#hp the season

[ultravioletbrit]

“respect” - Jegulus microfic - @into-the-jeggyverse - 297 words

James finds Regulus reading by the Black Lake. He’s leaning against a tree and James takes a second to appreciate how beautiful he looks before he sighs and walks over.

“Hey.” James says.

“Shit! You scared me, Potter.” Regulus startles. “What do you want?”

James takes a deep breath with a sad smile. “I just wanted to say sorry. I’ve…erm… I’ve been kind of bugging you lately, so I wanted to apologize.” James tells him. Regulus closes his book and stands up but doesn’t say anything. “I sort of thought… er… I thought our ‘banter’ was maybe… er… flirting.” James admits awkwardly. “But I think I misread the situation. I understand that you’re not interested, and I’ll respect that, and I won’t bother you anymore.” Regulus stares at James with an unreadable expression but still doesn’t say anything. James rubs the back of his neck and avoids eye contact for a moment. “Right. So, I’ll just… I’ll just go. Sorry.” He says again and turns and walks away.

James gets about halfway back to the castle before he hears Regulus. “Wait!” James immediately turns around and Regulus is much closer than he thought. He runs right into James’ chest and James instinctively reaches out and grabs Regulus’ forearms to steady him. James keeps his hands on Regulus’ arms, and they gaze at each other for a moment before Regulus breaks the silence.

“It was flirting.” Regulus says quickly. “I’m just really bad at it… We can keep… erm… bantering?” He winces and slowly pulls his arms away as they stare at each other for another quick moment. “Okay. Bye.” He says suddenly and turns on his heel and swiftly walks away.

James is left frozen for a minute before he processes what just happened then a giant grin spreads across his face.  

-

inspired by a scene from gilmore girls - s 1 ep 5 - :55 seconds into the clip

[g1rld1ary]

snowball fights - james potter x fem!lupin!reader

wc: 1756

cw: none!

me: can u tell i've never seen snow LOL -- it is actually fire szn here so veryyyy different vibes

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

You loved being at Remus’ house. As your favourite side of the family, Remus’ house was always the place to be. Growing up in a household with many siblings, the Lupin's place was your safe haven when it all got to be too much and Remus became your best friend despite the year age gap.

You were staying at the Lupins over the Christmas break of your seventh year, not even expecting Remus to be there but wanting some peace and a relaxing break with your aunt and uncle. It was only as you’d apparated in from King’s Cross that you were told Remus and his friends would be having their annual Christmas dinner at the Lupin’s this year. You couldn’t lie that you were excited, you loved Remus and adored his friends even if you weren’t super close with them.

Remus swept you up in his arms as the boys burst into the house, announcing their presence with raucous laughter and heavy footsteps.

“Are you taller?” He imitated his mum good-naturedly and you laughed, putting your hands on your hips to mimic your own mother.

“You need to eat more, Remus, you’re thin as a beanpole.” You both dissolved into laughter, years of family gatherings leaving an imprint on both of your memories.

“Hey, kid,” Peter greeted you by ruffling your hair, making you swat at his hand and duck out of his hug, going back when he exaggerated his heartbreak.

“I’m only eighteen months younger than you, idiot. Don’t make me sound twelve.”

“Stop looking like you’re twelve, then, little lady,” Sirius came around the corner teasing you. You pouted, accepting his kiss on the temple nonetheless.

“You’re so mean to me. You know I’m basically your sister and this is how you treat me? Cold,” You grumbled, secretly smiling when you saw him and Remus exchange momentary eye contact when you mentioned their relationship.

“You think this is bad? You should see how my cousins treat their siblings,” He retorted and you grimaced, shaking your head.

“Not cool to pull the shitty family card, dude. None of us can compete with that.” Sirius made a triumphant noise and held up his hand for a high five which Remus reluctantly reciprocated, leading his boyfriend down the hall to where his parents were certainly awaiting in their unassigned—assigned armchairs. That just left James to enter, doing the majority of the group’s heavy lifting, biceps flexing under the weight of suitcases and gifts — not that you were thinking about his biceps.

“Let me help.” You rushed over to him, taking one of many bags from his arms.

“Thanks, little Lupin. I owe you one.” You internally sighed. James, the most loyal friend, had only ever treated you like Remus’ younger cousin, even when you did everything you could to move out of that role. Still, it was better than nothing. Even a little bit of James Potter’s attention was enough to feed your delusions and keep you girlishly attached to him over the years since you’d met.

Christmas lunch was the highlight of your whole break. Remus and his friends always brought an unmatchable energy wherever they went and you always felt lucky just to be in their presence, like you were still the annoying younger sibling your parents made them include. That was only exacerbated by the constant teasing you endured whenever you spent time with them.

“Little Lupin, how does it feel to still have to go back to school?” Sirius asked, knowing you’d be annoyed by the question. You rolled your eyes heavily, slumping dramatically in your chair.

“I’m counting down the days until summer, I’ll tell you that. How does it feel to have to go back to work?” Then it was Sirius’ turn to grimace — he was still searching for a ‘dream job’, taking up a temporary office post at the ministry in the meantime.

“Touché,” He relented as James sent you a thumbs up. You pretended not to be affected by it.

“How is school? Not causing too much trouble, are you?” Peter asked through a mouthful of bread. You shook your head, taking a mouthful of the wine Remus’ parents only let you have on special occasions.

“No way, I’m not taking after — guys it’s snowing!” You shrieked, running to the window of the dining room. You pressed your face to the glass for a better view of the new snowflakes covering last night's blanket of powdery white snow. You heard a cacophony of laughter behind you but intentionally ignored it, admiring how the street was turning into a winter wonderland.

“Please, please will someone come outside with me?” You asked hopefully, interrogating them all with intense eye contact. Remus shook his head immediately, not one to put up with your shenanigans.

“You know I don’t like the cold, and Sirius is already under the weather, he’s not playing in the snow today.” He gave a pointed look to his boyfriend who tried to act tough, but melted easily. You moved on to Peter, puppy dog eyes on full force.

“Sorry, bud,” He said softly, as if it was out of his control and not just a dislike for being cold. You pouted.

“You’re only allowed to call me bud when you’re not making me sad.” You didn’t bother asking your aunt and uncle whether they’d go out with you. They were getting old, it wouldn’t be fair.

“I’ll go,” James broke your woeful silence.

“Really?” You looked back at him with wide eyes. He nodded, now slightly unsure, and you hopped up with newly revived energy, rushing out of the room and down towards the front door. James followed behind.

There was a strange energy between the two of you as you pulled on your coats and winter gear. Of all the marauders, James was the one you were least close to. Not for any specific reason, but at school he’d always been the most popular of the group — always busy with quidditch training, Lily or the gaggle of fans that always fought for his attention. That left him with little time to hang out with you, his best friend’s irrelevant little cousin who just happened to think he was fit. You didn’t hold it against him at all, you had enough of your own friends, it was just a fact that you didn’t know much about each other.

Still, you had someone willing to put up with your love of the snow. You weren’t going to waste that. You flashed him a smile as you beat him to getting ready, slipping out the door and out into the street. You let yourself laugh loudly as you spun wildly, arms out and face tipped up to the sun to catch the snow on you. You loved the cold, it was reassuring, grounding.

James watched you from the gate, smiling softly as you frolicked around, dancing in the snow as it fell lightly on your head and shoulders. He ventured closer, shoes covered in snow as he stared down the street, momentarily struck by the view of a dozen quaint houses all covered in white, something straight out of a fairytale.

He was drawn from his reverie by stumbling forward, propelled by a force to the back of his head. His hand snapped up to where he was hit, emerging covered in powdery snow. James whirled to face you where you stood with a faux-innocent expression, revealing your guilt with a playful smile you were trying hard to conceal.

James gasped in mock outrage, dropping to the floor to create his counterattacks. You squealed as he flung snowball after snowball at you with alarming accuracy, no doubt thanks to his many years as chaser.

You had your back to James to endure the majority of the attacks, coat becoming thick with exploded snow. You’d gathered a few snowballs to keep yourself armed but as you popped back up to throw them James’ strong arms came around your middle, lifting you into the air. It was too intimate for the relationship you had, but you were both affected by the winter heaven you were in (and maybe your Christmas spirit) and you laughed loudly, tilting your head to the sky to feel cold wind on your features. As James spun you around you remembered your secret weapon, smushing a snowball into his face, all but cackling as he spluttered and dropped you to the ground.

“Oh, you’re evil, little Lupin,” He said, pointing an accusatory finger. You took a dramatic bow, launching from your spot on the ground when James launched towards you, armed with more snowballs. You sprinted as James launched them at you, groaning when one hit you particularly hard.

You only stopped running when you’d been thoroughly worn out, legs giving way until you flopped onto a thick layer of snow, sinking slightly into it. James tortured you with one more snowball to the face — probably revenge for earlier — before setting himself down beside you, letting his perfectly messy curls get wet from the snow melting under his body heat.

You’d been staring up into the sky, squinting under the bright sun when you felt him watching you. You turned your head slowly to face him, gasping softly as your cheek hit the ice. James was staring at you, a soft look in his eye.

“What?” You asked, unnerved by his silence.

“Merry Christmas,” He said, sharing a small smile. You returned the phrase only slightly awkwardly, choosing to look back out at the sky for fear of getting intimidated by James’ gaze.

From behind the living room windows, the rest of your Christmas party watched the entire display unfold.

“Ten galleons that Prongs tells us he likes her before New Year's,” Sirius said with a laugh.

“No way, Valentine’s Day,” Peter chuckled.

“Maybe he doesn’t like her, right?” Remus suggested weakly, feeling slightly sick to his stomach.

“Oh, Remus,” Hope smiled, “I say tonight.”

Laughter echoed around the small house as Remus put his head in his hands, mortified by the prospect of his closest friend pursuing his little cousin, even if you weren’t so little anymore.

You and James were completely unaware of the bets being made inside, swallowed whole by the bubble of peace that the snow brought.

[notcryingtoday]

I love Arcane and the fandom but the only fanfictions I will ever read will totally be about Vi and Jayce being stupid together

And it better be the stupidest, dumbest, most out of characters shit I've ever read.

[jellyfishsempai]

𝕁𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕖

[cherry-pop-elf]

Realistic

George Weasley x Reader

You broke up with your ex, but said ex refuses to believe you moved on. That you found better than him. So, you figured you had to prove you did. Time to call a favor

Warnings: 18+, topics of abusive ex, satisfying revenge, ablism, oral sex (male receiving) public, choking (very light) fake dating, voyeurism, peeping Tom, Very Soft George, cuckholding? Sorta? Not really? But like maybe on a technical level?

Writing Comission’s Open

“George, pretend to be my boyfriend.” You asked, quickly. Hardly gave him a chance to even look over his shoulder, when he saw a man storming into his shop. Looking utterly pissed, and you anxious. He’s got a little sister, and plenty of brothers. As if he needed to put two and two together. His arm was quickly around your side, and he leaned into you. As if it was all natural.

“Was wondering when you would get here, Jellybean!” He announced, making your ex quickly look over to you two. His stare hardened, and George stared right back. Snearing. Keeping up a smug complexion through it all. You quickly stuffed yourself into his arm. As if trying to hide, as your ex came over. Nearly stomping in the process.

“The hell you doing with em-?Your ex demanded. “Uh…..Snuggling? Kissing? Whatever we want in MY shop-?” George would puzzle, as he was wondering where the such nerve came from. George would make sure to keep you close, with a hand on your hip, as he protected you. You would rest your head on his shoulder, and took in the comforting scent of fireworks and sugar. Helped you get grounded, as your ex was looking ready to fight.

“That’s what Im suppose to do, you fucking cripple-“ The man snapped, making you gasp. You were about to say something, but George was quick to slap a hand on your mouth. Knowing damn well what you would say next might get you slapped. As if he wanted that.

“Really? That’s your first course of action? Get creative buddy. Could have said something impressive. Like One Eared Arrogant Bastard. Like that’s creative. Just dropping heavy words like that doesn’t make you smart. Even Malfoy got creative.” George mocked, making you giggle. That was something you admired about him. His ability to go with the flow. Able to fight with words so easy.

“I-“ He tried to say something else, but George cut right in. “Do you sound smart to make up for the fact you don’t have a personality? Even Percy had more of one than you. What about that temper? Short temper isn’t the only thing short, is there?” George egged on and on. Wasn’t long before people were watching, and giggling. Leaving him red faced.

“How about-“ And the man was storming off. You couldn’t help your relief, as you relaxed into George. He seemed gone, but not entirely. You noticed he was still outside. Just far enough away from the shop to not be loitering. That made your stomach drop. Seemed you were dodging a bullet, and George was making sure there was plenty of cover.

“Guess he isn’t buying it…..Wanna help make sure he does?” He offered, as you rose a brow. At this point, you would do anything to get that bastard off your back. Was being a total creep now. Just waiting for you outside. With a nod, you gave your consent. George would soon whistle at someone, who would nod, as he was taking you towards the back.

“Let’s give him a show~” He offered, before you were pushed out of a side door. Your body hit against the neighboring building, as your lips met. You were wide eyed, until you noticed your ex peeking from around the alley way corner. Guess a show will be what it takes. Couldn’t imagine a better person to trust yourself with anyway.

You couldn’t help it either, as you melted into the kiss. Your hands fighting at his suit jacket, while he explored your mouth. Leaving your tongue to taste like sweet orange flavored candy. The scent of ash, the taste of sweet, and the feeling of heat. It was getting you more excited than you wanted to admit.

“Come on, love, on your knees.” He whispered, as he threw the jacket to the ground. Despite how rough he was acting, the fact he gave you his suit jacket for your knees spoke volumes. Even in the heat of the moment, he was trying to make sure you were given the best care. Made your heart sing, as you let your knees rest on the expensive fabric. Right all over the dirty alley way.

He was quick to take his belt off, and adjust his vest and dress shirt. Everything was moving so fast. There was such a thrill from it. A spur of the moment. Just no thoughts, only desire. Was so exciting. Gave you such a pleasure you didn’t know you could get. Weren’t even doing anything. Yet.

“Open that pretty little mouth-“ He asked, and you did. Just as he pulled his cock out from his pants, making your heart pound with excitement. You were really about to do this. You felt like you were in a wet dream. You always did find George so attractive. Never thought you would ever score a chance. Yet, it was this easy. Those Weasleys and their big hearts.

You let the tip pass your lips, and swallowed. His hand was gentle in your hair, as he let you go at your own pace. Not forcing it down your throat, and letting you take your time in adjusting. Letting you control your breathing, as your hands found his thighs. Just those deep breaths of fire works, and sugar. Was hypnotic.

Once you felt well adjusted, you forced your head further down. Your signal to let him keep going, and going he did. How he tangled his fingers in your hair, and forced you deeper down his cock. To the point your nose brushed against that ginger hair. Made you gag, by how much, but you quickly relaxed. Knowing you were in safe hands.

“Better be louder. I’m crippled, after all~” He teases, making you unable to stop the giggle around his cock. That earned you a moan from him, as the vibrations ran up through his body. God did his moans sound like sweet music to your ears. It gave you the motivation to try and take lead a little bit. Pulling yourself to the tip, and moaning around it.

He was soon leaning against the wall of his shop, as he was at your mercy now. His free hand busy with keeping his vest and shirt up. Exposing that slender stomach. Happy trail, freckles, and ink. Such a dashing man, with many scars. You were the lucky one to get to see it. See it all. Like how his face was flushing, and his kept hair ruffling. It was addictive.

Up and down you bobbed, as you kept your grip tight on his slender thighs. Not quite as meaty as his upper arms, given his beater history. Still was great to grab, as you milked him for more sounds. Such as the hisses, and whimpers when you ran your tongue over a vein just right. Oh you didn’t know who was in more heaven.

“Fuck, Im going to cum. Oh fuck-“ He gritted his teeth, and made an attempt to pull you off. How considerate. You figured that kind gesture deserved a reward. So, you fought against his hand. That surprised him, as you would force yourself deep down again. Moaning, as you returned to his base. Looking right up at him, and locking with those pretty doe eyes. That was the last straw.

He let his head roll back, as he came down your throat. You coughed, but you were handling it like a champ. Using those thighs for support, as you watched his stomach spasm from the pleasure you gave him. How those pretty cheeks were so flushed, and his ear so red. Oh what you would give to see more of that.

Once he was breathing steady, you finally pulled off. You panted, as he cupped your cheek. His thumb rubbing away at the spit that ran down your chin. You didn’t know if your ex was still there, and genuinely didn’t care anymore. The tender moment was to sweet to make you think about anything else.

“Say….Think maybe we can do this again some time? Gotta keep up appearances and all~” He winked, as it was your turn to be blushing. All flustered, as he would put himself away. Along with being a gentlemen, and helping you off the ground. With his jacket as well.

With a quick spell, the jacket was clean. Just some tidying up, as you were still a soft pink. Same for himself. A stupid grin on his face was keeping you flushed as well. Especially with the arm hooked around you, as you returned inside. Having to keep up appearances after all. Just for appearances.

“My lunch break should be soon, wouldn’t mind some drinks with you. Gotta wash that down after all.” He offered, making you elbow his delicate rib. He wheezed, but laughed. Yeah. Maybe this fake dating thing will really put your ex in his place. Severs him right for losing such a catch like you. Least George was the lucky one to nab you, wasn’t he?

@george-weasleys-girl

[superfallingstars]

Snapetober Day 1: Warmth

[dorlilymylovesss]

lily evans

[futurequibblerjournalist]

Rosekiller is never dressed for the same season at the same time. Evan will pull up in a thick coat and trousers and Barty will be there next to him in booty shorts and a crop top

[snake-queen7]

🍬Trick or treat!! 🍬

Smol Sevv and Lily as scarecrow and pumpkin 🐦‍⬛🎃🐦‍⬛

[saltykoalamusic]

Someone willl be like "this is the worst character ever, I hate them, most of the fandom hates them, they are hideous, awful, I pray on their downfall, make hate posts about them" and then 8/10 times proceed to show either a woman, a child/teenager or a minority.

[sneverussape]

every town has a ghost story. cokeworth was no exception.

there was an old bridge by the river, rundown and rotting in places, that no one dared to spend much time on. folk claimed to see sightings of two children in the area, running, playing, and talking, before disappearing altogether, their laughter still echoing among the trees.

the children who still lived in the town often dared each other to cross the bridge even though their parents had always warned them to stay away. oddly, some of the older folk encouraged their presence by the river, telling them that if they saw the ghosts, to tell them hello from them, and to remember to run along home before it got too dark.

the children themselves never saw the ghosts, however they did pass on the greetings as they were told to.

hello, severus. hello lily, they whispered into the rustling grass and the chilly breeze. my nan says hello.

they often got no response for their troubles, but sometimes when the afternoon was golden and the breeze fair, you could see the faint outline of two friends on the bridge, laughing and talking as the sun streamed through them, and fading before anyone could get a closer look.

—

snapetober 2023 - “home”

[g1rld1ary]

wrapping paper - james potter x reader

wc: 873

cw: literally nothing just fluff!

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Your tiny apartment was filled with warm yellow light, a dozen lamps switched on in favour of the aggressive white overhead lights. In the corner of the living room-kitchen-entryway sat a Christmas tree, eclectically decorated with colourful tinsel, nostalgic ornaments and twinkling fairy lights.

A random array of books, drinks and other objects lay strewn across the floor, organised into specific but nonsensical piles that only made sense to you and James, divided by a mass of wrapping paper scraps and tape. You sat on one end of the living room humming along to Bing Crosby whilst James sat a few feet away, allegedly wrapping gifts but more realistically creating a mess for the both of you to clean up later.

You’d learned recently through a Christmas discussion that James had never wrapped presents the muggle way so that had obviously become the theme of your holiday season. James wasn’t the biggest fan of it, he thought it was a waste of time to not be using magic, but put up with it for the sole reason of spending time with you. You’d tried your absolute hardest to teach him, but something about the folding and sticking was simply not clicking for your golden boy.

You couldn’t help the river of giggles that poured from your mouth, encouraged by James’ seemingly total inability to wrap a box. A box! Something oddly shaped you would have understood more, but a plain square box is the wrapped gift. Surely if people had been doing it for hundreds of years it couldn’t be that difficult, yet there you both were, James becoming increasingly frustrated at how entertaining you found the whole ordeal.

“You’re making a mess,” You managed, hand over your mouth to cope with the slow destruction of your cute, tidy living room. A few giggles cut through the horror.

“Shut up and pass me the tape,” He grumbled, folding the paper around a package in a way that you were sure defied the laws of physics. Your giggles devolved into full laughter, putting away the sharp pointy scissors before you impaled yourself as you rolled on the carpet, hysterical and maybe slightly drunk on eggnog.

“There’s more tape than wrapping paper!” James shook his head vehemently at your statement, holding the project in his hands.

“Nuh-uh, there’s a whole heap of paper here! Three layers, maybe…” He trailed off in embarrassment, dropping the package to roll sadly on the carpet. “I don’t understand why we’re even doing it without magic. It would be so much faster! Then we could get to the good parts of the holidays.” He wiggled his eyebrows in what was undoubtedly an attempt to be seductive. You shook your head, not in the mood to get tape in your hair if James pounced on you. Plus, you had a Christmas party later in the evening which was precisely why you were wrapping presents in the first place.

“We're doing it because it’s tradition in my family to wrap presents together the muggle way, and I want to start traditions with you, Jamie.” James’ eyes softened, pools of adoration as he undid the present and started again more gently. It wasn’t exactly good, but he was getting better.

“When we have kids they’re gonna be better at this than you when they’re toddlers,” You teased him gently, but James couldn’t bring himself to reply, enamoured with the way you said ‘when we have kids’ so easily, like it was a no brainer.

James’ arm around you was warm as you stood on Remus and Sirius’ doorstep, rubbing your side softly. He knocked on the door as you held the grocery store bag full of gifts, one of James’ Frankenstein creations sitting on the top.

Remus opened the door, smile widening when he saw you both.

“Come in!” He ushered you both inside, enfolding you in tight hugs one by one. You kissed his cheek as you passed, making a beeline for the Christmas tree.

“The fuck are those?” Marlene said from the couch, using the martini in her hand to gesture to the admittedly extremely ugly presents you were arranging next to those already there.

“Don’t even start with this, McKinnon,” James rolled his eyes playfully, “I’ve been in a losing battle all bloody day.”

“James and I shared the wrapping between us,” You supplied, causing uproarious laughter and closer examination of the gifts by the rest of the small party.

“You’re useless, mate,” Sirius clapped James on the shoulder as if his own wrapped presents were any better.

“Alright! It’s the thought that counts and we happen to have bought you all some lovely gifts, so lets focus on that shall we?” He began to hand out everyones gifts, effectively ending the verbal attacks raining down on him.

You all sat around Sirius and Remus’ living room, opening gifts and laughing together over eggnog. You might’ve been getting older, but at least you had your friends. At least you had James, who’d always make your wrapping look at least a little better than it was.

[ginnyruin]

"Jack" by Nurchie

for Altered State Chapter 9: Frisson by ginnyruin

X: @hi_im_nurchie and DeviantArt

Ao3

[nocturnal-phantoms-fandoms]

Lily as Spring

Associated with the new beginning, birth, renewal, and resurrection. The season of flowers in bloom and trees coming into leaf, that adorn the highest branch and the smallest twig. Nature comes to life in full color - for many species this is the time to have their young.

Lily is named after a flower, just like her sister. Brilliant and vibrant, with a positive mindset and a hopeful heart. She is the mother of the savior of the Wizarding World and she gave him life twice. I like to imagine she had a green thumb and was excellent at herbology as it would go hand in hand with her talent at potions.

spring | summer | autumn | winter | vårvinter

[fics-by-noworriesifnot]

Chapter 7/19: A Twist of Fate. Now on Ao3 Hermione turned to scan the paperwork spread out over Lucius’ workbench. Her eyes darted over his writing, the trial and error of his potion making all carefully recorded. “Just look at all this research, Malfoy, it’s almost complete!” She said, placing the bottle of Ambrosia down carefully beside the sprawling notes. “I mean, this is just incredible,” she said, picking up a piece of parchment to examine the research closer. “An Ambrosia Elixir! I didn’t think it was possible.” She looked up to exchange an excited look with Draco, but found he had wandered off to take up a seat on the staircase. His eyes were downcast, his forearms slumped over his knees. “Malfoy?” She asked softly. “I didn’t want you to find all this.” He said, monotone and unmoving. Hermione took a few steps towards him. “...Your father’s project?” She asked, taking a seat on the staircase alongside him. “He was trying to bring your mother back, wasn’t he?”

“When he wasn’t murdering people for Voldemort… yes.” Draco sighed. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this.” Hermione replied, shaking her head.

Draco scowled. “Because I knew you would go ‘full Granger’ on it. Father’s obviously abandoned it ‘cos it’s a piece of junk.” He said. “But I can try-” “I don’t want you to waste your time on this… on me.” Draco said, pointing away from her. “Waste my time?” Hermione repeated slowly. “Malfoy-” “Father spent my entire childhood down here, and for what? It’s useless.” Draco snapped, throwing a hand flippantly towards the hulking machine, before folding his arms tightly over his chest. “He was so preoccupied with the past, that he couldn’t see the life he had in front of him. I don’t want the same thing to happen to you- you’re already working on a potion that is actually important. You’ll change people’s lives.”

Hermione felt irritation ignite in her chest. “How is this not important too, Malfoy?” She argued, “I could bring you back, you could have another chance! Lucius’ notes are so meticulous, I don’t think it would take me very long to pick up where he left off-” “How do you not get this?” Draco said bluntly. “I don’t deserve it, Granger. This is my due for all the wrongs I did when I was alive.” He twisted around to look her in the eye, to give her one of his patented withering stares, but she held his gaze with a wretched earnestness that he couldn't combat.

“But you don’t remember-” she began. “Don’t.” Draco said sharply. “How you died-” she persisted. “Granger. Stop.” “But Malfoy!”

“I said I don’t want to hear it.” He let out a long, suffering sigh. “Please, Granger.” He said, turning away from her, so he didn’t have to look into her wide, imploring eyes. “I know I was on the wrong side of the war- I do not care to hear a morbid list of my personal failings that led to this twisted purgatory… just leave me alone.” He said, feeling her body stiffen beside him.

Then suddenly, she was on her feet, her fists balled at her sides, her face contorted into a snarl. “GODS!!” she cried, “you’re more insufferable now, than you were in life! If you would just listen-”

Draco stood sharply, his anger rising to match hers. He tugged up his sleeve and thrust his exposed arm towards her; the twisted black ink in stark contrast against his ethereal glow.

“I hardly need to listen when I can see it for myself!” he said, the tremble in his voice betraying him. “Why would I have carried this into the afterlife if not to remind me why I’m here?”

Hermione gaped at the Dark Mark tattoo on his forearm, her fists remained balled, though her composure had softened slightly.

With her eyes now tightly closed, she raised her wand to meet her eye level. “If you won’t let me tell you…” She said as a thin bright strand of light, Draco recognised to be a memory, curled slowly from her temple and down her wand. “I’m going to show you,” she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

[superfallingstars]

Snapetober Day 3: Haunt

based on "Sir Thomas Browne No.2 / Death and the Philosopher" by Gwen Raverat, below