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writteninlunarlight-years · 8 months ago

Note

Hi Luna!

You wanted requests so i thought of something.

What about a blurb/fic of Cedric Diggory x fem!hufflepuffreader, in which fem is a very bubbly, happy sunshine character but the better they get to know each other, he finds her jealous side,which she trys to hide because she is always so nice. Maybe this surprises him but he finds it cute/hot. 👀

It’s very general but english isnt my first language so i don’t know.

Have a great day lovely 🫶🏻

-🍓🍰

Sweet As A Daisy Smells

You remember your first day at Hogwarts like it was yesterday, even if years have passed. The beautiful architecture, the food, the Witches and Wizards of your year, of course, nothing would beat the year below you and their entrance, seeing as Harry Potter had joined your school that year. However, one small thing might beat what the fourth years have, being placed in Cedric Diggory's house.

Yes, you were like every other star-struck 5th year and younger following Diggory. The only difference between you and them is you actually accidentally made friends with the male. It was purely an accident, not a perfectly strategic mastermind plot between you and your friends to 'plop' you in his path.

It was innocent, really; you had a notorious reputation for being one of the sweetest Witches and Hufflepuffs. Someone needs help with homework: you're on it. Someone needs a quick snack: you're in the kitchen helping the house elves. An animal is wounded and hurting: you're on your hands and knees in the dirt, healing the animal as best you can till Hagrid can assist you. You were overall a genuinely nice person even the Draco Malfoy ran out of insults to throw your way because you were so unfazed: just telling him gently, "I know we all have bad days and feel the need to belittle others, it's okay, I won't judge you for it."

Your masterful plan to 'plop' you in front of Diggory was simple and well executed; you took the initiative to help the quidditch team clean and organize their equipment one night. Your roommate, Elaine Mellonfellow, was the one who came up with the idea, as she was usually one of the three on the team that ended up with that job. She would simply suggest to her captain that you take her place for a handful of sessions so she could 'serve detention.' This was a convincing plan, especially considering Elaine's tendency to doze off during Professor Snape's lectures.

Taking the bait, hook, line, and sinker, Diggory happily agreed to an extra pair of hands to help keep the team's quidditch equipment in top shape. This is what led you to now. It went from a handful of crafted detentions by Elaine to her simply stopping showing up, and you always did. Some would say you should be mad at your friend's obvious ruse to get out of a daunting chore, but you saw it simply as a good friend making sure you got close to your crush and close you definitely got.

Weeks of small talk turned into life stories and learning in detail about one another. You learned about his father's work in the ministry, about how he knew the Weasely brothers through their fathers, how he worked hard to become Quidditch captain, and that his almost least favorite color was, in fact, yellow. However, his years in Hufflepuff definitely helped change that.

While you were learning about Diggory to the fullest extent, he quickly learned much about you. Your fierce loyalty was the only thing preventing you from being in any of the other houses. You never gave up on a task, consistently achieved the highest marks in your year, and helped everyone out as often as possible. Always putting others before yourself, especially Elaine, who he has caught multiple times not being in 'detention' and though he would like to reprimand his chaser for skipping out on duties. He couldn't bring himself out of fear you would stop coming to help every week. Course, this could be solved if he could buck up the courage to talk to you outside of the quidditch tents, but there is a reason why he isn't a Gryffindor. It was fair to say that you were the sweetest, warmest human he had ever met, and he was addicted to you like a bee to a daisy.

All of these stolen moments have led up to today, the day Cedric found out you were, in fact, not just the cutest human in the world but also a vicious opponent in the arena of love.

After dinner in the great hall, you and Elaine make your way to your normal departure point, where she would 'go to detention,' and you would take her place as the ever-faithful cleaner of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. "Elaine, you are becoming far too obvious that you are not in detention when I am out there with him. What if he thinks I am a weirdo stalker chick who told you not to do your duties?"

Elaine snorted before speaking, "Yeah, cause Mister Lovey Goo Goo Eyes is definitely going to give up on spending time with his precious Y/N." You roll your eyes in frustration, with a slight blush present when Elaine speaks up again.

"Don't believe me, Y/N. He talks about you during our entire rest period during morning and evening practices. You might as well already be his girlfriend. If I hear him preach about how your favorite flowers are daisies again, I will puke." Elaine made a fake puking motion before laughing again at you.

"You look like a maniac, dork." you begin to laugh at Elaine's theatrics. Shaking off your nerves from Elaine's words, you begin to wonder. 'Does Cedric really talk about me that much...What if this is all being read horribly wrong, the man has half of Hogwarts on his side 24/7'

"Hey, now get out of your head; I know that look and that lip bite. Come on you are practically my sister, and he is practically my brother with all the time we spend together as a team. I promise you you got this. Just woman up and ask him out already before someone else does." As Elaine spoke to you, she followed the silhouette of Cho Chang on her way toward the quidditch pitches.

Sighing and following along as well, you felt a slight pang in your heart. Everyone knew that Cho Chang was in love with Cedric—so much so that she even rejected Harry Potter. She was perfect, the best representation of smarts, beauty, and poise that you definitely weren't. You were out there every week helping clean in the dirt and mud, for Christ's sake. You would never compare to her, and that ate you alive. Cho had shown her face at a few of your cleaning nights with Cedric. At first, it didn't bother you; they were the same year, and she could have needed help with classwork. Then, the day Harry asked her out, she turned him down only to show up that night laughing and hanging on to Cedric, making it very, VERY clear to him how she didn't like Harry. You knew right then and there. Game On.

Straightening your back, you turn to Elaine, a smile scarily plastered on your face. "I am going in," you begin to walk towards the pitch when you hear from behind, "Maybe don't smile like that; it's a bit unnerving, love! I'll be in the room of requirements with the twins!" Waving by to Elaine, you finish your trek to the pitch to see none other than Cho Chang clinging to Cedric. The slight pang boils into a full-blown constriction.

To onlookers that night, the smile on your face went from mildly unnerving to straight terrifying. Like a Lioness hunting her pray for her young. To Cedric, he just saw his girl walking up to him. Pulling away from Cho, he ran up to you. "Hi, Y/N; I was beginning to worry you got 'detention' too." Using air quotes around detention, your attention moved from the shocked female to the lovely boy before you. "Oh, Cedric, I would never miss this. Who else would help you? Elaine seems to be getting in trouble often lately. Must be all that time with the twins." A warm blush overcame your face as you rubbed the back of your head gently.

"She sure does. Why don't we get started? I was thinking of a full revamp of the whole broom closet. For some reason, half the team thinks that just haphazardly throwing their equipment in there is the best thing to do." Cedric smiled down at you, eager to start his routine and banter with you. Nodding gently, you began to walk into the tent with Cedric when a small voice spoke out behind you. "So that's what you two do in there; clean. I could always help Cedric. Here, let me lend a hand, too." Cho's voice rang like a small bell. A small bell that made you want to grit your teeth and commit a crime. Cedric just shrugged and turned to you. "I guess the more, the merrier, right Y/N?" You gently nodded your head when the constricted feeling in your chest slowly turned into a whole ball of hate.

The cleaning started like any other day; a soft, small conversation began between you and Cedric. Then it happened...that voice. That smooth, high, annoying voice that made you see red. It was bad enough that she pretended that you guys weren't always cleaning when she was hanging around. Even more annoying was her almost consistent interjecting in the conversation. You could feel your shoulders tensing every time she talked, and it didn't go unnoticed by the two peers helping you clean, either. "Everything alright, Y/N?" You could hear the concern laced in Cedric's voice, pulling you from your thoughts. "Yes I am just fine, a little tired is all but I can keep going theres not much left to do tonight anyway." Cedric nodded softly, placing a hand gently on your mid back in a comforting manner.

Then that voice again: "Cedric, it is getting awfully late, and curfew will be hitting soon. You're a prefect; maybe you could escort me back to my dorm so I don't get into trouble?" You saw it right there—the threat, the classic back-down girly pop, he's mine, the 'I get what I want because I am Cho Chang.' Not Today. "Actually, Cho," a sizeable fake smile plastered across your face, "Cedric and I have a pass from Madam Hooch to be out here past curfew to finish cleaning. You, however, seem to not have one of those. Maybe it would be best if you went back to your dorm now. Alone. Since curfew is in the next thirty minutes." You tilted your head sweetly at the girl, your forced smile still present. To others, you looked like your usual sweet self, maybe even regular sweet, with a little bit of derangement. However, Cedric picked up on your tone. That wasn't your normal tone at all. Holding back his smile, he watched the scene unfold.

"Oh, is that right, Y/N? Well, I am sure that Cedric wouldn't mind walking me back and letting you continue. It's just a short walk to Ravenclaw Tower. I know you would 'Hate' to see someone get into trouble after 'helping' you." Cho looked at you with the same false sense of kindness. You step towards her when Cedric interjected. "Cho is right; it's late, and it won't take long for us to walk up to the tower." You look at Cedric, defeated, Cho smugly standing behind him. "I will be right back, Y/N. Then we can finish cleaning." After his words, he walked to the tent's opening and guided Cho out. You couldn't describe the feeling you were having, sadness, hate, fear like you were going to throw up from anxiety because how did you lose to Cho Chang after everything Elaine said about Cedric liking you. A deep, heavy sigh left you as tears pooled in your eyes, watching the two return to the castle.

You grabbed one of the brooms nearby, not even realizing it was Cedric's, and took to the skies. You should get the heat out of your system. Now, you wouldn't say that you were a Quidditch player by any means. You were simply just fast and graceful on a broom. If they had synchronized broom work like the muggles had synchronized swimming, you would 100% join. However, Quidditch is a rough, dangerous sport, and something about a giant ball coming at your head screamed no, not for me. However, nothing mattered tonight except swoops, dives, quick turns, and sorting through the goals. Anything to take your mind off him with Cho. Cho touching him, Cho kissing him, Cho anywhere near him. As your mind raced, you went faster and faster. Not even noticing Cedric had made his way back.

Cedric stood at the opening of the pitch, arms crossed, watching you sore. Why you hadn't tried out for Seeker was beyond him; your speed rivaled that of Harry Potter. However, knowing your soft, sweet personality, he understood why you wouldn't. However, something about watching you zoom around in a jealous rage was very enthralling. Not only are you the pollen the bee is attracted to, but you are also the bee's sting. Jealousy was a perfect look on you. Smiling softly, he waited for you to calm down and land.

As the adrenaline and tears faded, you figured enough time had passed between them leaving and him returning, probably in a happy new relationship. Landing softly, looking up at the sky, you sighed, then turned to the pitch opening. Freezing in your tracks, you saw Cedric Diggory standing there with a smug look and his arms crossed. "Oh uh hey Diggory um, what's up?" You tried looking everywhere but him. "Nothing much, Y/N," He peered his head at your left hand holding the broom, "is that my broom you decided to use so gracefully in the sky." A deep red blush consumed your face as you hid the broom behind your back, shaking your head. Great, not only did he see you flying, but he also is going to think you're a crazy stalker who doesn't know her place using his stuff. A small laugh left Cedric's mouth as he walked up to you. You kept your head down, hoping he would disappear or maybe you would wake up in your bed, and this was all a horrid dream.

Cedric stopped in front of you and placed his hand gently on your head. "I turned her down, you know." You froze, eyes wide, still looking at the ground. "She asked me while we were walking up to her dorm, but I had to tell her I had given my heart to someone else." You slowly looked up at Cedric, and a soft red glow was on your face. "Though I will say Y/N jealousy is a good look on you. Why haven't you joined my team?" A snort left you, and not believing his words, you rebuttled. "I don't want to get hurt, is all." Cedric smiled, pulling you into a gentle hug. "I would never let anything hurt you, not a Quaffle or Cho Chang." You buried your head in to his chest a small laugh escaping you hugging Cedric back. In your soft embrace, you both failed to notice a displeased Madam Hooch approaching the pitch. "LISTEN, YOU TWO, I GAVE YOU A PASS TO CLEAN, NOT SNOG. GO TO YOUR DORMS." You both pulled away quickly, looking at her before running off laughing hard.

You and Cedric made it to your dorm hand in hand. Sadly, he still had prefect duties for the night while you needed to go to bed for a potion exam tomorrow. Taking your conjoined hands, Cedric places a soft kiss on your knuckles. A rose blush consumes your face. "Get some rest, and I will pick you up in the morning. We can go eat breakfast tomorrow in the great hall." You smiled widely and nodded. "Sounds good, Cedric. I will see you then." As you began to pull away, Cedric yanked you back into him. Looking up, Cedric cupped your face gently and kissed your mouth. The peck only lasted a second before he let go. "I'm sorry I couldn't help myself. The bee is just too attracted to the Daisie's pollen." You snorted before standing on your tip toes and kissing him again. This time, neither of you pulled away. Your arms snaked gently around Cedrcis shoulders, hands getting lost in his soft hair. While Cedric held your waist gently in his hands. When you pulled away this time, you rested your heads together. "Maybe I should be jealous more often if this is my reward." Cedric laughed softly before hugging you one last time and sending you to sleep.

~~FIN~~

-------BONUS------

*peering around some barrels in the kitchens, watching you two have your sweet moment."

Elaine: You both owe me 20 galleons.

George: This is ghastly, but I can't believe he turned Cho down. She is like THE it, girl, right now. She even turned down Harry.

Fred: You are mad he turned Cho down. I am angry that I owe Angela a week of butter beers cause he rejected Cho and confessed to Y/N all on the same night. I swear that woman is a mind reader.

Elaine: Both of you are horrible...I love it. Alright, now to prank Filtch.

(Thank you all so much for reading. This is my first official story back into writing. I am sorry if it is choppy or odd. I am getting back into the rhythm of things. I hope this is good enough to showcase the beginning of my writing journey!)

#harry potter #harry potter x reader #x reader #fanfic #cedric diggory x reader #slytherin #hufflepuff #gryffindor #ravenclaw #cedric diggory #romance #short story #new writter

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mrs-sharp · 6 months ago

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The Eyes Of Graphorns

Pairing: Aesop Sharp x f! Adult MC

Summary: Elaine returns to Hogwarts after her stay in St. Mungo's but she doesn't seem to be prepared to resume her daily routines yet. Sharp finds her in a quite concerning state when they're finally reunited.

Read chapters 1-11 here.

TW: violence, blood

Chapter 12 - Dancing With Your Darkness

There were days when the pain was bearable. And there were the dark days. Those days when she didn't even know the date and didn't care. Those days when she didn't leave the bed and didn't know if it was the curse or resignation that held her there. Those days when she saw the shadows of those she had lost. On these days, Scarborough wasn't on a far-off coast but creeping into her room to fulfill every inch with its prophecy, seeping through the windows, walls, and doors to slowly drown her. Again and again, she encountered her father's face, which she should have forgotten but had now found its way back to her. And again and again, the flames embraced him after he turned to her one last time. He had smiled as if he knew that this would be the image of him that would remain with her.

Months had passed, and she knew she wasn't here to hope for a healing process but to learn to cope with the pain. She knew it would stay, and it was up to her to welcome it into her life. Or to give up.

The summer months were the only time when Aesop Sharp was more often seen outside the castle. The warmth relaxed the muscles in his leg, allowing him greater and longer mobility. He enjoyed wandering through the Hogwarts gardens, which Mirabel had designed so lovingly. However, he mainly came here when he needed time and peace to think. Sharp walked down to the castle's battlements in front of the Hufflepuff common room windows and leaned on them with his hands. He kept replaying the scenes from Scarborough in his mind. Who was the woman who looked so much like Elaine, and what did her words mean? Had Elaine really lived in Scarborough, or had she just been there by chance? Was she involved in the attack? And what about the kidnapping? No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't find an answer to these questions that didn't lie in Scarborough, and he would be damned if he went back there. Of course, there was still the Ministry...

'Damn,' he shouted, louder than he intended.

'So, which student ruined your mood this time?'

Sharp looked sullenly to the side to find the source of the familiar voice.

'Dinah...'

Professor Hecat had approached unnoticed from behind and stood next to the Potions Master.

'I thought you might need some company. Ever since Professor Hopkins left us, we hardly see you anymore. We don’t even know what exactly happened when you two were away.'

Sharp looked into the distance. In front of them, the afternoon sky reflected blue and peaceful in the Black Lake. For a moment, it was silent. Only the wind was heard, creating small waves over the water and doubts in Sharp's mind.

'What do you know about prophecies, Dinah?'

'You know I can't talk about that. Why don't you ask Mudiwa?'

That was the answer Sharp had hoped for. Of course, Hecat wouldn't break her confidentiality, but her answer was a hint that the Department of Mysteries was indeed connected to prophecies and it wasn't just rumours. Otherwise, she could have simply said she didn't know anything about it.

'Never mind, that's all.'

Dinah Hecat looked at him sceptically, and her expression darkened.

'Listen to me. Don't even think about it. That place is dangerous. You have no idea how dangerous, especially for the uninformed. I don't know what you two were up to the day Hopkins was injured, I only know that you were drenched in blood when you returned. In her blood. So if she really means something to you, I'd advise you to stay alive and ensure she does too.'

'Well, there's the problem, isn't it? No one can tell me what I can do to keep her alive. I've already lost Helen. I can't just sit by and watch as I lose another woman I...'

He didn't finish the sentence. He felt that if he spoke aloud what had long been evident deep within him, it would become real, and the loss would be even more painful. The truth had to remain hidden and, if necessary, be buried with the memory of Elaine.

'Their souls are one, but their paths diverge. Only one can preserve the future of the other, but won't be able to save it.'

These words haunted his thoughts, poisoning his mind. Perhaps it was meant to be. Perhaps he wasn't supposed to save her, but maybe he could preserve her future. And maybe the only way to achieve this was that they couldn't spend that future together. Sharp's fingers dug into the ridges of the stone until his knuckles turned white. Then his gaze fell on a figure slowly moving across the bridge from the south exit towards the faculty tower. She had a slightly bent gait, holding onto the bridge's railing with one hand, and the afternoon sun danced playfully through her reddish hair. Sharp felt longing and determination battling within him, and he couldn't look away from her fragile beauty. Just one last time...

'Excuse me, Dinah, I have to go,' Sharp said, turned, and disappeared back into the castle. Dinah Hecat watched him go, shook her head thoughtfully, and said quietly, 'Denying it only makes it worse, my friend.' But Sharp didn't hear her.

When Elaine arrived at the faculty tower, she didn't enter her room. She had missed Hogwarts, but she had never found her late mentor's quarters particularly inviting. She already had her hand on the door handle when she changed her mind and turned back.

Aesop Sharp knocked on the door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom office. Silence. He had already looked in the faculty tower, the Great Hall, and even his own classroom. Nothing. Yet he was sure he had seen Elaine enter the castle from the south bridge. Was she with a colleague? She could be anywhere in Hogwarts, but why hadn't she told him she was returning? Not that she owed him an explanation, but Sharp felt a slight burning in his chest at the thought that she might not want to see him. While he pondered whether his senses had deceived him, he remembered one last place he hadn't checked.

When Sharp entered the Room of Requirement, it had changed. It was dark as if it were night, even though it was late afternoon. Moonlight fell through the ceiling window. There was junk everywhere. Old chairs, tables, and cabinets. Gramophones, mirrors, portraits, instruments, telescopes, and stacks of books. It was as if everything that wasn’t needed in Hogwarts anymore had gathered in this one place for centuries. At first, he thought Elaine wasn't here, but then he found her in a secluded corner of the room, sitting on the floor with her legs drawn up, conjuring small paper cranes that fluttered elegantly and sadly through the room. In the dark, it was hard to see, but Sharp noticed she was trembling.

'That's a wonderful spell,' Sharp broke the silence, looking at the cranes. The room made his voice sound deeper than usual. His words warmed Elaine a little where the cold stone wall touched her back.

Elaine had noticed Sharp's irregular gait long before he stood next to her. She didn't look at him. Sharp didn't speak. There was that feeling again – it was like looking at himself 20 years ago. Time and place had gotten out of sync in the hospital, she tried to find her footing, but she kept grasping at nothing. Her mind no longer fit in this body, and it felt confined and trapped.

'Professor...' she began. Her voice, which had always radiated calm, crumbled and eventually broke, leaving only a hoarse scratch. 'Professor, I don't know how...' Her words faltered and stumbled, finally falling to the ground. 'This isn't me,' she pressed out, burying her face in her hands.

Sharp swallowed. He wanted to say, 'Yes, it is,' and that she was alright the way she was because it didn't matter in which body her sharp mind resided, her grace, her kindness, her empathy, her passion. He wanted to tell her she was valuable – to the wizarding world, to her students, to... him. That all the qualities that defined her were still there, but he couldn't. He couldn't because he knew it wouldn't sound right coming from the mouth of someone who had spent years searching for a cure for this damn curse.

Instead, he walked up to Elaine until he stood in front of her. He had no idea what he was doing. In his thoughts he repeatedly told himself not to do it, that he should turn around and leave the room, his feet however seemed to automatically carry him towards Elaine.

'Come,' he said softly, his voice gently thawing Elaine's frozen thoughts, and he extended his hand to her. Elaine looked at him. Why was Aesop Sharp always there when she was at her most vulnerable? Why did he bother with her in this miserable state that he has tried to avert for years? Without thinking about what she was doing, she took his hand and let Sharp pull her to her feet. She whimpered softly as a sharp pain shot through her abdomen, radiating through her insides to her back and legs. When Elaine stood up, a queasy feeling crept through her stomach, she staggered a little, and felt her legs give way, but something held her. Before she knew what was happening to her, she found herself in Sharp's embrace.

'Why?' she whispered. 'Why are you still here? I've failed. Always.'

Sharp didn't answer. Instead, he tightened his arms around her. Elaine let herself be enveloped by Sharp's presence. She felt the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Heard his heartbeat. The steady, unyielding rhythm of life flowing through his veins, which for this one moment seemed to flow in harmony with hers. Elaine didn't know when someone had last been allowed to be so close to him, who had last listened to the steady breath in his chest, but the gentle consistency of his grip and the hesitant tension of his muscles told her that it must have been a long time. Only after a while did Elaine notice that somewhere in the room, a harp had begun to play.

'Music,' Sharp remarked calmly, as if answering a question Elaine hadn't asked. 'Music has always helped me to forget.'

It wasn't right. It wasn't right what he was doing and how much he enjoyed it, Sharp thought, but he couldn't help himself. Once she was somewhat steady on her feet again, Sharp placed one hand on Elaine's hip and let the other carefully glide to Elaine's hand, waiting for her to respond to his unspoken question by touching his fingers. He gently closed his hand around hers. Elaine felt the warmth of his skin spreading through her body, calm and fragile.

They began to move slowly to the rhythm of the music. Sharp couldn't believe that she had accepted his invitation, that he was allowed to feel the movements of her body against his own. He had forgotten what it felt like to be this close to someone. It was as if he was holding an entire life in his arms. Each step they took together brought them a little closer. For years, he had refused to lead the grace of a woman through a dance, not just because of his injury, but more out of fear of compromising his and her dignity. Now he realized how much he had longed for this kind of intimacy, for the delicate feeling of slender fingers in his hands, for the soft touch of skin on his own, for the warm scent of elegant femininity, for the feeling of his heartbeat meeting another. Elaine was much stronger than she wanted to admit, he thought. Sharp couldn't understand that he was the one who was allowed to hold her in his arm at this moment and share the unspoken between them. He knew it was wrong. She had been his student for years, and he was an old and broken man, but at this moment, he didn't want to think about that and just feel the shared rhythm of their souls.

For some inexplicable reason, Elaine's pain seemed to lessen. She didn't know if it was the movement, the warmth between them, or Sharp's touch, but she felt light and free as she hadn't in months. It was as if Sharp's presence was carrying her. The confidence that Sharp exuded told her that he had once been a decent dancer. Her own steps were shaky and awkward, partly because she felt the curse weakening her further, and partly because each of Sharp's touches sent the feeling of a cool summer rain across her skin. Elaine noticed him lowering his head, and she closed the last remaining distance between their faces so that she felt the rough scratch of his beard on her skin, which took her breath away for a split second. She noticed that Sharp also paused for a moment. Elaine absent-mindedly stroked his upper arm. She closed her eyes and immersed herself in his presence, where the shadows of the night suddenly weren't so loud anymore.

They both let themselves be carried away by the music into a moment that belonged only to them. The melody of the harp seemed to embrace them with comfort. They turned in slow circles through the room, forgetting the horrors of the past years. The desire for this moment to never end united them in peaceful harmony.

Suddenly, Elaine felt a wave of dizziness overwhelm her. 'Not now,' was the last thing she thought before she stumbled and her knees gave way. It took a few seconds for the pain to set in, more intense and devastating than before, as if the time with Aesop Sharp had been only a postponement of what awaited her. Elaine noticed that Sharp caught her fall just in time to gently let her slide to the floor, where Elaine collapsed with a whimper. She felt the curse sucking the vitality from her body, feeding on her magic and spreading like a parasite, greedily devouring her lifetime.

'Elaine...'

Sharp's voice gently reached her ear. The way he said her name gave her both support and fear. How had she allowed someone to get so close? Even before she had discovered that it was an Obscurus that had attacked her, she had known that this curse meant her end. Why did she allow others to suffer because of it? Why did it have to be Sharp who had taken care of her? She should never have given in to the temptation to return; she should have continued her life as a loner, settled somewhere far away, and let time do the rest...

Elaine hadn't noticed that Sharp had awkwardly knelt beside her to help. When she felt his hand on her upper arm, everything happened very quickly. She flinched, gathered her remaining strength, and pushed Sharp away from her as if by reflex. He lost his balance and fell backward, landing on his left leg, and a terrible yelp escaped his lips. Only when Elaine saw the horror in Sharp’s eyes, where a few seconds ago there had been a caring understanding, she realized what she had done. Nausea crawled through her insides. Her first impulse was to go to him and help him, but then she decided otherwise: 'Leave...' she pressed out, but initially with little conviction. Elaine saw Sharp's facial features relax a little.

'But...' he began, but before he could protest, Elaine interrupted him.

'Leave, immediately!'

This time she shouted. She shouted at him for the first time in her life, and in such a shocking way that she noticed something in Sharp's gaze that she had never seen in it before. It was fear. With great effort, he stood up. Obviously, he was in severe pain. It tormented Elaine to see him like this. She wanted nothing more than to get up and apologize for her behaviour, but she didn't move. Sharp said nothing as he stood up and turned to her once more. Elaine couldn't interpret his expression, but it left a cold emptiness in her chest that she otherwise only knew from her few visits to Azkaban. Then he turned and left the room without a word. When the uneven sound of his footsteps had faded and she heard the door close behind Sharp, Elaine collapsed sobbing on the stone floor. The moonlight in the Room of Requirement disappeared, leaving her in complete darkness. He was gone.

It was for the better.

-> Chapter 13 - Haegel's Ham I

#hogwarts legacy #professor sharp #aesop sharp #professor aesop sharp #hogwarts legacy fanfic #hogwarts legacy fanfiction #aesop sharp x mc #professor sharp x mc #professor sharp x oc #Spotify

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freepandahugs · 2 years ago

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so, i am back once again, this time with both elain and azriel ft. the cute carnivorous plant 🌱

i have to say the plant has to be my favorite part of this

it’s not the most detailed drawing or anything, but it was fun, so i present to you: hufflepuff elain and her resident slytherin boy, azriel 💛💚

for a second there i questioned if i should make azriel a ravenclaw, but i think he would fit better in slytherin. what do you all think?? also, i had an idea that maybe i should do a feysand and messian version of these drawings ft. the plant 🌱

anyways, hope you like it

(@casuallivi please don’t collapse, i’ll feel guilty if you do)

#elain archeron #azriel #elriel #acotar #i can’t decide if azriel is a ravenclaw or a slytherin #elriel fanart #elain fanart #azriel fanart

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fieldofdaisiies · 1 year ago

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𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝟕: 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒚

Azris Hogwarts AU for @erisweek2023🧡 ~6k words

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As the clock's hands show 11am the Hogwarts Express lurches forward with a jolt. The train's whistle is louder than the chatting of the pupils who haven't seen each other for over six weeks, finally reunited and trying to find places to sit down.

And so, once again the journey begins, for some of the pupils for the first time, for some for the last time.

Eris loads his hand luggage above him, rolls back his shoulders, smoothes out his white shirt and then claims his usual seat alongside his house mates. His long legs are stretched beneath the small table, crossed at the ankle. And thank Godrick, the mark he bears since this summer, his mark, is hidden beneath the sleeve of his shirt. It is nothing he is proud of, nothing he wanted, but he had no other choice.

Slowly, Eris' attention returns to reality. His friend, Tamlin laughs loudly as Elain Archeron trips over his out-stretched foot. He is sneering at her, her disheveled demeanour, having fallen to the ground and landed on her bag. Plants and books about Herbology are scattered around her, pages torn, branches of the plants and flowers broken or twisted.

The young Hufflepuff only bites down on her lower lip, tears rising in her eyes from the pain that erupts in her knees where she hit the ground. "Foul beetle," she grumbles through gritted teeth as she collects her things, and gets up. She hurdles away, quickly following after her older sister, Feyre who is already in the next compartment, not having noticed her falling. Tamlin is lucky, because if Feyre or Nesta had noticed what he had done they would have punched him right in the face.

"Isn't the little Mudblood dating your bastard brother?" Dagdan asks. He snorts and points the end of his wand at Eris.

The seventh year Slytherin flashes him a glower and shakes his head. "Don't mention that, or I will curse your stupid ass."

Deep inside his heart, Eris loves his little brother. But no one can know this, no one can know about their secret meetings where he warns Lucien about what is happening in the world, where he checks to make sure Lucien is alright. And Lucien…he can never know that he now bears…his mark. Koschei's. There are so many secrets now, secrets that weren't always there. Once, Eris used to be a happy, young boy, joyful about going to Hogwarts. This no longer is. Now he is serious, sad, torn and twisted. Scared.

"Last year, huh?" "Fucking finally," Amren chuckles, claiming her seat next to Eris. He moves over a little, making room for the short, dark-haired witch.

Dagdan snorts, but then is attention moves to Nesta Archeron passing them, chin held high and not deigning her housemates a single look.

"Not sitting with us, beautiful?" Dagdan drawls.

Nesta turns her head a little, gives him a once over, her stare flat. "I would rather sleep in the Forbidden Forest or kiss the giant squid in the Great Lake than sit with you."

Just like every year, Nesta sits with her sisters, and their boyfriends and her boyfriend. Cassian is in Gryffindor and it took her a damn long time to allow herself to fall for him, but now she loves him more than anything.

She does find two of her classmates alright — Eris an Amren— but the rest she can really do without and since she only tolerates the other two, she rather opts to sit with her family and friends.

"Making out with the squid is probably not much different to making out with Dagdan, is it?" Eris comments, a sly smile on his lips, as his eyes trail over Nesta.

That makes Tamlin laugh wickedly, but the slap he earns himself from Tamlin immediately shuts him up.

Nesta is gone in the meantime, not paying anymore attention to them.

"Big mouth, Vanserra. You are the one who hasn't hooked up with anyone in ages."

"We had summer holidays, how would you know?" the oldest Vanserra brother shoots back, hoping his glower will edge onto the Cruciatus Curse.

He is not in the mood to talk about anything related to love. Love is fucking awful, and annoys him. And in all the chaos, and whirlwind in his mind, definitely something that is not on top of his priority list.

Tamlin only snorts and shakes his head, not finding the right words for a come back.

Tired of the conversation, the Vanserra boy leans his head back after a moment, and closes his eyes. And then…Bloody hell!

Maybe love is higher up on his priority list than he thought. His thoughts immediately start to wander, going to…to the stupid Ravenclaw half-blood…And he immediately shuts up his brain. These are thoughts he can't allow.

They are long past London when Eris blinks open his eyes, absently staring out of the window. "They are recruiting," he hears Tamlin say and quickly hits is leg under the table. What a fool, talking out loud about it. "Who?" Dagdan asks, the obvious idiot he is.

"You know who," Tamlin answer him, but Eris' warning glare is enough for him to not continue speaking about this topic.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

The atmosphere is gloomy, the scenery eerie, no excitement comes from the pupils as the Hogwarts Express comes to a halt at the platform of Hogsmead station. Students leave the train, crowding along the platform, getting ready to go to the castle. Anxiousness and nervousness weigh heavy in the air, a sense of uncertainty going along with. Koschei is rising to power, and people —mostly Muggles of course— grow more and more afraid the imminent danger.

Eris Vanserra is nothing, but elegant and arrogant confidence when he steps out onto the train platform, smoothing one hand over his neatly combed hair, the other moving into the pocket of his trousers. The air around him is crisp, a breeze carrying the scent of pine and moss, as it touches his skin. His amber eyes scan his surroundings, halting on the big gates.

Beside him, Tamlin Fahrhan grumbles loudly, complaining about something Eris couldn't care less about. Dagdan wears an amused smirk on his face, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his trousers as he saunters a few steps behind the two boys. "Our last year," he comments.

But Eris does not answer him, his eyes are still on the gates, on the Aurors behind them, searching every pupil and all the luggage upon arriving. Cold sweat breaks out on the back of his neck, a kernel of panic and anxiousness taking root inside of his chest.

"Can you believe this nonsense?" Eris mutters, his tone tinged with disdain. "Searching our trunks as if we're hiding dark secrets." Like the fucking huge secret hidden beneath his sleeve! He is terrified, but masks it in sheer arrogance and disdain.

Tamlin snorts and shakes his head. "Honestly, do they think we are Death Eaters or what?"

Dagdan chuckles, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Well, that I would not deem as something bad, you know, Tam."

The two boys chuckle, but Eris doesn't. He feels like throwing up, the tattoo feeling like it is burning its way right through his pale skin. Shame and regret feel like they are sinking claws into Eris' heart.

As they make their way towards the gates, their grumbling continues, complaining about being searched and all the unnecessary things happening, but Eris does not pay attention. He is caught in his own mind, pained and haunted by what had been done to him during the summer holidays. It wasn't his choice — the choice was made for him. Beron made this choice for him.

The Aurors check them only quickly, Eris glowers at them, hoping they remember who his father is so they will let him pass — and they do.

The majestic Thestrals —only visible to Tamlin at this point— are awaiting them when they reach the carriages. Eris, Tamlin, and Dagdan climb into the carriage, no conversation happening between them, until Dagdan unfortunately has to open his mouth.

"At least the Mudblood is pretty. All three sisters actually are," Dagdan mumbles, gazing back into the distance when the carriage departs.

"By how much you talk about them, one could get the impression you have a crush on Elain Archeron!"

"Shut up, Tamlin!" Dagdan growls and slumps back into his seat. He flips off his friend, with a grimace on his face.

Once again Eris is in his own mind. The creaking of the wheels, mingles with the wind around them as they continue their journey to the castle.

As the carriages come to a halt in front of the castle, Eris, Tamlin, and Dagdan step out onto the cobblestone, heading for the inside.

The Great Hall, brightly lit and welcoming, awaits them, its doors wide open to let everyone in. In here everything seems lighter, the people happier — chatter and even laughter fills Eris' ears and he looks around in the Great Hall.

Eris once again wears his demeanour of arrogant confidence, a mask and shield he has perfected for himself. He veils his face in cool boredom, strutting towards his house table, just when someone walks past him. Not someone…Azriel Moretti.

He is also already dressed in his robes, his dark blue Ravenclaw tie in perfect place just like the glasses sitting on his nose, as he wants to walk to his table.

All house tables are adorned with goblets, and plates filled with all sorts of dishes. But Eris is quicker, not sure why he even bothers to talk to him…maybe because he wants to spend time with the handsome Ravenclaw, with the beautiful brown eyes and the lovely glasses? Ugh, hell no…

"Moretti." Eris' lips curl into a sly smile as he turns to Azriel, who has stopped walking and also turns around.

"Well, well, well," Eris drawls, his voice dripping with a feigned air of superiority. "Look who we have here. Look who has returned again, the Ravenclaw half-blood, so very smart and brilliant. Must be tough, not being part of either side, huh? Not a pureblood and not a mudblood either."

But Azriel looks unfazed, tired, his expression emotionless. He stares at Eris for a long moment and then brings one hand up to adjust his glasses.

"Being half-blood doesn't seem to be bad to me, and everything is better than being like you — a pure breed who thinks that that sort of thing really matters in life."

Eris raises an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard by Azriel's unexpected response. His usual air of arrogance threatens to waver. His nostrils flare, eyes sharpening on the Ravenclaw. "Oh, how wonderful of you, Embracing your…oddness."

Azriel's lips curl. "Better odd than like you."

When the fuck did he grow that confidence to answer back to me? the Slytherin boy thinks. His glower only intensifies, but damn is it hot that Azriel turned so confident and strong over the holidays.

Eris opens his mouth to retort, but no words come out, he is too stunned. Azriel's subtle confidence has left him momentarily speechless and he does not like this. Before he can find his voice, Azriel leans forward a bit. He is the same height as Eris, another thing the Slytherin doesn't really like about him. But then…there is hardly anything the Slytherin really doesn't like about Azriel.

Over the last year he has figured out that he actually likes too many things about Azriel. Too many things no one can ever find out about. No one can know about his crush, it would be his end.

"You know, Eris," Azriel says, his voice dropping an octave, "I am pretty alright with the way I am. It took me a damn long time to accept it, but now I can say I feel good about myself, my heritage. And no matter what complexes you have about your own heritage, don't leave your frustration out on someone else, it doesn't make you a better person. It only makes you look pathetic. "

Eris' cheeks flush slightly, embarrassment flooding his entire being. He clears his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Moretti. I was just messing around with you, not my problem that you don't understand some fun."

Azriel chuckles coldly, his laughter like a melody that caresses Eris' skin. "Of course, Vanserra." Azriel's gaze is stern and hard. "But I want you to remember one thing: it's not the blood that defines a wizard, but his heart and mind. Maybe you should remind yourself of that from time to time."

With that, Azriel turns around and walks away, not deigning the Slytherin boy another glance. Frustrated, embarrassed and deeply annoyed, Eris heads to the Slytherin table, his thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

What goes unnoticed by him is that as Azriel walks over to the Ravenclaw table, he turns and his gaze lingers on Eris for a moment before he sits down and dives into his meal, his heart beating with a secret that is only his share. But he will never do so.

The feast begins, the pupils are greeted, Headboy and Headgirl are announced — Rhysand and Feyre, to no ones surprise.

Then the pupils are warned about the dangers lurking outside the castle walls. And then the pupils are sent of to their dorm rooms.

In the quiet Slytherin dorm room, the moonlight casts a gentle glow upon Eris' pale skin. He leans against the headboard of the bed, his long legs crossed at the ankles. His roommates, Tamlin and Dagdan, are fast asleep, their snores drifting to him, but otherwise the room is calm — one could hear a needle drop.

Eris is wide awake though— too many thoughts are coursing through his mind.

And somehow, he can't help but think back to his encounter with Azriel in the Great Hall. He remembers the witty come-back the Ravenclaw had, his confident responses, and the way his eyes shone with some unplaceable emotion.

Alone with his thoughts, Eris lets himself dream. He traces his fingers along his bedsheet, mulling over his feelings. And then…he smiles as he replays the memory, hearing Azriel's voice in his mind, seeing his eyes. His heart suddenly beats faster at the sheer thought of the Ravenclaw. Idiocy…

But in the quiet of the Slytherin dorm room, Eris allows himself to hope for something more, something completely impossible.

With a sigh, Eris settles into his bed, pulling the sheets up to his chin, thoughts of Azriel warming his heart. The memory of their encounter becomes a secret source of joy, even though it was all but joyful. But it was…something and a good distraction from all the chaos and pain in his life.

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"Same old bullshit," Dagdan comments as Professor Devlon strolls to the front of the Potions classroom. The first week at Hogwarts was rather uneventful, but now that the second week has started, things are starting to become more interesting.

"Today, we are brewing a potion of which the name should for now be a secret to you. And I will chose the partner you are working with."

Groans and annoyed grumbles fill the Potions classroom, the pupils letting their displeasure about it be known out loud.

The professor turns around, his brow raised, black robes like a veil of darkness around him. "Anyone wants to say something?" he asks, in his deep rumble, speaking very slowly.

Everyone is calm.

"I thought so. Now, let me put you into pairs." And so he starts.

Some are happy with their partners, some are not. Emerie from Gryffindor, who is in a team with Tamlin nearly throws a cauldron through the whole classroom when she finds out about her partner.

But it is another cauldron that should bring Eris and Azriel together. "Moretti, Vanserra."

Eris' eyes nearly fall out of their sockets and the groan Azriel releases speaks volumes.

Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Cassian, and best friend of Azriel, quickly reaches his hand over to give his friend a supportive pat on his back. "You can do this, Azzy. It is just one potion."

Azriel fights the urge to roll his eyes and walks over to where Professor Devlon is waiting next to a cauldron, Eris already standing next to him — obviously Devlon would chose Eris' cauldron, him being head of Slytherin House obviously makes him favour the Slytherins.

"Don't mess this up, I need a good grade." "Funny, I was going to say the same thing," Azriel grumbles and turns to Eris, a disdainful expression on his face. Azriel pushes his glasses up his nose as he draws in a steadying breath, steeling himself for what lies ahead — having to work together with Eris. Being in close proximity to Eris.

With the cauldron in front of them bubbling softly, the two boys set out to work, their movements cautious. Eris reaches for a vial of crushed rose thorns, his fingers accidentally brushing against Azriel's as they both reach for the same jar. Their hands linger for the blink of an eye, and they exchange a fleeting glance that holds a hint of intrigue. But quickly they look away, and pull their hands back.

"Watch it, Moretti and take a step back," Eris growls. "I'd hate to see your glasses fog up from the heat of the cauldron."

Azriel rolls his eyes, his lips curving into a wry smile. "I'm more worried about you accidentally dipping your fingers into the liquid." Not a good come-back, but the only one Azriel could come up with. His mind is racing, heart beating to fast — he still feels Eris' fingers against his.

Somehow, they slowly find their rhythm, falling into a pattern of actions and they work perfectly together, without any conversation passing between them.

Eris pours a good amount of peppermint and Pearl Dust into the Caulrdon, while Azriel grinds moonstone powder. "Easy there, Moretti," Eris quips, "we don't want you to grind it down to nothing."

Azriel only shakes his head and then adds the powder to the potion and it starts to bubble a little more. "Looks good."

Eris smirks. "Talking about me?"

"No, about myself." Azriel quickly turns his head, not able to avoid the small smile that appears on his lips.

Their banter continues, and soon turns from not so nice remarks to subtle flirtation — somehow unbeknownst to them both. As they lean over the cauldron, their shoulders brush against each other, a sensation that sends a shiver down both their spines. Their eyes meet once again, a spark passing between.

The potion continues to simmer, and they are constantly checking if everything goes well.

Azriel and Eris are the top students of the class, and barely ever fail any potion. But this time, it is a little more difficult. With the constant distractions…

Both look into the cauldron and then lift their gazes. Their eyes lock. In that moment, the classroom fades away, and it seems like it is just the two of them. Their fingers brush once more, the touch fleeting, as they both sharply pull their hands back from the cauldron.

Eris's heart races, his breath catching as he meets Azriel's gaze again. Time seems to stand still.

And then, as quickly as it began the moment between them is gone. Eris reaches up to brush a few strands of hair out of his face. They have curled around his forehead from the steam rising from the cauldron.

But it is the wrong arm and his sleeve shifts, revealing a glimpse of ink on his forearm.

Azriel's eyes widen as he catches sight of the tattoo – his mark.

"Eris," Azriel starts, his voice cautious, "what is…?"

But Eris pulls his arm behind his back, panic flashing across his features. Cold sweat breaks out all over his skin, panic gripping his heart with icy claws. "Don't. Don't ask. Just… promise me you won't say anything."

Azriel doesn't react and so Eris grows angry. He glowers, teeth clenched. "You can't say anything. I warn you. Think of your pathetic Muggle mother," he seethes.

Shock flashes in Azriel's eyes, just like pain and disappointment. Azriel takes a step back, his lips parting but no words leaving his mouth.

Eris takes a cautious step forward. He wants to take back the words, wants to tell Azriel that he would never hurt his mother, but his fear, the panic running so deep in his veins, has been stronger and made him say something he did not at all mean. The Slytherin wants to apologise, explain himself, but he gets no chance to do so.

"Tell us what yours smell like!" Devlon orders, suddenly appearing in front of them.

Being so caught up in their own conversation, the two boys haven't noticed that everyone else has stopped brewing and it is time to do a presentation in class now.

"Go on then!" Professor Devlon commands, no hint of kindness nor any room for protest in his voice.

Azriel harshly shoves Eris by his shoulder as he steps forward, closer to the Cauldron.

"Step back, I can only smell you, Vanserra."

"Says the one who bathed in cologne this morning — its the only damn thing I can smell," Eris growls, although his heart aches. Why the bloody hell does his life have to be so terribly difficult?

In this moment, as they present their potion, even Amren is quiet at the scenery that unfolds itself in front of the pupils. She is watching the two males through squinted eyes, a sly smile on her lips. Are they truly revealing their most hidden secrets in this moment, their crush for the other? Obviously unbeknownst to them…

"That, is indeed highly interesting," professor Devlon says, his eye brows raised. "Is that all you can scent, Mr Vanserra?"

"It is, I can barely make out the other scents over his cologne. But I think there also is…spearmint, and hint of old parchment, and night air."

Professor Devlon taps the side of his face, as if in deep thought and then waves his hand.

"Good, good. As it should be. Class is over for today."

"Won't you tell us what potion it was, Professor?" Azriel asks, but Devlon does not hear him or decides to ignore him.

"Amortentia, Azriel." It is Gwyn who answers him. She is in his year and in his house. Her teal eyes meet his when she says in a soft voice, "It lets us scent the things we like the most, the things we desire, those things that attract us."

There is small curve to her lips and then she walks past Azriel, following after Emerie and Nesta, leaving an absolutely stunned Azriel behind.

Holy Helga! The things we desire.

Eris hasn't heard the conversation, his mind is racing, thoughts too loud and he knows he has to talk to Azriel. He walks up to him when the Ravenclaw is about to follow Cassian and Rhysand. But Eris is faster. Hidden behind the robes, he grabs Azriel's arm, pulling him to him.

There is warning in his voice, but also fear when he leans in closely. "Astronomy tower. 10pm. Come alone."

He does not wait for an answer, he only holds on to the sliver of hope that Azriel will come.

The moment Eris steps outside the classroom, a painful, dreadful time is about to start. He has to wait until it is 10pm to find out if Azriel will give him away, and if he even shows up.

He barely communicates during his time at dinner, and also not later when they sit together in the common room. He excuses himself early, leaving for his dorm room. Both Tamlin and Dagdan give him questioning looks, sneering at him for being a baby who needs a lot of sleep. Amren simply does not care about him going to bed so early, she just shrugs her shoulders and Nesta, when he passes her before the staircase, has something like empathy glimmering in her eyes.

But it is only fleeting, and Eris not at all in the mood to talk to her. His mind is racing, heart beating faster than a stallion galloping in the wilderness.

He feels so empty, so sad, so torn, and broken. When he is finally alone all the emotions reach the surface, and he silently sobs into a pillow.

Later, he washes himself, not immediately putting back on his pyjama shirt so he can look at the tattoo, his mark for a moment. Everything inside him convulses, until there is nothing but a painful ache in his heart.

Everything hurts just at the sheer thought of what had been done to him. It wasn't his choice, he never made this choice. His father did and his mother had to stand by and watch.

He does not look at it directly, the steam from bathing earlier making the tattoo barely visible through the mirror. But it is there. And if he can't see it, he will always feel it. It is burned into his skin…and that until forever.

Eris' fingers curl around the frame of the sink, his teeth clenched, until he pushes off and finally dons his night shirt. He brushes his damp hair back, securing them at the nape of his neck with a hair tie.

He hopes he can somehow make Azriel see that he did not want this. He hopes Azriel will somehow understand he was forced to wear his mark. Azriel is a smart boy, and also kind, Eris thinks, he will understand it. Or at least, maybe not tell anyone.

But what if Rhysand or Cassian, Azriel's best friends, already know about it? Would he really keep a secret from them?

Although, Eris doubts it, he holds on to the glimmer of hope — Azriel would first let him explain…

The handle on the clock ticks almost painfully slowly, reminding Eris exactly how miserable his situation right now is. And it is very miserable.

When Dagdan and Tamlin return to the dorm room, Eris is still awake but pretends to be fast asleep. They also wash and finally climb into their beds, falling asleep soon. But Eris is wide awake, awaiting the time to finally go up to the astronomy tower.

And so the time passes, so terribly slowly, but at some point 9:45 arrives and Eris sets out for the astronomy tower — calm and smooth as a cat. He can't be caught. Under no circumstance can anyone catch him.

Eris, his wand tightly grasped in one hand, wanders through the corridors, always watching out for any imminent danger. He doesn't know what wanders the corridors of Hogwarts at night, you can never be careful enough.

The air is cool and crisp, goosebumps appearing on his skin. But they don't appear because of the cold, but because of how nervous and anxious he is. This talk will decide about everything.

If the talk even happens. What if Azriel does not show up? What if he already told everyone?

Doubts start to gnaw on Eris…Maybe it had been a bad idea to ask him for a talk in the first place?

Eris' bare feet — so caught up in thoughts, he forgot to put on slippers— move over the floor as calm as possible.

He releases a low and relieved breath when he finally arrives at the staircase leading up to the astronomy tower. With careful and coordinated steps he climbs upstairs and—

His breath catches in his throat, heart hammering against his rib cage.

Azriel turns around, adjusting his glasses, and gives Eris a once over. Just like the Slytherin, Azriel is dressed in his pyjamas…and barefoot.

"You are late," the Ravenclaw says matter-of-factly. His face is expressionless, on the edge of cold.

"I didn't think you would come," Eris breathes, finally taking the last step.

"But I am here. So what do you want to tell me?" Azriel takes a step back, leaning against the railing that surrounds the astronomy tower. "How you got the mark? If you are proud of it?" Azriel raises a brow, waiting.

Eris swallows around the lump in his throat, it is probably the size of a peach. He wipes his clammy hands down his thighs, his jaw aching from how hard he clenches it. Then he shakes his head. "Did you tell anyone?"

Azriel looks pained, almost like he had been struggling with this question for the past hours. And he has. It has plagued him ever since he spotted the mark on his classmate's arm.

The Ravenclaw gives his head a little shake and Eris releases another breath of relief, before Azriel says. "Not yet…"

"You can't tell anyone, Azriel." Eris is in his face in an instant, hands brace next to Azriel's body on the railing. "Hogwarts is all I have. The only place where I am safe, where…I…" His voice breaks, not able to finish his sentence.

"Are you not safe with your Death Eater mummy and daddy?" Azriel retorts, glowering fiercely.

"My mother is no Death Eater!" Eris quickly defends, glowering as well.

He can see his breath —or is it Azriel's?— between their faces and it distracts him momentarily. Their closeness does.

Azriel raises a surprised brow. "She is not?"

"She would never." Eris swallows thickly. "And neither would I. It wasn't my choice. I did not agree to this, I was forced to do it." "Everyone has a choice!" Azriel growls, shoving his face forward, his forehead now pressed against Eris'. "Everyone has a choice, Eris."

Eris grows angry, because he didn't. It is simply wrong. Sometimes you don't have a choice. He clearly didn't.

"I did not. With a father like Beron, you don't have a choice."

Eris' eyes close, when tears start to burn in them and already dampen his lashes. He inhales a deep, shaky breath and makes a move to step away from Azriel. But the Ravenclaw is faster, his hand…with scars on it, curls around Eris' wrist. "You were forced to do it?"

Eris nods slowly, and the first tear slides out of the corner of his eye.

"Do you believe in what they praise? Blood purity, I mean." "I did…I did for a long time." "Not anymore?" Azriel's tone is careful, but much softer. Eris shakes his head.

"What has changed?" the Ravenclaw knows this is his only chance to properly talk to Eris, to see if he really means it, or if he just pretends to be something better so Azriel won't give him away.

"Many things," Eris breathes, Azriel's hand still on his wrist. And it really shouldn't feel that right.

"Enlighten me." Azriel won't let him go that easily.

"My little brother…Lucien. I think you might know him?"

Azriel nods, his expression once again unreadable.

"He as a Pureblood is dating a Mud—a Muggleborn now. Elain Archeron. And this somehow already changed a lot about how I see things. And I realised that blood purity is simply wrong, our beliefs are. And then—"

Eris cuts himself off, swallowing thickly once again. Will he lay all the cards on the table now? Reveal everything? Maybe this is his only chance…

"And you."

"I changed?" Azriel seems irritated, his brows raised.

Eris throws his head back with a loud groan. "How thick are you? You fucking changed something about me, okay? I have an enormous crush on you. And I don't give a damn about you being a Half-Blood or your mother being a Muggle. I couldn't care less and that was when I realised that I am not like them. That I am different. That I want to be different!"

Tears freely roll down the Slytherin's face. His declaration somehow hangs in the air between them, heavy and tangy, but Azriel, gathering all his courage, does what he has been dreaming of since quite a while.

He slams his lips onto the Slytherin's, his arms curling around Eris' shoulders so he can bring him in as close as possible. Eris pushes the Ravenclaw against the railing, his tongue brushing Azriel's lip. He can't kiss him hard enough, fast enough.

The Ravenclaw's glasses are wedged between their faces, low groans and growls, erupting in both their throats, hands touching every possible place just to feel more of the other.

Once their lips are swollen, breaths ragged, their lips part, but their bodies stay close, holding onto each other. "Azriel," Eris breathes, needing a moment to ground himself.

"My Amortentia…the potion we brewed today. It smelled like you." There is a small, sheepish smile on the Ravenclaw's face. Azriel adjusts both his glasses and his hair and finally meets Eris' gaze.

"Amortentia…" Eris' voice is tinged with wonder. "Mine smelled like you." He smiles then, relief and something like hope in his eyes.

"I don't want to drag you into this with me, Azriel."

Eris brings up a hand, brushing his thumb over Azriel's cheek. "It is my battle and it won't get easier, I don't want you to be in danger because of me. I bear his mark, and I am part of the Death Eaters, I can't bring you into this with me."

But Azriel vehemently shakes his head. "Too late. I am already in this with you. From now on, we are doing this together. I will help you get out of it. Or I will protect, but you don't have to deal with all of this alone."

"Azriel—" "Don't Azriel me! I will help you with this, and you can't stop me."

"Good Godrick, I don't deserve you." Eris shakes his head with a small, sad chuckle and leans in to press a kiss against Azriel's lips.

"You don't deserve what was done to you, Eris." Sadness passes over Azriel's face. "But we will find a solution. Together."

Eris intertwines their fingers. "Together."

~~~~~~~ erisweek tag list: @brekkershadowsinger @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @liftyourhipsformelovex @elsie-bells @the-sweet-psycho azris tag list: @azrielsbabyg @lady-riel @moonlightazriel @aayo-whatt@brekkershadowsinger @ladyelain @banasheefan56 @a-frog-with-a-laptop @ofduskanddreams

#erisweek2023 #eris #eris vanserra #eris acotar #eris x azriel #azris #acotar au #hogwarts au #slytherin #ravenclaw #acotar #acosf

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