#both the owls and the muggle mail;; answered things

[leogratia]

[look-at-the-sky-im-still-here]

Hearts of Ours : Chapter 1

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Olivia and Severus, both starting school at Hogwarts, both Slytherin, and how they grow to form a connection to each other. They're more alike than they at first think. 'If nobody is there for you, I will be.'

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(Note, this is a sideblog! my main is @/popcornaddict500 .)

This is a selfindulgent little story of mine, involving my oc Olivia and Severus as students. Broken people, but they find comfort in each other.

I love the idea of Severus being a softer, gentler person in his youth, and how if things had been different, this might have shown differently in his adulthood. So what better way to explore it than by writing something like this.

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Chapter 1

(1900 words~)

It is a cold morning.

The house is silent, even as Olivia packs. The train arrives in a couple of hours- she has to have collected her goods from Diagon alley by then. She should probably stop by the bank too… There’s no money to be found here. No, her parents are not willing to waste any on her, even if she needs it.

She checks her list.

-Clothes (uniforms are provided at the school)

-Food

-Shoes

-Coat

-Pet

-Wand

-Books

She looks at the clock. “Time to go, then.”

Before leaving, she looks in the room where her parents are sleeping.

“I’m leaving for school now.”

There’s no response, wether that’s because they’re still asleep or because they’re ignoring her, she’s not sure.

Regardless, she walks out. They don’t care either way.

Olivia walks the streets, dragging her suitcase behind her. It’s an odd sight, the small girl walking all by herself, and it does turn some heads. She ignores it however.

How do I get to Diagon alley, though? I’m still amongst the muggles.

She stops and ponders awhile. What did Ma say?

Right. Go to the corner store where they sell tobacco, pipes and small gifts, with a cat sleeping in the windowsill.

She walks in, cringing at the dusty scent.

“Eh? What can I do ya for, kid?” The storeowner looks at her.

“I would like to see the other side of the store.” She answers simply.

“Oh.” He blinks, but nods and pulls aside a curtain to the back, which she walks into. When she exits the curtain, she’s in another store, though mirrored, and with different items. There’s a bunch of witches buying items here, they part to make way for her as she steps out.

She steps out onto the street and finds herself in Diagon alley, at last. It’s terribly crowded, full of witches and wizards buying goods, window shopping, students gawking at the latest kinds of magical tools.

She never liked crowds. I have to make this quick.

-

She pushes through the crowd. Nobody seems to even notice her. Why would they? She’s just another face in the crowd, and a small one at that.

She manages to find the bank and enters. The little creatures sitting at their desks regard her with an unfriendly gaze but she doesn’t care. She walks up to one of them. “I want to make a withdrawal.”

“Mhm. And do you have your key…?”

“Here. The name is Olivia Plum.”

The creature groans and nods. “Very well.”

Finally, she can collect her goods. She has about an hour left before the train leaves.

She walks down the streets, looking for what’s left on her list. Books, she has those. Thankfully she has a trolley to carry everything now… Now what’s left is a pet and a wand.

Only one pet? I mean. I want a cat, but owls are necessary for mail. She sighs, shakes her head, and enters the store full of creatures. An owl it is.

She finds a lovely dark brown one, with black eyes, that nibbles her finger when she approaches. “I’ll name you Athena.”

Fifteen minutes left until the train departs. Olivia rushes through the street, pushing her trolley. Athena flutters and hoots in her cage, looking a bit ruffled.

“Sorry, we have to hurry.”

A lot of struggle, confusion, and embarrassment after asking for help, and she’s finally made it into the train.

She walks down the corridor, searching for a booth that’s empty. She doesn’t want to sit with anyone she doesn’t know. Not yet, anyway.

Thankfully, she finds a booth and takes a seat by the window, gazing outside. The train whistles and starts moving, slowly.

She takes her wand out of her coat and inspects it. It’s long, with a white base and a black marking at the end. She’s never used wand magic before. Her family doesn’t use magic, they’re muggles, but a family friend did and taught her some small things.

They’re gone now.

She takes a book out of her bag and flips it open, but before she can even start reading, the door to the booth opens again.

She looks up.

A boy her age with mid length black hair and dark eyes walks in wordlessly, sitting down opposite of her. He doesn’t look at her, just takes a book and starts reading.

Could’ve asked, but at least he looks calm. So she ignores him and resumes her reading, too.

She doesn’t notice, but at some point he does glance at her, nose crinkling at her appearance. Pale blue hair and pink eyes are… definitely not the norm, even among magic folk. Not to mention her hair covers one of her eyes. Few know why.

Regardless, the boy seems to appreciate the silence. Olivia does too.

At some point he speaks up.

“Why dye your hair like that?”

Olivia’s eye flicks up to his. “It is not dyed.”

“No? I have never met anyone who has pastel coloured hair.”

“My hair has always been this way.”

The boy doesn’t look convinced, but he drops the subject.

I guess it’s kind of weird, huh. Ma has dark blue hair, my dad has white hair. Not very common.

She looks out the window. Almost there… thankfully I’m already wearing my robes.

When they arrive, the boy exits the booth before her. She watches him leave.

He’ll be in the same class as me, won’t he?

-

The sorting begins, and Olivia stands uncomfortably. Wonder what I’ll be… She frankly has no idea.

After a bit of waiting, she’s assigned Slytherin house. Not bad. She likes snakes… The students of the houses cheer every time a student joins their house, Olivia is no exception. Hastily, she sits at the table- she’s never been one for so much attention.

Noticeably, the boy she met on the train is also a Slytherin. He spots her at the table and after a moment of hesitation, nose crinkled, sighs and sits down beside her.

Hm.

She sits and listens to the other students’ houses being announced for a bit, but then turns to him.

“Hey.”

“...Hey.” She blinks owlishly. “You’re Severus. Right?” Didn’t they say that? Severus… Snape? Sounds serious.

He nods slowly. “And you are Olivia.”

“Nice to meet you.” She offers a hand.

He stares at her hand for a second, but then his eyes flick to hers and he shakes her hand. “...Likewise.” He simply mutters. She doesn’t mind.

He seems calm, I’d like to be friends with him. Glancing at the others in Slytherin, both the first years and the older students, they’re all rather rowdy for her liking. And pretty… well, unkind. Right away they’re gossiping or looking disdainfully at other students, whom they don’t even know.

Is the boy sitting next to her unkind?

Is she unkind, to be placed into such a house?

She wonders.

After all is done and everyone has sat down, a ton of food appears on the tables. She gasps, and judging from the other first year’s surprised noises, she isn’t the only one.

Severus remains pretty stone faced, however.

-

The halls of Hogwarts seem to go on forever, though the fourth year guiding the group to the dorms knows them well. Olivia stumbles to keep up with the group, engrossed in looking around.

God, I hate these stairs.

She nearly falls over when they suddenly start moving. It’s the worst.

Once inside the common room, Olivia sighs. Lots of dark green and snake imagery, a gothic vibe. It looks kind of gloomy.

-

That night, she lies in bed, staring up at the ceiling. As weird as her morning was, she has a good feeling about this. About going here. Maybe now she can make something of herself.

However, insomnia still plagues her, as it always has.

She groans and gets up, taking her book and wandering out of the girl’s dorms and to the common room.

The fireplace is still smouldering. She sits on the sofa, pulls her knees up to her chest and watches the embers.

After a bit she opens her book.

“What are you doing here?”

A voice startles her, and she looks to her right. It’s the boy from this morning, standing by the fireplace.

“...I could ask you the same thing.”

He tsk’s at that and shakes his head. “None of your business.”

She shrugs, “Then I’m not telling you either.” She turns back to her book and there’s a moment of silence, but then he sighs and sits down on the sofa too.

“Can’t sleep,” He mutters.

“Why not?”

“Don’t know.”

She stares at him for a second but then sighs. “Me either.”

He doesn’t ask why.

She doesn’t know either.

He glances at her book. “What are you reading?”

She looks at the cover. “ ’No longer human.’ “

“Sounds a bit heavy for an eleven year old.”

“I’m twelve.”

“Still.”

“Aren’t you the same age as me?”

He scoffs and silence settles again.

Olivia continues. “It’s a muggle book. It’s about a man who can’t show who he really is, so he keeps up a front that’s entirely fake… and it earns him quite some trouble.”

“And you enjoy reading such things?”

“Depends. I’m not sure about this one yet.”

“Hmm.” The boy leans back in the sofa.

“Do you read, Severus?”

“You saw me reading in the train, did you not?”

“That was not a novel.”

He rolls his eyes. “If you’re asking if I read muggle books, no.”

Olivia shrugs. “You might want to try one. They’re not so bad.”

“Doubt it.”

-

Silence. Drowsiness. Olivia blinks. It’s brighter in the common room now. Was I… was I sleeping?

She lies curled up on the sofa. She sits up and her book falls off the cushions. Severus is gone.

How embarrassing. Can’t believe I fell asleep here… At least no one saw. Except that boy, maybe...

She retreats to her dorm, where everyone else is still sleeping.

When everyone gets up she pretends as though she also just got up. Nobody seems to have noticed anything off.

As she gets dressed, she checks her classes-

Charms, History of Magic, Potions… But… where are they?

It doesn’t say.

She swallows. “Just… follow the others, I guess?”

“What are you mumbling about?” One of the girls raises an eyebrow at her.

Olivia shakes her head. “Nothing.”

By the time she’s got her clothes on and all her books, everyone has already left the Slytherin common room.

Ah- how will I know where to go now?

She rushes out and down the hall, trying to catch up with the others. But they’re already gone.

All except one, who trails behind slower. Severus. She sees him turn the corner and runs to catch up with him.

He doesn’t turn to look at her, so she doesn’t say anything. She just follows him.

At some point he does glance over his shoulder.

“Why are you following me?”

“I don’t know where my classes are.”

“What a good start.” He groans.

She rolls her eyes and moves to walk beside him. “No need to be so rude.”

For a moment he seems a bit befuddled, but he shakes it off. “So, what? Are you just going to follow me from now on?”

“Probably, yeah.”

“Great.” The sarcasm drips off him.

“It doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I don’t even talk much.”

“Everything points to the contrary.”

“No, responding when someone asks you something is called basic communication. I didn’t just start yapping out of nowhere.”

He rolls his eyes, “Fine.”

-

They reach the class at last and they walk in.

“Can I sit with you?” Olivia looks at him.

“Why me?”

“Why not you?”

He glares at her, annoyed, but then sighs and nods. “Do what you want.”

[ask-wren-zhang]

Dear Wren!

I couldn't help noticing that for a while now whenever there is something you need to take out of your bag — there is always this red envelope in there that you hurriedly bury underneath everything else.

Oh, and I assure you, I do not spy on people. But I do tend to spend a lot of time in the Astronomy Tower (the view is just too good) and that red envelope keeps catching my attention. By sheer coincidence, once again, I do not purposely keep an eye on anyone. You just tend to announce your entrance sometimes rather... Well. Let's say you might want to tone down on your visits to the Three Broomsticks for a little bit.

But as it happens it is also the reason I'm writing to you: earlier this week you dropped your bag after one of those Butterbeer visits, the bag's contents spilling out like the guts of a slain dragon... And that red envelope was there. The third time I've seen it that week.

Is it a howler by any chance? I'm dying of curiosity! Who is it from? What is inside? Why haven't you opened it yet? Why do you carry it around if you do not plan to open it? I don't need to actually know the content, no, that is your private business, but... I move more questions than answers and it is killing me!

I apologize if those questions are too personal, feel free not to answer. But my name is Richard Jackdaw, and it's a it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance! I do like inquisitive minds, and if your grades are any indication, you are a very bright young witch!

Sincerely yours (and curious),

Richard Jackdaw

Wren winces as she reads.

This is the second owl she’s received commenting about her habits at the Three Broomsticks, even some of the portraits have begun whispering about her antics…

“Suppose I have indulged a bit too much in Butterbeer lately…” she acknowledges, “Lesson learned – next time, I'll stick to just one Butterbeer…or maybe two.”

-

Dear Richard,

I hope my owl finds you in good spirits, both figuratively and literally (heh).

We’ve not had the luxury of a proper greeting, but I heard wonderful things from those who find themselves drawn to your haunting presence, how your grace and mysterious allure have captured the hearts of many!

Apropos the red envelope, you’re spot on on all accounts. It’s indeed a Howler, mailed by my Ma, evidently two years ago.

It’s always a dreadful predicament, finding one’s self a recipient of these infernal missives. This concerns me in particular, mostly through the fact my parents are, well, Muggles - this is no word of a lie.

How they managed to write and send a Howler is beyond my comprehension, and that terrifies me more than anything else.

And as much as I’d love to slake your curiosity, in truth, I’m not quite confident why I’m still rattling about in the castle carrying it anymore, or if I’m even likely to open it.

When or if I do eventually work up the nerve to unfurl it, though, I’m sure you’ll be one of the firsts to know - or hear it.

With warm regards and affection,

Wren

[dakogutin]

DAY4 of @dzaddyjamespotter​‘s advent calendar prompts

SANTA CLAUS

(read my other christmas drabbles here!)

The flock of owls flew in with everyone’s mail. Letters and parcels that ranged from the smallest wrappings that would carry a Remembrall, to the latest Broomstick swooped in to drop on the long tables in the Great Hall.

Lily’s came in a small basket, which was revealed to contain vanilla biscuits with adorable Christmas-themed decorations as icing.

She happily nibbled on some before offering to everyone around her. 

Sirius was quick to voice out his fascination, having never been exposed to muggle traditions especially when it came to Christmas. James appeared to share the sentiment but was oddly more subdued, staring and mostly letting his eyebrows do the reacting. Remus was looking at both of them in an expression she was sure to also be displaying on her own– fondness.

It was her first Christmas away from her family. This wasn’t a decision of haste, or out of coercion, despite what many continued to believe. Admittedly, even she found the real reason hard to believe at times. But that was all it was, disbelief, only because it was absolutely surreal.

She wanted to spend Christmas with James.

“Don’t forget to leave some for Peter,” she said as James and Sirius continued to riffle through each design.

“What’s this?” Sirius asked, raising one biscuit.

“A reindeer.”

It was a simple answer, and yet it prompted an odd look to be exchanged between the three of them. An inside joke, it seems. She brushed it off with a roll of her eyes. 

“And who is this?” It was James, this time, who asked. “This your dad or something?”

Just as Lily glanced up to discern the biscuit in his hands, Remus burst out laughing.

“What?” James glared at Remus, throwing the biscuit at him.

“Oi! No wasting my biscuits, Potter,” Lily chided but had to also hold back her own giggles.

“James, I’d like you to meet Santa Claus,” Remus eventually said when he’d recovered. “You too, Sirius.”

“What exactly is he?” Sirius asked.

“He gives gifts to everyone,” Lily supplied, “mostly children, but I hear he gives an exemption to adults on the nice list.”

Sirius scoffed. “You’re bullshitting me.”

“No, of course it’s not as easy as that,” Remus cut in, “but you can catch him while he’s on his trip around the world. Maybe you can talk to him about having your gift. Plead your case that you deserve to be on the nice list.” 

Lily doubted that would be received as anything but farfetched given Sirius’ already rising suspicion, but she had underestimated James on her side…

“Catch him?” he reiterated.

She met Remus’ eyes, which were glinting with mischief. He was quick to disguise it as excitement for James’ brewing idea. “Yeah, that’s a thing muggle children do. Stay up on Christmas Eve to catch Santa.”

It just now struck Lily how much of a bloody expert Remus was with lying. He was twisting the truth with an ease that only someone who did it everyday would have. She figured it made sense, judging from who his roommates are.

“Yeah,” she chimed in, “just prepare some warm milk and cookies by the tree where he drops the gifts.”

“Nope,” Sirius declared. “I refuse to believe this. I know you’re lying, Remus. I’ve mastered all your tells.”

“Because I haven’t done it myself,” Remus bit back in defence. “But even if that’s the case, Lily is explaining it to you very clearly. Are you saying she’s lying too?”

“Well, Sirius? Are you?” Lily raised an eyebrow. 

Sirius could only glare back. He may have lucked out with knowing Remus too well, but he was never going to be able to tell if Lily was lying. She didn’t have to be as skilled as Remus was. He was halfblood, while Lily was a muggleborn.

“Wouldn’t hurt to try, though, yeah?” James suggested quietly. 

Sirius groaned.

“We can use my cloak. You two have to come with us, though. So if this Santa doesn’t show up Sirius and I can immediately set our revenge into motion.”

“Of course,” Remus said easily while Lily grinned back.

Why had she not thought of spending Christmas with them sooner?

[startanewdream]

the visit

Written for @blackinnonweek though I totally forgot to post it in time.

Here's a little angst Marlene Lives AU, just in case:

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

The sound of the children’s laughter greets her as soon as she disapparates in an empty alley two blocks from her house.

Marlene turns automatically, standing in the shadows a few seconds longer than she should, just watching the children in the nearby playground. They are playing, enjoying the end of the afternoon; today their attention is directed to three or four dogs that are playing chase with them.

As she looks, the biggest dog there, a black thin mutt dog turns to look at her, crooking its head to the side as if it can see there in the shadow of the alley, despite the fact that it’s protected by magic.

Dogs can sense magic, an old voice whispers into her head, and she remembers being eighteen and hopeful and in love, laying on the grass on a Muggle park—he always favoured Muggle places—, watching people walking with their dogs. He was smirking, guarding a secret he had never shared. Dogs are special.

She shakes her head, turning around and leaving the alley towards the backstreet. It’s a short walk to her house, less than two minutes, but still Marlene counts at least two sets of eyes over her. She is tempted to joke that she wouldn’t have survived the war if she couldn’t tell when she is being followed, but she stays quiet. They are just doing their job, pointless as it is.

It’s not like he will come to her, not when… not when he has ignored her for twelve years.

She wonders vaguely if this surveillance is why Remus accepted the job at Hogwarts. If he is tired of being followed as well.

But Marlene can’t know because they haven’t talked for years.

She hasn’t talked with most of the Order for years.

The darkness of the house greets her. She turns on the lights, moves to the kitchen to prepare her welcome-home tea, and sorts through the correspondence that arrived while she was out. Nothing important, and a part of her wonders if her mail is being watched as well; she doubts that prisoners on the run would send an owl, but still the idea of aurors searching through her Witch Weekly magazine is kind of fun...

The water has boiled. She pours the water over the leaves, looking outside; there is the sound of barks coming from the street, but she can’t see the dogs there. Maybe they are chasing after the hidden aurors…

A sound of footsteps alert her. It’s very soft, enough that someone else might not have listened but, again, Marlene survived a war. She realizes belatedly that she left her wand in the table behind her, so she does the next best thing. She grabs a knife from the sink, turning and throwing it in the direction of the kitchen door before she can even blink.

The knife vanishes in the living room, hitting nothing.

When she turns back, Sirius Black is sitting by the table.

And he looks… terrible, just like the photos in the Daily Prophet that she tried to avoid despite the fact they were everywhere. There is nothing of the man she once loved in the ghost that currently haunts her kitchen, except—

His grey eyes—pale and with dark circles under, gaunt and so scared—shine as he looks at her. A longing that shouldn’t be familiar and yet it is, as true as it was years ago, flourishes on her chest and she wants to hold on to him, to make this right somehow, to wake up from that strange dream…

But she is awake. And Sirius is dangerous, that’s the only truth she has ever received.

Marlene eyes her wand on the table. It’s closer to him, but he looks so thin that maybe she is faster? But then again, he was sharp enough to break out…

“Tea?” he asks, voice raspy and unused. “You always hated it.”

Marlene blinks. “Things change.”

“Oh, I know,” he whispers, his eyes moving over her face, taking in every detail. “I see.”

What does he see, Marlene wonders. Sometimes she looks in the mirror and she doesn’t think she aged a day. Other times she asks who is the woman staring back at her.

“You look beautiful,” Sirius adds and somehow this makes her laugh. It’s probably the insane kind of laugh that she learned from him ages ago, but Sirius only looks confused. “What’s wrong?”

“The most wanted criminal in the country just broke into my house to compliment me,” she says, drying the tears from her eyes. The mirth is gone. “You shouldn’t be here.”

He pauses. “Why?”

“There are two or three aurors watching me every step. They will probably be here anytime—”

“They don’t know I’m here,” he answers confidently. “And they won’t.”

“I could tell them,” Marlene says, narrowing her eyes.

“You could have warned them minutes ago.”

She could and they both know it. “I should,” she whispers, and suddenly she is twenty-one again, confused and lost after her family is gone and life as she knew broken, her best friend killed and Sirius…

“I missed you,” he says, standing up now, his fingers trembling even as he doesn’t move closer.

Fury and bitterness flood her. “No, you didn’t.”

“I—”

“I went to visit you. Twice, because I wasn’t stupid enough in the first time. And you refused to see me. You refused me.”

“I… What was there for you to see? I couldn’t have another good memory for them to suck—”

“It wasn’t about you,” she hisses, hating herself for keeping her voice down so it doesn’t attract any attention. “I just wanted answers!”

“I am innocent,” he says, sounding only broken. “I would have sworn it and… you wouldn’t believe it.”

“Then why—”

“I’d never betray James. You know that.”

It’s all Marlene has ever thought in the past twelve years. “All I know is that James is dead and so is Lily and Peter and—”

“No, it’s not like this, Peter…” He closes his fist, enraged and suddenly menacing. “He is alive and I’ll find him.”

“So you can kill him for real this time?”

“Yes,” he admits, not ashamed, and Marlene remembers it took a lot for Sirius to feel bashful about anything. “We changed the secret keeper. He betrayed them, Lene, not me.”

Lene. No one has called that like that in twelve years.

“Azkaban did make you crazy,” she whispers, shaking her head. “Crazier, actually. Pretending you—”

“Look at me and say you never questioned it. Say that you believe I really did all those things.”

“I…”

Marlene remembers waking up the first day of November and looking at the newspaper and not understanding anything. She remembers facing the dreadful journey to Azkaban only to be turned away.

The prisoner didn’t authorize any visit.

Did you tell him who it was? (Did you tell him it was Lene?)

Yes. He doesn’t want to see you.

“You’d have told me,” she says. One of those mornings or nights, when we laid in bed, catching our breaths, body still sore after we made love, you’d have told me. I held no secrets for you.

He looks sorrowful. “There is so much I never told you,” he admits, a note of guilt in his voice. “I am sorry, Lene.”

She closes her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose, and she hears soft footsteps. Her heart pumps in her chest but the touch she waits never comes; when she opens her eyes, the backdoor is open and there is no one with her.

She runs to her backyard, but other than a few dogs running in the street, Marlene doesn’t see anyone else.

Her wand waits for her on the table; he could have picked it, he could have done something, but all Sirius did was… look for her. I missed you.

She breathes slowly, remembering their meeting even as she tries to forget it, lock it away somewhere no one can take it from her. Then she grabs her coat and leaves the house, running quickly.

It’s no surprise that one of the aurors catches up with her; it’s the young woman with pink hair that came before to question her, and she looks almost apologetic to interrupt Marlene.

“Wotcher,” she says, winking. “Where are you going?”

“Back to the Ministry,” Marlene says, not stopping to answer; she is close to the alley now and those dogs seemed to be following them as well. “I want to check some old archives.”

“Oh.” The woman presses her lips for a moment. “You know I’ll need to report this later. Which files?”

“The one about Peter Pettigrew’s death,” Marlene replies, turning in the spot. The last thing she hears before she vanishes is a dog howling though there is no moon.

[nobutfredweasleytho]

YOU JUST DON’T LISTEN(F.W)

Summary: Fred’s ex girlfriend writes him a letter to explain the how him using her wrecked her emotionally.

Warnings: angst, like a lot of angst, depressed Y/N, mentions of self doubt, a little swearing, mentions of parents not loving correctly, used reader. Let me know if I missed anything.

A/N: Major thank you to Gabriella @onlyfreds for being an amazing person and encouraging me to write whatever this mess is. I am forever grateful to you

(The font is terrible Im sorry im just getting used to working on tumblr)

Fred Weasley checked the muggle clock on his nightstand. 10:30 AM. His mom will call him for breakfast anytime now. He has been awake for quite some time if he can even count the 30 minutes he tried to sleep but couldn’t, not when every time he tries to close his eyes his mind and eventually dreams are clouded by her. By the last time he looked at her, how devastated she looked, How her face was wet from her tears and her eyes bloodshot red, but the thing Fred will never be able to forget is her voice. How raw and vulnerable she sounded while saying the most horrible thing’s anyone has ever said to him, but he can’t blame her, he has no one to blame but himself because in the end it was he who caused all of this and now its come to bite him in the ass. He hears the door open and his twin brother George enters.

“Mom says breakfast is ready and she wants you downstairs. She says she’ll drag you herself if you don’t show up again today.”

“Tell her I’m not hungry and I’ll come grab a bite later.” I really don’t feel like being surrounded by other people right now. Not in this pathetic state I’m in. Besides it will take me willpower I don’t have to not hex Ron into oblivion.

“Well she will not take no for an answer and I wont either. What’s done is done now and you’ll have to face the world someday so start with your own family because everyone down there is worried sick about you and the least you can do is show your face once in a while so they know you haven’t died of starvation or sleep deprivation.” George has worry written all over him and I’m sure the rest of the family has it too. I feel even more like shit for worrying them.

“Fine. But I come back here if she is mentioned are we clear?”

“We weren’t gonna mention Y/N anyway now lets go moms worried sick for your dumbass.”

Breakfast was going smoothly with Ginny and Ron being exited for Quidditch season, Harry and Bill discussing the unfortunate events of the Triwizard tournament last year, dad asking Hermione about a rubber duck whatever that is, but the most shocking thing is mom asking me and George about the joke shop products. George is doing most of the talking but still the fact that shes even asking is awesome. I was finally feeling peaceful this whole winter break until I heard a hoot outside the window.

“I thought it was Tuesday but since mail is here does it mean its Friday already? Oh how fast time is going.

“No Arthur honey you are right it is Tuesday, Bill or George can one of you see if that owl has the owners name attached to it and bring whatever letter he has here to see who is it for.”

Bill got up from his seat and went to the window next to the countertop to look at the mystery owl. “Do we even know a Y/N Y/L/N?”

The room went quiet. The only thing that could be heard was the owls hoot asking for its treat. Bill seemed not to realise this as he took the letter from the owl, gave him a treat and sent it on its way.

“To Fred Weasley from Y/N Y/L/N… Who’s Y/N is she the girl you’ve been crying over this whole time huh Freddie?” Bill chuckled but I just grabbed the letter. I had no time to even be mad at him because once again my mind fogs up with only her. I couldn’t help but feel relieved and the happiest I felt in a long time. She has forgiven me. Y/N forgave me. That has to be it. Why else would she send me a letter?

“I had a great time with you guys but there’s important matters for me to attend so I have to go to now. Thanks mom the breakfast was amazing as always.” And with that I sprinted towards my room, locked the door and examined the letter in my hands. It was a bunch of them in here. I went to mine and George’s worktable threw some papers that were on top of it to make room for these letters and carefully opened the envelope.

The first thing that I grabbed was a photo. It was a polaroid of me and Y/N on the Gryffindor common room. Happiness filled my heart when I started remembering this night. I looked at the back of the polaroid and surely enough there was a writing on it.

Fred and Yn on the Gryffindor common room at 1 AM the night she turned 17. Listening to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen���. Picture taken by major 3rd wheel George Weasley.

Tears filled my eyes when I remember this night. It was the night I looked at her the way I always should have. Not as a replacement of someone who didn’t care about me.

The next one was also a polaroid photograph but this one I don’t remember being taken. It’s a picture of Y/N teaching me how to play the guitar. I can make up that we are in her dorm but not more as the picture is taken in black and white. I look at the back and surely this one also has a writing on it but the handwriting doesn’t look familiar at all.

A drunken Y/N accompanied by a even drunker Fred trying to play the guitar in the middle of the night. If I fail my charms exam tomorrow I’m killing you both but right now you two look adorable. Picture taken by Cho Chang.

The third one is an actual letter. I chuckle looking at the handwriting. Always so precise and not even one line out of place. I always thought Y/Ns handwriting always contradicts her hot headed persona but it’s actually really cute. I start reading the letter and my heart stops.

Dear Freddie,

I can only imagine the shock that receiving a letter from me would cause you right now especially after our last conversation.

But I have a lot to get off of my chest and I wont be able to move on if I haven’t said it all. Call me a coward but I was really scared to ask you to meet me so I can say it in person, but maybe that’s what I have always been. A coward. A coward because I get scared when someone wants to enter my life, a coward because I hate trying new things at the expense of failing, a coward because I should be able to confront people who brought darkness and sadness to my life.

But one thing I will admit Fred Weasley is that I wasn’t a coward when It came to loving you. It was the first time that I let someone come into my life and heart the way you did, and it will probably be the last. Throughout our “relationship” if you can even call it that as it was more of you customizing me to be her, to be someone I’m not. But that’s why you even talked to me is it, because I reminded you of her.

The signs were right in front of me and I feel stupid enough not to have seen them. But I guess people are right when they say love is blind. Love is such a funny thing to me as the first time I experienced the right kind of love was through you. But that was me creating stuff in my head. You didn’t love me no, you loved the idea of me. But I loved you. I loved you more than anything or anyone I have ever loved, I loved everything about you. But you just don’t listen. You don’t listen to anyone around you. Not George, not your other siblings, not Lee or any of your other friends for that matter, not your professors, but most importantly you don’t listen to me.

You didn’t listen when I told you that the love my parents gave me was only because I reminded them of my brother, the love my old friends back home gave me was one of interest. Everywhere I go no matter who I talk to no one will love me for me. I came to accept that until I met you.

You were funny and crazy and brave and oh so gorgeous. You were basically everything I looked for in… well everything. In a friend or in a partner it doesn’t matter. I thought you saw me for who I am. A broken teenager with issues but that at the end of the day was deserving of love. Oh how wrong I have been but no more wrong than you. You knew this but you just didn’t listen.

That makes us both horrible people now does it. Me who thought you were some kind of savior or some kind of saint and selfishly wrapped myself around your love and you who used me because I remind you of your ex girlfriend who broke your heart. But mine is excused I feel like and yours isn’t.

You would have kept me going for who knows how long just so you can live your imaginations you had for someone else.

Did you think about her the first time we slept together?

Was I not enough for you Freddie?

Was I too clingy too soon?

Is it my hot temper that gets the best of me?

So many questions will be left unanswered on my end because frankly, I never want to speak of you again. Sure I am deprived of love but I will not take it if its not directed directly at me.

I still care about you and will continue to support you and George on whatever you set your mind into. I was waking through Diagon Alley last week and saw this little store with a “for sale” sign. It’s right in the middle of Diagon Alley. I hate how my first thought went that you would have loved it but I seem to do that a lot recently.

I’ll get dressed and think would Fred love this skirt or this shirt.

I start applying lipstick and I’ll think will Fred love this color.

I start eating and I’ll think does this look good enough that Fred would’ve stolen a piece of it when I’m talking to Ginny.

I don’t even know why I am telling you this. How pathetic I’ve become clinging into someone that doesn’t want me.

Anyway I’ve probably bored you enough with my ranting but I wouldn’t have been able to move on unless I said everything that felt heavy on my heart. I also attached some photos I thought you’d like to keep seeing as now you can see yourself with Kayla without having the burden to be near me.

Say hi to your siblings and Harry for me.

Have a nice life,

Y/N

[weasleydream]

Christmas time sadness

This is a cute little fic I’ve written when I began in April! I wanted to rewrite it before posting but I didn’t have the heart so I hope this isn’t too bad!

As usual, feel free to like, comment, reblog and enjoy!

Masterlist 

(gif not mine)

If someone asked what was my favourite period of the year, I would answer without hesitation the festive season. The snow, the long afternoons with a good book and a warm blanket, cuddling with my family near the chimney, and of course Christmas and the beautiful decorations. Being muggleborn, my traditions and my expectations weren’t exactly the same as a wizard’s ones. I loved the little Christmas tree my father always brought home for Christmas Eve, the Christmas songs playing while we sang and decorated, and these fabulous little biscuits my mother made each year. 

When winter arrived during my first year at Hogwarts, I discovered a whole new conception of Christmas. The fantastic decorations on the Great Hall, the songs in the armours (or the ones sung by Peeves), and above all the sight of the castle covered in snow, all that brought me wonderful memories. However, I never stayed at Hogwarts during the holidays, because my family wanted me to come back home and I never asked them to stay with my friends. 

My two best friends at Hogwarts were the famous pranksters Fred and George Weasley. We were in the same year, in the same house, and we happened to have the same aversion for the rules. So, of course, we couldn’t do anything else but become friends. Our friendship had almost been immediate: when we entered the Hogwarts Express, we didn’t know each other, when we exit it, we had already planned a few pranks. 

All of this brings us to a cold friday in december, during the breakfast. I was sitting next to George with Fred and Lee Jordan in front of us. We were happily chatting, wondering about the songs Peeves would sing this year. A rustle of wings indicated to us that dozens of owls were here to deliver the daily mails. A big brown owl landed in front of me, trying in passing to eat my toast. I took the letter, gave it the toast and it went back to the owlery. I opened the letter and looked at first at the signature. It was my mother’s. But the handwriting was strange, the letters seemed irregular, and the parchment had been wet in places, places were the ink had bled. The letter was short:

Dear Y/N, 

This year you’ll have to spend Christmas at school. Your grandmother is really sick and we have to go to America now. 

Love you, merry Christmas.

Your mum

I stayed silent as I read the letter for the third time. George put his hand on my shoulder. I glanced at my friends: all three of them were looking at me, clearly worried because I was way more silent than usual. I cleared my throat. 

“My grandmother’s sick. I’m gonna be alone at school this Christmas.” 

I hoped my voice would be normal enough for my friends not to hear my sadness. However, it didn’t seem to work because George pulled me against him and mumbled a “I’m sorry” in my hair. Then he glanced at Fred who obviously understood something because he stood up and left with Lee. I swear that twin thing is incredible. George tried to cheer me up until Fred’s and Lee’s return, and then they all made the idiots just to see me smile. My friends really were the best. 

I found out what Fred had done a few days later, the wednesday before the holidays. As usual, we were in the Great Hall eating breakfast when Errol, the Weasley’s old owl, arrived with a letter in front of Fred. He took it and read it, then gave the letter to his brother with a big grin. George was grinning as well when Fred finally told me what was happening. 

“My dear Y/N, this year, you’re spending Christmas with us!”

I couldn’t believe what he just said to me. My confusion had to be visible on my face because George handed me the letter. 

Dear Fred,

Of course she can come! The poor girl, alone for Christmas. It would be a shame to let her at school. Tell her it’s gonna be a pleasure to receive her at the Burrow.  

Say hi to George, Ron, Ginny and Percy.

See you soon, don’t do anything stupid,

Love, mum. 

Fred and George were both watching me, clearly happy that we could stay together during the holidays. My eyes were beginning to fill with tears and I thanked them a thousand times. 

I had already been once to the Burrow. It was a magical house -literally, because without magic, I was pretty sure it would collapse. What I loved the most about the Burrow was its soul, the person who gave it this charming aspect and made it an incredible home. Yes, I really loved Mrs Weasley, even if I hadn’t had a lot of occasions to see her. That didn’t prevent her from hugging me like her other children when she saw me. She patted my cheek, telling me how much she was sorry for my grandmother, and then urged me on the house. 

The first few days were awesome. I helped Mrs Weasley whenever I could because she was so kind with me. I helped Fred and George with de-gnoming the garden. The twins had been caught trying to prank Percy. Of course I laughed at them -”You amateurs!”- but after too much teasing, I finally accepted to go with them. I had a whole discussion with their little sister, Ginny, because she wanted to know how was a muggle Christmas. Mr Weasley was also very very interested in the muggle way of life. I spent at least an hour trying to explain how electricity works. 

Christmas Eve arrived soon, and we had a lovely evening. Mrs Weasley told us about Christmas when she was our age. Fred tried to joke about it, telling that it was a century ago, but he received a pillow in the face. A pillow fight started when George threw one at Ginny. Even Mrs Weasley entered into the spirit of the game. However, too soon, she told everyone to go to bed. I followed Ginny in her room and tried to go to sleep. 

Two hours later, my eyes were still open and my thoughts still focused on my grandmother. I didn’t see her a lot, but if something happened… I couldn’t help but think the last time I saw her was two years ago. Two years. She was not young, and if she was sick, well… Maybe she would die, and I would not be with her… Tears threatened to fall and a sob tried to get its way through my lips, so I decided to go to the kitchen to let Ginny sleep and to drink some water. 

I was making my way downstairs when I stepped on a squeaky plank. Silently cursing, I finally arrived in the kitchen. With a glass full of water in the hand, I sat on the couch, watching the dying fire on the fireplace. Suddenly, George’s voice made me jump. “Why are you here? It’s late. Is something bothering you?”

“No, I’m okay.”

“You don’t have to lie to me.”

George sat next to me and put his arm around my shoulders. We stayed silent for a while, just watching the little flames in front of us. We were hypnotized until another voice made us jump. 

“George, you’re here?”

Fred arrived, watching us suspiciously until he saw the tears that covered my cheeks. His gaze softened as he made his way to the chimney to rekindle the fire. Then he went to the kitchen and came back with chestnuts. He installed comfy pillows on the floor in front of the chimney and we sat there, me between the boys, and made our chestnuts roast. At this time I was so happy, almost squished between Fred and George, my two best friends who were always there for me, with Fred’s hand on my shoulder and George’s on my back. The fire warmed me up, and the boys told me not to worry, because all would go well, and they would not leave me. Finally, all my concern was gone and I slowly fell asleep, my head on Fred’s shoulder. 

_ _ _ 

When Molly woke up, she saw Y/N, Fred and George asleep on the floor. Y/N’s head was on Fred’s torso and George was half lying on her. At first, Molly didn’t understand: what the hell were they doing here? But when she saw Y/N’s red and puffy eyes and the rest of the chestnuts, she suddenly understood what had happened during the night. With a sweet smile on her lips, she did her best to cover the three friends with warm blankets, gave them each a kiss on the forehead and went silently to the kitchen.

[justmakeitatvshow]

EPISODE 1: YOU'VE GOT THE FUTURE IN YOUR HANDS

(PLAY MUSIC)

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED (I’M YOURS) BY STEVIE WONDER STARTS PLAYING

1. HOGWARTS – CLEAR DAY

The camera goes up from behind a group of trees revealing the Hogwarts castle. It starts moving towards MCGONAGALL’s window office where she is writing names on envelopes. She writes “Mary Macdonald” and the envelope gently flies to a pile next to her as another slides to be positioned under her hand. Then she writes “Remus Lupin”, and the envelope flies to a free space, alone. We see the hand of a house elf take it and then the camera follows the trail of flying letters all the way to the owlery. There, a bunch of elves wrap the letters to the owls’ paws and they fly away. The camera follows the flock flying with the letters with Hogwarts behind.

2. THE POTTER HOUSEHOLD – CLEAR MORNING

An owl flies in direction to a fancy house. JAMES wakes up hearing an owl’s squeal. He gets out of his room very excited and hurriedly walks down the stairs to the living room and entrance of his house. There, his father FLEAMONT is wearing an apron while his mother EUPHEMIA is wearing office attire. They present the letter to JAMES happily (even their owl ADRIAN appears to be smiling), and JAMES runs to meet their parent’s embrace and they all jump a little in joy.

3. 12 GRIMMAULD PLACE – CLOUDY AFTERNOON

The camera shows how the letter enters the house through the mailbox. KREACHER picks it from the doormat and crankily walks towards the great dining hall where WALBURGA, ORION, REGULUS and SIRIUS are eating in silence and places it next to WALBURGA. SIRIUS rises up his face from his plate showing that half his face is red as if he had recently been slapped and looks at the letter in awe, and then at his mother with fear. WALBURGA glares at the letter and says nothing, taking a bite of her meat.

4. THE PETTIGREW HOUSEHOLD – CLOUDY AFTERNOON

PETER is looking through the window, waiting and seeming hopeless. He frowns, suddenly looking dazzled, as if he’s heard a sound. He opens up the window to get a better view and immediately a huge owl races through the window into his living room, crashing with him and making him fall.

LINDA: (in a worried voice) PETER? PETER ARE YOU INJURED?

PETER straights himself and attempts to smack the owl, but it flies away. Then he realizes there is a letter by his side and looks at it, happy at first and then worried. He decides to open it and breaths in relief. At the same moment BARREND takes his face off the newspaper and gets up from the armchair. LINDA also enters the living room wearing an apron, and they both walk towards PETER very happy and relieved, hugging his son.

(PLAY MUSIC)

5. SOMEWHERE IN WALES – RAINY LATE-AFTERNOON

The ambience is gloomy. DUMBLEDORE stands in front of a doorway. It’s pouring rain but he is using an umbrella, disguised as a muggle. He is also carrying a briefcase. He rings the bell and waits.

LYALL (from the inside): Hope, can you get the door?

The door opens after a while, and DUMBLEDORE smiles at the woman in front of him.

HOPE: (in a worried voice) Sir… we-we weren’t expecting you (she rectifies and adopts a more relaxed, joyful tone) Please, come in.

DUMBLEDORE: (calmly) Thank you, my darling.

DUMBLEDORE enters the house and HOPE leads him to the living room. LYALL is messing up with some potions on the kitchen counter, wearing a very stained apron.

LYALL: (surprised) Headmaster. Is everything alright?

DUMBLEDORE: (distractedly) Yes, yes… (he paces around the room a little) (sniffing) Pardon me, Lyall, do I smell… Clark’s pies?

HOPE: Yes! You do. I was just baking some.

DUMBLEDORE: Delightful.

LYALL: Please, Headmaster, get comfortable (he points at the couch)

DUMBLEDORE: Call me Albus, please (he turns to HOPE) Could I get one of those Clark’s pie, good woman?

HOPE: Definitely.

LYALL: If we had been expecting you we would have managed a better welcome, Headmaster (he takes off his apron and places it on the counter)

DUMBLEDORE: Oh, don’t bother yourselves. There is no need to make a fuzz over an old man.

HOPE hands DUMBLEDORE a small plate with a Clark’s pie.

DUMBLEDORE: Thank you, darling.

HOPE sits nervously on the armchair facing him. LYALL walks slowly towards DUMBLEDORE and sits on the welting of his wife’s armchair. A big clock ticks and for a few seconds there is silence.

DUMBLEDORE: (observing the Clark’s pie closely) How has the insurance business been lately, Mrs. Lupin?

HOPE: (doubtedly) F-Fine, sir. Dumbledore.

DUMBLEDORE: I have heard it is a rising sector.

HOPE: I-

LYALL: (sated) Did you come all the way from Scotland to ask my wife about her job, Headmaster?

DUMBLEDORE: No, I have not.

DUMBLEDORE takes a bite of the Clark’s pie and nods at HOPE, delighted. He takes out a small handkerchief and wipes the corners of his mouth.

DUMBLEDORE: (declaratively) I am here to see the boy.

HOPE gasps, softly but audibly. LYALL sits up, aiming for his wand.

DUMBLEDORE: I thought we could enjoy a little conversation before the imminent happens.

HOPE: (hurriedly) He is just a child. He has’t hurt anyone. He is a good boy…

LYALL: (hurriedly) We take all the precautions, Albus. And I haven’t stopped, not for a single day, looking for a cure.

DUMBLEDORE: (unbothered) I applaud you. However, I could not care less about any of that.

HOPE gets up and goes to DUMBLEDORE, crawling onto him and taking his hand.

HOPE: (crying) S-Sir, please! Remus is just a little boy! He’s not even dangerous, I-I…

DUMBLEDORE: (without looking at her) Lower your wand, Lyall. I am afraid there has been a misunderstanding. I do not intend any harm for the boy.

LYALL: (untrustful) But the Ministry will if you rat him out!

DUMBLEDORE: Lucky for us that is the least thing I desire to do.

LYALL: (lowering his wand) For us?

DUMBLEDORE takes out an envelope from the inside of his cape and presents it to them.

DUMBLEDORE: The mail.

HOPE sits up in a hurry, recomposing herself.

HOPE: Lyall? (looks at her husband)

LYALL: Is that…?

DUMBLEDORE: Apparently your son has been accepted into Hogwarts.

LYALL drops his wand and it falls to the floor making a sound.

LYALL: Merlin… Is this for real?

DUMBLEDORE: So it seems.

LYALL and HOPE look at each other with fuzzy expressions. Then, they smile at each other.

DUMBLEDORE: Hogwarts will be a more inclusive place for young wizards this year. We will prepare the necessary arrangements for the safety of everyone, and that will make of Remus a student like anyone.

HOPE: (crying) Thank you so much…

DUMBLEDORE smiles at their happiness, but quickly gets serious again.

DUMBLEDORE: Now. I want to speak to the boy.

6. INSIDE REMUS’ ROOM

The door is ajar. REMUS is sitting next to the entrance, he has been listening. He is hugging his knees and his face is half buried between them. There is a book beside him, but he’s not reading it. DUMBLEDORE knocks.

REMUS: (in a small voice) Come in.

DUMBLEDORE: Hello, Remus.

REMUS doesn’t answer. DUMBLEDORE enters the room and takes a look. Then he kneels beside him, taking the book from the floor and observing it.

DUMBLEDORE: The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Nice reading. Which one are you on?

REMUS: The Warlock’s Hairy Heart.

DUMBLEDORE: (hums). A sad story.

REMUS: I like it.

DUMBLEDORE walks around the room, examining it. It is an obscure place for a little kid. There are not many drawings on the walls or colorful toys. There are a lot of books.

REMUS: (trying to act up) You’re here to imprison me, right?

DUMBLEDORE: (looking at him fondly and pitifully) Why would you think that?

REMUS: Because I’m dangerous to other people. (sadly) I’m a monster.

DUMBLEDORE: No, Remus. I am not here to imprison you. I am only here to give you this.

DUMBLEDORE hands REMUS the letter. REMUS takes it and, frowning, turns it around a couple of times, caressing it with curiosity. He opens it and starts reading. The camera follows its content, which is:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Remus Lupin,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Term begins on 1 September.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall.

REMUS: (looking at DUMBLEDORE with shock) You’re him. You’re Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

DUMBLEDORE: (hums)

DUMBLEDORE pulls out his suitcase and opens it before him. REMUS looks at its insides with awe.

DUMBLEDORE: I have taken the liberty of borrowing this for you from an old friend at Flourish & Blotts. You will need them for the school year.

REMUS: (crestfallen) I am still not allowed to go out, right?

DUMBLEDORE: Nonsense. You will board on the train on the 1st, just like every other student at Hogwarts. I thought your parents would appreciate the help. It didn’t come to mind that you would have preferred to shop for your own books, Mr. Lupin.

REMUS smiles and walks towards the briefcase, looking at the books. Then he looks up at DUMBLEDORE, eyes shining.

REMUS: Is this for real?

DUMBLEDORE: (smiling) So it seems.

REMUS: I thought I couldn’t get accepted.

DUMBLEDORE: You have magic, right?

REMUS walks towards one of his tall shelvings and rises his arm to grab a book that’s too high for him. The book wobbles to his hand, flying in the air.

DUMBLEDORE: (eyes sparkling with curiosity) Not many children your age manage that amount of control.

REMUS: Thank you, sir.

DUMBLEDORE: Well, that is all whom should be required for a boy to start learning magic, right? The ability to perform it.

REMUS: I agree with you, sir.

DUMBLEDORE: Delightful.

(PLAY MUSIC UNTIL ANNOYING)

INTRO

The previous image turns into an inked drawing in the style of the marauders map. CHAPER 1: YOU'VE GOT THE FUTURE IN YOUR HANDS shows up in the centre of the frame. In the background sounds The Marauders Theme.

7. PLATFORM 9¾ – CLEAR DAY

The platform is filled up with people. From the upside we can spot all four boys: SIRIUS is getting up on the train while KREACHER waves. Behind him, BELLATRIX gets in smacking KREACHER in the head and laughing about it. JAMES is talking to his parents, who look at him in awe and laugh at what he’s saying. PETER is beside him a little uncomfortable and his parents are looking at JAMES with the same expression of awe than his own. REMUS is talking to his parents.

HOPE: Take good care of yourself, and write every day. My God! I can’t believe my little boy is going to school!

REMUS: Thanks, mom… I will.

LYALL: And if you do good at school we’ll buy you that record-player you liked so much, alright?

REMUS: Yes!

HOPE fixes REMUS’ jacket and LYALL pats his hair. REMUS’ expression turns gloomy.

REMUS: Hey dad… About that mind-reading hat…

LYALL: What about it?

REMUS: What if it… What if it finds out?

LYALL: (serious) That’s not possible. The hat won’t look into those parts of your mind. It will only see your heart. Or your brains; in which case, it will surely place you in Ravenclaw.

REMUS: (a bit cheered up) Like you!

LYALL: That’s right.

REMUS smiles contently. A few meters from there, EUPHEMIA points at REMUS and says something inaudible to JAMES. REMUS frowns and steps back, scared.

HOPE: What’s the matter, honey?

REMUS: Nothing…

HOPE turns around, looking for what startled her son.

HOPE: Don’t worry, sweetie. You’re kind, and smart. Keep your secrets close to your chest and you will make friends very soon. I’m sure of it.

LYALL: Yes. Be safe, son. And take care.

REMUS: Thanks…

PLATFORM WORKER: LAST CALL TO GET ON BOARD!

LYALL: Let’s get you up there.

They say their goodbyes and REMUS gets on the train.

HOPE: We love you!

REMUS: I love you, too.

8. HOGWARTS EXPRESS

REMUS enters the train and immediately bumps into PETER, who is holding his wand. PETER is pushed onto the wall, and his wand cracks in half.

PETER: Oghh!

REMUS: (upset) Oh my God! Sorry! I broke your wand!

PETER: Wha-? What? Where? When? Where is it?

REMUS: (regretfully) It’s… it’s on the floor.

PETER searches for it frantically, overwhelmed. When he spots it he breaths in relief and grabs it.

PETER: This? This is not my wand.

PETER takes a bite of the stick-like thing.

PETER: It’s licorice!

REMUS smiles a little, relieved.

REMUS: That’s odd licorice.

PETER: What’s odd about it?

REMUS: Isn’t licorice red? Or– black, for a change?

PETER: I don’t know… it’s just licorice.

JAMES appears from the side of the corridor, a bit annoyed.

JAMES: Peter? I was talking! Weren’t you listening to me?

PETER: Yes, yes, I was–!

JAMES notices REMUS and studies him. He then smiles at him and reaches out his hand.

JAMES: James Potter. Here to serve you, sir.

REMUS looks at him untrustworthily, but takes his hand and shakes it.

REMUS: Remus Lupin.

JAMES: Lupin? That’s an unusual name. (JAMES frowns a little and touches his chin) Wait a minute… You’re Lyall Lupin’s son!

REMUS opens his eyes wide, a bit surprised.

REMUS: You know my dad?

JAMES: Of course! My father talks about him all the time. He knows everything about non-human spectral appearances! He’s a genius.

REMUS nods, understandingly.

JAMES: We were just looking for a compartment, do you want to join us?

REMUS bites his lips doubtfully, a bit shakily.

REMUS: Okay…

JAMES smiles and starts walking, encouraging them with a wave of his hand.

PETER: Now, James (he takes a bite of the licorice) What were you saying?

JAMES: I was telling you about how my great-great-great-great-grandfather Phileas Potter, who was a brave Gryffindor, managed to win the heart of a muggle princess that was locked up in the highest tower of the highest castle…

9. HOGWARTS EXPRESS CORRIDOR

Compartment door closes.

STUDENT (from the inside): Sorry!

JAMES: Merlin’s beard, they’re all full!

PETER: We just have to keep looking, there must be a free compartment somewhere!

REMUS: I think I see an open door…

JAMES: You’re right!

PETER: Finally!

JAMES opens the door. Inside the compartment there are BELLATRIX, NARCISSA, LUCIUS and SIRIUS. BELLATRIX, NARCISSA and LUCIUS are much older, appearing to be in 6th of 7th year.

BELLATRIX: (in a high pitched voice, mockingly) Oooohh… did you get lost, little one? (she bends to get a better glance) Oh, look! It’s a bunch of them!

NARCISSA frowns lightly at her and turns to see through the window. SIRIUS, who is looking down, rises his head to look at JAMES, REMUS and PETER disgruntedly.

JAMES: S-Sorry sirs! A-And misses!

LUCIUS: (laughing) Don’t be! Come, come inside! You’re Potter, right?

JAMES: …

JAMES: It has been a pleasure talking to you!

JAMES closes the door quickly. PETER lets out a small squeak.

LUCIUS (from the inside): The pleasure is mine! (he laughs)

PETER: Oh Merlin, Oh Merlin, Oh Merlin, Oh Merlin, Oh Merlin!

JAMES: “Sorry sirs!”? I’m so stupid! (he hits himself on the head) Stupid!

REMUS: What happened?

PETER: What happened?! What happened??!! Those were The Blacks!

JAMES: And Malfoy.

PETER: And Malfoy!

JAMES hurries to find an empty compartment and invites them in with a hand gesture, confidently.

(STOP MUSIC)

10. HOGWARTS EXPRESS COMPARTMENT

REMUS enters the compartment and sits beside the window. JAMES sits in front of him and PETER sits by JAMES’ side, closing the door behind him.

REMUS: Who are The Blacks?

PETER: (getting up to safe the door anxiously) You don’t know The Blacks? Where do you live, under a rock?

JAMES: The Blacks are only the most powerful family in the entire Wizarding World.

REMUS: I see…

JAMES: Also, they are all insane.

PETER: And they are very, very rich!

REMUS: I didn’t know.

JAMES: How could you not?

PETER: Are you a muggle?

JAMES: No, he’s not, he’s Lyall Lupin’s son!

PETER: Ah, right…

REMUS: My mum’s a muggle, so… We live in a muggle town.

JAMES: So, you’re closer to the muggle way of life?

REMUS: Could say so…

PETER: So you’re basically a muggle.

JAMES: (upset) Peter!

PETER: No wonder you’ve never seen licorice… Do you even know what candy is?

REMUS: Y-Yeah, I do…

PETER: Don’t worry, Lupin. We’ll get you some candy.

JAMES: (looking at REMUS) It’s okay you’re half muggle, you know? A lot of people is these days. You don’t have to feel ashamed.

REMUS: I’m not… Or… I wasn’t…

PETER: (checking his own temperature) I still can’t believe we bumped into the Blacks like that. I am so scared of them…

JAMES: Well, I am not! I won’t be belittled by the likes of them…

PETER: Alright, you won’t– But I will!

REMUS: (curious) What is so scary about them, anyway?

PETER: It is no joke they’re all insane.

JAMES: And it gets worse every generation. For example, everyone knows that Bellatrix, the black haired girl, keeps his hair that curly because she washes it every night with house elves’ blood!

PETER: (insistently) Every night!

JAMES: That’s a lot of blood.

PETER: And the young boy that accompanied them was Sirius, her cousin and the House heir, Walburga’s son. He is our age. And everyone who knows him already says he’s much worse than she is…

JAMES: All of them are in Slytherin, of course.

PETER: … and I am so scared of him!

JAMES: Compose yourself, Peter; he’s just a boy like us…

PETER: They say dark magic runs in their veins… that they don’t need to learn it!

JAMES: (unsure) That’s nonsense. That’s not possible.

PETER: That’s what makes them insane, they say!

REMUS: (shakily) Yeah, that… that’s not possible. Dark, magical things… on people’s bodies. That would be awful, I would hate that.

JAMES: Yeah, mate. Not cool.

REMUS opens his suitcase nervously and takes out a book.

JAMES: You read? Sweet! What are you reading?

REMUS: The Tales of…

PETER: The Tales of Beedle the Bard! (proudly) The best book in the world.

JAMES: Yeah, the only one you have ever read…

REMUS looks at them, amused for the first time.

REMUS: Do you know each other from before?

PETER: Our moms are friends. We have known each other for years.

JAMES: We only meet on summers, though. When my parents and I go to our vacation house, which is near Peter’s.

PETER: Do muggles not have books? Why don’t you read muggle books?

REMUS: I have a couple…

JAMES: Do you know in which house you’re going to be placed? Or which one is your favorite house?

REMUS: (startled, remembering his fear of the Selecting Hat) Well, my dad was in Ravenclaw…

JAMES: That’s cool. Ravenclaw’s a cool house. Not cooler than Gryffindor, but definitely better than Slytherin… or Hufflepuff.

PETER: Hufflepuff is the worst. It's just lame…

REMUS smiles at them and starts reading.

JAMES: Definitely.

PETER: No one in my family has ever been in Hufflepuff.

JAMES: (sighing) Don’t worry, Peter, they won’t place you in Hufflepuff…

PETER: (revealing his fear) How do you know!? And what if it happens!? I will run away! I will, I swear!

JAMES: A nagger like you would never be a Hufflepuff! Hufflepuffs are sweet, boring people. YOU’RE TOO ANNOYING!

PETER: (relieved) I hope you’re right, James… I hope you’re right.

JAMES: I’m not afraid like you. I know I will be placed in Gryffindor.

PETER: Yeah… I’ve heard your monologues about how your family has been chosen into Gryffindor since the 13th century. And I heard you repeating to yourself “Gryffindor! Gryffindor!” when you thought no one was listening for the entire summer… what was that, anyway?

JAMES: I was practicing how I would like the Selecting Hat to announce my placement.

PETER: Right…

TROLLEY WITCH (from the outside): Anything from the caaaart? Anything from the caaaart?

JAMES: Do you want something, Pete?

PETER: Yes!

JAMES: Remus, do you want something?

REMUS: (distracted by the reading) Eh… alright.

PETER: Yeah, let’s get you that candy. You look very pale. Are you sick or something?

JAMES: Peter… That’s rude.

REMUS: (uncomfortable) It’s okay. A lot of people ask me that, really… That’s just… the way my skin looks.

JAMES opens the compartment door.

TROLLEY WITCH: Anything from the cart, dears?

PETER: I’ll take three licorice wands, four chocolate frogs, six acid pops and a package of jelly slugs.

JAMES: Two chocolate frogs and a dozen Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans for me, pretty please!

REMUS takes out his money and he counts it. He doesn't have much.

TROLLEY WITCH: That will be two galleons and seven sickles!

JAMES: What–? Oh, no, no; you didn’t understand me. I want a dozen boxes of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. (he turns to REMUS). What do you want, Lupin?

REMUS: I’ll just have… a sugar quill.

TROLLEY WITCH: Alright– That makes five galleons and six sickles.

JAMES hurries to pay. He has a pretty full coin purse. TROLLEY WITCH leaves closing the compartment magically and REMUS takes his money and offers it to JAMES.

REMUS: How much do I owe you?

JAMES: Don’t worry– It’s on me! Just a small treat for my friends.

REMUS stays still, with the money on his hand, and swallows hard.

REMUS: But… but we’re not friends.

JAMES: (startled) Oh. Alright. Well, it’s on me anyway.

The compartment falls in silence and REMUS goes back to reading. PETER eats absolutely everything he purchased. JAMES looks through the window.

PETER: (caressing his full belly) I’m just gonna take a little nap… wake me up when we get there (he closes his eyes and immediately starts to snore)

ANY MUSIC STOPS

11. NIGHTMARE SORTING CEREMONY

WOMAN’S VOICE: Lupin, Remus!

REMUS walks up and sits on te sorting chair. A woman dressed in black robes places the hat on his head. The Great Hall is full of people, the whole school is looking. He turns to see DUMBLEDORE on the professors’ table. DUMBLEDORE smiles at him and nods.

When the hat touches REMUS’ head, everything goes black.

SORTING HAT: Let me see…

We dive deep into REMUS’ thoughts. REMUS sees himself transforming, chained in the basement of his house. The image switches from the transformation to daily memories. The wolf howls. He sees his parents, talking to each other worriedly. The wolf scratches the stone walls. He looks from the window at the other children, playing near his house. The wolf scars himself. The transformation ends and he is again a boy. He faints, and a real wolf appears and starts eating him alive violently.

SORTING HAT: Well, well, well… What do we have here?

WOMAN’S VOICE (from the outside): What is it?

SORTING HART (aloud): A WEREWOLF!

REMUS opens his eyes, scared. All the students scream and start running away. Also some teachers are running, including DUMBLEDORE. Someone grabs REMUS and starts dragging him to lock him down. REMUS cries but he lets it be.

12. HOGWARTS EXPRESS COMPARTMENT – NIGHTIME

REMUS wakes up suddenly. It’s dark outside.

JAMES: Come on, we’re here. You both fell asleep.

REMUS: I’m sorry…

JAMES frowns at him.

JAMES: Why are you apologizing?

REMUS: I don’t know.

JAMES: It’s alright. I’ll wait outside the train, I need some air.

JAMES gets out. REMUS. and PETER stay in the compartment, REMUS still dazzled from his dream.

PETER: (stretching, newly awakened) You really broke the guy with that not-being-friends thing of yours, mate.

REMUS: Excuse me?

PETER: I’m just saying… James is too much of a nice guy to understand that sort of thing. I mean, he keeps on being my friend, and he doesn’t even like me…

REMUS: Oh.

PETER: You should tell him you didn’t mean it. Even if it’s not true. He just won’t feel comfortable any other way.

PETER gets up and picks his things. REMUS gets out of the compartment and into de corridor.

REMUS: Um… alright? I-I just… I’m not really looking forward to making friends…

PETER: Ah. Oh.

REMUS: I just… I don’t know if I’m gonna be staying here long enough…

PETER: Are you getting transferred to Durmstrang, or something?

RANDOM STUDENT: Please, can you hurry up? You’re blocking the corridor!

REMUS: (starting to walk) Sorry.

PETER follows him.

PETER: Look, just speak with the lad. As a favor for me? It’s likely we’re going to be roommates and I don’t like it when he gets all grumpy.

REMUS: Alright, alright. I’ll speak to him.

PETER: Great.

They get out of the train alongside the rest of the students.

13. HOGWARTS’ STATION

BELLATRIX and NARCISSA are talking to SIRIUS near the express’ exit.

BELLATRIX: Just think of beautiful things and that stupid little hat will put you in Slytherin, no doubt!

NARCISSA: (indifferent) The hat will also attend to your requests. In reality, you just have to ask. That's all.

SIRIUS nods quietly, looking discouraged.

HAGRID: First years! Come on, first years!

HAGRID and FILCH are guiding the students to get near the lake and onto the boats. REMUS and PETER join JAMES and they walk behind HAGRID.

HAGRID: First years, this way to the boats, come on, follow me!

They get on the boat and it starts moving, slowly. They contemplate in awe how all the boats start moving together, making a beautiful picture with their little lights.

JAMES: It’s so cool, right?

REMUS: Yeah…

As they get closer the Hogwarts castle gets visible, and it occupies the whole frame.

(PLAY MUSIC)

14. HOGWARTS’ CORRIDOR

MCGONAGALL is waiting for the students on a staircase, and waits for them to be standing on the staircase to start speaking.

MCGONAGALL: Welcome to Hogwarts. In a few moments you will pass through these doors and join your classmates but before you can take your seats you must be sorted into your houses.

JAMES smiles excitedly and jumps a little. SIRIUS, standing a couple people away from him, is biting his nails and breathing heavily, head down.

MCGONAGALL: …There are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Now, while you’re here, your house will be like your family…

SIRIUS rises up his face as if he just realized something, and he stops biting his nails.

SIRIUS: (purposeful) I’m ready!

VARIOUS STUDENTS: (laugh)

MGONAGALL: (surprised but momentarily interested) Congratulations, Mr. Black. Now, as I was saying… Your triumphs will earn you points… (continuous in off)

JAMES: (whispering) Nuts, I’m telling you.

PETER: I just hope he isn’t planning on killing us all…

(MUSIC STOPS)

15. SIRIUS’ ROOM, 12 GRIMMAULD PLACE – CLOUDY AFTERNOON

SIRIUS and REGULUS are laying in bed laughing quiety, as if they don’t want anybody to hear, while looking at some pictures.

REGULUS: (laughing) And great-aunt Cassiopea’s scarf! It looks like a bird!

SIRIUS: (laughing) Ew! It probably is…

REGULUS: I can’t believe mother keeps all this pictures hidden… they’re hilarious.

SIRIUS: That’s probably why she keeps them hidden.

REGULUS keeps laughing and looking at pictures. SIRIUS laughs with him for a bit longer but them gets staid and sits up.

SIRIUS: Reggie… we’re friends, right?

REGULUS: Yes, of course.

SIRIUS: And we’ll always be friends, right? We’ll always be brothers.

REGULUS: Of course, Sirius.

SIRIUS: Then… can I tell you something?

REGULUS: (worriedly) I don’t know… what is it?

SIRIUS: It’s something about… Hogwarts.

REGULUS: (interested) Okay, tell me.

SIRIUS: I just… (very quietly) I think I don’t want to be in Slytherin…

REGULUS: (surprised) What? Why?

SIRIUS: I don’t know, I just… I don’t see the point of joining a House or something just because it is expected…

REGULUS: (worriedly, distant) Why are you saying those things?

SIRIUS: (reflexive) …

REGULUS: Why are you thinking those things?

SIRIUS: It doesn't matter… It's stupid.

REGULUS: (confused) …

SIRIUS: …

REGULUS: You’ll have to get into Slytherin. That’s what mother and father want.

SIRIUS: Yes, but that’s the point, right? That’s what they want. It might not coincide with what I want.

REGULUS: But you don’t know what you want… you’re only eleven years old.

SIRIUS: …

REGULUS: Mother and father know what’s best for us better than us.

SIRIUS: Maybe…

REGULUS: Sirius.

SIRIUS: Yes?

REGULUS: Promise me you’ll get into Slytherin?

There is a small silence, and the SIRIUS chuckles, dismissing the issue.

SIRIUS: … of course, silly. (he forces a smile) I’m a Black, aren’t I? It’s not like I can help it, anyway.

REGULUS: (way more relaxed) Then why were you saying all those things?

SIRIUS: Just to think about something, I guess… Summer in London is SOOO boring!

REGULUS: (laughing) Totally! If only we could visit cousin Andromeda up in Oxford…

SIRIUS: We’ll find a way to have fun, Reggie. Don’t worry. I can escape again this Sunday and buy that muggle magazine you like.

REGULUS: Really? Pleeeease do!

SIRIUS: Of course.

KREACHER makes a disgusted face. He is listening from the other side of the door.

16. SORTING CEREMONY – CLEAR NIGHT

MCGONAGALL (distant): Abbott, Igmar!

SORTING HAT (distant): HUFFLEPUFF!

MCGONAGALL (distant): Boromir, Michael!

SORTING HAT (distant): RAVENCLAW!

MCGONAGALL (distant): Blabse, Theresa!

SORTING HAT (distant): SLYTHERIN!

MCGONAGALL: Black, Sirius!

SIRIUS rushes to the chair. JAMES glances at him with a frowned face and PETER bites his nails. BELLATRIX is holding an unhinged smile and NARCISSA contemplates quietly the event.

NARCISSA: (whispering, worriedly) Just ask… Just ask…

SIRIUS sits down and MCGONAGALL places the SORTING HAT on his head.

SORTING HAT: Uhmm… A Black! This should be easy… Although you have brains… in your own way I must clarify… You also have a good amount of loyal in you, Hufflepuff could be an option… But you’re cunning, so cunning… plotty… and ambitious…

SIRIUS: (whispering) Not Slytherin, not Slytherin, not Slytherin…

SORTING HAT: Pardon me?

SIRIUS closes his eyes.

SIRIUS: Not Slytherin, please, not Slytherin…

SORTING HAT: “Not Slytherin”?

A Black!?

GRYFFINDOR!

SIRIUS opens his eyes. The Great Hall is silent. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables start clapping cordially, but stop when no one follows.

BELLATRIX stands up to get a better glance and throws a hateful glance at SIRIUS. NARCISSA imitates her, looking at SIRIUS with her mouth and eyes wide open.

DUMBLEDORE looks shocked for a while during the silence but then he smiles, stands up and starts clapping alone.

The rest of the teachers follow and small number of Gryffindors start clapping then, and eventually they start clapping more and more until they are chanting and whistling. There is a sense of victory an gain from the oldest students.

SIRIUS walks towards the Gryffindor table and sits alone, relaxed, not looking anxious anymore. Some older students welcome him and pat his back, and he smiles.

BELLATRIX starts walking to the Gryffindor table but NARCISSA follows her and grabs her arm.

BELLATRIX: (screaming) This is outrageous! That fucking hat is a LIAR!

NARCISSA: Compose yourself, Bella!

The Slytherin table starts whispering. MALFOY approaches them and try to calm BELLATRIX down. Another few Slytherins gather around to pacify them.

MCGONAGALL calls to order making a small sound with a cup.

JAMES contemplates the scene with eyes wide open. PETER looks like he’s about to faint.

PETER: Merlin’s beard!

JAMES: (mouth open) …

PETER: That was…

JAMES: That was the most badass thing I have ever seen!

PETER: … awful! Now that means we’re going to have to be in class with him!

JAMES: I don’t think he’s all that bad. He’s a Gryffindor. Did you see how Dumbledore stood up to applaud?

PETER: But he’s a Black!

JAMES: And a Gryffindor! The Gryffindor crosses out the Black.

PETER: I’m not so sure about that!

JAMES: What do you think, Lupin? Isn’t that something?

REMUS: (distracted) Uh? Oh. I guess it’s… uncanny.

REMUS looks nervous and uneasy, like the waiting is taking too long. JAMES keeps looking back in awe at SIRIUS who is already sitting at the Gryffindor table.

MCGONAGALL (distant): Evans, Lily!

SORTING HAT (distant): GRYFFINDOR!

MCGONAGALL (distant): Hollyheat, Winnie!

SORTING HAT (distant): HUFFLEPUFF!

MCGONAGALL (distant): Jaspers, Hugh!

SORTING HAT (distant): RAVENCLAW!

MCGONAGALL: Lupin, Remus!

JAMES: (bumping REMUS softly with his shoulder) You’re on, mate.

PETER: Good luck!

REMUS nods at them and slowly starts walking towards the hat. His legs look like they’re about to fail at any moment.

MCGONAGALL smiles at him warmly and he tries to return the smile, unsuccessfully. He sits up and closes his eyes very hard, as if he is about to receive an impact, and MCGONAGALL places the SORTING HAT on his head.

SORTING HAT: Well, well, well… What do we have here?

REMUS: (whispering) I’m sorry.

SORTING: You’re sorry? Oh… Oh, I see…

REMUS: (whispering, scared) Please, don’t tell anything…

SORTING HAT: Tell what? I’m only a hat, boy… And I can see that you are probably one of the bravest people that has ever wore me. Congratulations. You have also a keen mind… you think you could make a good Ravenclaw. But you aren’t only intelligent… you pursue knowledge.

REMUS: (whispering) I know that. I have always liked books.

SORTING HAT: I am of the idea that a mind like yours would be more fitting for Slytherin… What are your thoughts on this?

REMUS: …

REMUS: (whispering) … no.

I’m brainy… I know that.

But I want to be brave.

SORTING CHAT: Clever boy… GRYFFINDOR!

The Great Hall bursts into applause, just like it does with any other student. REMUS gets up smiling and walks to his table. He sits by a small group of first years, next to a red haired girl, who instantly turns to him.

LILY: (cheerfully) Hi! I’m Lily.

REMUS: (a bit awkward, glancing around) Hello. I’m Remus. Lupin.

LILY: I saw you at the train station. Your mom is a muggle, right?

REMUS: (uncomfortable) Yes… that seems to be a topic of conversation.

LILY: Both my parents are muggle. And my sister. I noticed because of her cross necklace. Wizards don’t believe in religion.

REMUS: (more relaxed) Oh! That’s a relief. I was talking to these two boys, but I think we don’t get along so much because they’re both full wizards…

LILY: Yeah… I haven’t really talked to anyone yet. Apart from Severus. But he hasn’t been sorted yet, he’s still waiting.

REMUS: Who is he?

LILY: He’s a friend from my neighborhood.

REMUS: Seems nice. In my neighborhood… there are only muggles. So I don’t really have any friends. Here, I mean.

LILY: Well, that's fun. It gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of people.

REMUS: I guess…

MCGONAGALL (distant): Pettigrew, Peter!

SORTING HAT (distant): GRYFFINDOR!

PETER sighs in relief, so stressed out that it seems like he is about to faint, all sweaty, and trips on his way to the Gryffindor table, but luckily doesn’t fall.

MCGONAGALL (distant): Potter, James!

SORTING HAT (distant): GRYFFINDOR!

JAMES smiles triumphantly, proud of himself, bows to his audience and shakes hands with MCGONAGALL when she grabs the hat, who looks at him frowning but amused.

PETER welcomes JAMES warmly into the table and points at the place that has saved for him. But JAMES walks straight towards SIRIUS and sits by his side. SIRIUS turns around to examine JAMES, a little surprised.

JAMES presents his hand to him.

JAMES: (joyfully) James Potter. Here to serve you, sir.

SIRIUS shakes his hand, entertained.

SIRIUS: Potter… (in a reflexive way) Ah, I know you. My mother says you are all a bunch of blood traitors for being related to muggles and connecting with their culture. She opines you and your family are not pure-bloods, but a disgrace to the wizarding community and should all be locked up in Azkaban.

JAMES: I… guess?

SIRIUS: Do you want to be friends?

JAMES: Yes.

SIRIUS: Fantastic.

JAMES smiles and takes out his chocolate frog card deck. SIRIUS notices and takes out his own deck instantly.

JAMES: I was wondering… is there any chance you own a Jocunda Sykes card you would trade for, not one, but TWO Artemesia Lufkins?

SIRIUS: (checking out his cards) You are out of your mind if you think even two Artemesia Lufkins are worth a Jocunda Sykes… I’ll trade if you give me a Godric Gryffindor one, too.

JAMES checks his cards and when he finds the one he’s looking for he looks up cheerfully and smiles.

JAMES: Deal!

SIRIUS: (exchanging cards) Great…

PETER looks at them sadly and sighs.

17. DOORMROOM – CLEAR NIGHT

The moon is visible before the camera focuses on the kids. It is almost full.

PETER: It’s such a coincidence we’re all in the same room! Don’t you think?

REMUS is lying on his bed already wearing pijamas and reading Alice in Wonderland.

JAMES: It’s not a coincidence, Peter. They pair you up magically with whoever you meet first.

PETER: Oh…

SIRIUS: I don’t think that’s true.

JAMES: Do you have a better theory?

SIRIUS: Not really…

JAMES: Then that’s settled. You three are the first people I met at Hogwarts, and now I’m stuck with you for all long seven years! Not that I’m complaining.

JAMES hops to his bed and starts jumping on it.

PETER: Ha! Good one, James!

PETER imitates.

SIRIUS: What are you doing?

JAMES: (laughing) Stretching out the strings!

SIRIUS gets on his bed and starts jumping too.

SIRIUS: This is fuuuuuuun!

REMUS looks bothered from his bed.

REMUS: Excuse me… can you make less noise?

SIRIUS stops, and so do JAMES and PETER.

SIRIUS: Sorry. I hadn’t seen you there. You’re so quiet.

REMUS: (dismissing it) It’s alright.

SIRIUS hops off his bed and walks up to REMUS’ bed.

SIRIUS: What’s your name?

REMUS: Remus Lupin.

SIRIUS: (reflexively) Lupin… doesn’t ring a bell.

REMUS: (in a mood) Do you lot have to know the story of every family? In what world do you live in?

SIRIUS: (surprised) Whoah… easy there, mate.

REMUS:  Sorry, I just… (apologetically) I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m just very tired. And tomorrow’s the first day of school…

SIRIUS: (frownish) And?

REMUS: I don’t know. Aren’t you excited?

SIRIUS: About school? No thanks. I have been tutored since I was three years old. I’ve had enough school for life!

JAMES: I am actually a bit excited. Curious, even.

SIRIUS: Enjoy yourselves, then.

REMUS: (annoyed, still focusing on SIRIUS) Are you just not gonna care about school? And just fail every class?

SIRIUS: I don't know. I’ll decide on the fly. Where are you from? You speak funny.

REMUS: I’m from Cardiff… and you’re from London, you don’t need to tell. (rolling his eyes)

SIRIUS: Yes, I am. Even though I technically descend from France… my family emigrated from Normandy on the 10th century, you know…

REMUS: Yeah. (he snorts, entertained) You’re so french. And I’m so very going to sleep.

REMUS places his book on the small table beside his bed.

REMUS: (ironically) Bonne nuit!

REMUS closes his curtains.

SIRIUS: (innocently and sincerely) Bonne nuit!

PETER: (pronouncing badly) Bonnui!

JAMES looks at SIRIUS raising his eyebrow.

SIRIUS: What?

JAMES: Never mind. Do you wanna play flavored beans?

SIRIUS: Sure! But I warn you, I play the hardcore version. I stick three of them in my mouth and try to guess each flavor distinctively.

REMUS looks sad inside the curtains of his bed, and sticks his head under the pillow to avoid the noises.

(chatter starts fading)

PETER: Ha! That’s nothing. This summer I stuck SEVEN beans in my mouth.

JAMES: That’s true.

(chatter fades into yet ANOTHER frame of the moon)

18. HOGWARTS STAIRS – MORNING

The stairs are crowded with students trying to make their way to class.

REMUS spots LILY in the multitude and makes her way through to her.

LILY: Hi Remus!

REMUS: Hi Lily.

LILY: It’s impossible to get to class, is so crowdy!

REMUS: Yeah… I guess everyone is trying to get to the same place.

MCGONAGALL appears and starts making space, encouraging students to move along.

MCGONAGALL: Come on! Don’t block the stairs! Third years, up, second years, down, first years, with me!

REMUS and LILY start following MCGONAGALL alongside the other students.

REMUS: Where are your roommates?

LILY: They’re braiding each other’s hair in the dorms. I didn’t want to be late to class.

REMUS nods understandingly. SEVERUS looks at them sorrowfully from the crowd lead by SLUGHORN, already down the hallway.

19. TRANSMUTATION CLASS

REMUS and LILY are sitting next to each other. The classroom is wide and the students’ desks are distributed in pairs. MCGONAGALL’s table is at the top centre, in front of a blackboard.

MCGONAGALL: Welcome, students, to your transmutation class! Some of you might be wondering what transmutation is all about. Well (she moves in front of her desk) I’ll show you–

The door opens abruptly. JAMES, SIRIUS and PETER enter the classroom with their ties untied and carrying their sweaters alongside their books on their hands.

SIRIUS: Sorry, Miss!

MCGONAGALL: It will be “Professor” for you, Mr. Black. And for the rest of you (gestures the room). Is there any particular reason why you lot decided to be late today?

JAMES: We fell asleep, Professor. And our roommate who got here early didn’t wake us up.

REMUS purses his lips and bows down, a bit regretfully.

MCGONAGALL: (unpitifully) Pitiful. Now, please, find your seats.

PETER and JAMES look at REMUS disgruntedly as they seat. SIRIUS looks unbothered and sits alone on the back of the class.

MCGONAGALL: As I was about to show you, this is all Transfiguration is about.

MCGONAGALL transforms into her cat form, MINNIE. The students gasp and MINNIE jumps up to the professor’s table. There she transforms back into MCGONAGALL, sitting.

MCGONAGALL: Transfiguration focuses on the alteration of the form or appearance of an object via the alteration of its molecular structure. (stating) Does anyone know what a molecular structure is?

No one raises their hands. Some students look at each other questioningly.

LILY raises her hand.

MCGONAGALL: Yes? Ms. Evans, right?

LILY: That's right, professor.

MCGONAGALL: Go ahead.

LILY: The molecular structure of an object is the very very small pieces that conform it. They can’t be seen with the human eye, so we use special lenses for that, like microscopes. It’s something that physics study.

MCGONAGALL: Very interesting, Ms. Evans… for a Muggle Studies class. (severely) This is Transfiguration. (some students laugh) Does anybody have a better answer than Ms. Evans?

There is a silence. Students look at each other again and whisper. LILY rises her hand again.

MCGONAGALL: Yes, Ms. Evans?

LILY: (awkwardly) The molecular structure is the essence of an object.

MCGONAGALL: Very well, Evans. That’s an answer. A wrong one, but an answer still.

The students laugh again. LILY looks down, covering her face with her red hair.

MCGONAGALL: In Transfiguration we don’t use words like “molecular structure”. Are we clear?

STUDENTS (simultaneously): Yes, professor.

LILY: (whispering to REMUS) I didn’t know.

REMUS: (whispering back) I didn’t know either.

20. OUTSIDE OF CLASS – MORNING

LILY and REMUS are getting out of class when JAMES, PETER and SIRIUS reach them.

JAMES: (laughing) Molecular structure! Ha, ha, ha! I think I’m gonna be laughing for ages!

PETER and SIRIUS laugh with him.

LILY: …

JAMES: (mockingly) Did you plan on answering forever until you got the right one? Ha, ha, ha!

PETER: Good one, James!

LILY: (fed up) Leave me alone!

REMUS: (shyly) Yeah– sod off, James.

JAMES keeps laughing but walks away, and PETER and SIRIUS walk with him.

LILY: Those are your roommates? They’re absolute idiots!

REMUS: Well– That’s a strong word.

LILY: They mocked me!

REMUS: (uncomfortable) Well, technically– the whole class mocked you.

LILY: (looking treasoned) I see.

LILY throws him an upset look and starts walking away fast.

REMUS: Lily!

REMUS is about to walk after her but he stops and sighs, letting her go.

21. THE GREAT HALL – LUNCHTIME, CLEAR DAY

REMUS is sitting and reading while eating whole boiled eggs, peacefully. He keeps his books next to him on the bench so no one sits. Suddenly three people burst out of nowhere. SIRIUS puts the books up on the table and sits with him, JAMES rolls under the table to sit in front of them and PETER follows him, getting stuck.

SIRIUS: (stretching out) Finally lunchtime! I’m STARVING.

PETER: (stressed out) I’m stuck, I’m stuck!

JAMES: Don’t worry, Petey, I’ll save you!

JAMES gets under the table and starts pulling him up from the arms.

SIRIUS: (laughing) OH MERLIN, we have a F. A. T. code!

JAMES: (laughing) Good one, Sirius! (still pulling)

PETER: That’s not funny! I’m going to DIE here!

REMUS: OH MY GOD, STOP SCREAMING!

PETER: STOP! STOP PULLING, JAMES, MY ARM HURTS!

PETER suddenly slips through the table and slides a few meters from there until he crashes with the Hufflepuff table, hitting his head.

PETER: Ouch!

MCGONAGALL is sticking out her wand and pointing it at PETER. She guards it down again and looks down at the boys severely.

MCGONAGALL: You will access your seats from the side of the table and not from under. Are we clear?

SIRIUS, JAMES, PETER: (scared) Yes, professor.

MCGONAGALL glances severely at them. Afterwards she looks down to REMUS and smiles at him. REMUS returns the smile shyly, and MCGONAGALL leaves.

JAMES, SIRIUS and PETER find their seats, PETER walking from the Hufflepuff table scratching his head. REMUS returns to his book and keeps eating. SIRIUS looks at him slightly disgusted.

SIRIUS: (unbelievably) What are you doing?

REMUS: Excuse me?

SIRIUS: Why are you eating eggs like that?

REMUS looks at the half-ate boiled egg on his hand and shrugs.

REMUS: I’m hungry.

JAMES: Have you actually eaten all that?

JAMES points at the huge empty trays of food before them.

SIRIUS: Yeah, you know that’s supposed to be for everyone, right?

REMUS: I-I…

PETER: And how come you’re so skinny if you eat so much?

REMUS: I-I don't know!

SIRIUS, JAMES and PETER look at each other and shrug

(PLAY MUSIC)

The trays fill themselves magically.

PETER: Cool!

SIRIUS smiles and starts eating. From the Slytherin table he sees BELLATRIX, smiling at him maniacally like she knows something he doesn’t know, and he stops for a second.

JAMES: (perceptively) What’s the matter?

SIRIUS: N-nothing, I…

A black owl flies inside the Hall catching everybody’s eye, and doesn’t stop anywhere particularly. It is holding an envelope.

JAMES: (mouth full) What is that? Mailed arrived during breakfast.

SIRIUS looks at it terrified, recognizing it. The black owl starts flying lower and closer to the Gryffindor table. Some students have to bow their hands down to not be hit by it.

STUDENTS: Hey!

The owl starts flying down around SIRIUS, JAMES, REMUS and PETER until it squeaks loudly and falls on the table before them. Some students gasp.

FEMALE STUDENT: Is it dead???

The owl squeaks again and cries in pain, squirming on the table. Tears start falling down SIRIUS’ eyes, disgusted. Its black feathers start convolving and rearranging its form, revealing WALBURGA’s bust, who is looking at SIRIUS hatefully. Students around them and around the Hall gasp, and DUMBLEDORE gets up, alarmed.

WALBURGA (DEAD OWL FORM): (calmly) You are a disgrace. You have humiliated me. You are a bad son, and for that you shall by punished.

Tears rush down SIRIUS’ eyes, out of fear.

WALBURGA (DEAD OWL FORM): (speaking loudly) You are a freak. Surrounding yourself with blood traitors, filthy half-breeds and nasty squibs! (screaming on top of her lungs) FILTH, SCUM, BY-PRODUCTS OF DIRT AND VILENESS…

DUMBLEDORE stands up and diminishes the spell with a flip of his wand. WALBURGA (DEAD OWL FORM) vanishes leaving a trail of feathers on the table.

(MUSIC STOPS)

DUMBLEDORE: Lunch shall continue.

DUMBLEDORE sits down.

Tears are rushing down SIRIUS’ eyes and he is breathing difficultly. BELLATRIX smiles, amused, and NARCISSA looks at her rolling her eyes. JAMES, PETER and REMUS stay very still, unsure of what to do.

SIRIUS wipes away his tears and looks down at his plate, meddling with his fork. There is an awkward silence between the four.

SIRIUS: So… the Cannons are back on first.

JAMES swallows hard without looking up.

JAMES: Yeah… that’s what everyone is talking about since Ursula Tobbytott’s signing.

SIRIUS: She’s a great player. The Holyheads don’t know what they’ve lost.

JAMES: And they won’t know what hit them on the 23th! (JAMES looks at SIRIUS smiling). That game’s going to be epic.

SIRIUS: (smiling softly) Probably a bludger from her side of the pitch.

JAMES laughs, and PETER joins in.

JAMES: That’s right.

REMUS looks at them with his eyebrows furrowed, worried and a bit surprised. He takes another bite of egg and turns back to reading silently.

22. HOGWARTS – LATE AFTERNOON, ALMOST SUNDOWN

REMUS is following MCGONAGALL through a hall. The paintings follow them with strange looks.

They walk in silence. They get out of the school and walk the field to a big tree.

MCGONAGALL: We called it the “Whomping Willow”

REMUS: Why?

They are close enough now, and the willow starts to shake. One of its thick branches attempt to hit REMUS, who needs to bow down.

REMUS: (surprised and a bit scared) Okay! I see.

MCGONAGALL: You must pull this branch here.

MCGONAGALL bends down to where the roots end, a few meters away from the willow.

MCGONAGALL: It will calm it long enough for you to get through.

MCGONAGALL pulls the root and the willow stops its motion.

MCGONAGALL: Come on. Follow me.

They get inside the passage under the willow.

23. THE SHRIEKING SHACK

When they get out, they are in a cozy living room.

MCGONAGALL: We figured you would need a place to ready yourself and feel comfortable in case Madame Pomfrey is late to pick you up. There is also a first aid kit in the bathroom.

REMUS: (looking around, surprised) This is not a jail.

MCGONAGALL: It is not.

They walk around the house. REMUS goes to the kitchen sink and opens it: there is running water.

MCGONAGALL: I will place protection spells from outside the house so you won’t be able to get out during the transformation. (she looks at the sunset) It is almost time. I better be going.

MCGONAGALL turns around to come back to the passage.

REMUS: Professor!

MCGONAGALL turns her head.

MCGONAGALL: Hm?

REMUS: (moved) Thank you. Please, thank the Headmaster for me. And Madame Pomfrey, too.

MCGONAGALL smiles fondly.

MCGONAGALL: You’re welcome, Mr. Lupin. And I will.

MCGONAGALL disappears under the passage.

24. DORMROOM – CLEAR NIGHT

The boys are sleeping. All of them, but PETER.

PETER is rolling on his bed trying to sleep, muttering something.

PETER: “Good one, Sirius” “You’re so funny, Sirius”. Ugh… stop it.

PETER realizes he is cold. The window is open and he gets up to close it. By the window he notices REMUS’ bed. The curtains are closed.

PETER: Psst. Psst. Lupin. Do you want to be my new best friend?

PETER opens the curtain a little bit, and the realizes the bed is empty. He opens it wide and wonders if he should tell the others.

JAMES (on his sleep): Molecular…

PETER turns around, afraid he’s been caught, but SIRIUS and JAMES are still sleeping soundly. PETER closes up the curtain again and gets back to his bed.

25. DORMROOM – RAINY MORNING

The boys are dressing up in a hurry, they’re late again.

JAMES: (jumping around putting on a sock) That damned Lupin!

SIRIUS: The guy just wants to get there early (looking at JAMES’ quidditch magazine). It’s not like we care, anyways.

JAMES: Whatever. (knocks in the bathroom door) Peter, are you done!?

PETER (from the inside): Not yet! I ate a looooot of potatoes last night. Sorry!

JAMES: Ugh!

SIRIUS shrugs.

JAMES: We better run, then.

26. TRANSMUTATION CLASS

JAMES, SIRIUS and PETER enter in a hurry. Luckily, MCGONAGALL is not there yet.

JAMES glances around trying to find REMUS, but REMUS isn’t there.

PETER: Sirius, do you want to sit with me?

SIRIUS: Sure.

JAMES looks at them surprised and is left alone to sit with LILY.

LILY: (upset) God, please, no.

JAMES: There aren’t any free desks!

LILY: You have some nerve.

JAMES: (awkwardly) It’s not like I want to sit with you, anyway…

LILY: We’re on the same page.

JAMES: Great.

JAMES turns around to speak to SIRIUS, who is bending back on his chair looking at the ceiling.

JAMES: (mouthing) Lupin’s not here.

SIRIUS: (mouthing) And?

JAMES: (mouthing) It’s odd.

PETER: (mouthing) Maybe he left for Durmstrang. He said he wasn’t gonna be here long.

JAMES: (mouthing) Really?

MCGONAGALL enters the room and behind her the door closes magically with a bang. She stands in front of her desk and places some books there.

MCGONAGALL: Good morning, students. Today we are going to talk about viciousness. Can anyone tell me what viciousness is?

A few hands rise, and the class begins.

LILY: (whispering to JAMES) I know where Lupin is.

27. THE INFIRMARY – LUNCHTIME

MADAME POMFREY is walking towards REMUS’ bed with a tray of food. REMUS is asleep, and MADAME POMFREY leaves the tray on the side table and sits beside him on the bed.

MADAME POMFREY: Come on, little darling, it’s lunchtime.

REMUS slowly wakes up. He yawns and scratches his eyes.

MADAME POMFREY: How are you feeling, sweetie?

REMUS: (voice broken) Well… pretty good, actually. It don’t feel pain. I don’t… feel, in general.

MADAME POMFREY: You were experiencing great pain from the transformation, so I put you on a sedative and some Sleeping Draught. Are you okay with that?

REMUS: (surprised by the question, grateful for the sedative) Yeah… Anything.

MADAME POMFREY: Well, I have been a healer for a few years now but I had never encountered a case such as yours! I don’t know right away what’s going to work so the firs months I will switch remedies to find the one that works best, okay?

REMUS: (smiling gratefully) Okay…

MADAME POMFREY: Now, how are we feeling about some lunch?

REMUS: I’m staving…

MADAME POMFREY: Interesting… I mean…! Here you go.

MADAME POMFREY places the tray on REMUS’ legs and he starts eating frantically. MADAME POMFREY smiles fondly at him.

A sound of the door opening causes MADAME POMFREY to get up, walking away from the frame to find who’s getting inside. REMUS keeps eating.

MADAME POMFREY (distant): I’m sorry, you can’t be here.

SIRIUS (distant): We’re visiting!

REMUS sits up, surprised, and tries to move the tray to put it on the table, but it is too heavy.

MADAME POMFREY (distant): Lunchtime is almost over, you must come back to your lessons.

JAMES (distant): But we brought eggs! And pie!

MADAME POMFREY (distant): Who are you visiting?

JAMES (distant): Remus Lupin!

REMUS opens up the curtain and waves, with his mouth full of mashed potatoes. On the other side, near the front door, there are JAMES, SIRIUS and PETER, who is holding a plate with a generous portion of pumpkin pie.

JAMES: There he is! Can we at least give him the pie?

MADAME POMFREY frowns but looks at REMUS. REMUS witnesses the scene with a bit of a shock: he wasn’t expecting anyone to visit, and he is gladly surprised.

REMUS looks at MADAME POMFREY and nods slightly.

MADAME POMFREY: (sighing) Alright. But just five minutes!

JAMES: Great!

JAMES, SIRIUS and PETER approach REMUS and stand by his bed.

JAMES: (worriedly) Remus! What happened?

REMUS: I had a stomach ache yesterday afternoon so… I went to the infirmary. And I stayed because it got worse during the night, but I’m better now.

SIRIUS: It’s no surprise considering how much you were eating.

PETER: Here, Remus. (presenting the pie) We brought you pie. We thought it’d cheer you up, but considering you’re stomach ill…

REMUS: (taking the plate from PETER’s hands hungrily) No, no; as I said, I’m feeling better.

PETER: I’m glad.

JAMES: So… are you coming back to class? Or will you have to stay here longer?

REMUS: I think I’ll stay longer, but I’ll sleep in the dorms today… I hope.

JAMES nods. REMUS starts eating the pie in silence. He looks at the three boys, and they are all looking at it.

REMUS: Do you want some?

JAMES: Yeah…

SIRIUS: Yes!

PETER: Do you have extra forks? Can I use my hands?

REMUS smiles seeing them split up the pie.

(TIME LAPSE)

The boys have already finished their pie pieces and are chatting about their class day. REMUS’ tray is on the table, and they are all sitting around the bed.

SIRIUS: And then Caradoc did that thing with his wand and his nose just stretched up like a pig!

JAMES: It was hilarious.

PETER: Even Flitwick laughed!

JAMES: Yeah; he said he had never seen a student succeed in that spell so early, specially while trying to perform a different one!

They all laugh.

MADAME POMFREY is reading some files on her table, and smiles at the sight of them, shaking her head.

REMUS yawns and gets comfortable on the bed.

REMUS: You should go. You’ll be late to class, otherwise.

JAMES: Right. Let’s roll, gentlemen!

SIRIUS: We’ll see you at the dorm.

PETER: Yes! You missed mail today: my parents sent me my chess game.

JAMES: Oh, the damned chess game!

PETER: I love to play chess.

REMUS: (smiling) We’ll play.

PETER: Great!

SIRIUS and PETER wave their hands and leave. JAMES waves as well, but starts walking slower.

REMUS: James.

JAMES turns around rapidly, brows raised. REMUS half smiles.

(PLAY MUSIC)

REMUS: I’ll see you later, friend.

JAMES smiles widely, thrilled.

JAMES: I’m looking forward to that, fine sir.

REMUS smiles and JAMES turns around with one last smile, hurrying his pace to meet PETER and SIRIUS’.

REMUS lays down, ready to sleep. MADAME POMFREY goes up to cover him with the sheets and turns out the light beside his bed with a tip of her wand.

CREDITS

(MUSIC STOPS)

28. DUMBLEDORE’S OFFICE – CLEAR NIGHT

DUMBLEDORE is reading some papers on his desk. FAWKES is pecking on her feathers calmly, almost effortlessly. The spiral staircase spins and MCGONAGALL enters the office. DUMBLEDORE looks up and takes off his glasses, leaving the papers beside him. MCGONAGALL walks towards the desk and stands in front of him.

MCGONAGALL: You wanted to see me, Albus?

DUMBLEDORE: Please, take a sit.

MCGONAGALL sits on one of the chairs in front of the desk.

They stay in silence for a while, DUMBLEDORE fiddling through his drawers. Finally he takes out a small piece of candy and presents it to her.

DUMBLEDORE: Would you care for a sherbet melon?

MCGONAGALL: A what?

DUMBLEDORE: A sherbet melon. I have been trying muggle sweets lately. They are rather tasteful.

MCGONAGALL: No, thank you.

DUMBLEDORE nods and puts it on his mouth.

DUMBLEDORE: Something extraordinary happened this year.

MCGONAGALL: Yes.

DUMBLEDORE: The boy is going to require protection from within his house. And we cannot miss the opportunity.

MCGONAGALL stutters. She was understanding at first, but she isn’t anymore.

MCGONAGALL: Opportunity? Opportunity for what?

DUMBLEDORE: We cannot sit blind to the fact that war is ahead. His numbers are growing bigger, not smaller. I have to ask too much of you, Minerva. You have to look for the boy.

MCGONAGALL: I–

DUMBLEDORE: It is likely the Black family is going to retaliate. And for when that happens, he must be protected.

MCGONAGALL: (refusing) Tens of students are in danger, Albus. Specially muggle-born students. And only because he belongs to an important family...

DUMBLEDORE: A dangerous family, Minerva. A powerful family. And he is a Gryffindor, let us not let that pass.

MCGONAGALL: (upset, raising her voice) Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin... what does it matter? These are children we are talking about! They’re not chess pieces for you to play with.

DUMBLEDORE: (harshly, raising his voice higher) Either I play with them, or He plays. I suspect you to be bright enough to discern which of both options is preferable.

MCGONAGALL looks down. She sighs.

DUMBLEDORE: (calmly) You must have heard he is recruiting werewolves.

MCGONAGALL looks up, eyebrows furrowed.

DUMBLEDORE: I do not know when it is going to be, but we only stand once chance to defeat him.

MCGONAGALL: So if he starts recruiting giants you are just going to follow?

DUMBLEDORE rises one of his eyebrows.

MCGONAGALL: Hagrid...

DUMBLEDORE: Precisely.

MCGONAGALL: I can’t believe this...

DUMBLEDORE caresses FAWKES, who is squeaking a little, at the limit of her life.

DUMBLEDORE: Difficult times are ahead. And we have to think of the future. We cannot know how things are going to be in five, six, seven years. His power could be immense.

MCGONAGALL: (displeased) I know. I know.

DUMBLEDORE: I trust you the most within these grounds, Minerva. But we cannot afford infighting. Sometimes you are just going to have to accept my decisions, and maybe, watch me make mistakes. I need to you trust me as much as I trust you.

MCGONAGALL stares at FAWKES for a bit. She squeaks loudly one last time and bursts into flame. The fire shines in MCGONAGALL’s eyes.

MCGONAGALL: (still looking at FAWKES) Yes. I understand.

(PLAY MUSIC)

FAWKES’ ashes start churning, and a small chick rises its newborn head. MCGONAGALL caresses her head a bit. DUMBLEDORE observes them putting his glasses back on and reaching for his papers.

END OF EPISODE 1

[fleetingpieces]

Everything we were

I know I probably shouldn’t do this cause I’ve only just started posting my neighbour fic, but this is the first Wolfstar fic I’ve ever written and I’ve been thinking about sharing it for months now, soo...here goes nothing I guess

This is a Marauder era fic, it’s a long WIP, but I’m VERY excited about it, I would love to know what you guys think!

Tagging @asthmaticpansexual in case you’re up for the ride this is going to be :D As always, thanks for reading  ❤️

Chapter 1 

The room was completely dark when Remus Lupin suddenly woke up. He hated waking up in the middle of the night, it brought back memories he would certainly like to forget. The faint red light coming from the alarm clock on his desk casted faint shadows, which was the only reason why he could vaguely make out the shapes in his empty room. He breathed out slowly, trying to calm his nerves.

There’s no one there, everything is fine.

He repeated that a few times like a mantra before glancing at the time, that read 10.30 pm in glowing numbers. There was only one hour and a half left of his eleventh birthday.

The feeling of disappointment was mild. He had already cried about it to his mum before he had gone to bed, and his dad had prepared him for this possibility for years, so he told himself he had been stupid for waiting for that letter anyway. That morning, when he had woken up to both his parents wishing him a happy birthday, he had tried very hard not to show them how much he was looking forward to checking the mail. But the day had come and gone, and no owls had visited their old cottage. Remus didn’t know much about it, but he was sure if he had been accepted at Hogwarts, he would have received word of it already.

It wasn’t that he really wanted to go to that school. He had already resigned himself to staying at home, given his special circumstances. Anyway, he didn’t need it ‘cause he was home-schooled. His dad had done his best to teach him everything he could about magic, without giving him too many details about his own time at Hogwarts, as it would be too painful. His mum had also taught him a few of the usual muggle subjects. They had been very patient and comforting when he turned five, and they had to explain why he wouldn’t be able to go to any school, wizarding or muggle. They had promised they would do anything to make him feel like he wasn’t missing out on anything.

“My love, we know you would prefer to meet other kids your age, but I promise you we will love you enough to compensate for everything.” His mother had cradled him in her lap, stroking his hair while saying those words with a sad smile on her face. Hope and Lyall had kept that promise, doting on him without restraints.

And Remus was very happy. He told himself he didn’t need more than this, both his parents loved him deeply and gave him everything they could, even with their limited resources. Not that Remus asked for much, he knew the family’s situation and the only thing he needed was company.

So no, Remus didn’t need a stupid letter.

He turned around in bed, preparing himself to sleep again, when he heard the voices. His ears perked up, curiosity getting the better of him, and he pressed his lips trying to listen. His mum and dad’s hushed voices drifted up, but there was another one he didn’t recognize. Remus frowned. Why was there someone at their house at this hour?

Slowly, the small boy crept out of bed and tiptoed to the door, cracking it open a tiny fraction. It sounded like they were in the living room downstairs, but he still couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying. As quietly as he could, he padded bare footed down the stairs, stopping just before the entrance to the room, where a warm fire was blazing.

“How do you know about it Dumbledore?”

Remus held his breath in surprise at the tone in his Dad’s voice. There was anger in it, but also something else, something Remus had only heard from his father on the first days after That Night. Fear. Cold, crippling fear that brought back memories of blood, pain and despair. Remus shook his head to get rid of them.

“Lyall, my old friend, please do not worry.” The stranger’s voice was old, wise and soothing. “I can assure you I have no intention of giving you any trouble at all.”

“But how do you know?! We were so careful, we tried to–”

“I am aware.” The old man interrupted. “Like I said, please don’t worry. As you may know, with the way things are going, I have decided to set a few spies of my own in place. One of them was watching over Greyback.”

Remus heard his parents’ sharp intake of breath, and a small, fearful sob that wobbled out of his Mum. They were quiet for a few seconds, the air in the room seemed to shift and still, forcing Remus to fight the urge to burst in and ask what they were talking about.

“Indeed,” the stranger continued as if answering something Remus’ parents couldn’t say out loud. “He was boasting about what he did and my spy picked up on it. The secret is safe, we will do our best so that no one else finds out. But I thought it would be better to come in personally to deliver this.”

There was a sound of rustling paper and another sob from Hope, this time a surprised one. Silence fell again for a few minutes and Remus was just about to peek around the corner when his dad spoke again.

“Dumbledore…This is more than we could ever hope for…but I am not sure this is the safest path for my son.”

Remus jumped at the last word, a small gasp escaping his lips. Why were they talking about him? There was a beat of stillness in the room as he covered his mouth to remain quiet. He waited until the conversation resumed again before risking a look around the corner, barely half of his face timidly poking out. His parents were sitting together, their backs facing Remus, and in front of them was the most eccentric wizard Remus had ever seen in his short life. He was wearing dark purple robes with golden stars and moons, and a matching hat. White hair and beard went past his shoulders, merging together, almost hiding the knowing smile on his face. He directed that smile at Remus as soon as he had appeared, looking at him straight through his half-moon spectacles with a twinkle in his eyes, making the young boy jump again.

“Well, I am fairly certain Remus would like to have a say in this.”

Hope and Lyall spun around as Remus stood awkwardly at the door, fiddling with his hands and looking sheepish. His mum got up at once, coming to put her hands on his cheeks.

“Sweetheart, what are you doing down here? You should be sleeping.” She stroked his hair gently.

“I heard voices…” he said, before looking up at the old wizard. “Who is that?”

The man called Dumbledore stood up, coming over to shake his hand. “Happy birthday, Remus. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts.” Remus’ eyes widened, and his heart started beating so fast it felt like a drum inside his little body. “I take it by your expression that you’ve heard of Hogwarts?”

Remus nodded cautiously. “Not much really…but it’s the school where kids learn everything about magic.”

It sounded like a question, and with his words Lyall seemed to come to life again, as he stood up as well. “Now wait a second, Dumbledore. We still haven’t decided anything, you can’t just go to my son and–”

“Lyall, please.” Hope’s voice was soft, but it made his dad stop in his tracks. “Maybe we should listen to what he has to say. We’ve always believed Remus wouldn’t be able to go to school, but if there’s even a slight chance…” Her voice cracked, eyes lined with silver. “I want him to have a normal childhood.”

Lyall looked like he wanted to argue, but he also couldn’t deny Hope something they’d both wanted so much but had deemed impossible. He nodded, defeated. Dumbledore beamed at the boy, gesturing to the seating area.

“Would you fancy a game of gobstones?”

Remus was taken aback but he nodded, dropping gingerly to the floor in front of Dumbledore’s armchair as the old man sat down again. He wasn’t an expert on people but he was weary, the old bloke was just weird. Could this all be a prank? No, his parents wouldn’t allow something so cruel. He eyed every move the man made as he waved his wand to produce a set of stones between them.

“Your mother was just telling me you are very good at studying?”

Remus shrugged, flipping his first stone. “I wouldn’t know…But I like reading. There’s not much else for me to do in the house. Oh, I also like helping Mum when she is cooking.” He looked up at Hope, who smiled affectionately at him. Dumbledore chuckled, before asking casually.

“And how would you feel about coming to study at Hogwarts?”

Remus’ heart doubled in time again. Could this be real? He hadn’t dared believe it until that moment. He thought he’d lost his last hope today about going to wizarding school and all that it implied. Meeting other boys, making friends. He could imagine himself with a wand like the one his dad used, the same one that he sometimes held between his fingers when no one was looking. He could see himself surrounded by kids, learning all sorts of tricks, turning beetles into buttons, making things hover in the air.

Remus didn’t realize how much he was smiling until his cheeks started hurting. He couldn’t believe he would actually be able to do it! All his life, he knew he was different, that he couldn’t be around other people, that...

His mind came to an abrupt halt. He couldn’t let his thoughts go further than that. He felt himself deflate, shoulders slouching and eyes going down to his lap, because surely Dumbledore didn’t know what he really was. He had read, behind his parents backs, a few of the books about dark creatures that his dad had brought home in hopes to find a cure for him. These books were not very nice when depicting him, leaving no doubts as to what wizards thought of his kind. He’d understood long ago that he wasn’t allowed to go to school not only because he was dangerous, but also because everyone would hate him.

“I can’t.” He didn’t miss how miserable his own voice sounded, “I’m not like the other kids. I’m dangerous.”

“Forgive me if I offend you, Mr Lupin, but you don’t look very dangerous to me,” said Dumbledore, smiling kindly at him.

Remus looked angrily to the side when he felt the tears prickling his eyes. He had been so good at not expecting more than what he knew he could have. He had convinced himself time and time again that this was enough, his parents’ love was enough.

It had taken all but one question for him to realize how much he wanted everything he wasn’t allowed to wish for. And it had taken all but a few seconds to destroy that hope, and now he was aching all over. There was no taking that longing back now. He wanted to learn how to make cakes out of thin air for his Mum, he wanted to learn how to defend himself. He didn't want to be helpless ever again, not after That Night. He wanted it. He really wanted to go. His voice sounded strained and desperate when he spoke next.

“You don’t understand. I’m…I’m a monster.”

“That’s not true!” Hope came in to hug him, but Remus scooted away, putting his arms around himself.

“Yes it is! I’m bad and I shouldn’t be around people! I could hurt them!”

He said this last bit looking at Dumbledore, willing him to understand, letting him know he would love to accept his offer, but it was better for everyone else if he didn’t. To his surprise, the old man was still smiling kindly at him, if not a little bit sad.

“Mr Lupin, I know perfectly well that you are a werewolf.”

Everything else froze then. Remus straightened up, surprised not only that the old man knew his secret, but also at his bluntness. Remus himself often tiptoed around the word, not to mention his own father. Dumbledore pushed further.

“But I see no reason why you shouldn’t attend Hogwarts. I am looking at you right now, and you seem like a normal boy to me. A slight setback one night a month should not be enough to keep you from your birthright.”

Remus wanted to laugh and scoff at the words “slight setback”, but weirdly enough they also comforted him. He could feel a sob ripping out of him, the tears that had gathered in his eyes spilling out.

“R-really? Ca-can I really go?”

Dumbledore’s expression softened. “Of course. I came here myself so I could discuss safety measures with your parents, and put them at ease.” He looked up at Hope and Lyall, the game of gobstones completely forgotten. Remus’ parents were standing there, unsure of how to react as Dumbledore suddenly adopted a business-like attitude. “I already have a plan of action, should you choose to accept my offer. I will make arrangements for the full moons, so that Remus can have a safe place to transform. It will be heavily protected with spells, and accessible only through a secret passage from the school grounds, guarded by a Whomping Willow. Madam Pomfrey, our school’s healer, will help young Remus to get there and heal him afterwards if needed.”

Remus dared a look at his parents. Lyall seemed at a loss for words at how fast things were going; Hope clearly didn’t understand everything Dumbledore had just said, but she was smiling brightly nonetheless. Dumbledore arched his eyebrows.

“I can assure you, I will do everything in my power to make sure Remus is safe and has a normal school life. Now Remus,” he looked down at him again, “I am sure you understand, given the prejudice around werewolves, that sadly not everyone will be as accepting, so it’s of the utmost importance to keep all of this a secret. Can you do that?” Remus hurried to nod, and the headmaster addressed his parents once more. “Does this sound like an acceptable plan to you?”

“Yes…yes!” Hope said eagerly, overwhelmed with images of her son surrounded with other kids his age, as he should be. Lyall just nodded, dumbfounded.

“So, Remus, I will ask you once again.” The wizard’s blue eyes were shining brightly when they pierced him, and Remus’ heart was beating like it was trying to run away from his own body. “Would you like to study at Hogwarts?”

Remus couldn’t help the way his face scrunched up with a new stream of tears coming down his cheeks, the sob in his throat that made him hiccough, or the way his chest seemed to expand with unbelievable joy. He almost wailed.

“Yes…Please, I want to go!” His eyesight was blurry, but he could feel his mum and dad kneeling next to him and hugging him, both crying as well. Dumbledore stood up, trying to give the family some privacy.

“Wonderful. Mr Lupin, I gave your letter to your dad. In there you will find everything you’ll need for the school year. I will see myself out.” He headed towards the entrance, stopping only for a few seconds. “I will see you again in a few months, Remus. I have no doubt you will do incredible things at Hogwarts.” He smiled down at the bundled family, and Remus tried to return one of his own through the tears.

“Thank you,” he said fervently.

The three of them stayed on the floor for a while, laughing and enjoying the moment even minutes after Dumbledore had left the house.

“Dad, can I see the letter?”

Lyall reached into his pocket and handed him the envelope that had his name written in green letters. They got up and settled together on the couch while Remus opened the flap, but before he could take out the piece of parchment, his dad put a gentle hand over his.

“Son, there’s something we should discuss first.” Remus’ heart dropped, but his dad smiled at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t say no to this.” He scoffed. “Seems to me that you will probably be more protected at Hogwarts anyway. It has always been your mom and mine’s dream to see you attend Hogwarts, you showed signs of magic from a very young age. However…”

He sighed, frowning. Then he turned so he was facing Remus completely, making sure the boy was looking at him and paying him full attention.

“Other than Dumbledore, you can’t trust anyone. Like he said, werewolves are frowned upon,” he said with a pained expression that Remus wasn’t sure how to interpret. “So whatever happens, you must not let anyone know about this, ok?” Lyall grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him a bit in the process. “I am really, really sorry to have to say this Remus, but you are gonna have to be very careful around the kids at school. I know you want to make friends, but they will not trust you if they find out. You would be putting yourself in danger, we can’t risk that. No one can ever know. No one. Do you understand?”

Lyall looked a little maniac by the end of his speech, the hold on his son was almost painful. He didn’t let go of Remus’ shoulders until the boy nodded slowly and said, “Yes dad, I understand.”

[mlqcconfessions]

Can we have some Hogwarts AU!MLQC please \(//∇//)\ maybe what Houses the boys are in and what their favourite subjects are?

I’ve actually read some MLQC X Hogwarts AU, so this may not be original I am also a potterhead myself, so this was great

For some of the details, I referred to the HP fandom page. For convenience, I made it so that MC is a muggle-born + in the same House as the boys. 

*Important* Evol is non-existent in this AU (they have magic anyways)

Enjoy!

MLQC Headcanon - Yer a wizard, VicKi LuGav

Victor

A Ravenclaw (his intelligence and wit are immeasurable)

Definitely a House Prefect (later becomes a Head Boy in his 7th year)

Doesn’t understand how a dummy like you was sorted here

He was surprised to hear that he and you were the leading students of the House (Well, they’ve obviously made a mistake, he thinks)

He likes discussing things with you. Just TALKING with you

Can spend hours listening to your arguments as to why having Pumpkin Pasties every night was a GOOD IDEA (he doesn’t agree, but loves seeing your face heated with passion for those sweets)

Naturally, he doesn’t allow himself to fall behind in classes

Will accept your challenges to see who gets higher marks in the exams (he wins every time)

Although he doesn’t have a favorite subject, Potions is one that he understands well (he’s basically a Potions Master)

He takes time to help you with the calculations (he wastes no time in calling you a dummy all throughout the session it’s no coincidence that you can’t cook to save your life)

He finds you in the library reading about Amortentia 

“Love potions, huh?” (you look up, startled)

“It’s not like I’m going to actually give it for you!”

“Dummy.....”

He kisses you right there, hands sliding down your back, everyone in the library stopping to look

“I suppose I’ll need to be more frank with my affections”

Are all Prefects like this

Kiro

Hufflepuff boy makes his entrance

The yellow and black complement his hair

He always talks to Fat Friar whenever the two see each other

He has lots of friends

So. Many. FRIENDS. (they’re not even in the same Houses some are from different schools)

Thinks you look like the mascot, a badger, because you’re both so fluffy/cute/small

Bold of him to assume badgers don’t bite back (you initiate most of the kisses in this relationship)

The professors love him (but he’s scared of Snape)

He’s actually terrible in Herbology (despite Hufflepuffs excelling in earth subjects)

He always complains how there’s so much to memorize (it’s the distaste for exhaustive details the Aries in him screams)

Care of Magical Creatures? He’s all about that (basically a reincarnation of Newt Scamander)

The animals remind him of you (he calls you his unicorn)

He owns like 10 owls? (of course, he personally named all of them)

He gets hundreds of letters during morning mail, all from his fans (he has to work hard the rest of the day to make you less pouty)

He doesn’t like wearing his uniform properly (wants you to fix it for him)

Golden retriever energy

Lucien

A Slytherin

But it doesn’t mean he’s evil (not necessarily)

He’s cunning, manipulative, resourceful

Above all, he knows how to get what he wants

He doesn’t even have to do anything

Just. TALKS.

He thinks you look cute in the House colors (you don’t tell him the green complements his eyes)

Knows that you’re a muggle-born but doesn’t ostracize you like the others

But as a pure-blood himself, he’s expected to follow his family’s traditions

He protects you from the other Slytherins (but that doesn’t mean he’ll do the same for other muggle-borns he does it because it’s you)

He does well in all his classes, but particularly likes Herbology

You’re always surprised by his extensive knowledge

He works closely with Professor Sprout to care for the plants in the greenhouse (you can always count on him to treat you when you’re sick)

He has a favorite spot in the Slytherin Common Room (the couch in the corner by the fireplace)

It’s also where he kissed you for the first time

Pretends he doesn’t remember the password (of course he does, how could he not)

Loves watching you think hard to remember it (gives you hints to help you, but won’t tell you outright)

Gavin

DEFINITELY 150% Gryffindor

This boy is the definition of brave (Godric would be proud that’s my boy)

HE’S A DAMN LEO (July babies where you at)

The House’s element is fire (which sometimes gets to him, but you’re there to help)

He looks fine in the house colors (wears the tie all the way because he knows you like seeing him in it doesn’t tell you that it’s suffocating)

WILL FIGHT THE FAT LADY IF SHE DOESN’T LET YOU IN

But most of the time it’s him that forgets the password (he has to wait for you to say it)

There’s more important things to remember anyways (like your schedule)

Star Quidditch Keeper (he’s CAPTAIN of the Gryffindor team)

A natural when it comes to training and coaching the rest of the players

Defends the posts like nobody’s business

He’s so fast on that broom? (Sparky 2.0?)

He only plays seriously when you’re watching

You realize this so you go to every game (so the other Gryffindors don’t reprimand you two)

He loves taking you to your classes (loves it even more when you’re in the same class)

Doesn’t really pay attention in class (He just attends because he likes watching you so focused)

But he does enjoy attending Muggle Studies because it helps him understand you better

You answer all his questions to the best of your abilities (sometimes it’s a little weird)

Yes, Gavin, electricity is a thing

I really had a lot of fun writing this! Hopefully it wasn’t too repetitive, because I know there are a lot of MLQC X Hogwarts imagines out there.

Which House do you think MC would fit under? Although I’m stuck on which House to sort her into, her favorite subject would HAVE to be Divination (it’s just canon)

[viltrumitesuperboy]

Owl Letters Part 2 (Draco x  Male Hufflepuff Reader)

This can be read even if you’re not a Hufflepuff.

Go read the first part! Some the gifs were different today and I didn’t want to use the exact same gif, so here’s this lower quality but more smiles one.

Word count: 1633

The next time you received a letter was a few days later. It was tucked in your robes as you walked with Draco to the Owlery.

"So, Malfoy, how did you do with your magical companion?" you asked, fiddling with your wand as a nervous habit.

"Fine. I suppose I've been spending more time with him," he replied.

"Oh, that's good!" you praised. "I know you've had a previous incident with a hippogriff before, but we'll start with easier creatures. I'm bringing you to the Owlery first, so you can see some of them."

You smiled at him and he grinned back, a genuine one without any malicious intent. You made a quick turn around a corner and down the hall towards the Owlery. For a few seconds, he could only see the back of your robes, and you let yourself exhale in excitement of how gorgeous he had looked. You opened the door to the Owlery and went inside. Draco shut the door, looking around at the owls in the room.

"These are two of my favourites here. Really reliable with mail and love being around people."

You kneeled down to greet the owls, stroking them lightly as you motioned for Draco to come closer. He knelt down beside you, and you took his hand, placing a snack for the owls. You let him feed the owls and stroke their heads.

"If you're gentle with them, they'll trust you. And if you keep your voice less harsh like it would be when you make fun of someone, they usually like you better."

Draco looked at you, a little red in the face in embarrassment. You snickered and nudged his arm.

"Just teasing. I've seen you do it before, you know? Be nice and not angry at every wizard or animal you see."

"What do you mean?"

"There was a Gryffindor first-year that got caught on the moving stairwell, and you had helped them get to Madam Pomfrey when their arm broke. And you give Violet sugar quills when she's falling asleep in class so she doesn't get in trouble."

Draco huffed and stood up, brushing his robes off as he headed for the door.

"Well, I suppose that's enough for today. I'll see you tomorrow," he said suddenly.

"Wait, Malfoy," you sighed, standing up. "I know you're a good person, but you just have a reputation that you want to keep. I get it. But you don't have to hide it just because one person knows your secrets."

Draco turned to you, the corner of his lip slipping into a smirk.

"Call me Draco."

As you headed back to the common room, you pulled out the letter, only to find another. Your eyebrows furrowed and you realised that someone must have slipped another one in while you were walking. It could have happened when you were in the Owlery, since they are supposed to deliver. Once you reached your bed, you sat against the wall and read it to yourself.

Dear (Y/N),

I hope you enjoyed the Glacial Snowflakes. I remember when Kingston had given you some last year and you hugged him until he told you to let go. It would be nice if I could get that too, if I ever revealed myself to you. I remember that the first time I saw you, Malfoy had made fun of Kingston, and you stood up to him. I never would have thought someone would tell him off like that. You are someone I would really enjoy spending time with. I would love to sit next to you while you're studying, because the face you make when you're concentrating is adorable. I bet you're making that face reading this letter. Everything about you makes me feel like I could do so much more for this world, and I never think that. You are an amazing wizard and I am glad you exist.

Signed, Your Secret Admirer

You smiled to yourself as you finished the letter. Maybe you were biased, but you didn't like how people saw Draco. Sure, he picked on a lot of people, but he only did it to keep a reputation that he shouldn't be messed with. You debated sending a reply, and wrote your response on some parchment just in case.

The next morning, the same owl from the first letter dropped one onto the table in front of you. You beckoned it back and handed it the rolled paper, tying it to its leg and telling it to deliver it to whomever had given you the letter. It hooted in reply and flew back with the other owls.

"A reply, huh?" Elliot teased, his eyebrows wiggling. "What did you say?"

"Just that Draco isn't as bad as everyone makes him out to be. Sure, people dislike him, but he's just doing it because of his father, you know?"

Elliot shrugged in response, mumbling something before looking back down at his book to study. You picked up the letter when you realised Elliot wasn't going to answer, once again in the same handwriting as the previous ones. You were honestly amazed by how many compliments this person could give you. How well did you know this person, anyway?

The next few classes were as they usually were, and you learned a new spell in charms. Then came Care of Magical Creatures, and you noticed how much better Draco was doing. He didn't have to hide how stressed he was because he looked as relaxed and confident as he did at any other point in his life. You mentally gave yourself a pat on the back when he raised his hand to answer multiple questions and got them right. You caught up to him as class was dismissed.

"Hey, I had no idea you knew so much about owls! I didn't even have to tell you some of that," you laughed, bumping his arm lightly.

"Well, I found some books after we went to the Owlery," he admitted. "It was... not boring."

"Of course it's not, Draco!" you exclaimed. "It's so exciting to learn new things, and I grew up in a non-magical home, so coming here and learning things from both the Muggle and magical world is like... getting Glacial Snowflakes!"

Draco smiled a bit, his fingers tapping the strap of his bag.

"What are you doing for your break? Do you mind joining me outside?" Draco asked.

You smiled, telling him that you wanted to put your bag in your room first. He told you to meet him outside by the lake, and you agreed. You rushed off with an excitement you didn't expect to have.

As you walked toward the lake, you saw him sitting near it in the distance. An owl flew down to him, and you saw him touch it and take a letter from its leg. By the time you reached him, he had placed the letter in his pocket after reading it and his finger stroked the owl.

"Did you even read books on owls or did you just talk to this one?" you joked, taking a seat next to him on the grass.

"Bit of both. You were right when you said I had to spend more time with my magical creature."

The owl made its way over to you, and you pet it lightly.

"Hey, I've seen this owl before," you commented. "I mean, other than when you were delivered sweets in your first year. I swear this is the same owl..."

You looked up at him in shock, his face in a blush that gave away his every thought.

"You-!"

"I sent the letters," Draco interrupted. "Blaise, Pansy, and Violet thought it would be a good idea. I figured you'd never be caught dead with Blaise, so I told him what to write while he made fun of me."

You stared at him, eyes wide as he pulled out the letter you attached to the owl.

"I'm really glad you don't see me as the bully in this school. I mean that. I'm surprised you don't, after I made fun of Kingston," Draco muttered.

"You honestly just pick on everyone. Which you shouldn't, you know."

"It's just- My father-"

"Your father doesn't control your life. You do that for yourself. And you can do better than this."

He gives you a small grin, taking your hand in both of his and gripping it tightly.

"Thank you for believing in me," he whispered.

There was another beat of silence, him turning his body to face yours as he released one of his hands to touch his owl.

"So, I guess that means we both like each other?" you asked with a hopeful smile.

"Kingston, uh, Elliot told me. He was threatening me to not hurt you, as the protective best friend would," Draco chuckled. "He had helped me with the letters as well. He's a great writer."

"Then we have to thank all of our friends, don't we?"

"It seems we do."

It was quiet for a little longer, his hand a foreign but welcomed touch against yours.

"About the glacial snowflakes, did you want me to hug you until you got tired of it like you said?"

"I wouldn't get tired of it, but you'd have to let go when we have classes."

In a moment of bravery, you leaned over and pressed your lips to his cheek, then hugged him with a force that pushed him to lay on the ground. His owl made a small noise before flapping its wings and flying away. Draco was left with you, your chests racked with laughter. His arms went around your waist.

"How many compliments could you possibly give a single person, Draco?"

"Do you want me to hex you?"

[justsomewritingsandshit]

The Struggles of a Male Veela - (Part 6 - What A Revelation!)

Louis Weasley x Soulmate!OC

Length: 3926 words

Warnings: soulmate!au, altered ages of next gen, female OC, Hunter Parrish as Louis, mostly about Selene, jEaLoUsY

Part 6 of this series | Masterlist | Part 5

Three weeks after her awkward date with Mari Singh, Selene felt the first sign.

The young woman was mid-conversation with her friends, whilst they all sat at the Slytherin breakfast table. Well, it was less of a conversation and much more like an unnecessarily heated debate. Today’s (debate) topic was the correct pronunciation of the word ‘gala’. Ben Boot, a well-travelled young man, had informed his three closest companions that he’d recently discovered that many Americans pronounced the word as ‘gay-la’, rather than ‘gah-la’. Which was entirely wrong in Selene’s opinion.

Emery took a dramatic breath before she bravely announced that she too pronounced the word as ‘gay-la’. “It sounds right that way!” At her friends sneers, she defended herself, “Well it does to me!”

“Disgusting.”

“Absolutely.”

Emmaline pressed her fist over her eyes, looking away from her sister, “You think you know someone!”

Their friendly razzing of Emery went on for a bit. Eventually though, it faded out as the students needed to finish their breakfasts before they went on to their morning classes.

Glancing across the Great Hall, Emmaline commented, “It looks like lover-boy’s fan-club is getting bigger, huh?” She sent a rather sneaky glance towards Selene, who was chewing on her toast, as she spoke.

“Huh? What club?”

Ben mimed to Selene that she had crumbs clinging to the side of her lip, “Oh, you know! Your boy-toy’s little fans. Oh, no, no, on your left side.”

Successfully ridding herself of the clinging crumbs, Selene’s eyebrows drew into a furrow, “What are you lot on about?”

Emery sniggered, “You’re little Gryffindor, Sel.”

“Huh? You mean Louis?”

“Oh,” Emmaline teased, “So she does know who we’re talking about!”

Selene was a little stunned by their teasing remarks. A part of her understood why her friends must have assumed there to be a romance forming between the two. After all, Selene was not the type of person to immediately latch onto a new friend, especially in the way she had with Louis. Did she become casual acquaintances with people? Yes. Did Selene seek them out, then spend hours talking and laughing with those new acquaintances? No. Like most people, the young girl could be considered a creature of habit. Not seeing much need to branch out, Selene tended to stick with her tried-and-tested friend group. To add a new person into the role of friend meant something to her, growth. But, to her overly hopeful friends all of whom wanted only the absolute best for their friend; this friendship looked more like a potentially blossoming relationship.

And that was the wrong assumption…

“Okay,” She took a sip of her water, before she turned to look at them, “First of all; Louis and I are friends. He is not my ‘lover-boy’.” She ignored Ben’s ‘but you want him to be’. “Second of all, yes I’ve heard about his fan club. They’re… uh, they are…” Selene struggled to find a kind but straight-forward word for ‘a little bit scary, but mainly weird’.

“Creepy? Yes.” Emery answered, blasé. “Like, I would be the first among us to admit that Weasley is super fit.” An uncomfortable ripple raced through Selene’s gut. Briefly, the girl wondered if her monthlies (as her mothers’ called it) were making an appearance earlier than usual this month. “However, I agree that this whole club thing is very weird.”

Ben nodded, “Yeah! I mean, Louis is cute. And yes! I think we all would let him slap our arse, should he so choose to!” Emmaline and Emery both nodded at his words, and Emery even lifted her glass of pumpkin juice in toast. “But, lovey, dearie, sweet love-child-of-mine, just put the school out of its misery, and claim that Adonis as your own!”

Inwardly, her stomach rolled again at his first statement, stopping suddenly once speaking had trailed to a finish. Outwardly, however, Selene cheekily rolled her eyes as if she was amused by Ben’s exasperation on the subject. “Whatever.” She dismissed it all nonchalantly, before standing up from the bench. “Let’s get going, I want to stop by the hospital wing before class. My stomach’s not feeling right today.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Emmaline swiftly rushed her friend out of the Great Hall, the Slytherin girl’s worry-wort nature taking the reins.

There is an old muggle saying, once could be a coincidence but twice suggests a pattern.

The uncomfortable turn of her stomach – the one that had made Selene previously think that she wanted to be sick, or that she had cramps early that month – appeared again. And the sensation appeared as suddenly as it had before…

And, with the holidays approaching, it felt like everyone was getting progressively more excited for the end of term. The entire castle had begun its descent into excitement for the upcoming holidays.

Like in muggle shopping villages and districts, Hogwarts began the festivities almost as soon as the calendar switched from November to December. The corridors were decked out with red and green coloured wreaths and garlands. The house elves worked diligently, silently completing their work in a single night.

Tiny first years had started to gather together with older students. A portion of them prepared gifts and played games for Hanukkah. The students who celebrated Solstice and Yule were already marching across the school’s lawns for items they wanted to use in their altars – this particular group was an interesting mix of muggle-born ideologies of wicca and witches, as well as the magical version of wizardry. Those who celebrated Christmas were doing their best to stock up on papers for wrapping, they were ordering rolls of it by owl ready for their last few Hogsmeade trips before the 25th. Even the professors were getting into the spirit – Professor Longbottom had his singing tulips (which were a rare find of his from a trek across the Scandies in his late twenties) hum seasonal songs whilst he taught.

And as the term wound down, most of the students were gearing up to take the train back down to London. There were a few who were eager to be left (relatively) alone in the quiet castle. Selene happened to be undecided on the subject, tossing up whether she should stay or to go home and celebrate Yule with her busy mothers’.

The Slytherin was mulling it over when she was heading back to the common room. She only had one class left for term, but the textbook she needed was in her dorm. For a moment, she thought about sneakily using the accio charm, but knew it was banned for a good reason – flying objects can be hazardous when not charmed to fly above people after all. She weighed the pros and cons; she’d have more things to do in the castle, more people to talk to, her parents would probably have to work on Yule… Eventually, she decided to stay at Hogwarts for the holiday. When she got to her dorm, she would owl her mothers to let them know.

She turned the corner that lead to the grand staircase, thinking about asking if Ben was going to hang around the castle too this year. Selene had seen that the girls had already packed their trunk to leave, so she didn’t feel a particular need to ask them the same.

Unfortunately, Selene’s next turn into the adjacent corridor had led her to be the sole witness as an older girl (from the year above) slid her claws over the forearm of a familiar-looking blonde boy.

That stomach turn happened again.

Selene swiftly turned around, deciding to walk to the common room the long way. Also, she had suddenly decided to return to her home for the holidays.

Yule celebrations came and went early in her home.

Selene’s mothers were very apologetic when they told Selene that they’d have to work on the day of Yule. Still, the three of them had held a smaller, more intimate celebration a few days before.

The earlier celebration left the young girl to aimlessly wander around her own home on the actual day of Yule. She was bored out of her mind. It was approaching the late morning and Selene had already cracked onto her holiday homework – all part-the-way-done, apart from a Runes essay, which required a lengthy reading of a textbook that she had left behind whilst franticly packing.

The Slytherin had decided she should finally owl the school, to see if they could let her off on the Runes essay, or at the least send over her the textbook. She had made her way up to family attic, where her great-great-grandparents had set up a make-shift aviary for their business owls years ago. Apparently, back then they had run a small mail-order potions business. It was a Morgenstern family rumour that they sold an illegal werewolf suppressant potion, before wolfsbane had even been invented.

Selene’s owl hooted softly to the girl, making its presence known. It sat on rigidly on its perch, a pile of letters and small boxes on a tall table to its immediate left. Selene pet the owl carefully, slipping the bird two treats. Then, she arranged some more water and feed for it before she gathered up all her mail.

“Thank you, Soot!”

The first few letters were Christmas cards from her various muggleborn friends, some including cute non-moving photographs of their families. One had a Father Christmas who was drawn to be surfing on a beach, from her friend whose family spent the holidays in Australia. Another was a sexy version of the red-clad man, the words asking if she’d been ‘naughty’ that year – that one was from Naomi Gardner, who had written in thanks for setting her up with Mari.

Ben had done what he usually did and had written her a lengthy letter. He opened it with a greeting, as well as some well wishes to Selene and her mothers. Then Ben informed her that he had decided to stay at Hogwarts that year (which was usual for Ben, as he kind of hated his extended family, who had a tradition of gathering together this time of year), and that he loved the gift that she’d left for him under the Slytherin common room tree. At that point in the letter, the boy demanded that Selene open the gift he had included. It was a gorgeous goblin-made quilt set in her favourite shade of mauve.

Ben went on in his letter to detail the latest gossip going around the castle, ‘It turns out that wench in the year above, you know the one! The absolute wench Julie McNamara, that swish! She was seen trying to flirt with your mother-missing boy before term ended! I cannot believe the gall of the wench! Everybody knows that he only has eyes for you, I swear!’

Last year, Ben had been gifted with a spelled pen. It automatically censored his cursing. It had been a joke-gift from Emery but ended up being his favourite writing utensil to date. As such, Selene had fitted it with a never-ending ink-well, and Emmaline had spelled it to be impossible to lose.

He went on; ‘Apparently, he had to have his family step in! The wench just wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. I’m telling you Selene; everyone said that it was absolutely disgusting! She had to be formally warned away by the professors too. In this day and age!’

Selene felt an unclear anger suddenly rush through her body.

She could easily see how Julie McNamara would make Louis uncomfortable. He was such a lovely guy, but he got awkward when anyone even jokingly flirted with him. In fact, the first time she ever jokingly winked at him, his face went fuchsia for three-and-a-half minutes. Poor Louis! Selene could picture in her mind how her Louis would try to uneasily shift away from her, but…

Her hand released Ben’s letter. It fluttered to the carpeted floor silently.

Oh.

“Oh,” Selene breathed, tears springing to her eyes for no reason. Her thoughts were now cleared like the sky after a storm, “I like him.” That explained so, so much. So much. “Bollocks.”

The week following her realisation, Selene was working on autopilot. She went about her days like nothing was out of the ordinary. Dinner with her mothers, doing her school reading, finishing up the assessments she’d started before… Selene did it all, without a single complaint.

That worried her mothers.

“Sweetheart?”

“Hmm?” Selene looked up from her plate to see her mother, Dorothea, looking at her in concern. “Sorry, did you ask me something?”

The woman shook her head, dark curls bouncing as she did. “No, sweetheart. We just, you know –”

“The point your mother is trying to get to,” Her other mother, Appoline, sent her wife a cheeky glance before her expression melted into a concerned one. “Are you feeling alright, Selene?” At her daughter’s furrowed brows, she went on, “Your mother and I have noticed that you seem to be a little spacey, dear.” Her tanned skin pulled taut around her pursed lips, “Are you having a disagreement with the girls?” Appoline was referring to Emmaline and Emery, as well as Ben.

“No, I…” Selene wasn’t even sure what to say. Her teenaged brain told her to lie to their faces. Letting her parents know too much about her school life, her social life, might lead to a lecture Selene did not want to sit through… Although, “I just realised that I, uh, fancy one of my friends. A lot.” The Slytherin had been stewing in the idea all week and was now desperate to at least speak the words out loud. “I, um, I didn’t realise until, like, last week.” She paused, pushing her vegetables around on her plate, avoiding their surprised eyes. “So… yeah. That’s it really.”

There was a moment of awkward, confused silence.

Clearing her throat, Dorothea spoke to her daughter sincerely. “Is this something you want to discuss with us further, sweetheart?”

Selene mulled over how to answer. Did she want to talk about this? Maybe. Until now, she didn’t realise how pent up she had begun to feel. Did Selene want to open up to her married parents about this, though? Two lesbians (well, one of her mothers is bisexual), who had been monogamously together for longer than ten years? Not really.

The teen smiled awkwardly at her parents, “Actually, I think I want to talk to the girls about it. I might send them an owl, or-” Selene stopped herself, to think on it for a moment longer, “This is probably something I want to say to them in person, though.”

“Okay.” Appoline nodded in understanding, before she tactfully changed their dinner conversation, “So, I was listening to this Korean band yesterday.”

She brought it up with her friends when they were all corralled in the safety of the common room. Selene waited until it was late, as there would be less people around to hear them discuss something so personal. Slipping it into the already flowing conversation, “I realised I fancy Louis.”

All speaking stopped. Ben, who had been using his personal copy of ‘Hogwarts; A History – Volume 24’ to prove a point, loudly snapped it shut. Emery had paused mid-chew, and there was a gummy serpent still hanging from the corner of her parted lips. Emmaline, who was sat next to Selene, stared at her friend in complete shock.

Selene shuffled nervously in her seat, “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“Girl, what do you mean–?”

“’Just realised’?” Emery finished her sisters thought, the gummy falling into her lap.

Selene sighed, the sound tinged with embarrassment, “Well… When you lads were making fun of me, saying that ‘of course I liked him’.” The three nodded, knowing the instances she was talking of, “I, uh,” She let out a breath chuckle, “Well, I didn’t know. I thought I only liked Louis as a mate, you know; a friend.” Her head tilted, “I mean, I’ve always been attracted to him,” Her head tilted the other way, “I just did not know that I, uh, you know… fancied him. Like proper fancy, you know?”

Ben’s mouth was agape.

“No. I don’t know.” Emmaline disagreed. “How did you not know?” To Selene’s friends, it was so clear – her feelings had been so transparent to them, so see-through. “You were undressing him with your eyes, for Merlin’s sake!”

“I was not!” Selene argued indignantly.

“Oh, you were too!” Ben argued back. “The two of you are always looking at each other, starry eyed. Frankly, it’s a little sickening. And not in a good way!” He flung his book behind him, leaning closer to Selene. “We told you, as well!”

Emery nodded, “We did!” She viciously bit the head of her now-retrieved gummy serpent, “And,” She paused to quickly chew, “You basically go on study-dates, nearly every bloody day.” Emmaline nodded in agreement with her sister. “Babes, when you said you were going out with Mari, on Halloween, we were so confused!”

Ben sighed, “Ah, that’s right! Ugh, we were convinced that you had been courting Weasley before that.”

Selene scoffed, “Courting him? I barely know him!”

In wizarding society, courting was serious. It was like a person screaming their personal commitment to another in a court of law. There was no way to go even one day without another wizard finding out about the commitment. Firstly, because every child was taught about the process in their first year of education at whatever school they attend. Secondly, every couple entering into courtship had to be witnessed by three other witches or wizards, as a testament to how serious the process is (and also because three is a deeply important number to magic-users). Young witches and wizards could date to their hearts content, but courting meant a true declaration of intent – the intent being marriage or a binding, of course. There had been times where dating had led into courting. And they were also rarely broken, due to the gravity of the whole process.

There would have been no way for Louis to be in a courtship with Selene – her heart ached in joy, at the thought of being in anything with the blonde Gryffindor – without any other person knowing.

Emmaline scoffed back, mocking Selene, “’Barely know him’?” She smacked Selene’s shoulder, “You spend everyday in each other’s presence, you should know everything about each other by now!”

“Well, not everything!”

Emery butt in, “You definitely know enough!”

“What are his sister’s names again?”, Ben challenged her.

“Victoire and Dominique,” Selene answered automatically, before rolling her eyes, “That’s a basic thing to know about another person!”

Emmaline nodded, “Alright then, what are his cousins’ called?” Selene looked away from her, not wanting to see the smug look on her face, “You know them, don’t you?”

“Wow!”

“It’s not private information!” Selene argued with them, “We do go to school with half of them!”

Ben gave her a disbelieving look, “I bet you couldn’t name the collective five cousins that we,” He pointed to himself, then the twins, “Have had at this school.”

“Daisy, Marcus, Kipper, Damien,” Selene struggled with the last one, “I, I want to say Humphrey…”

“Oh, honey…”

One moment she was completely oblivious to these feelings she had, and was living her life perfectly normally, the next moment she’s almost paralyzed – with what she wasn’t completely comfortable in calling fear… but it was an emotion closely related.

Also, there were questions clogging her thoughts now… Should she tell Louis of her feelings for him? Should she leave it be? Most importantly, how is she to act around Louis now?

Her mind shouted many ways not to act – and the dozens of reasons why she shouldn’t act in those ways. But how could she maintain their previous easy camaraderie? That camaraderie, and their ability to instinctively know what the other is thinking, was so comforting before. A small pit of dread pooled in her stomach, at the thought of losing that friendship with Louis.

When this dilemma was brought up to the girls (which again, included Ben), they told her to act as she had before – mainly because they knew she liked him even then, so there shouldn’t be too much acting involved for her.

“So, how were the holidays for you?” Louis had joined Selene at their study table, as usual. He quickly slung his bag off his shoulder, before plopping down onto the wooden chair. “Anything exciting happen?” The Gryffindor leaned over the table to whisper conspiratorially, “Any fights?”

Selene’s pulse spiked at his proximity, but she quickly composed herself to the best of her resting-bitch-faced ability. Once she was normal again, she realised that the question made no sense to her, “Like a physical fight?”

Louis choked trying to hold in his raucous laughter at her question. Although, he was not as successful as he might have had hoped for. Even though the blonde covered his mouth, hushed chortles managed to escape. Louis’s eyes even watered. After a moment, he forced himself to take deep breaths, to compose himself. “Sorry. I forgot you’re an only child.” Selene’s confused look did not fade, “You know, there’s just a certain level of craziness that having siblings brings. Plus, the high tension of the holidays... With my family, there’s more than enough sparks flung about to start a fire.” Louis paused as he remembered, “In fact, two years ago; there was an actual fire.”

Selene’s eyes widened, “No!”

“Yes.” Louis leaned forward again, excitement and humour plain on his sweet face as he remembered the absurdity of the situation, “So the twins-”

Purposely, the Slytherin guessed one name wrong, “Rosie and Fred, right?”

Louis beamed, oblivious to her purposeful mix-up. He was just overjoyed that his mate was putting in effort in remembering his extensive family members. “Roxanne and Fred,” The blonde softly corrected. “Well, they decide one afternoon, that my grandpa Weasley’s Christmas tree was not festive enough.”

The dark-haired girl tilted her head, “Is that your grandfather who is obsessed with muggles?”

“Yes!” Louis did not think he could be grinning more – surely, his face might split in half if he even tried. “So, every year he brings out this ancient fake Christmas tree – it was a gift from my Aunt Hermione’s parents, probably about twenty years ago.” He paused, to duck his head when the librarian glared their way, with her penetrating, evil eyes. Louis waited until she turned back around before he went on, “The twins knew that most trees had lights on them, but grandpa Weasley didn’t… They managed to convince him that he should use candles.”

Selene’s eyes sprung into wide-eyed shock, “They didn’t!” At Louis confirming nod she pressed, “At least he charmed them, right?” The blonde’s face turned mischievous. “No! He forgot?” Her gasps had been quiet enough, but they always had an audience when they were together.

Two first year Hufflepuffs (who had twenty-four textbooks piled between their arms) got to watch firsthand as Selene dissolved into a fit of laughter. It began with a loud snort, which left Selene trying to cover her face. To no avail it seemed, as her giggles were audible all the way from where the first years were lollygagging. One of the Hufflepuffs decided that they way Louis was gazing at her – his eye lit up at her enjoyment, not daring to look away for even one moment – had to be what true love was.

TAGGED:

@iamwarrenspeace, @itsnolongerteen, @stilesloverdaily, @immortalmurphy, @fandomsandotherstuff, @mcheung0314, @aw-hawkeye, @glimmering-darling-dolly, @thenodmonster, @realgreglestrade, @seninjakitey, @theshortegg, @gqlqxies, @footballiskillingme, @romance-geek​

[lvmosity]

deadly secrets | draco malfoy [prologue]

pairing: draco malfoy x pureblood!slytherin!reader

genre: romance, angst (well an attempt)

word count: 2.2k

plot: some secrets are better off not being kept, but what if some secrets are better left unsaid? especially when they are deadly.

warnings: none as of now

a/n: this will possibly be a long fic, possibly one with 20 parts or so depending on how much i write in one part. the idea i have for this story is just something that popped up in my head whilst also reading draco fics lmao; i guess i got inspired and created my own ideas. let’s just hope i’m decent enough at writing it out, i haven’t wrote in years! so yeah, i’ll be rusty for the first few chapters so have faith in me readers! i hope it’s interesting enough for you to stay till the end hehe

please read!: this story will be set at chamber of secrets and as it progresses, the characters will age and so on, meaning we’re following the saga except i add my own twist into it. so in this chapter, the characters will be 12. sadly, draco won’t be mentioned yet but will appear in the next chapter. anyhoo stay tuned ♡ 

© gif - wizardrynet

It was early in the morning that you had arrived at Kings Cross Station with your childhood best friend, Hermione, along with her parents which were twenty minutes away from your neighbourhood. Hermione was set to leave today to head back to ‘boarding school’ apparently, at least that’s what she told you a few months ago. She struck you with the news of her sudden change to a new school. A boarding school really? Out of all the local schools where some are known to be ‘the best to ensure a child’s successful future’ she chose a boring, drabby school that lies in a location of god-knows-where and goes by the name of ‘hoggywart’ or something weird. 

You vividly remember her rushing into class squealing and grabbed you by the shoulders, jumping up and down. Being startled and slightly grumpy seeing someone so energetic on an early Monday morning, you calmed her down so you could find out what bizarre breakfast she had that made her so crazy. Hermione squeals once more before pulling out a thick, yellow-tainted letter out of her coat pocket. “I’m going to a new school!” you remember feeling so devastated hearing those words as it wasn’t what you were expecting to hear.

You wished for the last few months of your final year at primary school to be full of joy, excitement, adventure and other happy words that can be associated with it before you move up to your first year of secondary school. Unfortunately, it was going to be different once Hermione told you she was moving.

However, that wasn’t the only irritating part as it was the fact that she left you all alone to attend the school you both promised to go and graduate together. You had to force yourself to interact with others and make new friends when you started in your new school the last September.

Nevertheless, during the twenty-minute car ride to the station, you and Hermione had closely bonded for old times sake and it made you realise how lonely it was without her since she switched to a new school. You haven’t been in contact with her since then due to the multiple failed attempts at contacting her by sending letters that you concluded your longterm friendship was over as Hermione wasn’t sending letters back.

That was until she came back for the holidays and knocked on your doorstep. once you opened it, Hermione teared up at the sight of you and whined at you “Why didn’t you try to contact me?” 

After explaining what had happened, the sadness faded from her face as she burst out of laughter and responded “You were supposed to owl me silly!” of course, when you heard her statement, you gave a confused look. You weren’t sure if she meant a real live animal was to be sent to her or what but you shrugged it off and stepped aside to let her inside your house so you both could catch up on lost time. 

‘It probably was another saying for ‘mail me’ that she took up in her school.’ assuring yourself.

Throughout the winter holidays, she started saying phrases and words such as “Merlin!” or that she would pass up on hanging out because she had to do some ‘reading up on Herbology’. The more you spent time with her, the more you realised this girl was talking absolute nonsense and something was off about her. You figured it would be the school she was attending that caused her abnormal behaviour. But being the nice friend that you are, you offending her was the last thing you’d do so you didn’t dare try to bring it up.

but the day that Hermione was set to leave and board the train back to her school, was the day your suspicions of her became true. 

●●●

You had witnessed something horrific, something that would possibly haunt you for the rest of your life. Witnessing Hermione run full speed with the cart full of her suitcases towards the pillar and had completely morphed into it was an image you’ll never get out of your head.

It’s understandable when people say children have such creative minds with the sorts they come up with for entertainment, but will people really believe a twelve-year-old who kept trying to explain that she had seen her best friend become one with a brick wall? Yeah, they’d think it was best to leave the child alone.

Yet surprisingly, your parents reacted differently. Your parents instantly believed you and begged you to share any evidence that made you come up with a bold statement. You had brought up the multiple scenarios that have occurred in the past; her abnormal behaviour, the words and phrases she’d spill out and the most bizarre one being you seeing Hermione hold a stick and doing motions with it the other day. Thus with that, your parents realised that everything was coming together.

“Y/N, Hermione’s a witch.”

A witch? Surely your parents are the crazy ones now. You can tell the differences between fact and false and witches existing on earth was obviously not true.

“What--”

“Listen to me dear, your best friend is a witch and what you have explained to us is true about Hermione.” Your mother kneels, putting both of her hands on your shoulders and stares deep into your eyes. You were starting to feel uncomfortable under her stare as well as feeling intimidated by the tension filling the atmosphere. You gulped.

“How do you know if it’s the truth mum?”

Your mother bites her lips, turning her head to the side to look at your father. both of them look unsure on how to respond but then you noticed it was like they were more scared to do so. Your father gives a shaky sigh and it was his turn to kneel and make you face him.

“Your mother and I... we’re also the same...” 

Silence fills the room once again, not one daring to speak up, it was just multiple serious looks being exchanged between the family. That is until:

“...and so are you Y/N.”

You won’t lie and say it wasn’t terrifying hearing your own heartbeat fast. It was basically the only thing you could hear in the room due to how deadly quiet it was after what your father had declared to you. The words continued to echo throughout your ears. All your life you have been living like a normal child, your childhood being the most enjoyable experience as you were the only child in your family. Up until now, your parents have spoilt you with so much care, love and attention that you didn’t care for another younger or older sibling. Instead, you considered Hermione as your only sister more than best friends as you both grew up together.

Unfortunately, that has quickly come to a halt once you realised you were living your life as a lie. You’re not a normal girl anymore and your life was going to change from now on.

“What do you mean I’m the same? That can’t be true, I’m not like Hermione!” you yelled, pushing your mother’s hands away and stepped back. “Don’t lie to me!” you were experiencing variations of emotions at this moment, you weren’t sure if you should feel angry or upset, or possibly a hint of happiness that you and Hermione are similar?

Your mother sighed, standing up and dusted the dirt off her pants, your father also following her actions. Both of them took a seat at the dining table, facing you.

“It’s a secret we’ve been keeping from you since you were born,” your mother revealed. You slowly make your way towards the table to also take a seat in front of them. You had to know the reason as to why you have only just been told today. “You was born as a pureblood witch, your father and I share the same blood.”

“A pureblood?” 

“It means every one of your descendant family members was born as wizards and witches, not one is a muggle.” your father added onto your mother’s explanation. “Muggles are non-wizard people. We made you pretend to live as one--”

“And why did you? Do you realise all this time I’ve been living my life as a lie and that I actually have something unique in me? Do you realise I’ve been seeing my best friend as a freak when I’m also the same? Do you--”

Your father slammed his hands on to the table, immediately shutting you up.“ENOUGH!” he roared, your mother jumped as her eyes widened in shock. “There’s a reason why we kept this a secret from you Y/N and you should be thankful that we did.”

“Thankful? for what exactly?” You scoffed earning a stern look from your mother. Sighing, your father sits back down as your mother strokes his arm in an attempt to calm him down. You figured you weren’t going to get an answer from your parents soon as the both of them stayed silent once more. Bowing your head down in defeat, you asked one more question in hopes that this will be answered but it was overclouded by a higher percentage of doubt.

“Why did you keep it as a secret?” you whispered. Still looking down, you fidgeted with your hands nervous for what is about to come.

"It’s best that you don’t know Y/N... maybe when the time is right, you’ll soon find out... and we hope it will be from us.” your father forces a small smile, his eyes clouded with guilt and sadness as he’s forced to make up an excuse and hopes you will accept it as an answer and move on. You slowly nodded and give up on asking more questions as it will only end up in more lies and excuses. 

But what will it mean for you from now on? Now that you discovered your true blood and the powerful abilities you hold as a witch – well not powerful yet as you’re a novice in the magical world – will your life continue to be the same or will it change for the better or the worse?

Whilst your mind was zooming with thoughts and questions, you didn’t seem to notice that your parents were heavily discussing something. Pulling out of your thoughts, you could see them facing you with a serious look.

“Y/N, your father and I have been discussing your future...” your mother said, one of her hands slowly moving to lie on top of her husband’s hands. Giving a short but warm smile, she continues her sentence, “and we both decided to let you attend Hermione's school.”

Eyes widening, you felt an enormous surge of happiness rushing inside you. your face beamed with excitement as you jumped out of your seat and rushed to the other side of the table to hug your parents. “Oh thank you, thank you!” your parents laughed in response and you pulled away to shower them with more gratefulness.

“But promise us one thing dear...please stay safe,” your mother pleaded with you, turning her head to stare at you with a slightly distressed look but also supporting a small smile. anticipating for an answer, your father added onto her words, “Please...we beg of you.”

Holding both of their hands, you smiled.

“Always.”

●●●

The next morning arrived and you couldn’t wait to start a new day, not as a normal twelve-year-old who wore girly pyjamas to bed, but as a witch. Yes, you were finally going to live your life as one. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t going to be so bad and weird like you initially thought when you discovered the truth for the first time. Maybe learning spells and wearing a pointy, black hat like the ones you read in books might not be bad too.

You skipped your way to the dining room to eat breakfast, sitting in your usual seat once you entered the room and waited for your mother to bring the food around. Except your parents were already seated and there were no plates and cutlery set on the table.

Instead, a mysterious, very thick and old looking letter laid in front of them. wait–that’s the same letter you saw in hermione’s hands on that very day she told you she was moving to a new school. 

“Is that...”

Your parents nodded, your father pushing the letter towards you while you strode over to rip it open.

You pulled the piece of paper out and to your surprise; it wasn’t like any normal letters you see in your father’s hands. Instead of the usual white paper, this one appeared to look and feel old and roughed up like it was soaked in coffee for a long time. Your eyes landed on the first few sentences before seeing your very own name addressed on it, seeing it made your heart skipped a beat. however, the next sentence was what really got you breathless:

‘We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.’

●●●

final a/n: please let me know what you think of it so far! i’m open to any feedback and constructive criticisms as well as any mistakes on my writing. i’m also open to any questions you have that might have confused you or needed more explanation on. thank you!

edited 16.02: fixed writing errors! hopefully all of them hehe

[abandoned-as-mustard]

Call me technical, but I must know these answers

1. If wizard gold is an entirely different currency, how do any wizards live in normal houses among muggles? Or buy any property at all?? How do they grocery shop? Do they have to sell their gold for muggle value then convert it back? Do they only order by mail?

2. How did Hogwarts owls instinctively know to bring mail to students? Did Hedwig preemptively fly to the people who wanted to send harry things?? Is there a Hogwarts post office where they sort mail? Is Hedwig summoned by this magical post office?

3. If wizards know about alohamora, then why is there any reason to lock a door without putting protective charms on it?

4. When you extend the inside of something undetectably (hermione's bag; the weasley's tent) is there a knowledge about interior design required? What about resources? The extended inside will surely be made of the same materials.

5. How does modern day Hogwarts deal with technology like Google earth? Do illusions extend to technology, given that the wizarding world is stuck in 19th century technology?

6. How is the minister of magic elected? Does the wizarding community ever get a say? Do they send in ballots? How do they campaign in secrecy? How long are their terms of office????

7. A wizard has a non magical medical emergency. Do they go to their magic hospital or their closer muggle hospital?

8. Are wizards still even legal citizens of their country? Do they pay taxes to their muggle government?? Do they pay taxes to theie magical government?? How are their births, deaths and marriages recognised by muggles legally if at all?? is it someone's job to falsify those certificates??

9. Following on 8, where do the salaries for magical government workers come from? Are they from these magical taxes?? Do they come from pawning off treasure??

10. If African wizards can use magic without wands, is it possible for someone to be adept at both wand and wand-free magic, or is it exclusive to one?

11. Where do australians go to magic school?? Pls. And do the aboriginals have their own magical traditions and customs? Are there animagus forms they might particularly take, if at all? Would there be schools for aboriginal magic alongside mainstream?

12. What are spells like in other languages? Ancient civilisations had their own magic, it's established. So is that magic still practised today, and are there other-language equivalents for the same spells?

13. Do muggle kids leave behind their phones for an entire year, or do they have to go outside the gate to get reception?

14. Are there moving comic books? They're not like cartoons exactly, they're laid out in comicbook form and the pictures move like gifs.

15. Speaking of which!!!! Could you make an entire silent film out of drawings, on one piece of paper????

16. How do artists create moving portraits!!! Which side do they paint first?? Is art truly a reflection of artistic skill or 95% magic? And can picasso-esque paintings talk and move too??

17. How did they ever get radio to work?? Do muggles ever accidentally stumble on wizard channels and go "huh, must be a nightvale podcast"? Did they just invent new airwaves? An alternate dimension of airwaves? Or did they discover some micro-ultra-tiny frequency?

18. Can physical audio books be a thing?? You read a book, but as you read it, it's the author's voice themselves saying the words. Like an audio file that's activated with opening the book and consciously deciding you want to read it, so it doesn't just start automatically.

This got way off topic BUT I'd love to hear theories.

[slutsofren]

Magical Mysteries / Chapter 2: Goodbyes & Promises

Summary: You’re stepping away from your home in London to follow your father on some mysterious assignment from the Ministry. There’s trouble in the air but you and your best friend, Ben Organa can’t put your finger on it. Guess that’ll be a problem for later you.

Read on AO3 here!

“Do you have to leave,” Ben whined. You gave him a short laugh as you packed your suitcase. He had come over when you sent Anubis, your cat, to deliver him a letter, telling him that you and your parents were leaving for Paris for the summer.

Ben sprawled his large body across your bed, looking over the various records you had imported from America- you were currently obsessed with Motown music. Diana Ross’ soulful voice filled your bedroom, singing of love and warm embraces. “Yes, of course I do,” you responded, albeit a little disgruntled seeing him put his feet on your bedsheets.

“Feet. Off. Now,” emphasizing with a lighthearted wack on his nice black boots. Ben let out a loud groan, adjusting his massive body. He had grown so much over the past few years, you had too but not nearly as much as him. Ben liked to joke that you were an entire foot shorter than him but that was further from the truth.

“How long will you be in Paris then?”

You stopped folding the corduroy skirt in your arms, “I’m not sure, truthfully. Father says we should pack for the entire summer just to be safe but I suspect he doesn’t wish to stay so long.”

“Good, because I will apparate there to get you and bring you home,” he lightheartedly admitted.

“Oh, hush Ben, you know you’re not allowed to apparate.”

“Actually, little Miss Fontaine, being the appointed son of the wizarding community, you should be keen on noticing that I can do whatever I want.”

You gave the dense boy a panned look, cocking an eyebrow. “You say that yet you’ve seldom gotten in trouble since I met you!” Ben grabbed one of your plushies from your bed, a black bear that you had since childhood, and tossed it in your general direction. “Hey!”

The laughter that filled your bedroom felt like literal sunlight on a depressing day, you always felt joy being around your one truest friend. “Listen, just be safe okay?” You gave him a soft grin and nodded.

“I’ll try,” you raised your hands innocently, “there’s no guarantee that trouble won’t find me.”

“Remind me why you have to leave again,” Ben whined.

You turned around and had your back to him as you went though your salves and tinctures, thinking of which ones to pack with you. “Apparently the Ministry is sending my father to Paris for some project and he’d be gone too long so my mother and I are going with him.”

“Yeah, but,” he sighed, hugging a pillow close, “Why? My mother has said nothing about sending you guys down there. It doesn’t make sense.”

You turned to face him once again, leaning against your desk. “Then, I don’t know. My father got a parcel the other day and there was a letter and some book. That’s all I know.”

“I wonder why you’re being sent to Paris then. Sounds nice but, not for that long.”

You sat next to him on your bed, your tan wool skirt crinkled around your waist. He rose to sit, facing you. A small frown was setting on his lips, “Promise me you’ll be safe?”

You let out an airy laugh, “I said I’ll try!”

He grabbed your hand. “I’m not playing around. There’s been whispers of something bad happening,” he pauses. “It’s been driving my mother and the rest of the Ministry up the walls. You’re my best friend, if anything happened to you and I couldn’t do anything to help? I’d be devastated.”

“Nothing is going to happen to me. I promise. Besides,” you assured him, “My father is the strongest wizard I know!”

Your father was the head Auror at MACUSA when your family lived in America, but since his transfer due to some unfortunate situations, your family was uprooted and he accepted a lowly title with the Ministry of Magic.

It didn’t mean much to you but you knew how strong and powerful your father was, the only thing wrong with him was loving a no-maj, a muggle. Shame was never in your vocabulary whenever it came to who your parents were, but it was something you weren’t fond of talking about, even to Ben.

“I thought I was the strongest wizard you knew!”

You stuck your tongue at him and jumped up to finish packing. Ben stayed, as he always did. Your home was the one place where he felt safe enough to let his guard down, knowing that you would never sell him out to the Daily Prophet. This was the one place he felt content.

The rest of the day felt more of the same, jovial chatting between the two of you until the moment you had to leave. Ben was given permission to temporarily move into your home while your family was gone, “No, I couldn’t allow that Mr. Fontaine.”

“Enough with the formality, Ben, you’re family to us. You know to call us by our first name. Say it with me now, Atlas and Luna.”

Faintly, you could hear your mother laughing in the next room, preparing the area in the kitchen for your portkey travels.

Ben looked at you, only mildly defeated. “Atlas, I don’t feel entirely too comfortable just moving in.”

Your mother took this to come join you all in the living room, “Here then, take this.” She handed him an old charm of hers that your father, Eric, casted a spell on back in America when the two first began dating.

The charm was in the shape of a small simple silver ring, and would allow Ben entry to their home safely and quietly whenever he pleased. “I- Thank you, Mrs- I mean, Luna. Thank you. I’ll be sure to take care of it.

Your family left, choosing to travel by portkey. As your family arrived in Paris, the sun was kissing the sky goodnight as the moon slowly rose over the eastern horizon.

The summer home was fairly nice, it was located in the Quartier de Purpliers, just off Rue Damesme. The house was two stories and looked like it was pulled out of a French Art Nouveau gallery.

The walls were decorated in dark contrasting colors depicting women of all shapes and sizes, many of which winked at you as you would walk by. You laid a hand on the stairwell railing, giving each magical portrait a polite greeting.

In your temporary bedroom, there was a framed portrait with a small plaque reading: Divan Japonaise, a lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec raised above the bed.

“Oh, hello,” you put your trunk and enchanted satchel down.

The woman in the painting looked over her shoulder and nodded at you, acknowledging your presence. Her sly smirk kind of irked you, as if she knew what your future held and wanted to bare witness silently. Your mother explained that the house was used for Ministry personnel only and therefore magical friendly so you only hoped that this was her general look, hoping others took notice of her mystery.

There was a tapping on your window, somewhat spooking you. When you approached it, you spotted Athena, Ben’s loving owl, in all her grey glory with a wax sealed letter in her beak. “Come inside, little one.”

She flew into the room and landed on the bare desk in the corner. She dropped the letter as soon as you gave her obligatory head rubs. As soon as she let out a gentle hoot, Anubis came running up the stairs, wanting to greet his dearest friend too.

You gave a small chuckle at the two getting cozy on your bed as you sat at the desk and opened the letter from none other than Ben Organa.

“Didn’t think I’d write so soon? Of course I did. Well, I forgot to mention when I left that mother dearest has to attend another gala later this summer in London. She’s bringing me along but I wanted to know if you’d want to go- as friends, you know? I’ll let you know when the date of the gala is later and you don’t have to worry about a dress or anything. I’m sure mother will have something with her people set up. Anyways, let me know, we miss you already here. Ben.”

You laughed out loud at his letter, he writes like he talks sometimes. You turned to the two furry friends on your bed, “Athena, would you mind if I sent a letter back with you? You can rest here for tonight.”

The great horned owl gave you another hoot and tucked herself back into the snuggle pile with Anubis, graciously accepting the rest period. You would send a reply with nothing short of the same humor and lightheartedness as his, accepting the invitation and looking forward to going back to London for a few days as you were positive you would be a little homesick for the city.

The letter set you brought with you contained your favorite seal, a soft purple wax and your stamp marked with a bushel of lavender. Ben gifted you this set for your first winter celebration as friends six years ago, he even got the wax enchanted so it would never run out. He always knew how to give the best gifts, they were always well thought out and items that could be useful and practical. This warmed your heart very much.

Grabbing one of your spare pens you wrote back, “I’m glad to hear from you so soon. Athena stayed the night so I hope you won’t be too worried for her, she’s enjoying some time with Anubis on the bed. To answer your question though, yes! I think it’ll be fun, just keep me informed, I’ll let my parents know. I think I have some floo powder somewhere, if not maybe see if I can get special permission from Madam Minister to apparate back home. Hint hint. Anubis and I miss you dearly. XO, Little Miss Fontaine.”

You slowly folded the letter together into a pocket, making sure to add a small snippet of lavender under the seal. It was always fun being a little extra with your snail mail. Behind you, you could hear both yours and Ben's companions resting peacefully but as for you, there was something that gnawed on the back of your mind, filling this night with restlessness.

If there was only an answer to your worries, you felt there might have been a small reprieve.

[roseweasleyward]

Nuna and The Trip to France

Previous chapter

Bonus Chapter

Luna and Neville had come back home from France for about a week now and, as much as they wanted to, they hadn't had the chance to meet their friends.

As they were ready to have dinner, an owl knocked on the window: it was Ron and Hermione’s. Neville grabbed the letter the owl brought and read it out loud:

Hello Luna and Neville,

We hope your holidays were everything and more than you expected and well deserved. We talked to Harry and Ginny and they are free this weekend, so we thought it would be a good date for all of us to meet at our place.

The letters you sent us from France have arrived, as well. We are excited to open them, but we will contain ourselves until we are all together.

We can't wait to see you two!

Love from your friends,

Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger

They couldn't be more thrilled to spend the weekend at their friends’ place. As Saturday drew closer, their excitement grew more and more and by Thursday they had already everything they needed and more packed up.

Saturday arrived. Neville and Luna dressed up with the most cosy clothes possible and made her way to their friends home. Ron and Hermione lived in a cottage very similar to the burrow, both in location and decoration. The only thing different was the fewer number of chairs and rooms.

When Neville and Luna arrived they were welcomed by their thoughtful friends. Ginny straight up ran to Luna to hug her and the boys followed her, cheering Neville's name. As they got in the house, they saw a busy Hermione setting the table.

“Where did you go? I needed your help with- Luna, Neville you're here!”, Hermione said with a big smile and then hugging both of them.

They spent the entire lunch hearing Luna and Neville telling all the adventures they had in France.

“I can't believe you actually saw Thestrals.”, said Ron.

“Right? It's extremely rare to spot them in France. You were so lucky!”, Hermione answered.

“Yeah, the last time I saw Thestral was when-, well, never mind really…”, Harry stopped himself from saying something that would ruin the moment and remain quiet for a while. Ginny noticed his behaviour and rapidly changed the theme of the conversation.

“Yeah, yeah the stories are amazing, the food is amazing, we are all amazing, but please can we open our letters now?”, said Ginny impatiently. “It was already bad enough to wait for the letter to arrive.”

“Actually, they arrived quite fast considering that they came from a whole different country. You see muggle mail-”, Hermione stopped talking since everyone was looking at her with a not so pleasing face. “Alright, alright, let’s open them.”

They opened their letters and they couldn't help smiling. Luna and Neville had put a lot of effort into making them as long and aesthetically pleasing as possible. As they kept reading, they would giggle every now and then, making Luna and Neville extremely happy that their friends were enjoying the letters.

Among them, Ginny was the one focused the most. She hadn't turned her eyes from the letter for a moment or made any comments, no one was really sure of what was going on. At last, she put down the letter very carefully and threw herself into Lunas’s arm.

“I missed you.”, she muttered.

And at that moment, Luna finally felt like she was back home.