#finally Lily is getting the sibling she deserves!

[ladylooch]

Our Little Family [Miles Wood] Chapter 19- Baby #2?

A/N from 👢 anon: Hey guys !! I'm sorry for the delay. Life got a little crazy, but thankfully this chapter was already ready.

Life is changing for the woods. And yes, we have sex. Enjoy people.

Since that night in the Bahamas, when Miles talked about what he wants for you, if you get pregnant again, it crosses your mind at least three times a day. 

Are you ready to go through all of that again ? 

That's what you ask yourself, looking at the mirror as you get ready for the team get-together. The season is almost here, and the leaders decided that it's good to have all the families and everybody together. 

“Babe, are you ready ?” Miles asks from the bathroom door. 

You blink a few times, coming back from the transe.

“Almost, give me a couple of minutes. Can you make sure Lily has everything ?” Miles walks to you and kisses your cheek. He looks into the mirror with you. 

“Everything for my wife and daughter.”

You smile as he moves to check Lily's bag. Maybe it's time for another one. How can you not give this man another baby ? He's the perfect dad. 

You take a deep breath to clear your mind. You finish getting ready and join them downstairs. 

You smile seeing Lily sleepy in her daddy's arms. You grab the bag from Miles. He uses his free hand to wrap around your waist for a kiss. 

“You look gorgeous, babe.” He says, leaning in for a kiss. 

Your cheeks get warm at the compliment. Miles leads his girls to the car. While he settles Lily, you get in the passenger seat. He starts the car, and you guys are on your way. He rests his hand on your thigh. You squeeze his hand softly. 

“Are you excited for the season ?” You ask him. 

“Yeah, I think this season is going to be fun.” You nod, and you look to the back seat. Lily is out. She'll have lots of energy to play later. 

Mel greets you guys, followed by Gabe, the Avs captain. Miles is holding Lily, and you have the bag. Mel shows you where you can leave the diaper bag. Miles goes outside, and you decide to greet the other halves and talk to them a little. As more people start to get there, the sounds get louder and Lily wakes up. 

Miles gives her some water before letting her go play. You move outside with the halves, and you shake your head seeing your husband playing with the kids.You sit and continues the conversation with the halves. Lily is still a little sleepy, so she's a little slow. But when she's fully awake, she's playing like her dad. 

It doesn't take long for Miles to come join you. He brings you a drink, and you thank him softly. He taps your hips, and you get up for him to sit, then he brings you to sit on his lap. You thank him for the drink with a kiss. You play with the hair on the back of his neck with your free hand. 

“Are you okay, babe ?” He squeezes your hips asking. 

“Yeah.” 

You look back to where the kids are playing. Lily is one year and a half. She's playing on her own time, but she's playing. That big diaper butt, she's so happy. You miss that feeling, to be pregnant with his baby, to go through that in a better environment. 

You look at him. 

“I want another one.” At first, it's almost a mumble. 

Miles looks at you a little confused because he doesn't understand you. 

You take a deep breath. “I want another one, another baby.” 

The biggest grin possibly spread on miles lips. 

“Are you sure ?” He needs to know. 

“Yeah, I am. I want another baby with you. Do you want another baby with me ?” 

“Yes, I do, babe.” 

You smile hearing his reply. It's such a relief.

“ And I promise if you're already expecting. My answer will be different than last time.” He says with a chuckle.

“No I'm not. But I appreciate that.” You rest your forehead on his, just enjoying this moment with him. 

Then you hear Lily's cry and call for you. You peck his lips before going to check on your baby. Miles stares at your ass the whole time. He's so ready to start trying with you. 

You squat, asking Lily what happened. She only makes grabby hands. You pick her up, kissing her head. 

One of the kids said that the ball had hit her and she started to cry. It wasn't on purpose. You assure them that it's okay and she's going to be okay. 

You sit with her on Miles’ spot. You ask her if it's hurting, she nods, and you kiss her head. Saying that mommy is there. She just clings to you. Miles brings her water cup. You give it to her to drink and just hold your baby. 

Miles asks if she's okay and you nod. Everything is okay. He sits beside you and you guys stay in your little bubble until it's time to eat. Lily feels better now. Her mama was there for her, she got cuddles, and she's hungry. You smile, watching Lily opening her mouth to get your food. Miles offers to hold her, but you say that it's okay. 

You can't help but laugh at Ross chirping Miles' curls, saying that he needs to let you help him. You and Miles share a known look. You both know why he doesn't ask your help with the curls.

Ross looks at you all seriously. 

“What did you see in Woody, (y/n) ?”

You look at Miles and then at Ross. 

“Him.” You move your hand up and down your husband. 

Miles smirks, giving Ross some shit. You chuckle and feed Lily. 

You guys stay there until Lily starts to get too grumpy. She wants to sleep, as much as you're having fun. She's a priority, and you guys are going home. 

Miles is just in his silly mood as you guys move to the car. You settle Lily in her carseat, and Miles takes care of her bag. 

He moves to your side of the car, he pins you against the car. 

“Sooooooo…” You chuckle, hearing him not being smooth. 

“Yeah ?” You arch your brow at him.

“You were being truthful about baby #2, right ?” 

“Yes, Miles. I want another baby.” He feels so relaxed hearing you say those words. 

“So… Can we start trying tonight ?” You chuckle as you move your hand lower on his abs. 

“Yeah, we can. But I need to pull the goalie. That's the only way you can score, dude.” 

You peck Miles lips. He was going to say something, but your lips feel so nice, he forgots. 

He opens the door for you. He feels so happy. After settling in the car, he holds your hand before starting the car. Occasionally, he brings your hand to his lips. 

Later that night, you guys start trying for baby number 2.

……

The past few months have been a roller coaster. Both of you are giddy and so happy. Lots of sex, but a few negative tests. That's making you sad because you can see the light disappearing in his eyes every time you say negative. 

He's been a gentleman, making sure that you're okay and assuring that everything is okay. When the time is right, you will be pregnant. 

Now you're holding another negative test in your hands. As the tears stream down your face. Lily is asleep while you cry in the bathroom. Miles will be home soon after practice. 

You're thinking of a way to tell Miles again that it's a no. You understand that it takes a little time for the pills to stop. This is just so disappointing. 

Miles comes in, and the house is quiet. He knows that it's nap time for Lily. So he needs to find you right now. He finds you in the bathroom crying. He moves to sit beside you. Miles brings you close. 

“I'm sorry, I don't know if I can continue doing this.” You just blurt it out. This has been a painful process, too.

“It's okay, sweetheart, we can take a break as long as you need.” He kisses your head, holding you close. 

“I'm sorry for continuing to disappoint you.” Miles' heart shatters hearing you say that. 

“You're not, babe. These things happen and take time. But I know we're going to be parents again.” You nod, resting against his side. This wasn't supposed to happen. Miles kisses your head and just holds you. You sigh, cleaning your tears before getting up. Miles watches you. He holds your hand, holding you in place. 

“We're going to be okay, sweetheart.” He gets up bringing you into his arms again.You hold him tight, taking a deep breath and trying to calm yourself. You say that you're going to finish lunch and ask him to check on Lily. 

Miles kisses you and says that he loves you. You reply that you love him too. You need to calm yourself and go back to that initial feeling. The giddy and happy one, where you both are full in. 

The rest of the day, you mope when you're alone. But when you're with Lily, she's the only thing that matters. 

Miles spends the rest of the day trying to think of a way to talk to you and assure you this delay doesn't change anything for him. His love is the same.

When he gets home from the game, you greet him before going to use the bathroom. Miles cuddles Lily for a little while, and then he joins you. He changes and waits for you in bed shirtless. He pulls you by the hand. You settle on his lap, hugging him. He rubs your back. 

“Babe, this doesn't change anything. I promise you.” He says, rubbing your back. 

You nod, just needing him to hold you right now. 

“Do you want to stop trying ?” You shake your head no, because that's not what you want. 

“Okay, I'll be right here when you're ready to try again.” He kisses your shoulder.

This is a good reassurance to you. You just need a little time before going full in again. 

…..

One week later

One night after Miles put Lily to sleep. He's sitting outside drinking his beer, trying to cool down from the short roadie. 

You watch him from the backdoor. You walk towards him, and he smiles, seeing you getting close. You pick the bottle from his hand before straddling his hips. 

You take a sip as you lock eyes with him. Miles hand rest on your lower back. 

“Let's make a baby, handsome.” You say grinding against him.

Miles groans as he leans to lock lips with you. 

He rests his forehead on yours. “Are you sure, babe ?” 

“Yeah, let's do this.” You smirk, licking his lips. 

Miles throws his head back as you get up. You look over your shoulder like “You're going to just stand there ?” Miles shakes his head and follows you. He closes the backdoor before following you.

You tease him the whole way up the stairs. Miles catches you at the top, and you laugh as he wraps his arms around your waist. 

He kisses you, you giggle, and he shushes you because of Lily. He likes the way you are right now. Things look good and you're more relaxed. 

Miles picks you up and throws you onto the bed, making you giggle and moan. You love it when he shows his strength. You take your shirt off. You're so needy for him. He does the same before moving to be on top of you. You bring him in for a kiss. It's been a week, and you guys are needy for each other. 

Miles lowers himself. He starts to grind against you. Feeling him get hard makes you happy. You moan into the kiss. Miles strips himself and then you. 

He kisses his way down your body, but you pull his hair to stop him. 

“Miles, I just need you. I don't need foreplay…please.” You plead him. 

Miles looks at you with big eyes. He likes this a lot. He checks if you're wet enough for him. You are but not the way he would like to. So he moves to grab the bottle of lube. He's not going to hurt you. 

Miles strips himself and pours some lube to make sure it's going to be good for you. He slides inside you, drawing a moan from you. 

He attacks your neck when you throw your head back. Miles starts to move slowly, building up the moment and your wetness. Then, he gets in a comfortable rhythm. 

You cling to his biceps, leaving marks. Miles says that he needs you to cum for him, before he can give you what you want. 

You groan, but nod, bringing him in for another kiss. Miles moves his hand to your clit to bring your orgasm closer. You focus on him- his movements, his lips. 

Miles nibble your bottom lip, that little pain brings you over the edge. You get tight around him, Miles focuses on getting you through your orgasm. 

He continues moving his hips, Miles hooks your ankles on his shoulders to get as deeper as he can inside. Now, he can focus on his own orgasm. You tell him how much you want another baby, that you want to be big with his baby. He loses it big time. 

It doesn't take long for Miles to cum inside you. Both of you are a mess, he lowers your legs down and you dig your heels on his ass. You need him there. He rests his forehead on yours while both of you are breathing heavily. 

“Thank you.” You say softly, fixing that little curl on his forehead. 

Miles can only grin at you. He kisses your forehead. You can feel him getting softer inside you. You don't want him to pull out, but he has to. He pulls out, pushing the cum that leaks out of you inside.

“We have to make sure we don't waste any drop.” He says pushing a little more cum inside you.

You sigh, making grabby hands for him. Miles chuckles as he lays beside you. You rest your head on his chest. That's exactly what you needed. 

He asks if you're okay and you totally are. Having that break helped you big time, with understanding that you don't need to pressure yourself. You guys didn't do that with Lily, and she's perfect. 

You doze off for a couple minutes sweaty and with his cum in you. But your body wakes you to use the bathroom, you shower because of the sweat. After your shower you crawl back in bed with your man. 

….

A few weeks after that night, you start to feel sick. Throwing up and feeling tired, Miles wanted to stay home with you, but you said that you were going to be fine. So he went for another roadie. 

One morning, you're playing with Lily, and she hits your boobs. It hurts a little. You look at her and your brain click. Maybe it's time for another test. You look on your period app, seeing that you're late. A little hope grows in your heart. 

You take Lily to the grocery store to buy what you guys need for the next couple days before Miles gets home. On your way back, you buy a few options of pregnancy test. 

You put those in your bathroom when you get home. Today, when you need Lily to go down quickly, she decides that she's not too tired to sleep when you need her to. She gets grumpy one hour after her nap time. You're patient with her until she decides that she really needs her sleep. 

You watch her a little bit, then you go to the bathroom and meet your faith. After peeing on the sticks, those 5 minutes feel like forever. You close your eyes, just hoping this test is positive.

The timer goes off and startles you a little. You take a deep breath before picking the test. A huge smile spreads on your lips, and tears start to stream down your cheeks. This time, it's happy tears. You cover your mouth seeing that “positive” on it. You take two more tests, and they all say that same thing. 

You can't believe it. It's going to happen. You and Miles are going to have another baby. You can make an announcement to him. You kinda want to tell him right now, but you're going to wait. You both deserve that moment. 

Miles facetimes you, you clean your tears and take a deep breath before picking up. You smile seeing his silly grin on the screen. You update each other. Miles says that he'll be home in a couple hours. You can wait for that. 

You hang up and sit down to think about the announcement. You know you want to use Lily, so maybe a little jersey for her. A tiny avs jersey needs to happen, too. You make the calls that night. Everything is planned. Now, all you need to do is wait. 

Miles gets home in the middle of the night. You want to blurt it out for him. But you're not going to. You guys enjoy his off day, even if you're dying to tell him. 

The next morning, he goes to practice, and you and Lily go get the things you ordered. Getting home, you let her play while you prepare everything in your room. 

You change Lily's shirt to the one you got for her, then ask if she wants to cuddle with Mommy because Mommy is tired. She agrees, and you guys wait for Miles in bed. 

Miles get home and it's quiet, he knows that it's not lily's nap time because it's early. So he goes look for you guys, he find you in bed cuddling. He moves closer to the bed, as soon as Lily sees him she's throwing herself at him. 

He picks her up like she's nothing. He kisses her head, and he asks what you guys are doing. She says that “mama is tired." 

Miles looks at you a little worried. You look at the direction of the surprise. Miles follows your gaze, and his face goes to pure confusion. 

He moves closer to the ballons and box. He sees a big “Hi daddy” in one of the ballons, he looks at you and you shrug. Miles sees there is a box, and he opens. He sees your positive test, a card in your handwriting, “Ready for round two daddy ?” and a tiny Avs jersey with daddy on it. 

His face is pure confusion, he looks at Lily and then at you. He still didn't see her shirt. 

Tears starts to form in his eyes. He puts Lily on the bed. 

“Are you for real ??” He asks in disbelief. You nod, getting teary, too. 

“Are we…. ??” He can't even finish his thought. 

“Yeah, we are pregnant.” You clean your tears as Miles crawl into bed with you. He crashes his lips into yours, hugging you tight. You hug him back. Lily crawls to join the hug. Miles opens a space for her.

“You're going to be a big sis, baby.” He tells her as he leans to kiss her head. Lily giggles and hugs your side. You clean Miles' tears. You tell Lily to show Daddy her shirt. Miles giggles, seeing the word only crossed out with older child under it. He grins at you, not really knowing what to do. 

Then, like he needs to, he says out loud. 

“We're going to have another baby !!!” You and Lily look at each other and smile. Yeah, things are going to be just fine. 

Later that night, you and Miles are cuddling after his game. You're running your hand through his hair while he lays under your boobs rubbing his hand over your flat stomach. 

“I already love you, baby.” He says to your stomach, making you giggle. Then he looks at you, more in love than he has ever been, if that's possible. 

“And I love you and always will.” You smile.

“I love you, Miles.” He kisses your stomach as he replies and enjoys this moment. 

It was worth waiting for this moment to happen. You couldn't be happier. 

[anxiousnerdwritings]

Lestrange!Daughter!Oc x Weasley!Reader though????👀

The Reader’s grown up poor and wanting things and overall a better life for all of their family that they could never have given their circumstances so instead of going the routes of Percy or the twins (I.e. striving to have a good career/move up the workplace food chain or owning their own business), the Reader goes down the path of getting what they want through whatever means necessary, particularly through illegal means. But the Reader still very much loves and adores their family so what they do benefits them all too, at least that’s how the Reader sees it, even if the rest of the family are in the dark about it. Like, the Weasley vault at Gringotts fills up just a bit more each and every time any of the family members make a visit to it or the Reader is slipping gold to their siblings for them to get something they really want or leaving some gold lying around the Burrow for Molly or Arthur to come across.

Not to mention, Weasley!Reader would use some of the extra money they’ve made to outright spoil their younger siblings, and gift their parents something every once in awhile always under the excuse of having saved up pocket money or getting a promotion at work or something like that.

I just imagine Lestrange!Daughter having this sixth sense that’s basically a criminal vibe check and whenever the Reader is near it just goes off the charts so she starts following and stalking them but the Reader has gotten so elusive and good at hiding their tracks, until finally Lestrange!Daughter is able to stick close enough to witness first hand their illegal activities and she’s captivated from then on. Especially, seeing how the Reader ‘handles’ people trying to swindle or deceive them and their ‘business’.

Imagine Molly’s reaction to the Reader coming home with Lestrange!Daughter following at their heels or Lestrange!Daughter just flat out barging into the Burrow unannounced and uninvited like they own the place. Like, I could see Molly telling the Reader that Lestrange!Daughter has to go and the Reader just being like “If she goes, I go, and if I go I’m not coming back” (mainly cause once Lestrange!Daughter has the Reader with her at Lestrange Estate she’s not letting them go, at least not anywhere without her).

Plus, Lestrange!Daughter would totally spoil and give her darling anything they wanted without question. She’ll gladly give them the life they’ve always wanted, the life she ultimately believes they deserve wholeheartedly.

Another Idea: Lestrange!Daughter!Oc x Lily!lookalike!Reader👀👀👀. Just imagining Severus’ reaction to Bellatrix’s batshit daughter with his beloved Lily!lookalike, the man would have a heart attack on the spot.

[ashesandhackles]

Prisoner of Azkaban reread notes (Part 1)

Chapter 1, 2,3, 4

Wendelin the Weird really mocks the idea of wizards facing persecution from Muggles, and the anecdote shows how they have more power.

@starlingflight had an hc that the Weasley family went to meet Bill because of the events of last year and because Ginny really looks up to him. In PS, they went to visit Charlie in Romania during holidays, and in CoS, they went to meet Bill. This is the second time they are going to Bill in a very short time. Peak eldest sibling/ third parent moment.

I love the detail in Ron's letter about Molly not letting Ginny into the last tomb, which had all sorts of mutant skeletons. This takes on a layer given what happened to Ginny in Chamber of Secrets.

Uncle Vernon complains about Sirius' hair and then shoots a look at Harry's own. I love the connection the narrative makes between Harry and Sirius from the very beginning - the hair, when Uncle Vernon looks to Harry after he makes a comment about people "deserving punishment"

Ah Marge. The way she treats Harry is special kind of vile. There is a special kind of nastiness to her giving Harry dog biscuits as a present, and then later on in the same chapter alluding to Harry as weak, runty pup that she had someone drown (and then implying Lily has bad blood - "if there is something wrong with the bitch, then there is something wrong with the pup"). Also, although Harry is written as "default white" - this is one of the times I felt such a strong undercurrent of racism here.

And Harry, after first two books of his management of Dursleys, finally rejects them and runs away. ("I had enough" - both Harry and Sirius say at some point with their families)

Interesting that in CoS, Harry is quick to believe Ron and Hermione have forgotten all about him when he didnt get their letters (major abandonment issues acting up, exacerbated by circumstances ofc), but by POA, he is confident that even if he is an outlaw in wizarding world, Ron and Hermione would want to help him. Ron and Hermione slowly help healing Harry <3

Right when Harry is considering his life as an outcast, he is being watched by Sirius, who appears right after Harry has rejected Dursleys as caregivers of any kind, and is the wizarding world outcast. (Also, Sirius has swum the north sea and escaped prison, and he wants to "catch a glimpse")

Sirius laughing at the scene of the crime is such a stark image. We see him do this at the end of the book, when Peter accuses him. ("Black started to laugh, a horrible, mirthless laugh that filled the whole room"). When Peter accuses him of breaking out of Azkaban using dark Powers, Black "started to laugh, a horrible mirthless laugh that filled the whole room." I love this absolutely contrarian impulse in him, that he is laughing at the sheer gall of Peter to accuse him after everything. It also feels like a habit from his home life - designed to piss people off when they accuse him of something, most likely unjust. And it is the same response that happens in his breakdown over James's death on the street - it is the mirthless laughter that begins because of audacity of Peter, and it goes into breakdown over James's death.

Harry returns every day to look at the Firebolt. Jock boy.

Sirius = the Grim. XD interesting how he is associated with a death omen. @artemisia-black has a meta about this.

Ron and Mr Weasley share the same stress response: ears turning red.

Mr and Mrs Weasley recreate the same dynamic as Molly as Sirius in OOTP. Molly does not want Harry to know, Arthur wants Harry to know to be on his guard. This is telling of Rowling's fixed ideas on intrinsic traits of a gender - the man wants to give Harry more agency to be in charge, while the woman is cautious (I'm not making this up, there is literally an interview with Melissa Anelli where she said this about Molly vs Sirius scene: that she wants to contrast "cautious feminine principle" with Sirius' "take charge" masculine principle")

This book feels so melancholy to me. There is a suspense aspect built up with Harry spotting the dog, seeing that it is a death omen, and Sirius saying "he is at hogwarts". On first read, these are scary things. But when you know what you know, this is just dripping with sadness.

Chapter 5,6,7

Ginny tries to join the trio and Ron tells her to "go away". @hinnyfied pointed out how Ginny followed both Ron here and when the train is dark. I really like glimpses of sibling relationships like this!

Remus is here - he is asleep. (interesting that they take note that only students use Hogwarts Express and it is unusual for an adult to be there).

Remus does wandless magic, and conjures flames in his palm. I really really love this detail. The "right to carry a wand" is heavily contested among "creatures" as Griphook resentfully mentions in DH - and it feels like something he has trained himself to be good at. @thecat-isblogging-blog also believes it is something for post transformation - when he may not have his wand and would be vulnerable.

"Ginny looked nearly as bad as Harry felt, and gave a small sob." and Hermione goes and puts an arm around her. Again the Chamber comes up. ("Didnt any of you fall of your seats?" "No, Ginny was shaking like mad though.")

Since this is a book where Harry starts to root his masculinity in James, the shame he feels for collapsing on train is a nice touch. ("I am not delicate!" Harry said crossly). Special thanks to @artemisia-black for her metas for this insight - I would not have looked at this with lens of masculinity if not for your metas!

Interesting detail that both Dean and Lavendar also have no idea what The Grim is. Rest of the class knows - so it is embedded in wizarding culture. This is also a hint to Lavendar's blood status i think? I never picked up on this before.

Dean Thomas appreciation, when Slytherins shout at Hagrid after the Buckbeak incident, Dean says, "It was malfoy's fault!"

"giving Harry a look of loathing reserved just for him" - something about this sentence really cracks me up. lmao.

Snape threatening Trevor really hits at Neville's worst insecurities. Trevor is a gift from his family after Neville proves that he is magical (and not a Squib, as they were fearing). So Trevor is a representation of that for Neville. So Neville's fear - is not being good enough, something Snape (and also his grandmother in a very different way, hits - as McGonagall says, "it's time for her to be proud of the grandson she does have, instead of the one she wishes she had" in HBP). Neville grows very subtly throughout the series.

I love how Lyall and Hope's meeting via Boggarts (as per pottermore) adds another layer to why Remus takes it on in his first class.

Remus is polite to Snape, but he slips in the same scene - when he is asking Neville about what his grandmother wears (so Neville can overlay it on Snape), he prompts, "and a handbag?" when Neville can't seem to remember. Remus is a very subtle character, and his slip ups about his feelings are also super subtle like this. There is no reason for him to prompt Neville on this - but there is a part of him is enjoying this. (It's that part of him on the map that goes: "keep your abnormally large nose out of other people's business")

Chapter 8,9, 10,11

I love how immediately attuned Remus is with Harry, and how Harry actually does say what is bothering him after initially saying no. It is the lack of judgement from Remus, and his ability to let silence be. (Sirius does this with Harry too later on, and so does Ginny)

I love that Harry thought Lups will deny what he had observed, but he not only validates it but offers Harry an honest explanation of why he didnt let Harry fight the Boggart. It is a respect for Harry's agency and intelligence that makes Harry immediately take to him. ("I am impressed, this suggests that what you fear most of all is - fear. Very wise, Harry")

Snape, "unsmiling and watchful" that Harry and Lups are spending time together, and he has told Dumbledore that he is untrustworthy and is helping Sirius.S nape's "eyes were flickering towards Lupin more often than usual" even after brewing the Potion - Snape is super hypervigilant with Lups - there is genuine fear here. Given his teenage brush off, I can see why.

Snape being Dumbledore's angry child: trying to hint to Dumbledore that Lups may be the inside help, and Dumbledore shutting him down, and Snape concedes to it because they are in front of Percy.

Percy looked slightly abashed when Dumbledore mentions that no Dementor would cross the threshold of the castle while he is Headmaster. I wonder what Percy's views are on use of Dementors? He is very assimilationist. The next book, he is on Crouch's side for Winky debacle, so it is likely he thinks Dementors should have a look in the castle.

"his robes were hanging more loosely around him" - interesting detail to show the aftermath of transformation on Lups. It is extremely taxing on his body.

Lups both cant help himself from being concerned that Harry is sad about the match and cant help feeling guilty, that Whomping Willow, made for his use, is what smashed Harry's broomstick.

Harry is so comfortable opening a topic with Lups that he finds deeply shameful: that he fell because of the Dementors, that he hears Lily's death when they get close. It is interesting that Jily death hangs so strongly over POA, and both Remus and later, Sirius act as a stand in for James in this book.

"Lupin made a sudden motion with his arm as though he made to grip Harry's shoulder, but thought better of it." - the summary of Remus and Harry's relationship in the entire series, and Harry breaks through this wall in Deathly Hallows.

"White and shaking he was" "Give Harry to me, I am his godfather" "Black argued, but in the end he gave in" - so demonstrative of the fact that his first priority is always Harry

Sirius was absolutely doing a performance of boredom for Fudge. It is his way of fighting, even in prison - his way of saying, "you havent broken me." Because we do see how Sirius really feels around Dementors at the end of the book - hands over his head, and moaning, "No Please"

"Quite the double act" - McGonagall not mentioning Remus in the group while we get gossipy details like Remus mentioning that McGonagall told him about Harry and Trelawney. It feels like such a gossipy thing to say to a former student, and indicates fondness. So I'd like to think she is also careful and wary with regard to bringing Remus up in front of Ministry authorities, esp potentially sensitive things like Sirius and him used to be best friends.

Harry looking into his parents wedding photo, with laughing Sirius :pleading_face:There is so much longing written into these scenes, and sadness. I have said before that Harry's series wide arc is to coming terms with his parents' death.

ooh interesting stuff from Hermione. Hagrid talks about how Dementors werent keen to let him go, and Hermione says, "but you were innocent!" and hagrid snorts, "Think that matters to them?" interesting stuff for Hermione and her belief and disillusionment in institutions arc.

Dumbledore offering crackers to Snape. Love how Snape indulges Dumbledore even as he hates it lollll.

Chapter 12, 13, 14

I know the fight is about the Firebolt, but I always felt the true reason Harry is angry with Hermione is that she went behind his back. And Ron is siding with Harry. (Although it is funny that it is Crookshanks that technically placed order for the broom)

Also, interesting note about Voldemort - he refers to Lily as "silly girl" and in the most disparaging way possible, when in reality it is her sacrificial magic that stopped him. This is in contrast to how he talks about James - "Face me like a man, straight backed and proud, like your father died". It is taunt, but a compliment infused in the taunt. (We will notice this in his fixation with his father, and rather passive interest in his mother as well - and the interest in his mother is because of her lineage - "I, in whose veins runs the blood of Salazar Slytherin himself, from my mother's side?")

Hermione disappearing into her workload, and Ron, despite being angry with her, interested in what she is up to. He even asked Ernie if she missed any Muggle Studies classes, lol.

How interesting that Lups mentions that the Dementor's Kiss is the fate that awaits Sirius Black, completely unprompted by Harry. It is clearly something that bothers him. ("Do you think anyone deserves that?"). Since he read it in the Prophet in the morning, it is clearly a news that he was still processing.

"Do you really think so? Do you think anyone deserves that?" - it is obviously one way for him to process the news, but it is also a way for Lups to open space for Harry to talk about what he is thinking and feeling.

Snape reminding McGonagall that Gryffindor will be out of running for 8th year in a row if they lose the match, lol. Snape and McGonagall's background Quidditch rivalry is hilarious. This happened in CoS too ("We should get Potter off the Quidditch team until he is ready to be truthful" "The cat wasn't hit over the head with a broomstick")

Harry suggesting they make up with Hermione, and Ron tells him where she is. I get the feeling that Ron was waiting to make up with Hermione after the initial anger. He engages with her, tries to figure out her schedule and it seems to me that the only thing really stopping him is Harry's feelings and he was waiting for Harry's go ahead.

"Ok side with Ron, I knew you would" - the beginning of the series, where the boys choose each other, and Hermione knows it. This changes when Ron becomes aware of his romantic feelings for Hermione, and that forces him to step back from his buffer role, and Harry and Hermione dynamic goes through transitional storm as a result.

Hermione came to watch the match. The juxtaposition of the Fred and George juggling bottles and the festivities, and Hermione reading Home Life and Social habits of British Muggles (which she doesn't have to) really adds to the loneliness of the picture.

I don't know if this was mentioned, but Lupin keeps asking Harry that maybe it's time to stop during the Patronus chapter. I do think it's because he is seeing the physical toll it's costing him, but I'd like to think it could also be because Harry has become an earpiece to James' last moments, and Lupin is caught off-guard. His grief is rising back up and it writes "Ready?" said Lupin, who looked as though he was doing this against his better judgement.(via @thecat-isblogging-blog)

We can see Lupin losing a bit of his careful control when Harry asks him about Sirius. Not only has Lupin just gone through the circle of grief again in a space of a few minutes, but now Sirius being bought up is asking for his anger. When Harry assumes Lupins knew Sirius as well, Lupin responds very quick and 'out of character': "What gives you that idea?" he said sharply. (Also via Cat)

Sirius breaks into the dormitory with a knife. He gifts Harry a knife for Christmas later on. (@artemisia-black brought this to my attention, but he seems to have a thing for knives. )

Love how immediately Neville connects Harry to being his protector, he steps behind Harry when he sees Snape.

Obviously Snape enjoys catching harry in trouble, but his dialogue here about worrying about Harry's safety (also his life mission) is also him. ("Let other people worry about his safety!").

"Mr Moony presents his compliments to Professor Snape and begs him to keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business" - this insult is essentially displaying Remus' anxiety over Snape "sneaking around, trying to get them expelled". And Sirius' insult, is on his intelligence ("Mr Padfoot would like to register his astonishment that an idiot like that ever became professor"). Insulting people's intelligence is go to insult for both Sirius and Snape. James' insult goes for his appearance ("ugly git") which is appearance based, and most likely to do with his jealous streak regarding Snape and Lily. And Peter follows James' lead in the ugly insult and "advises him to wash his hair, the slimeball."

I will never get over the detail of Lups clapping his hand and looking around cheerfully when Ron comes in XD covered this scene between Lups and Snape in more detail here

Remus made Sirius and James "feel ashamed of themselves sometimes". I'd imagine it would be similar to how he handled this - cover up for them as he did for Harry, and lets them hear it in private. Although some of the harshness of what Remus said here is because he agrees with Snape, and recognises his own guilt in this situation, so he is angrier.

There is something about the fact that Hermione comes to them when she gets the letter that Buckbeak is being executed that is really, really vulnerable of her? She can wait until Hagrid tells them himself, but she needs them in this highly charged emotional moment.

I love how immediate the trio's priorities shift - both Harry and hermione discuss the unfairness of the situation, and when Hermione says she has no hope, Ron says there is. "You won't have to do all the work alone this time Hermione. I'll help." Ron's offer of solidarity really gets to Hermione and she apologises to him. And that's pretty much all he needed to hear from her ("I am really sorry about scabbers") and he quickly moves to assure her- "he was a bit old. You never know, mum and dad might get me an owl now." (ron's issue with hermione is similar to his issue with Harry in DH - "you are dismissing my feelings and devaluing my needs. What is important to me is not important to you, and therefore I am angry.")

Lucius is still a background antagonist in this novel, even though he doesn't make an appearance. And like Chamber of Secrets, Hagrid is once again in trouble because of his vulnerable status in the wizarding society.

The exam chapters are so endearingly weird - the teapot into tortoise and how they are all worrying about how some of their tortoise still has spout, or breathe steam. And harry overdoing his cheering charms that meant ron had to be taken to a private classroom for over an hour cos he was doubling up with hysterical laughter.

[thistuesdaynight]

You're Good

Jegulily angst guys, I wrote another sad one, whoops

It was two in the morning when Lily woke to find a ribbon of light shining from beneath the closet door.

Her heart anchored into her stomach, and she was wide awake in an instant. It had been 2 months, 3 weeks, and 5 days since they'd had a night like this. Secretly, she'd hoped they had gotten past it. But some demons were hard to exorcise.

Lily slipped from the bed, her feet silent on the wood floor as she crossed the room.

"James!" she hissed, shaking him awake.

"Wha-" James startled, blinking up at her.

But when Lily tilted her head to the closet door, he sobered quickly. They stood together outside of the closet, knocking to let Regulus know they were out there.

He didn't always answer right away. Sometimes, he'd keep the door locked until morning and when he emerged, he'd refuse any comfort. But Lily and James stayed up with him no matter what. Whether he opened the door or not, they were there.

"Reg, sweetheart. Open up, please," James coaxed.

The silencing charm fell, and they heard a sniffle and a thin voice from behind the door.

"I'm alright."

Lily hated when he sounded like this. Like he was trying his hardest just to not break apart. She preferred him any other way: cold, superior, terse. Never like this.

"It's okay to not be alright, love. We just wanna be here for you."

A tense silence followed, with more sniffling and hushed sobs. Lily found it troubling how he locked himself in there when his mother had often used it as punishment. He still got nightmares sometimes. About his mother, about being tutored by his cousin Bellatrix, and about being trapped as the Black family heir with no way out.

Finally, the lock clicked, and the closet door opened a crack to reveal Regulus' pale and tearstained face.

He looked so small that Lily didn't even think before crawling to him and gathering him into her arms.

"Oh, sweetheart." James joined them too, tucking himself against Regulus' back and nuzzling his nose into his neck.

Regulus was shaking from head to toe, and Lily rubbed her hands up and down his arms to remind him that they were there. They were there and they weren't going anywhere.

"I don't deserve it. I don't deserve this."

"Yes, you do," Lily said firmly. "We love you so much and you deserve every bit of it."

She pressed kisses into his hair, wishing that she could get him to believe it. She knew what it was like to live in a family that didn't love you for who you were. A family that was trying to put you into boxes where you didn't fit. It was different of course, not violent. But she and Regulus had always seen themselves in each other. They had both spent so much time contorting themselves to be what they thought everyone wanted, that it resulted in estrangement from the people that they loved most: their siblings.

"She said... she said that..." Regulus spluttered between heaving breaths. "I- I was bad, and…"

"She's wrong, Regulus." James assured him. "She's a liar, and she never deserved having such a wonderful son."

"You're not bad," Lily smoothed her hands down his cheeks, wiping away tears. "You're good. You're so good, I promise."

"I want to," Regulus sobbed. "I want to be good."

"You are, sweetheart. You are."

He didn't believe it yet, but James and Lily would tell Regulus every day until he did.

[lilacella]

So this could be the end of the fic if you want to end on a untainted happy/fluffy note. There will be two more chapters but then the ending will be a bit more bittersweet, so suit yourselves.

Also, I am being very nice to the traitorous rat here because I think he deserves some happiness too (in this parallel universe at least)

Nightsky

Chapter 9: Old married couple

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"Of course he will be a Griffindor! He is our son. How would he be anything else?" James cheerfully loaded cake onto their plates. It was the day before Harry's first year at Hogwarts and of course the upcoming sorting ceremony was topic number one at the table. James seemed so convinced about the outcome, that he had gotten Griffindor themed cake for the occasion, full with red and golden decor.

Harry made a nervous but excited face.

"I can't wait for tomorrow! Do you think I will make friends on the train dad?"

"Of course you will! We all met on the train back then and look at us now." James gestured at the other marauders.

James and Lily had invited everyone for Harrys goodbye party: Of course Sirius and Remus were there but so were Grimsley and Avery, Mary, some of their Auror friends and the few magical kids, Harry had befriended in his time at muggle elementary school. Even Peter had shown up with his wife, Christie and their baby daughter Rose.

They hadn't had such a big get together in a while, probably not since Sirius and Remus housewarming party three years ago, when they had moved to a little cottage in the cotswolds. Sirius had gotten it for a reduced price. He had been the one who finally had managed to relocate the agressive poltergeist out of the house and into a more suitable, abandoned asylum. There it could socialise with similarly inclined ghosts and terrorize the youth that occasionally broke into the place to party. Sirius had haggled the price so low that even Remus couldn't find any counterpoints in giving up the shack for the humble limestone building with the overgrown backyard. He had actually loved it from the first time he'd set foot into it but had tried to remain neutral towards Sirius. He hadn't wanted to sound demanding.

It was nice seeing everyone again.

Lily returned to the dining room with a sour expression. "Petunia will not be coming. She says that 'such a ridiculous occasion' is no place for her precious little Dudley."

"Did you tell her there would be cake? That usually attracts that boy."

"Don't be mean, James. He's just a kid..."

"He's a little greedy Bastard, that's what he is."

"James! There are kids at the table!" James shot his wife an apologetic look and then glanced over to Sirius, faintly rolling his eyes. Sirius smirked back from over his tea cup.

"You should be glad they're not coming. They would have ruined the mood anyway," Sirius tried to cheer up Lily. She sighed.

"But she's my sister..."

"So what. Regulus is my brother and I for sure won't invite him to anything. Sometimes siblings are better left where they want to be."

Lily sank down in her chair and started listlessley picking in her cake.

"Maybe you're right. But it still bothers me..."

"I am glad they aren't coming," Harry stated. "Dudley always tries to take away all my stuff."

"Next time he tries that you call me and I will give him something special to take home," Sirius said grimly. Remus kicked him under the table and shook his head.

"Sirius. We've talked about it. No cursing the kids."

"Just this one..."

"No."

"It wouldn't have to be a bad one, even. Just something that makes him grow a little fur or maybe some beaver like incisors..."

Peter almost snorted out his cake, laughing at Sirius suggestions.

Remus shook his head again.

"No. None of that. They are muggles!"

"You two sound like an old married couple, you know that," Avery exclaimed amused.

James smiled fondly. "They always did. Do you remember that time when Remus would keep forgetting his beard shavings in the sink?"

"He still does," Sirius said grumpily.

**

On the way to the platform Harry suddenly plucked on Sirius sleeve.

"My shoe's open," he said sheepishly, pointing towards his untied shoelaces. Sirius frowned. Harry was by far old enough to tie his own shoes. But maybe he was too nervous? Sirius decided not to press the issue and knelt down instead, tying the shoe, while the others kept walking. Harry suddenly bent down to him.

"Uncle Sirius? What if I don't...what if I don't get sorted into Griffindor?" His voice sounded anxious and it broke Sirius heart. He looked up to the boy and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Harry. You will. And even if you don't. It doesn't matter, we all will love you no matter where you end up."

"Even if it's Slytherin?"

"Even if it's Slytherin. You know, my cousin Andromeda, I think you've met her once, she is a great person. She was a Slytherin too. There are some good eggs in between all the idiots."

Harry smiled relieved.

"You promise?"

"I promise." They shared a tight hug.

"Harry?" Lily called out, having noticed the absence of her son.

"Coming," Harry called back and took off towards her.

When Sirius stood up, dusting off his knees, he saw Remus watching him with fond eyes.

**

"Gadding with Ghouls." Sirius read the title of the book in his hand with a mocking tone. "He claims he captured a ghoul with a tea strainer! Well I'd like to see that in action!"

"Can we leave please? All these people are 'gadding' on my nerves," Remus grumbled and looked around the overfilled Flourish and Blotts in disdain. Sirius chuckled and put the book back.

"But Remus, don't you want to meet the famous adventurer Gilderoy Lockhart?"

"Juding from the success of the adventure I witnessed I'd say he seems rather incompetent," Remus said and tuggedd on Sirius arm. He had really no interest being stuck in this crowd for any longer. This had supposed to be a nice little trip to diagon alley, running some errands together but of course this attention seeking twat had to have a book signing today. Sirius smirked at him and wrapped an arm around Remus waist.

"Alright, Moons let's go."

They were about to leave when they bumped into someone.

"Oops sorry, just trying to get out of here," Sirius said cheerfully only to stop in his tracks when he recognised the man. Elliot.

Remus clenched his jaw.

It had been twelve years, but still. Remus couldn't surpress his jealousy.

"Sirius?" Elliot looked pleasantly surprised. "Fancy seeing you here. Got your book signed by Gilderoy?"

Sirius snorted.

"Certainly not. That guy couldn't catch a ghoul if it was already tied down at his feet."

Elliot raised an eyebrow. "I...You think?" He glanced thoughtfully towards the table at which Gilderoy was holding audience.

"I do. Now would you mind." Sirius tried to squeeze past Elliot but he turned to stop them.

"Sorry, not to hold you up but..." He mustered Remus closely. "Are you Remus?"

Sirius rolled his eyes.

"Yes. Don't know why..."

"Oh, that's nice! I'm so happy for you," he smiled genuinely at Sirius but he didn't return it. "You put him trough so much pain. I'm glad you two figured things out. Maybe...maybe we could all meet for tea sometime? I could bring Gilderoy."

They gave Elliot a puzzled look.

"Oh," Elliot explained. "I'm here for him. He is my boyfriend you see. Anyway, I'd better get over there. Was good seeing you Sirius." He patted Sirius shoulder and Remus was tempted to shove him into the next shelve. Sirius looked after his ex with raised eyebrows.

"He...and Gilderoy. Huh. Weird combination."

"We will not be meeting them for tea, won't we," Remus asked pleadingly. Sirius smiled at him and shook his head.

"No bloody way. Let's go."

"I really think it's weird they are together. I wouldn't have thought that Elliot would be fooled so easily," Sirius said thoughtfully while they walked up the path to their cottage.

"Why, is he so smart?" Remus asked not without salt. Sirius raised an eyebrow at him.

"Are you jealous? I know that tone."

"Well," said Remus while unlocking the door. "Can you really blame me? You dated that guy for months and now he wants to meet you again? And did you see the way he looked at me..."

"I did what?" Sirius interrupted him.

"You dated Elliot."

"I didn't."

Remus stopped in the hallway and put down the bags he'd been carrying.

"What do you mean, you didn't? You brought him to James and Lilys wedding. James told me you'd been seeing him for a while. Said you were 'quite a match'."

Sirius laughed loudly.

"James said that? Well I suppose I never really talked to him about it much...Remus, we never dated. We were never together. I just brought him to the wedding because I didn't want to face you and Greg all by myself. I honestly just met with him because he would listen to my whining about you..."

So that's what Elliot had meant. You put him through so much pain. The words kept ringing in Remus ears.

"So you never..."

Sirius shook his head.

"I mean...we hooked up once, after the wedding but it was...it wasn't great. I kind of regretted it."

Remus frowned.

"What do you mean?"

Sirius just shook his head defensively.

"Just wasn't great."

Remus chuckled.

"Was he bad in bed?"

Sirius flinched, but shook his head again.

"I don't want to talk about that. Let's just get this stuff put away."

Remus suddenly felt uneasy. He wondered what had happened between the two. Sirius had been really cold towards Elliot but he had thought that it probably had something to do with their breakup. But now he knew, that they never had anything to break up to begin with. What did Elliot do? Remus decided not to press this issue further. Sirius didn't want to talk about it and pressure him would only make him shut down.

He followed Sirius into the kitchen.

"So you never dated Elliot then? Did you...But you did date people while you were gone, right?"

Sirius didn't look up from sorting the potion ingredients they had bought and shook his head once more.

"Noone?" Remus asked in disbelief. "I mean I'm sure you had options..."

Sirius turned around looking annoyed.

"Yes Remus I did. But we have talked about this so many times. I don't want anyone but you. And after the Elliot thing I was quite certain that I also don't want to sleep with anyone else. I know it sounds fucking pathetic but I guess that's just who I am!"

Remus felt gutted, like always, when Sirius proved his utter devotion to him. He didn't deserve any of this. He didn't deserve to be able to hurt Sirius, to make him desperate, to ruin him for everyone else. But, like always, he didn't know what to say. So remained quiet and helped Sirius put away their purchases.

**

They sat on the couch, wrapped up in the same banket, Sirius cosily snuggled in Remus arms, and watched the rain pour down outside.

Sirius leaned his head against Remus shoulder and Remus nuzzled his hair.

"Is Harry coming home for Christmas?" Remus asked, finally breaking the comfortable silence.

Sirius nodded. "As far as I know. Do you want to go this year?"

The Potters had, like every year, invited them to spend the holidays with them, but so far they had always either declined or Sirius had gone by himself. Remus had a difficult relationship with Christmas since it had been then, almost thirty years ago, that he had been bitten. It had been then, that Greyback had ambushed him and changed the trajectory of his life forever. Ever since, Remus couldn't quite find it in him to feel particularly festive. James and Lily knew that and understood and Remus knew that Sirius did too but he also felt bad, for always being such a Grinch. Harry had introduced him to the movie a few years ago when he and Sirius had been babysitting and Remus had felt called out.

This year would be different. This year, he wanted them to go.

"Yes. I think I will." He gave Sirius a smile who looked up at him in surprise.

"Really? Are you sure you'll be alright? You don't have to. I understand..."

"I know. But I want to." He kissed Sirius head. This year he had a plan.

Remus was indecisively picking through the rings on display when the clerk approached him.

"Looking for anything in particular, Sir?" she asked.

"Yes. I need a ring. An engagement ring."

"Ohhh, how nice! These are the regular rings, may I show you the way to the diamond ones?" The clerk was already on her way but Remus shook his head.

"No, no diamonds. I'd rather take one of these, thank you." The clerk mustered him disparagingly. She probably thought that Remus was trying to be cheap. But that wasn't the point. Sirius didn't like diamonds.

"Do you happen to have any with a black opal? Preferably silver?"

He could still remember the discussion they had had in 3rd year, when some girl had asked them all what their favourite gemstones were. Remus had said amber, and Sirius had been adamant that amber wasn't a gemstone because it was technically just fossilized tree sap. Only to pick opals, a second later and Remus had made the point that opals weren't gemstones either, but rocks. They hadn't stopped playfully bickering about this for years. It still was one of their rare inside jokes that James wasn't a part of.

"There is one but it isn't a classical engagement ring. I really think that you should..."

"Show it to me, please," Remus said kindly but firm. He knew what he wanted. He finally knew.

Remus was standing at the sink, thoughtfully twisting the ring between his fingers. It was perfect. Sirius would love it. Or would he? Sirius had said his favorite gem was black opal, but that had been twenty years ago - Merlin, he was getting old. What if his taste had changed? What if he liked diamonds now? James had gotten Lily a diamond. Maybe he was being cheap and just hiding behind the thought of getting Sirius something special. Maybe he should return it and...

"What've you got there?"

Remus spun around, startled, fumbling and finally dropping the ring which rolled across the kitchen tiles before it tipped over with a clink, right before Sirius feet. Sirius raised an eyebrow.

"Well that's a way to propose," he joked and picked up the ring. Remus stared at him like a deer in the headlights. This was not how things had supposed to go. He had intended to propose at Christmas. Wrap the ring up like a present. Maybe with a little note. He would have had enough time to figure out what to say.

"I didn't hear you come in," he said stupidly.

"Got off early today. Thought I'd surprise you."

Sirius stepped towards him, obviously entirely unphased by the situation.

"So what's this about? It isn't cursed, isn't it?" Sirius held up the ring, inspecting it suspiciously.

"I certainly hope not, I just bought it." Remus voice was weak with anxiety. Why didn't Sirius say anything? Did he think this was stupid? Was he making fun of him?

"You bought a ring? For what?"

For what?!

"I...For you!"

Sirius looked surprised.

"For me?"

"Yes. I...," Remus reluctantly took the ring back from Sirius, nervously fidgeting with it. He finally straightened up and forced himself to look at Sirius. At this point, he might as well do this now. He took a deep breath. "Since we've been together, you showed me over and over that I am the only one for you. And I just wanted...I wanted you to know that you're the only one for me as well. And I wanted to ask you if you want to..." he paused, steadying his voice "If you want to marry me?"

Sirius eyes widened and then immediately filled with tears. He dropped into Remus arms clinging onto him for dear life. Remus hugged him back tightly, feeling Sirius trembling. Was he crying?

"Sirius? Are you okay?"

Sirius lifted his head from Remus shoulder and looked at him with glistening eyes.

"I...Yes." He wiped his eyes. "I'm okay." His voice croaked and Remus gently cradled his face with his right hand.

"So, is that a yes or a no?" He asked, still a little anxious.

"Yes! Of course I...Remus I love you so much!"

Remus let out a relieved laugh and clumsily pushed the ring on Sirius finger.

"Is that an opal?"

Remus nodded. "Remember how you said they were your favorite?"

Sirius nodded and tears were rolling down his face again. Remus had once again made him cry, but this time at least they were happy tears.

**

Sirius looked breathtaking. His silky black robes falling perfectly around his body, the silver stars on it shimmering in unison with his eyes. Remus couldn't believe how he ever got so lucky. Sirius was smiling at him happily, holding his hands in his. A strand of his dark hair had fallen in front of his face and Remus wanted to reach out and brush it behind his ear but he was interrupted by Sirius expression changing first to expectancy, then to confusion and finally worry. Before Remus could wonder what could have upset Sirius on this special day, Peter nudged him violently from behind.

"Remus! You have to answer!" he hissed. A quick look around told Remus that everyone was staring at him. Including the officiate. Right.

"Uh...sorry! I do! I do...I was just distracted." He mumbled the last part more to himself but Sirius must have heard him and squeezed his hands in reassurance.

"And do you, Sirius Orion Black take Remus John Lupin as your husband?"

"I do."

Sirius smiled again.

They were sitting on the terrace of the venue. It had grown dark and it was still cold outside but they bothe had needed a break from the constant attention of other people.

Huddled together for warmth they were enjoying the stillness of the night around them. Sirius gently turned Remus head towards him and pulled him into a tender kiss. Remus let out a happy sigh, muffled by Sirius lips and threaded his fingers into his hair. Sirius licked teasingly against his lips and Remus immediately responded, deepening the kiss. When things, quickly, became a little too heated Remus pulled back, catching his breath.

"We can't get too carried away, love. We're still in public."

"It's our wedding night. Who can blame us?"

Remus chuckled.

"We should still wait util we're home."

Sirius rolled his eyes and buried his face in the crook of Remus neck and snuggled against him.

"Hey, I didn't say we should stop kissing all together," he protested, putting a finger under Sirius chin to lift Sirius head back up. Their lips met once again, gently, Sirius hand cupping his cheek.

"Can't we just stay here?" Sirius asked lazily. Remus smiled fondly.

"I'm afraid that would be considered quite rude. It is, like you said, our wedding night. We have guests to entertain."

"They can entertain themselves." They shared a giggle.

"Just five more minutes," Sirius mumbled and pressed his lips on Remus again, rendering any sort of protest useless.

[moonstruckme]

Ooooh my love, ive just had a devastatingly brilliant idea for a fic while reading another (i also had to do a little research on HP ghosts as well). Of course only if you have the time and feel like it x

What if slytherin!reader went to hogwarts with the marauders + lily and was wolfstar!Sirius' little sisters but she died tragically/mysteriously before graduating. Now shes one of the ghost at Hogwarts because she wasn't finished proving her brothers innocence. Skip to PoA, shes sooo excited about Remus (Remmy) being there and having a part of her family back. She'd missed him so much. So on the night with pettigrew, Remus made her wait in the castle for 'safety' (hes still 1 of her 4 older brothers) but if he wasnt back to come get him when the moon was nearly at its peak. And she does, appearring in the willow causing both Black siblings to pause. Reader because she finally found Sirius, but him because no one had bothered to tell him she was dead. But a happy ending where Remus stays professor, Sirius is pardoned and they both live on Hogwarts ground with reader and Harry (and maybe even Mattheo because technically he is just another child of Black suffering at his parents hands)

Side note: I also imagine her attending classes, being a pain in Snape's ass (especially when he's mean to Harry - she definetly favours him), standing up for the 🐍boys (taking them under her wing) and messing around with Peeves.

Anyway darling, love you lots and i hope your midterms go well!! Try not to stress over them too much and take care of yourself xx

Hi my lovely!! Let me tell you, I had SUCH a good time reading this over and over. I feel like it's already so fully fleshed that I wouldn't really have much to add, so I hope it's alright if I just share it like this? (The people need to see and left to my own devices it might sit in my inbox for months </3) I'm particularly obsessed with the idea of big brother Remus, I've always wanted an older brother (though I've been told repeatedly they're bullies) and I feel like he would be so soft and kind even if he does get annoyed with you sometimes. And thank you for giving our poor boys the happy ending they deserve :')

Love you so much sweetheart! My midterms did in fact go well and this week I'm rewarding myself with Halloween movies and coziness, hope you're taking care of yourself just as well (if not better, you deserve the world) <33

[idyllic-affections]

YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, ALL THE DRAGON KID-FRIEND-SIBLING HUGS FOR FURINA.

It bugged me so god damn much how we never actually apologized to her at ANY POINT for what happened. Yes, it needed to happen, yes it was something that was absolutely inevitable if we wanted to save Fontaine from the wrath of Celestia, and finally free Furina from her torment. But we still manipulated, lied, and put her in an extremely uncomfortable position to achieve that end.

You'd think the least we could offer was a brief "I'm sorry."

🐉Anon

JUST LIKE. IDK. I NEED TO HUG HER SO FUCKING TIGHTLY DUDE SHE DESERVES SO MUCH AFTER EVERYTHING SHE SUFFERED THROUGH. DID ANYONE EVER SAY "I'M SORRY"?? NO. AND NOT EVEN A "THANK YOU"...... BRO THESE PEOPLE ARE SO FUCKED UP, DIDN'T EVEN THANK HER FOR NOT GETTING THEM ALL KILLED, BUT SHE LOVES THEM ANYWAYS AND STILL THINKS THAT THEIR ANGER TOWARDS HER IS VALID AND JUSTIFIABLE 🙏🙏🙏 GOD. MY ROMAN EMPIRE FR. FONTAINE IN GENERAL IS MY ROMAN EMPIRE NOW. I CANNOT STOP THINKING ABOUT HOW INHERENTLY TRAGIC ITS STORY WAS. YES FORCING FURINA'S HAND WAS NECESSARY, BUT GOD??!?!???? YOU ALL COULD, IDK, APOLOGIZE?????? EVERYTHING SHE DID WAS FOR THE PEOPLE OF FONTAINE. EVERYTHING. AND YET YOU ALL THINK YOU JUST GET TO MOVE ON? NO. APOLOGIZE. RIGHT FUCKING NOW 🗣🗣❗️❗️❗️❗️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

idk man. just imagine. perhaps neuvi's child was born shortly after she was instated as the "hydro archon," or perhaps slightly before. it really doesn't matter. the point is that they've known her all their life. she's like family to them at this point (Umm. something something a dragon's possessiveness of their loved ones..... Yeah) and to see how literally no-one has bothered offering her an apology or a thank you for her efforts makes something unidentifiable burn in their chest. i choose to believe that neuvillette apologized 😇 or we could go with canon and say he didn't, and you know... slight father/child angst. anyway. so, when seeing how no one has apologized and thanked her, they decide to do it themselves. they get her address from their father and show up to her home with a lakelight lily and one of her favorite cakes (they remembered, of course they did, she's their best friend, why wouldn't they remember?). and when she invites them in, because... they're probably the first person to come seek her out, you know? she would miss them after moving out. :( they quietly set down the gifts they've brought for her and just squeeze their arms around her. and quietly apologize to her and tell her that all of her efforts have been acknowledged (by them, at least), and they're so proud and thankful because fontaine would literally be gone by now if it werent for her.

idk i am so normal about furina i promise (is lying) 🙏🙏

[forthedancingandthethriving]

(This is a bit out of order but it was in my head and I needed it out fast so I didn't lose it. For context all of the kids (so Lily, Lil Coding, all four Haltmann siblings, and Timmy) ended up in the same place together without anyone else, got found by the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and their group has somehow ended up in possession of an airship and mostly figured out where Ozzy and Gary's hideout is. Lil Coding has been extremely unhelpful the whole time and making some pretty over-the-line statements about Root, and is getting on everyone's last nerve. This scene is when somebody besides Lily (who has been arguing with him the whole time but can't get through his thick skull because he's calling Bias due to her usual relationship with Root) finally snaps and calls him out on not just his current bullshit, but his behavior ever since the end of Raging Riptides.)

(Also keep in mind that everyone in this scene except Lil Coding and Barney are currently ponies and everyone except the two of them and Lily currently have hooves. Because Equestria.)

“Okay, I have had it with your shit the last few weeks, you stupid cat!”

Everyone on board whirls around in surprise to see that Hex of all people is the one who spoke, and she’s now stomping up to the target of her ire, who makes the mistake of opening his mouth again.

“Wha-”

She briefly pauses her approach and slams a hoof down onto the deck to interrupt him, “Nope! It’s HMG2’s turn to talk!”

“Yes, we get it, you did the “good-aligned cheap knockoff of a villain gets manipulated by a trick-ass bitch” first. What, do you want a medal!? This might be hard to believe, but not everything has to be about you and your problems!

“Now, I’m not saying you don’t have a right to be mad about what Root did -though you probably have the least reason to be this mad out of everyone who was directly involved, quite frankly- or that you have to forgive her! Hell, I was pissed at her too for a while and I’m pretty sure Vee’s at least still on the fence. But at least we’re not bitching and sulking while there are lives on the line or saying a literal disabled and abused child deserves whatever that omnicidal maniac’s doing to her-seriously, what the fuck, man!?

“I was willing to put up with whatever hangups you’re dealing with back home where we weren't mid-crisis and the adults could deal with you, but they’re not here right now and you’ve apparently made it your mission to be as much of a burden as possible, and I can’t FUCKING take it anymore! So you can take your Messiah Complex and Catholic Guilt and SHOVE 'EM UP YOUR HAIRY PURPLE ASS!!!”

By now she has him backed against the ship’s railing and is right up in his face, “Now shut up, get over yourself, and either help us or find a corner to sulk in and stay out of our fucking way!”

She spins around and stalks off, not looking back as he falls over stiff as a board, and sees all the other kids staring at her, “Anypony else have some grievances they need aired?”

Scootaloo ducks back down behind the wheel in a panic while everyone else vigorously shakes their heads, which prompts Hex’s mood to do a complete 180 back to her usual quiet cheer, “Great! Let’s keep going then.”

While most of them go back to keeping the airship running (albeit now visibly unsettled), Lily can’t help but keep looking at her sort-of cousin in confusion, “The hell was that?”

“Well, she is based on SMG4,” Barney notes, “I suppose it makes sense that she inherited his temper.”

WOW. WOAH. OKAY, I LOVE THIS A LOT.

The idea of Hex being the one to call LC on his bullshit is such a nice idea, I love it. The fact that she gives him no room to argue, points out all the flaws in his shit, and still manages to get her point across is flawless. Also, the idea of this pony gradually backing up a cat, that is probably taller than her at the moment, up against the railing is hilarious.

OUGH YEAH,, her being based off of SMG4 too,, man that temper can be deadly when unleashed. At least someone's knocking some sense into LC!!

[willowve01]

Well now I've gotta know

What do the Fellowes parents think of Korey? (And possibly her brothers)

Uhhh- before and after Lily's death for David

There's a lot—

Before:

Lily is kidnapping all of the Adiel children. Yeah, she's a teen mom (19) but she'll take the risk. No child deserves a life like that. Ever.

Tbh she adores all of the Adiel children. She admires Esra quite a bit, he reminds her a bit of David; quiet, intimidating yet kind and charming. She honestly wanted to learn sign-language just so she could talk with Diana. Just like Raine, Lily has the best experience with kids. Alya with be in the best care and active all day.

She adores Korey. She honestly reminds her of herself in her youth- only she was much calmer. She's happy that Raine finally found someone that looks past her...in-human strength, and love her as a person. She's caught onto all of Korey's self-hate; she's going to have a long chat on how beautiful Korey is.

"Scars mean you went through something tough in the past, survived it, and came back stronger."

Noah is going to kill this poor woman by cuteness overload. She absolutely adores him and Everlynn's relationship. Just like Everlynn, she is extremely patient and gentle towards him. She caught on that she's not at all social, but she's all ears when he's ready.

~

I think David would relate to Esra the most out of the kids. He admires his strength and bravery to return back to that hell-hole to check up on his siblings. He also loves that he finds his daughter just as unique and competent as he does.

He adores Korey and Raine's relationship and is astonished on how much energy Raine can actually handle. He loves that Korey is getting his little Raine to open up a bit, she used to be such a shy thing because of the bullying she went through.

He honestly doesn't know how to handle Noah's extremely shy demeanor. I mean, he'll acknowledge his presence but he doesn't know how to start a conversation with a kid that won't talk. There's a tinge of Papa-Bear when Noah and Everlynn are alone together, but he enjoys seeing that little boy open up around his youngest.

After:

Honestly... David's too drunk to care. If any of them try to talk to him, they'll either be ignored or earn a "tch" and an eyeroll. (He knows he can't do anything because Bill and Raine will jump him.) If they're persistent with trying to reason with him or talk about his daughter, they better get ready for a long and loud argument.

He either avoids Esra or sees him as a threat and squares up with him. He also thinks Korey his just plain stupid and reckless like a child; knowing where she stands in Raine's life, he keep's his distance.. for now..

He goes after the weaker links, an example being Everlynn- or Noah in this case. He will square up to him like he's an adult man; Raine having trauma about a similar incident, she'll do more than just snap when she finds out about this.

"Everlynn, take Noah outside. I need to have a 'chat' with father here." (David presences to be thrown through several houses/she's hunting him down even when he's down.)

[unravellingsilencehq]

“Oh, Merlin, tell me, does THE ALCHEMIST get what he deserves?” He is in THE DEATH EATERS & OPEN to finding out. 

— he walks through the world as ;

name → severus snape pronouns → he/him identification → cis male year of birth → september 1959 - september 1960 face claim → viveik kalra blood status → half-blood sexual orientation → up to applicant occupation → potioneer at mr mulpepper’s apothecary in knockturn alley future information → traitor to the death eaters, eventual member of the order of the phoenix

— he is best described as ;

DARK and GLOOMY like that of a closed off lab. The SOLITUDE one finds when alone in their room, a LONER who prefers to get lost in HISTORY than the present day. He’s a SHARP TONGUE poised in defense, ready to FIGHT the threats that come his way. An OUTSIDER who shaped himself to fit in with the crowd. With a COLD HEART, he TURNS his BACK on those who once offered him a hand.

— his story starts with ;

Severus Snape always believed himself to be the smartest person in the room. He was the only born child to a Muggle, Tobias Snape, and a witch, Eileen Prince, who lived in Spinner’s End. From a young age Severus had been a curious boy, preferring the company of books and journals to the children that lived near him. Unusual for someone so young, Severus enjoyed the peace and quiet that came from being alone. No siblings to follow him around, no friends to continuously pull him away from his books, his room became a sanctuary of silence and Severus thrived in it. Despite his mother’s worries that he should start making friends, he stayed put with his abnormally large nose buried deep in his books. Finally realizing her words were falling on deaf ears, Eileen left him to his room, especially as time went by and Tobias grew colder. A man that never saw fatherhood in his future, Tobias spent most of his time in Spinner’s End wasting away with a glass of whiskey in hand. The only acknowledgement he’d give to his family was a scolding for the littlest of things. Severus grew to hate his father and his Muggle side, though he was never brave enough to admit that to Tobias, and instead let the feelings fester year after year.

With his father being the result of his disdain for all things Muggle, Severus leaned heavily into his wizarding side of the family. His thoughts were if Muggles could be this cold and cruel to their own blood, what were they like towards strangers? He enjoyed his sheltered life, not even realizing what else the world had to offer to him. Locked in the four walls of his room, Severus tried to drink in as much information as he could. To Severus, knowledge was power and if yielded correctly, he could do anything. His lonely world changed though the day he met LILY EVANS [former friend/object of affection]. Passing her by chance on the street one day, he extended a rare hand of friendship. A Muggle-born witch, Lily had no knowledge of abilities she possessed, let alone anything of the Wizarding world and Severus was more than happy to fill her in. Normally one to stick to his own devices, the wizard enjoyed the complete awe on Lily’s face as he spoke of magical creatures, wizarding shops, and most importantly Hogwarts. They became inseparable, spending many afternoons sitting by the lake near Lily’s home exchanging stories. Soon enough when September 1st rolled around, they were both boarding the scarlet train to school.

Quickly being sorted into Slytherin, he had to watch from his table as Lily anxiously made her way to Gryffindor, her new house and his rival. The jealousy that flowed through him as he watched her make new friends, unbeknownst to either of them those new friends would become his biggest enemies. The idea of spending their Hogwarts years together came crashing down but Severus distracted himself by befriending his roommates, JASPER AVERY [close friend] and LARKIN MULCIBER [close friend]. They formed a close knit trio, targeting those they deemed less worthy of magic with pranks. Having a rather silent childhood, Severus enjoyed his roommates' company in small doses, often finding his nose back in a book when they weren’t around. His loner attitude is what drew a target on his back to JAMES POTTER [adversary], SIRIUS BLACK [adversary], REMUS LUPIN [adversary], and PETER PETTIGREW [adversary]. Known as the Marauders, they were famous amongst all the students. And Severus could only sit back and watch as even Lily wasn’t completely immune to their charms. Severus could feel his position in her life fading away the closer she got to the Gryffindor boys.

What had started as a curious eye following the boys whenever they approached Lily at the Gryffindor table, it quickly grew to an obsession. James, the Marauders ringleader, was the first one to show signs of dislike towards Severus and his little gang of brothers quickly followed. Words would be exchanged and more often than not spells would follow. Severus truly despised James; he was arrogant and egocentric and Severus had no idea how someone like that could capture Lily’s affections so quickly. Years had put a heavy strain on his friendship with Lily, although they both tried to keep it alive but the differences in friend groups grew too strong. In his spare time, the Slytherin found himself trailing the boys, determined to prove they were hiding something. Never in his wildest of dreams did Severus ever think he’d owe a life debt to Potter. A horrible prank orchestrated by Black to invite Severus along turned into the Slytherin coming face to face with Lupin during his werewolf transformation, a stag being the creature to rescue him from his classmate during the full moon. It wasn’t until meeting with PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE [former headmaster] that he discovered the stag had been Potter in his animagus form.

The result of the disastrous prank had the wizard keeping his distance from all the Gryffindors, pushing himself into his classwork, excelling in DADA and Potions specifically. Though spell invention was something that came as a surprise to him. The Levicorpus spell had quickly become popular, and not knowing Severus was the creator of the charm, James used it to humiliate him in front of Lily and his friends. That was the day the last thread of their friendship fell apart, not taking into consideration the crowd that had gathered the Slytherin had uttered the horrid word ‘mudblood’ as Lily attempted to defend and help him. Things happened too quickly and the only thing he could remember was watching Lily turn her back on him forever. After that Severus fell further into the crowd of Slytherins, welcoming the invitation from Larkin’s older brother to meet with a wizard known by the name, THE DARK LORD [leader] after graduation. Fueled by how things ended in his last years of Hogwarts with the Marauders and Lily, the Half-Blood wizard signed himself up for the cause. 

Having secured a job at Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary in Knockturn Alley, Severus had found himself unsure of the cause until he was thrust into the spotlight. His first significant mission had him teaming up with his fellow Death Eaters LUCIUS MALFOY [acquaintance] and REGULUS BLACK [acquaintance] at the Yule Ball of 1983 that had ended in a disaster after they failed to kill the proper target. He was then sent to retrieve a prophecy that had previously failed to get in the Dark Lord’s grasp, from the Fountain of Fair Fortune with Regulus and ALEXANDRA ROSIER [acquaintance]. Thankfully that mission had turned around in their favor and he had been branded with the Dark Mark as a reward. Having been instructed by the Dark Lord to lay low after the Summer Solstice ball, Severus has been busying himself with his work. The potion making is tedious but it has kept his mind occupied to think on the decisions that have led him to 1986. He felt he had been making the right decision in joining these dark crusades at the time but now things have mellowed, Severus was giving more time to think about things and what having this tattoo etched into his arm will mean for his future.

— he is a LEVEL 7 WIZARD & readied for war ;

[anewnewcrest]

From Lily Miller's Diary

Having Baker here in Newcrest is lovely beyond belief! I'm so happy, I'm so in love with him (though we have not said that yet, so as not to give too many pieces of our hearts away), it's so much fun taking him around to all of my favorite spots, hearing his stories about his childhood, and rediscovering the neighborhood together. My whole family is involved in chaperoning us so we don't repeat the long frontal hug we had when we saw each other after our long separation, and my dad especially is watching us like a hawk!

I've thought about it and I've prayed about it, and while I love my family here in Newcrest very much, it's a woman's Watcher-given duty to get married and (hopefully) have children. I always knew that I wouldn't be living with mom and dad forever, that I'd get married and leave and cleave, and it seems that that time has come now, much sooner than I anticipated. And surprisingly, I am at peace - of course I'll miss them very much, but in Strangerville, I'll have Daisy and her family, and of course, Baker's family, and that will be enough. That there won't be a little sibling at every corner making sure we don't kiss is just an additional bonus!

From Baker Graham's Prayer Journal

Being here in Newcrest with Lily is such a joy. Her family has been so welcoming to me, her brothers all excited to hear about the military, her mother so happy that Lily has finally found a young gentleman to court, even her father asking me to lead the family prayer before meals, and approving heartily of me thanking the Watcher for this meal and my good fortune in finding such a wonderful woman in Lily. Still, it was a shock to see the Millers' house. Everything so much smaller than I remembered, the childrens' beds crammed into the living room, four of them sleeping in the master bedroom with their parents... I didn't realize how Lily grew up, and now I know, and I want to do better by her with a fierce passion. Lily deserves to have a real provider at home, and I'm now more determined than ever to pursue a career as an officer so she'll never lack in anything.

Exploring the neighborhood where I grew up is exciting, but it also brought up painful memories of my mother. The Millers live just across the road from where we used to live, and every place I see seems to hold some significance, the park we used to go to, the old bowling alley that's now closed, the café she loved, the pirate ship where she had so much fun playing the sea monster for Chelsea and Riker. Lily's presence was such a blessing when facing those bad memories, she has such a kind and generous spirit and heard me out instead of thinking less of me as a man because I allowed my grief to show. I am now, more than ever, convinced that she is the one the Watcher wants me to marry, and I do so hope that she'll say "Yes!"

[books-and-catears]

Old Flames and New Faces (Part 6)

Tagging as requested: @greenlit-mess @satans-favorit3 @beelsmeal @candymeowz @wafermelons @tanspostsblog @abyssmal-skies @oriaedvige03 @percythebitchwitch @obeythebutler @mammonie @rosesthornss @mimik248 @mothervictoire @lxlxpt1 @ryokuu

<- Chap 5 || Chap 7 ->

TW: Murder, Violence, Harsh language

"Don't blame me for betraying you. Blame yourself for being stupid enough to fall for it."

How long has it been since you've had this nightmare? Why are you only remembering this now?

Belphie loomed over you with his venomous hands wrapped around your throat. Pushing down roughly till you felt spit spurt out of your mouth.

You didn't even defend yourself. Your mouth opened in a silent scream, but no sound came out. Noone to call. Noone to listen. Only six more pairs of eyes watching your last moments.

This is not how you wanted to die is it? You didn't ask for any of it? You were only trying to help. You didn't deserve it. You knew that, didn't you?

Your eyes darted around looking for someone, anyone to give you one final moment of peace. But there were none.

Your life lead upto this. To die in the land of demons, unloved, alone. The friends you made were in vain, the lights, the laughter - all a lie to lure you to the saddest death ever known.

You thought it's over. You thought atleast you'd find peace. To sleep soundly with noone else to hurt you. But they woke you up again.

You open your eyes only to see yourself die and fade away. Again. As if the memory wasn't already seared into your head. And then suddenly you're being pulled into everyone's arms. And being called a name that wasn't yours.

"Lilith...it's you.."

"Lilith! Is this why we've been so drawn to you?"

"Lilith you lived! We're so happy!"

"Lilith...I'm so sorry Lilith..."

"Ah! Stop it...stop it!" You forcefully wake yourself and sit up in bed. The moon was too bright tonight.

You rub your aching eyes and try to lay back down. You look around to see you're safely tucked inside your bed.

It's okay. It was just the nightmare again.

You bunch up the blankets and try to hold it for comfort. You could really use a hug right about now. Simeon wouldn't mind if you woke him but you didn't want to.

"Hey MC." Lily called from the window.

"Ah! Lily...it's you...come in" You gasped and opened up so she could get in.

"You look like you've seen a ghost." She said teasingly, poking your arm. "Wait... you've gone cold. Seriously what's wrong?"

"Nothing just nightmares. Bad memories. Glimpses of them. It's okay I'm okay." You sound like you're trying to reassure yourself more than her.

Then she wordlessly wraps her arms around you, engulfing you in a hug. She was just a little taller than you but she hugged like a younger sister clinging to their older sibling.

She mumbled into your hair. You didn't quite hear her. "I'm sorry what was that?"

"I said you'll sleep better if I hugged you." She smiled and lay down in your bed. "Come on in. You need a cuddle."

"I guess I do." You climb in with her. "Excited for the trip tomorrow?"

She giggled, "Only because you all are coming along." You turned to look at her sharply.

"What? Me? Lily I can't...they don't want to see me, I don't want to see them. Things are shaky right now."

She shook her head. "I'm not going without you. I'll be there, I won't let them be mean to you. Besides you see what a mess most of them are without you."

You remembered the whole drunken incident from two nights ago and sighed. "I'll join you guys later then. It's a long way there and I can't survive a whole journey with them in an enclosed space."

Lily pouted at first but then agreed. After you both had a fallen asleep, a little figure scuttled in the dark.

"Simeon... Simeon.. " Luke urgently called for him to wake up. Simeon took barely a few seconds to register.

"What's wrong Luke? Is MC okay? Did something happen?" He questioned even as he walked upto your room.

On the bed he saw you sleeping peacefully cocooned in someone's arms. Did Solomon decide to sleep with you.

He went closer only to gasp and fall back. It was Lily. Dainty little wings protruding from her back covering you up like a blanket. She was fast asleep just like you.

"I can't believe it... she's alive...after all this time..." Simeon talked in whispers as Luke tried to get him away just in case the strange angel in your bed woke up.

"Who is it? Who is that Simeon?!" Luke asked over and over. "Are they dangerous?"

Simeon narrowed his eyes at him, "Why would you think an angel was dangerous Luke?"

"I heard them talking. She was hugging MC when she suddenly said 'They will pay for how they hurt you.'" Luke questioned. "Did someone hurt MC?"

"That's Lilim." Simeon said in a whisper. "She fought in the war alongside the brothers. She was Lilith's best friend, very protective of her till the end. We thought she died in the war...but I guess not." Simeon answered first.

"And if what you heard is right, Luke, then the brothers are in grave danger and we-"

"Well well well, look who found me out." Lily's voice made them both jump back. She closed the door to your room behind her.

"Hush now. We don't want to wake MC do we?" She said, "Also you forgot to mention the most of important part. I'm the Godmother of Lilith's children. MC is the last of her bloodline and I'm here to save her."

[thepinkproof]

The Operator

Synopsis: there is nothing normal about Greenwood University. however, the school is your only option. it is even more fearful when the person everyone told you to stay away from, Jungkook , is the one who won’t leave you alone.

parings: yandere! inhuman jungkook x reader/ overprotective sibling taehyung x reader

warnings: yandere behavior, mentions of pregnancy

word count: 3.8k

NEW: TAGLIST, ask to be added @mwitsmejk @jeonzll @silversparkles11 @douknowbts

series masterlist

chapter 11: just the beginning

Jimin sat at the private area of the beach admiring the calmness of the waves. The sand molded into his legs and he sat with his eyes closed. He was at peace when he was here.

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard feet rumble into the sand.

"Long time no see brother." His younger sibling said as he approached him. He sat down beside him looking at the water.

Jimin looked at his face. "You really grown Jungkook."

"And you're still the same height Jimin." He retorted earning a laugh from the older boy.

"How did you find this planet?" Jungkook asked finally ignoring the waves.

"I was trying to find you. After father sent you off I had to go after you. I looked for you for years Jungkook." Jimin explained.

"I didn't know you cared for me that much."

"Of course I do, you're my brother. I always will love you. What our parents did to you was wrong."

Jungkook smiled before hugging Jimin. "I miss you hyung." Jimin embraced him as they hugged for what seems like minutes.

"You've seen to be busy on this planet?" Jungkook observed.

"Yeah, my spaceship crashed I figured I was stuck on the planet so I started a business."

"You've been taking care of my love?" Jungkook asked. Jimin stared at him thinking he might assumed something was between him and Storm but instead he smiled "Thank you."

"Storm's a great girl. She reminds me much of you when we grew up together." Jimin told him.

"I've never been so in love, hyung. She's all I ever think about. Sometimes, when I see the good in people I become jealous. Good people get to live a life surrounded by other good people and great opportunities. How come when I was good person everyone wronged me? When I met Storm I tried to look at her darkest desire, you know what it was?" Jungkook hypothetically asked Jimin.

"It was to be truly loved.Firstly, I thought how is that a dark desire? Then, I thought of the lengths I would go to be truly loved."

"I understand, I'm still looking for my person. I'm just glad you're happy Jungkook. The two of you deserve each other."

Jungkook nodded as the boys sat in silence admiring the beach.

"Do you ever think about home?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook chuckled. "Bangtan? Nah, too many bad memories. I do miss how powerful I was on Ringstar though. I think I just want to stay here on Earth with Storm, get married, have kids and grown old together." He fantasized.

"You can't grow old, you're immortal." Jimin argued.

"I'll find a way."

"What if I told you you didnt need to?" Jimin asked.

"What do you mean?" Jungkook replied looking at him intently.

"Lillian Cho, or as we know her as Lily. Did you know she died on this Earth?"

"Lillian Cho was Lily from our planet? Isn't that Storm's biological mom." Jungkook asked. Jimin didn't answer he just let him ponder.

"I was involved in her death." Jungkook admitted earning Jimin's shock. "B-But she was already dead when I saw her, she looked completely different. I-I didn't even realize it was her, I just thought it was Storm's human mom. But if that was really Lily from Ringstar that means Storm isn't completely human."

"But that's not the best part. Lily came on this planet to look for you under Queen Shay's order, meaning she had to have a spaceship back." Jimin smirked.

—————-

"Oh look who finally decided to show up to school." Sofía teased as Storm sat at their study table.

She has finally returned to school. Jimin didn't care if she went to school anymore. She was surprised at his change of heart. He was being extra nice to her lately.

"I have so much makeup work." Storm complained.

"Don't worry, I took notes for you." Hobi assured her, handing her papers.

"Thank you, you're a lifesaver Hobi." Storm praised. "Where's Ford?" Storm asked.

"He has a huge football game tonight. He's practicing right now." Sofía explained. Storm noticed she look nervous just speaking of the game. It must be important.

"I'm so glad we can go to the football game now. The Aboms been calmer lately. Usually they show off at football games." Hobi said excitingly.

"They probably scared after Jungkook killed those Aboms who beat me up." Storm casually concluded while looking at the notes.

Hobi and Sofía gasped. "It's about time you figured out what was going around here!" Sofia exclaimed.

"I mean I had my theories he was running things, but I didn't know he was that lethal, none of you guys told me." Storm admitted.

"We didn't want to scare you. Plus, we gave you so many hints. I'm just glad you know now, he obviously got a fixation on you. Beware!" Hobi warned.

It felt like everyone knew Jungkook was running this school, killing people but her.

"Why are you guys at this school then? Like I knew it was weird crimes going on at this school but I didn't know everyone knew who it was. Wouldn't it be easier to switch schools?"

"Storm, Pukkas are safe here. We're just here for a degree and minding our own business." Sofía explained.

Safe? Storm didnt feel safe at all. Jungkook interest in her made her excited and scared. She was scared not of him, but what would happen to her if she fell for him.

Why did Taehyung never tell her? Technically he did throw many hints. But she haven't seen him in days.

"I don't think I'm safe guys. I think Jungkook has some crush on me." Storm told the two of them.

"I hate to tell you but you're the safest girl at this college." Hobi chuckled.

——-

Taehyung and Rosé sat outside in a car outside a house. He was nervous as he stared at the modest home for minutes.

“Come on Taehyung!” Rosé complained.

“This feels wrong, meeting Storm’s dad before she does.”

“I know you’re not speakimg of morals Taehyung, you killed like so many people.” Rosé retorted.

“What are we suppose to say? Hi I am wondering if you have a spaceship?” He said.

“I mean yeah.”

“What if he didn’t know Lily was an alien? He would think were crazy asking about a spaceship.” Taehyung opposed.

“You’re already crazy Taehyung.” Rosé said before opening the car door. She hopped out the car putting on her sunglasses.

Taehyung sighed getting out of the car following her.

They approached the door and Rosé harshly knocked on it earning a disapproving look from Taehyung.

They paused waiting for an answer. Hearing footsteps they immediately prepared.

A man answered door. He was average height with similar features of Storm. He wore what looked like company clothes.

“Can I help you?” He asked.

“Um, yeah, we wanted to talk to you about a lady named Lillian Cho.” Taehyung stated. The man blankly stared at both of them before slamming the door in their face.

“Damn.”

“I told you, you should’ve just let me talk.” Rosé argued before knocking on the door this time with an even harsher force.

The man answered the door again. “Can you go away!”

“Sir, i’m sorry to bother you. I am close with your daughter, I would love to tell you more about her if you’re willing to talk to me about a few things.” Rosé sweetly proposed. The man eyes soften at the mention of his daughter. He sighed before opening the door and letting them in. Inside his house was a bunch of moving boxes that blocked the hallways.

“Thank you sir for letting us in. I’m Park Rosé and this is my friend Kim Taehyung. I am a biological cousin to your daughter and Lillian Cho and Taehyung here has been a brother to her throughout her childhood.” Rosé explained. The man nodded and sat down waiting for the two of them to do the same.

“I’m Isaiah, how is my baby girl Nari doing?” He asked.

“You would know if you tried to participate in her life.” Taehyung mumbled.

Rosé panickingly looked at him “Taeh-“

Storm’s dad got up from his chair anger written all on his face.

“And what would you know young man? You think I didn’t try? Do you have any idea how hard it is to make a living as a single black father when your wife left you and your baby alone?” Isaiah screamed at him. Taehyung spoke no words but sympathy was showed in his eyes.

“I’m sorry sir for his behavior. I can tell you more about Nari if you tell me about Lillian.” Rosé suggested.

Isaiah took a deep breath before sitting down again. “What do you want to know?” He asked.

“How did you meet her?”

“When I was 19 I immigrated here to America leaving my parents and country behind. My parents never accepted my career and cut me off from the family. I was going to a college so I was broke financially.

I would stay in the camp grounds in a old car, it’s how I basically survived. One day this woman in an RV arrived. She was very beautiful but she looked tired and in a rush. She didn’t look down at me like everyone else, instead she smiled at me and we ended up conversing. One thing led to another and we-“

“Okay, I think we get that part.” Taehyung informed.

“Alright, after we um had fun. The next day she was gone and I continued going to college. I always thought of her but communication was limited back then. We didn’t have the Snapbooks and Twitterlings like you kids do.

5 months later I get a knock on my car window at the camp grounds. The RV was there again and there Lillian was. Pregnant and crying. Immediately when I saw the baby bump I figured it was mine. She kept crying saying she can’t be pregnant with my baby and that it has never happened before to her kind. I had no idea what she meant by that, I just assumed she never slept with a black man before.

Lillian and I we fell in love, she stayed with me throughout her pregnancy. I was working a part time job and doing college to provide for my future family. I was happy with Lily but she always wanted to move, it was like she had other priorities. She would sneak out at times, I trusted her so I never questioned her about it.

When Nari was about to be born she insisted that we did not go to the hospital. She wanted to have the baby in her RV. I was against that but I knew it was probably for the best. Having a baby at a hospital cost thousands of dollars.

When she was in labor her eyes kept turning this bright pink color. I’m no doctor but that was not normal. When she pushed the baby out she did it easily, like it was nothing. She named the baby Nari which is Korean for Lily just like her name. The baby was crying for hours, that’s when I knew something was off.

Lily kept saying “the baby’s ears are sensitive and need to adjust.” Thats when I demanded answers for everything, the disappearing, the pink eyes, the weird swords she had in her rv. Since you are her cousin I assumed you know what her secret was.” He said looking at Rosé.

“Yes, I am like her.” She said showing her pink eyes.

“Yeah, she told me her only family was on the planet Ringstar. Her mission was to go on Earth and find a boy but she could never find him. The craziest part is that woman was like 300 years old and looked 20. Anyways, she was really worried about Nari, she was the first half human and half alien. Besides having really good eyesight and hearing and being a fast learner, she was pretty much human. When Nari was two years old is when I woke up and Lily was gone.

She left a letter saying that she will be back soon and that she think she found a lead on the boy she was looking for. I was devastated. I had to quit college to raise Nari. I had no family to help me and a college debt. When I went to work I left her in the car with my windows down and checked up on her every hour. That’s how bad it was. I got caught for child negligence and they took her to a foster home. I kept working and working to have a stable income for I can have my child back. When I tried she was already adopted and they denied me since I didn’t have visa then. Lily never came back and I fell into a deep depression.”

When Isaiah spoke tears ran through his face. Taehyung finally understood the man. He didn’t choose to leave his family. Rosé also had a sad look on her face. Why would her Aunt leave Storm to find Jungkook? Even if it was her mission did she not care about her child? Rosé came all the way to this Earth to look for her aunt, yet her aunt left her own child?

“I’m so sorry. Nari would love to get to know you. She goes by Storm now. She is studying at Greenwood University trying to get a degree in Therapy. She also look just like you, look at this picture.” Taehyung said showing him a picture of the girl.

“Wow, she’s beautiful.” Isaiah cried. “Thank you for taking care of her young man.” He said giving Taehyung a tight hug.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have to ask. Did Lily have a spaceship stored somewhere?”

Isiah broke from the hug. He looked at Rosé confusedly. “Yeah, when she left she left me an address to a storage room where she kept it and told me to look after it for her. B-But some man called me today and offered me 10 million dollars for it. I sold it to him since Lillian is dead. That’s why these boxes are here, I finally have the money to move out this house.”

Rosé and Taehyung looked at each other in fright.

Its only one man they knew who would buy it.

———————

Storm, Hobi and Sofía waited in the snack line of the highly awaited football game. The stadium was packed but they were blessed to know the star player to get good seats.

Storm’s hair was tied in green and purple ribbons to represent the team. Sofía was wearing her boyfriend’s jersey, and Hobi was wearing a team tee.

“Do you two really need to get snacks?” Sofía complained.

“Yes! I’m not watching a two hour football game without snacks.” Hobi defended.

“Awww, you look so nervous for your man, Sofía.” Storm teased.

“Yes! This is super big he could get into the NFL! It’s his biggest dream.” Sofía reminded.

“You look more nervous then he did today.” Hobi observed.

After they got their food they made their way towards their seats. However, Storm was annoyed. She’s been getting this feeling for weeks. At first she ignored it, but now enough was enough.

“I’ll be right back guys.” She said leaving the group. She walked outside the stadium where she knew nobody was before stopping.

She turned around and cross her arms.

“Come out already, you’re not fooling anyone!” She yelled. The air was filled with silence.

“Fine, have it your way.” She said walking towards a car and pulling out two legs. The boy screeched.

“Lance! Why have you been following me?” Storm interrogated.

“Following you?” He chuckled. “No, I’m just checking the oil in my car.”

“This is not your car. It literally has a “Soccer mom 4 life” sticker and you check the gas using the hood, not underneath it.” She sassed.

“Fine. I was following you.”

“It’s obvious I can hear your loud breathing all the time.”

“How can you hear my breathing? I kept my distance.” Lance questioned.

“That’s not important, did Jungkook tell you to stalk me or are you auditioning to be the next Joe Goldberg?”

“Me? As Joe Goldberg? Being Obsessed with you? Sweetie, you’re worried about the wrong J.”

“Whatever, stop following me!” She scoffed before walking back to the stadium.

————-

Jungkook and Taehyung sat down at the bleachers enjoying the football game. They were both quiet, only focused on the field.

He decided to break the silence. “What were you doing today Taehyung?” He asked.

“Huh! What? Nothing!” Taehyung nervously ranted.

Jungkook suspiciously looked at him. “Do you need me to get you a drink or something? Henny? Rosé? Beer?”

“No! I hate Rosé!! Why would you ask that?”

“You’re so weird hyung.” Jungkook said disgustingly looking at him.

“Says the one whose to busy looking at my sister to know what quarter of the football game were in.” Taehyung bantered.

“What can I say? She’s cute.”

“If you say so.” Taehyung groaned still not liking the idea of Jungkook being with his sister.

“Why don’t you get her to come over here? I’m tired of staring at the back of her head.” Jungkook complained.

“Why do I have to get her to come over? Aren’t you guys lovers or something.” He argued.

“Well, love is difficult. Just do as I say.” The younger boy said in a warning tone.

Taehyung rolled his eyes before throwing a empty beer can at her head.

The girl turned around and glared at Taehyung before throwing up a middle finger at him.

“Why did you do that? You could’ve hurt her.” Jungkook scolded punching Taehyung’s arm.

“It was empty! Now she will come over here just to get me back. Watch.”

They observed as Storm got up from her seat and made her way towards Taehyung.

She lightly slapped him on the face. “Why you throw that can at me idiot?!”

“Because your gigantic head was in the way.” He jokingly bantered. She rolled her eyes and embraced him in a long hug. When she released him she finally noticed Jungkook was beside him. He looked up and down at her with a confident smirk.

Taehyung looked at Jungkook staring. “Stop! You’re creeping her out.”

“I was already creeped out when his weasel Lance was following me around school all week.” Storm confessed.

Taehyung looked around the stadium for Lance. He thought he told Lance to stop.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about babe.” He lied.

“Sure you don’t.” She sarcastically replied.

“If I would’ve known you was attending I would’ve made this a second date.”

Jungkook could hear her heart rate speed up at the compliment as he smiled to himself with praise. She still liked him.

“If I would’ve known you were attending I would’ve made sure not to come.” She sassed earning an “oooo” from Taehyung.

“Why you saying “ooooo” Taehyung? You see fireworks outside or something?” He sarcastically remarked.

Storm sat down at the empty seat beside Taehyung. “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in days!” She asked.

“Oh I just went on a road trip to a nearby city to treat myself.” He lied earning a look from Jungkook. He also wondered where Taehyung was.

“And you didn’t invite me?” She asked.

“I don’t want to hear your annoying carpool karaoke.”

“Whatever! Your loss.”

“Ford is playing good but I don’t know if it’s enough to save the team. I don’t think Greenwood is going to win.” Taehyung observed.

“If they do win you owe me road trip out!” She challenged.

“If you’re really so confident how about if they loose you owe me another date?” Jungkook dared looking over to her.

“Didn’t I tell you to leave me alone!” She said raising her voice.

“If that was the case why did you sit over here?” He asked. Storm blushed in embarrassment not saying a word.

——————

Sofía sat behind the bleachers deep in thought. Tears fell down her eyes onto her jersey. Her shaking hands were buried to her face as she let out sobs.

Storm slowly approached her distressed figure. “Sofía why are you so sad? Greenwood won.” She informed her.

“I know, that’s why I’m sad. Is it bad that I hoped that he lost? I hoped that he was terrible out there.” She sobbed.

“Why?” Storm asked taking a seat beside her on the grass.

“They are drafting him to the NFL next year. There’s no nearby teams in this state. He’s going to move away and leave me. I can’t just switch colleges. We’ve been together two years and still no ring, no talks of me being with him in the future.” She ranted.

“Well what do you want?”

“I want him but I also care about my career also. I don���t know if I want to stop my education to follow him. I don’t know I’m so confused. He’s my home.”

“Home is something you can always go back to. You should talk to him and find a plan where you can both get what you want.” She advised.

Sofía nodded embracing her in a hug. She cryingly let out a laugh. “You know, you should take your own advice too.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Sitting near Jungkook half the game. It’s obvious you like him. For someone who don’t feel safe you sure like to be close to the danger.” Sofía giggled.

“I honestly don’t know. I know he’s bad news but I’m also kind of attracted to him. Lord, what am I saying!” She sighed.

“It’s ok, you can’t help who you’re attracted to. I had a crush on the Joker, Jack Harlow and even Nate Jacobs.”

“I could see Jacob Elordi but Nate Jacobs, really?” Storm judged.

————

Storm waited on the curb for her Uber driver to arrive. She patiently tapped her feet staring at the street.

She looked to her right as she saw Jungkook approaching her one last time today.

“Why are you here? Don’t you know Greenwood won? You’re not getting your little date.”

He chuckled. “I was just trying to be polite. I don’t need to ask for anything. I take what I want. You should know, you heard the stories from Jimin right?” He retorted.

She looked at him confused. “You know how teachers ask you to yell that you’re present in class even though you’re sitting right in front of their faces. I’ve been asking you on dates this whole time even though I know you’re already mine.”

He could hear her heartbeat rise, this time not of nervousness from his flirts but from fear.

“I-This have gone too far. You’re crazy. I’m begging you please find a hobby.”

“Too far?” He laughed. “This is just the beginning my love.”

He gently placed a kiss on her head before walking away. “Goodnight Storm, get home safe.”

chapter 012

[dreamrecorder]

Family in the Inn

Wherein Verr adopts Xiao and how he got you as a sibling.

The idea was from here ksks---- also this is quite long | Part hc part trad, Im not even sure anymore hahaha it’s just- siblings are a wholesome concept and there are so much things to add i dont know what to do haha Enjoy~

After a night full of battles against the demons lurking Liyue, Xiao struggled to keep the corruption in him at bay. He was losing his mind in pain as the screams continue to persist both in volume and their harsh words. He needed to get away from here. From the bodies that was slain by his very hands. He wanted to go away to somewhere safe.

It was an unconscious thought- out of nowhere, Xiao just teleported himself into whatever place he thought was safe and crash landed into familiar wooden floorboards.

The crash was loud- enough for visitors of the inn to rouse awake. Luckily, Verr and Huai'an were quick to reassure them that they are safe.

Verr Goldet was first to arrive in their balcony and what she saw tore her heart.

As if a mother to a child, she quickly rushed to the adeptus whose body writhed to himself while shaking violently. Verr didn't care about the malicious energy emanating from Xiao- she just went to his side and cradled what she can of him.

Normally, Xiao would instantly get away from any form of touch, but he was too weak and too tired- so he let her be.

Verr began singing lullabies as she wiped his tears away, hoping to ease his pain even just for tonight.

The lullabies- they were soothing. Moments passed, his shaking lessened along with the dark mist covering his body. Xiao merely focused on Verr's lullabies- clinging to the innocent words the lullabies carry as if hoping that they would take all his pain away.

And they really did- the way the she cradled him was very reminiscent of how a mother cradled a child. She didn't care if her clothes were now damp from his tears. She kept singing until finally, Xiao finally slept with a genuine peace gracing his face.

And that is how Xiao finds himself seeing Verr as a mother and how Verr finds Xiao as a son. Always know that this inn will be your home with someone who cares for you.

~~~

The following day came and Xiao finds himself in his room, waking up to the sunlight filtering from the window. By the bedside, the innkeeper sleeps with arms crossed. As if waiting for him to wake up. Even if he sees Verr now in a new light, Xiao still decides that he does not want to be seen for now. But before leaving, he mutters a sincere thank you.

When they cross paths in the inn, there was no closure whatsoever about what happened to him that night. But before he leaves to protect Liyue again, Verr called him. "Xiao,"

The adeptus stopped in his tracks and faced her.

"Stay safe. If you get hurt don't hesitate to come home alright?"

Ah. The words of a mother to a child. But Xiao is no child and not certainly a child to a mortal- but still, Xiao finds him saying, "I'll be back."

This simple pattern went on for years. While they never called each other 'mother' or 'son' verbally, the relationship is there. Whenever Xiao leaves, Verr always reminds him to take care. And when he comes back, she never fails to greet him, "Welcome home!"

Xiao felt loved.

As small thanks, there are times Xiao would help in the inn aside from protecting his home from monsters and hoarders.

Like- helping Huai'an with heavy crates of materials and teaching Yanxiao Sweet Dreams (the inn got a boost from his recipe). He'll help as long as it doesn't involve interacting with other mortals aside from the inn staff.

Then the time came when Verr announced she was pregnant.

Xiao's initial reaction... was to leave. He didn't want the baby near him- no, scratch that. He didn't want to be near the baby or else it would catch his karmic energy if ever he loses control. The baby deserved a life free from any danger- free from him.

And Verr was having none of that!!!

She noticed the lessening appearances of the Yaksha within the inn ever since her announcement, so he waited for her son at the balcony.

"The evening cold will not do you well and the baby." He said as he materialized a few feet away from her.

Verr noticed his walls up again and her mother instincts told her that something's up. So with careful prying, she finally learned his reasons of him staying away. But with a gentle smile, she reassured him that he can never do wrong or harm to the baby

Carefully, she let out a small joke, "Who knows, I bet the baby will be even safer having a brother like you."

Oh how she doesn't know how her joke struck a chord in Xiao's heart. The adeptus vowed to protect you at all cost.

Throughout his mother's pregnancy, Xiao became very protective of her. And that also means being careful of himself whenever he fights in order to avoid his karma leaking out. There was this one time even, Verr convinced Xiao for him to hold her swollen belly and feel the baby. The moment he felt that small kick! His heart burst feelings he didn't think he would ever feel! Pure joy and love for another.

The day came when you finally entered the world with strong fits of cries- as if demanding to be brought back to the darkness you were familiar with in your mother's womb!!!

Despite accepting the fact he now has a little sibling, he doesn't show up to greet you to the world. Perhaps he was still in denial? That all of this was just some dream that he's desperate mind conjured up? But still his heart beckoned him to go to you.

With swift and silent movements, Xiao entered the sleeping couple's bedroom and there he saw that small bundle of you. The way his heart welled up in pure happiness. The mere sight of you just confirms that all this is real and not a dream.

Awkward, but careful and determined, Xiao lifted your small form to his arms and against his chest.

The way you instantly cuddled into him with hand accidentally tugging his hair just sent Xiao into a pure moment of peace.

~~~

During your infant years, Xiao would always spend his time with you during the night by sneaking into the couple’s bedroom and just simply holding you close. Verr, having noticed his nightly visits to you, have even prepared your bottles of milk in case you were hungry during his visits.

The first time you cried while he was holding you, surprisingly, Xiao did not panic. He knew you were hungry and he silently thanked himself for observing mortal mothers back then. He simply took the bottle Verr had prepared and gave it to you as he began singing the very same lullaby his mother had sang to him. That’s how soft Xiao is for you.

Although there are other times when the inn was very bustling with business to the point of having Verr and her husband’s hands tied. These are the times Xiao will then just grab you from your mother’s hold with no word and take you to the balcony. With a prepared bottle in hand at that. Verr would always smile at Xiao’s retreating back.

Innocence, it’s such a pure thing honestly. While playing with you, you somehow grabbed his mask. Xiao was about to take it, in fear you would cry at its hideous look. But you never cried or whimpered. You simply toyed with it by putting it on your face or by playing its horns. Perhaps even hideous things can still have a chance at love?

Your first word came while Xiao was holding you with Verr close by preparing your baby meal and it was gēgē. You kept babbling that word over and over while tugging at his hair so happily and Xiao can only hold you closer as his body shook in silent, happy tears. Verr taught you that word *wink*.

Come toddler years and boy did Xiao’s worry for you intensifies. You were an explorer! The moment you learned how to crawl, you were going to places here and there! You almost gave your brother a heart attack </3!! Especially that time when you were crawling up the stairs on you own!!! Your exploring habits only intensified when you learned how to walk~ To tone down your exploring tendencies- Xiao would take you for small walks where your tiny, little legs can take you. It was a cute sight, the two of you walking hand in hand. You were so small~

Childhood arrived and you became a big bundle of energy. Since you’re not old enough to help with the inn, you often bothered your brother to play with you or walk with you outside. Of course Xiao will always agree with a smile.

Glaze lillies only bloom during the night yes? But oh how Xiao was proven wrong when you approached a wild lily and it instantly bloomed under the sun in your presence. The joy that shone your eyes was so prominent, it was infectious. Because of that glaze lily, that is how the two of you got into your favorite past time, story telling with your brother. 

Also, imagine that sweet moment when you showed him your missing tooth and you both laughed off how you look ridiculous without it. 

His stories were mostly vague, but they never fail to amaze you. Stories about flying cranes, about majestic stags, how Liyue was created by the Geo Archon. But never about the Yaksha, that was a truth for another time.

The time finally came when you were about to visit Liyue for the first time. It was for a physical check-up with Dr. Baizhu, Verr said. Normally, you and your mother should have left the inn a day ago because of the distance but Xiao insisted that he teleport the three of you to Liyue. That was the first time you disagreed with your brother. “But I want to see the roads and places going there!” Ah, an adventurer at heart.

Xiao crouched down to your level and ruffled your hair saying, “Sure, we can take the carriages on the way home. That way you can see the beauty of Liyue.”

But there was another thing that grabbed your interest. “But, gege, teleport? Are you like the adepti you tell me in your stories? Like they use their magic to go around places to keep us safe?” Then a fantastical idea popped in your head as you eyes shone bright! “Gege, are you an adeptus?!”

Xiao inwardly panicked and he had no words for your excited question. He didn’t expect to have you discover the truth so soon. But lying can bring him nowhere. He took a small glance at his mother, who was smiling at him encouragingly. 

“Yes. I am one, but I will tell you more when you become older okay?” The first statement made you explode excitedly then the second statement made you pout. All in a milisecond. But at the back of your head, you listed this moment to your ‘adult stuff I want to know in the future.’

“Someday, I wanna be a cool adeptus like you!” You exclaimed proudly and Xiao smiled at your aspirations, but prayed with desperation to the Archons to never make that happen ever.

But this does not stop him from showing you his anemo vision. And now, your playtime involved use of his anemo <3

Your energy was basically uncontained when you step foot in the harbor and Xiao’s eyes were only at you. Despite having familial relationships, he still detests humans to a degree, so he glares at anyone suspicious walking on your merry way.

When you arrived Yujeng Terrace after the check-up, everyone was so surprised at how glaze lillies simply bloom at your presence, especially Madame Ping. But she was even more surprised when she saw you running to someone she hasn’t seen for so long. Seeing Xiao lift you up with a smile made Madame Ping’s worries for him ease down. Coming into eye contact, Xiao simply offered her a small bow. You noticed and saw the old lady he was bowing to. You were a respectful child, so even if you had no idea who the lady was, you also gave a small, shy bow to her way.

Since this was a one-day visit, you took your sweet time exploring the harbor with your mother and brother tailing you. You often would point things out that grabbed your interest. Sometimes, you would stop at the sight of a stray cat just for you to crouch down and pet it. You even found a black cat with gold eyes and a white diamond spot on its forehead. You excitedly lifted it to your arms and showed your brother, “It looks just like you, gege!”

On the first half of the travel back home, you marveled at the nature surrounding you. You never left the window side of the carriage you road. And then the latter half came, you were snuffed out like a candle with cat cozy in your arms and you cozy in Xiao’s arms, who was also asleep. Verr had etched this moment into her memory forever. 

A/N: Might add another part? I dont know i am indecisive hahahaha If i do add some, prolly more about how you met Venti and Zhongli and your visit to your mother’s home land, Mondtsadt-- 

[xxblackballoonxx]

The Heart Underneath: Chapter 7

***This fic is being posted simultaneously on FanFiction.net and Ao3. I originally began it in 2016, and then life was life, and now I'm bringing it back because it deserves to be finished! I intended this story to be canon, but I cannot accept the events of the beginning of Season 4, so I'll write it with the ending that I intended. ***

Oh readers, I love young John and young Martha so much.

Chapter 6 Chapter 8

The Heart Underneath

Chapter 7: 13 and 14

John had been working at the grocer's for a couple of months, stocking shelves and running deliveries for the Averills.  Between their father being absent and their mother passing, the elder Shelby siblings had to come together to earn money.  Aunt Polly had moved in full time to run the house and take care of Finn, while they all insisted that Ada and Martha continue school.

John had been thrilled to finally get out of schoolwork, but worried about the girls.  He had arranged his hours so that he could walk them to school, and then depending on how his day went, he would often meet them after school.  Mrs. Averill still remembered a young John and Martha, eating candy outside her store, and she knew what it meant to John. To both of them.

It was a sunny fall day, John had finished his final delivery early, and headed over to the school. On days that John didn't meet them, Ada and Martha would go off with friends from the neighborhood, before returning home for supper.

While he missed the consistency of walking Martha (and less so, Ada) every afternoon, he loved the look of delight on her face when he was there to meet her, leaning against the gate to the schoolyard. How her friends subtly nudged her (which wasn't subtle at all), and she would say goodbye to them before walking ahead to meet John. He lived for it.

John got there just before school let out, taking up his usual spot by the gate, slouching against it. He had some penny candy in his pocket, purchased with a tip from a delivery, and planned to share it with Martha while walking as slowly as possible towards home. He knew all the long routes now.

The doors opened and kids came flying out, some running, some joining up with groups of friends, others sulking as they went straight home. John looked up and saw Martha coming towards him, the sun glinting off of her long blonde hair, a smile on her face as he caught her eye. Prettiest girl in Small Heath, he thought to himself, grinning.

"John! You're here."

"I am. Ada good?"

"Yes, she's going to Lily's house before supper, so it's just you and me."

John reached out and took her hand, and they started walking down the street, clearly not going home straight away. This had become their routine, finding time alone when and where they could. Sometimes just walking in comfortable silence, or John would listen to Martha chatter about school, or John would tell Martha about something funny that happened that day.

After a few blocks, John reached into his pocket and pulled out the candy.

"Got this for you." He said, leaning down a bit to watch her face.

"Oh, thank you!" Martha responded with genuine happiness, taking the bag from his hand and pulling out a piece.

She smiled up at him and handed him a second piece, which he popped in his mouth. It was all he needed, a sunny day laughing with his favorite girl.

Everyone in the neighborhood knew John and Martha belonged to each other, and as much as all the local boys found her beautiful, even they did not step over that line. The thing was, John knew at some point he would have to make it official with Martha. He had been secretly fretting over it for weeks.

The pair continued down a quieter street, Martha enjoying the feeling of her hand in John's, the feeling she got when he handed her the bag of candy. The way his eyes lit up when he saw her outside of school. They were the subject of a lot of chatter amongst the girls in her class. And the latest question had been: had John asked Martha to be his girl yet?

Martha was completely unbothered by it, she already knew what was to be. That her and John were soulmates, that they were meant to be together forever. She could sense that John didn't want to rush things, and she didn't either.

What none of her friends knew was that most nights she crept up to John's room and they slept in the same bed. She knew enough from hearing the older girls talk about what could happen in that scenario, and it really was just her and John sleeping in the same space. Closely. They never talked about what it would mean eventually, but they both had a vague sense of where those nights would go in the future.

John had dazed out for a moment while walking, biting the inside of his lip as he thought about his next move. He had been thinking on it for days and was terrified it would go wrong.

Towards the end of the street sat an empty house, making it probably the quietest place in Small Heath during daylight. They often sat on the stoop before making their way home. John slowed to a stop just before the front door, taking a deep breath and turning towards Martha. He was taller than her now, and looking down into her bright green eyes, he knew he was doing the right thing.

Martha looked up at him as John slowly reached out to touch her cheek softly, tucking stray hair behind her ear. She placed her hand on top of his, and they stood staring at each other for a moment, having one of their unspoken conversations. His right hand went up to the other side of her face, and he leaned down, touching his lips to hers.

In John's mind, time stopped right then, as a spark lit inside him. He wanted to be nowhere else, with anyone else, ever again. He knew this was more than just his first kiss, it was his first kiss with the girl he loved. He opened his eyes and pulled back slightly, looking at Martha to make sure she was ok. She smiled at him, slightly blushing, and then wrapped her arms around his middle, pulling him close to her. She had felt the same spark.

It could've been hours, standing there together. John slowly rocking back and forth, as he leaned his head on Martha's, taking in the feeling of her arms holding him. Martha kept her eyes closed, head against his chest, wanting to remember every ounce of the moment.

They finally both took a step back, and John rubbed the back of his neck. Action was one thing. Speaking was something else.

"Um, Mar ... you know, um, how I feel about you. You're my girl, right?" He said nervously, watching her face closely for a reaction.

"You know I am, Johnny. But now I can tell the girls at school you asked me, they'll love that." Martha responded, laughing, and kissing his cheek.

John grinned and grabbed her hand, taking off running back up the street, Martha's hair flowing behind her as she ran in step. He could still taste the sugar from the candy on her lips.

After an entire meal of watching John and Martha smiling at each other, Tommy bit back the urge to ask what had happened and waited for John to come to him.

A few months after Mrs. Shelby's death, when it became apparent to Tommy that Martha was still sneaking up to John's room most nights, he talked quietly to Polly about what to do. They both knew the late night visits were innocent for now, but there would come a point where they wouldn't be.

They had agreed that Tommy would handle talking to John, and Polly would talk to Martha, when they felt the time was right.  Tommy had kept it short and to the point, asking John to come to him if anything happened with Martha beyond hugging or holding hands.  Polly had kept to the facts with both Martha and Ada, never once mentioning she knew about the sleeping arrangements, but Martha had gotten the message.

Tommy sat in the parlor, waiting for a signal. Usually John would read to Finn before he went to sleep, and he could hear the stairs creaking now behind him. John gave Tommy a look, who in turn nodded and grabbed his jacket.

"Going out for a quick errand with John-boy, Pol, be back shortly."

The brothers walked in the dark for a moment, Tommy giving John space to speak first.

"I kissed Martha today, first time." John said looking over at Tommy.

"And how was it?" Tommy responded, smiling at the look on his little brother's face.

"It was ... incredible. It felt right.  And you said ... well, you said to come speak with you when things moved beyond holding hands and such."

"I'm happy for you, John. For both of you.  Just remember what we talked about, alright? I don't want you two to get into that kind of trouble. You're too young, Martha’s too young.  It'll change your life in a way you can't take back. When you're ready to do more than you are now, we'll talk again."

John nodded and listened to Tommy intently. He didn't want to ruin Martha's life or take away her plans for the future, and he didn't want that for himself either. He knew they were both still too young for things to go that far, but he felt better knowing just exactly how things worked between a man and a woman.

That night, as John lay in bed thinking over the day's events, he heard his door creak open.  Martha crept in the room, closed the door quietly, and laid down next to him. Like every night she did this, John pulled the blankets back up over both of them. Unlike every other night she'd done this, things had changed now. The charge between them was there.

Martha put a finger to his lips and then ran her hands through his hair softly.

"I know we have to be careful, John. When the time is right, we'll know it. For now, can we just be here together?" She whispered.

He pulled her closer, pressed his lips gently against hers, and then wrapped his arm around her.

"Me and you, always." He whispered back, as they both closed their eyes and waited for sleep.

[kindaeccentric]

When I was writing my university bachelor's degree thesis (that I'm still to defend) about Penny Dreadful as a modern adaptation of Frankenstein I noticed how the original novel's homoeroticism is realized by the series in an interesting way.

In the way he is presented, it seems to me that Victor secretly desires men, but thinks that only through creating a perfect one by himself he's allowed to touch other man's skin. His endeavour to pierce the veil between life and death is an excuse, since Victor from the series grew up lonely after the death of his mother and he searches for companionship, for someone who would love him unconditionally, like his mother used to. He believes he can find such love only in a person he creates himself, brings from the dead, and who would see him as his only friend, calm and obedient. Yet his first instinct is to make a man, not a woman, and a handsome man at that.

I can imagine both Rory Kinnear and Alex Price are not everybody's cup of tea (I do find them attractive, they are quite charismatic), but the way the original Creature and Proteus are shown makes them attractive. Proteus we see through Victor's eyes, when he is tending to his body before its even reanimated, when he sketches him (a sure sign of affection) and when he teaches him how to eat in a way that becomes seductive, because of how the camera lingers on his lips and then, in a closeup, on his fingers running down his long throat, immediately bringing to mind erotic imagery. Some may argue that Victor tries to emulate the relationship between his mother and himself taking the parental role and projecting onto Proteus the role of his childhood self, and as much as it is partially true, their relationship bears these marks of hidden desire on Victor's part from the start. The image at the end of the first episode when Proteus is born shows Victor trembling, teary-eyed, looking at the body, a torn and stitched back together, but human body, of a naked man. He's afraid, but not necessarily of the man, but of finally getting what he wanted, it's a fear resulting from excitement. Then the man is touching his face tenderly and Victor, still trembling, cannot stop himself from a little smile. Their faces are softly illuminated by the orange light of the gas lamp, creating an intimate atmosphere of a warm bedroom. Victor practically gasps hearing his own name smoken by Proteus. I doubt all of it was intentional in the way I read it, but it doesn't change the fact that the final scene can be easily interpreted this way.

Then the original Creature, with the violence surrounding his return, presents him as highly masculine, smart, powerful, a direct opposite to the delicate, clueless Proteus Victor could easily form into whatever he wanted. The Creature throughout the entire series is perceived as ugly by some and easily tolerated by others, making his ugliness purely subjective, since, despite his small deformities he remains strangely alluring with his gothic qualities (black long hair, black lips, white skin, yellow eyes, proportional features) of a dark brooding gentleman. With blood on his face he becomes vampire-like (vampires always a symbol of hidden desires and 'depraved' sexuality, the Creature and Victor becoming a mirror image of Vanessa and vampire Mina, both Creature's and Mina's monstrosity an indirect result of Victor's and Vanessa's desire towards having a same-sex companion). The Creature touches Victor's face, a callback to Proteus doing it, but the Creature is not gentle, he smears blood all over Victor's face (blood in vampire narratives was always a symbol for other bodily fluids, that's why it seems so sexy, it also gained another meaning in the 80s, due to the HIV epidemic, which no filmmaker can shake off if they tried, I could discuss it more with The Lost Boys, but no time for that right now).

The dynamic between Victor and the Creature is a reversal of Victor's budding relationship with Proteus, experience winning over innocence. Victor is under another man's rule, and it terrifies him, because it would force him into a position of having to admit his attraction, whereas as the one in control he could have still easily deny it. The Creature, with all his attributes, symbolizes carnal love, he's all 'body', where Proteus was virginal, pious love (to an extent). In one of the scenes where we see Proteus he looks up into the skylight at Victor's apartment and appears angelic, as if in a halo of white light.

It's revealed Victor never had a woman, and the series wants the viewer to believe it's because of his awkwardness and passion for science that consumed him, but his dedication to creating himself male companions instead of searching for a living female one is exactly what makes him seem more queer coded.

It's clear that the lack of paternal figure results in Victor quickly becoming close with older men he encounters (Sir Malcolm, Van Helsing), but it also puts him into a position where he's constantly surrounded by men, with whom he feels more at ease, and is intimidated by women. The rivalry between him and Ethan is that of siblings, until the moment when Ethan teaches him how to shoot a gun. It might be a stretch (it is a bit of a stretch, I admit), but a gun often, especially in horror, alongside a knife, represents manhood and masculine power. Victor allows Ethan to touch him and encourages him to show off with the gun, which is a scene all too familiar from many other movies where the role of Victor is reserved for a woman and the interaction is flirtatious (can't pull examples out of thin air, but if you saw over 1400 movies like me you know I'm not lying). All this adds to the general image of Victor.

The Creature and Victor, when they are on a walk, have a very revealing conversation in which the Creature points out how quick Victor was to grow attached to his more perfect man, and Victor doesn't deny it, he admits that he did in fact feel affection towards Proteus, although the meaning of it as the scorned past partner expressing jealousy over the love he didn't get while someone else did is largely subtext. When the Creature says that he's lonely, Victor answers 'I cannot love you' (paraphrase, because I can't find the exact quote right now) and the Creature, disillusioned, mocks him, 'I do not want what you cannot give' suggesting that Victor, by making himself a meek obedient man, is selfish, cruel, manipulating, and a coward, therefore could not have loved Proteus truly. Then again, Victor cannot bring himself to love his original Creature, because he's not the ideal man he envisioned and by then the Creature being too aware of his flaws of character. The Creature/Caliban/John Clare knows that Victor is 'monstrous', not just because he's someone who desecrates dead bodies, plays God and abandons his creation, but because of his queer desire. It's important that in the case of Penny Dreadful 'monstrosity' signifies many different things, literal (being a vampire werewolf, witch, and so on), metaphorical (bad deeds, like letting your son die a horrible death, cheating, killing etc.) and wholy subjective, merely condemned by ignorant society (Sembene's blackness, Brona's sex work, Lily's want to be equal or greater than men, Vanessa's want for sexual freedom, the Creature's ugliness, Angelique being transgender and other cases), so it's NOT that much of a stretch this time.

We also have the whole problem with Lily. Victor is so attached to Lily (who takes up both Elizabeth's and creature's bride parts in the novel) because he believes that only by possessing a good woman he'll be redeemed for his 'sinful' desires, but he's foolish to think that. This belief reduces a woman to a semi-maternal, semi-virginal angelic ideal with no sexual urges or agency, like virgin Mary. Lily is a true replacement for Victor's mother, and his imagined redemption. As long as she's similar to Proteus, in that she's not sexual, and pure like an angel. Yet Lily is not a woman in that sense. She is another of Victor's creatures, so she partially also takes over the role of the original Creature from the novel, a male. She's not an ideal of a Victorian obedient wife, she has power, or tries to have it, but power in the context of patriarchal society is masculine by nature. The moment she drops her pretenses of a weak delicate wife-like girl Victor does not want her like this. He doesn't want a woman that is sexually liberated, because he doesn't like women in this way, and yet, by being similar to the first Creature (from Victor's perspective, from hers John Clare is similar to Victor-a man, I could delve into Brona's sexuality, but later, this thing is already way longer than I intended) she's 'the man' he wanted.

There is also Henry. Henry Jekyll takes the role of his namesake in the novel, Henry Clerval, Victor's closest friend, and a character most often cited to have homoerotic tension with Victor. It's true that some of the eroticism might be accidental, stemming from the prevalence of homosocial interactions in 'Frankenstein' which in turn is a result of misogynistic nature of 19th century Genevian society and in-novel universe reflecting it, but like I mentioned before, it still feeds into the queer reading of the text and translates beautifully into Jekyll and Victor being both extremely misogynistic towards Lily and their mutual homoerotic tension. In the scenes where Henry purposes his plan to Victor he practically seductively purrs it into his ear, Lily becomes merely a female buffer that allows for that interaction, a female presence which is an excuse for male closeness (here I have a couple of examples actually: Dead Ringers, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Scream (in a roundabout way, through murder) and a couple others, but that deserves its own article). I won't even mention more references to the novel, because that's a lot already.

Penny Dreadful, although I believe largely unintentionally, expands on what is already there through the changes it introduces in relation to the novel's plot. I have nothing else smart to say, I just think it's worth considering.

*I use the word 'queer', because that's the umbrella term we use in academic writing for years now and even our lgbt+ group at university is called 'queer', so don't come at me with stupid takes