#conversations

[adorcble]

she'd loved him for as long as she could remember - she never thought that she'd have the opportunity nor the courage to act of her feelings, to explore the relationship she yearned for. that all changed though when he has kissed her last night. she knocked on his bedroom door - subconsciously holding her breath as she waited for him to answer. "frank? are you there?"

@gctawaygirl

[cquity]

alice & frank

a wide smile spread across her rosy red lips as she glanced at her roommate. “now don’t you just look handsome.” she complimented the other, if her smile could grow any wider it would. “so what’s on your mind, what should we do first?” alice questioned, offering the other her hand. “i’m not sure if dancing first is the solution, or if we should eat the good food before it’s all taken.” 

@papcrrings​

[msmk11]

Just Like All the Other Angry Boyfriends Before

James Potter x Hufflepuff!fem!reader

WC: 4.2k

CW: angst; hurt/comfort; fluff; idiots

Summary: Two idiots in love who don’t know how to handle their emotions properly- aka school dance drama

A/n: yall said you wanted this fic even tho I lowkey hate it, so here it is!

Shrill squeals echo through the stone corridor as you make your way to the Great Hall after class. You turn the corner to find a group of girls surrounding Alice Fortescue and Frank Longbottom. Alice is blushing profusely as you hear her declare, “yes I’ll go to the formal with you!”

Frank whoops excitedly and draws Alice into a warm embrace. There are more squeals from the girls, so high pitched you’re sure they’ve shattered your ear drums. As you pass the happy couple, you smile at them warmly and share your congratulations. On the inside, however, you grimace. You’re no antagonist to fun, really, but as the winter formal continues to approach closer and closer, and you are still without a date, you find yourself beginning to reject the idea of any formal at all. It’s not that you have a lack of options either- plenty of people have asked you- but rather, you’ve been holding off in hopes that a certain special someone will.

Begrudgingly, you accept that if you put things off much longer, you will be dateless. And while you’re not necessarily opposed to going alone, you’d rather not when nearly all your friends have dates. Lily has Mary, Marlene has Dorcas, Alice has Frank, and Remus has Sirius.

That leaves you and James.

Although you’re a Hufflepuff, you throw your stuff down onto the Gryffindor table and plop into a seat next to Lily. You huff dejectedly and rest your head on her shoulder, “Why does everyone have to be all happy and in love? It’s stupid.”

“It’s not stupid honey, you’re just bitter because P-“

You slap your hand over her mouth and glare at her, “SHH there’s people around.”

“Right, sorry,” she replies, prying your hand off her mouth.

“Also…” she pauses and sniffs your hand, “is that a new lotion? What scent is it?”

Before you can answer, you’re interrupted by Mary who sits down on the other side of Lily and kisses her on the cheek.

“Uh, babe, why are you sniffing her hand?”

“I’m not weird, I swear! She’s the one who shoved her hand in my face. I just wanted to know what lotion she was using.”

Mary gives the two of you questioning looks.

“Potter” Lily mouths.

Mary nods in understanding and smirks. She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively as she shifts her attention to the raven-haired boy a few seats down.

“Still waiting for him to ask you?”

“Mhmmm.”

“You know, it is the 20th century, you could try asking him for a change.”

“Excellent idea, love! Oi, Potter, come here,” Lily shouts.

You glare at them in panic and mumble, “I hate you both.”

James looks up from his conversation with his friends and slides down the bench towards you.

“We have a very important question for you,” Lily says.

You glare at her once again, “I think Lily here is actually far over exaggerating the importance of the question. I’m sure whatever discussion you were having with Remus, Peter, and Sirius was much more urgent.”

James chuckles, “It’s the opposite actually. Remus and Sirius were arguing over what they are wearing to the formal. So really, you saved me.”

You let out the most pitiful laugh, cursing your luck.

“So… what is this very important question you wanted to ask me?”

You attempt to act nonchalant as you ask him if he has a date for the formal yet.

“Oh, the formal? Not yet, though I have a few options in mind. But if you’re implying you want to go together, I’m totally down.”

You’re pretty sure your heart skips a beat.

“I mean, I don’t want you to go alone while everyone else in the friend group has a date.”

This time, your heart drops.

“Oh, so you don’t mind doing me a favor and taking me to the formal?” You ask, an accusing tone to your voice.

“Right, that’s what friends are for,” he says, innocently.

Nail in the coffin.

“So, let me get this straight. You’ll only go with me because you feel sorry for me and because you don’t think I can get a date to the formal?” you ask angrily.

“No I-“ he begins defensively.

“Well you should know, Potter, that I do have a date to the formal, and I was only asking if you had one because I was worried you were going to be the one going alone.”

“Wait! You’re going with someone?!” He says, shocked.

“Don’t act so surprised. Just because I’m ‘one of the guys’ to you doesn’t mean I’m not desirable to other people,” you retort.

Then, you stand up and snatch your books off the table. As you storm away you hear him yell, “Wait, but who are you going with?”

Great question.

*****

Back in the Hufflepuff dorms, you sit in one of the common room chairs stewing over your recent interaction with James. While your initial reaction was anger, time has led way to more intense feelings of hurt. While he didn’t outwardly reject you, the sting of the friend zone was just as painful. You needed to move on, but with who?

The universe seems to answer your question in the form of Amos Diggory.

Amos Diggory- an arrogant, handsome, girlfriend-stealer, with an intense fear of commitment. He would be perfect.

No foreigner to flirting, you put on your most charming smile and call out, “Hey Diggory…”

He looks in your direction and you motion for him to come sit. He smiles at his friends and shoos them away. As Amos comes and sits down next to you you know that, if this goes according to plan, you will royally piss James off. The two rival in looks and on the quidditch field, and James cannot stand Amos.

“Hey gorgeous,” he says, looking you up and down.

“So, you, uh, have a date to the formal yet?”

“No, I prefer to go alone. So my options are open.”

You smirk teasingly, “What if I can convince you to change your mind?”

Amos smiles at you seductively, “I’m listening.”

“Well, you like to go to these things alone so you can entertain the attentions of many girls. But, if you go with one girl, me, you’ll get even more attention. What is going to happen when all of the girls at Hogwarts think that the Amos Diggory is off the market?”

“You have me intrigued,” he says, “And how are you not in Slytherin with that devious little mind of yours?”

“I prefer to keep it my little secret.”

Then, you lean closer to him, “Though I guess it’s our little secret now.”

Amos is falling perfectly into your trap, and you know that he already wants to kiss you. You pull away before he even gets the chance.

“Before I agree, what’s in this for you?” He asks.

“Revenge on James Potter…”

If your flirting hadn’t fully won him over, this does.

*****

In the evening, you make your way to the Gryffindor common room where you always do homework with your friends. Though James, Peter, and Sirius consistently show up late, you make sure to leave extra early to avoid conversation with James at all costs.

You forget, however, that James sometimes knows you better than you know yourself. So when you arrive, he is already there on the couch, waiting for you. Lily and Remus are spread out on the floor, Mary is sprawled across a red chair, and Dorcas is lying in Marlene’s lap reading her textbook while Marlene writes a paper. James shoots up from his seat as you walk in.

“Hey! Can we talk?” He asks anxiously.

Although they pretend to hide it, you know your friends are secretly listening. Still, you don’t care.

“No, James, we can’t. Although it may be uncharted territory, you and I are in what people call a fight. So just let me be.”

“But shouldn’t we talk?”

“No, James. I don’t want to talk. Not right now.”

The fight leaves his body and he retreats, “fine. I’ll just leave you be.”

He grabs his stuff and goes up to his dorm as you settle yourself in his place.

“Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh?” Remus asks softly.

“Maybe,” you say, “But I’m sick of always downplaying my feelings to protect his. It’s not fair to me.”

Lily grabs your hand, “you’re right, it’s not fair. And I’m sorry for pushing all of this on you, it wasn’t my place.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry too,” Mary adds.

“Well, I’m not. This just encouraged me to get over my silly little crush and focus my attentions on someone who will actually take interest in me. There are plenty of people out there.”

“Hell yeah there are!” Marlene says encouragingly.

Dorcas smacks her arm, “Marlene! James is one of your best friends!”

“So is she! I love them both, but she’s right, she needs to do what’s best for her.”

“Just don’t push him away completely,” Dorcas tells you seriously.

“I won’t,” you sigh, “He‘s still so important to me. It just won’t be in the way that I hoped.”

Silence falls over the group.

“Who fucking died?”

Everyone jumps and turns to look in the direction of the voice. Behind you stands Sirius and Peter, both with perplexed looks on their faces.

“James, after she fucking tore him apart earlier,” Marlene replies, motioning to you.

Peter nods as he plops down by your feet, “Oh right! I heard about that.”

Sirius smacks you upside the head, “Yeah, what was that all about?”

“He basically called me a fucking unattractive loser. What else was I supposed to do?” You say, smacking him back.

“I think you��re over-exaggerating just a little bit,” Mary responds cautiously.

“I mean, I think he was just trying to be nice. Maybe it hurt because he essentially friendzoned you?” Lily adds.

“Wait, do you have a crush on James?” Sirius asks you.

“Sirius, have you really never noticed?” Remus responds disbelievingly.

Sirius only shrugs his shoulders.

“Okay, I get it, I get it. James is the perfect golden boy and I’m just another one of Potter’s stupid fangirls who follows him blindly and makes a fool of themselves.”

“Honey no,” Lily starts, “it’s not that it’s-“

“Can you not lecture me, please?” You interrupt, “Maybe I overreacted, but is it so wrong to be angry about being pitied. Especially by someone you really care about?”

“No, it’s not,” Peter tells you, “I get it.”

“Thank you,” you respond dejectedly.

It’s quiet for a moment and you’re stuck stewing in your own self-loathing.

Then, Lily speaks up again, “Uhm, I have one more question, and then I’ll drop the subject.”

You nod, encouraging her to continue.

“Who are you going to take to the formal? Because you told James you had a date, even though you didn’t.”

“Oh, yeah, uhmmm about that…” you say, laughing nervously.

“What rash thing did you do now?” Dorcas asks.

“I may or may not have asked Amos Diggory to be my date to the dance…. And he said yes.”

Marlene laughs loudly, “Oh shit!”

*****

To avoid conflict, you decide that it’s best for you to go to the formal with Amos and his friends rather than string him along with yours. Tension is already high between James and you, and you know Amos’ being there would only make things worse. You try to push it out of your mind, but you can’t help wondering who James is taking to the formal with him. You picture all the prettier, smarter, and better girls he could be going with, and your stomach begins to ache. You are also worried about what people will say in relation to you going with Amos.

Your thoughts start to spiral. Will people hate you? Will James hate you? Is your dress all wrong? Will you be the worst dressed there? The anxieties are endless and there seems to be no relief in sight.

Still, you push through and doll yourself up, masking your true feelings behind layers of hairspray, makeup, and itchy fabric. Your dress is light blue with a silvery sheer fabric over top, like fresh snow on a frozen lake. The top half is form-fitting with silvery straps, and the bottom spreads outward in a loose skirt. You twist back the front strands of your hair with silver clips and adorn your face with light makeup and shimmery eyeshadow. At promptly eight you drag yourself to the common room where Amos sits with his friends and their dates.

You put on a fake smile, “Amos, you look handsome.”

He looks you up and down, “I know. And you look hot.”

What a gentleman.

You say a polite thank you and avoid some of the stares you’re getting from the other girls. You can tell that some are jealous already, yet they maintain outward politeness, which you’re grateful for.

Amos, at least, extends his arm, which you grab, as you walk towards the Great Hall. Your walk is filled with polite conversation about simple things from quidditch, to class, and plans for the holidays. So far, it’s not as bad as you thought, though you wished you would have just gone dateless with your friends.

You cast these regrets aside, however, when you arrive at your destination. To no one’s surprise, the Hogwarts decorating committee has outdone themselves once again. The typical long, wooden tables are gone and in place is a magnificent white dance floor that seems to shimmer like the snow. Warm, golden globes of light hang from the sky and snowflakes fall from above, though never reaching the ground. The room is an explosion of silvers, whites, and blues, and you’re sure you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland.

“This is just-“ Amos begins.

“Wow” you finish, “Like a winter wonderland.”

“And you’re its queen,” he says.

You blush in spite of yourself.

“Compliments won’t get you a kiss so soon,” you tease, “It’s only eight.”

He bites his lip, “fine. But I can only restrain myself from a beautiful girl so long.”

You laugh lightly and swat him on the shoulder. Then, music begins to play.

Amos motions towards the dance floor, “shall we?”

*****

As James adjusts his tie in the mirror, he can’t help but think about what a pathetic loser he is. Although he’d had plenty of girls who he could have gone to the formal with, he continued to wait, assuming there would be someone better coming along. Who that person was, he wasn’t sure. But now, he was alone.

And then there was you. He doesn't know what happened. One second you two were fine, and then suddenly, you blew up. While he knows that he insulted you, he can’t understand why you are so angry. Sirius said not to overthink it, that girls are just complicated, but you are one of his best friends. He knows there is something else going on and it’s left a terrible pit in his stomach.

“Earth to James!”

“Huh?” He awakes from his trance and notices that Peter is waving his hand in front of his face.

“You ready to go?”

“Oh, yeah.”

They head downstairs and meet up with the rest of the group- Pete and his girl from Ravenclaw, Sirius and Remus, Marlene and Dorcas, Mary and Lily, and you-

Not present because he is an ass.

James wonders who you’re going with.

They all cheer loudly, “James, you look great!”

“Thanks, guys, but it’s you all that look great.”

“Hell yeah we do!” Sirius exclaims.

Everyone laughs and begins to file out the portrait hole down to the Great Hall. Despite being the only dateless friend, James’ spirits are lifted by their jokes and ramblings. When they reach the dance, everyone oohs and aahs over the shimmery decorations. Instantly, James cranes his neck, looking for you in the crowd as he walks with the group towards a table off to the left. As they all set their stuff down, the music begins to play and couples rush to the floor. His friends join them, excited to dance.

“James, you coming?” Sirius asks.

He shakes his head, “next song.”

Sirius shrugs and walks off with Remus. James continues to search the crowd, looking for you. He realizes he doesn’t know what you’re wearing- and he supposes he never asked. James wonders if best friends are supposed to do that sort of thing.

Probably.

It hits him, then. With everything that’s been going on lately- being head boy, quidditch captain, and taking ridiculously hard classes, he’d sort of ignored you. It’s no wonder you’re so angry with him.

James feels totally guilty until he sees you. It’s then, he realizes, that he has a reason to be angry too. There you are, after all his moping and worrying, with Amos fucking Diggory. James knows that he hasn’t been the best of friends lately, but Diggory? That was his rival! You were crossing a line.

But what really bothers him the most is the way you’re laughing at something Diggiry said. He is hardly funny, and has the personality of a piece of paper. And why are you leaning so close to him? He’s not even that attractive or charming.

As you swirl across the dance floor, he watches how your hands hold tightly to Diggory’s shoulders, like he’s your anchor. James also notices Diggory’s hands around your waist, far too close to your ass, and his blood boils. No way would he let his rival feel up his friend.

When the song ends, James begins to stalk towards you two, but is pushed backwards by Sirius and Remus.

“Not worth it mate,” Sirius warns.

“But Padfoot, this is unbelievable. She is unbelievable. How could she ever agree to go with him? She knows how much I hate him, and is just trying to get back at me.”

“Mate, it’s this type of thinking that pushed her into his arms,” Remus mumbles.

“What, what do you mean?”

“James, she asked him to the formal after you basically made her feel like shit. Whether she realized it or not, she turned to who she thought would hurt you the most. She wanted you to feel what she was feeling, even a little bit.”

“It’s not her best decision, but ignoring her wasn’t yours either,” Sirius adds.

James rubs his face tiredly, “God, I know.”

Sirius pats his back, “Just… take a few minutes and then come join us. Don’t let it ruin your night.”

“And while you’re sitting here, maybe reflect a little more on why you’re so upset,” Remus adds.

“Rem-” Sirius says with a warning tone.

He puts his hands up defensively, “I didn’t say anything. Let’s go.”

As they walk away James notices their slight bickering. He laughs at them in spite of himself. Secretly, he’s always been a little bit jealous of their relationship. Though they are far from perfect, they’re comfortable with each other in a way that he can only hope for. He thinks the fact that they were friends for five years before they dated helped. There’s this trust and friendship that is so necessary in order to support the love and passion that comes with romance.

As another song ends, James decides not to get up from his seat. He watches Amos and you some more. While his blood is still boiling, there is a twinge of something else.

“Maybe reflect a little more on why you’re upset.”

*****

Surprisingly, you’re having more fun with Amos than you thought you would. While you would never date him, you appreciate his company tonight. He’s been making you laugh all night, so you’re surprised when another song comes on and he suddenly gets serious.

“You know, gorgeous, I’m not one to waste my time on Potter, but he’s been glaring in our direction for the past fifteen minutes.”

“Just ignore him.”

“I would, but it’s kind of hard when he is burning holes into my head.”

You huff apologetically, “God, I’m so sorry. I hope it’s not ruining your night.”

“Eh, I’m used to Potter throwing temper tantrums when he doesn’t get what he wants. He’s clearly just mad he’s not dancing with the most beautiful girl in the room.”

“Pfft, yeah right. He’s just mad that I’m dancing with you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t give a shit.”

“Can I give you my honest opinion?”

You hum in agreement.

“As I’m sure you know, I have a reputation for girlfriend stealing.”

“Yes? And?” You say, confused.

“Well, with stealing girlfriends also comes a lot of angry boyfriends. And Potter over there, he looks exactly like all the angry boyfriends I’ve dealt with, who want to beat the shit out of me.”

“Which makes no sense, because he doesn’t act like a boyfriend whenever we’re together. It’s not fucking fair. He doesn’t want me, but it’s like he doesn’t want anyone else to have me either.”

“Listen to me. I may not know what the fuck is going on with you two, but it’s pretty clear to anyone that you guys both have feelings for each other. So, as your date, I think it's my duty to end ours early. We both achieved our goals- all the girls in the room want me, and Potter can’t take his eyes off of you.”

You release a shaky sigh, “Okay, fine.”

As the song ends he releases you and gives you a wink, “Well, for now, this is goodbye. Since I’m sure you’ll be Potter’s girlfriend by the end of the night, I imagine we are going to be mortal enemies from now on. Or until graduation at least.”

You chuckle a little as you straighten his tie one last time.

“Go get him,” he says.

You stand up on your tip toes and kiss him on the cheek, “Bye Diggory. Next time I speak to you, you better be settled down with a nice girl, at 9 ¾, with your rowdy kids for their first year of school.”

He laughs and you part ways for the night. Before you allow yourself to approach James, you walk outside to the courtyard nearby. You lean up against the railing and look out towards the stars. The cool breeze fills your lungs and is comfortable against your hot skin. It’s silent except for the soft notes of music drifting out from the Great Hall.

“So, you and Diggory huh?”

You jump at James’ voice and turn to him, “Yep, and you and the invisible girl. I thought you were Mr. Hotshot, with plenty of girls lined up as possible dates?”

“And I thought Hufflepuffs were supposed to be loyal.”

You scoff, “It wasn’t personal, James. Just a silly little date to a silly little formal.”

“Bullshit” he yells, “You were mad so you went and found a date that you knew I would hate!”

“God, you are so conceited! Not everything is about you. Maybe I just liked Amos’ company. He’s not all that bad, you know.”

“Oh, so now you’re defending him? Next thing I know there’ll be wedding bells.”

“Maybe there will be. He’s funny, attractive, and actually gives me the time of day!” you retort.

“Just so he can get you into his bed, fuck you, and then ignore you after,” James shouts back.

You stare at each other in silence for a moment.

“I mean, Merlin, is that really what you want? I know it's not my place to give my opinion about who you date or-”

“And that’s the whole problem,” you interrupt.

“What?”

“James, you're my best friend. I want your opinion about these things- even if I don’t always want to hear it. It at least shows you care about me. Lately, it’s like I don’t even exist.”

“I know, I know and I’m sorry. You deserve better. A better friend and…” he steps a little closer, “a better romantic interest?���

You let out a small laugh, “romantic interest?”

“What? If this night has shown me anything, I clearly don’t know what- or who- you’re looking for in romance. And that’s on me. But I want that to change from now on.”

You take a deep breath and step even closer to him. You look up into his hazel eyes, your faces so close your noses are almost touching.

“Well, in the name of change, I guess I have to confess, I do have a romantic interest… in you.”

“And as a part of my duties as your best friend, I believe it my responsibility to tell you that… you should go for it.”

Already so close together, you merely stand on your tip toes and lock lips with James. He kisses back and puts his hands around your waist. For a second, he pulls away.

You look up at him with questioning eyes.

His grip on your waist tightens, “I don’t ever want another man’s hands here ever again. It was driving me crazy tonight, the way Amos was touching you.”

You smirk at him, “Jealous are we?”

He grunts in affirmation and pulls you in again. The kiss lasts a few minutes with you up against the railing. At first it’s fast and passionate. But with time it becomes slower and more sweet. More loving.

Eventually, you slowly pull apart. You look at him softly and ask breathlessly, “So, do you have a date to the formal yet?”

[jamesmydeer]

Hey! I have an idea for a Remus x fem!reader. They volunteer to babysit Neville and Harry(both James, Lily and Frank, Alice are ok) and kids try to set them up, get them to play games like Reader being a princess who they have to rescue and Remus - the knight, who has to kiss her (smth like Sleeping Beauty).

true love’s kiss

notes: if you can’t tell, i love writing dialogue.

wc: 2.8k

masterlist

Laughter filled the Potter household as James hoisted his son, Harry, and the Longbottom’s boy, Neville onto his shoulders. Harry threw his fists into the air, obviously used to his father’s antics. Neville gripped onto James’ arm and held on for his life.

“Potter and Longbottom have done it again! The quidditch cup goes to Gryffindor! The crowd goes wild,” he yells, bouncing up and down as if he were celebrating a big win from back in his quidditch days.

“Inside voice, James Potter,” Lily remarked, entering the room with her purse in hand and James’ coat thrown over her shoulder. He groaned and rolled his eyes playfully. “Fine.”

The boys giggled as James pretended to drop them and quietly mimicked the loud murmur of a crowd.

Lily plopped her stuff down on the table and turned to Alice, who was making sure Neville had everything he needed in his bag.

“Okay, I’ve got all my stuff, Frank is laying out the boys’ pajamas, James cast a protective spell on the house, I think we’re good to go!” She turned to look at the clock on the wall. “Remus should be here any minute now.”

“Uncle Moony!” Harry cheered, having overheard his mom’s conversation. “He’ll give us lots of chocolate. Just don’t tell my mom,” he informed Neville who nodded his head eagerly, pretending to zip his lips shut.

Alice turned to Lily with a confused look on her face as she queried, “You asked Remus to babysit?”

James walked towards the pair and grabbed his coat from Lily, kissing her cheek. “Well yeah Alice, leaving them with Sirius would be as good as leaving them alone.”

“It’s not that, I just thought I was supposed to find someone to watch them. Y/n is on her way.”

“Aunt Y/n!” both the young boys cheered. They couldn’t believe their luck at having two babysitters instead of one. Alice, on the other hand, was not as pleased with her mess up. She brought her hands up and covered her face as her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

“Hey, it’s not a big deal. Two for the price of one,” James joked, slipping his coat on. He paused momentarily. “Except we’re not paying them, right?”

"We might have to pay Y/n if Remus loads them up with sugar," Frank chuckled, entering the room and throwing his arm around his wife’s shoulder.

“Maybe the boys can play matchmaker,” Lily raised her eyebrows and smirked. “Give them that little push they need.”

“The one they’ve needed since third year?” Alice adds. A knock at the door had everyone’s heads turning. James turned to walk toward the door, but the boys beat him to it.

“We’ll get it!” Neville exclaimed, racing Harry to the door. They opened it and you scooped them up immediately, playfully tickling them.

“How are my favorite boys in the whole world?” you asked, pinching their cheeks which earned a groan from both of them.

“You better not let Moony hear you say that. He might get jealous,” James teased. You rolled your eyes at James and set the boys down. You had just stepped foot in his house and he was already teasing you about your crush.

“Well it’s a good thing he’s not here, isn’t it?”

Lily and Frank looked at you apologetically, Frank sucking in through his teeth. James and Alice shared a similar expression of holding back laughter.

Your face dropped. “What did you do?”

James grabbed you and pulled you into the kitchen, Lily following suit. “So there may have been a wee bit of confusion on our part,” Lily starts to explain.

“No no no, this is a good thing!” James started, attempting to keep the situation strictly positive. He gripped your shoulders and looked into your eyes as if he was about to give you a pep talk. “You get to be alone with Remus for a whole afternoon. When was the last time you two were alone together?”

Lily was about to chime in that they would be watching his son, not alone, when there was a knock at the door.

“There’s your Moony,” James teased. He smoothed out your hair, jokingly making sure you looked good for Remus. He had known about your little crush since third year, but he still acted as if it were a big deal.

“You see him all the time Y/n. Just act like you always do around him,” Lily rubbed your shoulder comfortingly, then exited the kitchen to greet the second babysitter. You turned to follow her but stopped momentarily to punch James in the arm.

Lily opened the door for Remus who kissed her on the cheek. “Where’s the little tyke? Haven’t seen him all week,” he moved into the living room looking for Harry but was met with another familiar face.

He straightened up at the sight of you, his features softening slightly as a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “I didn’t know you were fifth wheeling with these guys tonight,” he joked, butterflies filling his stomach as you laughed at him.

“I’m not. They’ve started a babysitters' club and were the only two members.”

Remus looked between the two couples who just shrugged at him.

“Do you four not communicate?” Remus scolded playfully. Hearing his voice, Harry ran into the room and jumped into his arms. Remus threw him in the air and you couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re lucky I like Remus,” you quipped. “Had it been someone else, I would’ve gone straight back out that door.”

James snuck a quick look at Remus and wiggled his eyebrows. He walked towards him and took Harry, all the while leaning in to whisper in his ear teasingly “She said she likes youuuu.”

Had James not been holding his son, Remus would have shoved him.

“I’m sorry you guys, I’ve just been so scatterbrained lately,” Lily apologized, kissing both of your cheeks in passing as she headed to the table to grab her purse.

You both reassured Lily that it was okay and both couples were ushered out of the door by their excited children.

“We love you, Harry, behave!”

“Mind your manners, Neville!”

The boys shut the door behind their parents and turned to each other. Neville winked at Harry in a way that looked a lot more like an exaggerated scrunch of his face. Harry nodded and scurried back into the living room, Neville a few steps behind him.

“Aunt Y/n, will you read to us?” Harry begged. Neville assisted by giving you the cutest pleading eyes you had ever seen. And although they looked adorable, you couldn’t help but think they were up to something.

You shot Remus a confused smile at the boy's behavior. He just shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. “Of course, she will. You boys go pick out a book.”

You giggled as they scurried away towards Harry’s room. You turned to Remus, who was already looking your way, a soft smile on his face. A blush ran up his face as he averted eye contact and rubbed the back of his neck.

“I can go make them a snack while you read,” he pointed his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the kitchen. He wanted to stay and listen to your pretty voice, but he was discouraged at the idea of you catching him staring again. 

“What? You don’t want to stay and hear me read the story they pick?” you pouted playfully.

Remus bit back a smile, pretending that he was having to think about it. On cue, the boys came running back in with their choice of book and settled on the couch beside you. They looked expectantly at Remus.

“Well, make room for me.” You met his eyes and smiled brightly at his statement. You grabbed the book from Harry’s little hands.

“Hmm, Sleeping Beauty. This is a very good pick.”

Harry and Neville snuggled into either side of you as you read. Remus observed the way you animatedly told the story. The way your lips moved with each word had him in a trance. It reminded him of how he used to sit in the library, hopelessly watching you study with a lovesick smile. He closed his eyes and imagined what it would be like if you read to him—just him.

Before he knew it, he was being shaken out of his trance by two eager little boys. The story was over and they needed something else to entertain them.

“Uncle Moony, will you please be the prince? Please please please?” Harry begged, holding his hands together in front of his face. Remus couldn’t help but scoff, seeing so much of his father in him. He looked at you for help as to what exactly they were asking him.

You giggle at the boys. “They want to play knights, Remus. They need a prince,” you playfully cleared up his confusion. He smiled at you and turned back to the boys.

“Oh, I see now,” he nodded his head in understanding. “And why do I have to be the prince?”

Harry and Neville shared a look as if the question was absurd. Remus could sense them growing impatient, so he stood up and allowed them to drag him away. He turned back to you and playfully mouthed ‘help’. You giggled and he couldn’t help the feeling of pride that came along with making you laugh.

Harry stopped and ran back towards you. He stood on his tiptoes and cupped his hand to the side of his mouth. You leaned down and craned your neck for him to whisper in your ear, a skill he hadn’t quite honed yet. “You’re the princess. Pretend to be in a deep sleep like Aurora.”

You pulled away and Remus held back a laugh as you wiped your ear. You mouthed an ‘OK’ and he ran back towards Remus to drag him away.

Once alone, you couldn’t help but ponder Remus’ question about having to be the prince. He was always like a prince to you. A blush creeps up your neck as you recall all the books you read about princes, and how you pictured them as Remus every time. The longer you thought about it, you realized that you pictured him as the love interest in every book you read.

You could hear them rustling around upstairs in Harry’s bedroom. You imagined how Remus looked playing along with them. How the sleeves of his sweater were pushed up. The way his eyes would crinkle as he laughed along with the boys. How soft his voice would get comforting them if they got hurt.

It got quiet for a moment, and you almost stood up to go check on them. Suddenly, there were three sets of footsteps running down the stairs. You quickly laid down and shut your eyes, trying to hold back a smile.

The ‘knights’ rushed in and kneeled at your side. Remus stayed back, standing in the doorway. His chest rose and fell in a soft sigh as he studied your ‘sleeping’ figure. He took advantage of the situation and allowed his eyes to linger. He noticed the corners of your mouth twitch and he felt his stomach do a flip.

Neville put his hand to your forehead to ‘check your pulse’, to which you could hear Remus softly blow air out of his nose. He moved from the doorway to kneel beside them whispering, “If only we had read a book that told us what to do to wake her up.”

“A kiss!” Neville exclaimed, earning a harsh shush from Harry. Neville giggled and whispered the same words again. Remus ruffled his hair and nodded down at the boy.

“That’s a good idea, Sir Neville. Try it and see if it works.”

You couldn’t help but smile at the soft voice Remus used with the boys. You always admired how the marauders played with Harry, but there was something extra special about the way Remus did it. He was so gentle and encouraging with them.

Neville began to lean in to kiss your cheek but was stopped by Harry’s small hand on his lips. He shot Neville a look that reminded Remus so much of the one Lily gave James when he says something stupid.

“True loves' kiss, Sir Neville! Remember?” he asked, the last word spoken through gritted teeth as if he was conveying something secret. Neville's face changed to one of understanding, before scooting over and making room. Harry turned to his beloved uncle Moony,

Remus’ eyes widened and his cheeks flushed immediately. His first thought was how much he wanted to, but his second was how much he couldn’t kiss you right now. Not while he’s playing pretend. This scenario had played out in his head over a thousand times and none of them involved children.

Remus shook his head and went to stand up, but Harry grabbed his hand. “But you’re the prince! You have to save the princess!”

You opened one eye and could visibly see how nervous poor Remus was. Since he had the boys’ attention, you took the opportunity to reach for his hand. He startled at the touch, then relaxed when your eyes met. You nodded at him softly as if to tell him it’s okay, just play along.

And you had meant that he could just pretend to kiss you. You figured he didn’t want to and was uncomfortable at the thought. That was not how Remus understood it. Remus took your actions as an okay to kiss you.

He blushed and squeezed between the two boys who were watching in anticipation. He leaned down so that his face was hovering over yours, and you felt his hair fall against your cheek.

Before you could start acting, you felt his lips graze the corner of your mouth. Your eyes snapped open as the younger boys both cheered. Remus pulled back suddenly and looked down at you horrified. Had you not wanted him to kiss you? You brought your hand up to touch the place his lips just had.

Before Remus could see your face break out into a smile, he abruptly stood. “Tell Y/n goodnight,” he stated, turning away from you and waiting. Both boys kissed your cheeks and followed Remus up to Harry’s room.

—————————————————————

Remus entered the kitchen to see you sitting on the counter drinking out of a mug. You offered him one, but she shook his head. He didn’t want it to throw him off the apology he had just rehearsed over and over.

“I’m so sorry Y/n,” he started, running a stressed hand through his hair. “I don’t know why I thought that was okay. I clearly misinterpreted what you meant and I hope you can forgive me.”

“Mus,” you called softly. He turned to you, making eye contact for the first time since the kiss. “Come here.”

He walked towards you slowly, as if he were a scared animal. The smile you gave him has the crease between his eyebrows relaxing. You motioned for him to come closer. He listened to you and slotted himself between your legs.

You slowly moved your hand to the back of his neck, lightly running your fingers through his hair—something you had wanted to do since you felt it against your cheek earlier. The other hand rested on his broad shoulder. He leaned down and placed his head in the crook of your neck to hide his blush.

“If I didn’t want you to kiss me, I would have stopped the game.”

You felt Remus nod against your neck, his eyelashes tickling your skin. He places his hands on your waist, rubbing his thumbs slowly against the fabric of your sweater. He retracted his head from your neck, choosing instead to lean against your forehead.

“Can I do it again?” he whispered shakily. You could feel his breath against your lips as he looked at you with pleading eyes. You bit your lip and nodded. His hands tightened on your waist as he eagerly crashed his lips against yours. You tugged on his soft strands and he groaned against your lips, pulling you flush against him.

He pulled away with a sigh, keeping his eyes closed and resting his forehead against yours. He started laughing and you were brought back to reality. Your face grew hot and you removed your hands from his hair.

“What?” you pulled back to get a better look at him. He opened his eyes and shook his head, unable to control his laughter.

“Remus, what?” you whined. He brought his hands up to cup your face and kissed you softly again. This kiss was much shorter, but you felt the same amount of butterflies in your stomach.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”

+

"They kissed? Blimey, you exceeded my expectations kid," chuckled Sirius, handing Harry the new toy motorbike he had promised him for playing matchmaker.

“8 years. We tried to set them up for 8 years and my son does it in an afternoon.”

[my-castles-crumbling]

Cas help I’m so confused and I can’t find the answer anywhere

What is nobleflower?? Like the ship??

And also do you know why it’s like a fandom-wide headcanon that James wears red converse??

Hi! I believe it's Alice (Longbottom in canon but a lot of people use the maiden name Fortescue) and Narcissa Black (Malfoy in canon).

I think there's a headcanon that James wear red converse for the same reason there's a headcanon Regulus is a black cat animagus. Because...it fits, lol. But correct me if I'm wrong!

[myadmiringmind]

What’s This? |Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin Masterlist

Word Count: 1.4k

Genre: Fluff | established relationship

Pairing(s): Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader, James x Lily Potter, Marlene McKinnon x Dorcas Meadows, Sirius Black x Male!Unamed!Character, (mentioned) Mary Macdonald x Emmeline Vance, (mentioned) Frank x Alice Longbottom

Summary: You’ve been with Remus since Hogwarts and found out about his furry little secret before the two of you ever got into your romantic relationship. For years you’ve wanted nothing more than to give Remus one gift. This year is finally the year.

Warnings: Remus thinking low of himself (Remus being Remus), mentions of past transformations, cursing, crying (it’s not from something bad)

Characters: The Marauders (all four), Lily, Marlene McKinnon, Dorcas Meadows, Sirius’ boyfriend, and 4 year old Harry Potter

Characters Mentioned: Alice and Frank Longbottom, Regulus Black, Pandora Lestrange, Mary Macdonald, Emmeline Vance, 4 year old Neville Longbottom

Notes:

Voldermort is gone

Peter never betrayed them

They all lived

All characters are in their mid-twenties

Readers mother is a potioneer

|PICTURES DO NOT BELONG TO ME|

—————————————————————

 The Potters were well known amongst their loved ones for their famous Christmas Party. James’ parents, even though aging, continued with their parties, and the lot of you attended every year.

After James and Lily got married they started hosting holiday gatherings as well. It was a bit more of an inner circle than what James’ parents did. But you all looked forward to it every year.

“Hold on..I got this!” James assured us as he struggled to open the box in his hand.

Little Harry laughed at his fathers clear struggle, earning a grin from James. Lily looked at James strangely.

“James,” Lily plucked the box from him, “It’s already opened.” Lily opened the box with ease.

A fit of hysterical laughter filled the room.

You were resting on your boyfriend's legs, listening and joining in on conversation as your head rested on his thighs and your hands were intertwined across your stomach.

“Y’know,” Sirius began, “This reminds me of when we won that quidditch match against Ravenclaw and James got drunk as shit-“

“Sirius!” Multiple voices chastised

“Whoops.” Sirius grinned, not even trying to seem guilty. Sirius was spread across a love seat while his boyfriend sat on the floor in front of him.

“I think it’s time for Harry to go to bed.” James said, rushing towards Harry as if Sirius’ swear word would poison his son.

“Not yet, you know he gets fussy when he goes to bed too soon.” Lily stopped her husband

“Yeah, Jamie,” Marlene jokes, “It’s a holiday, let the kid stay up.”

“You’re only saying that because you’ve never had to deal with a fussy baby.” Dorcas pointed out

Marlene snorted, “Of course I have, I used to have to babysit my siblings when my parents went out. I’ve dealt with plenty of fussy babies.” The blonde corrected her wife.

“Thanks for volunteering to take care of Harry, Marls.” James teased as he gently plopped the four year old in Marlene’s lap.

Marlene’s eyes looked as though they were going to pop out of her head as Harry tried to reach for Marlene’s bottle of beer.

“Uh, love, a little help here.” Marlene begged her wife quietly.

“I thought you were used to fussy babies.” Dorcas teased

“I was, but that was a long time ago!” Marlene shrieked as she tried to keep the bottle of alcohol away from the persistent toddler.

“I’ll take him.” Sirius scooped Harry up from Marlene’s lap, “I’m his godfather, I’m amazing when it comes to these types of things.” He said proudly

“You called us crying because Harry got a paper cut.” Lily deadpanned

“It was a bad paper cut!” Sirius exclaimed

“It did look pretty bad.” James agreed quietly with his brother

Sirius grinned, feeling victorious.

Lily sent James a look, “But you did make it seem like Harry was dying.” James said quietly

Sirius gasped and pointed at Lily, “How dare you turn him against me. I thought we were closer than this, prongs.” Sirius feigned hurt, “Moony, Wormy, back me up here.”

“Leave me out of it.” Remus said

“I’m sure you meant well, Sirius.” Peter said in a slight sarcastic voice

“Thank you, wormy.” Sirius chose to ignore Peter's tone.

“I do not understand how you deal with toddlers all the time, Lils. First, you and James, then Alice and Frank.” Marlene commented

“How is Alice and Frank?” Lily asked, suddenly very curious about one of her closest friends.

Marlene shrugged, “Good. Me and Dorcas went over for dinner earlier this week. Their little mutant clinged to my leg the entire time.” The blonde complained.

“It was sweet, he likes you.” Dorcas teased

“Tell that to the slobber left on my good pants.”

“I'm glad to hear that.” Lily said, “I got a letter from Mary yesterday morning as well.”

“How's our sunshine doin?” Sirius asked

“She and Emmeline are traveling right now…she thinks Emmeline is going to propose!” Lily's excitement was obvious.

“About time.” Sirius spoke up, “How long have they been together? Since third year?”

“Sixth year.” Lily corrected

“You’re next, Moony.” Peter said teasingly

“Yeah, Moony, when are you going to pop the question.” Sirius was only joking. All of them knew why Remus hadn’t proposed.

“Just be patient, pads.” Remus jokes

Sirius snorted, “You sound like my little brother. Though he and his blonde friend were a thing, then I found out he’s seeing some muggle from France.”

“Regulus?” Peter questioned

Sirius nodded, “The boys a blonde and everything.” Sirius looked towards Marlene, jokingly.

“Must be hot then.” Marlene jokes.

————————————————————

Remus had already changed into his pajamas and climbed into bed. He was only waiting for you to come to bed so he could fall asleep.

Meanwhile, you paced in the living room of your shared cottage. You sent occasional glances towards the basket that held the vials of potion your mom had produced for you.

“Love?” Remus called from the stairs

“In here!” You called back, you shuffled your feet in nervousness.

What if he didn’t like it? What if he thought you were trying to fix him? What if it doesn’t work?

Remus peeked his head in the doorway and smiled at you, making your heart melt in love.

“What’cha doin? It’s late.” He walked towards you and stiffened when he saw your uncomfortable posture.

“A-are you okay?” He asked worriedly

You managed a small smile and stepped towards him, straight into his arms and rubbed his back. Mostly to calm yourself.

“I have a present for you.” You whispered

Remus hummed in confusion, he hadn’t heard you, you realize.

“I have a present for you.” You said louder, pulling back from his chest but keeping his arms around his waist as his arms stayed around your shoulders.

His brows furrowed, “Okay?”

You sighed, stepping back and walking towards the basket, “Sit down.” You said

You heard shuffling and the creak of your chair.

Gently, you pulled a single vial from the basket and walked over to him. Without making eye contact you sank to your knees beside him.

He eyed your figure and chuckled nervously, “You’re freaking me out a bit..”

You sighed regretfully, “it’s nothing bad. I promise. It’s just..I’m worried you might not..like it?” You said for lack of better word

Remus smiled softly and squeezed your hand, resting on his thigh reassuringly, “Whatever it is, I’m sure I will love it.”

You smiled back and handed him the vial of potion.

His face contorted back to one of confusion.

“Look at the label.” You said quietly, scanning his face for his reaction.

You watched him turn the bottle over and read the label. Once…twice..three times.

“Is this..” he said with a disbelieving tone

“It’s Wolfsbane. I’ve got plenty of more in the basket over there.” You motioned towards the basket, “My mom made it so it should work perfectly.”

His face didn’t change.

“Rem..” you said in an anxious voice.

“How..why..?” His voice broke

“I know you’ve read about it in the “Daily Prophet” about a hundred times. I asked my mom..I paid for the ingredients and my mom brewed it. For you.”

Remus took in a shaky breath and looked at you with tear-filled eyes, “You shouldn’t have.” He said, holding back tears.

You sat up and wrapped your arms around his shoulder, “I wanted to. I know how much you’ve wanted this..how much you need this. You deserve every last vile and much more.”

Remus let out a sob and buried his head into your chest.

“Thank you, thank you.” He pulled you into his lap, and buried his face into your neck, “I don’t deserve you.”

You whispered sweet things into his ear as he cried. He only continued to hold you tighter.

When pulled back from your neck you cupped his cheeks and wiped his tears from his face.

He continued to mutter words of gratitude as he pulled you into a kiss. The kiss was full of so much adoration and love, as you knew he was trying to express how grateful he was.

“I love you.” He said

“I know, and I love you too.”

As the two of you went to bed that night, wrapped in each other's arms, there was a new feeling, one that you knew Remus could feel too. It was a new sort of understanding between you and your lover, one that you were sure would last the rest of your lives.

--------

edited on 05/16/2024

[wisteria-cherry]

in which everyone thinks you and sirius are dating

“you guys are such a cute couple.” sighs marlene as she watches you pick out the nasty bits of your stew and put them carefully on sirius’ plate. in turn, sirius makes sure to pass you your favorite pastry, which was just out of your reach.

“we aren’t a couple, mar.” you look up from your stew to reply. marlene blinks in surprise.

“wait, you aren’t?” she asks suspiciously, almost as though she didn’t believe you. she looked to sirius.

“we might as well be, hm?” sirius grinned at you, his face quite invading your personal space.

“we aren’t a couple,” you repeat, shoving his head away with an eye roll and a smile.

“you’re no fun.”

“okay.” you agree, then promptly go to take back the stew bits.

“oi!” sirius protested. “i take it back, geez!” you raise an eyebrow as you lift your fork up, giving him access to the little tidbits of food again. it was such a curious part of sirius— he could easily get more stew, but he insisted on taking your handouts.

“so you guys really aren’t a couple?” marlene leaned closer. “but the entire school thinks it. you lot are practically glued together.”

“we aren’t glued together. he’s glued to me.” you retort pointedly.

“i can’t help it.” sirius grinned smugly. “you’re just so gorgeous, i can’t not be glued to you.”

“no wonder the entire school thinks we’re a thing.” you sigh.

“wait, you aren’t a thing?” alice fortescue and her boyfriend, frank longbottom, looked over curiously.

“nope.” you replied, popping the “p” for emphasis.

“aw, let them think it, won’t you, dove?” sirius complained. “it’s so much more fun that way.”

“but i thought…” alice trailed off.

“me too.” frank agreed.

“you’re not?” a nearby hufflepuff popped her head into the conversation.

“i’m sorry, who are you?” you look at the hufflepuff, baffled. she giggled and scampered off, promptly joining a group of waiting hufflepuffs. the girl whispered into their waiting ears, and they burst into giggles. you were without a doubt that they were talking about sirius.

frankly, this was the issue with having pretty friends. peter had a gentle look about him, with round features, mussed hair because that’s what james’ hair did, and a sweet, boyish smile. james was tall (although only the third tallest of the marauders), beefy, and tan with a cute, lopsided sort of smile, and was far too oblivious to his admirerers due to his infatuation with the equally beautiful lily evans. remus had the sort of nerdy, quiet look about him that girls tended to like. fluffy, sandy hair and a tall frame paired with a surprisingly good fashion sense (something james did not have) lead to a nice view. it was a shame that people never noticed the beauty under all his scars.

and then there was sirius.

without a doubt, the prettiest boy in their year, possibly the whole school. shiny black hair that was well taken-care of, fair skin whose clearness was the envy of many acne-ridden girls, a tall frame that was lean and muscular. big hands, broad shoulders, perfect smile, cleanly shaved. smelled a bit musky, but his cologne was divin-

oh, shut up.

you nearly pinch the bridge of your nose in exasperation. you hardly even liked him like that. there’s no use sitting and thinking about how pretty he was while the other gryffindors were— well, what were they doing, anyway? the gryffindors were leaving, so, you left too, walking in step with remus.

“do people really think that we’re dating?” you ask remus as you walk, the other three boys racing ahead (more like other two, as peter was somewhat behind the more athletic boys). remus shrugged.

“i don’t care for rumors.” remus answered, perhaps somewhat stiffly, because there were plenty of rumors about him. there were rumors about all the marauders; popularity does that to you. the thing remus didn’t realize, however, was that there only ones he paid attention to (almost subconsciously) were the negative ones, despite the overwhelming amount of positive ones— as positive as rumors can get, anyway, when most of the rumors surrounding the boys related to how good they were in bed.

“however,” remus added, snapping you out of your thoughts, “i imagine they do. regardless of how you act towards padfoot, he clings to you. you understand what i mean by that, right?” you nod. sirius, the infamous playboy. he reveled in every bit of attention he was given by hopeful fans. he sat there and looked pretty. he was never the one pursuing. so, to see him trying to egg you on, get a reaction out of you— you may as well be snogging.

“i suppose so. but he flirts with everyone.” you point out.

“but he’s not so touchy with everyone. not so domestic.” remus answered. you fall silent as you and remus arrive at the common room. he had a point.

“whippersnapper,” said remus, and he held out his hand, which you took for balance as you climbed into the hole.

not so touchy with everyone. not so domestic.

huh.

[anderperrylover]

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS? DPS CHARACTERS AS HOGWARTS HOUSES AND VARIANTS

NEIL PERRY - GRIFFINDOR I am talking the full look - Red Converse - House Scarf - Head Boy - Seeker and Overall Party Person Variants - Both Sirius and Regulus Black

Todd Anderson - GRIFFINDOR!!!!!! Hear me out on this - Is a Neville Longbottom type of Gryffindor - Has that spirit - Lesser known than most others and definitely wonders about not being a Hufflepuff Variants - Remus Lupin and Neville Longbottom

Charlie Dalton - Okay Two Ways this can go down? 1) Has that Draco Malfoy vibe - I mean look at him and like his whole dynamic with Meeks - Could definitely come from a Pure-Blood Family and still flaunt that energy

2) A Gryffindor - I mean hear me out on this - A bit like Sirius and Regulus but also a dash of Bill or like Fred Weasley - Loyal to the freaking core - So yes - there might be a higher chance of him being the outlandish Gryffindor, the long lost child of Slytherin House Variants - Sirius and Regulus Black but also Fred Weasley and Draco Malfoy

Knox Overstreet as Slytherin or Gryffindor ? Hear me out on this one. He is the Poster Child for both houses. Sticks to his family and definitely values it - The whole thing with Chris showed more or less his ambition - determination to get what he desires - Yes people wonder why he is in Slytherin though If in Gryffindor he is just James Potter's long lost great uncle or something - Is probably Quidditch Captain who chases after the first girl he saw on the train Variants - James 'Freaking' Potter - NOTHING ELSE TO SEE

Steven Meeks - REVENCLAW I am talking about being sorted in Record Time - That's it - He is in the Wizard's Chess Club and has founded an array of speakeasy style clubs around Hogwarts (for dancing - muggle drinks - and well GREAT MUSIC) - Like Ravenclaws poster child who everyone freaking hates (affectionately) - Aces all exams and has a time turner to attend classes - As for variants? Well - he has his nerd > geek energy so Yes - LUNA LOVEGOOD Variants - Luna Lovegood - Alice Longbottom

Gerard Pitts - The One True Hufflepuff No questions asked - I am talking about Pitts the all Star Chaser of Hufflepuff - Sneaks into kitchens to organize midnight feasts - Stays up cramming his head for exams style Hufflepuff - But also very very sweet - People see him hang out with Meeks and yes there seems to be a weird Black Cat Golden Retriever Energy - Late to class but gets shit done Variants - Newt Scamander - Tonks- Frank Longbottom energy is there somewhere

Richard Cameron - Slytherin Well who is proud of it - I'd say he holds it altogether - He does a few extracurriculars but is extremely ambitious about shooting up a career at the Ministry - Has definitely invented a number of secret curses to get around Hogwarts and to meddle with Dalton - Head Boy in his final year - Everyone Hates Him but in truth everyone is just kinda scared of him Variants - Lucius Malfoy but also Severus Snape (tries to be friends with everyone - but does not work out) BUT MAJOR PERCY WEASLEY FLEX

[unwoundcorridors]

prompt #25: illness

pairing: alice/narcissa word count: 522

❈ written for @sapphicmicrofics ❈

—

“You were… ill, for a very long time,” Narcissa said haltingly, tone soft as Alice walked around the sitting room of the Longbottom home. Modest for purebloods, extremely so. Narcissa still eyed her surroundings like an animal on high alert, poised to flee at any sign of danger to her. Even though it had been a week since Ms Parkinson and Ms Granger had, alongside a curse breaker and specialist in the Dark Arts from Brisbane, healed the damage to the Longbottoms’ minds, Narcissa knew she was walking on thin ice.

Despite how Alice had asked for her.

She recalled the uncomfortable conversation she had needed to have with both Augusta and Neville Longbottom, and how pained the younger Mr Longbottom had appeared that his mother asked for Narcissa Black over her own husband, who as of yet was not progressing as well as his wife. Narcissa still hadn’t had an ounce of the courage needed to speak the entire truth to her long-lost… She grimaced, unsure what to call them, or if she even had the right to call them anything, considering what Bellatrix, her own sister, had done, had taken from Alice and Frank and all of the living Longbottoms. The Fawleys, as well… if any of them beside Alice were still living.

“I…” Alice stopped, casting her gaze around the entirety of the room once more before focusing on Narcissa. “I still can’t… quite believe that I have a twenty-three year old son, Cissa. And Frank…”

Narcissa gripped her kneecaps, a particular type of pain lashing through her heart as Alice trailed off, her eyes glazing over as she appeared to become lost in her own head. They’d been told that the memories would slot back together in time, but Ms Parkinson—or rather, Pansy, as she insisted Narcissa call her now—had privately shared her concerns that in time was intentionally vague.

“You love each other, Alice,” Narcissa half-croaked, clearing her throat in the middle of her sentence. She stood up from her seat, and when she stood a couple of a feet from the other woman, she gestured to the space around them. “You have a son together… we…”

Alice tilted her head. “We loved each other, Cissa.”

Swallowing past a lump in her throat, Narcissa nodded.

“We did, but my family…”

“Did they hurt us both?”

The words came from Alice’s lips so easily, and Narcissa could only blink back at her, wondering if Alice knew how spot-on she was in the question she raised. A part of Narcissa, so small until now, threatened to overwhelm her, and though she tried to hold back her tears, when Alice nearly knocked the wind from her as she wrapped her arms around Narcissa in a hug that took her back decades… She simply couldn’t keep them from spilling over.

Tentatively, she returned the embrace, then allowed herself to grasp Alice’s back between her shoulder blades, fingers digging into the fabric of the other woman’s robes, while she ducked her head into the crook of Alice’s neck, seeking solace where she wasn’t sure that she had the right to.

[imaginesandbandfiction]

my headcanon for remus lupin is that he’s known he’s gay since before hogwarts and just chose not to disclose that info but. behind the scenes??? he was getting an education from the underground queer community. like, in 3rd year he was caught reading an illicit gay magazine in the common room and caught by frank longbottom, the 5th year prefect, who just laughed and said welcome to the club, buddy.

being bisexual, frank had a similar interaction with an older student and thus was adopted into a community that met in the room of requirement to hang out (and find people to hook up with but that wasn’t the main goal or expected AT ALL) and by the time Remus himself was a fifth year prefect, he was hooking up with Barry Crouch (Sr., the seventh year male Ravenclaw prefect) like every other night and getting drunk with other queer kids on the weekends.

and when he comes out in sixth year, he just starts nonchalantly dropping stories into conversations and the other marauders are just speechless bc they had no idea how they never noticed and it should have been a red flag when he was the one who convinced them all to try fire whiskey and brought the bottle

and when they ask him about it in the common room one day, he just shrugs and says “frank taught me everything i know,” and then they are equally as speechless, heads swiveling around like owls to look at frank across the common room

and frank, with his arm around alice by the fire, laughs and is like “hell yeah i did!”

and sirius deflates and wails “how the fuck has moony been cooler than all of us this whole time?”

and remus smirks and says, “did you really think i was sneaking away to study every time?”

[saintsenara]

For the tag game can you tell us more about First Do No Harm :)

thank you very much, anon! first do no harm is an excellent choice from the work in progress tag game list.

provided you don't mind a bit of harrymort, with a snake-faced voldemort, rather than a hot one, that is.

[although - just as a pre-warning - i don't advise reading any further if you have health anxiety...]

i spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about the worldbuilding around wizarding medicine - and, in particular, how societal attitudes to illness and disability are changed by the fact that, canonically, magic can treat, cure, or render meaningless things which would, in our world, be considered permanent, chronic, life-limiting, or fatal.

[spoiler alert: i hate the fact that the series thinks this, since it pretty much justifies the blood-supremacist position that wizards and muggles are essentially different species... but that's a conversation for another day...]

the exception to the series' rule that wizards are more durable than muggles is its attitude towards brain injury and cognitive disability. the loss of cognitive function - which is implied to have a debilitating, irreversible impact on magical ability - is something the series finds uniquely horrifying. think of the brutal torture of frank and alice longbottom, the mind-altering power of the dementors, the fear of being placed under the imperius curse, and so on.

and i've been playing around a lot recently with how these thoughts could be used in fic - and, especially, how they could be used in a way which wasn't just me reeling off my notes from uni. not least because i don't know where those are.

and, obviously, how they could be tied into my actual favourite thing to write about...

harry potter and lord voldemort being forced to engage with the concept of love.

there is - of course - a very famous trope which medicalises love: hanahaki disease. and my original idea for first do no harm was to write something using this.

of real world diseases, hanahaki most closely resembles tuberculosis [a comparison which has been made in numerous fics, including a lovely bit of tomarry - consumption by @laeveteinn]. and i can understand why something tuberculosis-like grabs fic writers' imagination... after all, tb was considered incredibly glamorous in the victorian era - it makes you fashionably pale! it gives you big shiny eyes! it makes you look fragile and feminine and delicate! it makes you gives you an attractive flush on the cheekbones! it makes you cough blood delicately into a handkerchief! it consumes you from the inside out!

and it kills you.

[and it's getting harder to treat.]

and, sure, it makes a great metaphor for unrequited love. but for unrequited love which is sad, rather than terrifying and unwanted... and this fic is about love which is terrifying and unwanted.

which is where talking about the brain comes in...

when asked to name diseases which frighten them, most people would - and, indeed, should! - say rabies. and i do think there's something to be said for this humble virus - which can be transmitted by a tiny, unnoticeable bite from something as small as a bat; which has guaranteed its target is going to die in horrendous circumstances by the time they've even started to suspect that something's wrong - as a metaphor for love taking root without its host realising, and for how disorienting and overpowering love can be when it gets going.

rabies kills a bit too quickly for my purposes though...

lucky there's something just as horrifying lurking out there. a subset of neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. or prion diseases.

most people have very probably heard of at least one prion disease: bovine spongiform encephalopathy [mad cow disease - i.e. reveal you're a european millennial without saying you're a european millenial]; creutzfeld-jacob disease; kuru [famously transmitted via cannibalism]; and the one which has made me feel vaguely terrified since i first discovered it existed...

fatal familial insomnia. in which the prion-induced degeneration of the brain causes holes to appear in the thalamus - the area of the brain which regulates sleep - until it resembles a sponge.

and the patient can literally never sleep again.

for the rest of their life - usually within eighteen months of the disease's onset - they are held in hypnagogia [pre-sleep limbo, the state between wakefulness and sleeping]. they are disoriented, panicking, hallucinating, forgetful, losing control over their body, losing control over their entire sense of self...

[the face of prion diseases is the astonishing scientist sonia vallabh, who is trying to make as much progress towards a cure for fatal insomnia as she can before it kills her.]

you wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy.

well, maybe you would. if you didn't know that a bit of your worst enemy's soul lived inside your greatest weapon, or that your greatest weapon's blood kept your worst enemy's heart beating, or that they are most vulnerable to each other as their connected minds linger on the threshold of dreaming and waking...

how lucky that - unlike muggles, who just have to die from neurodegenerative diseases - this curse could be lifted from dear old harry and poor old snake-face voldemort if they put in a bit of effort and fall in love with each other...

ah.

shit.

[the title - first do no harm - is a bioethical phrase which is often misattributed as being part of the hippocratic oath. it is also just a generally sound philosophy to have in life. eh, albus?]

[cquity]

alice & frank

she leant back on her heels as she spun around in the rink. “i honestly thought i would be on my ass by now.” alice admitted, looking over at her roommate with a soft grin. “this is pretty fun - i have to admit i’m rather impressed by this idea for palentines day.” 

@papcrrings​

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

The Other Evans Girl [Part Forty]

Fandom: Harry Potter [Marauder’s Era]

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

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

Word Count: 8366

Rating: Mature

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

Tags/ Warnings: Hogwarts, Friends, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Marauder’s Era, Teenage Angst, Babies, Weddings, Dating, Crying, Loss of Virginity, First Wizarding War, Love, Kissing, Teenagers, James Potter is a bit of a dick, Hogsmeade, 1970s, Fighting, Loss of Parents, Grief, Babies, Injuries, Gore, Harm, Christmas,  The Potter’s Mansion // Daisy’s Dress // NYE Lily’s Dress // NYE Daisy’s Dress // Lily’s Ring // Daisy’s Ring

Notes: Okay so I’ve been working on updating this and I’ve finally gone through all the chapters already written before I start writing more. It’s changed a lot so I’ve decided it’s just better to completely re-upload it.  

If you want tagging let me know

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

‘Well that was a waste of time,’ Lily grumbled as she came through the attic door and took a seat on the settee next to James. Daisy glanced over from where she had been flipping through a magazine with Sirius, whose head was on her shoulder as he offered an occasional murmur about an article despite protesting he was interested in ‘Witch Weekly.’ ‘What was?’ James asked, pushing his glasses up his nose as he looked at Lily confused. Again Daisy said nothing though her attention became more fixed on the conversation even though she knew what it was going to be about. Lily had gone to McGonagall. Of course she had warned them that she was going to tell, her worries about the Slytherins growing more and more without them actually doing anything, but Daisy had still hoped she’d hold off fearing involving teachers wouldn’t help. Turns out she was correct. ‘What did she say Lil?’ Remus asked, placing his booked down on the chair arm, his interest just as piqued. ‘She won’t help,’ Lily said. ‘Figures,’ Sirius said rolling his eyes. Daisy glanced at him, their eyes meeting with a frustrated gaze. ‘Why not?’ James asked. ‘She says she can’t,’ Lily said. ‘Can’t or won’t?’ Daisy asked, her irritation bubbling to the surface as her sister looked towards her. ‘Can’t, well, at least I hope it’s can’t. She says that without proof they’re doing something wrong she can’t do anything. And given our track record with the Slytherins it just looks like we’re out to get them,’ Lily said. ‘Did you tell them about the book?’ Sirius pressed. ‘Of course I did,’ Lily said gloomily, ‘she said that it doesn’t mean anything and she wasn’t willing to go slinging accusations not when Slughorn gave them permission to get it out of the library.’ ‘So he doesn’t know what they’re up to then,’ James said. ‘Well they were hardly going to tell him what they really wanted it for were they,’ Remus reasoned. ‘Can’t blame him though can we?’ Daisy grumbled, ‘I mean he might not know anything but neither do we.’

A wave of uneasiness ran through the group as she spoke. Granted she had a point given that since overhearing the Slytherins talking about the attack and getting the book they had made no steps further forward. Even when the majority of them had stayed in the castle for Easter, watching Snape and Crouch skulk around the halls with smug smiles on their faces at every turn, they hadn’t got anything tangible. That was why Daisy hadn’t been able to protest her sister going to McGonagall especially since she’d been lenient enough to give them a few more weeks than promised before telling. Of course Daisy had known it would be fruitless but still she had hoped that the teachers would be able to do something, or at least more than eight sixth years could.

‘Are you sure she won’t do anything?’ Peter asked, genuine worry in his voice. ‘I wouldn’t bet on it,’ Lily said. ‘So we’re stuck waiting then,’ Sirius sighed. ‘Yeah waiting for whatever it is they’re going to do,’ James added glumly. ‘They have been quiet though,’ Peter reasoned. ‘That’s not a good sign I’d bet,’ Remus grumbled. ‘No, you’re right,’ James said, ‘but maybe they’re quiet because they’re stuck without the book.’ ‘Which we’re going to have to return now that McGonagall knows it’s missing from the library,’ Remus added. ‘Well then,’ James said, trying to inject some positivity into the expressions of his forlorn friends, ‘let’s just hope the thick gits didn’t manage to do anything more without it.’

After the disappointing revelation regarding McGonagall the group chatted a bit more about the prospects of what the Slytherins were still up to before they were forced to change the topic as members of the defence club started to arrive in dribs and drabs. After the muggle attack in London the club had grown quite a bit but as fears started to wane people started to lose interest, leaving the club at a lower but respectable number.

One member who had stuck around though, much to everyone’s surprise, was Penelope Fulton. Of course Daisy didn’t blame her, the worry all muggleborns had been feeling was understandable but she couldn’t deny it was a little awkward. Especially given that she was reluctant to mix, her and her friends keeping to themselves, well until Sirius was around, a familiar face for her to go to. And trying to remain the cool and understanding girlfriend Daisy hadn’t found it in her to stop their little alliance. Which was why she was standing across the room, subtly watching her boyfriend as he adjusted Penelope’s wand technique so that she could get a proper flick to the charm they’d been focused on all lesson.

‘Well done,’ Sirius said as Penelope finished firing the jinx, slowing her brother who was running towards her at speed down in an instant. As he came to, his legs getting quicker before slowing to a stop, she watched on, pleased with herself. ‘Thanks,’ she said meekly, ‘I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing today.’ ‘Nonsense,’ Sirius said, ‘you’ve done amazing.’ ‘I’m surprised I remember what to do it feels like ages since the last meeting,’ she said. ‘Yeah Easter really put a dent in the momentum,’ he agreed. ‘Didn’t you practice?’ she asked, sweeping her long locks back from her face as she looked at him, ‘I mean you stayed in the castle right?’ ‘What? Oh yeah but we were busy a lot of the time,’ Sirius lied, trying to hide the smile on his lips as he thought about the previous two weeks he’d spent in the castle with the boys, Daisy and Lily. They had been busy but it was mostly trying to hoodwink the girl’s staircase, a feat Lily had been steadfastly against until the fourth time she and James were interrupted. ‘You and Daisy, right?’ she asked, her steely blue eyes dropping away shyly. Sirius was taken off guard, the awkwardness palpable as he cleared his throat and mumbled, ‘uh yeah.’

‘How’s it going between you two?’ she asked after a beat, taking him further by surprise, something that must’ve been readable on his face as she frowned and said, ‘what am I not allowed to ask?’ ‘Of course you are,’ Sirius protested, ‘I just didn’t think you’d want to know.’ ‘Well we were friends,’ Penelope reasoned. ‘Yeah we were, we are,’ he corrected, ‘um…things are good thanks.’ ‘I expect it’s hard for her,’ she said, looking towards Daisy who was oblivious to them watching her, too focused on hexing James first in whatever duel they were participating in as Remus umpired. Sirius frowned, ‘hard?’ ‘I heard about her parents,’ she explained, making Sirius’ mouth go dry, ‘I expect it was better for her to stay in the castle.’ ‘Yeah,’ Sirius mumbled, swallowing thickly. If anything he hadn’t really thought about that side of things, not really. When they’d talked about going home they’d all opted to stay in because of the mountains of school work but as he glanced to where she was, lauding her triumph over a pouting James, he wondered for a split second if she had thought of any other reasons. His wondering was cut short though as Penelope continued. ‘I suppose it’s not too bad though she can always come and visit you at your house,’ Penelope said earning a snort. At his reaction her eyes dimmed, uncertainty dancing across her features which he noticed immediately venturing to explain as he said, ‘well yeah she can but I don’t live at home, not anymore.’ ‘Really?’ she asked intrigued, ‘where do you live then?’ ‘With the Potters,’ Sirius explained. ‘Oh, that’s…nice I guess,’ she said, ‘don’t you have a brother though? What’s his name-’ ‘Regulus,’ Sirius finished, ‘yeah.’ ‘Don’t you get on?’ she probed, genuine intrigue in her eyes. Sirius shrugged. ‘Hard to get on with someone intent on despising everything I’m about,’ he explained, though as her face fell he felt worry and nerves fill his stomach. There was an unexpected sadness behind her eyes and he could tell she had more questions and no doubt would’ve asked him them if he’d let her, except he pulled away, clearing his throat as he said, ‘fancy a drink? I’m thirsty.’

And before she could answer he walked away towards the table full of refreshments and chugged down a goblet full of water in one hoping she didn’t come for more answers.

✵✵✵

Daisy had sensed something was wrong. She’d continued to leave Sirius be, opting to duel with her friends rather than him whilst he helped Penelope and co, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t noticed how he stayed on the fringes of their group, tense and aloof. He looked awkward, as if he wanted nothing more than to join her and his friends but couldn’t. She hadn’t gone to him though, determined not to look like a clingy girlfriend, instead opting to wait until he came to her, the distinct feeling something was off in her stomach. That feeling grew deeper as he came up behind her, his arm around her waist as he pressed a kiss into her temple. The room was nearly empty now, only their friends present which she assumed was the reason he felt comfortable to be so affectionate.

‘Hey,’ he mumbled, watching as she tipped the unused biscuits back into the tin they’d snagged from the kitchens. ‘Hi,’ Daisy smiled, stroking the side of his face before she turned around to look at him, ‘you okay?’ ‘Yeah,’ he nodded, ‘but kinda wanna get out of here. Wanna come?’ ‘Yeah,’ she smiled, ‘Lil?’ ‘Yeah?’ Lily said, looking up from where she was tidying cushions away the moment her sister called her. ‘Are you lot gonna be okay to finish up here?’ she asked. Lily looked between them and noting her sister’s pleading eyes she nodded, ‘yeah course.’ ‘Thanks,’ Daisy said, turning back to push the tin further onto the table before she took Sirius’ hand in hers and headed out the attic.

He was quiet on the way down to the corridor, his thumb tracing over the back of her hand nervously, which was why she was taken by surprise when he pulled her into a broom closet, his lips attacking hers the moment the door closed. It took her a moment to respond but once she did she melted into him, allowing him to kiss her until he pulled back breathless.

‘Hi,’ Daisy panted, a smile dancing across her lips as she pushed a strand of hair back from his face. ‘Hey,’ he muttered, pressing another chaste kiss to her lips. ‘You okay?’ she asked. Sirius sighed and moved to sit on storage box, pulling her to sit on his lap, ‘you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.’ ‘It’s nothing,’ Sirius mumbled, fiddling with the loop on her jeans, ‘it’s just well Penny.’ ‘Yeah?’ Daisy asked as casually as she could muster. ‘Yeah,’ Sirius said. ‘What about her?’ she asked. ‘Well we were just talking,’ Sirius said. ‘I thought you looked cosy,’ Daisy said, her words coming out before she had chance to stop them. At her tone Sirius looked up at her disapprovingly earning a meek, ‘sorry.’ ‘It’s okay we were talking about us if you must know,’ he said. ‘Really?’ she asked, panic flooding her as she wondered what Penelope had said, the questions or accusations she must’ve had to get him like this. ‘Yeah nothing bad just more interested than I would’ve thought,’ Sirius admitted. ‘You don’t think she still,’ Daisy paused, unable to offer the words ‘likes you’ just in case uttering them might make them true. ‘No, it wasn’t jealous girl stuff.’ ‘Like me when you were with Penny,’ Daisy mused making Sirius smile wryly. ‘Yeah nothing like that,’ he teased.

They fell quiet for a moment the only thing to be heard their joint breathing and the sounds of footsteps somewhere near the end of the hall, no doubt their friends heading back to Gryffindor tower. After a moment Daisy decided to be brave, to broach the uneasiness.

‘Is that what got you,’ she paused, swallowing nervously as dark grey eyes met hers, ‘well somethings up.’ ‘No it wasn’t her… it was Reg,’ Sirius admitted, his heart warmed by how well she knew him. ‘What about him?’ Daisy questioned; her brow furrowed. ‘Penny was asking me about him, well us first, wondering why we’d stayed in the castle and if we were going home for summer and I said I was headed to the Potters so she got curious,’ he explained. ‘What does that have to do with Regulus?’ she asked. ‘She didn’t know I didn’t live at home anymore. In fact she seemed upset by it though I don’t know why,’ he murmured. Daisy placed her hand on his neck, her thumb ghosting along the pale planes of his jaw as she said, ‘are you upset by it?’ ‘Yeah, yeah I think I was,’ he admitted looking back at her, ‘I meant she’s the first person outside you lot I think even knows about what happened last summer.’ ‘That’s because it’s no one’s business,’ Daisy said, thankful that the rumour mill had been too preoccupied with who was dating who to go into the tragic backstory of the Black brothers, given that she and Lily hadn’t fared so well with their own tragedy. ‘I know and I know what I said about the boys being my brothers and they are but I guess it’s just sad you know. To see he’s heading down a path I can’t stop him from going down.’ ‘Maybe he’ll see one day,’ she reasoned. Sirius smiled at her but it was sad, his words lacking conviction as he replied, ‘maybe but if not what can you do?’ ‘Yeah true,’ she said, trying to convince herself just as much as she was, ‘you’ve always got me though. The boys too.’ ‘That’s what’s sad I think,’ Sirius said, explaining as Daisy looked at him inquisitively, ‘because as friendly as he is with Snape or Crouch I can’t see them being like us. And I know they prefer him but it’s not as though my parents are the warmest people to be around. I guess I just feel sorry that he doesn’t have a home like me.’ ‘Yeah a home with a gazillion rooms and Euphemia fawning over you day in day out,’ Daisy teased. ‘Nah, home is wherever you are,’ he said, pressing a quick kiss to her nose before he shifted and said, ‘come on they’ll be wondering where we’ve snuck off to.’

With that he stood, sliding her off his knee until they were both standing. Daisy was in a daze as she got upright, barely clocking him scouting through a crack in the door whether it was safe to go outside, and as they headed back to the common room Daisy went quiet, her mind on Sirius’ words. She felt the same, to her he was home. Her friends were home. Hogwarts was home. Which is probably why the thought of going back to her real home, her muggle home, scared her. She knew she could at any time, that the house was there for as long as she or Lily wanted it but thinking about it now felt odd. Like it was no longer her home.

She just wondered how she was going to explain that.

✵✵✵

Over the next few days Daisy found herself mulling over what Sirius had said. She knew it was silly, that the Potters had told her that the house was to do with as her and her sister saw fit, but she couldn’t deny the uneasiness she felt about telling them that she might not want it anymore. That her tantrums and hissy fits may have been in vein. She was dwelling on it when she headed down to breakfast Sunday morning, so lost in her thoughts that she collided straight into someone coming from the great hall. As she looked up dazed she found James looking down at her, a grin on his face. Daisy pulled back bashfully and muttered, ‘sorry Prongs.’ ‘It’s okay,’ he said pushing his glasses up his nose, ‘you looked like you were in a world of your own there Dais.’ ‘Guess I was,’ she said meekly. James paused, looking as though he was going to ask her what was the matter but she recovered quickly, pushing her daydreaming away as she asked, ‘where you going? ‘I was just headed down to the quidditch pitch,’ he said making Daisy realise she had truly been in a world of her own given she hadn’t noticed he was in his full kit. ‘Oh right on your own?’ she asked. ‘Yeah I’ve got stuff to sort out before the match so I said they might as well stay here until everyone heads down,’ he explained, gesturing to great hall where she could see her friends congregated around a table at the far end. Daisy paused before she looked up and said, ‘can I come with you?’ ‘To the pitch?’ James asked, earning a nod, ‘sure…don’t you want breakfast though?’ ‘I’m not hungry,’ Daisy lied, heading towards the door with a sceptical James on her tail.

On the way down to the pitch Daisy tried to make small talk but it was hard, her responses growing shorter the more she became lost in her thoughts again. She tried not to, after all the entire reason for not going to the great hall was that she was sure Lily or Sirius would be able to sniff out there was something amiss with her, but she couldn’t help herself. And soon enough James realised it too, glancing across at her before he cleared his throat and said, ‘so go on.’ ‘Huh?’ Daisy said, turning her gaze from the lake she’d been staring at, the steady flow of water soothing to her frazzled brain. ‘What are you thinking about?’ he asked, a reassuring smile on his face. And though she knew it was unfair to she couldn’t help herself electing to respond to his genuine concern with torment as she replied, ‘how much I used to fancy you.’ ‘Bloody hell Dais,’ James gawped, his eyes widening which made her giggle. ‘Your face!’ she chuckled, ‘don’t worry I don’t anymore.’ ‘I should bloody hope not,’ he grinned, joining in with her laughter as the shock evidently started to wear off. ‘Nah I’m not as stupid as I used to be,’ she teased. ‘And Pads is an upgrade?’ he ribbed, making her smile though it dimmed as he said, ‘so go on, what got you thinking about that? ‘I don’t know guess I’ve just been thinking about how good of a friend you are,’ she admitted. ‘Daisy,’ he replied bashfully, pink tinging his face as he looked away.

At his hesitance Daisy felt something stir inside her because the truth was James was a great friend. Like his parents he was thoughtful, kind and loving. She truly couldn’t ask for anything more and without warning she found herself telling him that, ‘it’s true. James you are an amazing friend. Not just to me to everyone. Sirius, Rem, Peter. We’re so lucky to have you and I mean you’re a great boyfriend, better than by Vermin that’s for sure.’ ‘That’s not hard by all accounts,’ James said, the shyness still present in his voice. ‘Well true, but I mean it. You’re such a good friend and well we don’t deserve you half the time, I don’t.’ ‘Of course you do,’ he said, shoving her playfully but she stopped. Stock still in the middle of the track down to the pitch, forcing him to stop too. ‘No I don’t. I mean definitely not in the beginning. I was so wrapped up in you liking Lily and not me I was horrible to you-’ ‘You had your reasons,’ James sighed. ‘Not good ones though. I was so bent out of shape about it I wanted you expelled! So much so I nearly got myself killed,’ Daisy ranted, ‘if it wasn’t for you and Sirius I’d be dead. And then you just let me into this group. You forgot every mean thing I’d said and did and let me be your friend. You put up with all mine and Sirius’ pining-’ ‘Pads was more annoying to be honest,’ he teased, feeling uncomfortable with the sentimentality of it all. Daisy didn’t even seem to notice just how complimentary she was being, her thoughts over the last few days coming to the surface. ‘And your mum and dad god,’ she said guiltily, ‘the way they went out of their way to help us. Sirius too, I mean they’ve shown us more kindness that we deserve.’ ‘You deserve it Dais,’ James frowned, her ranting making him nervous. ‘Prongs they bought our house!’ she scoffed. ‘Is that what this is about?’ he asked. Daisy sighed, dropping her gaze to the floor, watching as her toe nudged an errant twig along the grassy path. She’d done it now. She’d let her worries come to the surface surprisingly quick and it wasn’t as though she would be able to brush him off. If he didn’t harass her into talking he’d only tell Lily or Sirius.

‘I just feel guilty is all because,’ she said, risking a glance at him as she continued, ‘well because I’m not sure I want it anymore.’ ‘What do you mean?’ he asked. ‘It’s just I’ve been worried that if I go home in summer it won’t feel like home anymore.’ ‘Because your mum and dad aren’t there you mean?’ James probed quietly. ‘Yeah, well kind of, I mean I know it’s gonna be different without mum and dad but it’s because well because home isn’t a house. It’s you lot, wherever you guys are and I don’t want to try and force my house to be a home when it’s not but your mum and dad fought so hard for us and they’ve done so much I don’t want them to think I’m ungrateful.’ ‘Dais they won’t care,’ James sighed, moving to pull her into his side as she mumbled, ‘Prongs.’ ‘They won’t,’ he reiterated as she tucked into his side, tears stinging at her eyes. That was the problem with those damn Potters. Too caring for their own good. After a moment he pulled back so he could see her, smiling as she smiled at him meekly.

‘I mean it Dais. They won’t care. If anything they’ll probably be thrilled if you girls want to come for the summer, I’m sure they prefer you two to me and Pads anyway,’ he joked making her chuckle, ‘but I’m sure as long as you’re happy they won’t mind.’ ‘How can you be sure?’ she asked hesitantly. ‘Dais you just described me and the boys as your home,’ he said, ‘how could they be mad about that?’ ‘You think so?’ Daisy replied. ‘To be honest it’s all they’ve ever wanted for me I think,’ he admitted. Daisy watched as his mind went somewhere else, his own hesitance creeping in as he started them walking again, whatever he was going to say weighing on his mind. But just as Daisy had, he decided to tell her anyway.

‘I had a brother you know,’ he said, after they were about three yards from where they’d stopped. Daisy’s eyes had been on the path ahead but they flew to him as he made his confession, finding his own gaze staring out ahead. ‘Really?’ she asked, watching every wistfulness flicker across his face. ‘Yeah, Thomas,’ he said, ‘I never met him, it was a long time ago and he died before I was born.’ ‘James I’m so sorry,’ Daisy said, her own grief swirling inside her as she thought of Euphemia and Fleamont having to bury their boy. Forced to carry on when their world had fallen apart. James looked towards her, offering her a sad smile and a gentle shrug of thanks. ‘Yeah,’ he said after a beat, ‘mum and dad, well, I can’t say they got over it but they had me and I suppose it got easier but I think deep down they always wanted a big family. They just didn’t feel ready and by the time I came along it was too late really.’ ‘That’s a shame,’ Daisy said. James chuckled, ‘not really I think they got the family they wanted even if it all came in one fell swoop.’ ‘What do you mean?’ Daisy asked. ‘We’re family you muppet,’ he teased, making her blush, ‘that’s why the price of a house is nothing if it allows my mother to continue in her favourite past time – worrying about everything my friends are and aren’t doing.’ ‘Don’t be mean,’ Daisy mused, shoving him gently which made him laugh. ‘Nah I know we’re lucky to have her,’ he smiled, ‘but seriously she’s not gonna care about whatever you decide as long as you’re happy about it.’ ‘Hope so,’ Daisy said.

James went quiet for a moment, obviously thinking over what he was going to say next which is why Daisy braced herself, wondering what he was cooking up under that unruly mop of hair. After a beat he cleared his throat and asked, ‘have you told Lil?’ ‘No,’ Daisy admitted, ‘not yet anyway I didn’t know how she’d feel about it. Especially given how much I kicked off. I made her life hell.’ ‘She was just worried about you,’ James said earnestly. Daisy smiled. ‘True but she didn’t need to be did she,’ she mused. ‘Why not?’ he replied curiously. ‘Because I’ve got you haven’t I?’ she smiled, ‘my own little brother.’ ‘Oh shut up,’ he said rolling his eyes. Daisy chuckled. ‘I mean it,’ she teased, ‘I’ve never been a big sister before. I might like this.’ ‘Does this mean we’re some weird, intermingled family then? Because I’d consider Pads my brother,’ he chuckled. ‘How pureblood of us,’ Daisy teased. ‘Oh stop it,’ James said, walking away from her and towards the door of the Gryffindor changing rooms which they were now near. Daisy skipped behind him, glee in her eyes as she continued her teasing, ‘can’t deny it. We just need to marry Rem off to one of your cousins or something. Get Peter together with an aunt and bam one jumbled up pureblood mess.’ ‘You say this like muggles can’t be just as weird,’ James said, but as he turned away he paused, a curious look on his face. ‘What is it?’ Daisy said as she came up behind him, unable to see why he’d stopped. ‘The doors open,’ he said. ‘So?’ Daisy replied. ‘So I have the key,’ James said, pulling an old rusty metal key from his pocket, ‘McGonagall gave it me to open up the changing rooms since it was so early.’ ‘Maybe Filch came down first or something,’ Daisy reasoned but as she spoke they heard a clatter from inside, tense whispers following it after. ‘What was that?’ James asked, moving his head towards the slightly ajar door so that he could listen. ‘What is it?’ Daisy whispered as James mouth went into a tight line. ‘Crouch.’

James didn’t wait, pushing through the door quietly until he was inside the changing room with Daisy close behind him, her hand on the back of his Quidditch robes. Given that the stands were deserted it was quiet inside bar from the sound of two distinct voices squabbling from deeper into the room.

‘Give it here! You’re going to spill it all!’ Crouch grunted, the distinct sound of shoving following closely after. ‘I know what I’m doing,’ Mulciber grumbled, ‘you don’t have to be such a control freak.’ ‘We wouldn’t be doing this without me so shut your face,’ Crouch replied. ‘Yeah well then if it goes wrong it’s your fault,’ Mulciber replied. As he spoke James crept forward, looking around one of the tall-back benches to see what they were up to. They were standing where all the equipment was held yet there wasn’t anything out. The brooms were still locked away in their cupboard and the trunk of quidditch balls was sitting behind them undisturbed. No, the only thing that they had access to was a tray full of bottles, the ones that were used by each member of the team to rehydrate through a long slog of a game, and into each and every one they were pouring a potion, runny and glistening as it trickled into the open bottle.

‘What’s that?’ Daisy whispered, earning a quietening glare from James. ‘Do you think that’s enough?’ Crouch said, lifting the bottle up to his eyeline. ‘I don’t know,’ Mulciber said, ‘how much did it say to put in per bottle.’ ‘I don’t know,’ Crouch said, ‘but I don’t think there’s enough potion for all seven.’ ‘Well as long as that Potter has one that’ll be enough for me,’ Mulciber grunted. ‘Yeah well I’d rather a couple mudbloods than a blood traitor merlin knows they were destined to be splattered along the floor,’ Crouch sneered. ‘Put it down,’ James’ voice rang out and as Daisy looked to where he’d been standing she found him no longer there, striding towards a startled Crouch and Mulciber.

‘Or what Potter?’ Mulciber sneered, recovering quickly from the interruption. ‘Or I hex you,’ James said. ‘Ooh I’m so scared,’ Crouch said rolling his eyes. ‘You should be,’ Daisy said, appearing from around the corner and going to James’ side. ‘Of what a mudblood and a blood traitor?’ Crouch sneered. ‘You’ve already lost you idiot. Whatever you planned to do you’re never going to be able to do now,’ Daisy reasoned. ‘Maybe,’ Crouch said, coming towards them, ‘lucky for us I can do enough damage to a blood traitor and a filthy little mudblood all on my own then-’

But he was cut off as James leapt forward, his fist connecting to the other boy’s jaw with an uneasy crunch.

‘James!’ Daisy squealed as her friend was took pulled down to the floor, Crouch evidently not out of it enough not to think of grabbing him by the shirt, the bottle he’d been holding collateral damage as it slipped from his grip and hit the wooden floor, splintering into glass fragments. James tumbled down but recovered quickly, laying another punch as the pair got into a brawl. Daisy watched, unable to do anything, until she noticed Mulciber trying to sneak away with the bottles of tainted water in hand.

‘Stupify!’ she said as she pulled her wand out causing the spell to hit him square in the back, the tray of bottles he had been holding hitting the ground with a clatter as they rolled around on the wooden floor. Daisy rushed forward to grab them, the tainted bottles leaking out onto the wood and down through the slats to the covered grass below. She was just about there with her hand on a bottle when she tripped, barely having time to break the fall with her arms before she hit the deck. As she rolled over painfully winded she found the cause of her fall coming towards her, Mulciber’s grip that had been on her ankle breaking loose as he headed for the bottle now rolling away out of her reach. As she scrambled to get it he grabbed hold of her, yanking on her leg with a grip so tight she thought her ankle might snap. The bottle was just out of reach, her fingertips grazing it as it continued to roll out of her way, but she was determined and so with an almighty thrust she used the leg not in Mulciber’s grasp to boot him square the nose. He released her in an instant, wailing in agony as blood started rushing from his misshapen nose, but as she clambered forward she found not only was the bottle empty but a pair of pointed leather boots standing just in front of her face, visible under a mass of emerald-green robes.

‘What on earth is going on here?’ McGonagall’s shrill bark echoed as she looked up from where she was still laying. McGonagall was standing in front of her, Professor Slughorn just behind her, only he didn’t look as thunderous as she did. Her beady eyes were fixated on Daisy for a moment, her mouth in a tight line, before her disapproving glare went to the boys as she flourished her wand, forcing them apart and onto their feet. Daisy scrambled to join them, rushing to James. He looked a damn sight better than Mulciber, whose wailing had not ceased but quietened, but he did have a busted lip and his glasses were broken and misshapen so much so he took them off a slid them into his pocket. Crouch did nothing but glare at them.

‘Professor,’ Daisy started, determined to get her teacher to see their side of the story before she weighed in but McGonagall had other ideas. ‘Fist fighting! Hexing one another! Kicking one another! I’ve never known such animalistic behaviour from any of my students-’ ‘They were poisoning the team,’ Daisy interjected, unable to wait for her telling off to explain herself. Because whilst their actions weren’t exactly admirable they were justified. McGonagall stopped ranting, her eyes falling solely on Daisy as she composed herself and said, ‘that is a very serious allegation Miss Evans.’ ‘It’s true Professor,’ James confirmed grimly. ‘It was a prank,’ Barty retaliated. ‘Bollocks,’ James scoffed. ‘Mr Potter,’ McGonagall warned, causing James to fall silent, his face brooding as McGonagall turned her attention to the other boys and said, ‘Now, Mr Crouch, Mr Mulciber can you explain what you were doing here in the Gryffindor changing rooms where you have no business of being?’ ‘We were doing a prank professor,’ Crouch lied, a glint in his eyes as he glanced at a seething James and Daisy, ‘laxatives in the Gryffindor teams water bottles. You know to make them-’ ‘Yes thank you Barty we get the picture,’ Professor Slughorn interjected. ‘Yes thank you,’ McGonagall repeated calmly. At that Daisy felt anger stir within her, bubbling to the surface as she baulked, ‘Professor surely you don’t believe them.’ ‘Miss Evans,’ she sighed. ‘They were poisoning them! We heard them say it! Saw them pouring into the bottles-’ ‘And where is this poison?’ McGonagall questioned, causing everyone’s eyes to dart to the empty bottles by her feet and then the smashed bottle of poison which had clattered to the floor when James and Barty went down. Though her words were polite McGonagall’s disapproval rang out as she said, ‘yes well maybe if you hadn’t been so rash Professor Slughorn and I would’ve been able to prove who was telling the truth. For now we have to go off of word alone.’ ‘But you’ve already had our word! You’ve already been told this! It’s just like Lily was saying, they had the book from the restricted section and they’ve been planning an attack for weeks! This poison was going to knock people off their brooms, people could be killed-’ ‘Dais,’ James said softly, worrying at how worked up she was becoming. ‘No! No!’ she snapped yanking her arm from where he’d gripped as she went towards McGonagall, ‘you can’t look past this Professor. That’s what you’re doing, that’s what you’re all doing and it’s ridiculous! ‘Miss Evans,’ Slughorn said, echoing James tone though she was not speaking to him but rather McGonagall who had remained stoic and cold as she ranted at her. ‘Of course you’re not going to do anything,’ Daisy scoffed, ‘no you’re going to wait until someone gets hurt or killed like bloody Moaning Myrtle because you’re too busy burying your heads in the sand-’ ‘Miss Evans that’s quite enough,’ McGonagall said firmly.

With that Daisy fell silent, her anger bubbling away inside her, no more so as McGonagall looked away from her, addressing Slughorn as she said, ‘Professor Slughorn, could you please escort your members of Slytherin house back to the castle.’ ‘Of course Minerva,’ Slughorn said obediently. ‘I don’t doubt you can punish them as you see fit,’ McGonagall added. ‘Yes of course,’ Slughorn nodded before his gaze fell on the two Slytherins as he said, ‘come on you two.’

Daisy watched as Crouch and Mulciber slunk out the other door, smug grins on their faces as James and Daisy glared at them. Only when she heard the distinct clink of the closing door did she look at McGonagall, her anger returning though she tried to keep calm as she said, ‘Professor you have to believe us. You can’t let them get away with this.’ ‘Daisy I want to believe you, I do,’ McGonagall sighed, ‘but you can’t keep getting into situations like this and leaving me with no choice.’ ‘You could choose to take our side!’ Daisy protested. ‘It’s not about sides silly girl! It’s about keeping you all safe!’ McGonagall said shrilly, her mask slipping for the first time since she’d arrived. Daisy knew it was unfair to press, especially with her showing something resembling compassion but she had to make her listen somehow and challenged, ‘and if the Gryffindor team falls to their deaths then they’ll be safe?’ ‘Daisy,’ McGonagall sighed. ‘She’s got a point professor,’ James said, appearing at Daisy’s side, ‘I know you’re not stupid enough not to see what they’re doing. And ignoring it-’ ‘I’m not ignoring anything! I’m trying to prolong the inevitable,’ McGonagall said. ‘The inevitable-’ Daisy started but McGonagall cut her off. ‘I will not discuss this further,’ she said firmly, all traces of humanity gone as she tried to save face. To be the teacher again. ‘But-’ the pair of them protested. ‘The pair of you will return to the castle where you will go to my office,’ McGonagall said, not looking at them as she smoothed out her robes, ‘we will discuss your detentions once I get there but in the meantime seventy-five house points will be deducted from Gryffindor.’ ‘But professor the match-’ James replied. ‘I’m sure Mr Black could be an adequate replacement for one game. I shall inform him,’ she said, ‘now, away you go.’

Sensing there was no point in arguing Daisy stalked off, a glare on her face as she headed out into the spring sunshine, something that did nothing to alleviate her mood. She was walking quickly, fast enough that even James seemed to be having trouble keeping up even though he was quite a bit taller than her.

‘Dais,’ he said as he nearly caught up, his hand just out of reach of her shoulder when she didn’t slow down. ‘I can’t believe her!’ Daisy shouted. ‘Dais slow down,’ James reiterated, his pleas falling on deaf ears. ‘How can she take their side!’ Daisy added. Fortunately he was close enough to reach her now, earning himself a scowl as he grabbed her shoulder and forced her to turn around. ‘I know but did you see her face?’ he asked, sympathy on his handsome features as he said, ‘she looked scared for us.’ ‘I know,’ Daisy said, unable to hide the frustration from her voice as she asked, ‘but how can she believe them?’ ‘I don’t think she does but what choice does she have. Besides it’s my fault for knocking the potion out of Crouch’s hand,’ James said irritably. ‘He deserved it,’ Daisy muttered. ‘Definitely,’ he agreed, ‘but look there’s no point dwelling on that now, we’ll have plenty chance to in detention. C’mon before she slaps another week on for dawdling.’

✵✵✵

Daisy was exhausted. After they’d headed back to the castle they’d waited for McGonagall who’d come in just as stony faced as before, leaving no room for discussion as she informed them they had a weeks’ worth of detention. A week that had started today with the pair of them sitting in an old classroom under Filch’s watchful eye as they wrote lines for two hours. It was an arduous task, one that seemed futile once they’d handed their papers over to Filch who didn’t check either of them, probably unable to read it. And yet even with her frustration and anger still bubbling away she found she didn’t have the energy she’d had at the pitch, barely offering James an ounce of conversation as they grabbed something to eat from the kitchens, which was probably why he’d opted to head to the attic where he could read his magazine instead of forcing chit chat. Daisy allowed him to, though she didn’t shut him out completely, opting to place her head in his lap which had earnt her a smile from the boy before he went back to his reading.

They were still lay like that, Daisy’s eyes closed as James told her about a new broom soon to come on the market, when the door burst open, their friends rushing inside. Sirius was the first to them, barely giving her time to sit up before he said, ‘where the hell have you two been?’ ‘Detention,’ James said grimly, folding his magazine and throwing it on the coffee table. ‘Detention?!’ Lily asked, perching on the sofa arm as she looked down at him with worry. Marlene, Remus and Peter took seats on the other sofas whilst Sirius took a seat next to Daisy. ‘What for?’ Sirius asked, looking between the pair. ‘McGonagall didn’t tell you?’ Daisy frowned. ‘No,’ Sirius said, ‘she just came into the great hall and told me I’d be filling in for James-’ ‘How did we do?’ James asked. ‘We won,’ Peter said, happiness dancing across his features though he knew now wasn’t the time for that. ‘Never mind that,’ Lily said proving Peter’s theory that remaining quiet was the best route, ‘what happened? I mean Dais you weren’t at breakfast.’ ‘We had no idea what was going on,’ Sirius said and though he was calm and collected Daisy could see the worry present behind his eyes growing deeper as James said, ‘Crouch and Mulciber that’s what.’

After that there was no point holding back given that worried faces were watching them and so James broke into the tale of everything that had happened. Surprisingly people allowed him to, not interrupting or interjecting with questions right until James had explained how McGonagall had caught them fighting.

‘A fight? Like a fist fight?’ Marlene said. ‘Yeah,’ James said, offering his broken glasses as evidence. Lily took them from him and flourished her wand causing them to repair in an instant. ‘And here I was thinking we were learning all these tactics to stop us getting physical,’ she teased making him chuckle. ‘Sometimes it’s whatever you’ve got at hand,’ James said sliding his freshly repaired glasses on. ‘Yeah your fists,’ Peter chuckled. ‘Was it bad?’ Lily asked, trying not to sound too overly concerned. ‘No, it was mostly us rolling about on the floor,’ he admitted, placing a hand on her knee, ‘Dais was the fighter if anything. She broke Mulciber’s nose.’ ‘What?!’ Lily gasped. ‘How?’ Sirius asked. ‘Kicked him square in the face cos the stupid git wouldn’t let go of me. Fat lot of good it did anyway,’ she grumbled, though she couldn’t help but smile as Sirius’ made an impressed smirk. ‘Why?’ Remus asked. ‘Because after all that we couldn’t prove what they’d done,’ Daisy answered. ‘The potion got spilled,’ James explained, ‘and without that-’ ‘McGonagall wouldn’t believe you,’ Remus finished earning glum nods from the pair. ‘So what happened after that?’ Marlene asked. ‘She shipped us off back to the castle for detention of which we have another week of,’ Daisy grumbled. ‘Great,’ Lily sighed, ‘what did the Slytherins get?’ ‘Probably a pat on the back and a kiss on the cuts and bruises from Madam Pomfrey,’ James said grimly. ‘And here I was thinking she only did that for me,’ Remus quipped earning a half-hearted chuckle from them all. But Daisy still didn’t feel like laughing, in fact, she was surprised she’d managed to talk as much as she did, wanting nothing more than for everyone to leave her alone, well perhaps everyone but Sirius.

‘It’s ridiculous,’ James said shaking his head. ‘Maybe but at least they couldn’t do what they wanted to,’ Peter reasoned. ‘Yeah,’ Lily said, surprisingly upbeat, ‘you saved a life today.’ ‘Lives,’ Marlene corrected. ‘So why does it feel so rubbish?’ Daisy reasoned. ‘Well it’s not the best granted,’ Remus said, ‘but this is what we’ve wanted to do and even if we couldn’t get rid of them or make everyone know it’s something.’ ‘Yeah and there’s one hope Dais,’ James reasoned, making her glance towards him. As her brow furrowed she said, ‘yeah what’s that?’ ‘McGonagall at least seemed a tiny bit sorry for not being able to do anything to help,’ James answered. ‘Really?’ Sirius asked. ‘Yeah, in fact she actually seemed guilty but that was probably given how badly Dais went off at her,’ James reasoned. ‘Daisy!’ Lily chastised. ‘She deserved it!’ Daisy protested, sinking back into settee, ‘but Prongs is right she did seem worried like it’s not just in school fighting she wants to keep us out of.’ ‘Yeah well if they’re going to be doing you know who’s bidding on school grounds what choice do we have,’ Sirius grumbled. ‘At least they’ve stopped,’ Marlene reasoned. ‘Yeah, at least their plan failed right?’ Remus reasoned. ‘Right,’ Daisy said, though that didn’t stop them all from sharing an uncertain look.

After the debrief most of them elected to head downstairs for dinner given that they’d come straight to the attic once they’d finished at the match. Having eaten Daisy elected to stay upstairs and unsurprisingly so did Sirius though she was sure he was probably ravenous after playing a full game. She didn’t protest though, her hesitance for being in his company now gone after her talk with James. Once they were gone Sirius locked the door and put a record on, sinking into the chair by the record player before beckoning Daisy over. She was still tired and a bit miffed at having to move from her comfortable spot, but the makeshift seat of his lap was too much to resist and so she walked over and clambered onto him, nestling her head in his neck as he held her.

‘Hey,’ he murmured into her forehead after a moment of just listening to the record player. ‘Hey,’ she said, pulling back to look at him, her hand over his heart. ‘Are you okay?’ he asked, the concern from before back and more evident now he didn’t have tone it down. ‘As good as expected,’ she shrugged. ‘Yeah I bet though by all accounts you came out unscathed,’ he said, twirling the ends of her long blonde locks around his fingers as his hand held her up, ‘and here I was thinking you were a healer not a fighter.’ ‘Well I am until it needs someone to fight besides you wouldn’t want me to sit idly by would you? Even if did get me detention,’ Daisy reasoned. ‘True,’ he smirked, ‘and detentions probably a good thing anyway.’ ‘How do you figure?’ she asked. ‘Well it’ll give you ample opportunity to keep avoiding me and Lil,’ he reasoned halting her as she rolled her eyes and straightened up, ‘don’t deny it.’ ‘I’ve just been thinking,’ she admitted. ‘I figured,’ he said, gesturing for her to nestle back into him which she did obediently. They were quiet for a moment, the only thing to be heard the record player and their breathing until he said, ‘what’ve you been thinking about?’ ‘Home,’ Daisy admitted. She couldn’t see him now, her gaze fixed on where his hand was laying on the arm of sofa, a silver signet ring glinting in the lamplight, but she felt him turn his head slightly no doubt glancing down on her curiously.

‘What about it?’ Sirius asked quietly. ‘I don’t know if I want to go back there,’ she admitted, ‘my house I mean.’ ‘Why not?’ he asked. ‘Because it’s not my home. Not anymore, like you said it’s wherever you and me are and I just don’t want to force my house to be a home when it might not feel like that.’ ‘Okay,’ Sirius said somewhat confused, ‘and you thought I wouldn’t want you to spend more time with you?’ ‘No,’ she said pulling back to look at him, ‘it wasn’t you I was worried about.’ ‘So why avoid me?’ he asked genuinely curious. ‘Because I know you,’ she smirked, ‘I needed time to think about it and you can get me to spill anything.’ ‘Must be part of my charm,’ he quipped, ‘but I understand but if you weren’t worried about me who were you worried about?’ ‘Lil,’ she said biting her lip, ‘and Monty and Eupehmia.’ ‘Oh babe they won’t care. It’s just a house,’ he reasoned. ‘That’s what James said. He explained a lot actually about them and,’ Daisy paused realising that her previous statement was true. Sirius could get anything out of her but she didn’t know if he knew about James’ revelation and this wasn’t her secret tell. Sirius watched her before he said, ‘he told you about Thomas.’ ‘Yeah,’ Daisy said not surprised that Sirius would be in the know, probably given he’d no doubt questioned their presence in his life only to get the same explanation. ‘So you know they won’t mind,’ he said, moving his free hand to her thigh, his thumb moving over the jean clad flesh. ‘What about Lily?’ Daisy asked. ‘What do you think?’ he asked. ‘I don’t know,’ she replied honestly. ‘Well what did James say?’ he probed. ‘She’d not care,’ Daisy answered, her tone sceptical. ‘You don’t agree?’ he asked. Daisy bit her lip and replied, ‘I don’t know.’ ‘Well,’ Sirius said, pulling her forward and pressing a kiss to her forehead, ‘you won’t know until you tell her.’

SIRIUS BLACK/SERIES TAGS

@maeisafangirl @mysteriouslydelicateface @caitlin1996 @imthebadguyyy

[mrsfrecklesmarauders]

Frank & Alice

Alice was proud of her parents. They weren't rich, important, or powerful. But they were the best. Alice's parents were French immigrants that saw the opportunity in the UK when Alice was little. They did what they could. They owned an ice-cream shop in London. Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. For Alice, it meant her parents were her heroes.

But apparently, that was not enough for Mrs. Longbottom.

Alice had been nervous to meet Frank's parents. Frank. The boy she had dated for four months but Alice was sure she was in love with. Everything felt amazing with Frank. Alice had never felt that way. So, she wanted to impress his parents. Unfortunately, Frank had the worst parents in the world.

Now Alice's nervousness was gone. All she felt was pure rage.

Mr. Longbottom kept talking about himself. About his job. And how Frank was going to be part of the Police Force one day. Just like him. 

Mrs. Longbottom kept telling Frank about this girl. The daughter of their friends. That she had been asking about Frank. Yeah, right in Alice's face. The worst part was that Frank followed her conversation.

The good thing was that he grabbed Alice's hand under the table, which she appreciated. Frank was amazing. But he was known to be a golden boy. He never broke the rules. And for what he had told Alice, he adored his parents.

They had talked about their futures and dreams. How Alice would like to carry on with her father’s shop. Because she loved everything about it. Frank had shrugged saying he would be a Policeman.

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” she had asked him.

Frank didn’t sound so sure.

“Yeah. It had always been my dream”

Maybe Frank needed to be bolder. Fight for his dreams. Be more selfish than selfless.

God, But Alice couldn't stop her heart from beating up faster when Frank was around. She actually liked how Frank was generous, smart, respectful.

When dinner was over, Alice thought it was best to help pick up the with dishes. 

"Oh darling, don't you dare" Mrs. Longbottom gave her a fake smile "That's what the maid is for"

Alice's family didn't have a maid. She was taught to help around.

This is what she told The Longbottoms Which turned out to be kind of strange for them.

Alice took a deep breath in the kitchen. She was containing herself. If it was up to her, she would've thrown the dessert on their faces. And the maid was suspecting something so Alice tried to give her a polite smile. 

"Thank you for helping, Felice" Mrs. Longbottom said as she entered the kitchen as well. 

Alice clenched her jaw. 

"It's Alice" Not like Frank had pronounced her name plenty of times that night. 

"Right... Sorry. Me and my memory" Mrs. Longbottom's mouth twisted into what it appears to be a smile. 

Alice's mouth did the same. 

"Dessert looks good" she said, trying to make conversation "Did you make it?" 

Dessert consisted of a lemon pie. And a bucket of ice-cream. Strawberry. Not Alice's favorite, because Alice's dad believed it the most basic one. He liked to experiment with his ice-cream flavors. That's why the shop was doing well. 

Mrs. Longbottom snorted "Not at all, sweetheart" she said with a robotic giggle "I actually bought it in the supermarket..." 

"Oh, that's okay" 

Alice didn't know why her cheeks burned in embarrassment. Probably because Mrs. Longbottom had the capacity of making Alice feel like an idiot. 

"Maybe next time I can bring one of my dad's specials" Alice said as she inspected the ice-cream bucket. Just to have something to do. 

Alice hoped there wouldn’t be a next time.

Mrs. Longbottom poured herself another glass of wine. 

"Sounds lovely!" she said "I bet your father's cones are delicious. I know you ate lots of them when you were a girl" she winked.

Mrs. Longbottom said that as she stared at Alice upside down. And Alice felt her dress was suddenly too tight. That woman had called her fat. So, she covered herself with her sweater. 

Alice was not particularly skinny. But she never cared about her weight. Her mother had taught her that she was beautiful that way. It wasn't until she met her friends at Hogwarts and weight and calories were all they talked about. Alice had become obsessed as well. Even if Frank told her she was perfect as she was. 

Mrs. Longbottom grabbed the pie between her hands and gave Alice a penetrating look. 

"Would you like tea or coffee with this treat, my darling?" 

But her eyes were saying something completely different. I hate you. Stay away from my son. You don't deserve someone like him. 

"Tea sounds lovely" 

I am not going anywhere, you cow. Frank doesn't deserve a mother like yourself. 

Mrs. Longbottom finally looked away. 

"Come on up, then" 

"Can I grab a glass of water first?" 

"Sure! Aubrey... Get this lovely girl some water"

"Yes, ma'am" 

Mrs. Longbottom smiled all her way to the dining room again. Alice smiled as well until she was gone. Then Alice frowned. 

"Bitch" she whispered. 

"Sorry, miss?" Aubrey asked with the glass of water in hand. 

"Nothing" Alice grabbed it "Thank you" 

After dessert, tea, and a long conversation about Mr. Longbottom’s career and how Frank was following his steps, Alice decided it was time to leave. She had noticed how Frank didn't like the idea of becoming like his father after school. Alice didn't blame him. 

Frank finally became mellow when they crossed the door, and they were left alone. He held Alice between his arms and kissed her neck repeatedly. 

"So? What did you think about my parents?" he asked "I reckon they liked you" 

Was he blind? 

"Frank..." Alice pulled away "No offense but that was horrible" 

Frank raised an eyebrow. 

"What?" 

Alice snorted "Bloody hell. Your parents hate me..." she shook her head "They hate me. Especially your mum" 

“What are you talking about?” 

“I mean it was obvious they didn’t like me”

“They were nice to you” 

Alice licked her lips.

“Your mother kept looking at me in a certain way”

“I didn’t see that…” Frank shook his head “Come on, babe. They liked you” he kissed her hand “Why wouldn’t they like you? You’re perfect” 

Alice looked away.

“Are they always like this?”

“Ha?” 

“So… I don’t know… fake”

Frank blinked in confusion. 

“They’re my parents” Frank giggled, more like he was getting pissed “Fake?”

“You know what I mean” 

“No Alice” he dropped her hand “What do you mean?”

Alice sighed. Maybe she had screwed it up. But Frank was not being his true self around them. He was letting them manipulate him sort of. Frank was better than this. 

“I don’t know your family well. I just met them” Alice began “But with my parents I can just be myself. If they say something I don’t agree with, I tell them” 

“You’re saying that I am not myself with my parents?” Frank asked “Who is the fake one? Me or them?”

Alice rolled her eyes. 

“All of you”

“What?”

“You clearly don’t want to be a policeman, do you?” Alice yelled “And you’re not exactly like your father. You have your own qualities….”

“Alice…” Frank grunted.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Alice continued “Why did you let them manipulate you? Why didn’t you say anything when your mother was talking about her friends’ daughter, Sophie, who is a ‘better match for you’?”

“My parents don’t fucking manipulate me!”

“Your mother was saying how you haven’t seen Sophie and how you should hang out with her more! In front of me! As if I wasn’t there!!”

“Sophie is freaking ugly! I don’t like Sophie!”

“Well tell your mother that!”

Frank looked at her in surprise. 

“WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?”

“WHAT?”

“YOU BARELY KNOW MY FAMILY FOR FUCK’S SAKE” Frank roared “YOU JUST MET THEM TODAY. WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? YOU COME HERE AND NOW YOU’RE JUDGING ME AND MY FAMILY?!”

“ALL I SAY WHAT I SAW! LITERALLY YOU DON’T HAVE THE PERFECT FAMILY BOND, YOU BARELY TALKED TO EACH OTHER”

“All they do is open the doors of our house to you… and prepare you dinner…”

“WELL, THEY TREATED ME LIKE TRASH”

 “THOSE ARE MY PARENTS” Frank yelled “You don’t know them at all!!”

“I can’t believe we are fighting about this” Alice tried to contain her tears

“Well, you started” Frank said, now more calmed “I don’t understand why my parents did so wrong!”

“OH NOTHING YOU MIGHTY, THEY WERE BLOODY PERFECT!”

“YOU DON’T KNOW THEM AT ALL. IT’S ALL THAT I AM SAYING!”

Frank crossed his arms and looked away. Like a freaking child. What happened with the gentleman Alice fell for? Frank was so mature. That’s what Alice liked about him. He was different from the idiot boys his age.

Alice sighed “Frank… There comes a time in life when you need to make your own decisions”

Frank sighed as well.

“Jesus, Alice…” he tutted.

“What do you want? What do you really want?”

Frank turned to look at her. He looked furious.

“I want you to leave my house. I don’t want to see you right now”

Alice’s eyes filled with tears. Everything had been going so perfect. Alice had been in the top of the world with Frank. They spent a lot of time together. And since they had different classes, Frank left her little notes in her books. They stay up until late at night talking about random things. They whispered, “Good night”. And Alice could sleep better. They kissed and Alice felt like her heart was about to explode.

Why did things have to be different now that Alice met Frank’s parents? Why was Frank so different with them? Perhaps the honeymoon face was over. Or perhaps, they actually didn’t work as a couple. And that hurt.

Alice sniffed.

“Fine! I am gonna go now”

Alice walked fast but she was somehow expecting Frank to come after her. But he didn’t. So she walked and walked until finally the tears ran through her cheeks.

************************

It was the first time Frank and Alice fought. Frank was Alice’s first boyfriend. She never understood why when her friends fought with her boyfriends, they didn’t just talk to them. But now Alice understood. It was a nightmare. Alice missed Frank. She wanted more than anything than to call him, hear his voice, kiss him. Maybe she exaggerated and she shouldn’t have interfered into The Longbottom’s life. But when Alice picked up her phone, her pride and rage took over. And she didn’t dare. It was Frank who should apologize. But oh God! How much she missed him!

It was two days later that something happened. Alice was combing her hair, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Plenty of people believed Alice was beautiful. Plenty of boys had asked her out. She got many followers and likes in socials. Alice didn’t understand. Secretly she didn’t see herself pretty.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.

Alice jumped and her thoughts were interrupted. Frank was on her window. He had been there before. When he sneaked in for a snog before meeting her parents. That had gone so much better.

Frank looked like a lost puppy. His brown eyes were glowing. He waved.

Alice sighed before walking to her window. She didn’t know of she was disappointed to see him there, or if she was craving to see him. She opened it.

“It’s late”

“I wanted to call you” Frank said “But I didn’t dare”

“So you came here to climb up my window?”

Frank’s mouth twisted.

“Can I come in?”

Alice hesitated.

“No pressure but I am kind of hanging here and it is freezing outside”

That made Alice smile. But she rolled her eyes.

“Come in quickly”

Frank stumbled through Alice’s window. He groaned and complained as he dropped to the floor, making a drop-dead-body sound. Alice couldn’t avoid giggling.

“Quel était ce bruit, Alice ?” Her mother asked from downstairs.

“Rien ! J'ai laissé tomber mon livre” she yelled back.

“Oh shit!” Frank groaned as she stood up.

“Be silent…” Alice whispered “My parents are downstairs”

Frank finally forgot his pain when he looked at Alice. And Alice forgot about everything else seeing those beautiful brown eyes on her. They looked into each other’s eyes and the whole world disappeared.

“Hey…” Frank whispered with a soft smile.

Alice couldn’t take it no more. Frank couldn’t as well. They both pulled closer like magnets. And they kissed. Alice wrapped her arms around Frank’s neck. Frank placed his hands on her waist.

Everything felt right again. Alice felt like she could breathe again. And just like that, she was in the clouds again. So in love with Frank Longbottom.

“I am sorry, baby” Frank whispered between kisses “I am so sorry”

All Alice could do was nod because she was out of breath. But all she wanted to do now was kiss and kiss Frank. She wanted to merge onto him. And become one.

“I’m sorry I said those things about your parents” Alice said after a while.

They were lying in her bed. Intertwined. Alice’s head resting on Frank’s chest. Alice wondered what it would be like to sleep into Frank’s arms. She hadn’t done that. And she was getting sleepy. It was perfect.

“I really just met them, you’re right”

Frank shook his head.

“I don’t have a personality when I am around them” Frank confessed in a soft voice“All I do is go in autopilot…”

“I don’t understand…”

“When I was a kid” Frank explained, “I was very much overprotected by my mother. She had me in this crystal ball that nobody could touch. And I couldn’t do what other kids could. And when I did something bad, my mother would scold me. About everything. Getting my clothes dirty, drinking too much soda, ruining my hair. And I remember I hated it so much when she did so… Like in front of everyone, humiliating me. That I decided to obey her, not to be scolded again. I was so scared of upsetting her. I was so scared of breaking her rules, that it caused me stress. It was a nightmare when we went to The Potters and James dared me to do mischief and play in the dirt. And I remember sweating so much because I didn’t want my mother to yell at me. And I didn’t want James or Marlene to think I was a coward…” Frank made a pause “I guess I created that defense mechanism ever since then. My head is about to explode with all the things I want to yell at them, and I can’t…. I’m sorry if that unsettled you…”

“No… sorry Frank…” Alice cried.

Frank sighed.

“They are good parents. I know they did all that to protect me. But… I don’t have a personality because of them” 

“That doesn’t seem very healthy” Alice said “And you have a personality. You’re this incredible boy I fell for. Funny and sweet and romantic, full of ideas…”

Frank gave her a sweet smile. His eyes were all watery. And he buried his face on Alice’s neck. 

“You’re my personality, Al” Frank cried “I can only be myself with you…”

Alice didn’t think it seemed fair. Eventually Frank had to confront his parents, say something. He had to discover what he liked, what he wanted to do with his life. He had to learn to speak up for himself. 

But Alice didn’t care about that right now. All she cared about was the immense love she felt for that boy. How she didn’t care if his parents were assholes or tried to move Earth to separate them. Alice would never dare to leave Frank.

Frank snorted “I don’t think I deserve you after yelling at you like that”

“I yelled too. Besides, couples fight” she said “It is okay”

“One thing is sure” Frank said “They can say all they want about you, but you are my girlfriend. And I am not going to leave you”

That made Alice smile in the dark.

They were silent for a while. Alice could only hear their heartbeats. Their soft breathings. Alice was closing her eyes, letting herself go and fall asleep in Frank’s arms. It was so tempting.

“Hey Al?” Frank whispered then.

“Yeah?”

“I love you”

Alice froze. She felt her heart beating faster, and goosebumps all over her body. It was the first time Frank had said it. And oh God, Alice felt the same. Yeah sure, she constantly told her friends she was in love with this boy. But hell no. She hadn’t been sure. Until now. This was what love felt like. And it was amazing. Incredible. The best feeling in the world.

“I love you too, Frank”

Frank smiled as well. They shared one more kiss before attempting to sleep again. Alice didn’t want this feeling to be over.

[seriouslysam8]

Many people overrate the friendship between Harry and Longbottom. I think the only topics of conversation their canon versions have in common are war related things, something that can't be used as a basis for a strong friendship.

I agree.

I always see Lily and Alice being friends. And how Frank and Alice were in the same year.

But they were Aurors. There was no way they were qualified if they left school at the same time.

I like Frank and Alice older. Like more so Andromeda’s age or something.

And I dislike when X person raises Harry and they make sure Harry and Neville are friends. Like why??? I don’t get it.

[alessandraesmee]

where: a bathroom in Hogwarts castle when: Spring 1971, near the end of Alice and Andromeda’s 7th year who: Alice and @medasgalaxy​

In truth, Alice had ducked into the bathroom to avoid Frank Longbottom. It was a weird thing to do, going out of her way to avoid a fifth year, but really it was for his own good, out of the goodness of Alice’s own heart in fact. She wasn’t worried that he’d ask her out again, he’d gotten the message the first time like a good lad. The problem was all his other friends were lads, too, and whenever she passed them in the hall they’d bring it all up again, laughing and teasing all in good fun the way teenagers do. She just liked to spare the poor kid the extra embarrassment, so she kept her head down, when she could, and sometimes she would duck into the bathroom when she couldn’t. 

Alice was planning to just mind her own business for a few minutes and then head back out until she heard the absolutely unmistakable sounds of someone vomiting. There were few things worse than vomiting, as far as run of the mill illnesses go. At least, if you asked Alice’s opinion, or even discussed the topic in her hearing, it wasn’t like she was fussy about being invited to a conversation. And never let it be said that she wasn’t a sympathetic person, because she was. Alice Lestrange, despite what her last name might bring to mind, was a Hufflepuff to her core. She was kind, and she was helpful, and she wasn’t going to let some poor girl toss her cookies without someone to hold her hair back.

“Everything alright over here?” Alice poked her head around the corner to the stalls, and caught sight of the very generic knee-socks and skirt combo of the Hogwarts uniform under one of the doors. “You need anything? Glass of water? A scrunchie?” Alice always had an excess of scrunchies on hand, because she was forever either losing them or giving them away. She was pretty sure they were the best thing muggles had ever invented, and she was always happy to spread the good news. 

Alice was absolutely gobsmacked when she pushed open the stall door, which hadn’t been properly locked, and saw none other than Andromeda Black knelt over the toilet bowl. They got on well, or all that Andromeda came from the same world that Alice had literally run away from in the middle of the night, but they weren’t exactly a sharing secrets sort of close. Andromeda was a big step above most purebloods, not nasty and full of herself like the rest of her family, or even Alice’s, but she was a bit more quiet and academic whereas Alice was distinctly loud and jock-ish. A prime example of this was when, despite the selfless impulse behind her pushing open the door, Alice couldn’t help but crack a joke. “Merlin, Black. I didn’t know you partied this hard.”