#Regulus Black x original female character

[imnotoverlyobsessive]

Moodboard by @softhecreator

Don’t Blame My English Blood For This American Heartache

Chapter Seven: Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This

AO3 info prologue one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve

All my work is 18+.

You don’t know what you do to me in the dark. With nights like these, who needs the days?- All Time Low, Dark Side of Your Room

Late November, 1984

Hogsmeade, Scotland

Dearest Sera,

I offer you my congratulations on your courtship. Lord Black has been quite taken with you since your debut, and I’m pleased to hear you have chosen to accept his offer. 

A match with him will be most advantageous, and he’s a lovely young man. He’ll be a good husband to you, I believe. 

I must confess the Manor feels rather empty without your presence; I look forward to your return next month.

Affectionately,

Ursa Malfoy Abbott

“I’m supposed to go back,” she giggled, her hands in his hair as he kissed her neck.

He pressed her more firmly against the tree, a Notice Me Not charm concealing them from anyone who might venture into the woods near Hogsmeade. “I’d rather we continue snogging.”

“We shouldn’t,” she breathed, but then he slipped a hand under her coat, sliding it up her side to skirt her breast. She inhaled sharply, and then he slid a leg beneath her corduroy skirt and between her thighs, pressing it against her core. “Oh, Regulus—“

“That’s it, darling,” he murmured in her ear, rubbing his leg against her. “Say my name.”

“Regulus,” she exhaled, rolling her hips to grind against his leg. 

“Will you cum for me, sweetheart?” he rasped, rubbing at her more insistently. “Been thinking about making you cum for months, love, c’mon—“

They’d never gone this far before, and to do it in the middle of November seemed ridiculous, but Sera couldn’t help it. And honestly, she’d forgotten about the cold entirely with all the charms he’d cast to keep them warm. She wanted him so bad she thought she might die from it.

She rolled her hips, gasping and whimpering as he rubbed at her. He mouthed at her neck, and all she could feel, all she could smell— it was all him, all Regulus, and he was perfect.

“‘m gonna— ‘m gonna—“ she gasped, her inner muscles spasming as she neared her peak.

“That’s it, darling,” he breathed, kissing her neck softly and pressing his leg more firmly against her. “Such pretty little sounds, hm? Cum for me, baby.”

She clutched at his shoulders, her fingernails digging into the fabric of his coat, and then—

And then he pressed his knee against her, rubbing her faster, and she couldn’t have kept it in if she tried; she orgasmed with a breath that was halfway between his name and a whimper.

Slowly, Regulus lowered his leg and readjusted her coat before taking her in his arms and pulling her in close to him. He was a cocoon of warmth in the cold November air, and she sighed contentedly, nuzzling into his chest.

“Did you enjoy that?” he asked softly, rubbing her back in soothing circles.

“Mhm,” Sera hummed with a small smile. “You’re, uh… you’re really good at it.”

“I’m glad,” he murmured before leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek. “Can you walk, sweetheart? We need to get you back to the castle before anyone notices you’re gone.”

Sera rolled her eyes, looking up at him with a smile. “The seventh year Ravenclaws sneak out like nobody’s business. It’s a Friday night; I won’t even be the last one back.”

“Ravenclaws, hm?” he hummed, pulling away from her and taking her hand in his. “Never thought the swots would bother sneaking out. I always reckoned they’d study instead.”

Sera laughed. “I guess ‘swots’ are better at sneaking out than you expected,” she said, mimicking his accent.

He smiled back at her, and they walked back to the castle gates hand in hand.

Late November, 1984

Hogwarts

Scotland

Sera knew what the Slug Club was, but she’d never been invited before. Probably because she was shit at potions, honestly.

So imagine her surprise when she received an invite to a party.

“Goddammit,” she gasped as Yarrow tightened the corset strings. “Why is it so constricting?”

“Because you have tits the size of boulders,” her friend said flatly. “I can get away with short stays, you know. It was difficult enough to get this size; I don't think I’d have wanted to go any larger.” Yarrow tied off the corset strings then, and Sera struggled to take a full breath. Her breasts were pushed damn near up to her chin, for God’s sake.

“You’ll have to tell me how you managed your transition sometime,” Sera told her friend. “It’s crazy to me that no one here objects.”

“I don’t know how Muggles handle it, really,” Yarrow admitted, “but once I knew I was a girl, that was all that was needed. I was permitted to move into the girls’ dormitories and was allowed access to the potion stores.”

Sera turned towards her friend with a smile. “I’m glad. Not everyone is so open-minded.”

“Oh, they’re closed-minded, certainly,” Yarrow said with a small laugh, “just not about that.”

Sera snorted. “Little weird that they’re so far back in time, yeah.”

Yarrow hummed and gestured to where their dresses were hanging on the bathroom door. “Come, let’s get dressed.”

Her dress was a fairly simple one in a shade of pale blue, and, as with damn near every fancy pureblood dress she’d been given, her breasts were practically bulging out of it. Though the corset didn’t help, given the fact that it just covered her from like… the nipples down.

She put on a strand of small pearls with matching earrings and examined her reflection with a sigh.

“Missing your man?” Yarrow teased.

Flushing, Sera glared at her friend and slid on her white satin shoes.

“Don’t even. Let’s go.”

The door to Ravenclaw Tower swung shut behind the pair of girls, and when Sera looked up, only to see none other than her boyfriend standing there, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves. 

“Regulus?” she gasped, surprised. He looked up, and his face split into a grin as soon as he saw her. “What’re you doing here?” she asked.

“Slughorn occasionally invites his former students as well as current ones,” he explained. “I don’t often attend, but I wanted an excuse to see you.”

She smiled, practically jumping into his arms and burying her face in his chest.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, his free hand cupping her cheek to tilt her face up towards him. He had to stoop over when he kissed her, but he did it anyway.

“Disgusting,” Yarrow teased from behind her.

Regulus pulled away from Sera and addressed the younger girl with a drawling, “Miss Rosier, always a pleasure.”

Sera looked over her shoulder at her friend. “Oh, shut up.”

“Come along now, darling,” Regulus said with a kiss to her hair. “I don’t much care if I’m late, but I’d hate to see your reputation suffer for it.” He offered her his arm, and she accepted it, looking up at him with a smile, and they were on their way, Yarrow following close behind. “You look exquisite, by the way.” He glanced down at her breasts. “Why don’t you let me have a dress made for you for the ball, hm?”

“The Christmas ball?” she clarified.

He nodded. “You’re lovely in anything, of course, but I quite like the idea of you wearing something I got bought for you.”

She blushed, looking down at her shoes peeking out from under her skirt as she walked. “Yeah, alright.”

“You two are disgusting,” Yarrow pointed out.

“Shut up,” Sera bristled, her blush intensifying.

Regulus just laughed.

“Ah, Regulus, my boy!” Mr. Slughorn exclaimed in delight when they walked through the door to his office. “So good to see you. And Miss Malfoy, always a delight. What a pair you make! Should I expect a wedding invitation after Miss Malfoy graduates?”

Sera choked and coughed. Regulus, however, glanced down at her with a smile and pulled her closer. “If she agrees when I ask her.”

Mr. Slughorn chortled. “I’m quite certain she will!”

Sera flushed. It was just red-faced day, wasn’t it? Ugh.

“We should get out of here,” he murmured in her ear, his hand on her knee as they sat in a secluded corner of Mr. Slughorn’s office.

“And why is that?”

“So I can snog you senseless, of course.”

She giggled. “Where would we even go for that?”

He paused, considering this for a moment. “I honestly can’t be arsed about where we go so long as I get to put a few bruises on your neck.”

“Regulus!”

“Please, darling? Your tits are coming right out of your dress; I need to squeeze them—and kiss them, if you please—at least a little bit, and I can’t do it here—“

“No.”

He groaned miserably. “My suffering is eternal.”

Sera rolled her eyes. “Of course it is.”

First bit of sexiness 👀 sorry for the wait; was watching Tim’s SNL episode with the discord girls

As always, big thanks to @lilmaymayy for betaing!

Tag list:

@ellamaianderson @shika1200 @blackqueenstarseed1 @gatoenlaciudad @esmaada @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @softhecreator @timolaurence @timmymyluv @oddlyenoughiamweird @leecrunchybones @s-we-e-t-t-ea @almostg @leespparker @bubblebuttwade @glizzymcguirex @starberry-cake @camille-1019 @lixzey @shycreationdreamland @gossamer19

To be added, please ask 💗

[hogwartsalumni08-slytherin]

Falling For James

My name is Holly Pettigrew. My big brother is Peter Pettigrew and he is a part of a group of pranksters called the Marauders. The Marauders are all in Gryffindor. I'm a Slytherin and so is Regulus Black whom is the little brother of Sirius Black, one of Peter's best friends.

I started dating Regulus during our fourth year and our brothers were in their sixth year. Now, it is during my fifth year. I'm in the Gryffindor common room with Peter. My feelings for Regulus are changing and maybe I am developing feelings for one of Peter's and Sirius's best friends. This best friend of theirs goes by James Potter.

Honestly thoughts of James clogs my brain. Peter speaks up and says, "Maybe, honey, you're falling for James." I yell, "NO!" Peter says, "Well... " I yell, "NO! I LOVE REGULUS! REGULUS IS MY BOYFRIEND, HE WILL ALWAYS BE MY BOYFRIEND! THAT'S IT!" FOREVER!" I walk off for a minute to get my feelings under control. I hear Regulus ask, "Holly wouldn't lie, right?" Peter quickly says, "No. Holly wouldn't lie." James and I stare at each other both feeling guilty because of a kiss we shared last week.

[karolinaandfrogs]

Flowers

A/N: There is no use of y/n because of my indescribable hatred for whatever that thing is. Also by saying this I just wanna say that I don't mind other authors using y/n as their main character. Just for me personally, I like it when my main hero has more obvious shapes, so I just dropped here my own character.

A/N: The reader is elf born. I like to mix the world of Tolkien and J. K. Rowling a bit so please, let there be no confusion of the main character for the house elves in Harry Potter.

Warnings: none

Pairing: Regulus Black x female!elf!reader

Words: 1,7k

"You're beautiful. As a flower.”

“Then, why won’t you make me yours?”

“Because every flower dries eventually. Each one of them becomes fragile with time. But not everyone has given their lives to the hands of time. No, some of us are cursed by it. We stay with heavy centuries on our shoulders as we watch the flowers vanish slowly.”

The library was almost empty today. This wasn’t surprising because most of the students were enjoying the day at Hogsmeade. Either buying gifts or just wandering from one shop window to another. November was slowly but surely coming to an end and as Christmas time was now, swiftly approaching the snow-covered school grounds, a festive but relaxed atmosphere was lingering in the air. Everyone excitedly awaited the magical part of the year.

Except him.

Regulus has never really liked this time of the year but that wasn’t the reason for the current state of his mind. Even Evan had told him that morning that he was grumpier than usual, but he wasn’t the only one to notice his friend’s despair. Regulus’ concentration in classes became loose as he struggled to pay attention to his professors’ interpretations. His marks took a quick turn down and before he knew that, he wasn’t at the top of his class. Many professors have noticed this sudden change in his behavior and one time even Professor McGonagall asked him to stay after the lesson ended. He’d be lying if he said that, it didn’t touch his heart, at least a little, when the usually strict and precise woman asked him motherly if he was alright. But of course, he hasn’t uttered a word to his closest friends, he wouldn’t confide in her.

And that’s why he was here, in the library, ready to get the post of the top student of his year back.

He was looking for a book to help him write an essay about the Salem Witch Trials for Professor Binns. He trailed his tired eyes along the leather backs of the books. He yawned and shook his head as if it were meant to cure his sleep deprivation. He grabbed the first book that looked somewhat useful and sat down at the nearest table. He took the first sheet of parchment he found in his bag, altogether with a bottle of ink and a quill. He took the book and started working on his essay. He was three words in when his mind started to wonder again.

“I’m too old for you, you know that right?”

“Didn’t you say, that elves age differently?”

“I did, didn’t I? But still.”

Hand in hand with his marks had taken a downfall in his appetite and sleep. He started to skip breakfasts and lunches and sometimes dinners. These days he’s always felt like he’d throw up any minute the little his friends almost shoved down his throat. The image of food touching his lips had begun to feel so unfamiliar. And it started showing.

When he saw himself in the bathroom mirror the other night his mind was unable to process what he was looking at. At first, he could only recognize the outlines of a young man. Although he could already tell that what he was about to see was rather ugly, he still reached out his hand to wipe off the water of the mirror.

The bathroom air was stuffy, hot, and heavy. The night behind the bathroom window was thick like a rich chocolate mousse. Almost as if inviting to dip a spoon in. And in the mirror stood a silhouette of a boy. His collarbones were sticking out. His ribs took more obvious outlines. He was staring at his outline and his outline’s gaze was fixed back at him. Each one of them looking unhealthy and miserable.

And all that for one simple reason.

His pride was hurt. His feelings were rejected. He was rejected.

The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted his train of thought. Some first-year walked past his table with an armful of books, mumbling something Regulus couldn’t understand, and disappeared behind a first shelf of books.

Regulus sighed. He needed to concentrate. He’s not going to let his intrusive thoughts put him down this easily. Especially, when he’s got a goal to achieve. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath in and out. Then he took a quick look at what he’s already written down. It wasn’t much, or, to be completely honest, it was merely a few words. He dipped his quill in ink again and started working.

“The Salem Witch Trials were a major event in the history of the wizarding world.”

“Reggie?”

“They provoked many witches and wizards who settled in the New World to return to their homelands.”

“Yes?”

“I thought you hated that nickname.”

“I don’t mind when you call me that.”

He snapped the book closed. He knew he wouldn’t get any work done like this. Plus, even tho he tried to occupy his mind, it always seemed to find a way for memories too painful to bear to float to the surface.

He quickly packed all his belongings and threw them into his bag. Normally, he would spend extra time organizing his belongings, but today he didn’t care. He just wanted to fall onto his bed, tuck himself under the sheets, and pretend he was already asleep so that when his roommates returned from the Great Hall, they wouldn’t try to convince him to eat something.

He exited the library and headed straight to the Slytherin common room. He was walking through the empty corridor when he heard someone call his name.

“Reggie?”

He froze. He knew this voice way too well. And so did he know the owner of this voice.

But he didn’t turn his head towards her. Not just yet.

He knew he wasn’t ready to look her in the eyes. Not after what she’s done to him. He hated her for that most ardently. He was bitterly swallowing the fact that he knew he would willingly go through all this pain all over again only if he could reach any possible closure.

And again he was disgusted by how pathetic this all was. This wasn’t the man his mother raised him to be.

His breathing got faster and he was starting to feel dizzy. He knew that he needed to get out of there. He wasn’t prepared for this kind of conversation.

“Reggie, please look at me.” Her voice was soft. Just like every time she spoke to him. But it was hard to tell if she had this tone of voice dedicated to him and him only or if she had spoken like this with everyone. Either way, to him she seemed angelic.

He turned his head. His dark hazel eyes met her steel grey.

In the bright afternoon light that peeked through every window in the corridor, he could see that her curves seemed sharper than normal. Honestly, she looked… tired. Her long honey curls were today frizzy and wild. There were dark shadows underneath her eyes. Her tie appeared to be oddly knotted but at the same time, the knot looked like it was holding on only by the power of pure will. Overall she looked like she’s got a few rough nights behind her. Just like him.

This was the first time since the last time they’d spoken that he had a chance to really look at her. Of course, they had classes together but he usually kept his gaze buried deep into the ground. He just didn’t have the guts to look her in the eyes.

“You know that we don’t have to do it like thi-”

“What do you want?”

His voice was way harsher than he wanted it to be. He could see that he hit the right spot when she twitched with a mixture of fear and nervousness. He should be happy about that. Then why wasn’t he? Why was he so afraid to hurt the one, standing behind all his despair?

“I wanna talk.”

“When we’ve spoken at last you made it clear, that you want me to keep my distance. So, that’s what I’ve been doing. And now it’s all wrong again?” Even he was surprised at how flatly he managed to say these words.

She paused, for a brief moment and when she spoke up again her voice was brittle. Her usual confidence with whom she spoke was gone. Now, she seemed almost fragile.

“You know that this is not fair Reggie.”

He scoffed, “oh? How so?”

There was a genuine hurt in her eyes and it immediately made him want to take back, what he said. But he couldn’t.

“You’re being mean. This is not the Regulus I know. This is not my Reggie.”

It was almost cynical to call him hers. They both knew it. It didn’t matter, how they called this whole situation of theirs. He wasn’t hers to keep. And she wasn’t his to look after.

The corridor was strangely empty. Regulus was thinking that anytime someone has to rush in and ruin this moment. Only, if it hasn’t been already ruined.

It was hopeless. Either way, they were doomed to fall apart. Of course, there were a few stories throughout history when an elf and a human had fallen for each other but these fairy tales always had the very same ending. When the wistful youth had washed off one of the lover’s faces and the long years passed there was only one left. And that one was chipped into pieces while hoping that something would bring their dearest one back to them. Cursing the wheel of time while wishing it would be them to break it.

How many romantic tragedies will pass before they learn their lesson?

There was a long silence in the corridor. Neither of them had anything left to say.

“Goodbye, Regulus.”

He knew this was about to come but he wasn’t ready for it yet. He didn’t respond. All he could do was to watch her leave him behind. As always.

[im-just-confused]

Lily Evans x Fem!oc

teensy bit of that Sirius' twin sister x Lily fic that i mentioned. I don't know whether this is good enough to continue writing so lmk what you think!

Carina Black was a force to be reckoned with. 

As mischievous as her twin brother Sirius, she was known for getting into all kinds of trouble; however, her distant, distrusting facade more resembled her younger brother, Regulus. She loves her brothers. Not that she tells them that, but she truly does. It’s a childish love that tells her to hide them from the world to keep them safe. No matter how much they’re arguing, Carina acts as an anchor between the two, not letting either of them drift too far. 

Despite her aversion to conflict, Carina’s not one to back down from a fight she knows she can win. She’s light of her feet, always ready to make split second decisions. And, despite her near perfect marks, she’s constantly driven to know more, a desperate attempt to feel the control she never had in Grimmauld place. Thus, much to her parent’s disappointment, the sorting hat placed her in Ravenclaw. 

Carina was always grateful to be at Hogwarts. The castle was much warmer than Grimmauld place ever would be and the people were nice. 

For the most part. 

One person that the Ravenclaw despised was Severus Snape, or Snivellus, as Sirius called him. One might think that this is because of his attitude or his looks or his beliefs, well, that last one was part of it, but Carina's hatred stems from jealousy. Snape was friends with a particular redheaded girl. 

Lily Evans.

should i finish this?

[mokochan]

I think you'd like this story: " Looking too closely [Libro I - The Lovers] " by Mokochan_ on Wattpad https://www.wattpad.com/story/228488097?utm_source=android&utm_medium=com.tumblr&utm_content=share_writing&wp_page=create&wp_uname=Mokochan_

[saja20]

Chapters: 12/? Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Twilight Series - All Media Types Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Emmett Cullen/Harry Potter, Alice Cullen/Jasper Hale, Carlisle Cullen/Esme Cullen, Regulus Black/Severus Snape, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin, Rosalie Hale/Bill Weasley, Jacob Black/Bella Swan, Edward Cullen/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Emmett Cullen, Harry Potter, Alice Cullen, Jasper Hale, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Edward Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Regulus Black, Severus Snape, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Charlie Swan, Billy Black, Jacob Black Additional Tags: Creature Fic, Domestic Fluff, Vampires, Kitsune Harry Potter, True Mates, Regulus Black Lives, Regulus Black Raises Harry Potter, Severitus | Severus Snape is Harry Potter's Parent Summary:

Regulus is Harry's bearer and not Lily. Severus saves him when he goes to get the horcrux. James wastes no time replacing Regulus with Lily and claiming to the world that Harry is Lily's baby and not Regulus. So Severus and Regulus plot to steal back his son and disappear to a small town in Washington.

[astradreaming]

hidden secrets - regulus black x OC!potter.

Chapter 1: Secrets Natalia Potter is very different from her brother, James Potter. The one thing she does share with her brother is her persistence for love. When a certain Slytherin comes into her life she is thrown into a new world. Having to deal with the Black family drama firsthand, learn the inner workings of the Slytherin hierarchy and what it means to keep secrets from the ones she loves. Can she make it through in one piece or is she dragged down into depths she never thought existed?

A/N: For Faceclaims of OCs check out the story on my Wattpad; wishingstarlove :) (It's the same title: Hidden Secrets)

masterlist

Natalia Potter shuffles into her dorm. Her roommates were gathered on one bed.

"There you are, I was beginning to think you'd died or something," Lily Evans said sitting slightly up, against the pillows of her bed. "Nope, in one piece"

Natalia took in the sight in front of her. All sorts of candies and rappers were discarded on the bed, the other two girls almost half falling off it. "Nat you're just in time to hear the confession" Marlene Mckinnon snickered as she began opening a chocolate frog.

Lily groaned throwing her head into her hands. "Confession?" Natalia questioned. "There is no confession!" Lily's voice was muffled by her hands. "Oh yes there was! We all know it." Marlene teased.

Natalia shot a look as if to say 'what on earth are they on about' at the other girl, Mary Macdonald who as of now had stayed quiet. "Today Lily here has not been asked out once by your lovely brother." Natalia sat down on the corner of the bed, crossing her legs.

"So?" Picking up a Bertie Botts bean to eat. "So! So Lily missed him, confessing that, whether she knows it or not she likes him!" Marlene states rather dramatically

"UGH" Natalia almost jumps off the bed, face full of disgust. "Come on! As if you couldn't tell already Nat" Says Mary. "What? No, I got barf flavor" Natalia chokes out as she runs to the bathroom to spit out the vile jellybean. The girls laughter could be heard all the way at the dungeons.

Natalia eventually returns to the others, having moved on to another topic. "Remind me to never eat those things again and for the record, I think everyone and their dog can tell you two like each other lils" The other three girls stifle their laughter, and the redhead's hair began to match her face.

Eventually, the four girls separated from their cluster and went back to their designated beds. Deciding to settle fairly early, mostly to shut lily up about worrying about sleeping in.

The girls routines were messy at the beginning of their friendship, always fighting for the bathroom, accusing the others of misplacing a beauty product, arguing about moving furniture, and everything possible in between.

Now, years later they have their routine down to a t. Lily always uses the bathroom first, wanting to sleep or study early. Mary second, spending the most time in there. Marlene third, by the time Mary is finished Marlene is usually back from Quidditch practice. Finally, Natalia, goes late, being the youngest, she wasn't there the first year so it makes sense, plus her being a night owl she didn't mind.

As they settled down, turned all the lights off. Natalia couldn't help but twist and turn in her bed. Her thought of the day to come plagued her and the thought of having to sit through another study session with Amos the following day definitely didn't excite her.

Suddenly wide awake, all the sounds in the dorm began to irritate her. Soft snores from Lily are drowned out by the louder ones from Marlene. The flicker and rustling of Mary reading. Natalia suddenly itched for a walk and a smoke.

It wasn't so much the cigarette itself she was craving, no it was the company that came along with the late-night walks around her home street. She and Sirius were close, of course, he and James were inseparable. Yet when he was open about the hardships of his family and how he was actually academically smart but he didn't tell anyone, she couldn't help but wait for him to tell her more.

Over break, she grew an addition, not to the cigarettes but to the boy she was sharing them with. Natalia's eyes began to droop at the memories, becoming tired. She shuffled into her covers further and began to fall into a dreamless sleep.

Natalia woke up to being violently shaken, almost being thrown out of her bed.

"Wake up! Natalia! We're late, like really late!" Lily, the culprit of her violent morning yelled. "Relax, we've only missed the beginning of class, nothing important" Marlene shrugged fixing her tie. At that, Natalia shot out of bed moving so fast she almost got whiplash.

The girls began to run over to the bathroom space. In spite of it all, the four ran to their classes, Lily, Marlene and Mary were in the year above Natalia. Perks of having an uneven year (and having such a nice soon-to-be friend group who easily let her in), she got to share with them. It was either that or by herself and she'd much rather be with them.

The older girls ran to Potions class while Natalia ran to DADA. The subject wasn't her favourite one in the world. Natalia would much rather be in Care for Magical Creatures, hell even Potions where she has to sit next to Marlene's brother, Max who is only helpful if you need to blow up the cauldron.

Walking into the large dark classroom, Professor Hawks hardly noticed as she slipped into the crowd of students standing gathered in the corners and far walls of the classroom. Usually, she liked the fact that their Professor hated the clutter of desks, opting to have a more relaxed feel to the classroom but now she disliked the calming atmosphere, if it wasn't for the rush of adrenaline from running all the way there she was sure she would have fallen back asleep.

She easily found her good friend, Johnny, always sticking out with his bob of curls and obnoxious movements.

"What did I miss?" Natalia whispered as she tried getting a look at the front of the class. "Professor Hawks hasn't said yet, he's been very theatrical about it but no surprises there." He said with a grin.

Professor Hawks silenced the room. "Today class, we have an important assignment, this assignment is possibly the most important assignment for your O.W.L.S." He stood up from where he was slouched against his desk and walked into the center of the classroom, pulling out his wand. "Today class we are learning about Werewolves." A murmur of whispers swept over the student like a wave.

"Quiet, shall we begin," Professor Hawks said waving his wand and the shutters slammed against their frames. Another flick of his wrist started the projector. "Werewolves were once believed-" Natalia tuned him out, turning to Johnny who now sat on the ground watching the slideshow through the other students' ankles who were all standing around in their friend groups. Natalia slumped against the wall and plopped next to him on the floor.

"Rory's gonna hate this huh" Johnny whispered turning to face his friend. Natalia chuckled humorlessly "Oh yeah she'll love this"

Natalia couldn't help but also think of Remus. He'd already been through this last year but she wondered how he felt, maybe she could talk to him about it. The boys were already breaking their necks trying to find out who the other Werewolf is, that randomly showed up to their full moon fun last summer and every month since then.

She'd tried to get Aurora to talk to Remus about it, maybe try and find what he was using for the aftermath, whatever it was it seems to make him bounce back a lot faster than Aurora does. She'd tried to find out, pestering her brother with questions but Aurora nearly bit her head off when she'd told her what she was doing.

"We should probably be paying attention you know" Natalia pushed her thoughts away trying to listen back to Professor Hawks. "Mhm, don't think Nick would like us copying him any more than usual" Natalia hummed in agreement. The pair focused on the presentation in front of them in silence.

The pair made their way to the great hall for lunch, preparing to tell Rory about class, and for Natalia to prepare for her next study period. 

An arm was slung over Natalia's shoulders. "Do you have any idea how boring Transfiguration is? I mean honestly, it sucked" Aurora grumbled. "You usually like it, what happened?" Natalia leaned into her friend's grasp.

"The Quidditch match this weekend was bloody canceled! It ruined the whole class experience!" The girl shouted angrily. "Wait what?" Quidditch having caught his attention. "Quidditch! Canceled! Over some stupid feud with the Captains" 

"Aw bloody hell, you'd think they'd sort it out by now" Johnny groans. The two continue their bickering about their Captain's feud. Natalia having zoned out not all that interested in the sport. Her attention was drawn down the hall.

 James' loud laughter along with the bickering of Sirius and Peter. James is slightly in front of the two who seem to be fighting over a piece of folded parchment, Remus is behind them looking down at a book in hand. The four boys disappear in the sea of students entering the hall. 

A tug on her sleeve gained her attention. "Where are we gonna sit today?" Rory questioned. "Uhm, wherever Nick is, I suppose." Johnny butted in. Natalia nodded in agreement before stopping.  "Anywhere except Hufflepuff, please" Natalia gave her best puppy dog plea look.

"Hey! What's wrong with good ol' Hufflepuff" Johnny puffed up standing up straight, trying to look tough although Natalia noted he looked more of a grumpy pitbull. "Nothing, Sorry Johnny I just don't want to deal with Diggory more than I already have to today." She patted his shoulder. Johnny seemed happy with this statement, having returned to his usual slouched posture. "Fair enough Nat" Rory spoke up. Johnny nodded at that.

"Good thing too, Nicks at my table" Rory pointed to Nick sitting in a swarm of blue, standing out in his yellow uniform.  The three went to sit with their friend. Johnny sitting with Nick and the girls sitting opposite.

"How was herbology?" Natalia asked, picking up her assortment of food for her lunch. "Actually, while we were supposed to be watering the plants, I got sidetracked and found something interesting on Mandrake leaves, specifically to do with you-" He pointed with his fork at Aurora "-and your erm.. furry problem" he awkwardly scratched his neck at his own wording. 

Natalia gave Johnny a look. Johnny caught it. Dryly coughing he said, "Uhm we also learned something on that lovely topic too-" He paused and Aurora glared at him to continue. "In class...For our assignment that is and not my words here-" He grunted and spoke in a horrible deep Professor Hawks voice. "- It is thee most important assignment of this whole year in DADA."

Aurora banged her head on the table, lying head down she muttered a lot of muffled curse words. She slowly lifted her head. "Well, what'd you find Nicky? Hope it's good." 

At that, Nick sat up, pulling out his book from his bag. "Let me find it... Here! 'The leaves of a Mandrake could be used as ingredients in Potions. But they also have additional magical properties: part of the process by which a witch or wizard became an Animagus was holding the leaf of a Mandrake in their mouth for an entire month'." He looked up expectantly. 

"I don't understand Nicky" Johnny looked utterly confused. "Right.." Nick began flicking through the book, slightly irritated at the lack of response from his friends. "The instructions on how to make the potion and whatnot are fairly simple, except it takes a month to make."

"Yeah, Okay but why would we make it" Aurora cut Johnny off. "Better, how would it help? I mean I'm sure it would be fun but.." She exaggerated the end of her sentence. "Aren't you in Ravenclaw?" Natalia poked her friend's shoulder. Rory leaned all of her weight on her friend, almost laying on top of her "Funny, truly." Natalia shook her head as she chuckled.

She noticed Nick still searching through his book, face scrunched in either concentration or frustration. "So what your saying is we could become illegal Animagus' to help Rory on her, nighttime fun" Nick whipped his head from his book. "Yes! I mean I don't particularly want to do something Illegal, but I think it could help Rory so eh" He shrugged with a soft smile.

"Yeah! We could lead you away from the castle, and away from the Gryffindors" The others could barely understand what Johnny was saying, food stuffed in his mouth. "Gryffindors?" Natalia raised her eyebrow, trying to give him the same look her mother would when James broke her vase last summer. Apparently, it worked. 

He swallowed his food fast. "No. NO, I meant your brother and his friends, you know how-" Natalia cut off his rambling with laughter. Holding her stomach. "I was Kidding!" Remembering his startled face, she began laughing again. "So not funny" He huffed, skulkingly picking up another sandwich. 

She settled down after a bit. "It is a good idea though Nick. I'm in. Rory, how do you feel about this?" Aurora has her head almost touching the paper of the book Nick was previously reading. "I don't know, I mean it'll be Illegal not to mention difficult to make. Oh! and dangerous!" She added sarcastically. "Rory we all are prepared to do this for you. We're your friend we want to help." Natalia said rather seriously. "I'll- I'll think about it yeah?" Her voice was quiet and shy, unlike her usual self which was full of confidence. 

The other three nodded and continued a less heavy conversation.

After saying goodbye to her friends. Natalia began her walk to the library. 

Once there she sat at what she considered her table. A comfy patted seat in the far corner away from most people. Inisionaly she sat here with Remus when he was helping her with DADA, back in her third year. It was the only seat left in the library, she'd sat there ever since.

She sat there for a good ten minutes. She knew Amos knew that she would sit in the back, as she had every other time. Deciding to do her own homework couldn't hurt. 

Slightly agitated he still hadn't shown up as she finished references for her History of Magic essay. It had been at least half an hour. He wasn't coming. Packing her things back into her bag. Finding a book she had finished reading, and deciding to get a new one while she was here. Giving the old book back to Madam Pince; the librarian. She began her search on a finding a new book to read. 

Finally, she found one, the second book of the series. It was new too, wasn't there last week when she'd gotten the first book. Trying to reach the book with her heavy bag in hand. Putting the bag down, now standing on her tiptoes. Her fingertips just brush the spine of the book. Deciding against trying again she began to reach for her bag. 

"Do you need help with that?" A male voice spoke softly behind her. She yelped in fright. Natalia turned, face to face with Barty Crouch jr. Much to her surprise he reached up and grabbed the book easily handing it to her gently. "Thanks?" He quietly laughed "Sounds like a question" Natalia felt slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, I do mean thank you, I just wasn't well-" "Expecting a Slytherin not to be a total asshole?" "To put it bluntly yeah" She breathly laughed. He laughed along with her. 

She looked at him, really looked at him. His wild brunette hair fell into his eyes, which were shut, crinkling the sides of his face. His smile was contagious. Natalia found herself laughing along with him. "I quite like you, Potter. I hope you enjoy the book" Natalia smiled. "Natalia." He looks slightly shocked. "Well, Natalia, if you liked the first book the second one is much better." He gave her one last smile as he turned and continued his day.

Barty was right, the second book was indeed much better than the first which surprised her. Natalia sat with her roommates in the Gryffindor common room. The other three girls are focused on their Potion assignment. 

"I think we should do an easy one, like a strength potion! We learned it in first year" Marlene whined. "No, we can do something a bit more challenging than that" Lily decided. "What about Dreamless sleep potion, that's harder to do."

"Exactly why on Earth would we want something harder?! Mary, what are Remus and you doing?" Mary looked up from where she was writing, for what seemed like the first time that night. "Urm, Right Remus wanted to so an advanced potion, Wolfsbane. And I want to get it right so shush." Wolfsbane. Natalia made a mental note to ask Nick about it the next time he has Potions, Slughorn seemed to like him best out of their group.

"Of course! Advance potion blah blah. Lily please, something easy." Marlene continues to whine, hanging half upside down off the one-seat sofa. "What about a Sleeping Draught potion" Natalia intruded on their study. "What?" Marlene twist so he was now just regularly half off the sofa. "Sleeping Draught, it kind of in-between Beginner and Advanced." Natalia shrugged "You don't have to it was just a-" "Perfect! Lily?" Lily began flicking through her notes. "Yeah, yeah I think it could work! Thanks, Talia." 

"What would you do without me huh" "Keep talking like that you'll have an ego like your brother" They all laughed.

[les-fleurrs-du-mal]

regulus black x original muggle character {enemies to lovers}

Regulus Black x original female character (muggle)

Inspired by WizardGod's 'dirty old town' on ao3 (and honestly, Pride and Prejudice)

This is an unfinished, ongoing fic! I update consistently every weekend and there are currently 29 chapters.

Read here on ao3 or wattpad (note: I have just recently posted to Wattpad and I'm slowly adding chapters. All current chapters are on ao3)

Summary:

Flora, the muggle half-sister of protective older brother Remus Lupin, is hidden away during the First Wizarding War for fear of werewolf attacks. It seems things cannot possibly get worse until Regulus Black, who has deviated from the fold of Death Eaters, also needs somewhere to hide.

Forced together by circumstance, their relationship is rocky from the start, but Flora won't be daunted by Regulus' arrogance and unpleasant airs. As they both slowly overcome their dislike of one another, mutual respect and understanding begin to grow, and their feelings start to shift from mere affection to something deeper and more profound.

"Touch me again and see what happens, you filthy muggle," he said. His voice was full of venomous, unbridled hatred, but he spoke in an even tone. It was too calm and for a moment it scared Flora.

But Flora straightened up, refusing to let herself be frightened by this boy. Because really that's all he was. Just a boy.

"Or what?" She challenged.

His surprise was obvious as she stood her ground. He blinked a few times, looking at her as he considered his next move. Flora was not very tall, or at least compared to Regulus she was not tall, as he completely towered over her; he stared fixedly at her face, enraged by the sheer audacity of this muggle girl.

"Go on," she prompted when he still didn't answer. "Or what? You don't even have a wand."

"I don't need a wand," he spat back. "I don't need it to deal with a little girl like you." He wanted to say something to terrify her, to make her back down and respect him as the superior, but he couldn't find the words. Instead, he settled for glowering at her like a shadowy spectre. This still didn't appear to have the effect he'd hoped for. Flora clearly was not afraid, or was otherwise doing a very good job of hiding it.

[rodentz-hi]

Rat & Hamster

The two horny best friends who wants to share their deprived thoughts to the world

We write fanfictions! Hamster will sometimes upload fanarts— but our main content is fanfics.

𝔸𝕣𝕖 𝕐𝕠𝕦 ℍ𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕪? Are you feeling down for fluff? Perhaps.. in need of angst? ℂ𝕙𝕖𝕔𝕜 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕄𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥♡ (added soon)

Tags:

For daily chat/other: #rodentztalking

For fanfiction: #rodentzwrites

For fanart: #rodentzdraws

Hamster’s personal acc: @angelovestoru

Below are our rules, fandoms and more😗

Rat

content rules

Anything except Smut & Y/n & Reader & Original character

Detective Conan & Magic Kaito - Kudo Shinichi | Conan & Kaito Kuroba

Demon Slayer - Muichiro Tokito & Giyuu Tomioka

Hazbin Hotel - Lucifer Morningstar

Genshin Impact - Ayato & Tighnari & Freminet & Venti & Scaramouche/Wanderer &

Chongyun & Furina – Might do other characters if requested!

Honkai Star Rail - Yanqing

Harry Potter - Draco Malfoy

Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun - Hanako | Yugi Amane

Project Sekai - Tsukasa Tenma & Mafuyu Asahina & Mizuki Akiyama

– Might do other characters if requested!

K Project - Yashiro Isana

Danganronpa 2 - Nagito Komaeda

MILGRAM - Es

Violet Evergarden - Violet Evergarden

Natsume Yuujinchou - Takashi Natsume

Seraph of the End - Hyakuya Mikaela

Black Butler - Ciel Phantomhive

Cardcaptor Sakura - Yue

Hamster

Angst, Fluff, Smut, Slow-burn, headcannons, character x character, character x yn, male x male, fem x fem, male x female, Leave the smut to me! I also draw fanarts><

(I write for most characters! Request is open <3)

Jujutsu Kaisen — Gojo Satoru, Geto Suguru, Shoko Ieiri, Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, Nobara Kugisaki, Toge Inumaki, Yuta Okkotsu, Ryomen Sukuna,

DCMK —

Demon Slayer —Muichiro Tokito,

Oshi No Ko — Aquamarine Hoshino, Ruby Honshino, Ai Hoshino, Akane Kurokawa,

Your Lie In April

Genshin Impact

Honkai Star Rail

Project Sekai

Love and Deepspace

Harry Potter (Marauders included) — Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, Regulus Black, Sirius Black, James Potter, Remus Lupin,

CMBYN — Elio Perlman, Oliver

Lady Bird — Kyle Scheible

Dune — Paul Atredies,

Attack On Titan —Levi Ackerman

Rules,

Applied for both.

1. We will not write smut for minor characters, nor will we age them up. Angst, fluff is available.

2. No feet fetish, toilet kinks, adult x minor ships (for parent-child, it is available.)

3. No non-con, incest, rape, or intensely dark content.

[snowyslytherinowl]

Most Crushed on Male Harry Potter Characters: A Study (Version 2)

Because I feel that my original study on the most crushed on male Harry Potter characters was flawed, I decided to do a part 2. This time, I looked at all of the characters listed below on every website, regardless of whether they have 10 works or 10,000 works. On AO3, I also looked at original character pairings because I believe the author is usually attracted to the canon character they’re writing about or they’re writing for an audience that is attracted to the canon character. However, I couldn’t look up OC-prairings for Tumblr and Wattpad and explain why under their individual sections. The websites I looked at were AO3, Tumblr, and Wattpad. These are the results as of December 31, 2023 (I know I’m late to posting this, but it’s because I forgot to add other edits to this post until now)! 

Included characters: Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, Newt Scamander, Cedric Diggory, Sebastian Sallow, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, James Potter, Tom Riddle/Voldemort, Ominis Gaunt, Neville Longbottom, Lucius Malfoy, Regulus Black, Ron Weasley, Theodore Nott, Oliver Wood, Bill Weasley, Charlie Weasley, Blaise Zabini, Mattheo Riddle, and Lorenzo Berkshire. 

Note: I didn’t include Harry Potter (the character) because results for Harry Potter on Wattpad and Tumblr frequently returned results about the Harry Potter fandom as a whole, not Harry Potter himself. 

Original study link (August 6, 2023) here!

*Collage is mine, but all the photos were found on Google

AO3

What I did: The number of works under “(male character)/reader” and “(male character)/you” differed, so the green number is the higher number of works between those 2 tags. The blue number is the number of works in “(male character)/original character(s).” The red number is the added total between the green and blue numbers. The characters will be ranked based on the red number.

Results:

Draco Malfoy: 1,445 + 2,981 = 4,426 works

Severus Snape: 1,128 + 2,769 = 3,897 works

Sirius Black: 952 + 2,236 = 3,188 works

Remus Lupin: 900 + 1,500 = 2,400 works

Sebastian Sallow: 880 + 1,379 = 2,259 works

Fred Weasley: 743 + 1,228 = 1,971 works

Tom Riddle/Voldemort: 361 + 979 = 1,340 works

George Weasley: 684 + 932 = 1,616 works

Ominis Gaunt: 421 + 697 = 1,118 works

Regulus Black: 223 + 878 = 1,101 works

James Potter: 375 + 506 = 881 works

Charlie Weasley: 152 + 548 = 700 works

Cedric Diggory: 232 + 422 = 654 works

Ron Weasley: 212 + 430 = 642 works

Lucius Malfoy: 202 + 384 = 586 works 

Neville Longbottom: 190 + 383 = 573 works

Theodore Nott: 95 + 426 = 521 works

Newt Scamander: 336 + 130 = 466 works

Blaise Zabini: 79+ 322 = 401 works

Oliver Wood: 123 + 198 = 321 works

Bill Weasley: 106 + 170 = 276 works

Mattheo Riddle: 59 + 108 = 167 works

Theseus Scamander: 72 + 25 = 97 works

Lorenzo Berkshire: 10 + 13 = 23 works

Potential problems: 

I think the AO3 results are the most accurate since for the most part, all reader-insert works are under only 1 name of the character, not something like “Snape/Reader” and then “Severus Snape/Reader.” However, I did notice that there were sometimes works with 2 characters where 1 character had a relationship with the character, while the other character was in a loveless arranged marriage or some sort of non-con relationship that the author didn’t mean to romanticize. 

Also, whenever I calculated the the number of works under both “(male character)/Original Female Character(s)” and “(male character)/Original Male Character(s)” it was always less than the the number of works under “(male character)/Original Character(s).” Therefore, I’m not sure if this means I undercounted OC-pairing works.

Tumblr

What I did: I researched “(male character) x reader,” “(male character) x you,” and “(male character) x y/n.” The number of followers under these tags sometimes differed, so I recorded the highest number of followers between the 3 tags. However, I couldn’t count the number of followers for any tag along the lines of (male character)/OC. This is because Tumblr doesn’t provide the number of followers for OC-pairing tags for whatever reason. Also, some characters are tied because Tumblr only shows followers in thousands and hundreds, not the specific number. 

Results:

Draco Malfoy: 15k followers

Sirius Black and Remus Lupin: 12k followers

James Potter: 10k followers

Fred Weasley: 9.2k followers

Tom Riddle: 6.6k followers

George Weasley: 6.4k followers

Newt Scamander: 6.2k followers

Regulus Black: 5.7k followers

Theodore Nott: 5.4k followers

Mattheo Riddle: 5.1k followers

Severus Snape: 4.5k followers

Sebastian Sallow: 4.2k followers

Cedric Diggory: 3.9k followers

Ominis Gaunt: 2.7k followers

Ron Weasley: 2.6k followers

Charlie Weasley: 2.2k followers

Neville Longbottom and Oliver Wood: 1.9k followers

Theseus Scamander: 1.8k followers

Bill Weasley: 1.5k followers

Lucius Malfoy and Lorenzo Berkshire: 1.4k followers

Blaise Zabini: 1.3k followers

Potential problems: 

Because Tumblr doesn’t have a set tag for reader-insert works, I had to look up characters under multiple names, like “Remus Lupin x Reader” and “Lupin x Reader.” 

I’m not entirely sure how Tumblr rounds the number of followers under a tag, but the number of followers can vary drastically for characters that are tied depending on how Tumblr rounds. For example, Sirius may have 12,900 followers and Remus may have 12,009 followers, or Sirius may have 12,499 followers and Remus may have 12,001 followers. Therefore, the lack of an exact number of followers under a tag has the potential to mess up the accuracy of the total final results. 

I noticed that not every single result under the tag was actually a reader-insert post. However, I don’t think this is a major issue since I counted the number of followers under a tag who are under the impression that every post with that tag actually adheres to the tag title. 

Wattpad

What I did: I searched for “(male character) x reader,” (male character) x you, and (male character) x y/n. The number of results under these searches sometimes differed, so I recorded the highest number of results between the 3 tags. I didn’t search for anything along the lines of (male character) x OC (refer to “potential problems” for my explanation). 

Results:

Lorenzo Berkshire: 59.3k results 

Draco Malfoy: 48.7k results

Neville Longbottom: 46.2k results

Newt Scamander: 42.9k results

Cedric Diggory: 41.5k results

Ominis Gaunt: 30.3k results

Theodore Nott: 22.2k results

Ron Weasley: 19.7k results

Remus Lupin: 17.3k results

James Potter: 14.9k results

Sirius Black: 14.3k results

Severus Snape: 13k results

Fred Weasley: 11.6k results

Tom Riddle/Voldemort: 11.1k results

George Weasley: 9.2k results

Oliver Wood: 4.8k results

Regulus Black: 3.4k results

Blaise Zabini: 3k results

Lucius Malfoy: 2.5k results

Mattheo Riddle: 1.8k results

Bill Weasley: 1.6k results

Charlie Weasley: 1.4k results

Sebastian Sallow: 400 results

Theseus Scamander: 175 results

Potential problems: 

I don’t think these results are very accurate, especially since Lorenzo has only 23 works on AO3 yet somehow has more results here than Draco. Because Tumblr doesn’t have a set tag for reader-insert works, I had to look up characters under multiple names, like Remus Lupin x Reader and Lupin x Reader. 

Searches for James, Potter, and Remus frequently returned Marauder fanfiction collections which didn’t separate works for the individual characters. 

As I stated above, I didn’t research pairings with OCs since many of the results didn’t even return OC pairings. For example, the very first result for Snape x OFC is literally a fic of James Potter x Snape. 

If you compare my results from the original study, some of the characters have fewer results than they originally had. I’m not sure if this is an error on my part, if Wattpad changed how it returns results for searches, or if some fics were deleted. 

Wattpad doesn’t provide the exact number of results for each search, so this has the potential to mess up the final total results.

Final Total Results

Draco Malfoy: ≈68,126 admirers 

Lorenzo Berkshire: ≈60,723 admirers

Newt Scamander: ≈49,566 admirers

Neville Longbottom: ≈48,673 admirers

Cedric Diggory: ≈46,054 admirers

Ominis Gaunt: ≈34,118 admirers

Remus Lupin: ≈31,700 admirers

Sirius Black: ≈29,488 admirers

Theodore Nott: ≈28,121 admirers

James Potter: ≈25,781 admirers

Ron Weasley: ≈22,942 admirers

Fred Weasley: ≈22,771 admirers

Severus Snape: ≈21,397 admirers

Tom Riddle/Voldemort: ≈19,040 admirers

George Weasley: ≈17,216 admirers

Regulus Black: ≈10,201 admirers

Sebastian Sallow: ≈6,859 admirers

Mattheo Riddle: ≈7,067 admirers

Oliver Wood: ≈7,021 admirers

Blaise Zabini: ≈4,701 admirers

Lucius Malfoy: ≈4,486 admirers

Charlie Weasley: ≈4,300 admirers

Bill Weasley: ≈3,376 admirers

Theseus Scamander: ≈2,072 admirers

Once again, I doubt the accuracy of these results, so take these results with a grain of salt. However, I do think these results are more accurate than my last research study since I tried to be more precise. Also, these results aren’t necessarily indicative of how much a character is crushed on since there are probably plenty of people who don’t write fanfiction, follow tags on their loved character, or interact with fanfiction/the fandom in general. I will do this study on female characters sometime in the future, but I don’t know if I’ll redo this study on male characters. Thanks for reading! 

[remussl0vers]

requesting guide

updated: 17.06.23

please make sure to read this before requesting anything — i'm hoping that you'll respect my boundaries on what am i comfortable with and with not writing.

MASTERLIST

I tend to curse often in my fics, and are usually comfortable with covering more serious topics, so make sure to check the content warning before hand. I always write warnings when I believe they're needed, but do let me know if you think something should be added!

also senders may request as many as they want <3

FORMS OF WRITING :

oneshot

imagine

headcanon

series

alphabet

I tend to write oneshots over 1000 words, so if you want feel free to specify if you want a long or short story.

CONTENT I WRITE :

fluff

angst

sensitive / triggering topics

gore

smut / spice

most tropes ( best at friends to lovers )

I'm pretty comfortable with writing sensitive topics as well as angst ( anyone who's read my works before will know that they're the things I write best ) however, if I'm not comfortable with the topic as a whole I will DM you, or possibly put it off for a while.

*If you have a writing prompt from somewhere as well, feel free to send it through !!

CHARACTERS :

male reader / ftm

gender neutral

genderfluid

original character

I do not write female readers / characters anymore. If there aren't specified pronouns then I will write it as a male character.

There are also some characters I only feel comfortable writing for with a male reader/character and vice versa, which I'll note who.

PAIRINGS :

love interests

platonic

family

polyamorous ships ; depends on the character

WHAT I WILL NOT WRITE :

support of homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, racism, sexism, pedophilia, incest ; if they're mentioned in a request in terms of the character being bullied / abused ( in the past ) then i may write it but NOT explicitly, only a mention

a pairing against a character's canon sexuality

rape

pregnancy

female reader

anime

WHO I WRITE FOR :

DEAD BOY DETECTIVES :

charles rowland

edwin payne

monty

niko sasaki ( not romantic )

crystal palace ( not romantic )

DESCENDANTS :

ben beast

harry hook

carlos de vil

jay

mal bertha

evie grimhilde

LOCKWOOD & CO :

anthony lockwood

lucy carlyle

george karim

quill kipps ( friends / family only )

MARAUDERS :

remus lupin

sirius black

regulus black

james potter

lily evans ( not romantic )

evan rosier

barty crouch jr

marlene mckinnon ( not romantic )

dorcas meadows ( not romantic )

pandora lovegood ( not romantic )

mary mcdonald ( not romantic )

MARVEL :

peter parker / spiderman ( tom and andrew )

loki laufeyson

kate bishop

yelena belova ( not romantic )

steve rogers

bucky barnes

pietro maximoff

wanda maximoff

valkyrie ( not romantic )

natasha romanoff

tony stark ( not romantic )

gwen stacy ( emma stone )

gwen stacy ( atsv )

*marvel and particularly the mcu is a fandom i'm more comfortable with than most, so if there is a character not listed, then i may or may not write for them

NARNIA :

prince caspian

peter pevensie

edmund pevensie ( only during dawn treader )

SHADOW AND BONE / SIX OF CROWS :

kaz brekker

inej ghafa

jesper fahey

wylan van eck

nina zenik

alina starkov

nikolai lantsov

genya safin ( not romantic )

matthias helvar

STRANGER THINGS :

steve harrington

jonathon byers

max mayfield

robin buckley ( not romantic )

TEEN WOLF :

stiles stilinski ( *i will take most/all dylan obrien characters )

isaac lahey

scott mccall

liam dunbar ( not romantic )

allison argent

malia tate

lydia martin ( not romantic )

kira yukimura

derek hale

THE HUNGER GAMES :

finnick odair

peeta mellark

katniss everdeen

THE MAZE RUNNER :

newt

thomas

minho

X-MEN :

logan howlett

charles xavier ( james mcavoy )

jean grey

mystique

rogue

erik lehnsherr ( not romantic )

wade wilson / deadpool

kitty pryde

bobby drake

*FANDOMS COMING SOON : PJO, DISNEY, HANNIBAL

[imnotoverlyobsessive]

Don’t Blame My English Blood For This American Heartache

Info, author’s note, etc

AO3 info prologue one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve

All my work is 18.

Summary: Seraphine Malfoy had been raised in California by her Squib parents with no knowledge of her family's magical heritage, though she has received lessons from a local family. When she discovers she’s the sole heir to the Malfoy family, she leaves for England to step into that role. She can handle the balls and the responsibilities and her new family members. The only thing that throws her completely off is the appearance of Death Eater turned war hero Regulus Black, who, despite being ridiculously full of himself, is far too good looking, charming—and far too persistent—for her own good.

Author’s Note:

So you may or may not be aware of this already, but I’ve been working on this for awhile. It’s not done yet, I’m just posting it in honor of Sera’s birthday, which is today. I’m currently working on chapter nine, and I suspect I’ll need at least another three. I’ll be posting every other day, I figure. Also part of the fun of writing this for me was seeing how much stuff I could put in there that would piss off JKR. So the OC is Jewish (her parents converted prior to her birth), and if anybody @s me about how I wrote it incorrectly (I don’t think I did, though) please know that I’m writing her growing up Jewish based how I grew up. You don’t need any understanding of Judaism in order to read the fic, I don’t think. Her best friend is a trans woman, too, which is fun. The trans woman in question is based on my irl best friend, who worked closely with me on “her” character.

Other things to note:

I play it fast and loose with the lore; I change what I don’t like and treat canon as fic inspo. I have indeed read the books, I’ve done tons of research, and I have a family tree made for the fic, same as I always do. I also have every outfit I describe of Sera’s as well as 3D tours of most of the houses described.

Sera was raised entirely separate from Wizarding society, British or US. She has no knowledge of it. This means she’ll use different words for things and spells (relocate instead of apparate, blue animal instead of patronus, that kind of thing). If something seems a little bit odd to you, chances are I explain it later.

Sera does not use a wand. She is not necessarily more powerful than your average witch, it’s just that she learned without one. You may be aware that canonically, Native American witches and wizards (Sera learns from one such family) didn’t use wands, and supposedly their magic was less powerful. I think that’s stupid. If a wand is a lightning rod, that doesn’t mean the lightning isn’t powerful outside of it, it’s just not as concentrated. As a result, the way Sera learned was without a wand but with more force behind each spell. She also learned in Awaswas, the native language of the Uypi tribe (historically they were a tribe living in the Santa Cruz mountains of Northern California, but unfortunately they are extinct now. However, I figure there’s no reason that magical families wouldn’t have been just fine against the colonizers), but she uses nonverbal magic almost exclusively now.

I think that’s everything. If you have any questions, please lmk.

Tag list:

@ellamaianderson @shika1200 @blackqueenstarseed1 @gatoenlaciudad @esmaada @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @softhecreator @timolaurence @timmymyluv @oddlyenoughiamweird @leecrunchybones @s-we-e-t-t-ea @almostg @leespparker @bubblebuttwade @glizzymcguirex @starberry-cake

To be added, please ask 💗

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

The Other Evans Girl [Part Forty Nine]

Fandom: Harry Potter [Marauder’s Era]

Pairing: Sirius Black x Original Female Character, Sirius Black x Daisy Evans, James Potter x Lily Evans

Characters: Sirius Black, Original Female Character, Daisy Evans, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, James Potter, Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Alice Fortescue, Frank Longbottom, Marlene McKinnon, Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort, Peter Pettigrew, Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix LeStrange, Walburga Black, Orion Black, Jasper Thicknesse, Barty Crouch Jr, Mulciber, Walden McNair

Word Count:7736

Rating: Teen

Summary: Hogwarts is a safe haven, a home for many, but it’s often a place where heartache, love and complex emotions dwell and none know that better than the Marauders. Lily Evans just wants to make it out as a successful witch though the oncoming war and the ongoing advances of James Potter threaten that. Daisy Evans, her twin, has other goals. Join the Evans sisters as they make their way through Hogwarts, prepare for war and eventually find love.

Notes: This is the second to last chapter! It was going to be the end with a lil epilogue but it needed splitting into two.

I'm going to follow up with around eight is oneshoty type things that cover the end of the first to the end of the second war so hope you enjoy

LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST // LINK TO ALL PARTS

Sirius had been right, after Christmas the days went faster than ever with the first of April arriving so quickly the day itself felt like its own joke. Still he tried to keep positive even if the crippling workload, Auror exam prep and maintaining school students' safety meant he was busy all the time. Then again busyness came with its own perks seeing as even though he’d decided he couldn’t do anything about Regulus it didn’t stop him worrying. He tried not to think about it too much but it was hard not to. Especially since whenever he saw him the boy looked on edge and depressed. With every glimpse Sirius felt a crashing wave of guilt course through him even if he reasoned that seeing him was good. It meant he was still here; they hadn’t got him yet and that was something. It meant even from afar Sirius could still keep an eye on him. He’d even reasoned that come the end of term Regulus might cave and take his brother up on his offer to flee that wretched house, not that he was holding out hope.

For now he was helping those that wanted to be helped. Even without it being the right thing to do it helped him learn, preparing him further for the Auror’s exam which was fortunate, seeing as he’d never been one for public service whilst at school like his prefect friends. Not to mention it felt good to be going into a career where he would be making a difference or at least it would be if he could pass his test.

Early last week McGonagall had pulled him, James and Alice aside to inform them of the set up for their exam date. They’d each be seen in one-hour intervals with the exam involving a half hour written test and the rest doing practical magic with the examiner. Since he’d revised everything Frank had told him to as well as some other topics just in case Sirius wasn’t too worried though he wasn’t awfully fond of being first for the chopping block thanks to his good old family name putting him ahead alphabetically.

Still the sting of alphabetical order was taken away by the fact it meant Daisy could join him, her free period coinciding with his time slot. They were standing outside the classroom he’d been instructed to go to, ten minutes early at her insistence. He was leaning against the cold stone wall, watching her as she tried to think of another test question to fire at him.

‘Okay, tell me the signs of a confusion hex,’ she said, her nervous shifting stalling as she looked at him pointedly and awaited an answer. Sirius fought a smile and the urge to tell her she looked just like Lily when rattling off exam questions. If he was smart enough to sit the exam he was smart enough to know when to keep his mouth shut when it came to Evans women. ‘Disorientation, misuse of correct words and phrases, changes in mood,’ Sirius said with a yawn that made Daisy frown though she pressed on with her interrogation. ‘And how is that different from being under the imperius curse?’ Daisy asked, grimacing as his hands skimmed her sides, pulling her closer so that they were inches apart, only stopped as she placed her hands on his chest to keep him at bay. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be doing your application for the St Mungo’s program?’ Sirius asked, leaning in so that their heads were dangerously close. ‘It’ll wait for now,’ Daisy said, resisting the urge to kiss him. She needed, they needed, to focus even though it was hard to do as he smirked and said in a sultry voice, ‘Dais.’ ‘It’ll wait,’ Daisy said, pulling back as she tried to keep her composure, ‘now come on.’ ‘Oh I can’t think anymore,’ Sirius whinged, his brain hurting with all they’d tried to cram in since breakfast. ‘But-’she protested but he waved her off. ‘If I don’t know it now I never will,’ Sirius said. Daisy frowned. She understood that she was going overboard and she had no doubt that all her friends were good enough to get onto the course but she wanted to make sure it was because of their own merit. That they had done everything they could to ensure their future instead of resting on their connections and greased wheels.

‘Don’t you believe I can do it?’ Sirius asked. ‘Of course I do! With your eyes closed but I just want to make sure,’ Daisy said hurriedly, shoving him as she realised that he was teasing her though that only made him pull her closer, his arms ensnaring her against him as their chuckling died down. They were quiet for a second, just enjoying the moment. Daisy fiddled with his collar, straightening the crease in it as she asked, ‘nervous?’ ‘A bit,’ Sirius admitted, his thumb making circles against her school jumper, ‘but I’m sure it’ll be fine.’ ‘You’ll be great,’ she reassured. ‘And if not you can always cheer me up,’ he said, whisking her around until she was pinned against the wall. ‘Sirius!’ she squealed as he leaned in, their noses touching one another. ‘There’s no one around,’ he murmured before his lips brushed against hers. Daisy pushed him back and exclaimed, ‘so!’ ‘Spoil sport,’ he smirked. ‘Yeah well,’ Daisy started but she shut up quickly as the old wooden door to the classroom creaked open bringing with it a short, balding wizard dressed in a three-piece midnight blue suit. He looked just as startled as they were to see the pair of them fraternising in the middle of the corridor but he recovered quickly as did Daisy pushing Sirius away and straightening herself up.

‘Mr Black?’ the examiner asked, looking between them. ‘That’s me,’ Sirius said, adjusting his own robes before he offered a hand out to the examiner as if the manners and etiquette that had been hammered into him since birth had only just managed to surface above the hormones and revision he had stuffed into his brain in the past three months. ‘Elias Foggerty,’ the examiner said, taking his outstretched hand and shaking it politely before his gaze went to Daisy as he asked, ‘are you also to be examined?’ ‘Oh, uh no I was just going,’ Daisy said, a pink tinge still on her cheeks which deepened as she looked at Sirius who was smirking, ‘good luck.’

And without letting him reply she scurried down the corridor and headed to the library ready to start her St Mungo’s application.

✵✵✵

Fortunately the exam went off without a hitch not just for Sirius but for James and Alice too. They’d all managed to complete the written exam in its entirety and the examiner had been understanding and courteous which had meant they’d been at ease when performing the practical side of the test. It had even been good for Daisy too as her nervous energy throughout the entirety of Sirius’ exam had forced her to focus on her St Mungo’s application which she had fortunately heard back about a week later informing her that her place was confirmed just reliant on her grades being on par with the requirements. And seeing as she was one of the first to hear - some of her friend’s chosen career paths leaving them in limbo - it meant she had some spare time on her hands which she had opted to spend thinking about the end of year prank.

Many ideas had been floated around her but none had captured her heart as of yet and since she and Sirius had final say she was holding out for something good. It was what she was dwelling on this morning, a disappointingly grisly day in mid-May where the light streaming in from the high windows of the great hall was simultaneously bright and dull. She was lost in her thoughts stirring her cup of tea absentmindedly as the boys chatted around her. To her other side Alice and Marlene were talking quietly and Lily was sitting across from her but not participating in any conversation as she scribbled furiously on a piece of parchment. No one bothered to ask what it was knowing it was better not to as it wasn’t liable to be a late piece of work and rather something extra she had assigned to herself as though her work load wasn’t staggering already.

‘I figured as long as we score at least forty before we get the snitch that’ll be enough to make sure we get the cup,’ James said with a mouthful of toast. ‘Yeah but Ravenclaw don’t need that much so we’re going to have to make sure they don’t score more than twenty,’ Sirius reasoned, through a mouthful of bacon. Normally he wouldn't be one to forgo manners but when it came to quidditch he was willing to let it slide. He hadn’t realised just how much he’d missed being part of the team last season and even though his life had been slightly hectic with the transition into seventh year he’d been happy that he’d managed to get back on the squad. And seeing as it was his last chance to play alongside James in an official capacity he wasn't going to miss a moment of it, even if that meant talking with his mouth full. ‘True but I reckon if you and Rufus stay up our end of the field it’s extra help for Simon not to mention you can block anyone from getting close at scoring,’ James said. He was tempted to draw a diagram, coordinating the state of play but he didn’t have time as the morning post started to arrive, his grand tawny owl landing beside him, standing on Lily’s parchment as it graciously dropped a letter in front of him. James gave her a polite stroke before she flew off leaving the thick envelope behind.

‘What is it?’ Sirius asked, turning his head to read the front of the envelope. ‘Mr James Potter’ was scribed neatly on the front but that wasn’t what caught his eye. It was the bright red stamp in the corner that got his attention, the words AUROR’S OFFICE, emblazoned on his brain. ‘Is that?’ Daisy asked, the arrival of the owl enough to snap her from her daydreaming. ‘Looks like,’ Remus said, spying the letter over James’ shoulder. James looked stricken, paling as he turned it around so that he could open it. All eyes fell on him at once, Lily’s work pushed aside as she said encouragingly, ‘Well it’s thick. That’s a good sign.’ James nodded and peeled the envelope open, pulling out the stack of papers that were inside and unfurling them so he could read. Everyone watched as his eyes scanned the page digesting every word until he looked up, looking too stunned to get his words out.

‘Well?’ Peter asked eagerly. ‘I got in,’ he said surprisingly quietly, ‘I’m gonna be an auror.’ ‘Oh I knew you would! Congratulations,!’ Lily squealed pulling him in for a hug though he still looked as though he was going through the motions rather than fully embracing it. A flurry of congratulations came from the group before all eyes turned to Alice who was skimming through her own letter which had arrived not a moment later but had been lost in all the hubbub. ‘Al?’ Daisy asked, receiving a beaming smile from the mousy haired girl as she said, ‘me too! I got in!’ ‘That’s brilliant!’ Daisy congratulated as did everyone else before she rushed off to write a letter to Frank. Yet as the happiness faded all eyes turned to Sirius who had a pleasant smile on his face but a distinct worry in his gut at his lack of letter. Daisy felt her own nerves bubble which he clocked immediately, squeezing her thigh reassuringly as he said, ‘it’s fine.’ ‘It’ll probably come later,’ James said with determination, ‘you know what the post can be like.’ ‘Yeah,’ Sirius nodded, though he wasn’t convinced.

No one seemed to know how to navigate the conversation around this awkward sticking point as they could see James now practically vibrating with excitement but holding back on account of Sirius’ feelings. Sirius was just about to tell him to carry on and have a look at what they’d sent him when he felt a tap on his shoulder forcing him to turn around. Standing behind him was Regulus.

He looked terrible, as he had done since Christmas, with perpetual purple rings under his eyes that made his high cheekbones look razor sharp and his face thinner. His hair was brushed but not styled and his uniform practically hung off his frame instead of fitting him perfectly like his mother would have had it tailored to be.

‘Regulus,’ was all Sirius could think to say, the surprise of him being within speaking distance nearly a year after they last communicated taking away all his logic. Regulus didn’t offer any pleasantries and instead pulled a thick envelope from his robes offering it out to Sirius as he said, ‘this came to me. It just said Mr Black…I didn’t realise.’ ‘It’s alright,’ Sirius said, taking the bulky letter from his brother. ‘Congratulations,’ Regulus said, the ghost of a smile on his lips. ‘Thanks,’ Sirius said, offering one of his own. At that Regulus shifted uncomfortably offering a curt nod before he strutted from the room.

All eyes were on him as he turned around, a mix of emotions inside him. James didn’t seem to be willing to let him dwell on any of the complex feelings he had for his sibling, gesturing for him to open the letter properly. Sirius slid his finger on the partially stuck flap of the envelope, peeling it back open and slipping the letter out. He read through it carefully with Daisy reading over his shoulder.

Dear Sirius,

I am writing to inform you of the outcome of your application to join the Auror’s department. Following an impressive application and outstanding entrance exam it is with greatest delight that I am able to tell you that you have secured a place on the Auror’s Office Apprentice Program. This is a full-time apprenticeship running for a total of twelve months by which time you should be able to progress to a permanent position within the department.

The course will commence on the 1st of August 1978 and you are expected to report to my office at 9 am. As it is your first visit to the ministry you will need to attend via the visitors entrance, instructions of how to do so can be found in the overleaf.

I have attached details of the course outline along with information regarding salary, benefits as well as some additional reading materials that may be useful to go through before your start date.

If you have any questions or no longer wish to be considered for the position could you please respond to this letter otherwise I shall see you in August.

Warmest Regards,

Elias Foggerty Head Auror

‘I did it,’ he said, looking up at his friends with a smile, ‘I got in.’ ‘Congratulations!’ came a round of replies as Daisy slipped her arm around him and nestled into him for a moment before she pulled back and said, ‘well you know what that means.’ ‘What?’ Sirius asked. ‘Pads my friend,’ James said, capturing their attention, ‘it’s time for a celebration.'

✵✵✵

Given there was a frantic, frazzled air amongst the students of Hogwarts the group decided it was probably better to keep their celebration low key and used the opportunity to have a sleepover in the boys dormitory. After acquiring a boatload of food and drinks from the kitchens they headed to the lads’ room which had been transformed into an ideal sleepover suite. Granted Alice and Marlene would be retiring to their own dormitory at the end of the night but nevertheless they took a seat on the sea of blankets and pillows crammed into the middle of the boys’ four posters. The food was laid out atop James’ trunk from which he’d procured a bottle of fire whiskey he’d pilfered from his father’s liquor cabinet and a mini fire was conjured to give it a campfire feel.

Chancing upon everyone’s good mood Peter even managed to talk them into a game of exploding snap for old times’ sake until eating took precedence. And once their bellies were full they just ended up chatting and drinking, reminiscing about their past seven years in the castle. Considering they were such an integral part of each other’s lives now Daisy couldn’t remember a time before this friendship but as the boys regaled tales of mischief from the first few years of their school career she realised just how short a time it really had been. And yet she wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

In fact she was feeling quite sentimental about the whole thing which is probably why she peeled herself from Sirius and knelt up, all eyes falling on her as she looked down at them, wobbling slightly as she said, ‘ahem.’ ‘Ooh are we going to get a speech?’ Peter asked with a chuckle. ‘Or a song,’ James grinned. ‘Or a strip tease,’ Sirius said, his hand snaking around her thigh which made her topple over with a giggle though she recovered, her glass never spilling. Sirius smirked, ‘speech it is apparently.’ ‘I just wanted to say congratulations,’ Daisy said matter of factly as she raised her glass, ‘to James, Sirius and Alice on becoming the future safety of the wizarding world.’ ‘Our glorious protectors,’ Marlene chuckled, raising her glass. ‘Our glorious protectors,’ came the round of replies before everyone took a drink. ‘Who’d have thought it eh?’ Remus teased. ‘Oi, I’ll have you know I’d protect every last one of you with my life,’ James said, flinging a fruit pastille at the older boy though he managed to catch it, tossing it into his mouth with a grin. ‘Well you don’t have to yet thank god,’ Lily said. ‘Not for another eight weeks at least,’ Sirius added. ‘Is that how long we have left?’ Alice groaned, taking a sorrowful bite out of a liquorice wand and resting her head against Marlene’s shoulder. ‘Don’t remind us,’ James grumbled. ‘Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Prongsy boy,’ Sirius said with a chuckle. ‘Eight weeks and I’ve still not heard back from any jobs yet,’ Peter said glumly. ‘Maybe you can have one of the cast offs from Lily’s many, many, many job offers,’ Daisy giggled. ‘It was only four,’ Lily said, rolling her eyes. ‘Four!’ Peter gawped, making Lily go bright red. ‘Well it’s not like I wanted them, I just applied just in case I didn’t get the one I wanted,’ Lily said though that didn’t make Peter, who had been applying for countless ministry positions and had yet to hear back, any better. ‘Yeah they were too low on her totem pole eh Lil?’ Daisy ribbed, earning her own fruit pastille to the head. ‘Too right my girl deserves only the best,’ James beamed, making Lily blush harder, ‘she’ll be the head of the department for international magical cooperation in no time.’ ‘It’s just an internship!’ Lily protested though James wasn’t deterred, far too proud to care for details. ‘Better than the transport office eh Pete?’ Sirius teased. ‘Oh shut up,’ Peter said, feeling a little put out though Remus came to his rescue as he offered a sizable sigh.

‘At least you lot can keep a job. I can't wait for the first full moon when they give me the sack,’ he said glumly, causing a subdued air to fall over them thinking about his future. Obviously with the way the wizarding world was at the moment no one’s future was certain, their destinies yet to be laid out before them, and yet each one of them knew theirs was more defined than Remus’. Sure he’d secured a job as a research assistant at a large magical library in London but all of them knew that taking a few days off every single month wouldn’t cut it not without explanation, and even that would require a lot of understanding. Still James and Sirius had been determined not to let him fret over it, each concern he produced countered with unfathomable positivity and alternative plans like they offered now. ‘Maybe not,’ Sirius countered, ‘I mean how punctual do you have to be to be a librarian?’ ‘Yeah I hardly ever see Pince knocking around,’ James agreed, ‘sometimes the stack of books to put back is the size of one of the towers.’ ‘It’s more than putting a few books back,’ Remus said dolefully. ‘Well if you’re stuck I’m sure dad could put a word in-’ James started earning himself a stern look from Lily who said, ‘let’s not.’

That had been a debate and a half. In the way that James and Sirius had never quite understood what not being a pureblood could mean they also had enormous wealth behind them which meant that even without a job they’d be fine. James hadn't really seen the issue with helping out a friend, offering Fleamont’s services more than once which had not gone down too well with Remus who despite his struggles still wanted to do things on his own merit. Daisy and Lily had had to intercept more than once as they were now, Daisy continuing her sister’s rhetoric as she said, ‘Lil’s right. All this talk of the future is depressing. Can we talk about something else?’ ‘You’re right,’ Peter agreed, though she didn’t know if it was for Remus’ benefit or his own given the spotlight that had been shone on his own future, ‘it was depressing enough at Christmas never mind now.’ James and Sirius shared a look, a telepathic conversation as to whether they were in the mood to argue or move on before they eventually chose to retreat, laying their weapons down as James agreed, ‘yeah I know, you were right Dais. It’d be better being eleven again.’ ‘Eh I’d settle for fifteen,’ Sirius shrugged, ‘I was fitter at fifteen, right Mar?’ ‘In that case I’d definitely opt to be eleven again,’ Marlene teased, ‘back when I had common sense. Dais did too, right Dais?’

Marlene looked at Daisy who was lost in thought, her mind running over the words that had just been spoken. She could feel Sirius and Marlene watching her with concern, probably worrying that their teasing about their past amorous entanglement had hit a nerve. But she wasn’t thinking about that, she was locked onto an idea.

‘Dais?’ Sirius asked after a moment, trying to inject lightness into his voice though his nerves disappeared as Daisy smiled. ‘That’s it!’ she said. ‘What’s it?’ James asked. ‘The prank!’ she beamed. ‘What about it?’ Sirius asked, the worry gone now replaced by excitement. ‘None of us want to leave right? We want to start all over again, first year to now,’ Daisy asked, her excitement growing as seven confused faces looked at her. ‘Yeah,’ Alice said, her eyes narrowing as she watched her friend unsurely. ‘So why don’t we?’ she asked. ‘Why don’t we what?’ Marlene asked. ‘Why don’t we make it so we’re all eleven again,’ Daisy grinned. ‘Like time travel?’ Peter asked, his brow furrowed as he tried to fathom out how on earth they would manage that. ‘Like a de-aging potion,’ Sirius said, cottoning onto her meaning at once. ‘Exactly!’ Daisy beamed. ‘For us?’ James asked. ‘For everyone, the entire school,’ Daisy said, watching as excitement grew on everyone’s faces so much so that the boys looked as though they might as well be eleven again. All the chiselled features, stubble and height practically vanished, replaced by four giddy faces. ‘It’d take some doing,’ James said, leaning in as though it was just the four of them. ‘A while to brew I’d reckon,’ Remus said, ‘but there’s definitely some books we could look at.’ ‘Getting it into everyone would be a logistical nightmare,’ Sirius added. ‘Especially if we included teachers,’ Peter agreed. ‘But it’s a good idea?’ Daisy asked, causing the four of them to look at her, smiles on their faces which gave her hope. She may not yet be a marauder but she could come up with an approvable idea at least. ‘Dais it’s bloody brilliant,’ James grinned though his smile dimmed as he remembered Lily was sitting there, watching quietly.

He pulled back at once as did everyone else, all eyes falling on the red head as he braved asking, ‘what do you think Lil?’ ‘Well I suppose no one gets hurt,’ she started. ‘And?’ Peter asked. ‘And it doesn’t have to last very long right?’ she questioned. ‘Like a day?’ Sirius suggested. ‘An hour,’ Lily countered. ‘Yeah that’d be long enough for people to get the message,’ Remus agreed though Sirius and James looked a tad put out. Daisy didn’t care as long as it got her sister on board though she still appeared to be deliberating. ‘And if we’re all working on it I suppose it wouldn’t take up too much time,’ she conceded. ‘Is that a yes?’ Sirius asked encouragingly. Lily sighed, ‘yes.’ ‘Good because we’ll need a chief potion brewer,’ Remus said, his academic strengths unfortunately not lending themselves to the subject. ‘Yeah and if we have you Slughorn would give us anything we needed,’ Marlene said. ‘But we all need to be part of it,’ Lily warned, ‘I’m not getting lumbered with this on top of my work.’ ‘Of course not,’ Daisy agreed, ‘you lead the potion and we can do the rest.’ ‘Strategy and planning is a marauders forte after all,’ James said. ‘Does this mean I’m a marauder now?’ Daisy wagered, earning a look from the boys. Then they were banded together, James draping himself across Lily as they conferred before pulling back and donning their most serious expressions.

‘Ooh are we about to see history?’ Alice teased earning a titter from the girls. ‘That you are my dear Alice,’ James smiled. ‘Daisy Evans,’ Remus said. ‘Yes my dear Moony,’ Daisy smiled sweetly. ‘We would hereby like to invite you to join the marauders as a fifth member,’ he said. ‘On a probationary period of course,’ James stipulated. ‘Of course,’ Daisy said deadpan. ‘And your position will be reviewed regularly,’ Sirius added. ‘Oh yeah?’ Daisy asked flirtily which for once caught him off guard making him shift bashfully and her grin to widen. ‘Hmm maybe we need to rethink our position,’ Peter said looking to James for approval who eyed the pair closely. ‘You might be right Wormy,’ James said seriously, ‘can’t have two marauders fraternising. Might distract from the matter at hand.’ ‘Oh don’t worry, I can assure you I'm a consummate professional,’ Daisy said, crossing over her heart. The boys shared a look and then nodded. ‘Well then Miss Evans,’ James said, ‘welcome to the Marauders.’

✵✵✵

After finally landing on an idea the group split their time between revision and planning the prank. Though Lily had declared her reluctance for the task of brewing the potion to fall solely on her she took up most of the work, not quite trusting anyone but her or Daisy to get it right. Which was just as well seeing as some of the ingredients were rare and even if Slughorn had given her the keys to the store cupboard without batting an eye even he would have questions if she went back to him asking for a replenished stock of phoenix tears.

Seeing as Daisy hardly used her part of the room anymore they had opted to run the operation from the girl’s dormitory which was just as well because it turned out to be quite the slog. Working out how much potion they would need to add per person to get a desired effect in contrast to how little they could get away with adding to the pumpkin juice so that it wasn’t detectable meant a lot of trial and error. It had also meant that more than once the boys had volunteered to become floppy haired pre-teens again. Still after a few weeks of tweaking they were ready with nearly fifteen batches of corked and bottled potion ready for use.

The only struggle was logistics. This had been debated for some time but in the end everyone felt there was no point going big too early. If they debuted their prank with a week to go people may generate a laugh or two but given how frazzled students were from exams and the prospect of losing revision time due to a silly prank it may go down like a lead balloon. Plus, Peter had pointed out, the later they did it the less time it left for them to be punished. In the end the consensus was to enact their plan at the end of term meal. Everyone in one place, drinking at one time.

Though that came with its own limitations. Seeing as everyone was expected to attend there would be no way more their absences wouldn't be noticed. Minerva McGonagall may have been getting rid of four perpetual headaches this summer but she wasn’t one to slack on her duties before time. No doubt she would be waiting for them, expecting something to go awry for the last time. In fact this had become so much of a problem that on their last day of exams they were still debating it.

They’d just finished their charms exam [their final one ever which was thankfully not as gruelling as expected] and were following the hordes of other students headed down to the lake, soaking up the last rays of summer sun they would get before they went home in a couple days. The end of year feast was tomorrow and now that they had nothing else to discuss it was the main focus of conversation.

‘What about Pete?’ Daisy asked as she watched him and Remus skim stones along the water’s surface. Beside her Marlene and Alice were laying on their outstretched cloaks sunbathing and James and Lily were nestled together across from them, Lily sitting in between James’ legs with his arms around her though he had his head back allowing the sunlight to swathe his face. She was sitting cross legged on the grass with Sirius beside her, who was fixated on pulling grass from the ground and sprinkling it on her leg though she was sure that was a ploy to keep darting his fingers under the hem of her skirt, a smirk gracing his face every time he went too far and got his hand smacked. ‘What about me?’ Peter said, turning around with a concerned look on his face. ‘We all have to be in the hall right?’ Daisy asked. ‘Well unless we want McGonagall to come looking for us,’ James said, cracking one eye open to look at her as he stopped his sunbathing, now intrigued. ‘But at least one of us needs to be in the kitchen to swap our batch of pumpkin juice for the normal one,’ Daisy continued. ‘Yeah, I asked Bonney’s sister but she said she wouldn’t do it,’ James said. ‘I don’t blame her,’ Lily said, explaining as everyone frowned, ‘well it’s a job on the line for her isn’t it!’ ‘At least she said they’d turn a blind eye,’ James said, ‘more than we could ask for really.’ ‘Anyway,’ Daisy continued, ‘it would only need one of us and one person isn’t too noticeable in a whole table. Pete could use the map, wait until Dumbledore is making his speech and then swap everything out. Once it’s done he can come upstairs and join us.’ ‘Why me?’ Peter grumbled. ‘Because he’s the smallest!’ Sirius said, catching her drift, ‘Dais that’s genius.’ ‘Eh?’ Marlene said, pushing herself onto her elbows apparently intrigued enough to warrant moving. ‘If he entered the hall in his Animagus form he could slip right under the table and transform,’ Sirius said. ‘And there’s bound to be enough commotion that ol’ Minnie won’t notice,’ James agreed. ‘Why me though?’ Peter said, abandoning his rock skimming as he folded his arms across his chest. ‘Because someone might notice a ruddy great stag clattering into the hall?’ Remus chuckled. ‘But-’ ‘Oh come on Pete,’ James pleaded. ‘Why can’t one of you use the cloak!’ Peter protested. ‘Because the teachers would see through any of them in a heartbeat,’ Alice said with a snort. ‘Yeah you’re our secret weapon,’ Daisy grinned, pouting as she gave him her best pleading expression. He deliberated on it for a long moment, looking between three begging faces Sirius, James and Daisy. The rest of the group was looking on amusedly waiting for him to cave. Then with a resigned sigh he said, ‘oh go on then.’ ‘Atta boy Wormtail,’ Sirius grinned.

✵✵✵

Everyone was nervous as they filtered into the great hall. Thankfully the end of year feast was unlike other meals and required everyone to attend at the same time, the whole student body filing in and taking their seats in unison. Given they were seventh years the group stuck to the end of the table, far, far away from the watchful eyes of the teachers which was good because as everyone took a seat and chatter rose McGonagall swept a cursory glance over her house. Yet fortunately after seeing James’ mop of messy hair and Sirius’ long locks she didn’t look much further and took to her own seat satisfied that everything was on the level.

They’d even tried to throw her off by swapping seats with the twins sitting opposite their boyfriends for a change. Remus was beside Lily and Marlene and Alice took to their other side which provided some normality but still it felt strange. And as chatter took hold of the hall Daisy couldn’t help but dwell on that fact. She couldn’t believe different things were now.

On starting Hogwarts the only person she had known was Lily. She had a family waiting back at home for her. She’d been a hot-headed tomboy and yet she’d still felt as though her and Lily were one. If she hadn't nearly died she might still be those things. She might still be comparing herself to Lily. Wanting to be smarter, prettier, more restrained. The boys had helped her see that she didn't need to be any of that. She was good as herself, she was her own person and more so she had realised she didn't need to lose Lily or push her away to feel that.

In fact over the next few years she had no doubt she’d long to have her twin as close as they had been at eleven. After all, they’d been through hardships and pain and managed to rebuild. They were adults now. They’d made friends and embarked on relationships. More importantly in losing one family they’d gained another, not better, but enough. The Evans girls were still together, like they always would be.

Yet the nerves were there. Thinking of the past made her contemplate the future bubbling up uncertainty and worry as if she were eleven again. Those first year, the start of something new, nerves laying heavy in her stomach, clawing at her as she thought about what was next. Well they did until she looked across the table and found Sirius watching at her with a questioning look in his eyes. She nodded on instinct, knowing he was checking in on her making sure she was okay. Only then did he smile, tuning back into the conversation now that he had reassurance, and as he did he took the nerves with him.

It may be the start of something new and uncertain but she resigned herself that it could never be that bad. After all she had him, her sister, her family. That was more than she could ask for even if they were trying to recapture their youth, a feat that grew closer as Dumbledore rose from his seat, causing instant hush to fall as he moseyed to the lectern. Daisy checked her goblet, finding it empty which was a good sign. She hoped Peter could do it. He’d looked awfully nervous when her and the boys had left him in the kitchens after emptying the bottles to the large vat of pumpkin juice that supplied the entire hall but she had faith. He was a marauder after all.

‘Another year over,’ Dumbledore started, any faint whispers growing silent the moment he opened his mouth. All heads were turned in his direction, even the teachers, their gazes locked onto the back of him as he continued, ‘I hope that you have all come away with more than you started the year with. A head full of facts, a heart full of friendship, even a sense of community that you will take with you into the next year and for those of us set to depart our doors, the wider wizarding world.’

As his words hit all of them, resonating with every student there were a few shared glances as pupils risked a peek at their friends. Of course this speech was like any other, the friendships they had made were the same as many students before them and many to follow but Daisy couldn’t help but feel he was right about the sense of community. She was probably just being sentimental but there was something about the community they’d made, the resistance, that made it hit harder. Her little band of friends could be like any other group except they’d built a club, they encouraged good will and rebellion amongst students who would no doubt enter the wizarding world at some point and hopefully choose the right side. Maybe one day those that had opted wrong would join too.

At that she risked a glance across the hall. As her eyes swept along the seats she locked eyes with Snape who she assumed had been looking at Lily given he scowled and looked away the moment she caught him. Daisy rolled her eyes and continued her path spying the person she was looking for a couple of seats further down. Regulus was sitting straight as a board, his eyes on Dumbledore but he turned when he felt eyes on him. They locked eyes for a moment, the same grey eyes she loved though admittedly they felt foreign on him, and then in the minutest of gestures he nodded before turning back to Dumbledore. Daisy smiled to herself, maybe one day.

After that she turned her attention back to her headmaster who was still speaking, his voice more serious as he said, ‘these times are troubled but if one remembers that our friends are our greatest resource against uncertainty we will go far. So, if you could all raise a glass.’

There was the sound of movement and two hundred bodies scrambled to grab their goblets and raise them into the air. As she took hers Daisy took a cautionary glance inside and found it full to the brim with pumpkin juice. It looked the same as any other day, the yellow liquid sloshing around just as normal as ever yet she didn’t risk a look in the boy's direction and willed herself to trust in Peter.

‘To friendship, freedom and the future,’ Dumbledore said. ‘Friendship, freedom and the future,’ came the response call from everyone present before they all raised a glass and then took a sip.

For a moment Daisy didn’t feel anything and started to panic that it had all gone awry. That was until she heard the squeak of a hinge and looked to find the door of the great hall nudging open by a margin. And when she looked back, expecting to find her grown boyfriend in front of he was no longer there, replaced by the softer features of the boy she’d met on her first day. Glancing down at herself she found her own body changed, a much smaller, flatter stature in its place. In fact as she glanced around she found everyone looking the same, except for the first years who were the only ones to escape transformation.

Chatter, laughter and pointing immediately erupted all over the place as friends laughed at their childlike pals. Even the staff did not seem to mind, trying to suppress bemused smiles as they noted Flitwick’s chubby cheeks or Dumbledore’s robes which now engulfed him. Even Hagrid had regressed though admittedly he still towered over everyone and the potion was having trouble with his unruly beard meaning he had a youthful look peppered in stubble.

‘Did I do it? Did it work?’ came Peter’s voice grabbing their attention as he popped up from under the table, slipping into his seat next to James as he checked the hall to inspect his handiwork. ‘It worked on everyone but you it looks like,’ James said, taking in the still seventeen-year-old beside him. ‘What?’ Peter asked looking around the sea of baby faces to find them staring at him. ‘You’ve not changed,’ Marlene said, whipping a compact mirror out of her robes to show him. Peter heaved a groan. ‘Didn’t you drink anything?’ Remus asked. ‘I forgot! I was too busy trying to stay out of the house elves' way,’ he said embarrassedly. ‘Oh well,’ James shrugged, throwing an arm around his friend, ‘you did the rest Wormy. No big deal.’ ‘But now they’ll know it was us!’ Lily said. ‘Let ‘em,’ Sirius said backing James up which made Peter grow visibly less tense, ‘actually I’m quite annoyed we didn’t think to leave us out of it in the first place so that they did know it was us.’ ‘They’re right. Not like they can give us detention is it,’ Daisy said, ‘and if I'm honest I’m kind of weirded out seeing you all like this.’ ‘Agreed,’ Alice giggled. ‘You mean you don’t fancy the pants off me again?’ James grinned, his newly acquired puppy fat making his grin seem cheekier somehow. Daisy snorted. ‘I don’t fancy Pads at this point,’ she countered. ‘Harsh Dais,’ Sirius chuckled.

Though their smiles disappeared at once as McGonagall appeared at the end of the table from nowhere, looking down at them with a scowl on her face before her gaze turned solely to Peter. Even as a pre-teen she looked intimidating, her beady eyes not offset by softer features or cumbersome emerald robes. Not even when she looked at the boy who was practically eye level with her sat down did she look young or weak, instead he seemed to shrink back as if James, an eleven-year-old boy, could protect him.

‘Mr Pettigrew,’ she said, her Scottish trill higher in pitch yet just as firm as ever. ‘Yes Professor?’ Peter said timidly. ‘Is there something you would like to tell me?’ she asked, crossing her arms across her chest and waiting. It was unnerving to watch and for a moment Daisy was expecting him to spill everything right then and there but he didn’t, clearing his throat and sitting up straighter as he said, ‘no Professor.’ ‘Anyone else?’ she asked realising he was not for breaking and casting her net further afield. Everyone was watching them now, not just at Gryffindor table, and yet the marauders stayed silent. Holding their tongue for what felt like the first time ever. McGonagall sighed, ‘very well.’ ‘Actually Professor we did want to say something,’ Daisy said, catching the girl as she was just about to strut off. Everyone looked at her. She could feel the boys’ gaze boring into her face as if wondering what she was going to do. She had learned a lot from them over the years and though the goal had always been to get away with their escapades when the chips were down they never normally backed away. More importantly they never normally missed an opportunity to brag after all hadn’t that been one of the cornerstones for her disliking them. ‘Yes Miss Evans?’ McGonagall asked, a soft arched eyebrow raising just a tad. ‘We just wanted to tell you that well, we’ve loved every minute here haven’t we?’ she said looking to her friends who immediately nodded, smiles on their juvenile faces imploring her to continue. Even Lily, who she expected to clamp her hand over her mouth was smiling shyly, finally allowing her sister a little free range, ‘and we just wished we could do it all over again.’ ‘I see,’ McGonagall said coolly, ‘and for how long do you foresee this desire lasting?’ ‘Oh about twenty minutes?’ James grinned, ‘what do you think Lil?’ ‘Yeah,’ Lily said, smiling apologetically at McGonagall as she added, ‘half an hour tops.’ ‘Very well,’ McGonagall said before she strode away.

As she walked off, gazes started shifting back towards the teachers awaiting further instruction. Dumbledore still seemed bemused by the whole thing and decreed they might as well tuck in, adding a stipulation that should anyone not be transformed by the time they were ready to depart the great hall they should go to Madam Pomfrey for assistance.

Dinner after that was quite the experience. For the most part everyone’s new looks were easy to get used to which meant conversation resumed naturally as everyone started to eat. Yet as everyone chatted, reminisced and talked about the future the spell started to fade with students popping back to their normal selves in random intervals earning a rapture of cheering and laughter as normality clawed its way back.

And by the time dinner was done and all the plates were empty everyone was back to their normal bodies and ages and the marauders’ spot in the history books was secured indefinitely.

SIRIUS BLACK/SERIES TAGS

@mysteriouslydelicateface @caitlin1996 @imthebadguyyy @maeisafangirl

[fairylightsandbutterbeer]

Hi! I’m currently looking for new roleplay partners for Harry Potter and related sub-fandoms! I’m only looking for partners 18+ as I am an adult in my mid 20s. Please no time wasters!

I’m pretty active (try to reply multiple times a day!) but I do work full time in a bar/nightclub while training for my vocation so my hours in work do vary and tend to be later in the day. I’m looking for at least one reply a day and good communication (I love it when rp partners become my friends!!)

I only write literate - novella (no one liners!) and only in third person. Saying this, I need someone who is understanding as I am dyslexic and sometimes my spelling and grammar is off as a result!

I’m looking for the following:

People comfortable in playing male canon characters against female original characters from golden trio era, marauders era, next gen and Hogwarts Legacy (I’m happy to discuss doubling!) I’m mostly looking for Regulus Black, Ominis Gaunt, Sebastian Sallow, Theodore Nott, Tom Riddle and Teddy Lupin HOWEVER I am also interested in hearing who you would pair with my characters.

I’m also interested in exploring some original character x original character pairings for all dynamics m x f, m x m, f x f so please message me with your original character if that is something you’re interested in!

Finally, I’m interested in some canon x canon pairings.

Jegulily/Regulily - I’d play Lily

Wolfstar - I’m happy to play either

Dramione - I’d play Hermione

Romione - I’d play Hermione

Theta (FB) - I’d play Leta

Please like this post or reach out and say hi if you’re interested!

[padfootagain]

Because We Are Made of Dreams (Prologue + I)

Prologue + Chapter 1 : A Brand-new Year

Hello!!! I’m very excited to share this story with you all!!!

This is the first fic I’ve ever written, that I’m rewriting entirely! I wrote this 8 years ago, and at the time, my English was terrible (I know it’s still not always correct, but then it truly was horrid), and my storytelling skills were not… great... But it’s normal, I’ve told many stories since, and have had a lot of practice!

Still, there are things that I dearly love about this story, so I’ve decided to start it over, make many changes in the narrative, and make an improved version of it!

I want to warn all of you that this story presents some very violent scenes, and is not intended to be read by children. So be careful if you read it, it’s much more violent than the fluffy stuff I usually write! (even though there’s still fluff in it, it’s me we’re talking about…).

I hope you’ll like my story, and will find it interesting! Please, let me know what you think 😊

****

Pairings: Sirius Black x Original Female Character + Jily

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence and torture, graphic depiction and mentions of child abuse, mature themes. There is graphic depiction of violence and child abuse in the prologue, so do not read this if this triggers you.

Summary: The Marauders come back to Hogwarts to begin their sixth year there, and many things will change for them during these coming months. Outside the safety of their school, the world is growing darker. Inside the Castle, they'll find both new friends and enemies.

Summary for this chapter : Sirius breaks free from his parents. The Marauders enjoy their trip to Hogwarts. It's time for the birth of new friendships, and the taking of important decisions.

Word Count: 8497 (This post contains the prologue (2214 words) and the first chapter (6283 words))

Prologue

Walburga was bringing the last touches to the annual meeting of the Black family. The event was probably the most important moment of the year for the witch, as it was the perfect occasion to prove to all who belonged to the Noble House of Blacks how respectable she and her husband were. And this year, the meeting would take place in her own house; it was thus the perfect opportunity to shine. As she took one last look around her living room, everything was perfect. It was dark, covered with tapestries, old portraits, velvet seats… It felt old, ancient even. The air was heavy, as if filled with the weight of dozens of generations who used to live there before them… It added a weight onto the heart, onto shoulders too. It was oppressive, all in all. There was something malevolent that seemed to linger in the walls, in the dark, in each shadow. Walburga loved it. She found it perfect, with every item precisely set where it ought to be.

Well, everything except...

"Sirius! Can't you dress up properly?!"

The sixteen-year-old boy rolled his eyes and straightened his robes. Really, the entire thing was utter bullshit...

"And you’d better behave yourself, young man!"

"I will, if they do."

"Don't start!" she roared, her voice so powerful Sirius could have sworn the whole living room was trembling, or maybe it was just an after-effect of his ears almost exploding.

This day was going to be a nightmare, and he knew it. The only thought that brought Sirius a spark of hope and relief at this moment was the image of the warm and welcoming Potter's cottage in Godrig's Hollow, where he would spend three entire weeks of freedom with James. Only one evening. He only had one evening left in this hell, and the next morning, he would take the Knight Bus to join his best friend, his brother... They would have so much fun…

But this happy ending depended on whether or not Sirius could survive the next few hours with his entire deranged family, all gathered in one small room…

Near the large mantelpiece, Regulus was watching Kreacher help his mistress getting ready for the gathering. The younger Black was perfectly dressed, just like any respectable pure blood, standing very straight, his chin high and proud, impatient for their guests to arrive. Sirius, on the other hand, was constantly slipping a finger between his throat and his tight collar, clearly uncomfortable and annoyed by the whole thing. And as he watched his younger brother, Sirius couldn’t help but notice how much they had grown apart along the years. They were so different now. Then again, they had always been different, but there was a time when, despite their differences, the two brothers were still close. It wasn’t really the case anymore. They had grown up. For Sirius, it meant struggling to free himself from their parents, rebelling, building himself another life out of this godforsaken house. For Regulus, it meant bending under the weight of the Blacks’ heritage, and agreeing with their parent, even if rather out of fear than genuine belief. They had grown so much apart. Sirius couldn't help but regret his lost relationship with his younger brother. He regretted the days when he would defend Regulus against their parents, when they used to play and laugh together. But Regulus was too docile and scared of their family, when Sirius was reckless and bold. And so, Sirius ended up in Gryffindor, and Regulus in Slytherin…

The child like a stranger in his own home and the perfect little pure blood...

Sirius threw his younger brother a bitter glance, but bit back any remark.

Orion Black, the perfect image of a respectable patriarch, entered the room, wrapped in his best robes.

"Is everything ready?" he asked his wife.

"Yes, all is fine."

She glanced in the direction of Sirius.

"And everything is going to be fine, because you will behave yourself and shut up the whole evening, are we clear?"

"Cristal clear", Sirius answered through gritted teeth.

"Good."

Suddenly, a green fire was lit in the hearth and wizards and witches started to arrive through the Floo Network. They were greeted in the most honourable way by their honourable hosts, before sitting in the most honourable living room and being served by the most honourable house elf in the most honourable manner - honourable being the word Sirius usually used to define how creepy and delusional his whole family was. He also referred to the sudden nausea that plagued his stomach at the sight of his family with the same adjective. He made a huge effort not to roll up his eyes in front of every single newcomer.

The evening went on, dull and boring for Sirius, as these gatherings always were. He had stopped listening, and was imagining what James and him would do first the next day. Probably a game of Quidditch.

Sirius never emptied his trunk whenever he had to stay at Grimmauld Place. He had not done so since his fourth year at Hogwarts. It was a way to keep this place out of his mind, as if his real home was the school, his friends, the Potters, and not this dark place he had to live in now. So, his trunk was ready, waiting patiently in his bedroom for the next day.

Freedom. He couldn't wait…

But he was torn from his thoughts as he suddenly heard his name being mentioned in the conversation around him. He didn’t really want to focus, but couldn’t really help it.

"It must be so hard for you Walburga, with him in Gryffindor..."

As usual they were talking about him as if he weren’t even in the room. How lovely...

"Oh, you can't imagine! I don't know what to do with him, really. He's just useless and unbearable!"

What a nice pair of adjectives to describe her elder son...

"And his friends must all be blood traitors, if not worse!"

Sirius tightened his old on the armrest of his chair, blood boiling in his veins… He didn't give a damn about what they said or thought about him. Actually, he rather took all the insults his mother threw at him as compliments. He was different from them, and proud to be so. He was ashamed of them. He was ashamed to look like them, to have the same name, the same blood… so many things in common for people radically different. Same hair, same deep grey eyes, same features... He would have gladly exchanged his last name with any muggle-born if he had had the opportunity. And so, he didn't care about them insulting him; but hearing them insulting his friends was something else entirely.

"All traitors alike indeed! When they aren't Mudbloods altogether! I can't believe he's inflecting such a shame onto all of us, after all we have done for him!"

All they had ever done for him…

Sirius scoffed at that. All they had ever done for him?! Well, the list was pretty long, in all these years of abuse, of beating, and shouting, and curses and insults… Of repeating over and over again that he was nothing but a shame to his family. They had never had a loving, or even kind gesture towards him, and he knew he meant nothing to them. And she was claiming they had made sacrifices for him? What a joke!

"I heard he was friends with this… Potter boy, too."

Sirius gritted his teeth. He couldn't help it. James was his best friend, his brother, and he couldn't bear to hear them insulting him. But he had to remain calm if he didn't want to get into too much trouble with his family just a few hours before escaping this prison, so he took several deep breaths, trying to focus on another conversation, but all he could hear was his mother and her sister…

"He is indeed. He's awful! This boy has no manners and such ideas! I'm sure he's the reason why Sirius is so rebellious towards his father and I."

"But it can't be a surprise, with blood-traitors like his parents to raise him, really. They are of the worst kind, and such a disgrace to the whole community!"

Sirius could take no more. James's parents were like a second family. They were the kindest and  most generous people he had ever met. They had welcomed him in their home with open arms since his very first year at Hogwarts, and they had never failed to treat him as a second son ever since. He loved the Potters the way he should have loved his own family, and he couldn't let his mother and her stupid sister insult them like this...

Suddenly, Sirius's glass shattered, sending shreds of cutting glass all over the room. His parents threw him a threatening look. But Sirius didn't care anymore, he was too angry to think straight.

"Don't you dare insult the Potters!"

His voice was low and menacing, more like a growl than a voice, and all of a sudden, the room fell completely silent. They were all too shocked to answer. Finally, Orion spoke in a low and scary voice that matched his son’s tone.

"Apologise to your aunt! NOW!"

"No! I’ve had enough of this!"

"Sirius!"

"NO!"

He got up and strode towards the staircase. He couldn’t take any more of this, he just couldn’t, he was going mad in this house, with these people, with these insults, with this hate towards everything and everyone he loved…

"If you don't come back here and apologise, I will not accept you in this house again! Do you hear me?" cried his mother with all her might.

"So be it then!" Sirius snapped back.

It was too much. He had had enough of the insults, of the threats, of the whole pure-blood mania. He wanted to get out of there, he had to. He had to get out, he had to…

He felt like if he didn't escape this house, he would explode and destroy everything around him, even destroy himself…

He entered his bedroom, grabbed his wand and his trunk and stormed out of the room, running down the staircase and hurrying towards the door.

"Filth! Traitor! Shame on you, you beast!" raged his mother." Don't you ever come back again in our home! Do you hear? You're not part of this family anymore! You're not our son anymore! You have nothing and no one! You are alone and homeless! A stray pet is worth more than you, you filth!"

"Don't worry, I won't come back!" snapped Sirius, dragging his trunk behind him across the corridor, only a few steps away from the door, from freedom...

But his father was standing in front of the door, a cane in his hand…

Before Sirius could defend himself, his father had hit him hard in the ribs. The boy bent over, an arm clenched against his broken ribs, letting out a moan, while Orion hit his elder son on his back, making him fall to the ground. He kicked him hard on the ribs, making Sirius gasp desperately for air between loud moans.

And Sirius wanted to defend himself, he genuinely did. He cursed himself for being so weak, for letting his father get the better of him… But the pain that burned his torso and back, the struggle to take a mere breath, and years of reflexes aimed solely at protecting himself against his father instead of fighting back made for obstacles too high to overcome. Instead, Sirius huddled against his trunk, covering his face with his arms.

Orion let go of his walking stick, grabbed his son by the hair, pulling him up, and punched him hard on the face several times.

By then, Sirius felt too dizzy to understand what was truly going on. He saw fists flying towards him, felt the tugging of his hair, raw and hard. But then, he felt himself being grabbed by the collar, it felt harder to breathe. A few seconds passed, and somehow, he found himself flying, not touching the ground… One, two seconds, maybe less, and then a hard fall on his back, on what his touch recognized as concrete. He moaned, his entire body in so much pain… he could hear his mother shouting, but couldn’t make out the words. He was too weak for that. He was made more aware of his surroundings again by the loud thud his trunk made as it landed on the pavement next to him. When he looked up, he was a couple of meters away from the door, his parents standing in the doorway with hateful glares distorting their faces, and his terrified brother taking a glimpse at Sirius from behind Walburga. He watched as the door slowly closed, staring right into Regulus’s grey eyes, the same as his own, the same as their father’s… They stared at each other until the door was fully closed, and the Blacks disappeared.

Sirius remained there, lying on his back, staring at the front door with its irony 12 written on dark wood, and a grin formed on his painful face.

At last, he was free.

Chapter 1: A Brand-new Year

Clara sighed deeply.

Of course, her father being an Auror meant for him to be a little overprotective at times, and he often was right to be so. But this time, it was all too much, and he was being ridiculous…

"Dad, I'm just going to King's Cross, not on a battle field," protested the girl, but her father quickly shushed her.

"With everything that is going on these days, I'm not leaving you out of my sight until you're on the Hogwarts Express."

She couldn't blame him for being worried, of course. After all, she was scared as well of Voldemort and his ever-growing number of followers. She could hardly get mad at her father for being willing to protect his only child, especially when she had been the one asking for her father’s help to protect Lily’s house. The young witch had been worried about leaving to Hogwarts without protecting her parents’ house properly first.

Clara's father was right, and she knew it.

"Alright then, come on."

They walked through the magical wall, reaching the infamous platform nine and three-quarters. And no matter if this was already her sixth year at the Wizarding School, her heart still skipped a bit at the sight of the large train, of the crowd of students loudly running around, hurrying to and fro across the platform, hugging their loved ones they were leaving behind…

A flash of red appeared in the crowd and Clara hurried in the direction of her friends. She hugged Lily, Alice, Dorcas and Marlene, her fellow Gryffindors.

"How are you, Alice?" Clara asked, noticing her friend's perfect tan.

"I'm great, Cannes is wonderful! And Frank was such a sweetheart all along, I'll tell you everything, don't worry."

Just as his name was spoken, Frank Longbottom appeared on the platform and Alice hurried towards her boyfriend, abandoning her friends for the rest of the trip. Almost simultaneously, waves of loud laughter reached the four girls, and none of them wondered to whom these laughs could belong. Soon enough indeed, the four Marauders appeared among the busy crowd, walking casually towards the train. Lily turned her back to them, causing her three friends to laugh.

"I hope you’re aware that with your hair, they will recognise you anyway, whether you turn your back to them or not…” asked Marlene, still laughing at her ginger friend.

"I know that, thanks!" the redhead answered. " But maybe if he sees I'm talking with you, and that I'm busy, he won't try talking to me."

"Lils, it's James Potter we're talking about," Clara reminded her. “This guy has virtually no limits."

"My life sucks," Lily sighed.

"Maybe you're in luck today, he's not coming our way," Dorcas added, her tone amused and teasing.

"Thanks, Merlin!"

"Oops, in fact he is."

"Fuck!"

Indeed, a second later, James and his friends were standing next to them, greeting them warmly.

"Hey girls! How are you?" James joyfully asked, a crooked smile on his lips and his gaze fixed on Lily, even if his question was aimed to the whole group.

"Fine, you?" answered Marlene, still unable to hide her smile.

"I'm very well, thanks. You're alright, Evans?"

But Lily turned to the boy only to throw him a disdainful look.

"I was before you came around, Potter."

James winced dramatically, but Lily was not amused.

"Ouch, we haven’t even reached Hogwarts yet, and we're already like this?"

Indeed, this was a brand-new year that was beginning, there, on the platform. These were the first words the two teenagers had exchanged in months. And Lily had to admit to herself that she had been unreasonably harsh. After all, James Potter was a pain in the arse, but he had merely asked her if she was okay. There was no need to be so rude, and a blush spread across Lily’s freckled cheeks at the thought, guilt forming in her heart.

"I'm sorry,” she mumbled, pushing a strand of her red hair behind her ear. “I didn't want to be mean. I'm fine, thank you."

But James didn’t seem to care at all. Instead of being mad, or hurt, he shot her a bright grin.

"It's alright Evans, no need to feel bad! I think I can survive one more harsh answer from you. I’m getting used to it, by now. Besides… I was about to ask the usual question, but I guess your previous answer will imply a ‘no’..."

Lily clenched her fists and her face turned even redder, but this time it wasn’t out of embarrassment or guilt, but out of anger.

"Potter!"

"Okay, okay, I'm leaving you alone," James laughed, throwing his hands up as a sign of both defeat and appeasement, before slowly backing away.

His friends laughed at him, following him towards the train, leaving Lily annoyed and her three friends struggling to keep a straight face. These two were truly ridiculous sometimes…

Clara still had to say goodbye to her father before she could board the train, and so she hurried back to him while her friends climbed inside the Hogwarts Express, struggling a little with their heavy luggage. But then, after six years, they were used to it.

Clara hugged her father tight, while students hurried towards the train. They stood there for a while, in a loving embrace, a few meters away from the crowd. It was time to leave, the train would soon depart, carrying the students away from their families, until they could come back for Christmas time…

"You do be careful!" John admonished, kissing Clara’s head. "And don't forget to write!"

"I will be careful and I won't forget to write. I promise dad, don't worry. I love you."

"I love you too, darling. Take care."

"You too. Don’t be too reckless, okay?"

He chuckled as they broke their embrace, nodding, and a proud glint shone in his eyes as he answered.

“That’s a deal. We both stay out of trouble, okay?”

Clara nodded, a little emotional, the same way she felt every time she had to leave. No matter if this was their sixth goodbye, it still felt just as painful as the first time. It was bittersweet, a mix of the sadness of goodbyes and the excitement of new beginnings ahead.

They exchanged one last smile, before she would grab her trunk and finally walk to the train. She waved again at her father, standing before the door. She hoped nothing bad would happen this year, while she was away…

But eventually, she had to face the long corridor instead of the busy platform. And the train whistled, smoke started to appear above its black and red shape. And before Clara could find her friends again, the train had left Charring Cross and her father behind.

"Fuck!"

"Fuck!"

"Let's face it, Lily, we're doomed!"

"Clara, I think this is worse than being doomed..."

A simple yet terrifying situation was the cause for the girls’ despair: all the compartments were completely full, except for... the one occupied by the Marauders.

Brilliant...  What a perfect way to start their sixth year…

There seemed to be no other choice, though. They had crossed the entirety of the train twice, and couldn’t find anywhere else to sit. And Clara was tired of pulling her trunk behind her back and forth through the moving train. At this point, she would have been happy to sit next to a cave troll…

Meanwhile, Marlene and Dorcas had abandoned them, joining some of their seventh-year friends for the ride to Hogwarts, and Alice was busy with Frank, probably snogging in a dark corner of one of the wagons.

Which left the two witches on their own, in this desperate situation.

"Come on, Lily, it's not like we have a choice. All the compartments are full, and we can't stay here in the corridor for the whole trip,” decided Clara. “So, let's go. Besides, it’s not that bad. We could be stuck with Snape and his friends, that would be truly the worst."

Lily mumbled something under her breath, clearly annoyed by the whole thing, but before she could argue, Clara strode to the boys' compartment and opened the door, ignoring her friend’s glare.

"Hey, guys!” she chimed, waving at them and wearing a bright grin on her lips, trying to sound friendly.

After all, it was the beginning of the year, and it seemed that they would have no choice but to spend the next few hours together, so… might as well be nice. At least, more so than usual. “Sorry, but all the other compartments are full,” she went all. “Can we sit with you?"

"Sure," the four boys shrugged.

When Lily finally entered, James sat straighter, making Sirius roll his eyes in amusement. Clara settled in the empty spot next to Sirius, and he gave her a polite smile before focusing on his conversation with Peter again.

"Well, you couldn't stay away from me any longer, could you? You were missing me too much already," James joked, staring at Lily as she dragged her trunk inside the compartment.

But the girl glowered at him, sitting on the seat opposite Clara’s.

"Potter, don't start!"

"As you wish," James merely shrugged, and Lily was almost surprised that he would abandon so easily.

The boys focused on their own conversation again, while the two girls took their copies of the Daily Prophet out of their bags to pass the time. If Clara went straight for the crosswords section, biting the end of her quill as she read the first riddle, Lily went through the different articles, a small frown marking her interest.

After a few more minutes, Sirius seemed to get tired of Peter and Remus’ debate, and leaned closer to Clara to peer at the page she was focused on. She didn’t even notice him, not until he spoke, at least.

"Hippogriff," Sirius said, indicating a column of her crosswords.

"Thanks," she answered absentmindedly, completing the blanks.

"Quaffle," he indicated again.

She completed the right line, but Sirius found yet another word in a matter of seconds.

"It's really nice of you to help, but could you let me think a bit longer before answering to all the riddles for me?"

Sirius was about to roll his eyes when Clara looked up at him with a teasing and amused smile. He was surprised to find no trace of annoyance in her green eyes. She even turned the newspaper a little more towards him, so he would get a better view of the crosswords. He gave her a smile too.

“Sure. But hurry up, then. It’s not my fault if you’re too slow.”

She chuckled, focusing on the newspaper again, and wrote down another word.

It was quiet for a while in the compartment. Peter, James and Remus were casually chatting, James stealing glances at Lily every now and then. Sirius and Clara were focused on the most difficult riddles of her crosswords. Lily kept on reading the news. Outside, grey clouds coloured the sky, a few patches of blue peeking through from time to time, as if to remind the world of the heavens’ true colour. Fields of green and gold passed by, left in the wake of the speeding train, with splashes of darker greens and browns coming from bushes and trees. They passed before a few houses and farms too, with walls of stone and a lazy smoke escaping from tall chimneys. It was quiet, peaceful, with an underlaying of excitement at the thought of their destination, of reaching Hogwarts once more. To most of them, if not all, it felt more like going home than anything else.

But they all tensed up as Lily let out a sudden gasp.

“Oh, God…” she let out in a shaky breath, her hand flying up to cover her mouth in shock.

All turned to her.

"Lily, you're alright?" asked Remus, worried.

But Lily wasn't listening and she didn't answer. Clara moved to sit next to her, leaning closer to read the article the witch was still focused on.

An entire family had disappeared two nights before.

Voldemort's Death Eaters' work without doubt, though they were not clearly mentioned. Clara's eyes grew wide when she read the names. Katherine and Joshua Knights…

"Merlin!" she gasped.

The two girls looked at each other. They knew them, though they were not close. They lived not far from Clara's house, and in the countryside, all wizarding families knew each other, even if they were not friends. Clara’s family was never close to the Knights, but they were cordial and helped each other when need be. It felt so strange to think that she would never go borrowing some Floo powder to them anymore…

"Girls, what's wrong?" asked James, his tone genuinely worried now.

The four boys were staring at them now, their brows furrowed. The girls handed them the newspapers.

"They lived not far from my house. I knew them quite well," Clara added.

She would not cry, it was visible on her features, but Lily passed an arm around her shoulders anyway. She was in shock more than anything else. It was hard to imagine that something of the kind could happen to people she knew…

Sirius clenched his jaw at the sight of her blank gaze.

“I’m sorry,” he spoke earnestly, his voice unusually quiet.

Clara thanked him with a nod, before he would read the rest of the article.

All were quiet now, silence only disrupted by the rhythmic sounds of the train flying across the tracks. Around the fragile pages of the newspaper, James fists were tightly clenched, rustling the paper. He was so focused, so serious, Lily didn’t recall having seen him like this before. All traces of a smile or of mischief had disappeared from his features.

“Your father is an Auror, isn’t he?” Remus asked, looking up at Clara again once he was done reading the article. “Does he know anything about this?”

But the girl shook her head.

“Even if he does, he won’t tell us anything about it.”

“Does he work on Voldemort’s case?”

“Yes, he’s on the main team for the case. But then again, everyone at the Auror Headquarters is investigating on Voldemort and his followers, one way or another.”

“It must be tough for him,” Peter added, his voice apologetic.

“Yeah, it is. He’s alright, though. He knows what he’s doing.”

“Do they have any leads?” James asked, but Lily shook her head.

“John… I mean… Clara’s father… he helped me casting defensive spells around my house last week, before I would leave my parents alone to go to Hogwarts. I reckon it speaks volume.”

She looked quite defeated all of a sudden, tired, and so did Clara. But then again, with parents coming from Muggle families, they were both among the most endangered in this conflict.

"Well, with defensive charms summoned by an Auror, your house is probably the safest place in Britain after Hogwarts," said James gently.

Lily looked right into his hazel eyes. His expression was kind and sincere, and he gave her an encouraging smile. She smiled back at him.

"You're right."

She looked up at Clara again, a chuckle in her voice.

“Besides, it made you practice your terrible locking charms…”

“Hey!” the girl complained, forcing her mood to rise again. “That’s not nice at all!”

“Just saying that with your crazy project of being an Auror, you’d better master this type of spells…”

“You’re a jerk, you know that?”

“Simply speaking the truth…” Lily kept on teasing her friend, folding back her newspaper and stuffing it in her bag, unwilling to read any more bad news.

After all, they were going back to Hogwarts. She didn’t want to think about all this, not now. She wanted to be merry and innocent, even if only for a little while.

“You want to be an Auror?” Peter asked her, quite surprised.

But Clara merely shrugged, taking back her seat between Sirius and the door.

“I don’t see how else I could help against this band of psychopaths.”

The boys nodded, giving her an encouraging smile.

“I’m sure you’ll make a terrifying Auror,” Sirius joked. “I am terrified merely sitting next to you.”

They all laughed, and the tension finally faded, excitement about the new year settling in their compartment again. They were casually chatting when the door suddenly opened on a sixth-year Ravenclaw boy. Tall, with carefully styled brown hair and electric blue eyes that popped out against his tanned skin.

“Hey, Lils! I was going to the prefect meeting, want to come with me?” the boy asked with a bright grin.

Lily blushed enough for James to notice. He glanced at her as she pushed back a strand of hair behind her ears. She did that every time she was nervous. Her smile was shy but genuine when she nodded to the Ravenclaw prefect. James struggled to swallow the lump that was growing in his throat, a familiar jolt of pain crossing his ribs. Familiar… he was used to it by now. It was the same that bloomed every time Lily rejected him, every time she was mad at him, every time she cursed his name…

He was good at hiding it though. He had an awful lot of practice with it. Jokes and shrugs and casual disinterest made wonderful masks, indeed.

“Sure!” the girl answered, rising from her seat.

A second later she was gone, a bright smile on her lips. Clara shook her head and smiled as her friend closed the door behind her.

"I thought the prefects' meeting was only in an hour," said James, checking his watch.

Remus merely shrugged.

"They're friends, they must want to talk for a while before the meeting. Catch up on each other after the summer, you know?"

Clara still hadn't stopped smiling, and her gesture only made James’s frown deepen.

"Alright, Clearwater," said James, turning on his seat to face her, "tell us everything. What’s the deal this guy?"

"There's nothing to tell, Potter," she answered, her tone innocent.

"Come on. What's going on between the two of them?"

She stared at her crosswords again, amused.

"For now, nothing."

"And, in a near future?"

"Who knows about Cupid's plans, really..."

She smiled harder, ready to chuckle, but then she looked up at the boy before her, and her laugh died in her throat.

His expression was neutral, maybe a little too much so. She had to admit he was doing a great job at hiding how he truly felt. But then, there was something in his hazel eyes that felt like pain, and it took him too long to hide this detail. Clara saw it, and frowned a little at the sight. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Sirius was faster, taking a game of Exploding Snaps out of his backpack.

“Hey, mate! Want me to give you another chance at this game? After all… you were bloody ridiculous yesterday…”

James turned his attention back to his friend, smiling once more. The mischievous and joyful Potter was back. Clara looked at Sirius and couldn't refrain a small smile. Sure, they were immature, and stupid, and prats most of the time, but they had always been there for each other, and even Clara couldn't deny that. They loved each other, they truly did.

“Well, you’d better get ready, because today I won’t be so nice to you. I’ve let you win yesterday, but I won’t be so generous twice,” James replied, helping his friends getting the game ready.

Sirius let out a loud laugh, that sounded a little bit like a bark, before he would turn to the girl sitting next him.

"You wanna play too?"

"Sure," she nodded.

As the game started, Clara had to admit that this year was not beginning as she had imagined it would. Spending her journey back to Hogwarts playing Exploding Snaps with the Marauders… now, that was something surprising, for sure. But she couldn’t deny the fact that she was having fun, and the more the afternoon went by, the more she enjoyed herself.

Surprising… maybe that was what this year had in store for her: surprises…

In the room set at the end of the train, where every year the prefects’ meeting took place to organize the arrival to the school, Lily Evans and Liam Timmins were talking about what they had done during summer. It was a rather small room, badly lit up by a tiny window on the wall on the left and a bunch of candles melting at the centre of the round table. With the chairs set around the table, there was barely any space left to move around the room. It didn’t really matter, though. The two friends were simply happy to have a moment on their own before reaching Hogwarts and its busy schedule.

Lily laughed hard as he told her a funny story involving him and a Quaffle. But he didn't care if he sounded completely stupid, ridiculous even. Lily's laugh was so beautiful, it was worth it...

He was determined this year. Over the last few months, Liam and Lily had grown closer, but the Ravenclaw boy had not dared make the first move. But this year, everything would be different. He was determined to ask her out, and to do it right at this moment, as soon as possible… His crush on her was too strong for him to remain silent any longer, after all…

He intensely looked at her, as she wiped her tears of laughter away from her eyes, a hand on her painful stomach. When he spoke, his tone was suddenly serious and held only in a breath.

It was time. Time to tell her everything. He took a couple of deep breaths, counted to three… and let it all out.

"You really are beautiful, Lily."

She immediately grew quiet. She wasn’t expecting this, and looked up at him, taken aback, her eyes open wide. It was strange to hear him say it out loud, but the more she thought about it, the less surprised she was. They had grown closer over the past few months. And she couldn’t deny that he was rather handsome, standing before her in the dim light of the room. And he was funny, and smart, and nice, and she reckoned that he seemed pretty much perfect on paper. She felt herself blushing. They were staring at each other, motionless, something electric hovering over them.

She didn’t push him away when he gently tucked a strand of her ginger hair behind her ear. She didn’t push him away when he caressed her cheek, nor when he cradled her face in his hand. He seemed to silently ask her if this was okay, and she gave him a smile. It seemed enough of an answer for both of them. And when he softly guided her lips towards his, she let him, leaned into the movement even. When their lips shyly touched, she finally closed her eyes…

… and the door opened.

They pulled away as fast as they could, both of them fleeing each other’s gaze, embarrassed to be caught like this. But it was only Remus, and Lily heaved a relieved sigh, welcoming her fellow Gryffindor prefect with a smile. She knew he was not the kind to spread rumours, her moment with Liam was safe with him.

"Oops! Sorry, guys."

He walked into the room, revealing James standing behind him, on the threshold. Lily looked up at him, suddenly worried again, but he simply nodded towards her and Liam, before talking to Remus again, in a perfectly casual tone, as if nothing had happened at all.

"See you later, mate!"

James turned around before his friend could answer, before Liam could say anything, just to stop staring at Lily while she looked like this. Cheeks flushed, and a touch of embarrassment and worry on her features. Still beautiful, though…

He strode towards the nearest bathroom, locked himself inside, rested his palms on the sink. His eyes closed. Tightly so. So tightly it hurt and the dark made way to specks of white and red. He tightened his hold on the sink. It was hard for him to breathe now…

He took a few deep breaths, calming down, slowly, softly, forcing the air in and out of his painful lungs, his painful chest, his painful heart…

Merlin, it hurt so much…

But then, beyond this pain, anger started to bubble in the pit of his stomach, climbing up towards his chest, his heart, spreading through his veins. He was angry now. Angry against Liam for kissing Lily, angry against Lily for kissing this stupid Ravenclaw, but most of all… most of all he was mad at himself for feeling this way still. Even after all these years, even after all these rejections, how could he still react like this to her?

He couldn’t go on living like this. He had done everything he had thought of, had tried everything to convince her to give him a chance, but she didn't want to. She hated him, end of story. And as he looked up into his own reflection in the tiny mirror set above the sink, and witnessed how miserable a simple kiss could make him feel, he took an important decision. Without a doubt, the most important decision he had ever taken in his life.

He was giving up on Lily.

No more tricks, no more begging, nothing. He was a Gryffindor for Merlin's sake, and he was going to be strong from now on. She was moving on with her life as if he didn't even exist, and he was going to act just the same. He was finally ready to close this chapter of his life. He clenched his jaw, opened the door again and walked into the corridor, his shoulder bumping against the wooden doorframe when the train was shaken a little too much by the uneven tracks.

Lily Evans belonged to the past, and nothing more.

When Remus opened the door of the compartment again, he found his three friends in a heated conversation. The train had almost reached Hogwarts, and the sun was already setting, painting the grey clouds with splashes of pink, red, orange and gold above the everlasting fields and mountains that formed in the distance, only vague shapes that one could merely guess in the twilight.

Meanwhile, Clara was staring at the three boys with raised eyebrows and a pair of round eyes.

"Maybe we could make a dragon again," proposed Peter.

"Do I really need to remind you how it ended last year? The whole Hufflepuff table was on fire!" Remus reminded his friends, sitting down.

He didn't even have to ask what his friends were talking about. As usual during their journey to Hogwarts, the boys were planning the show they performed every year at the welcoming feast: magical fireworks.

"Moony's right, no dragons," said Sirius wisely.

"You guys are mad," Clara stated at last.

"It's tradition, Clara," answered James sternly. "Every single time since our second year, we have prepared fireworks for the welcoming feast. And don't try to deny it, it's always brilliant!"

"Except when you accidentally set fire to a table," she replied.

James opened his mouth to answer, but stopped dead and waved his finger, narrowing his eyes.

"Okay, you've got a point," he finally answered in a smile. "But we are not going to burn anything this year. Promise."

It was Lily’s turn to enter the compartment, a large and dreamy smile on her face.

"I'll tell you later," she answered Clara’s questioning look in a whisper.

Her friend nodded and they both focused back on the conversation at hand again. When Lily finally realised what they were talking about, she frowned.

"You're not going to burn anything again, are you?"

"Merlin, we’ve missed one finale. One. Over four years of entertainment, you only remember the only one that ended in a tiny accident," Sirius heaved a defeated sigh, throwing his head back in annoyance.

"One tiny accident that almost burnt the entire Hufflepuff table!"

"Perhaps, but you can't deny that our dragon was really awesome," Remus argued.

The other three nodded, and the girls couldn't help but laugh.

"True, it was beautiful," Clara admitted, chuckling and nodding.

"Finally, you're making sense," laughed Sirius.

His laugh really did sound like a bark, it was quite strange. Still, it was pleasant and infectious enough to make the others laugh too.

The conversation lingered on this subject until the train reached Hogsmeade. James and Sirius helped the girls with their trunks until they were out of the train.

"Thanks," said Clara, surprised when Sirius put down her trunk next to her on the station.

"'Welcome!" he replied with a warm smile.

These boys really were surprisingly nice this year. Clara had to admit that she had spent a nice time with them, had had a lot of fun… Maybe they had finally matured a bit.

They were separated in the carriages, the Marauders waiting for Remus to be done with guiding the younger students across the platform. Meanwhile, Lily was supposed to take care of the first-year students after they would reach the Castle, so the girls found back Marlene and Dorcas and they all got into one of the first carriages.

"All right, what the hell is that thing upon your face? Why are you grinning like an idiot?" Marlene asked Lily as soon as she closed the door of the carriage behind her.

The redhead blushed.

"Liam", she answered shyly.

The Marlene and Clara clapped and jumped on their seats excitedly, while Dorcas was rolling her eyes.

"I knew he was crazy about you!" Marlene exploded. "How? When? What?"

"On the train. We talked about the holidays, and he made me laugh and..."

"And?!" asked the two girls in unison, suspended to her words.

"He told me I was beautiful..."

Her two friends sighed dreamily. Dorcas snorted.

“You’re ridiculous,” the girl complained.

"And he kissed me!" Lily went on, ignoring his cynical friend.

They cried, jumping on their seat again. Lily couldn’t refrain a fond smile at the sight of her silly friends.

"That's wonderful, Lils!" Clara congratulated her.

"Yeah..."

Lily's dreamy smile was back on her face, and something told Clara that it was there to stay…

"So, are you going to talk about it?" asked Remus, turning to James.

"Talk about what?" asked Sirius.

There was barely anyone around anymore. Night had fallen, clouds heavy with rain hiding the shining stars. It smelled of wet grass already, as if Nature could feel the rainy night to come. It was strange to see the train station deserted, quiet. It was so busy mere minutes before…

The four boys climbed inside the last carriage.

"Liam kissed Lily on the train," answered Remus, closing the door behind Peter.

"Oh..."

Sirius looked carefully at James. After more than five years of the whole Lily Evans drama, he was expecting the worst; but instead of being upset, James simply shrugged.

"There's nothing more to say, really."

"Are you alright?" asked Peter.

"I will be,” James nodded with confidence. “I’ve realized something on the train. She really, earnestly, doesn't give a damn about me, and she never will. And… I'm tired of being the only one who cares, to be honest. So, I've taken a decision: I'm going to stop caring about her. I'm moving on. Lily belongs to the past, and I'm focusing on the future."

"Wow..." Remus finally let out after he found back his ability to articulate. “Are you sure?"

"Yep! I'm going to enjoy myself this year. I'm not going to try anything to get her attention anymore, and I'll just be myself, without caring about what she thinks of me."

Sirius patted his friend's shoulder, a warm smile on his lips, even though he was hiding doubts behind the friendly gestures.

"Good decision, mate."

"Thanks, Pads."

"Yeah, it's great, Prongs," Remus added.

James nodded, a smile still on his face, and looked outside by the window. It was so dark, he could barely see the trees the carriage passed by. It started to rain.

Lily Evans belonged to the past…

Clara was paying attention to the Marauders during the ceremony this year. They had promised a great show, and she was curious to finally see it. But she was also curious to find out how they were going to do it all…

They acted perfectly normal while the first years were sorted into the four houses. But when Dumbledore started his traditional speech, she noticed that the four Gryffindors were discreetly taking out their wands, hiding their hands under the table and whispering under their breath. She nudged Dorcas, who sat by her side, and the two girls watched the Marauders getting ready, while Dumbledore went on with his speech. They didn’t listen to the old wizard, merely wondered about what the four boys were doing.

It lasted several long minutes, before the boys would look up again, falling silent once more, faking to listen to the end of their Headmaster’s speech. Sirius caught Clara’s stare, and he winked at her with a crooked smile full of mischief, making the girl roll her eyes. Still… she couldn’t wait to see what they had in store this year…

Dumbledore’s voice finally died down, replaced by cheers as the feast began. The first hands were already reaching for food, set magically on the tables, when a loud detonation echoed throughout the hall. Everyone looked up at the ceiling, as the sound seemed to come from there. A second detonation, and this time all saw one of the stars shining above their heads explode, freeing colourful sparks that slowly fell towards the ground. And then a third blew up, and a fourth, and a fifth, and each time it seemed that silence was shorter and shorter between the loud detonations. Until several stars exploded together, and then all of them at once: blue, red, golden, green, orange and white sparks burning against the ceiling and gently falling in a bright and colourful rain. And the students -and teachers- were already mesmerized, but then all these sparks that were hanging there, suspended in mid-air, moved together to gather at the centre of the Great Hall. It formed a ball of light, that seemed to twirl on itself, until two wings seemed to spread across the room, followed by a feathered tail, claws, a beak… Soon, a gigantic bird was flying across the room. The many colours that shone across its body turned all into red and gold, while the tail grew longer, the shape of the bird more defined. All in the Great Hall recognized in its shape a burning phoenix…

It flapped its wings, flying back and forth and leaving in its wake golden sparks that lingered for a moment before blinking and dying out. There was so much light, it painted the walls, the tables, and the faces marked by awe in red and gold hues. After flying across the hall a few more times, the bird opened its mouth wide, and burst into flames, its shape disappearing in the ablaze light, before it would vanish.

From the smoke that gathered against the ceiling, little stars started to form again, white and cold and distant after the vivid colours and the warmth of the flames. The ceiling took back its usual appearance, quiet and peaceful… almost.

At the centre of the ceiling, starts gathered in clusters to form two words, a signature from the four mischief makers: The Marauders.

The school burst into cheers, and cries, and so many hands were clapping, it was so loud, it was almost painful. All turned towards the Gryffindor boys, who acted as if they were nothing but innocent and unaware of who was behind these beautiful fireworks. Only when they caught Dumbledore’s and McGonagall’s proud stare did the boys finally laugh and exchanged looks filled with pride.

The fireworks this year were on everybody’s tongue for the rest of the evening. Sometimes to compliment how beautiful the scene had been, sometimes to wonder at how the four boys could have done it.

When the Gryffindors entered their common room, quite tired after their long and eventful day, Clara didn’t follow her friends to the girls’ dormitory. Instead, she lingered for a moment in the common room, and headed towards the Marauders, who seemed deeply lost in conversation. Still, when they saw her walking up to them, the boys fell silent and waited for her to speak first.

“Well done, guys. The fireworks were particularly great this year,” she told them with a grin, winking at Sirius.

She didn’t give them any time to speak, turning on her heels and hurrying back towards the stairs again, where she disappeared.

The boys resumed their conversation, but Sirius was not listening. He was lost in thought instead.

He reckoned that Clara wasn’t so bad, after all. After spending most of his day with her, he came to the conclusion that he had enjoyed her company way more than what he had expected. She wasn't as boring as he had imagined her to be. He had always considered that she was probably as serious and uptight as Lily, which meant too serious and uptight. But she had been a laugh during their journey to Hogwarts. She seemed to have a good sense of humour.

Maybe he would try to talk to her more this year...

[ifwerenotcareful]

e c h o f i c s 💕

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

🐍 🕊️ the ballad of songbirds & snakes 🕊️ 🐍

kindness is like snow (it beautifies everything it covers) | E | 2557 words | Coriolanus Snow x Sejanus Plinth x Original Female Characters

One night, Sejanus walks in on Snow fucking a blackout drunk girl. But instead of stopping his friend, or simply walking away, he gets closer.

just this once, E, Sejanus x Reader

Sejanus promises to pull out, then doesn't...

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

⚡️ harry potter⚡️

b(l)ack home, everything is a little different | E | 1205 words | Orion/Regulus/Sirius Black

At school, Regulus is distant with Sirius, resenting him for getting sorted into Gryffindor. At home, however, he regresses as soon as they step over the doorstep. There, Regulus is the sweet and affectionate little brother Sirius remembers.

So can Sirius really be blamed if he regresses back with his brother?

And can Orion really be faulted for loving his sons?

Sleep tight, baby boy | E | 3127 words | Orion/Sirius Black

After being disowned, Sirius becomes an escort to earn money, and his newest client is someone familiar…

maybe it‘s the way you say my name, M | 3277 words | 5/? chapters | Fred/George Weasley

Fred‘s feelings for his brother are changing, and he doesn’t know how much longer he‘ll be able to keep the secret.

Don‘t Make Me Say It | E | 423 words | Newt/Theseus Scamander

Newt and Theseus sneak away during the train scene for some one on one time.