#harry is way to under rated for his own book series

[soupinaboot]

For the love of God, if you are writing a story or a movie or anything like that, please do NOT title it the name of the main character. Do you have any idea what it is like trying to find good content about them? It's fucking hard.

[contemplatingoutlander]

The House GOP is a circus. The chaos has one source.

Republicans spent two years sabotaging the U.S. House. Another two years would be ruinous.

Dana Milbank does a masterful job of describing just how dysfunctional the House GOP members have been in the past two years.

This is a gift🎁link for the entire article. Below are some highlights:

The Lord works in mysterious ways. Six weeks after his improbable rise from obscurity to speaker of the House in late 2023, Louisiana’s Mike Johnson decided to break bread with a group of Christian nationalists. [...] “I’ll tell you a secret, since media is not here,” Johnson teased the group, unaware that his hosts were streaming video of the event. Johnson informed his audience that God “had been speaking to me” about becoming speaker, communicating “very specifically,” in fact, waking him at night and giving him “plans and procedures.” [...] Today, Johnson’s run looks anything but heaven-sent. In the first 18 months of this Congress, only 70 laws were enacted. Calculations by political scientist Tobin Grant, who tracks congressional output over time, put this Congress on course to be the do-nothingest since 1859-1861 — when the Union was dissolving. But Johnson’s House isn’t merely unproductive; it is positively lunatic. Republicans have filled their committee hearings and their bills with white nationalist attacks on racial diversity and immigrants, attempts to ban abortion and to expand access to the sort of guns used in mass shootings, incessant harassment of LGBTQ Americans, and even routine potshots at the U.S. military. They insulted each other’s private parts, accused each other of sexual and financial crimes, and scuffled with each other in the Capitol basement. They screamed “Bullshit!” at President Joe Biden during the State of the Union address. They stood up for the Confederacy and used their official powers to spread conspiracy theories about the “Deep State.” Some even lent credence to the idea that there has been a century-old Deep State coverup of space aliens, with possible involvement by Mussolini and the Vatican.

The above article was adapted from Dana Milbank's (2024) book: Fools on the HILL: The Hooligans, Saboteurs, Conspiracy Theorists, and Dunces Who Burned Down the House.

[See more below the cut.]

And this is on top of the well-known pratfalls: The 15-ballot marathon to elect a speaker, the 22-day shutdown of the House to find another speaker, the routine threats of government shutdowns and a near-default on the federal debt that hurt the nation’s credit rating. They devoted 18 months to a failed attempt to impeach Biden, which produced nothing but Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly displaying posters of Hunter Biden engaging in sex acts. One “whistleblower” defected to Russia, another worked with Russian intelligence and is under indictment for fabricating his claims, and still another is on the lam, evading charges of being a Chinese agent. As soon as Biden withdrew his candidacy, they promptly forgot their probe of Biden’s “corruption” and rushed to launch a new series of investigations into Kamala Harris (over her record on border security) and Tim Walz (over his military service and “cozy relationship” with China). After a number of failed attempts, they did impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (the first such action against a Cabinet officer since 1876) without identifying any high crimes or misdemeanors he had committed; the Senate dismissed the articles without a trial. House Republicans created a “weaponization committee” under the excitable Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), but it was panned even by right-wing commentators when it produced little more than a list of conspiracy theories from the likes of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. They lapsed repeatedly into fits of censure resolutions, contempt citations and other pointless acts of vengeance. In all of its history, the House had voted to censure one of its own members only seven times; in the two weeks after Johnson became speaker, members of the House tried to censure each other eight times. [...] In lieu of consequential legislating, they passed bills such as the Refrigerator Freedom Act, the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act and the Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards (SUDS) Act. On the House floor, the Republican majority suffered one failure after another, even on routine procedural votes. Seven times (and counting), House Republicans voted down their own leaders’ routine attempts to begin floor debates — something that hadn’t happened once in the previous 20 years.

[danpuff-ao3]

Hi! I've been dipping my feet into snary because I'm kinda in an age gap, professor/student vibe recently, but I've been struggling to find slow burn fics still set in Hogwarts, do you have any good recs? Thank you either way!!

Hello hello! Sorry for the late reply, but life has been a lot lately! That said, I was glad to see this ask, as I'm such a sucker for age gaps and student/teacher fics! I don't read much slow burn, as I'm much more a lady for instant gratification, but hopefully I'll have a few good ones for you!

The Syntax of Things

by Arrisha (@arrisha-ao3). Rated: M. Words: 200,436. Mentor Snape. Coming out. Internalized homophobia. Fluff & Angst. Drama & Romance. First Time. Forbidden Love. Canon Rewrite. Tragedy. Denial of Feelings. Character Study.

A short-lived series of private lessons took place after Christmas in Harry Potter's fifth school year, during which Severus Snape attempted to teach Harry the skill of Occlumency. The lessons were ultimately cancelled when Harry was caught prying into Snape's memories, discovering the strangest things: A mysterious prophecy connected Harry's fate with Voldemort's, Harry's dad was an insufferable bully, and Severus Snape had been in love with Harry's mum. Naturally, Harry now has a million questions. Snape would prefer to answer none.

Pains and Contradictions

by atypicalsnowman. Rated: E. Words: 301,906. Angst. Tragedy. Drama. Hurt/comfort. Romance.

Note: I read this fic a lot when I was younger, and while it's not tagged Slow Burn, I'm pretty sure it is. At least, I'm fairly sure it takes them a while to hook up!

When Harry begins to break under the pressures of death and prophesy, help arrives from an unlikely quarter: Snape. Despite their own doubts, manipulations from all sides and hapless interventions combine to bring their two souls together.

Unrestrained

by Lizzy0305. Rated: E. Words: 172,727. Hogwarts Eighth Year. Powerful Harry. Animagic. Falling in Love. Angst & Humor. Hurt/comfort. Emotional infidelity. Podfic available.

After the war, Harry thinks he’s living the perfect life with Ginny in his arms and on the road to becoming an Auror. But Snape’s magic becomes unstable and suddenly, Harry must be constantly at wandpoint of a man who hated him on their best days. Things start to change and soon he starts to realize that there’s something more important than a perfect life.

Harry Potter and the Dark Enigmas

by Octroman. Rated: E. Words: 221,649. Hogwarts Eighth Year. Under-negotiated kink. Morally ambiguous character. Other content untagged.

Delve into an unofficial 8th book as Harry and Hermione return for their seventh year to complete their education. Harry struggles with the aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts, death of loved ones, and maintaining relationships. Failing classes and avoiding friends, he questions his decision to be an Auror and his future place in the Wizarding world. A sullen Draco rallies and returns to Hogwarts, putting on a brave face for the redemption of his family. Ron is fumbling at the Ministry while Hermione practically teaches Transfiguration in light of a suitable teacher. But Harry’s most challenging task is not playing frenemies with Malfoy like it’s to win the House Cup, it’s grasping for closure with the people who are still alive.

Everything I Am

written by Serpen, translated by Acid. Rated: E. Words: 215,419. Enemies to friends to lovers. Mentions of Harry/Seamus. Hogwarts Sixth Year. Coming Out.

Sixth year is danger, heartbreak, and accepting a mission to kill. Until, one mad May, everything changes. An English translation of Everything I Am by Serpen (Serpensortia).

[miss-morgans-lover]

💜About Me💜

My name is Abi or Vesper (online name) and I run this multifandom blog under the user: miss-morgans-lover.

The main fandoms you'll see are:

Twilight

Power Rangers Dino Charge

Marvel

Harry Potter (usually Marauders Era)

9-1-1/ 9-1-1 Lone Star

Omar Rudberg

My blog is not limited to these however, I am in many fandoms and will post/repost about them.

You will find I have a obsession love for a character called Kendall Morgan and the ship Kendall/Shelby from Power Rangers Dino Charge as well as Omar Rudberg. They inspired my user, blog theme, pfp and banner. They are my favourite things.

My favourite colour is purple (I wonder why), I am Bi and Genderfluid (They/She/He pronouns). I am a fanfic writer, cosplayer and editor, along with this blog. I play on Roblox (mostly Royale High).

Me and a few irl friends are also writing our own web comic, which I may share about on here, but most will be on the books account @the-spirit-academy which is run by me and an irl friend. There is nothing on it atm, but there will be at some point in the near future (hopefully).

I also have a RWRB/ Young Royals side blog (history--huh) this is the intro post for it

Discord:

I run a multi random discord server, which has a number of fandoms already added, and so much more room for more. So if you find yourself wanting a community for a fandom you are in and can't find one, dm me, either, it will already be there, or can be. It is called Anything and Everything, my user is wolfstarlover127, but dm me for the link.

There is also another server I am in called Twiwhores. It is run by @denalilily and @bellasdumptruckass and is a Twilight server, so if that's what you want, dm them and we'd be more than happy for you to join us.

Fanfic:

I write fanfic on multiple sites for a few different fandoms that I am in.

I currently have fics posted for:

Twilight

Harry Potter

Power Rangers Dino Charge

Wolfblood/Twilight Crossover

The Next Step

Twilight ones are all on Wattpad except one, but there is an intention to move them all to AO3 as well.

Secrets Series:

Secrets (Bella/Jasper)

Secrets 2 (Bella/Jasper/Angela)

Secrets (Rewrite) (Bella/Jasper)

True Mates? (Rosella) (Twilight/Wolfblood Crossover)

Underneath The Mistletoe (Jess/Bella) Mistletoe kiss, they pretend to hate eachother, but are actually in love. (This one is on AO3 only)

Harry Potter fics are also on Wattpad, but same intentions are there to move them to AO3 as well:

Moonstar (Wolfstar's child fic) set in Golden Trio Era, OC called Hope Libra Lupin Black

Vampire Love Story (Ginny/Hermione) Twilight inspired vampires but set in HP universe. Set at the start of Order Of The Phoenix when Hermione first arrives. One shot.

Hogwarts Coven AU A Marauder Era and Golden Trio Era AU. It is a supernatural spy AU set within the normal HP universe. There's Werewolves, Veelas and Vampires (inspired by twilight but not the same).

Power Rangers Dino Charge fanfic is on Wattpad, Tumblr and AO3, though, all is on AO3, and unless it says otherwise, assume it's just on AO3

Kendall/Shelby Vampire AU Oneshots - AO3 vers

Kendall/Shelby Vampire AU Oneshots - Wattpad Vers

Kendall/Shelby Vampire AU Oneshots - Tumblr Vers

Vamp!Kendall AU Context

She's His Pt1

She's his Pt 2

Why Him?/Temptation - Kendall/Shelby, Rated M, Vamp AU, was originally going to be in the oneshot book, but then I decided it fits better as it's own. Shelby and Tyler go on a date, it hurts Kendall in a way, she wants to be in Tyler's place, but Riley helps her realise that it's ok. Then she rants about how pretty Shelby looked.

The Honourary Rangers - Rated Teen, based on a hc, I (and a few others on the discord) have, that the science geeks of the team made new morphers that allowed certain people to become temporary rangers. It stemmed from my interest in the morphing grid and Kendall being the mentor, then grew. The main question is: who becomes an honorary ranger?

Mine - Kendall/Shelby, Rated M, Vamp AU, main fic in the vamp au, it explores their relationship from Kendall's POV, while also exploring what it's like for her doing what she does whilst being a vampire, and whilst having her past

1 Time Kaylee Helped Kendall and 1 Time Kendall Helped Kaylee - Kendall and Kaylee often hole themselves up in their work. This means they can forget to do things like eat and rest. This is one time Kaylee helped Kendall and one time Kendall helped Kaylee.

Night Training - Ivan POV, it's Ivan's first training session with them, but it's one of Kendall's surprise nighttime ones. She likes to keep them on their toes

The Next Step fanfic is just on AO3. I currently have one fic, and it's Gisanda

Rewind (Amanda Vs Ultra Elite) - Gisanda (Giselle/Amanda), Rated Teen, Set during S9 (writing started pre S9 release), what if, Amanda had been keeping an eye on Lucien as much as she could, she knew his schemes weren't over. When she hears about Ultra Elite being shut down, she knows what's likely happening. What will she do, when there is a risk of a rewind, and history repeating itself. (Side note: Amanda is traumatised from her past home life and time at Elite)

Tiktok:

I make multifandom edits on tiktok for multiple different fandoms including:

Marvel

Harry Potter

Power Rangers Dino Charge

The Next Step

Twilight

Royale High (occasionally)

MLP EG

Username: abi.edits127

[hlmoorewrites]

WIP tag game

I saw this on my dash! I wasn't tagged but I'm not going to let that stop me lol. Rules of the WIP Tag:

List the titles of your top five priorities for WIP updates (link your fics for new readers!)

An upcoming scene, event, or detail in each fic that you're looking forward to writing

Bonus: make a poll for your followers to vote on which top 5 WIP they are most excited to see an update on!

Then tag 10 writer friends!

Titles of my top 5 priorities for WIP updates:

Throne Of Lies - the third book in my Death's Embrace series

the unmaking of lily luna - HP fic, sequel to the seven lives of lily potter

Io Station - the next novella in my Tales from the Jovian Empire anthology series

Tacita - a standalone fantasy novel

Strike Force - the first book in a sci-fi series set in the Jovian Empire universe [feat. an extremely slow-burn lesbian romance]

Upcoming scene/event/detail in each fic I'm looking forward to writing:

1. Throne Of Lies

“You were a feral little thing, weren’t you.”

Grace opened her mouth, to no doubt give him a piece of her mind for the egregious offence of being called a ‘little’ anything – then she closed it and huffed. “Doran told you about the mollusc, didn’t he.”

“You must have driven your mother spare.”

“I wish I hadn’t.”

“I cannot imagine she wanted you to be anything other than yourself.”

“Don’t,” Grace snapped, “presume to know anything about her.”

Nathaniel was silent for a moment. “When I was boy in the Helvetic,” he eventually said, “I used to roam the streets after dark with an unsavoury crowd. We would all dare each other to sneak into abandoned houses infested with chimaera spiders, find a nest, and –”

“What makes you think I care about your childhood?”

“I didn’t particularly care to hear about yours, but I listened politely when Doran shared the details; the least you could do is return the favour. We’re stuck here until dawn, at any rate. Have you anything better to do?”

Grace sniffed, which he took as tacit permission to continue.

“When my mother found out what I was doing, she hauled me through the condemned alleys by my ear until we found a corpse of someone who had succumbed to the chimaerachnid’s bite. She sliced open the arm and made me look at the eggs infesting every single vein, artery and muscle until I threw up.”

“That’s awful.”

“I was an awful child. Moody, reckless, always getting into trouble.”

After a heavy silence, Grace murmured, “You must have driven her spare.”

2. the unmaking of lily luna

(Maybe you were supposed to. Maybe you weren’t meant to survive that first time. What if that’s why you kept dying? What if that was the universe’s way of telling you that you were supposed to stay dead?)

But more than that:

The smartest, bravest man you have ever known – a man who has been more of a father to you than your own has, a man who has saved your life time and time and time again – will be gone forever.

(And that – that is unacceptable.)

You slip your trembling fingers under the bloody, shredded collar around his torn throat and you feel it, the weak thready pulse of a man about to die.

You don’t understand. He survives, you know he survives. He’s been there your entire life, he lived. Harry defeats Voldemort and returns after the Battle and finds Severus Snape clinging to life, everyone knows that – it’s in all of the history books, it’s what Harry said happened in all of those post-War interviews he gave, it’s what is taught in the History of Magic classes at Hogwarts. But these wounds – how can anyone survive these wounds? He can’t die, this isn’t how it happened, this isn’t how it happened –

“Wake up,” you beg, touching a shaking hand to Severus’s ice-cold cheek, his skin as white as marble. “Wake up – please –”

His lips move. His breath rattles in his chest. He whispers your name. Then Severus Snape breathes his last, and –

3. Io Station

She has existed long before the Empire rose, and she will live on long after the Empire falls. She is as beautiful as she is grotesque; cruel as she is kind. She is old and tired, but she never sleeps, determined to endure for the two million souls who reside within her walls.

She is Io Station.

She is my home.

4. Tacita

“Wanted for the murder of Legate Adriana Lucia!”

The woman peered down at her – not with disgust or horror, but with curiosity. “A serious crime, child.”

A crime! The only crime was that the Legate thought it her right to beat her slaves so savagely in the first place. The only crime was that Adriana Lucia had dangled the girl’s pendant before her eyes and laughed, cruel and mocking, and threatened to melt it down for an arrowhead unless the girl behaved. The only crime Tacita had committed was that Legate Adriana Lucia’s death by her hands hadn’t been on purpose.

Oh, sure, she’d fantasised every day how she would kill the Legate. Slowly, Tacita had imagined while rubbing the Legate’s calloused feet with oils. Maybe she would drug her nightly milk and tie her up in her bed, and slowly pry off each of her fingernails as revenge for the lashings. Or she would have increased the temperature in the Legate’s bath so slowly she wouldn’t realise it until she was boiled half to death, right in the middle of the long dark eclipse for irony.

Whether or not Tacita would have actually done it was hardly the point; the point was that she’d never imagined it happening so quickly. Without thought. She’d lunged for her mother’s pendant with a screech and collided with the Legate’s body with such force that the Legate staggered backwards, lost her balance, and split her skull open against the corner of a marble table as she fell.

She had been dead before she hit the ground.

“It was an accident,” Tacita snarled.

“You don’t sound terribly sorry for it,” the woman noted.

“Why should I?”

“Does the loss of a life at your hands not upset you? Do you feel no guilt?”

Tacita shrugged. “Will it change what happened?”

If the woman was disturbed, she did not show it. “An accident, you say? Suppose I believe you. No doubt it was a tussle over that remarkable pendant around your neck.”

Tacita’s hand gripped it tightly. “I didn’t steal it, if that’s what you’re implying,” she snapped. “It was my mother’s."

5. Strike Force

Ten years ago, Jocelyn Carver of the Jovian Armies brutally ended the Ganymedean Insurgency and restored law and order to the Jovian Empire - but earned herself a cruel moniker: The Butcher of Ganymede.

Professor Catriona Ballard, professor of politics at Conamara University on Europa, has ridden the wave of fame delivered by her damning expose on Carver - but with the release of a new article exposing unsavoury practices within the Jovian Empire comes not fame, but vilification. Stripped of her accolades, titles and security, Ballard finds herself arrested and forced to serve out her sentence as a Petty Officer in the Jovian Armies - and under the command of the very woman whose name she slandered a decade prior.

Ballard loathes Carver with every fibre of her being, and expects Carver to return the sentiment - but the Captain is nothing what she expected her to be.

A slow-burn lesbian romance set against the backdrop of the cruel politics of the Jovian Empire.

Tagging: @thisgingerhasnosoul @missdreawrites @wittyusernamed @crowbito @athingofvikings @merulanoir @buffyfan145 @amazinmango @adeadratiswatching @misakikaito @wantonlywindswept @exalok

+ anyone who sees this on their dash and wants to do it!

[ellethespaceunicorn]

Share ten different favorite characters from ten different pieces of media in no particular order, then send this to 10 people (anon or not, your choice) 🎥🎬📺

These are going to be in no particular order because if there is anything I hate, it's rating my faves or comparing them to each other.

*~*~*~*~*

Geralt of Rivia - Multiple pieces of media

I first saw him in The Witcher series, then played The Witcher 3, then started reading the books. I am definitely obsessed with this man. And if I write too much on Geralt, I'm libel to make headcanons or maybe even an entire fic on just Geralt's hair or the way his eyes seem to glow under moonlight. See? Obsession. He is also my comfort character. I go to sleep and imagine running in the woods to this man. What the actual fuck?

Walter Marshall - Night Hunter (2018)

Seeing as how I am currently writing fic about this man, I think it goes to show this is a well-crafted yet moldable character and he can do no wrong in my opinion. Unless he dates Rachel, that's wrong in my opinion. She doesn't even have a last name.

Joel Miller - The Last of Us Games, The Last of Us series

Now I would be remiss to not mention Pedro's portrayal of Joel Miller (and that it solidified his status a my cool slutty daddy). But I must talk about how Troy Baker's voice in the game gave me strong Daddy vibes and gave me my second crush on a video game character after Lara Croft when I was a kid.

Ethan Hunt - Mission Impossible films (1996-Present)

If you know me, you know I have seen every Mission Impossible film since the first came out when I was 9. I was, and will most likely always be, obsessed with these movies. I love the heart-stopping action moments, the raw emotions, and I really like when Tom Cruise almost dies in every movie.

Peter Parker - Multiple pieces of media but I will focus on the films

In 2002, I was 15 and liked the older man that was Tobey Maguire (I was a superfan of his and of Peter). I had a Spider-man trapper keeper for goodness sake! In 2012, I was 25 and I was crushing on Andrew Garfield as a contemporary, someone in my age group. In 2017, I was turning 30 and had a crush on what, to me, seemed like a little boy in Tom Holland (he was over 18 but still). Either way, when asked what my favorite superhero is, I always say Spider-Man.

Bernadine Harris - Waiting to Exhale (1995)

I was 8 when this movie came out and my Momma let me watch it with her. Little did I know, my mother was ready to divorce my cheating father. This character spoke to me and continues to speak to me. I still see my Momma when I watch this movie. She was so badass. And so sexy.

Olaf - Frozen films

Fun fact: I used to collect snowman figurines and snow globes. Knowing this, my young niece made me watch the first film. Josh Gad as an inept snowman who loves the idea of summer is so fucking dramatic that I watched this movie on my own plenty of times. I love him so much and I just wanted to cuddle him.

Castiel - Supernatural (2005-2020)

I started watching Supernatural by watching the live airing of Simon Said, the worst episode of the series some would say. But I stuck around. I wanted to see what the kids on LiveJournal were so excited about. Cue season 4 and this son of a bitch just waltzes in with his wings and his coat and his chapped lips that, to this day, have never seen any moisture. And I fell in love. Fun fact: my dad named his dog Castiel.

Frank Reynolds (but specifically as Ongo Goblogian) - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

I have artwork in my bedroom over my nightstand of Ongo. This entire episode was gold to me. It was early season 8, I believe. Charlie was doing a Richard Grieco thing, Dennis was trying to get his erotic memoirs made into a Fifty Shades of Grey type thing. Mac was in the duster. Dee was in a smut film. Just golden. But then Frank was this Andy Warhol-esque art collector just doing the most. It was beautiful.

Louise Belcher - Bob's Burgers series and film

Louise, what can I say about this wonderful human that hasn't already been said? Louise is what I wish trauma didn't take from me. Louise likes to slap beautiful people, as do I. She is confused when she likes a boy, and so am I some of the time. And Louise has her comfort clothing item, her hat. I have my froggy robe and my penguin socks. In the latest season that just ended, it was pretty much confirmed that Louise is non-binary, as am I. My fiancee compares me to Louise on a daily basis and I just smile and tell her she's 100% correct because she is. Louise embodies me when I was 9 years old, right before childhood trauma took all of that away and replaced it with an old curmudgeon. I love my sweet Louise and no one can ever tell me that my love is unwarranted.

I would love to tag people to do this, but I know a lot of us are in the same circles LOL. This was too fun!

[dark-hs-redux]

☆ Introduction: Please Read! ☆

☆ My name is Reggie, I'm 24, and I've been reading/writing fanfic for over a decade now. This blog is exclusively for my "Dark" (Harry Styles AU fanfic redux) story.

☆ You can read my story here on this blog If it's posted anywhere else, please let me know! Those are the only two places I've posted it myself.

☆ You can read the original "Dark"/"Knockout" story over here on Wattpad. The story was originally written by @han-rawr/@waaterbaby/@dark128 here on Tumblr.

☆ The ask box on this blog doesn't ever close, and I love hearing feedback about my story.

☆ Please take a minute to review the disclaimers I've written under the cut!

As evidenced by the information provided, this series/collection of works - including all subsequent additions to the story - are what I would consider a 2023 "redux" of the original works "Dark" and "Knockout", posted by @han-rawr/@waaterbaby/@dark128 on Tumblr. Both of which have been re-posted and are still available on Wattpad - I've linked them above. (If you're reading this fic and haven't read those yet, stop what you're doing and go read them - they're FANTASTIC! The dark128 blog that used to be an official archive of the story doesn't have the entire thing anymore either, so if you like Dark/Knockout, please download it while you can and send all your feedback to the original author - she's active on her waaterbaby blog and answers asks!)

Technically defined, a "redux" in writing is "brought back — used postpositively," meaning that I am in no way trying to degrade, mock, or otherwise harm the original work/idea by the original author. Her works inspired me to write another version of that story. I waited until after she was done writing the books to begin mine, and I'm giving full credit to her for the original idea of a "dark AU" Harry Styles in the respect of his profession as a boxing instructor turned underground bare-knuckle fighter. Because this is a different take on that story I have changed some aspects - character names, character traits, parts of the plot, etc.

I'd also like to point out the obvious: The male lead - Harry - bears no likeness to the living Harry Styles aside from his physical appearance. The living Harry Styles is in no way condoning the actions of this character.

If you're under, or over, the age of 17 and still choose to read this - especially if anything listed above is a trigger for your own trauma - then I will not be held accountable for any emotional/mental damage sustained as a result of my writing. If for any reason the content in this story might mentally or emotionally harm you, please don't read it.

Next, it's important that everyone reading this knows that this content is NOT SUITABLE for anyone under the age of 17. I would consider it to be R-rated/TV-MA rated.

Consider this a blanket CONTENT WARNING for the ENTIRE story!

(1) There will be depictions of sexual intercourse (between consenting adults - drunk AND sober);

(2) There will be mentions of sexual assault - nothing ever too graphic/detailed;

(3) There will be mentions of domestic violence (emotional abuse, physical abuse, mental abuse, etc.);

(4) There will be mentions AND depictions of drug and alcohol abuse;

(5) There will be depictions of graphic violence (active and passive);

and

(6) There will be depictions of unhealthy, abusive, and toxic relationships between adults.

Finally, I'd like to say that I am writing this ENTIRELY for entertainment purposes. I, in no way, condone or encourage the actions of these characters, the relationship styles written here or the mental, emotional, verbal, or borderline physical abuse of anyone to their partner or other people.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence - in ANY form - please get immediate help. In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached via their website https://www.thehotline.org/ or by phone at 1-800-799-7233.

On a lighter note, I'm going to list what songs inspired which parts of the story. I have a public Spotify playlist here.

Anyway, I hope y'all enjoy my story!

Reggie

[sailtomarina]

Dispelled had been together a grand total of six months when Luna Lovegood walked into their rehearsal.

They’d been practising what felt like non-stop since their first live gig was on the books. They had scraped together just enough songs for a complete set list. Antonin was now confident enough to say he wouldn’t be completely mortified to step under the lights and perform.

He had performed in his own way in the past, of course. But that was duelling, a different sort of entertainment than the one that now placed him on his very own throne.

It was from that throne that he watched, mouth agape, the very same chit that had treated Malfoy’s dungeons like an afternoon picnic saunter straight up to Blaise and pull him into an enthusiastic embrace.

Thorfinn turned around to mouth his own disbelief, What the fuck?

Antonin could only shrug in bafflement.

Read the rest of A Prophecy of Peace on AO3 here!

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Antonin Dolohov & Luna Lovegood, Luna Lovegood/Blaise Zabini Characters: Antonin Dolohov, Luna Lovegood, Blaise Zabini, Thorfinn Rowle, Lavender Brown Additional Tags: Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Facebook: Dolohoes: Antonin Dolohov Supremacy, Post-Hogwarts, Dispelled, Drummer Antonin Dolohov, Guitarist Thorfinn Rowle, Luna Lovegood Being Luna Lovegood, Good Antonin Dolohov Series: Part 13 of Lyubimiy, Part 4 of Dispelled Summary:

Excited for Dispelled's future and his mind full of music, Antonin isn't quite sure what to make of Blaise's girlfriend and her comments.

[dancingkirby]

As both a writer and a reader, I guess I should do a few of both. This got pretty long so it's under a read-more.

My fics (in the chronological order that I posted them):

Dissolution Fandom: Yugioh 5D's. Rating: M.

Summary: The formation and breakup of Team Satisfaction, as seen through the eyes of Crow and Kiryu. Darkfic.

Into Open Waters Fandom: Legend of Korra. Rating: M.

Summary: When forced to flee their home with a small child in tow, Eska and Desna begin a journey of self-discovery.

Umbra Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender. Rating: M (Heed the tags; this story gets really dark in places.)

Summary: Four of Ozai's ladies during the Day of Black Sun, and how they got there.

Queen of Fire, King of Ice Fandom: Yugioh GX. Rating: T.

Summary: Inspired by Silvormoon's fanfic "Manjoume Family Vacation." Before setting off for Tempest Top, the brothers first must seek permission to go there from a mysterious queen. A series of misunderstandings ensues, and Manjoume becomes re-acquainted with the person he least expected (or wanted) to see.

The Properties of Love and Hate Fandom: Yugioh GX. Rating: M.

Summary: Amon looked amused at Ed’s continued silence. “If you desire my wife so badly, I have a little proposal for you. You can have her, on one condition…I get to claim you too.”

Volatile Elements Fandom: Yugioh GX. Rating: M.

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Taniya, the youngest of the Seven Stars, is planted at Duel Academia as a student by Kagemaru. But with a romantic relationship that’s perhaps not quite what she anticipated, a struggle with increasingly divided loyalties, and a cryptic prophecy, her hands are going to be full this year.

NOTE: Unfinished.

Maternal Instinct Fandom: Yugioh GX. Rating: E.

Summary: Taniya and Misawa celebrate their anniversary in their own special way.

(I'm also proud of my most recent fic, Subject One, but @soaringonblackwings already posted the link to that. Thanks so much for doing that, BTW!)

Other People's Fics:

WARNING: The first two fics are from the Harry Potter fandom. I am no longer a participant in this fandom and never wrote any fanfics for it myself, but there were some real gems and I, personally, want to still be able to enjoy them despite how JKR is a horrible person and ruined everything.

FINDING HIMSELF by Minisinoo. Rating: M.

Summary: The-Boy-Who-Almost-Died has to figure out what it means that he didn't. Harry's tumultuous 5th year at Hogwarts is Cedric's 7th and final. Bound together by shared trauma, both boys fall under Ministry suspicion ... Who is Cedric Diggory? Cedric!Lives AU

Recall Alice When She Was Just Small by Harmonic Friction. Rating: M.

Summary: Dudley Dursley: champion boxer, crass chav, cannibal?, bad boyfriend, good son, annoying cousin, best friend. It's hard to keep all the identities straight. Fin.

The Blood of Kings by @silvormoon. Fandom: Yugioh 5D’s. Rating: T.

Summary: Fantasy AU. Being king is hard work. Jack is doing his best to rule his war-torn kingdom while dealing with his upcoming marriage and the uprising of a mysterious cult. More than one person wants him dead, but only one is trying to kill him...

End of the World Series by FernWithy. Fandom: The Hunger Games. Rating: G-M.

NOTE: I don't care what the upcoming book/movie say; THIS is always going to be my canon!

We Must Be Killers: Tales from District 2 by lorata. Fandom: The Hunger Games. Rating: G-M.

Ozymandian by @frostbitepandaaaaa Fandom: Game of Thrones. Rating: E.

Summary:

She should have been more prudent, instead of falling into him like a spell. She should have handled this thing like the fatal tangle of thorns it was, instead of drinking the air from his lungs like the sweetest Arbor gold. She should have picked it up about the edges, holding it at arm’s length until she could find a safe enough place to rest it upon the earth and walk away forever.

(Chapters 1-5 are a collection of Missing Scenes from Season 7. Chapter 6 is when we begin our own journey into possibilities for Season 8)

NOTE: And speaking of me ignoring canon...

Changes by NerdyMama. Fandom: Pokemon Sword & Shield. Rating: E.

Summary: One night, one error of judgment. Now Leon and Sonia's friendship is set to change forever.

Ozula Kinktober by @azulas-daddy-kink Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender. Rating: E. (HEED THE TAGS!)

Summary:

Enjoy, you filthy perverts!

Going to try and complete all 31 days, but I'm not making any promises. Chapters are standalone unless otherwise specified, some will be modern AU or diverge from canon for convenience. R&R!<3

The Tainted Soil of the Fields of Arcadia by @inkblackorchid Fandom: Yugioh 5D's. Rating: T.

Summary: Following an eye-opening confrontation with Misty Tredwell, Aki decides she might have to face up to her past if she ever wants to be free of it. After approaching Mikage with a curious request, she ends up with the last remains of the Arcadia Movement--and starts digging.

Fanfic writers!

Use this post to share some of your favorite fanfics you have written. Share the links so we can read and show you some love.

Fanfic readers! Share some of the fanfics you enjoyed reading, your favorite writers, or any fanfics that just make your day. Show our fanfic writers some much needed and deserved appreciation for all that they do for fandom!

[gertrudepetronella-blog]

Master List

All HP (one Sandman crossover), all pro Snape! Please check tags and content warnings before reading.

All on Ao3 ~ Details below the cut.

The Book of The Sun and The Moon

Rated Mature, but with some explicit sexual content. Snupin.

A dark curse. An ancient ritual. An intense obsession. And a chance at the greatest power of all.

In a tale told across three decades, can two people overcome their own curses, self hatred, and outside influences and find their way back to one another?

~~~~~

The Prince and The Crow

Not rated. Swearing, mild sexual content and some violence.

Snape x ofc. Severitus. Complete re-write of the HP series. Semi canon compliant. Kind of a fix-it, broke-it, fixed-it again! Details of parts below:

The Crow Comes Home

Prequel and year one (Philosopher's Stone). Petronella Blishwick is a grumpy badass bitch, and only living friend of Severus Snape. She has been drifting for years since the end of the first war, but when Severus brings her home - to Hogwarts - it changes the course of all their futures. COMPLETE!

The Year of the Snake

Harry's 2nd year (CoS). Severitius and Snape x ofc, partially following canon, but with a few divergencies and extra sub plots. Fluff and Angst and baddass bitches. COMPLETE.

The Year of the Rat

Part three (PoA) Severus and Petronella plan to adopt Harry, but they will face opposition and challenges both internal and external. Beginning to diverge from canon somewhat. COMPLETE.

~~~~~

Artemisia Absinthium

Rated E for explicit. Graphic sex and violence. Adult themes.

Started as a tumblr post, became a(n epic) series! AU set post Marauders, with a little lot of Snupin for good measure.

SERIES COMPLETE.

The Rat and The Snake

What if Severus Snape had discovered Peter Pettigrew's treachery before the Potters were killed? *Graphic violence.*

The Wolf and The Moth

The war is won, but is it really over? Relationships are forged and broken, as those that survived the war now have to learn how to live. *Explicit sex and violence.*

The Bear and The Dragon

Bellatrix seeks to bring back the Dark Lord, but a new power rises to oppose her. *Explicit sex and violence.*

~~~~~

Even Princes Can Dream

HP / Sandman crossover. Eventual Snape / Morpheus (implied). The Dream King comes across a child who only ever has nightmares.

~~~~~

Careful of the Stitches

Rated mature. Snupin.

A Death Eater and a Werewolf already on the brink of death are not the priorities in a hospital full of injured patients following the Battle of Hogwarts. They are shoved into a side room and left to die, so will have to help each other if they wish to live.

~~~~~

The Comeback

Rated G for general. Some swearing and mature content.

Also inspired by a Tumblr prompt. 1st September 1998. Hogwarts. The first school year since the defeat of Voldemort. There is grief, there is hope, there is a dark robed figure in the corner that nobody had expected to see again. A mildly humorous tale with dark undertones. COMPLETE!

The Comeback Pick n Mix

Series of one shots following on from The Comeback. May contain contradictory ships / events, but compliant with the main fic. Ongoing.

~~~~~

The Half-blood Prince

Not Rated. Contains graphic domestic abuse.

What would happen if Eileen Snape left Tobias and went back to her parents? Under 10k. COMPLETE, but may be added to.

~~~~~

Monsters

Contains implied violence, death, and graphic gore.

One morning Remus wakes to find the thing he fears most in the world. He goes to the only person he can think of who won’t judge him – because Snape already knows what he is. A monster. COMPLETE.

~~~~~

Mostly Smut! **All contain explicit sex**

Seven Deadly Sins

Everyone thinks that Professor Snape covets the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, which is true… in a manner of speaking.

To His Mind

Snupin! Extended version of a scene in The Rat and The Snake. The Order has a mole, everyone is a suspect, but when Severus Snape looks into Remus Lupin's mind, he gets more than he bargained for!

Prince and Crow, the Smut chapters

E for Explicit. Graphic sex.

Basically just all the sex scenes I left out of the main fic! Friends to lovers, becoming increasingly smutty, but also fluffy, as the relationship develops.

[harry-on-broadway]

Tying You To Me: Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten 

Word Count: 8.5K || Series Masterlist || Rating: M (contains sexual content)

A/N: Hey, it’s been a minute! I was going to save this for later this week but this is honestly my favorite chapter (I wrote one scene in here before I wrote any of Chapter One) and what better way to fend off the Sunday scaries than with a fic. As always, thank you for reading! Would love to hear from you after you’ve finished! 

***

February 2020

“Why are your hands so sweaty?” Harry yelped as he wiped his own palm on his pajama pants.

“Because I’m nervous.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m meeting your mom,” Quinn exclaimed.

“So?” Harry looked at her blankly. “She’s just my mum.”

Quinn shot him a confused look. “Exactly, Harry. She’s your mother. Which means I need to impress her. If the two of us don’t hit it off it’s going to be hell. Because I know how close you all are and if she hates me what does that mean for us? I mean –”

Harry leaned across the breakfast table and cut Quinn off with a kiss. “Stop worrying and creating nightmare scenarios that aren’t going to happen. My mum knows all about you and she loves you already.”

“What if she’s just telling you that? Like reverse psychology or something?”

“Quinn!”

She took a sip of her coffee as Harry looked at her.

“It’s going to be fine,” he said softly. “I promise you. She’s not going to bite you.”

“Well that’s a relief.”

“Gemma’s the biter.”

Quinn rolled her eyes as she stood to take the breakfast dishes to the sink, Harry’s cackle echoing off of the walls.

She’d arrived in London late last night and while she’d yawned as she made her way through Heathrow, navigating the baggage claim and the pick-up area, Harry had boundless energy as he met her and escorted her to the car. He didn’t let go of her hand as he drove through the quiet streets pointing out different landmarks and mentioning places he wanted to take her over the next couple of weeks.

Quinn retained approximately none of what Harry was saying and the combination of the rocking of the car and his soothing voice lulled her to sleep. It didn’t seem like Harry’s house was that far from the airport – though Quinn really had no sense of time or direction in the unfamiliar city – but she stirred awake sooner than she would have liked when they pulled into Harry’s house, a large historical home that didn’t look out of place in the neighborhood. She’d seen his homes in New York and LA, so visiting his London dwelling shouldn’t have felt like a monumental occasion, but for some reason, it did. And when Harry unlocked the door and ushered Quinn inside she understood why.

For the first time, Quinn wasn’t seeing his house. She was seeing his home.

While the buildings she’d seen in the other cities were sterile and empty, this one was filled to the brim with clutter and ephemera that Harry had collected over the years. Posters for bands and films, pictures of his family, stacks of books and records on shelves and on the floor. Art – with no discernable signature style – placed haphazardly around the room. And it wasn’t only stuff. The interior design added to the chaos. Vibrant colors, textures, and prints – it was hard for the eyes to focus and with the added challenge of her foggy brain Quinn was overwhelmed and slowly followed Harry to his bedroom.

He placed her suitcase on a rack and took her carry-on from her hand. “Figured you’d want to get cleaned up and then we could head to bed?”

Quinn nodded, dazed, but dutifully shuffled off in the direction of the master bath where she quickly showered and brushed her teeth before climbing into bed with Harry.

“My mum’s coming into town tomorrow,” he said as she lay under his arm. “I thought we could do lunch? And maybe see her again later on in your trip if schedules align.”

Quinn had sleepily nodded and closed her eyes, not opening them until she felt Harry peppering kissed across her face in the soft light of the morning.

“The reservation is at noon,” Harry called from across the kitchen. “We probably need to leave 30 minutes before or so to give us enough time to walk.”

“Works for me,” Quinn said, returning to the table. She sat down next to him, but her eyes roamed the room, still absorbing all the details she couldn’t last nice.

“Looking for an escape route?” Harry asked.

“No, just trying to take everything in.”

“It’s kind of a mess. Sorry about that.”

“No, don’t apologize. I kind of love it.” She turned to look at him. “It’s nice to see where you actually live.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, your other places are just so empty. They kind of make me sad. But this house is you, Harry. It makes me happy.”

“Well, I’m happy you’re finally here,” he said. “It was starting to feel weird that you hadn’t seen the place yet.”

“It’s very cute,” Quinn said.

“Cute?” Harry’s brows rose.

“I mean, I guess based on your other places I thought you liked that industrial, clean style, but that’s not the case. This house feels like it’s made up of all the little pieces of you that I love. And you’re cute, and the house is just cute and I meant it as a compliment…I’m rambling.” She grimaced.

Harry stared at Quinn, the corners of his mouth twitching. “You’re adorable when you’re flustered.”

Quinn glared at him. “It’s not nice to make me squirm like that. Especially when I’m already nervous.”

Harry leaned over and kissed Quinn. “Are you really that nervous? Is there something I can do to help?”

Quinn chewed on her lip. “I am nervous but I don’t think there’s anything you can do. It’s always nerve-wracking meeting the parents. I’m sure you’re going to feel the same way when I introduce you to my parents.”

Harry let out a slow exhale. “Yeah, that’s going to be…interesting. But I’m going to be right there with you, and my mum is the loveliest woman you’ll ever meet. I’ve told her a lot about you and she already loves you. She’s probably going to ask you a lot of questions, but she’s not doing it to intimidate you – she just doesn’t trust the answers I’ve already given her.”

“She’s heard a lot about me?” Quinn arched a brow.

“Only the good and clean bits,” Harry replied, nipping at her nose. “We should probably start getting ready. I want to take the scenic route on the way there.”

Quinn and Harry returned to his room and while he grabbed a shower, Quinn sorted through her suitcase, hanging some of her clothes up and trying to find something warm yet stylish to wear to lunch. She decided on some leggings and a chunky sweater and was dressed by the time Harry emerged from the bathroom, towel around his hips, toothbrush dangling from his mouth, and steam billowing behind him.

“You certainly know how to make an entrance,” Quinn said.

“I have a guest,” Harry said, shrugging. “I need to put on a show.” Quinn yelped as he shook his head, spraying her with droplets of water.

“Are you OK walking there?” Harry asked a few moments later when he met Quinn downstairs, fully clothed and hair dry, his fringe held back by a tortoise-shell claw clip. “It’s a little cold, but it’s a nice trip.”

“I’ve got a coat,” Quinn chirped, sliding the garment on along with a hat and scarf.

Harry slipped his own outerwear on and held the door open for Quinn, locking it behind him and frowning when he saw she was without gloves. For the first few blocks, the chill in the London air felt very much like the chill in New York, but as they kept walking, Harry pointing out more landmarks of importance and shops and restaurants he thought they should visit, Quinn could feel the cold air seeping into her bones in a manner she was unaccustomed to. She tried to hide the chills and shivers from Harry, not wanting to admit that she should have worn a warmer coat and gloves.

As they waited on a street corner Harry took Quinn’s left hand, rubbing it between his own.

“Where are your gloves?” he chastised. “Don’t you have those in New York?”

Quinn rolled her eyes. “Yes. I just forgot them…and my heavier coat.”

Harry made a tsk sound as he shook his head and grabbed Quinn’s hand and put it in his pocket. “We’re almost there and we can get you thawed out.”

They walked briskly across the street when the light changed, Harry steering Quinn down a quiet side street and into a tiny restaurant. He scanned the tables as they slid out of their jackets, handing them to the hostess, and his face lit up when his eyes landed on a woman sitting at a corner booth.

“This way,” Harry said, gesturing to the table as he reached for Quinn’s hand.

It was clear who Harry took after in his family as he was the spitting image of his mother. The dark hair, the dimples, and the wide youthful smile had all been handed down from Anne, and as she opened her arms to wrap Quinn in a warm hug, it was evident Harry gleaned his personality from her as well.  

“It’s so lovely to finally meet you, sweetheart,” Anne said, pulling away to get a better look at Quinn. “Are you warm enough?” she asked, taking in Quinn’s pink cheeks and cold hands.

“I’m fine, thank you,” Quinn said. “I thought New York winters were cold but they’re tropical compared to London. It was nice to get a walk in and see the city in the daylight though.”

“You walked here?” Anne gave Harry a sharp look. “You made her walk? In these temperatures?”

Harry’s eyes darted between the two women. “She said she was fine. And it’s a nice walk. You’re fine, right, Quinn?”

“I’ll survive, Harry,” Quinn said, giggling as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

“How was your flight?” Anne asked. “No delays? Has jet lag been bad? Although I guess it’s only been one day.”

“Mum, why don’t we sit down before you start the inquisition,” Harry said with a chuckle. “Sorry about that,” he whispered to Quinn.

“Don’t apologize,” Quinn said as they slid into the booth. “It’s really nice.”

When they were tucked into the booth, Anne fixed her attention on Quinn, who tried to handle the questions that were rapidly volleyed at her. Anne wanted to know everything – Where was Quinn from originally and where was that town in relation to where she currently resided? Was she close with her family? Did she have siblings? Did she prefer tea or coffee?

Harry lovingly shook his head as the two women continued with their conversation, pausing only to speak with the waiter when they came around to take food and drink orders.

“Would you all be more comfortable if I just left?” Harry griped.

“Are you jealous that I’m talking to your mom and not you?” Quinn shot back, not missing a beat.

“No, it’s just I’m here too!”

“Oh, hush,” Anne said, swatting her son’s shoulder. She turned to Quinn. “I should be thanking you for sticking with him for so long.”

Harry’s eyes widened. “Hey!” he yelped as Quinn tried to suppress a smile. “I’m not that bad,” he muttered.

Anne ignored his protestations and continued her conversation with Quinn. “Harry said you all met at Saturday Night Live. How do you like working there?”

“Oh, it’s wonderful,” Quinn said. “I keep thinking it might grow old, but it hasn’t. I’m in awe each week and I really hope I never lose that feeling.”

Anne nodded approvingly. “He says the same thing about performing,” she said, tilting her head toward Harry. “I think that’s a sign you’ve got a good head on your shoulders.”

Quinn blushed. “Well, I’m not sure if that’s the case, but I’ll take the compliment.”

Anne patted her hand. “Harry also said you met a while back, no?”

“Yeah, when he was there to promote his first album. It took us a while to get our act together but we managed.” Quinn could feel the smile radiating off of Harry’s face. “Just one of the many reasons I love it there.”

“What do you study in school for that kind of job?” Anne asked. “Communications?”

“I was a film major and an English minor. I figured if comedy didn’t work out I’d at least have the English degree to fall back on.”

“I’m sure your parents were happy about that.”

“They were,” Quinn said with a laugh. “And they’re definitely happy with where I ended up. They always look forward to their trips to the city when they can stop by the studio.”

Anne’s questions slowed as lunch was served and the conversation turned to mundane chatter, Harry asking after people Quinn had never heard of and Anne happily filling him in on the local gossip.

“You’ll meet them all one day,” Harry said nonchalantly as he piled some pasta on his fork and explained who he was referring to. Quinn felt heat all over her body as she basked in Harry’s confidence that she’d be around to meet these people.

When the check was deposited on the table and Harry placed his card down, Quinn excused herself to use the restroom. Harry pecked her lips as she stood from the table, and Quinn shot him a look, surprised that he was being so openly affectionate in public and in front of his mother.

“What?” he asked in response to Quinn’s look. “I can’t love on my girl?”

“I wasn’t complaining, just surprised,” Quinn said as she headed off.

When she exited the restroom a few minutes later, drying her wet hands on her leggings, she caught a glimpse of Anne and Harry talking animatedly. She paused to observe the scene for a little bit longer. Harry’s cheeks were pink and he smiled, dimples emerging as he looked down at his plate. Anne rubbed his arm and nodded, a look of indeterminate emotion crossing her face. Quinn wasn’t sure what they’d been discussing – she hoped it wasn’t her – but the sight made her happy. It was evident how close Harry was with his mother and after meeting Anne, she knew that the woman had played a strong influence in turning Harry into the man Quinn was in love with.

“All good?” Harry asked as Quinn slid back into her seat. Quinn nodded.

“What do you all have planned for the rest of your time here?” Anne asked, sipping her tea.

“We’re kind of playing it by ear,” Harry said, putting his arm on the back of Quinn’s chair and looking at her. “I have to work for part of the time – the video shoot – so we don’t have any definitive plans yet.”

“Oh well you should at least make time to take Quinn around the city,” Anne said. “Since she hasn’t really seen anything yet. Maybe some of the more touristy stuff. London Bridge, a museum or two?”

“That would be nice,” Quinn said. “But honestly, even though it sounds cheesy, I’m really just excited to spend time with Harry,” she said. “Getting to eat dinner with him every night is truly what I’m looking forward to.” Anne smiled as Quinn continued. “I’d like to check out some museums though, do some shopping.” She glanced at Harry. “And since this guy is always skulking around my workplace I thought I might drop by and check out the video shoot.”

Anne laughed as Harry’s face lit up with offense as he mumbled “It’s not skulking if you’re supposed to be there.”

“Well, I should be heading off,” Anne said, standing from the table and wrapping her sweater around her. “It was lovely meeting you, Quinn. I hope you enjoy your time here and that we get to see each other again very soon.” She embraced Quinn tightly. “And I’ll be seeing you again too,” she tutted at Harry. “I’m not that far away you know.”

“I know, mum,” Harry said. “Let me walk you out to your car.” He turned to Quinn. “I’ll be back in a second.”

Quinn watched as they exited the restaurant. Once they were out of the entryway, Quinn made her way over, wanting to give them space. She collected her coat from the hostess and began bundling up, waiting for Harry to return.

He poked his head in through the door right as she finished zipping up, nose pink and hair tousled from the wind. “Ready?” he asked, just a little breathless.

Quinn took his hand in hers and braced for the cold as he held the door open for her. Harry was silent as they began their walk. Quinn could feel a current of joy radiating through him, but stayed quiet, waiting for him to speak first.

“She loved you,” he finally said when they were stopped on a street corner, bouncing up and down to stay warm while they waited for the walk signal.

“Really?”

“Yeah, why are you so shocked?” Harry said, wrinkling his brow as he looked down at Quinn.

“I don’t know, I guess I thought I’d have a lot to be compared to.”

“I mean, I haven’t introduced a lot of women to my mum over the years, but she was by far most enthusiastic about you.”

“I’ll take the win then.”

When they arrived back at Harry’s place, Quinn’s first stop was the shower, where she turned the heat up as high as it would go and stood under the hot spray until she felt the last of the London chill leave her bones. She wrapped herself in a pair Harry’s sweatpants and sweatshirt and came downstairs to find him watching a video on his phone.

“Whatcha up to?” she asked, curling into his side.

Harry pulled her closer, not looking from his phone as he answered her question. “Reviewing some footage for the shoot.”

“This is for ‘Treat People With Kindness?’”

“Yeah, did I show you the treatment?”

“Not yet.”

He usually told Quinn anything she wanted to know about his work, but with the release of his album alongside the holiday season, it wasn’t surprising that this detail had slipped Harry’s mind.

“OK, so you’re not going to believe this but I’m dancing in this one.”

“Dancing?” Quinn bit back a grin. She’d seen Harry dance at parties and on stage, but his moves were not what one would call polished and the freedom with which he moved suggested a spirit that couldn’t be contained by choreography.

“Yes, dancing, and you can wipe that look off your face right now,” Harry said.

“There’s no look.”

“I’ll have you know I’m a very good dancer.”

“I never said you weren’t, H.”

“You didn’t have to use words, your face said it all.”

Quinn rolled her eyes. “Are you working with a choreographer?”

“Yeah, Paul,” Harry said, eyes on his phone as he searched the device for something. “There it is,” he said finally. He rose from the couch and stood in the center of the room facing Quinn. “Prepare to be amazed.” He tapped his phone and tinny music started blasting from the speakers.

“Oh, you’re doing this now?” Quinn asked, straightening herself to get a better look.

“Well seeing as you don’t believe me…”

“Be quiet or you’ll miss your cue.”

Harry grinned as the sound of his recorded voice filled the room, his real life voice overlapping the recording as he started the dance, posing, leaping, and jumping in time with the melody. As he transitioned between moves, Harry explained what the full video would look like – that while it was in black and white, he’d be wearing a sparkly jacket over a pastel argyle sweater vest. That the band would be on stage behind him in a sort of old fashioned club set up, while he and a special guest would dance on the stage and the tables. That the video had an Old Hollywood feel.

“And I jump here,” he pantomimed jumping across the space. “And then I land on the table and pose. And then this…” His enthusiasm reminded Quinn of how the kids she used to babysit for would get excited when showing her a move they learned in their weekly karate class.

“Any hints on this special guest?” Quinn asked as Harry skipped around the room.

“Nope, that’s a surprise.”

“Seriously, no clues?”

“Nope.”

“Well, should I be concerned?”

Harry grinned. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” he said. “Although it’s kind of cute when you get a little jealous.”

“Oh, I’m not jealous. I’m just concerned for whoever it is and the fact that they have to dance with you.” She grimaced. “I’ve been there before and it’s not fun.”

Before she could process it, Quinn felt her body leave the sofa as Harry picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.

“Take it back!” he yelled as he dug his fingers into Quinn’s ribs, searching out the ticklish spot he’d found over the years. “I’m a joy to be with in every way and you know it!”

“Do I?” Quinn asked through giggles, as Harry’s fingers probed deeper. “OK, OK,” she finally said, breathless. “You’re a good dancer.”

“And?”

“And?”

“Yeah,” he said. “What else?”

“You’re a pain in the ass,” Quinn said quickly, Harry’s fingers resuming their dance on her ribs. “But you’re also a great boyfriend and a wonderful man who I love very much.”

Harry loosened his grip on Quinn’ middle and slid her down the front of his body to bring them face to face again. He bent down and gently brought his lips to hers. “I love you too,” he said, voice no louder than a whisper.

Quinn looked up at him. “Dance with me?”

“Oh, look who’s changed her tune.”

“Stop trying to ruin a nice moment,” she said, pinching his neck.

Harry looked down at his phone, shuffling through apps, before setting it down. A slow tune, something with roots in jazz if Quinn had to guess, started to play.

“I meant for you to teach me your dance, so you can practice,” Quinn said as Harry pulled her in close to him and began to sway back and forth.

“Yeah, I know, but I thought this would be nicer,” Harry said against her hair.

As much as she loved sparring with him, Quinn knew that the moment had passed, so she settled in against his chest and allowed him to move her as she listened to the steady thrum of his heart. The song ended and the next began, but Harry and Quinn remained in the middle of his living room as the music played on. Quinn wasn’t sure how many songs had played, but she pulled away from Harry when the fading light in the room signaled it was time for dinner.

“Where are you trying to run off to?” Harry asked.

“It’s late and I’m pretty sure you need to eat again based on what I felt coming from your stomach,” Quinn said lovingly.

“I guess I could eat,” Harry said, reluctantly, leading Quinn into the kitchen.

They worked in tandem preparing their meal. Quinn chopped vegetables to roast and heated up some bread while Harry marinated some fish for himself and chicken for Quinn. As they worked, Harry pulled out some appetizers to snack on and opened a bottle of red wine, pouring generous glasses for each of them.

They chatted as they cooked and ate, firming up their plans for the rest of the week. They’d spend the next day together – Harry had a mini tour planned – but the day after he’d be in full work mode for the video shoot.

“And you’re sure I won’t be a bother?” Quinn asked as she cut into her chicken.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“I just know how sets can get kind of crowded with unnecessary people and I don’t want to be in the way.”

“You’re only in the way when I say you are and you’re not so…” Harry trailed off as he chewed. “Plus I want you to meet some people that you haven’t had the chance to yet.”

“Ooh, more people to pump for dirt.”

“I pay them so they legally can’t say anything bad about me.”

They made an early night of it after cleaning up the dishes, retreating to the bedroom where Harry meditated and Quinn got her clothes ready for the next day before they settled in bed next to each other under the thick comforter, reading some books – a philosophy book for Harry and a mystery for Quinn.

Quinn’s friends often teased her about her relationship with Harry, joking about her globetrotting, rockstar boyfriend, the crazy things they got to do together, and the hot reunion sex they’d have in his expensive hotel rooms. But when Quinn reflected on her relationship, it was nights like this that she thought of most often. Their hectic and unconventional careers made nights in fleeting and she held tight to the memories of them.

“Do I have something on my face?” Harry asked.

Lost in her own thoughts, Quinn hadn’t realized she’d been staring at him. “Yeah, two eyes, a nose, a mouth –”

“Wow, that’s funny. Do you work in comedy?” Harry said sarcastically.

“Actually, I do.”

“No way!”

Quinn opened her mouth to reply, but a laugh escaped before she could speak, sending Harry into his own fit of giggles.

When they recovered enough to speak, Harry placed his book on the bedside table and checked his phone to make sure his alarm was set. “I think I’m going to turn in now,” he said. Quinn turned to place her own book next to the bed. “You don’t have to though,” he said. “Stay up as late as you want. I’m sure you’re still a little off from the jet lag.”

“I should start getting into a routine here,” Quinn said as she cut the light off and wriggled closer to Harry under the covers. His hand found her back and he started scratching lightly, their breathing the only noise in the otherwise silent room.

It was a kind of peace Quinn only knew when she was with Harry.

***

“Ready?” Harry asked a few mornings later, thermos of coffee in his hand as he waited by the door.

“All set,” Quinn replied as she finished lacing her boot, grabbing her tote bag from where she’d left in in the entryway the day before.

“Do you get nervous?” she asked Harry a few minutes later as he pulled out of the driveway and started navigating the city streets. “Or since it’s not live do the nerves just disappear?”

“It’s kind of a mix. Like I know it’s weird to say, but there’s still a set of nerves, kind of like I don’t want to let anyone down, but there’s also the safety net of knowing that it’s not live, so if something goes wrong, I get another try. Kind of like the difference between the live show and pre-taped sketches. If that makes sense.”

“No, that makes perfect sense,” Quinn said as she watched the city flash by through the windows until Harry stopped outside a nondescript building.

“We’re here,” he announced.

When they walked inside, Quinn could see the shift from Harry to Harry Styles. While he was always authentically himself, there was an added sense of professionalism when he was in Harry Styles mode, greeting everyone he passed with a firm handshake, a thoughtful hello, and eye contact so intense you’d think there was only one other person in the room with him.

Quinn hung back as Harry was swept away by the hair and makeup department and she scanned the bustling crowd until she found a familiar face – Tommy – scrolling through his phone in the corner.

“Is this the spectator section?” Quinn asked when she was within earshot of him.

Tommy looked up from the phone. “Quinn!” he exclaimed. “H mentioned you’d be here. How’s your trip been so far?”

“It’s been lovely. I got a personalized tour of London, I got to meet Anne, and I’m apparently meeting more people today.”

“Oh, he probably wants you to meet Gabe, Ben, and Paul. They’ve been around for a while so they’re kind of key players.”

“Gotcha.”

“Where is H, by the way?”

“I think he went to wardrobe? Or maybe makeup? He went that way.” Quinn pointed in the direction she’d just come from.

“Cool, I’ve got some notes for him but I’ll be back in a minute.”

“No sweat,” Quinn said.

By herself once again, she surveyed the room. The chaos of the set was oddly comforting. Music videos were clearly different from sketch comedy, but the process of creating it was the same. It felt so much like home that she actually had to fight the urge to pick up a headset and clipboard and take over.

“Quinn?” she heard someone ask. She turned around, expecting to find a member of Harry’s team, but was shocked by who stood there.

“Phoebe?” Phoebe Waller-Bridge had hosted SNL at the start of the season, fresh off of her Emmy wins, and had quickly become a favorite among the cast and crew. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Phoebe said with a laugh. “But I’m in the video with Harry.”

“Wait, you’re the special guest?”

“I guess so?” Phoebe said thoughtfully. “How do you know Harry?”

“Um, well, we’re kind of dating.”

A huge smile burst on Phoebe’s face. “That’s amazing!” She paused. “I can totally see that. Did you all meet through SNL?”

“Yes, but back in 2017.”

“Oh, so you all have a history!”

“We do,” Quinn said, with a chuckle. “How did you and Harry meet?”

“Through the stage show I was doing. He and Gabe spoke to me after and now here we are.”

“Oh no, this looks like trouble,” a male voice interrupted.

Quinn turned to see Harry, in all of his sparkly, Old Hollywood glory standing next to them, his outfit an identical match to Phoebe’s.

“Why didn’t you tell me Phoebe was the special guest?” Quinn said, playfully slapping his arm.

“And why didn’t you tell me Quinn was your girlfriend?” Phoebe asked.

“How do you all…oh, SNL.” Harry answered his own question as he put the pieces together. “I didn’t realize you all were so close. Should I be worried?”

“You should be very worried anytime women who know you have gathered together,” Phoebe said quickly.

Harry looked a little nervous, but the three shared a laugh before one of the assistant directors called for places. Phoebe bid farewell and Harry stole a kiss from Quinn before heading to take their marks.

As Quinn watched Harry on set, effortlessly shifting from performing on camera to reviewing footage, she was reminded of something he’d told her last November during his week at SNL.

They’d been getting ready for bed one night, when Harry had made the offhand comment: “It’s sexy as fuck seeing you at work.”

Quinn had been initially confused – he’d seen her work before, that’s where they’d met after all.

“Yeah, I know,” Harry had said. “I’m attracted to you all the time, but there’s something about watching you do what you were meant to do, being the boss and all that, it really turns me on.”

She felt the same way watching him dance on stage, and kept stealing glances at her phone to figure out how much time was left before she could get him alone.

After a few hours, the crew broke for lunch and, as promised, Harry introduced Quinn to Paul, his choreographer, and Ben and Gabe, the video’s directors, as they ate some Chinese food that had been delivered to the set. When lunch was over, Quinn made her way back to the corner she had claimed as her own, and settled in to watch several more hours of filming.

As the cameras started rolling, Quinn glanced around the room and noticed two young kids, too small to be school-age she assumed, poking their head into the ballroom that was being used for filming. She had the sneaking suspicion that they knew they weren’t supposed to be there. Based on her earlier conversation with Ben and Gabe, she didn’t think they were the kind of directors to yell over on-set disturbances, but she didn’t want these kids to be the ones to test that resolve. She quietly made her way to the kids and shepherded them out to the hall where they could speak freely.

“Hello,” she said. “I’m Quinn. What are you all doing here?”

“My daddy is working,” one of the kids – the boy – offered.

“My daddy is working too,” his companion, the girl, added.

Quinn searched her brain, trying to think of who she’d met that day that had kids but came up empty. “That’s nice,” she said. “What’s your dad’s job?”

“He does stuff with cameras,” the boy said.

Quinn nodded. That narrowed things down. “Are you all supposed to be waiting somewhere?” she asked.

“We finished lunch,” the girl said, not answering the question.

“OK,” Quinn said. “Well why don’t we sit out here. Have you ever played I Spy?”

The kids shook their heads and took a seat next to Quinn on the ground as she explained the rules. They caught on quickly and eagerly took turns, celebrating when they were able to guess one of Quinn’s objects or when she was stumped by theirs.

Though she had been enjoying watching Harry film, she had to admit, playing with the kids was almost more entertaining and she was only aware that filming had concluded when people started streaming into the hallway.

“Sweetheart, what are you doing out here?”

The little girl jumped up and ran toward Gabe who was looking down at Quinn.

“I’m so sorry, Quinn,” he said, scooping up the child. “You too?” he asked, looking at the boy.

“Do you know Quinn, Uncle Gabe?” he asked. “She taught us how to play I Spy.”

“Did she?’ Gabe asked. “I didn’t mean for you to play babysitter today, Quinn,” Gabe said, continuing to apologize. “You were supposed to be watching and you missed out.”

“It’s fine,” Quinn said. “I’m sure Harry will give me the full recap.”

Gabe barked a laugh. “I’m sure he will.” He turned to the kids. “Say goodbye to Quinn now.”

“Bye, Quinn,” the kids chorused, reaching to hug her.

“Bye, you guys,” she said.

“H is still in here if you’re looking for him,” Gabe said, as he entered the main ballroom.

Quinn picked herself up off the floor and dusted her jeans off before setting out to look for Harry. She found him holding court in the middle of the room, his sparkly attire and perfectly sculpted hair replaced by sweats and his ever present claw clip. He smiled wide when he saw her and broke off his conversation with Gabe to cross the room to find Quinn.

“Heard you made a couple of new friends today,” he whispered in her ear as he hugged her.

“It’s cute when you’re jealous,” Quinn shot back, smiling as Harry turned to kiss her.

The video shoot was a safe space – it was a small set filled mainly with Harry’s team and others who had undoubtedly signed strict NDAs  – but it was nice to be openly affectionate with Harry in a public setting, without worrying about prying eyes or cameras. It was like they were a normal couple for the day.

“Do you want to head home?” Quinn asked. Though he was energized, Quinn could tell that Harry was fading fast. He nodded sleepily and directed her to the garage where he had parked.

***

Harry hopped in the shower when they got home, washing the day away and trying to soothe his sore muscles. Quinn waited for him in the bedroom, lounging among the blankets and really looking at the room for the first time since she’d arrived. It was warm and cozy and exactly what she’d imagined Harry’s bedroom looking like. He’d set up a small meditation corner and his dressers and bookshelf were filled with photos and other trinkets. She moved closer to the chest of drawers, smiling when she saw a couple pictures of her in the frames interspersed between piles of his jewelry.

When she looked up from the dresser she noticed the closet door was ajar. As fashionable as Harry was, his day-to-day style was remarkably simple, mostly vintage tees and chunky knitwear. Knowing this, she was really intrigued by what the inside of his closet would look like and what work clothes he kept in there. Hearing that the water was still running, she slipped inside and flicked the light on. She was greeted by plenty of racks of clothes, but also a wall of shelves that were filled to the brim with the fancy boxes you’d find at craft and home goods stores, the ones meant to hold photos or other memorabilia. None of them were labeled, but she could tell that they were all stuffed.

She stepped forward, hand resting on the lid when she heard Harry cough.

“Snooping?” His hair was damp, but he’d dried off and was wearing a fresh set of sweats and a questioning smile.

“I believe you said I could make myself at home so I, of course, had to check out the closet space.”

“Mmmhmm.”

“Seriously though, what’s this?” Quinn asked, nodding to the box.

“Oh, I don’t think you need to look in there,” Harry said, walking over to her.

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s not important.”

“Oh, I think that means it’s really important,” Quinn retorted, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and before Harry could stop her, she pulled the top off of the box.

When she looked down, she was greeted by a random assortment of objects that had no apparent connection – a couple of shirts, lots of paper scraps, and what looked to be some jewelry.

Quinn lifted the white shirt near the top of the box out to get a better look. It was blank except for a single word in black text: sex.

“Is this what you wore on the show in November?” she asked Harry, furrowing her brow.

“Yeah.”

Quinn paused, waiting for an explanation but Harry just looked at her, expression indecipherable. “Why is it in this box?”

Harry offered no explanation other than a shrug.

Quinn set it aside and pulled the next item out: it was a receipt from an Italian restaurant in Manhattan. Why was he saving receipts? Did he have an expense report to file? She continued to kneel in front of the box, pawing through its contents as Harry shifted on his feet above her. There was a ticket stub from a film, what looked like the paper tag from a teabag, and a bottle of red glittery nail polish. She still couldn’t figure out the connection between the items until her eyes landed on a stack of papers in the middle of the box. The white sheets were bound together with a brightly colored piece of paper on top and a phrase spelled out in Courier font: “Celebrity Family Feud.”

“Oh my God.” She looked up at Harry, who glanced back at her sheepishly.

“Is this what I think it is, Harry?”

“Maybe.”

“Is this from that week at SNL?”

Harry nodded. “Yeah. The week we met.”

“Oh, Harry.”

Everything else in the box suddenly made sense. It was the history of their relationship.

She was pretty sure the receipt had come from the restaurant they’d ate at when they first reconnected last year. And the nail polish was the shade she’d used to paint Harry’s nails when he’d asked for a touch-up during a summer visit. She’d blamed its absence on one of her friends, but apparently someone else had swiped it.

“Is this…?” She held up the tea tag.

“From one of the drinks you got me that week,” he said, ears red. “I found it in my pocket afterwards and I couldn’t bring myself to throw it out. It was one of the only things I had from you at that point.”

“Harry.” Quinn could feel her eyes welling with tears. “I don’t know what to say.”

“I know it’s weird,” he said, kneeling down beside her. “But I’ve always just kind of held onto things that remind me of people and places that are important.”

“I’m important?” Quinn said, half joking as she laughed through the tears that were now running down her face.

“Of course you are. Even though you go through my things and are a pain in my neck.”

She sniffed as she looked at Harry. “But that’s why you love me.”

“That’s why I love you.”

“Can I see what else is in here?”

“I mean you’re already halfway through,” Harry said with a shrug.

“It’s so interesting,” Quinn said as she flipped through postcards and pictures Harry had saved. “I know what things I’ve saved that are meaningful to me, but seeing what you saved…I don’t know. It makes me appreciate the little moments a little bit more. Wait a second.”

Quinn stopped what she was doing and looked up at Harry. “If this is what I think it is, you’re dead.”

Harry’s cheeks went from pink to red as Quinn slowly lifted an aged stuffed fox from the pile.

“Is this Toast?” she asked.

Harry just nodded.

“You had him this whole time?!”

“I can’t tell if you’re actually mad or not and that kind of scares me,” Harry said with a nervous laugh.

“Like I’m not mad, but you didn’t tell me he was here. Do you know how much I missed him? Where did you find him?”

Harry cleared his throat. “I found him in my bedroom the night you…left. I was going to try to text you and let you know but I just wanted to have a piece of you.”

“Why didn’t you get rid of him?”

Harry sighed, and then adjusted himself so he was sitting cross-legged on the floor next to Quinn.

“Have you heard of the red string of fate?” he asked.

Quinn shook her head.

“Well, it’s this myth that there’s a red thread that connects people who are meant to be together…it’s kind of like the concept of soulmates. And that whatever happens, regardless of the ups and downs, those people will find their way back to each other.” He paused, thinking for a moment. “When we broke up, I was really down. Like really, really bad, and a friend told me that story and it made me feel a little better. That no matter what was happening at that moment, we’d find our way back to each other.”

“And we did,” Quinn said, voice breaking.

“We did,” Harry said, wiping a tear from her cheek. “And that’s why I held onto this guy. Because I knew I would see you again one day and give him back to you.” He laughed. “I guess I could have returned him a little sooner, but now feels like a great time.” He patted the stuffed animal that was now sitting in Quinn’s lap.

Quinn tossed Toast to the side and climbed in Harry’s lap, pulling him as close as she could, seeking his touch with a new hunger. Harry opened his arms drawing her near, kissing down her jaw before landing on her lips.

“I love you, Quinn,” he said between kisses. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone.”

“I know, Harry,” she said against his lips. “I’m never going to love anyone the way I love you.”

Harry lifted Quinn from his lap and placed her on the floor, climbing over her, just barely resting his body on top of her. Quinn sighed against his lips as she felt the weight of him, the best kind of weighted blanket.

Harry kissed his way down Quinn’s body until he reached the hem of her shirt. “May I?” he asked, his words causing her already buzzing skin to vibrate even further.

“Yes. Always.”

Harry pulled her pajama pants and panties down, not even checking to make sure they were down all of the way before burying his face between her thighs. He parted her folds with his tongue before latching onto her clit, sucking as if there were no sweeter taste. Quinn closed her eyes as she gripped Harry’s curls, trying to savor the heat of his mouth against her core. She moaned but her cries were drowned out by Harry’s own moans, which she felt throughout her whole body.

“Oh, fuck, Harry.”

Harry broke away. “Does that feel good?” he asked, nipping at her inner thigh, before smoothing the area with a kiss.

“Yes, yes,” Quinn responded as Harry resumed his ministrations, quickening the tempo of his tongue. Quinn made an attempt to focus on all of the sensations she felt in the moment, to memorize the feel of Harry’s tongue against her, the silky soft texture of his curls, the little sounds of satisfaction he made as he ravaged her, but she lost all sense of time and place when Harry easily slid two fingers inside of her, deftly coaxing a powerful orgasm out of her.

Quinn opened her eyes, trying to catch her breath when Harry moved from between her thighs, crawling up her body to rest his forehead against hers, panting.

“I could do that for the rest of my life,” he said with a smile. “There are a lot of things I could do with you, actually.”

Quinn smiled dazedly as she traced his jawline. “The rest of your life? Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“If I keep one promise in my life it’s that I’m spending the rest of it with you.” He kissed her, long, deep, hard, and Quinn kissed back, saying all of the things she wanted to say in the moment but couldn’t for fear of crying.

“Harry –”

“I know, Agent Q. You don’t need to say anything.”

“I want you, Harry,” she said. “I want you forever.”

Quinn pawed at the drawstring of Harry’s sweats, finally managing to pull them down, freeing his hard, leaking cock from the confines of his briefs. She adjusted herself below him and when she settled, Harry thrust into her in one swift motion.

Quinn knew he was on the verge of coming apart and as she dug her nails into his shoulder blades, she spoke to him.

“Cum, baby, cum for me.”

Harry lasted about two more thrusts before Quinn felt his hips falter and a distinct warm, sticky, feeling on her thighs. Harry collapsed onto her, kissing all over her face, finally at last landing on her lips. He tightened his grip on Quinn before rolling them onto their sides. He looked into her eyes as he brushed his fingers through her hair.

“I meant what I said just now, Quinn.”

“I know, Harry.”

“One day,” he said, more to himself than Quinn. “One day we’ll make it official.”

***

Quinn could have sworn she’d only been in London for two days, but soon it was time for her to return home. Harry had suggested a full itinerary for her last day in the city, but she protested saying she’d rather spend time with him. Harry eventually compromised, agreeing to a lie-in and leisurely breakfast before heading out for some secret adventure he had planned.

Quinn took her time getting ready while Harry, who usually didn’t care about how fast she did her hair and makeup, followed her around, nagging her to move faster.

“Harry!” Quinn said. “If you keep this up, I’m staying put and not going anywhere.”

When they eventually made it out of the house, Harry walked briskly through the streets, pulling Quinn alongside him until they stopped at an old looking house. Harry opened the gate and led Quinn through the doorway.

“Are we supposed to be here?” she asked. Harry shrugged in response.

They wandered the hallways until Harry stopped in front of a closed door.

“You’re going to need to put this on,” he said, pulling a blindfold from his coat pocket.

“What the fuck are we doing?” Quinn asked. “I know I said I’d do anything with you, but I draw the line at blindfolded sex parties.”

“You think someone is hosting a sex party in this house?”

“Well, you’d want to be inconspicuous–”

“Quinn, just put the blindfold on!”

“OK!”

When her eyes were covered, Harry guided Quinn through the door and helped her sit down on the floor. Eyes still covered, Quinn could sense Harry beside her and could hear the clatter of other people coming in and out of the room. Suddenly, she felt something rough and wet against her hand. She was about to yell at Harry, when he pulled the blindfold from her eyes.

Climbing into her lap was a liver-colored corgi, while two other dogs with darker coats ran towards her. She whipped around to look at Harry.

“So, they aren’t the Queen’s corgis,” Harry said. “She apparently doesn’t rent them out for private events.” He rolled his eyes. “But I have it on good word that these dogs have royal blood and very fancy names.” He pointed at the dog wriggling on her lap. “This one is called Winston if I’m not mistaken.”

More dogs came into the room and Quinn had many questions about where all of the corgis had come from, but all of those inquiries disappeared from her mind when the dogs ran over to cuddle and kiss her and Harry. When playtime was over, Harry managed to get Quinn to leave with zero dogs, despite her pleas that they take at least three.

“You know I was only joking about the corgis,” Quinn said as they strolled home.

“Yes, but when my girl asks for something, she gets it. I also kind of wanted to play with the dogs too,” Harry replied.  

The rest of the day was quiet and simple. Whenever an impending departure loomed, Harry and Quinn dealt with it in different ways. Quinn had a tendency to become a bit withdrawn, not wanting to acknowledge that they’d soon be apart, while Harry became even more clingy, touching and hugging Quinn every second he could. That night as they cuddled in bed, Quinn with her ear pressed to Harry’s chest, and Harry with his hands tracing pictures over Quinn’s back, Quinn finally acknowledged what tomorrow would bring.

“At least we won’t be apart for long,” she said, trying to find the bright side.

“Yeah, just a couple of weeks and I’ll be back in the city.” Harry was scheduled to return to New York to continue promoting his album and had lined up a performance on the Today Show. “I’ll get to…what’s the word you used…skulk…around your place of work.”

Quinn dug her nails into Harry’s back and she could feel him squirm with laughter.

“I hope it rains during your concert,” she muttered.

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do. You look good when your hair’s all wet and disheveled,” Quinn said, yawning.

“Noted,” Harry said. He could tell Quinn was asleep or close to it from the way her breathing had evened out and her grip on his t-shirt had loosened, but he continued to speak. “I’m glad you finally came here Agent Q,” he said softly.

“It’s like the puzzle piece that was missing from my life finally fell into place.”

***

talk to me! || join the taglist || story inspo 

taglist: @rivercran @daydreaming-laur @bluebird-and-honey @nevertoooldtodancelikeamaniac @tbslhrry @andwhenshesays @haute-romance-quotidienne @hslllot @luvonstyles @woody32271 @ambee789 @very-berry-harry @last-saturday-night @confusedbansheee @kakaym @daphnesutton @bableliketable @lauloupi @kkrenae @sing-me-a-song-harry @soup-sex-and-sun-salutations @sweetwanderlust05 @deepestsweetsarbiter @kahluamystery97 @thurhomish @honeybluebirds @daydreamingofmatilda @indierockgirrl @be-with-me-so-happily​ @a-strange-familiar​ @mleestiles​

[franki-lew-yo]

The Romantic (2009, R, Gothic Fantasy/Horror), aka the most forgotten animated film in the world

What if I told you there was a movie under serious threat of becoming lost media with no clear reason as to WHY it's been lost other than no one has apparently watched it besides me and a few people on Reddit? What if I told you that movie wasn't half bad and would no doubt have some interest peeked if anyone DID know about it?

The name of that movie is The Romantic.

It was released in 2009 and it's Rated R for nudity and sex scenes [insert Robbie Rotten meme here], though none of it too graphic. It was a pet project created by animator Michael P. Heneghan, originally starting as a flash project for his animation class before he expanded it into a feature film. The film was inspired by movies such as The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, but what I see every time I look at it is a touch of Jhonen Vasquez, Tim Burton, and Roman Dirge- the guy behind Lenore the Cute Little Dead Girl. It's flash animation especially remind me of the puppet-rigged toons of the 2000s (again like Salad Fingers or Lenore). It's not bad, it's just not inherently 'feature film' quality flash, nor is it exceptionally artistic like Sita Sings the Blues in it's simplicity. Like, really, if you happen to find this thing it's not the worst animated project at all it's just amateur for a professional production. I've seen worse flash movies. Heck, if The Romantic were released in separate parts on youtube or Newgrounds as a series (ala Homestuck) I'm sure it would have been really successful and totally in it's element. But it wasn't.

Because next to no one has seen it and I'm lucky to have not only ever seen it when it was available for free but have also found it recently (hush hush, I ain't telling you how) I'm going to actually give you all a plot synopsis under the cut. There will be some details I leave out and I think I've spelled some characters names wrong. It's a bit of a surrealist film as well, so you might need some things explained.

Spoilers ahead:

The Romantic is set in an autumnal, surrealist world inhabited by humans and monsters and ruled by three gods; Po the goddess of love; Pik the god of Hate; and Pjorrc the god of time though Pjorrc was made to live inside a pumpkin moon as everything he touched rabidly aged and died.

((Tapestry art featuring the main three gods of the film.))

A young man (called “Romance” or “The Romantic” by the other characters) performs a bull sacrifice in order to summon Abbledepopa, the unseen creator of the other gods and ‘storyteller’ of the world. The sacrifice does not conjure Abbledepopa but, when Romance spares a monster that was ready to eat him, the monster tells him of a profit named Patience. Patience is a foul-mouthed dwarf living alone with an army of babies who points Romance in the direction of Po.

((Romance outside of Patience's house.))

Romance wants the god’s help because he has fallen out of love with his girlfriend. Po grants him his desire and restores his love only for Romance to return home and find his girlfriend with another man. Blinded by heartache and rage, Romance kills her. He then swears vengeance on the gods for ‘making’ him do it. In the midst of this vow, a corrupt prophet called Fat Daddy kills the queen of Vauxhaul (Romance's home) and her guards, and forges a new body for his newborn son with their bodies. Fat Daddy rallies the townsfolk behind him in supposedly finding the Queen’s murder into follow a new religion called "The Poetic End".

((Romance (right) besides the monster he spared at the beginning of the movie.))

Patience accompanies Romance on his quest and tells him to take Po’s mask, which hides her true face, once he kills her. Romance buys Po’s trust by weaving her a tapestry that tells her story: in the dawn of time Po and Pjorrc were in love. However, Pjorrc gradually became distant and Po became resentful when their daughter, Love, earned Po's original title as the god of romance and love.

In the present day, Romance sleeps with Po for over a year before finally killing her and taking her mask. He and Patience return to his home of Vauxhul only to be chased out by Fat Daddy’s personal army. They flee to Marshallton, the town nearest to the god Pik.

((Romance's hometown of Vauxhul. ))

The king of Marshallton, King Crookie, tells Romance of a prophecy he, Patience, Fat Daddy and all the gods are a part of and that the world is soon to change. Romance then fights and successfully kills Pik when he shows the god of hate his reflection in a mirror King Crookie gave him, but not before losing his hand to Pik.

When Romance comes down the mountain he learns from Patience that nine years have passed since his fight with Pik began. Patience reveals to Romance what Pik saw in the mirror that allowed Romance to take the killing blow; after Love had grown up and married, Po asked Pik to tell her where her husband was always running off to. Pik reluctantly revealed Pjorrc was disguising himself as a human and married a mortal woman. Po found Pjorrc and his pregnant second wife, forcing Pjorrc to leave his human family behind, but not before asking his wife to name their son “Patience”. In retaliation for his treachery, Po proceeded to sleep with fifty men and produce the fifty bastard children in Patience’s house.

((Fat Daddy, the main villain.))

Marshallton and the entire rest of the world has fallen to the rule of Fat Daddy, who captures Romance and Patience. Fat Daddy tortures Patience into telling him how to get to Pjorrc but is unable to convince Romance to take part in his ‘new world’ or give him Po’s mask. Romance and Patience escape and leave the village to be torn apart by the fifty babies Po had, now transformed into veracious monsters after Patience didn’t feed them for the past ten years. Romance confronts Patience when he realizes the latter is Pjorrc’s son. Patience calls Romance out on his mantra of vengeance and points out that all his decisions are his own, not the gods, and instructs him to seek Love herself in Po’s basement. Patience then attempts to confront Pjorrc but is cornered and killed by Fat Daddy before he can do so.

In Po’s basement, Romance finds Love nailed to a wall, her face torn off and half eaten by her deformed husband. Love tells Romance that Po ripped off her daughter’s face in rage over Pjorrc’s infidelity and Pjorrc did not intervene fast enough. Po then threw Love into her basement, turned Love’s husband into a monster, and wore her daughter’s face as a mask - which Romance had broken into pieces moments ago after Patience had shown him his face in King Crookie’s mirror. Romance then finds Pjorrc hanging himself. As he dies, Pjorrc tells Romance to take the hand Fat Daddy had cut off and sew it onto himself, which will in turn help Romance defeat Abbledepopa.

Romance traverses the wasteland and does not find Abbledepopa, but instead a golden loom. Having seen all the destruction he and others had caused, Romance sits upon the loom and accepts his fate as the new ‘storyteller’ of the world, as he begins weaving a new one...

---

I mentioned before the animation quality of the film and why maybe that caused people to overlook it. The only other thing I could complain about on a technical level with The Romantic is it's sound design. Some of the voices and music is a little too quiet and so all these key details I had to go through the film a few times to really piece together. But that leads me to the thing I like about this movie and I'm sure others would to: the lore.

It's very hard to create a new fantasy world w it's own customs, religions, history and rules out of the blue as any YA Harry Potter/Hunger Games ripoff book could tell you. The Romantic is so unique in how it handles the pantheon and culture of these three gods and their kin; really only four or five characters throughout the entire story aren't connected to the gods or prophecy in some way, as there's the main three gods, Abbeldepappa, and the prophets Patience, Love and Fat Daddy, who make up your main cast besides Romance. There's a lot that's intentionally left unexplained and other info that must be explained, like Pjorrc and Po's marriage and Romance's feelings towards the gods, if we want to understand the former. The movie is paced pretty well and knows when to follow up on what, it's just that again some of those animation and editting shortcomings might make it hard to understand...but I don't think THAT hard. Look, if someone can enjoy Starchaser: The Legend of Orin or even better surrealist world-building films ((Fantastic Planet comes to mind)), then I say there's no reason The Romantic wouldn't have a following. There's no other way I can articulate why and what doesn't work about the story except just to recommend you watch it yourselves, but before I get into that I want to talk themes...because I love the themes and tone of The Romantic.

I revisited The Romantic a week before I made myself watch Centaurworld and The Owl House for the first time...and what a week that was~! The Romantic has the vibe of those kinds of shows along with Adventure Time and Infinity Train ((so I hear, I haven't watched the latter)). It's surreal and you'll only marvel at 'woooah wut an acid trip' for so long before you get into the vibe of the universe. It also reminded me substantially of the Broadway musical Hadestown and not just because this movie is also a self-contained, somewhat self aware fable about the relationships between humans and gods - it's very raw in how the characters talk. It's very emotional and blunt in how kind and how cruel they can be, and it doesn't make excuses or really worships any one of them. Romance himself is the world's most likable Incel: he murders a woman he thought he needed to love and blames his emotions on the gods of those passions...except the gods AREN'T the manifestations of love, time, and hate - they simply dictate and oversee it in the lives of men. It's a dynamic I really like in religious works where Gods are powerful but not all knowing or puppet masters to everyone's design- they have morality too and there is only so much you can blame and get from them.

"You made your gods into excuses and your excuses into gods!"

-Patience. This here is a cool quote. I like this quote.

No matter what, The Romantic is not gonna be a film for everyone. We all have our tastes - I think I'm drawn to it and accepting because I've come to love these kind of worlds that used to keep me up at night - these trippy 70s inspired fantasy landscapes given a whole Avatar: The Last Airbender degree of worldbuilding and character worth. It also doesn't feel exploitive in it's violence, it's sexuality, it's grimmness - it doesn't feel like it's trying to hard or going over the top because it happens to be an adult animated film, something that I love in movies like 9 or Hair High but really turns me off in stuff like Sausage Party or Wizards. Whatever go watch The Romantic...

if you can.

-----

When I first saw this film in 2016 it was actually very accessible and was even uploaded to youtube by the creator himself. I don't know WHAT happened to Michael P. Heneghan, but simply put, the man's disappeared...like...REALLY disappeared.

Lookit his IMDB. He has The Romantic and a wapping two other projects to his name. His Twitter isn't very helpful either. He last updated in early 2020 and he says next to nothing about The Romantic. It's so odd that he would one day be happy with the film enough to host it on Vimeo and Youtube but then just cop out.

According to a Reddit user: "On Valentines Day 2011, Heneghan released the film for free online through all kinds of platforms including direct download, bittorrent, Vimeo, and even directly through Archive.org. He even joked about releasing a 300 gig uncompressed version.

I know I watched it on Vimeo probably as recently as 2016. Now I can't find it anywhere. The website is dead, the Vimeo video went private, even the archive.org version has been taken down. It really looks like he wanted to wipe it off the face of the internet. His newer website mentions it, but again, the Vimeo link is dead and even that website is closed for business."

It's weeeird. What happened Michael?

And yes, obviously, other people worked on the movie.

No - I can't find out anything about them either.

I'm betting on three theories at the moment: 1) this film is an SCP or some Candle Cove weirdness with only me and a handful of people ANYWHERE remembering it, 2) something weird is going on w Michael Heneghan and it involves too something about this film. It was a scam or a scheme or a hidden agenda weirdness, 3) Heneghan's doing okay he just doesn't like this film anymore and wants it hidden while he takes a break.

Look, I get it Michael! What was once our life's worth can become cringe as you improve as an artist - you're not the person making the stuff you were ten years ago...but you should still have the film kept alive somehow. Someway.

I'm seriously the only person to have ever made fan art of this movie on the internet. That just doesn't happen, and I don't think I like being in a fandom of one. The Romantic is a testament to the power of design and storytelling > animation quality itself. Too often I see people equate good animation with smooth animation, with a budget with squash and stretch. These animations are good but art is diverse and there's so many kinds of films out there, the value of the medium can't just be in one style/form. There's a lot of honestly wonderful pieces of art out there if you know where to look and you're willing to see where it leads you.

Don't let The Romantic be the most forgotten movie of all time. Reblog this post. Show it to your friends. PM the animation community reviewer people like Saberspark and someone who isn't Saberspark and smuggle them a copy.

Keep telling the story...

[danpuff-ao3]

Hi Dan! Can I ask for some fluffy, non-explicit Snarry recs, if you happen to know some? I am going through a heartbreak atm and I could use the warm fuzzies from some cute enemies to lovers 😥 Love your writing btw, you're a blessing to this world ❤️❤️

Hello my dear! I'm so sorry to hear of your sweet heart so broken! I will do my best to rec you some goodies!

I must warn you, I often tell people my angst-meter is broken and for similar reasons I think my fluff-meter is broken. 😂 But I will share with you some lighthearted reads I turn to when I most need them, and hope they bring you as much comfort as they bring me. 💛

First and foremost I'll start with some sneaky, shameless self-recs. I find family fics often have feel-good vibes, so I have rec lists for Snarry Raises Teddy and Family Fics you can check out. I also have some fluffy (for me!) fics of my own: Domestic Bliss (Snarry Style) series, The Gift of Love, and The Christmas Prince.

And with that...let's carry on with the proper recs, shall we? I do hope at least some of these fit your needs! (And lmk if you want the M & E rated version at some point!)

Sending you all of my love and hugs!!!! 🤗💛

Just Desserts

by accioslash. Rated G. 5k. AU.

Non-magic Coffee shop AU

The Beauty of Childbirth

by AnyaElizabeth. Rated G. 700. Mpreg.

The birth of Harry and Severus's first child. In which Severus remains cynical to the end.

a scratch for every itch

by bleedcolor. Rated T. 11k. Magical maladies.

Severus Snape is an itch that Harry just can't scratch.

Over Tea

by Dementordelta. Rated G. 5k. Severus & Minerva friendship.

Snape and McGonagall form a friendship based on tea, teaching, and Harry Potter. Inspired by a drabble called "Evening Tea", by Serenity, used with permission.

Lemons and Strawberries

by emeraldlove (@givereadersahug.) Rated T. 800.

Severus bakes a cake for Harry's forty-second birthday.

Lilac

by emeraldlove. Rated G. 1k. Humor.

"You're cursed," declared Hermione. She dropped several books onto the table, scattering the flowers lying about, and took a seat. There were petals on the table and on the floor — especially on, above, under, and surrounding Harry.

The Perfect Love Story

by emynn. Rated G. Mpreg.

They didn't have the traditional love story, but it worked for them.

Marks

by florahart. Rated G. 5k. Muggle AU. Podfic available.

Harry's a computer science student, but he needs a writing credit to qualify for an internship. All the writing classes are full, so he ends up in Snape's lit class as a substitute. Snape has a reputation as a hardass, but it can be said that no one passes his class without learning to write, so that meets the requirement, and then, once Harry starts working on that, it turns out they have something else in common.

Glitter

by khaleesisophie (@hereiamwithmyninjaclan.) Rated T. 6k. Gift giving.

Was it a tiny decision, made so many years ago? If he retraced his steps, would he always find his way back here?

Five times Severus almost kissed Harry (and the one time he did)

by Likelightinglass (@likelightinglass.) Rated G. 4k. 8th year. Pining. 5+1.

Severus wants to kiss Harry but doesn't. Eventually, he does.

So Quite a New Thing

by Likelightinglass. Rated G. 2k. 5+1.

Five times Harry gets thrown out of Severus' shop, and the one time he comes back.

Five Times Severus Saved Harry and the One Time He Didn't Have To

by Lunarlooroo. Rated G. 8k. 5+1. Postwar.

The world knows Harry has a saving people thing, but only Harry knows that Severus has always had a saving Harry thing. (Even if there are some things that Harry doesn't need saving from.)

(Not quite) For Your Eyes Only

by PinaNaponi (@vulnerasanenturmyprince). Rated T. 2k. 5+1. Alternating POVs.

Five times Harry and Severus don’t realise someone is watching, and one time they do.

Ronald Weasley, Stay at Home Dad

by PinaNaponi. Rated T. 6k. Matchmaking. Ron POV.

Prompt #62: Harry is the only one of them without a spouse. In Witch Weekly, Ron finds a ‘Find Your Ideal Partner’ quiz and fills it in on Harry’s behalf. The likely candidate – in fact, the ideal candidate – turns out to be someone just like Snape. He decides that it is up to him to bring the two together.

The Art of Coffee

by Snarry5evr. Rated T. 10. Muggle AU.

Taking over the overnight shift at the campus coffee shop, Harry meets an interesting stranger.

Birthdays Present

by Somn (@somnwritessometimes.) Rated T. 4k (so far.) Series.

various birthday fics for Harry and Severus

The Prince's Bride

by suitesamba (@suitesamba.) Rated T. 5k. Humor.

Hugo Weasley is sick and can’t go with his family to Diagon Alley to get Rose’s wand. Fortunately, Grandpa Arthur agrees to come and stay with him, and has a special book to read aloud. The book is The Princess Bride, and even though it’s not about Uncle Harry and Uncle Severus at all, Hugo would be a fool if he didn’t see the oh-so-obvious parallels. Fortunately, in the end, Uncle Harry arrives just in time to set the record straight and tell the real story.

[rosesnink]

The Tattletale’s Mask

Author’s Notes: 

This story was certainly hard to work with, since we do not know much of Theresa, but I hope that I had made her justice and let people see where she comes from. This is dedicated to all those girls who are told that they talk too much or that they can’t do something: they’re wrong and you’re amazing. There is somebody who wants to hear what you say and who sees you and loves you for what you are. Never give up on yourself and know that you’re loved. 

English is not my first language, so please forgive any typos/grammar mistakes 

I’m making more of these with other characters like Harry, Edmund, and even Holloway. If you want to read the backstories of other characters like our Lady Grandmother or Roselyn Sinclaire, click here! 

Summary: We see how Miss Sutton lived the events that entailed in the series 

Word Count: 5.1k 

Category: Fluff, angst and everything in between 

Pairing: Theresa Sutton x Harry Foredale, Theresa Sutton & Edmund Marlcaster 

Rating: PG-13 

Warnings: Discussion of death and grief, misogyny of the era and spoilers from the main series The Cursed Heiress. Read under your own discretion. 

Book: Desire and Decorum 

December, 1801

“And remember, Little Tess, don’t talk until you’re required to, and remember to breathe when you do!” Her mother advised her.

“And to be a good woman of God,” her father added.

Theresa Sutton nodded, wanting nothing more than to please her parents. Despite them being different themselves: her father being of white skin and a minor priest from Moorfield and her mother being brown-skinned and the daughter of a former slave, she wouldn’t notice such differences until she started blossoming into a woman. Tonight, she’d be introduced to the Earl of Edgewater, the son of the scary old man. He seemed kinder and actually interested into the ongoings of their modest house. Or at least he was good at pretending.

With him, his son who was her age and the eldest, of blonde hair and pretty blue eyes, greeted one another and sat in the dinner table as the younglings were in a different table, commenting the meal “I hope you like the potatoes! They aren’t the best, but our cook made it with love!”

The eldest, Edmund, overwhelmed by so much chatter, simply nodded as Harry assured her, they were just fine. She liked Harry. He was funny and seemed to like her enough. She was aware that she was but seven years-old, but she always dreamt of finding a good man and marrying him. Not like her mother, who seemed always so quiet and unhappy in her marriage.

She liked talking. It helped her pour out her heart and made her feel like this house wasn’t much of a prison. And everyone looked so gloomy, and the outside felt so colourful! Soon, as they seemed to start talking politics, dismissed the children to their assigned room, where Edmund brooded as she and Harry played Truth or Dare.

“Alright, my turn! Truth or dare, Theresa?”

“Truth!”

He smiled “Can I call you Tessa?”

“Oh!” She replied. Her mother and father called her Tess, and her eldest brother called her Sissie, but no-one called her Tessa “I mean, why not!”

“Alright, Tessa, I dare you to…” he whispered in her ear and she looked at him “What? It’ll help!”

“Alright,” she shrugged and went over Edmund. Since he was rather tall, she tapped on his leg “I think that your hair looks well, and nobody here thinks that you’re a dumb trollop, whatever that means.”

His eyebrows shoot up “Oh!” He looked over his brother and smiled “Thank you. That was... very kind.”

She shyly went back to Harry’s side and she whispered “Is your mother so mean to him? He seems nice!”

“I’m afraid so. I think she means well, but does it the wrong way. Boys like to be complimented as well; you know.”

“You’re very wise, and you’re younger than I am!”

May, 1810

Theresa Sutton was rendered speechless from the first time in a while. She gaped at her mother for what it felt like centuries “Cat finally got your tongue, girl?” Her father rushed.

“No, no! I’m just… he’s so… much older.”

Her father waved his hand “Four years is nothing. I’m twelve years older than your mother and we get along just fine, don’t we, Jocasta?”

Her mother faked a smile “Indeed, dear. My point is, he is handsome, wealthy, his mother’s titled and he will be kind to you. Not everyone has that privilege, dear.”

“Besides, a tattletale like you can’t do better. He doesn’t like speaking and you do. The two of you will reach an agreement, that’s for sure.”

“But… I’m in love with Viscount Harry!”

“He is betrothed to his neighbour, Annabelle Parsons. For a few months now. I’m afraid that asking the earl to switch brides would be highly improper, and a viscount is too much for you, anyways. It’s either Mr. Marlcaster or maidenhood.”

Theresa balled her fists and sobbed “I hate you! You’re a vile man, father!”

“Ungrateful brat—,” He got up, ready to smack her.

Her mother was quicker and shushed him “It’s but a tantrum! She’ll see your way, leave her to me, Jerry!”

“Hmm. She better. No other man in his right mind will come knock for her hand again.”

As she rushed upstairs, sobbing uncontrollably, she tried not to slam the door as she threw herself into bed and continued the sobbing and despair into sadness.

She didn’t notice her mother coming in and caressing her back, a sympathetic look in her face, and observing her with empathetic eyes. When she looked up, between sobs and irregular breathing and buggers of crying, she asked “Why, Mama? Why are you agreeing on this?”

“When one is a woman, and is not of white colour, we have little saying in what we are. But times are changing, my dear. At least none of us practically belong to your father as property. I will tell you something, little dove: sometimes, the only power we withhold is the one over men. What you did there was a mistake: never tempt a white man’s rage. Instead, lure him with daughterly affection. Men mellow quickly with hugs, kisses and puppy eyes. They are weaker than any man! Simple, and sometimes quite naïve about us.”

“What would you have me do?” She asked, her voice hoarse.

“Men like their women innocent and clueless. In their eyes, be that, but the moment the door close… play your cards carefully.”

“Like Papa and James when they play poker?”

Her mother smiled, pinching her nose “Exactly, my dear. The world is our poker, and we are cards. Depending on the situation, we change alliances to survive. Sometimes you’ll be ace, sometimes you’ll be spades. Besides, Harry is even younger, and so is Annabelle. I know the girl. In normal circumstances, she wouldn’t even bat an eye even if Harry was bare before her.”

“Mother!”

“It’s true, my love. Annie is quite indifferent to men, and prefers to be among us. Let us visit her and discuss your respective engagements.”

“Do you… want me to find out why she accepted the betrothal?”

Jocasta smiled and kissed her head “My smart girl. Now, prepare yourself and give me your best puppy pout. You will get on your knees and beg for his forgiveness.”

“And then?”

“…You’ll plot your revenge by scoring your beloved viscount. Rome wasn’t conquered in one day. But if you’re smart and know which card become, soon he’ll be giving you over to the heir to an earldom.”

As she got downstairs, her father was reading the newspaper, muttering to himself. When he noticed his daughter’s presence, he frowned “What do you want, Tess?”

She got on her knees with a guilty look and grabbed his pantaloons “Father… forgive me. I have disrespected you and was a very, very ungrateful daughter. I should’ve known my place, and I’d be pleased to become Mrs. Marlcaster.”

Her father raised an eyebrow and she rested her head on his lap “It won’t happen again. You shall find me your best, most ardently devoted and loving daughter. Please, Papa…” She looked at him like she was a puppy and he just kicked her. His demeanour mellowed.

“Very well. I forgive you. You are young and naïve, but later you’ll thank me.”

She smiled at him and kissed his hand, and he beckoned her to go back to her room. Now that she crossed her father off her to-do list, there was something else to do: talk to Miss Annabelle Parsons. Her next stop tomorrow would be Hazelvale Manor.

“Miss Sutton! Be welcome!” Annabelle smiled.

Theresa started a long ramble about what a pretty decoration she owned and how Felicity’s house looked similar, hoping that she’d get bored easily. Annabelle was certainly good at pretending to listen, but she could read boredom well enough. She talked more of the gossip she had heard, until Annabelle finally snapped, in her own polite way.

“I’d like to congratulate you on your betrothal to Eddie.”

“Ooh, thank you!” She made sure to squeal and conspirationally whisper “And soon you’ll score the youngest for yourself! Exciting, isn’t it?!” She batted her eyes, and Annabelle looked uncomfortable. Disgusted by the idea, even. But that mask was off for a few seconds.

“I look forward… to unite our houses.”

“Great! We shall be sisters, you and I!” She took her hands and squeezed them as hard as she could.

If Mama is right, it shouldn’t be difficult to rip my Harry from you.

Annabelle smiled “Wouldn’t that be simply wonderful?”

Theresa couldn’t help a giggle, and thank God that, in her eyes, she was just being childish about it. But deep inside, she was hiding her machinations to take Harry from her.

A beautiful maid of rich blonde hair came in, serving the tea, and Annabelle gave her a pair of curious eyes “Whoa! That’s such a pretty hair!”

She smiled wistfully “I know.”

Theresa looked at her, her mask falling off just for a few nanoseconds. She looked at her like she wanted Harry to look at her. Like no one else in the world mattered, but he just left or blushed and avoided her ever since the engagement. Boys were so simple, yet so complicated when it came to express one’s feelings! It was exasperating.

“So, how do you imagine your wedding? Given that one day he’ll be heir, it should be a grand thing!” She wanted to strangle her so bad in that moment.

Why her? Why not me?

Supposedly, she should be thrilled of one day becoming a viscountess. She could tell by her eyes and mannerisms that she felt like a pig readying itself for slaughter. And she and Harry were closer than she’d like. She was aware that she didn’t have a right to be possessive, but the feeling was there and she couldn’t just ignore it. She wanted to shake her and scream at her, and demand why she accepted the proposal when it was obvious that it was the last thing in the world she wanted to do. She had at first thought she was just averse to touch in general, but it only seemed to be the case when a woman was around. She was hands-on and smiley, meanwhile with a man she was stern and mysterious.

She had heard many myths. That once upon a time, there had been a time where several women lived in the isle of Lesbos and engaged in romantic and emotional relationships among them, among them the infamous poet Sappho, whose book was deemed immoral and forbidden and burned down. She had also seen drawing of it in another countries, and some made her blush. And when they had been in the museums watching statues of Aphrodite, she had been wide-eyed and red. Could it be? That she felt that way with women the way she should feel about men?

Poor girl, she thought, unable to talk to someone or relate to it.

How lonely it must be, in such a poorly communicated world where one is trapped in a certain society full of rules, especially when one was a coloured woman. As her mother had told her, if women didn’t support one another, who would?

Theresa placed her hand on hers “If you ever need venting, I’m here.”

Annabelle blinked for a few seconds before nodding.

“I’m quite fine, honestly. I suppose the thrill will come the nearer the wedding is.”

They both knew she was lying. She would never find joy in it. Not as long as Harry was a man.

What a beautiful world would be, one with less rules on who to love, tasting the freedom of it, unbound and unapologetically, and shamelessly.

December, 1814

The rain had been pouring out like Heaven itself was falling, and Theresa needed some comfort, unable to sleep due to Henrietta’s hurtful remarks on how she chose to dress. Surely cream tulle was a sensible choice?

She quickly ducked into the library and started exploring where would she travel tonight, wondering whether Keats or Machiavelli would be good choices before drifting to sleep. She chose Keats and found herself engrossed in his work, deliciously scandalous with the right amount of salacious and fascinating tales. She couldn’t help herself with a snort, and when she looked up, she nearly screamed, were it not for her visitor’s quick hand covering her mouth. Such gesture made her cheeks redden.

“Forgive me,” Harry whispered, retracting his hand “but I heard a noise and thought we had an unwanted guest.” He observed her choice of reading and his eyebrows shoot up in amusement “I didn’t know you were interested in Keats.”

“I—I like the… gossip.”

Harry chuckled and took a dangerous step closer “You needn’t don your mask before me, Tess. I shall not tell a soul that you are smarter than you pretend to be.”

“I—I—that is—,” She sighed, chuckling “have you been spying on me, my lord?”

“Merely observing with attention.”

Her breath got caught “You ought to do that with Miss Parsons, not me.”

He took yet another step, and Theresa caught herself against one shelf, her eyes on Harry’s beautiful blue eyes, the same shade as the Edgewater colours “Why pretend that you are an airhead when you’re far more enthralling like that?” He asked, his voice musky.

“I don’t think you’d understand.”

He tucked one strand of hair in her ear and she noticed how unproperly dressed she was, in nothing but a nightgown and her hair down and unbound for rolling into the satin sheets. Their chests were inches close, and he too was in state on undress, only his shirtsleeves and pantaloons “Try me. I like to think that I am insightful.” His voice was a beautiful baritone whisper, a dangerous invitation. His fingertips now traced her neckline, as if checking her pulse, which was beating incredibly fast, and she looked away. His fingers caught her chin and made him look at him “Don’t. Don’t deprive me of your eyes. It’d be like depraving a lost man in a desert of water.” He whispered, so low she shouldn’t have to hear it in regular circumstances.

“Harry,” she breathed, her eyes on those beautiful lips she dreamt about in the high hours of the night.

“Tess,”

She had been so caught in the moment that she didn’t notice her book dropping slowly from her grasp, and its firm thud made her come to her senses and quickly ran away before he could even come to his own senses. She reached her bedroom and placed her hand on her chest, trying to get a hold of her heartbeats, that were as fast as a hummingbird. She swallowed hard and felt like she had run from Glasgow all the way here.

Locking the door for everybody’s sakes, she drifted to sleep, not before praying to God not to dream of Harry’s lips on her yet again.

April, 1815

Theresa had been comforting a crying Edmund, who silently dropped tears in her lap. It was a strange thing. Throughout their engagement, he had refused to even try to mellow her or try to win her heart. But he had proposed, and had wanted to make it look convincing. She had also noticed how Harry sent her gifts, shamelessly trying to win her to his side. She had always used his brother as excuse of returning the gifts. She wanted him badly, but she had grown up in a house close to God, always beseeching her to be a good and faithful woman even before marriage. If Edmund noticed, he didn’t care, for he was much more interested in hunting.

She had tried to even kiss him, even if it was chastely, but he always turned her away. The argument that followed was quite nasty “Am I not handsome enough for you?” She demanded.

“It’s not that.” He responded flatly.

“I am to be your wife. In these years, you have even refused to take my hand! As if we were committing incest of some sorts!”

He mumbled “What nonsense, Theresa!”

“Then what is it?! Is there another wench which I am unaware of?”

He looked at her horrified “Of course not! I am not a monster, Theresa!”

“THEN WHY WON’T YOU TOUCH ME?!” She cried out, exasperated. She took a deep breath “Sooner or later, we shall be man and wife. Everyone hopes that we start behaving like that. What is holding you back?!” At his silence, she quickly whispered “Do you… perhaps have issues… down there…?”

“My body functions just fine, Miss Sutton!” He declared, like she had just insulted him. Perhaps she had.

She bit her lip “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to insult you. I just… I want to understand why won’t you behave like my future husband! You proposed! You convinced my parents to marry us! Whatever had changed? Do you think I am a tattletale like the rest?”

“You’re not at fault here, Theresa. I… I made a promise.”

“I don’t follow. Do you want to remain celibate until marriage?”

There was a drowning silence, in which the country wind and their breaths were the only sound in the room “I do not… have talent in the amorous path.”

Theresa softened and placed her hand on his shoulder, and as usual, he flinched “I understand if you wish to remain innocent until our wedding night. I find it quite brave of you.”

He only nodded. Theresa was lucky that he didn’t flaunt himself in brothels and hoarded the maids’ bedrooms whenever he had needs. He was restraint and seemed to respect his promise to her. She didn’t know why, but she wanted to understand. She truly did.

“Now, let us go to get some tea.”

He gestured towards the door “Ladies first.”

Things had mellowed due to Harry’s death. She still donned her mask of a tattletale, despite the fact that he wouldn’t like it. This was the thing: men didn’t like women with minds of their own, with deep thoughts and ambition of their own. If she pretended long enough to be air-headed and only caring for gossip and a handsome, wealthy man and a good roof under her head, her life would be solved.

But neither Edmund or Harry were common men. They were men of cultures of their own. They were the sun and the moon, light and dark, Hades and Apollo. Harry was a promise of light, youthful beauty and arts and music flowing the room, as bright as the sun itself, meanwhile Edmund was peace, quiet nights where the lonely and unwanted souls could be free. They both completed one another, and now Edgewater had lost its sun the moment that dreadful boar had struck him down, like the comets had altered the universe with one strike.

There were colour with Harry, vibrant and inspiring people, lightening the way and the walls of the estate, and now he wasn’t here, and the world had fallen into darkness and wails of the ones who had found their purpose under Harry’s comforting light. She would no longer bathe into his sun, or feel his cologne, or see the ruffles of his beautiful hair, the chestnut that reminded her of the autumn paintings she loved.

Now, he just lived in her memory and the few portraits that had been made of him. Humanity was yet to find a way to immortalise somebody. Aged just seventeen, he had taken his holy light from them to perhaps never return.

March, 1816

Theresa had imagined Joanna in many ways before she arrived. Perhaps a female Harry, with his bright blue eyes and his chestnut hair. Instead, she had found a fiery, aloof and fierce young woman, with hair as red as fire itself, and with too many opinions for a world where one wasn’t allowed to have a voice. She admired her bravery and passion, that very much needed fire inside the now shadows of the estate. Light had returned to Edgewater, but with a terrible price.

She knew that Joanna didn’t like her, thinking of her a tattletale with no regard for anything save gossip. Perhaps it was for the best. But one thing was certain: she was a Foredale to the bone, and not even Henrietta’s schemes would take that away. She certainly knew how to get her way, and seemed more experienced in several things than the rest.

She was not a woman of her century, but rather advanced, perhaps too advanced for her own good. She didn’t demand attention with a well-practised nasal voice or to show off, she demanded it the moment she entered the room, without saying a single word, and it had nothing to do with her scandalous backstory, but rather her presence: commanding, alluring, poised, elegant and with a beauty that made men bow before her ethereal beauty, red, blue and white made a woman.

She had hopes that she’d finish what Harry had started. She truly did.

Late April, 1816

Theresa was aware that death always surrounded her, but she was not aware that it’d haunt whoever came too close to the vacancy of the head of Edgewater. It seemed like a curse; whoever dared to declare itself the heir, they’d have a horrible death.

Yellow fever. Boar attack. Murder.

No Foredale in power had any mercy in their last hours. The Earl had died with a terrible illness, Harry had been struck by a deadly boar, and now the duke had murdered Joanna, in her own prime, only for rejecting his affections, if they were even affections per se. They probably didn’t get past carnal possession. He was infamous for the death of any woman who had come close to him. Like yet another terrible curse that went back to the times of Henry VIII.

She had grown to love the woman, a mistake she had committed, and now she watched her be buried six feet deep, childless and without any clear prospect, her suitors devastated to watch her go before fulfilling promises made in hidden places and whispers. If someone deserved a happy ending, that was Joanna. And she herself had lost so much before yielding to death herself: her fiancé, her mother, her father and now herself. Those who had mattered to her, all dead in her arms. How terrible, to have death hovering over your shadow every time you opened up your heart and placed it before someone in your fist, hoping that they’d take care of it. They, unintentionally, had grabbed it and tore it apart before her eyes.

Poor girl, she thought. Poor child. So beautiful, witty, full of life, dreams and ambitions, now lying in the cold ground next to her loved ones, leaving other behind her, with their own hearts destroyed by her before them, even if she didn’t mean it either.

Theresa supposed that was what it meant to love and be loved: burn as bright as the sun and pray not to get burned, but not caring either when you’re into deep, lost in the flames of passion and longing.

She had burned not one, but four hearts, and one hadn’t bore the fire and left it to burn on its own. She’d certainly miss Annabelle, but didn’t blame her for fleeing before getting hurt again. Now the halls of Edgewater held too many memories of Harry’s laughter, Joanna’s bright smile and Vincent’s kind eyes. All of them gone before their time.

That night, after everyone went to sleep, Edmund had summoned her to the drawing room and beckoned her to take a seat “I know that it is perhaps not a good time, but Joanna would’ve wanted me, us, to be happy. I—,”

“You want to end this, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“…Thank God.” She breathed.

He frowned “What—,”

“Oh, don’t make of me a fool, Edmund. We were never meant to marry. I never loved you that way, and neither did you. You were bound by a promise, and my heart belonged to Harry all along. It’d be foolish of us to pretend this is going somewhere. And, perhaps, if we had been sincere with ourselves and one another, this wouldn’t have to be nasty.”

Edmund chuckled bitterly and asked “When did you become so wise?”

“I always have been. You were too focused on my tattletale role.”

Edmund closed the distance and kissed her cheek “You outplayed us all. You will have no trouble outliving this family, dear.”

She placed her hand on his cheek “I’d hate to see you die, though. I mean it. You have been a friend all along. You still matter to me.”

He kissed the inside of her cheek “As do you. I hope that you find a man who is worthy of you, Tessa.”

“As I do, Neddy. And if you have, tell her she has my blessing.”

December, 1816

So much had changed. She had changed. Everyone and everything had.

Joanna had come back from the dead, and Harry as well. Edmund had married Joanna’s lady’s maid, and she was to marry Harry. All because of a last-minute miracle that Joanna did. She had always been a curious thing. The moment they both had dismounted such big mares, Edgewater’s balance had been restored, and its pretenders were gone within the week.

And she was now expecting her first child, and would soon become Countess of Edgewater. If the Theresa from ten years ago heard of it, she’d call her a fool. Edmund was to be a father as well, as if both brothers had coordinated to have a child at the same time. It was certainly a curious thing both expectants had commented over tea.

Her life was as she dreamt once, and with a husband who saw her for who she was all along, she had been happy to drop her mask, leaving everyone dumbfounded when they saw how intelligent she was. This war with society was officially over, and she had won the fight.

My name is Theresa Marie Foredale, formerly Sutton, and I was born on a spring of 1794. My father is a reverend, and my mother is the daughter of a slave woman who could birth her in freedom.

Since infancy, I grew up and fell in love with Harrison Foredale, the heir of Edgewater Estate, but was betrothed in 1810 to Edmund Marlcaster, son of Henrietta Foredale of her first, tragic marriage.

From a young age, I realised that my talent for talking and having opinions was not an option if I wanted to survive, so I decided to don a mask of a chatterbox that only cared for gossip and status, but without letting go of my romantic nature. Why let go of it in the pinnacle of Romanticism? What a sin that would’ve been.

I chose my friends wisely, and played the game as well as I could. In 1815, my Harry died of a supposed boar attack, and I was now seemingly forced to make my engagement work, though we all knew it was a farce.

On the autumn of 1816, Joanna Foredale, who had been supposedly murdered by the Duke of Karlington stormed the doors with Viscount Harry by her side, everything changed. He claimed his spot as earl back, and he claimed me as his countess, and my, have I never been happier.

During a quiet night where we poured down our hearts, we gave to our burning passion in his bedroom, and that night, our future son was conceived. I still remember how painfully beautiful he looked under the moonlight and the last surviving candle, and how little we needed its flame, for we burned as bright as a comet in each other’s arms, the most beautiful and passionate of loves made into kisses and caresses. How he held me, looked at me and never let go of my hand in the whole night, calling me the most tender and loving names, calling me Tess, his Tess, like he had all his life.

We also had another seven beautiful children: Victoire, Vincent II, Dominique II, Charles, Anne, Lionel and Isobel Foredale.

Many speak of Joanna and her incredible deeds and passion that matches her fiery red head, but they will rarely speak my name: the countess and wife of Harry, who waited for him patiently and hopefully, as well as agonizingly for six years, and got him by a miracle that no one is yet to explain to me.

I am Theresa, the woman who fooled London’s Ton by playing a gossiping and nosy chatterbox, hiding underneath a woman of opinions, aspirations and sensible dreams behind that mask. But that was never a secret to my Harry.

They thought that a woman like myself, of brown skin and chatty and plain as day could ever aspire to countess, and I outwitted them all with patience and being observant. The fickle game of marriage within our high society was not easy, but in the end, I won it with sweat and tears, with rarely having the privileges my peers enjoyed. I am the first coloured Countess of Edgewater to grace its role, and I have done well by my name and status, giving it plenty of heirs and keeping alive its light.

It is my blood that resides in the current earl, yet all they talk about is her, her red hair and outwardly deeds. But I do not mind it. I know who I am, and that I was as relevant. We were sisters, allies and best of friends. She was remembered more often, but I have not fallen into oblivion just yet.

I am Theresa Foredale, the woman who outplayed all the rich, white ladies of Edgewater and got a prestigious status while the other sank. The moment I tied the knot with the earl was the last time I was underestimated.

My name is Theresa, the tattletale who won the game of marriages in London’s Season of 1816, loved by the people, Grandmother of Mayfair and who earned the love of an earl, and this is my story of going from an overlooked and underestimated reverend’s daughter to the Countess of Edgewater and lady of the House of Foredale, and I tell you this; to the little girl, brown of skin and told by the world to know its limits: there is nothing you cannot achieve if you wait patiently and believe in yourself and what you can achieve. If I, in 1816, could become a countess, I assure you, nothing can’t stop you of getting your way.

I may not be the most popular Foredale, but I am most certainly not irrelevant, for without me, a long line would’ve died. My name is Theresa, and it is up to you that you don’t make my years-worth work be done for nothing.

[atlafan]

Part One - “Call me Jane.”

a/n: here’s part one of nanny!H, I’m very excited about this series. I’m not sure how many parts it’s going to be, so please don’t ask lmao. Once I know how many parts it’ll be, I’ll make a master post for it. I’m just too excited not at least share the first part because Harry is just too cute in this! Feedback and reblogs are super helpful, and keep me motivated, especially when it comes to writing series. (not proofread) You can support me here if you’re able!

Warnings: none...for now

Words: 4.1K

Pairing: Harry x OC (Jane Watson)

Master Post

Harry found himself in a real bind. He was twenty-six years old, had an early childhood education degree, and the daycare he worked at was going under. He had just been promoted a month prior too, how could things go wrong so quickly? Times like this he really hated that he stayed in the states. Childcare services weren’t nearly as fucked up back home. His dream was to save up enough money to open up his own pre-school at some point, but it was really tough.

There was this weird stigma that if adult men wanted to work with babies and toddlers then that made them a pedophile or something of the sort. That wasn’t the case with Harry. His minor in school was psychology because cognitive development intrigued him. He also loved babies and little ones. He loved watching them learn and discover.

Only now, he was without a job in an already struggling field. He and the other employees weren’t exactly given a big notice before they were told the business was going under. Harry mostly felt bad for the parents of the kids that had to find new child care centers. He knew he’d have to compete with his co-workers for any available jobs, and he knew they were bound to find places before him because they were women. It was their fault, and he knew it. He was experiencing a prejudice that they must face all the time.

He looked into Care.com, but none of the jobs on there seemed like long-term gigs, and he didn’t want to just be a glorified baby sitter. He figured if he could find a well paying nannying job, he could do that for a bit until finding a job at a new facility, or even set up his dream pre-school. During his search on Indeed, he saw a position for a live-in nanny – jackpot! Live-in meant long-term, and long-term meant lots of money. It also meant he could get rid of his apartment and not have to pay rent for a while. He clicked on the ad that was posted only a couple of weeks ago.

Live-in Nanny Needed for Help with Eight-Month-Old

Minimum requirements:

·        Bachelor’s in either early childhood education or elementary education

·        At least two years’ experience working babies/children

Three professional references required

Applicant is subject to thorough background check for the safety of the child and mother.

Other tasks as needed include:

·        Cooking

·        Light cleaning

·        Grocery shopping/running other errands

If applicant is selected, they will be paid a flat rate of $1600 bi-weekly, will live in “in-law” section of the house, and a car will be provided for them. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references may be sent directly to jpwatson@gmail.com

After reading everything over, this seemed like Harry’s best bet. Some of it seemed a little too good to be true, but this was a risk he needed to take right now. He just hoped the position hadn’t already been filled. That night he spent some time updating his LinkedIn, making sure all of his privacy settings were up to date on all of his social media, and then wrote out a resume and cover letter. The last part was his least favorite because he knew a proper resume and cover letter had to be curated to the specific job, and it made things all the more tedious. By the time he was done, it was late. He didn’t want to seem unprofessional, so he waited to send the email until the next morning.

Subject: Nannying Advert on Indeed

To: jpwatson@gmail.com

From: hes2194@gmail.com

Good morning,

My name is Harry and I’m interested in the nannying advert you’ve posted on Indeed. For the last four years I’ve been working at P.B. & J.’s Child Care Center, and was recently promoted to team lead. Unfortunately, the business itself couldn’t remain afloat, and I was laid off.

Attached are my resume and cover letter. I’d be happy to provide the three references if I end up being considered for the position.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Harry

Treat People With Kindness

He closes his laptop with a satisfied sigh after proofreading his email ten different times before he hit send. He takes a sip from his coffee, and sits back on his sofa. Now all he had to do was wait.

//

There was radio silence for two days. Harry was starting to think he would need to keep job hunting. He had bills to pay, and the last thing he wanted to do was ask his parents for help. They already looked down on his profession as it was. If he had his own car he’d become an uber driver or something, but he didn’t so he couldn’t. Then, by some stroke of luck, at 4:55PM on a Thursday, he gets an email from the address he had been hoping to see pop up.

Subject: Re: Nannying Advert on Indeed

To: hes2194@gmail.com

From: jpwatson@gmail.com

Good evening Harry,

My name is Jane Watson, thank you so much for your application. My apologies it has taken me a couple of days to get back to you. I am usually more responsive, but things have been a little crazy at work as of late. Upon further review of your resume and over letter, I would like to offer you an interview this Saturday at noon, if you are available. I can be flexible if that day and time do not work for you.

If you are able to come, and are still interested in the position, I ask that you please bring your references with you. I will want to call them right away. I am sure you can understand me wanting to thoroughly look into you before letting you into my daughter’s life.

I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

All my best,

Jane

Harry responded to her right away, he didn’t care how eager he seemed. He told her Saturday at noon worked great, and that he would definitely have his references, and anything else he needed to provide. She emailed him back an hour or so later with her cell phone number and address. For the first time in a while, Harry felt like he could breathe again. He knew it wasn’t a done deal that he’d be getting the job, but he was being given a chance, and for that he was thankful.

//

He wanted to make a good first impression on Saturday, so he made sure to wash his hair in the shower, and use his good mousse so his hair would look more orderly. He shaved to give himself that clean and sleek look, this was not a day to appear scruffy. He knew he didn’t need to be overly dressed up, but he also knew that you’re supposed to dress for the job you want and not the job you have. He irons a pair of tan slacks and pairs it with a blue button up. Not to brag, but his bum looked great in these slacks, and it was giving him all the confidence in the world. He puts on a floral tie, just to show a bit of his personality, makes sure his nail polish isn’t chipped, and makes sure all of his rings are looking shiny. He takes an uber out to Jane’s house. It was in a gated community, which he was expecting since he looked up the house beforehand. He wondered what she or her husband did for work to live in a place like this. Or perhaps she inherited the home? Either way, he was excited.

He thanks the driver, and knocks on the door as he was instructed to do. A woman with silver hair that was up in a nice bun opens the door.

“Hello, you must be Mr. Styles.” She smiles.

“Yes, hello.” He smiles back.

“I’m MaryAnne, please come in.” She steps aside to let Harry in.

“Thank you.”

“Miss Watson is just pumping, but you can wait for her here in her office.” She leads Harry down a corridor where he meets a grand double door. MaryAnne opens them and shows him inside. “Make yourself comfortable, dear. Can I get you anything? Coffee, water, tea?”

“I’m all set, but thank you very much.”

The woman nods and leaves him in the room alone. He stays standing as he didn’t want to assume where he should be sitting. There was a gorgeous desk with two chairs on the other side, but there was also a small round table with four chairs around it in the corner. She clearly held a lot of meetings here, or so it would seem. To pass the time he looks over her bookshelves, scanning over what she might be into. She seemed to be into fiction, but he had never heard of any of the books on some of the shelves, or the author. She had several by the same person. Before he could look further, he heard the clacking of heels on the hardwood floors approaching him.

Everything stopped when she walked in. Jane had her hair up in a flowing ponytail, a white blouse covered her top half, he notices that the first few buttons were left undone, probably to help with her pumping, and she had a black pencil skirt on that just came to her knees. She was short, and a little voluptuous, not that Harry was checking her out.  

“Hello, Mr. Styles, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” He goes to stick his hand out for her to shake, but she walks around him and sits down at her desk. “Please, have a seat.”

He swallows and sits down.

“Y-you can just call me Harry if you like, Mrs. Watson.”

“I’m a Miss not a missus.” She says as she takes out a folder with a few sheets in it and a pen. “It says here you graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lesley University. That’s an incredible place to get a degree in education.”

“Thank you, I got a pretty decent scholarship, it was my reach school. I minored in psychology as well. I did my practicum hours at a daycare center that specialized in caring for children with disabilities. So, I’ve worked with all sorts of children. I prefer working with infants and toddlers, though.”

“And why is that?” She looks at him, clicking her pen, ready to take notes.

“Well, I just have more fun with them, to be honest. I like watching them discover new things. My favorite thing to do while working in the baby room at my last job was working with the babies on their tummy times. It was always rewarding to watch them get stronger. I feel like I just bond with them better.”

“I need to ask you some personal questions since this is a live-in position.”

“Of course.” Harry nods.

“Are you in any sort of relationship with anyone?”

“No, I’m single.”

“Have you ever been arrested, or do you have any sort of criminal history?”

“No.”

“I’m not one to judge, I think everyone deserves a second chance, I just have to ask these sort of things.” She says.

“I don’t have a criminal record, Miss Watson.”

“History of drug use?”

“I smoked a bit of weed when I was younger, but I don’t anymore. An edible once in a while, maybe, but never when I’m on the clock.”

“Just marijuana?”

“I’ve done shrooms a few times, but nothing other than that. Stupid kid stuff.”

“Again, not judging. I’d prefer you don’t have any drugs in the house, unless they’re for medical use. I know edibles can be prescribed by doctors for anxiety and whatnot.” Harry nods at that. “What about alcohol? You’re twenty-six, you must enjoy a drink after a long day.”

“A glass of red once in a while, sure.” He nods. “But I’m not really a heavy drinker, I never have been. I’d say if anything I’m a social drinker, but you watch me carefully at a party you’ll notice that I nurse the same drink.” He smirks.

“I’m the same way. A little bit of a buzz is fun, but anything more can be a bit scary. I actually cannot remember the last time I had a real drink.” She looks off in thought.

“Well, can’t you drink now that the baby’s here?”

“And have to succumb to a pump and dump?” She scoffs. “No way, that would be a total waste. It’s torture enough to sit there while a machine sucks the milk out of my-“ She stops herself. “Sorry.” She shakes her head. “Anyways, your resume was impressive, and you were quite articulate in your cover letter. You’re the only candidate I’ve invited for an interview.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” She nods. “I really wanted someone with experience, not someone fresh out of college looking for a place to live. You’d really be okay with living here?”

“Honestly, you’d be doing me a favor. My long-term goal is to either have a daycare or pre-school of my own someday. Not having to pay rent for a while would really help me save up for that.”

“That’s an incredible goal to have, Harry.” She smiles, impressed by his ambition. “What questions do you have for me?”

“I just want to clarify, your daughter is eight months?” Jane nods. “And what’s her name?”

“Lilly.” Jane smiles.

“That’s a beautiful name.” Harry smiles. “Why exactly do you need a live-in nanny?”

“I work a lot.” She sighs. “And I’m a single mom. I want her to always have someone here that she can depend on and feel comfortable with. Sometimes my work drags me out in the middle of the night, or I have to take a phone call at an odd hour. I just want someone else here in case I can’t be if something comes up.”

“So, her father’s not in the picture?”

“No.” Her features sour a bit. “He doesn’t even know she exists to be perfectly honest with you. I found out I was pregnant after we broke up, and I decided not to tell him about her. He was a deadbeat moocher, he would have been useless.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but thank you for telling me. May I ask, how old are you?”

“Twenty-nine, does that matter?”

“No! No, I was just more so curious. You seem pretty successful to be in a home like this. In the advert, you stated I’d be given a car as well, that’s not exactly cheap.”

“You’ll be given access to one of my cars.” She says. “I’m not giving you a car, make no mistake about that.” She smirks. “I’m an author, a successful one.” Harry tries to think if he’s ever heard of a Jane Watson before, but he’s coming up blank. “You’ve never heard of me because I have a pen name. If it’s all the same, I don’t really want to share it with you. Not yet, anyways.”

“Sure…wait…are you offering me the job?”

“Not quite. I’d like you to meet my daughter. I want to see how she interacts with you.”

“I’d love to meet Lilly.” He smiles.

“Great, before we do that, do you have more questions?”

“Yes, who’s MaryAnne? Is she, like, a maid or housekeeper?”

“No.” Jane laughs. “She’s my personal assistant. I usually answer the door myself, but pumping took a bit longer than usual.”

“When did you publish your first work?”

“When I was twenty.” She smiles. “I was still in school, and I decided just to self-publish. It took off, and a few companies reached out to me. I eventually got an agent, and the rest was history. I’m a fast writer, I’m able to churn out more projects than most people, and for whatever reason they keep becoming hits. One of the reasons I travel a lot is that a couple of my works are being turned into television shows, and working out those contracts is a lot. I want to be a part of the process to make sure the stories are told correctly.”

“That’s incredible!”

“it is.” She nods. “I never thought I’d be a television producer, but here I am. I don’t really want Lilly around all that, so there’s another reason for having a live-in nanny.”

“This may seem like a silly question, but will I have time off?”

“Oh my goodness, of course! The salary is negotiable as well. You’ll have weekends off, as well as all bank and national holidays. You’ll also earn vacation time and sick leave like at any other job. You’ll be given a benefits package as well, if you need health insurance.”

“You…you provide stuff like that?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?”

“I’ve just never heard of a nannying job quite like this before.” He blinks. “It feels too good to be true.”

“I’m just a firm believer in compensating someone properly. I believe in investing in the people you have.”

“Right.” He swallows. He almost starting to feel like he was going to be her sugar baby or something, but he obviously knew that wasn’t the case. “You asked me about my dating life, what about yours?”

“I’m also single. Lilly is my top priority, and then comes my work. I’m completely fulfilled as is.” She stands from her desk. “Come, I’ll give you a tour of the house, and of the in-law space, and then you can meet Lilly.”

“Okay.” He stands up and follows her out of the office.

She shows him the living room, which felt more like a study. There was an entertainment room with a huge flat screen, deluxe loungers, a pool table, and bar. She shows him to the kitchen which was equally as extravagant. She brings him upstairs to show him all of the bedrooms.

“This is Lilly’s room.” Jane says proudly.

“it’s beautiful, I love the light purple.”

“So do I.” She says. “My room is down the hall, don’t think you need a tour of that.” She laughs and they head back downstairs. “Here’s the inside entrance to the in-law, but there’s also an exterior entrance you can use…or if you have guests over.” Harry’s in awe of the space. It was larger than his apartment. “It’s a one bedroom flat essentially. There’s a full bath en suite, and there’s a half bath over there. Open concept kitchen and living area. It’s fully furnished as well. Feel free to decorate it however you like. I just ask that this space stays yours. There’s really no reason for you to bring Lilly in here, you know?”

“Sure, yeah. This is amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it. Let’s just hope Lilly like you.” Jane smirks, and they head back to the main part of the house, and into Lilly’s playroom. She was sitting with MaryAnne in a large rocking chair. “M, you can feel free to go back to your office if you like. Harry’s going to get acquainted with Lilly.”

“Of course.” MaryAnne stands up with the baby, and hands her over to Jane.

“She has an office here too?” Harry asks.

“Of course she does, and one of the guest rooms upstairs is hers to use when she needs it.” She kisses the top of her daughter’s head. “Lilly,” she coos, “I have someone I’d like you to meet.” She gestures for Harry to take her, and he happily does so.

“Hey, baby girl.” Harry coos. Bright hazel eyes look up at him in wonder. He lets her latch onto his index finger. “It’s so nice to meet you.” He looks at Jane. “She’s precious, Miss Watson.”

“Isn’t she?” Jane beams. “She’s really been enjoying her bouncy, and messing around with her blocks. I have some CD’s I like having her listen to as well. Oh! We did a paint with pudding night as a sensory play thing, it was a hoot.” She chuckles.

“Those are great, aren’t they? Very stimulating, and it teaches the child that sometimes messes are okay.” He looks down at Lilly and smiles. “May I sit with her in the rocking chair?”

“Please!” She gestures to it, and she sits down on the loveseat in the room. Harry sits down with Lilly, cradling her carefully. He adjusts her so she’s able to stand on his lap. She bounces herself and giggles. “Look at that!” Jane exclaims. “I love it when she does that.”

“She’s awfully sweet.” Harry smiles, and then he looks at Jane. “How much do you feed her?”

“I give her roughly twenty-four to thirty-two ounces a day. You’ll know how hungry she is or isn’t in the moment. I’ve started giving her pureed butternut squash, mashed bananas and strawberries, she’s got that puffed baby cereal as well. I’ve also started giving her ground chicken in really small doses just to get her some protein, but right now I’ve mostly been sticking to fruits and veggies. You must know a lot about what foods to give a baby?”

“I do.” He nods. “You’re still producing that much milk to give her daily?”

“I’ve almost been wishing I’d dry up. I get so sore somedays.” Jane sighs. “But I figure it’s good for her to have it while I can still make it. I’m not opposed to formular or anything…but I like bonding with her in that way. I got rid of her baby acne by rubbing my nipple on her skin, it was like magic.”

“It’s certainly a trick of the trade.” He smirks at her. “I remember learning that in one of my courses, and I was amazed. You all are super humans.”

Jane watches Harry play on the ground with Lilly for a bit. Harry was already so wonderful with her. Harry starts to smell something, and so does Jane.

“Think it’s time for a diaper change.” He chuckles and picks her up. “Would you like me to change her?”

“Yeah, I’d like to see you do it.”

He brings Lilly over to the changing table, and lays her down.

“I know you’re all warm and cozy, but I need to disrupt that for a moment.” He says to the baby girl who was babbling and blowing little spit bubbles, totally unbothered. Harry unsnaps her onesie, and lifts her legs to detach the diaper. His eyes widen at the type of diaper that’s on her. “You cloth diaper?” He looks at Jane.

“It’s better for the environment.” She shrugs. “There’s a trashcan for the…um, poop, and there’s another can for the diapers. I give her a regular diaper for bedtime just because it’s easier to change her in the middle of the night and in the morning, but daytime I use the cloth diapers.”

“Makes sense to me.” Harry disposes of everything, and grabs a few wipes to clean Lilly up. She took a powerful stinky.

“I blame it on the pureed peas.” Jane laughs.

“It doesn’t even phase me anymore, honestly.” Harry says as he gets a little baby powder on her. He grabs a spare cloth diaper, and gets it on her. He snaps her onesie back together and lifts her up. “There we go, good as new, darling girl.” Lilly blows some bubbles at Harry, and blows some back, making her giggle. Jane beams at the two of them.

“It’s about time for her afternoon nap. Would you like to put her down?”

“I’d love to.”

Harry carries Lilly upstairs with Jane. She flips on Lilly’s white noise machine, and makes sure her favorite blankies are in the crib. Harry sits down in the large chair in the corner of the room and starts to rock her gently, giving her soothing rubs. Jane watches as Lilly’s eyelids start to droop. She fights it at first, but Harry continues to soothe her until she’s out like a light. He carefully stands up and sets her down into her crib. The two back out of the room quietly, and make their way down the stairs.

“Let’s go back to my office.” Jane says, and Harry follows her there. Once they’re both seated, she starts speaking again. “Well, the job is yours if you want it.”

“Really?” Harry felt every worry from his life leave his body.

“Yes.” She chuckles. “You’ve really impressed me, and I think Lilly’s quite taken with you already. I’d love to have you as her nanny.” She takes out a few forms. “May I have your references? The background check will take about a week. How soon could you start after that?”

“Right away, honestly.” He hands her a sheet with his references.

“Here are the tax forms you’ll need to fill out, a form for direct deposit, and some information on your benefits. You can get everything back to me by the end of next week.”

“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to get started, Miss Watson.” He stands to shake her hand, and she stands as she takes it.

“Please, you can call me Jane.”

[missmewts]

prodigy//harry gardener

pairings; harry gardener, she/her reader

rating; pg13

warnings; some harsh language, gendered reader (only because i'm obsessed with the idea of a really powerful woman), proofread very poorly. expect mistakes!

the widow in white and the widow wears red is just a little folk-tale type story that i've been adding to since i was young. there is no actual series, just a little thing that sprouted from my imagination a while ago. also this is more so a bit of an introduction. it may require a part two to include actual harry-on-reader action.

harry had rushed over under the impression that there was some type of emergency. 'CIME NOW!!' was what austin had texted him. he had scrambled to start the car, speeding all the way down to austin's place. however, when he slammed the door open with his shoulder and took three steps at a time, austin was lounging comfortably on the couch, brandy in hand.

you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that harry was pissed. 'what the hell was that?? are you fucking insane!?'

austin laughed at that, adjusting his blood-colored button up; harry almost laughed. it was so vampire-y that it hurt; blood red button up. tight on the stomach, loose on the sleeves, and a corset-like lace in place of buttons. harry collapsed into the recliner across from him, watching austin put his book aside and fold one leg over the other, his dangling foot tapping his ankle.

' 'course i am. i thought we've established this, hot stuff.' harry rubbed his face, inhaling slowly to soothe his pounding heart. 'okay. okay, well- what.. what was so important that you couldn't have just told me over the phone?' austin bubbled out a bright laugh, resting his arm on the back of the couch. 'well, hare-bear,' he said, grabbing the book he was reading with his free hand.

he placed his finger between the pages he was reading, closing the hard cover over his fingers to show harry the front. 'there's someone i want you to meet.' harry scoffed, standing up and snatching austin's drink. 'and you couldn't have just told me over the phone?' austin raised a dark eyebrow as harry took a drink.

'well, it's only the greatest artist on the pill.' harry laughed sarcastically. 'haha, austin. you're so funny.' austin grinned. he tapped the name of the author on the velvet-y print taped into the hardcover. 'y/n l/n', it said.

'seriously. she took the pill, and boom. a book, and it's sequel. 'the widow in white' and 'the widow wears red'.' harry rolled his eyes, sitting next to austin and holding out his hand. austin dog-earred his page and shut it, handing it over. 'what's so impressive about that?' harry asked, flipping to the back to read the summary.

'two weeks. that's all it took.' austin said, leaning on the outside of his thigh to read over his shoulder. 'only after her book had hit 19 million sales, and had been translated into over 300 different languages, did she continue on with her career.' harry hummed his acknowledgement. it took him less than that to finish his tv series. so what?

'she made two movie adaptations for her books. screenwrote, directed, and casted. she casted herself as the widow in white, athena.' harry nodded, handing austin his book back. 'lin manuel miranda wrote his own musicals, and casted himself as the lead, too.' he said, crossing his arms and folding his legs, his ankle rested on his knee.

'she then made a spinoff series, the darkness becomes her. three seasons. created, wrote, casted, produced, directed. starred.' austin took his book, uncrossing his legs and standing up to put the book back on the bookshelf. he began speaking while he nudged several more of your works out of the way to put book one back in its respective place. 'then, came the diverse adaptations. musicals, plays, modern twists. hundreds of millions of followers on every social media platform. her fan base only grew when she put out more content for different people regarding the same thing. some people prefer books, some prefer movies. some, tv shows, and some musicals.'

harry made a small noise to encourage austin to keep going. his mind was going 70 miles per hour. possibly doris had heard of you? austin eased your musical soundtrack cd back into its spot, before grabbing his glass from harry and refilling it. he stood at the island, grabbing the mixer from the overhead cabinet hanging in the center of the ceiling. he had to talk louder, but harry got up to listen anyway.

'and guess how long that took her, harry.' harry made his impatience known with a loud sigh. 'i don't know. five years.' austin looked up from his glass with a grin. 'nine. months.'

harry's irritation faded. 'nine.. nine months?' austin nodded. 'now, belle and i, we take the muse during the winter. take summers off.' harry nodded, leaning against the counter. 'she takes it year round. we told her she shouldn't, but hey. look where she is now! the greatest artist i've ever had the pleasure of jumpstarting. she mentioned me in every single one of her award speeches. she won fifteen.' harry laughed breathlessly. 'you're lying.' austin laughed. 'nope! and what's better, she's coming back to ol' p-town to gather some new inspiration for her new series.'

harry followed austin as he headed for the living room. 'how much did she make off of those widow stories alone? it's gotta be.. in.. in the millions, right?' austin cast him a cheeky grin. '31 million, 700 hundred, 63. that's how much she made off of the books before she started the adaptations.' harry laughed breathlessly, again. 'that's... that's unbelievable. if she's so popular, why have i never heard of her?' austin waves a finger.

'her stories are more aimed for... women, younger crowds. i have the works of every career i've had the pleasure of partaking in. but.. but her? she's... a prodigy. think of it like this; you know who stephen king is?' harry nodded. 'been a fan.'

'well, imagine that you had never read a book. or seen a movie of his. you wouldn't have a goddamn idea who he is. it's the same thing with her. same with any author. j.k. rowling? as much as i hate the bitch, i've read all her books. she's a great author. had i not grown up on harry potter? i wouldn't know who the fuck she is. maybe your wife has read a book or two. you should ask her.' austin swirls the sweet liquid courage in his cup, before taking a sip.

and so, harry drove home, repeating the name he had seen on the book over, and over. when he got home, doris was in the kitchen. she greeted him, but he shouted out the only thing he could think of. 'l/n!!'

doris gave him a confused smile. 'what?' she asked, as he grabbed his laptop and plopped on the couch. 'y/n l/n. do we have any of her stuff? books, movies?' doris' face brightened. she waddled over to the stairs. 'do we have any of her stuff,' she repeated, hurrying up the stairs as fast as her swollen ankles would allow.

harry took that as a yes.

he threw open in laptop and logged in, saving what work he had left off on and pulling up google. his fingers moved rapidly trying to remember the correct letters. he typed it in wrong, but his trusty search engine didn't let him down. up came trailers for movies, interviews, book readings, musical bootlegs, a youtube channel, social media pages, and award speeches. he allowed the award speech to engulf his screen.

the first sound was clapping, what felt like the equivalent to fireworks. the shaky camera focused on the stage as someone stepped up the staircase. it took a few moments to quiet the audience down, but soon, the speech began. the camera zoomed in when it did. and what he saw was breathtaking. smooth skin, glistening with sweat from the lights, the body heat, and the many eyes focused. hair tied in a low bun, and pitch black gloss painting your lips. he thought the black tuxedo you wore looked fabulous. he hardly paid any attention to the speech. he was waiting for the announcement of austin sommers.

'and finally,' you have a gentle, breathless laugh as you took her another breath to stable yourself. 'austin sommers, whom i consider my dad in this buisness, really. it was austin who put me on the right track. i owe everything i have to him. thank you, austin. thank you guys!' and the audience erupted in more cheers and shrieks. he shut the laptop, turning to look at doris, who was now heading for the living room with a small stack.

'why are we suddenly obsessed with her?' doris asked, rounding the couch and sitting down, placing the two books, two movies, and spinoff dvd between her and her husband. 'well, you remember austin.' doris nodded. 'uh-huh.'

'austin said he helped jumpstart her career. i-i mean, you saw how his help effected her. and- and, doris,' harry leaned forward with a grin. 'doris, he's helping me. can you imagine what this could do for us?' doris' smile widened. 'i'll make popcorn.' she said, as she handed him the first dvd case.

he knew he wasn't going to eat it, but he appreciated the sentiment.

the dvd case had a woman in a beautiful wedding dress kneeling on a dirty floor, before a creature. the light cast only over the back of the woman's dress, but it seemed like some sort of pig creature with horns and wings, of which were outstretched to look like wings sprouting from the woman.

it wasn't like anything harry had seen before. doris had burst into tears several times, and was fast asleep by the time the movie finished. he moved doris' head off of his shoulder and down into a couch pillow, taking your material with him. with alma fast asleep upstairs and doris dozing on the couch, he popped a pill and spent the next hours he had to himself speed-reading through the books. the pages seemed slightly stained, old. when he opened the second book, he realized that it was supposed to be that way. to resemble a piece of parchment back then. he picked up his phone to message austin.

i'll meet her.