#demonologist fanfic

[nemobeatrice]

@diadopweek

DiaDop Week 2023 Day 5: Religious Themes - The Abandoned House Demon

Ao3

Quotev

Wattpad

CW: Character Death

Father Pucci, Hot Pants, and Doppio exited the black car after Father Styx parked on overgrown grass. It was dark, but lights, and some bones, were strung from the dead tree to the abandoned house.

“Alright,” Doppio said as he made his way to the house, “let’s exorcise this—gah!”

A skull next to some pulverized bloody meat lay on the table, and the blood trail seemed fresh, causing Doppio to make the sign of the cross out of fear.

The others were busy setting up the tent.

“Don’t head in there straight away,” Styx warned. “I need to set up the computers, and you’ll need to get some equipment.”

“Speaking of equipment,” Hot Pants said, “who’s taking what?”

They finished setting up the tent, and Father Pucci got the equipment from the trunk and placed them inside. “Father Styx will check our sanity from here. He’ll keep one of the crucifixes. He’ll constantly come back and forth to the house, updating us and bringing some sanity pills. Sister Hot Pants will take a thermometer and easel.”

“Easel? What’s it for? Don’t we have a camera?” Doppio questioned.

“The easel is not for painting the ghost,” he explained. “Rather, the ghost paints on the easel. I do not know why they do this, but it will help deduce what the entity is.”

“Aren’t we here to exorcise the ghost? Why does it matter?”

“There could be a chance we could die. The revenant or demon could decide to kill us when we step in. Should one of us survive, we’ll retreat to the base and inform the others about the entity and hope they can deal with it. Speaking of the entity, this one's name is Solido Naso. He responds to people who are alone. I was afraid of this. It looks like I’ll take the spirit box with me along with an ecto glass. Brother Doppio, you will have the EMF reader and crucifix.”

“Wait, what about the candles, the UV light, and the other stuff? Why are we carrying two things and a flashlight when we could carry more.”

Hot Pants sighed and decided to explain. “Has a ghost ever hunted you? My brother and I thought this exorcism thing was a game. It’s not. It’s serious. We carried more than we should, and it slowed us down. My brother didn’t make it.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” Doppio commented.

“Don’t be. It was my fault. I was the one who suggested it. I just wanted to know what happened on Cyclone Street. If it weren’t for Father Pucci and Styx, I’d probably join my brother in death.”

Doppio looked in awe at the two men. “Wow, you guys must be experienced.”

“We’ve done this a couple of times. I was in the United Kingdom, exorcising ghosts,” Father Styx said. “Father Pucci here exorcised ghosts in the southern parts of America. Most people in Florida know him.”

“We do not do this for fame, Brother Doppio, just so you know,” Father Pucci spoke. “We do this to free the poor souls trapped in this plane of existence and to keep them from harming people and families.”

“I understand, but since I have the crucifix, shouldn’t I have the spirit box in case Solido decides to attack me?”

“I don’t know.” Father Pucci thought deeply.

“It makes sense,” Father Styx said. “If what Doppio says angers the ghost, he’ll need a crucifix.”

“No, Doppio is new to this. The spirit box will drain his sanity. Plus, I’m afraid the ghost will make contact and start a conversation.”

“But I’m ready for this!” Doppio pouted. “Please, Father Pucci. I’m not exactly new to this. I helped exorcise a ghost in Italy with Risotto Nero, Prosciutto, and Pesci! I was also in Japan, watching some others exorcise a revenant!”

“A revenant? Those entities are unpredictable. Fine, I supposed I could let you handle it. By the way, you should only ask the ghost if they can speak, if they’re there, their name, and when they died. Remember this! Also, you’ll have to be alone, unfortunately. Since you’ll take that, I supposed I’ll have the UV light and ecto glass.”

Suddenly, Doppio wasn’t feeling too confident and gulped. “I-I can do this.”

“I hear a shakiness in your voice,” teased Hot Pants. “Are you sure?”

“The cross. Remember the cross,” Father Styx reminded him.

The cross, right. Doppio gained a little confidence. “Yeah, I have this.”

Father Pucci handed him the spirit box, flashlight, and crucifix, and Doppio hugged the last item tightly as if his life depended on it. Hot Pants and Pucci took their tools and left for the house with Doppio.

It was dark inside until someone turned on the lights. They were currently in the kitchen. Pucci inspected the room to the left while Hot Pants explored the upper floor. That left Doppio to explore the rooms down the dusty dark hallway.

Cautiously, he walked down the halls with the spirit box close to his face while turning all the lights on.

“C-can you speak?”

Silence.

Perhaps Solido didn’t hear him. He cleared his throat and tried to sound more confident. “Can you talk?”

“Come to bed,” Solido whispered.

Doppio turned around, but nobody was there. “Where are you?”

The door to the bedroom opened, and he got a glimpse of a pretty dress. It was the only bright thing in the room before he turned on the lights.

“What’s your name?”

“Diavolo.”

“Diavolo?” Doppio raised an eyebrow, swearing that his name was Solido Naso.

Diavolo flickered the light off and shut the door, causing the priest to slightly jump and yelp. The spirit box from his hands and onto the wooden planks. Luckily, Father Pucci was nearby with the UV lights when he opened the door, revealing Diavolo’s handprint.

“A handprint! However, are you okay, Brother Doppio?”

“I’m fine, I think. My heart is racing. Is that normal?”

“Yes, it’s perfectly normal.” He inspected the room for any ectoplasm. “There aren’t any stains here. I’ll tell Hot Pants to put the easel here and fetch the EMF and ESG. Stay here and communicate with it until it speaks. Remember, the ghost symbol will glow blue when it speaks.” He turned the lights back on. “And make sure to stay in well-lit areas!”

“But he—” Father Pucci left before Doppio could tell him Diavolo had spoken to him. He noticed that he had dropped the UV light. Since Diavolo had communicated into the spirit box, they only needed one piece of evidence to classify the entity. So far, the ghost seemed like a poltergeist, a thaye, or a gul. The group would need the easel and ESG.

Sister Hot Pants entered the room with an easel in her hands. “Why’s the spirit box on the floor?”

“Um, I don’t think the ghost is here,” he lied.

“Are you sure?” She brought out the thermometer. “It’s cold, but it isn’t freezing in here. Father Pucci told me he saw Solido’s fingerprints.”

“How do we know the ghost’s name in the first place, by the way?”

She sighed. “You ask a lot of questions. I can’t believe this is your— What was it? Second or third time?”

“When I went to Japan, I was watching, but my—”

“Enough! The ghost could be a gul and listening to us right now. Your sanity must be low right now. I’ll fetch a sanity pill for you.” She placed the easel down along with the thermometer and left.

Although Hot Pants left the door open, Diavolo shut the door once she strayed away from the bedroom. Stuck in the bedroom, Doppio heard something destroy the lights in the hall and a couple of things snapping but was terrified of stepping out. He sat on the bed, praying Hot Pants would hurry with the pills, but Diavolo revealed himself, intertwining his fingers with Doppio’s and causing him to panic. Diavolo’s eyes were colorless, and his skin was deathly pale. Despite him being dead, Doppio found him strangely beautiful.

“When did you die?” he asked.

Diavolo said nothing but placed a finger on Doppio’s lips before disappearing.

He wanted to ask questions but thought Diavolo wanted him quiet. Turns out Pucci was nearby, judging from the sounds of the EMF.

Pucci barraged through the door. “Doppio, Sister Hot Pants is dead! Solido murdered her! I have an EMF level five! Stop toying with the spirit box since it can’t interact with it. We can assume it’s either an onryo, wraith, oni, or goryo.”

“Wait, it can’t use the spirit box?”

“Some ghosts can speak to you without using the spirit box, such as the mare, but the mare doesn’t leave fingerprints. Why? Did you see the symbol turn blue on the spirit box?”

Did he? Diavolo had surprised him when he responded to his second question—which he had never noticed. “Ghosts can only show three pieces of evidence, correct?”

“So far, yes. It has always been like that. We’ll have to wait and—”

They heard scribbling noises and turned their heads to face the easel. Diavolo drew Doppio surrounded by hearts.

“Wow,” Doppio commented, blushing.

“Fingerprints, EMF, and an easel drawing! We have an onryo! That explains why Hot Pants died so fast. Quickly, this is no time for sitting around! We must return to Father Styx immediately to see our next objectives!”

However, before Pucci could leave, he floated in the air. Doppio watched as Diavolo bent Pucci’s neck, arms, and legs.

“Jesus!” He jumped from the bed, grabbed the UV lights, and examined Pucci’s corpse. Diavolo left his fingerprints all over him.

Speaking of which, he reappeared. His face was close to his. “Doppio, my sweet Doppio, I’ve been searching for someone like you for a long time.” He placed his hand under his chin, tilted his head upwards slightly, so he could make eye contact, and slowly brought their lips together for a chaste kiss. “Do you feel the same way?”

“I do.”

“Stay with me.”

“I’ll repair the house.”

“Good. There’s one person left.”

“Father Styx. He’s coming, isn’t he? Do you want me to deal with him, Diavolo? Let me prove myself to you.”

Diavolo broke the mirror in the corner of the room and handed a large shard to Doppio. “I am bound to this house. If you can kill him, I’ll let you live. If you cannot, your death will be swift and painless, but we’ll be together forever.”

“I won’t let you down.” Doppio prepared himself for an act and hid the shard behind his back. “Father Styx! Help! I lost my flashlight!”

Father Styx rushed into the bedroom, shining his bright light on Pucci’s corpse. “In the name of the Father, of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” He remained calm while doing the sign of the cross. “Bless Father Pucci. May you rest in heaven with Hot Pants. Amen. Brother Doppio, why are you on the painting? Is the spirit an onryo? We should hurry and leave.”

“Are you sure we should leave? Should we double-check for evidence?”

“I could’ve sworn Pucci said we found fingerprints, but it wouldn’t hurt to check.” Styx grabbed the UV light. “Why are your lips glowing?”

Then Diavolo turned the lights off, causing Father Styx to turn around. Doppio slit his throat with the shard and pushed him onto the floor, breaking the UV light as it dropped with him.

Father Styx covered his neck and struggled to face Doppio. “Why?” He coughed up blood and sweated.

Diavolo appeared next to Doppio, and they kissed each other. “Does that answer your question?” he asked with a wicked smile, watching Styx slowly shut his eyes permanently.

[juuls]

Multi-Fandom Fic Recs

The @fanfic-reading-challenge gives me the opportunity to explore tons of fandoms I normally wouldn't, and I wanted to share some of my favourite so far this year!

Game of Thrones

and in the night, you'll hear me calling by shawsdavid | T | 10k | Jon/Sansa/Margaery: When you met your soulmate, touched them for the first time, you would see everything in all its colorful glory.

A Knight's Watch by DolorousEdditor | M | 670k | Jonsa: Jon Snow is forbidden to take the black by his father. Instead he sent to squire for a famous knight, beginning a long arduous journey that causes him to cross paths with characters he never would have. Along the way he learns truths long hidden and discovers love in the most unlikely of places. All of this in the shadow of the War of Five Kings and the coming of the Others.

Potterverse

Dancing with Draco by diamonddaydream | T | 19k | Dramione: Retelling of the Yule Ball segment of Goblet of Fire as a Dramione story. Hermione Granger needs a dance tutor before she embarrasses her partner, Viktor Krum, and herself at the Yule Ball. Draco Malfoy needs a good deed to make amends for hexing her teeth. Both of them need to keep everyone else for finding out what's going on between them. Fluffy romance with just a touch of angst. NOTE: story continues in "Draco Takes a Mark."

All I Have Never Known by LittleSixx | M | 32k | Dramione: The Ministry of Magic requires all magical people to marry someone of opposite blood status by 25. The Malfoys host a ball to help Draco meet a non-pureblood witch, and the one he falls for isn't who she claims to be.

Divination for Skeptics by olivieblake | M | 98k | Dramione: The latest in magical advancements is an enchantment that reveals the bearer’s romantic compatibility with another person. Effectively eliminating uncertainty from dating, the charm can tell you whether or not you’ve found The One with a precise, Hermione Granger-approved calculation of traits and preferences. It’s a foolproof method of predicting relationship happiness. It’s also, for Hermione, positively dreadful news. Dramione, post-war, soulmate AU.

The Black Rose by DarkCloud190, Rijaya83 | E | 166k | Dreomione: After years of a rocky relationship, Hermione Granger is single again, and for the life of her she cannot stop staring at her two friends. Draco Malfoy and Theo Nott both work with her at the DMLE and she is analyzing everything they say, do, or breathe. Surely, she is just imagining it. They have been dating each other for a year now and couldn't possibly be interested in her. Hermione's troubled love life aside, there is a killer targeting a specific group of people, putting both Hermione and Theo at risk.

Hermione Granger, Demonologist by BrilliantLady | T | 47k | Hermione & Theo: Hermione was eight when she summoned her first demon. She was lonely. He asked what she wanted, and she said a friend to have tea parties with. It confused him a lot. But that wasn’t going to stop him from striking a promising deal with the young witch.

The Accidental Courtship by Lomonaaeren | T | 14k | NottPott: Harry gets a soul-mark during his eighth year at Hogwarts, and is hopeful that he can finally be sure he’ll have someone who loves him for himself. When Theodore Nott rejects him, Harry steps back and goes to live his own life. Theo, who doesn’t want to be trapped in the limelight at Potter’s side, finds himself falling in love anyway.

A Star and Her Dragon by Lizzie_carlile | E | 256k | Theomione, Drarry, Hermione & the Malfoys: “The order took everything from me,” Lucius spoke again. “Now I’ll become the monster they always feared I would be.” The Death of the Malfoy Daughter was the catalyst for Lucius Malfoy becoming the man that everyone feared he would. With a second war brewing and secrets finally coming to light, one girl holds the key to turning the tides of the war.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Odd Little Family by chimneystacks | T | 1.7k | Xedgin: "Kira found it practical to believe that her father would someday remarry, and even more so to believe that it would be to the woman who was already a trusted, guiding figure to his child. Therefore, it was much to her surprise when a tall, handsome man interrupted her lute practice to ask her blessing in his proposal to her father."

House of the Dragon

The Falcon Becomes a Dragon by MichelleGz | T | 28k | Daemyra & Aemma: What if Rhaenyra and Daemon “woke up” during the tourney that was hosted for Baelon’s impending birth, both remembering their future life. What if Aemma’s labors were not so far along. What if there was time to save her? Will Aemma believe that her beloved husband was going to kill her for the child in her womb?

you and i are made of fire by aur_el_ias | M | 8.6k | Daemyra: Soulmarks are no trivial thing. Indeed, the words inscribed on the wrist are far from frivolous—they are the most important words heard in one's life, spoken by another. Unfortunately, save for a few exceptions, most highborn marriages are not soul-bound marriages. This is the story of one of those exceptions. OR In 105 AC, Daemon Targaryen finds his soulmate.

Viable Alternatives series by madina | T | 375k | Laenor/Rhaenyra, Daemyra, her children, and Viserys' children: So much could have been solved and so many could have been spared if a universe with dragons, magic, wargs and White Walkers had artificial insemination—and if the characters tried to be anything else but a dysfunctional family.

lodestar by aramblingjay | M | 43k | Daemyra: A Targaryen destined for a soulmate is a strange, broken creature, alone in a way that lives in their very bones, waiting for the half that will make them whole. Daemon waits sixteen years for her, and then a whole lot longer. A soulmates share scars au.

From Ashes to Embers by ladyalianora (AmbitiousWitch) | M | 185k | Cregan Stark/Rhaenyra, Daemyra: After burning by Sunfyre's flames, Rhaenyra Targaryen wakes up in her maiden bed, five and ten once more. With her mind broken and a determination to not relive the life she left behind, in a court that still presents a danger and with a father that keeps tripping her path. Can she change the future? Can she give up enough to take her crown? Or will she once again lose to her father's mistakes, her enemies' schemes and her own errors? (Juulna: One of my all-time favourites.)

A Woman Scorned by Shadow_Monarch_14 | E | 96k | WIP | Daemyra, Aemma/OC: After Prince Baelon Targaryen was a miscarriage, Queen Aemma Arryn tells King Viserys I Targaryen that she will have no more children. She has given him a daughter (a heiress) and that should be good enough. Viserys, pressured by his Small Council and his dream of a male heir as well as manipulated by Otto, makes the decision to set Aemma aside and marry Alicent. Aemma, betrayed by the love of her life, agrees… after taking her daughter, Dragonstone and the Islands of the Narrow Sea and the dragons from Viserys and his Small Council. If Otto Hightower wants a dragon King with his blood on the Iron Throne, he'll have to another thing coming.

Ancient Fire by AnaWayne | NR | 198k | WIP | Rhea/Daemon, Jonsa: Bran Stark knew that it wasn’t enough. So he decided to use his sister’s dormant yet growing magic to change the history of the House of Dragons before its fall.

put down that gravestone by darkgods | E | 249k | WIP | Daemyra: they have his mother's eyes, these would-be velaryon boys. not those of their own mother, but his. the king stretches limbs and smiles wide, heedless of his brother's fury mingled with agony, his daughter's frozen gaze. fire and blood has reunited. all must be well. the king thinks nothing of the prince's lack of mourning blacks, for the whole kingdom knew the wife daemon targaryen sought was never found in the vale. ten years after the godsforsaken night in the brothel, daemon targaryen makes his return to court to find it infested with vipers that threaten to coil lethal bodies around his niece. his niece and the nephews that bear his features yet claim the name velaryon. the rogue prince has returned, and a reckoning is set to begin.

Marvel

Some Things Shouldn't Be a Chore by scifigrl47 | T | 22k | Stony, Phlint: Steve takes things like personal responsibility and respect seriously. Tony's got people he pays to take care of that kind of thing, and anyway, he's pretty sure that he's going to die of some exotic disease in his workshop, because Dummy's still a little spotty about what is 'clean' enough to put on an open wound. The rest of the Avengers are in this for personal gain, except for Clint, he just enjoys being a dick. And some things shouldn't be a chore.

Basic Rules by StrivingArtist | T | 7.9k | Tony & Avengers: It said something about Toni’s life that she had an established system in case of kidnapping and torture, and while there had been tweaks, it was still basically the same as from when she was a kid.

Let them underestimate you.

Don’t fight back until you have an exit.

Lie from the start.

Protect what matters.

Assume no one is coming to help.

Tony and the Falcon by ArcticVulpix | T | 10k | IronFalcon: Steve introduced Sam Wilson to Tony Stark after the Fall of SHIELD. He grows to regret that. He grows to regret that very much.

Ramblings by TheSovereigntyofReality | G | 34k | Pepperony, Tony & Peggy: The problem with Alzheimer's is that sufferers sometimes ramble…often with no idea who is sitting with them. Peggy says something that sends Tony Stark on a legal manhunt.

Five Things Darcy Loves About Working for SHIELD by teand | M | 49k | ShieldShock, Phlint: The Bronx was up, the Battery was down and thank freaking Thor that SHIELD provided housing or Darcy suspected she wouldn't have been able to afford to live closer than Vermont.

I (created from fantasies) exist solely for you by Mizzy | T | 62k | Stony: Six years ago, without the Avengers Initiative there to save the day, scientist Dr. Eric Selvig sacrificed himself to save the world, the almighty demi-god Thor was lost to a terrible storm, and vigilante Iron Man – spotted with a nuclear weapon trying to take advantage of the situation – was forever labelled an enemy of SHIELD. This is a comic book office AU, where Steve is defrosted a year too late, Thor has forgotten who he is, and no one knows Tony is Iron Man. Also includes: office pranks, inappropriate post-it notes, and superheroes who like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.

The Mechanic, The Soldier, and The Captain by AvocadoLove | M | 6.4k | Stuckony: HYDRA need a replacement for Zola’s genius, and they have years worth of experience breaking and brainwashing a good man into something they can control.

The Evidence by StrivingArtist | T | 16k | WinterIron: Didn’t notice. Right. Sure. Two brilliant minds, two super spies, and a god didn’t notice when the chattiest man they knew stopped making sound. They just seemed happier than before. Brighter and more cheerful than before. They just seemed like they were more comfortable with him around when he was stone silent. Fuck it. He knew they noticed. And he knew they liked him better this way.

In Which The Winter Soldier Might Just Be Wooing Darcy by Out_Of_Custody | T | 28k | WinterShock: Exactly what it says on the tin. (Prompt-Fic) (Juulna: I adore this fic!)

Blood Stained by QueenVee1 | NR | 313k | WinterShieldShock: With a war on the horizon, the Avengers mend bridges that had been burned, relationships are rebuilt, and new friends forged. After a chance encounter with Steve Rogers, Darcy Lewis figures she's had her fill of Avenger-related activities. Turns out she's more entrenched than she ever thought possible. When she forms an unlikely friendship with James "Bucky" Barnes, she thinks her life can't get any weirder. Spoiler alert: IT CAN! A (double!?!?) meet!cute and secret!sibling story! They said it couldn't be done. B**** YOU THOUGHT!

Shadow & Bone/Six of Crows

Quiet Miracles by goatsandgangsters | G | 10k | Darklina, Zoya & Nikolai & Alina & Aleksander: Alina knew miracles. She was no Saint and no savior, she knew this. But she knew the light in someone’s eyes when they smiled. She knew the warmth of an arm slung around her shoulder, the squeeze of a hand, the elbow in her side, the tight squeeze of an embrace. She knew the moment the room held its breath and then broke into the brilliant cascade of laughter. She knew the glimmer of tears wiped from her cheeks by careful fingers. Alina knew miracles. Ravka had never been so full of them. Or: sometimes a government is the beloved sun saint of the people, a young king determined to fix what has long been broken, the eminently practical head of the newly formed Grisha council, and the heretic who’s no longer going it alone.

Without a Mouth I Can Swear Your Name by tothewillofthepeople | T | 32k | Wesper, Kinej | Helnik: Kaz looked at Matthias coldly. “What do you want?” “I want to know where Wylan Van Eck is,” Matthias said. (A Six of Crows Hogwarts AU)

Star Trek Discovery

Respite series by Alethia | E | 22k | Michael/Pike: The Terran Pike comes to visit the newly-resurrected Captain Burnham on the Shenzhou and things get…heated.

Stargate Atlantis

Desert Rose by mific | E | 18k | McShep | John, a downed Hurricane pilot in WWII, is rescued by Rodney who's tracking strange energy readings in the Sahara. And in another life, their story makes another John and Rodney unwilling Atlantis celebrities.

Ted Lasso

At the Right Time by Annaelle | E | 25k | RoyJamie: Roy doesn't like to think he's taking advantage of Jamie. He's making him better, stronger, faster, a better player, and now that he's got the fucking muppet actually behaving for him, he'll be damned if he lets him go. For the PepPerVerse Bottom!Roy Challenge.

The Hunger Games

The Victors of District Twelve by DustyAttic | G | 49k | Everlark & Lucy Gray Baird & Haymitch: night What if Lucy Gray survived that night in the woods with Snow? What if she made it up north, found those people rumored to be surviving without the Capitol, and realized District Thirteen wasn't quite as obliterated as she'd been taught? And what if, sixty-five years later and after watching a certain Mockingjay end Snow's reign, she came back to District Twelve? This is the story of Katniss and Peeta meeting Lucy Gray Baird, and learning her story-- the story that Snow so desperately tried to erase.

The Locked Tomb

Your Necro Questions Answered by Magichorse | T | 8.8k | Griddlehark: Syndicated columnist "Nav the Cav" offers a sympathetic ear to cavaliers across the galaxy and dispenses practical, no-nonsense, real talk advice on how to properly manage and care for your necromancer.

Cake by the Ocean by zoicite | T | 15k | Griddlehark: Okay, so the thing was, Gideon had always been shit at plans. She knew that. Everyone knew that, but this--she really didn’t think it would be this hard! Gideon’s voice was like the least memorable thing about her. Bargaining her voice for a well-shaped set of human legs--that really should have worked in her favor.

who ya gonna call? by igneousbitch | E | 24k | Griddlehark: (Casual sex and paranormal investigation. Not necessarily in that order.) (Or: the Buzzfeed Unsolved AU in which Gideon is ready to fight a ghost, and Harrow just wants to be haunted.)

Behind the Locked Door by UnseelieWench | T | 98k | Griddlehark: It figures that the only college with the badass Cavalier program is also the college that Harrow Nonagesimus wants to attend. Oh well. Campus is big, right? She'll probably never see that pointed little face again.

The Mummy

Best Laid Plans by kyaticlikestea | T | 6.6k | Ardeth Bay/Jonathan Carnahan: After 20 years of being subjected to more yearning than any sister should ever have to witness, Evy decides that enough's enough.

Wednesday

A Torment of the Mind by cherrybirch | M | 58k | Wenvier: In which Wednesday and Xavier sign up for Hermione’s course in Legilimency. Two overdramatic darkness-loving teens with crushes on each other, trying to master their psychic powers by learning to read each other's minds… what could go wrong? NOTE: Canon non-compliance has been tagged for three things: Hermione’s presence at Nevermore, Larissa acting as principal (as if nothing happened), and the complete removal of the stalker subplot. (I find stalkers terrifying and don’t want to write about one.)

[crowleybigbang]

Hi! I’ve been binging Supernatural for the first time, and I’m on episode 5 of season 9. A bit after Crowley ALMOST got cured from demon…ism. And I NEED. I NEED fanficitin about cured!Crowley, or at the very least mostlyCured!Crowley. Because oh my good, it’s all I’ve been able to think about. I deep a deep dive into this character RIGHT NOW MAN. I AM FROTHING FOR IT.

I don’t care if it’s shippy or friendshippy either I just need a stories examining Crowley’s guilt and regret and how he screaming “I DESERVE TO BE LOVED” and literally willingly baring his neck for more human blood injections. GUH. HELP. I NEED YOU TO BE LOVED TOO, CROWLEY. SOMEONE LOVE HIM. I want to watch this man break down in tears and sob pathetically on the floor.

They made Crowley so woobie in that episode and I’m not over it.

Well, you came to the right place!

One of the old admins @demonologist-in-denim is no longer active, but he had tons of fanfic about cured!Crowley and on-his-way-to-redemption!Crowley. This is his AO3.

Same goes for @thayerkerbasy - his fics are here.

@walkingaline offers some fics with cured!Crowley, and almost cured!Crowley. AO3 here.

@petrichoravellichor and @greywrenn also had some excellent fics, and series, and tons of fun content to check out about Crowley's life post Hell. Petrichoravellichor's AO3 is here and Grey's AO3 is here.

@additionaladdams also has some fun fics with Crowley and Cas righting some wrongs! Here's the AO3.

Of course, if any minion has suggestions, or I forgot anyone, do come forth!

And... yeah. The show was... nope. I feel you and I feel for you. Welcome to this pit of despair - we have excellent fanfic.

[bouncycloud]

Top five favorite fics + honorable mentions 

Top five?? How can one choose top five out of millions😭

But i'll certainly try. Here's my all time faves in the ✨HP fandom ✨

1. Miðgarðsormr by xXAonoNYmouSPXx

I'm sure it's not a surprise 😄 This fic has me hooked, i even wrote a fanfic for this fic. Basically, tomione has a magical child, and when i say magical, i don't mean he's just a wizard. Their child is so much more haha. The twist: Tom had never met hermione and Hermione doesn't even know that her child has a father. Motherhood suits hermione so well in this fic and we get the bonus of seeing Tom riddle got dragged into parenthood haha. BAMF Hermione

2. In the Black + Black Mask by izzythehutt

It's a series. Regulus survived the cave and went to Sirius then boom: BLACK FAMILY REUNION. It's Sirius-centric and Sirius's characterization in this fic is so good. This story delves deep into Black family drama and the war. SiriusxOC, and while i usually don't read many HP fics with OC as a prominent character, this fic is so worth it to read.

3. Hermione Granger, Demonologist by BrilliantLady

It's a light read and it has great theories! I like to read it from time to time. Kid Hermione summoned demons in attempt to make friends and becomes a dark witch so naturally. But even though she's a dark witch, she is still very hermione!

4. Strange Attractors by Mistakes_And_Experiments

Tomione and world building! Smart people talking smart things. Tom is deep into politic. Very slow paced. Very sweet, not dark at all, unlike many tomione fics. Hermione is a bit ooc in this one, i think (not a hot headed gryffindor at all, but rather calm like luna). Still, it's an awesome read that i like to return to.

5. when sunsets look like blood (hold me till the stars appear)

Again, Tomione. Hilarious and deep. Tom riddle is not some evil overlord in this fic. Still rather evil, but just a teenager. I read this one a long time ago, but i still love it to this day.

Honorable mentions

The Laughing Heart : Regulus-centric, one shot. This fic makes you feel. It's regulus black, duh.

R. v. Riddle : Another light read! Or is it dark read? 🤔 About a murder case gone wrong (or gone right, in Tom's opinion). Intelligent Hermione but tom riddle is so much more haha. In this case, tom riddle played Hermione like a cheap kazoo :)) i really recommend this, it depicted tomione perfectly.

You Should Know : Adult hermione and adult tom riddle/voldemort. Hermione is born in the 30s, so a bit younger than tom riddle. Another light read that i like to read from time to time. It's canon hermione who grows up in the 30-40s and doesn't have harry or ron as friends.

Aberration : Harry/Hermione. Hermione is sorted into Slytherin. Honing her cunning out of necessity

Yesterday is Tomorrow (everything is connected) : who doesn't know this fic, honestly. I don't particularly like james/hermione but it's BAMF hermione so i can't resist. I'm glad i decided to read it, because this fic influences Mad Adventure a lot (I got the idea of using the Crouch family for Mad Adventure because of this fic). This fic is not one of my top favorites, but i put it here because it made great impacts on Mad Adventure

As you can see, I mostly read Tomione fics 😅 I know my fave list lacks any Regmione, but it is what it is :( I only got into regmione because i just think Regulus will suit Hermione well and deserves so much better. In any case, The Damned is one of the most memorable regmione fic for me - it's just so different and interesting.

If you have any fic recommendation for me, feel free to share! I mostly read HP and Naruto, sometimes BNHA, so if you want to share some fics from those fandoms, feel free to do so!

[dirty-dirty-muggle]

Obligatory 2024 Writing Roundup Post

This was a good year for me, especially from a fandom perspective. I was on a ~7ish year hiatus from HP fandom before the end of 2023, but 2024 I started writing and posting fanfic again. I am super proud of what I've written this year, and proud of saying "fuck it" to the inner voice that was scared of publishing my darker, weirder works.

I published ~250,000 words on AO3 this year! I have probably written double that if I include all my wips that haven't made it to AO3 yet, as well as all the deleting/rewriting that is part of my process.

The fic I am most proud of is Owned. It's the longest I wrote this year, and I adore the world, my OCs, and the character arcs. It was so enjoyable to write, including the times I made myself cry writing/editing the more emotional scenes. I had the biggest writers hangover I've ever had after I finished it--I couldn't write anything for close to six weeks because my brain was still stuck on it. It's not my most popular fic from this year (that would be Forever, Forever) but I love it regardless.

Going into 2025, I'm planning to just keep going. I've got several wips on the go, so hopefully will have more fics to share soon!

Links to all my 2024 works with details below the cut. Most are SS/HG but there's a few Hermione/demon!OC as well if you're into dark and fucked up smut. If you read and enjoy, please leave a comment--they really do make me happy! A big thank you to all my fellow writers and artists whose work I enjoyed this year too!

Hermione Granger x Severus Snape

Owned - 93k, Romance/Angst, Explicit After Severus discovers Hermione at the BDSM club he used to frequent, a tentative introduction soon turns into a quickly developing relationship. But as past lovers start to haunt them, old wounds and mistakes threaten to keep them apart. On top of it all, Hermione has a 12-year-old secret: a loophole in a law she wrote that can make any enslaved magical being into legal property if they want it—including herself.

Forever, Forever - 58k, Angst/Dark Erotica, Explicit Forced to test Veritaserum in front of her potions class, Hermione ends up revealing her most secret desires: that she wishes she could be promiscuous, wants to fuck Professor Snape, and enjoys the humiliation. With the entire school calling her names, and the boys in her year eager to make her enact her confessions, she and Professor Snape start playing increasingly thrilling and violent games—ones she isn't sure she wants to win.

Points of Harmony - 31k, Romance, Explicit Severus is struggling to find a research assistant for his experiments on enhancing potions with sex magic. Wanting a change in career, his good friend Hermione volunteers for the position. There's one problem: they're both secretly in love with each other.

Halfway There - 8.7k, Pure Smut, Explicit A strange portal is appearing all over Hogwarts Castle: in male students' quarters, in the boys' bathrooms and changing rooms, and also the quarters belonging to Severus Snape. Hermione just wants to have a little fun. Well, half of her does.

The Pleasure Rooms - 5.5k, Grimdark/Dystopian, Explicit The only survivor of her group of friends, Hermione lives in a world where Voldemort won and Muggleborns like her have little hope. Taken to the ministry as part of their new scheme to increase productivity through the use of so-called “Pleasure Rooms”, Hermione does what she needs to endure until she can find a way out.

Hermione Granger x OC

Note that these are a series so I am posting in order.

The Gift - 5k, Dark Erotica, Explicit Hermione Granger is magic Britain's sole demonologist, one of the best in the world. Fucking a demon on the regular has its benefits when it comes to research. Now she's made a bargain with her demon lover Pheros to spend a year in the demon city of Aeonis, where she'll be gifted to his whole family…

The Hunt - 17k, Dark Erotica, Explicit Hermione has spent the last the last two years trying to move on from her time in the demons' city, and return to her life as a demonologist. But when the demon Pheros returns with a new bargain to join him on the important Hunt, she is unable to refuse… even though she's meant to be the hunters' quarry.

The Bargain - 32k, Dark Erotica, Explicit Hermione thinks she's finally found a way to be content with her life in the wizarding world so she can ignore the constant pull to the demons' underground city. But when she loses her job as the Ministry of Magic's demonologist, her carefully balanced life starts to fall apart. Then her old demon lover Pheros shows up asking to bargain for her soul, and she has to decide: is her destiny here with what she's always known, or is it finally time to accept what she's been fighting?

[demonologist-in-denim]

Bergamot & Sulphur - Crowley-centric canon-divergent fic series that runs parallel to the canon and the One of the Boys series. Though the essence of their worlds is similar, this reality was brewed more gently, and characters long lost or at odds share cups of tea and mend parts of themselves scorched by the canon.

Chapter 7: Black Currant, and Chapter 8: Oolong, posting soon.

Read Chapter 1: Earl Grey

Read Chapter 2: Yerba Mate

Read Chapter 3: Wedding Tea

Read Chapter 4: Autumn Crème Roobios

Read Chapter 5: Blood Orange Tisane

Read Chapter 6: Darjeeling & Scotch

[risingphoenix761]

I posted 21,021 times in 2021

419 posts created (2%)

20602 posts reblogged (98%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 49.2 posts.

I added 337 tags in 2021

#youtube - 83 posts

#spn fanfic - 41 posts

#holy shit this is awesome - 41 posts

#long post - 28 posts

#tma spoilers - 27 posts

#😂😂😂 - 25 posts

#tagged - 24 posts

#always reblog - 24 posts

#👀 - 22 posts

#spotify - 22 posts

Longest Tag: 83 characters

#❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

Aspec pride Rowena, courtesy of @slytherkins . She's fabulous. ❤

49 notes • Posted 2021-06-02 22:27:13 GMT

#4

See if I don't make this cake at some point

51 notes • Posted 2021-06-21 17:04:15 GMT

#3

Today is a good day to remember that fandom, no matter who you ship, stan, adore, despise, thirst over, love to hate, make art of, or write fic for, is fiction. Take what joy you will from it, cry over it when you must, theorize and debate until the sun comes up, but at the end of the day, we're all discussing imaginary people, and it's not worth bullying anyone over or getting bent out of shape for.

52 notes • Posted 2021-09-22 03:29:56 GMT

#2

Tag Game

💕Name three fictional characters you’re in love with that are NOT associated with your blog 💕

Tagged by @peridottea91 :D

1. Rick O'Connell

2. Gabriel Van Helsing

3. George

Tagging: @rhyatt-deauxtreve @genevievedarcygrangerwriting @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash

68 notes • Posted 2021-10-03 19:10:19 GMT

#1

Going Up

Summary: "One aspect of humanity it was taking time to get used to was how bloody slowly they had to move."

Pairing: Dean x Crowley

Word count: 1,863

Tags/warnings: Show-level shenanigans. Bickering. Innuendo. Post-cure Crowley. @spnquotebingo ("I don't sweat under any circumstances") Belated fills for Rare Ship Bingo and Dean Bingo. 

A/N: Thanks to @slytherkins for looking this over and @firefly-in-darkness the fancy divider. Gif credit to @slashersivi . Incidentally, you can blame Slytherkins and @demonologist-in-denim for their combined influence in putting this in my head in the first place. It's finally finished!

One aspect of humanity it was taking time to get used to was how bloody slowly they had to move. He had gotten used to the ability to blink himself anywhere on the planet, and now every form of transportation left to Crowley seemed to move at half the speed of eternity. Admittedly, things were a lot faster nowadays than they were in Fergus MacLeod's lifetime, but they were still a downgrade from his time as a demon.

The adrenaline rush that came with taking out a monster, one of the better parts of hunting, was as close as he could get to vanishing from one place and rematerializing in another. Before they got to that point, though, it was a long slog of research, followed by an even longer road trip to the case itself, which left Crowley plenty of time to decide how much he disliked driving.

"You know, we could fly and be there in less than half the time," he remarked as he stowed his duffel in the trunk of the Impala on the morning of their second day on the road.

"Or," Dean replied before he slammed the trunk shut on their luggage and the arsenal hidden underneath, "we could not fly and not worry about getting half our gear through security."

Fair point.

"We'd make better progress on literally any major highway," he argued hours later as they moved along some podunk back road lined on either side with fields and one-traffic-light towns.

"I make better progress when I'm not staring at the same set of tail lights for hours on end," Dean argued back.

Fine, so maybe the scenery was a little better than what the interstate offered...sometimes. It still ate up more of his existence than he cared for. It was insulting, really, to go from teleporting from one side of the globe to the other, to needing to stop and gas up before crossing certain states only to pull over for the night halfway through the journey.

"Would it really kill you to get on a plane once in a while?" he asked after their journey finally saw them parking outside a high-rise in a reasonably sized city. Their first interview was with a wealthy heiress whose father robbed his own bank two days after he dropped dead of a heart attack, and according to the address in Dean's hand, she lived on the top floor.

"I don't trust planes," Dean groused. "I trust my Baby, and she's never let me down."

"Trains, then? Something, Dean. Think of it. Time, efficiency, fossil fuel and emissions, save even more than the innocent public."

"Don't listen to him, sweetheart," Dean said over his shoulder as they walked away from the car. "He's just cranky that he can't pick the music."

"Well, while we're on the subject…" Crowley muttered.

"If I'm going anywhere," Dean insisted, "my Baby is taking me. And no commentary from the peanut gallery about going faster is going to convince me otherwise."

Crowley rolled his eyes. "Fine, then. When we're done with this case, I'm taking a cab to the airport."

"You know what? You do that. You enjoy the delays, and the crowded terminals, and the bad food, and the kids that keep kicking your seat or the lady in front of you reclining back into your personal space or the guy snoring and farting next to you, and Baby and I are going to enjoy the open road, just the two of us. And you know what?"

Crowley turned to Dean, eyebrows raised expectantly.

Dean drew out the answer far longer than was necessary, clearly relishing the fantasy in his head. "I'm...going...to love it."

"Honestly, Dean, I worry you'd love it too much," Crowley replied. "And rather than tag along as a third wheel, I'd rather fly home and leave the two of you to your…" He paused for consideration, then finished. "Fascinating affair."

Dean's brow furrowed for a moment, then he rolled his eyes with a grimace. "You know, I'm not even gonna ask…"

Crowley smiled and they entered the building. It was everything he expected it to be on the inside: sleek and pretentious without an iota of elegance.

"I suppose you want to take the stairs," he remarked as they crossed the lobby, "given your commitment to the path slowest traveled by."

"Actually…" Dean thought it over, then gave a pleasant smile. "We should take the elevator. Why go slower than we have to every time?"

Crowley raised his eyebrows in surprised amusement. "Oh, indeed? Without the slightest fuss? I didn't expect such character development." They reached the elevator and he signaled it, then stepped inside the car and stood aside to let Dean on.

Dean made to follow as Crowley hit the button for the top floor, then ducked back out. Crowley did a double take, then started forward. "Dean! What the hell are you--"

"Race you to the top, smart ass," Dean replied with a sly grin as the door slid closed and the elevator began to move.

Crowley threw his hands in the air, exasperated, then leaned back against the wall of the car. What, was he going to take another elevator?

Bloody Winchesters.

A soft ding sounded and the car shuddered to a halt, called to a stop on the second floor. The door opened and he stood aside to let the newcomer in, but the hallway revealed itself to be empty. Crowley glanced out just in case, and there was no sign of anyone at all.

The door slid shut again and the sudden motion of the car nearly threw him off balance as it resumed its journey up, but he recovered and returned to his place against the wall. He should have known by now that taking shots at Dean's precious car was a surefire way to ruffle his feathers, but was Crowley to blame if Squirrel made the business of feather ruffling so bloody easy? And was it too much to ask that they shave some time off their commute once in a while? He was prepared to argue his case again, but that damned fool had jumped ship at the last possible moment.

He snapped out of his reverie as the elevator stopped again. He heaved a sigh and let his head fall back against the wall and the door opened, but there was no sound of anyone getting into the car. He lifted his head and frowned slightly, in search of whoever called the elevator, but there was only silence.

His eyes narrowed and the elevator began to move. A glance at the readout above the door told him he was on the third floor out of fifteen, and he would already be nearly to the top if it wasn't for--

The elevator stopped at the fourth floor. 

"Oh, for the love of--" He broke off with a huff of annoyance, folded his arms, and tapped his foot. A sneaking suspicion introduced itself in his mind, and it was a stupid, childish, ridiculous idea, but so very Dean…

When the elevator stopped at five, he leaned out far enough to listen, but there was no sign of the bowlegged menace. At six, he could almost hear retreating footsteps in the distance. At seven, he distinctly made out labored breathing and heavy footfalls, and it became more and more obvious. Dean was running the stairs and calling the elevator on every floor.

At the ninth floor, he leaned against the wall beside the call button and bent nearly double as he gasped for breath by the time the elevator stopped. Crowley slid his hands into his pockets and raised an eyebrow at him. "Can I give you a lift?"

Dean didn't seem to have the air to answer.

"I don't know how long it's been since you ran stairs, Squirrel, but if you pass out halfway to this interview, I'm going to leave you here and talk to Little Miss Heiress on my own, then maybe pick you up on the way back down."

A dismissive wave was the only reply.

Crowley put out a hand to hold the door open. "Dean," he said sharply, "get in the bloody lift."

Dean rolled his eyes, but got onto the elevator.

"Stubborn arse," Crowley muttered. They made the rest of the trip to the top floor uninterrupted, leaving precious little time for Dean to catch his breath and plenty of time for Crowley to roll his eyes and shake his head at the absurdity of it all. They paused outside the heiress' door and Crowley smoothed his hands over the wrinkles in Dean's jacket, straightened his tie, and gave him a pat on the cheek. "Given the varying states you continually put yourself in, you clean up rather nicely," he remarked. "Have I ever told you that?"

Dean blushed slightly and knocked on the door.

"It's remarkable, you know," Crowley said as they left a quarter hour later. "You ran nine flights of stairs and winded yourself so severely you nearly lost consciousness, but you didn't even break a sweat."

"I don't sweat under any circumstances," Dean scoffed as he called the elevator.

"Is that so?" The elevator arrived and they stepped on, and Crowley added, "I seem to recall you were a bit hot under the collar a few nights ago when, in quite the role reversal, I wasn't moving fast enough for you." He glanced sideways just in time to see Dean shift awkwardly and swallow hard, and he grinned to himself. "How long did I keep you on the hook? I'm afraid I lost track of time, I was so entranced by the way you whimpered, squirmed, and begged--"

"I don't beg, either," Dean cut in gruffly.

"Not in so many words, darling, but trust me, there wasn't a single, glorious inch of you that wasn't desperate for that sweet release I just wouldn't let you have. From the way your toes curled, to the tension in every muscle, to the twitch and throb of your swollen, needy, much-abused co--"

Dean grabbed him by his lapels and forced him back against the wall. He leaned in until there was only a scant inch between their faces, and Crowley could smell the morning's coffee on his breath. "You know, you've been running your mouth an awful lot the last few days," he said, low and serious, "and I'm getting kinda tired of it."

Crowley looked from those plump, perfect lips to those Disney princess eyes, and down to the fists clutching his jacket. "And manhandling me in a lift is your solution? Come on, Dean, you know I'll enjoy it too much."

"Not hardly," Dean replied. "I'm thinking we should finish this hunt, get you somewhere I can go as slow as I damn well please, and we see how long it takes until you're begging for it."

Crowley smiled. "Well. You certainly know how to get a girl's attention, don't you. But you forgot one thing."

"Yeah? What's that?"

He leaned to the side and hit the emergency stop button. "Patience isn't one of my virtues."

94 notes • Posted 2021-03-08 18:46:33 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[dmsilvisart]

I'm getting there...

Hey everyone,

Things have been so shitty lately. I'm sorry.

If you're waiting for a a commission I promise I'm getting there. @demonologist-in-denim @unforth @eyesofatragedy67 @blue-reveries @li-izumi and @maddiebwrites y'all have been wonderful saying "it's fine take your time" but I still feel guilty.

I want to throw out all the happy confetti and kindness confetti and good vibes but dammit I just can't find any right now....but I'm getting there.

I blinked and a year and a half, almost two years flew by...all of it shitty except for a few shining moments... Obviously the orange jackass is out of office, my family moved to a wonderful home, I work for an amazingly accommodating company as far as working around my childcare options.

Y'all know about the bad stuff. I've posted it all.

I can't remember the last time I read fanfic for fun...I need to do that again. I need to do a lot of recharging things again, tv, reading, video games but real life pressures haven't allowed the time.

Depression and Anxiety suck....crappy events on top of that just don't help.

Making lists help. I've started making REALISTIC lists of what I need to do. I include my recharge in those lists. Right now those recharge items are like "10 minute nap" "cup of tea on the porch" and I'm only putting ONE real life item to do daily after work because that's all I have time for after work.

So...I'm getting there. Love my Tumblr Fam and I hope you're all well. I miss knowing what's happening in y'alls lives. I look at my dash lately and don't recognize a lot of URLS, and not familiar with a lot of the content....

Feeling...aimless I suppose. Like I'm just floating through things. Items are slowly being crossed off my list tho and that proof I'm not standing still...so

I'm getting there.

[theweekinarrowfic]

Completed Arrow Multichapters on AO3, June 13-19, 2021

NOTE: I’m now crossposting to https://theweekinarrowfic.dreamwidth.org. Also, I'm looking for volunteers to test out my fic recommender! Need more Arrow in your life? Why not try one of the multchapter fanfics recently completed by our talented fic writers?

Olicity

Teach Me Tonight by javajunkie (Oliver/Felicity, 5/5, 2021-06-15) - High School AU; Oliver Queen is an entitled legacy. Felicity is a scholarship student. Their paths cross when Felicity is assigned to be his Latin tutor.

Des murs de silence by Amelia_Queen (Oliver/Felicity, 43/43, 2021-06-18) - À son retour de l’île, Oliver n’est plus le même : il a perdu sa voix. Ses proches font de leur mieux pour le comprendre mais celle qui va briser un à un tous ses murs est une informaticienne qu’il vient à peine de rencontrer.

Other Ships/Characters

A Magician's Gift by 52DCStan (John Constantine/Zatanna Zatara, Laurel/Oliver as side pairing, 52/52, 2021-06-14) - John Constantine shows up in Metropolis out of nowhere, drops into the SHG's lives like some sort of magical bomb. He's a transfer student straight out of England. He's a normal high school student by day, a demonologist by night. Zee Zatara is popular, beautiful, and rich. Join the two of them, the Super Hero Girls, and the rest of their Metropolis and Central City friends in their journey through their final years in high school.; Disclaimer:; I DON'T OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS UNLESS THEY'RE AN OC OF MINE!!! I DON'T OWN THE CITIES EITHER!!!! (I use almost all DC cities); I ONLY OWN THE PLOT

Shadows of Time--Sequel to Legends:Celestial and Draconae by FireCanary (Sara/Ava Sharp, 33/33, 2021-06-14) - The Earths merged into one, and Blister invaded Earth Prime, something up her sleeve. The Legends try to stop it, but they found something far more interesting... (I bear no offense to the US on where the story is set) Feel free to comment!; P.S. May I get a Kudos?

[blackrose343]

A New Beginning

Warnings: Angst and Implied torture and violence

Devil May Cry - Sparda x Eva

Fanfic Summary: This is about how Sparda and Eva met, along with how they got together. (For this I was thinking Eva was in her late teens, early twenties.)

5,262 words

This was written for @dmcweek day 5. Prompt: Hurt. I didn’t expect it to be this long.

The sun’s rays peeking through the curtains awoke Eva from her slumber. Eva rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, then stretched her arms. She jumped out of bed to look at the flower filled garden. It didn’t take long for her to spot her mother having breakfast. Eva’s mother greeted her with a smile motioning for Eva to join her. Eva didn’t see her father so she assumed he was busy. Eva gave her mother a hug then grabbed a piece of toast. Her mother giggled while tucking some of Eva’s hair behind her ear.

“I think I’ll go wander around town.”

“If you do, remember not to be late. Your father is throwing a party tonight. Everyone would love to see you.” Eva pouted. She wasn’t excited about tonight’s party. Days ago, she overheard her parents discussing the party as an opportunity to find Eva a husband. She didn’t want to marry a random man. She was like everyone else and wanted to marry the one she loves. Still, the thought of meeting someone at the party crossed her mind.

Eva asked her mother who would be attending. Her mother told her the obvious answers: friends and family. She also mentioned some people from work and other aristocrats. Her mother then mentioned someone who recently moved to the area. She couldn’t recall his name but told Eva what she heard about him. She heard he’s a silvered haired demonologist who was rumored to be quite handsome. Eva pushed the “handsome” comment aside. She cared about one’s personality more than their appearance.

Eva went to the park to feed the ducks. She needed something to distract herself. Watching the ducks swim wasn’t working. She couldn’t stop thinking about how her parents were searching for a husband for her. She knew this was more for her father than for her. She wondered what would happen if she met someone after the arranged marriage. Divorcing could backfire immensely. Run away, maybe? Eva sighed as she slumped into the bunch. She looked up at the sun hoping for a sign of what to do. 

A man took the spot next to her. Eva thought she may have been too close to him so she scooted a couple inches. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to sit so close to you.”

“It’s probably my fault. I am sitting more towards the middle of the bench. I’m Eva.” Eva turned towards the man extending her hand to him. Her breath got caught in her throat. The man before her was not like the men around town. Breathtaking and well-built with silver hair. Eva knew he was the new demonologist.

The man was stunned Eva was not afraid of him. It took him a second to remember he was in his human form. He sometimes forgot he was living the life of a human; no longer as the Legendary Dark Knight. He looked at Eva noticing she was waiting for a response. Her golden locks perfectly framed her face. Her eyes were dark in color yet they showed so much kindness. Maybe he could finally have a friend.

“Please, call me Sparda.” Sparda gently grabbed Eva’s hand then brought it to his lips. He placed the lightest of kisses upon her hand while continuing to look at her. For a moment their eyes met. His blue ones with her dark ones. A small blush appeared on Eva. She expected him to shake her hand instead of receiving a light peck. Eva returned her hand to her lap as Sparda spoke. “May I ask why you are here alone?”

“The weather is gorgeous so I thought taking a trip to the park would be nice.” Sparda suspected Eva’s answer was part of the truth. As he looked at her he sensed something. He wasn’t quite sure what it was but he became concerned. As if to prove Sparda’s suspicion, Eva let a small sigh escape from her. She explained she wanted to vent to someone but not to someone she just met.

Eva gave a bit of bread to Sparda then continued to feed the ducks. Eva and Sparda conversed getting to know each other more. Eva told Sparda of her simple life. Sparda told Eva he was working on becoming a better person. He confessed to Eva he had a dark past but refused to detail it. Eva placed a hand on Sparda’s shoulder as she offered to help him in any way she could.

Before Sparda moved here he encountered many unpleasant people. Most people would ignore him. Others shunned him for his interest in handling demons. No one understood why he had an interest in learning about demons and other creatures. Sparda became a demonologist so he could continue to protect humans from demons without anyone finding out he is one.

Sparda was lost on memory lane when Eva asked him for the time. She jumped out of the bench when he told her. Time flew quicker than she anticipated. She enjoyed the time she sent with Sparda. She hoped he felt the same. Eva was delighted to know Sparda would be attending tonight’s party. Maybe she could chat with him some more. Sparda held out a pink lisianthus to Eva as she prepared to leave. Eva’s blush matched the color of the flower when she accepted it. Sparda watched her smell the flower then leave.

Twilight approached as Eva caught Sparda making his appearance. Sparda was searching for Eva. Eva followed his eyes with hers as she conversed with a couple men her parents introduced to her. (She knew these were some men her father was considering as a potential husband for her.) Eva’s attention completely gravitated to Sparda once their eyes met again. She couldn’t help but blush. Sparda gave her a smile as he made his way to her. To Eva’s dismay, her father intervened by starting a conversation with Sparda. Eva watched her father drifting Sparda away from her direction. She chose to stay in the conversation she was stuck in to not appear rude to her guests.

Eva’s father tried to get to know Sparda better to no avail. Sparda gave Eva’s father very vague yet satisfying answers. Sparda knew better than to say too much. Eva’s father continued the conversation by introducing Sparda to his wife then told him a bit about his family. Sparda found out Eva was their only daughter and that they were trying to find her a husband. Sparda’s gut told him this was what Eva was depressed about earlier.

Sparda was introduced to some of the other guests attending the party. During a conversation, Sparda secretly glanced at Eva a few times to check on her. From what he saw Eva appeared to be okay, physically. Her eyes showed she was feeling tired.

Eva was getting bored with the conversation she was having. It primarily consisted on why she should consider so-and-so for marriage. All the reasons go back to how it could benefit her but mostly her father. Eva asked herself if it was too much to ask for someone to want to marry her because they love her. Eva wanted more than anything for this conversation to end.

Music and laughter started to fill the air. People gathered around the dance floor. Eva took the opportunity to sneak out to the garden. Unbeknownst to Eva, Sparda followed her. Eva checked on the garden; pulling a couple weeds here and there. Even though she was doing a mundane task Sparda was fascinated. He could watch her all night if he could. It wasn’t difficult for the moon to reveal Eva’s beauty. Although the moon revealed more to Sparda. He could see Eva’s desire for something else in life. Sparda wasn’t sure why but he wanted to do what he could to give Eva a life she wanted.

Sparda decided to make his presence known when Eva took a seat on the fountain. Eva wasn’t sure how long Sparda had been watching her. She didn’t mind. She wished she knew earlier to talk with him more. Eva was rinsing her hands in the fountain as she told Sparda about the garden. She’s been tending the garden since she was a little girl. Sparda brought up that she could make her garden with her family one day. Eva gave Sparda a bittersweet smile as she accepted his handkerchief to dry her hands. “I hope to marry someone I love. From what my parents are trying to do, that may not be the case.”

Sparda was at a loss for words. He has never comforted anyone. To lighten Eva’s mood, Sparda offered her a dance. Eva sheepishly smiled at Sparda. She admitted that she wasn’t a great dancer. She playfully pouted as Sparda laughed. Sparda pulled her up from the fountain then placed her hand on his shoulder. Sparda grabbed her other hand tenderly making sure not to harm her. Sparda pushed Eva slightly closer to him after placing his free hand around her waist. He asked if Eva was ready before making any movement. Eva didn’t trust herself to speak so she nodded.

Sparda chose a simple dance so Eva wouldn’t feel discouraged. Eva gripped onto Sparda as if her life depended on it. She couldn’t help but look down at her feet as they started dancing. Each time she would step on Sparda’s feet or trip on him she would apologize. She suggested to stop before she stomped his feet into nothing. Sparda chuckled and reassured Eva she wasn’t as terrible as she thought. Hearing Sparda’s praise about how quickly she was learning was pleasant to Eva. She didn’t feel completely embarrassed.

Eva was enjoying herself more than she has in a while. To fully take in this moment she took her eyes off her feet. She looked up at Sparda showing him her enjoyment. Sparda was looking down at her with a goofy grin plastered on his face. She moved her hand from Sparda’s shoulder to his cheek. As she gently caressed his face she noticed his eyes shine with mischief. Before she could figure out why, Sparda dipped her. Eva shierked. She gripped Sparda’s neck so tight she scratched him. Sparda was howling with laughter from Eva’s reaction. He wanted to mess with her; not scare the living daylights out of her.

Sparda wiped tears from his eyes after helping Eva stand up. The embarrassment from earlier returned to Eva. Eva’s father came out to see if she was alright. It took some effort but Eva was able to convince her father everything was fine. Eva’s father ushered her inside leaving Sparda by himself. Eva tried to go back to invite Sparda inside but her father prevented her from doing so. Sparda took this as his cue to leave.

Ever since that night, Eva took every chance she could to go into town in hopes of finding Sparda. At first it was difficult. She had no idea where he lived or when he traveled for work. Eventually her and Sparda agreed to meet at the park every other day. When they met it was as if time didn’t exist; as if nothing besides them existed. Neither ever realizes when the sun has already set. Sometimes they unintentionally ignore other park goers because they don’t hear them. They would get lost in their conversations; in each other. The time they spent together was filled with laughter, happiness and joy. Never was there a depressing or dull moment. Sometimes they would give each other advice and pick on each other. Before they knew it they became inseparable. Neither ever wanted to leave the other. Both wanted to spend eternity together.

Eva sat at the bench waiting for Sparda. For the past few days Eva’s been believing the atmosphere around her has become off putting. The weather was cooler yet the sky was always grey. No rain. Just harsh gusts of wind. Whispered rumors about Sparda reached their way into town. One rumor was Sparda ransacked a town. Another was he made a deal with the devil. Eva paid no mind to the rumors. She even tried to reason with everyone when they brought up their concern about her being around Sparda. There was just no way Sparda would harm her or the town.

Eva wasn’t sure how much time had passed but too many people asked her about Sparda. She asked a couple people arriving at the park if they saw Sparda. No one did. One person mentioned it’s been a couple days since they saw him. Eva became worried and started to search other places they frequented. No one knew where Sparda was or where he went. Too many people kept telling her to try places she already checked. Eva became anxious believing something happened to Sparda.

Eva remembered Sparda telling her he sometimes took a walk in the forest. She had no idea if she would be able to find Sparda there. If she wasn’t careful she would get lost. She searched with the areas she knew then ventured deeper into the forest. Eva heard voices not too far from her. She followed the voices to the source. The voices led her to the top of a hill. Eva crouched behind a log as she peered below. 

Through the fog Eva saw a couple men armed for hunting standing in front of a cellar door. Eva couldn’t fully comprehend their conversation yet she recognized the voices. It was after the fog dissipated that she saw her father and his friend. She gasped from shock. The below turned their heads facing Eva’s direction. She laid down next to the log just in time. Her father’s friend readied his rifle.  His eyes skimmed the area not seeing anything or anyone. Eva remained hidden until the men left.

Eva made her way to the cellar door once she was convinced the coast was clear. She tried her best to not step on any twigs or small animals. She avoided any leaves that may crunch beneath her. Eva crossed her fingers as she hoped no one would find her. She ducked behind a barrel as she made her way into the cellar. She didn’t see anyone. She didn’t hear anything. Eva saw she had multiple rooms to search. She decided to search each room.

Eva gingerly placed her ear against each door waiting for any indication of life beyond it. Majority of the rooms contained wine and other liquors. A couple rooms were prepared for an apocalypse. Eva heard chains rustling as she placed her ear on the second to last door. Eva’s heart started to pound within her. She took a deep breath as her shaking hand grabbed the door knob. What she saw before her was horrifying. Sparda was chained like an animal and beaten. He was covered in bruises and cuts. Blood was oozing from his wounds. Eva tried to say Sparda’s name except the lump in her throat prevented her.

Sparda’s head sprang up when he heard the door close. His rage filled eyes locked on the one who entered. Sparda’s expression relaxed once he realized it was Eva. Eva stood still uncertain of what she should be doing. Sparda saw Eva’s shock dissolve into concern for him. Sparda apologized to Eva explaining he thought she was someone else. Eva tore a part of her dress to dab some blood off of him. She tried to find out what was going on.

“I guess now would be the time to elaborate what I meant when I told you I had a dark past.” Sparda told Eva that he is a demon. He briefly explained his past to Eva unsure if she would believe him. Eva listened to every word Sparda said. Not even for a second did Eva suspect Sparda was lying. While Sparda spoke he couldn’t face Eva. He didn’t want her to be afraid of him. He didn’t want to lose her because of his past. Sparda confessed the time he spent with Eva was the greatest pleasure he has ever felt. Eva saw so much in his eyes. Remorse, anger, fear, and perhaps love. As if by instinct, Eva gently grabbed Sparda’s face and planted a kiss upon his lips.

Sparda wanted nothing more than to kiss Eva again. The chains’ runes glowed interrupting his attempt to do so. The chains sent waves of shock throughout Sparda. Sparda tried to hide his pain; to keep himself composed for Eva’s sake. If Sparda wasn’t careful he may hurt Eva. If he ever did so, he would never forgive himself.

Eva hugged him then started to search for the key. Fear and worry were consuming her. She searched every nook and cranny of the rooms she considered the key to be in. She tried to chop the chains off with an axe she found. The axe chipped while the chains stayed intact. A piece of the axe fell next to a crate. Eva started to frantically search the crate when she heard the cellar door open. Eva and Sparda could hear men talking to each other. Sparda urgently whispered at Eva to hide. She quickly squeezed herself behind a shelf.

Eva couldn’t believe what she was witnessing: people she knew beating Sparda. The injuries they inflicted varied from whipping and punching to stabbing. Eva did not expect the familiar faces to partake in this cruelty.  Sparda’s blood splattered all over. Eva wondered why Sparda chose to not defend himself. He may be chained but Eva thought Sparda could do something. Eva knew she couldn’t take on so many people at once so she closed her eyes and waited.

Sparda stated it was safe for Eva to come out when he no longer sensed any one near them. Eva kissed the bruise on Sparda’s cheek. She hugged him declaring she will free him no matter what. Dread filmed over Sparda’s eyes. He was grateful Eva was going to help him yet how could he tell her her father was involved? What would happen if her father found out about this? Sparda opened his mouth ready to deny Eva’s offer. Eva placed a finger on his lips. “I’ve made my decision. Nothing will change my mind.”

The decision to save Sparda was locked within Eva. Sparda had to speak up before Eva left. Eva had to know her father was involved before he became the reason he tore her family apart. He would not hate or be angry with Eva if she rescinds her decision.  “Eva…You may want to reconsider. Your father is the one that holds the key.”

“I know…Will you let me come with you?” Sparda’s eyes widened with bewilderment. He was not expecting Eva to stick with her decision. Let alone ask to continue being with him. Sparda felt conflicted. He desired Eva to be with him. He also feared what could happen to her if they stayed together. He couldn’t find the words to express concern for Eva. Without knowing it, Sparda gave Eva his answer. She gave him a sincere smile then started her mission to free him.

———————————————————————————————————

“Eva, wher-what happened?” It was past dinner when Eva arrived home. Her mother was worried sick. Even more so when she saw Eva was covered with dirt and twigs. Eva casually explained to her mother she was trying to reach a flower for the garden but slipped down a hill. Her mother examined Eva to be sure she didn’t get hurt. Eva was surprised with how easily she lied to her mother. Once her mother was convinced no harm came upon Eva she told Eva to take a bath.

Eva sat in the tub pondering where her father kept the key. She managed to search his office before taking a bath. It wasn’t in the safe. It wasn’t cluttered within the office mess. It wasn’t even in the “hidden” drawer. She studied her father when he returned home. Yet there was no indication he had the key with him. The only option Eva had was to search their bedroom.

It was the dead of night. The moon shone where the sun was. Owls, along with other animals could be heard. Eva was pacing back and forth in front of her in the hallway as she made her way to her parent’s room. She was overwhelmed by what she was about to do: free Sparda and run away with him. She gave herself a few light taps to the face to remind herself she wasn’t dreaming. Eva whispered a pep talk to comfort herself. “Come on, Eva. You told Sparda you would do anything to help him. Even if you didn’t love him, you can’t leave him there. It’s inhumane. Sparda did nothing to desire such hostility.”

Cautiously, she turned her parent’s doorknob. She gave the door a tiny push ensuring it won’t make a sound. She opened the door praying the sound of her parent’s snores blocked any of the door’s noises. Tentatively she tiptoed to her father’s side of the bed. She kneeled beside the bed then proceeded to open her father’s night stand. 

Eva let her hand travel within the drawer feeling a stack of papers, along with a pen. She felt something cool and metallic. Eva thought it felt too wide to be a key so she assumed it was her father’s gun. She placed the gun on her lap then continued searching. During her search she couldn’t get rid of the feeling of someone watching her. She took a shallow breath then turned towards the bed. She was face to face with her father. Eva slapped her hand onto her mouth. She was stuck in place. Her father sat up. “Eva, what are doing?”

Eva bolted straight up hitting the wall behind her. The gun slid under the bed. She stood still not daring to make a move or sound. The moon’s light made its way through the curtains landing on her father’s neck. It was hard to see but Eva saw a thin thread wrapped around his neck. Her father pulled the key out from under his shirt. “Are you looking for this?”

“Locking up Sparda is wrong. He-he hasn’t done anything.” Eva could barely produce the words coming out of her. She has never felt so frightened. The air around her became melicious. Eva feared what her father intended to do. (To her and Sparda.) Whatever her father had planned, Eva couldn’t let him go through with it. She lunged at her father grabbing the key. Her father gripped her wrists, stopping Eva from stealing the key.

Eva struggled to retrieve the key. Both of her hands engulfed the key. She was backing away from her father. Her father only tightened his grip on Eva’s wrists. Eva could feel her father’s desperation for the key. His grip was so harsh he was on the verge of cracking her wrists.

The struggle awoke Eva’s mother. She first heard her husband grunting, then Eva’s pleas. She felt the mattress move as if it became the ocean. She turned her body to her husband. Eva’s hair was swinging in all directions. Her husband was trying to pull Eva to him. Eva’s mother couldn’t fathom what has caused such a disturbance this late. All she could was ask what was going on.

A cold sweat ran down Eva’s father’s forehead. He was petrified. Everything moved too fast and too slow. He recalls fighting Eva for his key, then he heard his wife. Hearing his wife snapped him out of whatever he was doing. Instantly he let go of Eva’s wrists. Since Eva was still struggling to free herself from him she ended up crashing through the window.

Eva’s mother pushed her father as she made her way to the window. She feared the worst but was relieved. Eva landed on some bushes and was conscious. She told Eva to stay where she was. 

Eva lied on the bushes absorbing what just happened. She released her death grip on the key. The key glistened in the moonlight. Such a simple thing could save a life. Something else glistened from above. Eva’s eyes widened. Her mother was oblivious to what was going on behind her. Eva rolled off the bushes then ran. She didn’t look back when she heard her father shoot. She ran because now her life was on the line. In the distance she heard her mother arguing with her father. Her father never explained himself. He just kept telling his wife to stay out of it and she wouldn’t understand.

Eva had no idea how long she’s been running. She believed she would never stop running. She barged her way through spider webs and twigs. She tripped but did not hesitate to get up. Adrenaline is what kept her going, physically. Eva’s mind was a jumbled mess. She hasn’t fully comprehended what was going on. All she thought of was saving Sparda.

Eva hid the key as lights approached her. She held up her arms pleading for the men to not shoot. The men were friends of her father’s. They asked what happened. Eva told them some of the truth: she was running away because her father tried to shoot her. The men looked at each other not knowing what to do or say. Eva begged the men to go check on him for she feared what might happen to her mother. The men sprinted away without asking any questions.

Eva couldn’t have been happier. No one was outside the cellar. Nothing could be heard when she placed her ear on the door. Urgently, Eva made her way to Sparda. He was in worse condition than when she found him. Eva could hear his ragged breaths. His chest heaved up and down. His hair was dyed with his blood. Eva didn’t have time to look at him. She ran up to him searching for the keyhole.

“SPARDA! Sparda, look at me!” Eva freed Sparda from the chains. His head was lying in Eva’s lap. Slowly Sparda regained consciousness. Momentarily he thought it was raining. Seeing Eva’s tears crying fully awakened his senses. Joyfully Eva hugged Sparda. She never wanted to let him go.

Eva watched Sparda’s wounds heal as she explained what happened to her. She tried to get the debris off of her. Eva shot Sparda a tired smile reassuring Sparda nothing was his fault. Eva chose to save Sparda no matter what. Sparda could see Eva went through a lot. He placed his hand upon Eva’s cheek. She leaned into it giving it a light peck. 

“Are you sure you want to leave with me? You can stay here and resume your life as if we never met.”

“I’m sure. In the short amount of time we spent you became my spark of life. Without realizing it I fell in love with you.”

“Eva, you know about my past. Why choose to be with me?”

“Who you were doesn’t matter to me. It’s who you are now that does.”

Eva’s father and his friends gathered around the cellar door prepared to barge in. Threats were made if Sparda did not hand over Eva. Eva, with Sparda following her, exited the cellar with her hands up unsure of what would happen next. She and Sparda were trapped. Torches were blazing. Rifles ready to shoot. There was no escape.

“Are you going to kill our daughter and an innocent man because of some stupid rumors?!” Eva’s mother made her way through the crowd planting herself in front of Eva and Sparda. Few of the men lowered their torches and rifles ashamed of themselves. They questioned if what they were doing, what they did to Sparda, was justified. They had no evidence. They acted out of fear.

Eva’s father was still. Contemplating if he should kill Sparda. His wife had no idea what he heard about Sparda. What he saw. Sparda wasn’t hurting anyone now but what about later? It would be too late. Eva’s father hovered his finger over the trigger. Eva placed herself next to her mother in front of Sparda. 

“Move, damn it!” 

Both women refused. Neither were going to let Sparda get killed. Sparda was awed by what he witnessed. Like Eva, her mother displayed a sense of justice and courage. Not once since he lived as a human has anyone stood up for him. Defend him. If Eva and her mother were demons during the time of the rebellion, he would have recruited them in a heartbeat. 

“Neither one of you knows what he is!”

“I do and I don’t care! Sparda is a sweet and caring man. The time I have spent with him is the happiest I have ever been.” 

Eva’s father could see the truth in Eva’s eyes. He gritted his teeth in frustration. He wanted to protect his daughter. He wanted Sparda to leave. He believed he could achieve this by locking him up, then by killing him. He wasn’t expecting his wife and daughter to stand in his way (figuratively and literally). He wouldn’t live with himself if he murdered them. He threw the rifle behind him withdrawing himself from the quarrel. “Eva, you are no longer my daughter. Both of you leave.”

“Dear, you can’t be serious! You can’t just kick her out because of who she chooses to associate herself with. She’s your flesh and blood!”

“I don’t care.” Eva’s parents’ argument overpowered the wolves’ howls, the owl’s hoots. Eva couldn’t believe her father would be so willing to get rid of her. Especially to only keep a good reputation. Sadly, she wasn’t too shocked. Her father did try to set an arranged marriage to climb the social ladder.

Sparda placed a hand on Eva’s shoulder readying himself for Eva to stay home. Eva put her hand over his giving it a light squeeze. One last deep breath she took, then announced her answer. “I choose to go with Sparda. I love him and never want to leave his side.”

“I told you, I want to be with you.” Eva gave Sparda the biggest smile she could muster. 

Her father didn’t say a word. He picked up his rifle, then disappeared with his friends. Eva’s mother hugged Eva and Sparda. She praised Eva for the bravery she showed. For sticking to the decision that would make her happy. She thanked Sparda for making her daughter happy. Sparda swore to her he would always love Eva. Eva’s mother gave Eva a squeeze and a kiss. She wrapped her red shawl around Eva, then made her departure.

Seeing her mother leave is what broke Eva’s facade. She hugged Sparda pouring everything out of her. The anxiety, frustration, and fear she’s been feeling since looking for Sparda. The sadness of departing with her mother. The relief and happiness she felt for saving Sparda. Her wails and cries filled the forest. Sparda hugged Eva while lovingly petting her hair. Eva has been through so much in such a short amount of time. Patiently Sparda waited until Eva was ready to go. 

Once Eva composed herself, Sparda carried her bridal style into the sun’s light. Sparda looked at Eva’s sleeping form in his arms. Her tears glistened in the sun. Her expression was one of pain. Slowly her expression became content. Sparda gave her a sweet peck to the forehead. He swore to give Eva the joyous life she deserved.

[metamehta]

Review: How to Succeed in Dark Wizardry by technically_direct

Full title: How to Succeed in Dark Wizardry (Without Really Trying)

Summary: Ron maybe accidentally-on-purpose becomes a dark wizard, and everything changes.

Alternate universe/Canon Divergence - Ron W., Harry P., Neville L., Minerva M. - 12 Chapters - Words: 64711 - Rated Teen and Up

Read it on AO3

Status: WIP (last updated February 4, 2021)

Review: In the Harry Potter fanfiction world, it's hard to find stories that focus on Ron Weasley as a main character, and finding a story with a Dark!Ron Weasley where he isn't in Slytherin is even harder.

One thing that sets this story apart from other Ron-centric stories is its tone; I can't recall the last fanfic I read where Ron's voice was so cracky but blasé at the same time. This is the perfect story where your protagonist is a 'bad' guy but not necessarily a 'bad guy' because Ron's actions, while questionable, are never done with ill-intent.

Another thing I'd add about this story is how the way it's written makes it feel almost episodic; small plot-lines are resolved in a few chapters, characters have a certain shtick you can associate them with, and Ron's narration makes you feel like you're listening to a private voice-over. This for me, is one of my favorite aspects of the story - just because it helps maintain the pacing of the story and gives the reader a sense of joy when they correctly guess how a character would respond to Ron.

Overall, I'd say that How to Succeed does a great job at hitting all the notes needed for a good crack-fic, but still being unique enough to stand on its own as an addition to the fanfiction community.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

If you like this story, check out:

1. Hermione Granger, Demonologist

[a-tcos]

His Butler, Modernized: playlists

I’ve been working on my modern AU kuro fanfic that is also a crossover (?) with my OCs and their stories, so I’ve made playlists for most of the characters that show up. The only characters that don’t have one yet are William T. Spears and Othello. Let me know if y’all want playlists for them!

Features lots of industrial/techno/heavy music, but there’s definitely some (mostly) calm and slow playlists, too: 

Canon Characters: 

Sebastian Michaelis

o!Ciel Phantomhive

Alois Trancy

Claude Faustus

Hannah Annafellows

Grell Sutcliff

Ronald Knox

Undertaker

Aleister Chamber

r!Ciel Phantomhive

OCs:

Pierre Filimor Achiles Labelle, celebrity gang leader

Pierce Bronson, right-hand man of Pierre

Byron Skelton, psychic hitman

Giovanna Starr, brawn and rival of Pierre

Ada Hendrix, demon guard of Miss Starr

Ophelia Pellegrino, fallen angel 

Jenna Curry, businesswoman involved with Pierre

Hattie Dawson, demonologist

Rosé Duvall, the public face of Pierre’s gang

Lei Du, assassin

Barbie Delossantos, a pretty face 

Luna Barbosa, Pierre’s PR agent

Dasha Romanov, Pierre’s bodyguard

Niall Moore and Quinn Friedman, grim reapers that come as a pair

[orsino-the-enchanter]

An excerpt from a fanfic I hereby declare CANON for my Inquisition verses.

((The fanfic is this one, if you want to read it in full, all credit goes to the AMAZING writer whose concepts i adore. ))

(....) As for finding the mages something to occupy their time, First Enchanter stand to his promise.

“What do you know of demons?” asked he in a clear voice of professional lector.

The lecture, that promised to enlighten the young mages, took place outside the castle, in the yard: part of it was enclosed, forming a perfect circle on the ground with its outlines buzzing and glowing lyrium blue. The mages, mostly young or barely of age, gathered in a small crowd in front of Orsino, who was standing near the enclosed area. Other interested people (namely the whole lot of Skyhold) watched from a distance.

Even lady Vivien stepped out at her balcony and Solas appeared at the side doors. Well, they were all promised something interesting, and Orsino was known as the best lecturer on demonology.

“They are oft-malicious spirits from the Fade,” said one girl, pulling a brave face.

Orsino nodded to her in encouragement, and other pupils grew braver too.

“They are but the first children of the Maker, who became envious of the living. They could not experience what the living had, and this blackest envy gave rise to the demons,” said a boy, who was clutching his fire staff like a demon could emerge any minute and take it away from him.

“They are the most dangerous and deadly dwellers of the Fade, who want to invade the real world,” said his neighbor.

“And to possess a mage,” added a very young boy, shivering.

“Demons are our enemies,” proclaimed a mage who was a bit older.

Orsino listened to everyone’s answers in silence, only nodding sometimes, as if in a deep thought. “I see, everyone knows the Chant of Light very well,” stated he afterwards. “You are all right, of course. You cite from very reputable sources, and point out exactly how the Chantry sees the demons – so many respectable people can’t be wrong, right? But we – we are not the clergymen. We are mages. So, I’d like to show you something. Please, don’t step inside the circle no matter what you see. Commander Cullen knows what to do if something goes wrong, and I trust him completely; I ask again, do not intervene, please. Well, let’s get started.”

Orsino took off his boots and stepped on the cold ground, barefoot. Today was a cool, windy day, but the enchanter’s clothes looked like he was preparing to spend his day in a hot desert: his plain tunic was too light even for a hardened warrior like Fenris, and he was a frail mage! The Grumpy Elf, who was watching the lecture from the castle wall, knit his brows gloomily: he should really talk to the enchanter about common sense and the importance of caring about one’s health.

Orsino stepped inside the enclosed area. The lyrium buzz became louder, and the outlining turned into a full veil, clear but strong, effectively cutting the mage from the others. The elf took off the ribbon that was holding his hair in a ponytail, and tied it in a blindfold; his mane, copper red with rare flaming red strands and a lot of silver, spilled over his shoulders (Fenris – and, as he guessed, a few others – caught his breath).

First Enchanter took a place exactly in the center of the enclosure and stood here. At first it looked like nothing was going on, but then the strange sounds appeared – they were like disjointed chords, as if someone was trying to make the right music out of them, but couldn’t. It was Orsino’s doing, no doubt: he was turning his head blindly to where the sounds were coming from and was waving his hands and gesturing to make the sounds louder or quieter, changing their tune.

At one moment the demons started to appear.

People startled and shrank back from the enclosure.

The Despair demon appeared first with a feeble, disgusting whistle. A huge Rage gathered itself from the ground and impended over the enchanter menacingly – but Orsino didn’t even bat an eyelid (partly because of the blindfold). Fenris threw a worried glance at Cullen – Commander looked tense, but he wasn’t in a hurry to interfere in whatever was going on.

The Rage opened his mouth wide, showing molten lava teeth, and closed it back. It stepped away from the enchanter, who was still busy with… whatever he was doing, and started to circle around him. Other demons joined. They were exactly like their pictures in old books – Desire, Sloth, Envy… And more: some demons looked strange and unfamiliar. One, who appeared along with the first ones, looked like a burlesque knight, weary and sorrowful: he watched the Despair with stern disapproval and tried to stay away from it. The demons circled in the enclosure like predators, but they still hadn’t touched the mage who was right there.

Suddenly Orsino raised his head, and they all could see his wide, mischievous smile.

He made a strange gesture, and the disjointed chords finally clicked together, and there was music – it sprang to life, unfolding and deepening, and the whole place started to vibrate with unfamiliar energy. Demons, as if the music was guiding them, changed the rhyme of their circling – as if they were trying to… dance?

Orsino too started to move.

He danced. It was a fascinating, but strange dance – it could be an Orlaisian waltz or Avvar tribal fling. It was all this and at the same time completely different, new and also familiar, like something you forgot you always knew. It was touching your soul in a way you couldn’t describe apart from… beautiful.

The demons started to change. Somehow, without appearing to do so, they changed their shapes and became more like transparent, blurry humans; they were really dancing now, with abandon and in unison, being led by Orsino. It was a beautiful, magnificent picture. Everyone’s eyes were upon it – no one could look away, when here, inside the enclosure, was something so glorious. It was like a harmony itself was dancing here.

Harmony, Yes, that’s what it was.

The dance didn’t last though: the final chords came, the dancers performed their last steps and vanished in the firework of sparks – all but Orsino, who just stopped, breathing heavily.

He peeled off his blindfold and gathered his hair back in a ponytail; afterwards he calmly walked away from the enclosure (the lyrium barrier buzzed loudly and lowered back on the ground).

“So… Remind me, what do you know about demons?” asked Orsino again.

A dumbstruck silence was his answer.

The enchanter smiled warmly and looked over the yard, at the stunned people. It was very clear that whatever they thought to see or hear at the lecture, it certainly wasn’t that.

“You’ve just witnessed a ritual called A Demon Round Dance. It was invented by the hermits of Alamar island: they studied the Fade and its dwellers, performed a lot of experiments and wrote many interesting books, most of which, unfortunately, were burned when the hermits were declared heretics and wiped from Thedas completely. Some bits and pieces of their knowledge, however, were preserved – this ritual, for example, that contradicts all we know about demons so far. It is, as most mages might understand it, completely pointless for both parties: there is nothing to gain neither for mages nor for demons. But for some reason demons always come to dance with the mage who he calls them.”

The enchanter leaned forward, and people followed his movement with their eyes with acute fascination. “You see,” continued he. “Demons and we don’t understand each other. At all. But we do have some common ground. For now dancing is the only safe way of communication with the Fade dwellers, flawed – because we ourselves don’t understand properly the language of the dance – crude and nearly useless. Maybe you’ll become the great scholars one day and discover a proper way to communicate with demons – and maybe even find what they really need from us. But enough for now. Those who are interested in demonology please come to Elana to sign up. The lessons will take place every day at nine a.m. in the library, at the southern wing.”

Young mages followed the enchanter with their eyes full of pure admiration; the intent of becoming the best demonologists was clearly written on their faces. As Orsino began to dismantle the lyrium enclosure, his future pupils were discussing the most fascinating theme: namely, how long would it take them to learn to dance like that? (...)

[crowleybigbang]

Hello, servants of Hell and affectionate Crowley's minions!

We're finally ready to post and share with you all the impressive fanfics and fan art created by our participants for the 2022 Crowley Big Bang! We’re thrilled with the narrative range of fics and diversity of art styles produced for this round of the bang! Be sure to follow this blog to see all the awesome Crowley-centric fanworks any demon’s black little heart could desire.

2022 Crowley Big Bang Fanworks & Posting Dates

Let’s get this Hell-themed party started!

@additionaladdams @sinister--potato @hectatess @wigglebox @pimentogirl @samatedeansbroccoli @dmsilvisart  @hobbitual-psychick-art-stuff @reblogging4thewin @ncdover1285 @vibe-howie @ichbinnurzugast​ @angelhannah​ @rauko-is-a-free-elf @writingfromkitchenator​ @fruitmixtape​ @sirlsplayland @walkingaline​ @demonologist-in-denim ​ @lucibae-is-dancing-in-hell @jenniferb-art ​

[devilmaybeakitty-meow]

Eight People I’d Like To Get To Know Better

Tagged by: @harlot-of-oblivion thank you so much for this♡♡♡

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Name: Lara

Birthday: August 29th

Zodiac Sign: Virgo ♍

Height: 5'1" (1,54m)

Hobbies: reading, painting, writing, sleeping, playing video games, daydreaming

Favorite Colour: black and royal blue

Favorite Books: (god this one is hard) The Apocalypse Battle, Prince Of Thorns, Eden's Sons, The Demonologist.

Last Song I Listened To:

Last Film I Watched: Aquaman

Dream Job: honestly? I don't know

Meaning Behind URL: I also don't know lol. I found it cute and I love kittens 🐈

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Tagging: @bettybattaglia @but-two-days-old @lessy86 @minteyeddemon @evilwvergil @spirit-of-the-void @lewdbunbun @brattyvitale

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List Five Things That Make You Happy

Tagged by: @bettybattaglia thank you darling ♡♡♡

1. Video games

2. Vergil and V (all the dmc crew tbh)

3. Reading dmc fanfics (I live for this)

4. Listen to my favorite songs and sing along (when I'm alone of course)

5. Sleeping and eating (lol)

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Thank you ♡♡♡ Also if anyone else wants to do this feel free. Thank you thank you 💗💗

[victory-cookies]

Oh well I was going to specify that the last one was about the end of year asks but then I saw the fanfic one only had 30 and so I guess that isn't really necessary lol. Anyway here's some for the fic game too: 1, 5, 11, 12, 24, 25, 30?

1: Favoutite fic I wrote? Hmmm... in terms of writing quality, I’m proud of Out of Time (that hero au fic) and Shattered Mirrors (corrupted!marv). And Training, that’s a good one too (Jackie punchin things). In terms of like, favourite bc it was self indulgent, First Encounter (the hero au fic where Jackie and Marv meet). 

5: Most popular fic? I believe it was a good omens drabble that I did based on a prompt you sent me

11: Fandom I most enjoyed writing for? The septic egos, definitely. I’ve kinda fallen out of writing them lately (I’ve fallen out of writing anything lately let’s be honest here), but I wrote them a lot and enjoy it. 

12: Favourite character to write? MARV

24: Favourite fic I read this year? I’m gonna go with So You Want To Be A Demonologist, a tau fic that I found on AO3 that I love so so much. I’ve read it like three times now. If you have any clue what tau is and can stomach a longfic, go read it. 

25: Fic recs? HEY EVERYONE GO READ ALL OF SID’S FICS THEYRE AMAZING. (also SYWTBAD as I mentioned. It’s v good.)

30: Favourite fandom to read fic from? At the beginning of the year I probably would have said the septics, but I think now I would say the transcendence au of gravity falls.