#but really we follow harry ron and hermione for seven books

[severus-snaps]

Densaugeo and Hermione and Snape

So, once again I find myself reading through Snape reddit threads but I don't really use reddit and they're years old so I'm importing it here. I'm tripping into Snape apologism territory here but also sort of not - yes, a teacher insulting a 14yo girl's appearance would be devastating and inexcusable irl but it's not irl - and it's these potential theories I'm interested in :P

Is it out of character for Snape, who never anywhere else in the books touches on people's appearances, to insult Hermione's appearance?

How likely is it that it's a misunderstanding or deliberate double entendre (aka he appears to be insulting Hermione's appearance but is actually saying to Harry/Ron, you just did the same thing to Goyle)?

And do we think it was part of his cover to be more cruel than usual in front of Draco, either by deliberately choosing a sentence to be interpreted either way, or intending it to sound mean?

I've covered some of my workings below the cut, but I don't reach any conclusions other than he probably was being more cruel for practical reasons, rather than for his own amusement, in this scene. As always, I just like talking to people about these things so if anyone wants to drop a comment then I'm here for it :P

I started with Snape is really at his worst in GOF but touched on a few others, too. Some of the arguments I've seen that interested me were these:

Snape has only once in seven books made a remark about anyone's appearance, which was following the teeth hex with Hermione

Snape was mocked in school for his own appearance - and mocked again in PoA by the Marauders Map for being an ugly, abnormally large-nosed slimeball etc, and mocked at home for being weird-looking (e.g. by Petunia). Harry/Sirius/others fairly regularly comment on Snape's unpleasant appearance, from his hair to his teeth to his skin. In short, he's not really set up to be in a position to be commenting on other people's appearances - and indeed, he generally doesn't

Snape tends to show his enjoyment when he enjoys an insult - he smirks, smiles, etc, when he's insulting Harry sometimes, or James, and even Umbridge for example you get the idea he's having a good time with the ironic bow - but he didn't here. He's described as looking at her 'coldly'. Usually he just ignores her until she speaks out of turn in class

It was potentially a misunderstanding? He's saying "I see no difference" to Ron's insistence that Draco did something wrong, when Goyle's just been sent to the hospital wing looking like something out of a book on poisonous fungi. Neither Slytherin nor Gryffindor get points docked until Ron and Harry start shouting (probably swear words) at him.

This post (or one of the comments in it) also argued that it's out of character; Snape insults Harry's character several times, but usually he's insulting people's abilities, intelligence, or behaviour, not their appearance (since he values those things, but not necessarily his/others' appearance)

Karkaroff says "It’s [the Dark Mark] been getting clearer and clearer for months" at the Yule Ball, and so is Snape's "Karkaroff’s Mark is becoming darker too" [emphasis mine]

Densaugeo-gate happens in mid-November, so Snape knows Voldemort is likely to return by this point, with several months' warning

The teeth incident happens in front of a few children of known DEs, most notably Draco Malfoy, whose father will hear about this - probably several times:

PS: “But this is servant stuff, it’s not for students to do. I thought we’d be copying lines or something, if my father knew I was doing this, he’d—” CoS: "… everyone thinks he’s so smart, wonderful Potter with his scar and his broomstick — ” “You have told me this at least a dozen times already,” said Mr. Malfoy, with a quelling look at his son. ... “The teachers all have favorites, that Hermione Granger — ” “I would have thought you’d be ashamed that a girl of no wizard family beat you in every exam,” snapped Mr. Malfoy. "I expect you’d have Father’s vote, sir, if you wanted to apply for the job - I’ll tell Father you’re the best teacher here, sir" POA: “God, this place is going to the dogs,” said Malfoy loudly. “That oaf teaching classes, my father’ll have a fit when I tell him —” GoF: Malfoy, whose pale eyes were still watering with pain and humiliation, looked malevolently up at Moody and muttered something in which the words “my father” were distinguishable.

Everything - from Hermione's grades to Harry's antics, up to and including the teachers' behaviour, punishments, and classes - is reported back to Lucius Malfoy, especially as it relates to Harry. A scenario in which Draco and Harry duel one another in the corridor and that isn't met by sufficient retaliation from Snape will make it back to Lucius, whether he cares to hear about it a dozen times or not. Lucius already knowing about all of Hermione's exam grades is interesting - how did Draco know? Did Snape tell Lucius directly when asked? I can't see Draco asking Hermione; I can see Hermione bragging talking about it. I'd love to know.

So what does it matter if Lucius hears about this incident? Well, he's widely known by Arthur Weasley and his kids, and therefore probably plenty of other people, as being in Voldemort's 'inner circle' as early as CoS:

“And when You-Know-Who disappeared,” said Fred, craning around to look at Harry, “Lucius Malfoy came back saying he’d never meant any of it. Load of dung — Dad reckons he was right in You-Know- Who’s inner circle.” (Fred, CoS)

Snape obviously knows; Lucius was probably the one who got him involved. Lucius probably had some level of influence or control over Snape even back when Snape was in school, or in his early DE days:

OotP: “Tell me, how is Lucius Malfoy these days? I expect he’s delighted his lapdog’s working at Hogwarts, isn’t he?” (Sirius)

lapdog: a small pampered pet dog | a person or organization that is influenced or controlled by another

Snape as a pampered pet:

I've seen some metas discussing this in terms of Ancient Roman society and patrons, in terms of 'fagging', and in terms of Lucius shaping Snape from a poor, jerky, twitching teen to a poor, jerky, twitching man who tried to hide it beneath a soft-spoken, well-spoken, cool air - modelling himself after Lucius. Snape was almost literally taken under the wing of Prefect Lucius Malfoy the moment he was Sorted. He probably learnt from his "old friend" to affect membership in the Pureblood/upper class - and did so well enough to shock Bellatrix when she first saw Spinner's End (and she never insults him for being half-blood, which she does to Harry, despite hating Snape).

In any case, Snape probably owed a lot to Lucius. He likely had a level of control over Snape, both through his existing personal relationship with him as a mentor-mentee ("old friend" at best) or abusive ("lapdog" at worst; see 'fagging') relationship. Until the end of CoS, Lucius had a hand in running the school on the Board of Governors, and had enough power/fear with the rest of the Board to remove Dumbledore, never mind mere mortals like Snape if he stuck a toe out of line. And even when Lucius was gone from Hogwarts, he retained strong ties in the Ministry, sharing a Quidditch box with Fudge, and evidently having at least a few conversations with Umbridge:

"I expected better, Lucius Malfoy always speaks most highly of you!"

So we can infer that Lucius thinks Snape is as dedicated to The Cause as he is. Even Draco remains convinced of this in later books, before Snape has cemented his position by killing Dumbledore, but even after Snape has usurped Lucius' position as Voldemort's right-hand man:

"[Snape's] a double agent, you stupid old man [Dumbledore], he isn’t working for you, you just think he is!"

[Draco likes/trusts Snape] “much less since his father has lost favour. Draco blames me, he thinks I have usurped Lucius’s position.”

Prior to Lucius' demotion/imprisonment era, Lucius clearly outranks Snape. Lucius is one of the most trusted DEs during VW1; only Lucius and Bellatrix are trusted enough to keep his Horcruxes safe (Lucius the diary, and Bellatrix the cup). Lucius was also supposed to be in charge of the battle for the department of mysteries, Voldemort's year-in-the-making plan, but obviously... that didn't go to plan, in the end.

But there's quite a rushed trajectory of Lucius' fall and Snape's ascent. The battle happens in late June 1996, Lucius is imprisoned, and not released for another year - during which time, Snape is rising, until he ultimately kills Dumbledore and is at the top. Still, he's not trusted with too much information; despite being at Hogwarts, he doesn't know the location or existence of the Horcruxes (unlike Lucius and Bellatrix, even if they didn't know what they were), and Voldemort doesn't allow Snape to see him enter Dumbledore's tomb.

Anyway, what with Bellatrix and other DEs not trusting Snape:

"Where were you when the Dark Lord fell? Why did you never make any attempt to find him when he vanished? What have you been doing all these years that you’ve lived in Dumbledore’s pocket? Why did you stop the Dark Lord procuring the Sorcerer’s Stone? Why did you not return at once when the Dark Lord was reborn? Where were you a few weeks ago when we battled to retrieve the prophecy for the Dark Lord? And why, Snape, is Harry Potter still alive, when you have had him at your mercy for five years?" ... "You can carry my words back to the others who whisper behind my back, and carry false tales of my treachery to the Dark Lord!"

What has Snape been doing all these years that he's lived in Dumbledore’s pocket?

Well, tormenting Gryffindors, for one. Tormenting Harry Potter and to a slightly lesser extent, his friends. Not all of it was tied to his cover - Snape was just a bitch with a bad classroom manner, no love of children, high expectations, and a short fuse. But if it helped, in the early months of his Mark darkening again, to become a bit more cruel to Muggleborns and Harry, then why wouldn't he - especially in front of Draco? He knew that soon - whether it be in a few months, a few days, or even a few hours, he was going to have to walk back into Voldemort's fold and pray to god he wasn't killed on sight for abandoning the cause. With others whispering behind his back - bold of them, since the ones left to whisper are largely people who escaped Azkaban, but it's a crab bucket being a Death Eater - he'd need a benefactor. A trusted servant, like Lucius, to back him up. "No, no, Snape's been tormenting Potter for years - Draco says so. He'll tell anyone on the Board who stands still for long enough how useless Potter is. Oh, he says he's Dumbledore's man, but when the old coot's back is turned, he insults that Mudblood Granger."

It wouldn't be much use to Snape if his Occlumency said one thing (I'm still a loyal Death Eater) but his actions said another (he's perfectly jovial to all students), especially as Snape is just not...a jovial person to begin with. He's got a nasty streak as a teen that Voldemort probably would've encouraged in the Dark Arts. Half of the Order were Gryffindors and half (or more than half) of the Death Eaters were Slytherins.

Also Lorrie Kim's books has some really nice observations about how his behaviour (in terms of his personality, loyalties, how he appears) really starts to contradict his core values in GoF especially.

Anyway, once again I don't have a conclusion, I just had thoughts, based around these again:

Is it out of character for Snape, who never anywhere else in the books touches on people's appearances, to insult Hermione's appearance?

How likely is it that it's a misunderstanding or deliberate double entendre (aka he appears to be insulting Hermione's appearance but is actually saying to Harry/Ron, you just did the same thing to Goyle)?

And do we think it was part of his cover to be more cruel than usual in front of Draco, either by deliberately choosing a sentence to be interpreted either way, or intending it to sound mean?

i feel like i've set anyone who read this far along homework :P one foot of parchment, on my desk by Friday

[bibliophilicstranger]

There is one thing in common with the PeterMJ (Spider-Man/Marvel) and Romione (Harry Potter) shippers; both of their pairings are 'canon' and have everything going for them thanks to favoritism by the author (J.K. Rowling)/ comic writers (Marvel). Despite all that, these

'canon' shippers aren't satisfied with having an already huge following and seek/continue to tear down on other ships (Harmione & PeterGwen) just to push their pairings to front and center. People like these are why we hate fandoms.

I can't comment on the Marvel portion of this ask as my knowledge of that universe is limited in scope and I'm not an active member of its fandom.

As for the Harry Potter part...

I think Romione fans have the issue that while their pairing is canon, it's not well developed in the text (very few pairings in Harry Potter are). We're told that they get together, marry, and have children, yet we don't actually see a lot of development of the relationship blocks that would support the longevity of their marriage. Yes, they went through the war together (although Ron abandoned them for a good portion of that) and yes they were friends, but their friendship was highly contentious and they spent significant portions of each year not speaking to one another or not hanging out (first year before they were friends, second year when she was petrified, most of third year, part of fourth where Hermione was more with Harry, part of sixth year, and part of seventh). Now, technically, first and second year don't count, but honestly, the only year they spend the entirety of together where they don't have a major fight is their fifth year. We know they like each other from Hermione's actions in book six and Ron's in seven, but we don't really see why they do, why that would turn into love rather than a teenage crush, or why they'd make it as adults.

Supposedly Hermione likes Ron because he's funny. Supposedly Hermione's maturity makes up for Ron's lack and he gets her to open up. While there's something to her liking someone who can lighten things up, if that's all then she could just as easily have liked one of the Weasley Twins instead. As a Hermione-type myself, I've often liked guys who were funny, but them being funny isn't enough. The guy I dated when I was 17 was funny, but he also lacked drive and dedication and in the end that made us incompatible in the long-run. Yeah, it's nice to have friends that can make you laugh, but in a partner for life you want someone you don't have to nag all the time when you need them to do something.

We also know that JKR admitted that Romione was her personal wish-fulfilment, clinging to her original idea of the plot, whatever that was, rather than a natural outcome of what she actually wrote. She also said they'd have needed counseling and their relationship was further questioned in the Cursed Child.

This puts Romione shippers on a weaker footing than most canon-pair shippers in other fandoms, making them defensive. Yes, they have the benefit of canon, but not the textual support, other than 'well, our people got married.' They can be threatened by Harmony supporters, who have fairly well crafted arguments grounded in the text for why Harry and Hermione make sense as a pairing. This makes Harmony a greater threat than pairings which are more loosely grounded in the books: Dramione, for instance, is never going to happen in a close-to-canon universe, but it takes very few tweaks to make Harmony work. Additionally, many of the arguments used in favor of Romione are equally as powerful for Harmony, such as the length of their friendship. Indeed, many of the arguments regarding Hermione's feelings for Harry specifically are a lot stronger, because we do see instances where she chooses Harry over Ron, such as in the seventh book.

It is unfortunate that these tend to become rather nasty fights that devolve into personal attacks on the sanity, demeanor, or reading comprehension of the Harmony shipper. I've seen many people go after another Harmony shipper on here pretty nastily, and I've heard tiktok and instagram are worse. Some screenshots I've seen are basically Romione shippers vowing to spread negativity about Harmony just because they don't like some of the fanfic people have written. As if it weren't possible to just, you know, not read the fanfic you don't like.

It would be nice not to get people randomly calling me a bitch in my inbox, but you know, such is life. I don't know if they dislike me more for shipping Harmony or Jily at this point but I really don't care.

[saiilorstars]

Ch. 31: The Scamander Family

Fandom: Harry Potter (Hogwarts years 1-7) Pairing: Draco x OFC

taglist: @ocappreciationtag  @arrthurpendragon  @anotherunreadblog  @maaaaarveeeeel @stareyedplanet @foxesandmagic @kmc1989

​​​​Story Masterlist // Romina’s Masterlist

Fanfic • Ao3 • Wattpad

If you’d like to be a part of this OC’s work/edits, let me know!

Hogwarts was bursting with all types of rumors following the escape of Sirius Black. It was almost hilarious to learn the ranges of those rumors. Romina had her fair share of laughs only minutes after she was let go from the night wing. After the night they'd gone through (the part they knew about anyways), Madame Pomfrey had kept her, Hermione, Ron and Harry for a night of observation and one "reconstruction".

Now that Romina was free, she did the only sane thing that anyone in her place would do: go to her Common Room and shower. She was eager to put on fresh clean clothes and fix herself up. After all, exams were over and now all they had to do was just lounge about. And for some reason, she felt lighter than she had in a very long time. She was on her way to the library to return the books she'd checked out for the exams when she bumped into Harry. He didn't look too well and upon asking the reason, she found it hard to keep her cheeriness up.

"Poor Lupin," she put a hand over her chest. "He's just going to leave like that?"

"Well, according to him, somebody let it slip that he was a werewolf," Harry rolled his eyes heavily. The whole conversation with Lupin was irritating because it was all due to someone's bitterness. "As if we don't know that it was Snape."

Romina had no doubt about it too. Snape had been beyond livid that Sirius had escaped and pinned the blame on Harry, despite the fact that he wasn't the only one involved in the whole thing. "I'm sorry. He really was the best professor we had for DADA. Definitely the most interesting one."

Harry could only sigh. There was nothing they could do for Lupin now. "Do you want to have breakfast together? Ron and Hermione are already there."

"Nah, gotta return these." Romina gestured to the books in her arms. "Then afterwards, I promised Arden and the group I'd go to Hogsmeade this time. You know, willingly and in a good mood."

Harry half smiled as she bid him goodbye. She was only a few steps away when he called her name. She looked back, eyebrows raised as she waited to hear what he had to say. Harry had no idea how to broach the subject because last time, they didn't exactly talk so much as snap at each other.

"You and, um, you and Malfoy—what's that about?" He supposed that was the best question he was going to be able to form. He watched the confusion flicker across Romina's face as well as the brief, and not so subtle, shift in her stance.

"What do you mean?" she asked, half shrugging her shoulders. "He's...him and I'm...me?"

Harry long knew her tricks to avoid the subject. She used them on the school playground to outwit other students. "Rom," he said sternly.

Romina sighed and turned completely to face him. "What do you want me to say, Harry? I just fixed his nose," she insisted. "Hermione broke it and I didn't want him to go blabbing to Snape." You didn't even think about that you liar. Romina cleared her throat and looked away.

"He wouldn't have," Harry said with absolute certainty. "Because Malfoy could never stand to let people know that he was bested by Hermione Granger, a muggleborn."

Point to Harry.

Romina shrugged again, less confident with her responses. "I just didn't want to take the chance, okay?" Liar. She hadn't once thought about the consequences Hermione could have faced for her action but the realization was scary enough and she definitely wasn't looking to get more questions from Harry.

"Rom, you and I, we've known each other since we were seven...I love you like a sister…"

Romina smiled lightly. "I feel the same. You're my brother."

"Okay," Harry nodded, hoping that this would soften the blow of what he was going to ask next, "So, keeping that in mind, you know, that I just want to make sure that you're okay."

"Yeah, just like I want the same for you."

"Right," Harry said, agreeing, taking a couple steps towards her. "And I get that being in Slytherin means you have to see Malfoy a lot more than we do—an act that I thank you for your service." Romina's lips stretched into a wider smile that could soon become a chuckle. "But, I mean, with everything that's happened, everything I've seen, you and Malfoy...you're not...you know…?"

Romina laughed on cue but absolutely nobody could take away the insane heat that rushed up to her face. "Harry Potter, what the hell kind of question is that?" She laughed so easily that Harry could believe her. "Absolutely not!"

"You sure?" Harry had to ask her again. "Cos, Rom, you know that wouldn't end well. He's not a good match for you."

Romina shrugged her shoulders in a careless manner, convincing too. "Good, because I wasn't looking for one with him. I don't under—I don't understand. You got all this just because I fixed his nose? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?"

It did sound ridiculous and Harry himself felt very ridiculous, which was why he wanted to quickly move from the subject. "Sorry. I'm...I'm sure you're right. It's not even worth talking about."

"Yeah," Romina nodded at him. "Exactly."

"I mean, you're better off dating Angel Paes."

"Oh God, you know about that?" Romina brought a hand to her face in embarrassment.

Harry grinned. "Yeah. Hermione pointed it out."

"Dammit Hermione!"

"He's loads kinder and, you know, I would tolerate him," Harry said with an innocent face that made Romina laugh.

"Don't even go there! He's never actually made a move and, you know, I don't really see him that way either!"

"You never know," Harry said, beginning to tease her. She suspected that it would become his new game with her.

Romina rolled her eyes. "Not you too. Stop it, Harry Potter, or I'm going to hex you."

"I'm going back to the Dursleys soon—a hex sounds really good right about now."

Romina had no disagreements there. "How about we find something to calm them down before you go home?"

"Sounds like a date—don't tell Angel, though!" Romina groaned while he laughed. Harry preferred this type of atmosphere between them. "I'm done, I'm done," he promised her a moment later. "Sorry."

"You're on thin ice," she warned him. "This entire conversation has put you in quite some danger."

"I had to do it," Harry shrugged. "But no more, promise. I won't ask about you and Malfoy again, I got it."

"Good," Romina said, half smiling. "Because me and him, that's not...that's never happening." She almost laughed at the absurdity of it all.

Harry wholeheartedly agreed with her and started off for the Great Hall.

Romina's lips would slowly purse as the conversation replayed in her head. When she felt fresh new heat, she shook her head. "No," she told herself, turning for the library, "Absolutely not." She made it her mission to solely focus on returning her books then meeting Arden.

~ 0 ~

After coming out of the library, Romina was in a rush to get back to the common room for a quick change of clothes. She didn't want to go anywhere in the uniform. She reached for the hair tie holding her messy bun together as she came down the stairs of the dungeon to get a head start on changing. She had just yanked the hair tie when she crashed into someone on the last step.

"You're making a habit out of this, Oswell!" Draco snapped. He rubbed his forehead after the stumbles of the crash.

"You have eyes too, you know! Use them!" Romina crinkled her nose when she felt the dull ache on her forehead as well.

"Good advice, you should use—oh, you finally took care of that hair!" Draco flapped a hand at Romina's cascading hair. It was back to its original length over her chest and without the blazing red ombre tips.

Romina had already gone through one explanation about her hair change and she really didn't want to confuse herself with her lies with more explanations. "Uh, H-Hermione did a...she did a thing with it." That's the lame excuse she was going for and she would stick with it. "Madame Pomfrey had a ride undoing all of the transfiguration spells I put on it. I am forbidden to touch my hair again for the next 10 years or so."

"Good," the word flew out of Draco. "You were getting annoying with that stuff? And you, know, that's probably what you get for letting Granger of all people touch your hair. Have you seen hers?"

Romina scowled. "This coming from someone who just discovered hair gel isn't a requirement."

Draco rolled his eyes at her. "So does this mean you're finally going back to normal now? Cos that's also been beyond annoying."

"Maybe, I don't know. All I know is that right now things don't feel as bad as they've felt all year. Which is why I need to go change to meet Arden at Hogsmeade." Romina moved around to get into the common room.

"Actually, Oswell, wait a second," Draco's call stopped her inches from the entry. "Before you go to Hogsmeade, meet me at the lake."

"What? What for?"

"You just gotta be there," he said, though he seemed slightly nervous which was very unlike him.

"What are you planning, Draco?" Romina's eyes narrowed on him. "Because I swear to God I am not in the mood for any tricks.

"When have I ever played a trick on you?"

Romina scoffed.

"Oswell, seriously, name one time where I tricked you. Just one." Draco crossed his arms and waited for an answer. Romina was all for giving him one...until she couldn't come up with one. Draco smirked. "Can't think of one?" He called with a smirk on his face.

"I can too think of one!" Romina snapped.

"Name one, then."

Romina scrunched her face. Three years with him and she couldn't think of any moment where he'd played a trick on her? That was...oddly true.

Draco knew exactly when she gave up and so with that, he called out to her again. "So I'll see you by the lake, then?"

"Yes," Romina huffed, rather put out that she had lost. Satisfied with her response, Draco went up the stairs. Romina headed inside the common room to change.

Half an hour later, because she also meant to start packing some of her things, Romina headed for the Black Lake. The heat was reaching unbearable levels so she hoped that whatever Draco had for her wouldn't take a long time.

Things were off to a bad start when Romina didn't see him. He wasn't there. I swear to god if there's a trick…

She took a deep breath in to calm herself. She didn't want to be angry, she felt like that was all she'd been this year. She looked around the area and saw several other students lounging about, including Rolf. Since Draco was nowhere to be seen, Romina decided to pass the time with Rolf.

"Hey Rolf," she greeted the boy. Unsurprisingly, he was near the waters admiring the creatures they could see near the surface.

"Hey," he said, glancing at her then doing a double-take at her. Romina chuckled. "You changed your hair again!"

"Yeah," she said, reaching to take hold of a curl. "Decided maybe it was time to go back to normal, you know?"

"Looks great," Rolf smiled at her. "Are you, uh, feeling better about things, then?"

Romina half sighed. "You know, everyone has been asking me that and so far, I'm not entirely sure that I am but...I feel like I could actually get there again. I mean, I'm not brooding anymore."

"That's something," Rolf said. "The start of a recovery, right?"

Romina nodded. "I don't think I'll ever be able to shake off my parents' legacy though. I'll always have to live with the fact my family is full of dark wizards who did terrible stuff and wherever I go, it's the first thing that people will think about when they see me."

Rolf seemed nervous all of a sudden. He stepped back from the lake, his hands sliding into his pockets. "I don't think that's necessarily true..."

Romina managed a small smile at him. "Rolf, you did the same thing when we first met." She saw the flush on Rolf's face and chuckled. "It's okay. You managed to get past it. I have to believe that others will to."

Rolf let out a heavy breath. "Romina, that's not...that's not exactly what happened."

Romina raised an eyebrow at him. "Then what did?" Rolf held onto his words for what seemed the longest. Romina watched him open and close his mouth several times. "I don't mean to be pushy, but I'm actually supposed to meet Draco in a bit." She looked around and saw that he still wasn't nearby. "Although if he just flaked on me, I'm going to kick his arse."

"Romina, I'm sorry," Rolf's apology was naturally strange to Romina. She didn't understand what he was supposed to be sorry about. "I...I've known about you for a lot longer than this year."

"Yeah, I bet you have," Romina nodded. "First year was absolute hell for me."

"I know, and I'm sorry for never saying anything."

Romina tilted her head at him. "Never saying anything about what?"

Rolf seemed to grow even more nervous. He licked his lips nervously and brought his hands out of his pockets. "I, um, you have to believe me. I was just shocked when I...when I saw you for the first time."

"Okay...that's...that's a fair sentiment, I guess?" Romina thought this was turning very strange, very fast, and she didn't want anything to ruin her cheerier mood, not even Rolf.

Rolf knew she wasn't understanding him and it was his fault for not saying it already. "I've been lying to you, Romina. Back on the first day I talked to you in our Care of Magical Creatures class, I lied to you."

"What do you mean?" Romina instinctively gulped. What if this was going to turn into a huge trick on her? Maybe Pansy was behind it?

"I didn't just happen to talk to you that day. It wasn't random at all. I picked my moment. A-after the library when we bumped into each other, I realized I couldn't just be at Hogwarts without talking to you."

Oh god if he tells me has a crush on me. It was perhaps a pretentious thing to think about but Romina was more afraid than anything at the idea of losing such a good friend in Rolf. She didn't want to think about having to let him down easily.

"See, cos, you...you're...you're not my friend," Rolf said, wincing afterwards when he realized how that sounded.

Romina, meanwhile, gasped. "We're not? Why...why not? I thought we were. Did I...did I do something—"

"No!" Rolf's eyes were no longer on her. They'd fallen to the ground and no matter how many times he attempted to meet her gaze again, he couldn't.

"Then why aren't we friends?" Romina asked frailly.

"It's not like that, Romina. I'm not explaining myself well. I fumble over my words a lot. Especially when I'm nervous." He chuckled to himself. "Apparently, I get that from my grandfather."

"Hm, when I get nervous I tend to get funny. I get more sarcastic." Romina said as a means of comfort and in hopes to lighten up the mood. She was dead afraid of what Rolf wanted to say to her.

"Yeah, you get that from your grandmother, actually."

"Huh?"

Rolf drew in a breath and with all the courage in the world, he looked up at Romina. "You get that from your grandmother, Abigail."

Romina's eyebrows furrowed. "What? How do you...who is that?"

"Your grandmother." Rolf swallowed incredibly hard. He might choke there and then. "And mine."

"What!? Rolf, what the hell are you talking about!?" Romina didn't understand one bit.

"What do you know of your mother's family, Romina?"

Romina didn't want to think about her mother, especially when Rolf was saying such odd things. "I don't know! Who cares! Why are you saying these things!?"

"Romina, it's important," Rolf insisted, and urgently too, "Your mother's family. Do you know any of them?"

Romina shook her head. "No. Uncle Lyonel doesn't really talk about my family on both sides. You can understand why, right?"

Rolf nodded. That made perfect sense and it's exactly what he heard at home all the time. "Of course. I just don't think it's fair that they're hiding part of your family who loves you."

Romina was tired of not understanding. She suddenly wished she was dealing with Draco and his mysterious nonsense rather than this. "Rolf, please just tell me what you're talking about."

Rolf nodded. He supposed he was dragging it out a bit. "Your mum, Elora, she's my grandparents' daughter. She's my aunt. You're...my cousin."

Romina froze in her spot. Her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. For a second, Rolf had to worry if she was breathing or not. She wasn't moving either.

"Romina?" He called her gently. "Romina…?"

Romina slowly came out of her stupor and when she did, she came out with a tiny laugh. "Sorry, it's just...for a moment I thought you said you and I were—"

"Cousins?" Rolf finished for her. He nodded. "Yeah, we are."

Romina stumbled back a step. "Rolf...that can't...that's not…"

"It is," Rolf promised. "Your mum is the eldest daughter of my grandparents, Abigail and Newt Scamander. My dad is your mother's brother — your uncle. My grandparents are your grandparents. I'm your cousin, Romina."

The noises that left Romina's mouth were the only thing she could muster at the moment. "No, no, because...because I would...I would've known, I...the albums I had, they..."

Rolf felt more guilty as Romina ventured into her past — what she knew of her past — and found that nothing made sense anymore. As happy as the news could be, it was also devastating because what she once knew was no more.

Eventually, her dark eyes flickered to Rolf, her reaction so strong that it was almost like she was devoid of it because she didn't know which emotion to lean on first. "Why didn't you say anything?" Her voice was a frail whisper. "You were here — this whole time you were here and you didn't say anything."

Rolf nodded with his head hanging low. "I know, I'm sorry. I-I knew about you but I had only seen a couple pictures of you until we started Hogwarts. They were baby pictures."

"And when we finally started Hogwarts? What then? You were ashamed of me too?" As angry as Romina wanted to be with him, she knew she couldn't single him out either. There were plenty of people who put distance between themselves and the Oswell family.

"No!" Rolf exclaimed. "I just...I didn't know what to do. At first, when I heard your name in the Sorting, I was shocked. I wrote to my parents and grandparents, telling them that you were here. You were going to Hogwarts with me."

"And then?" Romina's eyes were tearing up. That had been three years ago. Clearly, if they had wanted anything to do with her, they would have reached out to her.

"It's complicated, Romina..." sighed Rolf, but that wasn't enough for her.

"Complicated? They either wanted me in their lives or not!"

"They did! They do! They've always wanted you to be in their lives!"

"So why didn't they do anything!?" Romina practically shouted. Other students nearby began to look at them. "I have lived in the same house my whole life! I've been at the same school for three years! They knew where to find me and they didn't do it! That doesn't sound like a people who wanted me in their lives!"

"After the war, your uncle Lyonel took custody of you. My dad says that Lyonel didn't want you to grow up near wizards in general. Their family name was in ruins and he didn't want you to suffer."

Romina breathed raggedly now as she felt a sob trying to make it out of her throat. She didn't want to make a spectacle in front of the others, not when she had already given them so much content over the year to work with. She turned away from Rolf, dragging a hand through her hair, working on calming herself down.

"My uncle — he knew about this? He knew about the-them?"

"It appears so," Rolf nodded. "Grandma Abby tried to talk to him after you were picked up but Lyonel refused. I think he was so scared that he wanted to personally make sure you were okay."

"By not letting me be with my other family?" Romina smiled sourly at the grass. "I turned out great, didn't I?"

"You did," Rolf said whole-heartedly. Romina turned sideways to see him smiling softly. "You're awesome! You're cool, you're smart, you're so funny."

Romina wiped some of the tears on her cheeks. "Why, um, why didn't they write to me?" Her voice was no longer demanding but instead lamenting. "I've been at Hogwarts for years. They could have written me here."

"I don't know, you'd have to ask them yourself. But one thing I know for sure is how much grandma Abby and grandpa Newt love you. They've been following your track record here at Hogwarts."

"What?" A brief look of panic flashed across Romina's face. Her track record at Hogwarts was less than stellar and this year had to be the worst of all.

"They have some history with Dumbledore so they've been kept in the loop about you."

"What? They went to school here?"

"Just grandpa, but it's honestly a whole other story that I think they would like to tell you."

"I-I can't...this is too much," Romina shook her head. "My whole life, my uncle and aunt knew I had more family who actually wanted to see me and they never said anything?"

There was a time where Romina often asked them about their other family. She was young but she knew they weren't the only Oswell family members. There were other distant members somewhere out there, and that included Elora's family. But whenever she asked or simply touched on the subject, it was almost immediately changed. As time went on, and she admittedly grew bitter about her dark family's legacy, she stopped asking. That was her fault, she now saw. Maybe if she had asked more, if she had been more persistent, they would've cracked and told her about this other side of her family.

But they could have also told you when you started Hogwarts, she told herself. Yes, she could have been more persistent but at the end of the day she was just a kid and they were the adults. They had the responsibility to tell her there were others who wanted to see her. She had grandparents who were right there.

"Romina?" Rolf gently called. When he moved to touch her arm, she stepped away. He tried not to look hurt, knowing it was a proper reaction to everything he had dumped on her. His own parents warned him that if he decided to say anything, she could react this way.

"I...I think I need to sit down..." Romina said slowly, glancing around for an empty spot away from others. "Alone."

Rolf knew exactly what that meant. "Okay," he accepted it without protest. It was fair. "But just...believe me when I say I'm very happy to have met you. I'm only sorry that I was a coward who waited too long to tell you. It's no excuse, I know, but I was scared. I'll write you, if that's okay."

Romina gave him a silent nod. She really needed to be on her own right now. Rolf was reluctant to leave her, though, after the huge bomb he'd dropped on her.

"Scamander, what are you doing here?" Draco's voice carried over seconds before he approached the two. He eyed Rolf with a crinkled nose. "Shouldn't you be off petting some of the gamekeeper's pets?"

Rolf rolled his eyes at Draco. "Seriously not the time but if you're itching for a comment, I bet you're super delighted that the hippogriff escaped, huh?"

The pleasantry was written all over Draco's face at the mention.

"Don't," came Romina's quiet whisper just as his mouth opened. "I just — I really don't want to hear it this time."

"What did I miss?" Draco's eyes shifted between her and Rolf, both curious and admittedly slightly put out. What the hell did Rolf do now?

Romina decided to turn away from the two and head to an empty tree where she could sit and maybe sulk a little bit. Rolf thought it was his time to go and when he did leave, Draco blocked his way.

"What are you up to, Scamander?" He frowned.

"Sod off, Malfoy! I'm not in the mood!" Rolf went to leave but Draco blocked his way again. "What do you care what's going on now? We've known each other for ever and this is probably the longest conversation we've had."

"Don't get it confused, I'm only interested because an hour ago, Oswell was up and grinning again and now suddenly she looks like she's about to throw herself into the lake. What gives?"

"If you're genuinely that interested, go ask her," Rolf said, figuring Romina could use anyone, even him, to vent. "Would do you some good to care about someone else rather than yourself for 10 minutes." He pushed past Draco and went on his way.

As irritated as Draco was, and he was, his curiosity won the best of him and he went to find Romina. She had found herself a spot on the ground, against a tree, and was staring blankly ahead.

"Okay, Oswell, what's the deal now? I thought you said you were done sobbing?"

Romina's eyes flickered from the lake up to him and flashed with anger. "Do I look like I'm shedding a tear to you?" she snapped.

"I don't know, I'm gonna wait it out 5 minutes and see."

"Eugh, go away!" She grabbed a rock from the ground and threw it at him.

"Hey!" He blocked his face with an old book in his hands. "Watch it! I don't need this, you know?"

"Then go away!"

"I could — and would — but I brought you something." Draco held out the book to her.

"I don't need your gifts."

"Would you take a look at the damn thing first?" Draco dropped the book on her lap and crossed his arms. "Look at it," he ordered her again.

Romina thought about the perfect moment she could chuck it at his face...until she saw the cover. "This is the yearbook Parkinson had..." she mumbled. It was the same yearbook where Elora and Caplan were pictured in one of their Hogwarts years. "Why do you have it?"

"I asked Parkinson to see it and she happily gave it to me. Didn't even ask me why I would want it."

Romina scoffed. "Are you really that shocked, though? You can see the humongous crush she has on you from a kilometer away."

"I could say the same thing about Angel."

Romina's head snapped up at Draco. They met each other's looks and upheld it until they both, ironically, rolled their eyes.

"Anyways," Draco went on, "I thought you might want to look at it, hold it, throw it away...or if you're feeling brave, burning it."

Romina curiously lifted an eyebrow at him. "What are you going to do when Parkinson eventually asks you for her book back?"

Draco slid his hands into his pockets then pulled them out. "Oh no, I must have misplaced it." He shrugged.

Romina couldn't help the laugh that broke out from her. "She'll kill you..."

"You just said she's hopelessly in love with me."

"That is not what I said."

"But it's still true."

Romina would have loved to argue but it was very true. Plus, she didn't want to spend time talking about Pansy's unfortunate love life. "Thank you..." She gripped the book in her hands, gazing at its cover. If you open it, you might find your supposed aunt and uncle. She felt knots in her stomach.

"Merlin, Oswell, what the fuck is it now!?" Draco couldn't stand watching Romina anymore. "I will take that book from you right now if you don't tell me!"

Romina thought about throwing the book at him again. She glared at him but in that moment, she couldn't muster that annoyance she usually did it with. "Why didn't you want me to know who Rolf was?"

"Huh?" Draco made a face. Of all the things Romina could have asked, that certainly wasn't what he thought it would be. "What are you going on about now?"

"Listen to me and just answer the question! Back at the library when I bumped into him, you didn't want me to know who he was. Why?"

"I don't—"

"Was it because you knew who he was?"

"Obviously I know who he is—"

"No, I meant because you knew that he was my bloody cousin!?"

"I'm sorry — what!?" Draco's eyes had widened dramatically.

Romina paused her interrogation to gauge his reaction. He seemed genuinely surprised with her right now. Maybe he hadn't known...

"Rolf is your cousin?" The news was too much not to ask more about. "When the hell did he tell you that?"

"Right now!" Romina gestured down to the lake. "Literally 5 minutes ago! Just told me the whole story! Elora is his father's sister, making us cousins!"

Draco stood like a statue for several minutes; the only things moving were his eyes and eyebrows as he thought about the idea. His face was the same one he made whenever she (or Arden) started talking about muggle-related stuff.

"You...you really didn't know?" Her question, albeit soft, still pulled a glare from him.

"No!" he snapped. "Why the hell would I know?"

"I don't know, you seem to always know everything around here—"

"I'm well educated, not a historian! I don't know every fucking member of every family, you know!"

Romina deadpanned him. "You want me to throw you the book?"

"Oh, calm yourself. The problem's not with me, is it? It's with the rest of the world, apparently."

Romina leaned back against the tree. No, her plan was not to be angry at the world again. She found the idea very tiresome. "So...you really had no idea? I mean, no one in your circle knows this?"

"Marriage amongst the sacred 30 is a funny thing..." Draco came over beside Romina and sat down next to her.

"Sacred 30?" Romina couldn't help her face, but it was a rather amusing sight for Draco.

"You are so painfully behind, Oswell. I know for a fact I told you about the Sacred 30 during our correspondence letters two summers ago. The Sacred 30 are the only remaining pureblood families in the wizarding community."

"Honestly, when you started writing essays on that part, I skimmed," Romina said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Draco rolled his eyes; he wasn't going to waste time being surprised. It sounded like something she would do. "The point I was trying to get to is that the way marriage works usually ends up with your maiden name being forgotten. Eventually, enough time passes and then it really is forgotten. I imagine that's what happened with the Scamander family. That and the fact your mother—"

"Not my mother," warned Romina. "Do not call her that. She isn't. Her name's Elora."

"Fine, Elora married into the Oswell family and that became her name. I imagine once she became a Death Eater, she really made a point to shed her maiden name and anything with it. The Scamanders are regarded as war heroes."

"Why?" Romina shifted on the ground to face Draco. "Rolf mentioned it too but he said...well it doesn't matter. I thought they were just authors and clothing designers."

"The war before the one with you-know-who. Dumbledore fought in it."

"Ooh," Romina made the connection now. "They all fought together?" Draco nodded. "That's how they know each other then."

"Like veterans," said Romina. "And Dumbledore never even alluded to it too..."

"Anyways, congrats, I guess? People are going to love this."

Romina stiffened as a familiar dread began to fall on her shoulders. "Again? I don't — if I have to go through what I did this year all over again, then I would rather not do anything about this! I would rather not meet anyone either!"

"And yet somehow I don't believe that," said Draco, glancing at her with a knowing smile despite her scowl. "Don't give me that look. You just found out you have more family and you're seriously going to tell me that you're not the least bit curious to meet them?"

"I don't know," Romina huffed and leaned back on the tree, crossing her arms. "If they had wanted to meet me before, they would've done it. My uncle tried to stop them but...I mean...if you really want something, why would you stop?"

"Maybe in fairy tales, things might have gone in that direction, but in this life? Things are not the way it seems and the quicker you accept that, the easier your life will be."

"What the hell would you do, then? If you were in my spot, what would you do?"

Draco was quiet for a few minutes. Romina was just waiting for him to come out with some smartass response about the whole thing.

"I wouldn't do a damn thing," he retorted. Romina looked at him suspiciously. "Why would I? I don't need anything from them."

"You wouldn't need anything from them?" repeated Romina who then scoffed. "Seriously?"

"What?" shrugged Draco. "If they didn't want to see me, then why the hell would I give them my time of day?"

"But — what about the questions you have? Because trust me, there would be some questions!"

Draco scoffed. "I wouldn't have any!"

"Yes you would!"

"No, I wouldn't."

Romina got more worked up the more Draco denied what she swore was true. "Yes, you would!" she finally snapped and pulled herself up from the ground. She glared down at Draco. "Because they are your family whom you just found out about after 13 years of bloody secrets! You would want to meet them! You would want them to tell you why didn't they look harder for you? Why did they give up on you!?"

Draco's expression remained cool under Romina's hard glare. Little by little, a smirk started worming across his face. "Well, then I guess I know your summer plans, don't I?"

It took Romina another moment to realize what he had done. She let out a heavy breath, mentally trying to decide whether to strangle him or appreciate his gesture. It was a very tough decision.

Draco started getting up and he picked up the yearbook off the ground. "You're welcome," he said as he held the book out to Romina.

She was beyond dumbfounded in the end and the more she thought about it, the more flushed she got. "I..." She was at a loss for words.

"You're tired," Draco said, and grabbed her hand to place the book on. "I suggest you go back to your dorm and just...stop thinking about it. At least for 10 minutes. After that, things don't seem as bad anymore."

Romina got the faint feeling that he spoke from direct experience. If it was, then it would be the first time Draco talked about himself in a real way. Not the showing off type of stuff he usually did. "Thank you," she whispered to him.

Draco nodded at her. He started leaving when Romina suddenly called him again.

"Could you...could you not tell anyone about this?" she nervously asked. "I'm not quite ready for people to...find out more about me again."

"Whatever you want." Draco flashed her a smile and went on his way. He missed the light smile that crossed Romina's face.

A/N:

Been waiting to drop that one! Romina is part of the Scamander family! And her grandmother is another of my OCs, Abigail, and obviously a Fantastic Beast oc but it's still in the drafts! But anyways, happy ending for book 3! Book 4 is where the real fun/drama starts ;)

[dhr-ao3]

The Handkerchief (rated T)

The Handkerchief (rated T) https://ift.tt/kzLgfJ3 by Gr8t_78 **This Dramione endgame work is entirely book canon compliant, from the first train ride on the Hogwarts Express in The Philosopher's Stone to the Epilogue nineteen years later in The Deathly Hallows** The seven years spent at Hogwarts were a difficult time for Harry Potter, but he was not the only wizard to experience trials and tribulations in those hallowed halls. Draco Malfoy, pureblood and heir to two Noble and Ancient Houses within the Sacred 28, finds himself in a secret acquaintanceship/ rivalry/ friendship/ relationship with Hermione Granger, a muggle born witch who is also a Gryffindor, best friends with his rival, and an all around swot. If his father or his fellow Slytherins found out, he's afraid things won't end well for either of them. But his draw to this witch is too great. Following the perspective of Draco beginning in first year, we see all of the things that Harry missed over the years, namely that his best friend was secretly in love with his rival the entire time. You know WHAT happened-- but do you know HOW it happened? And for years, you've *thought* you understood how it all ended. But how did it REALLY end? Words: 46213, Chapters: 15/140, Language: English Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M Characters: Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Luna Lovegood, Pansy Parkinson, Neville Longbottom, Tom Riddle | Voldemort, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Black Malfoy, Bellatrix Black Lestrange Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: Canon Compliant, Hogwarts Era, Canon Rewrite, POV Draco Malfoy, Draco Malfoy in the Muggle World, Death Eater Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger & Draco Malfoy Friendship, Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy In Love, Secret Relationship via AO3 works tagged 'Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy' https://ift.tt/Sp9EXVQ November 07, 2024 at 06:15AM

[genre-reviews]

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers / Philosophers Stone

Main Review...

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone is the first book in the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. This book, like most introductions to stories, is mainly focused on the introduction of the main characters. It illustrates Harry Potter's past, Voldemort's uprising, and the building of relationships between certain characters. It introduces key characters like Hermione Granger the smart, bookish, rule follower, and Ron Weasley, the funny, brave, and red-headed boy, both being Harrys' friends. It also starts the rivalry between Harry and Draco, a pretentious Slytherin, and Harry and Professor Snape, the potions teacher.

Being the base of the series it doesn't dive too deep into the lore and instead gathers a basic understanding of the wizarding world and who it contains. This, while being a little boring due to the slight lack of action, is a necessary step in the build-up of the following books.

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Character Reviews...

Harry Potter:

The first book makes it very clear that Harry Potter is still figuring himself out, he is still discovering secrets from his past that were hidden from him and recovering from the abuse he suffered through his relationship with the Dursleys. This makes the readers feel bad for Harry and hopeful for his life in the wizarding world and what that may bring to him.

He is shown as an already skillful wizard as he fights his DADA teacher, who is helping the Dark Lord rise to power. While to me this seems quite unrealistic that in the final encounter, he overcomes Voldemort and Quirrel himself, not by a duel, but by his quick thinking and cleverness, especially as a first year, this does showcase his bravery through the ability to think straight while in mortal danger. I think this book shows a very good light on Harry Potter, while also keeping a very surface-level awareness of his personality.

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Hermione Granger

In this novel, Hermione is made out to be a very dedicated student, someone whose sole focus is to learn. She is seen as a sort of stick in the mud by both Harry and Ron at the beginning of the book, being gossiped about by both. After having been saved by them, she quickly warms up to the pair, making their duo a trio. This really represents her desperation to fit in and make friends that she would still choose the two people who had been so rude to her to befriend.

For the rest of the book she helps Harry on his mission to stop their main suspect, Professor Snape from finding the Philosopher's Stone, which she succeeds in with Professor Quirrel instead. Without Hermione on Harry's side, it is quite clear that they would not have even made it past Fluffy the three-headed dog. She is one of the characters who we actually do seem to have a fairly deep understanding of, at least personality-wise. She is also one of the characters whose personality changes the most throughout the series.

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Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley is the second youngest of seven children, all but one being boys. In the movies Ron is shown as comedic relief, most of his lines being jokes. In the books, he is also shown as the funny one, but also bravely and fiercely defending his friends.

As well as the previously mentioned traits, Ron is also quite a jealous character. Being the youngest boy in the family, he has a lot to live up to, his older brother Percy being prefect and getting perfect grades, his brother Bill working successfully at Gringotts, Charlie dangerously taming dragons, and Fred and George being beloved by all of Hogwarts for being prank masters. This trait is shown best in the Mirror of Erised scene. The Mirror of Erised shows one's deepest desires, Harry sees himself standing next to his deceased parents, Lily and James Potter. Ron on the other hand sees himself with a prefects badge and a Quidditch trophy. This shows how, like Hermione, he so desperately wants to fit in, in this case, with his siblings. This is a common theme throughout the series, whether he is jealous of his siblings or Harry, and this shows a deep-set insecurity that really humanizes Rons' character especially.

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Notes...

This is my first review, and Harry Potter is a deeply beloved series to me. While this only goes over the strict basics of the book I hope this is enough to spark interest in the series and inspire someone to start their journey into the wizarding world.

I hope this post does Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone justice, and if you have any recommendations, constructive criticism, or requests please tell me.

[teenageread]

Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Synopsis: 

There is a door at the end of a silent corridor. And it’s haunting Harry Potter’s dreams. Why else would he be waking in the middle of the night, screaming in terror?

Harry has a lot on his mind for this, his fifth year at Hogwarts: a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a personality like poisoned honey; a big surprise on the Gryffindor Quidditch team; and the looming terror of the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams. But all these things pale next to the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named---a threat that neither the magical government nor the authorities at Hogwarts can stop.

As the grasp of darkness tightens, Harry must discover the true depth and strength of his friends, the importance of boundless loyalty, and the shocking price of unbearable sacrifice.

His fate depends on them all.

Plot:

Harry knew Lord Voldemort was back, but everyone besides Dumbledore and his friends did not believe him. Being left at the Dursleys all summer with no communication to the wizarding world, Harry is frustrated and unsure He finds his way back into the world he loves through the usage of underage magic that saves him and Dudley from rogue dementors. Saved by Dumbeldore, he was dumped at the Order of the Phenix headquarters, where  Ron and Hermione had spent all summer. Feeling left out, Harry felt even more excluded when they were named Gryffindor’s prefixes and not him. With the Ministry infiltrating Hogwarts, giving them a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that is not letting them use magic, Hermione convinces Harry to step up. Forming Dumbledore’s Army, the three fifths years start this illegal club teaching their peers proper magic, to defend themselves against Voldemort and his growing followers. 

Thoughts:

J.K Rowling takes us deeper into the wizarding world as Harry and friends enter their fifth year of school. With Voldemort back, an unbelieving Ministry, Rowling begins to show the cracks in the wizarding government system, as one might see in our own. When the government infiltrates the education system, we see our trio rebel back, and learn so awesome magic. This book also starts to show the deeper plot of the story, giving you the explanation to why Harry was chosen as a baby by Voldemort, and why Harry must fight Voldemort. Character development takes a step back with Harry in this one, as we get to see the jealousy, unreasonable, child side of him, as we would expect any other fifteen-year-old boy. Writing equality was good, as Rowling kept the book moving at a steady pace, but given the longness of the book, in between the action we get to see regular life at Hogwarts, after all, it is their school, and plus their O.W.L examination year. Rowling also added an interesting element of what our characters are going to do once school is over. After all, school is only seven years, and they are in their fifth after school career plans are going to affect their future in the upcoming school years.  What makes this book stand out in the series? Beside key information you learn about the past, you get to see Harry, Ron and Hermione really step up into leadership roles and show that they are willing to fight the darkness, even though they are still children who are not as experienced as the others.

Read more reviews: Goodreads

Buy the book: Amazon

[bish-plz-haha]

Chapter 16

The next few days were slower than Harry remembered the work days going by. He did acquire the wand that was used to fire the spell that bonded the two of them. Hermione had owled him to tell him that they'll be ready by Saturday evening. And that Harry was to tell Draco.

"Hey. What's got you so late this morning?" Harry jumped in place, looking to the small couch that sat next to the door as he entered.

"Oh. Um, just... stuff. What're you doing here?" Harry asked.

Ron smiled at him, looking towards the box next to him. "Came to clear out my office and turn in my resignation." He said. Harry nodded and sat at his desk. Ron took a look around. "You gotta dust soon. It's getting dirty in here." Harry chuckled.

"I dont spend a lot of time in here anymore. You know this." Harry laughed. Ron hummed. "I genuinely cant believe you're doing this. I think you'll be great at the shop though. Ill have to come by sometime." Ron nodded, smiling brightly at the idea. They sat talking for a bit - Harry asking about the shop and new products. Ron was happy to engage him, telling him about George's ideas for silent yet fun toys for people that have problems with loud noises.

"George says it's for people who have PTSD from the war - or just anything really. He still jumps at loud noises. And sometimes talks like Fred is still here." Ron spoke quietly, his voice soft, as though faded, and cumbersome with the memories of the past. "I think most of us still do - jump at loud noises we aren't expecting, I mean. It was traumatic and a scary time for everyone. So George gave me the job to figure out how these toys will operate and work, just without noise." Ron divulged. After about ten minutes of talking, he stood and grabbed his box, announcing his leave.

"I'm gonna head out. By the way, 'Mione said that she'll be ready by six Saturday."

"She owled me. But thank you though." Harry said as he showed Ron out. After his friend had left, he closed the door and sat back at his desk. He tried to get through paperwork that had piled up. But his thoughts were riddled with anxiety - racing round and round in his head, pounding at his skull like cars running around a track.

Can you please block your thoughts? I cannot concentrate with your thoughts seeping into my head every five minutes. Draco said telepathiclly.

Sorry. My anxiety is just getting worse the closer we are.

I understand but try to distract yourself.Draco told him. Harry had tried. He tried to do paperwork but that failed. He tried to take a nap and that failed as well. He knew distraction was how Draco was coping but it just didn't work for him. Harry decided that he would try a new form of distraction; just enough to get him through the day. He decided that he was going for a walk. He found himself pacing up and down the hall outside of his office. It replaced his anxiety but definitely gave him time to think about the upcoming ritual. Come down to the lab. He heard Draco in his head. Harry took a deep breath, tried to steady himself, and made way towards the lab. He knocked on the door before entering. The weird part was that the door was closed. Draco hardly ever closed the lab door.

"Why'd you ask me down here?" Harry questioned when he entered after being told to do so. Draco was where he normally was; hunched over a cauldron with a stirring rod in hand. He looked up at the sound of Harry's voice.

"Because you're freaking out over nothing and I need help." He said. Harry blinked at him.

"With what?"

"I need to make twenty seven wolfsbane potions by tomorrow and my assistant is out for exams." Draco informed. "So I need you to follow this step by step and help me finish up these potions." Draco nodded to the large, old looking book in front of him. Harry nodded and got to work. He prept the cauldron before creating his base.

A while later and Harry had successfully followed the instructions that were written down and had a cauldron full of wolfsbane. "Good job." Draco praised as he looked into the iron pot. Harry beamed at him. "And you're not anxious now." Harry looked at him confused for a moment before realising. Draco was right. His heartbeat was steady in his ears and his mind wasnt racing. He was focused on the task at hand and that composed him enough to think clearly.

"You're right." He said. Draco looked at him, his features soft.

"I told you. It works when you're anxious to have something to put all your focus into. That's why I really liked potions in school." Draco said as he continued to look over the file resting in front of him. "It gave me a chance to level my head and think clearly." Harry nodded and thanked him.

After brewing two more cauldrons worth of wolfsbane, Draco thanked Harry for his help and switched gears. Harry watched as Draco brought out a different cauldron, a bigger one, and started mixing things together.

"What're you doing now?" Harry asked after about twenty minutes of sitting quietly.

"I was brought a sample of a potion by Auror Clarke earlier today." Draco told him. "So far I've determined it's some sort of enhanced pain potion mixed with muggle narcotics. Not sure why." Draco said.

"It sells." Harry said. Draco hummed his acknowledgement and removed the stirring rod from the cauldron. "Um, so earlier today, I got an owl from Hermione. She told me that she'll be ready by Saturday evening." Draco nodded and looked at him.

"This-this is really happening." A look of bewilderment crossed Draco face. He placed his hands on the desk and put his weight on them, head hung. "I'm not sure I want this to happen."

"It has to. Remember, we may not be able to break this later on. And later on, our sense of what's real and what's not may not be there. Draco, I'm scared too. But we'll get through this. Together." Harry told him.

Draco looked up at him with a tender smile, affection front and centre in his eyes. "Together." He repeated.

"Well, I have to get back to my office but see you at home?"

"Well duh." Draco sent him a playful smile. Harry turned and walked out the door. He walked back to his office with a smile on his face.

Later that night, Harry and Draco sat down for dinner like they normally did. The air was somehow lighter despite the tension they were both carrying in their shoulders.

"You know," Harry started, "I don't really remember much of that day honestly. I do remember Ron and Hermione saying you refused aid from the healers." Harry laughed. "I hope you know that you could've put a death sentence on both of us by refusing right?" Harry picked up the glass in front of him and took a sip.

Draco was taken aback. His reaction delayed as a moment later he said, "What? What're you talking about?"

"Yeah." Harry swallowed  the food he had chewed and looked to Draco. "Hermione told me that if that spell had been cast wrong - even the slightest bit - we could've died. She said it would've happened in the first twenty four hours. Or was it forty eight hours? Either way, it was somewhere between that."

"Oh." Was all Draco said. The room was silent for a while as Draco sat his utensils down and thought about what the younger had said. It was a while before he spoke up again. "I'm sorry I was so reckless. Honestly, even though it was just a few months ago, I didn't really care what happened to me. Die, not die. It didn't matter. But I'm sorry I didn't take your life into account." Draco said sincerely.

Harry gave him a knowing smile. "You don't have to explain it to me. I get it. Since the incident, I've been pushing papers and sitting out field work. Robards doesn't want - and I quote - "to lose the face of the ministry over a cons mistake." I just want to do more; help people. But I got desk duty." Harry sighed. "I like the action. I like the thrill. The adrenaline rush I get from chasing down the bad guys. The battles we get into. But since we could have died, he's got me sitting on the bench."

"Well," Draco started, swallowing his food. "Why dont you say something? You got into this profession for a reason - whether it be that reason or not is for you to decide. But you didn't join to be the face of the department - of the building." Draco placed his fork down and sternly looked to Harry. "Do what you signed up to do - your job. And part of that job, as of right now, is sticking up for yourself and telling them you don't want to just be their face."

Nodding, Harry stood up from the table, determination set to his features before deflating quickly. "I cant." Harry sat back down.

"Of course you can."

"No. I really cant. I don't know what to say."

Draco huffed. "Have you ever followed script?" Harry shook his head. "And are you going to start now?" Again, a head shake. "So go start explaining to them why you need to be in the field. Exactly what you just told me." Harry nodded.

"Yeah. You're right." Harry smiled and kissed Draco on the cheek quickly before bolting out of the room, plates in hand. Harry quickly made way for the drawing room, thinking about what he was going to write down and hand in to Robards.

*

"What's this?" The head auror questioned as he looked at the paper he was just handed. It was early morning so there weren't a lot of people in the building - less risk for distraction and interruption.

"Why I should be out in the field instead of behind a desk." Harry told him earnestly.

"We can't risk-"

"Yes, I know. You cant risk losing the face of the ministry. You've told me multiple times. But I'm good at what I do. I don't want to sit behind my reputation as "the boy who lived" the rest of my life." Harry could feel the anger rising, though it wasnt like before. This time, he could feel control. Though he wanted his point to get across to the head auror more than anything. "I want to show people that I'm good at what I do and that back then I wasnt just some kid that just got lucky - cause that's not what happened. I want to show people that they can - that I can - be more than just a legend for the history books." Harry took a deep breath, steadying himself before looking to his boss.

"Auror Potter." Robards sighed he placed his clasped hands on his desk and leaned forward. "It wasn't my decision to bench you. It was the ministers. I'll give him the word that you would like to be placed back into the field but odds are against you right now." Robards gave him a sympathetic look before dismissing him.

Harry left the room and sauntered back to his office slowly. Harry took a seat in the chair behind his desk and let his head fall to the desktop. He had a good feeling about getting his position back and being reassinged to work in the field again when he woke up that morning. But now, knowing it was the minister himself that took Harry out of the field, the attempt to be reassigned to field work seemed futile.

"Hey, how'd it-" Draco knocked on his door. Harry heard the man step into the office and close the door, taking a seat on the couch. "What happened. I can feel your depression radiating off your body." Harry gave a dry chuckle and lifted his head from the desk.

"It wasn't Robards." Harry informed.

"If not him, then who?" Draco questioned. Harry gave a heavy sigh and looked down at his fiddling fingers then back to Draco.

"The minister himself." Draco sat shocked.

"The minister usually doesnt muddle with the affairs of any department. Why are you so special?"

"Did you forget who I am? I'm "the boy who lived" and they want to keep it that way." Draco sighed and sat up in his seat.

"Well," Draco paused. Harry could almost see the gears turning in his head, trying to think of every possible solution. "You'll just have to appeal the ministers decision." He finally said.

"The attempt is futile. There's no way they'd let me risk my life. Not again. Not even if I got a lawyer or something to appeal. They'd find some way to shut me down." Harry said honestly.

Draco sighed and agreed. "It's worth a shot anyway if you love your job and are good at it." Draco got up and left the room without another word. Harry took his words into account. Maybe the blonde was right. Maybe if Harry proved he loved his job and was good at it - that what happened was just a minor mistake - they'd consider putting him back in the field.

"Thanks." Harry mumbled before setting about his paperwork. The day went by quicker than either hoped.

Tomorrow is it. The last time we'll share thoughts. Draco told him, ironically, through thought. He sounded slightly down.

As long as it goes correctly.Harry responded. Harry made his way to the apparition point but instead of home, he apparated to the front of George's shop: Weasley's & Weasley's Toy Joke Emporium. He had renamed it from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes when Fred died. "Fred had horrible name ideas but insisted. And you remember how assertive he was about something he set his mind to." The older Weasley once told Harry.

"Hello?" Harry called. "Anyone?"

"We're closed. Sor- oh. Harry!" George exclaimed as he walked out from the back. "Didn't know you were going to pop by." He said happily. "I'll give you a tour. Over here, we have the practical jokes. Dont need skill for those. Over there we have the gross - but funny - items. Over there-"

Harry looked around at the shop in awe. "You've done some amazing work with this place." Harry told him once  he finished explaining all the sections of the shop. George nodded and smiled at him gratefully. "Ron told me you're working on some new products?"

"Ah." George beamed. "Yeah. As you probably know, a lot  of people suffer from PTSD since the war - including me and Ron. And loud noises can trigger a bad response when unexpected. So I assume it's the same for a lot of people. Jokes are apart of everyday life though and I couldn't imagine going through life without them. But the toys that make a loud noise makes me jump or cry or even have flashbacks when they go off without expectation. So, I thought what if it were that way for others. All the fun without the noise." George led Harry to the stairs and up. "We're creating more room for a whole section of toys up here for those who have suffered in the war. PTSD in general really. As they say, laughter is the bed medicine and when it doesn't set you off, I agree."

Harry looked around the top floor before walking to the railing. He gazed out into the shop in amazement. "You've really taken something that was a painful reminder and made it your own." Harry muttered.

"Well, the world keeps going on with daily life so if you fall behind, you're left behind. I didn't want to be left behind. I wanted a place to laugh - a place that is as much a part of me as it was him. And this was it. So I decided to reopen as soon as I could because people count on this being a place they can go to escape what happened." George leaned against the railing next to him. They were silent for a few moments before the redhead mumbled, "Do you think he would be proud?"

Harry looked over to the red haired man and noticed tears pricking the corner of his eyes. "Yeah. I think he would. I know all of your family is. And I am as well." Harry reached over and slung an arm over his shoulder as they continued to look out at the shop. Toys hung on all the walls, leaving no wall visible and uncovered. The tables and shelves set around the base floor of the shop gave it a more crowded look than what Harry thought it actually was.

As they walked down the stairs, Harry checked his watch. It was an hour later than he should've been home. "Well, I wanted to drop by, see how  you are doing. Say hello." Harry said giving George a quick hug before turning to leave.

"Harry," George called out as Harry pushed open the door. "Thank you." Harry smiled at him and nodded before stepping out and apparating home quickly.

"You're an hour late." Draco said as Harry entered the house.

Sheepishly smiling at him, Harry nodded. "I was with George at the shop. He was showing me around."

Draco nodded and opened his mouth to speak. "Dinner is ready!" Draco and Harry looked to Daisy who had apparated beside them in the doorway. They both nodded and Daisy apparated away. As Draco and Harry looked to each other, Harry started laughing.

"That was perfect timing!" He wheezed. Draco, who had his hands on his knees, nodded in agreement. Once they composed themselves, they walked into the dining room. Daisy had already brought the food to the table and poured each of them a glass of pumpkin juice. They ate in silence. The air tense with thoughts of the following day but the energy was comforting.

"So, how was your day?" Harry asked as he sipped the juice.

"Really? We're going to talk about our days as small talk? I get we're trying to not think about the proceedings tomorrow but we can do better than 'how was your day?'" Draco said.

"Alright. How was your week?"

Draco chuckled. "Alright. New topic: have you heard about the London zoo? A panda has been born and they named her Lola." Harry cooed at the thought. They finished their meal talking about animals.

"Ya know, I really want to get a dog." Harry informed Draco.

"Why haven't you?"

Harry thought for a second. "Money, I suppose. They're quite expensive and need a lot of attention. Of which I can't offer either because of work." Harry explained. Draco hummed and told Harry of his wishes.

"I really want a lizard. I've never had a pet in my life and would like one. And despite the fact that I was scared for my life because of a snake for three years, I'd rather stick to a reptile. They're easier to care for." Draco told him. Harry chuckled.

"That might be true but can they love you like a dog or a cat?"

Draco hummed. "No. But they are very interesting. Unlike with a dog where you can predict their actions." With that, Draco smiled at Harry and went to wash his dishes. Harry quickly followed Draco to the kitchen.

"I'm scared." Harry muttered as he placed his plate in the cupboard.

"I understand that. I am as well." They stood, side by side, staring straight ahead. Harry reached over blindly and grabbed Draco's hand, giving it a quick squeeze before releasing and walking out the door.

"I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

[youreonyourown-kid]

It’s so weird to me that Harry Potter is such a huge thing all around the world and the fandom is so big. 

I cant remember when I first read the books but I was young enough to not know or care what was mainstream or popular, and my parents never stopped me from enjoying it but they also wouldn’t have like...brought me to any midnight releases. They had jobs and two other kids. And I just like...liked being in my own little world.

I slowly, very slowly, realized I was not the only person who liked the books a whole lot. And it was fun to talk about it to others, but in the back of my mind I was sorta “sure they like it but this is my thing. and they’ll never really like it like i do”.

AND. It wasnt until college that I realized how many different takes there were. People LIKED and DEFENDED SNAPE?????? People thought HARRY and DRACO were MEANT TO BE???? PEOPLE SHIP HARRY AND VOLDEMORT???????? Like making ol Voldy younger and calling him “”””””Tom””””””” somehow makes it okay (honestly this is the wierdest to me why is it so popular on AO3 still idk i try not to judge but gotdamn people.) AND MOST CONFUSINGLY AT THE TIME PEOPLE WANTED TO BE IN SLYTHERIN(i have since grown and learned but really it was culture shock at the time). None of this stuff shocks or surprises or bothers me anymore, everyone can enjoy things in whatever why they want unless you ship harry and tom thats just weird guys i mean do you but i never want to see it .

ANd really sometimes i’ll take looks inside the fandom and look at the art and read the fics. But mostly, it’s still just my thing. I love it in a way that’s completely mine and no one else really understands. And that’s okay. Sometimes it’s just odd cause...all the other things I really love I LOVE sharing and discussing with other people. 

[yan-senna]

Do You Really Love Him? (SS, LM, HP)

By yan-senna

Other links to the one shot: Wattpad / AO3

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Want to be tagged when I post a fanfic?

Introduction:

This one shot contains Severus Snape x reader, Lucius Malfoy x reader and Harry Potter x reader. I only own Y/N who is 25 years old, the same age as Harry.

This is a request from Payge40 on Wattpad.

It’s been a few years since Voldemort’s defeat. Y/N is dating Harry Potter, but does she really love him? Or does she love someone else? She’s quite surprised when two particular Slytherin men show up where she works while talking to her friend, Hermione Granger.

I hope you enjoy!

PS: You can send requests!

Word count: 2k

Published: 5/11/2022

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Author’s note:

Sorry for the delay! I hope you enjoy!

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It’s been around seven years since Lord Voldemort was defeated. Ever since then, the Wizarding World has been more peaceful. No fear of You-Know-Who, no fear of Death Eaters, no fear of death. People can actually live peacefully and start enjoying their life.

And this has definitely been the case for the Boy Who Lived’s generation. Harry Potter and his friend, Ron Weasley, have since then become Aurors. They enjoy doing their work and are really ambitious about it.

Their friend, Hermione Granger, is working at the Ministry of Magic. She’s always working - and when she isn’t working, she’s reading how she can improve her skills.

That’s just Hermione being Hermione - what else would she do, relax? Relaxing to her means reading a bunch of heavy books.

Ron and Hermione decided to move in together less than a year after the war. It has its disadvantages, of course - the constant bickering over whose turn it is to clean up in the house.

Hermione might be a witch, but she prefers cleaning the Muggle way. She says it’s more effective.

As for Harry and relationships, the boy isn’t single. However, he’s not with Ginny Weasley as they didn’t last long together. They are still very good friends. Harry often watches Ginny’s Quidditch games to support his friend.

After their breakup, Harry got into a relationship with another friend - Y/N Y/L/N.

They have been together for a few years now. They don’t live together, but they do see each other a few times a week.

Y/N works at Madam Puddifoot’s, a tea shop in Hogsmeade. Harry sometimes comes by for a chat and a cup of tea. So does Hermione, despite being busy with her work at the Ministry.

Right now, Y/N is at work while talking to her busy friend. Well, more like Y/N is listening to Hermione talking about her work and her relationship with Ron.

Apparently, the boy has been sleeping instead of washing the dishes that he promised to clean.

“He never gets it done! I have even told him that he can just use magic - but still, nothing! At this point, I’m surprised he actually washes himself” Hermione complains as she sighs.

Y/N chuckles as she serves some chamomile tea for her friend.

“This should help calm you down. I take it he hasn’t been following the schedule you made?” she questions as she hands over the cup of tea.

Taking a sip, Hermione instantly relaxes. “Thanks, I needed that. And to answer your question, he has yet to follow the list…” she says, looking irritated.

After taking a few more sips, Hermione puts down the cup and looks at her friend. “How are you and Harry, Y/N?” she asks.

“We are good, you know he often comes by here” Y/N points out.

“Yeah, I know… But, are you happy?” Hermione questions, looking serious.

That confuses Y/N. “What do you mean? Of course I’m happy” she says, not getting it.

“I mean, are you happy being with Harry? Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you two simply don’t seem like a couple… You still act like friends. You two have only kissed like once! And it was on the cheek!” Hermione states.

Y/N sighs. A lot of people have pointed this out to her. She’s sure that Ron often questions Harry about this as well.

“Y/N… Do you really love him?” Hermione hesitantly asks.

Y/N gulps. She has no idea how to answer this, because she honestly has no idea. Yeah, she loves Harry as a friend. But as a boyfriend? She’s not sure at all. They have never talked about it together.

Sometimes she’s not even sure if Harry wants to continue dating or not. If it even is dating.

“I don’t know” Y/N whispers, telling the truth.

Hermione sighs before looking deep in thought. “Okay, I know this might sound weird, but… Remember your crush when we were in Hogwarts?” she questions, waiting to see her friend’s reaction.

Y/N widens her eyes. During their time at Hogwarts, Y/N had a major crush on their most hated professor… Snape. Hermione often teased her about it.

However, Y/N had another crush - on Draco Malfoy’s father. She really thought she could keep that secret safe.

Alas, Hermione found out a few years ago during a Truth or Dare game with Ginny and Luna - she asked Y/N if she has had other crushes besides Snape.

She expected her friends to be disgusted. Instead, all they said was “I knew it!”. She really didn’t expect them to have suspected it… Is she really that easy to read?

She clears her throat. “Well… Which one?” she asks as she laughs.

Hermione laughs as well. “Both of them, actually. Do they still come to the shop?” she questions, looking curious while continuing drinking her tea.

Y/N’s cheeks immediately turn red. For the past few months, Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy have visited the shop quite a lot. Together.

Whenever they show up, the girl becomes a stuttering mess and incredibly shy. It’s so annoying! Why can’t she just act normal around them?!

“W-well, yes, they do still come here sometimes” she tells her.

As Hermione quickly looks behind her, she suddenly smirks.

“Well, act normal - they are here” she says, sounding innocent.

Y/N almost panics. “W-what?!” she exclaims.

She then spots the two men - they must have entered the shop just now.

Mr. Malfoy is looking exactly how he always does - well-kept hair, expensive clothing and his signature cane with the snake head.

Y/N knows that he and his wife got divorced after the war ended. It must have been difficult for them.

Professor Snape is looking like himself as well - emotionless expression, everything black and his cloak billowing behind him.

He’s still covering his neck - ever since he survived Nagini’s bites in the Shrieking Shack, he has been covering the scars that were left behind.

He really doesn’t need to cover them as they show a story - that he survived.

The two men approach the girls.

“Hello, ladies. I see that you are visiting your friend, Ms. Granger” Malfoy says as he greets them.

Snape merely nods in greeting, preferring to stay silent.

“Hello, Mr. Malfoy, Professor Snape. I was actually just leaving” Hermione says as she quickly finishes her tea.

Y/N blinks a few times. “What, you are leaving?” she asks, trying to make her stay.

Nodding, Hermione smirks at her. “Oh, yes. You know, we are really busy at the Ministry. I’ll come another day. See you!” she says as she rises from her seat and heads towards the exit.

At the doorframe, she winks at her friend before leaving.

Y/N gulps. Great, she has to be alone with them…

She looks at them before clearing her throat. “Hibiscus tea and peppermint tea?” she asks, already knowing their orders as they always order the same thing.

“Yes, thank you, Ms. Y/L/N. I’m glad to hear you remember” Malfoy says, giving her a dashing smile.

Laughing nervously, Y/N starts brewing their tea. Once they are done, she hands Snape the peppermint one and Malfoy the hibiscus one.

“Here you go, Professor Snape, Mr. Malfoy” she says nervously.

“Thank you” Snape mutters.

“Yes, thank you. And no need to be so formal, you may call us by our first name. We are after all regular customers. Isn’t that right, Severus?” Malfoy asks as he looks at his friend, giving a look.

“Indeed” Snape agrees as he takes a sip of his peppermint tea.

Y/N blinks a few times. Did they just say that she can call them by their first name?

“R-right… Severus, Lucius. You may call me Y/N, then” she says, trying to sound as normal as she can.

She can feel herself starting to sweat. Is it hot in here?

After taking a few sips, Lucius chuckles. “My, my. Are we making you nervous?” he taunts. Severus is smirking behind his cup of tea.

Her cheeks bright red, Y/N coughs a few times. “No, no, of course not…” she lies.

“If you say so” Lucius says, smirking.

Fidgeting with her fingers, Y/N desperately tries to think of something to say. Something normal to say. She however doesn’t dare to open her mouth. She might just say something really embarrassing.

Severus saves her the trouble. “So, Y/N…” he starts. Her name sounds so beautiful when he says it.

“As you know, we have come here for quite some time now. During these months, we have come to realise something…” he tells her.

Y/N gulps. Have they noticed her odd behaviour? Do they no longer wish to come here?

“Yes, indeed, Severus. You see, Y/N, we have come to consider our feelings,” Lucius starts.

That confuses Y/N. Their feelings?

“And it seems as if the feelings are mutual, considering the conversation you just had with your friend” he continues, smirking.

The girl widens her eyes. Wait a minute, how long were they standing at the doorframe?!

“Exactly. Imagine our surprise when we hear you have had a crush on us” Severus says, raising an eyebrow. His smirk is however still there.

Y/N is absolutely shocked - how do they know that they were talking about them?!

“Don’t look so surprised. ‘Act normal, they are here’? Your friend basically yelled it” Severus points out.

Y/N can’t believe it - she must have been so bewildered that she didn’t notice how loud Hermione said it!

Lucius snorts. “Which leads us to the next question - do you still have a crush on us, hmm?” he questions, raising an eyebrow while waiting for her answer.

Y/N takes a deep breath. There’s no point in lying. “Y-yes” she admits.

Both men smirk. “What a coincidence that we just happen to feel the same” Severus suddenly confesses.

Y/N is trying to register what he just said. They feel the same? Really?

“Indeed we do. We have since we first saw you working in this shop. You have grown to be a fine witch. How old are you now? Twenty-four?” Lucius questions.

“Twenty-five” she corrects him.

He smiles. “Well, if you agree, we were hoping you would give it a chance. What do you say to a date with Severus and I? We don’t mind sharing you” he says as he chuckles.

That makes Severus roll his eyes. “Obviously not, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest it” he states.

Y/N tries her best not to laugh. She has always loved her former professor’s sarcasm.

“Well… I would love to give it a chance. If you really mean it” she shyly says.

Lucius once again gives a dashing smile. Even the corners of Severus’ lips are slowly turning upwards as if smiling. She never thought she would witness that.

“Excellent. We really should thank Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger for recommending this shop to us” Lucius says as he and Severus rise from their seats.

Hearing his words, Y/N is shocked. Her friends are the reason they even came to the shop?!

And most importantly, Harry was in it. Which must mean he’s fine with it… Perhaps he only sees her as a friend as well. That would really make her relieved.

Her train of thoughts is interrupted as Lucius puts quite a few Galleons on the table - more than the tea cost.

Severus clears his throat. “How about this Friday? We can pick you up at seven in the afternoon at your place, if you are comfortable” he says.

Y/N shyly smiles at them. “Yeah, that sounds good. I can’t wait” she tells them.

“Neither can we” Lucius says as he smirks.

The two men then leave to apparate, leaving behind a dumbfounded Y/N. Did this really happen? Is she really going on a date with both her crushes?

She can’t help but smile so much it hurts. She should also thank Hermione, Harry and Ron for doing this.

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Author’s note:

The next one shot “The Nargles Can’t Take Away My Love for You” (SS x Luna Lovegood x LM) will be published on 5/23/2022!

Taglist:

@zennyloves / @severuslovebot / @doctorwhofan24 / @jessicarosequinzelfleck / @eternal-silvertongued-prince / @monster-energies / @blackqueens01 / @nickangel13 / @willie-ivy / @neesfilms / @someoneonearth2007 / @iobsessoverfictionalmen

[thechanelmuse]

My book review:

In The Creativity Code, Marcus du Sautoy (a University of Oxford mathematician) dives into an exploration between the lines of artificial intelligence and human creativity through stories and examples on games, art, music, storytelling, and songwriting to name a few; the history of machine learning algorithms; and if programmed machines can develop a form of consciousness, producing this human trait of creativity, or just give an illusion of it through imitation. 

Here’s some excerpts:

"Fake” Artists on Spotify

[François] Pachet has been poached from Sony Labs and is now working for Spotify. Given that rumors have been circulating that Spotify is creating playlists full of songs by "fake" artists, the move is an interesting one. Music critics spotted a number of artists on Spotify who were notching up an extraordinary number of hits thanks to their inclusion on popular playlists curated by Spotify for meditation or running. A band called Deep Watch had recorded 4.5 million plays over a five-month period. 

When critics tried to find out who these artists were, they kept drawing blanks: no presence anywhere else on the internet; no upcoming concerts; no details anywhere of such a band. A rumour began to circulate that the music was being generated by ‘fake artists’ so that Spotify wouldn’t have to pay royalties. Spotify hit back: ‘We do not and never have created “fake” artists and put them on Spotify playlists. Categorically untrue, full stop.’ But it does appear that they were specifically commissioning minor artists to create songs under fake names at royalty rates that were much more favourable to the company than its standard deals with record labels.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Botnik

Machine learning is changing that. It’s now possible for an algorithm to take an author’s entire opus and learn something about the way they write. If they favour a particular word, there may be a high probability that this word will be followed by certain other words. By building up a probabilistic picture of how an author uses words, an algorithm could start to generate the continuation of a text. This is how predictive texting works. The literary results have been both revealing and entertaining.

This use of machine learning to create new literature has been championed by a group that calls itself Botnik. [...] The group has taken Seinfeld scripts and produced new episodes based on a mathematical analysis of past dialogue and even got an actor from Scrubs, Zach Braff, to perform a monologue.

Probably their most successful output to date came from training Botnik on the seven volumes of Harry Potter. The three pages it generated have a very convincing ring to them.

Magic: it was something that Harry Potter thought was very good. Leathery sheets of rain lashed at Harry’s ghost as he walked across the grounds towards the castle.

But there are moments of pure genius that could only have come from an algorithm:

Ron was standing there and doing a kind of frenzied tap dance. He saw Harry and immediately began to eat Hermione’s family. Ron’s Ron shirt was just as bad as Ron himself.

I guess for fans who are really desperate for more from the wizarding world this may be better than nothing, but it’s pretty plot-free and is unlikely to sustain much drama beyond three pages.”

(End of the excerpts)

Can you guess which painting out of the two below was made by an AI to mimic the art of Rembrandt?

Did you pick?

Are you sure with your choice?

The answer is the first one. (Did you spot Rembrandt’s signature on the second one?)

Even though I am cautious as hell of AIs (I don’t play with no damn robots. I seen I, Robot 👀), The Creativity Code is an intriguing, well-researched, and written book that I will def be rereading.

[colorsunimaginable]

the spare // chapter twenty-seven // deatheater!tomhiddleston x plus size ofc - voldemort wins au

story summary: While on a mission to avenge the death of her best friend, Ilvermorny graduate Melisa Alder finds herself in the middle of the fight to defeat Voldemort. Upon capture after the Dark Lord’s triumph, she’s being sold at an auction with other muggle borns and blood traitors. Her only hope is also her only bidder - the tall, dark, and handsome Thomus Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy’s younger half-brother. Is he just another Death Eater or is he hiding more than just his face beneath the mask? Will she realize her true potential to be one of the resistance’s greatest weapons?

*a Voldemort Wins AU with Tom Hiddleston cast as an OC x a plus size protagonist* *takes place in The Auction universe by Lovesbitca8*

words for this chapter: 5.5k warnings for this chapter: illness, syringe use

CHAPTER MASTERLIST

Chapter Twenty-Seven:

England decides to have a fucking heat wave for the first time all summer. It starts that night and I wake to sweaty pits and my legs torturously twisted in the sheets. The cold shower I take around four am doesn’t help once I’m out of it. I throw the windows open in every room I can, but there’s just no goddamn breeze to be had.

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I can’t stand being hot. I really hate sweating. There’s only so many layers of clothing I can take off until I’m naked and wanna rip my skin off. It’s the thicc bitch curse. Fuck this country for not having air conditioning.

Thomus leaves around sunrise, which invites me to exit my room dressed in the shortest shorts I could find. From the way he booked it out the door, I can only assume he’d been summoned. I stand in front of the open refrigerator, trying to decide what to do today while the chill blasts my body.

I wish there was more for me to do besides just sit around. Last night reignited my anger and contempt for all of this bullshit that’s happening. It shouldn’t be like this. This shouldn’t be how the world works now. Who in their right mind would see a child in a position like that and just be okay with it? I don’t even want to think about the sick fucks who actually participated.

I’m just itching to get my hands on a newspaper. Something to give me any sort of clue as to what Voldemort and his followers are up to. Yes, Thomus is chasing George, but what else is happening out there? I’ve only been able to infer that I’d had some sort of influence over the raid on the safehouse, but I have no idea what actually happened. It’s extremely frustrating.

As awful as it had been at the time, I’m almost wishing to go to another Death Eater meeting. I’d even suffer being around Bellatrix. Just something to get some kind of information to pass along to Sam.

Sam. My heart sinks at the thought. I haven’t seen him since that night. Until I hear or see otherwise, I’m going to continue believing that he’s just busy. We’re fighting a war. No need to keep tabs on a girl who’s being held captive by the enemy. Especially when nothing around here changes.

Eventually I decide to spend my morning looking through Mary’s cookbooks. Since I have all of this food now, I might as well use it.

Thomus hasn’t commented on the lack of food from the elves at mealtimes. I’d just been eating simple things like sandwiches, cut up veggies and fruit. Nothing that I’ve actually cooked, like with the stove or oven. It makes me wonder if Thomus would even eat anything I made.

When I was on the run with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, we couldn’t really be picky about what we ate. As someone who wasn’t on the Ministry’s Most Wanted List, it was easier for me to make trips to grocery stores, but eventually the muggle money and few galleons I’d had with me ran out. We didn’t necessarily go hungry; there was plenty of fish and things to forage, but it hadn’t been easy.

It had been painful to suddenly notice one day all three of them looked thinner, especially Ron, as he needed more nutrients than the rest of us to heal properly from his splinching. I, on the other hand, looked exactly the same as I did the day I Portkeyed across the Atlantic. My body was built to survive famines, apparently.

I had decided after that new observation it had to be worth the risk to go to Gringotts. Their health was worth the risk. I had needed more of my gold I’d saved up from my time working at The Daily Prophet, and I wanted to deposit my valuables. I knew things could change at the flip of a wand and there were some things I just didn’t want to risk losing.

Considering where I am now, with nothing of my own from before except my glasses, I’d made the right decision. Ugh, those couple weeks without my glasses had been hell. I wonder why Thomus had kept them after we escaped the Manor?

I had no idea that the next time I’d be visiting Gringotts would be to rob it. Because I could cast the best Disillusionment charm, my role was to remain outside, prepped with a Portkey, for us all to escape back to Shell Cottage. Suffice to say, I did not expect to see a dragon burst through the glass dome of the bank with them all astride it.

Mary’s stash of recipe books she had kept propped on her kitchen counter weren’t the worst thing in the world. There’s one about classic English dishes, a French one, and even one about classic American dishes. Which is surprising when I think about the food I’ve eaten here in England. It’s all been fine, but could’ve used a little bit of seasoning.

I have a real hankering for chicken and biscuits. I should have everything, but my No-Maj can of biscuit dough. I sigh longingly. Why are witches and wizards so behind on the best technology?

~*~

By late afternoon, the hottest point in the fucking day, I’m standing over a hot ass pot. The smell of onion and garlic fill the room, making the humid air somehow bearable. The rest of the veggies are chopped and waiting. The chicken’s already in, the sizzling popping against the Dean Martin vinyl playing on the table. 

When I’m almost elbow deep in wet lumpy flour, Thomus’s voice from behind me makes me jump. “What’s that god-awful smell?”

I turn around, holding my hands up and away from me. He’s leaning against the door frame, his dark hair wet, clearly fresh from a shower. His Death Eater garb looks fresh as well, no wrinkles or scuffs on his shirt and boots. God, I wanna climb him like a tree when he looks ready for a duel.

I try to ignore the way his eyes immediately drop as well, no doubt taking in the ridiculous outfit I have on. In addition to the high waisted shortest shorts I could find, I also have on a crop top. Thank god I’d been possessed enough to put on a bra, otherwise he’d be getting a real tit show right about now, since my arms are raised.

“Chicken and biscuits,” I say flatly, turning back around. I immediately regret the action, because I had forgotten the shorts are riding up between my ass cheeks. I shove my hands back into the dough anyway, ignoring the blush blooming on my face. I’d fix it, but then I’d have wet sticky dough on my ass and it would draw even more attention to it. I settle for using my forearms to pick up the bowl and turn to put it on the island, facing him now. He shrugs away from the doorframe, crossing the distance to peer into the steaming pot.

He wrinkles his nose. “Biscuits? Like with jam?”

“Um, no,” I say slowly. My dough needs more flour. “It’s a savory dish. It’s not sweet.”

I feel him move behind me, probably inspecting the American cookbook I have propped open to homemade biscuits.  

“Can you pour a half cup of flour into my bowl?” I ask. “My hands are messy.” He doesn’t move immediately, so I twist to look at him expectantly. “Please?” I point to said cup and the open jar of flour. He rolls his eyes, but does as I ask.

“Thank you,” I say as he dumps the flour in the bowl. “It should be ready in about an hour.”

“I’m leaving just now,” he says, walking back to the door. “I won’t be back for a few days.”

My eyes drop to the bowl. “Oh.”

“Besides,” he says as he raises a disapproving eyebrow. “I don’t have a particular inclination towards Muggle dishes.”

I mirror his expression. “You buy a No-Maj born to cook for you and you think she’s going to know anything other than No-Maj food?”

He opens his mouth to retort and then quickly shuts it, grimacing. “I never intended for you to cook for me. You needn’t worry about it.”

“It’s just something for me to do,” I shrug. “I don’t mind. I missed cooking.”

“Cook for yourself, then,” he dismisses quickly, eyeing the time on the wall clock. I huff, as if I’m not already doing just that. He fixes his eyes on me again, my hands in the dough still. “Behave.”

I roll my eyes, shifting my weight onto one hip. “Yeah, sure. You say that like I’m going to get into so much trouble here.”

“You have real rotten luck so I wouldn’t put it past you,” he says, then he’s walking out the door.

~*~

Jokes on him, my chicken and biscuits turned out fan-fucking-tastic. I don’t think it’s all that crazy of a dish in the first place. They eat sheep stomach and blood sausage here for Pete’s sake. I made enough that it became my main meal for about three days.

Despite the heat, I keep myself busy in the kitchen, music constantly blasting. I learn that if I keep the back door open, a breeze would drift in occasionally. It made the house bearable enough to exist in, though I have half a mind to make my own AC with some blocks of ice and a fan.

I bake at night so the heat from the oven doesn’t kill me during the day. I made two pies, bread, and about three dozen cookies. It’s a lot for one person, I know. I guess a part of me still hopes that Sam will show up, despite how long it’s been. Maybe I could leave this by the creek for him? No, it’d probably rot in a day with this heat.

While trying to open an untouched set of cookie cutters, I jam the sharp tip of a knife under the zip tie that holds the cutter to the flimsy cardboard, but I shove too hard and the blade slips. The tip slips right to the side of my thumb and I thought I’d split it open. That’s how it felt anyway, but when I look at my thumb, it’s just fine. I try touching the blade again and it wobbles.

I sigh. Looks like whoever gave me these had thought of everything. I can’t even use these to defend myself if I need to. I ponder the idea of hacking at a stick to make a spear. Not a bad idea. It’d be something at least.

~*~

Day four rolls around and I’m about to finish up the stack of dishes I’d left for myself from the night before. From up in Thomus’s room, I hear a couple thuds and thumps, as if someone’s just Apparated in.

I immediately stop the water and dry my hands, my heart pounding in my chest. Because I hadn’t actually decided to make a spear, I have to grab one of the iron skillets. Quickly I head for the stairs and slowly creep up them, trying to avoid noise. As I get closer to the landing, I hear muffled voices coming from inside. One is definitely Thomus, but another is high-pitched and the last is one I can’t place. My hand hovers over the doorknob, the skillet raised above my head.

The door opens before I even touch it and I’m face to face with Lucius Malfoy. His stern face barely holds any surprise at seeing me, as if he expected me to be just beyond the door. I quickly drop the skillet and hide it behind my back, my eyes trying to peer around him. Lucius follows my gaze and steps back enough for me to see Thomus turning onto his bed, an elf propping his right leg onto some pillows. My eyes widen with shock and worry floods my chest.

“Go away, Alder,” Thomus hisses as the elf unwraps a green-stained bandage on his ankle. Even from this distance I can see a sheen of sweat on his face.

“Nonsense,” says Lucius. “Miss Alder - a word.”

Before Thomus can protest further, Lucius backs me out onto the landing, closes the door, and descends into the living room below. I follow him, my eyes wary.

“What happened to him?” I ask. “Will he be okay?”

Lucius doesn’t answer me immediately. Instead, his eyes rake in the room, hands clasped in front of him as if he were afraid to touch anything. Then his focus centers on me and I regret my fourth outfit in a row of short shorts and crop top.

“Thomus has injured himself – “

“Doing what?”

His grey eyes glare at me. “Do not interrupt me again.” He takes another insufferable moment before continuing. “He was unwittingly bitten by a doxy and, as I’m sure you know, their bite is venomous. He will heal, however since the bite went untreated for a number of days, it will not be an easy recovery.”

“Okay,” I say slowly during his pause.

“And for some incomprehensible reason he wishes to convalesce here of all places.” His eyes close and he gives a slight disbelieving shake to his head.

“His… home?” I pointedly ask.

Lucius snickers condescendingly. “This is not his home.”

“It’s not mine either,” I say, my tone dry.

“Regardless,” he continues, refusing to hide his utter distain for me in his expression. His eyes lock with the landing behind me, presumably at Thomus’s door. “I believe his insistence that he remain here has something to do with his proximity to you.”

My eyebrows stitch together. “Me?” It’s my turn to be disbelieving now.

“If you know what’s good for you, Miss Alder, you will do nothing to interfere in his recovery.”

“I –“ I start, but he raises his hand and interrupts me.

“This is the only warning I will give you.” He takes a step closer, his cold grey gaze intense. “If any harm befalls my brother under this roof, I will take great pleasure in placing the blame on you.” He takes another step closer and I have to tilt my head up to maintain eye contact. Lucius’s smile is strangely threatening. “Do we have an understanding?”

I take a calming deep breath out of my nose. “Yes.”

“Splendid,” he says acidly, moving past me to return to Thomus’s room and I follow.

“For the last time, Remmy, I’m not spending two bloody weeks in bed!” Thomus nearly shouts. I pause at the doorway, cautious about his mood. The house elf, Remmy, is propping him up on pillows against his headboard.

“Stop whining, Thomus,” Lucius scolds him. “You are no good to the Dark Lord if you cannot stand upright. You have pleased him with your most recent success. He will not require your services any time soon.” He holds his hand out. “Remmy, enough doting. He has his dog for that.”

Wordlessly the elf bustles over to Lucius and takes his hand. With a snap of Remmy’s fingers, they’re gone. Now it’s just me and Thomus. For two fucking weeks apparently.

He squints at me from across the room, a sour expression on his face. “What’re you holding?” he asks.

I raise my eyebrows and press my lips together, pulling the skillet out from behind my back, trying to look innocent.

To my surprise, he lets out a breathy chuckle. “Good to know you’re prepared,” he says, and I struggle to tell if he’s being sarcastic. “Do me a favor and swing that at my brother next time you see him.”

“That would be a very unfair fight,” I say. “I’d knock him out cold with one swing.”

He laughs again, but stops short, his face twisting in pain.

“What happened?” I ask, stepping slowly into the room. He has a new bandage on his leg. The unicorn hair woven into it shimmers in the fading evening light. “Lucius said you were bitten by a... doxy? I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one.”

Thomus sighs heavily. “They’re similar to Cornish pixies, but with an extra set of arms and legs. Not to mention their rows of razor sharp teeth.”

“Razor sharp teeth? And you didn’t notice you were bitten by one?” I ask, raising my eyebrows again, this time in disbelief. I can hardly see his face anymore with the light fading out the window behind him, so I cross the room to his lamp and click it on. I can read his face a lot better now that I’m closer to him.

He’s glaring at something across the room, shaking his head slightly. “Of course I did. I’d have never been bitten by one at all if Weasley hadn’t sent me on a fucking goose chase through the Sutherland bogs. If I hadn’t been fighting off a particularly territorial Horned Serpent at the time, I’d have gotten it looked at.”

My snicker makes him redirect his glare to me. “Good to know all it takes to take you out is the combination of a Horned Serpent and a doxy.” He opens his mouth to fire back, but I beat him to it. The hand still holding the skillet gestures to his leg. “Did they give you anything to treat it? Or I assume since you heal yourself so much, you were the one firing orders?”

His hands, one resting on his stomach and the other at his side, clench. A muscle ticks in his jaw. “Yes, there’s a potion to inject on the bite once a day. But no, they summoned a specialist.”

“Did they give you something for the pain? Like those drops you gave me?”

He sighs. “Strictly speaking, that spell is technically banned. Patients were reporting getting accidentally over-dosed by Healers.”

I roll my eyes. “Wow, so murder, torture, and removal of free will - totally okay, but a spell to get you high? Oh, no, now that’s just too much.”

“You’re annoying,” he huffs, his throat scratchy. Exhaustion takes over his features and when he blinks, his lids remain closed a second too long. It’s hard to look at him like this. I wish there’s something I can do to make him better. Look at me, wishing a Death Eater wasn’t sick. Maybe I’m just too nice.

“Do you need anything?” I ask, my voice soft.

“Water?” comes his whisper.

“Yeah, sure.” I’m quickly out of the door and back, the skillet in my hand replaced with a glass of ice water. He’s fast asleep by the time I’m back. I gently place the glass on his night stand before tip toeing out of the room.

~*~

Okay, so Thomus is sick. Bed-ridden. He has to keep his foot propped up for most of the day. Remmy comes just before dark to inject the potion into his wound. The glimpses I’ve gotten of it are pretty gross. The puncture is extremely small, but it’s effect is obviously massive. His skin around it is green with green puss seeping from the hole. I know that wizards don’t get the flu, but his other physical symptoms are similar to that. Headache, fever, aches, and chills.

The last few days, besides bringing him water or a book, I’ve left him alone. He’s gotten far grumpier than he ever has been before. I’m not sure if this particular illness makes him grumpy or if he’s just grumpy when he’s sick. Either way, he shoos me off or barks something at me whenever he sees me.

And in all honesty, I’m fine with that, the leaving him alone. Every time I see him, my mind instantly flashes to what we got up to Edinburgh when we were alone. A part of me wants him to heal quickly so we can pick up where we left off. The other part, the more sensible part, obviously, keeps thinking of a way to use this to my advantage. If I were to escape, ideally it would be when he can hardly walk.

As much as I wish I weren’t afraid of Lucius’s wrath, I definitely am. I know they probably don’t have the best relationship, but his threat makes it clear that he cares, at least. So hurting Thomus is definitely off the table… if it was ever on it to be honest.

One evening I’m startled by Remmy popping into the kitchen. Their hands are on their hips and they’re big eyes are narrowed up at me.

“Miss hasn’t been feeding Master Thomus?!” their high-pitched voice accuses.

My jaw drops in confusion and my eyebrows pinch together. “What?”

“Is Miss trying to starve Master Thomus?” Remmy stomps their tiny foot. “Mistress instructs us to give Miss plenty of food to feed both Miss and Master Thomus! Master Thomus is sick and needs –“

“He won’t eat anything I offer him,” I respond. “I’ve even offered to make him things he likes.”

Remmy sighs in irritation and marches up to me, grabbing my hand and Apparating us into Thomus’s room. I’m a bit taken a back at first by the unexpected change of scenery, but once I adjust, I quickly take in that Thomus is shirtless, propped up against his pillows again, a book in his hands. He even has those fucking glasses on. At least I have on shorts that aren’t riding up my ass this time.

Before either of us can say anything besides look at each other with surprise, Remmy spouts, “Miss says Master Thomus refuses to eat!”

Thomus’s eyes bounce from me to the elf, his expression turning cross. “I told you, Remmy, I’m not hungry.”

“But Miss offers to make Master Thomus’s favorites!” the elf protests. “Master Thomus must get better!”

“Yes, I know,” he snaps, and gestures to an open package of crackers on his table. “But if I thought I could eat anything more than these without puking, you two would be the first to know.”

The elf doesn’t seem to know what to say for a moment and considers. “Remmy will instruct Miss on a special broth for Master Thomus to eat tonight!”

From the way Thomus’s jaw set and he looks back down into his book, I can tell he’s just going to ignore Remmy.

The elf turns to me. “Miss needs to change Master Thomus’s bandage every morning!” Before I can protest, they grab my hand and pull me to stand next to his injured leg. “Remmy shows you.” They carefully lift Thomus’s ankle and begin to gingerly unwrap it, their voice soft as they speak. “Remmy will bring fresh bandages for the evening and morning. Miss must not throw away the special unicorn hair bandages. Master Lucius says they’re very expensive and rare and must be reused after a thorough cleaning.”

My mind instantly flashes to the unicorn hair bandage Thomus used on when he was trying to heal the words on my arm. I feel bad because I know I’d left it discarded in Edinburgh.

I glance up at Thomus when he hisses as the puncture is revealed. After three days, it only looks the slightest bit better. Being this close, it kinda has a weird smell to it too. Remmy snaps their fingers and instantly a potion-filled syringe appears in their hand. My eyes flicker up to Thomus again to see his bare chest rapidly rise and fall, his gaze zeroed in on the syringe. He looks… afraid of it.

“Don’t look,” I say, ignoring the voice in the back of my head telling me not to comfort him. He blinks up at me briefly before staring intently at the syringe again. Remmy has paused and is looking closely at the wound, as if searching for something. I move around the small elf to Thomus. I firmly push at his jaw to turn his face away and grab one of his hands from where it’s tightly gripping the edge of his book. “Don’t look and squeeze my hand if when hurts.”

When Remmy finally pushes the needle into him, he holds his breath and his long fingers tightly squeeze mine. He heavily releases the breath he’d been holding when the needle is pulled out. His grip on my hand loosens, but he strangely doesn’t let go. I keep my eyes on Remmy as they wrap his ankle again with a fresh bandage, and I pretend not to notice, secretly enjoying his hand in mine.

~*~

Later that night after Remmy had gone, I’m still wide awake, sitting in bed reading a book. I hear Thomus moving around in the bathroom. Initially, I don’t think much of it. It’s just like any other time. He’s doing his business, I’m minding my own – the usual.

But then there’s two loud thunks from inside the bathroom. I jump out of bed, and run to the door. “Thomus?” I call, holding my ear up to it to listen for sound. When I get no response, I try the door knob, but it’s locked.

“Thomus?” I say again, worry clear in my voice. Not wanting to wait, I dash around to the bathroom entrance in his room, slowly pushing open the door.

Thomus is on the floor, temple busted open from where it had obviously hit the tub, if the blood smears were any indication. He’s churning on the floor, clearly trying to get up.

“Hey,” I say softly, crouching to give him a hand. “What happened?”

“Nothing,” he bites out. As he gets to his feet, or foot I should say, he’s not steady whatsoever. My arm is around his back, his shoulder over mine. His skin is warm and slightly damp. “Go away.”

“No,” I respond with a stern tone. “Sit.” I direct him to sit on the edge of the tall bath tub. Luckily, he complies, sitting heavily on the ceramic. I hold his chin so I can examine the gash on his temple. It’s small, a lump is already forming, but it’s still bleeding. His face is pale. “Don’t move.”

I quickly get clean cloth from the towel storage and run it under some cold water. Then I wring it out and return to him. Well, I try to. He’s stretched his legs out, and in the small space, that forces me to step over them. My hand extends to his cut, but he turns his head away.

Frustrated, I get closer by standing over his non-injured leg. I grab his jaw and turn his head so I can dab the wound. When he doesn’t move, I remove my hand.

“What happened?” I ask again, trying to be delicate. “Did you trip? Or slip or –“

“No. I… “ he pauses, then forces the rest of it out on a sigh, “felt-light headed.”

My eyebrows raise and I focus on his face for the first time since getting this close. Ugh, he’s so fucking handsome. Why does my heart pick up every time I notice? I can literally feel my pulse at the base of my throat. His eyes are on me and I look back at his temple, feeling the revealing blush spread across my face.

I take a deep breath and try to keep my nervousness out of my tone, instead making it light and teasing. “So you fainted? I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that you refuse to eat anything.”

He opens his mouth to retort, but then quickly shuts it, frowning.

I sigh. “I need to a new cloth.” Before I can step away from him, he grabs my wrist and yanks the cloth out of it, tossing it on the floor. “Hey!” I protest, but he ignores me, releases my wrist and conjures his wand with a flick of his hand.

“Episky,” he says, pointing the wand at his temple. I watch up close as his skin stitches itself back together. With a flick of his wrist, his wand is gone again.

I scowl. “You let me do all that?”

He shrugs. “You were being very bossy.”

I close my eyes and shake my head, straightening to move away from him. “Ridiculous. I –“

My words are cut off with a sharp intake of air when his once straightened out leg is now being pressed right between mine. His arms encircle my waist, pulling me close and he buries his face in my neck.

“Now where do you think you’re going?” he asks, his voice husky.  

My hands are on his shoulders, trying to push myself away, but I’m not very steady, seeing as how I’m straddling his thigh. As I try to move out of his hold, my hips are basically grinding myself against him in the process, and its oh –

A little whimper escapes my throat. “Thomus.”

He moans a wordless response against my throat, his tongue coming out to trace patterns on my neck. One of his hands begins slowly roaming the side of my torso, from my hips to the bits of my stomach and boobs smooshed against him.

“What’re you doing?” I ask, barely above a whisper. His other arm around my waist presses his hand against my lower back, encouraging me to keep rocking against his thigh.

Instead of answer, his mouth finds its way to the edge of the scoop-neck of my crop top. I thought it’d been safe to wear because I wasn’t spending a lot of time around him. His tongue dips into the top of my cleavage, lapping and sucking at my skin. His hand taking a tour of my body grips a particularly fleshy bit of the side of my stomach.

Thomus notices when I stiffen and his head pops up, his blown-out pupils staring into mine. He doesn’t ask me anything, he drops his gaze to my mouth and quickly covers it with his own. I can’t help but sigh and relax into his kiss as his lips move against mine. My fingers, of course, find their way into his hair.

“I like it,” he hums low when he pulls away to trail kisses along my jaw.

“Like what?” I ask breathlessly as I tilt my head back, giving him access.

The hand that had gripped my side roll, spreads across where I’m being held against him. “This,” he says, pressing in and giving it a lil shake, so I know exactly the part of my body he’s referring to.

I pull back from him a bit, our bodies are still pressed together, but I can look him in the face now. I’m sure he can read the confusion and disbelief on mine. As I try to read his, looking for the joke, for the lie, I’m shocked to not see any.

 “You’re kidding,” I say flatly.

Thomus slowly shakes his head. If I’m reading him correctly, his expression is nothing but intense… desire. His gaze is dark and though he tries to keep it on my face, it keeps dropping to my cleavage on display between us. His hand goes around to my ass, squeezing and somehow pulling me closer still. I can’t ignore where my thigh is pressed under his erection.

He kisses me again, but briefly and returns to my neck where I feel his teeth scraping my skin. But the gears in my mind are still turning, trying to process this information and all the stimulation. The little slut in my head just wants him to bite me.

“But I thought –“ I start to say.

“Melisa, you don’t know anything,” he breathes heavily against my skin. At the sound of my name, so intimate coming from him, my response to pull him back up is visceral. My hands hold the sides of his face as I kiss him, feeling… fuck, I have no idea what I’m feeling right now. All I know is that it’s good. I feel good.

After a few moments of kissing him, rocking against him, reveling in his hands on me again, my brain finally catches up to me and I pull away. He doesn’t let that stop him and like a magnet he goes for my neck.

“Thomus,” I whisper earnestly. “We have to stop. You’re sick. You just fainted. I have to get you into bed.”

“Mmm, yes,” he hums. “Let’s get back to our bed.”

I pull his face back, cradling it between my hands as I examine his face. He’s pale, his eyes are glassy, and he’s perspiring. “No, Thomus, your bed.” I sigh, holding the back of my hand up to his forehead. “You’re delirious. I think you have a fever.”

He sighs heavily and lets me go. I go to his right side, putting his arm around my shoulder, and I help him to his feet and back into bed. I’m positive he’s passed out asleep before I’ve even left his room.

[cursestothemoon]

Dimly-Lit Corners and Dark Corridors

Requested: yesss

Harry Potter x Fem!reader (house not specified)

Warning: suggestive themes (nothing overtly sexual), kissing, awkward Harry, mentions of scarring (Umbridge) 

Word Count: 2773

alright this one is really cute and harry is so awkward and sweet and dorky and just 🥰 but yeah i really like this one

✧✧✧

Harry was with Hermione as they returned books in the library. Really, Hermione was putting the books back whilst also complaining about Ron, and Harry… well Harry was just there for moral support.

“Was I under the impression that he and I would be attending Slughorn’s Christmas party together? Yes. Now, given the circumstances, I’ve had to make other arrangements.”

Harry was surprised to hear this, to him the solution was obvious really, “Have you?”

“Yes,” Her look was defensive. “Why?”

“Well I just thought, seeing as neither of us can go with who we’d really like to, we should go together as friends.”

Hermione groaned, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Who are you going with?” Harry was now extremely curious.

But as Hermione started talking, something about not being able to tell him just yet, Harry’s attention had been stolen. His eyes followed after the group of girls a year older than him and Hermione that had just walked into the library, conveniently sitting at the table closest to the aisle he and Hermione were in. It wasn’t the whole group that had a hold on his focus, no, just one girl that happened to be the center of the group. Harry felt his stomach erupt in the most ridiculous butterflies as he watched Y/n L/n throw her head back in laughter. Time seemed to slow as he watched her smile, hair cascading down her back and Harry couldn’t help but think of a hundred and one scenarios of him, her, and his hands running through her-

“Harry!” Hermione hit his shoulder with a book.

“Ow, Hermione.” Harry grumbled, hand going to rub the area on his shoulder that was sure to form a bruise.

His eyes shot over to Y/n, praying she didn’t see the embarrassing exchange before he turned back to Hermione, luckily she was still giggling at something her friend was saying to notice the assault.

“What was that for?”

Hermione laughed, “If you like her so much, just talk to her.”

“You say that like it’s easy, Hermione.” Harry sighed.

Y/n L/n had appeared on Harry’s radar last year. She had come to DA meetings with her friends and was exceptionally good at most defensive and offensive spell work. She was friendly and funny and incredibly beautiful, the kind of beautiful that was beyond just her looks. Harry was sure if she had walked into a room full of strangers everyone would turn to look, it was late one night when Harry decided to call it her ‘aura’. Even so, Harry had been so stressed about DA meetings he didn’t really develop a crush on her until one day he had gone to help Fred and George with a defensive spell and they were standing with her mid conversation. It was quite clear that Fred had been putting all the moves on her, George going about it with more of a subtle approach, yet Harry noticed she was nothing but friendly. And when he walked up to them, Y/n had turned to him with the most dazzling smile and a gentle hand to his bicep. Harry definitely understood why Fred was so grumpy when he was rejected after the meeting, but Harry also had never been able to produce a patronus so easily the next meeting when he saw Y/n again, Fred free.

From then on Harry swore no one could hold a candle to her, he was sure veelas were created with Y/n L/n as inspiration. Ron definitely made fun of him for his more poetic bouts of professing his love to an imaginary Y/n that lived in his dorm. To say Harry was less than smooth when talking to Y/n was an understatement, so he’s resorted to avoiding most interactions with her.

“It is that easy. People are calling you ‘The Chosen One’ she’s probably just too shy to talk to you herself.” Hermione said, bringing him out of his thoughts again.

“That’s not true.”

“Think about it, Harry. It seems like all the girls this year are trying to go after you. Like…there, see that girl over there?” She asked, subtly motioning to a girl with curly hair on the opposite side of the room.

Harry nodded.

“That’s Romilda Vane, I overheard her and some other girls in the bathroom. They were planning how to slip you a love potion.”

“Really?” This was all news to Harry.

Hermione scoffed, “She’s only interested in you because she thinks you’re the chosen one.”

“But I am the chosen one.”

He received another hit to the shoulder, the same book and girl the cause of his pain.

“Right, sorry.”

“All I’m saying is, you could use it to your advantage.” Hermione suggested.

Harry grumbled again, “I doubt she cares, Hermione. She hasn’t tried to slip me anything, we barely talk.”

“You barely talk,” Hermione turned to put a book on a shelf. ���Because you don’t try to talk to her. You can’t expect her to just fall to your feet, she seems like she knows her worth and isn’t going to beg you to date her.”

“It wouldn’t be...falling at my feet… it would be showing interest.” Harry said matter-of-factly.

Hermione shook her head, “Boys don’t understand anything.”

“Well, I wou-” Harry let out a grunt as his back hit something.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

Harry turned around so fast he almost tripped, his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline as he heard Y/n’s voice behind him. She was standing with both her hands out, one holding his bicep the other on his chest to steady him.

“Y/n, I didn- you- how are- what’s me? No, I mean, what’s up?”

He was certain Fred had been smoother and he got rejected, he had no chance. But he perked up at the sound of her giggle, her hand coming up to cover her mouth.

“I’m alright, Harry. I just wanted to come say hi, you know since we haven’t talked much after meetings last year.” Her face started to glow an ethereal pink as she talked and Harry felt his jaw start to hang open just slightly.

“Oh, yeah, yeah, how’s everything been, then….with you?” Harry stuttered.

Y/n smiled, hands now back at her sides, “I’ve been good, missed the D.A., ya know? What about you, Harry, have you been alright with everything?”

“Oh, yeah, great, fantastic. I am the chosen one. Wait! No, I didn’t mean like- I don’t know why I said that.”

Y/n nodded and let out a chuckle at the way Harry fumbled.

“I’ve heard. Good on you for finally getting the Prophet to listen. Anyway, I shou-”

“Go to Slug Club with me.”

Hermione couldn’t hold her laugh at the confused expression on Y/n’s face, or the completely mortified look Harry was sporting.

Harry calmed himself before clarifying, “Professor Slughorn has these...parties, and he told us to bring someone along for the Christmas party. I was wondering if you’d like to come with me… to the party?”

“Oh-”

“You don’t have to, it’s alright, really. I’ll ju-”

He was cut off by Y/n putting a hand on his shoulder as she spoke, “I’d love to go with you.”

“Brilliant!” Harry smiled, day suddenly brighter and mood better.

She then turned to Hermione and asked if she’d be there too, to which Hermione responded with a grumbled ‘unfortunately’ before bringing a smile back to her face to tell Y/n she would be excited to see her.

--

Harry was beyond nervous, his palms were slick with sweat and his hair was far from as tame as he would’ve liked. The Christmas party was in an hour and he had to meet Y/n in half, his nerves were on fire at the thought of being with her all night. Of course, he’d have to talk to her and she’d walk in with him with her arm in his. Or was that too cliche? Would she think of this as a date? Was it a date? Harry knew he wanted it to be a date, Merlin, did he want it to be a date.

“You’re thinking about it too much, mate.” Ron piped up from his bed.

“But is it a date?” Harry asked, turning to Ron.

Ron shrugged, “Sure it is.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, sure. You’re a bloke, she’s a girl, you guys are going to a Christmas dinner. Yeah, I’d say it’s a date.”

This didn’t help Harry’s nerves, but an idea flashed through his mind as his eyes skimmed over his trunk.

“Maybe I should drink the liquid luck? Get lucky.”

Ron gave him a suggestive look that made his cheeks heat up, “That’s not what I mean. I ju-”

“If you got her to say yes without the stuff, I’d say the hard part is over. Bloody hell, I can't wait until Fred finds out you’re dating Y/n L/n. Can I be the one to tell him?”

Harry was quick to shake his head, “No. Her and I aren’t dating. It’s just one Christmas party.”

--

Just one Christmas party his arse, Harry thought as he watched Y/n make her way to him from her common room entry. Y/n’s dress was a dark blue, almost black, satin that hugged her body enviously close and fell all the way to the floor. Curves, dips, and assets on tasteful display, yet it was Y/n’s warm smile that made Harry’s hands sweat.

The dress had thin straps holding it up and a straight, slouchy neckline. Y/n had her arms, neck, and most of her chest exposed; she’d be lying if she said that she didn’t bring a cover up in hopes that Harry would offer his jacket.

“Ready to go?” Y/n asked bringing Harry out of scenario number sixty-seven.

Scenario number sixty seven was a personal favorite of Harry’s, just newly sprouted, it consisted of him and Y/n in a dark corridor getting rather familiar.

“Ye-Yeah. You look beautiful, Y/n.” Harry complimented.

It was Y/n’s turn to fumble as she muttered out a thank you, her bashful expression giving Harry enough of a confidence boost to put his arm around her waist to guide her to the party.

Slughorn's party had been in full swing by the time they had arrived, Harry had guided her through the long way in hopes of getting to keep his arm around her waist just that much longer. Y/n, of course, had caught on to Harry’s scenic route but kept it to herself, she had liked being alone with the raven haired boy.

A few of the party goers Y/n recognized, but made no move to go say hi as she was content standing with Harry who had started a conversation with Slughorn. The rest of the party went as such, Harry and Y/n joined at the hip, usually found in whispered conversations in dimly lit corners. Harry had gotten much more confident as the night progressed, conversation with Y/n seemed to flow exceptionally well. He had learned that she was not only insanely attractive but a huge fan of the Holyhead Harpies, loved potions class (regardless of who was teaching it), and she was incredibly witty and dorky. Harry learned that she was absolutely perfect.

“-after that I probably slipped down a good five or six steps and landed right at Umbridge’s feet. She didn’t like that very much.” Y/n laughed, right hand subconsciously going to touch the top of her left.

Harry gave her a look of disbelief catching the movement, “She didn’t set the quill on you for that did she?”

“Yeah, but it’s alright. I’m still here aren't I?” She smiled, hoping to calm the look of worry that had flashed across Harry’s face.

He didn’t respond to her attempt of calming him, instead going to grab her hand. He raised the back of her hand to the light and tried to read the words that were etched into her hand but let out a sound of confusion.

“I can’t read it…” He said more to himself but Y/n heard.

She came out of her haze, brought on by Harry holding her hand so gently and carefully.

“That’s because there’s two sentences overlapping. The first one says ‘I must behave like a lady when in public’ and the second one-”

Harry connected the dots, guilt starting to eat away at his insides as he cut her off, “The D.A.”

“Yeah…” She confirmed, eye avoiding his gaze.

Harry felt all the rage he had felt for Dolores Umbridge returning to his body again, and he swore if he were to ever see that woman again he wouldn’t hold back. Y/n could tell by the way Harry’s grip tightened around her hand, though not tight enough to hurt.

“Hey, it’s alright. If I had known what would happen then, I still would’ve joined.”

She shuddered as she felt Harry’s index finger gently trace over the undecipherable scribbles.

Harry seemed to realize how close they had gotten, and his cheeks burned as his heart rate picked up. There was a nagging voice in the back of his mind that sounded an awfully lot like Ron telling him to just make a move.

You’re a bloke

She’s a girl

“Harry, you think they’d miss you if we let for a moment?”

He was brought back to reality as he heard the words and he hoped to Merlin he was reading it the way she meant for it to be read. He could feel his cheeks burning as he tried to rack his mind of ways to respond.

“I- you mean like- like get out of here. With me?” His cheeks burned even hotter as he tried to find the right words.

He let an awkward cough slip as Y/n slowly intertwined their hands together, her move was confident but her face had an expression of shyness.

“Well, yeah I was hoping you’d be there.”

He let out a breathy laugh as he stumbled a bit, seemingly knocked back by the suggestion.

“Oh- Yeah, I- uh- brilliant!”

Y/n giggled as she found the awkward boy in front of her incredibly endearing, and she couldn’t help herself as she took a step closer to Harry, face inches from his. She could almost hear him gulp as she looked down at his lips before meeting his eyes. Luckily they had been tucked away in a corner, away from most of the prying eyes of the party.

Harry wasn’t going to reject the new positioning but he also didn’t seem to be able to move to further it along, fortunately he didn’t have to. Y/n brought her hands up to cup his face as she gently brought her lips to his. Harry was kicked into action, his hands sliding around her waist as brought her closer, deepening the kiss. They stayed like that, lips smacking and tongues getting familiar for a few more seconds before Y/n pulled away, chuckling as Harry’s lips trailed after hers for a moment.

“That was...nice. Not like a bad nice, a good nice. A really good ni-”

His jaw was once again grabbed by Y/n, making him swallow his words and look into her eyes as she smiled gently.

“You don’t have to be so nervous, Harry, it’s just me.” She said, face lining in to peck him one more time.

He puckered out his lips comically as she pecked him, face still in her hands, but he had no complaints.

“You’re a bit intimidating.” Harry admitted.

“Really? How so?” She humored him.

Harry couldn't help but answer honestly, “You’re beautiful and kinda really...cool.”

They were quick to leave after that, Harry guiding Y/n to a secluded corridor that really only those who had seen the Marauders Map would be aware of. Once far enough into the corridor, Harry pushed Y/n against a cool stone wall. No longer as nervous as before, seeing as it was clear she felt the same, he was the one to initiate the kiss.

It was with slow hands and friendly lips that Harry was finally able to live through scenario number sixty seven, and he couldn’t wait to tell Fred that the real thing was far better than anything you could fantasize about.

And Y/n L/n made her way to her dorm that night, well passed curfew, with Harry’s jacket to keep her warm.

[cptainwood]

˙･ﾟ ✧ ˙･ﾟ   An important ramble about my interpretation of Oliver in  THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS.  Includes the things I do and don't accept, what I believe Oliver was going through at that time and possibly more!   ˙･ﾟ ✧ ˙･ﾟ

Oliver begins to appear more in Chamber of Secrets than the first. There is some points I wanted to add more. For example, the slug incident in chapter seven. 

‘  “At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in,” said Hermione sharply. “They got in on pure talent.” The smug look on Malfoy’s face flickered. “No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood,” he spat. Harry knew at once that Malfoy had said something really bad because there was an instant uproar at his words. Flint had to dive in front of Malfoy to stop Fred and George jumping on him, Alicia shrieked, “How dare you!” and Ron plunged his hand into his robes, pulled out his wand, yelling, “You’ll pay for that one, Malfoy!” and pointed it furiously under Flint’s arm at Malfoys face. ‘ 

       Of course, it would have been too much to have written every response from the Gryffindor team had so here is what I believe Oliver did when this happened. Oliver is a pureblood ( an example of this is that he didn’t know what basketball is ), but Wood isn’t part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. The reason for this is that the Wood family do have relationships with muggles, muggleborns and half blood which would have taken his family off the Sacred Twenty-Eight. He was raised knowing there was nothing wrong with muggles or muggleborns. He knew why saying mudblood is wrong and would fight anyone who would use it, however, he didn’t do much because he knew if he tried anything he might lose house points and lose his place as captain.        So, what did Oliver do in that moment?        He held back Fred and George because if you think Flint could hold back both you’re wrong. He wanted to make sure none of his teammates would get seriously injured or in trouble because it  is  Slytherin they’re dealing with. Snape has a thing out for them because of his bias. Their consequence would be ten times worse compared to any other house. After the slug incident they left to the common room where the team ranted at each other and bond over the situation. Oliver was just as angry as everyone else about the whole ordeal--not just about losing their practice time.

       In chapter ten they have their big game against Slytherin.

‘ “Slytherin has better brooms than us,” he began. “No point denying it. But we’ve got better people on our brooms. We’ve trained harder than they have, we’ve been flying in all weathers — ”(“Too true,” muttered George Weasley. “I haven’t been properly dry since August”) “— and we’re going to make them rue the day they let that little bit of slime, Malfoy, buy his way onto their team.”  Chest heaving with emotion, Wood turned to Harry. “It’ll be down to you, Harry, to show them that a Seeker has to have something more than a rich father. Get to that Snitch before Malfoy or die trying, Harry, because we’ve got to win today, we’ve got to.” [ . . . ]  “If we stop now, we’ll have to forfeit the match!” said Harry. “And we’re not losing to Slytherin just because of a crazy Bludger! Come on, Oliver, tell them to leave me alone!”  “This is all your fault,” George said angrily to Wood. “‘Get the Snitch or die trying,’ what a stupid thing to tell him —”  Madam Hooch had joined them.  “Ready to resume play?” she asked Wood.  Wood looked at the determined look on Harry’s face.  “All right,” he said. “Fred, George, you heard Harry — leave him alone and let him deal with the Bludger on his own.” ‘

      This is two scenes in the book--first part is before the match while the second is during the match after a charmed bludger was continuously following Harry.        My interpretation of Oliver is that he isn’t always aware of how his words come off. He told Harry to get the snitch before Malfoy or to die trying because while it has happened before the likelihood of him actually dying is slim to none. He knows Harry is a good flyer too so he especially wouldn’t fall to his death. He only wanted Harry to be determined and to do his best in catching the snitch. However, when it was brought to his attention in how it came off and the dangers it could bring he regretted his words. He looked at Harry to see if there was any sign of nervousness or something to tell him to keep Fred and George close to Harry he would have followed his teammates’ advice. When looking he only saw determination and so he decided to trust his seeker. It worked out in the end too with Harry only having a broken arm which isn’t out of the ordinary in Quidditch ( he also agreed that Harry should go to the infirmary before complimenting him about the way he played ), but he still felt guilty about what he had said. He cares deeply about his teammates, but says the wrong thing at times. 

       In chapter fourteen there is a small moment that does pop up a few times in the books.

‘ “Perfect Quidditch conditions!” said Wood enthusiastically at the Gryffindor table, loading the team’s plates with scrambled eggs. “Harry, buck up there, you need a decent Breakfast.” ‘ 

       I really love this moment because Oliver always makes sure his team is fed. Yes, this is because there’s a game, but I believe Oliver does this a lot even when there isn’t a game. His love language is acts of service and does his best to make sure his team is healthy, prepared and doing well ( even though sometimes it doesn’t come off that way ). I like to think he always offers to lend an ear, help with homework, spend time with them ( so much so that he would have the team do lots of fieldtrips together to build their relationship more ) and make sure they have enough breaks during practice.

[lottiebagley]

7 things- Draco Malfoy

I probably shouldn't say this But at times I get so scared When I think about the previous Relationship we shared

"I hate this," Hermione Granger complains as she drops her bag onto the table opposite her best friend

"And what's this?" The girl speaks with no emotion. She looks almost numb. Clearly tired of everything going on in her life.

"You. You being all sad and depressed. If you like Draco this much just be with him,"

"It's more complicated than that and you know it," she speaks in a harsh tone, her voice low as she glances up to see if Draco and his friends had heard the girl's conversation.

"It doesn't have to be. It's like you guys went through all the drama of getting us on board for like 6 months and then just broke up," Hermione comments, staring at her friend trying to work out what she can say to force her to go and tell her ex-boyfriend she's still madly in love with him.

"Look, Draco decided that I wasn't worth the trouble and that's fine. I am fine. Clearly, he is fine. It's all-"

"Fine you've said," Hermione quips

"Then stop pushing Hermione," she snaps. Hermione's eyes widen a little, not expecting to the reaction but one glance at Draco, who has a slytherin girl from the year below draped across his lap in the library, is enough to let her know that her friends anger wasn't directed at her.

"I can't be here. I'll see you later," she gathers her books, stuffing them into her bag and exiting the library.

Hermione watches Draco, seemingly ignoring his friends as he watches her leave, his usual smirk replaced by a look Hermione isn't quite sure what means but would bet meant he was as in love with her best friend as she was with him.

It was awesome, but we lost it It's not possible for me not to care And now we're standing in the rain But nothing's ever gonna change until you hear My dear

Draco Malfoy was not a stalker, he was not the kind of boy that lurked around just to get a glimpse at a girl. Especially not a muggle born Gryffindor.

He repeats this over and over in his head, willing himself to turn around and walk around while he still can. He could leave right now and no one would ever have to know he was here.

But he couldn't.

Watching her in her quidditch robe, drenched in mud and rain but seemingly happy as she laughs with Fred Weasley, he couldn't just leave. No matter how much he wanted to.

She's walking in his direction, her and Fred at the back of the group but they all walk relatively together. Oliver Wood, who is at the front of the team talking with George, is the first to see him, scowling as he mutters something to George who shoots Draco a dirty look.

She stops when she sees him.

"You go ahead Freddie," she assures

"He's an arrogant prick," Fred mutters, purposely shoving Draco with his shoulder on his was past.

Once the team have retreated far enough to be out of ear shot she lets out a sigh.

"You'll catch a cold standing around in the rain," she comments

"Maybe," He smiles gently before letting out a sigh  "I wanted to speak to you though,"

"We share almost all out classes. And they are inside, in the day, where it's not pouring rain,"

"I know that," he snaps, sighing a little "I couldn't talk to you there. I-"

"Oh of course you couldn't. Cause heaven forbid any of your little blood supremacist friends know you want to speak to me. Least of all your new girlfriend, Isabella right? Or is Lilliana this week?"

"Come on. You know they mean nothing," He protests

"They mean enough that you'll be seen with them in public. Which is more than I can say for me,"

"Well I wouldn't wait around in the pouring rain for them," He smiles gently, it drops when the scowl on her face doesn't change

"Is that supposed to be romantic?"

"Kind of," He smirks, she lets out a huff, trying to ignore how much she wants to kiss him

"What do you want?"

"To see how you are," he shrugs

"I'm not your problem anymore Draco. We said we'd both tell our friends and I did and you didn't and then you dumped me. So you don't  get to check up on me anymore," she states simply

"I still care about you," he sighs, she could cry on the spot. She forced herself to stop crying over Draco Malfoy weeks ago, but now he's so impossibly close and all she wants is him. She hated that she wanted him.

"Well you shouldn't. Now get inside and warm up before you catch a cold," she demands, he softens, hearing the slight crack in her voice but she slips past him before he can say anything else.

The seven things I hate about you The seven things I hate about you Oh, you You're vain, your games, you're insecure You love me, you like her You made me laugh, you made me cry, I don't know which side to buy

"Mr Malfoy your partner is Miss Y/L/N, go and switch seats with Mr Weasley please," Professor Snape demands, moving onto the next pairing of people.

Draco nods when his friends mutter condolences for being paired with her but on the inside his heart is hammering in his chest as he approaches her.

"Hi," he smiles gently, dropping into the seat me to her

"Careful, someone will see," she mutters, he chuckles under his breath, not wanting to draw any attention to them.

"As long as Lilliana doesn't I'm all good,"

"You like her?" She questions, cocking her head to the side in curiosity.

Draco shrugs, beginning to slice the dandelion root as she works on the bat wings.

"Not as much as I like you," he speaks, she rolls her eyes trying to fright the blush on her cheeks "That was smooth right?" He teases

"Until you ruined it by asking," she smiles despite herself, he laughs, turning into a cough when Theo Nott turns around to look at them in curiosity.

"You really do care way too much what other people think Malfoy," she comments

"Yeah," he nods, surprising her a little when he doesn't shoot her claim down.

"Right. Well. Stop doing that," she stumbles a little over her words. He glances at her blushing cheeks.

He doesn't do anything. Doesn't speak. Doesn't smile. Doesn't scowl. Doesn't smirk.

He just stares at her for a full minute before turning back to the cauldron.

Your friends, they're jerks, and when you act like them, just know it hurts I wanna be with the one I know And the seventh thing I hate the most that you do You make me love you

"What the fuck are you looking at mudblood?" Lilliana, Draco's new girlfriend, spits from under his arm.

She had been staring at Draco, wondering if he was as really happy and wishing he'd cared a little more.

"Not you, but that much is obvious," she snaps back, getting to her feet from the bench on the courtyard she'd been sat, only half listening to Harry and Ron while the group waited for Hermione.

"And now you're going to run off all scared? Pathetic,"

"If you think I'm scared of you, you're wrong,"

"Not quite, I think you're scared of my friends," Lilliana speaks, pulling away from Draco's grip and walking towards the girl "I think you've heard what we do to scum like you and you are scared,"

"Don't talk to her like that," Ron demands, jumping to his feet and Harry doing the same

"Oh, oh Dray isn't that precious? Mudblood's hot herself a boyfriend," Lilliana smirks

"Don't call her that," Harry snarls.

"My, my my, it's  a love triangle," she continues.

What hurts the most isn't the words, it's Draco. Draco who is still sat next to Blaise, Theo and Daphne with a passive look on his face.

The girl reaches for her wand but Harry's hand jumps out to stop her.

"She's not worth it. None of them are," Harry grunts, really he means that Draco isn't and she shouldn't let him hurt her, pulling her away with Ron following behind, muttering something about sticking their heads up their asses.

She heard clear as day, Draco Malfoy's laughter ringing through the air. He was truly just like them. Yet, when she glances over shoulder he raises an eyebrow in question asking if she's okay, his friend's blissfuly unaware of the interaction. It takes everything in her to keep her face blank and turn back around.

It's awkward and silent as I wait for you to say But what I need to hear now, your sincere apology When you mean it, I'll believe it If you text it, I'll delete it Let's be clear Oh, I'm not comin' back You're taking seven steps here

She is anxious as she sits in her seat in potions, waiting for Draco to arrive as she bounces her leg. She doesn't know what will happen when he arrives.

Will he act like everything is normal?

Will he apologise for his friends behaviour?

Will he apologise for joining in?

Will he ignore her?

Will he mock her just as they had?

She glances up at the feeling of someone watching her. Eyes landing on Harry who has turned around to see if Draco has arrived, knowing his friend was anxious. He smiles. A comforting and warm smile that she tries to reciprocate although she fears it probably looked more like a grimace.

Draco sits down next to her, immediately his eyes are on her. He can tell she's nervous. Her bouncing leg. Her eyes staring straight ahead. Her bottom lip drawn between her teeth as she chews on it. Anxious habits she hadn't displayed due to his presence in a long time. His heart hurts a little.

He reaches his hand out, placing it gently on her knee to stop the bouncing and is pleasantly surprised when she doesn't pull away from his touch.

"It's just me. You don't need to be nervous," He whispers, butterflies in his stomach when she eases immediately, melting into his touch. Unable to stop herself when she loves him so much

"I wouldn't do anything to hurt you," he whispers.

His heart sinks when that seems to pull her to her senses. She jerks he knee away from him.

"You already did," she speaks lowly and before he can reply Snape has entered the room.

Even when the class are told to work with their partner she remains silent. Draco doing the same. Unsure what to say. Glancing at her and his chest feels tight. He hurt her. He never wanted to do that and god did he love her and everything was a mess.

The class draws to an end and he knows this is his one shot at saying something.

"Look, I never should have ended it. I should have been brave enough to tell my friends- I just- I can't explain it. I'm sorry," He speaks quietly, hiding his voice from the other students in the loud hustle and bustle.

"That's not what I want you to apologise for," She states, shoving her book into her bag.

"Then for what?"

"You let them talk to me like that, you laughed along. That hurt me Draco. You have all this power over them and let you allow them to talk to me like that days after you tell me you care about me,"

She turns on her heel and marches towards her friends who are waiting for her leaving Draco to wonder how he ever thought that anything he was doing was okay.

The seven things I hate about you You're vain, your games, you're insecure You make me laugh, you make me cry I don't know which side to buy Your friends, they're jerks When you act like them, just know it hurts I wanna be with the one I know And the seventh thing I hate the most that you do You make me love you

Draco doesn't see her at all on Saturday although he looks for her at every meal and forces his friends to hang out in the courtyard he knows she likes.

On Sunday though, she seems to be everywhere. At breakfast eating with the twins. By the quidditch pitch as he practices and she goes into Oliver's captains office. Helping Ginny and Luna with some test prep in the library. Flirting with Dean Thomas at lunch.

It's only a matter of time before his friends say something, he knows that, and sure enough when they enter the courtyard Pansy can't keep her mouth shut.

The girls is lounging on a bench, head resting on her hand as she watches the game of exploding snap Harry and Ron are playing from their seats cross legged on the floor. Hermione is sat under the tree next to them, back against the tree as she reads a muggle fiction book. The group look utterly at peace as they enjoy the hot day.

"Oh look, everyone's favourite mudbloods," Pansy groans loudly, drawing the attention of the group.

"Shut the fuck up, Parkinson," Ron snaps, turning back to his game.

"Dean Thomas seems to quite like one of them," Daphne chimes, dropping onto the bench next to Theo a few feet away from them.

"Well he would, word on the street is that her blood isn't the only thing that's dirty. Apparently, she's a whore," Pansy jeers.

At this both Harry and Ron are on their feet, ready to defend their friend as Hermione moves to squeeze her hand comfortingly. What surprises everyone, including the crowd of people watching scene unfold, is that before the boys and Hermione can begin their defensive arguments Draco Malfoy speaks up.

"Shut up Parkinson, just cause you can't get any," He drawls, taking his seat on the bench, eyes trained to the girl who is staring back, utterly bewildered, next to Ron Weasley.

"Merlin Draco, anyone would think you fancied the girl," Pansy smirks, in her mind there was no way the boy wouldn't join in after that comment.

"Just cause I wouldn't go near you with a 10 foot pole doesn't mean you need to be so bitter. Now shut up and drop it," He commands.

Pansy blushes a little but makes one more attempt

"She's a mudblood Draco, what do you care what I say to her,"

"I told you to shut up and drop it, fucking listen to me or leave," He practically growls and Pansy finally gets the hint that he means it, sinking to her seat in humiliation.

The crowd of people watching, all of which are in awe at this point, are only more shocked to see him shoot the girl a smile before turning back to his friends, "You were talking about your mother's latest conquest Zabini," He reminds. Blaise stumbles for a second, confused as to what on the earth is happening but with one sharp look from his best friend he continues with his story.

And compared to all the great things That would take too long to write I probably should mention the seven that I like

Draco is sat alone in the corner of the library, nose in a charms textbook and essay half written in front of him. He doesn't notice anyone's presence and jumps a little when she talks.

"Can we talk?" She asks timidly, looking around the quiet room, it's late and the library is practically empty. He looks up at her with an unreadable expression "Here, I mean. I know we don't talk much in public but-" He cuts off what he is sure will be a nervous ramble

"Take a seat," He commands, it's gentle though. Soft enough she could easily say no.

She doesn't though. She takes the seat opposite him as he puts his quill down.

"What's up?" He questions

"I just wanted to thank you. For defending me earlier and getting her to stop,"

"Well, she was wrong. You aren't a whore and no one has the right to call you that," He shrugs casually

"Would you have stopped her if she hadn't said that? If she had just called me a mudblood I mean?" She asks the question timidly, fingers ringing together on the desk, she stares as she can't quite bring herself to look at him.

"Yes. You were right, I have the power to make them stop and I never did. I should have. I care about you and I like you, merlin I might even love you, and I let what everyone else thought and what they would say stop me from being happy, I do that a lot, but I never should have let them hurt you. I won't forgive myself for that,"

She glances up at him, wondering if she can believe him, but something about the look on his face and the gentleness of his eyes makes her believe him.

"Thank you,"

"I know it's probably too late, but could I ever win you back?"

"Yeah. Easily, lord knows I'm half in love with you already, but I can't put myself through it again. I can't be someone's secret," She explains, he nods "I'll see you around Draco. Thanks again,"

The seven things I like about you Your hair, your eyes, your old Levi's When we kiss, I'm hypnotized You make me laugh, you make me cry But I guess that's both I'll have to buy Your hand in mine When we're intertwined, everything's alright I wanna be with the one I know

The next two weeks the entire school seems to be watching. Curious as to why all of a sudden Draco Malfoy is smiling at her in the corridor. Why none of his friends even look at her funny. Why they are laughing together in potions. The shift in their relationship is the talk of the school and everyone seems to care.

It's a Saturday morning and she is walking towards the black lake where most the school were, her friend group included, having decided to meet them down there after she wrote back to her mother.

Draco is leaving his dorm, on his way to look for her. Draco Malfoy is a man on a mission.  A look of determination on his face and a fire in his eyes. Having received a letter from home that morning, full of complaints and faults he was done. He was done trying to be the perfect son. He was done trying to live up to expectations. He was done making himself unhappy. Most importantly, he was done pushing away love.

His eyes fall on her the second he exits the castle, she's a few metres ahead, smiling happily and greeting Neville Longbottom on her way past. Draco can just about make out her voice telling him to come and find her and some other Gryffindors later to join their drinks and party games. It was game night in the Gryffindor common room, something she had told Draco already in potions.

Neville scurries past Draco as he speeds up, falling into step beside the girl. He grabs her hand in his and continues walking like nothing is happening. She, however, stills forcing him to stop too, a few feet in front of her.

"What?" He questions casually, she looks between him and their hands a few times, blinking in confusion.

"Dray," She sighs, she wasn't angry but also she didn't want to be led on. Didn't want to be so close only to have him drop her hand the minute anyone sees.

"I don't want you to be my secret. I like you a lot and you are way too good to be anyone's secret. I don't care what anyone thinks, not my friends, not your friends, not my parents. You mean everything to me and I'm not letting you slip through my fingers, so for merlins sake let me hold you hand while I walk you to your friends," He rambles, unaware she feels like she's floating.

She grins, pressing a kiss to his cheek

"I think you missed," He smirks, she giggles a little, a sound Draco wants to hear on repeat for the rest of his life, before pressing her lips to his.

She pulls away way to quickly for Draco's liking "I like you a lot too,"

"Come back here and kiss me then," he pouts dramatically

"I thought you mentioned walking me to my friends," She teases

"You think you're so funny," he complains, hands gripping her waist to pull her back to him. Chest to chest as she beams up at him.

"No you definitely said it, besides, good boyfriends walk their girlfriends places," she smirks.

"Boyfriend?"

"You know you want to be," She shrugs

"I do," he grins "But from what I heard, good girlfriends kiss their charming and attractive boyfriends,"

"Add the word needy to the description and it'll fit you,"

"And then I get a kiss?"

"It's what the good girlfriends do," She agrees, a teasing smile on her face

"All right. Fine. When it comes to you I can be a little needy, but only for you and you can't tell anyone-" She cuts off Draco's ramble by leaning up and pressing her lips back to his.

And the seventh thing I like the most that you do You make me love you

**

Masterlist

[theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin]

I'm curious, what are your thoughts on Canon Harry, Hermione, and Ron?

Given my absolute trashing everyone else and sparse comments on Harry, you can probably guess.

I honestly don’t even know where to start with this.

I guess we’ll start with Harry.

Harry Potter

First, sorry guys, Harry is painfully stupid. It’s not that he doesn’t try hard academically, that he’s not book smart, or that he’s just acting his own age, he is honestly, truly, painfully dumb and is consistently an idiot throughout the entire series.

Let’s take third year as a random example. Harry’s informed there’s a mass murdering Death Eater on the loose that has the country in such a panic that they send dementors to Hogwarts, he is told directly that this guy has motive to come directly after him, he even notices that he’s kept a close eye on that summer in Diagon Alley.

Harry decides that his life is a bottomless pit of despair if he can’t go to Hogsmeade every month with everyone else. Not even if he doesn’t get the candy, Hermione and Ron bring him that afterwards, but not going at all brings him misery. And I get it, it sucks to be stuck in the castle when all your friends get to go on a field trip. BUT HARRY, HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHY EVERYONE’S MAKING YOU STAY IN THE CASTLE?! Harry’s response is he isn’t afraid of death because... he isn’t afraid of death. Really, it’s not so much that he’s that brave but more that he hasn’t thought this one through. 

Harry finally gets to sneak out to Hogsmeade and is thrilled and it takes Hermione pointing out that Sirius Black may very well know these other entrances (which he does) for Harry to even realize this is a possibility (even though Harry didn’t make the map). His response to Hermione is surprised Pikachu face for two seconds then, “No, there’s no way, Sirius Black could never figure out something as cool as this.” Then, when Harry’s finally caught, it takes both Snape and Lupin calling him a dick who dishonors his parent’s sacrifice and entire nation trying to keep him safe, for Harry to realize that maybe sneaking into Hogsmeade was a pretty shitty thing to do. 

We also have the whole firebolt incident in which Harry’s sent a very suspicious package that could very well kill him with no return address. Harry gets unbelievably pissed that Hermione narks on him, even though he does eventually get the broom back. How dare Hermione get in the way of his quidditch!

This is just one book, mind you, we could go through all seven and find equally mind bogglingly dumb moments. Harry’s just not a bright guy (he also is very academically lazy, but that’s not the same thing.)

Otherwise, Harry doesn’t just have a little anger issue, he has a serious problem and I’m convinced he’s a psychopath. 

Whoa, you say, hold on! Where does that come from?

Well, not so much the earlier books. While Harry is a dick (and yes, guys, he is) he doesn’t show really worrying tendencies. The worst he gets up to is icing out Hermione when she becomes inconvenient (see Firebolt fiasco), treating Neville like trash (Harry bails on Neville to sneak out to Hogsmeade), and just being generally self-centered. 

I’m talking about the Order of the Phoenix onward. First we have HARRY’S RAGING CAPS-LOCKS FOR AN ENTIRE NOVEL. Granted, he’s an angry dude in a stressful situation, but that was... a lot. But it’s really Half-Blood Prince were I start grimacing.

We have his reaction to Ginny. It never really seems like Harry ever likes Ginny, it’s more that he has this green rage monster in his chest that wants to possess her. It is the weirdest thing I’ve ever read in my life. Or, well, one of them. So that’s... a thing. 

Then we have the whole Draco thing. Harry becomes obsessed with Draco Malfoy, more so than usual. And yes, Draco was up to no good, and sure we can tilt our heads and say it’s pretext for Draco/Harry. Except guys, Harry’s scary about it. Take out the appeal of the slash for two seconds, Harry stalking Draco is that problematic thing that if Draco were a woman we’d be saying “ABORT ABORT ABORT”. It of course, culminates in the bathroom incident. Now, you say, Harry didn’t know what that spell would do. Well, he knew it was for enemies and even afterwards, though he panics and feels bad, what he really seems to be bad about is the potential consequences to himself not the action. he focuses more on the fact that the beloved Halfblood Prince was Snape than he does the fact that he nearly murdered Malfoy. If I’m remembering correctly, Harry in fact makes out with Ginny not long after, got to set that chest monster loose, y’all. 

Then in book seven Harry starts using the unforgivables with absolutely no regret. Torture for you, Bellatrix, I am edgy now. It’s very clear that Harry only cares superficially about morality. He generally follows the rules and various ideals because he likes the idea of being noble and virtuous, he isn’t actually a virtuous guy at all. 

I’m not even sure he really understands friendship. Harry’s friends are people who are great and all except when they become inconvenient, then he can treat them like the trash they are until they come back around (if ever). 

He’s kind of a monster actually. 

He’s also the poster child of why Voldemort may have a teensy-tiny point that the statute of secrecy as it stands around muggle children is not sustainable. Really doesn’t look good for the cause when the most famous child in the wizarding world is raised by extremely abusive muggles and grows up extremely maladjusted because of it. 

Hermione Granger

Now, I give Harry a lot of flak for his treatment of Hermione, but Hermione’s not a barrel of roses either. She may be friends with a pair of assholes who don’t really like her all that much, but she kind of dug her own grave.

First, Hermione has a bit of a superiority complex, even when she’s completely friendless. She absolutely looks down on girls like Pavarti and Lavender and part of the reason they hate her so much is because of that. That’s part of Hermione’s issue, she’s too good for everyone, and so she eventually becomes friends with famous Harry Potter and Ron Weasley who barely tolerate her because she was too good to be friends with, say, Neville.

Hermione never realizes this.

She also deeply enjoys, I believe, being the smartest person in the room and much smarter than her friends. Granted, this is what she defines herself as, and it means she’s needed by everyone around her for this reason, but she still does like it just a little too much.

And oh my god is she horrifyingly righteous.

This we see in what happens to Marietta, Umbridge, as well as her own parents. She permanently disfigures a girl for snitching them out to Umbridge, never telling anyone this was the consequence, and is smug when we see what happens to her because “snitches get stitches”. It’s pretty heavily implied by canon that Umbridge was raped by centaurs (first they’re centaurs, that’s what centaurs do, second we next see Umbridge in the hospital wing looking catatonic and the gang laughs and makes horsey noises). Yes, Umbridge is a vile evil woman, but that Hermione’s so proud of her vengeance is.... concerning.

Finally, her parents. Hermione, without asking her parents’ consent, wipes their memories and rewrites their entire lives. Congratulations Hermione, even more than Harry you are the poster child for Voldemort’s cause of “what goes wrong when muggles raise a magical child”. Hermione essentially kills her parents, treating them like no more than dolls, and the most she’s upset about is what it did to her. To Hermione, her parents aren’t people, not really.

People in general aren’t people, or at least, Hermione is more than willing to go to drastic lengths if she feels she has been slighted or betrayed. Never get on Hermione Granger’s bad side.

Ron Weasley

Shockingly, I’m not really a “Ron the Death Eater” kind of person. Ron clearly has an inferiority complex, he sees being friends with Harry as a way to make him special from his brothers, he’s overly ambitious and easily jealous, he’s academically lazy, kind of an ass, and he has many flaws as a person.

That said, he’s not the same level of scary asshole as Hermione and Harry. Ron doesn’t cut up Draco Malfoy in a bathroom or even disfigure the guy. He’s just your more or less normal dude who doesn’t realize he’s friends with lunatics. 

TL;DR Harry and Hermione are assholes. Ron’s kind of an asshole too but shockingly less so than the other two.

[writingxfootballl]

know that it’s you (g.w.)

(ginny weasley x reader)

it only took seven years for you to get your happy ending. 

warnings: mentions of death, light cursing, men, sarcasm, and no capitalization

word count: ~2.5k

a/n: first hp fic! hope i did okay- i tried my best to capture ginny’s character but it’s not perfect <3

format inspired by @ravenclawwriting ‘s masterpiece- “turning time”

title- hold on, flor

——

first year 

the aura of confidence she gives off smacks you straight in the face when she passes by you on the platform. 

not that you needed any help noticing her. 

her flowing red hair caught your eye almost immediately. 

oh how you wished to be her friend. 

~~

“gryffindor!” 

you let out a sigh of relief. 

slowly you pick yourself up and walk to the table, where the pretty red headed girl is sitting. 

she looks up and smiles at you, gesturing for you to take a seat next to her.

when you do, she sticks out her hand and introduces herself. 

“ginny weasley.”

taking her hand, you do the same. 

“y/n y/ln.”

~~

when ginny goes missing later that year, you blame yourself. 

you should’ve noticed that she was getting quieter and quieter.

you should’ve noticed that she would be gone for hours. 

you should’ve noticed. 

when she disappears for a few days, she takes your heart with her.

so when harry fucking potter swoops in and saves her, you let out the breath you didn’t know you were holding, and it feels like your heart can finally beat normally again. 

second year

now that you got her back, you were inseparable. 

screw fred and george, you were the new duo at hogwarts.

just kidding, no one could beat the iconic mischief seeking twins, but you sure gave professors a run for their money. 

the red headed girl always seemed to have something up her sleeve, and no matter good or bad, you followed her. 

~~

that summer, you’re invited to the burrow for the first time. 

the two of you share a room, and what started out as separate beds and shy company slowly turned into fleeting glances and lingering touches.

hand holding, cheek kisses and cuddling, all the “platonic” displays of affection. 

and then, ginny invites you to the quidditch world cup. 

you’ve never been a quidditch fan, but you’d go a thousand times over if she asked you. 

really, you’d do a lot of things if she asked you. 

third year

you can see her concern for harry when he gets drawn for the triwizard tournament.

it makes you want to rip his head off. 

and then, slowly, you begin to notice it all. 

how when you were constantly staring at ginny, her eyes followed a certain boy’s every move. 

how she’s a flushed, nervous, bumbling wreck around him, so different from the confident and assured girl you knew.

it makes you want to rip his head off even more.

but you don’t know why. 

harry’s always been a nice guy. 

arrogant, sure, but a nice guy, certainly someone you shouldn’t hate.

so you ask hermione. 

~~

the golden girl just laughs when you tell her. 

“oh, my dear y/n, you’re just jealous.”

now you’re even more confused. 

“jealous? why would i be jealous?”

hermione chuckles a little bit and looks up from her book. 

“you fancy her y/n.”

you scoff a little at that. 

“me? fancying ginny? no way!”

hermione rolls her eyes and motions for you to leave her to her studying, before mumbling quietly:

“no wonder you were sorted into gryffindor and not ravenclaw.”

~~

you’re determined to somehow prove hermione wrong.

so when seamus asks you to the ball, you consider accepting. 

but then you think about ginny.

your sweet, beautiful ginny.

you tell him you’ll get back to him, before running across the school to the courtyard, where you know she’s at. 

your question somehow makes it through the panted breaths and heaves. 

“would you like to go to the yule ball with me?”

ginny’s face splits into a grin. 

“i would love to.”

~~

when you see ginny at the ball, you have to remember how to breathe. 

“you look stunning.”

ginny blushes a little at your compliment. 

“so do you.”

your heart races in your chest at her words. 

you clear your throat at the silence that follows and- 

“so, shall we dance?”

you smile and nod graciously, taking her hand and following.

with one of her hands on your waist and the other tightly clasped in yours, hermione’s words flash in your mind.

“you fancy her y/n.”

your eyes meet and you can’t believe you’ve never taken the time to admire how much of a golden honey color they are. 

but then. 

of course. 

“hey um- could i speak to you ginny?”

dean fucking thomas.

ginny lets go of you almost immediately. 

she glances at you apologetically, and despite the nagging ache in your chest, you nod and let her go.

after she leaves with him, the rest of the ball passes in a blur, where you can’t focus on anything else except the tenuous strain of your heart. 

maybe hermione was right after all.

fourth year

turns out hermione was right. 

so very very right. 

ginny had you wrapped around her finger. 

and for the most part, this year wasn’t bad. 

with the exception of dean of course. 

when he comes into the picture, it shatters you. 

but she couldn’t know that. 

so you listened to her talk about him, biting back the i could treat you better from the tip of your tongue. 

~~

despite the fact that ginny has a boyfriend, the two of you grow closer. 

you’re both members of the DA, helping each other with spells and practicing in your free time.

“ugh gin it’s not working-“

ginny rolls her eyes at you. 

“it’s not that hard y/nn, do you want to watch me do it again?”

you nod enthusiastically and ginny giggles a little. 

“alright move aside then.”

you move and watch from the side, somehow ending up eyeing along her side profile rather than watching her hex. 

eyebrows furrowed, lip bitten in concentration-

dear godric she’s so pretty-

“y/n are you even watching?!”

you shake your head and blush before stuttering out: 

“u-uh, s-sorry could you d-do it again?”

ginny watches you with an amused smirk and takes a step in, closer to you. 

“you’re kind of cute you know that?” 

her finger tracing your jaw, she emphasizes the end of her sentence with a pop and a nose tap.

your mouth drops open, and all the blood in your body rushes to your cheeks.

ginny steps away and seeing that you were still frozen there, turns back and teases: 

“aw come on y/n, the bat bogey hex isn’t going to learn itself now is it?”

merlin, this girl was going to be the death of you. 

~~

when ginny tells you she broke up with dean, you want to go out and scream in happiness.

but instead, you stay put and say, “aw gin im so sorry, i’ll be here if you need me.”

you’re woken up later that night when ginny crawls into bed with you. 

with her face buried in your neck and her hands wrapped loosely around your waist, you can’t help the smile teasing the corners of your lips.

it’s everything you’ve ever asked for.

fifth year

then, fifth year happens.

you could see harry and ginny growing closer and closer, and it felt like she was leaving you behind. 

your weekly hogsmeade trips slowly became less and less intimate, as the golden trio began joining the two of you.

a butterbeer was poked at mindlessly with a straw by you at the three broomsticks, all while listening to ginny chat with harry, and ron chat with hermione. 

it doesn’t surprise you when ginny and harry disappear together after a little while. 

it doesn’t surprise you when ginny starts spending less time in your room, and more time in his. 

it doesn’t surprise you when you spot ginny with her head on his shoulder one day.

it doesn’t surprise you, but it still stings. 

it stings a lot.

sixth year

the golden trio is gone for almost the entirety of this year. 

before they leave, harry breaks up with ginny, and she doesn’t react really. 

she accepts it. 

but you’re there for her even if she says she’s fine and she doesn’t need it. 

then one day, she needs it. 

~~ 

you walk into your room to see her sitting on her bed. 

it takes you a second to realize she’s crying. 

you’re by her side immediately.

“oh gin- what’s wrong?”

she doesn’t say anything, just turning to you and without a word, you wrap your arms around her. 

and you stay like that for a while. 

when she goes quiet, you whisper out:

“gin?” 

and then you realize she’s fallen asleep. 

you try to bite back your poorly contained smile, gently guiding the girl off your shoulder and onto your lap. 

you softly tuck a loose, fiery red strand behind her ear, a blush lightly tinting your cheeks when she exhales softly in her sleep.

merlin, i love you.

your cheeks flush even more when she grasps the front of your robes, pulling herself even closer to you. 

with your heart hammering in your chest, it’s a wonder ginny hasn’t woken up yet.

you pull out your transfiguration textbook quietly, and try your best to focus on the page, rather than the girl laying there on your lap. 

it doesn’t work. 

but for once, all is well. 

~~

eventually, you get absorbed into your studies, distracted enough to miss the girl on your lap beginning to stir.

your brows are furrowed as you scribble down the last words of your essay, and you bring your quill up to your lips before ginny’s hand gently pushes them away, startling you. 

“don’t do that, you’ll stain your teeth.”

you blush sheepishly and drop your hand.

“you’re awake.”

ginny smiles. 

“well i’m talking to you aren’t i?”

you grin softly.

“i suppose you are.”

ginny rolls her eyes and sighs, her brown eyes locking with yours immediately after.

her hand comes up to tuck a loosed strand of hair behind your ear and suddenly, the air seems to thicken. 

for a moment, neither of you move, too caught up in each other’s eyes. 

when ginny’s eyes drop down to your lips you can hear your breath catch in your throat. 

you feel yourself being pulled in by some invisible force, your eyes dropping down- 

then neville knocks on the door, and just like that, the spell is broken. 

“y/n- oh hey ginny.”

ginny sits up and darts away from you so quickly you would’ve missed it if you blinked.

“what’s up nev?”

neville shuffles nervously. 

“sorry for catching you at a bad time- um it’s just that professor mcgonagall wanted to see-.”

“all right i’ll be there in a minute.”

neville nods and then, it’s back to the two of you. 

it’s quiet for a moment before you both speak. 

“you should-“

“i really-“

both of you stop and flush a little before you continue. 

“i really should go see what that was about.”

ginny nods and gestures for you to leave. 

and you do, not before taking her hand and pulling her up into a tight hug.

“i’ll see you later?” 

ginny nods. 

“yeah. later.”

~~

when the golden trio returns to hogwarts and all hell breaks loose, the two of you are separated. 

in fact, you haven’t seen most of the weasleys since the war began. 

you’re left alone with neville for the majority of the fight, and you spend most of it worrying about ginny. 

one day when you’re just walking along the edge of the forbidden forest, you catch a glimpse of red hair on the opposite side of the field. 

your breath catches in your throat.

as you get closer, you can tell who it is. 

and then you start running. 

~~

your body almost collides with hers as you wrap your arms around her. 

at first, there’s relief.

“you’re here you’re here you’re-“

ginny shushes you and pulls you in tighter, drawing out the sob you tried to hard to keep down. 

then the relief turns to anger. 

and frustration. 

you pull away from the hug abruptly and ginny sends a confused look your way. 

“ginevra molly weasley! if you ever, ever do that again i’ll-“

“aw, seems like someone missed me.”

you scoff.

“don’t joke! i thought you were killed- gin you have no idea i was so worried- worried about where you were, what you did-“

the rest of your confession is cut off when ginny grabs your tattered tie, pulls you in, and kisses you. 

it’s quick.

lips unmoving, it’s really more of a peck than a kiss. 

but it still hit you the same way. 

ginny pulls back abruptly when you don’t react, but taking the smile that graced your lips as a good sign, leans back in. 

this time, you’re ready for her.

your arms wrap around her neck, her’s falling to your waist, and finally, you’re content. 

it’s soft and sweet and then there’s tongue and lips and teeth and you really can’t believe this is happening-

“hey y/n! quit snogging my sister!”

ron’s exclamation startles you. 

you flush red, and break the kiss, trying to pull away from ginny out of embarrassment, but she keeps an arm firmly attached to your waist. 

hermione grins next to ron.

“about time you two. about time.”

~~

harry defeats he who must not voldemort in probably what is the most anticlimactic final battle ever.

but just like that, 

the war’s over.

seventh year

propped against a tree, ginny runs a hand through your hair, the other tangled with yours in front of your chest. 

“hey.”

ginny smiles softly down at you. 

“hey to you too.”

“i love you.”

the red headed girl smiles and leans down to give you a soft kiss before replying.

“i love you too y/n.”

your smile is almost blinding, and out of pure happiness, you confess:

“i’ve loved you since third year gin, did you know that?”

the red headed girl almost looks surprised.

“i was gross third year.”

you scoff and mutter: 

“you could never be gross.”

ginny just laughs and leans down again. 

“i love you y/n. i really do. i’m sorry it took so long for me to realize.”

you look up at your girlfriend with pure adoration in your eyes.

with her lips on yours and fingers tangled together, it felt like the world was finally at peace again. 

ginevra weasley was your happily ever after. 

cheesy ending, but i loved writing this one.. i hope you guys like it too <3