well up until the point lily found out she was a witch and, as a result, became friends with severus. it's stated in canon that petunia had also wanted to attend hogwarts with them, going as far as writing to dumbledore to allow her admittance. her jealousy upon his rejection had festered and grown into outright hate that she projected onto harry as an adult, but i don't doubt that she continued to love lily even after her death and despite how she treated harry. i think as kids they had stuck together and were very close, but magic had torn them apart. suddenly lily had a world of her own that petunia wasn't welcome in, and that would have hurt. pottermore stated lily attended vernon and petunia's wedding or engagement party but james made a right mess of it. i think lily TRIED to maintain their relationship but external factors always got in the way. i don't doubt she had also loved her sister very much;

- i don't think she had any other friends. she may have had a lot of acquaintances but i think her only real friend, the one who saw her for who she really was, was severus, and i think, at a certain point in their lives, she saw that as a weakness and resented it;

- i think, from the interactions we saw in canon of lily with other people, that lily had a penchant to please people, especially the ones who ranked higher than her in terms of power dynamics - petunia (who was the older sister), professors (sluggy comes to mind, the head of slytherin with a lot of connections), even the marauders whose actions she defended. it's not necessarily a bad thing, but i've always seen it as her being borderline manipulative. i noted that she wasn't the same with severus (based on their conversations, especially the ones in 5th year, before SWM) because he's lower than her in a lot of aspects, being a slytherin and quite likely of a lower social standing. she could boss him around and tell him to piss off and he probably wouldn't have minded. she actually strikes me as someone who could have been in slytherin; a perfect arrangement, save for the fact that she was a muggleborn. i think lily knew her place and the cards she was dealt with more than anyone, but she was also determined not to stay there;

- this brings me to the point as to why she ever went out with james potter in the first place. i think her friendship breakup with severus was inevitable because they were in the middle of a burgeoning war and both of them were being pulled to opposite and opposing ends. as an added complexity, i think she also wanted to be better than being muggleborn lily evans of cokeworth, best friend of the evil greasy slytherin git, and her way out was to associate with housemates who were in the upper echelons of power. like, we don't even know what her life was like in gryffindor tower. ron was poor, but he was also a pureblood, so that may have saved him from ridicule. but what if you were a poor muggleborn, with a northern accent to boot? in the same way severus trained himself to be more posh, lily could have done the same and could have furiously tried to blend in. maintaining a friendship with severus would have ended in heartbreak as there were too many risks and it likely outweighed the gains. this was the wizarding world too which is much much smaller than the muggle world and relied on connections more than anything. openly siding with the marauders would have saved her skin and secured her a future (which, as we all know, was forfeit anyway but whatever);

- jumping to the jily relationship, i honestly think it was also not one that was meant to last. iirc jkr projected a lot onto lily, so i'm surmising jily reflected a lot of her own failed relationships. i think james and lily had a less-than-ideal relationship, one that involved abuse (verbal, emotional, mental, physical, take your pick, but at least one form of it), and i think she may have been unhappy in the last year of her life, living in hiding with none of her own friends (if they even existed) and seeing no one else but james' pals. her only light in that darkness was likely harry as she couldn't even see her own family. i think, during those times, she thought a lot about the home she left behind and, as a consequence, her lost friendship with severus. she probably missed him, and i'm sure she must have been very lonely.

in sum, i don't think she was the Virgin Mary figure a lot of hp fans paint her to be. imho she had her own questionable but utterly human moments, and i just tried to fill in the blanks as to why she would have acted the way she did. i don't think it was easy to be lily evans at all, and majority of the 21 years of her life was likely a struggle.

[possessingtheproperspirit]

jilyawards 2021

Thank you for the tag @theresthesnitch ❤ and I'm so touched and grateful to whoever nominated me for awards this year! As well as the fics below, I'm also nominated for Favourite Author and Favourite New Author, which truly blows my mind! Thank you so, so much everyone!

Tagging @maraudersftw, @theesteemedladydebourgh, @mppmaraudergirl if you haven't done it already!

Forget-Me-Not

Nominated for Favourite Angst, Favourite AU, Favourite Multi-Chapter, Favourite Fic of the Year, Favourite Characterisation of James, Favourite Characterisation of Lily

At eighteen, Lily Evans fell - and fell hard - for James Potter, a classmate she had never given much thought to before. He seemed as into her as she was into him, so why is it, when she starts a new job almost a decade and a lot of water under that particular bridge later, that her new boss - James Potter himself - doesn't seem to remember her at all?

A Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi Mcfarlane AU fic. Multi-chapter, complete.

The Price We Pay

Nominated for Favourite Canon

As the summer before their sixth year comes to an end, Sirius, Remus, Lily and James consider how things may be different on their return to Hogwarts. When Sirius finally breaks free from his toxic home, it should be a fresh start - but unfortunately, it's the start of a spiral that will threaten the foundations of friendship, and change their lives irrevocably. Multi-chapter, WIP.

Something Good

Nominated for Favourite AU, Favourite One Shot, Favourite Characterisation of James

“i got lost on this campground at night and i am so sorry i thought this was my tent and now i’m waking up next to you and um hi this is just a little awkward” camping AU - for the August jily challenge!

the way you left me

Nominated for Favourite Angst, Favourite One Shot

At nineteen, James vanishes, and Lily breaks.

as the rain falls

Nominated for Favourite Angst

Five months in to being a family of three, Lily struggles, and James wants to help. Written for the jilytober21 Masquerade Challenge. Prompt: While the rain and thunder made the world feel depressingly dull and bleak, he/she just made everything a little lighter.

Not In A Million Years

Nominated for Favourite Fluff

Lily is goaded into a game of truth or dare. Mary takes no prisoners. James is just along for the ride.

The Waiting Game

Nominated for Favourite Fluff, Favourite Humour/Crack

Three weeks before their wedding, James has a suggestion. Muggle AU. Multi-chapter, WIP.

Space

Nominated for Favourite Fluff, Favourite Canon

Lily finds James on patrol, and apparently, that's all it takes to make him lose his marbles entirely.

Casual

Nominated for Favourite Angst

For the prompt: "it mattered to me". Lily and James try secretive, try casual. It hurts more than either expected.

Drawn

Nominated for Favourite Fluff

Written for summer of jily, prompt #5 - activity: stargazing.

It's nearly the end of the year, and once again, Lily finds herself drawn in. Maybe now is a good time to stop resisting.

[jilychallenge]

🥳🥳

For May' @jilychallenge I started two plunnies. One was Dillweed in a Fancy Metal Can and the other is this.

Partner: @charmsandtealeaves

Prompt: University Football/rugby/field hockey training is open to the public, on a very hot day star player A takes a shower from a water hose and B walks against a lamppost bc B might have been staring

Either read on AO3 or under the cut!

It was Wednesday evening in The Leaky Cauldron, which meant the lads had gathered in the back of the dingy establishment for their weekly team gathering. Well, James liked to call it their team gathering, it was mostly an excuse to grab a pint in the middle of the week for most of them. 

In front of them, on the large oval table in the back, they assumed was supposed to be their ‘event space’ that none of them could imagine would actually be used by anyone but them. After all, they’d celebrated most of their big moments around this table ever since uni. 

“I am sure we can manage,” Sirius commented, his finger gliding down the print-out with their pub league charter. Smirking as he tapped, their first match. “The Hog’s Head team always sucks. I’m pretty sure good ol’ Mundungus still pretends to be their striker.” 

Both the men rolled their eyes and a snicker went through the collection of young men gathered. Glasses clinked together. “Wait, Mundungus is their striker? The one that sells pot? Owns the pawnshop?” Frank asked curiously, squinting at the paper. 

“It almost feels bad to be playing against them. At least we don’t need to run too fast then,” Peter grinned, downing half of his pint in celebration. 

While James would not celebrate an easy win as readily as his friend, he could not help but feel a little bad for the middle-aged blokes having their first game against them. But he supposed that is why they had a point system instead of a knock-out. 

“We play Babberton Arms the week after, they’re usually decent, same goes for The White Wyvern.” It was then that a name caught his eye, there was a pub in the league that he wasn’t familiar with. They were new on the sheet, and what was more surprising was that their listed captain was one ‘Lily Evans’, a woman. 

Sirius noticed his hesitation, throwing his arm over his shoulder as he leaned in to look as well. “Anyone know The Three Broomsticks?” he asked, the team falling silent for a moment before Kingsley supplied:

“It’s a small gastropub down in the village. Nice place, little highbrow, though.” This caused a couple of people to pull out their phones to look it up. 

“They have a good menu.” 

“The lady who runs it is a total MILF.”

“I think I had a date there once. Nice place.” 

So far, it sounded pretty good. James reckoned he would probably recruit Sirius to go on a recon mission soon. Spend an evening there to scope out the competition. It would be fun. While he would never admit it aloud, he was not opposed to something a little finer than this. 

Peter, who started laughing, holding out his phone for everyone to get a glimpse of what was on the screen drew everyone’s attention. As far as James could tell, it was a team picture. All the players were posing in front of the metal goal that was part of their local park. 

He was not entirely sure what was too funny about it, but several people were chuckling and scoffing when the phone passed to them. “They’re all females?” Someone asked, clicking their tongue and earning a round of laughter. 

“We’ll be fine; I am sure a bunch of girls are not going to take our cup,” Remus commented, squeezing James’s shoulder. 

Sirius was quiet until someone made a remark about how they would at least have a good time looking at them run, pretending to jiggle a pair of tits, making the rest of the table burst into hysterics.

Easily and masterfully redirecting the jokes in an effort to cut short this sort of talk. By joking. “All I know is that we might want to put Pete in goal because he has never scored with a girl once in his life.” 

There was a short bout of silence around the table before the first person broke, Benjy snorting loudly and slapping Peter, who was not looking as amused as the others, on the back hard enough to hear it connect. 

“I just think we shouldn’t be too quick to judge them, it looks like they actually train,” James deducted, having found the profile himself and scrolling through the public posts. Finding out some interesting things about this other captain. 

Lily Evans and he had a few mutual friends, mostly people from the pub league and a bloke that went to the same gym as he did. 

They liked similar bands, she attended a Lord of the Rings marathon he’d been unable to get tickets to. 

By the looks of it, she and her friends dressed up. 

She volunteers for or supports multiple charities. Her work involves a white coat, which intrigued him.

Her red hair was natural, and her green eyes were breathtaking. 

He also found a post about wanting to start this women-only footy team. With dates and times when they were supposed to meet up.

James leaned in a little too close, to squint in the background of one of her throwback pictures where he could swear he knew the grease ball she was toting along when his finger slipped and he accidentally liked a picture of her on holiday. 

“Fuck, fuck, shit, fuck no,” he muttered to himself and frantically tapped the little thumbs up, only to be offered more options. By the time that he finally figured out how to unlike it, he’d left a heart, angry and laughing reaction, and there was no way in hell she did not know he was stalking her Facebook. 

Turns out, he did not need to be physically talking to someone to put his foot in his mouth. His ineptitude with the dinosaur that was Facebook did just fine at making him look like a right idiot. Though it must be some record, taking less than ten seconds.  

What made it worse was that, not a minute later, there was a buzz, the light on his phone blinking blue. A Facebook notification. Worse, a friend request from one Lily Evans.

After having ignored the notification for several hours James found himself staring at it, bending over his container of Szechuan noodles. Staring long and hard enough for Sirius to elbow him in the side. 

“If some spicy text got you this wrapped up, I need to see it,” he chuckled, trying to lean over to see what James was staring at. Not shrinking away from the glare he received, much to James’s disappointment, he was reminded that his best friend was not intimidated by him in the slightest. 

Turning the screen to show off the notification bar, rolling his eyes at Sirius snorted. “Isn’t that the captain from the Broomsticks team? What does she want from you?” 

“Maybe she wants to plead for mercy?” he suggested with a smirk, his thumb hovering over the decline button. Why would he accept it? It wasn’t like he knew her. His tongue pressed against the roof of his mouth for a moment before selecting ‘accept’. 

He might not know her personally, but he was not going to turn down the possibility of spying on their new rivals. As team captain, it was his responsibility to be prepared for anything. This certainly had nothing to do with the bikini picture he spotted earlier. 

---

By the time that his phone buzzed the following Saturday, while he was stretching before their first game, he had completely forgotten about this happening.

‘Good luck today! {insert football emoji and a smiley]

Squinting against the glare of the rising sun behind him, he could almost make out the picture of the redhead rival captain. There was a nervous roll of his stomach, eyes darting around the field. Wondering if maybe she was here to spy on them. But most of the crowd was distinctly more follically challenged and would not look nearly as good in a black one-piece as he had learned Lily did. 

He reacted to the message with his usual lion emoji before tossing the phone into his bag. Not wanting to get too distracted.

What did not help was checking it again at half-time, only to find a new message. 

‘You should pay more attention to that centre back.’ 

Making his eyes roam the stands in search of a hint of the spy, but if she was there, she was hiding in the crowd. 

‘We’ll be fine! He’s no Matt Clarke.’ 

The message was sent before he realized it, a reference to his favourite team that his friends would likely get. But would she? He supposed she could always google him if she wanted to know, he supposed. The ref blew his whistle and just before he tossed the phone back in the bag he saw the notification pop up. 

‘Think you’re good enough to go up against the Bald Eagle?’ 

She knew. And he considered that maybe he was already in love with this stranger. 

---

Just like that, his recognizance mission was compromised. Or rather, forgotten about. Until Peter asked casually while beating him mercilessly at a game of FIFA. “Did you hear the chick team won their first game seven nil? Maybe we should try and catch one of their trainings. See if this was just a stroke of luck.” 

He did not even have the decency to look at the screen when he tipped in another goal against him. 

James considered accusing him of cheating, but what was the point? The last time he did that, they were in college, and it had been embarrassing enough to still make him cringe today. “I did see a post about it on Lil’s timeline. I think they meet every Thursday.” 

The characters on screen celebrated the end of the game, and he immediately flicked to the main screen, not particularly feeling like seeing his pathetic stats.  

Peter grumbled something about the stats being there for the both of them before falling silent. Giving James a confused look. “Lil? You two are that friendly already?” 

He pulled up his shoulders and ran a hand through his hair. “I’d like to think so.” 

“Are you two secretly chatting or have you just become intimately familiar with her beach holiday pics?” Peter was still laughing between the coughs when his elbow landed in his stomach, throwing his hands up in defence. “Right, right! Got it! It’s both.” 

James shot him a playful glare and pulled up his shoulder, eyes returning to the screen to select another formation for his team. Certain he could out-strategize his friend’s undeniably superior skill. 

“I’ll go check them out this week.” 

---

The sun was starting to set when James and Sirius slunk into the park, rugged up in oversized cardigans they borrowed from Remus and stylish baseball caps that were generously donated by Kingsley. Who did insist they were not to adjust or bend them, as they were, collector's items. Or rather, they would be one day, and he was not going to risk it. Which did lead to a rather loose fit on Sirius and a promise of a very bad hair day for James. 

The pair of them carried a picnic blanket and book to look less suspicious. If they pretended to hold a book club. The biggest risk they ran was to look like nerds. 

Which they were. Not that James or Sirius would openly admit to this to anyone but each other. They are rather skilled at hiding their general nerdiness under a layer of muscle and smooth talking. Even if the smooth-talking occasionally included references to their nerd media of choice. 

James had overthought the time they should be arriving. Not too early, or they would notice something was off. Not too late, because then they would not get enough time to observe. After a lot of mulling over, James decided that twenty minutes after practice started should be perfect. 

He knew that their team took, at least, ten to fifteen minutes to waffle and joke around, and ten minutes was a quick warm-up. Which meant that they would probably wander in just as they started playing. 

Once he spotted the group of women, or rather, a collection of bouncing ponytails, James learned he was wrong, and he could not be happier about it. They were still warming up. Better yet, they were stretching and it was utterly enchanting. 

No matter how hard he tried, which was not very hard, he could not take his eyes off their captain. The feisty redhead he’d been texting off and on since Saturday wore a bright smile and a pair of criminally tight bike shorts as she dropped into a low lunge. 

A sight that he was clearly not prepared for. If it had not been for Sirius grabbing his arm, he might have walked straight into a rubbing bin. Frankly, he’d have deserved it for shamelessly staring. But what was a mortal man like him going to do? Avert his eyes when given the chance to glimpse at a goddess?

But as Sirius spread the blanket on the field across from the training, where he could resume his research in peace. The book he was pretending to read was open in his lap, his phone in his hand. He could not help himself. 

‘Good luck! [insert football and lady running emoji]’ 

Only after hitting sent, James realized that he might have just blown their cover. If Lily had done the same thing he had done when he got her message, it would not take a genius to figure out who they were. If there was something he’d learned about her over the past week or two was that she was, in fact, an actual genius. 

If the gods were merciful, she would see the humour in this. She’d not said anything about his little bikini picture snafu, which was arguably a lot creepier, and he had profusely apologized for it after a few pints to settle the nerves. 

That had been what had really set off their chatting. Messaging back and forth to the point that he had his eyes glued to his screen even while watching footy.  Remus had made remarks about it, which meant it had to be painfully obvious. 

Not that the screen was any sort of distraction now, for obvious reasons. However, there was also a less obvious and far more concerning reason for his mobile to lie discarded on the blanket. 

They're good. 

No, that was an understatement. They were terrifyingly competent. It was intimidating and did things to him, he would rather not admit to. 

“Prongs, I think we’re fucked,” commented Sirius after they watched a tall blonde flip throw the ball with such ease their jaws were on the floor. 

James swallowed, nodding slowly at his friend’s assessment. “So fucked.” A firm shove jolted him out of his trance to notice that, across the field, several of their rivals had turned to look at them. Most of them took this moment to catch their breaths, hands set into their sides. James could see their breaths form little clouds in the cooling evening air. 

He reeled in his jaw and raised a hand in an awkward greeting. As if he was not already done for, Lily raised her hand in what he thought would be an awkward wave back. Only for her to flip him off before winking and returning to her practice. Her jumper had ridden up and exposed a swath of tattooed skin on her side. 

Hand to his chest, James fell back into Sirius’s lap as if shot. Maybe he had been, because he was unwell. They’d never even spoken face-to-face, and he’d already decided on a May wedding at the Riverside, four kids and a Newfoundlander named Elvendork. 

Sirius peered at him with, what seemed like, genuine concern as James raked his hands over his face. “You right, mate?” he asked, the cap sliding forward as he tipped his head down to look at James. 

“Yeah. Yes. Though I could do with the incessant urge to make a fool of myself for her,” he groaned, an offended tsking rushing past his teeth when his friend pushed the cap down over his eyes. “Oi! Can you blame me? Just look at her!” 

Sirius looked up while he wrangled the cap back into place, taking a long moment and then some before sighing in defeat. “I vote Irish wolfhound and late spring. I look good in lavender.” 

“I was thinking Newfoundland,” he answered, a smirk playing around his lips.

“Only if I can be the godfather,” Sirius bargained, the raise of his eyebrows caused the cap to slide forward once more making James snicker. He let himself be pushed up and to his feet. “Go talk to her! Don’t do anything stupid,” his friend encouraged. 

James shot him a playful glare, tossing his own cap towards him and fixing his hair. Well, as much as it could be fixed. His feet already carrying him down the slight slope to the field. “It’s not like I am going to run into a lamp post,” he joked, tossing a grin over his shoulder seconds before connecting with just that. 

In his defence, the ladies were having a water break and Lily had taken off her jumper, standing there in just her sports bra, sweat glistening in the setting sun. Her hair was frizzy from the humidity and surrounded her like a halo. 

If that had not been enough, Lily had laughed, her head tilted back in delight and James was pretty sure he would move heaven and earth to be the one to make her laugh like that. Which was the thought that spun dizzily through his mind while he reeled from the impact. 

James staggered back a few steps, rubbing the side of his face that had made the actual impact. His glasses askew while he sat back down on the grass, blinking the spots from his vision. 

When his eyes focussed again, Lily was right there, her forehead creased with concern. Before he could think about it, his mouth moved. “Marry me?” Which was probably the first time that James Potter ever was truly mortified by something he had said. Mouth opening, this time intentionally, to apologize. 

But before he could, she laughed, and the sound was pure and surprisingly not like she wanted to run away. “How about you take me for a drink first?” 

The vigorous shake of his head made him reel all over again, but James didn’t care. ”It’s a date.” 

(A little reference vid, because I can.)

[jilychallenge]

Pairings

Thank you for signing up for this month's Jily Challenge! Without further ado here are your partners for this month's challenge!

@zephyrcove & @constancezin

@joyseuphoria & @chierafied

@thelighthousestale & @petals2fish

@charmsandtealeaves & @eastwindmlk

Your prompts will be in your mailboxes shortly (if you haven't received yours before this Sunday come boop our noses, here or on Discord.

If you'd like an invite to the Discord send us an Ask off anon or PM Tag us and put your works in the Ao3 collection, have fun!

[tedwardremus]

nonsense questions:

well it's more of a burning question I've been thinking of for a long time (yes, it inspired a small fic for Jily week)

What are your thoughts on Petunia/Vernon's relationship?

Do you think they are actually in love or do you think that Petunia was in love during their early part of their relationship. But something happened later on that made her view her relationship as if it was just a marriage of convenience ( it took me 5 tries to get that word correct and I'm still looking at it funny)

Let me explain: Vernon knows that his sister-in-law was a witch and that his nephew has magical powers. That being said, if his and Petunia's marriage were to end, for any reason...do you think he would hold the knowledge he knows against Petunia? Since Muggles are unaware of magic (some not all of them). Not only that but they are literally abusing/neglecting their nephew Harry, by having him live in a cupboard under the stairs, and not give him the love and care that every child deserves.

I think that Petunia knows that if things were to go south, it would be really hard to get herself out of the predicament, same goes for Vernon. I don't believe that anyone else would go along with the abuse they've been giving Harry. Also, it's convenient for them that nobody finds out that they have been treating their nephew in such bad conditions.

I hope I'm not confusing you with this... like, I know many couples who are together out of convenience and who are abusive to their children and I always think....if they break up (which I wish they did along with getting therapy ) I don't believe someone else would stay with them.

sorry that this is longer than what it should've been, but I'm curious to know what you think about this

You may have asked a nonsense question, but I gave you a serious(ly long) answer.

Vernon and Petunia Dursley’s relationship is often overshadowed by their negative traits, but their bond is rooted in a genuine love that reflects their shared values and fears. While they may not be admirable characters, I believe strongly that they did, in fact, love each other.

Vernon and Petunia both yearn for the ideal suburban middle-class lifestyle, one that is ordinary, predictable, and free from potential ridicule from others. This desire for normalcy is central to their relationship, providing a common goal that binds them together. They are not interested in the extraordinary or the extravagant; instead, they take comfort in the familiar and the mundane. Vernon wants a good car and a good suburban house and a corner office job and to play golf because that is what a good, proper English man is supposed to want.

They want to protect their way of life, keeping their world insulated from what they perceive as disruptive forces. (They are obviously Brexit voters).

Their commitment, especially Vernon's commitment to Petunia, is evident in the way they raise Harry. Despite the many challenges Harry’s presence brings, Vernon and Petunia never appear to argue about how to treat him. They agree on their methods, which, while harsh, are consistent and reflect their desire to suppress anything that threatens their version of normalcy.

Petunia’s resentment toward Harry is deeply personal, tied to her complex feelings about her sister and the magical world that took Lily away. Harry, with his resemblance to James and his inherited magical abilities, is a constant reminder of the life Petunia lost—first when Lily went to Hogwarts without her, and again when Lily was murdered.

Vernon, on the other hand, is terrified of magic and sees it as a threat to the safe, predictable life he and Petunia have built. Yet, despite his fear, he stays with Petunia and supports her, even after learning about her sister’s magical abilities. Vernon’s decision to stay in a house where magic is present, even though he clearly is terrified of magic, indicates his deep love for his wife, especially after he realizes he can't just simply beat the magic out of Harry. He endures his fears because his love for Petunia outweighs them.

Vernon and Petunia are not good people. They are shallow, materialistic people who are obssesed with what others think of them. They share a vision of life that is deeply aligned, from their political views to their desire for a traditional, middle-class lifestyle. This shared vision is the foundation of their relationship, allowing them to present a united front in all aspects of their lives, including their approach to parenting. They made choices together about how to raise their family, which includes raising Dudley to be a toxic bully and to abuse Harry. They care more about what their neighbors think of their family’s status than a child's well-being in their care.

The love between Vernon and Petunia is not a passionate or romantic love but rather a practical, partnership-based love that revolves around maintaining the life they have built together.

If they were to break up, the aftermath would reflect their individual characters. Vernon, with his respectable job and suburban values, would likely remarry. He would be bitter about the divorce, blaming Harry and external factors rather than reflecting on his own role in the relationship's failure. Given his social status, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to find a second wife who fits neatly into the life he’s already constructed—a conservative, suburban woman who shares his values and outlook. Vernon’s ability to move on would be fueled by his desire to maintain the life he’s accustomed to, even if it means replacing Petunia with someone else who can fulfill the role of a respectable wife.

Petunia, on the other hand, would struggle deeply with the breakup. Her marriage to Vernon is more than just a partnership; it represents her escape from the world that made her feel inferior and abandoned. Confiding her secret about Lily and the magical world was a significant act of trust for Petunia, one that she would be hesitant to repeat with another person. The breakup would likely feel like another abandonment, similar to the way she felt when Lily went to Hogwarts or when her parents, in her opinion, seemed to favor Lily. The emotional toll of losing Vernon, who provided her with a sense of normalcy and security, would be devastating for Petunia, and it’s unlikely she would ever fully recover from it.

However, it’s hard to imagine the Dursleys ever breaking up. They may not be good people, but they are good for each other. The Dursleys are a strong, united family, and despite their many flaws, they love each other deeply.

[clairecrive]

"Rock my world" - Sirius Black x reader

A/n: I was thinking of making this a series but idk, let me know what you think. The band in the picture, Maneskin, are my inspiration for the marauders' band music and aesthetic. Check them out cause they're really good. They're going to represent Italy at the next Eurovision contest.

Here's their Instagram and Spotify.

Tags: Muggle AU, so ofc no magic, no Hogwarts, Marauders in a rock band, no Peter but Regulus instead, jily

Warnings: none

Word count: 2.2K ish

Summary: When y/n finally agrees to check out this band that her best friend was always talking about, she's in for a pleasant surprise and one hell of a night.

It had all started in the cheesiest and most cliscé of ways, really. Y/n had made a bet which had made you go out of your comfort zone that one night and for your bravery, you were rewarded with the most amazing boyfriend ever. It sounds like a story out of a rom-com or a romance novel, doesn't it? Well, yeah, it felt like a main character moment but, unlike what we see in those stories, it wasn't always fun and games.

But let's start from the beginning, shall we?

Y/n's best friend Jules had been nagging her about this rock band who was apparently the new sensation of the year according to her, for the longest time. So, one Friday night, when Jules had informed her that that very band was playing in a bar not very far from her workplace, she agreed to go for drinks there.

Worst case scenario, she thought, the music will be terrible but at least I get to tease Jules about it.

Still clothed in the floral dress she had chosen this morning, but adding a few glittery touches and graphic eyeliner to make her look more nighty, y/n headed towards said bar where Jules was already waiting for her.

"Finally," she huffed when y/n rounded the corner and entered her field of vision. 

"Sorry, it was my turn to close tonight," y/n shot her an apologetic smile before hooking their arms.

They made their way inside looking for a place to sit. The bar was already crowded but not in an unusual way. Maybe it was the hour or the fact that it was a weeknight, y/n didn't know but felt grateful that it wasn't packed. She really wasn't a fan of crowded places.

They got their drinks and caught up as they usually would about their week. They were almost finished when the band walked up the stage and music started playing. Even before the first note, one look at their outfits made clear what kind of music they were going to play. 

They had an interesting aesthetic, y/n had to admit. They wore the same colour but each member had their own style. The band was made up of four guys, the bassist had long straight hair and he looked a lot like the singer who instead had curly hair, the drummer had short curly light brown hair and y/n couldn't see what he was wearing past a black vest while the guitarist had black hair that was all over the place and wore glasses. 

They had an androgynous aesthetic, each of them with beautiful makeup in tones of black and grey and the ones y/n could see clearly were wearing a sort of body. They looked stunning. Y/n had decided she liked them based on this alone. She had to admire anyone who had the guts to express themselves freely especially when it was in such an open and unapologetic way of going against gender norms.

After half an hour, the music stopped and after the singer wished everyone goodnight and they all climbed down. As she expected, they played rock music ranging from soft rock edging pop to hard rock that made her think a lot of ACDC. Y/n wasn't an expert in music but she had liked what she heard and wouldn't mind listening more from them. She was sure that she was going to catch some of their songs on the radio in the future. 

However, Jules picked up the conversation where they had left it before the concert and decided that it was the time where she'd complain about her recent love interest. Each of their weekly meetings had one of this moment. Unfortunately, it looked like Jules didn't have a lot of luck when it came to guys. And as it always would, she wondered if she was the problem asking y/n if the reason every one of her relationships failed because she was unlovable. As if.

"That's not true, I truly believe that you can learn to love anyone. Lest you get to know them, of course."

"Of course you'd say something like that."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"If you truly believe that, then you're not going to say no to this." Jules wriggles her eyebrows suggestively and y/n knew that the night is either about to become very interesting or about to go very wrong.

"The expression on your face is telling me that I should definitely say no to what you're about to say."

"Oh c'mon, it's just an innocent dare. Nothing too crazy, I promise."

"Which is?"

"You see that guy leaning on the bar? Long black hair with the black leather jacket?" Y/n turned around indulging her friend and eventually spotted the guy she was talking about. She took her time to look at him until she realized something that made her whip around to face Jules again.

"You mean the singer of the band?" y/n asked incredulously.

"Isn't he handsome?" Jules smiled wide completely ignoring the look y/n was giving her already knowing what was going through her friends' mind. "I want you to go to him and ask him out."

"What?" 

"C'mon", Jules complained reaching out to y/n over the table, "didn't you say that it was possible to love anyone? Can't you see yourself loving him?"

"That's not the point," y/n exclaimed still not believing that her friend was suggesting something so outrageous. "Can you see him loving me?" Because that man over there had "heart breaker" spelt all over him. And okay, y/n had to admit that this was a rush judgment she was making and it wasn't exactly fair but there was no way that a guy like him could be interested in a girl like her.

And yes, we could stay here and discuss all the reasons why that statement is wrong but still, if she were to put herself out there -something that was not like her at all- she wasn't going to go over someone so out of reach for her. And that was that.

"Listen, do you remember that video you sent me the other day?" Jules squared her shoulders, now looking fully serious at y/n. Unfortunately, y/n did remember the video Jules was talking about. She would have never guessed it would come back and bit her in the ass otherwise she'd never sent it.

Sighing, y/n looked down at the drink in her hands and thought about it. The video basically encouraged the viewer to go up to what they believed was the most beautiful person in the room and tell them exactly that. It may sound a little silly but at the time y/n had appreciated the sentiment. Going out of one's comfort zone. Challenging yourself. Because, what was the worst that could happen? That person shotting you down? That didn't sound life-threatening. Now though, y/n wasn't so sure. 

"Worst case scenario, just tell him I'm calling you and head back here." Jules offered, almost as if she could tell exactly what her best friend was thinking.

Looking at her best friend, something snapped in her. Jules was right. What's the worst that could happen? She already knew that the guy was going to shoot her down. She was prepared. It was a dare, a silly thing that could give her a story to tell to her nephews one day. 

What the hell, y/n thought squaring her shoulders. 

"You know what?" she downed the rest of her drink and got up from her seat, "I'm doing it." Looking in the reflection of the tissue box on the table to check how she looked, she fixed her smudged lipstick and ruffed her hair before nodding solemnly at Jules and turned around.

As she made her way to the bar, she could hear Jules cheering on her fueling her sudden confidence. 

The man of the hour was there where she saw him last. Her steps faltered as she realized that she had no idea how to approach him. What was she going to say? Oh my god, she was totally going to make a fool of herself. If she was not going to die for his rejection, she sure is going to die of embarrassment. 

She was almost about to turn around and abort the mission when his eyes met hers.

Well, fuck. There was no way she was going to back down now.

She regained her confidence and smiled at him while closing the distance between them. She smiled at him. Who was she? Did someone drug her drink?

He smiled back at her, turning so that he'd be facing her once she reached him and she almost stopped to pinch herself to see if she was hallucinating or something.

"Hey," she said once she stood in front of him. Good, she thought, let's start with something simple.

"Hi," he smiled back at her.  

Okay, okay, it's going good, isn't it? He hasn't ignored me, that must mean something, right? Yes, that he wasn't a rude asshole was her sobering thought.

"So," y/n started trying to take to time while she figured what to say, "I saw a video the other day," was what she ended up with. 

The handsome stranger lifted his eyebrows in amusement and took a sip of his beer. Y/n took that as a "go on then".

"There was this woman that basically dared anyone watching to go up to the person who they thought was the most beautiful person in the room and tell them exactly that." Well, let's just get it out of the way, I guess, she thought. "So, here I am," she added as if it wasn't clear enough.

However, as she saw the man's smile widen, y/n suddenly realized how really screwed she was. This man was way out of her league.

"Well, now that I'm here, I should also mention that you've really good at what you do too." 

"Not to sound rude or anything," he spoke for the first time that evening and y/n had already decided that he had been the gods' favourite in another life before he opened his mouth but now? as he heard his low and raspy voice? she was sure he had been at least a demi-god, "did you lost a bet or something?" he asked, his grey eyes boring into hers like he was looking into her soul.  

Who was this guy? and why was she feeling like this? Get a grip, y/n, she scolded herself.

"Is it that obvious?" y/n's shoulders slouched as some of the tension left them, a nervous laugh leaving her mouth. 

"I saw you downing your drink like it was some kind of bravery potion before you came here," he explained with a light scroll of his shoulders. "Not that I mind though," he added with what should be an illegal smirk. Smug.

"Yeah, I'm sure you've heard it countless time only tonight." Let's joke on it, she thought, there's still a chance I can come clean out of this mess. 

He chuckled and, not leaving her eyes, he slipped a hand through his loose hair pushing it back. "I meant that if you hadn't come I would probably found an excuse to come up to you too." He leaned back onto the bar looking completely unbothered, not as if he had said something that made her feel on fire. 

"Looks like I've to thank your friend for my luck." Looking over your shoulder, he held one of his hands up and lightly waving at Jules, y/n figured.

"Yeah, let's not tell her that or I will never hear the end of it." Rolling her eyes, y/n also leaned on her arm resting on the bar next to him. Whether it was the fact that all the cards were on the table or that what he said meant that he had to somewhat like her, she felt more relaxed than a couple of minutes ago.

"Before I make this solemn oath, I think it would be appropriate to know your name, don't you think?"

"It's y/n," she held her hand up for him to shake. However, he had something else in mind since when he took hold of her hand he turned it and held it up to his lips to leave a soft kiss on it. Y/n  almost rolled her eyes at the gesture if it wasn't for his eyes. They didn't move from hers and she found that she didn't want to stop looking at him. Like she was in a trance. Yes, he was handsome, even more so up close, so of course he was nice to look at but that wasn't why. It's the way his eyes glimmered as they watched her, the gentleness with which he was holding her hand, the softness of his lips on her skin. What would they feel like on her lips, she wondered.

"I'm Sirius." 

And that's how it all started. A silly video sent almost automatically to her best friend and an outrageous bet made y/n's night definitely interesting. To her luck though, Sirius became a permanent presence and not a one-night sensation.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Tagging: @seldomabsent

[hp-fanfic-archive]

an introductory rec list (that no one asked for) to some of my favorite ships: wolfstar [1/10]

First fic I read for the pairing: Where Rain And Smoke Mingle by smallestbird [1k,T] It doesn't matter if they've disowned you, they're still your family. It doesn't matter how often you walk away, it still hurts. [it’s a bit dreary, but the writing style is so nice and i’m a big sucker for hurt/comfort]

Fic that really sold me on the pairing: Of Brothers and Boyfriends by Amuly [38k,E] There’s no summary on the fic, but, essentially, Remus and Sirius’s secret relationship gets found out and things get… complicated. (warning for homophobia) [My note on my ao3 bookmark pretty much sums up how I feel about this fic: Honestly one of my favorites (and one of the stories that really got me hooked on Wolfstar tbh) and I've read it at least eight times. However, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the homophobic James Potter (even though he does come around).]

Absolute favorite fic(s) for the pairing: Text Talk by merlywhirls [141k,Not Rated] Sirius is in boarding school, Remus is in hospital, and they don't know each other until Sirius texts the wrong number. (warnings for homophobia, mentions of abuse, and homophobic language) [One of the earlier fics I read and it’s always just been one of my favorites, even though it’s been 3 years since I read it for the first time.] Harry Potter and the Live Laugh Love Sign in the Basement by loudestfandomsoftheworld [24k,T] Harry spends his summer with his fugitive godfather and his former professor who is a jobless werewolf. It's probably the best summer he's ever had. [The humor, the characterizations, their relationships, it’s all so fucking perfect!!] Go East [+Podfic] by xinasvoice [84k,E] Remus has been running for a long time. Eventually, he runs into a strange castle built by a wizard and his young apprentice. The longer he stays, the more secrets he uncovers...and the less he wants to leave. This is a novel-length adventure story that loosely follows the plot of Howl's Moving Castle. It does not require knowledge of the HMC book or movie to enjoy it. [it made me laugh, it made me cry, and it’s plot is based on one of my all time favorite movies? 11/10] Of Queries and Quarantines by MoonCat457 [51k,E] LUPIN.RJ: James, WHY? POTTER.JF: Because you’re the one currently doing the job, so it makes sense that you’d be the one to train the person hired to take your place. LUPIN.RJ: No, I mean why is Monty hiring a new editor in the middle of a fucking pandemic? POTTER.JF: An old friend of mine is in a tough spot and needs a job, so of course, dad is helping him out. - - - - OR A story set in the middle of the pandemic in which Sirius is hired at the Potter’s publishing company and Remus is responsible for training him. Lots of texting, lots of video calls, lots of mutual pining, and a lot of really bad literature quotes. [i’ve largely avoided quarantine au fics, but sometimes they’re so well-written and hilarious and also a texting fic and i accidentally fall in love with them, so here we are.]

Most recent fic I’ve read for the pairing: There Is No Man, However Wise by enigmaticblue [87k,T] It’s 1988, Sirius has Harry, and possession is nine-tenths of the law. [i adore a good raising harry au and i also adore the premise of the series this is in and i also adore the writing story and characterizations. 10/10]

Favorite AU(s) I’ve read for the pairing: High School AU: Likewise Variable by ssstrychnine [28k,T] James has plans, Peter is the nurse, Sirius keeps fake blood up his sleeves, and Remus just tries to stay alive. [i first read this fic in 2017 and it still lives rent free in my mind. it’s hilarious, a perfect characterization of the marauders (even tho it’s a muggle modern high school au) and adding shakespeare? just icing on the fucking cake. it’s excellent.] University AU: Wannabe Your Lover by Maraudererasmut & shadow_prince [15k,M] Somewhere in America, Fall of 1997 - Returning to University, James refused to room with Sirius in the wake of The Great Cheez-it Battle of '96. They must adjust to living with someone new, Mr. Potter worried they'd both get scurvy, James unsuccessfully continued trying to court one Lily Evans, Snape got what was coming to him, and Sirius was the most confused of them all. [this is the university experience we all wish we had, lowkey. aside from the hilarity that comes from having the marauders in a fic, it���s just cute and well-written and i love it (and southern remus??? it’s everything i never knew i needed.] Alternate Sorting AU (Slytherin Remus): Half Agony, Half Hope by Barry_Manilows_Wardrobe [21k,E] A tale wherein Sirius Black loses 750 House Points for Gryffindor. But it’s totally worth it. [listen, if, before i read this fic, you asked me if remus could’ve been a slytherin, my answer would have been “perhaps but probably not.” now, however, yeah. 100%. it’s hilarious, it’s novel (which i love to see), but it’s still the same remus and sirius and it’s excellent.] Haunted House AU: Another Day in the Sun by REwrites [19k,T] Is it haunted? I suppose that depends on who is telling the story. [really really excellent and a little haunting (pun entirely intended). it’s romantic and sweet and a little bittersweet but i adore it.]

WIP(s) I really love for the pairing: We Were Infinite by WolfstarPups90 [336k,E] “The Marauders aren’t something that will just go away once we graduate.” James continued, taking a more serious tone and addressing not only Remus, but the fear that they all had found recently in the back of their minds about what may become of them outside the walls of Hogwarts. “We’re a family. We’ve proven that again and again, haven’t we? We’re forever. Unstoppable. We’re infinite.” The full story of The Marauders from September 1st 1971 - October 31st 1981. (Heavily centered around Wolfstar and Jily in later chapter) [the first WIP i ever read (usually i stick to completed works, but this was being pretty regularly updated when i started reading it and also it’s fucking iconic so what can i say?)] Of Leaves and Stars by irrationalmoony & LadyAmina [273k,T] Almost a year out of Hogwarts, Lily finally manages to convince Sirius and James to get more acquainted with muggle technology and buy phones. Sirius, of course, texts the wrong number. [everyone is queer! (as they well should be). also: is it complete? no. has that stopped me from reading it twice? also no.]

Favorite Series for the pairing: TransVerse by picascribit [30k,E,2 works] Canon-divergent AU in which Remus is a transgender boy instead of being a werewolf. (warnings for underage, transphobia, internalized transphobia, bullying, self-harm) [i am a trans remus stan and this series is iconic, but also heed the tags kids.]

Longest fic I’ve read for the pairing: Once in a Blue Moon by FullMoonDreams [408k,M] In a world where Remus never received his Hogwarts invitation and Sirius wasn't accepted by the Gryffindors the two lonely boys become friends. A story beginning in their first year, and continuing right through Hogwarts and beyond. RLSB. [this fic emotionally ruined me,,, but like,,, in a good way, you know? i will probably never reread it because i cried for hours the first time, but the plot does live rent free in my mind (and i do have a playlist of songs that remind me of it).]

Fic(s) with some of my favorite tropes: Matchmaking: Pining, Parchment, Plotting, and Pranks by KayBee1762 [12k,T] “Idea parchment,” James said. He unfolded it and smoothed it out. “You want to get them together, right? That’s why you came to me?” “Yeah,” Lily huffed, which was ridiculous because he was right, that’s why she came to him. But it was supposed to be her idea, because she wanted to help her dear friend Remus, not James or Sirius. But it was so nice to be able to talk about this with someone, and James looked so pleased and excited. “Good,” James said. “Good, because they need to get together, they would be so happy and so good together, and Sirius will stop sighing like a lovesick puppy and just snog him instead.” In which Lily considers changing Houses, James blushes a lot, Sirius is his usual dramatic self, Remus mopes, and Peter knew everything all along. [the marauders (especially james and lily) trying to play matchmaker is one of my favorite instances of the classic matchmaking trope.] Road Trips + Bed Sharing: Of Comets and Counter-Examples by Woldy [5k,T] If the past is a foreign country, can travel help to resolve a troubled history? Dumbledore assigns Remus and Sirius a mission to explore three European cities, or perhaps to find each other. [a lovely tale of travel, reunions, comfort, friendship, and self-rediscovery. plus, travel, bed sharing, and friends to lovers??? yeah] Matchmaking (again): In The Middle by Blossomwitch [3k,Not Rated] James is the natural confidant of both Remus and Sirius. When they both swear him to secrecy on the same topic, James is stuck watching his friends pine for each other without being able to say a word to bring them together. A lesser man might shrink from the challenge of finding a way to break his promise without breaking his promise, but not James Potter! [i already did a matchmaking trope fic i know but what can i say other than the trope fucking slaps and so does this fic.]

[practicecourts]

Fic Author Self Rec

Fic authors self-rec! ✨ When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you’ve written, then pass on to at least five other writers ❤️

Thank you for the tag @annabtg

In no real order below you'll find 5 stories that I'm proud of writing.

But first, I want to let you know how much fun it is to receive these kinds of questions that make you think about what you're writing/have written... so thanks for that!! Also, to anyone who takes the time to read any of my stories, I want to apologise for all my writing errors (if you see any feel free to point them out to me;-) If you did enjoy something it's an absolute high for me to hear about that as well. I've learned so much in the past year just by starting to write and post and getting hearts & comments. I've met some amazing people online through this that have become friends I hope, and I've learned a lot from their feedback. I also want to thank anyone who ever wrote me kind comments. You have no idea how much that has encouraged me to try new things (I'd never in a million years thought I'd be writing an alternative Animages story or anything actually smutty, let alone more than just one or two things.), and this encouragement has made writing even more fun! It's something else when someone tells you they like the world or story you've created. (another thing about going back and picking 5 works, is that it made me see some sort of growth in my writing, but also it makes me want to hide a bit under a rock somewhere or edit the hell out of my earlier posted things) Self-esteem is a fickle thing. so again thanks for this ask/tag. 1) It Was a Clear Black Night, a Clear White Moon Jily, 7k. Hogwarts jily-challenge One shot.

Lily Evans, Head Girl, sees Jame Potter, Head Boy, sneak out of the castle on a full moon. She decides to follow him, perhaps not the best idea she ever had.

I'm proud of how this story turned out quite thrilling and not slap-stick (or at least I don't think so- lol) and also has some sweetness, and humour mixed with seriousness. Werewolves & full moons are serious business after all.

2) Beggin' Jily, 7k. One-shot. A tale of Jily moments seen through the eyes of Peter Pettigrew. He tries to make sense of his life, the war and the big things in the world such as love, friendship and how to survive after Hogwarts. He also wants very much to apologise. (see the end notes for spoilers). This idea wouldn't let me go and that's why it's here. Don't read this if you don't like sad things. I feel this is bittersweet and personally, that's something I enjoy reading myself.

3) Head over Handlebars For You Jily, multichapter Muggle AU unfinished 11/15, currently 39k. My first ever Jily Challenge prompt was the following: I hit you with my car/broom and was the only one to visit you in the hospital. Because I ride a carrier bike (with kids, a dog, or groceries in;-) almost every day, I wanted very much to have this crash happen with a carrier bike. As I feel the stigma is very much a family/mother bicycle I wanted James to be riding it. This story also has evolved into something I didn't expect (It's still the general idea I once had but I severely underestimated how much more to the story there was, and I've learnt a whole lot, just from writing this. I think this story is fun, a bit sexy, has some excitement, humour and has some serious moments. And there will be romance. because it's a jily modern fairy tale after all. I'm hoping to finish up the last 3-4 chapters and post them in April/May. 4) Revelation 1,3 K One shot - microfic. I like Lily's thoughts in this, I loved to try to write something short but still have something big happen. And I'm very much in awe of all the people who do that (say a lot in little words) much much better than me! Difficult to pick the last one, as much as I want to hide under a rock, and how much I'd like to improve all of them, there was a lot of love and time put into writing them ;-) but rules are rules... 5) Not the Doctor this is a crazy texting fic that is very much based on real life facts ;-) the hilariousness of having a James Potter Face claim actually work in the gynaecology department, and the horrors of said visit were impossible to ignore and then the story basically wrote itself. It's not deep. I'm sure it's not very good either, but it was fun *to write*. Not to worry, it all ends well (both in this fic as IRL ;-)

Tagging @abihastastybeans @uncertainwallflower @turanga4 @glitterwitch1 @lanaturnergetup

[jamesandthedog]

Fic Rec Challenge! ❤️💛💚💜 Spread the love and list five of your favourite fics right now then tag five others to do the same!

Did I write this list and lose it to the black hole of Internet? Yes I did. Blackpool by @funnydivine "We don’t drown. We float. That’s how Muggles used to tell, isn’t it?" When Regulus is five, he nearly drowns in the sea off Blackpool. When Regulus is eleven, his brother befriends a ghost. It’s not until Regulus is eighteen and ready to die that the Black family’s darkest secret finally unravels. It might, perhaps, change everything. This coming-of-age story is my forever favourite fic and one of the first ones I read re-entering the fandom. It’s about the Black brothers, Sirius and Regulus. If you hate Walburga, you will hate her even more after reading this. It’s full of angst, love, magic and a ghost. You really really should go read it! We Were Infinite by @wewereinfinitelywolfstar “The Marauders aren’t something that will just go away once we graduate.” James continued, taking a more serious tone and addressing not only Remus, but the fear that they all had found recently in the back of their minds about what may become of them outside the walls of Hogwarts. “We’re a family. We’ve proven that again and again, haven’t we? We’re forever. Unstoppable. We’re infinite.” A full story of The Marauders with 107 chapters waiting for you to fall in love with! I’m still debating whether to read the new chapter or start it from the beginning to enjoy all of it again. And yes, it has both Jily and Wolfstar. It’s a WIP. Sweater Weather by @lumosinlove Remus works for the Gryffindor Lions as a physical trainer, and has been half in love with Sirius Black, the Lions' heartthrob captain, for a while now, but he never expected Sirius to return the feelings. Read if you like cute nicknames, slow burn, and pining. Yep. That's it. If you read one Wolfstar AU in your life, this is definitely a good choice. As a bonus, you can gush about it with a discord full of other Hazelnuts (@lumosinlove fans) and there are more fics with the same universe / same OC’s.

A Little Risk by @blitheringmcgonagall “Call for you, Sir, Chief Inspector Moody on the line from Police Headquarters.” “Sir?” his hoarse voice full of sleep. “Lupin, have some tea before I get there, or you’ll be in a foul mood. Duke of Grimmauld found murdered. Dagger sticking into his heart. I’ll be over in ten. I’m bringing Evans, from that Mulciber mess last year." You’ve probably seen me reblogging the sh*t out of this because it’s a freaking murder mystery happening in the 1930′s with Wolfstar and Jily! Who’s the murderer? How long doest it take for Remus to fall in love with a suspect? So exciting! It’s a WIP.

Don't You Ever Think Otherwise by me "Okay. I'm off to bed," Remus said kissing Sirius' forehead and placing his emty mug behind him on the kitchen counter. "I love you." "No, you don't." I guess I can recommend my own writing too? It’s the only one shot of the rec list. Remus is leaving for a mission, Sirius is pouting and there’s a lot of angst and kisses. Tagging five brilliant writers whose fics you should check out too: @mollymarymarie @thejilyship @maraudersftw @of-stars-and-moon and @frustratedpoetwrites