#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.

[berryflavouredkoolaid]

Rosalie Jenkins - Harry Potter OC

~ General ~

Full Name: Rosalie Ethel Jenkins

Nickname(s): Rose, Rosie

Birthdate: April 12th, 1961

Blood Status: Half-Blood

Residence: London, England/New York City, New York | London, England

~ Physical Appearance ~

Hair Colour: Blonde

Eye Colour: Amber

Skin Tone: Pale

Body Type: Mesomorph

Height: 5’3

Misc: A slight gap between her two front teeth, freckles, a defined cupids bow, large, doeish eyes

~ Background ~

Hometown: London, England

Growing up in the wizarding community of Diagon Alley, Rosalie spent her childhood exploring the magical shops of the Alley and running wild in the streets of muggle London with her gang of siblings. One by one, the Jenkins children received their Hogwarts letters and left, until Rosalie was the only one left.

~ Magic & Schooling ~

Wand:

Wood: Applewood

Core: Phoenix Feather

Length: 11 1/2 Inches

Flexibility: Supple

House: Gryffindor

Best Class: Charms

Worst Class: Astronomy

Patronus: Dove

Patronus Memory: Stealing candy with her siblings in London

Boggart: A squirming tangle of worms

Riddikulus: They turns into a bunch of spaghetti noodles

Amortentia (what she smells like): Vanilla, lavender, marshmallow, roses

Amortentia (what she smells): Eucalyptus, black currant, sandalwood, Quidditch jersey

Mirror of Erised: Regulus

Quidditch: No—But she is the announcer

Prefect: Yes

Clubs: No

OWLs:

Transfiguration: Exceeds Expectations

Charms: Outstanding

Potions: Outstanding

Defence Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding

History of Magic: Acceptable

Astronomy: Dreadful

Herbology: Outstanding

Care of Magical Creatures: Exceeds Expectations

Divination: Acceptable

NEWTs:

Transfiguration: Exceeds Expectations

Charms: Outstanding

Potions: Outstanding

Defence Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding

Herbology: Exceeds Expectations

Career:

1971-1979: Student at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry

1979-1981: Healer-in-Training, Member of the Order of the Phoenix

1981-1995: Healer

1995-1998: Healer, Member of the Order of the Phoenix

1998-Retirement: Healer

~ Family ~

Mother: Jeanette “Jeanie” Carr

Jeanie Carr, an American aspiring journalist, spent the summer after her college graduation in London, hoping to expand her horizons. While there, she explored museums, concerts and met Thomas Jenkins. The pair fell hopelessly in love. Jeanie learned of Thomas’s magical heritage after their wedding, only 6 months after meeting. Needless to say, Jeanie stayed in London for much longer than just a summer. Twelve years, actually. Until, she received an offer of Editor-at-Large for Vogue. Thomas refused to follow her, adamant that their three children attend his alma aater. The pair separated, and divorced officially a year later. The custody agreement dictated that the three Jenkins children would spend at school in England and spend summer holidays with their mother. Jeanie visits for Christmas every year.

Father: Thomas Jenkins

The owner of an apothecary in Diagon Alley, Thomas Jenkins met Jeanie Carr four years after his graduation from Hogwarts. For him, it was love at first sight. However, it wouldn’t last. Adamant that their four children attend Hogwarts, Thomas refused to make the move across the pond to America with Jeanie. This culminated in their divorce. Thomas has the children Christmas and Easter break.

Eldest Brother: Thomas Jr. “Tommy” Jenkins

The eldest of the Jenkins children, Tommy was the first to attend Hogwarts. He was sorted into Hufflepuff. There, he met Ruth Cole, a Ravenclaw. Initially a harsh rivalry, By the time their 6th year rolled around, the pair were hopelessly smitten for each other and married the summer after their graduation. They have two children, Lorelai and Carter. Tommy took over his father apothecary in Diagon Alley.

Older Brother: Edward “Ed” Jenkins

Ed Jenkins, the first Gryffindor in the family, marked the beginning of a trend for the Jenkins children. Often the leader of their little gang, Ed became an Auror after his time at Hogwarts. He was killed in 1980 while fighting against a group of Death Eaters.

Older Sister: Wilhelmina “Billie” Jenkins

Hardly a year apart, Billie and Rose were always close. Really, the two were inseparable, Rose regards the year before she was allowed to go to Hogwarts as the worst of her life. During their time at Hogwarts, the Jenkins sisters were the social butterflies of Gryffindor house, with Billie’s bright-eyed, blunt charm, and Rosie’s upbeat and friendly personality, they were well-liked by most and befriended by many.

~ Personality & Traits ~

Personality: Despite her sweet-as-sugar demeanour, Rosie has a temper to match the Jenkins reputation and the knife-sharp tongue to wield it. However, she doesn’t anger easily. Rosie is usually very friendly and kind, always open to new people and experiences. She’s usually the one to smooth over arguments between her sister and other students. Rosie is naturally extroverted and dislikes being alone. She is very persistent and stubborn, to an infuriating degree. Rosie is very charismatic and lovable, with a particular talent for charming adults and older people.

Likes: The Beatles, sherbet, lemon flavour, roller-skating, embroidery, Quidditch announcements, dancing, jewelry, Fizzing Whizzbees, Star Wars, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, card games

Dislikes: Actually playing Quidditch, milk chocolate, driving, tight spaces, worms, honestly all bugs, coffee,

Hobbies: embroidery, roller skating, dancing, playing piano, playing cards

Favourite Place: Astronomy Tower

~ Relationships ~

Love Interest(s):

Mary MacDonald

Mary MacDonald was the kind of girl who was easy to fall in love with. With her easy charm, brash and outgoing personality and beauty, it’s no wonder she was Rosalie’s first love. Short and sweet, they decided to be just friends after only a few months.

Regulus Black

Rosalie met Regulus on the astronomy tower. She’d known him, of course. But she’d never really talked to him before. The Astronomy tower was her refuge, she’d go up to calm down and maybe have a smoke or just look at the stars. So imagine her shock and horror at finding Regulus Black in her normally undisturbed space. Somehow, the two ended up having a surprisingly civil and insightful conversation. They continued to meet at the Astronomy Tower, by coincidence or not, Rosalie could not be sure. Little by little, Rosalie began to consider Regulus a friend. They even tiptoed towards something more, when Regulus pulled away. All attempts to contact him were met with roadblocks, and Rosalie was left confused and heartbroken. Perhaps in a last ditch effort, or some final goodbye, Rosalie did something rather foolish. She told Regulus the address of her cottage in Ansty. Honestly, she never really expected anything from it but on December 21, 1979, Regulus Black appeared in her living room, half drowned and soaking wet, accompanied by a house elf. Rosalie fixed him up, and with a little back and forth with Auror Moody and other members of the Order, it was decided he would stay with her. It was….tumultuous to say the least. They fought, and talked and fought more and began to fall back in love. And the rest is history, I suppose.

Best Friend: Billie Jenkins/Maeve Leigh

Friends:

Joanne Archer

Sirius Black

Marlene Mckinnon

Mary MacDonald

Rivals:

Marcy Linshaw

Enemies:

Barty Crouch Jr.

Alecto Carrow

~ Misc. & Notes ~

In her first year, she made a habit of sharking the upperclassmen at cards and winning cigarettes, money, sweets and even the occasional favour. Once they wised up, no one would play with her.

Rosalie used to read her brother’s old textbooks when they got them to get ahead in school.

She became quidditch commentator in her 4th year.

She’s always been a bit of a crybaby, and cries at nearly everything.

Following her graduation, Rosalie accepted a spot as a Healer-in-Training at St. Mungo’s.

Her favourite holiday is Halloween. Every year, she and Billie do matching costumes and throw a massive party in the Gryffindor common room.

She has shit handwriting. It’s scribbly and hardly anyone can decipher it.

During her 6th and 7th years, Rosie interned with Madam Pomfrey in the infirmary. She helped with minor afflictions and injuries.

She has a small scar on her left leg from tripping and falling onto a rusty nail. She had to get 6 stitches and a tetanus shot.

{i will never not make an oc who loves joni mitchell}

[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?

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

Messy Christmas, Everyone

Fandom: Harry Potter,Marauders

Pairing: James Potter x Original Female Character, James Potter x Regulus Black, Sirius Black x Original Female Character

Characters: James Potter, Original Female Character, Sirius Black, Regulus Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Euphemia Potter, Fleamont Potter,

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 15370

Summary: Euphemia Potter always ensures Christmas is the most magical time of year for everyone but will a house full of heartbroken teenagers change that?

Tags/Warnings: Cheating, Unrequited Love, Betrayal, Established Relationship, Implied Homophobia, Black Family Dynamics, Angst, Fluff

Notes: yes its a month since christmas but ive been BUSY okay

Marauders Masterlist // Tag List

Anyone who was anyone in the wizarding world knew that Euphemia Potter’s Christmases were something to behold. Of course that could be said about anyone with money, and yet they were still no patch on Effie. From her lavish Christmas Eve soirees, inviting practically everyone they knew to enjoy the spirit of the season, to her Boxing Day brunches, designed to help those who’d overdone the sherry become semi-human again, she was a hit. And that was without mentioning the weeks she’d spend visiting the elderly, procuring gifts for the less fortunate, and ensuring her son and his friends had the best holiday season imaginable. It didn’t even factor in Christmas Day, which, though small in numbers, remained just as demure and special. In fact, one would think of Euphemia’s Christmases as the height of decorum and grace. Or at least they were.

✵✵✵

James could barely contain his excitement. It never failed to amaze him how excited he got around Christmas despite having firmly left his childhood long ago, if only by numbers a couple of years since. But come December first he was always caught up in the spirit, and it never failed to grow the moment he touched down at his parent’s house for Christmas. Granted he’d fared better than his friends, who hadn’t managed to escape the clutches of work until a couple of days before the big day, which was why he was standing in his bedroom, glancing outside at the expanse of snow-covered lawns outside and listening for the telltale crack of apparition that would signal his friend's arrivals. With each growing minute it failed to come, he grew more antsy, but he knew heading downstairs would only leave him open to being collared by his mother to help with some errand or chore. So, he sat listening, and the moment he heard a knock on the front door, he bolted down the stairs, ready to greet whichever of his friends had arrived first.

It was Peter, bundled in his thick coat and scarf with his suitcase dangling from his gloved hand. He could’ve only been there two minutes, but his nose and ears were tinged pink from the cold so that their familial embrace was shortened as James pulled him in from the snowy front step.

‘Have you come straight from work?’ James asked as he watched Peter strip his layers off, hanging them and his bag by the coat stand, where they’d no doubt be tidied away by the house-elves, revealing his suit and tie.

‘Had to. I thought I’d get some of the work out of the way before the holiday; that way I’ve nothing to worry about,’ Peter said.

‘Gave up on the ol’ leave-it-to-the-last-minute method from school?’ James teased.

‘Well, the number of detentions we got ourselves using that method kind of put me off,’ Peter said as he shrugged off his suit jacket and tossed it over his suitcase, loosening his tie as he did so.

‘Yeah, that’s true,’ James said, as the pair moseyed through to the drawing room. The fire was roaring, crackling gold flames that glinted off the ornate tile that surrounded it, throwing light and heat into the finely decorated room. Cakes, biscuits, and sandwiches adorned trays on the coffee table and were accompanied by a teapot and several cups. Even running errands Mrs. Potter would never be known not to cater to a guest.

‘Oh thank Merlin,’ Peter said as he sank onto a plush sofa, taking a sandwich from the tray as he went, ‘I’m bloody starving.’

‘You’re always starving,’ James smirked as he took a seat opposite him, pilfering a cake from the tray himself as a lazy flick of his wand started the teapot pouring a cup for him.

'Have been since I moved out of Mum and Dad's,' Peter said, sandwich rolling around his mouth as he spoke, 'then again they're not a patch on Hogwarts. Or here for that matter.'

'Well, I'm glad to hear it,' Euphemia said as she appeared at the door, a lanky nineteen-year-old Remus Lupin, standing by her shoulder. Both James and Peter sat up further at the appearance of their friend, and though his enthusiasm didn't quite meet theirs, most likely due to the deep purple bags under his eyes, he replied to their 'hello mates' with a weak, 'hiya.'

'Look who I found on the doorstep,' Euphemia said as she ushered him into the room, fussing over him as he slipped into a chair, 'looked barely awake enough to knock, poor thing.'

'I'm fine Euphemia, promise,' Remus protested weakly.

'That may be, but it's nothing a fresh pot of tea won't fix. And I'll get the elves to fix up your room right away so you can rest if you want,' Euphemia said.

'Thank you,' Remus said, patting the hand that was resting on his shoulder before she slipped out of the room. Once she was gone, he sank back into his chair, his eyes closing for a moment as the others watched him, waiting for him to settle, which he did, his smile tired but happy as he looked at them.

'Rough one?' James asked.

'S'alright,' Remus said with a yawn.

'Sorry I couldn't make it,' James said, 'Mum needed me to—’

'Don't worry about it,' Remus said, waving him off.

'You missed a good 'un though,' Peter said, 'I don't even remember making it through work the day after I was so tired.'

'Yeah, probably why I’m still aching,' Remus said, ‘Pads enjoyed himself though.'

'Speaking of, where is he?' James asked, curious to find his best friend and Remus’s roommate not in tow as normal. The truth was James was kind of glum he didn’t live with them. He and Sirius had always been thick as thieves, and it would've made sense for them to live together once inducted into the real world. But one failed relationship had steered him to a lonely apartment that felt all the lonelier recently with Remus and Sirius becoming closer than ever, at least that's how James felt every time that his other friend blew him off.

'Coming later,' Remus said with another yawn, 'said he had something to sort out.'

'What?' James said, trying to fight the feeling of rejection that he had been left out of yet something else.

‘Dunno,’ Remus shrugged before he leaned forward to make himself a cup of tea, touching the lukewarm pot to see if it was worth the effort. James was about to try and question him further, though he knew it wasn’t the man’s fault, but fortunately Peter distracted him by asking, ‘So, you all set for the big day?’

‘Not quite,’ Remus said first, settling back when he found the teapot not worth his trouble, ‘I’ve bought everything mind. Just been too tired to wrap it all.’

‘Ask Mum,’ James said, his frustration melting to sympathy in an instant, as it often did where Remus was involved.

‘No,’ Remus said, stubborn as he usually was when it came to accepting any form of help.

‘She’ll not care,’ James protested.

‘I do,’ Remus replied, an annoyance tinging his voice that everyone recognised was at himself rather than James.

‘Oh come on,’ James pleaded, ‘you don’t want to waste time sitting wrapping everything, and she’ll want the paper to match the rest for the look of it all anyway.’

‘He’s right. You know how Effie likes things to look proper,’ Peter agreed, ‘and once she sees the state of mine, she’ll probably rewrap them too, so you might as well—’

‘Might as well what,’ a low, velvet-like voice said, capturing their attention and forcing it to the doorway where Sirius was standing. He was sans a coat, but his outfit was a mix of layers offset by the glint of silver jewellery and his shoulder-length locks, which appeared to shine, no doubt due to the snow that had quickly melted once inside.

‘How did you get in?’ James asked, watching as he swanned into the room. rolling over the side of the high-backed armchair until he was sprawled across it.

‘Well, I’m not going to loiter on the doorstep, am I?’ Sirius asked, grinning at his friend as though that was the obvious answer, ‘Besides, Euphemia would never allow it.’

‘Can’t have her favourite child catching a chill, eh James?’ Peter chuckled, nudging James, who forced a weak chuckle at their banter, though his annoyance had mounted slightly upon seeing Sirius.

And if his annoyance at being ignored over the past few weeks wasn’t already biting at him, the surprise of hearing the sound of another visitor calling Sirius’ name was enough to make him seethe.

‘Oh, don’t just stand there,’ Sirius said, gesturing for Regulus, his brother, to come into the room instead of remaining in the doorway looking unsure and out of place. He stayed put, surveying the room until his eyes locked on James’ before dropping to the floor.

‘What’s he doing here?’ James said, his jaw tight and his words even stiffer.

‘Staying for the holiday,’ Sirius said nonchalantly, far too busy counting the cigarettes in the pack he’d produced from his top pocket to notice how he was being stared at. It was why his expression became curious as he looked up and found James watching him, seemingly annoyed, which was a rather rare occurrence for his normally happy-go-lucky friend. Sirius sat up in his chair and said, ‘I did run it past your Mum…she said it was fine.’

‘I can go if you want,’ Regulus said, his arms folding in indignation. James watched him, and then, acutely aware that all the boys were watching him with curiosity, he forced a smile and gestured for him to come into the room as he said, ‘It’s fine. More the merrier and all that.’

It was a rocky start from there. Regulus accepted the invitation, taking a seat in the chair next to his brother, but he didn’t speak, opting to shrink back and remain out of the conversation as if he weren’t even there at all. And since it had been a while since they’d all hung out together, he wasn’t really missed. The four had gone from spending every day together at school to seeing each other when time permitted, which recently hadn’t been much. And as they spoke and chatted over another round of tea, toddled in by Bonnie the house-elf, James realised his annoyance wasn’t at being left out but rather missing his friend. And as he thought about it, he realised it wasn’t Sirius’ fault solely. Sure, he had been busy but so had James. He had a new woman in his life, and given the disaster his last one had turned out to be, this one he had been taking extra time to tend.

Hence why the topic of conversation steered that way as Remus asked, ‘So the new girl is coming today, right?’

‘Yeah,’ James said, ‘she’ll be here later.’

‘Isobel’s coming?’ Sirius asked.

‘Yeah,’ James said, ‘have to let her meet the parents sometime.’

‘Yeah, I guess,’ he replied quietly, ‘I just didn’t realise things were that serious I guess.’

‘I thought you were serious,’ Peter mused, earning a roll of the eyes from Sirius, though it seemed lacklustre. James didn’t even have time to ponder it because a small voice spoke from Sirius’ side, dark questioning eyes watching him as he asked, ‘Is Isobel your girlfriend?’

‘Yeah,’ James said.

‘I thought you and Lily—’

‘We broke up,’ James said curtly, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling he got whenever someone spoke the redhead's name. Regulus nodded.

‘Yeah, a year ago,’ Peter said, ‘besides, you and Isobel have been going out for some time now, right?’

‘Few months,’ James said.

‘Longer if you count all the time she spent hanging around your department,’ Peter mused.

‘About as much time as you spend hanging about our department, eh, Wormy,’ Sirius said tightly, making the other man’s smile dim quickly. Remus cleared his throat and grabbed another biscuit, turning all eyes on him as he asked, ‘So what’s the plan?’

‘All the usual stuff,’ James shrugged.

‘I expect Effie’s got everything planned to a T,’ Remus mused.

‘Think we could get in a game of Quidditch?’ Sirius asked.

‘Ooh, we could probably get a good three-on-three going,’ Peter said excitedly, ‘if Isobel and Regulus will play.’

‘Shouldn’t be a problem, right Reg?’ Sirius asked. Regulus looked at him and then at the others before he nodded tightly.

‘Great,’ Remus sighed.

‘Oh, don’t be so glum, Moony. It is Christmas after all,’ Sirius said. But as the pair of them got into talking about the excitement of the season, James watched as Regulus put his cup down on the end table beside him and then rose from his seat. Eyes flicked his way before going back to the conversation, accepting his mumbled, ‘toilet,’ as an acceptable excuse as he slipped from the room. He had barely been out of the room a minute before James stood too, garnering more attention than the previous departure, which he dismissed by saying, ‘I just realised I should probably show him where it is.’

He slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him, and headed down the corridor, yet he didn’t find Regulus anywhere. He could hear the elves in the kitchen and the sounds of movement in the drawing room, but down this end of the house it was quiet. He had even started to wonder if not being familiar with the house had meant that Regulus had gone upstairs in search of a lavatory, but his wondering was cut short as a downstairs bathroom door opened just ahead of him and Regulus slipped out.

He looked startled to find James lurking outside but recovered quickly, keeping his head high as he attempted to walk past him. James, however, caught him by the arm.

‘What are you doing?’ he asked harshly.

‘Using your loo. Or is that a crime now?’ Regulus asked with disdain.

‘You know what I mean,’ James said tightly, his eyes flicking up the hallway, not that his voice was loud enough to carry down the corridor.

‘Don’t ask me,’ Regulus said.

‘Well I am,’ James replied.

‘I’m here to enjoy Christmas,’ Regulus said sarcastically, finally realising his arm was still in James’ iron grip, which he promptly wrenched himself from, moving himself further away once he realised just how close they had been. James seemed to notice it too, the rush of cold air on his face now that Regulus was no longer close feeling sharper than he had expected, and painful enough he couldn’t help but breathe, ‘Reg—’

‘I’ve been staying with Sirius,’ Regulus said quietly.

‘Why?’ James asked, his brows knitting together worriedly.

‘What do you care?’ Regulus scoffed, rolling his eyes, but James just continued to watch him worriedly, whatever animosity he’d been feeling towards the boy melting just enough for Regulus to say, ‘I left. For good, if you must know.’

‘Better late than never I suppose,’ James quipped, ‘You should’ve said.’

‘Would it make a difference?’ Regulus asked, watching James as he pondered it and glanced guiltily at his shoes, ‘thought not.’

Using the silence, Regulus moved away from him, headed back up to the others, where the encounter was sure to be ignored, not talked about like every other moment they’d ever shared before now. Though as he heard James speak, he faltered.

‘You chose that remember,’ James said quietly, watching as the boy turned, his eyes dark and stormy. He didn’t say anything, but James watched him take a steadying breath before he turned around and headed away. James didn’t say anything; he didn’t know what to say. Instead, he slipped into the bathroom himself and willed himself not to fall apart.

✵✵✵

Isobel Rookwood had never had a Christmas away from home. If truth be told, she hadn’t really planned to spend this holiday season anywhere but her family home, but when her parents had informed her that they were going to be spending two weeks on the other side of the globe visiting her brother, she hadn’t had anywhere else to go. And so just like that she became another waif and stray to be collected by the Potters. And it wasn’t that she didn’t want to spend time with her boyfriend; their first holiday together was one she wanted to spend apart; no, it was nothing like that. It was just that it all felt too soon, too rushed. They’d only been together a few months, and now she was going to spend the next four days being paraded around the who’s who of the wizarding world as James Potter’s new beau.

And love him as she did, she couldn't shake this uncertain feeling inside her whenever she thought of the fixedness of it all. It was a feeling that grew as there was a knock on the door. James wouldn’t wait for her to answer, which filled her with nerves as she called, ‘Come in,’ to whoever it was lurking on the other side of the door. Fortunately, it was a familiar face, if one that made that feeling of uncertainty turn into butterflies.

‘Hi, James sent me up to see how you were getting on,’ Sirius said as he poked his head around the door before coming in and shutting it behind him, ‘Are you ready?’

‘Yeah, nearly done,’ Isobel said, making sure to pull a jumper from the pile in her suitcase upon seeing Sirius’ full Quidditch attire. She wasn’t a big fan of the game, but the boys had begged her to play the moment she had arrived, and so she had used unpacking as leverage to avoid it for as long as possible. Now her time was up, evidenced by the fact Sirius lingered by the door.

‘You don’t have to wait for me you know,’ she said quietly.

‘I know,’ he said, watching as she continued to unpack, his eyes like fire as they danced across her skin. Isobel tried to ignore him and the butterflies running rampant inside her.

‘I thought you were going home for Christmas,’ he said, a statement cloaked in a hint of accusation. It was true that was supposed to be the plan; it was the thing he’d clung to when he’d heard her mention it. Spending every day in an office with James rabbiting on about her had been torture enough, let alone spending four days in the same house.

‘I was,’ she said, swallowing thickly, ‘my parents have gone to Australia to visit my brother for a couple of weeks, and I couldn’t get the time off work, so I couldn’t go.’

‘So you’re not…’ Sirius said, his words fading as she looked up at him.

‘Not what?’ she asked.

‘I thought this might be…’ he said, going quiet again, which made her raise her brows in expectation, ‘getting serious… with James.’

‘Is that a surprise?’ she asked, ‘it’s been a few months after all.’

‘So he’s the one?’ Sirius asked, his gaze dropping to his feet as she looked at him, that feeling of uncertainty rife inside her.

‘I don’t believe in ones,’ she said, snapping his gaze up towards her. His eyes were dark and stormy, but full of hope, which made her heart squeeze heavily in her chest. Still, she stayed firm, the point they had danced around for months remaining the axis on which she was going to continue to move around, ‘I believe in telling people how you feel about them and not just sitting by…bowing out.’

‘I didn’t bow out,’ Sirius said, whatever upset he’d been feeling overcome by indignation. He leaned up from the wall he’d been resting against, coming towards her so that they were just a foot apart, but all she did was look at him, her green eyes begging him to go further as they always had. When he didn’t elaborate, she sighed, ‘Well, you didn’t exactly fight either.’

‘So using James was the answer?’ he rebutted, making her mouth fall into a scowl.

‘I am not using him,’ she snapped, ‘He asked me out, and I accepted. He’s a nice guy, and I like him a lot, and well-’

‘Well what?’ he asked, though he’d been through it a thousand times in his mind to know what she was going to say.

‘I asked you before we got in any deeper, and you-’

‘I didn’t say anything,’ he said.

‘Exactly,’ she sighed, her hand reaching out to touch his chest, stopping him from coming any closer, ‘you didn’t say anything to stop it. So don’t do this.’

‘I'm not,’ Sirius started, though he knew what he had been doing. He shouldn’t be up here. He’d tried his damndest to stay away from her, as hard as it had been, as it meant staying away from James too. He’d chosen to let her get away when he hadn’t needed to, and now he couldn’t help himself but want it, want her.

‘Don’t make trouble,’ Isobel warned, ‘not here, not to them. Not at Christmas.’

Sirius looked down at her and then at the hand keeping him at arm's length. He wanted to grab it and yank her towards him. He wanted to kiss her; James, Christmas, and Euphemia’s plans be damned. But she was right. He’d had his chance and he blew it; now he just needed to stay away from her, and so he nodded, ‘No trouble from me.’

✵✵✵

There was an uneasy tension when Isobel got down to the Quidditch pitch, a field adjoining the vast gardens of the Potter’s luxurious manor house, and it deepened as James pulled her into him the second she got close enough, kissing her temple. She didn’t dare look at Sirius but kept her gaze straight only to find his brother glaring at her. Isobel threw him a weak smile and looked away, her mind whirring at the possibility that Sirius had confided in the boy.

‘So,’ James said, as he bent down to undo the latch on the box of Quidditch balls, ‘I figured three on three. First team to say ten goals?’

‘Ten?’ Remus groaned as James handed him the uncharmed quaffle before pulling the rapidly twitching snitch from its snare and slipping it in his pocket before kicking the box shut, the two vibrating bludgers protesting as they fell out of view.

‘Yeah, some of us are actually good players Moony, so it won't take that long,’ James grinned.

‘Speaking of, how are we dividing the teams?’ Sirius asked.

‘Hadn’t thought,’ James shrugged, ‘what do you reckon?’

‘Well, I’m not very good,’ Isobel said meekly.

‘That makes two of us,’ Remus replied sympathetically.

‘In that case, how about me, Pete, and Moony vs. you, Reg, and Iz?’ Sirius said, her vow about not making trouble ringing in his ears. After all, it was easier not to make trouble when she was a pitch away.

‘No, I mean Reg,’ he said quickly, tripping over the nickname as he protested, ‘Regulus is a seeker, isn’t he? Isobel isn’t great at passing, so he wouldn’t be able to seek if we’re all on one team. How about me, you, and Isobel seeking? Regulus, Moony, and Pete?’

‘No offence, but I’ve seen Pettigrew play,’ Regulus sniped, earning himself a scowl from Peter, ‘if I’m going to have the self-confessed poor player, I want someone with skill too.’

‘It’s just a three-on-three,’ Remus said, rolling his eyes.

‘Fine, I’ll swap,’ Sirius said, feigning heartbreak at being placed opposite James. James watched him go, volunteering all too easily, which made those suspicions and upsets from yesterday creep into his mind once more. But there was no point arguing as Sirius stood staunchly beside his brother, the pair of them both so calm and collected that protesting the lineup of a measly Quidditch match would surely make him look insane.

‘Fine,’ James said as he kicked open the ball box, ‘but since the stakes are fair we might as well play properly.’

And with a flick of his wand, two bludgers flew into the air, and he strode off to pick his broom up from the rack nearby.

Regulus loved Quidditch. He always had, from the moment he had been taught how to, mainly because it meant he didn’t have to be inside that house. His gloomy, depressing house that smothered every inch of him. He could be free. Not only that, but it had also been one of the only times he and Sirius could play together, truly together, without their laughter or happiness being heard from a few rooms away and snuffed out. His parents wanted their children to learn so as not to show them up when they landed at school, but they had no interest in doing the schooling. It was probably for the best and probably the reason the Black brothers were incredible players, even when playing a small three-on-three match. They were three goals ahead and homing in on a fourth. In Regulus’ opinion, Remus was an okay player, but James’ reluctance to release the snitch until they’d managed to have some gameplay was a good idea, as it allowed Regulus to act as a chaser alongside his brother rather than a seeker full time.

Isobel, however, was not a good player. She could fly, he supposed, but she was textbook in her movements, her hands barely leaving the broom handle even if she did control it right. He was watching her, the pause he’d taken to look for the snitch James had just released leading him to watch her looking for it too. Then he found himself staring too long, wondering what it was James saw in her. He’d half expected her to be a redhead, fiery and determined like Lily had been, though looking at her now, her caramel hair half hid by a hat and scarf, he had to commend James. He certainly didn’t have a type. So what was it that lured him in? He’d learnt from Remus this morning at breakfast that they’d met at work. She had a job in the magical law office, which worked with their department quite a bit, and upon meeting him she’d then kept appearing, lingering like a bad smell he suspected.

Maybe she was nice, funny even. Maybe James’ heart had healed enough that the first person taking an interest, or at least the person in the nearest proximity, had appealed to him. Maybe they had a raft of things in common, Quidditch clearly not being one of them. Or maybe, he reasoned to himself, maybe when the time came, she actually chose him. Maybe she hadn't been too scared to put herself on the line. After all, what good had it done anyway? He’d left his family behind when it had come down to it, and now it was too late to go back. James had moved on. To this pretty blonde thing, a pretty blonde thing moving down the pitch at speed. Regulus looked ahead of her, seeing a glint of gold down by the goal posts. The others were down the other end of the pitch, and if he didn’t move she’d surely catch it, and so he zoomed down towards her. She startled as he arrived by her side, moving ahead of her as they both zigged and zagged after the ball taunting them. As it flew ahead he pushed on, but so did she, back towards the others who’d noticed their race for the snitch. As they got down to the halfway point of the pitch, she braved taking her hand off the broom, reaching it out as she pushed ahead. Her fingertips brushed against it gently before it moved out of reach. She tried again, grabbing her broom once more as it weaved left. It was on her side of the pitch; to reach he'd have to lean over her, which was getting harder to do as she pushed ahead of him. Regulus watched himself lag behind, her fingers inches from gold, and before he knew what he was doing, his own hand had reached out, yanking the bunch of stiff bristles with his left hand. The broom fell down, slipping from her grasp as she’d only had the one hand holding on.

And then everything went into slow motion. Regulus was still moving, watching as she fell towards the ground, desperately trying to hold on and regain control as he moved further away, unable to make his brain switch on to help. She was nearing the ground, the broom and her head surely going to splinter into pieces as they hit the frozen earth, but then she wasn’t falling; she was dangling from his brother’s hand as he flew low, decanting her onto the floor in a heap.

Isobel lay on the ground, the hand that had been reaching out for the snitch now twisted underneath her torso in a painful direction. She didn’t know how she’d gotten there; all she had felt was a hand on her back, holding her as she descended roughly onto the ground to make her contact with the floor come somewhat slower than before. In instinct she’d put her hands out as if she could push the ground away and stop the impact. For a moment it was quiet; the sounds of the boys hadn’t hit her yet, which meant she could lay there and assess the damage before chaos descended.

And descend it did. It started gently. Sirius was the first to land and fuss over here.

‘Are you okay?’ he asked as he knelt beside her, concern in his grey eyes as his hands hovered, unsure of where to look first.

‘Fine,’ she said weakly, ‘my wrist hurts.’

‘Lemme see,’ he said, taking her wrist gently in his hands as he looked at it. She hissed making him frown, but the pain was starting to kick in, as was the swelling, ‘anything else?’

‘No, just hit everything a bit rough, but that bent under me,’ she said.

‘I tried to drop you as gracefully as I could,’ he admitted, sorrow on his face, though it was far from his fault, and in fact, quite impressive he’d managed to get to her at all given the distance he was away. Though he must have been closer than James, who was only just touching down, the other boys were close behind him.

‘Are you okay?’ he asked, dropping to his knees beside her, his hand on her cheek.

‘Fine,’ she nodded, ignoring the twinge in her wrist as Sirius dropped it, causing it to fall into her lap.

‘You could’ve been killed!’ he protested.

‘It’s fine,’ she lied, the severity of the situation dawning on her and making her feel queasy, ‘it was just an accident.’

‘What even happened?’ Sirius asked, ‘First you were up, then you were plummeting to the ground.’

‘We saw the snitch. Both tried to get it, but he got my broom instead. It just fell from under me,’ she said. She hadn’t seen what had happened, but she had felt the yank, the tugging of the broom sliding out from between her legs where she couldn’t catch it.

‘What?’ James said quietly, looking towards Regulus. He stood there watching further away from everyone and more ashen faced than she’d ever seen him, the Black family's pale complexion now looking gaunt instead of ethereal.

‘You did this?’ he asked, rising to his feet.

‘It was an accident,’ Regulus said weakly.

‘An accident!?’ he asked, striding towards him and grabbing him by the jumper, ‘you could've bloody killed her!’

‘James!’ Isobel squealed.

‘All for what? A bloody match? Couldn’t bear the thought of someone winning—'

‘Prongs, mate, come on, he didn’t mean it,’ Remus said, moving towards them, trying to get in between the pair, though their eyes never left each other. Isobel glanced at Sirius, half wondering why he wasn’t intervening, but his normal protectiveness over his younger sibling seemed all but gone. In fact, the way he was looking at James hinted at an agreement.

‘I got lost in the game,’ Regulus said, ‘you’re telling me you’ve never gotten caught up in the moment.’

James was about to respond, but Regulus’ eyes were watching him, boring into his face with a knowing look that sent flashes of all the moments he’d ever gotten caught in a moment back to him. The truth was James had often lost himself in a moment, lost himself in Regulus himself. With that he loosened his grip, shoving him away from him as he turned his attention back on Isobel. The group was rather silent as James helped her up, Sirius moving dutifully out of the way as the pair walked back towards the house.

‘Well, we better sort the stuff out,’ Remus said, but Sirius waved him off, his eyes on Regulus, who was picking up his broom, checking it hadn’t become too damaged when he’d thrown it down in haste, but he stopped when he felt his brother’s eyes on him.

‘We’ll sort it,’ Sirius said firmly. Regulus glared at him and watched as Remus and Peter nodded, sensing this was a family matter, and headed the way the others had gone.

Regulus didn’t give him time to speak, busying himself with levitating the remaining brooms into an orderly line that he started to walk back towards the garage. Sirius kicked the ball box open and flicked his wand to corral the outstanding equipment into their places. Once they were firmly locked away, he slammed it shut and levitated it behind him, storming after his brother.

‘What was that?’ Sirius said the moment they were in the safety of the garage.

‘Could ask you the same,’ Regulus scoffed, arranging the brooms in their holders.

‘Don’t look away and throw out pithy little remarks hoping I'm not going to follow you up,’ Sirius snapped, throwing the ball box down onto the shelf. 

‘It was an accident,’ Regulus lied, finally turning to face him.

‘You yanked her broom from under her,’ Sirius whispered harshly, ‘I watched you do it.’

‘I was going for the snitch,’ Regulus grunted.

‘Yeah?’ Sirius challenged, ‘because I’ve seen you play, that snitch was miles ahead of you there was no way you'd reach it from there. The only thing that would've helped was being Iz out the way.’

‘It was an accident,’ Regulus reiterated coolly.

‘Like when Narcissa fell down the stairs?’ Sirius challenged.

‘She tripped on the—’

‘Carpet? Yeah, I know,’ Sirius said, ‘but it was your magic that moved it.’

‘I was eight!’ Regulus scoffed.

‘And jealous and petty. Like you’re being now the only reason I don’t know why,’ Sirius said.

‘Because there isn’t a reason. I don’t even know her,’ Regulus said, rolling his eyes, ‘question is, why do you care about her so much?’

‘She’s James’ girlfriend. He’s family,’ Sirius lied.

‘Is that it?’ Regulus said, his eyebrow raising in a way that made Sirius’ fist clench by his side, old sibling rivalries bubbling inside him.

‘If you’ve got something to say. Say it,’ Sirius spat.

‘Oh, I’ve got nothing to say,’ Regulus smirked, moving towards him so that they were face to face, ‘but maybe stop flinging accusations about. Could get messy, and like you said, they’re family.’

Sirius clenched his jaw but said nothing, allowing Regulus to move past him and out through the garage door. Some Christmas this was turning out to be.

✵✵✵

‘James,’ Isobel sighed, watching as he shirked off his jumper huffily and threw it across the room at the washing basket. He’d been ranting the whole way back to the house, even dismissing his mother as she had called after them after catching a glance of them walking by the kitchen. He’d stomped off upstairs as if he couldn’t hear her leaving Isobel to shrug apologetically at her from the bottom of the stairs before she followed him.

‘Don’t tell me it’s fine,’ James huffed, pushing his rain-drizzled hair back out of his face, which made it stick up more than usual.

‘But it is fine,’ Isobel said. In all honesty, she didn’t know why he was so het up about the thing. Yes, it could’ve gone horribly wrong, but it hadn’t. And it had been an accident; she didn’t even know Regulus well enough to think of why it wouldn’t be. She just needed James to focus on the positives.

‘Look,’ she said, ignoring the twinge in her wrist as she ensnared her arms around his neck and forced him to look at her, ‘it could've been bad; I get that, but Regulus didn’t mean it, and Sirius caught me in time.’

‘I should’ve caught you,’ James said guilty.

‘Is that why you're so upset?’ she asked. When James didn’t answer, she sighed, ‘it happened so fast. Sirius was closer. If you could have helped, you would have. I know that.’

‘I could though. I wasn’t much further than Sirius; he just moved like lightning,’ James said. Suddenly the idea of Sirius soaring to her rescue and the memory of him holding her injured hand flooded her brain, and she started to feel as guilty as James looked.

‘We never know how we’re gonna react in those situations,’ she said, swallowing the lump in her throat, ‘you probably panicked because it was me. It doesn’t mean anything.’

‘Yeah,’ he said quietly, and she wasn’t sure if she had convinced him or herself of it.

‘Look, why don’t you go get me some ice? My wrist is still twinging,’ she said.

‘Okay,’ James nodded.

‘And then maybe you could run me a bath?’ she said, ‘get rid of the cold and wet and maybe put us in a better mood.’

‘Us?’ James said, a curl of a smile appearing on his lips.

‘Well, it's no fun bathing alone; besides, it's not like we can hide away. We’ve got dinner to attend,’ she smiled, pecking him on the lips before pushing him away. James beamed and headed to the door, closing it behind him and leaving her alone with her thoughts.

As she peeled her damp jumper off she thought about the look in Sirius’ eyes, the worry. And as much as she’d told him that she had no inclination of causing trouble and that if she wanted action, it was months ago when this had all begun, she couldn't help but like it.

✵✵✵

Dinner was a fairly excruciating affair. Euphemia was nothing if not a good host, and so the idea of tensions running rampant under her roof made her go into overdrive to make everyone feel good. Fortunately, her years of graciousness towards the boys had left them dutiful and respectful enough to let tensions peter out as they chatted around the dinner table, even if they all quickly headed to bed once they could safely escape. But Isobel’s tension didn’t disappear, keeping her awake all night as she thought about everything. It had been foolish to come here she supposed. To put temptation in her own path when Sirius had been so determined to keep her at arm’s length. But if truth be told, she did miss him.

She'd been his friend first. Their flats close enough that their journey to the ministry overlapped frequently enough for it to become noticeable. A smile turning to a hi. Two journeys becoming one. Her new role meant she was now in and out of his office. Their work together somehow turning to lunch. And then James. He just fit in somehow, on the periphery at first, but then she felt the shift. Sirius must’ve too, but he didn’t say anything. And then one lunch she’d invited him to go and see a new band play at a muggle pub in the east of London. Only he’d brought James, and Peter and Remus. He didn’t even say anything when he walked her to her front door. The next day James had asked her out, and rather pettily she’d said yes because she did like James. And when she’d asked, dancing around the subject like they were prone to do, Sirius had said nothing.

James had healed her broken heart unbeknownst to him. Sirius had pulled away, leaving her empty, but James helped fill that void, and she loved him; she did. But with Sirius there, around her, caring about her like he had today, it felt like a different thing altogether. Around three am she’d finally succumbed to sleep, and when she awoke, she was alone. Her eyes were tired; she’d definitely need some pepper-up potion to get through a party tonight, but her wrist was no longer hurting, which she supposed was a bonus. Though it was harder to focus alone. James’ aura filled a room, made her thoughts disappear just for a while, and he was missing. She got out of bed and got changed before going downstairs to investigate.

She didn’t dare go into the vast amount of rooms of the Potter's mansion. After all, she had only met them a day ago, and now without James around she felt rather awkward; she was just hoping to bump into Peter or Remus first. After yesterday she didn’t think seeing Sirius or Regulus for that matter would go down well.

When she wandered into the kitchen she was met by Euphemia, who was poring over a list on the counter, her reading glasses perched on the end of her nose that she looked over as Isobel came into the room, ‘Hi darling. Sleep okay?’

‘Great,’ Isobel lied, scoping the room and finding it was just them, ‘where’s James?’

‘He’s headed into town,’ she said, her attention dropping back to her list.

‘Oh, he, uh, he didn’t say,’ Isobel said.

‘My guess is he’s got a bit of last-minute shopping to do,’ Euphemia sighed.

‘For me you mean?’ she asked. Euphemia looked up worriedly, ‘oh please don’t mark it as a reflection on him sweetheart! Merlin knows he’s got a heart of gold but not much skill on the organisational front.’

‘That’s men in general,’ Isobel ribbed, ignoring the way the ‘heart of gold’ comment made her own squeeze in her chest.

‘Don’t worry! He took Sirius with him so I’m sure they can muster the brainpower between them,’ Euphemia said.

‘Just Sirius?’ Isobel said uneasily.

‘Yes, but don’t worry; the others are around somewhere,’ she said, packing up her notepad under her arm and pushing her glasses onto her head as she watched the girl, lost in her own thoughts, ‘unless you want to come with me?’

‘Where?’ Isobel asked.

‘The shelter down in town. It’s sorting donations, food, and the like for tomorrow,’ Euphemia said, her own charitable nature dropping into conversation without a second thought, proving that heart of gold was surely generational.

‘Yeah, go on then,’ Isobel said, hoping that doing at least one good deed today would help her stop feeling so uneasy.

✵✵✵

The shelter did help Isobel to clear her head, as did the manic nature of the house when she got back and found everyone rallying around to get the finishing touches ready for the Christmas Eve party. Caterers, decorators, and unfamiliar faces appeared at every avenue. Euphemia immediately took charge, descending into the chaos unfazed whilst Isobel slipped upstairs to James's room. She moved into the adjoining bathroom, slipping her jumper off as she flicked her wand to fill the bathtub. The water was thunderous against the porcelain, making it hard to hear anything, which was why she squealed as she felt a pair of arms encircle her waist.

‘Hi,’ James whispered, pressing a kiss to her cheek as she straightened up, allowing him to rest his chin on her shoulder.

‘Hi,’ she said, placing her hands on the arms wrapped around her.

‘You’re back late,’ he said, ‘spending time with my mother too much fun, eh?’

‘I was abandoned,’ she mused, ‘I missed you. Your mother’s bounding enthusiasm made it feel as though you were never away.’

‘I had to be. Sirius needed me,’ James said.

‘Why?’ Isobel said, any tension she'd relieved bubbling back up inside her.

‘Christmas shopping,’ James replied.

‘Not yours then,’ she asked, moving herself out of his arms so that she was facing him. James grinned, ‘maybe, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow before you find out. C'mon, let's get ready. If we don’t make it downstairs soon my mother will make sure we won't make it till tomorrow.’

✵✵✵

By the time Isobel and James appeared from their room, the chaos of downstairs seemed to have melted away. As they stood on the landing, they could hear low music and demure chatter waft up towards them rather than the clunking of furniture being arranged and the buzz of staff speaking to one another. They descended the stairs to the foyer where a couple of staff were loitering, awaiting the door to go or the fire to illuminate as someone floo’d in. Inside the living room, as arranged, Remus and Peter were sat waiting and chatting amicably by the roaring fire. James sank into an armchair and pulled Isobel to sit on his lap.

‘Where’s Padfoot?’ James asked, glancing at the door as if he expected the boy to walk straight in, the pair of them usually as late as one another.

‘Probably styling his hair within an inch of its life to get it to fall in a naturally chic way,’ Remus said.

‘Or debating how many buttons to unbutton to get just the right amount of allure for those middle-aged witches who have a thing for him,’ Peter added. James smirked. Isobel, however, felt a heat in her cheeks, not caused by the fire crackling beside her, and so slid from James’ lap, finding his hand capturing hers as she stood, ‘bathroom. Two ticks.’

James let her go and resumed conversation with the boys as she flitted towards the exit, though as she got outside the door she bumped into someone. Sirius. As predicted, he was dressed in a dark black dress shirt, buttoned so low that a glint of jewellery could be seen amongst pale flesh. Atop that he had a dark velvet blazer, which his hair danced along the collar of, tickling along his jawline.

‘Sorry,’ she breathed.

‘It’s okay,’ he smiled, bending down to grab the clutch bag she’d dropped upon collision, ‘here.’

‘Thanks,’ she said as he handed it back, their fingers brushing along one another’s for a brief moment, ‘everyone's in there.’

‘Right,’ Sirius nodded, far too happy where he was currently standing to bother heading to his friends. In the twelve hours since he’d seen her, he’d missed her more than in the months he’d been pushing her away, especially given all James had put him through trudging around the shops this morning.

‘I’m going to the toilet,’ she said firmly, though her feet didn’t move.

‘Okay,’ Sirius said. Isobel nodded, as if convincing herself, and then forced her feet to walk ahead, her heels clacking against the polished wood until he said, ‘Iz?’

Isobel turned to look at him despite herself.

‘You look really nice,’ he said, his smile sadder than it had been.

‘You too,’ Isobel said, her own matching his before she toddled off in search of a toilet. Sirius took a deep breath, but before he could walk into the living room, he heard someone clear their throat and turned to find Regulus watching him with a bemused expression on his face. Sirius scowled, ‘you’re late. They’re waiting for us.’

‘They’re waiting for you,’ Regulus corrected as he joined his brother, ‘none of them want me here.’

‘I wonder why. You’re such a delight,’ Sirius muttered, and before his brother could retaliate, he headed into the living room.

‘Finally,’ Remus sighed as the pair came in, loitering by the seating area instead of sitting down.

‘I know I’m starving,’ Peter said, rising from his seat quickly, as did the others.

‘Hang on, Isobel’s not here yet,’ James said.

‘We passed her as we came in. She’s just in the loo, right Sirius?’ Regulus said, watching his brother, who threw him a dirty look but recovered quickly to say, ‘yeah we can probably wait outside for her. Don’t suppose she’ll be long.’

‘Not too long I hope; otherwise most of the canapés will be gone at this rate,’ Peter said.

‘I hope they’ve got those little shrimp things they had last year,’ Remus said as the group meandered to the doorway. Isobel was just outside when they got there.

‘Oh, you’re all ready,’ she said.

‘Yeah, come on,’ James said, taking her hand and pulling her to him. Since yesterday he’d found himself doing that more often. Whether the incident of almost losing her had scared him or because every time he did it he felt Regulus’ eyes on him, he didn’t know. And if it was the latter, he didn’t know why he enjoyed that so much. Still he couldn’t help but lace his words scathingly as he added, ‘we’re already late. My mother will be having a stroke.’

At that, Regulus’ eyes turned steadily away, and he took rank with Remus and Peter, who were oblivious to all the goings-on and much more party or rather food orientated. Spying his chance, Sirius slipped in between the happy couple and the others, Regulus confirmation that he had heard everything between him and Isobel making him nervous. So much for a party atmosphere.

✵✵✵

If James had found his friend's behaviour over the past few months odd, he didn’t show it, not even when he was hit in the face with a complete one eighty of actions. Sirius stayed by his side all night. Of course they never really strayed from the group, the majority of people at the party being his parents friends rather than people their age, but even when they did spot someone they knew from school or work or had the opportunity to network, Sirius stayed by his side. He'd even gone to the loo at one point, and when he'd emerged from the bathroom, he found Sirius waiting outside patiently for him. Actually, it was quite like having Padfoot around, trailing behind him dutifully like man's best friend does. And because of it, Regulus seemed determined to keep his distance, which was fortunate. He was still angry with him. For the Quidditch thing. For coming here uninvited, by him at least. For stirring up all the feelings he’d long since stuffed inside of him.

It always struck him as odd that he was definitely the most emotionally healthy one of all his friends and yet he'd never managed to deal with this situation. It hurt too much. Coming to terms with himself only to be told it wasn't worth it had done a number on him, so had hurting Lily, who had been blindsided and yet the epitome of a good friend. She'd never exposed him; she’d never betrayed his confidence, even in all her hurt. Most of their friends understood it to be an amicable split when it was far from it. And now he was back in his life. He couldn't do that again. Not to someone else, so keeping his distance—that was the best plan all around.

However, keeping his distance and also sticking to Sirius like glue had meant one issue. He’d lost Isobel. He couldn’t spot her amongst the throng of people, and more importantly, he couldn’t spot Regulus. His mind started whirring.

‘Where’s Isobel?’ James said, scanning the crowd once more. Sirius looked around too.

‘I don’t know,’ he said, ‘toilet maybe?’

‘When did we last see her?’ James probed.

‘About five minutes ago?’ Sirius said, looking to his friend with concern, ‘why what's up?’

‘Nothing, just I’m gonna go look for her. Save her getting caught by some bore from transport or something,’ James said, causing an "Oi!’ to come from Peter, who was sat in a window nook beside them, chomping down his tenth canape, who happened to work in that department.

‘Sorry mate,’ James said without thought before he took off, snaking through the various gathered groups of partygoers.

He made it halfway across the vast ballroom, throwing out ‘excuse mes’ and ‘pardons’ every five seconds to get by, but before he could get to the door, he was stopped by his mother, who peeled herself away from the group of people she had been chatting to as she said, ‘There you are.’

‘Mum, I’ve not really got time—’ James protested, assuming he was about to be dragged into conversation, but his mother ignored him, moving her hand to his hair to flatten it, though he was half a foot taller than her at least. He pressed on, ‘I’m looking for Isobel.’

‘I’m sure I’ve just seen her head out to the hall,’ Euphemia said, ‘but that’s not why I want you.’

‘Why what is it?’ James asked knowing refusing anything his mother wanted him to do was no use.

‘Why don’t you take your friend with you?’ she said.

‘The boys are fine here,’ James said, glancing at the three of them huddled away in the corner, not engaging granted, but not causing trouble, which in their case was always a bonus.

‘I don’t mean them,’ Euphemia said, glancing to another corner where Regulus was sitting in another window nook, watching the world go by with the most passive of expressions as if he wasn’t even in the room.

‘He’s not hurting anyone,’ James said.

‘Oh I know, but this is a party darling,’ Euphemia said, still managing to fuss over his appearance as she dusted non-existent lint off his shoulder, ‘he doesn’t have to stay down here if he doesn’t want to. Just go and tell him that.’

‘He’s a grown-up,’ James said, his jaw tightening. ‘he can leave if he wants to.’

‘I doubt he knows he's allowed to. I expect he’s had manners drilled into him since he was able to listen,’ Euphemia said, looking on him with the same concerned sympathies she did Sirius,’ go on, just tell him. For me, and then you can find Isobel. Maybe he can help you.’

Fine,’ James grumbled.

With that, he peeled himself away from his mother and moved counterintuitively on his mission for Isobel towards where Regulus was sitting. He didn’t look up at him at first; his gaze burnt into a spot on the rug, but as his feet came into view, he looked up, looking somewhat surprised to see James being the one standing there. Regulus didn’t say anything. Given there were still people around, James didn’t dare start off in anything other than a neutral tone, though his words were a tad sarcastic as he asked, ‘have you never been to a party before?’

‘What?’ Regulus asked tightly.

‘I mean most people mingle or at least stand with their friends instead of moping in the corner. I mean, what about the Christmas spirit?’ James said.

‘What can I say? I’m not like most people,’ Regulus said, ‘besides I haven’t got any friends here. And I don’t feel very Christmassy.’

‘Pretend then,’ James said firmly.

‘Like how you pretend I’m not here,’ Regulus retorted.

‘Reg,’ James warned.

‘You know what? How about I help you with that?’ Regulus asked before he stood up and stormed past James, weaving expertly through the couple of people standing near them before he was out the door and into the foyer. James followed him immediately.

‘Reg,’ James whispered harshly as they moved through the foyer. From what he could tell there was no one around, but he couldn’t be sure, and so he moved fast, following him down the corridor as Regulus ignored him. Again he said, ‘just hang on.’

‘Don’t bother,’ Regulus sneered over his shoulder. A moment later he felt James’ hand on it, spinning him around. Regulus stepped back, boxing himself in against the wall as James sighed and said, ‘Look, I'm sorry, okay. Sorry, I've been a bit harsh whilst you’ve been here.���

‘Yeah right,’ Regulus said, rolling his eyes.

‘Can you blame me?’ James baulked. Regulus shifted, folding his arms across himself as if that would protect him from any harsh words that James might fling his way. They stood in silence for a moment, the buzz of the party just audible, the corridor cold and draughty even despite the proximity at which they were standing. James shifted, swallowing thickly but continuing on despite that. He’d been shoving everything down too long. He’d never gotten the chance to say what he wanted to, and given the way things were, it didn’t look as though that was going to be an option again, and so he bravely said, ‘I know I'm angry, but what did you expect? You chose this.’

‘Chose? You think I chose this?’ Regulus scoffed, ‘I had no choice.’

‘You chose to go back to them. You let the shame and disgust get to you. I left Lily for you, broke her heart, and then it was 'sorry I'm going back to my nutty mother so she’s not embarrassed of me',’ James said.

‘It’s more…’

‘Complicated?’ James finished, guilty grey eyes looking up at him, ‘it’s simple to me. I was ready to give you everything. A home, a life. I was going to blow up my life, hurt Lily, and risk losing Sirius, and that wasn’t enough. And they kicked you out anyway.’

‘They didn’t,’ Regulus admitted, ‘I left because you were right.’

‘Well, I'm glad you finally saw sense,’ James said, ‘but I'm with Isobel now. I’ve moved on. Isobel loves me.’

‘Does she?’ Regulus probed, the flashes of Sirius’ adoring gaze flashing in his mind.

‘Of course she does,’ James snapped, ‘and I love her.’

‘And you don’t love me?’ Regulus asked, moving forward and taking James's hand in his. James looked at it, his throat thick with tears.

‘I can’t,’ he whispered.

‘James, please,’ Regulus pleaded.

‘You hurt me too much Reggie,’ James whispered, ‘it’s too late… let’s just get through Christmas, yeah? Then we can just—'

‘Forget we exist? Until next Christmas? Or I bump into you and Sirius,’ Regulus said thickly, ‘or I get the invite for your wedding.’

‘At least I’m her first choice,’ James sighed, pulling his hand from Regulus’ and moving away. Regulus watched him walk up the corridor, tears gathering in his eyes. James brushed his away quickly, a sniffle relieving the lump formed in his throat by the time he got back to the foyer.

As he got there Sirius was just emerging from the ballroom looking harried, ‘where have you been? I thought you were looking for Iz?’

‘I was,’ James said, clearing his throat when his words came out uneven and thick.

‘I saw you leave with Reg,’ Sirius said, his curiosity evident even if he didn’t ask an outright question.

‘Yeah, Mum asked me to get him out from the moping corner,’ James said.

‘Where is he?’ Sirius asked.

‘Dunno,’ James lied.

‘You two didn’t talk about anything?’ he probed.

‘No, look mate, I don’t really give a fuck where your brother’s gone to suck the Christmas cheer from. I just wanna find Isobel and enjoy the party, yeah?’ James said, realising how harsh his words sounded when Sirius’ eyes widened. He recovered quickly, his suspicion about Regulus throwing him under the bus running wild, though it eased as he said, ‘I’ll help you,’ and James said nothing but nodded. Whatever had gone on between the pair of them hadn't involved Regulus’ suspicions, but it wouldn’t take long before he opened his mouth. And in that case, Sirius would have to find Isobel first.

✵✵✵

A party at the Potters' was perfectly lovely. Fine dining, nice music, and lovely company, not to mention the who's who of the wizarding world, which would always come in handy for those attempting to get ahead in pretty much any field they wanted. But for Isobel it was too overwhelming. And that wasn’t even the fault of the party itself. From Regulus glaring at her, James being all over her for no reason, and Sirius sticking to them like glue, the whole thing was just too much to bear, and so she’d slipped away, spending a long time in the upstairs bathroom, and when she had bothered to venture downstairs, she still hadn't gone back to the party, finding the kitchen packed with food and booze far more alluring.

She was sitting at the long counter, a plate of canapés and a glass of champagne beside her, watching the house-elves flit about continuously to make sure the party continued as planned. Too busy with the task at hand, they pretty much ignored her, which she was thankful for, as her head was spinning. So much so that she didn’t hear the opening of the kitchen door until there were a set of black boots in front of her, obscuring her eyeline from the stone floor. Sirius.

‘Hey,’ he said, as she looked up at him wide-eyed.

‘Hi,’ she breathed. Sirius looked around, quickly scouting that his brother was nowhere around but using that pretence to stay anyway, ‘have you seen Reg?’

‘No,’ she said quietly. Sirius nodded, and then he took a seat at the counter beside her, taking a sip of her glass of champagne. They watched one another quietly before Sirius said, ‘what are you doing in here?’

‘Hiding,’ Isobel said quietly.

‘From?’ he asked, picking at the pastry on a tartlet on the plate beside him until it crumbled onto the white ceramic.

‘I don’t know,’ she admitted, looking at him steadfastly. Her green eyes were uncertain and somewhat sad. It made him swallow thickly.

‘What about you?’ she asked.

‘Not important,’ he said, his brother a million miles away from his thoughts at the moment. After all, nothing had happened between them. If Regulus did decide to tell James anything, there’d be nothing to tell. She’d already told him she’d chosen James. All these feelings stirred up inside him were just his. Even if he wanted her to share them, which was probably why he said, ‘I missed you today.’

‘Sirius,’ she said quietly. He ignored her, words falling out of his mouth without thought.

‘Listening to James bang on about you. Reminded me why I’d been avoiding him. I knew he’d noticed, but it was hard listening to him talk about you at the office. Watching you come in and eventually end up at his desk,’ he admitted.

‘Sirius,’ she said again.

‘I know I had a chance and I let it go,’ he said, looking up at her instead of his now destroyed food. She was watching him sadly, though it didn’t look like pity, and that’s why he didn’t feel foolish asking, ‘if I said it now. If I tried again, would you give me a second chance?’

‘Sirius, I can’t hurt him,’ she said quietly, her hand on the back of his crumb-laden fingers.

‘You think I can?’ he asked. As a house-elf bustled past, claiming the empty champagne glass from between them, she seemed to come to her senses, brushing her hand across her face as she stood up and said, ‘I should go.’

‘Iz please,’ Sirius said, standing up too.

‘Sirius stop,’ she protested, but he didn’t, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her into the alcove.

They weren’t really concealed here, but it was out of the hustle and bustle of the main kitchen, with countertops housing appliances and gigantic fridges and freezers lining the wall. There he held her to him, his hand on her face. Isobel placed a hand on his chest to stop him, though she didn’t push him away like she could have, should have.

‘Sirius,’ she said thickly.

‘I don’t want to hurt him. But I can't watch you love him anymore; I should’ve said something, but I didn’t. But I'm saying it now. ‘Please let that be enough,’ he pleaded.

‘We can't,’ she whispered.

‘Then kiss me,’ he said, hastening to beg when her eyes went wide, ‘if I have to watch you and him, just give me one little thing. Just something. I mean, I can even conjure some mistletoe if you want-'

He was rambling, and then all of a sudden he wasn’t, his lips stalled by hers, his whole body pulled against hers, and she ensnared her arms around him. And given this was likely to be the only one he got; Sirius didn’t waste a moment of it. He would kiss her until he was blue in the face. Till he was starved of oxygen, because even collapsed, his brain was surely only to think of her. She consumed him, the way she had for months. He was making the most of it, which was why when the door opened, there was no denying what was going on. If he was on trial, his lawyer probably would’ve told him to plead guilty.

‘You have got to be fucking kidding me,’ Remus sighed, making them instantly pull apart. Isobel looked at him panicked, but he’d already held his hands up in defence, which made sense given Remus was angrier than she’d ever seen him.

‘Moony,’ Sirius said calmly.

‘What are you doing? Are you actually stupid?’ he continued.

‘Mate,’ Sirius retorted.

‘Don’t mate me! What about James, you know, your mate?’ Remus said.

‘It’s not—’ Isobel said, but Remus glared at her, rolling his eyes as he said, ‘Spare me the cliché. Actually, don’t even bother telling me what's going on because James is looking for you, so why don’t you save your sob story and go and find him before he comes in here and asks us why we’re all standing around?’

Isobel looked shocked at the firmness of the man, but Sirius knew this Remus; he’d only ever seen this Remus once, and that had been the last time he’d severely fucked up. But this didn’t feel like a fuck-up. She’d kissed him.

When the door clicked closed they looked at each other, daring the other to speak until Remus sighed and said, ‘Well?’

‘Mate don’t,’ Sirius sighed.

‘Don’t what? Call you out on this bollocks?’ Remus scoffed.

‘I know I’m stupid okay,’ Sirius said petulantly.

‘Do you?’ Remus baulked.

‘Yes!’ Sirius snapped, ‘I know I’m stupid to kiss her. I know I shouldn’t even like her, but I do. I have from the first moment we saw each other walking to work. From the moment she swanned into my office of all offices. And you know what? She liked me. She kept coming back for me. Begging for my attention! And that terrified me because I liked her. So I fucked it up like I always do. When James showed interest, I practically pushed her at him. No regard for what she wanted or me; I just tossed her like a grenade and blew up my life.

‘Pads,’ Remus said sympathetically. He almost looked as though he was going to put a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder, but he pulled away, his eyes stinging and glossy.

‘And you know what?’ Sirius said, finally looking at Remus’ sympathetic face, ‘it worked. He loves her and I’m miserable. Have been since their first date, watching every bit of it. Even went with him this morning and found him looking at fucking rings…all ‘cause I was too chicken to just be honest.’

‘So now you’re blowing up his life too?’ Remus frowned.

‘No,’ Sirius sniffled, shaking his head, ‘course not.’

‘You kissed her,’ Remus reminded him.

‘I had to just once before,’ Sirius said thickly, the ring James had pointed out flashing in his mind. He’d nodded and made some agreeable comment before making his excuse to leave the room, the idea of an engagement making his stomach churn. Remus placed a hand on his shoulder.

‘You have to tell him,’ he said quietly.

‘No.’

‘Pads,’ Remus sighed.

‘He’ll hate me,’ Sirius said. Losing Isobel had been bad enough; he couldn’t lose James as well.

‘And when he finds out? Tomorrow or ten years from now, do you think he’s going to be more forgiving knowing you lied?’ Remus asked, ‘mate I know it's hard, but this is James we’re talking about. Even if he’s angry…he's understanding. You have to tell him.’

‘And if I don’t?’ Sirius mumbled.

‘It won't come to that,’ Remus affirmed, ‘you love him too much.’

Sirius sighed and then nodded, allowing the taller boy to put an arm around him, holding him together as they headed out of the kitchen and back to the party. And then, once they were out of sight, Regulus emerged from where he’d been listening. He hadn't anticipated anyone coming in this nook, the side of the refrigerator too cold and dusty for anyone to bother even if it was the perfect concealment spot. Now his head was spinning. For James to pick someone else was one thing. For him to pick someone who didn’t even love him was another. And if Sirius wasn’t going to tell him, he was. 

✵✵✵

The start to Christmas Day in the Potter household was a subdued one. Sirius and Isobel barely looked at one another, though he did share guilty looks with Remus. Regulus stayed quiet, the most he offered being a thank you to the Potters, who had bought him several gifts so that he wasn’t left as the only one with nothing to open. And if none of them knew any better, it felt as though James was trying to make them all crack under the strain. Even for an outrageously affectionate and caring man he was over the top, lavishing Isobel with gifts and never allowing her to stray from his touch for more than a few seconds. It made Regulus’ stomach churn with jealousy.

‘Well, that looks as though we’re about done,’ Fleamont said, surveying under the tree once more and finding it finally empty.

‘I swear there’s more every year,’ Euphemia said.

‘There is more every year. I should know; I sign the bank withdrawal slips,’ Fleamont teased as he took a seat beside her, his large hand encroaching on her smaller one as he did. Euphemia rolled her eyes as he said, ‘but I’d have it no other way.’

‘I should hope not,’ she said, kissing his cheek quickly.

‘Actually, there’s one more present,’ James said, diverting attention from the couple to him. He was sitting in an armchair, Isobel perched on his lap from where he’d pulled her to sit with him.

All eyes watched him shuffle, jiggling her as he reached a hand into his pyjama pants pocket to reach something out. Then he produced a small, square box-shaped present and offered it up to Isobel. Her eyes went wide, and for the first time all morning, she found her gaze flicking to Sirius. He looked away, his eyes staring at his sock-covered feet and then the pattern of the carpet below it. He could feel others’ eyes flick to him, but then they went right back to the couple. James was watching her, encouraging her to open it.

Isobel tore the paper off, revealing the velvet box to her. Her stomach was churning as her fingers felt for the seam and clicked it open.

‘Oh James, they're beautiful,’ she said, staring at the pair of diamond earrings that twinkled in the lamplight.

‘Do you like them?’ James smiled.

‘Course I do,’ she said, her nerves subsiding the moment she saw them, though the guilt didn’t ebb. The guilt of having him spend so much on her. The guilt of not deserving them, or the way that he cared about her. The guilt because of the surge of relief she had felt when it wasn’t a ring.

‘Come on then, show us,’ Fleamont said, gesturing for Isobel to show them. She turned the box outward, flashing the earrings to a sea of lukewarm faces. All apart from Euphemia, who said, ‘Oh, aren’t they lovely!’

‘Should be for all the dawdling I did picking them out. I think we looked at every piece of jewellery in the place,’ James smiled.

‘As any man should. It’s the thought that counts after all,’ Fleamont said before he stood up and said, ‘right. Now that we’re officially done, how about we get some breakfast?’

‘Sounds good to me,’ Peter said, clambering up from where he’d been sitting on the floor by the fire. James nudged Isobel to stand up and then followed behind his father towards the dining room. Euphemia, Remus, and Peter walked through too, chatting about their gifts. Sirius trailed behind, Regulus a step behind him, though as the others turned into the dining room, he yanked on his brother's sleeve, stopping him in his tracks. Sirius looked at him in confusion.

‘What happened to the ring?’ he asked, his voice urgent but low.

‘I don’t know. Wait, how do you know about the ring?’ Sirius asked, trying to rack his brain about when Regulus could’ve possibly heard about that. He’d only mentioned it to Remus, ‘you spied on me!?’

‘I was staying out of the way; it wasn’t my fault you decided to have your lovers—’

‘Will you shut up?!’ Sirius whispered furiously, checking the door to the dining room was still out of earshot. Regulus folded his arms across his chest, looking indignant at being chastised like a child.

‘You need to tell him,’ Regulus said simply.

‘This has nothing to do with you,’ Sirius said.

‘It’s not fair to him,’ Regulus said, ignoring the accusation. On the contrary, he saw this to be his business. Even if James didn’t want him, he couldn’t let them do this to him. Worse, he couldn’t watch him marry someone who didn’t truly love him.

‘Why do you even care?’ Sirius scoffed, ‘a few months ago you didn’t care for him or even me for that matter. Only since mother dearest kicked you out have you bothered about my life—

‘Maybe that’s because you were always too busy with him, your real brother, to notice me,’ Regulus said, ‘then again, if this is how you treat the people you supposedly care about, maybe I was better off. Tell him, or I will.

‘If you tell him I’ll never forgive you,’ Sirius said.

‘I don’t care,’ Regulus said firmly, and then he strutted past his brother into the dining room.

✵✵✵

Dinner was a tense affair. Sirius was seated next to his brother and yet barely spoke to him other than when absolutely necessary. Isobel kept glancing their way, her own contributions just as minimal even though the Potters took an interest in her, their opportunity to grill their son’s new beau not having arisen till now. And James kept looking at Regulus. He couldn’t help it. Every so often he’d look his way, unable to allow himself to be happy just being with Isobel on Christmas despite what he’d told him.

‘You go,’ Isobel said, still rifling through the makeup bag looking for something. They were only going for drinks downstairs, but there were guests, and so Euphemia insisted they dress up for the occasion. He adjusted his tie, glancing in the mirror in the hall on his way down before he headed down to the drawing room. The fire was crackling away to itself, illuminating the entire room in a warm, golden glow. And there by the drinks trolley was Regulus. He turned as James entered, the creak of the door meaning that he couldn’t escape back to the hall.

‘Evening,’ James said, clearing his throat and moving towards the drinks cabinet himself. Regulus watched him, eyes boring into his face as he fixed himself a scotch and then downed it in one before pouring another. James glanced his way before he took another sip.

‘You know a picture would last longer,’ he grit.

‘Don’t marry her,’ Regulus said, the words slipping out of his mouth before he could stop it. James looked at him wide-eyed before he said, ‘what are—’

‘I know about the ring, and I don’t know when, but please don’t marry her,’ Regulus pleaded.

‘How do you even know?’ James said before it dawned on him, ‘Sirius had no right to tell you about—’

‘If you’re marrying her because you’re angry at me, you don’t have to,’ Regulus implored.

‘I’m not doing anything for you. I’ve moved on Regulus. I’m happy, and if I want to marry Isobel, I will,’ James said indignantly, moving to sit on the couch just as the door opened, his parents filtering in. James didn’t look over at him, allowing him to blend into the background as his friends came down and his parents, family, and friends started to arrive.

But the thought never left his mind. He’d been in a tailspin since Regulus had arrived, and he’d barely been thinking when he’d picked the ring out at the jewellery shop. Because he did love Isobel. In the short amount of time they'd been together she had made him happy, or at least she had been the first thing to make him happy in a long time. And watching her chatting with Remus by the fire made him happy. It also made the ring box that was sitting in his pocket start to burn, and before he knew it, he was standing up.

‘You alright, mate?’ Sirius asked as he left their conversation, but James ignored him, moving towards her. Isobel and Remus looked towards him as he got near, expecting him to join the conversation, though he took her hand and pulled her towards him.

‘Fine, just something I wanted to ask Isobel,’ he said, pulling her to him.

‘James, what are you doing?’ she asked as he pulled her to the middle of the room. Almost everyone was looking at them now.

‘I wanted to say something. I was going to hang on, but watching you just now, I have to do it,’ James said, ‘Isobel I love you.’

‘James,’ she whispered as he pulled a small box from his pocket.

‘I know it’s not been very long, but you’ve made me so happy. Happier than I’ve been in a long time,’ he said.

‘Oh my,’ Euphemia said, clutching at her husband's arm as she watched the pair of them.

‘James, please,’ Isobel whispered, her eyes flicking to Sirius behind him, who was watching ashen faced.

‘Mate, maybe you should listen to her,’ Remus whispered, but James ignored him.

‘And I just wanted to ask you if you would—’

‘James stop!’ she said, clamping her hand around the box as he opened it. He looked at her confused, and she had to swallow to make her voice come out even though it was unsteady anyway, ‘I can't. I can't marry you.’

‘What?’ he asked.

‘I can’t,’ she whispered.

‘Why not? I know it's soon, but we're happy, right? You love me, and I love you, and—'

‘I kissed Sirius,’ she whispered. His words stopped, his hazel eyes watching her in disbelief for a second before his brain seemed to kick in as he whispered, ‘what?’

‘I k-kissed Sirius,’ she said.

‘No, I heard,’ James scoffed, ‘I just don’t understand.’

‘I can explain,’ Isobel started, but he’d already rounded on Sirius, who’d stood from his seat the moment he’d been outed.

‘You kissed her?’ James shouted.

‘Maybe we should leave,’ Euphemia said, though no eyes left the group, far too interested in the drama of it all.

‘It’s not that simple. I can explain, please,’ Sirius started.

‘Well, you either kissed her or you didn’t,’ James spat, ‘when?’

‘What?’ Sirius asked.

‘When did this happen?’ James asked, looking between them both expectantly. Isobel dropped her eyes to the floor, her sudden confidence at speaking up now absent, especially as James continued, ‘When?’

‘Last night,’ Sirius said.

‘Last night so,’ James said, his thoughts were coming too fast for him to say anything coherent, though his attention was caught by someone watching from behind Sirius, ‘Is this your doing?’

‘What?’ Regulus said as all eyes turned to land on him.

‘Is this something to do with you?’ James pressed, moving away from Isobel altogether, seething as he asked, ‘did you put him up to this?’

‘Of course not!’ Regulus snapped.

‘No, all that don’t marry her bollocks before!’ James shouted, ignoring his mother and father as they hurriedly tried to get their friends out the other door, an audible gasp escaping Euphemia's lips as he swore.

‘You told him not to marry her?’ Sirius asked, looking at Regulus.

‘I was right, wasn’t I?’ Regulus snapped.

‘So you knew?’ James baulked, ‘why didn’t you say so? You know what? Forget it.’

‘James, please,’ Isobel said, attempting to grab his hand as he started to storm past them, but he yanked it out of her hand.

‘Mate,’ Sirius said.

‘I’m not your mate,’ James snapped as he stormed from the room, shoving Regulus hard with his shoulder as he got in his way.

✵✵✵

The knocking had been incessant for a while, mostly Isobel, who had been begging him to open the door without any success. He hadn't been looking where he was going when he stormed out of the room; he just wanted to get out, to get away from them all. Isobel and her guilt. Sirius and his betrayal. Regulus and his concern despite being shouted at. He just needed to think, away from them all, and so he’d landed in his father’s study, somewhere, thankfully, with a lock.

Eventually, after mumbled discussions that were hard to make out through the door, though he was sure he could hear Remus acting as the voice of reason, outside went quiet. If only his brain would. He didn't know how long he’d been in here, thinking, but he was startled when he heard another knock at the door. He ignored it, but it came again.

‘Go away,’ James snapped when the knocker tried once more.

‘Darling, it’s me,’ his mother’s worried voice rang out from the other side of the wood, ‘open the door, sweetheart.’

‘I don’t want to see anyone,’ James replied, his voice becoming thick as he spoke, though he tried to keep it cordial for her. It wasn’t her fault after all.

‘Oh darling, at least let me put my eyes on you. Just so I know you’re alright. Everyone’s gone… it’s just me,’ Euphemia promised. James thought about it, and knowing his mother’s nature, both determined and caring, he knew there wasn’t much point in refusing her, and so he stood from where he’d been sitting on the floor, knees hugged to his chest and moved to open it.

‘There you are,’ she said with a sad smile. He dropped his gaze to the floor, knowing his eyes were red and blotchy. Euphemia pretended not to notice as she said, ‘are you okay sweetheart?’

‘Not really,’ James admitted, earning himself a sad sigh.

‘Maybe you should come out of there. Have something to eat or head to bed,’ Euphemia reasoned.

‘If it’s all the same to you, I think I want to be alone and… Isobel’s in my room,’ he mumbled.

‘Right,’ Euphemia said, cursing herself for not having realised, ‘do you want some tea or something? A bite to eat?’

‘No mum,’ James said, trying to fake a convincing tone and smile, ‘I’m fine. I promise.’

‘Me and your father are just a stone’s throw away if you need us,’ she promised, placing her hand on his cheek and patting it before she sighed and moved away, leaving him to shut the door behind her. He rested his head against it as he turned the lock, steadying his breathing into something that didn’t have a chance of devolving into another round of crying.

Eventually he pulled back and turned around, where he found Sirius now sat on the window bench, closing the window behind him as though he’d just climbed through. James folded his arms across his chest and glared, ‘I don’t want to talk to you.’

‘I know,’ Sirius said, pulling a cigarette from behind his ear and then his wand from his pocket to light it. James scoffed.

‘Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You just seem to do whatever you want these days anyway,’ James said.

‘That’s me,’ Sirius said, taking a long drag of his cigarette and looking at it between his fingers as he exhaled and added, ‘no thoughts, just actions.’

‘Am I supposed to disagree with you?’ James challenged.

‘No, but I'm hoping it’ll let me explain,’ Sirius said earnestly, looking at his best friend with pleading eyes. James had half a mind to tell him to stuff his explanation and throw him out on his ear, but this was Sirius. That was never going to happen. With a sigh he took a seat on the window bench beside him, staring across the room at the vast bookshelves full of old tomes and trinkets. They were quiet for a moment. Finally, James sighed.

‘Go on then. Go ahead and tell me how none of this is your fault,’ James said.

‘Oh, it’s one hundred percent my fault,’ Sirius said, glancing at the boy next to him who watched him silently, ‘because I watched it. I watched it all, and I did nothing to stop it.

‘What are you talking about?’ James muttered. Sirius looked at him pained.

‘I love her. Have done for a while. I didn’t mean it; we were just friends at first, but then it started being more than that, and I got scared. Remember the night we went to that pub?’ Sirius asked, placing his sagging cigarette into an ashtray on the table beside him.

‘Yeah,’ James frowned, his mind automatically running over the whole night trying to remember every inch of it.

‘It was supposed to be a date…just us two,’ Sirius said meekly.

‘But you said—’

‘You presumed it was a mates thing, and I didn’t say no. I saw an out,’ Sirius admitted, ‘because it was easy when it was just us…then it became real. Labels and that and-’

‘You pushed her away,’ James said, the dots connecting faster than ever. After all, hadn't that happened to him? He had been ready to give up everything for Regulus, who’d run at the first moment things got real.

‘Yeah,’ Sirius sighed.

‘What did she say?’ James asked.

‘We didn’t really talk about it. She told me you’d asked her out, putting the feelers out, but I lied and said I was happy for the pair of you,’ Sirus admitted.

‘That’s why you’ve been AWOL.’ James said, rolling his eyes.

‘It was hard… to see you with her,’ Sirius said.

‘Why?’ James scoffed, ‘sounds like she didn’t even like me anyway.’

‘That’s not true,’ Sirius said firmly. James looked at him sceptically.

‘I mean she agreed to go out with you. She can't have disliked you that much,’ Sirius reasoned.

‘She liked pissing you off probably,’ James muttered.

‘Okay, maybe initially, but she does love you,’ Sirius said, James scoffed, ‘it’s true!’

‘How do you figure?’ he asked.

‘Because… because she didn’t kiss me. I asked her to,’ Sirius said, dropping his gaze and taking another drag of his cigarette as a reason not to look his way. James said nothing, watching him closely when he finally met his eyes. Sirius sighed, ‘I didn’t realise how much I loved her till she showed up the other day. Pushing her away, I don’t know, it didn’t lessen it, but it took the sting out of it a bit. Then she was here, in my face, and it was unbearable. Then you... you bought the ring, and it was like my world stopped. I couldn’t say anything; I didn’t want to hurt you, but the thought of you two together forever… Having to see it, pretend forever... I just didn’t think—'

‘You could live knowing that was it?’ James asked. Sirius nodded.

Again silence fell. The pair of them stared out into the room, unspeaking, until finally James took the cigarette from Sirius’ fingers and took a long drag of it, smirking before he handed it back. Sirius took another toke himself.

‘So what now?’ James sighed.

‘Fuck knows,’ Sirius said.

‘I mean... do you want to be with her? Does she want to be with you?’ James said, taking a deep breath as he stumbled over the words. Sirius paused guiltily.

‘I know I do,’ he said, ‘selfish as it is…I don’t know about her.’

‘I suppose I better go and talk to her,’ James sighed, standing up. Sirius dabbed his cigarette out in the ashtray and stood too, watching as James trudged to the door.

‘Prongs,’ Sirius said, making the other boy turn, eyebrows raised expectantly, ‘after that you might want to speak to Regulus.'

‘Why?’ James asked, heart hammering in his chest.

‘Because pushing people away is kind of a family trait,’ Sirius said, his eyes watching James knowingly, ‘but that doesn’t stop us from caring…loving people.’

‘Sirius-’

‘You’re a good bloke. More forgiving than most, even when it’s not deserved…but you deserve to be happy too,’ Sirius said. James swallowed and then nodded before he slipped from the room.

✵✵✵

‘Well, that looks as though we’re about done,’ Fleamont said, surveying under the tree once more and finding it finally empty.

‘Actually, there’s one more,’ James said, pulling a small bag out from the crevice between his back and the couch cushions before leaning over the gap between the armchair and the couch to hand it over to Isobel. She took it from him with a smile.

‘Ooh,’ she said, unsticking the cellotape from where it had glued the top of the bag shut.

‘Yeah it’s just a little something,’ James said as she pulled a long flat box from inside, gliding her fingers along the crease until it opened up revealing a long golden chain with a small red pendant attached to it.

‘Oh James, it’s beautiful,’ she said, trailing her fingers along it as she looked at it with awe.

‘Let me see,’ Euphemia said as she got up to look. Isobel tilted the box so that she could see, as could the others who’d been straining to look.

‘Should I be concerned about you buying my wife jewellery?’ Sirius joked, looking at his mate with a smile. James rolled his eyes.

‘Well, people usually buy stuff for the baby instead of mum, so we thought it would be a nice gesture,’ James said.

‘And it’s a garnet,’ Regulus said from beside him, ‘the baby’s birthstone. Well, when she gets here.’

‘He,’ Sirius said, scowling at his brother.

‘I don’t know,’ Regulus mused, ‘I like to think you’ll have a girl just to picture the look on dear old father’s face when he realises the Black heir is a woman.’

‘Yeah well, he won't know about it from me,’ Sirius muttered, dropping to Harry, who had been sitting quietly on his lap before he’d started fussing, ‘I like to think his first grandchild having two dads would have already finished the old coot off.’

‘Sirius,’ Euphemia chastised, though there was a glint in her eye when she said it. Sirius smirked.

‘Well, whatever they think, it doesn’t matter,’ Isobel said firmly, ‘because we don’t them. This is our family.’

‘Yeah,’ James agreed, his hand slipping into Regulus’s. Sirius leaned his head against Isobel's knee, allowing her to stroke his hair gently as Harry stood up, smashing his tiny fists into his godfather’s face for attention. Sirius pulled his nephew towards him, littering kisses along plump cheeks. James’ heart swelled. It might not have been the easiest path to go down, but he wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

Marauders Tags

@ilovejamespottersomuch @caitlin1996 @imthebadguyyy

[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.

[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.

[ravenclaws-stuff]

Kiss It Better

Relationship: James Potter x Original Female Character

Summary: Five times Lyra Black heals James Potter

Word count: 2,981

⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆

One

I shake my head at the four boys who call themselves the Mauraders. "Do you really have to keep getting into fights with them?" I sigh, tying off the bandage on Remus's hand. He gives me a guilty smile. "It's not our fault." Sirius groans. I give my older brother a sharp glare. "Don't even get me started with you Sirius." He pales, knowing I was genuinely upset with him. I never call him by his full name.

"You should know better than to hex your own brother, no matter how ignorant he is." I stand in front of him and smile sadly. "Should've had Potter do it. At least, mother can't touch him." I touch my wand to his forehead, healing all the scratches. Sirius chuckles as James protests. I lean forward, placing a soft kiss on his forehead, just as I did, every time mum or dad "punished" Sirius.

I stand in front of James shaking my head. "Really James, I expect Sirius to be the most injured one out of you lot. Thought you were more skilled than that." James looks away, scratching the back of his head. "I couldn't help it. Snivelous was being a right git. You should have heard about what he was saying about Evans. Thought he was supposed to be her friend." 

I push the pang of jealousy away. Everyone in the castle knew my older brother's best friend was in love with Lily Evans. He would never look at me, a year young and a Slytherin. 

"Then you head so I can see the damage." A simple episkey should do the job for the broken nose. And his glasses would need fixing. I sigh and get to work. Sirius joked, causing the boys to laugh. I grab James's jaw, looking down at him. My heart quickens. Stupid bloody thing. 

"Stay still. There's a chance this might hurt." James stares up at me wit his big brown eyes. "Episkey." I whisper. 

I flinch at the crack as his nose went back together. I step back and smile. James reaches up, touching it. "There you go. Good as new. Does it hurt?" He smiles as Sirius sits down next to him in the desk.

"Hurt a bit but I heard a kiss would make it all better." James winks as a blush covers my face. Remus chuckles as Peter shakes his head. 

Sirius yelled smacking his chest. James looks at me, a grin on his face. "Prongs! That's my baby sister."

Two

"Ly!" I turn round to find Sirius racing down the hall towards Pandora and I. "Siri?" I share a look with Pandora. Why did Sirius look panicked? He stops in front of us, panting. "James needs you. Hurt." My heart stops as I stand up. My face pales. "Why doesn't he go to the Hospital Wing?" He shakes his head. "You know how James is." I turn to Pandora and apologize. She waves me off, ushering me to follow my brother. 

"Plus Madam Pomfrey threatened to bench him if he got hurt again." I roll my eyes as we head back down the hall. 

These boys and their bloody quidditch.

Sirius shoves me into an empty classroom, leaving me alone with the injured chaser. 

"James?" I say quietly, trying not to startle him. He looks up and smiles lazily. "Hey." 

I shake my head as I approach him. "What happened?" I reach out to place a hand on his arm. "Pretty sure a bludger broke my rib." My hand dropped to my side. A broken rib? Merlin. 

"You really should go see Madam Pomfrey." He shakes his head. "If I do, she won't let me play the next game. And then Jefferson will have my head. You know how he is about the game." He sighs,leaning forward. He lays his head against my shoulder. Acting on instinct, I run my fingers through his hair. Just like I do for Sirius and Regulus when they're upset. 

"I just don't want to let anyone down." He mumbles. My hand freezes in his dark curls. "Look at me, James." He reluctantly pulled away from me. I cup his cheek, obvious to the pink dusting his cheeks. 

"You could never disappoint any of us. Especially if your health is at risk." I smirk before grabbing my wand. "And if someone says otherwise, they can deal with me." James chuckles and then turns into a groan. "Don't make me laugh, Lyra."

"Take your shirt off so I can see the damage." I help him get the shirt off. He refuses to let me cut his jersey, even if it was his practice jersey. I carefully touch around the bruised area. "Tell me if it gets too much." He hisses as I touch the center. Definitely a broken rib. I walk across the room and dig through my bag. "Got it." I whisper as I pull out a bottle of Ske-Gro. 

"Do you really keep that in your bag?" I nod seriously as I pour him a drink

"Look at my brother's and his friends. I heal both of them regularly. Now drink." He grimaces before he drinks it. I can't blame him. From what I've heard, it taste worse than it smells. He drinks it quickly. I refill the glass with water, forcing him to drink it as well. 

"How does it look, Healer Black?" I giggle as my heart speeds up. Now that I knew the danger was gone, I couldn't help but focus on how close James was. I could feel the heat radiating off of him. 

"Well good news, you can still play quidditch." I smile and step back, needing to create distance between us. "And the bad news?" I sigh, hiding my smirk. I love watching James squirm. "You're not as pretty as everyone said." He gasps offended as I step back. "That's not true. I am very pretty." He freezes as he realizes what he just said. "Do you need anything else James?" I say packing up my bag.

"Well there is one thing." I hum as I make a mental note to refill my Ske-Gro. "You could kiss it better." He whispers behind, starting me. 

"That's not funny James. 

He looks at me seriously as he reaches out to play with a stray curl that escaped my bun. 

"Wasn't a joke, Ly."

Three

Swinging my legs, I sit on the desk rather impatiently. It was the same classroom I healed James a year ago. It became our spot somewhere along the way. Somewhere we could get away and talk, without having the scrutiny of my brothers watching. A place where I let my feelings grow unconditionally. A place where he tells me his secrets and I tell him my fears.

A series of three knocks pull me from my thoughts. I jump off the table, wand in hand. I open the door carefully. "Jamie." I sigh in relief. He smiles but hisses in pain.

"Oh Merlin, you're hurt." He sits down on the vacant desk. "Did he?" I couldn't finish the sentence. He shakes his head. 

"Just a scratch." I pull up his shirt carefully, trying to avoid hurting him anymore.

Just a scratch! That was halfway down his back. "James." I gasp, my hand hovering above his back. I feel James reach for me, trying to pull me in front of him.  I couldn't tear my eyes from his back. 

"Lyra, don't cry." I look up. Those beautiful brown eyes staring down at me with concern and maybe something else if I let my imagination run wild. "It's just a scratch, star. I will be alright." He presses a stray hair behind my ear. I nod, letting him calm my nerves. 

"Let me clean it. I don't want it to get infected." He nods, letting go of my arm. 

I quickly clean and wrap his torso with gauze before helping him put his shirt back on. I accio a pain relief potion from my bag, giving it to him. "Drink this before you go back to bed." I move to clean up after myself, but James pulls me into his arms. I melt into his hug, letting his presence calm my panicked mind. He is alright. He's not going to join Remus in wolfie time every month. 

"Lyra." I pull back to look at James. His eyes roam all around the room, avoiding me. He bites his lower lip, which he only does when he is nervous.

"Lyra Black." He takes a breath, his arms tightening around my waist. "I like you. Not like I am supposed to. Not as my friend or as my best mate's little sister. But as more. I fancy the pants out of you Lyra Black." My heart thundered in my chest as tears pricked my eyes. "You do?" I ask terrified he might change his mind.

He nods, fear etched on his face. I smile brightly."I fancy you as well James Potter."

His smile brightens the dull classroom. It could light the night sky. "Really?" I nod, giggling. I pull him into a tight hug, forgetting about the giant scratch of his back. I pull back as he hisses in pain. 

"I am so sorry. I totally forgot." 

He laughs, waving it off. "Trust me, nothing could ruin this moment. Not even Snape walking in here naked." I cringe and shake my head. "Please never say that again." I cup his cheek, smiling softly as he relaxed into my touch. "Do you need anything?" He thinks for a second before he smiles. "Actually yes, yes I do." 

I tilted my head, wondering what he needed. Probably sleep. Or food. 

"A kiss." His voice interrupted my thoughts. "A kiss to make it better."

I giggle as I lean up and kiss his cheek.

"There you go, one kiss to go. Now you need to go to bed." He rolls his eyes. "Whatever you say, Healer Black."

Four

"Lyra, come quick!" Pandora yelled down the hall. The panic look on her face made me quicken my pace. "What's wrong?" She looked down the hall where a crowd had gathered. "It's James and Regulus."

I pale as my heart stops. No. It can't be.

"Mate, cmon. It's not worth it." Sirius called behind James. He looked between his brother and best friend, concerned for both of them. "James!" I called out, causing both of the boys to look at me. Regulus frowned at the small smile that formed on James's face. Regulus snaps, and launches himself at James. I scream as I hold onto Pandora. Tears run down my face. Why can't I do anything? It's as if some used immobilus on me. 

Sirius finally having enough walks over and throws Regulus off of James. Remus starts ushering people away. "Fights over. Now leave before I start taking points away." Groans filled the hall as Regulus shoved Sirius away. Regulus glares at me. "You can't date him!" He huffs. I sniff as I wipe my face. "You think you can tell me what I can and cannot do. Hate to break it to you Reg, you can't." He stalks over to me, leaving us chest to chest. Behind my twin brother, I can see James being held back by his other friends. "I can't lose you to him too." He whispers sadly, all his anger deflated. 

When Sirius left home this past summer, it was Regulus that took it the hardest. The night Sirius escaped and ran to the Potters, he tried to bring both of us. Regulus was terrified that father and mother would find us. I refused to leave without my twin. 

I reach out and pull Regulus into a tight hug. "You won't. You could never lose me."

I pull back, forcing my brother to look me into my eyes. "Regulus Arcturus Black, you will never lose me. You are my best friend. My twin. But I will not let you force me to choose between two people I love." 

Regulus's eyes widen. "You love him?" I look down at the ground and smile. "Yeah I do." He searches for something, looking between James and I. He nods. "Okay." My jaw dropped in shock. "Okay?" He nods and smiles, a rare occasion to see in public. 

"I love you Ly. But if he hurts you, I will kill him. And our idiot brother for bringing him into your life." I roll my eyes, and push Regulus away. "Not if I do it first."

I turn to find James leaning against the wall, smiling like a fool. "Potter." He steps forward, reaching out to me. "Don't be like that, star. He started it." I relax into his arms. "Are you okay?" He asks, rubbing circles on my back. I chuckle, feeling lighter than I have all year. 

"I really should be asking you that. You are the one who just got into a fight." 

His eyes shine with happiness. "How could I be upset? I just found out my girlfriend loves me back." I giggle. "I love you so much Lyra Black." I brush the hair out of his face, causing him to hiss. "He got you good, didn't he?" I smirk. James frowns playfully. "My girlfriend is laughing at the bruise HER brother gave me. How rude." 

I giggled, unable to keep quiet. James joins in, our laughter echoing down the hall.

After a few minutes, James slings his arm over my shoulder as we walk down the hall. "Pretty good day, if I don't say so myself."James exclaimed, causing others in the hall to look at us shocked. A Slytherin and a Gryffindor. A Black and Potter. Who could have seen it coming?

Sure way to announce our relationship, that's for sure. 

We make it back to our classroom, and sit on the couch that James transfigured from a desk. I lean into his side, smiling up. "I should go get you some bruising paste from your eye." He shakes his head, wrapping his arms around me tighter. "You're not going anywhere. Plus I have a better way for you to make it better."

I quirked my eyebrows in question.

He leans down, his warm minty breath brushing against my cheek. His lips brush against mine, his eyes shimmer with mischief. 

"Kiss it better."

---

"As much as I hate to admit it, I'm glad it's him." Sirius says, leaning up against the wall as he and Regulus watched James twirl me around. "I still don't like it." Regulus pouts. Sirius chuckles as he nudges Regulus. "Oh come on Reggie. Ease up. Prongs isn't going to hurt her."

Regulus glares at him. "Do not touch me. This changes nothing between us." Sirius rolls his eyes. "You're so cute when you're brooding." Sirius teases. Regulus scoffs.

"I hate you." He storms down the hall.

"I love you too Reggie!" Sirius calls after him.

Five

"Healer Potter, you are needed in your office." I thank the Medi Witch before I head straight to my office. There was only one reason I was needed. Someone from the Order needed healing. It was agreed, when I was promoted that if anyone needed immediate medical attention, they should be taken to my office. 

I froze in front of my door, my hand on the doorknob. My heart raced, terrified that it was one of my three people behind that door. I take a calming breath. Whatever was behind this door, I needed a clear and calm mind. 

I open my door, searching to find someone injured. My jaw clenched as I find a smiling James sitting on top of my desk. "Nice to see you, Healer Potter." I narrow my eyes, searching for any signs he was injured. "Did you need anything Auror Potter? If you are injured, might I suggest you visit the emergency room." I huff, walking over to hand my robes on the hook. I refuse to look my husband in the eyes. "Is it wrong of me wanting to visit my wife on our anniversary?" He asks, cheekily as he jumps off the desk. I sigh defeatedly. 

"No it's not. But what is wrong is sending her into a panic thinking one of her loved ones is injured or worse."

James wraps his arms around me, my back flushed against his chest. "I'm sorry love. I am safe. Sirius is safe. Regulus is safe." He reassured. "We just got back from our mission and they're back at home. I just couldn't resist seeing you a second later."

I nod, turning in his arms. He wore a soft smile as he glasses slipped down his nose. I push them up carefully. "You're lucky I love you Potter." He placed a soft kiss on my forehead. "And I know it." He holds me close, enjoying this little bubble around us.

"Be ready for dinner tonight. Everyone is coming over." James reminded me as he put his jumper back on. I reach up, trying to fix his messy hair. I am almost certain, it was impossible. "Family dinner night." 

He chuckled, pushing my hair away from his hair. "My favorite night." He whispers, a hint of grief in his eyes. His parents passed last year and James took it hard. He was doing better. Each day was a new day, but now he was determined to have weekly dinners with everyone. Which meant every Thursday, Sirius, Remus, Regulus, Pandora, James, and I all had dinner at our house. 

I lean in, placing a soft kiss on his chest, right above his heart. "What was that for?" He asked confused. I smiled , slipping my hands around the back of his neck. "A kiss to make it better." He smiles softly and nods. 

"I better be the only patient receiving this kind of treatment, Healer Potter."

[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.

[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 💗

[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! 

[berryflavouredkoolaid]

Ophelia Black - Harry Potter OC

~ General ~

Full Name: Ophelia Volpecula Black

Nicknames: ‘Phee, ‘Phelia

Birthdate: March 3rd, 1961

Blood Status: Pureblood

Residence: London, England | Bath, England | London, England | Godrics‘s Hollow, England

~Physical Appearance ~

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Grey

Skin Tone: Pale

Body Type: Ectomorph

Height: 5’5

Misc: Mole on her right cheek

~ Background ~

Hometown: London, England

Although Ophelia lived her childhood in London, she and her brothers were strictly forbidden from entering the muggle parts of the city. However, their mother’s threats did little to stop the Black children from sneaking into the heart of the city and exploring to their heart’s content. Although the punishment was always harsh if they were found out.

~ Magic & Schooling ~

Wand:

Wood: English Oak

Core: Phoenix Tail Feather

Length: 10 Inches

Flexibility: Pliable

House: Slytherin

Best Class: Charms

Worst Class: Flying

Patronus: Incorporeal/White Swan

Patronus Memory: She, Regulus and Sirius sneaking out of a ball and gorging themselves on stolen sweets in the garden

Boggart: Her brothers dead

Riddikulus: Unable to cast

Amortentia (what she smells like): Peppermint, vanilla, patchouli

Amortentia (what she smells): Sandalwood, grass, coffee, pine, sweat

Mirror of Erised: She, Sirius and Regulus all together, No divides or messiness, all alive and happy.

Quidditch: No

Prefect: Yes

Clubs: Slug Club

OWLs:

Transfiguration: Outstanding

Charms: Outstanding

Potions: Exceeds Expectations

Defence Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding

Herbology: Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic: Exceeds Expectations

Astronomy: Outstanding

Study of Ancient Runes: Exceeds Expectations

Arithmancy: Outstanding

NEWTs:

Transfiguration: Outstanding

Charms: Outstanding

Potions: Outstanding

Study of Ancient Runes: Exceeds Expectations

Defence Against the Dark Arts: Exceeds Expectations

Career:

1971-1979: Student at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry

1979-1981: Wife to Evan Rosier, Double Agent

1981-1994: Independently Wealthy, Presumed Dead

~ Family ~

Mother: Walburga Black

Walburga always doted on her youngest daughter, although her attention was of the critical kind. She groomed her to be flawless, unyielding. If Sirius was the heir and Regulus the spare, Ophelia was the rung on the ladder they would climb to rise to the top. By Ophelia’s 5th birthday, she was betrothed to Evan Rosier, a match of her mother’s making.

Father: Orion Black

Orion Black had little interest in Ophelia, he really had no interest in any of his children. To him, children were women’s work. He was proud of them, sure, or at least of Regulus and Ophelia, but did he really care about them? No.

Elder Brother: Sirius Black

Despite undoubtedly being similar, Sirius and Ophelia’s relationship has been difficult at the best of times. The few memories that don’t involve screaming, crying, and more than a few times, flying projectiles are rare and often mediated by an impartial party. To Ophelia, Sirius is an entitled, selfish asshole who thinks he’s so tortured when really he’s the most privileged of the three. And Sirius never really considered Ophelia anything beyond his annoying little sister with a victim complex and who never really liked him much. Andromeda always said Sirius and Ophelia were like oil and water, just not able to mesh together.

After his graduation, Sirius didn’t see his sister in person for almost 15 years. He saw her smiling face in the paper, hugging Evan in their wedding finery. And again, once again beside Evan, announcing the birth of their first child. He only saw her face-to-face long after all these milestones passed. In the kitchen of their childhood home.

Twin Brother: Regulus Black

When Ophelia and Regulus were born, the midwife told Walburga that twins were two halves of one. As children, the twins had their own language no one else, not even Sirius could understand. Similar but different, Regulus and Ophelia just fit together. Like puzzle pieces, without the other they’re incomplete. As children, whenever they were separated they would burst into tears and not be silenced until they laid eyes on each other.

Daughter: Aquila Marguerite Rosier

Something changed when Aquila Rosier stepped to the Sorting Hat and without a second thought, it placed her firmly in Ravenclaw. With her mother’s brains and her father’s charm, Aquila was popular and well-liked despite her family’s blood traitor status. Despite her scholarly excellence, Aquila never missed a chance to let loose. As such, she has friends in nearly every house, except Slytherin, where enemies abound.

Son: Hugo Regulus Rosier

Hugo differs greatly from his sister. Soft-spoken and sweet, he has the kind of quiet charm that softens everyone to him. Ophelia was always reminded of Regulus with Hugo, from his dark hair to his green eyes. His tanned skin comes from his father, though. The second Rosier to deviate from the Slytherin house, Hugo was sorted into Gryffindor.

~ Personality & Traits ~

Personality: Ophelia is, at her very core, a rather selfish person. She cares more about what people think of her, that her life stays safe and comfortable, that the people she loves are happy and healthy and alive than the fates of the world and people she doesn’t know. Ophelia is smart as a whip, always getting top grades and showing a talent for magic comparable to few others. She cares deeply for her family and friends, even their wrongs are wrapped in a silver lining to her, for better or for worse. Ophelia is much like her older brother, they share the same all-encompassing, complete loyalty, willing to do anything and everything for their loved ones.

Likes: Dancing, playing the violin, school, safety, comfort, citrus, calligraphy, writing

Dislikes: Flying, heights, her mother, diets, balls, fighting, disruption, magical creatures

Favourite Place: The Rosier Estate

Prized Possession: Her journal

~ Relationships ~

Love Interest: Evan Rosier

Evan and Ophelia were sort of destined for each other. Both pedigreed children of pureblood families, the pair were betrothed practically before they could walk. Always pushed together at every step, it’s almost shocking they didn’t end up hating each other. But, it ended up being quite the opposite. Evan and Ophelia were each other’s first everything. As they entered their final year of Hogwarts, Evan’s parents continued to pressure him to join the ranks of Voldemort’s followers. Halfway through their seventh year, he relented. Ophelia and Evan married not long after their graduation, at the Rosier estate, where they would live.

Best Friend: Regulus Black

Friends:

Narcissa Malfoy

Barty Crouch Jr. (Formerly)

Antonia Avery (Formerly)

Remus Lupin

Albus Dumbledore

Rivals:

Cosette Fawley

Molly Weasley

~ Misc. & Notes ~

Walburga has had Ophelia on a strict diet since she was 13 years old.

She has beautiful handwriting, a product of rigorous practice and training. Her handwriting is delicate, spidery and smooth, almost fragile.

Ophelia’s favourite colour is really a dark red, but she lies that it’s green when asked, upon occasion.

She and Regulus can practically read each other’s thoughts.

In her thued year, Ophelia tried to select Muggle Studies as one of her courses, but her parents contacted the school and forced her to switch.

In December 1979, Ophelia Rosier made a deal with Albus Dumbledore, more than a year before Severus Snape. She exchanged every piece of information about Voldemort, Regulus’s suspicions about the Horcruxes, and the identities of many of the Death Eaters for the safety of Regulus Black and Evan Rosier.

Regulus Black went missing, presumed dead only one week later.

Following Regulus’s death, Evan and Ophelia Rosier disappeared with their infant daughter. Eleven years later, Aquila Rosier arrived at Hogwarts.

[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

[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!