#and it makes me angry when marlene says she ‘knows best of all’ or whatever right after basically sentencing ellie to death

[nicolinocolino]

Marlene could have told Ellie alllllllll about her mom and she never did :) 🔪

[drifting-pieces-blog-blog]

Breaking down the comics: The worth of a person.

Issue #2: How many more must die: (1980) 

What's interesting is that Moench had something to say. A lot of older comics had messages to give and lessons to teach. Comics weren’t about making people laugh, but about giving people a platform. Making you think and perhaps, taking note of the world around you. 

There was a lot of thought put into the cast of Moon Knight. 

Aside from the thought put into the stations of Jake, Marc, and Steven, he found stories to tell with the supporting cast. 

Jake's friends make up the main side cast. There is, of course, Gena and her two boys. 

A single African American mother of two high school aged boys. Owns a diner with long hours in a lower part of town.  

More than a few issues are dedicated to the struggles Gena faces. There is even an issue that shows her in an abusive relationship. (I’m probably going to go dig that one up and do a piece of Gena later.) 

There's an issue where her diner is robbed and she's forced to defend herself and it ends on her repeatedly checking to see if the doors are locked at night. 

It deals with the boys encountering street gangs and getting involved in drug dealings. 

Many times, the boys are excited to help Jake and Moon Knight and more than a few times it has put them in danger. 

Much later on, this becomes a huge problem and leads to the reason why Gena has broken off from Moon Knight, but that's a later issue. 

For now, in just issue two, we see Jake going to Gena's after a long night of being Moon Knight. He goes there to relax and be himself. None of Jake’s people know about Moon Knight, Steven Grant, or Marc Spector. 

There, he isn't expected to be Steven or reminded of his time as Marc. He is just a cab driver asking how his friends are doing. 

A good peak into the time is the conversation they have here. 

"How's the kids?" 

"Still black, but not so proud anymore. Whatever happened to the sixties?" 

"Put to sleep by the seventies, and as for the eighties, aside from the economy and the persian gulf, all seems quiet on the eastern and western fronts." 

Looking at the times and location, a lot has happened. Historically, Vietnam has ended, the sixties and seventies were their own thing, civil rights have come but the mistreatment has only changed. Gangs are becoming more popular, drugs are starting to hit the streets, and the aids pandemic is only a few years away. There was a lot of disillusionment in this time of people that saw the fight for better things and then saw the world shrug and say it was good enough. 

Immigration to New York was at a high, new generations are being raised by a severely traumatized generation and let's not forget the red scare, the Gulf war brewing, they are deep in the cold war with no way out, and they are hitting a huge economic recession. Not to mention Regan is about to become president. The 1980s were a fun time. 

Speaking of economic recession, that brings me to Crawley.

Crawley has always interested me because he speaks like a walking dictionary. He uses refined speech and big words but refuses handouts and a higher way of living. 

He has always acted as Jake's street connection. 

Right now, the pressing matter is that someone has been killing the homeless. 

What's telling in these frames is that Jake reads about it in the paper and it's a small side bar that says "Skid-Row Slasher strikes again. Details in later editions." 

Skid-Row is a name that brings with it very specific imagery of drugs, drunks, criminals, and bums. 

When Crawley comes in, he's crying. His best friend was just killed by the Slasher. 

Moon Knight had been hunting the slasher and missed him by just a little. Angry with himself for letting someone else get hurt, Jake returns to the mansion as Steven. 

Here we have a conversation with Marlene that has always struck me. There has always been debate in the fandom on if Moon Knight is an alter himself, a blended form of the boys, or one of the boys putting on the mask. 

"He's got to be stopped, Marlene--and stopped fast." 

"And you're appointed, Steven?" 

"Not me, Marlene, Moon Knight's appointed." 

"Oh? In case you haven't noticed, sir, there isn't much difference between you and Moon Knight." 

"There's a big difference, which is why Moon Knight exists. Me, Lockley, and even Marc Spector are too normal, capable of too much emotion... Including fear. Moon Knight is pure. A primal force stripped of emotion, a being who can get the job done without conflicting feelings." 

I'm conflicted in what I think Moon Knight actually is. Sometimes he seems like his own entity. Perhaps an alter, perhaps something created supernaturally by Khonshu himself. Perhaps Marc as a way to not be Marc and still be able to work out his violent tendencies. Perhaps a shared experience. It's really hard to say. Even written by the OG Moench himself, it's hard to say. 

Anyways, we go back to Crawley. We see what it's like to live that life. 

"The day is too long, too bleak and gray, too shot with memory. Long walks to nowhere, endless subway rides from one line's end to the other." 

I once spoke with a homeless woman in my city and she noted that sometimes the best and safest way to pass the time and day was to get on a bus and ride it to the end of the line then get back on and go back. This was back when the city didn’t charge to ride in the city. Since then, the city has started to charge and I have indeed noticed less homeless people riding the bus. Just something to think about. 

Crawley thinks about his dead friend. A dead man with no home, no family to claim him, no money to bury him. Only a brief line in a paper and an old mugshot to mark his passing from existence. 

We see Crawley struggle to find shelter, kicked from his temporary rented room for failure to make payment and denied a place to stay with the other homeless due to overcrowding. 

It's only a matter of time before he too runs into the slasher and is attacked. 

He survives the attack and manages to seek out Gena for help. 

At the hospital he's patched up, but they know he's broke. The doctor asks about pay/insurance. Gena is angry at the doctor, saying it was clear that Crawley didn’t have it. She demands to see him to make sure he was given proper care. 

Despite Crawley being the only survivor of the slasher and having seen his face, the police are reluctant to do anything. 

When Gena confronts them: 

"Face it, honey, it ain't exactly top priority. When a rich dude gets offed, they call out the marines - but when it's just a bunch o' bums... [...] Even Jack the ripper got more heat than the Slasher, an' saucy Jack only hit on Hookers - But bums, they're even lower. No one cares about bums. If anyone did, they wouldn't be bums." 

Ouch. 

She's told to hire a private detective because the police aren't going to do anything. 

She doesn't have the money for that, but she does know a guy... 

Enter Ray and Ricky, Gena's two sons. They spot a familiar cab and follow it to Grant Mansion. 

Now keep in mind, this is issue two. Gena has only met Jake and knows him as Jake. 

When the two boys call out to Jake at the mansion, he's startled and attacks them, thinking someone's followed him home to cause harm. 

He finds out they are Gena's boys. "Mama said she had a suspicion you're more than what you seem." 

And right on cue, Marlene shows up calling out for Steven. Naturally, they’re confused by the other name.  

The gig is up so he invites the boys, Gena, and Crawley over for 'tea'. 

Turns out, Gena and Crawley thought Jake was an undercover cop. 

It's here that Jake makes the proposition to use Crawley as an 'agent of the trenches'. Someone to keep the homeless network open for information. 

He reveals his 'true identity' to be Moon Knight. 

Gena decides to let the boys also work for Moon Knight, if he pays them cash and keeps them away from dangerous things and as long as it doesn't interfere with their school work. 

Crawley is hesitant to offer his help to Moon Knight. It's here that we find out about Crawley's past. 

A salesman that was always on the road. He had a wife and a house and a respectable job. Until he started to hit the booze. He drank till he was fired and the bank foreclosed on their house. 

They moved to the city where "the rent was cheaper but the booze cost the same." 

They had a baby and he started to fight with his wife. After years of drinking and fighting, his wife left him with their son and he never saw them again. That was all twenty years ago. 

Since then, he’s taken up gambling and living in the streets. He’s afraid to disappoint Jake, but thinks it’s time he try to make something of himself and earn some cash through his own work. 

After a few more slasher killings, Moon Knight disguises himself as a bum and waits for the slasher to attack. 

He catches the slasher and the police take him in. Crawley agrees to be a witness in court as the only survivor of the attacks. 

But something is bothering Crawley. He feels like he's seen the Slasher somewhere before. 

He returns to his rented room that Steven has paid for and starts going through his old photos. 

Later, in court, Crawley is called as a witness. But he suddenly recants his statement and swears he didn't see anything! He breaks down on the stand and admits that he can’t give a statement against the slasher because it’s his fault the slasher is the way he is. 

The slasher is his son! 

His son blames Crawley for his mother's death and for abandoning them. He tracked Crawley down and knew he had become a bum. He attacks Crawley but the police stop him. He manages to grab a gun and shoot someone then makes a run for it. 

Moon Knight gives chase up to the roof tops. 

During the chase, Moon Knight confronts him and tries to make him listen to reason. The Slasher babbles about how he lost all the love when his mother died and blames his father for taking it from him. While Moon Knight tries to calm him down, the Slasher falls from a rooftop and dies. 

Crawley finds his son’s body in the street and cries over him while Moon Knight apologizes, looking stricken that he tried to help and failed. It’s very similar to how Marlene’s father died. In fact, his reaction is just the same. 

"I tried to stop him, Crawley, believe me, but he wouldn't listen! He wouldn't..." 

Crawley tells him that it isn’t his fault. He blames himself for not being there to help and letting his life fall to such ruins because he put his own life in the gutter. 

Many years and issues later, Marc adds Crawley’s son to the list of people he couldn’t save and Crawley to the list of people he has hurt. 

An example of how Marc takes everything as a sign that he is only capable of bringing people pain. 

So what’s to take away from this issue? 

The way the police look at social standings and use it as a gauge on who to help? The neglect of the homeless? The way that if no one cares then no one will help and the situation won’t get better? 

Perhaps it’s the way Crawley’s life went. A product of his own shortcomings and dive into booze and hurting his family? 

Or how one thing leads to another and the pain travels down the line till the son is killed? From the father to the mother to the son to the innocents that were hurt back to the father? 

In early Moon Knight, there are a lot of issues like this that are brought up. Some that deal with racial injustice, a lot that deal with antisemitism, social-economic discrimination, and even mental health discrimination. 

Original Moon Knight was pretty deep. 

Perhaps that is why Moon Knight stands with those that do not belong. Those that have no one else to turn to for help. 

 “I belong with the persecuted." - Issue 37. 

[venusstarz34]

If James and Lily had lived

Chapter one: The Day it Ended

"Pads c'mon. They'll be home any minute" Remus called from the Potter's living room. "Alright, alright. I just can't believe Prongs managed to knock her up" Remus elbowed Sirius in the ribs. "I'm just saying!" He throws his hands up in defense. "Those are your best mates you're talking about" Headlights flashed into the front window. Remus and Sirius make eye contact before jumping to their feet and running to the front door. They swing it open just as James and Lily are walking up the porch steps. "Alright ladies?" James joked, carrying in their overnight bags from the hospital and setting them down on the kitchen counter. Remus and Sirius' attention was turned to Lily, who was gently rocking a small lump swaddled in blue. They peeked over to see a small, newborn baby. They smiled at the sleeping newborn, and Lily started to pat his back softly. "Welcome to the world, Harry."

"Harry. Is Harry safe?"

"He looks so... squishy." Sirius says. Everyone let out a laugh, then Lily's smile slowly faded. "I wish Pete were here with us too. We rarely see him these days."

"Peter?"

"You guys need to hide. Now."

*A few months later*

"Boys! Come quick!" Lily calls. James sprints into the room, followed by Sirius and Remus. "What? What is it?" James asks frantically. Lily turns back and smiles. "Harry's about to take his first steps!" James relaxed and sat down with his arms out. "Come on Harry!" He says. Little Harry starts to toddle over to James. He makes it all the way and falls into James' arms. The room erupts into cheers and clapping. "That's my boy" Says James. 

*Two months before*

"There's rumor to be a spy." Sirius says to the room. The room is silent, Marlene speaks up first. "Do they have any idea who?" Sirius glances around the room. "They think it's someone who went to school with us. Maybe even someone we were close with." He looks up at Remus. "Do you have any idea of who it could be?" Remus' face scrunched in confusion. "Why would I know who it is?" His tone is questioning. "I'm just wondering, since you knew basically half the school you might have an idea who it could be. Or something with the greybacks." Sirius mumbled the last part and Remus' eyebrows furrowed. "Are you trying to say it's me?" Sirius doesn't answer. "Why on Earth would it be me?" He was staring to get angry. "I'm not saying it's you, Moony. I'm just saying that you had ties to people like that." Remus stands up. "Fuck this." He mumbled a small "Sorry Harry" to apologize for his cursing to the infant playing with some blocks on the floor. "Remus please let's talk about this." Lily tries to get him to stay. "I'll see you next week." Remus says before walking out the door. 

*October 31, 1981*

Harry was on the floor, banging pots and pans around in the kitchen and singing in whatever language infants talk in. "That's a lovely melody, Harry" Lily says as she cooks their dinner for the night. James is in the living area, polishing his broom, and watching Muggle TV. The phone rings and Lily goes to grab it. "Potter's residence" She says in a cheery tone. "Lily?" Sirius' voice cane from the other line. "Sirius? What's wrong?" She could hear the worry in his voice. "It's Peter. Peter's the spy." Lily felt her heart drop and could barely get her words out. "Peter?" James was now standing behind her, his brows furrowed with worry. "You guys need to hide. Now." "What are we going to do? Where are we going to go?" "Just stay calm. We're going to take you to the girls' place. I've already called the Ministry, they'll be waiting at your house for him to arrive." "Ok. Thank you Sirius." She hangs up the phone and turns to James, telling him everything that Sirius told her. The betrayal James was feeling was overwhelming. His oldest best friend, had betrayed him to work with the Dark Lord. Lily and James packed a bag for the night it was only around five when the Ministry showed up, along with Sirius and Remus. "Everything packed? Harry. Is Harry safe?" Sirius asked. Lily nodded and they headed to the apartment where Dorcas, Marlene, and Mary lived. When they got there, the girls greeted them at the door with tight hugs and showed them where to put their stuff. "The Ministry said they'll give us a call when it's over and safe." The room was silent is disbelief and betrayal. Lily was fearing for her and her family's life. She had an idea that would keep at least Harry safe. She casted a protection charm on Harry. One that she had pulled from the depths of her heart and soul. The Ministry had called around 8:30. They came back to the Potters, The Ministry was waiting for them, Peter Pettigrew's hands bounded with magical handcuffs. James walked up to him. "Why Pete?" He asked. Peter wasn't making eye contact. "I'm sorry, James." "No, you're sorry you got caught."Just as they were taking Pettigrew away, someone had emerged from the shadows, wand pointing at Harry. "Avada kedavra" "No!" Lily screamed as the spell hit Harry. But instead of killing him instantly, the spell rebounded and hit its owner. The owner had disintegrated, nobody had seem his face but the knew who it was. Lily ran to Harry to make sure he was ok. He was untouched, besides a little lightning shaped scar on his forehead.

It’s called Say Don’t Go. I’m sorry if some stuff doesn’t make sense, I just had to find something to make it work with my storyline and the books. This can be found on Wattpad, and will be on ao3 January 6th.*

[mrsfrecklesmarauders]

"You have beautiful eyes, you know that?"

It all started with those words. Peter had been conscious that Mary was flirtatious. She was like that with everyone. With every single boy. And that's what got her that reputation. But it wasn't her fault. It was Peter's fault for being an idiot and fall in love with her.

Mary was amazing. She was confident. She was funny. She was beautiful and she had a lovely smile. She smelled like flowers and sunsets. Her curls were wild and sexy. Her brown skin was soft. She was perfect. So bloody perfect.

Mary made Peter's heart raised everytime she was close. He felt his mouth dry. And his cheeks on fire. All he thought about was what it would be like to kiss her. To hold her between his arms.

But they were the bestest of friends. And Mary would never see him like something else.

"Just dare, Wormy..." James had told him "Tell her how you feel"

"Oh just like you did for a million times with Evans?" Sirius giggled.

"She is my girlfriend now, isn't she?" James winked, then he turned to Peter "Just try it, Boo. Maybe she feels the same"

Mary and Peter were classmates and later were in the same friend group for years. But it was until recently that they became close. That they spent a lot of time together. James and Lily. Sirius and Remus. Marlene and Dorcas. They had all become couples and the gang wasn't the same anymore. So Peter and Mary were left alone so many times. The only ones single.

Mary called Peter her boy. They talked for hours about stuff. Well Mary did and Peter listened. Peter made her laugh with random comments. And she flirted. She called him handsome and kissed his cheek.

So Peter had to try. There had to be something between them. It was meant to be. The only ones left to become a group of lovely couples. So Peter dared to tell her but it didn't go well.

"Peter, I love you too..." Mary had said. And she stopped Peter when he tried to kiss her "But just as friends... You're my best friend..."

"Best friend?" Peter got angry. Mainly because what he thought would be a beautiful love story, turned out to be nothing. Maybe because he didn't deserve love "Come on, Mary... You have been treating me differently. Not exactly like a best friend. You kept flirting with me all the time. You kept looking for me and telling me your things... How could I not fall in love with you? Tell me..."

Mary sighed "I never meant... I didn't expect you to fall for me... I..."

And then Peter said something he immediately regretted.

"Maybe everyone is right... You are just a little slut..."

He said that full of venom and fury. Thing he would have never said in other circumstances. But he only realized how he had hurt Mary when she slapped him. And her eyes filled with tears.

"I thought you were different..." she said "But you are just like the rest of boys, a piece of trash"

"Mary..."

But she walked away as quick as possible. Peter realized he had lost her forever. He would never have her. Not even as a friend. He had fucked it up.

Peter missed her. But he was too proudful to say sorry or even speak with her. He was so ashamed of loving someone that would never love him back.

"Peter..." When Mary's resentment stopped, she tried to fix things with Peter. But he did his best to avoid her "Do you think we can speak?" Mary said with puppy eyes "Please" she added.

"I am actually busy..." Peter stood up from his seat and he was about to leave. As always. Like a coward.

"Peter Pettigrew!" Mary grabbed his arm "You're not going anywhere until I fucking speak with you"

Peter had no more remedy than to listen. Maybe he wanted to listen.

Mary took a seat and forced Peter to seat next to her. But he fixed his eyes on the floor.

"I want you to know that what I am about to say is the truth and only the truth" Mary began "Not because I am trying to make you feel better or whatever..."

Peter was silent and let Mary spoke.

"I've never been this close with a boy before..." she said "Someone who didn't see me as an object. As the easy girl everyone thinks I am..." Mary looked down "But as myself...." she sighed "Peter, I feel so comfortable with you. There is no tension. No conflicts... You make me laugh. You make me happy... We have chemistry. Everything I know I am supposed to feel with someone I love..."

Mary made a pause, expecting Peter to say something but he didn't know what to say.

"What I mean is that you are the guy I dreamt of. The one any girl would want. So respectful, sweet and kind.... And I love you. I truly love you...." then Mary looked down "But not in the way you want me to..."

Peter simply nodded.

"I get it. I am not enough for you"

"No, Peter. You are more than enough" Mary explained "I don't think... I don't think I want to be anyone's girlfriend. I do not feel the way Sirius feels for Remus, or James for Lily...Or Marlene for Dorcas... I just love you" her eyes filled with tears "But not in a romantic way... I have never felt it. And by this point, I don't think I will"

"But you had boyfriends before. James is one of them, remember?" Peter sounded more jealous than he intended.

Mary smiled "I was fifteen. Having a boyfriend was the best thing that could have happened to me... What I was supposed to do. And I cared for James but just a friend..."

"Like with me?"

Mary shook her head immediately "No. You are different. You even more important to me. We are closer than I ever was with any of the boys I've dated"

Peter didn't say anything. But he couldn't help his eyes getting watery.

"I don't want to lose you" Mary cried "I want you in my life..."

"As friends?"

"As best friends... Even more..."

Peter sighed "But not as your boyfriend?" stupid hope was still there.

But Mary shook his head. Peter nodded sadly.

"I would understand if you don't want to see me again"

Peter immediately shook his head.

"I am sorry for calling you a slut" Peter cried as well.

Mary chuckled with tears in her eyes.

"You are important to me as well" Peter continued "And I don't want to lose you either"

It had been different than any relationship Peter had had. Peter wasn't good speaking with girls but with Mary it was easy. Peter felt closer to her than anyone. Even sometimes closer than he ever was with the Marauders. This was special. And perhaps that's what made Peter believe he was in love with Mary.

"I just need some time" Peter added.

Mary sighed, wiping her tears "I get it"

Peter expected Mary to go but she didn't. On the contrary, she stared at him. With peculiar eyes. Eyes of admiration. Then she touched his cheek and Peter's heart failed him and began raising again.

Mary smiled "You deserve someone that loves you and appreciates the amazing person that you are. And that girl is going to be so lucky"

Then Mary grabbed his chin, pulled him closer and gave him a peek on the lips. Peter's lips moved by themselves and he gave Mary a real kiss. She didn't stop him. She responded. It felt amazing. Like a warm embrace. It was tender. Without passion. That's when Peter realized there was nothing more than a good friendship there. So he pulled away.

"Mary..."

"Sorry" Mary bit her lip "I wanted to do that"

Peter raised an eyebrow "It is confusing" he said. But he was smiling.

"I know" Mary smiled "I am going to give you space from now on"

"We share classes and friends..."

"Yeah it won't be easy" Mary said "But I'll try"

Peter leaned in again "Maybe just one more kiss"

Mary smiled before Peter kissed her again. But she pulled away immediately.

"It starts now" she said "Goodbye, Pete... For now"

"For now" Peter whispered.

Mary stood up and started walking. But she stopped and turned. Just to give Peter a beautiful smile of hers. Peter smiled back. When Mary finally left, Peter sighed. His heart was already broken. Would it be possible to get over Mary? Just stay friends with her? Maybe fall in love again with another girl? Or watch Mary be with other boys? Surely it would be hard. But Peter had to try. Because now he couldn't imagine a life without her.

[imaslutforremusandsirius]

Cat fight

My first request, I‘m so exited. Really hope you enjoy it babe <3 @maraudersangel

Warnings: 18+

Pairing: Marlene x Lily x You

---

The walk back from the Quidditch pitch was tense, Lily and you throwing anxious glances at each other. Marlene was pissed off. Gryffindor nearly won the game against Slytherin, but Slytherin scored last second and the game was finished. Needless to say, James and Sirius were fuming with anger and Remus tried his best to hold them back from hexing the other team.

„I can‘t fucking believe it. They clearly cheated, everybody saw! I can‘t believe this bullshit“, she cried out, slamming the door to your dorm room shut and throwing her stuff in the corner of the room. You flinched when you heard the door creak and threw Lily a concerned look. Marlene had never been so angry before.

„It‘s alright Marls, you did everything you could! Besides-”, Lily was cut off sharply by her friend.

„No! It‘s not fair Lily! Why must they always get away with lying? They never get in trouble and it just isn‘t right! Fucking snakes, I‘ll show them..“.

Marlene was sitting on her bed now, face resting on her hands as she kept working herself up over the lost game. Lily sat down next to her friend, resting her hand on her back, stroking in a soothing gesture.

„Marlene, it isn‘t worth it. C‘mon you‘ll beat them nex-“

„God Lily, you just don‘t get it! This was my only chance to show James that I deserve my position! He‘s going to throw me off the team!“ She pushed Lilys hand away, hands tugging frustratedly through her blond locks.

You were starting to get angry as well. You had friends on the Slytherin team and hearing Marlene talk about them like that irritated you. Turning your attention on Lily, who was giving you a warning look, you crossed your arms and gave Marlene an icy glare. „Just because Slytherin won doesn‘t mean they cheated! Stop discriminating them for their house, I have friends on their team and you know that. It‘s not their fault you sucked.“

Lily let out a frustrated groan, knowing that neither of you would back down from this.

„So that‘s how it is? You are siding with them? The sorting hat should have put you in Slytherin then, you‘d fit right in with the cheating snakes!“

„Merlin Marlene you are so fucking full of yourself! Just because you are a Gryffindor doesn‘t mean you are above them! Get. The. Fuck. Over. It! You are acting like a bloody coward!“

Marlene abruptly got up, shaking Lilys hands off and strode towards you in quick steps. You didn‘t back down as she shoved you into the wall behind you and kept staring into her furious eyes.

The next words she spoke were dangerously low, clearly trying to control herself from doing something she‘d regret. „Careful love, you don‘t want to go there...“

You kept looking at her, but your attitude was faltering. Thruth is, you fancied Marlene for quite some time now and seeing her so angry stirred something in you. She was so close you could count each of her lashes, see the different specks of color in her eyes. You took a deep breath, the smell of her shampoo and natural musk made you want to kiss her dizzy and apologize.

„You heard me, Marlene“, jabbing your finger into her chest you spoke loud enough for Lily to hear, „You are acting like a-”

Marlene kissed you. Hard and right on the lips. Her body pressed yours against the wall, her hands on your cheeks. She murmured against your lips, voice soft, but sure. „Kiss me back then, since you are soo brave..“

You let out a breath and kissed her, immediately parting your lips so she could lick into your mouth. Both of you were moaning now, the kiss was filthy and desperate, all your tension from minutes before turned into passion. You were kissing each other trying to prove that neither of you were cowards, you are Gryffindor after all.

Lily sat calmly, watching her best friends make out. Her voice was gentle as she spoke, a dirty glint in her green eyes, „So you‘re just gonna leave me out? How rude..“

Breaking the kiss you looked at her and Marlene let out a soft laugh as she sucked on the skin of your jaw. Grabbing your hand she tugged you towards Lily and pushed you on the sitting girls lap.

Sitting down next to Lily, both of them looked at you with small smiles. You were nervous and incredibly turned on, looking at them eagerly, ready to do whatever they wanted to.

„Lily told me about your little crush on me..“, Marlene drawled and you looked up at her, cheeks flushing crimson. „Maybe you‘d like to show me just how much you fancy me? Lily wasn‘t so convincing..“

Lily was grinning now and leaned to whisper in your ear as you and Marlene held eye contact. „You want to get on your knees and make our Marls come? Hm? You’d like that wouldn’t you, you filthy girl.“ You whined quietly, hips involuntary grinding on Lilys thighs and let out a „Yes! Please!“ eyes hooded as you held Marlenes eyes. The blonde leaned back on her hands and spread her legs to give you space on the ground, her voice dominating, „On your knees pet, I want you to make me cum.“

You scrambled to get on the floor, hands trembling as you unbuttoned her quidditch uniform and pulled them down her legs. Lily was busy making out with her, taking off her shirt to play with her breasts. You pushed her legs up, so her feet were resting on the bed and kissed around her bare pussy, wanting to take your time with making her fall apart. Marlene was already soaked from your kissing earlier, a proud grin spread on your face and you kissed her clit softly. Her hands combed through your hair, slightly pushing your mouth against her clit and you licked her firmer now. You couldn‘t get enough once you got a taste and your tongue lapped on her pussy, licking and sucking on her cunt. She fucked your face, moaning against Lilys lips, but you wanted her attention on you. You wanted to look into her eyes when she came gushing in your mouth. Pulling away you pushed two fingers into her tight hole, curling the fingers to find her spot, your thumb playing with her swollen clit. Marlene shot up with a gasp, leaning on her elbows.

„Mmmh fuck right there, right there pet, ah-“, her voice cut off, breathless as she moaned and moved her hips fast to fuck your fingers deeper into her needy pussy. „Fuck I‘m close, Lily, lick my clit baby, c‘mon“ Lily joined you on the ground and locked her lips around Marlenes clit. Sucking on her clit and Marlene trembled, letting out strangled moans as you fucked her through her first orgasm of the night. Taking your fingers out you put them into Lilys mouth, the red head sucking them clean and kissed you, sharing the taste. „God, c‘mere love“, Marlene let out as she pulled you on the bed. „Want you to ride my face sweetheart, can you do that for me? Can you do that for your Marls?“ „Oh, yes please!“

You hastily took off your clothes throwing them carelessly on the ground and knelt over her face. God, she looked so good. Blonde hair sprawled around her head, blue eyes peering up at you desperately. Seeing your hasitation, she locked her arms around your legs in a strong grip and pulled you down, instantly licking at your cunt. You were so absorbed in your pleasure of finally being touched by your crush, that you didn‘t even notice how Lily fastend her strap-on around her hips. Positioning herself behind you, she placed her hand between your shoulder blades to arch your back down and rubbed the tip against your hole. Realizing what was going on you tried to get up and peer around, but Lily‘s grip was strong, holding you down by your neck and fuck into you hard. You let out a shriek, gasping and moaning, your body trembling with bliss. You couldn’t move and your girls were feral at this point, Marlene sucking harder on your clit, Lily fucking your wet cunt in rapid thrusts.

„Fuck her harder Lily she deserves it. Stop squirming an take it slut, I thought that‘s what you wanted? Wanted us to fuck you?“

Lily let out a condescending laugh, „C‘mon sweetheart, show us how brave you can be. You‘re not a snake are you? You‘re our brave little lion? Our little cock slut?“

„You gonna cum? Hm? You gonna cum all over my face? Cum, slut! Now!“

And you came, body tightening as you grinded your clit on Marlenes face, fucking back into Lily. You were burning up with the force of your orgasm, your breath coming out in hard pants, body weak. They were praising you now, calling you their good little girl, kissing and shushing you.

„Good job, pretty! So good for us, hm Lils?“

„Yes, good girl! So pretty when she cums, Marls, should‘ve seening her pretty face.“

Marlene took the strap on into her mouth, licking of your slick and moaned. „Merlin, she tastes so good.“ „Fuck, gimme a taste..“

Marlene kissed her, tongue licking into Lilys mouth. It was filthy, the sounds of their breathing and moans and kisses were absolute sin and you were needy, letting out a whine. Lily kissed at Marlenes neck, sitting in the girls lap as Marlene shot you a grin.

„What is it baby, feeling left out? C‘mon, on the ground. Want you to make Lils cum.“

You had a different idea, however and bit your lip, „Wanna see you fuck her Marls, please. Wanna see you fuck her with your pussy.“ Lily let out a shocked gasp, her giggles reaching your ears, „God, love you are filthy, aren‘t you? What do you say Marlene, let‘s put on a show-“

Marlene didn‘t even let her finish her sentence and flipped her over, pressing a hard kiss on your lips, „Enjoy the show then, darling.“

They made out slowly, passionately kissing each other breathless, hands everywhere touching softly. Marlenes lips sucked bruises on Lilys freckled skin, making the red head gasp and hum in bliss. Marlene took charge, sliding one leg under Lilys and pushed her hips forward to rub her aching cunt against Lilys pussy. Both of them let out a high pitched moan at the contact, rubbing their clits together and got lost in their pleasure. You were hot again, reaching down to touch your own clit, not daring to make a noise, aftaid that you‘d miss their sounds.

„Fuck Marl- ah Marlene, please make me cum, m‘gonna fu-”

Marlene went faster, brows furrowed and lips in a tight line, concentrating on making Lily squirt. Lily was screaming at this point, rutting against her friend until her body went stiff, head thrown back and whined loudly, pussy gushing with her orgasm. Marlene came again, whimpering as she slowed down, leaning her head back and let out a heavy breath. You came as well, in time with Marlene, both of you sharing hazy smiles.

The girls lazily got up and crawled their way towards you, caging you in with their naked, sweaty bodies. Lily rested her head on your naked breasts, softly sucking on the skin and Marlene tucked your head under her chin.

„This wasn‘t a one time thing right?“, you said, fearing the answer.

„‘Course not, baby. Want you both as often as possible“, Marlene replied, kissing your sweaty forehead. Lily simply nodded against your skin, snuggling in closer.

You beamed at Marlene, breathing her in as you fell asleep between their warm bodies, content and worn out.

[siriusmydeer]

Could I get a request with Sirius Black where he and the reader are like best best friends and they both like each other as more and everyone can tell but them. They go to the black lake with like Lily and James and Remus and Marlene and Peter and Sirius pushes her in and she drags him with her and they start making out in the lake? sorry its so specific lol

i thought this was adorable and i had a random surge of motivation so i had to.

her rings

sirius black x fem!reader

summary: sirius wants to go swimming in the black lake, and you want to wait. what happens when he pushes you in without a warning. 

word count: 1.2k

warning: kissing, cheeky sirius, jily, know it all remus, peter? insinuations of drowning? and swimming

“so, dear, we’re going to the black lake at 2. if you’re late, i’ll put burping powder in your food.” sirius says to you, with a chuckle as he runs off.

you stood there confused for a second before looking at your watch, 1:50pm. you laughed, starting at a light jog outside towards the black lake where you saw your friends seated around a tree.

james slouched on the grass, with his muscular arm around the stubborn red-head girl his gaze trained at her lovingly, remus leant against the tree and scarred nose in a book as he spared a glance to his friends as his hazel-eyes flicked back to his worn book, peter and mary were sat opposite to each other in the grass while in an intense game of wizards chess. peters fingers running through his brown tresses aggressively, due to his loss.

you see a tall and muscular figure in the distance, the raven haired boy ran to you and pulled your hand towards the rest of your mates. “finally, we’ve been waiting forever.” he said with a dramatic huff.

“‘m sorry, i was only given an invite on such short notice.” you giggled looking back at sirius, then looking towards your friends again; hands still interlocked with the taller boy.

he gave you a quick eye roll and sat down, pulling your body along with his. you land with a small bounce on the ground, you feel a small weight on your lap. the raven haired boy lay his head in your crossed legs and guiding your dainty fingers through his hair.

the bespectacled boy interrupted your light conversation with a fake-offence tone, “‘m offended, what makes you so special that you can touch padfoots hair, but m’not allowed to.” he said with his far hand reaching his heart and the other gripped at lily’s waist.

“i like the way your rings feel in my hair.” he says nonchalantly, answering the question you had yet to ask. he looked up in the sky and a dusty rose covered your cheeks, you looked in his line of vision trying to find his interest in the clouds above.

“you have your own mangle of red tresses to comb through, plus ‘ve got rings.” you waggle your ring-clad fingers in james direction, and remus let a chuckle pass through his lips.

“‘n what’s that got to do with anything?” he said with an eyebrow raise, knowing the behaviour you and sirius share with each other. along with mutual

confessions to the lycanthrope from you and sirius, his observant behaviour was obvious and he could see the mutual love and affection towards the you and the dark haired male.

“i like the way her rings feel in m’hair, it’s nice.” he looks in his best mates direction then in the direction of the lake. an idea popped in his mind, he hopped up from his laying position in your lap and grabbed your hand for the second time that day.

“we should go swimming in the lake.” he said with delight looking at his mates with excitement. “m’getting to the good part of the book.” remus said, barely listening and paying attention to the words carved into the paper.

“m’not going anywhere before i win.” peter said focused on the game, trying to maneuver his piece to get checkmate. “but we’re in our uniforms, why couldn’t you give us a warning sirius?” lily whined and looked at james. “whatever lilypad wants.” james shrugged and kissed her temple.

sirius looked at you with 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙜 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨, “oh please y/n, don’t make me go alone!” he whined gripping your arm, staring into your e/c irises. “how about-“ you thought for a moment, “i watch you and, maybe later.” you offered, raising your brows.

he thought for a moment, before “agreeing”.

“alright, fine. but you promise you’ll join me at one point?” he stuck out his pinky with a pouting lip. you gave him a fake-angry huff with a playful eye roll and interlocked your pinkies. after pulling away, he interlocks your ring-clad fingers and quickly brought you over to the docks of the black lake.

“y/n?” sirius said, looking at you with a slight smirk. “hmm?” you said looking into his cerulean eyes. “so you remember the pinkie promise we made?” he asked as if he didn’t offer his pinkie as an unbreakable vow two minutes prior. “i do, it was a very eventful moment.” you said in an amused tone, playing along to what he was about to say. he swung your collided hands together and said,

“the one point you promised into going in the black lake, 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙬.” he pushed you into the lake of water, you’re quick reflexes of a quidditch player we’re put to use as you gripped his arms with all your strength. both of you splashed and collided into the water together and swam to the surface.

“𝙎𝙄𝙍𝙄𝙐𝙎 𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝘽𝙇𝘼𝘾𝙆!” you said angrily, punching his shoulder aggressively. “m’shoes are all wet and i’m a bad swimmer! a little warning never hurt anyone.” you grunted and put your arms his neck, the close space between the both of you put a shit-eating grin on the dark haired boy face.

“but i wanted to swim with you, and i’ve got an nice view.” he said, an eyebrow raise and smirk on his face as his eyes directed to your chest. you gasped, slapping his chest and shoved his face away, “mind your eyes black!”

“‘m sorry-“ you cut him off quickly. “you’re definitely not.” you saw right through the boy and smirked. “true. but i wanted you alone, so i wanted to... show you something.” you didn’t catch on to his insinuation and played a joke to him instead. “ahh, it must be the giant squid roaming around waiting to pull you under.” you giggled and looked into his eyes.

“no, no. i want to do something but if you tell me to stop.” he said genuinely. you were confused by his change in demeanour, your heart beat sped up and you nodded looking at him. your arms came on contact with his shoulders again, looking at him with a confused brow.

“okay, so show me.”

he took this as a sign to keep going, he placed his hand on the apple of your cheek. the same colour of rose coloured your cheek again. if you thought this was his way of showing his reciprocated feelings, you were nervous for his next moves. he leaned closer until your plump lips were millimetres away from each-others.

you took initiative and connected your lips to his wet, and slightly chapped lips. he tasted your cherry chapstick, marking it as his new favourite flavour of yours. your fingers made their way into his his above the shoulder tresses, carding his strands between your fingers. his calloused hands made their way to your waist, feeling the damp material of your uniform on his hands.

he went to deepen the kiss, running his tongue across the bottom of your lip. the cheers and whistles in the distance made you pull back, with a flushed complexion. you saw your friends clapping, whistling and smirking in the distance. the smirk on remus’ face was prominent, you grinned at him before turning to the raven haired boy, his tresses wet and dishevelled from your fingers and the water.

“i guess swimming with me isn’t so bad after all.”

“𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶’𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽”

[lumosinlove]

Relic Keel

(warnings in tags)

PREVIOUSLY ON RELIC KEEL

Marlene got into college and hasn’t told Dorcas because she’s scared of how she will react.

Lily and James had sex and obviously like each other, but Lily is scared to have attachments on Hogwarts when they’re going to college soon.

Leo and Logan question each other about their pasts without much progress. Logan finds out that Leo hopes to own The Lion restaurant one day, and that his father’s death has something to do with “The Voldemort.”

Saint and Sirius talk about leaving the island and how they met when they were eleven years old. They have sex and avoid more difficult topics.

James and Lily meet at the Gryffindor Club as promised. Lily tells James that she doesn’t want anything tying her to the island, that she hates the fake boundaries that Hogwarts has and that James isn’t crossing them as much as he thinks he is. James understands, even though it hurts.

Saint and Sirius are cleaning the Potter’s pool when James arrives with Remus and Luke. Remus and Sirius have a tense moment in the kitchen, Luke and Saint argue, and Sirius finds out that it’s Remus who sails the Wolfsbane every morning—Remus thus finding out that Sirius notices.

Logan returns to the Carrows to hand over his money and stock up on Crucio. We find out that he works for them in the hopes that they will help him get Finn out of Saint Clair, only the Carrows are angry with him for using their Crucio—they say that Logan owes them now.

Logan heads over to Saint Clair to watch Finn from afar, and swears again that he will rescue him.

part iv

Remus closed his eyes, soaking in the morning sun and the salty air. The wind pushed his hair back as he tightened the rigging, catching the wind. Sometimes his sails felt like his bare hands. Like he finally had something to hold onto, even if it blistered his palms. The sea made him feel alone, in the best way. Usually, it felt like people were always around. He couldn’t go anywhere without running into at least two people from school, or his parents’ friends. Yes, he’s excited for college, no, he’s not sure exactly yet, yes, he’s still sailing, yes, he’s still obsessed, yes, he remembers learning at Gryffindor Club, sure, I’ll tell my mom you say hi.

Solidarity was less exhausting.

The wind buffered and he sighed as he slowed down. he looked back towards Shack Beach. Saint had said they saw him every morning—that Sirius saw him every morning. He wondered if Sirius was watching now.

He couldn’t see anything from this far away. Part of him wondered if he could make this island disappear completely, just for a moment. But it was dangerous to stray that far. Even The Cradle, the small U of islands just off of Hogwarts’ southern coast, was pushing it. Remus huffed out a laugh as he managed the ropes to come about, back towards shore. If that wasn’t a metaphor, he didn’t know what was.

Things on Hogwarts had become complicated in what felt like overnight, even though Remus knew that wasn’t true. They were older now. They didn’t just care about summer vacation. There was college to think about, and then jobs. Hogwarts wasn’t the dream it once was. Remus wanted to see mountains, and huge cities, or snow—and not just for a week on vacation. He wanted to belong somewhere because he wanted to be there, and not just because he had grown up there. He was tired of knowing everything there was to know.

He tied up his Wolfsbane on autopilot, stroking his hand over the side before tugging his shirt over his head and jumping straight into the water. It was cooler from the night, but it was what Remus needed. He held his breath as he found the sandy bottom, his eyes closed. For a moment, he didn’t have to be anywhere. He got to enjoy the ocean and its predictable changes.

When he came up for air, he remembered why he loved this island. That still didn’t mean he didn’t want to leave.

“Are you headed to the museum, sweetheart?” his mother said when Remus came down to the kitchen, freshly showered. He preferred to let the salt linger all day, but he figured he should be fresh for his first day of work.

“Yeah,” Remus held up his keys. “Just looking for some coffee first.”

His mom held up a mug for him, laughing. “Ask and you shall receive.”

Remus smiled. “Thanks, mom.”

“How was it this morning?”

Remus poured some milk into his cup. “It was good. Sun’s going to be strong today. Went near The Cradle—not too far, don’t worry.”

“You know me too well,” Hope laughed, whisking some eggs into a lather. “Well, it’s pizza night. We’re ordering in so, if you want to have some friends over and take it to the den, that’s fine with me. But don’t complain if Jules crashes the party.”

Remus nodded. “Actually, I think we’re going out. If that’s all right?”

Hope nodded. “All right, sure. Be safe, though. Who, uh…”

“James and Luke,” Remus sighed. “Mom—”

“I wasn’t going to say anything—”

“It’s not Luke’s fault,” Remus continued anyway. “His dad, I mean. He didn’t know.”

“I know that,” Hope sighed. “But…Even I can see that boy’s hurting and I barely see him at all.”

“Then shouldn’t he be with his friends?” Remus said.

Hope raised her eyebrows at him, and Remus raised his own right back.

“All right, all right,” Hope said. “You’re gonna be late, I’ll see you later, baby.”

Remus knew he should take the car his parents had given him. He knew he should get used to driving, knew his dad wondered why it just sat in the garage. But here, on the island, Remus liked his bicycle. He liked the warm breeze. It reminded him of being out on the water.

Which, in turn, now reminded him of Sirius Black.

When Remus remembered Sirius, he mostly remembered bruised cheeks and nasty looking cuts. He remembered the hushed way people used to whisper about him, and how, even when he was loud, grinning and well-liked, he was still from Salazar. Sometimes he had eaten lunch surrounded by people, and sometimes he had eaten it alone with his brother.

Remus didn’t understand this island. Was Sirius really so different because he was born a few miles South rather than North? It made no sense—only it did, but only because it was all Remus had ever known.

The Hogwarts History Museum was a pride of the island. Remus knew it well from school trips, and from his own interest. He’d spent many Saturdays there as a kid, gazing at all of the small models of ships and dreaming about what it would be like to sail them, wishing they weren’t trapped behind glass—feeling a little like he was trapped behind glass. A ship in a bottle.

“Hi there, Remus,” Layla smiled at him, green eyes kind and skin a rich, dark brown against the pale pink scarf in her hair.

“Hi, Layla,” Remus smiled. “Having a good summer so far?”

“Sure,” Layla shrugged. “Lots of time here. I saw you win the sailing race last Sunday, congrats.”

Remus smiled. “Thanks. It was real fun. Sorry I beat your brother, though.”

“Oh, Lyle doesn’t mind,” Layla waved a hand. Her nails were painted pink, too. “Don’t worry about it.”

Remus had been friends with Layla since they were little, competing for best in class usually. She was wicked smart and mellow. Remus could always use some mellow, good conversation—especially with James being James and Luke being…well, whatever Luke was now. Layla liked history, and her family owned the museum, which meant Layla told tales that were, albeit tall, fun to listen to.

Remus leaned against the desk, looking around. “This place never changes, huh?”

Layla laughed, clicking a pen. “History doesn’t tend to change that much, R, and so neither do we. Unlike the world out there.”

“I don’t know about that. Nothing ever feels too different out there,” Remus laughed, too. “But I guess you’re right. I’m glad you’re here, though. Or else I’d be sitting behind this desk by myself.”

“I’m glad you’re here, too,” Layla nodded. “What made you take the job?”

Remus snorted as he rounded the corner, picking up his name badge where Beatrice, Layla’s mother and the museum curator, said it would be. “Don’t pretend we didn’t see each other here when we were little all the time. Not to mention at Gryffindor Club. You, obviously.”

Layla raised an eyebrow. “Me and your mom.”

Remus winced and Layla laughed.

“C’mon, we both know you’d be out on your boat all day if it was up to you.”

Remus laughed. “Fine. But seriously. You’re a perk.”

Layla nodded, rolling her eyes with a smile. “Just a couple of history buffs, I guess.”

Remus shrugged. “There are worse things to be.”

The day was pretty slow. A few tourists here and there, taking photo behind the cardboard cutouts that made you look like you were dressed as a sailor, or a pirate.

“Are there really pirates here?” one little girl had asked Layla.

Remus had smiled when Layla crouched down and whispered to her, “careful, there’s one there,” and pointed at Remus.

When lunch rolled around, Remus expected Layla to pull out a bagged sandwich like him, but instead she scoffed and picked up her bag.

“Come on. We have to get out for a bit.”

Remus shrugged. “All right, where to?”

“The Lion, of course,” Layla replied. “It’s the best food on the island.”

“The Lion,” Remus repeated slowly. “You mean—in The Hollow?”

Layla gave him a look. “Oh, you’re not one of those are you?”

“One of what?” Remus said. “No. I’m not, I just… c’mon, you hear things.”

“Hear things? You’ve never been?”

“Once,” Remus swallowed, thinking of the fight. “It didn’t really go well.”

Layla just shook her head.

“History is just one great field of stories, Remus. You’ll never get to the truth unless you listen to them all.”

And so Remus found himself riding alongside Layla on their bikes and right through Gryffindor. The Hollow didn’t have a sign or anything, but you knew when you were in it. Remus almost wished he had been able to see some sort of line to cross, but everything was just suddenly different. Low houses with open doors, people gathered together and laughing. Kids running with surfboards over their heads, towards Shack Beach. It had seemed even more vibrant in the dark the night of the party, even through the tinted windows of Luke’s car. String lights hung over cookouts, and music blasting from speakers. It had smelled amazing, and Remus would have to say Layla was probably right about the food. 

The Lion was just as bright as everything else. It was bustling with lunch-goers, and the doors were flung wide, letting the heat right in. Remus looked around at the people. Some tourists, obviously. Some not. Hollows. Some of them smiled when they caught Remus’ eye, and some narrowed their eyes.

“Hi, Leo, babe,” Layla said as she slid onto a stool at the counter.

There was a blond boy behind it wearing a tank top and a snapback. He smiled as he set some shrimp down in a frier. “Hey, Layla, babe, ça va?”

“Just working. At least I’ve got Remus for company now.”

Remus smiled awkwardly when Leo fixed his blue eyes on him. He really didn’t know what he was waiting for. Something terrible to happen?

Leo only held out a hand. “Leo, nice to meet you.”

“Remus,” Remus said, and took it. He tried not to look at the rainbow bracelet on Leo’s wrist for too long, but he could tell Leo had felt the way his hand tightened. “Yeah—you, too.”

Leo touched it briefly, like an old habit, as he pulled away, giving another smile to Remus.

It didn’t necessarily mean Leo wasn’t straight, but on such a small island, Remus tended to notice these things. He and Luke had figured each other out pretty fast around sixteen. They’d kissed. Once. And then winced, laughed, and shoved each other in the pool. Sometimes Remus wished he and Luke had worked. He didn’t see any other boys coming his way. Leo was smiling at him like he knew what Remus was thinking.

“What can I get you two?” Leo asked.

A boyfriend? Remus thought wistfully.

“Two of your specials, please,” Layla said. “Re, you’re going to lose your mind it’s so good.”

“What’s your special?” Remus asked.

Leo shrugged, but he was grinning. “Like a chef ever gives up his secrets—”

Leo had stopped mid-sentence, eyes going over their shoulders towards the door. Remus turned to look, and a moment later, a brown haired boy was slinging a backpack down carefully between his feet and taking the seat beside Remus.

“Well, look who’s back,” Leo said to him.

The boy glanced at Remus and Layla, then gave a small shrug. “Yeah.”

Leo snorted. “Yeah,” he parroted. “You’re just hungry.”

The boy shrugged again.

Leo sighed, and gave Remus a look that said, can you believe this? before turning back to the stove. “This is Logan guys. Apparently he doesn’t talk today. Three specials. Coming up.”

~

Logan didn’t recognize the boy sitting at the counter. He didn’t recognize the girl either. Then again, he didn’t recognize many people. He didn’t know anyone. Except Dorcas—if that even counted. And Leo. If that counted, either.

The Felix was heavy in his pack, wedged protectively between his feet, and he wished the strangers would leave so that Leo would talk to him. He hadn’t said two words that weren’t him making sure that Logan liked his food, and asking him where he’d been.

Logan was a little annoyed with him for asking that question. It wasn’t like Leo didn’t know what Logan did. Then again, Leo didn’t know why Logan did what he did.

“You guys get the new madness exhibit up yet, Layla?” Leo was asking the girl with the scarf in her hair. “The one you were telling me about.”

The sandy-haired boy looked up from his food. “The madness exhibit?”

The girl—Layla—cocked her head. “Remus, you…you don’t know?”

“Know what?” the boy—Remus—replied.

Layla sat up a little, looking suddenly awkward. “Your mom donated almost everything we have. I mean…it is your family that’s famous for…”

Remus raised his eyebrows. “Losing their fucking minds?”

Layla winced. “Well, yeah, okay, poor choice of words on my part. But madness isn’t always a bad thing, you know. People say people are crazy all the time. Sometimes they’re just extraordinary.”

Remus looked back down at his food. “My family’s not extraordinary, believe me.”

“Usually extraordinary-ness belongs to one person, I’d say,” Leo said. “My mom’s pretty extraordinary. Doesn’t mean I am.”

“You want to stay on this island, don’t you?” Logan found himself saying. Then, he felt his neck heat and he turned down to his food.

“What’s so extraordinary about that?” Layla replied at the same time as Remus said, “You do?”

Leo just laughed, rolling his eyes at Logan. “I’m with Layla on this one, guys, sorry.”

“What about you, Logan?” Layla asked. “I want the museum after I go to college. At least I think I do. Leo wants The Lion, Remus wants to sail the world…” Remus blushed at that, and Layla’s eyes were very green. “What do you want to do?”

Logan found it strange that they were treating him like that. So normally. Logan knew his necklace was on display. It was easier than explaining why people hadn’t seen him around and pretending to be a tourist. That lead to questions. Being abandoned didn’t. And he was. He was abandoned. People didn’t ask. Most probably thought he had just aged out. People didn’t ask. It was better that way. Logan didn’t have any answers. All he had was the memory of that last night with Finn. Finn had returned to their room, eyes wild and voice urgent.

Come on, Lo, wake up. Wake up, Logan, we have to go. Now.

Logan had felt helplessly awake in the first weeks of being out. He was still sorting through what that meant.

Logan swallowed. “I don’t know. I’m—looking for someone first.”

Remus sighed and mumbled. “Aren’t we all.”

“You are?” Leo asked softly.

Logan nodded. “Or, not looking. I’m just…I’m waiting for someone.”

He knew where Finn was, but Logan knew that he could wait forever and he wouldn’t come. Logan had to take what he wanted. It was a lesson he was learning fast.

“Oh,” Remus replied. “Um…cool. I hope you find them.”

Logan just nodded.

“Well, we should head out,” Layla said, rising. “Gotta get back to work.”

“Sure thing, just pay up front,” Leo smiled. “See you later, Layla.” He nodded at Remus. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too,” Remus smiled back. “The food was great.”

Logan watched Leo watch them leave, then snort. “That guy looked more spooked than a horse with a snake.”

“Isn’t that what Gods are supposed to look like?” Logan replied.

Leo shrugged. “Usually you can’t see their eyes behind their aviators.”

Logan laughed a little. “Right.” he looked back down at his food, realizing he had begun picking his fries apart, rather than eating them.

“I’m looking for someone too, you know,” Leo broke the silence.

Logan did. Only, he hadn’t thought about it like that. Leo’s dad and Finn. Leo’s dad was probably dead. Finn wasn’t.

“I hope you find him,” Logan replied. “Your dad.”

The Lion was in full swing now, the lunchtime rush loud and boisterous. Leo had a tank top on, and Logan thought he looked a little tired. Sleeplessness showed easily on his skin.

“Do you have to run?” Leo asked instead of responding. “And hide? Like, from the police?”

Logan sat up, instinctively looking behind him. “I assumed I would have to. But…it hasn’t been that difficult.” He laughed a humorless laugh. “I guess I keep overestimating how much people actually care about me. Maybe I should have learned something by now.”

“Maybe you’re just looking at the wrong people,” Leo said quickly, and looked up with a smile, a small one, then down again. “I know a few others who got out. They don’t seem to have trouble, so, you know, if you needed a job or something, you could work in my mom’s workshop. With me. Or here. I’m sure Celeste and Pascal would be all right with it.”

Logan felt taken off guard. “Oh. I…” he thought of the powder packets in his bag. Of the Carrows. How much do you think you owe us by now?

Others? he wanted to ask. What others? 

“Just think about it,” Leo said, and turned towards one of the stove tops to check on some boiling water.

“Yeah. Okay.”

They sat in silence for a long moment.

“It’s a boat,” Leo began suddenly, answering Logan’s yet unasked question. The Voldemort. What his father had been looking for. It was almost like Leo was thanking him for telling the truth about his situation. An eye for an eye. A truth for a truth. Logan sort of liked that consistency. “Was a boat. In the eighteenth century.”

“Oh,” Logan said.

“Biggest story on Hogwarts,” Leo said. “Ten thousand pieces of gold, all fallen to the depths of the ocean just off of Hogwarts’ shores…and never seen again.”

“But if it’s just off the shore…”

Leo smiled a little, shaking his head. “But you have to know where off the shore. Otherwise, you have a whole circumference of miles and miles of open water to work with.”

“And your dad figured it out?”

Leo shrugged, expression closing off a little. “He thought he did.” He cleared his throat as he put an order on the counter for a waiter to take away, and ripped another piece of paper down from the line up to look at. “The Cradle. You know it?”

Logan shook his head.

“It’s a sort of…horse shoe shaped cluster of islands, just off of our southern tip.”

“Salazar,” Logan said quietly.

Leo nodded. “Salazar.”

“Your dad was a treasure hunter,” Logan said slowly. “He was looking for a treasure.”

“Yeah,” Leo said, flipping a crab cake in sizzling oil. “He was.”

“And did he find it? Do you want to find it?”

“I don’t know,” Leo whispered, busy hands stilling. “He never came home.”

Logan nodded.

“He wanted to find it,” Leo said softly. “Really badly. And I… I feel like I should.”

“And was he close?”

Leo glanced up from his knife. “Yes.”

“Leonardo,” a voice came suddenly, entering the restaurant. “What does your mother feed you, you gorgeous specimen?”

Logan froze. He knew that voice.

Leo rolled his eyes, and looked at the newcomers. “Fuck off, Saint. Hey, Sirius.”

“Hi,” a second voice came, and it was closer, almost beside Logan at the bar.

Leo’s eyes caught on Logan’s again, probably meaning to introduce him, but he stopped instead.

“What’s wrong?” Leo asked.

But Logan just shook his head, and then the newcomers—Saint and Sirius—were leaning against the bar. Logan felt the breath beside him catch just as his own had, and he turned to look.

Logan thought the boy standing beside him looked different. Older. More muscular. Squarer jaw. But the same. Same eyes. Same shock of blond hair. Same warm, brown skin.

“Logan?” Saint breathed, his eyes disbelieving.

Logan went to open his mouth, when Saint’s arms were around him suddenly.

“It’s Saint,” he said softly, just for Logan’s ears. He squeezed him tighter. “God, you’re here.”

“Saint?” Logan whispered into his shoulder. No one had touched him like this in what felt like forever.

“Yeah,” Saint said. He pulled back and raised an eyebrow. “Okay?”

Logan shrugged. “I…yeah, okay.”

“Knutty,” Saint’s serious expression morphed into a grin. He leaned against the counter, keeping his palm on Logan. “Handsome as ever.”

Logan blinked at Saint, then at Leo. “Knutty?”

Leo rolled his eyes. “Don’t listen to a word he says.”

“Oh, Logan already knows not to do that,” Saint laughed. He tapped his cross necklace. “We’re practically brothers.”

“Oh,” Leo blinked. “Right.”

The other boy—Sirius—looked just as taken aback.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Saint called in a sing-song voice, looking at Sirius. “Order for us, won’t you? And get us a table? Logan,” Saint nodded towards the door. “Come hither.”

Logan was so thankful to see Saint, he nearly tripped while getting up. A familiar face. A familiar anything. Saint had gotten out almost seven years ago. He’d been there one day, in his bed, in classes, in the courtyard, and gone the next.

“Sweetheart?” Logan asked, glancing back inside at the dark-haired boy, Sirius.

Saint just put his hands on Logan’s arms, eyes more intent than Logan had ever seen them, then on Logan’s cheeks. “Holy shit, how did you get out?”

Logan felt his heart slow, then speed up. He swallowed dryly. “Finn. How did you?”

Saint ignored the question.

“Finn,” Saint repeated, nodding. “Of course. When?”

“About a month ago. And he—he’s still in there,” Logan said. “He’s…And I’m—”

“I hear you,” Saint said. He jerked his head over to the table. “Not now. Let’s get back.”

“Saint?” Logan asked again.

Saint rolled his eyes. “Leave it alone. For now.”

~

Saint hadn’t been ready. He hadn’t seen Logan in nine years, but he’d know his face anywhere. All eyelashes and sad, green eyes. A smile he wore with Finn only. He looked spooked now, and tired. They’d sat at the bar, watching one of Leo’s shifts go and another one come, then moved to a table. Watching it get dark outside now, Saint wondered where Logan had been living for a month.

He eyed the backpack that Logan held so protectively close, and thought of the way Dorcas did the same thing.

Saint had a bad feeling.

“So, how’d you two meet?” Sirius said, gesturing between Logan and Leo with a fry when Leo brought over more water.

“Party,” Leo shrugged after a moment of hesitation. “Shack Beach.” He jerked his head at Saint. “You two were there, judging by Sirius’ shiner. Could hear that fight at my house, probably.”

Sirius rolled his eyes. “I didn’t start it.”

“True,” Saint said, wondering how he had missed Logan that night. “Some God—albeit a beautiful one—thought we were selling Crucio.”

Saint flicked his eyes over to Logan. Sure enough, he blushed.

Saint cocked his head. “The horror. Dangerous stuff.”

Leo looked at Saint quietly, and glanced at Logan, then back to him. Saint nodded. Got it, it said.

“Well, would you look who it is,” said a deep voice from behind them, and then there were two strong arms around Saint and Sirius. Pascal placed a loud kiss on each of their heads.

“Eck,” Sirius laughed. “You smell like grease, old man.”

Pascal Dumais laughed. “Grease that feeds you, maybe. And who’s this?”

“Dumo, meet Logan,” Saint said. “Logan, meet Pascal. He owns the Lion with his wife, Celeste.”

“The most beautiful woman in the world,” Pascal said, accent heavy. “Logan, it’s nice to meet you.”

Saint watched Pascal eye Logan’s necklace.

“We were together at Saint Clair,” he supplied.

“Maybe not so loud,” Logan said harshly. “Saint.”

“Oh?” Pascal said, and squinted at Logan. “Who are you with now, mon cher?”

Saint watched Logan open his mouth, frozen, and was about to speak up when—

“Me,” Leo cut in. He looked down at the carrots he was chopping as he said it. “Me and my mom.”

Oh, Saint thought.

“Oh, Leonardo,” Saint sighed. “Un ange.”

“Not my name,” Leo said.

“I know.”

“Yeah,” Logan replied to Pascal’s still questioning gaze. “Yeah.”

“I see,” Pascal nodded. “Well, I’m happy you and your mother will have a helping hand now. I miss your father dearly, mon fils.” He smiled sadly at Leo.

Leo just nodded. “Yeah.”

“Him and his treasure, eh?” Pascal said. “A wonderful man. I miss going out on that boat of his.”

Leo’s smile was small, but fond. “Those were some of his favorite mornings.”

“Treasure?” Sirius asked.

“Black!” a new voice shouted. “Thank fuck.”

Saint looked up when Sirius did. James and Remus were barreling towards them from the dark outside.

“Good lord,” Saint said. “Rain, from Olympus. Water my crops, why don’t you.”

“James?” Sirius said. “What are you—”

James and Remus walked right up to their table—Remus looking slightly more reluctant. “We have a question.”

“How did you know we were here?” Sirius raised an eyebrow. “I mean, just…it’s a little out of your way, non?”

“Remus came here earlier, and when I told him—well, you’ll see—he said maybe you’d be here.”

Saint watched Sirius’ eyes narrow at Remus, confused. “Okay…”

“Well, it’s good to see you again, tweedle-hot,” Saint said to Remus. “Up close this time. We actually though you were going to sail right out of sight this morning.”

Sirius stepped on his toe beneath the table.

“Excuse me?” Remus choked out. “What the fuck did you—”

James blinked at Saint, then shook his head, as if to right his thoughts. “All right, setting every strange thing that comes out of your mouth aside for a moment —where is Dorcas?”

“Meadowes?” Logan chimed in.

James’ eyes turned on him. “You know her?”

Saint raised his hand. “I have the same question.”

“Well,” Logan hesitated. “Sure.”

“And she sells Felix,” James said, as if trying to confirm the information.

Logan narrowed his eyes. “Says you.”

James sighed. “I’m not here to turn her in, Jesus, I just have a question.”

“Do…” Sirius was looking at Logan. “Do you sell…”

“What kind of question?” Saint cut in.

Remus spoke up. “A does-she-deal-to-Luke type of question.”

Saint laughed. “Deveaux?”

“You know who Luke is, Saint,” Remus sighed.

“Well, yeah I do, Lupin, he tried to buy off me,” Saint shook his head with a tisking sound. “Turns out he’s a prejudice piece of eye candy. Who knew.”

“Come on,” James sighed, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses. “Please, Sirius, come on.”

Sirius shrugged. “We don’t know who Dorcas deals to. We’re not involved.”

“If you did would you tell us?”

Sirius smiled, just a little. “Probably not. But I really don’t know.”

James sighed, sagging away from the table. He looked at Remus. “Fuck.”

“What were you hoping to accomplish here?” Sirius asked slowly.

“We—” Remus said, then sighed, too. “We were going to see if she would agree to stop. If it was her, if she would stop giving it to him.”

“We’d pay her,” James added. “Obviously.”

Saint scoffed, and Logan laughed a little, too, from beside him.

“Obviously,” Saint mimicked.

“We just meant—” Remus began.

“We know what you meant,” Sirius said.

Saint popped a fry into his mouth. “If we’ll clean your pools for a few bucks, we’ll grant you three wishes, too.”

“Jesus, Saint,” James groaned.

“Mary. Joseph—”

James ran his hands through his hair. “We’re sorry, we misspoke. We’re just trying to help our friend. His dad got taken to jail, his mom pops pills all day and night.  That’s already draining what little money the bank didn’t seize and if he wants to do anything with his life he needs a straight head. Just—fuck, we’re just asking.”

Saint prided himself on gathering information, but most of that were things he didn’t know. Luke’s dad had got taken away. But the pills? The financial distress? All of that paired with that guarded snarl the boy always seemed to wear…it almost made Saint feel sorry for Luke Deveaux. He almost said so.

Instead, he said, while twirling the cross around his neck. “Wow, he must feel like an orphan or something.”

“All right,” Remus sighed. “James, let’s just go.”

“What does he look like?” Logan said suddenly before they could turn to leave.

James looked a him warily. “Um. Sort of blond-ish. More brown-haired, I guess. Big guy, built and tall and all that. Oh, he’s got this green spot in one eye.”

Logan nodded. James raised an eyebrow. Saint waited.

“How much will you pay me to stop selling to him?” Logan finally said. He rose as he did, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. “That’s a lot out of my pocket.”

“Logan,” Saint said, but Logan didn’t look at him.

James blinked. “I—oh. Oh, uh—God, what do you want? Two hundred?”

"One grand,” Logan said.

James laughed. “Dude. Who the fuck are you? No, I don’t have that much just—on me.”

“Logan,” Saint warned again, and this time Logan did look at him. Saint shook his head softly.

“Fine,” Logan said through his teeth, and held out his hand. “Two.”

James took his wallet out and handed over the cash.

“Thanks,” Remus said from a little behind James’ shoulder. “Really.”

Logan just nodded, shoved the bills into his pocket, and headed for the door.

“Pardon,” Saint sent a grin to them all, and followed him.

Once they were outside, Saint gave him a wack on the back of the head.

“Fuck,” Logan swore. “S—”

“You get out of that shit-hole and you go around selling Crucio? To Gods?”

“I—”

“I mean, seriously, what the fuck was that? Do you know how not careful that was?”

“I don’t even know who that boy is,” Logan bit back.

Saint blinked. “What?”

Logan looked out towards the ocean where they could hear the waves crashing against the shore. “He offered to pay, and so I told him what he wanted to hear. When his friend shows up hallucinating next, that’s their problem.”

Saint scoffed. “Fine, okay, clever boy. But you do sell Crucio.”

“Felix,” Logan countered. “And yes.”

“Crucio. And no.”

Logan shrugged. “I need the money.”

“For what?”

Logan looked at him and, this time, his eyes were hard. Desperate. “For Finn.”

Saint froze. He opened his mouth, and then closed it. “Excuse me?”

“If I can get enough cash, I can get Finn,” Logan said.

Saint stared at him, and then Saint laughed. Then, he laughed louder.

“You’re shitting me,” Saint said. “You think that?”

“What do you…”

“You think you can buy Finn out?” Saint repeated incredulously. “You think you can walk back in there and buy Finn out.”

Logan took a breath. “He—”

“Logan, Jesus Christ,” Saint snapped. “You walk anywhere near that place and you are never getting back out.” Saint pressed a hand to Logan’s shoulder and shook him. “Do you hear me?”

“I need to do something,” Logan shouted back. “I need to do something, I can’t just leave him in there, he’s everything to me.”

Saint shook his head. “He got you out. Don’t waste that.”

Logan nodded, eyes bright with tears now. “And you know he got punished for it. You know he did—”

“Stop,” Saint spat, glancing around, as if anyone could hear. “Don’t.”

“You could help me,” Logan said, wiping his nose. “Bash, you got out once—”

“No,” Saint said, and turned away. “No. And don’t call me that. Don’t you ever call me that.”

“Please,” Logan begged. “Please—Saint.”

Saint whirled on him again. “I am never going near there, and neither are you. Finn’s still in there, fine. But he’ll need to get himself free like us if he wants it bad enough.”

“I owe money,” Logan began, then his breathing hitched. “I owe them, I took some of it to see—to see Finn and…Bash—Saint—”

“Them?” Saint took a step forward. “Them?”

Logan pressed a hand over his eyes, but Saint walked forward and pulled it away.

“Logan,” he said lowly. “Tell me you didn’t.”

Logan closed his eyes, mouth twisting against his tears.

“Tell me, right now, that you didn’t let the Carrows tell you they’d help you. And that you didn’t believe them.”

Logan shook his head, not in negation, but in defeat. “I need him. I need him, I’m so…I’m alone.”

Saint pulled Logan against his chest and let him cry. The sobs heaved out of him for a long while, until the collar of Saint’s shirt was wet. Until Logan was breathing softly again, exhausted, and until his voice sounded shot when he spoke.

“You’re really staying with Leo?” Saint asked, more gently this time.

Logan nodded.

“I have a place, too. Here, in The Hollow. If you want.”

“With the others?” Logan rasped.

“What others?”

“How many others are out?” Logan said softly.

Saint shook his head, fingers in Logan’s hair. “Just me, that I know of.”

“You still wear it,” Logan said, pulling back to look at him. “The cross.”

Saint let his hands drop with a last touch to Logan’s hot cheek. “So do you.”

They were both silent.

“I’m sorry about Finn,” Saint said rigidly. “I know how much he meant to you.”

Logan’s brows pulled together. “He’s not dead.”

Saint nodded. “Right.”

“Saint…” Logan began, and Saint heard the almost B instead. “Would you—just thinking about it—“

“No,” Saint said, and then turned and went back inside.

Sirius, back at the table, looked at his face, and then at his wet shirt.

“Okay?” he asked softly when Saint sat down.

“Just dandy,” Saint replied, and looked towards the door. Logan was gone.

[ktrsss1fics]

Cake By The Ocean: Nine

“But Keith--”

Niall’s ears perked up as he heard the voice of a person whom he had regretted meeting. Standing in the doorway of the kitchen, with fear in her eyes, was an American woman who had no business being in Mykonos. She was clutching her cell phone against her chest while a very angry-looking man from Essex faced her. Something serious had happened but he didn’t know what it was. He turned to ask his girlfriend about what was going on but she wasn’t there -- she was making her way towards the door.

“Delete the fucking video or you’ll wish you never met me.” Keith Miller said clutching his fist.

The Irishman took a deep breath. Those were fighting words and Georgina wasn’t one to let her friends fight alone. The last thing Niall needed was for his girlfriend to get arrested. He promised her mother he wouldn’t let it happen. Without hesitation, he followed in Georgina’s footsteps. When he got to the door, she had wedged herself between Keith and Mar.

“I was just taking a video of the floor tiles,” Mar said with a nervous laugh.

“Yeah, yeah and me gran’s the Queen,” Keith said. “Delete it.”

“You know, you are being really rude right now. You invited me here and I’m totally feeling attacked. I didn’t even do anything wrong.”

“You little cun--” Keith started to say but stopped as he felt someone touch him. He looked down to find Georgina standing in front of him. The concerned look on her face made his heart hurt.

“Calm down,” Georgina said softly.

“Ferg, I-I-I--” Keith groaned, incapable of forming a proper sentence.

“She’s not worth it. Whatever it is that you saw -- just let it go.” Georgina said.

Niall watched as Keith closed his eyes. He could tell his friend was struggling with something. He had a few ideas of what it could be about.

“Ferg,” Niall said, trying to catch his girlfriend’s attention but she didn’t budge.

Keith took a deep breath before opening his eyes.

“Georgina, I’m going to respectfully ask ya to move, babes.” He said as he focused on Mar.

Georgina tried to catch his eyes but Keith’s gaze didn’t waver. She stepped away slowly. Niall reached out and pulled her towards him.

“I’m gonna ask again nicely. Marlene, delete the video.” Keith said.

Mar let out a frustrated sigh, “Keith. I don’t---”

“That’s fucking bullshit. I saw you take it.” Keith stepped closer to her. “Delete it.”

“Who cares if I took it? It’s not like they are gonna last.” Mar rolled her eyes. “He doesn’t deserve someone like her. He could do so much better.”

As soon as the words left her lips, Mar regretted them. Within an instant, a very serious woman from the midlands of England was staring her down. She didn’t need to say anything. Her face said it all. Both men froze not knowing what was going to happen next.

“Girl, you—you—you know I—“ Marlene stuttered.

“Oi Miller, you think Glenn would like to know what her employee does during business hours?” Georgina said void of emotion.

“I mean she might be interested in knowing about the suspicious shopping charges on the company card and all the sex taking place in the conference room on company time,” Keith stated. “Wouldn’t she?”

The American woman’s eyes went wide. “You know Glenn?”

“I know everyone,” Keith said.

Georgina looked the woman up and down, “And I know everything.”

“You don’t scare me,” Marlene replied.

“I can make sure you never work in Los Angeles again,” Keith said, crossing his arms over his chest. “And she works for one of the biggest law firms in the city so you are definitely barking up the wrong tree there babes.”

Marlene’s eyes went wide as realization hit. These two weren’t messing around.

“You-you-you guys know I wouldn’t actually do anything, right?” The American said with a nervous laugh. “I was just messing around.”

She pulled out her phone so Keith could see it and deleted the video completely off of her phone.

“We have no time for those false statements especially when it’s just for clout, Miriam,” Georgina said.

Niall did his best to stifle a laugh but he was unsuccessful. Keith grinned before stepping away from the two women. He tugged on Georgina’s hand and she followed in suit.

“It’s Mar--” Mar started to say, causing Georgina to roll her eyes.

“Leave it.” Niall and Keith said in unison.

But Georgina couldn’t. She turned around and took two steps towards the American.

“You know you ruined a really great chance, right?” Georgina said.

Mar looked confused, “How so?”

Georgina pointed back at Keith, “That man right there is a motherfuckin’ catch. Next time you try to take advantage of Keith Miller, think again.”

“I-I-I--” Mar stammered.

“Ferg,” Keith said, slightly embarrassed.

“No, fuck that. You know what you did. You don’t even deserve to be in the same room as him.”

“Ferg…” Niall called out.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Georgina mumbled as she turned around and walked away.

The young woman walked past her friends and didn’t stop until she got to the foyer. She started to pace as the boys followed after her.

“Do you need to go take a lap?” Niall asked jokingly.

“No.” Georgina scoffed. “I can calm down. I’m just worked up.”

Keith sighed, “I’m sorry. I should’ve known better.”

Niall wrapped an arm around Keith’s shoulder. “At least you caught it.”

“And took care of it,” Georgina added.

“Did you mean what you said?” Keith asked, rubbing Niall’s back.

“Who me?” Georgina asked looking up at the boys.

“Of course he’s talkin' to ya.” Niall laughed.

She smiled. “You might be an idiot but you’re our idiot and no one is allowed to fuck with you.”

“Nialler, she’s a keeper,” Keith said with a wink.

“Don’t I know it.” Niall laughed, making Georgina blush.

Keith looked between his friends, “You lot want a drink? I think we’ve earned one more.”

“Sounds great.” Georgina chirped as the boy from Essex headed back to the kitchen.

Niall walked over to his girlfriend and took her hands into his. “You good?”

“Fan-fucking-tastic.” Georgina joked.

Niall squeezed her hands before letting out a sigh.

“Babe, I’m good. I promise.” Georgina said, nudging him. “We’re good.”

He nodded. “We’re good.”

“Actually, we’re more than good.” She said, placing a quick kiss on his nose. “We’re great.”

“Okay, Tony.” Niall blushed.

“Don’t be going all shy on me, Horan.” She teased making his cheeks grow rosier.

“Me? Shy? Never.” He laughed.

“Sure, Jan.” Georgina said making him laugh even more.

“I just want to make sure we are--” Niall said before she cut him off.

“This was just a test. We are good and we are going to be good. We can talk about this later when we are alone.” She explained. “Now, I believe Keith Miller is waiting for us.”

Niall interlocked their fingers as they slowly made their way back into the kitchen.

“You know when you get all serious and lawyer-like it’s super hot, right?”

Georgina could feel her entire body grow warm. “Stop.”

Niall leaned in close before whispering in her ear, “Better take those panties off now because as soon as we get in that room that skirt is coming up and your face is going to be buried in a pillow.”

She knew exactly what he was trying to do. She knew the only way to get out of this unscathed would be to fight fire with fire. She took a deep breath before whispering, “Who says I’m wearing panties?”

The groan that escaped that boy’s mouth made a very pleased smile form on her face.

“For fuck’s sake, Georgina,” Niall said as his pants grew tight.

“And that’s how it’s done, ladies and gentlemen.” She winked before walking away.

[whosemorales]

A Moment In Time - Pt 3

JAMES POV - Before Meeting Harry

“Come on Moony, it would have worked.”

Remus raised his eyebrows at James from across the table. “Prongs I can guarantee you that putting mistletoe up would not have made Lily kiss you.”

“But it’s tradition! Is it not.”

“No,” Peter answered beside James. “Well, at least I don’t think it is.”

Sirius laughed and threw a potato at Peter from his seat next to Remus. “It has to be a tradition Wormy, otherwise why else would people kiss under it, I mean, it’s not even a pretty plant.”

Remus rolled his eyes taking another sip of his pumpkin juice. “Actually it is tradition, according to old mythology, there was a God called Balder, he was able to foresee things that would kill him and was always able to stop it, the other Gods decided to make him secure and safe against every danger. So Frigg took an oath from the weapons, tree’s, fire and water and basically everything, that they would not hurt him. But Loki, the God of Mischief, was annoyed that nothing could kill the God, so he disguised himself as an old woman and asked Frigg if there was anything that she had left out when taking the oaths. Frigg told the old woman that on the east side of Vallhala there was mistletoe, but the plant had seemed too young to swear to the oath. Anyway, long story short, Loki got the plant and persuaded one of the blind Gods to stab Balder with it, which ended up in his death. Frigg promised the other Gods a kiss if they brought Balder back to life and so from that moment on Frigg made sure that mistletoe could only spread love and happiness.”

Everyone was silent for a moment before James smiled at Remus. “Thanks for the history lesson Moony.”

“Oh, sod off, you were the ones who asked.” Remus shook his head smiling.

“Don’t worry Love, I thought it was fascinating,” Sirius said, moving closer to Remus. “In fact, it was so fascinating that maybe you could give me some private history lessons later.”

Remus turned to look down at Sirius with a smirk playing on his lips. “That depends, what did you want me to teach you?” His face was now inches away from Sirius’.

“Well I would love to know how you-”

“Ah ah ah, not at the dinner table, please.” James held up his hands with a fake grimace. “There are children present.” He gestured to Peter who played along pretending to vomit.

Remus scoffed, turning back to look at James. “You’re just sour cause Lily won’t date you.”

“Maybe but that-”

Sirius cut him off. “Speak of the devil.” He pointed to the entrance of the Great Hall.

James stood up, throwing a potato at Sirius’ face. “How many times have I told you not to call her that?”

“What? She has red hair doesn’t she?” He laughed, earning him an elbow in the ribs from Remus.

James shook his head again before setting off towards Lily. He frowned slightly as he saw another boy standing at the entrance looking confused and a little bit frantic, suddenly the boy turned around ran, smashing straight into Lily and knocking the both of them over.

“Evans!” James called out as he broke out into a jog. Reaching Lily, he completely ignored the other boy as he held out a hand for her to grab. James had to focus on keeping his knees from collapsing and his breathing normal when Lily actually grabbed ahold of his hand. Pulling her up, James’ surprise deepened when instead of letting go she held onto him tighter, her other hand reaching out to hold his upper arm as though she was going to fall over and needed to steady herself. James’ gaze fell to where her hands were gripping the life out of his arm but he couldn’t find it in himself to care that his circulation was getting cut off. Because Lily fucking Evans was holding his hand. Tearing his eyes away from his arm James looked at Lily, but the small smile on his face was wiped off and he frowned. Her gaze wasn’t on him, it was on the ground, and she looked as though she had seen a ghost.

Turning to the boy that had knocked Lily over James’ eyes went wide and his body went rigid. The boy was already looking at him, but that wasn’t what had made James freeze, the boy looked almost exactly like him, except for his eyes, he had… Lily’s eyes? The boy looked to be about their age, but that couldn’t be right, James would have known if there was a kid in their year that looked like he could be his and Lily’s son. I mean he wasn’t that oblivious right?

Then, faster than James could process the boy was up on his feet and running away as fast as he could, but James still couldn’t move. His chest was hurting or was it his heart? He wasn’t sure, but whatever it was it was a physical pain, like someone was squeezing his heart, not too tight but just so it felt hard to breathe, his head was spinning and everything around him suddenly looked blurry.

Movement beside him made him turn his head to Lily. Her hand was across her chest and was slowly rubbing over her heart. Did she feel it too? Could she feel the same pain he could? He watched her, his eyes becoming a little less foggy when he looked at her, her hair was a little messy and her clothes slightly ruffed but what he was focused on were her eyes. That boy had her eyes, exactly her eyes there was no mistaking it. After years of watching her work, watching her eyes scan over parchment or darken when she was angry, or possibly his favourite was when they lit up when they filled with that much love and happiness that James could feel it radiate over to him from miles away. The love that filled her eyes was like no other, it was more powerful than any spell, it made you feel welcome and wanted, it made you feel like you were safe, that nothing in the world could ever hurt you as long as her eyes were focused on you. That was the look that she held in her eyes as he looked at her, it was love. But it was more of a confused kind of love like she didn’t know what she was supposed to love.

That’s when it hit him. The pain in his chest wasn’t just any normal pain. It was love. People always say that you can tell if you love someone because it’s something you can feel. But the kind of love that James felt now was different. It was the same ache that he felt when he had to stand there and watch one of his best friends scream at the top of his lungs every month because every bone in his body was breaking out of its place and all James could do was stand there without any way to help, it was the ache that he felt when he thought back to the scars he’d seen on Sirius’ back, scars that were from an unforgivable, it was the ache he felt when Sirius would crawl into his bed after a bad nightmare and James would hold him as he cried, reassuring Sirius that everything would be ok, it was the ache he felt when he saw Peter stressing over school, hearing him stress about how he was going to fail, how he’d never be smart enough to pass, how he felt that he was insignificant, and how James would hold him and tell him that he was loved and that he wasn’t going to fail because he was a Marauder, and Marauders never let another Marauder down. That was what James felt now. Love. But love for what? He wasn’t sure.

“James?”

“Lily?”

Two people called out at the same time, but neither James nor Lily moved. When the people came into view James saw Sirius and Marlene, both wearing worried and confused expressions. Marlene was the first to notice their arms locked together with vice-like strength and her eyebrows dipped as she looked at them. Sirius' expression was more of shock than anything, but he wiped it off completely, choosing to focus on James and nothing else.

“Lils?” Marlene moved forward first to grab Lily, slowly removing Lily’s hands from James’ arm. Wrapping her arms around Lily’s shoulder she slowly led her into the great hall, sending back another worried glance at James.

When the girls were out of earshot Sirius moved to grab James. He reached for James’ shoulders first, pushing them back slightly so that James was looking into Sirius’ eyes. James watched as Sirius brought his hand up to his face and opened his eyes a little, James moved back immediately and swatted Sirius’ hand away.

“Well glad to see you’re still responsive,” Sirius chuckled softly, but he still looked worried. “Are you alright James?”

The use of his first name startled James more than it should have, but moved his eyes down to his chest and looked to where his heart was. As though he was going to see it constricting in pain before it stopped altogether.

“I think so,” he offered poorly with a shrug.

Sirius scoffed half-heartedly. “Well you don’t look it mate, you look like you’re going to keel over any second.” As though James was actually about to drop dead Sirius moved forward quickly and wrapped his arm around James’ shoulder, steering him back to his seat in the Great Hall.

James brushed the weird looks off as he sat back down, he watched as Sirius climbed over the table shouting out a word of apology to the teacher’s table as he sat back next to Remus. Remus gave Sirius an expecting look but Sirius just shrugged. James took a few deep breaths in, hoping to get his heart back to normal.

“James?” The others were watching him closely.

“Are you alright? What happened.” Asked Peter.

“I...I don’t know,” Remus’ frown deepened. “There was this kid he….” But James couldn't finish. What was he supposed to say? It’s nothing but I think I just ran into my son!? That sounded impossible, even for a world of magic. So instead he looked at them with what he hoped was a convincing expression and said, “I’m fine, just felt dizzy, Lily helped me.” Ok maybe saying he saw his son was more believable than saying Lily Evans helped him.

Peter still looked worried, Sirius nodded slowly trying to piece the story together in his head, but Remus was looking at him with an expression that said; “Do you really expect me to buy that shit?” James looked back down to his food to avoid Remus’ gaze, it wasn’t like he wasn’t going to tell them, he just needed time to process what he and Lily had seen. Speaking of which, James moved his gaze to look at the redhead but was more than surprised when he found her already looking at him. They locked eyes and just stared at each other, neither of them blinking, like they were having a conversation that no one else could hear, but if they were, James wasn’t sure what they were talking about, just that in that moment he knew that she felt the same pain in her chest as he did, he could see it in her eyes. When they both looked away, James looked down at his food, and for the first time in his life, he felt no desire to finish any of it.

For the rest of dinner, James played around with the peas on his plate, ignoring the stares he was getting from Sirius, Remus and Peter, he was even ignoring Lily’s obvious stares, which in itself was a remarkable feat. Finally having had enough of the constant stares James stood up quicker than he planned to, accidentally knocking over his goblet in the process. Before he could reach for his wand Remus had already cleaned up the mess and was watching him with a worried expression.

“I’m not feeling the best, I think I’m going to head to bed early tonight.” He said, smiling softly at them.

“We’ll come as well,” Sirius said, making a move to stand. James quickly held up his hands.

“No!” The others looked taken aback. “Ah, it’s just I think I need the time alone.”

Sirius opened his mouth to protest but Remus cut him off. “Alright, but if you need to talk, we’re here.”

James nodded and smiled at them before stepping out of the seat and walking towards the exit, catching Lily’s eyes he had to stop himself from fully sprinting out of the Great hall. The pain in his chest blossomed and he bought his arm up to rub his heart like he’d seen Lily do. He needed answers, and there was only one teacher he was going to get them from. James made his way into the hallway outside the Great Hall and was welcomed with a cold breeze, he took another deep breath before heading in the direction of Professor McGonagall’s office.

[hehron]

Memories of Halloween

This takes place soon after Harry’s trial in fifth year.

Edit: My fic Mischief On Halloween, if you're curious about how the Marauders spent their Halloweens!

“-And so I have proven that Harry Potter was indeed innocent,” Fred said, dressed in transfigured purple robes, a fake beard and half-moon spectacles.

“Impossible!” George exclaimed, shaking his head so hard that the lime green bowler hat slipped off his head.

“Noooooo!” Ginny moaned, pretending to be a member of the Wizengamot. “Dumbledore! You have thwarted us again.”

“You are no match for the great Dumbledore!” Ron said, dressed as a supporting member. “Or for the great Harry Potter!”

Harry groaned. “Guys…”

“Hermione!” Ron called. “It’s your line.”

“I told you I’m not going to pretend to be Amelia Bones.”

“Spoilsport,” Fred accused. “Harry, come! We must dance to victory!” He dragged Harry over and did a rather embarrassing victory jig.

“I won’t blame the Ministry for thinking Professor Dumbledore’s going senile if he did that over there,” Hermione muttered.

“What are you all up to?” Sirius asked curiously, entering with Lupin and Tonks.

“Just a little role-playing of Harry’s daring escape from the Evil Cornelius Fudge and the Ministry of Magic,” George said, with a cackle.

“Looks like an early Halloween celebration,” Tonks grinned.

“It’s a muggle tradition,” Hermione explained to the rest of them. “Dressing up and going trick or treating.”

“We know! To go to Hogwarts and have Lee Jordan tell us about it! Never been more disappointed, eh, Gred?”

“Oh, the tragedy!”

“Not like you missed anything. You two play pranks on us every day,” Ron grumbled, earning him identical grins from the twins.

“You both must have celebrated it,” Ginny turned to Harry and Hermione.

“Once or twice. Mum and Dad weren’t overly fond of sweets, and it wasn’t as if I was popular with the neighbours’ kids,” Hermione trailed off.

“What about you, Harry?” Lupin asked, both him and Sirius giving him intense looks.

“Erm- I wasn’t allowed to go. Dudley once dressed up as Superman but ended up putting a fuss about having to go around the block for candy. From then on, Uncle Vernon just bought him his own sweets so that Dudders didn’t ever have to walk again.”

“What a lazy pig!” Ginny exclaimed.

“You’ve never gone trick or treating again?” Sirius asked quietly.

“No, but it wasn’t a big deal to me- wait- again?”

Lupin smiled sadly. “Your parents loved Halloween, especially your mother.”

Harry felt the others move away, pretending to talk about the twins’ products.

“Really?” He asked, his heart racing. He was willing to accept any little story about them. Such was his desperation to find out about the parents he never got to know.

“Yeah,” Sirius said wistfully. “On your first Halloween, James dressed you up in little antlers and paraded you around as Prongs Jr. And Lily! She went all out. Decorating the house with pumpkins and toys, inviting all our friends, and showing you off. Merlin, it was the best Halloween we ever had, and we had a lot of great Halloweens.”

Harry listened with rapt attention. He had known his parents had loved him, but to hear it put in such simple terms left a lump at the back of his throat.

“How did you celebrate before?” He asked.

Sirius and Lupin let out fond chuckles, both looking years younger.

“We- we would do all sorts of things,” Lupin said.

“In our first year, we ran into a werewolf,” Sirius grinned, and Harry’s eyes snapped to Lupin.

“Yes, Harry, it was me, but they didn’t know it back then.”

“It was wild! Your mother thought it was a prank and petted his snout. We all thought she was in over her head,” Sirius laughed.

“It was on the next Halloween that they figured out that I was the werewolf,” Lupin added.

“Remember when we tried to crash Dorcas and Mary’s party?” Sirius asked, causing Lupin to playfully groan.

“And of course, it was on Halloween that your parents finally got together,” Sirius seemed to want to say more, but stopped, gulping hard.

“Alice and I’d been trying to set them up for a long time,” Lupin said exasperatedly. “They used to drive us mad with their stubbornness.”

“Alice?” Harry asked, having a fair idea who it was.

“Neville’s mother,” Lupin answered.

“She was your mother’s best friend, along with Marlene McKinnon.” He said, fleetingly glancing at Sirius.

“Alice,” Sirius said in a loud voice, “was Molly’s cousin.”

This caught everyone’s attention.

“Neville’s our cousin?” Ron asked baffled.

“Several times removed, but yes.”

“I wonder if he knows,” Hermione mused.

“This makes you going with him to the ball even weirder Gin-Gin,” George said.

“We went as friends,” Ginny scowled.

“I remember them all,” Tonks interrupted. “Whenever Sirius babysat me, he’d bring me over to their flat.”

“Sirius babysat you?” Fred asked incredulously.

“You’ve met my parents?” Harry asked, at the same time.

“Oh yeah, I knew all of them, well, all except Remus,” She added as an afterthought.

“Remus thought he’d be too dangerous around her,” Sirius said. “Utter rubbish as I’ve told him, in the past and present.”

Lupin sent Sirius a cold look, which he returned, making Harry think they were talking about something else entirely.

“People underestimate the danger of things in the current climate,” Lupin said mildly.

“People underestimate how much time they have left as well,” Sirius said through gritted teeth.

“Exactly. Things should be told before it’s too late.”

“Hold on a minute,” Fred interrupted them. “What on earth are you talking about?”

They both snapped out of it, both seemingly remembering half a dozen eyes on them.

“Whatever you were talking about,” Tonks said airily. “Remus is right. Things should be told before it’s too late.”

Lupin glanced at her, a flush creeping into his cheeks, but refrained from commenting.

“What are all of you doing?” Mrs Weasley asked from the kitchen. “If you’re simply wasting time, you could help me by setting the plates.”

“I’ll help, Molly,” Lupin said immediately. Tonks’ face fell, and Sirius's angry eyes followed him out.

Harry caught Ron’s eye and was happy to note that he looked just as clueless as he felt. Hermione had a frown on her face, and Ginny seemed to come to have come to her own conclusions about whatever that was. Fred and George, deciding it wasn’t interesting anymore, started going off about designing products specific to Halloween, that Harry prayed Mrs Weasley wouldn’t hear.

“Are you all right?” Sirius asked him after a while.

Harry lowered his eyes. He had felt shaken ever since the implications of the story had sunk in.

“It was on Halloween,” He said, his throat scratchy. “They died on their favourite holiday.”

“Believe me, Harry, I’ve spent the last fourteen years thinking about how messed up that is, how fate could be so cruel to us,” He said with pain in his eyes. “But no matter what, I can say with certainty that James and Lily would still love Halloween, would want you to love it.”

“What about you?” Harry asked quietly.

Sirius closed his eyes looking more pained than ever.

“Y-Yes,” He breathed shakily. “I can’t explain it, and I don’t expect you to understand, but Halloween… It was the start of everything good in my life and those memories... They’re enough to get me through it.”

“I get it,” Harry smiled after a minute, looking over at Ron and Hermione, who were bickering over something again. “It was the beginning of everything good my life too.”

[the-demelza-robins]

american high school!jily (i)

hi! here’s the first chapter of my american high school au! it’s also on ao3 and ffnet! 

LILY EVANS DOES NOT THINK OF JAMES POTTER. She does not think of him — loud, funny, arrogant — as she walks to the bus stop each morning (she does, however, regret the fact that she doesn’t have her driver’s license yet). She does not think of him as she gets her textbooks from her locker (she does think of Roger Davies, though). She does not think of him as she moves from classroom to classroom, notebook to notebook, assignment to assignment. She does not think of him as she takes yearbook photos and attends Feminists of Northwood High meetings. She does not think of his eyes (hazel) or his hair (dark brown, almost black, always ruffled does he even try) or his face (a mishmash of features that, admittedly, only he can pull off).

There are, however, plenty of other people — girls, especially — who do think of James. Girls who think of his eyes (captivating, intense) and his hair (perfectly messy) and his face (jawline, glasses). Girls who watch him sit at the best table in the cafeteria with Sirius and Remus and Peter, trading jokes back and forth and smiling easily, and wish, fervently, that they could be pulled into his vortex, into his charisma, into his confidence. 

Lily doesn’t look down on these girls — no, that would be borderline misogynistic of her. She just doesn’t understand the appeal, because, to her, James Potter has always seemed a little too sharp around the edges, a disco ball made of jagged glass, to provoke any feelings of fondness or… more. Her impression of him is no doubt colored by Sev, who, despite now being the poster boy for fucking Brietbart, used to tell her things. Used to tell her what James would do, how his friends — “they call themselves the Marauders, Lil, how presumptuous is that” — would take a laugh at his expense. James Potter is smart, the thing is, and observant, and he knew just what to say — just what buttons to push — in order to get Sev where it really hurt.

Whatever. The point is, James Potter is sharp, and Lily doesn’t want to prick her finger. 

So, when James walks over to Lily on the first day of October and asks her to go out with him, ignoring the fact that she’s fulfilling her very important duties as yearbook editor-in-chief by taking photos of the soccer team — Roger Davies is the “keeper,” which Lily has learned means goalie, and James is a striker, whatever the hell that means, and Lily thinks it’s unfair that James gets all the glory when Roger is the backbone of the team, but whenever she tries this argument on her friends, they dismiss it on the grounds that she has a not-so-tiny crush on Roger and therefore is biased — Lily says no.

“No?” James repeats, and for a second Lily feels almost bad for him, ruffled hair and eyes blinking at her from behind those glasses of his. 

“No,” she affirms. “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested.”

He nods, and twists around to look at Sirius, Remus, and Peter, who are all laughing — at him or at her, Lily can’t be sure, but either way it makes her skin prickle — from the sidelines. “Hey, she said no!”

“Fuck,” Sirius says, his voice carrying in a way he must be aware of. “Sorry, Evans!”

Lily is a little surprised that Sirius knows her name. Surprised, perhaps, because she thinks of him only as Marlene’s fiercest crush, the reason why so much Taylor Swift leaks out of her friend’s aging Toyota. No, Sirius is not a person, not in Lily’s head. The collision of these two worlds — Marlene’s and reality’s — makes her very uncomfortable. 

“For what?” Lily yells back, rolling her strained neck (that camera weighs heavier than she remembered — technically taking photos is below her paygrade, but fucking Lucius skimped out again because of a “family emergency” and she has to get them in in time, and besides… a plausible excuse to look at Roger is certainly not something she would ever pass up on.

“Sorry for unleashing James on you, it was a dare,” Sirius shouts, and one of the practicing soccer players tells them to either shut up or go somewhere else. Lily rolls her eyes and makes a decision. She could walk towards them, cross the social line, discover what “unleashing James” means. 

She doesn’t. She shrugs and walks away. 

“See you around, Evans?” James calls, voice strangely strangled-sounding. She thinks she imagined it. 

***

The next time she sees him, he’s probably drunk, holding a red solo cup in his left hand and high fiving Sirius with his right. She watches him from across the room — it’s not intentional, she tells herself, but she does— as he chats with his friends.

“Lily. Lilylilylily,” a drunk Dorcas whines, tugging on Lily’s sleeve like a four year-old.

“What?” Lily asks, recalibrating and facing her friend. 

“Mary. It’s Mary. Mary from P.E.”

Following her friend’s gaze, Lily confirms that Mary from P.E. is indeed also in Sirius’s house for this random party, chatting with Romilda Vane, a sophomore a year younger than her. “I see her.”

“Why is she talking to Romilda?” Dorcas asks, way too loud, and Lily drags her friend up the stairs and through the nearest door. The abundance of death metal memorabilia tells her that they’re in Sirius’s bedroom.

“I thought you were done with Mary.”

“I never started with Mary,” Dorcas says petulantly, plopping unceremoniously onto the unmade twin in the corner. “Mary is pretty. Mary is sweet. Why is Mary speaking to Romilda Vane?”

“Maybe Mary likes Romilda Vane,” Lily suggests gently, sitting down on the bed next to Dorcas. 

“I thought Mary liked me.”

“I don’t —”

“I think that Romilda should go home. GO HOME, ROMILDA.”

“Don’t shout, someone might hear,” Lily replies, thinking of the cracked-open door.

“Then they can join me in telling Romilda to go home.” 

Lily is about to formulate some response to this when the door swings open, and who but James Potter steps in, arm slung around Gretchen Prewett’s waist, hair messier than usual. He’s whispering to the girl, smile tugging at his face, and just as he’s about to lean in, he sees Lily. 

Is it just the lighting, or does his face go slightly red? Lily knows hers did. James opens his mouth as if to say something, but nothing comes out.

Gretchen’s eyes shift from Lily to James and back. Lily grabs Dorcas’s hand and pulls her friend past them and down the stairs. 

Around a half hour later, James and Gretchen follow. 

***

“Evans!” 

Lily slams her locker door shut and turns towards the voice. “What do you want, James?”

“Sounds like someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning,” he responds, that annoying, way-too-full-of-himself grin on his face. 

“I’m betting you did, considering that your hair looks like that,” Lily shoots back, shouldering her backpack. She has plans to meet Sev, plans involving ice cream, and doesn’t want to be late because James Potter decided he wanted a verbal sparring partner. 

James whistles. “Nice one. Listen, Lily…” he pauses, and for a second she sees something like vulnerability on his face. The halls are basically empty now — it is a Friday, after all, and no one lingers if they can help it — and for a second it feels like the air has compressed around her, around them, until the only sounds in the world are James’s intake of breath as he prepares to speak again. 

“There’s — my mom has a garden that she’s working on, and I remember you saying that you like flowers, and — well — do you want to garden with me? Sometime?”

“Lil?” The air expands again.

Lily turns, and there’s Sev, standing with his too-long hair and his messenger bag, looking confused and angry and betrayed, most of all. 

“Of course it’s Snivellus,” James mutters, and all of the vulnerability is gone, the mask of self-assurance pulled firmly back into place. 

A lot has happened in the past five minutes, but those words are the only ones that Lily latches onto. “What do you mean, ‘of course it’s Snivellus’?” she snaps, turning back to face James in full, with all of the fiery self-righteousness only a seventh grader can possess. 

James opens his mouth and closes it again, eyes shifting between Lily and Sev. “Of course,” he says, voice cool and measured, “it’s Snivellus. Your guard dog, huh, Evans? See the big bad James Potter and he’ll come running, because God forbid you talk to anyone — hang out with anyone — but him.”

“You’re out of line, James,” Lily says, feeling her cheeks coloring and hoping that Sev won’t notice. “I would never pick flowers with you.”

With that, she turns on her heel, towards Sev, towards ice cream, towards the planned banality of the afternoon. 

When freshman year began, things shifted. Sev joined the Alternative Media Club and started spouting shit. People noticed James, and he stopped noticing Lily. Roger moved to their town from Seattle. Life seemed more pressing, more tangible, more present. And that was that. 

***

Besides, Lily has other things — other boys — to worry about. She’s had a massive crush on Roger Davies since freshman year, and for good reason: he’s kind. Considerate. Talks to the frosh even though he’s a senior like her and has every reason to ignore them. Has a killer smile, the right height, and broad shoulders. Perfect. 

If only — well. She and Roger are perfectly friendly, but she doubts he knows anything about her; she doubts he thinks anything about her. Logically, Lily has known this since freshman year, but, still, she stays within his sightline. She wore makeup tonight, more than usual. She hopes he’ll look up and see her, like the male love interest does in all of Marlene’s favorite movies; hopes he’ll realize that the one he’s been looking for has been right in front of him the entire time. 

Lily knows how stupid she’s being. She also knows that, when he does (finally) make eye contact with her (once, but she swears he held it for a second longer than normal), her heart starts to race. So there’s that. 

***

James joins yearbook, with means that Sirius, Remus, and Peter join yearbook. Lily was tempted, when they first showed up outside room 304, to tell them to leave — she knows their respect for authority is basically natch, and she needs order if the yearbook is going to be any good this year — but she bites her tongue. James ignores her, anyway, or at least he does until discussion of the theme comes up. Roger and Lily had already settled on Outer Space, and the rest of the staff were on track to agree — that is, until James stands up and makes an impassioned speech in favor of Animals, egged on by Sirius shouting “hear, hear!” every few minutes. Lily shuts it down and sends the so-called Marauders to take photos of the Bible Study club as punishment. James bounds out of the room, camera bouncing against his chest in a way that makes Lily want to tear her hair out because he’s gonna break it. 

When the meeting’s over, Roger walks out of the building with her. 

“You were good with them,” he says. “James and — the rest.” 

“Oh,” Lily says, and she’s definitely blushing now. “Thanks.”

He smiles — an easy grin — and walks towards his car. Marlene honks from hers, and Lily hops in. Later, when Mar drops her off at her house, she has a text from an unknown number. 

Potter broke the camera — Roger

Lily knows she should be mad about the camera, but she can’t quite summon the emotion. Instead, something glittering flutters through her. 

Roger Davies’ number is now in her phone. 

***

James doesn’t have an excuse at the next meeting. He just stares at the floor when Roger asks how the camera broke, and Lily can’t help but notice that it’s unlike James to be quiet. Ever. 

She shrugs the thought off; she has work to do. Important work, like getting official pictures of every club, affinity group, and forensics team in her sprawling, one-thousand student high school. Later, walking down a back stairwell and marveling at her luck at being able to get the photos for both the presidents of Cheese Club and the cohort leaders of Girls Who Code in the same fifteen-minute time frame, Lily hears voices. Familiar ones. 

“Why didn’t you just tell them?” the first one says. Lily immediately identifies the lazy drawl as Sirius’s. 


“What kind of friend do you think I am, idiot?” James’s voice — sharper, yet friendlier, even as he insults his friend — replies. Lily looks over the banister and sees that the pair is standing on the steps a flight down, (new) cameras around their necks.

“It’s just Peter,” Sirius snorts. “Not a big deal. His dad would’ve paid for it anyway.”

“You know how Roger is with Peter,” James says in a hushed tone that makes Lily lean even further over the bannister. “He’d tear him to pieces. Besides, it’s just a camera. Mom’ll be happy to reimburse the school when she hears why I said I did it.”

“Will she, though? You know how she gave us that whole speech about responsibility and digging our own graves and stuff like that.”

James stiffens slightly, the lines of his jaw and the straight of his back becoming slightly more pronounced as he fiddles with his hands. “I’ll talk to her.”

“But she said —”

“I know what she said, Sirius.”

“But soccer —”

“I’ll figure it out!” James says sharply. After a second, he buries his head in his hands. “Sorry. ‘M really tense. It’ll all work out.” 

Sirius stands. “It better.”

Lily’s phone starts to vibrate, and she hurries back up the stairs before she’s discovered, mind reeling. 

You know how Roger is with Peter. He’d tear him to pieces.

The Roger she knows — thinks she knows — would never hurt someone, and definitely not over a stupid camera. Right?

***

“I can’t believe — he’s insufferable — the camera —”

“We have insurance,” Lily says, watching Roger pacing the room. 

“That we had to fight to get the school to sponsor! Ms. Rodriguez is going to freak the fuck out and… Jesus, Lily, why aren’t you more upset by this?”

“Because it’s not a big deal! We’ll get the new camera and chew James out, and he won’t go it again.”

At this, Roger stops pacing. “No. We need to kick them out.”

“What?”

He puts his hands on a desk between them, leaning in ever so slightly. “Lily. They broke a camera. They’ve cost this school — us — hundreds of dollars. And they’re not even good at yearbook! They only joined because —”

“Because what?” Lily asks, annoyed. 

Roger purses his lips. “Not my secret to tell, but it’s so fucking obvious.” 

“Then tell me.” 

He shakes his head, runs a hand through his hair. “No. Can we at least… put them on probation?” 

“Yearbook probation?” Lily says disbelievingly, trying to reconcile this version of Roger with the one in her head, puzzle pieces mashing against each other but not sliding into place. She doesn’t understand why Roger is so upset, but James’ words keep echoing in her head. He’d tear him to pieces. “I didn’t know that existed.”

“You’re right. It’s fine. I’ll email Ms. Rodriguez.” 

Lily exhales. “Thank you.” 

He shoulders his bag, takes a deep breath. “Okay. I have practice, but I’ll text you once I’ve sent the email.”

Lily knows she should be ecstatic at the promise of more communication with him, but, as she watches him go, she can’t quite summon the excitement. You know how Roger is. No, she doesn’t. 

read part two here!

[snitches-at-dawn]

yellow || s.b.

a/n: when will i write a plain old fluff and not an angst? 

good question.

i have no idea.

pre!azkabansirius x reader

warnings- sex, strong language, a n g s t, unedited sorry ://

word count- 2.1k

you and sirius had been very on and off since your fifth year. you’d be in love one day, but then one of you would say something offhand and have a raging row that ended with you flipping each other off, shagging and then not talking for a week.

your best friend would sigh and rub his forehead whenever he saw you sulking in the corner. he knew what that sulk meant. he’d would lead you away from the common room to any empty classroom so you could sit and have a good long cry about whatever sirius had said to you or whatever you had said to him. he’d rub your back and dry your tears and not utter a word of complaint. you didn’t know what you’d do without him. 

remus might have been best friends with sirius too, but the both of you had bonded on the first nerve-wracking train ride on the hogwarts express, and instantly became inseperable- something his girlfriend marlene constantly complained about all the time. she had a high pitched voice which grated your ears and made you want to tear your hair out. she was clingy and annoying and honestly you wanted to slap her.

“how the fuck d’you put up with her, remus?” you had asked him once when they started going out in fourth year.

he gave you a small smile and said very matter of factly, “she’s my yellow.”

you stared at him as if he had lost his sodding marbles, “what the fuck is ‘a yellow?’”

his smile grew bigger, “a yellow is someone who’s seen you through your worst and helped you bounce back without even being asked for help. they just stay by you and provide you with support even if you don’t need it.” he turned his gaze to marlene who was sitting across the room and laughing with her friends, “she lights up my dark- merlin knows i have enough for the both of us. if i have a crappy day or a good day or even just the most average day ever, all i want is to end it with her. when i’m transforming every month, i think about her- just think- and i don’t feel like my bones are on fire anymore. you trust them more than anything.”

he took a deep breath, “i’d risk everything for her.”

your eyes were burning with tears you didn’t let fall. you had never heard remus talk like that. “you’ve gone soft,” you scoffed at him.

love wasn’t something you bothered with.

until sirius kissed you in your fifth year christmas party, and that’s when everything went to fucking shit. 

your world turned upside down and your days were full of laughs echoing as you would ran hand in hand with sirius through empty corridors before pulling him into an alcove to smile against his lips.

but soon your relationship would begin its up and down pattern.

you’d hug another boy and he’d hex him. then you’d fight till you were in tears. he’d kiss your tears away and you’d end up in a passionate lock of limbs all night. still pissed, you’d walk away from his room the next morning without talking to him.

he’d throw his arm around another girl and you’d make snide remarks. then you’d fight till you were ready to hex each other, but would end up smashing your lips together and would ignore the other the next morning.

so was your pathetic pattern which neither of you could escape.

despite the fighting, the hurled insults and the insecurities, you kept finding yourselves in each others arms.

two years you both lived through this until you decided enough was enough.

james had proposed to lily- they were getting married the winter after you graduated and you and sirius couldn’t even go two weeks without fighting. you were going to cut it off.

until-

“go with me for their wedding, (y/n).” he said to you the night lily and james announced their wedding. you were in that state between slumber and consciousness as he drew circles on your arm with your back pulled against his bare chest. “go steady with me. no more fighting and insecurity. i’m sick of it. i love you and i want to be able to say that to you everyday and not only after we’ve had a fight.”

you turned to face him, voice breaking, “sirius, i’ve been thinking-”

“no,” he interrupted you, knowing what you were about to say.

“sirius-”

“no!” he said more forcefully this time, wrenching the blankets off himself and standing up.

with an oddly detached train of thought, you noted how attractive he looked. this was a nice last image to have of him. his pyjamas hanging low on his hips, hands fisted by his side and hair mussed but his eyes...

his eyes were blazing with angry tears.

“you always do this, (y/n)! the minute we have something good for more than a few weeks, you try to run! how many times can i convince you to stay until i start to think you don’t really want to be in this? how many times until-” his voice cracked and he knelt down to hold your hand. looking deep in your eyes he restarted, “you can’t run away in the fear of things getting bad again.”

you knew he was right. you would always bolt the second things seemed to finally stabilise. you would want to leave with memories of laughter and smiles, not screams and tears.

tears clouding your vision too, you nodded. “i know. you’re right, but i’m tired, love. i’m tired of always wondering when it’s going to get bad again. i don’t want to live in that fear anymore. i need something... stable. i don’t know if that means just being alone for a while or if that means being with someone else. i just-”

“need to get away from me,” he said deathly soft.

your hands which were previously gesticulating wildly fell limply to your side, “sirius...”

“i get it, (y/n). come to bed, and tomorrow you can be shot of me.”

“it’s not like that, darling,” you held his face, stroking away his tears.

“isn’t it?”

your silence was answer enough for him. 

so you both climbed back into bed and spent one last night in each other’s arms, murmuring your last ‘i love you’, sharing your last kiss, and one last look in the morning before he left your dorm. 

you and sirius spent a painful two years avoiding each other when around remus. you would go on horrible blind dates which ended with you being repulsed by your date, ending your nights in bed alone with the typical dreams of the time you spent together haunting you. 

then the war started looming over everyone and those came to a standstill. no more awkward first dates, no more horrible first kisses and no more faking interest. you were glad to not have to go for dates anymore.

there was one particular morning you woke up that you knew something was different. you had no idea what it was. you tried to go about your day as normally as possible- well as good as normal was possible when the entire order was in hiding from death eaters. you had just got out of the shower and were pulling out a top from your closet when your fireplace erupted in the room next door.

sirius ran into your room and you yelled, pulling your towel tighter around you. “sirius? what the fuck?” you yelled.

he seemed to not have noticed that you were in a state of undress. his eyes were shining bright and his smile was wider than his face could express, “he’s here, (y/n), harry’s here.”

“who the sodding fuck is harry?”

“baby harry, (y/n),” sirius said with a soft caressing voice. you hadn’t heard that since the nights you spent with him, both of you murmuring whispers of affections and sweet nothings in each others ears. “baby harry’s here.”

“no,” you gasped, your eyes tearing up to which he vigorously nodded.

“i’ll put on some clothes and we’ll go there now,” you stammered out overjoyed for your best friends.

you could hear sirius pacing up and down the hallway outside your room as you pulled on mismatched sock and tried to put on your jeans backwards. somehow you had fastened your cloak around your neck correctly, took sirius’ outstretched hand absentmindedly and apparated with him to godric’s hollow.

you saw lily glowing with a little bundle of blankets in her arm.

“is this harry?” you whispered.

she nodded and you saw james with tears in his eyes, “this is harry james potter.” he said.

all of you were blubbering messes as little harry gurgled in lily’s hold. remus was doing a good job of congratulating lily with a level voice as peter sniffled in the corner and james and sirius sobbed in each others arms.

“(y/n), sirius,” james said once he had regained his composure a little. he put his hand on lily’s shoulder as she made to hand harry to you. “we want you to be harry’s god parents.”

your dry eyes clouded with tears again as you looked at sirius who was cooing over harry in your arms and said softly, “i’d love to be his godfather.” you swallowed and followed up, “it’s an honour to be his godmother.” sirius looked at you and smiled at with the same wet eyes and pressed the softest kiss to your lips. “we’ve got a godchild, (y/n).” 

you missed the feeling of his lips.

“we’ve got a godchild,” you laughed.

remus took harry from you, “you’ve both clearly got alot of catching up to do and i don’t want harry corrupted this early.”

“oh shuttup,” sirius guffawed as he took your hand and pulled you into his arms were the both of you spent the day either holding each other or harry and the night making up for lost time.

the next year was a blur of the potters, remus, marlene,  peter and sirius. 

sirius. 

sirius with whom you had reunited and were doing better than ever with. with whom you were ready to spend the rest of your life with. with whom you were madly in love.

you woke up on hallowe’en in sirius’ arms to a slight chill in the air. you struggled out of his grip on you and left him sleeping on the bed, doned a sweater and leggings and floo-ed to james and lily’s place. they didn’t seem to feel the same unease that you did as they watched harry who was a year and a quarter old now, zooming around on a mini broomstick and laughed as he knocked over the cat.

unable to shake the feeling that made the hairs stand up on the back of your neck, you apparated to your parents’ place to check on them. tempted by the offer of dinner with them, you accepted and sent a patronus to sirius telling him you’d meet him at the potters’ after dinner. with a full stomach you reached godric’s hollow and instantly knew something was wrong. 

the house was eerily silent. you pulled out your wand and walked quietly trying to not make noise. a sudden crash made you whip around and fire a stunning charm faster than you could blink- remus just barely managed to dodge the spell.

“remus,” you lowered your wand, “where is everyone?”

“dead.”

you felt the colour drain from your face, “what?”

“sirius gave their location away,” he whispered sounding broken.

“no.”

“voldemort killed james then lily but couldn’t kill harry for some reason. hagrid took him away on dumbledore’s orders.”

you were sobbing uncontrollably, “no,” you said wildly, “they aren’t gone!”

“peter is too. he went to confront sirius and he-” remus took a deep rattling breath, “he blasted peter to bits in front of thirteen muggles.”

“NO!” you screamed, gripping your hair. “sirius couldn’t have-”

“WELL HE DID,” remus roared, “HE SOLD OUT OUR BEST FRIENDS, THE DEATH EATER SCUM THAT HE IS. I HOPE HE ROTS IN AZKABAN. I HOPE HE NEVER COMES BACK.”

“remus no don’t say that you don’t mean it. there’s no way he could have ratted james and lily out- he would have killed for them-”

“WELL HE DID, (Y/N), AND HE DIDN’T DIE- HE DIDN’T BUT PETER, JAMES AND LILY DID. HARRY’S LIFE WON’T EVER BE THE SAME- HE’LL GROW UP WITH MUGGLES NOW-”

“he didn’t do it.”

“how, (y/n), how can you think he didn’t? we have irrevocable proof,” remus asked incredulously.

you set your jaw resolutely, “because he’s my yellow.”

he was your yellow, but now he was likely to die in azkaban without knowing it.

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@chaotic-fae-queen @champagneand-strawberries @booknerd-3000​ @miraclesoflove​ @emmamarie7708​ @hoez-madz​ @grandkoalaparadise​ @queenofheartsmegs​

[omgrachwrites]

Tell a Tale of You and Me - Chapter Eleven

Pairing: Sirius Black x Reader

Summary: You knew that making a bet with Sirius Black was like making a deal with the   devil but you just couldn’t help yourself. You had never been a heavenly woman.

Warnings: fluff, angst

Words: 2336

A/N: I would say that I was sorry for all the angst but I’m really not! I hope you guys enjoy this part and please let me know what you think and let me know if you would like to be tagged! I love you all! xxx

Chapter Eleven

The atmosphere in The Great Hall on the day of the Yule Ball thoroughly changed throughout the day, it was Christmas Eve anyway but most of the students weren’t really concerned with it. They were too excited and apprehensive about the evening to come. At breakfast that morning, most of the girls were giddy with excitement and some of the boys were feeling apprehensive. By the time that lunchtime rolled around, the girls were growing impatient and were prone to snapping while the boys had accepted their fate.

At lunch, Sirius greeted you with a kiss on your cheek which made you flush and he sent you a wink that turned your legs to jelly, “looking good, Y/L/N,” he smirked; he looked especially good this afternoon.

You recovered quickly and arched an eyebrow at him, “too good for you,” you teased and received a chuckle as a reply as he sat next to James. They were properly talking to each other again after the whole Snape fiasco.

You grinned to yourself as you glanced back at Lily to see that she had a mingled expression of shock and amusement on her face, “okay, what was that all about?” she lowered her voice and leaned forward with interest.

You rolled your eyes as you smiled at her, “he was upset when he and James were fighting so I um might have kissed him,” you shrugged, playing it off like it was nothing when in reality it was a huge deal.

Instead of a shocked look, Lily shot you a warm smile that she usually reserved for James, “good for you sweetie. I know that your situation isn’t ideal but don’t let him get away, not without a fight.”

At about half past three Lily checked her watch and gave you a little nod with a sparkle in her emerald eyes and a giddy sort of excitement filled your gut. It was time to get ready for the Ball. Lily kissed James on the lips, “we’d better get ready for the Ball,” she beamed as the both of you stood up.

“And you need three hours to get ready?” Sirius frowned while you and Lily rolled your eyes at each other, he really was hopeless.

“Well, looking good takes time but I’m sure you wouldn’t know anything about that,” you smirked and Remus choked on a surprised laugh while James gave you a high five and Sirius pulled a tongue at you.

Getting ready with the girls was so much fun, Marlene and Dorcas had managed to sneak in a bottle of pink champagne and the lot of you were drinking out of the bottle, getting a little tipsy. You helped Lily style her soft red hair into an intricate and fiddly up do which made her look like a queen, James was a very lucky guy. In turn she helped you get into your dress and she laced up the back for you.

As you looked at your group of friends you suddenly grew sad and the nerves were finally starting to set in. This was going to be your last Christmas at Hogwarts and you were determined to make it a night to remember. When you all walked into the common room, a few Gryffindor boys that none of you knew all wolf whistled at you in good nature. You all giggled and blew them kisses as you climbed up through the portrait hole and made your way to The Entrance Hall where you’d be meeting your dates.

“What if Sirius never forgives me? What if we can never get past what’s going to happen tonight?” you asked Lily in a shaky voice as you fought the urge to throw up.

Lily laced her warm fingers through yours and gave your hand a comforting squeeze, “he will, I promise Y/N. He cares about you too much to never forgive you, so if I was you I really wouldn’t worry about it.”

You nodded at your best friend’s words as you took a deep breath, hoping that she was right. As you descended the stone steps you smiled as James wistfully gazed at Lily like she was the only girl in the universe. You longed to have a relationship just like theirs one day. Sirius looked so achingly handsome that it hurt with the knowledge that you wouldn’t be attending the Ball together. At his side there was an equally beautiful girl and you tried not to feel bitter resentment towards her.

Remus gave you a small wave while Sirius rushed forward, his lips quirked up into a smile and he gave you a tight hug. You breathed in his scent, he smelled like cinnamon and sandalwood, he ignored the huffs of his date. His cheeks were flaming red as he looked you over and you squirmed beneath his gaze, “you look amazing Y/N!” and for once there wasn’t a teasing tone to his voice, he sounded completely sincere.

You flushed right down to your toes as butterflies exploded into your stomach, fluttering wildly at his words, “thank you! So do you,” you giggled nervously, dreading the moment that was due to come.

“So, where is your date? If he’s late, I’ll kick his arse for you.”

“I don’t think that’ll be necessary brother,” chewing your lip at the soft voice, you turned your head to look at Regulus.

He looked just as handsome as his brother. He was beaming at you, his grey eyes twinkling in the candlelight as he dragged a hand through his short wavy hair, a flush on his cheeks. Regulus looked you up and down, and it wasn’t in a pervy way but on the other hand, it didn’t make you weak in the knees like it should have, “wow,” Regulus breathed, “you look stunning,” you flushed at his pretty words, not daring to look at Sirius.

“Thank you Reg, you look great too!”

Regulus took your hand and rubbed his thumb against your wrist, smiling when he felt your pulse point jump beneath his fingers, “should we head in? I can’t wait to dance with you,” he smiled cutely and your heart went out to him. He really deserved a girl who was crazy about him.

“Please,” you grinned nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. The air surrounding the pair of you had grown heavy and awkward, though you wouldn’t let it ruin your night. You were still hopeful that you could have a good night.

As you strolled towards The Great Hall you chanced a look back, Sirius was glaring at you, you had never seen him that angry before and it was all directed towards you. His face was like thunder but there was hurt in his stormy grey eyes. Your other friends looked shocked while Lily looked sympathetic. Hot tears stung at your eyes and you willed them to go away and your chest felt tight. You didn’t want to make Regulus feel bad, he was too sweet.

A gasp of awe escaped you as you walked into the gold and silver decorated hall, marvelling at the 12 Christmas trees. It was snowing and fluttering multi coloured fairies flew overhead. It was strange but seeing the frost settle around the windows made you feel calm. The room looked like something straight from a beautiful winter’s dream.

“Beautiful right?” Regulus grinned, squeezing your hand gently and you smiled at him. It was the first time that night that you’d sent a true smile his way.

“It’s gorgeous! Come and dance with me Reg!” you giggled as you pulled him to the dance floor, smiling slightly when you heard him let out a breathless and surprised chuckle.

Regulus was a wonderful dancer and there was the prettiest gleam in his eyes as he smiled at you. There should have been a spark – you were beating yourself up because there wasn’t a spark – after all Regulus was handsome, sweet, considerate, and hardworking, the list goes on but you felt nothing. You vaguely wondered what the matter with you was.

Halfway through your dance, Regulus took a shaky breath, “Y/N,” you glanced up, giggling as he twirled you; “can we try and make this work between us? You mean more to me than just my older brother’s friend. I want to mean more you to you too,” he took his bottom lip between his teeth and chewed on it as he waited patiently for your response to his confession.

It was not a decision to be taken lightly, there was certainly no spark that you felt but maybe that was okay. Maybe Regulus would be the safe choice and maybe he wouldn’t break your heart. Whatever happened you certainly didn’t imagine that your last year at Hogwarts would be like this. You could never have a quiet year.

“Reg,” you started and there must have been uncertainty in your voice because his face fell, “we can try,” as you agreed Regulus perked up with a sweet smile and he kissed your cheek.

“Thank you.”

After a couple more dances, Lily pulled you away and you ended up getting drinks with her. James poured some fire whiskey – which he’d smuggled into the Ball in a flask – into your pumpkin juice and winked at you. Remus’ cheeks were rosy and his hazel eyes twinkled, it was obvious that he’d had more than a little to drink. Sirius ignored you blatantly and your heart constricted painfully, you would rather him be angry with you because maybe then he’d be talking to you.

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

Sirius heaved a great sigh as he took a swig of fire whiskey from the flask that James had brought with him. Tonight had been a bust. The Great Hall looked stunning but it was torture watching the girl he was falling for in his brother’s arms. He’d resorted to ignoring them both which killed him inside. Everyone was pissing him off tonight including the girl he’d brought with him, Regulus and Y/N.

James patted Sirius’ arm sympathetically, he’d at least had a good night with Lily and Sirius was jealous that James had found someone who truly loved him, “you alright mate? It must have been a difficult night for you.”

Sirius shrugged, “I just feel betrayed, y’know? Like I was just part of some scheme, I thought that Y/N actually liked me,” he laughed it off like he didn’t care, but he did, “I’m gonna get some air,” he didn’t wait for a reply before taking off outside into the cold night.

He sat down on a snowy stone bench that had been nestled among the winter flowers that had been planted especially for tonight. It was strangely peaceful out here and for the first time that night he felt at ease. Sirius wasn’t sure just how long he was out there before he heard the snow crunch behind him but he didn’t bother to turn around.

“I haven’t seen you all night, where have you been?” Y/N giggled nervously and Sirius closed his eyes, trying to swallow the lump that had formed in the back of his throat and he rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Shouldn’t you be with my brother right now?” he gave a bark of humourless laughter and he heard Y/N sigh.

“Sirius,” she started but he didn’t want to hear any excuses, he just wanted to know one thing from her.

“Why did you kiss me that day Y/N?” he mumbled, blinking the tears out of his eyes, “were you trying to play with my feelings for you? Or were you just using me to get to Regulus this whole time, is that the only reason you’re friends with me?”

“Of course I wasn’t using you; it’s not what you think between me and Regulus! It was just a kiss Sirius; I thought you of all people would understand that! There was no ulterior motive behind it, you were gutted about what happened with James and I just thought that it might make you feel better.”

Hurt swirled in Sirius’ gut at Y/N’s words. It was just a stupid kiss was it? He shouldn’t have expected anything more than that. He’d been a complete fool. Finally, he turned around to look at her, she was beautiful, standing in the deep snow wearing that gold dress that looked like it was made for her. The snow was swirling around her and a couple of snowflakes settled on her eyelashes and in her hair. She had never looked more beautiful.

Her outline grew blurry as the hot tears returned to his eyes but right now he didn’t much care if she saw his tears. It would be good for her to see just how much she’d hurt him, “y’know, its funny. Regulus was always the perfect one, the prodigal son. He got everything that he’d ever wanted but it didn’t care because I had one thing he didn’t have, I had you. And, now he has you too so it doesn’t even matter,” Sirius stood up.

“Pads,” Y/N made to touch his arm as she gave him a pained look.

Sirius jerked his arm out of her reach, he didn’t want to hear it, and it hurt too much. He’d never felt so vulnerable, not even when his mum had kicked him out, “don’t!” his voice broke and he swallowed a whimper, “please,” when Y/N nodded he turned to stalk back into the castle, looking back for a second, “merry Christmas Y/N,” he whispered as a tear slid down his cheek.

When he got back to the castle, his pretty date smiled at him, she looked glad that he was back and right now, he needed any bit of affection he could get, no matter how small. Sirius smiled back at her as he made his way over, he was angry, heartbroken and hurt. He wanted to hurt Y/N just as much as she had hurt him. He wouldn’t even feel sorry about it.

----------------------------- 

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[faustrinus]

Between Snowflakes and Christmas Music

Wolfstar 

THIS IS PART ONE! Soon I’ll be posting part two :) After weeks and weeks of being followed around the castle since October started, Minerva finally had enough. James and Sirius were as insistent as a child who couldn’t get the toy they wanted could be. Hot on her heels, they were always ready with a whole speech on why they should organize The Christmas Party at Hogwarts. At first, she didn’t mind that much, but when they began to fill her chair at the Great Hall with tons of Howlers and boxes full of Christmas decorations, she couldn’t ignore it anymore. It was too much. “That shall be enough,” She said, one hand massaging her head already hurting, “Don’t you have any more important things to do, or are you too busy being up to no good to care about your homework?” “It’s kind of our thing, professor,” James said jokingly, his elbow playfully hitting Sirius’s side, an internal joke making both of them smirk, “But I promise you, it would be the best party that has ever been! We have everything planned, we even have people who would like to help us with the organization.” “And who would that be?” Sirius adjusted his messy tie before starting to speak, “Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Marlene McKinnon, Dorcas Meadowes. Also, lots of younger Gryffindor are eager to participate in helping to decorate the castle.” “Have you spoken to any members of the other houses to ask them if they want to participate?” She asked, dismissing with her hand the curious students that were trying to spy on the conversation behind the hallway, ”This can’t be an only Gryffindor activity.” “Hufflepuff is on board with it, and so is Ravenclaw. We haven’t been able to talk with Slytherin because…” James faked a cough, “The Quidditch match is nearby, and we aren’t in the best terms. It has been hard getting near them.” “Okay, that's alright,” She sighed, “I will speak to professor Slughorn and then you will be on your way. Any help is needed, you can come and ask me. Just, don’t follow me around the castle anymore, Mr Potter. You too, Mr Black. Now, may you go back to your common room?” “Yes, professor!” James nodded excitedly, “C’mon Pads, we have a lot of stuff to do!” “Thank you, Professor McGonagall!” Sirius shouted while being dragged by James, “You won’t regret this!” “I hope I won’t.” She mumbled, getting back to her workday. …… “You want me to talk to a Slytherin?” Sirius huffed, his voice mixing with the excited Gryffindor students that were running from one side to the other. Since the party news surfaced among the first years, everyone was slowly finding out about the big event. Sirius was nervous, even if he had been one of the firsts students supporting James and his crazy idea. He could see how everyone was expecting the party to be the greatest thing in Hogwarts, and even if they did promise that... he wasn’t sure if they could meet the expectation that was growing bigger and bigger. On top of everything, the fact he hadn’t seen Remus in quite a while was making him feel uneasy. The lycanthrope was probably busy teaching some kids he promised professor McGonagall he was gonna help, but spending hours and hours on it felt like an exaggeration, to Sirius, at least. Not having Remus around was like losing the calm after the storm, the butterflies in the stomach turned into anxious insects that just wanted to get out and find that missing piece of them. “Mh, that’s what I said,” James repeated, his head tilted to the side, “If I try to get near them I might be killed, but you, we both know that- careful with that box, Jeremy, it has to make it to the Great Hall!” James shouted to a third-year carrying a heavy box, the short boy just nodded and smiled nervously, James smiled back, “we both know that your brother won’t let anything happen to you.” “That isn’t exactly what happened last time, Prongs,” James rolled his eyes at Sirius’s answer, “Regulus and I haven’t talked in months. And every time he sees me in the castle he turns around and ignores me.  He doesn’t want to talk to me.” “That’s what you think.” “I don’t see anything that reflects the contrary.” James scoffed, “Pads! It’s alright, trust me. Maybe you haven’t seen it, but Regulus is always staring at you when you’re not looking and-” “Pads? Prongs? What is this party thingy everyone is talking about?” Maybe the butterflies did manage to escape and reach Remus, because he was right next to James, staring both at him and Sirius with a confused gaze. The older Black had to quickly catch his breath and act totally relaxed as if he hadn’t been wishing for Remus to appear during the conversation to rescue him. “Moony!” James got excited every time he had to explain the party and how McGonagall trusted him enough to carry it out, “Do you have your head on the moon?” he was the only one that laughed at the joke, “Sirius and I are going to organize the biggest party that has ever been in this old and rusty castle!” “And McGonagall was okay with it?” “Yes.” “Seems unlikely.” “You know I’m one of her favourite students..” “Sure, whatever you say,” Remus turned to talk to Sirius, “Do you need any help with that?” He asked, referring to the box that was resting at Sirius’s feet. Sirius's mind stopped working before he could create a sentence that made sense, “What? I mean…” he looked at the box, ”Yeah, that would be great. Awesome. We need to take them to the Great Hall.” “Okay”  Remus smiled subtly and Sirius felt his heart flutter at the sight. “You guys do that, I have to…” James scratched his chin, thinking, “Invite Evans to go with me to the party. See you later.” And with that James was gone in the crowd of students of Gryffindor. “Do I need to go with someone?” Asked Remus, his hands already reaching for the box. “Not necessarily. James kind of created that to have an excuse to bother Evans a little, you know. But you can go alone,” Sirius glanced nervously, grabbing another box, “but of course, if you want to go with someone. You also can.” Remus nodded and they started walking side to side, their arms softly touching. Sirius thanked Merlin that sometimes Remus was as oblivious as James was and couldn’t notice the fact that his cheeks were as red as a tomato, because if he did he probably would ask what was the reason, and Sirius wasn’t ready to tell him you know what I have been in love with you for the last two years and I just want to grab your face and smash my lips with your lips, right? No, it was unthinkable. The only place where that would happen would be Sirius wildest dreams… If he got lucky enough to dream about it. “Sirius, can I ask you something?” Sirius tried really hard to not get his hopes up. “What were you and James talking about? you seemed tense. Like at any moment you would hit him with one of the boxes.” The wave of disappointment that came after the question wasn't extremely shocking since Sirius knew he was feeding himself with illusions, but it sure did hurt.  “Well, he can be a little...too much. I guess his whole excitement about the party passed as stress to me and I couldn't hide it.” “Really?” Remus was aching an eyebrow, his steps getting slower to match Sirius's. Something both positive and negative about him was that he had a weird ability to tell when his friends were lying. And every single time he would find out in a matter of seconds. Clearly, he was suspecting, “Don't do that, Sirius.” “Do what?” “Lie to me.” A few students that were walking back to their common room stared at them, their mouths mumbling something Sirius was too nervous to try to decipher. He felt like he was being cornered by Remus' amazing abilities to read people's lies. “Fine, I'm sorry,” He tried to laugh it off, but it didn't work the way he expected it to do, “I kind of forgot you can do that.” “It's not a superpower, it's just that you guys are fucking transparent with your emotions,” They were getting near the Great Hall, and with every old portrait they passed the voices of hundreds of students became louder and louder, “Now, tell me.” Sirius sighed and played with one of the rings adorning his fingers, even after running away from his house, he wasn't able to take off the big silver ring with a “B” on it. Maybe it was because he and his brother shared the same one. Regulus. Sirius didn't know what was going on with him, but he was sure it was nothing good. Had he forgotten about all the things they had gotten through together? Sirius understood, clearly, his brother was pissed off because he left without saying anything, but enough to just… ignore his complete existence? even when angry, Sirius was never mean to Regulus. And even at this moment where their bond was almost broken, he still cared so much for the younger Black. And maybe it was the least important thing- but it was almost Christmas, the time of the year where everyone was supposed to come together and receive meaningful gifts while eating delicious food. “You're not going to stop until I tell you, right?” “You know me well.” Sirius blushed, the ring finally resting on his thumb again, “Is about Regulus. James wants me to talk with him, just to coordinate some stuff about the party. He said it was because I am one of the only Gryffindors that wouldn't get killed at first sight if I got closer to Slytherins. But I don't know… I don't think I'm ready.” “I think you should do it,” Remus looked forward, mumbling an apology when he almost tripped with a Ravenclaw student, “You still care for you brother, and if he does the same for you- and I'm sure he does, he will listen to whatever you want to say. It's time for you two to talk about things.” “What if he hates me?” “I don't think anyone can hate you, Sirius.” Sirius felt himself choke up a little bit thanks to the little smile Remus gave him, but he coughed to hide it, quickly gaining his voice back, “Is Regulus we are talking about. But I guess… I can try.” “And If anything happens I know you would like black roses in your grave.” Sirius forgot his recent embarrassment, rolling his eyes, “Thanks.” They kept walking, shoulders touching with every step they took. Saying things were a lot easier than doing them, especially when it comes to fixing your relationship with your younger brother. Sirius could feel how the silence got a little bit tense, so he asked the first thing that came to his mind. “And are you inviting someone to the party?” “I think I will invite Dorcas. She seems down lately, I don't know. Wanna cheer her up a little.” Sirius nodded and tried to play it cool, again. Getting his hopes so high up and then getting disappointed so many times in the same conversation should be illegal. What was he waiting for, anyway? For Remus to finally realize he reciprocates Sirius's feelings and to have a romantic confession that ends up in them kissing in the middle of the hallway? “Hey, everything's okay?” The sudden question startled him, his thoughts disappearing in a cloud made of disappointment. Remus was looking at him with the typical look of I can read something is going through your mind and it was making Sirius uncomfortable. “Yup. Sorry. Just thinking if I should go with someone too.” “You didn't have anyone in mind before?” Remus sounded… different. Sirius noticed the change in the tone, but he couldn't pinpoint what was the emotion behind it. “No, not at all. I just thought about going alone.” “A lot of girls would die to go with you… some guys too.” Sirius's head snapped to the side, both surprised and panicked expression making Remus laugh. “Oh, C'mon. You're telling me you have never noticed how a lot of people are trying to get your attention?” “Guys too?” “Yup. You're quite the heartbreaker.” “I…” Sirius started, but he cut himself off when his eyes caught a glimpse of who was sitting at the Great Hall. Regulus was at the Slytherin table, his right hand mindlessly throwing an apple into the air and then catching it. He was almost alone, only accompanied by two Slytherins that were talking between each other, not paying a lot of attention to Regulus' presence. “You should go and try to talk to him.” “Now?” “Is your best chance,” Remus smiled reassuringly, “If anything happens, I'll be right here, don't worry.” Sirius nodded and started walking, the knowledge of Remus having his back making him blush even more than he was already. Get your thoughts together, dumbass he mumbled to himself, the sense of panic slowly starting to sink until it was almost gone. With every step that he took, the thousands of scenarios that his brain was creating seemed more and more unlikely. No matter what, Regulus wouldn't be able to kill him or inflict any pain in him, not knowing how it felt, all thanks to Walburga. The worst thing that could happen would be that he got up without any intention to talk with Sirius. And he could try again, he always could. With that mindset, he finally made it to the table, the two Slytherins that were talking between each other stopped, their eyes questioning what a Gryffindor was doing near their table and why that Gryffindor was no one else than Sirius Black. “Regulus.” He looked up, and for one moment, for one second, Sirius swore he saw the same look his brother used to do when he was trying to ask for help without being able to say it out loud. Nevertheless, the emotion quickly left Regulus eyes, making them similar to Walburga's, cold, yet somehow haunting. He didn't say anything, which made Sirius back up a little, quickly reaching to play with his ring, “We need to talk.” Regulus fixed his eyes on Sirius's ring, just to look down and start playing with his own, just like his brother did, a gesture they seemed to share “Okay.” The answer caught Sirius unprepared, the air he was trying to suppress finally leaving his mouth in a big relieved sigh. The easiest part was done, now he had to proceed with the second part of the plan. “Where?” Asked Regulus, getting up from his seat. “Maybe I can walk you to the Slytherin common room?” And Sirius cursed himself mentally when the first idea that came to his mind was said out loud, it could be unpleasant for him, but he continued anyway, he wanted Regulus to feel comfortable, “You are on a break, right?” “Yes. Let's go.” As they started to gradually gain speed in their walk, Sirius looked back, finding Remus staring at him with a shy smile. He smiled back, signing with his hands that he was going to be back in a few minutes. Remus nodded and started to take the Christmas decorations out of the box, his hands carefully leaving them in the Gryffindor table. Sirius knew that under Remus control, nothing bad would happen to those dancing Santa figures. Regulus was quiet- he had always been, but at that moment, it was making Sirius uneasy. He just needed a signal, something to tell him that it was okay to start talking. “What did you want to talk about?” Maybe Regulus knew him better than he thought. “I need you to talk with your house Prefect.” “Is it for the Christmas party?” “Yes, tell him to talk with James Potter.” “Okay,” and with that, Regulus was ready to enter the Slytherin room and eliminate any chance Sirius had to talk with him. “Wait!” and he grabbed his brother's arm, consternation dominating his expression when he noticed how weak and thin his arm felt, even more than usual. He pushed his concern aside, deciding that it was better not to ask at the moment, “There's something else.” “What is it, Black?” That hurt. But at the same time, it meant that under Regulus's eyes, Sirius was still part of the family. Which was a positive thing, somehow. “How's everything at home?” Regulus raised his eyebrows, an exasperated expression taking over his features, “Really?” “What?” Sirius asked, grabbing Regulus again when he tried to leave, “Listen… I'm sorry. I'm sorry for running away and not telling you beforehand. I… I was scared, just grabbed my things and left, didn't even plan it seriously before. That one night it just got too much.” Regulus nodded silently, leaning on the nearest wall, arms crossed. Sirius took this as a sign to keep going, so he did. The pressure on his shoulders was finally disappearing as he spoke. “And I should have told you- you're my brother. I acted selfishly, and at one point I thought I had made the right decision because… it seemed like you agreed with all the horrendous shit Walburga and Orion said. I really thought you belonged there.” “Belonging does not equal wanting to be there,” spoke Regulus, gaining a surprised look from his brother, “I can play the role I'm supposed to play, but I don't want to. I did what I had to resist a little longer in that hell. But, you, I-” and when his voice became a little shaky, Sirius gulped, “I thought you abandoned me.” “Reg.” “After you left, they have become even more distant. Not that I care, but- sometimes I feel they are waiting for me to get up one day during dinner just to throw me an unforgivable curse for no reason. Now, no one is watching them, no one is making sure I stay alive. Is not safe for me to leave, but is not safe for me to stay either.” “Stay at Hogwarts.” “What?” Regulus's voice was full of confusion caused by the sudden response of his brother. “Stay at Hogwarts as long as you can, for every holiday if it's necessary. Every day you can spend here, you take it. We can figure something out, we can talk with the professors.” “Is not that simple, you know they got a lot of power around here.” “It doesn't matter, I promise you I'll take you out of that house.” “You don't have to.” “I owe you that.” Regulus snorted, maybe to try and hide the fact that his eyes were becoming teary, “Okay. That's alright.” “I know we have never been, you know, really emotional,” Sirius extended his arms slowly, his eyes full of tears, “but c'mon, one hug? Doesn't have to be that long. ” Regulus didn't even think twice before hugging his brother, his arms squeezing Sirius. Was at this moment that the older of the two brothers remembered that Regulus was a little bit younger than him, and sometimes he was extremely mature for his age, and for other instances (like that one) he was still the quiet kid and thoughtful kid Sirius cared for. 

[dxxdlexxdle]

Mr. and Mrs. Prongs Love Story Headcanon!

my fav heteros deserve some love tonight. it’s raining currently where i live, and it’s a good night to write some heart-wrenching headcanons, i think!

words: 1,694

warnings: fluff, hints at smut, maybe? pain. eternal fucking suffering cause this fandom kills me. some of the storyline may be fucked my memory is HORRIBLE and i tried to base some scenes off of MsKingBean89’s all the young dudes

—

In their first year at Hogwarts, the very first day they had even been inside the castle, actually, James Potter realized something.

The copper haired girl across from him was awfully pretty.

She was disgusted at the way he declared someday they would be married. “WHY would I ever marry you?” She had shouted, moving down the table to the blonde and curly haired witches she had met earlier on the train. James stared at her, doe-eyed. She was perfect.

This did however mean he was the first of the boys to take an interest in girls. By girls I mean, well, just Lily. Sirius Black thought it was awfully funny. “Mate, girls have cooties.” Remus Lupin was too shy to have an opinion. Peter could hardly even tell his own feet apart from left and right, and his lip trembled when he got yelled at, so there was no hope for him.

James took to teasing Lily to try and get his point across. Lily thought it was horrible. Why was he being so horrid if he supposedly fancied her? Why did he even fancy her in the first place? Somebody like her, a witch from non-magic parents, and somebody like him, a pureblood wizard?

It wasn’t until one day in potions she told him just what she thought of him. His tormenting had gone on too long. He had bewitched one of her pigtails to tug on its own from across the room.

“You are foul, James Potter!” She had shouted, resulting in thirty points from Gryffindor. James had just beamed.

James was a smiling mess, really. For starters, she had said his name, out loud, to him. Secondly, her nose scrunched when she was angry.

Anybody would notice a girl’s nose scrunch when she was angry, surely?

In second year, he announced that this would be the year she would want to marry him too. Alas, no luck. If anything, this year, she came prepared with snarky remarks to his teasing. It made him swoon.

In third year, Lily Evans overheard the boys whispering in the common room.

“What are you four planning?” She had asked, plopping down beside her lanky, slightly edgy looking best mate Remus. She avoided James’ eyes.

“Look at this, Mrs. Prongs come to join the party.” Sirius chuckled, and James punched him in the arm.

“Mrs. Prongs..?”

“SIRIUS.” James hissed at his friend who was doubled over.

In fourth year, she had begun to tolerate him. The teasing from Sirius was what did it. James was bad enough, his almost-brother was as relentless as him, but for different reasons.

“Prongs and Lily, sitting in the Whomping Willow, S-N-O-G-“

“Sirius!” Lily and James shouted in unison, equally red.

Fifth year changed them both. This was when Lily realized Remus was a werewolf. She swore secrecy, and promised to tell nobody else, as long as she lived.

James had already known. Once a month he was running in the woods as a stag, pushing his half-wolf friend around playfully with his antlers- or should I say prongs? ;)

In sixth year, Remus Lupin noticed Lily sitting in the stands, watching Gryffindor’s quidditch practice.

“What’s got you here? Marlene isn’t at practice today?”

Lily had turned a shade almost as red as her hair. “Oh Remus, don’t make me say it,” she hissed. Remus was in a fit of giggles.

“You fancy James!”

“Hush!” And she whacked his arm with her textbook.

To be honest with herself, this was not the beginning of how she felt for James. It had been a fluttering feeling in her tummy when she noticed him in the common room a few weeks earlier, sweater sleeves rolled up, reading over the quidditch signups. His messy hair, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose..

But, anybody would notice the way a boy’s sleeves were rolled up, exposing brown skin and pretty veins, surely?

Lily never knew this, but James had noticed her watching him. He kept the smirk to himself. He felt the flutter too. Ah yes, twitterpated.

Sixth year was also the year they learned how to cast a patronus. A silver doe shot from Lily’s wand on her first try, which elicited squeals from the girls and cheers from the boys. The deer pranced around the room, as if looking for something. As if missing something.

James purposely disrupted the class that day, so he could be sent out. It cost 50 points, but he didn’t care. He knew as soon as he cast the stag that would shoot from his wand everybody would know, and he just couldn’t do that to Evans.

In 1977, when the Marauders and co. went on their camping trip, James and Lily really had only stayed up talking that night, despite the somewhat knowing looks Sirius tried to pass to James in the morning.

It had been late, after Remus had come out, and the other girls crashed in their tent. Sirius had gone down to the beach after him.

“Sirius ought to leave him be, reckon that was difficult to admit..” and James scratched the back of his neck. Lily had turned to him then. Their eyes met.

“Are you joking? They’re both gay, you idiot. They’re very clearly in love. Look at the way Sirius looks at Remus, he looks at him the way I look at you.”

Their kisses had been hot and heavy in the darkness of their tent, but that was it. Kisses the two had waited far too long for.

That night, James admired the girl lying beside him. He pulled out his wand and cast his patronus, and due to the size of the tent the stag was tiny, dancing over their heads. Lily blushed and cast hers. For the first time, the doe wasn’t searching anymore. She had found the stag.

Their relationship was as expected. Letters all summer, Lily even taught her boyfriend how to use a muggle phone. Then, in the autumn, they were all over each other. Holding hands in public, snogging in broom closets,

“You are foul!” Lily had giggled, smacking her boyfriend on the hand as it slipped up her skirt in potions.

“What was that, Princess?” He murmured, and she couldn’t argue with him anymore

James admired her every minute he had the chance. How she looked reading, sleeping, spilling tea down her sweater, and especially how she looked at him with her heavy, fluttering eyelashes.

Because, how could he not admire the prettiest girl in the world when he was on top of her?

After they graduated, they immediately moved in together. Due to the war, Lily promised her muggle parents she would be safer. Although they didn’t understand (or like) the idea of their daughter fighting a war, they let her go with warm goodbyes.

They fought. They attended order meetings. They had lunch with Peter and Sirius and Marlene and Mary and Dorcas when they could. They fretted over Remus’ whereabouts. They paced.

Lily proposed. Well, I suppose James proposed first every damn year at Hogwarts, but she meant it for real that time. They were married by the fall. They invited everybody still alive, and they danced, and they seemed to glow under twinkling fairy lights. They had cast their patronuses again that night, just so the doe and the stag could dance over their heads.

“Reckon they like each other?” James smirked, and Lily just laughed.

When she found out she was pregnant, James slung her over his shoulder and spun around with her, and they laughed. They laughed until they cried because holy shit, we’re having a baby!

He talked to her belly every time he had the chance. “Hello little boy-“

“Could be a girl,” Lily objected, leaning against the headboard, guiding James’ hand with hers over to where the baby was kicking.

“Right. Whatever they are, they’ll kick ass on the quidditch pitch, huh bub?”

In July, with a scream and a cry and a push, a slimy baby was placed on Lily’s chest. She couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t believe she was here, with this boy who chose her, looking at their beautiful boy. James was right, and he was ecstatic.

“A son! I’ve a son-“ and then he was too choked up.

They taught Harry how to hold his head up, they both tried to get him to say “Mumma” and “Dada.” They took polaroids of his drooly smiles and his giggles. They took pictures of Uncle Moony and Padfoot holding him. They had a picture of Uncle Peter with Harry on his hip, and the pen on the bottom read ‘future chess master ;)’

When they went into hiding, their only real fight was about whether Remus was the spy.

“He’s our friend,” Lily had argued, angrily picking up baby toys from the floor and putting them into the toy bin.

“But he’s a were-“

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” Lily said, tears threatening her waterline. “Remus is a good man. He’s as good as you or Peter, or Sirius. He is our friend. He’s my friend. He would never.”

And although that night they fought, James still told Lily to take the baby and run, because even though they were angry, he’d die before he ever let Voldemort touch her.

“James, wait, I’m sor-“

“You and me, right Lily?” His voice was strained. He almost couldn’t look at her. At the fear in his eyes that reflected in hers- the eyes he had to see every time he looked at his beautiful son. He wanted to run with her, but he knew he couldn’t. “Take Harry and go. It’s him. I’ll hold him off.”

Lily Evans made it upstairs by the time the front door was blown open. Harry had been asleep. She cradled him in her arms, preparing for the blast of the door being opened.

“Harry, Mumma loves you. Dada loves you. Be brave, Harry.”

James Potter died thinking Lily Evans had made it out alive. It wasn’t until the stag saw a familiar silver doe at the edge of the woods, waiting for him, that he knew.

—

#imsosorryyall

[echonecho]

Fearless

AN: Y’all, I’m sorry for posting this late. I have finals this week and wasn’t planning correctly. The first three fics are late and will proabably be released this coming week, okay? In the meantime, here’s some Jily (James x Lily).

Prompt: Based on Taylor Swift's song. Lily Evans has always been brave and courageous, but mainly fearless. This follows her entering Hogwarts and getting together with James Potter.

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One: The Sorting Ceremony

The first time Lily Evans noticed she was brave was the day she received her Hogwarts letter.

Of course, she had never known she was a witch, but her parents could not have been more proud. Lily had always known something was different about her, but a witch? She was a witch. All she could think about was how cool that would be! A witch. Maybe Severus was right.

Severus Snape had always said Lily was a witch, someone different. Even when they had first met, Severus was keen on Lily being a witch. It was what bonded them. Through this, they had grown to be best friends.

Another witch had arrived at her door one morning and mentioned some school for people like her. People with magic.

“Hogwarts,” a witch called Professor McGonagall had said, “School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” The Scottish witch handed Lily a small envelope, containing her acceptance letter. “It is the finest school in the wizarding world, let me assure you.”

That’s all that did it for Lily Evans. That was all she needed to know. Severus Snape had talked about Hogwarts before, saying it was where Lily just had to go. Her best friend was going and so was Lily.

Professor McGonagall was kind enough to discuss the school further, and months skipped by as Lily was so excited. September’s fresh air blew through Lily’s world. Severus had been overjoyed when Lily told him. They were going to school together!

Arriving by train, Lily Evans saw Hogwarts for the first time. It was like nothing she had seen before! Pillars and towers touched the sky, and the dark sky meshed with the stone. As the group of first years entered the Great Hall, Lily Evans was one of the few students to gape at the ceiling. She couldn’t understand how they got the sky inside. Severus tried explaining it, but Lily just stared at the sky.

Professor McGonagall called name after name, arriving at, “Black, Sirius!”

Sirius Black had been with his friend James Potter on the train. It was as if they had known each other for years the way they were together. Lily knew even then they were inseparable, but she didn’t care. An eleven-year-old James Potter had been making eyes at Lily and had no regard for self-respect.

Severus had been talking about Slytherin. He was so determined to get into Slytherin. He had said all powerful wizards were in Slytherin. Everyone worth his time was in Slytherin. Everyone good was Slytherin.

Lily was indifferent to which house she was getting into. Regardless of house, Severus Snape and her would be friends still. They were best friends. Nothing could separate them, not even Severus’s house prejudice.

“Evans, Lily!” Professor McGonagall spoke.

The Sorting Hat only took a moment to think. “GRYFFINDOR!” it roared.

Lily Evans beamed and glanced towards Severus, her best friend. He looked so angry. He had told Lily they should be in Slytherin together, they had to be in Slytherin together. Lily never really understood that, but they could still be friends.

Striding over towards the Gryffindor table, she sat next to Sirius Black. Lily figured there was still time for Severus to join Gryffindor. They could still be in the same house.

Name after name was called until Professor McGonagall got to, “Snape, Severus!”

Almost immediately as the professor placed the Sorting Hat on Severus’s head, it roared, “SLYTHERIN!”

Lily Evans smiled over to the Slytherin table, promising herself they would stay friends. She had been fearless entering this new world. Whatever was going to happen, Severus and her could get through it together.

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Two: Care of Magical Creatures Class

Two years passed, and Lily and Sererus’s third year was coming closer. They had spent the summer talking about their coming courses and third year electives. Lily had thought about taking Muggle Studies, but if she even questioned the so-called muggle world, all she had to do was ask Sirius Black or her parents. Either option made for more room in her schedule, and Lily had decided on Care of Magical Creatures and Arithmancy.

Severus had chosen Ancient Runes and was leaning towards Divination for an easy class, but when Lily told him she was taking Care of Magical Creatures, he immediately switched his schedule.

The two hadn’t grown apart, per se, but they had their own friends groups. Lily roamed the Hogwarts halls with Mary McDonald and Marlene McKinnon. Severus had his own friend group full of wanna-be Death Eaters, according to her. Lily never tolerated their remarks towards her and Mary and all of the other muggle-born students. Half of the time Lily was found bickering with Severus over some stupid pureblood ideology, but they were still friends. Best friends. They had to be. They have always been best friends.

September came around once again, and their first class in the week was Care of Magical Creatures, split between Gryffindors and Slytherins. James Potter was cocky as ever, taking more of a notice to Lily this year, always calling Severus mean names. Severus Snape would always fight back, calling him dumb names. They were always at each other’s throats.

In their second year some Ravenclaw girl  had developed a crush on Severus, and she would always be mad at James, thinking he was mercilessly bullying Severus. In that Ravenclaw’s eyes, Severus could do no wrong. Even Lily didn’t look past Severus’s pureblood habits.

Care of Magical Creatures had become one of Lily’s favorite classes rather quickly. The class was almost entirely hands-on, and there was never a still moment. Bowtruckles would escape and flobberworms would spit goo at other students. Lily found the class chaotic, but every creature was different. Every creature was good and productive in its own way.

Halfway through the fall semester, Professor Ketterburn introduced a new creature, a hippogriff. Even James Potter looked frightened by the bird horse-looking animal. Lily spared a glance at Severus, who choked on a whimper.

The professor told the class to pair up, and Lily reflexively reached for Marlene McKinnon. Marlene had already paired up with Mary. Sirius Black had already captured Remus Lupin, and some toilet-tongue Slytherin arrived at Severus’s side. All who were left was James Potter. Letting out a strangled sigh, Lily approached James.

“Well, hello, Evans,” he said, pulling off his best “go-on-a-date-with-me-Evans” face with being so close to the hippogriffs.

“Potter,” she replied, uncomfortable with the entire situation. She turned towards Severus, who sent her a worrying glance back. James Potter had been into Lily since first year.

“All right, class! Now that you’ve paired up, approach the hippogriff, just like I taught you,” Professor Ketterburn announced.

Lily had been studying hippogriffs since Ketterburn had first discussed them. She had been so intrigued by the creatures. Fear found no place when Lily bowed to the hippogriff. Professor Ketterburn had named her Martha. The creature bowed deeply back and showed respect for Lily.

Lily looked towards her partner. His mouth dropped and he stared blankly at her.

She had been the first to gain a hippogriff’s respect, as it turned out. Remus and Sirius were bickering about who should go first. Mary was struggling with her own fear. Everyone else was simply not receiving any attention from the hippogriff clan. Severus Snape was being too aggressive with one named Beaky.

Professor Ketterburn approached Lily and James and said, “Look at this! This, class, is how to earn respect from this one.”

Lily had been fearless, facing an animal she had been studying for so long, and any inhibitions were vanquished.

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Three: The Dueling Club

Year Four struck the Marauders and Lily like lightning. The year had started out normally, but when Professor Flitwick and that year’s Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher said they were starting up the Dueling Club again, Lily Evans was not exactly thrilled.

Marlene had been insistent on joining, only when Peter Pettigrew had said it wasn’t a “girl’s club.” In fact, the club had only been boys since its establishment. Marlene McKinnon was the first female student who showed any interest in the club. Lily had come along to the first meeting when Marlene expressed she didn’t want to go alone.

Mary McDonald had tagged along, wanting to be with her friends. The same looked for Peter, never straying too far from James and Sirius. Lily couldn’t stop Remus Lupin. They had become study partners for Charms recently, and if she could not be dueling partners with Marlene, Remus was a good second.

“Gather ‘round, gather ‘round,” Professor Flitwick spoke. “Welcome to the Hogwarts Dueling Club!” He clapped his hands. “Partner up!”

Lily looked around for Marlene or Mary, but Sirius Black was already at Marlene’s side. A Hufflepuff boy a year ahead of them was trying for Mary’s partnership. Peter Pettigrew was partnered with another Gryffindor. All that was left was James Potter.

In the past year, Potter has just gotten worse. He would call Severus some stupid nickname, and Remus and Sirius weren’t any better about Severus. Severus was odd, sure, and would sometimes say things he thought were sly about muggle-borns, but he couldn’t be that bad, right? After all, he and Lily were still good friends, just with some more friends added.

James sauntered over to Lily and smirked. “‘Ello, Evans.”

How could he be so thick? Lily thought. “Potter,” she muttered out.

“How’re doin’?”

“Fine, thanks. Yourself?” she said, trying to be passive.

James Potter was a fine person, someone who achieved decent marks, but he would always challenge Severus unprovoked. He also fancied Lily straight out of nowhere since their first time meeting, and Lily had never shared his affection.

“Now! Students, do as we have taught you. Make sure to properly count your steps and turn at the same time as your partner,” instructed the professor.

“Don’t worry, Evans. I’ll go easy on you.” James smiled at her and began to step away.

Lily murmured a thanks and counted her steps. As she turned, James Potter was already completely turned around, waiting for her.

Lily sent out a disarming spell towards her partner, and he defended himself easily.

James replied with a first-year level disarming charm. Lily had been top of her Charm class since second year, and this was his response? She could have defended herself in her sleep.

Sending out a stronger disarming spell, Lily thought that would be fine. James shielded himself, and Lily could see a tremor in his movements. He sent back a small stunning spell, but Lily shouted, “Protego!” before it even reached her. Tired of whatever nonsense James was getting at, Lily sounded out, “Petrificus Totalus!”

James’s body went stiff and fell to the ground. A laugh came out of nowhere, silencing the other partners. A laugh that was all too familiar. Severus. A group of Slytherins Lily recognized all too well began laughing as well.

Lily did not laugh. James, of all he was capable of, had demeaned her, and she beat him. Even though they didn’t have a good relationship, Lily would never laugh at someone failing. If anything, Lily was mad. She hadn’t even wanted to come to this so-called Dueling Club, and her friends had left her.

Fearless and mad, Lily took the spell off James Potter and stormed out of the room.

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Four: Useless Slurs

Fifth year came around, and James Potter was becoming more persistent that him and Lily Evans should go out. On the other hand, Severus Snape was becoming more friendly with Lily.

Both boys were showing in interest in Lily, and she was having none of it. While Mary had Marlene had both shown interest in at least Sirius Black, Lily didn’t like any of the Gryffindor boys. Remus Lupin had always been kind enough, but there was nothing more than a healthy friendship there.

Remus Lupin and Lily Evans spent their time together usually in the library, especially since this was their OWLs year. Sirius would always become nasty when he saw Remus and her together, and so would James. Weird, she thought.

Fifth year went by quickly. Severus would come by the Gryffindor Common Room and walk Lily to their shared classes. Lily could see he had developed a crush on her, and she didn’t know how to let him how easy.

One day, Severus and James got into yet another brawl, something that had been never-ending since first year. James pushed Severus and magically turned him upside down. Lily had tried and tried to calm down Severus, to comfort him, but all he did was curse at her. He had called her a mudblood.

Sure, Remus and Mary would tell her stories of the pureblood Slyhtherins harassing muggle-borns and students even slightly related to muggles, but that didn’t happen to Lily.

As soon as it came out of his mouth, Severus was apologizing. Lily stormed off and fumed at his reaction. A word like that does not just “slip out.” A word like that was rooted deeply in hatred. Hatred had no place in Lily and Severus’s friendship, what was left of it.

You needed to be fearless to cut off a friendship like that. Lily only saw fear in Severus’s eyes that day. He had cursed out and spoke a slur about his best friend. But Lily saw past this and understood that whatever his deal was, she didn’t need it in her life.

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Five: A Break Up

The summer between fifth and sixth year, Remus Lupin and Lily Evans wrote to each other. They bonded over muggle bands and artists, especially David Bowie. That summer Lily introduced Remus to ABBA, but Remus himself was not a big fan.

Sixth year came back swinging, and Lily promised herself she would avoid Severus Snape at all costs that year. The Hogwarts Express was at its usual  over-capacity at the end of August, and Lily immediately walked to the Prefects Cabin. Instead of seeing Remus, the other Gryffindor prefect, she saw James Potter.

James Potter was reading a book. He wasn’t with his friends. Lily cleared her throat.

“Oh, hello, Ev -- Lily.” He smiled. It wasn’t his usually smirk, but a genuine smile.

“Hello, Potter. Sorry, but this cabin is for prefects.”

James went on to explain how Remus had given up his prefect title, and McGonagall had given James Potter the prefect badge. He talked about his summer, how he passed his OWLs with flying colors, and how his summer went. James stiffened when Lily mentioned Sirius staying with the Potters. She had heard he had been kicked out of the Black family, but she stopped discussing the topic as soon as she saw James.

He tried to keep the conversation flowing, asking about her summer and how her family was. Lily found it odd they could make any talk, let alone about their families. It had been at least ten minutes into their conversation, and James was able to keep it in his pants.

The train ride was more pleasant than anything, and soon they arrived at Hogwarts. The Sorting Ceremony passed by smoothly. James and Lily led the first years to the Gryffindor Common Room, explained the basic rules, and showed them their respective dormitories. Marlene and Mary already went to bed, and Remus and Peter called it early that night.

Sirius and James were playing some wizards chess, discussing some upcoming pranks and activities. “... and we can -- Oh hi, Evans,” Sirius offered.

James looked up and smiled slightly. He looked as if he was hiding something, probably a prank he doesn’t want anyone to know.

“I just wanted to let you know I’m turning in,” Lily said. A particularly interesting book she had just finished rested in her hands. “Good night, boys.”

Before she could reach the stairs, James Potter caught her arm. “I’m sorry,” he said after a moment. “I’m sorry about everything.”

“Everything?” she questioned. Lily noticed his arm wasn’t retreating.

“Asking you out so many times and only seeing you as someone I wanted to date. You didn’t deserve that. I didn’t realize it until Remus quite literally threw me into a cold shower.” James looked not so much ashamed but distressed. He was actually sorry. “I’m sorry, Lily.”

“It’s not fine, Potter,” she said simply. “Whatever that was, was not okay. You’ve never seen me as an actual person. You’re learning now, but that’s not all that matters, I guess. Be a better person, that’s how you learn. I hope you’re not expecting acceptance.”

“Right, but I’m going to be a better person. I will be, Lily.”

“Okay.” Lily figured. “I’m not helping you, Potter, but step one is to move your arm away from someone while you’re talking. If you’re at least trying to be better, learn how to make a girl feel comfortable.” She pulled arm from James and headed up the stairs for bed.

The next few months passed with James Potter becoming a better person. Lily had doubted him at first, as would anyone, but James would help Lily with Transfiguration homework and sometimes make friendly chat with her. A few times during the week they would do prefect rounds and walk along the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.

Mid-November came by quickly and Lily had developed a crush. Murray Sibac was a seventh year who was captain of the Ravenclaw Gobstones Team and had ambitions of becoming a chef. Lily couldn’t place when she developed feelings for the man, but they had met in NEWT-level Potions. She would gush over him, as he was one of Lily’s first official crushes.

She was hesitant to talk to James about Murray. They had become almost friends from talking more during their prefect rounds. She had known James was trying to be better, but she didn’t want to push him. One night, the topic of first kisses came up during their rounds, and Lily was taken aback. James was not trying to push on her, just talking about his first kiss. It was something about a girl at a muggle movie theater before fifth year. It was innocent as far as Lily was concerned, but she wanted to tell him. That soon led to him discovering Lily’s crush on Murray Sibac.

“You’re kidding.” James dramatically gasped.

“Oh, my god,” -- she chuckled -- “pull yourself together, Potter.”

“It’s just, I didn’t know you liked anyone like that.” 

“And why would have I told you before?” She looked towards him.

“Right, of course.” He took a pause. “Have you thought of asking him out?”

“As if he would like me back,” she replied.

James looked as if he were going to protest but stopped himself. “Do you wanna know something I’ve never told anyone?” He turned to step in front of her and face Lily, walking backwards. “Not even Sirius.”

“Aren’t you two attached at the hip now? I doubt he doesn’t know.”

He gave her a look. “Promise you won’t tell anyone?” James stuck out his pinky.

Lily stopped walking for a minute, considering the finger. “Promise,” she assumed, taking the pinky. “I won’t even tell Remus.”

“I liked Regulus last year.”

Now it was her time to gasp and say, “You’re kidding!”

“Don’t even.”

She put her hands up. “No judgement. I think the only one immune to the Black family is me and maybe Peter.”

Within the next week, Murray Sibac approached Lily after one Potions lesson and asked her out to Hogsmeade the following weekend. Blushing violently, Lily accepted and began dating Murray before the Christmas break. Murray quickly joined Lily’s friend group, containing mostly Gryffindors.

The two fell into an easy rhythm, eating meals together multiple times a week and heading out to Hogsmeade every now and then. Murray was all Lily had dreamed of and more. She, of course, wished they spent more time together, but he was a seventh year. He had to study for his NEWTs, and Lily understood that better than anyone. Murray was a good boyfriend, walking Lily to her classes every now and then and sometimes helping her study Potions. There were times Murray would look at the occasional girl, but Lily just supposed that was what boys did.

It wasn’t until James Potter brought up the topic of Murray one night during prefect rounds four months into their relationship. He seemed to not know how to bring up Murray. “He’s just awesome, isn’t he?” Lily said and blushed at the discussion of her boyfriend.

“He’s definitely good at Potions and good at playing Gobstones,” he agreed, slowing his pace.

“What’s wrong with you, James? You’re acting weird tonight.”

“It’s about Murray.”

Lily stopped walking all together. “James --”

“I’m sorry, but you deserve to know.”

“What could possibly be wrong with him?!” She raised her voice.

“I don’t know where you were at the time, but I saw him snogging Sylvia Linings last week in the library,” James confessed.

“Of course you would say that.” Lily grew angrier. “Y’know, I was just thinking you were becoming better about your crush with me! Potter, he was helping Sylvia study. There’s no way he would cheat on me!” She scoffed and stormed off.

Lily Evans spent the following few days avoiding James and became silent during prefect rounds. She didn’t believe James. She couldn’t believe James. Her relationship was perfect. Murray was the perfect boyfriend.

As much as Lily would ever hate to admit it, there was a lurking thought in her mind. What if James was telling the truth? There was no way. Lily just had to make sure. One night Lily walked up to Murray and asked him straight up. “Murray, are you seeing other girls?”

Her boyfriend gaped. “Of course not, babe. You’re my one and only.” Murray leaned in to kiss Lily, which she consented to.

His lips tasted like strawberry lip gloss. Lily never wore strawberry lip gloss, just the occasional peach. She pulled away immediately. “Murray, you take like strawberries, and you’re not exactly one to wear lipgloss.”

This led to an all-out shouting match. Murray yelled that James Potter was jealous and had no place in their relationship. Lily argued that if you’re in a committed, monogamous relationship, you shouldn’t just go around kissing other people. She couldn’t understand what was going through Murray’s mind during the argument. James Potter once had a crush on Lily, yeah, everyone knew that, but he was her friend now. Murray grew furious quickly and towered over Lily. She eventually slapped her now ex-boyfriend and stormed off to Gryffindor Tower.

Mary was there to comfort her immediately, and Marlene called her fearless for confronting the issue. The Gryffindor boys didn’t know what to do with the emotional Lily Evans, but James offered her a hug. She hesitated for a moment, but she accepted and hugged her friend fiercely.

Almost a week later, Lily joined James at prefect rounds. She paused her steps and spoke for the first time in their silent routine. “I’m sorry, James … for yelling like that.”

“You don’t have to apologize, Evans. With my history, I shouldn’t have expected anything less.”

“If you didn’t inject yourself, I would still be with that twat. I just think I expected less of you. I guess I had assumed you were putting yourself in the middle of my relationship because you were jealous … You weren’t jealous, were you?” she questioned.

“Jealous?” He looked as though he was actually thinking about it. “No, I don’t think so. Lily, you’re my friend now, and our friendship is something I’d like to keep. You know I’ve been trying to be better about actually becoming a good person, and I don’t want to ruin our friendship over anything childish.”

Lily smiled, agreed, and began walking again. “I still prefer Remus, but you’ll make due.”

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Six: A Quidditch Party

Seventh year sped by quickly, and Lily and James became closer friends than James had ever expected. He had had a crush on Lily since they were eleven, but since the beginning of sixth year, he put aside his feelings. The summer between fifth and sixth year, Remus Lupin had approached James one morning after he had been particularly stupid.

James had made a comment about a girl he had seen that, let’s just say, was not about her personality. That had seemed to strike something in Remus. James woke up to Remus dumping a five gallon bucket of ice cold water over his head.

He cursed Remus out and reached for his wand immediately. James tried to get it through his head that Remus had a different opinion on girls and women. The boy had never shown much interest in girls, but he told James he had to actually treat them like people. Remus explained that Lily Evans had been uncomfortable even being in the same room as James, because he would almost always hit on her and ask her out to Hogsmeade. After their third year, it had stopped being funny to the Marauders let alone Lily. James hadn’t noticed, only that he was hopelessly in love with her.

That year James was hell-bent on becoming a better friend to Lily Evans, and being crowned a Gryffindor prefect only made it easier. James was trying to become a better person, reading his mother’s muggle women’s and gender studies books the final month that summer. His sixth year he tried his best to be kind and show empathy to Lily. It took a few weeks for his friends to take him seriously. Some of them thought this was James’s way of getting only closer to Eva -- Lily, but after hearing Remus out and reading his mom’s books, he wanted to learn and become a better person.

When Lily began gushing over Murray Sibac, James couldn’t lie. His heart did break a bit, but he was working over his crush. In his fifth year, he had had a different crush as well -- Regulus Black, but nothing ever came of that. James figured his prejudices also included boys kissing other boys.

One night Lily was sick and stayed back from prefect rounds, and Jame had caught her boyfriend snogging another girl! Could he do that?! he thought. When he decided to warn Lily of that, he knew it would threaten their friendship. But he had to consider that their friendship was stronger than Murray’s pathetic value of relationships. Lily stopped talking to him after that.

James offered her a hug as soon as she came back to the common room one night crying. Lily was his friend before anything, and she needed a friend at that moment. His heart grew when she accepted his hug. There was no pressure on her part, and she accepted him. Lily Evans accepted him. That was the only thing that James cared about.

In their seventh year, James had been made Head Boy to go along with his Gryffindor Quidditch Captain title he had achieved in fifth year. And Lily had been named Head Girl. That year they would talk more during their nightly rounds, and their friendship grew.

Lily would help him with Potions homework and would come support him at Gryffindor quidditch matches, not just Marlene McKinnon. James would be lying if he said his crush died out, but he valued their friendship more. James tried to help Lily with Transfiguration homework and History of Magic essays. His strength was Defense Against the Dark Arts, and they had been learning about patronuses one week that spring.

Within a few tries, James Potter was the first one to cast a patronus. He wasn’t surprised it was a stag of all creatures. Sirius’s was a big dog that chased it around, and Remus’s wolf patronus nearly stepped on Peter’s rat. Lily was one of the last people in the class who was called to perform the charm, and it was a deer.

James had a deer.

Why was it a deer?

James could see Lily’s face redden, and he marked it up to their great friendship. Love didn’t even cross his mind. Lily and him were strictly friends. They would need to be in a parallel universe for Lily to remotely like him.

Probably just a coincidence, he thought.

James never questioned it again until the final quidditch match. Lily was there in his jumper. It’d become some kind of ritual, a tradition between the two of them. Since she’s worn it to every quidditch match, the Gryffindor Team had not lost. James led his team to yet another victory -- against Slytherin of all people, and the rest of Gryffindor threw a massive party that night.

Ever holding the confidence of a true Gryffindor, James jumped onto a common room table and held up the Quidditch Cup, pumping his fist. The Gryffindor crowd shouted, “Speech! Speech! Speech! Speech!”

“All right, all right,” he calmed down the crowd. “I want to thank …” He went on to shout out mixings of a speech for a little under a minute and handed the cup to Marlene and Sirius. Though he was usually the one leading a crowd, there were moments he needed a breath. James offered to get more food from the kitchens, and Lily of all people offered to go with him.

Together the two ran towards the kitchens, only stopping to look around cornered for Mrs. Norris or Filch. He had forgotten his map, the Marauders’ Map. Lily intertwined their fingers when they heard a “meow.”

James’s breath hitched. He looked for Lily’s eyes. She was there, and she had reached for him. “Lily --” he started.

He heard another “meow” and held Lily closely. She looked up towards him.

Lily surged forward and caught James’s lips. He was only able to think of one thing:

Fearless, she was.