#i feel like if we did this with ron it would be a no 1 in heaven sweep

[georgeweasleyslostearhq]

ENTRY- HER

Pairings: George Weasley x Fem! reader Summary: George reads the letters he wrote about you to himself throughout Hogwarts Warnings: mention of have a b0ner, boobs, tears, hinting to masturbation, the use of Y/n is used a few times, I'm sorry

George bent down on the floor of his bedroom, he looked beneath to bed and pulled out a box that had been left untouched since he and Fred opened up the shop before the war

he sat down and leaned against the side of his bed, opening the box and pulling out the book

he sighed before opening it, turning to the front page, the first day he met you

-

1 september 1989

Dear diary

it's the first of september, meaning it's the day Me and Fred go to Hogwarts.

Me and Fred couldn't find an empty compartment to sit at, and there was no way we were going to sit with Percy, or Charlie- as his was already full

but we Found one with a boy in our year, Lee. he's cool, he let us sit with us and gave us some candy- which made mine and Fred's nose bleed. I didn't think anybody other than me and Fred would care about jokes and pranks, but i guess I was wrong, cause Lee does too!

the train started moving and we waved to our parents. i think it was about five minutes later when i saw a girl walk past, still holding her bags and stuff, she looked lost

I opened the door and let her inside

she smiled and sat with us, she wasn't that interested in pranks, but she laughed at the stories we told her.

Her name is Y/n, and I have a feeling she's going to stick around for a while.

George smiled and turned to the next page, a year and a bit later.

-

December 12, 1990

Christmas is coming up soon and our friends are doing a muggle thing Lee told us about- secret santa

not all our friends wanted to do it, but the main ones like Y/n, Angelina, Alicia, then it's me, Fred and Lee, so there's six of us, even

I got Y/n, I still don't know what to get her, there was no money limit or anything like that, but I just don't want to get something too cheap- but that's probably all I can afford

she's a good friend and after the first day of first year, she's stayed by our sides, no one else let her in to sit with on the train but we did, so she stayed

I'm glad she did, she's funny. and as much as she says she hates doing it- she helps me and Fred with pranks a lot, mostly because she's smarter than us

I wonder if she got me for secret santa, the odds of that would be really low, but it's not impossible, i would accept anything she would give me with a smile

George had gotten you some candy from Honeydukes- and you, infact did not get him, instead you had Fred, to which you gave him a bunch of products from Zonko's

George flipped to the next page as he heard noise coming from outside, dinner was probably coming soon and George would have to hurry before he was caught reading these

-

November 28, 1991

My third year at Hogwarts started a few months ago, the Famous Harry Potter started his first year

my younger brother Ron is his Friend, along with a strange girl, Hermione?

her and Y/n gets along pretty well, i think they go to the library together

speaking of Y/n, we've gotten closer, she would have to be my best friend- other than Fred. Lee is up there but he's been spending quite a bit of time with Alicia, I think there's something going on there, but i don't really know

Y/n decided to try out for the Quidditch team, due to mine and Fred's encouragement, she's really good, she should've been on the team last year, she's a chaser, and she's brilliant!

she's got the latest broom and it goes wicked fast, sometimes in training, we'll just race each other, she always wins though, mostly because I let her but who cares, it's worth it when i see the big smile on her face when she rubs it in

Fred started to tease me about it, saying i'm being soft.

I'm just being nice

-

October 13, 1992

fourth year started last month, school is getting a bit harder.

Fred Invited Y/n over in the holidays, she stayed at our house for about a week, I was a bit nervous that she would be overwhelmed by our family but she fit in great, Mum loved her and said she should come over for breaks from now on.

so she'll be coming over for christmas this december.

she stayed in Ginny's room, although she snuck into our room to mess around with jokes before she'd actually go to bed, I think mum knew that we did that because she glared at us when we would come down for breakfast the next mornings, she wouldn't say anything, just put her hands on her hips when we yawned

she's really cool, she's really pretty too, i don't think i've ever noticed it before, but she is, and Fred doesn't mind telling her that.

I think he fancies her because they always giggle to themselves

I don't know why but I would always get this pit in my stomach every time I saw them alone together.

He talks about her to me before going to sleep in our dorms, it's starting to piss me off, it was getting annoying because I just want to go to sleep and he'd start talking about something funny she said to him that day and he'd just laugh

i cover my eyes with my pillow every time to try and block him out, though it never really works

George laughed at that entry, looking back on it now, he should've known what the feeling meant

-

September 5, 1993

we got back from Holidays a few days ago, Y/n couldn't come over because she went over to Italy with her family

she had gotten boobs and the tight low cut shirt she wore to the train station really left little to the imagination, I know I sound weird and like a pervert, I shouldn't think this way about my best friend

but I can barely make eye contact with her anymore without my eyes lowering to her chest.

she's stunning and everything about her makes my heart flutter now.

she also had a slight tan and her hair was longer, she's always playing with it and I can't help the way my mind begins to wonder when i stare at her

she's making my body feel different, the way she bites her lip when concentrating, the way her eyes flutter when she looks up at me to talk

she's using lip gloss too, one that makes her lips look really kissable

I hate to admit it but i sat next to her in class yesterday and my dick decided it was a good time to get a boner, as painful as it was, all i could do was push it down.

she had noticed my uncomfortable state and in her sweet, innocent voice she asked if i was alright

"you ok there, Georgie?" she giggled

I could only nod my head.

and as horrible as it was, later that night, when laying in my bed, I couldn't help but ease the pain to the thought of her.

-

September 20, 1993

I fancy her, I've completely and utterly fallen in love with her,

it sounds like its just because her body has changed but it's so much more than that

she is kind and funny and sarcastic. and beautiful, like HOT.

too bad she has a boyfriend now, he doesn't deserve her and he wouldn't treat her half as good as I would if I were hers

Fred found out, turns out he never fancied her, but he just cares for her, as friends.

Fred thinks I should tell her, but I can't and I never will

Update- she broke up with him!

George laughed at the update at the end, which was 2 months later and flipped to the next page

-

December 6, 1994

McGonagall told us about the Yule ball today, a dance

my eyes were fixated on Y/n as she sat down laughing with Angelina across the room as I stood with Fred

Fred told me he liked Angelina a few weeks ago and I'm sure he'll ask her to the ball

Ron got called on to demonstrate the dance and she whistled at him, making him glare at her, to which she laughed

when the class was dismissed, Y/n came up to us and started joking around

I couldn't help but notice the way she has the top buttons of her shirt undone, and her tie a bit loose

it was getting rather chilly and she wasn't even wearing a jumper

I asked her if she was cold and she shook her head with a smile

"I like the cold, George, you should know that" she giggled, nudging me

she was rather short compared to me, the top of her just barely met my shoulder so she always looks up when talking to me

I've also noticed she likes to roll her skirt up, so merlin forbid she bends down to pick something up.

she's also gotten a bit more touchy, not just with me but with the rest of our friend group

her hugs would only happen coming back from breaks and holidays but now she'll hug you almost everyday in the mornings

her hugs have always been nice, but the way I can practically feel her boobs pressing up against me makes it all the better.

-

December 18, 1994

most people I know already have dates to the ball, Fred had asked Angelina to the ball within the first few days of hearing about it

Y/n has been asked a few times but she's politely declined every one

Fred keeps pressuring me to ask her already and I strictly telling him no, she'd reject me like every other guy whos asked her, and then it would make it weird.

We're also doing another secret santa this year, I got Alicia

Alicia is...nice? she just has a really big flirting problem, and that's not with everyone, just me

she asked me to the Ball a few days ago, and as much as I didn't want to go alone, I still said no

She's not really my type, and as much as i try to make her stop flirting with me, she just keeps doing it, I speak for all of our friend group when I say it's annoying, and I know that because they've all said it

it's nothing against her, but it's just weird

and Y/n doesn't mind talking about it, making jokes and stuff

the only person i have ever felt something for has been Y/n, and I don't want it to be anybody else

-

George remembers that week like it was all yesterday.

-

George was sat on the Gryffindor couch, your head in his lap as you told him about your day

"but anyway, why haven't you asked anybody to the ball!?" you sat up, sitting on your knees next to him

"I- I don't know, why haven't you said yes to anybody?" George questioned

"I don't like any of them, barely friends with most of them" you shrugged

"w- well do you? like anybody?" George stuttered

George noticed the small blush rising to your cheeks

"uh- not really" you smiled sheepishly "you?"

George's heartbeat quickened as he grew nervous

does he tell her?

"not really" he responded, copying your words

"you should go with Alicia" you nudged him shoulder, making him roll his eyes

"merlin" he cursed under his breath as you giggled

"only kidding of course..unless you actually want to?" you frowned

"if i wanted to go with her I would've said yes"

you smiled

"it's getting pretty late, i'm going to head to bed" you yawned

George nodded his head

"alright, goodnight"

"night, Georgie" you kissed his cheek before getting up and going to the dormitories

George stared off at the fire as the kiss lingered on his cheek, making his skin feel funny, a good funny

-

a few days later, Fred pushed George into asking you

"just go talk to her, this is probably your only chance!" Fred whispered before shoving George into you

you stumbled forward and almost bumped into Angie, who had to pause her sentence

you looked back and saw George

"sorry" he apologised

you grinned and gave him a hug "it's fine!"

Angelina saw Fred look at her from behind and walked over to him, leaving you with George

you stared up at George to see what he wanted but he only looked back at you nervously

"is there something you wanted, George?" you chuckled

"I want a date to the ball" he sighs, finally saying it, knowing that Fred would kick his ass if he didn't

"I'm sure Alicia will take you" you smirked

George licked his lips and thought of what to say

"no- no ok um...do you want to go with me? no! I would love if you would accompany me- wait ok. I really want you to go with me to the ball...I- I uh-"

-

December 20, 1994

I asked her to the ball, after what feels like forever being in love with her, I asked her

Fred pushed me into doing it

so I did, I sounded like a complete fool and I wish I could've said it better, word it so I didn't sound so stupid

maybe if I did that, she would've said yes

better yet- I had also admitted that I loved her, that I have for a long time. I had gotten so nervous that I outed myself

she just stood there in surprise before I ran off in complete and utter embarrassment

-

December 25, 1994

I went with her, it turns out that she was going to say yes but I ran away before she could've said anything

she told me she loved me too, and she made me the happiest man in all of Hogwarts

it was the Ball a few hours ago, you should've seen her, she was stunning- a type of stunning that when you see her, you can't say anything out of shock on how beautiful she is (which I did)

I can't describe the feeling I get when I'm with her- or see her, but it's overwhelming

i feel faint now every time I see her

she told me she would go with me the day after I had asked her in that stupid way. that was when she told me she loved me

she actually loves me.

I don't know how I can manage to make her love me but I'm grateful- and cautious

what if I mess up?

but that doesn't matter, we're not together

Update: jan 5- I asked her out, she said Yes!

-

February 19, 1996

Valentines day was 5 days ago, Y/n was obviously my Valentine and we had a great day, I took her to that tea shop in Hogsmeade she's been talking about for a while, if was very...pink and not the type of romantic that I like.

but she enjoyed it so I loved it.

we've been dating for a little over a year and it's great, I am absolutely in love with her and I think she is too

she's mad at me right now though

Today, at Quidditch, I beat up Draco Malfoy for bad mouthing, making Umbridge ban Me, Harry and Fred from the team, which is total bullshit!

anyway, I didn't get badly injured, Malfoy can't punch for the life of him

I only got a cut on my lip but Y/n yelled at me when walking back to the castle

I told her I don't really care I got kicked off but she still told me off, she's cute when she's mad

and I can't be mad at her for worrying about me, especially when she said I looked hot when beating Malfoy up

she let that slip from her mouth and hit my arm when I laughed at her

Merlin I love her, and I never want that to change, so just so you know. you are an idiot if you EVER LEAVE HER.

Fred and I are finalising our plan on leaving Hogwarts to start the shop up

Y/n knows about it, I've reassured her that we'll see each other, but I'm still worried she'll break up with me so I can focus on the shop

but right now I have to make it up to her for getting in a fight so.

-

April 21, 1996

she told me she wants to break up, she said it wasn't because of us, but because she wants to focus on our futures

I refused, it's the day before me and Fred leave.

I don't want to leave her, it feels like I only just got her and screw anyone who will try to take her away.

I told her I didn't want that and then it turned into a fight

she said she only wants what's best for us, but she is the best for me, and I will try to be the best for her

she left my dorm and I don't know where she went, but I want to see her, to tell her it will work.

I knew this was going to happen, but i didn't want it to.

Update- I found her and I begged her to stay with me, I told her that she should come live with me and Fred when she graduates and she didn't know what to say, she said she'll think about it

-

June 26, 1996

she moved in with us, she decided to stay with me and live with me, all her things are here now and she's in the bathroom right now, going through it and putting things in there, I couldn't be more happy.

I have the girl of my dreams to wake up beside me and go to sleep in my arms, forever

"George! dinner!" He heard Fred yell out before the door opened

"George..." he heard Fred sigh sadly

George felt the tears start to prickle in his eyes as he thought of you and how much he loved you

"I told her not to go...why didn't she listen?" George asked as his tears met the page from a few years prior, before the war

the same war that took you away from him

Fred walked into the room and sat next to his twin

"come on, I told you not to find this" Fred said, taking the book away.

--------------------------------------------

it's been a while! i'm sorryyyyy

[dc-marvel-life]

That Dang Snake

Pairing: Hermione Granger

Summary: Hermione starts to get the attention of an unlikely Slytherin girl

Word Count: ~1k

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

(Not my GIF)

Hermione walks into the Gryffindor common room smiling thinking about the encounter she had with Y/N. Ginny is sitting on the couch and sees Hermione walking past.

“What got are you smiling so hard Hermione ?” Ginny says putting down her book and wiggling her eyebrows.

“Did my brother finally ask you out on a date?” Ginny says a little excited. Hermione looks around to see if anyone is around, and there is no one around. Hermione takes a seat next to Ginny.

“No, Ron did not ask me out. You know Ron and I aren’t anything” Hermione says.

“I know but that boy is so in love with you and I thought you were feeling him a little too,” Ginny says shrugging her shoulders.

“I don’t know what is going on with Ron and me, but something crazy happened in the library today,” Hermione says and Ginny sits up straight wondering what news Hermione has to give.

“I would have never thought that someone would use crazy and library in the same sentence,” Ginny says and they both laugh.

“Anyways, I was in the library trying to study to stay ahead and Malfoy’s gang was in there making too much noise. I told them to quiet and  Malfoy called me a mudblood,” Hermione says and Ginny gets mad. 

“I swear I am going to find him and punch him in the face like you did last year,” Ginny says balling up her fist and Hermione puts her hands on Ginny’s.

“Calm down, the surprising thing is that Y/N stepped in and stop him from going any further. She even made them leave the library since they were making so much noise” Hermione says and Ginny looks in shock.

“You are telling me that Y/N Y/L/N stop them from picking on you. The same girl that never stops them from picking on you, my brother, and Harry. I am shocked. I know everyone says she is nice and all, but she never did anything like that before. What made her do it this time?” Ginny questioned.

“So we talked a little bit afterward and she said that she was trying to get on my good side,” Hermione says and Ginnys screams excitedly

“Oh my gosh, she is trying to get with you. You know I heard that she is great in bed” Ginny says and Hermione shushes Ginny.

“Don’t be so loud about it. I don’t want the whole house to know” Hermione says quieting Ginny.

“I get it, but it still is strange. Normally she goes after girls who are…..” Ginny stops herself before she says anything bad.

“What are you trying to say, Ginny?” Hermione says looking at Ginny to continue her sentence and Ginny sighs.

“Y/N goes after the really pretty girls who are easy and you aren’t that girl,” Ginny says defeated.

“I know that type of girl that Y/N goes for and I didn’t say I was even going to go after her. I don’t even know if I like girls” Hermione says.

“Yeah I understand that, but you have to admit that Y/N is so hot thought” Ginny laughs and Hermione joins.

“So how do you really feel about Y/N?” Ginny questions.

“I mean she is a pure-blood Slytherin who is arrogant and cocky, but she has the right to because she is so good at what she does. She hangs out with Malfoy and his gang so her choice of friends is bad and never defends us when Malfoy picks on us. The thing is she is so nice to everyone else though. She is smart and athletic with a great body…… gosh do I have a crush on Y/N?” Hermione says and Ginny starts to laugh again. 

“It’s okay you, me, and the rest of the school are all in the same boat,” Ginny says and Hermione looks surprised.

 “You are into girls? I thought you had a crush on Harry” Hermione says.

“I do have a crush on Harry but he is too dense to see that now. I have to have my opinions open. I do find girls attractive too. I mean look at Y/N, she is so fine. She is even finer when she plays” Ginny says and they both start to laugh.

Then Ron and Harry enter the common room and sit down with the girls. Harry sits next to Ginny and Ron sits next to Hermione. Ron awkwardly puts his arm around Hermione. Hermione and Ginny are just staring at each other when this happens.

“So what are you ladies laughing at,” Ron asks.

“Nothing Ron, just some girl stuff you wouldn’t understand,” Ginny says.

“Actually we were wondering if you guys were going to the Slytherin/Hufflepuff match tomorrow?” Hermione questions and everyone looks at her strangely even Ginny.

“You want to go to a quidditch game that isn’t our house?” Harry questions.

“Yeah, I am trying to get more into quidditch since both of my boys are playing this year. I want to be able to support you guys and that means going to more games” Hermione says trying to cover up the true reasons why she is going, to see Y/N.

“Well yeah, we are going to the game. We are scouting out Slytherin so we can make sure that we are going to crush them this year” Harry says then Ron and Harry give each other high fives.

“Yeah, we can all go together! It can be a date right Hermione?” Ron asks Hermione and Hermione freezes for a second. She doesn’t know how to respond because she has always been unsure about her feeling toward Ron. She never knew if the feelings were there because they spent so much time together and the platonic feelings are getting mixed up with romantic feelings. Now they are even more confused with the whole Y/N situation now.

“S-sure” Hermione stutters out unsure about her answer. Ginny and even Harry felt that it was being forced out. 

“Perfect, I can’t wait,” Ron says and Hermione moves Ron’s arm from around her. 

Taglist: @fanficaddictcore

[redandbrown]

Seducing Hermione Granger

Chapter 1

Rating: Mature

Author’s note: Okay this was going to be another one shot, but as I started to write, it made more sense to break it up into chapters. It won’t be too long-maybe 3 or 4 chapters.

It was cold and the air was damp. Hermione noticed this before even opening her eyes. Why was the sun so bright this morning? Her room was west facing, she remembered, as she threw her hand up to shield her still closed eyes.

Wait. Her room was west facing. This wasn’t her room. The thought hit Hermione like a bolt of lightning, and her eyes shot open, only to clamp them shut again at the unrelenting sunshine.

She moved to sit up and felt something heavy across her waist. She froze as her stomach jumped into her throat. Hermione cautiously looked down to see a pale, very freckled arm draped across her waist.

She attempted to gingerly pull it off, only for the arm to respond by wrapping more tightly around her and pulling her closer to- to a very naked body!

Hermione panicked, wrenched the arm off, and jumped out of bed. The coldness intensified, and Hermione looked down in horror to see she too was naked.

“Hey, beautiful,” Ron’s groggy voice came from his four poster bed.

Hermione’s arms shot across her chest and pelvis in a vain attempt at modesty as she stared terrified and bewildered at Ron.

He sat up in bed and grinned at her, his bare torso on full display now. “It’s a little late for that, don’t you think?” He cheeked before his eyes met hers, and the grin fell off his face.

“Hermione, what’s wrong?” Ron asked, the worry and panic obvious in his voice. He quickly threw back the covers and jumped out of bed to come to her side.

Ron didn’t seem to care in the least that he was completely naked, and Hermione’s eyes reflexively shot down his body to take in his full form before staring determinedly back in his face. She felt an uncomfortable warmth in her cheeks spread down her neck and across her shoulders and chest.

Had he lost his mind?! Had she?! What was going on?

Ron cupped her face between his large callused hands and studied her features with concern. His body was so close to hers, she could feel her nipples graze his hardened chest. And… and something else was touching her stomach.

Hermione’s eyes got as wide as saucers when she realized it was his manhood and a tiny, panicked squeak escaped her lips.

She retreated a half a step and Ron’s long legged frame followed with a half step forward. There was no running from him.

“Hermione, you’re scaring me. What happened? What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

She had no answer for him, so instead just stared up, slack jawed into those piercing blue eyes of his.

But Ron was patient and waited her out, never taking his eyes off of hers, allowing time for her brain to catch up.

“I-I- you’re naked!” She accused.

Ron briefly glanced down at his body, then back at her.

“Well, yeah,” he said, with a shrug, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.

“And-and,” she looked wildly around the boy’s seventh year dormitory. “I’m naked too!” She whispered, as if she was scared someone would hear her.

Ron gave her a funny look. “No sense in modesty after last night, is there? I mean I was wearing your thighs like ear muffs half the night.”

Hermione felt her knees go weak. She was sure she was going to faint. She would faint right in front of him, all splayed out naked on the floor with her bits hanging out like a giant idiot.

Well according to him, it didn’t matter anyways because he’d already seen it.

No! This didn’t make sense. She shook her head in disbelief.

She saw Ron’s expression shift from confusion and concern to one of fear dread.

“Wait, you’re not regretting what we did last night are you? After all we did? Hermione you” Ron bit his lip in frustration and took a step back, surveying the room. When his eyes came back to hers, they were bloodshot and watery. “You said you loved me.”

These last words were almost a whisper.

Hermione took a sharp inhale. “Ron I- I don’t remember any of this. Of last night. I don’t understand. The last thing I remember was sitting in the Great Hall after the battle, and waiting for you…” she trailed off for a moment lost in thought, trying desperately to recall the events of last night. But nothing came to her.

Ron looked as desperate as she felt. “Nothing? You don’t remember walking back to the dormitory together? Hermione,” he gestured wildly between them. “We did everything together last night. I mean everything! You must know-

“Ron, I don’t remember! I want to! Don’t you think I want to?! I’ve waited so long for this! It’s not fair! Where are my damn clothes?” She demanded feeling her own eyes start to water now.

Ron looked a little stunned by her cursing, but wordlessly summoned his wand and then her clothes to him. He looked away as he handed them to her, and began to search for his own.

[frost-queen]

Sudden attention // part 3 (Reader!Potter x Fred Weasley)

Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia,  @elllie-does-the-posts, @alex--awesome--22, @floatlosers, @merlieve, @queen-of-books, @glimmering-darling-dolly@denkisclown, @wildieflower, @meyocoko, @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco@subjecta13-thefangirl, @m-rae23, @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @swampthing07, @imagines-by-her, @vviolynn, @melsunshine,  @evilcr0ne, @floatlosers, @callsignwidow, @whotfskai, @freddieweasleysgf, @untoldshortsofthefandoms, @sublimepenguinpeach-blog

Summary: Back at Hogwarts you might not be able to escape Cormac. While Fred tries to cover up his feelings for you amongst friends he must interfere when Cormac corners you. [part 1 & part 2]

Taking a deep breath you felt at home again. Home. Hogwarts welcoming you. Taking in the castle in all it’s glory. It’s walls harboring all your memories. The laughs you had laughed and the tears you had cried. A hand on your back made you turn your head. Hermione passing you with a gentle nod to follow her. Ginny right behind her, when passing you she turned round facing you with a big smile.

Ron walking by on your left side followed by Harry. Harry gave you a brief nudge for standing still. Something about seeing the castle again made you sentimental. George stretched his arms while passing you from the long train ride. Once more a touch on your back made you turn your head with a few blinks.

Fred coming in sight with a smile. – “Shall we?” – he asked. Instantly you started to smile back at him. – “Yes.” – you whispered getting in motion. More groups of students gathered when you all went in the same direction. Taking the fields way. Quickly you all were inside at the common room.

Hermione plopped down on her bed with a deep sigh. You were knelt down sorting some clothing in your trunk when you noticed Ginny nearing. She grabbed the pole on your bed, letting herself sway on her feet with a dramatic turn to you. – “Are you excited to be back Y/n.” – she asked. Something about the tone in her voice hinted she had a hidden agenda. – “Why’d you ask?” – you responded folding the sweater Molly had knitted neatly aside.

“Nothing for.” – she responded with a pitch in her voice. – “I’m sure a certain McLaggan boy would be pleased to see you again.” – the mention of his name made your eyes widen. You had completely forgotten about him and the letter he had send you. The letter you had never answered because it got burned.

Then you forgot about it, caught off guard by Fred being suddenly extra nice to you. Hermione gasped loud remembering it as well. You got up, turning towards them, eyes wide in shock. Hermione stared in shock back at you. – “How did we forget.” – she spoke removing her hand from before her mouth. – “I didn’t.” – Ginny answered with a chuckle.

“I never wrote back.” – you said out loud as Ginny sat herself down on your bed. Crookshanks hopping on the bed with her. – “Perhaps it is for the best. He is a bloated toad anyways.” – Ginny went on stroking Crookshanks tail. Hermione slapped Ginny against her arm. – “How can you say that!” – she called out. Ginny took a breath turning more towards her. – “He’s all smug.” – she reminded her.

“Yes, but he also is interested in Y/n. He is the first one to proclaim his interests in her so loudly. Shouldn’t we take this in consideration?” – she answered. Ginny crossed her arms. – “Are you saying Y/n should settle for the first worst thing just because he is the only one interested.” – she bit back snappy.

“Hey!” – you called out as they were speaking over your head. Both turned their heads at you. – “Sorry.” – Hermione immediately apologized. – “I’m just warning you.” – Ginny responded making you briefly roll your eyes at them.

“It’s not like you have a lot of interested boys.” – she finished. – “Maybe he isn’t the only one.” – you called out catching her off guard. – “Truly?” – she gasped jumping up. You pulled your shoulder up, keeping your mouth shut. – “Y/n.” – Ginny said when you remained silent returning to your duties. – “Are you seriously not going to tell us anything.” – Ginny said eager to know.

You pulled your shoulder up again without a word. Ginny groaned in agony, grabbing you by the shoulders. – “Tell me!” – she said staring desperately at you. She fluttered confused when you started laughing. – “I need to know…” – she whined out hoping you’d show pity with her. Hermione could only stare at you, trying to figure out who. – “Who!” – Ginny pushed you back as you fell on your back, laughing loud. – “Who tell meeeee!” – she begged whiny wanting to know it so desperately.

Hermione narrowed her eyes slightly on you. – “Help me Hermione. I need the answer!” – Ginny cried out for help. Hermione came joining in tickling you to get an answer out of you. No matter how hard you laughed, you didn’t slip a secret. Keeping Fred’s name deep in your heart, but never outed.

“What is she sour for?” – George asked when coming to join the table in the great hall with Fred. – “Y/n wouldn’t tell us who the second guy is that fancies her.” – Hermione informed them as Fred looked intrigued at you. You gave no attention to his glance. – “Second guy?” – George spoke glancing over his shoulder to Fred. Fred pulled his shoulders up as if not knowing who he was talking about.

“Look at you miss popular amongst the boys.” – George teased with a nudge in your side. Fred chuckled nervously catching his brother’s gaze. – “I’m hardly popular.” – you told George with a faked smile. George threw his arm over your shoulder. – “Two seems like a popular number. Soon number three and four will join.” – He acted out, counting it with his fingers.

Fred cleared his throat. – “I honestly think not.” – he spoke making George quirk his brow up. – “How would you know?” – Hermione asked noticing Ginny was still in her sour behavior. Arms crossed and a bothered expression on her face. – “A hunch.” – Fred answered making you suppress a smile.

George turned his head, checking twice if he saw it right. – “Speak of the toad.”- he spoke motioning with his head in the direction. You leaned back looking behind George to the doors. Everyone else looking as well. Hermione getting a bit to look over Fred. From afar you caught Cormac standing with some of his friends. The second he noticed you, he waved with a big smile at you. It made you feel embarrassed hiding yourself behind George. – “Looks like he’s still head over heels for you Y/n.” – Hermione spoke lowering herself.

“Even though you ignored him all summer long.” – Hermione said as you shushed her. George intrigued by the sudden new news. He hummed curious. – “You’ve been ignoring him all summer. What did he send you letters or what?” – he joked out. Seeing the expression on your face and Hermione’s he stopped laughing.

“Are you serious? Did he send you a letter?” – George asked. You slowly nodded your head. – “The toad!” – George cursed, clenching his hand. You glanced across the table over to Fred. Wanting to know what he thought about all of this. His expression was neutral but partly clenched. You could see the anger he was trying to hide.

George puffed in Cormac’s direction, daring him to even try and come near. – “Don’t tell my brother.” – you said not wanting Harry to be involved in this as well. – “He’ll murder him on the spot.” – you added nervously. – “Now that is something I like to see.” – Fred answered to your surprise. – “A bit of a cruciato torture on him.” – George filled in with a funny expression. – “You boys are being ridiculous.” – Hermione answered slapping Ginny against her arm to stop moping.

Fred and George both pulled their shoulders up in response. – “Well whatever you decided to do, just leave Harry out of it.” – you reminded them getting up. Fred got up as well as it made you stare half confused at him. Fred cleared his throat sitting himself back down. George snorted loud at his brother’s silly behavior as Hermione quirked her brow up.

Hermione slowly got up to follow you. The Weasley staying behind as the two of you needed to go to class. Hermione grabbed you by the elbow, pulling you out of the way from Cormac. Who seemed very eager to come over now it only the two of you. Hermione and you caught up with Ron and Harry on your way to class.

After class you went your own way. Hermione joining Ron and Harry for a trip to Hagrid’s. You rounded a few corners, walking in the open corridors around the courtyard. – “Potter!” – you heard loud behind you. It made you slow down. – “Potter! Y/n!” – slowly turning around you saw Cormac run over to you. Your eyes widened as there was no one around from your friends to help you out. He came to a stop by you, catching his breath.

“How… how was your summer…” – he asked making you smile nervously at him. – “It… it was okay… how… how was yours?” – you asked in return to be polite. – “I’ve send you a letter.” – he said bluntly catching you off guard. – “You… you did?” – you answered trying not to sound too suspicious. He hummed loud. – “Didn’t you get it?” – he wanted to know. You slowly shook your head trying not to show any signs of your lying.

“No… no I didn’t get anything.” – you told him untruthfully. – “Strange…” – he scratched the back of his head. – “Anyways I’m really glad to be back at Hogwarts. We should head to Hogsmeade once. I’ll buy you a butterbeer.” – he said leaning a bit closer to you. – “By the way this is me asking you out.” – he added a bit cocky making you gulp shyly.

“So what do you say Y/n? Shall we call it a date?” – he went on getting all smug. – “I’m busy.” – you flopped out without thinking. Cormac furrowed his brows. – “Come on I’m sure you can find some time for me.” – he pressured on making you feel uncomfortable to say no to him any further. – “I’ve been thinking all summer about you. Couldn’t get you out of my head Potter.” – he teased reaching his hand out to you. Letting his fingers brush against your cheek as it startled you.

“McLaggan!”  - you suddenly heard making you gasp loud. Cormac groaned irritated at the sight of Fred. Fred came standing by your side, giving him a little shove to keep his distance from you. – “What do you want.” – he asked rudely. Cormac chuckled cocky. – “It’s between Y/n and me, Weasel.” – he replied. – “Think about my offer Y/n.” – he winked your way making Fred step in between. – “She won’t.” -  he called out. – “So stop bothering her!” – he made clear. Cormac scoffed.

“You’re not her superior, so why don’t you stop bossing her around.” – Cormac answered with a sneer. Fred took a step back, grabbing your shoulder and pressing you hard against his side. – “No, I’m her boyfriend.” – he casually said making you look startled at him. Expression full of surprise and shock. Cormac started to laugh. – “No you aren’t.” – he said.

“Oh yes I am!” – Fred kept on.  He turned his head looking down at you. With his thumb his turned your head closer to him, inching it closer to him as he leaned down. Your eyes widened feeling a burn on your cheeks. Flustered and flushed with heat as he drew his lips nearer to you. His lips inches away from yours. – “Alright I get it!” – Cormac called out. Fred paused curling up a smile.

He turned his head looking all smug at Cormac. He puffed loud, stuffing his hands in his pockets, storming off. – “Good riddance.” – Fred said letting go of your chin. You stood frozen; eyes wide as the heat had risen to your entire face. This close, this close was Fred to kissing you without a warning. You weren’t even sure if he was bluffing or was willing to actually kiss you to proof a point. – “Y/n.” – he said noticing the frozen state you were in.

“Y/n?” – he waved his hand in front of you. You slowly blinked. Before he could say more, you turned around, walking off with your hands pressed against your cheeks to cool off. Somehow it felt like you hadn’t seen the last of Cormac even with Fred’s little charade. Yet why was your heart thumping so loudly against your chest. Was this Fred’s doing?

--------------------------------------------

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[ateliersss]

Journey into The Past Ch.1

Pairing: Tom Riddle x Fem!Reader Summary: They say every human has their person, even some as cold, heartless and cruel as the Dark Lord. Would you try and tell that to Harry Potter, of all people, he would not hesitate to deny even the slightest hint of someone having feelings more than blazing hate for that man, this monster. A journey into the past shows him a different part of the former life of the murderer of his parents. Cross-posted on AO3: here Warnings: English isn't my first language Word Count: 1,869 Masterlist

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“Chocolate Frogs.” Harry murmured to the eagle statue, which jumped to the side a second later.

He was tired — Snape looked everywhere for an opportunity to give him detention, Ron and Hermione still avoided each other like the plague, and he still had no idea how to get this memory from Slughorn.

As he dragged himself up the staircase, he thought of an excuse why he still didn’t have it. Harry knocked on the office door and was soon called in by the Headmaster’s familiar, calm voice.

“Good evening, Harry.” Dumbledore greeted him from his chair, “Please sit down.” He added and pointed to the chair standing in front of his desk.

Harry closed the door and made his way through the office when he noticed something on the desk — alongside the usual silver instruments, the bowl of Dumbledore’s favourite sweets, some books and parchments, vials containing a silvery shimmering liquid stood on top of the dark wooden surface. Sitting down, they were on the same eye level as him and stared at him judgingly, as if they wanted to remind him of his failure.

“Professor, I–“

“–haven’t found a way to get the memory from Professor Slughorn.”

Harry shamefully looked down at his feet.

“If you did, you would have come to me the second you got your hands on it.”

“I’m sorry, Professor.”

“I have faith in you, Harry. You will find a way. Nevertheless, we will have to continue with our journey through Voldemort’s past.” Dumbledore said, eyes shifting to the gleaming vials. “These memories belonged to an incredibly smart and determined girl, always respectful and friendly to others.”

Dumbledore got up, walked around his desk and took the vial from the far left. The Pensieve was already floating next to them. Harry got up as well and watched Dumbledore pour the memory into it. The memory turned into an ink-like substance and slowly took on a hazy image. Harry dipped his head into the Pensieve and soon felt the familiar tug, lifting him out of reality and into the memory.

Harry was standing in a library, the library of Hogwarts. It had barely changed and was completely empty. Nothing surprising, it was already dark outside.

Just as he was about to turn to Dumbledore and ask him if they were in the right place, he heard a giggle, undoubtedly coming from a girl. Dumbledore headed in the direction of the giggles. Harry quickly caught up with him.

They passed the many bookshelves until they reached the barred doors of the Restricted Section. Following Dumbledore who apparently knew where to go, Harry soon saw the source of the voice.

“I mean it, Tom, stop bothering me. I still have to finish this.” You scolded, trying to suppress your laughter to sound serious.

To say that Harry was shocked by what he saw would be an understatement.

None other than Voldemort — or rather, Tom Riddle — was standing right behind you. He was bent forward so that your heads were on the same level. He brushed your hair aside, slowly revealing the eagle of Ravenclaw on your robes, and slowly kissed your neck up and down.

“You can do it later.” He groaned, his voice muffled against your skin.

“You know I can’t. I put it off until now and it’s due tomorrow.”

“You can copy mine.”

“No, I can’t. Slughorn will notice it.”

“He will ignore it. He loves you.”

“No, Tommy, he loves you. I’m just his second favourite.”

Tom let out a frustrated groan and buried his face into the crook of your neck. “I told you how much I hate it when someone talks back to me.”

You laughed at his antics. “And I told you, you would get bored. You didn’t have to come.”

“You’ll need me when someone catches you outside of curfew.” He countered half-heartedly, nuzzling his face deep into the crook of your neck.

With an eye roll, you tapped the badge on your chest. “Did you already forget I’m a prefect too?”

Tom ignored you and lifted his head slightly to watch your feather scurry across the parchment.

“Why don’t you take a look around? Maybe you will find an interesting book.” You suggested after a while.

When you got no answer, you sighed and wriggled out of his grasp, got up and disappeared between the gloomy bookshelves. You came back five minutes later and handed him a book.

“You told me you were fascinated by such things. I stumbled upon it a week ago.” You looked up at him and smiled.

Tom’s lips curled slightly upwards. Anyone else would have missed it, but not you. Your smile grew even brighter.

You pulled him down to meet his lips for a quick peck before sitting back down on your chair.

“Thank you, darling.”

He sat down casually on the chair next to yours, flipped through the book and flew over most of the pages. After a while, he stopped and began to read with an intrigued expression on his face. He suddenly seemed interested and he immersed himself in the written words. Then he looked up and at you, an expression on his face that Harry didn't like at all.

That must have been the end of the memory, because Harry was back in Dumbledore’s office again. His brain tried to comprehend what just happened.

Voldemort had someone, a person who looked at him as if he put the sun, the moon and the stars onto the sky. And in return, he had kissed this person, had clung to them as if they would disappear if he let them go even for a second.

Harry just met a completely new side of Voldemort, one he never expected to exist, one that was impossible to exist.

Voldemort had been soft. Or at least softer than one might imagine a cold-hearted, loveless and ruthless mass murderer to be. It didn't make any sense.

Dumbledore watched the conflicted expression on his face intently as the wheels kept turning in his head. “I believe you have some questions.”

Harry startled out of his thoughts. “I… Voldemort…” He stumbled over his words, not knowing to which question he wanted to have an answer first. “She was his girlfriend?”

“Yes. (Y/N) (L/N) was, as I already told you, an astounding student. Not only had her fellow Ravenclaws admired her, but almost the entire school. Very honest and responsible. Ideal for the role as a prefect, as you've seen, and later even as Head Girl. It was impossible for Voldemort not to notice her. There had been a rivalry between the two of them from the beginning, as they were fighting for the title best student. As you know, Tom Riddle was a great student with remarkable grades and loved by his teachers and classmates. So was (Y/N), indeed a very gifted and talented witch. However, when he saw there was no possibility for a breakthrough, he charmed his way into her life, but not with a little resistance from her side. She was probably one of the fewer people who were suspicious of him.”

“But she was still with him?”

“She was a 16-year-old girl who fell for the handsome and strange boy who was fascinated by her. A girl like her had many admirers, but he was the only one who could challenge her and was intellectually on par with her. In a way, she was also fascinated by him. Both were an interesting mystery to the other and they were eager to solve it.”

“So he was playing with her?”

“To be honest with you, Harry, I don’t think so.”

“Then what is it?”

“Love.”

Harry looked at Dumbledore as if he had just expelled him from Hogwarts and sent him back to the Dursleys. “But I thought…”

“It wasn’t typical love, the type of love we both know. It was more of a mix of mutual understanding, admiration, trust and something deeper. Just because Voldemort is incapable of loving someone, it doesn’t mean he was emotionless.”

“It’s hard to believe that Voldemort cares for someone else.”

“For someone who didn’t experience him in his school days, it’s easy to say. She had a not insignificant influence on him.” Dumbledore said with a smile before sitting back in his chair.

Harry did the same and asked, “What happened to her? I mean, if she and Voldemort were a couple, she could help us find the Horcruxes! After all, she let you have her memories. Do you know where she is?”

“Unfortunately, Harry, she died a few years ago. The reason for that were, in fact, these memories.” Dumbledore pointed to the remaining vials. “She came to me one year after your parents died.”

Confused, Harry leaned forward in his chair. “Why?”

The older man looked at him over his glasses, his eyes glittering, before looking back at the memory containing vials like it was the most obvious answer.

Harry bit his lower lip, nodding. “Right.”

“However, if you were actually asking about the specific time, then the answer is just as simple. Like some of Voldemort's other followers, she was cautious. Death Eaters were hunted and imprisoned, after all. They also didn’t know if he might come back to reclaim his power. So, she waited a year before she came to me.”

“And she gave you the memories just like that?”

Dumbledore shook his head before he hoisted himself up from his chair, his blackened hand shaking like a leaf in the wind being under so much pressure.

“Not back then, no. At first, she was suspicious of me, considering I could call the authorities the second she stepped on school grounds. Understandable, since she was just as much hunted by the Aurors as the rest of Voldemort’s followers, but I promised her no harm will come to her as long as I live.”

Harry shifted in his seat, a frown on his face. “Why would you do that, Professor? Why would you offer that to someone who was as close to Voldemort as she was? Why would you put someone under your protection who murdered and tortured innocents?”

“And how do you know she did all that, Harry?” Dumbledore asked and his eyes gleamed as he looked sharply at the boy.

Harry, feeling scolded, averted his eyes and merely shrugged his shoulders, not knowing what else to do.

So what if this girl wasn’t like the man who murdered his parents? How should he know? People who were involved with Voldemort were neither good nor innocent. You could have been very well a second Bellatrix.

Dumbledore, who had already taken the second vial and poured the memory into the Pensieve, nodded at his silence and smiled knowingly.

“Don’t view her as any enemy, but as an ally instead.” He said and Harry had to suppress a scoff. “Without her, we would know much less about Voldemort and how to go against him.”

Harry nodded reluctantly and got up from his chair to join Dumbledore again. He looked down at the swirling inky substance that slowly started to take shape and he could already recognize silhouettes of a fire-lit room.

[sitp-recs]

top 5 rare pairs? :)

Hi lovely, thank you so much! As you know I love babbling about these, kind feel bad that I didn’t include any femslash but I wanted to keep this short and include some sneaky recs as always :D hope that’s ok, would love to see your picks too!

1. HARRY/TEDDY MY BELOVED, sometimes I feel like I love them as much as Drarry as my adoration for Teddy Lupin (and Harry’s too, I’m sure) goes beyond this life, and the next. as always a big shoutout to @lqtraintracks for single-handedly seducing me into this ship back in 2012, thank you for your service 🫡

2. Harry/Ron, things like this fic by @writcraft and this post suggest that friends to lovers might be in fact the ultimate trope. it took me so long to get into the idea of them as a romantic ship, and even longer to start reading it because I’m picky af, but after I did they started living rent free in my head and there’s no way back. rip liv 🤡

3. Harry/Ron/Draco because I really wanted to include a triad, also a bit picky about them but @tackytigerfic’s foundational Aim For My Heart punched me in the solar plexus with feelings (ugh!!!), and I can’t really resist the pull now that @dronarryfest exists. I’ll take this chance to also mention my love for Dron which has superb fics like this and this, a really fun and refreshing ship with its own brand of humor and angst.

4. Harry/Sirius, look I’m a simple woman with simple fandom needs and age gap covers most of them lol I don’t read it very often but I ache for the angst potential of those hotdirtywrong vibes & delicious want x guilt moral dilemma that our Sirry champion @lqtraintracks explores so well. orrr we can go the hot & sweet route and still get ruined by tender wall sex, how dare you @maesterchill

5. Draco/Albus Severus is on this list solely bc of birdsofshore’s invaluable contribution including my all-time favorite pwp, and also my pal @sweet-s0rr0w who gifted me this breathtaking T-rated gem, how lucky am I!!!

Bonus: special mention to Sirius/Draco which I hadn’t considered before being slapped in the face by this gem by @ruinsplume and this gem by one @citrusses you might have heard of her 😌

ask me my top 5/10 anything!

[luke-shywalker]

I was skimming this interview Adam Driver did where he was saying 1) he’s not returning to Star Wars (good, let Ben Solo rest in peace lol) and 2) the original plan for Kylo’s character was to have him be the opposite of Vader, starting out unsure in the dark side but becoming more evil through the trilogy.

Y’all know I was fighting for my boy to be redeemed because redemption is one of the central themes of Star Wars. And a lot of the anti-Kyle Ron fans’ reasoning for not wanting him to be redeemed was that “he didn’t deserve it” (to which I was like, yes, correct, redemption is receiving mercy we do not deserve and could never earn.)

But I find the idea of Kylo Ren becoming more and more dark side and never returning to the light pretty interesting, because while redemption and forgiveness is a core part of my worldview, life in the broken world doesn’t always go that way. Sometimes parents watch their child reject the light and embrace the darkness, never to return, despite all their prayers and attempts at intervention.

We know TROS was missing a villain and that’s why somehow, Palpatine returned. It would have been interesting if Supreme Leader Kylo Ren was the big bad in the final movie. (Redeemed Kylo in TROS didn’t really feel real to me btw…I felt like I was watching Adam Driver act out “male lead” but not really know who his character was or who he was playing anymore lol)

I don’t have a lot more thought out to say, but I was just imagining dark side Kylo in his final form getting defeated in the last movie and everyone in the Resistance cheering like at the end of ROTJ, except for Leia. And Leia wondering why her father, the one she hates and can never forgive, was the one to turn back to the light and lives on in the Force, but her son, who she has loved since before he was born and cannot help but forgive, would not turn back and is gone forever.

[teriri-sayes]

Reactions to Deal Maker's Chapter 203

TL;DR - Ahn Roh Man tells more of his parents and the game. Alberu feels strange when he sees Ahn Roh Man smiling brightly like him. Alberu becomes the Roan Kingdom's first player of the game. Cale has to give a speech in the academy.

RMPAG We got to know more about the game and Ahn Roh Man's family. His parents suddenly died in an accident when he was 10, so he was then raised by his uncle and aunt, somewhat becoming part of the Transparent family.

He only figured out the truth behind his parents when he played the game. His parents hid an AI in the game, and the Transparent Co was unaware of it. The AI became Ahn Roh Man's friend and hyung (because it was born a year earlier than him), and helped him attain number 1 in the rankings.

There was also the fact that his initial username was "Unfilial Son" before he changed it to "Searching for the Taerang Thief Bastard."

Oh yeah, Ahn Roh Man called the game as RMPAG, which is the abbreviation of Raising My Precious Absolute God.

Alberu and Ahn Roh Man Funny part of today's chapter. Ahn Roh Man had a bright smile when he told the two that he had a very friendly relationship with the Transparent family. Raon remarked that he had the same smile when Alberu was about to scam someone.

And Alberu's reaction. It was shock. He was shocked to meet someone of the same kind as him. 🤣🤣🤣

Gamer Alberu Ahn Roh Man suggested to install the game in Taerang and have someone play it. Cale and Alberu began pushing the task to each other... 😂

Alberu: … Cale. Cale: Yes, hyung-nim. Alberu: Do you want to borrow Taerang? Cale: I have to go to Aipotu and work hard? Alberu: …I'm busy too? Cale: Thanks to you, I can go out and save the world without worrying about Roan! Hyung-nim, I respect you! Alberu: … *covers face with both hands* Ahn Roh Man (ARM): Don't worry, Me and my hyung, I mean, the AI from earlier. Anyway, we'll carry you. Alberu: …Carry? ARM: It means to help you become stronger easily. Alberu: … Haa…. This is driving me crazy. Cale: Hyung-nim, I believe in you. Alberu: Ha. Let's give it a try.

What was so funny was the narrator's words after that scene. Alberu became the first player of the game in the Roan Kingdom. And his username? Irreverent Emperor... 🤣🤣🤣

It could also mean disrespectful or blasphemous, but irreverent sounds cooler, so I used it. But Alberu calling himself 'emperor'? Is he planning to turn the Roan Kingdom into an empire?

But that did not stop there. The narrator continued that Cale would never have dreamed of the chaos this player would create in the future... 😂 Ahn Roh Man, what are you planning to teach Alberu? Is Alberu going to be like you in the future, shouting hyunpi and game terms? 🤣🤣🤣

Cale's Speech But our overworked Alberu got his revenge on Cale for forcing him to play the game... by making Cale give the speech in the academy's opening ceremony. 🤣🤣🤣

Of course, the 3 kids were excited to hear Cale's speech, and Cale could only frown when he realized Alberu's intention. 😂

Ending Remarks Today had a lot of funny moments. It ended with a message from GoD saying that Cale's request to move the black castle (where Sherrit lived) to Aipotu had been approved. Woah. So it's going to be a dragon lord versus a dragon lord fight? How exciting!

I still harbor some disappointment with the recent chapter. We still have no news of what happened to CJS or Sui, and Cale's conversation with Ron seemed to have been forgotten again. 😞Author-nim, even a mention of them would have been enough! PLEASE DON'T FORGET THEM!

[dreamwreaver]

When the pilot first dropped, I was a teen who shipped Chaggie only because it was canon and it was cute. But now that I'm older and watched the series, I realize how... simple and dare I say it, flavorless this ship is. They don't have that much in common, I can't really think of at least 3 things they have the same interest in. Their viewpoints are different and sometimes it can really broaden the perspectives of the couple for the better, but for Charlie and Vaggie, it only serves to clash in a way that doesn't amount to a lot in the long run, considering how Charlie often disregards Vaggie's caution and Vaggie shuts down most of Charlie's ideas. Not to mention that the whole "exorcist reveal" was poorly handled and did no service to their characters, only butchering these two further.

For me, I cannot see Vaggie providing any essential and substantial development to Charlie's growth in the series because of how bad the show makes her out to be only the love interest. Also, what is Vaggie's purpose to the hotel and for redemption as a whole? Simply being the manager and supporting Charlie doesn't really help much especially when she seems not to care all that much aside from her girlfriend. She cannot relate with all these sinners she was originally tasked to kill because she is most likely a heavenborn angel so what can she offer?

While I don't ship Chaggie anymore, I wish the show would take this ship seriously. They are doing their fans a disservice by failing to make their main pairing mean something more than scoring sapphic points.

My sweet nonny, you took the words right out of my mouth. Like, I feel that most charlastor shippers don't have an actual issue with chaggie being canon in and of itself, they have a problem with it being canon and yet it not meaning anything. Which isn't to say shows can't have main characters with stable queer relationships going on in the background. I think Kipo and the wonderbeasts did it? The new She-ra DEFINITELY did that, Steven Universe walked, and I'm guessing had it not been canceled after like 2 seasons Ok Ko let's be heroes would have developed lord box man and processor venemous' relationship in the background with major plot points being their on and off again dynamics (side note please watch it it's made by Rebecca sugar's spouse and it's so good!)

The problem with chaggie, is that they're BOTH main characters. Charlie is essentially the titular protagonist. Vaggie is one of the core six. Them being together in a relationship can be casual while not being missable. Let's look at a straight example of this being done right; Kim Possible. Nothing about Kim and Ron's dynamic as friends/heroes changes once they're in a relationship. Sure, fears and concerns that drive plots change, but the fundamental characters and dynamics do not. Moreover, we see the casual displays of affection between them that definitely indicate they're not just friends. (Then again KP did an awesome job of establishing that Kim and Ron both have this weird attachment to each other long before they got together. They had an official Kim/Ron night on Fridays).

Chaggie at least as far as season 1 is concerned, is not the focus. And yes, I know, "it's only 8 episodes!" Okay, but tell me if every episode counted why did we have one focused on introducing the Vees? Why did we have an entire episode focused on Huskerdust? These are not complaints in and of themselves but it makes you wonder when the big season 1 plot twist is that Vaggie's been an Angel the whole time.

You're also right about Vaggie not... really having a place there? She's just kind of there, and it's very glaringly noticeable. She's manager in name but Alastor handles all the facilities work and is by his own admission (believable or not) that he's there to watch people fail for his own entertainment, Charlie's the one involved with lesson planning and activity development and she certainly doesn't lack for cash to fund the place, Husk and Nifty both have positions within the hotel but are very obviously only there because of Alastor. Angel and Pen are guests. So what does Vaggie actually do besides wrangle sinners and tell Charlie no?

And part of why I'm so annoyed by this is that I think everything we do know about Vaggie's character could make her super compelling if it wasn't so heavily dependent on Charlie. A fallen angel and former exorcist who was cast out because she did the right thing rather than follow orders? Awesome! Injured in the process losing both her wings and eye? Badass! Believes that people can better themselves long after the lives they've lived? Cool! Is constantly fighting against her own self hatred and projects that out onto other people without meaning to? Feels she's utterly useless if she's not being of service to someone or something? Like this is barely scratching the surface but it's all there and it's all super interesting!

Except for the fact that tying it to Charlie negates all of it. Vaggie doesn't seem to have a character outside of Charlie, which is why they aren't really separated. Think about it, even when Vaggie's confronting Carmilla is on Charlie's orders. And while I'm sure vaggie always means well, her way of helping Charlie involves Charlie changing herself to be more acceptable to others. Alastor's way of helping Charlie involved him bringing her to a place where he knew her natural inclinations would actually be welcomed with open arms.

Alastor and Charlie just make too much narrative sense to not be together. They're foils, dark reflections, and they have so much chemistry it's honestly insane. People said that shippers got shafted when dad beat dad came out but all I saw was the greatest "your daughter calls me daddy too" joke of the last like 20 years. Alastor, who is canonically only in people's spaces to piss them off, who makes even his closest female friends wait for permission to touch him, both climbs over Charlie like ivy on a brick wall and lets her touch him on prompted without recoiling. Alastor always offers something useful to Charlie, even if he delivers it in an insult, and more importantly; not once has he ever laughed at her. He wants to guide her and watch her reach her full potential; malicious intent or not he's in it for the long haul. Again I say this not to bash on Chaggie but to emphasize how WEIRD it is that there's this dynamic isn't present in the canon ship.

I'm with you on your last point nonny, I can not actively ship chaggie and want better for it. I cannot tell you the rage that filled my body when I watched the last episode and saw that out of 8 episodes Chaggie got 1 30-second song and not only was it a REPRISE it was a reprise of the FATHER-DAUGHTER SONG!!! If that creative decision doesn't tell me everything I need to know about the ship's treatment going forward, I don't know what would.

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Some More Wand Redesigns

a sequel to this post where I redesigned the Elder Wand, Harry's wand, and Voldemort's wand to be made from the correct wood and look better (in my opinion). I decided to make some more...

Ron's second wand

This is the wand that was bought for Ron. Made of Willow.

I tried to give it a somewhat similar silhouette to the movies one. I just made it have a slightly different personality I thought worked better. I also made it look like it was made of Willow.

English Willow, for reference:

Hermione's wand

I get why her moveis wand had vines on it, since it's made of vine wood. That said, my approach to wand design is that they should be comfortable to hold in one's hand. Petruding bits that would cut into your palm holding the wand tightly for too long is not practical. I did want to keep the vine designs and make her wand more elegant. So the vines are now etched into the wood to get to a different section of the wood and therefore a different color, without creating patroding bits that are uncomfortable to hold.

And also I made the color look like the actual wood because I think most wands don't just look like branches.

Vine wood is also much lighter than some of the movie props are:

Luna's wand

So, this is a wand I headcanon all the attributes of, since, the books never mention it. But I used basically, the same principles that always lead me when designing a wand:

1. making it comfortable to hold.

2. color it like the wood it is made of. Again, we don't know Luna's wand wood, so I chose one I felt suited her best according to the wand woods Pottermore page (my favorite Pottermore page).

I decided for Luna on Beach Wood, which is described as follows:

The true match for a beech wand will be, if young, wise beyond his or her years, and if full-grown, rich in understanding and experience. Beech wands perform very weakly for the narrow-minded and intolerant. Such wizards and witches, having obtained a beech wand without having been suitably matched (yet coveting this most desirable, richly hued and highly prized wand wood), have often presented themselves at the homes of learned wandmakers such as myself, demanding to know the reason for their handsome wand’s lack of power. When properly matched, the beech wand is capable of a subtlety and artistry rarely seen in any other wood, hence its lustrous reputation.

(from Pottermore)

Which I think suits Luna quite well.

3. Make it pretty and fit the character's/wand's personality. Which is where I think Luna's first wand flops. I mean, the design is simple and looks to be made of wood with no protruding bits that would make the hold uncomfortable, but I feel like it's too simple. I feel like Luna deserves something nicer and a little more oddly shaped than just a stick.

I also made it short-ish at 10 inches because it felt right to me.

[blitheringmcgonagall]

Someone was asking me did I think Sirius was cunning or had lots of Slytherin traits.

I don’t think so at all.

The Slytherin traits are essentially:

Cunning - this is not the same as intelligence or cleverness. It’s the quality of being astute or sharp in practical matters; the ability to find and pursue the most advantageous course of action, sometimes at the cost of moral compromise. Canny, crafty, weighing up the possibility and deciding based on what’s going to be in your best interests. Someone who is cunning has the ability to achieve things in a clever way, often by deceiving other people. When was Sirius like this? I’ll tell you who is cunning and shrewd, it’s Albus Dumbledore.

Ambition where in canon was Sirius ambitious? If he was he’d have pretended he was a good, obedient son and not run away and gotten blasted off the family tree. He might have stayed on and lied to them all, then if he was also cunning he might have brought Voldy down from the inside. Sirius like this? Nope!

Resourcefulness he’s pretty resourceful fair enough

Pride where in canon is he proud? Pride is a feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people; Pride can also have a negative meaning and refer to exceedingly high self-regard. Sirius is shown as racked with guilt about making Peter secret keeper, doesn’t believe Harry will want to live with him when he offers, didn’t try to leave Azkaban for 12 years because he believed he deserved to be punished for being responsible for the Potters’ deaths. He’s kind and thoughtful to Harry and his friends and to animals. He can be cutting towards others that he dislikes but that’s not pride. He’s rude to Kreacher but it’s not because he thinks he’s superior to house elves but because Kreacher hated Sirius and adored his mother and brother.

Self-preservation Sirius scores -10 points!

Shrewdness as above, not a talent of his

The Gryffindor traits are:

Daring To be daring is to be bold, adventurous - a quality possessed by people who tend to take risks. The fellow who became an animagus as a teenager and risked Azkaban every full moon to run wild with his pack. The guy who joined the Order at 18 to risk his life fighting against the bad guys. “What’s life without a little risk?” Now you’re talking!

Nerve Some common synonyms of nerve are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness”. The fella who got millions of detentions with his best mate, who loved breaking rules, who nearly got arrested by muggle policemen for his antics, while wearing a stupid, brazen phoenix t-shirt, who converted a muggle motorbike into a flying machine? The guy who taunted his psychopathic Death Eater cousin? Who told Snape about the Whomping Willow… Ah, yep, that’s him!

Chivalry - polite, kind, and unselfish behaviour, especially by men towards women. As noted above, he’s very much like this to Harry and the other children. He tells Hermione she’s the brightest witch of her age. He buys Ron a present of an owl. He’s caring of Buckbeak, he’s great pals with Crookshanks. He risks the dementors’ kiss to buy Harry his Firebolt and watch him play Quidditch and help him fight Dementors. He was polite to Molly despite the fact she told him he wasn’t there for Harry growing up (when he was innocently imprisoned in Azkaban!!) which was very upsetting.

Courage - courage is taking action in spite of the fear you feel. Standing up to his family, fighting against Voldemort in the first Wix war despite being outnumbered 20:1, fighting in the second Wix war to try to protect and save Harry etc etc

Sirius: "What was there to be gained by fighting the most evil wizard that ever existed? Only innocent lives, Peter!"

Peter Pettigrew: "You don't understand! He would have killed me, Sirius!"

Sirius: "THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED! DIED RATHER THAN BETRAY YOUR FRIENDS, AS WE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR YOU!"

Bravery the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. It wasn’t just the above, it was also agreeing to live in Grimmauld Place so he could let the Order use the safety of the house, despite the painful memories of a bad childhood and the death of his brother, despite sounding depressed/PTSD/drinking heavily during that part of the book. Resisting Snape goading him for sitting in the house and doing nothing.

“I don't like being back here...I never thought I'd be stuck in this house again.”

😭😭😭

Determination managing to become the first prisoner to escape from Azkaban etc

[s-38-n]

Okay, I’m actually doing this. This is an analysis of dndads and the theme of becoming your parents (cause definitely this is one of the most important topics of the show).  So I’m doing this family by family. (btw I’m choosing the colors for each family based on the vibes they have ig :]) Just to make sure

SPOILERS FOR SEASON 1 AND 2 OF DUNGEONS AND DADDIES

So we’re starting with the Wilsons. In season 1 it's really easy to pinpoint this theme, mostly because Darryl says it directly! When Scam likely asks Darryl why he is not a good dad, Darryl answers “because I try to be my dad. After I lost my dad, I tried to be just like him rather than the dad that Grant needs”. So directly as he says, Darryl tries his best to be like Frank even though yeah, that’s not at all what Grant needs. Darryl arc after all is a lot about learning to be what Grant needs as a parent and not what a perfect parent for Darryl is (aka Frank)

So we move to season 2. We can see that Grant didn’t become similar to Darryl and at least in Grant's words, Darryl was a great dad. The important part of this for this topic is the chat Grant and Link had when Grant was in real Earth at the start of the show. Grant is worried that Link is too much like him (probably with Link being a bit of an anxious kid at the start at least). He doesn’t want his son to become like him, not make all the mistakes he did, to become a killer. He tells his son to not become like him and love him less. The thing is, Link isn’t like Grant! Link hates the idea of killing and ends up resenting his father for the things he does, in some way, ironically, following what Grant told him to do at the start

We’re gonna move from your faults being trying to be too much like your dad to your faults being trying not to be like your dad in the slightest. Beary as a father is a controlling person, putting Hen in a high standard and trying to make him what Beary considers a perfect person. Henry hates it, moving to Earth lets him be his own person, not what Beary wanted. And Henry as a dad is the contrary to Beary, he is too leaning, not wanting to limit or not let his sons be free, just like Beary did with him when he was a child. Trying to be a soft dad instead of a strict dad. This kind of backfired; yeah, you could argue that Sparrow more or less became a loving kid that even though he is kind of violent he does it for the people that he loves. But Lark didn’t, mostly because of chance, the kid ended up hating his father and making his own way, a much more violent way

In season 2 we can see the effects of this separation in the kids. Sparrow is a lot like Henry, trying to be soft spoken (in a mean way), worrying about the rest and trying to have their feelings in consideration (for example when TJ died and Sparrow was trying to make sure the kid was okay), being a druid and a vegan (this is more of a joke, but I mean it’s a really good example of the teachings of Henry of loving the world and not hurting nature as much as possible…). And then we have Lark, him being direct, more violent, having collections of arms in the Oak-Swallows-Garcia house, eating meat… Both kids took completely different routes in adulthood though they stick together

Then we have Normal and Hero. Whose names show the role that they were given since birth. Hero being trained to be the chosen one (which kinda reminds me of Beary trying to shape Henry to be what he deems a perfect kid) and trying as much as possible that Normal grows up to just be a regular teen. This ended up meaning that the kids of the two inseparable twins almost don’t talk to each other for five years. But the funny part here is that the kids subvert the roles they have, Hero wanting to just have a regular life and Normal becoming one of the teens that are saving the world from the Doodler!

But what about just being the opposite of your parents without even trying? I would argue that Ron represents the opposite of Willy. Ron being a good hearted man that even being a little dumb and weird just tries to be the best person and step-dad he can be (and he improves a lot at it during the story). While Willy is well, Willy, the opposite, evil and self centered and intelligent and basically the villain of the story. He tries to kill his own son, the person who represents the opposite of him. But we know that in this case, Willy's opposite is who ended up causing Willy's death, in part

For Terry Jr we’re moving to season 2. We can clearly see that Terry Jr ended up in Ron's position (a step-dad of a step-child who hates him) and kinda ironically Scary takes Terry Jr’s place for similar reasons (resenting her step-dad in part because it represents that her real dad won’t come back. Same as Terry Jr in season 1, or at least I think so). We can even see Scary seeing Terry Jr's diary and mentioning how it's funny that Terry Jr had a step dad that he hated (I dont remember the exact words) Sadly, we don’t get to see how their relationship could slowly become better like in season 1 with Ron and TJ

And last but not least, the family that is quite literally the reason this analysis exists. Let’s talk about just becoming like your dad. For what we can see, Glenn is literally like Bill, more a friend than a dad, not worried about the safety of his kid and putting him in dangerous schemes. And Nick seemed like he was going to become part of the pattern too. The kid literally tries to be like his dad as much as he can, he literally joins a UFC fight so his dad thinks he is cool, like Glenn is! But then the trial happens and Glenn is no longer Nick’s dad, instead, Jodie is. And then we have Nicholas, a little Narc that tries to be responsible and a goodie two shoes in general, just like Jodie. Nick/Nicholas is just someone who tries as much as he can to be just like the figure he admires the most, his dad. 

And we can see the same with Nicky in season 2! Anthony describes him like half rockstar half cop (I have being searching for the quote and I can’t find it but I’m pretty sure Anthony said it, so maybe I’ll find it in the future and put it in a reblog), that means half Nick, half Nicholas, or in a way that is thematically appropriate, half Glenn, half Jodie

And then we have Taylor, who is a bit different from all the comparisons I’ve been doing. Mostly cause he doesn’t want to be/is like his dad! Instead he wants to be like his mom! He is a momma’s boy after all. For what we know at least he is trying to be a voice actor, just like his mom (you could argue is to get closer to the anime world or nepotism, but I’m pretty sure is just to be like his mom)

But yeah, just to finish, obiously this is a theme of the show, after all is all about parents and their kids. But I just wanted to mention each example (even tho the teens ones are a bit of a reach. The dads and kiddads are more obvious at least to me)

[dc-marvel-life]

That Dang Snake

Pairing: Hermione Granger

Summary: Hermione starts to get the attention of an unlikely Slytherin girl

Word Count: ~2.3k

A/N: Send in request

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Hermione’s POV

It is finally Saturday, the day of the first date for Y/N and me. I am excited but nervous at the same time about this date. The entire week, Y/N and I have been talking in or between classes, and also we have been meeting in the library to study together. I can see why everyone says she is so kind, but something has been up over the past few days. 

Everyone in Slytherin suddenly avoids her, even Draco, who is supposed to be childhood friends with Y/N. The only person in Slytherin who talks to Y/N is Greengrass, but every other house is fine with her. Even the tri-wizard students speak to her.

I was taken out of my thoughts by Harry waving his hand before me. 

“You okay, Hermione? It looks like you are deep in thought, well more than usual,” Harry asks, concerned. 

“Yeah, I am fine. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and I are eating breakfast this morning in the great hall. I was just thinking about a test next week,” I say, lying and continuing to eat my breakfast. 

“Relax, Hermione, it is a Saturday, and you should enjoy it. Maybe even go on a date with me,” Ron asks, and I get an icky feeling. Talking with Y/N made me realize that my feeling for Ron was just platonic feelings that I thought were romantic. My feelings for Y/N are different, and I want to explore that with her. 

“I actually have plans with Luna tonight, so I can’t go, sorry,” I lie to Ron, and Ginny looks at me side-eyed. She knows that I am going on a date tonight with Y/N, and I can see it on her face that she is trying not to laugh.

“Oh, that’s okay. Maybe another time, then?” Ron asks, and I sit there frozen, not knowing what to say. Ron was waiting for an answer, but I heard a loud bang. Everyone in the great hall turns around to look at the Slytherin table to see Y/N and Draco standing up, looking intensely at each other. Y/N has food all over her, which I am guessing Draco threw on her. It took everything in me not to run over to her side to ensure she was okay. 

 It looks like Y/N is thinking about hitting Draco because her hand is clenching and unclenching, but Greengrass comes up to Y/N and drags her out of the great hall. The place was silent for about 20 seconds then everything returned to normal. Everyone was discussing what was happening and betting on who would win in that fight.

I would have bet Y/N would kick Draco’s ass easily.

“What was that all about?” I ask the table and see Ron and Ginny looking at each other.

“What was that?! I question them. You guys know something, huh?” Harry looks around, like always confused about what is happening.

“Look, you have to keep this under wraps because we aren’t even supposed to know this information,” Ron says, looking around and leaning in to speak quietly.

“So Ginny and I were home for a bit to get something, and we overheard our parents talking. They were talking about how the Y/L/N’s kicked Y/N out of the family and left her with nothing,” Ron says quietly.

I sat there momentarily, trying to process what Ron said.

“Do you know why she got kicked out?” Harry asks, and Ron shrugs.

“My parents just said that the pureblood families are foul for kicking her out because they did. They left her with nothing, and now she is homeless,” Ron says, and my heart grows heavy. 

Where is she going to live? How is she getting money? Where did the scars come from? Maybe I can get some answers tonight on the date. I finish eating breakfast and go back to the dorms. I finish up on homework and practice a few spells before getting ready to go out. 

I went into my closet to pick out a cute outfit, but it was more complicated than expected. I pull out my whole wardrobe, and it still feels like I have nothing to wear. Usually, I wouldn’t try so hard to look good, but this is my first date with Y/N, and I want her to be amazed.

I hear the door opening and a loud gasp. I turn to see who it is, and it is Ginny.

“What in the world happened here? Were you doing a tornado spell or something” Ginny says and giggles while stepping over my clothes to stand beside me.

“No, I am just picking out an outfit for tonight, but I can’t find anything to wear,” I say, crossing my arms.

“Don’t worry, I am here to help you out, so go and shower while I pick out an outfit for you,” Ginny says, picking up my clothes off the floor. 

“Thank you,” I say, running to the showers. I will say taking a shower really help me relax a bit. I come out to the room and see that Ginny has put away all my clothes and has an outfit picked out for me.

“Oh Ginny, this is perfect,” I say while looking at the bed to see a pair of jeans, a white undershirt, and a maroon sweater.

“I know!” Ginny says, smiling, and I give her a big hug. I quickly get changed and do my hair with the help of Ginny.

“You look so beautiful, Hermione! Y/N won’t be able to keep her hands off of you,” Ginny says, and I start to blush.

“Well, none of that will be happening on the first date,” I say and smile. I grab all my things and set off toward Hogsmeade. Once I am at Hogsmeade, I found a bench near the entrance so Y/N can see me when she first comes in. 

Time passes by, and still no sign of Y/N anywhere. I look down at my watch and see she is 30 minutes late to the set meeting time. 

“I guess she stood me up,” I say to myself, then sigh in defeat. I can feel the tears forming in my eyes, and I try to hold them back. I don’t want to break down crying in front of everyone here. 

“Hermione! Wait! I’m coming,” I hear someone say in the distance. I look around to see who called out my name, and it is Y/N. Even from far away, I can see she is wearing a black turtle neck and chino pants with a brown trench coat. Damn, why does she have to look so sexy when I am mad at her right now. 

Next thing I know, Y/N is in front of me, out of breath from the running she did coming down here. I didn’t make eye contact with her because I was mad that I had waited 30 minutes for her to come.

“Hermione, I am so sorry that I am late. Things got complicated and-” Y/N starts, but I cut her off.

“I don’t care you are still late, and I was looking forward to this-” I stop talking once I finally look Y/N in the eye, only to see she has a black eye and a cut lip.

“Who did this to you?!” I yell, then inspect her face. She flinches at first, then welcomes my hands.

“It doesn’t matter who did this to me. Just know this is why I am late, but I didn’t do it intentionally. All I want to do is go on this date with you. I hate that I am late, but I will make it up to you by buying whatever you want from Honeydukes,” Y/N says, then takes my hand that is inspecting her face and kisses it. I feel the blood rushing toward my cheeks.

“Okay, but I am not going just to drop this topic. We will come back to it later,” I say, and she salutes to me like a soldier.

“Yes, ma’am,” she says, and I laugh. She takes my hand, and we walk around Hogsmeade to talk about anything and everything. She kept her promise and let me get anything I wanted from Honeydukes. I didn’t get too much because I know she got kicked out of her family.  We end up at Madam Puddiffor’s Tea Shop to get a drink and talk.

“So what really happened to your face,” I say once we order our drinks and sit down. Y/N lets out a sigh and rubs her face.

“There was a misunderstanding with a few Slytherins, but I was able to handle it,” Y/N says and smiles.

“Is there something going on with you and the other Slytherins? I have noticed over the past week they have been ignoring you,” I ask, concerned.

“So you are watching my movements, Hermione. I am flatter,” Y/N says, smirking at me.

“I am serious, Y/N. Look, you know that I am new to this dating scene and never thought I would be into women, but it is different with you. I am always thinking about you in some type of way. Like if you are getting enough to eat, if you are getting what is going on in class, or if you really like me because I really like you,” I ramble on, then Y/N puts her hand on mine.

“Of course, I really like you, Hermione. You have no idea how long I have waited to ask you out. You are not like any other girl I know,” Y/N says, and I smile, blushing.

“Well, good because I really do like you, and I want to see where this goes, but we have to be honest with each other up front. That way, this can work between us,” I say and look at Y/N. I can see her brain going a mile a minute thinking of something.

“You are right, and we need to be honest with each other. I have been hiding something from you for years,” Y/N says and takes a deep breath. I look at her, confused, wondering what she could have been hiding from me for years!

“I have liked you ever since the first year. When I landed my eyes on you, I knew you were something special. I wanted to get to know you more but Draco told me that I couldn’t because you are a muggle-born, and purebloods couldn’t hang out with you. I knew that our parents thought that way, but I thought all the kids were like me and didn’t believe in blood status in that way. Well, there are the Weasley, but their parents taught them right. Anyway, I was told to stay away from you and just keep going with my life. I did that, but it was so hard to get you off my mind over the years. I would get so nervous around you that I wouldn’t even talk. I had to distract myself with over girls to stop thinking about you, but it didn’t work. I will always come back to you. So this year, I thought of the brilliant idea it was time to tell my parents that I am into girls and not just any girl, but Hermione Granger. They were furious, of course, because their pure bloodline would end with me. You can’t have a baby if you are with girls, and to make it worse, it is with a muggle-born. They said much more than that, but I summed it up for you. They beat me and threw me out with no money. Luckily I have my own money, but that’s why I have all those bruises all over my body, and this,” Y/N points to her face, “is the result of all the Slytherin purebloods giving me ‘betraying our kind’ beat-ups” Y/N says taking a deep breath like she just removed a ton of bricks off her back.

I just sat there silently for a minute to process all the information thrown at me. It is hard to wrap my head around that Y/N has had a crush on me since the first year. Then finally telling her parents that she likes girls and a muggle-born girl at that, she gets beat up and kicked out.

“Please say something,” Y/N says, getting my attention.

“I don’t know what to say right now. That was a lot that just at me right now,” I say.

“You wanted me to be honest,” Y/N says, laughing lightly to brighten the mood.

“Yes, yes, I did. So it seems we are on the same page and like each other. What next?” I ask, raising my eyebrows. Y/N looks over me and smirks.

“Well, we keep getting to know each other. That means I will have to take you out on dates, and then once we get comfortable, I will ask you to be my girlfriend. Then we will see after that, but I hope it ends with a happily ever after,” Y/N says, leaning forward.

“I think I like that I like the plan,” I say, smiling and leaning forward. We met in the middle to kiss each other, which was the most magical thing to happen. Her lips were so soft but still firm at the same time, and her lips fit perfectly into my lip. I could kiss her all day long without any problem. We put away from each other and just looked into each different eyes.

“Wow,” We both say at the same time. 

Taglist: @fanficaddictcore

[dufferpuffer]

~~ Looking at Lycanthropy ~~

Part 1: Physical Symptoms of Lycanthropy.

Looking at Lycanthropy (all parts)

Words: Approx. 4500

Physical Symptoms (What he feels; what he does; what happens - factual.) Perceived Symptoms (How he seems to others - health focused)

PRISONER OF AZKABAN:

Chapter 5 (I don't think many would argue against this taking place post 'Full Moon' – as he spends the 8.5 hour train trip resting. A descriptive chapter for how others see him and doesn't pull its punches: Remus is in rough shape.)

Notes: Ill-looking, exhausted (rested all day), pallid, thin – 'could do with some food', doubtful ability to teach – 'one good hex could finish him', corpse-like. Secondary Notes: Premature grey hair. Hoarse voice. Remus wouldn't have had any Wolfsbane the week prior.

pg 59 The stranger was wearing an extremely shabby set of wizard's robes which had been darned in several places. He looked ill and exhausted. Though he seemed quite young, his light-brown hair was flecked with grey.

Greyback has a 'face covered in matted grey hair and whiskers' (DH,23,391). Remus' premature grey hair could be a sign that Lycanthropy is a progressive disease that changes ones appearance over time – or it could be unrelated and due to family genetics or stress.

pg 60 'Wonder what he teaches?' said Ron, frowning at Professor Lupin's pallid profile. … … 'Well, I hope he's up to it,' said Ron doubtfully: 'He looks like one good hex would finish him off, doesn't he? Anyway ...' he turned to Harry, 'what were you going to tell us?' pg 63 'D'you think we should wake him up?' Ron asked awkwardly, nodding towards Professor Lupin. 'He looks like he could do with some food.' … … 'I suppose he is asleep?' said Ron quietly, as the witch slid the compartment door closed.'I mean - he hasn't died, has he?' 'No, no, he's breathing.' whispered Hermione, taking the cauldron cake Harry passed her.

Pale, under-fed, doubtful ability to teach... and it isn't just Ron making these judgements. If he were being hyperbolic I feel Hermione's response would be along the lines of 'That's ridiculous, Ron.' or 'Don't be rude!' – instead she seems to understand his concern: Remus looks corpse-like.

pg 65 'Quiet!' said a hoarse voice suddenly. … … 'Stay where you are,' he said, in the same hoarse voice, and he got slowly to his feet with his handful of fire held out in front of him.

Hoarse from howling, perhaps...? Or maybe because he's been snoozing all day. Mouth-open against the window of the train isn't great for your throat. It could also just be a quality of his voice.

Chapter 7 (He energetically teaches the class for the first time and impresses everyone.) (It's unclear how many days this is after the train, the assumed Full Moon. The day after the train is their first subjects: Divination and Magical Creatures. Later chapters say DADA is on Mon. and Thurs. – so their first day couldn't have been Mon. otherwise they would have had Remus for their first day. Perhaps train was Mon., first classes Tue. – giving Remus three days recovery before Thurs...?)

pg 99 He was as shabby as ever but looked healthier than he had on the train, as though he had had a few square meals.

Hogwarts meals have given him energy. :^)

Chapter 8 Severus comes to give him his potion. I go more in-depth on the potion in Part 5.

Notes: Feels off-colour before the Full Moon Secondary Notes: Before the Full Moon is animated, cheerful, attends the feast and looks 'about the same as ever.'

pg 118 'I've been feeling a bit off-colour,' he said. 'This potion is the only thing that helps. I am very lucky to be working alongside Professor Snape; there aren't many wizards who are up to making it.' pg 119 Professor Lupin looked cheerful and as well as he ever did; he was talking animatedly to tiny little Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher. Harry moved his eyes along the table, to the place where Snape sat. Was he imagining it, or were Snape's eyes flickering towards Lupin more often than was natural?

Despite 'feeling off-colour' he is well enough to attend the feast. That isn't to discredit his claim – just pointing out it isn't as severe. The Full Moon is close: Severus is somewhat anxiously watching him.

Chapter 9 (Severus takes over the DADA class. I would assume post Full Moon, like the train. This is the first, and seemingly only, third-year class he misses. That suggests the amount of time he takes off per Full Moon is relatively small. The longer he takes off per month – the more chance he misses his third-year classes on Mon. and Thurs.)

Notes: Werewolves differ from true wolves in small ways, such as a difference in snout. Secondary Notes: Potentially small time off to rest each Full Moon. Lack of organisation and being behind in work potentially the result of taking time off for health.

pg 127 'He says he is feeling too ill to teach today,' said Snape with a twisted smile. pg 128 'Whats wrong with him?' Snapes black eyes glittered. 'Nothing life-threatening,' he said, looking as though he wished it was. … … 'I did not ask for information. I was merely commenting on Professor Lupin's lack of organisation.' … … 'Which of you can tell me how we distinguish between the werewolf and the true wolf?' said Snape. Pg 129 'Silence!' snarled Snape. 'Well, well, well, I never thought I'd meet a third-year class who wouldn't even recognise a werewolf when they saw one. I shall make a point of informing Professor Dumbledore how very behind you all are...' 'Please, sir,' said Hermione, whose hand was still in the air, 'the werewolf differs from the true wolf in several small ways. The snout of the werewolf-'

As much as I hate it – werewolves look similar to regular wolves. Unless a 'true wolf' is a different magical creature – though I doubt that is the intended meaning.

Chapter 10 (Probably half a week or so since the last chapter. The day after Snapes DADA was Quidditch. Harry was in the Infirmary the 'the rest of the weekend' – suggests Quidditch was on Fri, Snape's DADA on Thurs. Lupin back in DADA on Monday. If Wed. night was Full Moon – then that is a 4 day recovery.)

Notes: Ill-looking, shadowed eyes, loose robes Secondary Notes: Premature ageing

pg 138 Professor Lupin was back at work. It certainly looked as though he had been ill. His old robes were hanging more loosely on him and there were dark shadows beneath his eyes; nevertheless, he smiled at the class as they took their seats, and they burst at once into an explosion of complaints about Snape's behaviour while Lupin had been ill. pg 140 A ray of wintry sunlight fell across the classroom, illuminating Lupin's grey hairs and the lines on his young face.

Chapter 11

Notes: Too ill even to sit at Christmas lunch and eat. :^( At least 2 days off sick for the Full Moon.

pg 166 'And he was away when your Nimbus got smashed, and he might've heard about it and decided to visit Diagon Alley and get this for you-' 'What d'you mean, he was away?' said Harry. 'He was ill when I was playing in that match.' 'Well he wasn't in the hospital wing,' said Ron. 'I was there, cleaning out the bedpans on that detention from Snape, remember?'

Remus was a no-show around the school Thurs. and Fri. – that's at least 2 days off.

pg 170 'I'm afraid the poor fellow is ill again,' said Dumbledore, indicating that everyone should start serving themselves. 'Most unfortunate that it should happen on Christmas Day.'

It's just lunch... he can't even come out for some festive yum yums? Too sick for treats? :^(

Chapter 12 (School starts first week of Jan. Remus was ill Dec. 25. Assuming Full Moon was night of Dec 24. that's min. 7 days recovery.)

Notes: Even with a long time off – he still looks ill to Ron, and tired to Harry.

pg 175 'Still looks ill, doesn't he?' said Ron, as they walked down the corridor, heading to dinner. 'What d'you reckon's the matter with him?' pg 185 - (Harry talking to Hermione about all her homework.) 'Oh, well - you know - working hard,' said Hermione. Close to, Harry saw that she looked almost as tired as Lupin.

I'd say this is a general comment on Lupin rather than a direct comparison for how he was that day. He is known for always looking worn out – Hermione is matching him with all her studies.

NIGHT OF THE TRANSFORMATION – Chapters 17 – 21 I go through these chapters closely in Part 3: Regarding the 'Full Moon'...

Chapter 22 (The morning after.) Notes: Only one missed Wolfsbane Potion – he has had some in his system. No mention of any injuries form Sirius. Seems alert and relatively perky, considering the night he had and how he was at the start.

pg 308 'I was worried this mornin', mind... thought he mighta met Professor Lupin in the grounds, but Lupin says he never ate anythin' las' night'...'

Remus said in a previous chapter (see Part 3; pg260) 'A werewolf is only a danger to people'. This line contradicts that. Remus is not only a danger to Buckbeak – but could have EATEN him. Unless Remus was bullshitting Hagrid and playing along with false stereotypes... for some reason? (More on that in Part 3.)

pg 309 'From what the headmaster told me this morning, you saved a lot of lives last night, Harry. If I'm proud of anything, it's how much you've learned. Tell me about your Patronus.' 'How d'you know about that?' said Harry, distracted. 'What else could have driven the Dementors back?' … … 'Here, I brought this from the Shrieking Shack last night,' he said, handing Harry back the invisibility cloak.

These show his clarity of mind, even after a transformation. He could piece together events from information he was told – and thought to go get Harry's cloak. How much of this is from having some Wolfsbane Potion? He does seem very perky compared to how he was in the train.

pg 310 'Headmaster, there is no need to see me to the gates, I can manage...' Harry had the impression that Lupin wanted to leave as quickly as possible.

There is an assumption that he couldn't manage to get to the gates – but he in fact can. There is also his eagerness to go – but I will go into that more in Part 2 and Part 3.

~~~ ORDER OF THE PHOENIX:

Chapter 3

pg 47 Remus Lupin stood nearest to him. Though still quite young, Lupin looked tired and rather ill; he had more gray hair than when Harry had said good-bye to him, and his robes were more patched and shabbier than ever.

A re-iteration of Remus' general, constant state of being: ill-looking, tired and prematurely aged. This is how he is introduced to potential new readers. It is important to his constant image.

Chapter 22 (Not about Remus – another werewolf, a fresh bite. Or... fresh-ish. 'Two weeks till the next Full Moon' means two weeks since the last. When he was bitten. He is still sick. He is green, staring at the ceiling, stuck in hospital TWO WEEKS after his bite. Being infected with Lycanthropy is nothing to sneeze at. It is more than just a bite.)

pg 488/489 "...But that fellow over there,” he said, dropping his voice and nodding toward the bed opposite in which a man lay looking green and sickly and staring at the ceiling.“Bitten by a werewolf, poor chap. No cure at all.” “A werewolf?” whispered Mrs. Weasley, looking alarmed. “Is he safe in a public ward? Shouldn’t he be in a private room?”“It’s two weeks till full moon,” Mr. Weasley reminded her quietly.

If Molly isn't just having a prejudiced knee-jerk reaction then there might be an element of fresh-bites being less safe for their first Full Moon... but it's more likely she's being a bit bigoted.

Chapter 24

pg 527 “Yeah, all right,” said Harry heavily, looking up into Lupin’s pre-maturely lined face. “See you, then . . .”

Chapter 28 (A teenage werewolf, better fed and looked after than current day.) Notes: Werewolves differ from true wolves in small ways, such as a difference in snout; pupils; tufted tail. Before the Full Moon Remus looks pale and peaky, but has enough clarity of mind to do an exam. Werewolf transformation is ONCE a month.

pg 642 And two seats along from this girl — Harry’s stomach gave another pleasurable squirm — was Remus Lupin. He looked rather pale and peaky (was the full moon approaching?) and was absorbed in the exam: As he reread his answers he scratched his chin with the end of his quill, frowning slightly.

Harry lets us know that being 'pale and peaky' are clear signs of an approaching Full Moon. Thank you, Harry. (Note: Remus can still concentrate on his exam, even with trouble.)

pg 643 Wormtail was the only one who didn’t laugh. “I got the snout shape, the pupils of the eyes, and the tufted tail,” he said anxiously, “but I couldn’t think what else—” “How thick are you, Wormtail?” said James impatiently. “You run round with a werewolf once a month —” “Keep your voice down,” implored Lupin.

Shut the fuck up James, how often do you think Peter's see's a real wolf?!? Rude young man. >:( Chapter 38

pg 867 Next to Tonks was Lupin, his face pale, his hair graying, a long and threadbare overcoat covering a shabby jumper and trousers.

~~~ HALF BLOOD PRINCE

Chapter 6

pg 94 To Mrs. Weasley’s displeasure, Harry’s sixteenth birthday celebrations were marred by grisly tidings brought to the party by Remus Lupin, who was looking gaunt and grim, his brown hair streaked liberally with gray, his clothes more ragged and patched than ever.

Once again, first description: Gaunt; Grim; Liberally Grey... new words for old information.

Chapter 16

pg 281 Meanwhile, Remus Lupin, who was thinner and more ragged-looking than ever, was sitting beside the fire, staring into its depths as though he could not hear Celestina’s voice.

Of course he is going to be thinner in stressful times – but he is also without Wolfsbane and Hogwarts' steady meals (though I am sure Molly helps). Chapter 22 Notes: Transformed Werewolves want to spread the illness – they don't try to kill. Occasionally they can get carried away, perhaps excitement or fear or anger, and end up killing their victims.

pg 400 “Well, their brother was attacked by a werewolf. The rumor is that their mother refused to help the Death Eaters. Anyway, the boy was only five and he died in St. Mungo’s, they couldn’t save him.” “He died?” repeated Harry, shocked. “But surely werewolves don’t kill, they just turn you into one of them?”“They sometimes kill,” said Ron, who looked unusually grave now. “I’ve heard of it happening when the werewolf gets carried away.”

This little boy was bitten young, like Remus was – but died. As previously seen: a Lycanthropy infection is no joke. Harry points out that a Werewolf's natural aim is to spread the infection – and Ron claims that they get so out-of-control sometimes that they can go against that instinct and take it too far.

Chapter 29 (Bill has been bitten by an non-transformed Fenrir Greyback. What's a non-transformed Werewolf? Does this mean Remus is just as contagious? I go through that more in Part 4. Here I'm focusing on collecting descriptions.) Notes: Non-transformed werewolf bites are basically unheard of – they do not bite outside of the Full Moon, when they are contagious. However their bite still has a contaminated; cursed aspect to it: unlikely to heal; give wolfish characteristics. 'Bitten at the Full Moon' is treated as an equal statement to 'bitten when transformed.' Secondary Notes: Possibly connected to the severity of the mauling – a smaller bite might not have been contagious. Fresh bites might have a behaviour/emotional symptom when the victim is infected.

pg 516 “Of course I’m sure... he’s a — a bit of a mess, that’s all. Greyback attacked him. Madam Pomfrey says he won’t — won’t look the same anymore…” Ginny’s voice trembled a little. “We don’t really know what the aftereffects will be — I mean, Greyback being a werewolf, but not transformed at the time.” pg 517 Harry looked over Hermione’s shoulder and saw an unrecognizable face lying on Bill’s pillow, so badly slashed and ripped that he looked grotesque. … … “No charm will work on these,” said Madam Pomfrey. “I’ve tried everything I know, but there is no cure for werewolf bites.” “But he wasn’t bitten at the full moon,” said Ron, who was gazing down into his brother’s face as though he could somehow force him to mend just by staring. “Greyback hadn’t transformed, so surely Bill won’t be a — a real —?” He looked uncertainly at Lupin. “No, I don’t think that Bill will be a true werewolf,” said Lupin, “but that does not mean that there won’t be some contamination. Those are cursed wounds. They are unlikely ever to heal fully, and — and Bill might have some wolfish characteristics from now on.” “Dumbledore might know something that’d work, though,” Ron said. pg 522 ...Bill had been savaged by Greyback...

Bill has been permanently disfigured by Greyback. He has been bitten, specifically. Savaged; Ripped; Slashed – so badly he looks grotesque. However he 'wasn't bitten at the Full Moon', said like it is interchangeable with 'being transformed'. The wounds are described as 'cursed'; 'contaminated' – meaning they are 'unlikely to ever heal fully' and will give Bill some 'wolfish characteristics'.

pg 523/524 “Molly — Arthur —” said Professor McGonagall, jumping up and hurrying to greet them. “I am so sorry —” “Bill,” whispered Mrs. Weasley, darting past Professor McGonagall as she caught sight of Bill’s mangled face. “Oh, Bill!” Lupin and Tonks had got up hastily and retreated so that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley could get nearer to the bed. Mrs. Weasley bent over her son and pressed her lips to his bloody forehead. “You said Greyback attacked him?” Mr. Weasley asked Professor McGonagall distractedly. “But he hadn’t transformed? So what does that mean? What will happen to Bill?”“We don’t yet know,” said Professor McGonagall, looking helplessly at Lupin.“There will probably be some contamination, Arthur,” said Lupin. “It is an odd case, possibly unique... We don’t know what his behavior might be like when he awakens…”

Love that Remus is the werewolf expert. Not because he is a werewolf – but because he is a nerd for magical creatures. At least I hope that's why people are turning to him for his expertise... Anyway, Bill has had his face 'mangled' right up to his forehead. Apparently a non-transformed mauling is basically unheard of. Werewolves have better control and/or no desire to bite when it isn't the Full Moon. 'We don't know what his behaviour might be like' suggests that with regular Lycanthropy infections there is an emotional/behavioural symptom, at least when first bitten.

~~~ DEATHLY HALLOWS

Chapter 4

pg 44 Lupin, grayer, more lined; … … Bill, badly scarred and long-haired;

This is just funny now. First description has devolved to the basics – 'Lupin looks like hot shite;' Bill has healed into being 'badly scarred'. Shows Lupin is not obviously scarred, else it'd be like 'Bill has scars fresher than Lupin' or something. I am so sorry to have to say this.

Chapter 11

pg 178 They ran down the stairs toward him. Wrapped in a thick black traveling cloak, he looked exhausted, but pleased to see them. pg 184 Harry looked into the prematurely lined face, framed in thick but graying hair, and wished that he could return a different answer. pg 186/187 Lupin sprang to his feet: His chair toppled over backward, and he glared at them so fiercely that Harry saw, for the first time ever, the shadow of the wolf upon his human face. … … Lupin kicked aside the chair he had overturned. … … Lupin actually seized handfuls of his own hair; he looked quite deranged. … … “I’d be pretty ashamed of him.” Harry did not know where his rage was coming from, but it had propelled him to his feet too. Lupin looked as though Harry had hit him. … … “I think you’re feeling a bit of a daredevil,”Harry said. “You fancy stepping into Sirius’s shoes –” “Harry, no!” Hermione begged him, but he continued to glare into Lupin’s livid face. “I’d never have believed this,” Harry said. “The man who taught me to fight dementors – a coward.” Lupin drew his wand so fast that Harry had barely reached for his own; there was a loud bang and he felt himself flying backward as if punched; as he slammed into the kitchen wall and slid to the floor, he glimpsed the tail of Lupin’s cloak disappearing around the door. “Remus, Remus, come back!” Hermione cried, but Lupin did not respond. A moment later they heard the front door slam.

Removed most of the dialogue – I'll go through that in Part 2. Remus got very emotional. It was an emotional conversation, at a vulnerable and stressful time – it might have nothing to do with his Lycanthropy. However... I think, this time at least, it might. 'Harry saw the shadow of the wolf upon his human face'... Remus almost always stays calm, acts as a peacekeeper. Here he is violent, deranged, sensitive and livid – he has no buffer. It's out of character for him. Did Remus fly off the handle simply because of stress? Or something to do with his illness? Or are the two so intertwined that they can no longer be separated...? It's a damn good reason for him to keep himself as calm as possible, if it is easier for him to become unhinged...

Chapter 25

Notes: Bill prefers his steaks bloody now – a 'wolfish characteristic' as warned in the previous book.

pg 443 She had just set some knives to work, chopping up steaks for Griphook and Bill, who had preferred his meat bloody ever since he had been attacked by Greyback. pg 446 “Lupin,” muttered Bill, and he ran to the door and wrenched it open. Lupin fell over the threshold. He was white-faced, wrapped in a traveling cloak, his graying hair windswept. He straightened up, looked around the room, making sure of who was there, then cried aloud, “It’s a boy! We’ve named him Ted, after Dora’s father!”

Chapter 33

Notes: Severus, as a child, thought Remus' behaviour odd – not helped by his friends' actions. It doesn't take much to notice its related to the Full Moon... ...But if one doesn't look too hard, it isn't terribly obvious what he is.

pg 578 “What’s Potter got to do with anything?” said Lily. “They sneak out at night. There’s something weird about that Lupin. Where does he keep going?”“He’s ill,” said Lily.“They say he’s ill –” “Every month at the full moon?” said Snape.

~~~ SUMMARY OF THIS PART:

Remus always looks ill. Even on Wolfsbane potion. Even with weeks of recovery. Even when he is well fed and happy. His defining features: shadowed eyes, looks tired and exhausted, gaunt and grim, robes loose-fitting.

It is unclear whether his Lycanthropy directly causes his premature ageing (lined face and grey hair in his mid 30's) but the stress would add to it indirectly, either way. It's also possible his health results in him being disorganised and chronically behind on work.

He doesn't display any signs that would scream 'Lycanthropy' to others... though even a children with a keen eye can notice his symptoms are based on the moon cycle.

Before the Full Moon: Remus feels 'off colour' – and looks pale and peaky, noticeably more than usual. He can eat, chat animatedly, withstand crowded noisy rooms and even concentrate on exams.

After the Full Moon: He is thinner for awhile, even when otherwise well fed. He is pallid – more than usual. He might have a hoarse voice. Without Wolfsbane he spends the whole day resting, exhausted, looking so bad he seems on his deathbed. With Wolfsbane he is still unable to attend a small Christmas lunch - and needs at least 2 days off work to recover. That recovery would be longer without Wolfsbane.

He keeps clarity of mind and good memory in both cases, casting difficult spells and making complex decisions.

Transformed werewolves differ in small ways from true wolves: a difference in snout, in pupils and a 'tufted tail' being some.

Lycanthropy is only passed to others via bites when transformed; aka at the Full Moon. When bitten otherwise a partial contamination is possible – though it is incredibly rare because werewolves typically only feel compelled to bite when transformed. Even then - their goal is to infect, not to kill...

...Though they can get 'carried away'. They supposedly only pose a threat to people - but may still attack and even eat other animals. A wolfish taste for blood leaks into their non-transformed state.

Fresh bite victims are made ill by their bite: green-looking, staring at the ceiling, still in hospitalized after two weeks. Werewolf injuries 'never fully heal'.

It's possible that there is an emotional aspect to Lycanthropy, where it is easier for them to fly off the handle – so they must work harder than others at staying calm. Freshly bitten werewolves may also show this 'shadow of the wolf on their face', a short fuse – and might be more dangerous nearing their first Full Moon.

However: that idea might be a negative stereotype. Both examples referenced above are situations anyone would be upset in and their anger might have nothing to do with their symptoms.

[thelastarchangelaskblog]

Sixth Year Bonus Scene 12

This is completely unedited. So likely a lot of typos and the like. But I'll polish it up when I put it on AO3.

Why does Sixth Year have so many bonus scenes? Why?

This is Harry's POV of the infamous tower scene. The one where everyone was convinced I'd already done Draco's POV

Please...thoughts? This is 8,600 words.

Bonus Scene 1

Bonus Scene 2

Bonus Scene 3

Bonus Scene 4

Bonus Scene 5

Bonus Scene 6

Bonus Scene 7

Bonus Scene 8

Bonus Scene 9

Bonus Scene 10

Bonus Scene 11

**

(Read more for mobile)

If he weren’t so frantic to reach the Astronomy Tower first, Harry would have been rather vindictively pleased that his worries about Hopkins being two-faced had come true. After months of Ron and Hermione brushing his concerns off and telling him he was reading too much into things, it was nice to realize that no, he really had been right.

Only he would rather not have been right here; being wrong would have been better. Because Malfoy had let Death Eaters into Hogwarts and Dumbledore was walking directly into a trap.

It wasn’t going to be fine. It wasn’t going to be fine at all.

He cursed the amount of stairs that the Astronomy Tower had, lungs burning as he gasped for air. But he finally made it to the top, stumbling through the door and into the freezing cold of the night. Dumbledore was there, facing Hopkins, who was looking out towards the landscape, his back to Harry and Dumbledore.

Harry yanked the Invisibility Cloak off, gasping for air. “Professor Dumbledore!” He had to stop, pulling in more breaths. “Don’t – he and Malfoy let Death Eaters into the castle! They’re coming here!”

They both turned to face him. Hopkins didn’t even look surprised, more exasperated, as he skimmed over Harry and then at the doorway, likely looking for Malfoy.

“You shouldn’t be here, Harry,” Dumbledore said, worried.

“I - what?” Harry blinked, disbelieving. Did Dumbledore not understand? This was a trap! “Did you not hear me?”

“I know they’re here,” Dumbledore said. “Wayne did not lure me here under false pretenses, as I’m sure you’re imagining right now.”

“But—”

“Get under your cloak, Harry,” Dumbledore urged. “Quickly now. And hide the others while you’re at it.”

“Others?” Harry barely had time to wonder who Dumbledore was referring to as “others” when shuffling sounds came from behind him. He whirled, surprised to see Neville, Ginny, and Luna there. Ginny and Luna both looked worried, but Neville seemed a little guilty.

“Sorry,” Neville said. “Harry snuck past first, and then Ginny went after him. I had to go, too.”

They didn’t even seem surprised. “You knew?” he accused.

“Of course we did,” Ginny answered bluntly. “We’re his friends.”

How did they not stop Hopkins then? Why did they just let it happen?

There was a small head shake from Luna as she looked past Harry. She seemed very worried.

“Get under the cloak,” Hopkins said. “And don’t interfere.”

Were they just supposed to let it happen? Harry had come here to get Dumbledore out of this, but now they were just going to let Malfoy waltz up here with his Death Eaters?

Ginny snatched his cloak out of his hands, huffing. She unfurled it with a snap, moving closer to Neville and Luna and giving Harry a look that very clearly meant get over here, idiot. Harry hastily stepped in closer, feeling the familiar silky feel of the cloak settle over his shoulders as they all pressed against the wall right by the door.

It was cramped. Harry had only ever hidden three people at one time under this cloak. With four it was a very tight squeeze and he and Neville both had to bend over to make sure that no ankles would show.

“You led us all the way out here instead of to Dumbledore’s office?” An unfamiliar man’s voice drifted out from the shadows beyond the door. “Why? Hoping you can push one of us off the tower?”

“I might have to bring you here, but the last thing you’ll do is mess around in Hogwarts,” Malfoy said tightly, voice flat. “He’s going to be here.”

“Do you have a copy of his schedule?” a sneering female voice asked. “Or did he tell you he was going to be on the tower at midnight?”

The first person Harry saw was Malfoy, his blond hair the lightest part of him in the night. He was flanked by two Death Eaters, apparently the two who Harry had just heard speaking. They were clad in threadbare robes. On closer inspection, they seemed to be two of the ones who had recently escaped Azkaban.

Harry knew there were others. He had seen more names appear on the map before he had bolted out of the Gryffindor dorms. He hadn’t managed to count them but knew it was more than two, and he had recognized Fenrir Greyback’s name among them.

“Is this a joke?” the unknown male snarled, pointing his wand at Hopkins. “Did you bring us here to face him?”

“Idiot.” This voice was deeper, more guttural and animalistic. “Dumbledore’s right there.”

There were six Death Eaters behind Malfoy, each of them stepping out of the doorway and into the open air. They all wore similar threadbare robes, except for Snape. What was Snape doing here?

Next to Harry, Ginny’s breathing was very loud, and he heard her swallow.

Aside from Snape and Greyback, Harry didn’t recognize any of the others present. One, a wizard with blond hair, towered over the others. There was another with a brutal face and light-colored hair. The third one was the most nondescript, fading into the background.

“Fenrir Greyback.” Dumbledore’s voice was quiet and calm. “I had not expected to see you here.”

Greyback’s teeth were sharp and yellow when he bared them. The moonlight cast harsh shadows on his face, highlighting the jagged scars. “How could I resist?”

“Alecto and Amycus Carrow…” Dumbledore’s eyes drifted to the two who were directly next to Malfoy. “Working together as always I see.”

“Well, I didn’t think you’d actually do it, Draco,” Alecto said, grinning. “I thought you’d choke and then we could have our fun.”

“I wouldn’t let you,” Malfoy snapped. “Now, you know why you’re here.”

“What are you planning, Draco?” Snape asked.

Malfoy barely deigned to glance at Snape. “Can’t you guess? Or do I need to spell everything out to you?”

“Don’t draw your wand there,” Amycus told Dumbledore. “My hand’s itching to Disarm you or push you right off, but we’ve been told this is Draco’s job.”

Malfoy looked startled, his wand twitching. “You were told what?”

“Did you think we’d do your dirty work for you? That maybe we’d die instead?” Amycus smirked. “Oh no. The Dark Lord thought you might pull something like this. Why do you think he sent so many of us?”

As the reality of the situation set in, Malfoy looked increasingly panicked. He didn’t seem to know what to do, his plan falling down around him.

“It’s your job to kill him.” Alecto’s voice was more of a sing-song than speech. “And weren’t you clever indeed? Bringing him out here, revealing yourself… If anyone knows anything about Albus Dumbledore, it’s the soft spot he has for his students.”

“You don’t need to do this, Draco.” Dumbledore’s voice was gentle.

The panic didn’t disappear, but Malfoy was back to pointing his wand at Dumbledore. “Yes, I do! You think you can keep him safe? You think you can keep any of us safe? You’re not even aware of the Death Eaters under your nose!”

Was that Malfoy’s angle? That he was doing this to keep them all safe? Was he stupid?

Dumbledore frowned slightly. “Do you think this will keep you safe?”

“It’s not about me,” Malfoy said. “If it had just been me I’d have thrown it back in his face because I never wanted this.” There was a slight crack in his voice.

Harry didn’t realize he’d gasped until Ginny stepped on his foot. That was–

“But because he brought Wayne into this, I couldn’t say no. So, yes, I have to do this.” Malfoy’s voice did break here. “I have to.”

Hopkins? This was about Hopkins?

Harry couldn’t even look for where Hopkins was to see his own reaction to this. He tightened his grip on his wand, fully prepared to do whatever he needed to in case spells started firing.

“You’re not a killer, Draco,” Dumbledore said quietly. “Don’t let him turn you into one.”

“Your friend doesn’t seem to care, does he?” Alecto sneered. “He’s letting you do this, isn’t he?”

“He didn’t want me to either,” Malfoy snapped angrily. “He told me—” He broke off, biting his lip hard. His wand hand was shaking.

“I told you there were options.” Hopkins’s voice was a surprise. But he wasn’t where Harry had last seen him, instead standing next to Malfoy.

“How’d he get there?” the brute-faced Death Eater hissed, voicing Harry’s own confusion. “Wasn’t he just over there?”

Hopkins ignored the Death Eaters, his attention solely on Malfoy. He didn’t have a wand in hand; he didn’t even seem nervous. He was just very intent on Malfoy. “But you have to make this choice. I can’t do it for you. Neither can Dumbledore.”

“I said I would,” Malfoy insisted, but he looked sick. He didn’t even look like he could cast a simple first-year charm, let alone the more advanced magic that killing someone would require. He inhaled, shoulders shifting. “I told you I would, didn’t I?”

Hopkins didn’t blink. “Then can you do it?”

Was Hopkins advocating for Malfoy killing Dumbledore or not? What was he here for?

“What are you doing, boy?” Snape demanded, his voice much louder than Hopkins’s quiet question.

Hopkins did look away from Malfoy now, albeit only briefly as he glanced at Snape and shook his head. When he spoke next, he sounded a little irritated. “Asking Draco a question and giving him a choice. You’re not in this.” And then he actually raised a finger, much like a professor hushing a student, then turned back to Malfoy. “Draco?” His voice had gentled again.

“I can,” Malfoy ground out, though his hand hadn’t stopped shaking. “I can.”

Hopkins didn’t look away from him. No one else did either, all of the Death Eaters and even Dumbledore watching Malfoy. For some odd reason, Snape waved his wand up at his throat, face pinching at whatever he was attempting to do.

The other three under the cloak with Harry either didn’t seem to be breathing or were breathing very loudly. Ginny was practically vibrating where she was pressed up against Harry.

Malfoy didn’t do anything beyond holding his wand on Dumbledore. He seemed almost paralyzed with indecision, shaking and trembling. His eyes were too wide and his skin far paler than usual.

“We’re waiting,” Greyback growled impatiently. “You know the consequences, boy.”

Malfoy’s eyes squeezed shut, and Hopkins glanced at Greyback, face impassively stony. For some reason Greyback took a step back, like he was actually scared of Hopkins.

“Damn it,” Malfoy whispered, “I can’t. I can’t.”

Something seemed to relax in Hopkins’s shoulders. “You can’t?”

Malfoy shook his head, several tears trickling down his cheeks. “I - fuck.”

“You don’t have to,” Hopkins murmured. Somehow his voice was the loudest thing there, gentle and quiet. He shifted closer to Malfoy, so close he could touch. “Draco, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to.”

Malfoy stared at him, wide-eyed, tears wetting his cheeks. “I’m doing this for you.”

Why, Harry thought wildly. Why was Malfoy doing this for Hopkins?

“Do you trust me, Draco?” Hopkins asked, still in that gentle tone.

Malfoy blinked. “Of course I–”

“Do you trust me, Draco?” Hopkins repeated. There was an edge now, something almost desperate. “Do you trust that I can protect you?”

Greyback snarled, going to step forward. “You think you can–” His voice died from one syllable to the next. A clawed hand flew up to his throat, Greyback’s eyes widening as he mouthed silent words.

No one else spoke. Harry felt almost like he couldn’t speak or move, something holding him in place. He didn’t know what to think of what was happening here. Why Malfoy was doing all this for Hopkins; why Hopkins had even done this for Malfoy; why this was even happening.

It seemed like Malfoy hadn’t ever wanted to be a Death Eater, and that was something else throwing Harry for a loop because for as long as he knew Malfoy had been synonymous with being a Death Eater. Even with what had happened last year with the DA; that had been an anomaly. Malfoy’s behavior this year had been more predictable and normal.

Now it seemed like it had all been a ruse?

Malfoy didn’t look away from Hopkins. He seemed to be searching for something. And, eventually, he seemed to find whatever he was looking for. “I do,” he whispered. “And I don’t… I don’t want to kill anyone.” He looked at Dumbledore. “I’m not going to kill anyone.”

Hopkins’s “Good” was so quiet Harry could have missed it if it weren’t so quiet. He reached out to push Malfoy’s wrist down, taking his wand out of the equation. And then he was grinning, bright and warm and completely out of place. “Thank you, Draco.”

Why was he grinning like that when they were surrounded by bloodthirsty Death Eaters? Malfoy’s decision to not become a murderer tonight wasn’t cause for that much celebration.

Greyback’s growl was bloodcurdling, Harry’s hairs rising on end at the sound. The werewolf didn’t move, baring his teeth and continuing that low, terrifying growl.

Malfoy shoved Hopkins behind him, stepping protectively in front of him. “Don’t you dare!”

“You dare defy our Lord?” Amycus brandished his wand. “You’re dead meat.”

“I don’t think so.” Dumbledore’s pleasant tone was entirely at odds with the spell that left his wand, missing Amycus but hitting the brute-faced Death Eater and knocking him prone.

Ginny reacted faster than Harry could, whipping off the cloak and firing a jinx at Alecto that tripped her up, but Harry wasn’t far behind her, firing off his own jinx at Amycus. Neville and Luna were a little slower, their own spells joining Ginny’s.

Malfoy sounded startled. “Where did–”

Harry ducked a curse that flew over his shoulder, almost elbowing Ginny in her shoulder before he managed to sidestep.

“Wayne!” Malfoy’s cry was distraught, terrified, cutting through the chaos of the spells flying through the air.

Harry turned, then stopped on seeing Greyback with his teeth in Hopkins’s arm. Malfoy was on the stones behind them, looking up at them with an expression of utter terror and disbelief. It wasn’t an expression Harry had ever seen on him before.

Hopkins didn’t even flinch at the teeth in his arm. He seemed faintly disgusted but not in pain.

There was a pained whimper, and Greyback staggered backwards, hands covering his mouth. There were multiple teeth embedded in Hopkins’s sleeve where Greyback had bitten him, and they were shaken off a second later with a dismissive hand. There was no blood despite how Greyback had bitten down.

Hopkins narrowed his eyes at Greyback, straightening. “I suppose despite your appearance, you’re still more man than beast, Fenrir Greyback.”

Greyback spat out a mouthful of blood on the stone, looking up at Hopkins with watery eyes. “What—”

“Sometimes I have to look,” Hopkins continued in a conversational tone, “but with you? I don’t even have to try. Your name’s splashed across history: the man who took the werewolf curse and decided to spread it to everyone he could. The man who isn’t even a man anymore.”

Malfoy had managed to get to his feet, reaching out to touch Hopkins’s back. “Wayne. What are you–”

“What did he threaten you with, Draco?”

Malfoy stuttered, eyes widening. The ashen cast to his face, which had never disappeared, worsened. “He – you—” he stammered, terror in his voice.

Hopkins didn’t look away from Greyback, something too bright in his eyes. And Harry abruptly remembered that Hopkins had said he was a Legilimens. “You threatened to turn him? No…you threatened to turn him and watch him kill me?” He tilted his head. “Creative enough, I suppose. I have to give you credit for that.”

There was something so casual about how Hopkins spoke, even as shivers ran down Harry’s spine at the tone. There was nothing casual at all about how Hopkins approached Greyback, who seemed frozen in place. And then, curling his fingers in, Hopkins pressed his index and middle fingers to Greyback’s forehead. “You enjoy the taste of human flesh that much? Try your own.”

Harry blinked in confusion. That hadn’t - oh what the bloody hell.

Greyback had bitten into his own hand, tearing off a gigantic piece of skin and muscle and swallowing it. And then he took another bite.

Harry gagged, then swallowed, clapping a hand over his mouth.

“Greyback!” Alecto snapped, horrified. “Snap out of it!”

Greyback did not snap out of it. There was a distinct snapping sound as Greyback bit through bone and swallowed, blood and gore and skin smeared around the skin of his mouth.

“Greyback!” Alecto cried. “Finite Incantatum!”

The spell splashed off Greyback and did nothing. Greyback ripped off what remained of his arm with his free hand, blood spraying like a water fountain.

A bloody water fountain, Harry thought hysterically. What the bloody hell was going on?

“You bastard!” Alecto whirled on Hopkins. “What did you do? Take it off! Now!” 

A purple-colored spell left her wand, unerringly aimed at Hopkins. He didn’t move, seeming more bored than anything else as he watched the beam of light approach before he raised an eyebrow and the spell suddenly reversed. Alecto quickly sidestepped it, eyes wide as she stared at him.

A squelching sound had Harry looking back at Greyback, only to see Greyback digging through his own stomach. “He isn’t–” He couldn’t voice it, nausea roiling his stomach.

He was. Greyback pulled out what looked like a roundish mass and bit into it like it was an apple. It made a very unpleasant squishing sound as this happened.

“Oh my God,” Ginny moaned. She was looking very green, her hand over her mouth. To her side, Neville seemed just as green and Luna wasn’t even looking, eyes squeezed shut. “Michael–”

Michael?

Hopkins’s eyes glowed briefly, a blinding white, before the light faded back to the normal brown. He didn’t seem even remotely surprised at what was happening before him.

The rest of what was likely Greyback’s stomach was stuffed into his mouth, and then he was digging into his own chest, those deadly claws piercing through skin and muscle and bone, ripping apart his own rib cage with loud cracks.

Another curse was cast, this one by the nondescript Death Eater, but it was also reversed and hit the caster in the stomach, drawing out a pained wheeze and a curse from the brute-faced Death Eater. No one had raised a wand to block it; Hopkins hadn’t even turned around.

“Stop this.” Dumbledore sounded horrified and disgusted.

Hopkins said nothing, not looking away from Greyback as the werewolf finally pulled out a beating heart. Implausibly, it still pulsed with life in his grasp. Until Greyback stuffed all of it into his mouth. The last of it had just disappeared behind bloody gums and teeth when Greyback finally stilled, one hand still at his mouth.

“I did,” Hopkins said as Greyback slowly slumped to the bloody stones, lifeless. “The lack of teeth made it a little more difficult than expected.”

Harry didn’t know who started speaking, but he did hear the “Avada—” before it abruptly cut off with a hand wave from Hopkins.

“Enough. I’m not here for you.” For some reason, Hopkins looked at Amycus, who paled dramatically. Well, if Harry were him, he would also be reconsidering all his life choices.

Malfoy certainly looked like he was reevaluating everything he’d known of Hopkins. It was crystal clear he hadn’t known about Hopkins’s little tendency towards Dark magic.

“I’m sorry.” Hopkins actually sounded like he meant it. He walked through the blood on the ground, disregarding the pieces of bone and half-eaten muscle and skin on the stone. “This wasn’t how I wanted to tell you.”

“Tell me what?” Malfoy’s voice was choked. “That you – you’re a Dark Lord?”

“Never that,” Hopkins denied despite all evidence to the contrary. He even looked down at Greyback’s body. “No. I told you the truth. I want him dead. And I intend on seeing that through. But first…would you give me your arm?”

Malfoy took a step back and even turned to the side to hide his left arm.

Hopkins actually looked pained. “I won’t hurt you,” he said quietly. “I never will. Do you remember what I told you before?”

Malfoy didn’t respond, breathing shaky.

When it became clear Malfoy wouldn’t answer, Hopkins continued, “I won’t judge you.”

For some reason, this had Ginny, Luna, and Neville drawing in sharp breaths.

Malfoy didn’t respond, though something flickered over his face. He didn’t otherwise move, staring at Hopkins. 

Harry felt just as paralyzed as Malfoy. Even if he wanted to move, he couldn’t. No one else moved either, all of them watching the two. Even the Death Eaters seemed motionless.

But then, slowly, Malfoy did extend his left arm towards Hopkins. It was shaking.

Hopkins reached out, pulling back the sleeve and baring the Dark Mark. It was a dark black against Malfoy’s white skin. “This might sting a little.”

Compared to what? Eating his own heart?

Except instead of anything else that he could have done, Hopkins ran his hand down over Malfoy’s arm and when he lifted it the skin was smooth and utterly bare of any marks. Hopkins’s hand was curled, something sparking in his grasp like he was holding something.

Hopkins was smiling slightly, soft and gentle and warm. He didn’t look away from Malfoy. “You never wanted it?” He huffed. “I wanted to take it off the moment I saw it, but I couldn’t. I’m sorry.”

“You were there?” Malfoy blurted out, eyes wide. “I - I heard you!”

“I was,” Hopkins admitted. “I was going to kill Voldemort then but…” He let Malfoy’s hand go, stepping back and opening his own hand to reveal the sparking thing he had been holding in his hand.

None of this made any sense. Hopkins wanted to kill Voldemort? Well, he could get in line with everyone else, but why did he seem so confident about it?

Harry hesitated, then looked down at Greyback’s corpse. Fine, he could understand why Hopkins would be so confident with that.

Hopkins made an odd gesture like plucking a string, one finger brushing through the writhing shape of something he had in his hand. A beat later, five cracks resonated through the air, and there were five thuds as more bodies hit the floor. One had a familiar silver arm.

One of the figures promptly disappeared a moment later, leaving behind only four. And one…

One was Voldemort. Only he looked different, scarred and bleeding from countless oozing scars that were inscribed into his skin. On closer look, it was countless Dark Marks.

A large snake was curled up on the stones next to him, hissing swears and curses at having been unceremoniously teleported.

Voldemort stared up at Hopkins, something on his face that Harry had never seen before. There was anger, but there was also… Voldemort was afraid.

“Michael.” Voldemort slowly stood, drawing himself to his full height, black robes billowing around him. “Or should I say Wayne Hopkins? Yes,” he hissed, “I found out who you really are. You are not half as clever as you think you are.”

“I wasn’t trying to be,” Hopkins said, eyes moving up from Nagini towards Voldemort. “I’ll be honest. I’ve never taken care of the same person twice.”

“And you won’t,” Voldemort stated, red eyes narrowed in on Hopkins. “You could join me, you know. With your abilities, you and I…we could be great. And your friends would be safe.”

There was a low laugh from Hopkins. It sounded vaguely incredulous. “You are full of yourself, aren’t you? What do you think you can offer me, child?”

Child? Child?

“You haven’t even broken your first century,” Hopkins continued speaking, like he wasn’t talking down to a Dark Lord.

“Bold words from a boy not even out of Hogwarts.”

“I think you more than anyone should be able to understand that one’s physical vessel doesn’t mean anything.” Hopkins gave a slow smile, the sight of it sending shivers down Harry’s spine. “Tell me…have you even cast a spell since you came back?”

Voldemort’s hand flexed around the grip of his wand. “You know not of what you speak!”

“Don’t I?” Hopkins’s tone was idle, much like he was delivering a lecture. “It’s an interesting piece of magic. Do they even know what you did? That the brand you put on their skin feeds on their magic? One doesn’t make much of a difference, but with the amount you have on your skin? I’d be surprised if you even have enough for a simple Lumos.”

“My Lord?” Pettigrew’s voice wavered. “What does he speak of?”

“Nothing, Pettigrew,” Voldemort snapped, red eyes fixed on Hopkins. “You are not as all-powerful as you would pretend to be. And you cannot kill me; no one can.”

“Your Horcruxes,” Dumbledore said quietly, “how many did you make, Tom? Seven?”

That was the issue. Without the Horcruxes being gone, it didn’t matter what Hopkins could do. It seemed like he had been the one responsible for killing Voldemort last time, but it clearly hadn’t stuck because of the Horcruxes.

Hopkins raised his eyebrows but didn’t otherwise seem surprised. “Is that what they’re called? Horcrux?”

It was something about how he said it… “You don’t seem surprised,” Harry slowly said. It was almost as if Hopkins had run into them himself.

“Not seven,” Hopkins continued, drawing the words out, “but eight. Eight soul echoes – eight of these Horcruxes. You made another. You—” He snapped his mouth shut, an emotion crossing his face that looked very much like fury, though it was far colder than anything Harry had ever seen. “Do you realize what you did to yourself? Echo after echo after echo, until what you possess isn’t even your soul anymore but the smallest echo of what you once held. And then you have the audacity to do it again?”

“I have transcended human limits!” Voldemort declared. “I have gone where no one dared to tread, and even you cannot stop me!”

“You transcended nothing,” Hopkins said flatly. “Even demons wouldn’t dare to do what you’ve done, Tom, and demons dare a great deal.”

Demons? None of this was making any sense.

“You defiled my Father’s gift,” Hopkins continued, “and for that…” He looked away from Voldemort, attention shifting to Nagini; he knelt down on the stones with one knee. “Come here.” His tone was gentle, entirely different from how he had been speaking to Voldemort. There were some sharp gasps from the others, though this didn’t seem any more unusual than anything else Hopkins had done so far; it was perhaps the most normal action of the night. “You’re carrying something that doesn’t belong to you.”

“Nagini!” Voldemort made a gesture but then seemed to be frozen.

Nagini, that giant snake that had attacked and nearly killed Mr. Weasley, slithered up to Hopkins and picked up her head until she was nose-to-nose with him, her tongue flicking out. She said nothing and neither did Hopkins, but he did touch her head. His lips moved, though Harry heard nothing, and then the hand at her head sunk in.

Harry flinched back, something in him aching at the sight. Nagini was writhing but Hopkins somehow had her held fast. Her entire body flickered with light that splintered over her scales like lightning. Her hissing sounded like screaming even though it wasn’t anything like a human’s screams.

Malfoy was frozen behind Hopkins, watching everything with wide eyes. He seemed just as confused as Harry about the entire affair. Glancing at Hopkins’s other three friends showed they weren’t confused but they were wary.

As suddenly as the light had started, it disappeared, and Hopkins’s hand reemerged with something dark crackling between his fingers. Nagini collapsed to the floor, the only sign of life the heaving breaths she was pulling in and the occasional flickering of her tongue.

Hopkins looked up at Voldemort, holding the thing in his hand. “One,” he said calmly, and then his hand flared with white light. The crackling dark energy disappeared with something like a faint scream of rage and agony that sounded all too familiar. Hopkins brushed his hand off on his robes, then slowly stood. “Seven more, you said?” he said to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore was silent, his expression blank. He seemed at an utter loss.

“You cannot find them,” Voldemort said desperately. “You cannot!”

“I’ll grant you that it took me a while,” Hopkins said dryly. “But can’t?” He splayed his hand open, palm facing up, and an old book suddenly appeared. He threw it up into the air, stating, “Two.” The book disappeared a moment later into thin air. Hopkins flicked his fingers like throwing a coin into a fountain, and a small band flew through the air, glistening faintly before it disappeared like the book had. “Three.” He held out a clenched hand, only to release it and for a golden locket with a sparkling green S on it to slip out, twirling on a chain. “Four.” He pulled the locket back up into his hand, and when he next opened his hand a small golden cup with a badger on it was sitting in the palm of his hand. “Five.” The cup disappeared into his hand once more and when he turned his hand around a silver crown swung around a finger once before also vanishing. “Six.” And then, inexplicably, he pointed to Harry. “Seven.”

What? Why was he pointing at Harry–

“And eight.” Hopkins pointed at Voldemort, lips curling. “Eight soul echoes – eight Horcruxes as you like to name them. You’ve nothing left, Tom.”

“You lie,” Voldemort hissed, eyes wide and nostrils flaring. “I did nothing to Potter!”

Beyond attempting to kill Harry multiple times… Was Hopkins insinuating Harry had been a Horcrux? Why else would he be pointing to Harry after just having pulled out a variety of different objects that he was claiming had belonged to Voldemort?

Harry glanced at Dumbledore, but he couldn’t pick up anything on his face. Dumbledore didn’t look at him; the Headmaster was looking at Voldemort and Hopkins.

“Really?” Hopkins sounded a little surprised. “I suppose it happened when your first attempt at killing him went so terribly awry.”

“Let me go,” Voldemort said, taking a step back as Hopkins went to move closer. “Let me go, and I will share my knowledge with you!”

“Lucifer himself couldn’t tempt me,” Hopkins said quietly. “What makes you think you could, boy?”

There was something so wrong about seeing Wayne Hopkins mock and call Voldemort a boy and somehow sincerely mean it. Somehow Hopkins even made it work, injecting the appropriate amount of scorn and derision.

“You fear death so much?” Hopkins continued, each word clearly enunciated. He snapped his fingers, the sound echoing through the space. “Then meet him.”

Hopkins’s friends seemed as confused as everyone else was. They exchanged glances, then looked back at Hopkins. Malfoy hadn’t moved from his position beyond taking a few steps away from Nagini.

There was otherwise no sound beyond the sound of the wind and the rustling of fabric.

Something should happen, right? There was supposed to be something–

A tall, skeletal-like being walked into being next to Hopkins, tapping a cane against the stones. His skin was white, paper thin, drawn tight over high cheekbones; his black hair was neatly combed back and his suit finely pressed. He looked like someone about to go to a funeral.

The man…the being - because he did not seem human no matter how much he looked like one - drew in a long breath, opening his eyes and turning his head to look at Hopkins. “Hello, Michael.”

It was that name again. The one Ginny had used and then Voldemort and now this one. Was Hopkins not Hopkins? Was he someone else?

Hopkins - Michael dropped his hand. He actually looked a little surprised, even though he had been the one to dramatically snap his fingers to begin with. “You’re here.”

“You did call, didn’t you?” The being said in a very mild tone that had shivers running down Harry’s spine. It was the type of tone that bode ill. “A call for judgment no less… You haven’t wielded your sword thus in years, Michael. Of course I was a little curious.” His smile was amused.

Harry opened his mouth, unsure of what exactly he was going to say, to ask, but Ginny elbowed him, hissing  “Don’t. Say. A word.”

On taking in the sight once more, Harry closed his mouth. He could probably ask questions later if they all made it out of this.

“Who are you?” Voldemort demanded, clearly under no such compunctions to remain silent. “What are you?”

“Two entirely different questions, I think,” the being said, fixing dark eyes on Voldemort. Harry was suddenly very glad that he wasn’t the one currently being scrutinized like a bug under a magnifying glass. “But for you, Tom Marvolo Riddle? Michael kindly did you the liberty of making the appointment you’ve missed several times.”

The being glanced at Michael. “I don’t typically make house calls, but for you… Yes, I see the judgment is apt. Lack of practice hasn’t dulled your senses, Michael.”

“I’ve had some practice recently,” Michael said with a faint, chilly smile. “My first try didn’t go quite so well.” He gestured towards Voldemort, his hand gesture encompassing all of him.

“Well, you can’t always get it right immediately.” That cane tapped against the ground once, the sound echoing. “Come, Tom. Your time is up.”

Voldemort shook his head, eyes wild. “It isn’t—” And suddenly the being was next to Voldemort, touching his shoulder and then the being was gone and Voldemort hit the ground like a sack of potatoes.

Pettigrew let out a cry of dismay. “My Lord!” He ran to Voldemort’s side, fluttering around anxiously until he finally touched him, shaking him lightly.

If Harry were in his position, he probably also wouldn’t have wanted to touch Voldemort so casually like that.

“Well?” Alecto demanded. “What happened?”

Pettigrew looked up, face drawn. “He’s dead. The Dark Lord is dead!” He sounded horrified.

He was dead? Just like that? A hand on the shoulder and then…nothing? How did that even work?

“Dead as he was before?” the enormous blond Death Eater asked. “Narcissa thought he was dead as well if you recall.”

“He has no more Horcruxes,” Dumbledore said with finality. “If what…Wayne here showed was true, then Voldemort has nothing tying him to this world.”

“He’s dead.” Hopkins - Michael’s voice was flat, forbidding any argument. He tilted his head, eyes scanning all the present Death Eaters. “For good this time. Now…the rest of you…”

There was a small shuffle, Luna stepping forward. “Michael…”

Michael did stop, eyes flicking from the Death Eaters to Luna, Ginny, and Neville. He even looked briefly at Harry. He did not look back at Malfoy, but Malfoy hadn’t looked away from Michael, eyes fixed on his back.

Finally, Michael let out a small breath that sounded like a sigh, something like regret flickering over his face. “I’ll let them take care of you.” He gestured towards Dumbledore and Snape. “Your master is dead, so I’d put your wands down.”

“You think he’s dead?” Amycus shouted. “You think the Dark Lord – the greatest wizard of our time – is dead? He died once before! And we refused to bow! We refused to forsake him! Do you think you scare us?”

Why were some Death Eaters without any sense of self-preservation? They had just seen unimaginable magic right in front of them, their master dead, and now they were going to continue to provoke the being responsible?

Harry glanced at Pettigrew, who was still kneeling over Voldemort. He tightened his fingers around his wand, breathing in and out slowly.

“I thought you would be more intelligent than this, yes,” Michael said off to the side. His tone was ice cold, anger licking at the edges of his words. “Especially you, Amycus.”

“He will come back!” Amycus proclaimed. “And you will not be the one to stop us!”

The silence seemed very pointed. Harry didn’t look away from Pettigrew.

“Crucio!” Alecto cried. 

Oh, fine. There were a few Disarming spells from his friends, but Harry went straight for the ropes, wrapping them around Pettigrew before the rat could even think of running away. He was not going to let this chance slip away from him another time.

He lunged forwards, ducking under the rapid spell fire that had started up again, and then spun towards the enormous blond Death Eater to shoot a hex his way. He almost tripped over another Death Eater who had ended up on the floor, then almost slipped on a puddle of blood and gore.

“Avada Kedavra!”

“Wayne!”

Harry did slip this time, the ground shaking beneath his feet, and he fell over before he could catch his balance. There were loud crashing sounds, and there was something too bright that hurt his eyes. He ducked his head to hide behind his arms, something else telling him to hide.

Something screeched, rang, echoed, the ground shaking again. The stones vibrated underneath him, and it even felt like his bones were shaking. There was a brief moment of silence, and then a shorter cacophony of sound before it cut off again.

When the silence lasted a little longer this time, Harry chanced looking up, relieved when his eyes didn’t hurt. But he did see Michael on the edge of the Tower, broken stones scattered around him. His expression was stony but somehow Harry still had the impression that he was absolutely furious.

“Your colleagues in the Ministry tried that spell once before; they suffered for it.” His hand swept to the side like he was brushing aside a curtain. Those Death Eaters who were still standing suddenly found themselves knocked to the walls with heavy thuds. And then suddenly Michael was no longer standing there but instead in front of Amycus, one hand at his throat and bodily lifting the man a foot in the air. “What did I say before?” His tone was idle, like he was having a conversation about the weather. “That you were already dead?”

“You don’t have to kill him!” Malfoy cried. He swallowed, face whiter than usual. “Wa - Michael.” 

Michael didn’t let a purpling, choking Amycus go. “He tried to kill you.”

“But you don’t have to kill him,” Malfoy said tentatively. Slowly, hesitantly, he started moving forward.

“Draco,” Snape hissed in warning.

Malfoy waved him off, continuing to approach Michael until he was standing right next to him. “You said that to me. I…I don’t really know who you are, but I know you said that.”

There was a surprised shriek from Alecto as her wand suddenly shattered in her hand.

Michael didn’t move aside from turning his head to look at Malfoy. He said nothing and neither did Malfoy. The two of them just stared at each other. Malfoy looked absolutely terrified still but was holding his ground.

Eventually, Michael’s mouth twisted, something pained flickering over his face. His grip on Amycus’s throat loosened, the Death Eater falling to the ground in a gasping heap. There was gagging, Amycus desperately trying to catch his breath.

“I find,” Michael said, looking between each of the Death Eaters, “that humans can sometimes be all too forgiving.” He met his friends’ eyes. “I’m afraid I have only so much to give. And you?” He lifted a hand, fingers curling in.  At the same time, Amycus rose from the ground like a grisly marionette. “Judgment doesn’t always require death.”

Harry didn’t even have time to wonder what Michael meant when Michael laid a hand over Amycus’s Dark Mark and his right sunk into Amycus’s chest.

There was no blood. There was no - there was no blood. It was just - it didn’t even seem like Michael had punctured a hole into Amycus’s chest; it was more like his arm had merged with Amycus like the world’s worst roadside circus show.

Amycus wasn’t screaming, but it seemed like that was more because he was in too much pain to vocalize than because it was painless. His bulging eyes and the protruding veins on his neck said it all.

It was a few seconds before Michael pulled his hand out, something odd crackling in it that was eviscerated. Simultaneously, some of the other Death Eaters shrieked while a few just collapsed to their knees, clutching at their chests while light flashed over their skin like lightning. Snape dropped his wand, digging his fingers into his chest but not saying a word.

Amycus collapsed to the stone floor in an ungainly heap, gasping and clutching at his own chest. It was still whole, with no sign that Michael had a hand in there. Harry would have said it was impossible if not for what he had just seen.

”Thank you.” Malfoy’s voice was barely discernible among the pained whimpers of the Death Eaters.

Michael turned towards him, a faint smile briefly crossing his face. It seemed pained. “The only thing I didn’t tell you was my name. You do know me, Draco.”

Malfoy didn’t look away from Michael. “But a name hides a past and you…you’re not human, are you?”

There was a low mutter from one of the few Death Eaters still standing, followed by a cry of dismay. “It’s - it’s not working! Expelliarmus!”

Harry jerked to counter, only to pause on noticing that there was no response from the man’s wand.

“Bombarda! Crucio! Work, damn it!” This was another one, his own wand similarly unresponsive.

Something was wrong. Harry glanced at Snape, seeing him stare at his own wand in blatant horror.

Something was wrong and Harry didn’t quite know what.

Michael seemed utterly unconcerned about it. Of course. He was the one responsible for it, wasn’t he? ”I’m leaving the Death Eaters to you, Albus.”

Dumbledore didn’t seem to know what to do with that. “Thank you. They will be appropriately taken care of.” His eyes fell on one who had been vainly trying to cast Lumos.

Michael nodded, turning around and walking towards his friends. 

Some of the awful pressure that had settled on Harry’s shoulders lifted and he found he could breathe more easily. He dropped his eyes to where Pettigrew lay bound in ropes on the stone floor. He seemed on the verge of passing out, no blood in his face.

This was the one good thing to come from this night, Harry thought. This and Voldemort’s death. He wouldn’t ever have to go back to the Dursleys.

”They wouldn’t tell us who they were.” Amycus’s voice was hoarse.

A slow chill traveled down Harry’s spine. He lifted his head, eyes immediately landing on Michael where he had frozen.

”We said we’d let them go if they told us who you were, but they both said no.” Amycus didn’t seem to realize what exactly he was courting. Or maybe he did and didn’t care.

Harry saw a flicker of white light in Michael’s eyes. Something too bright and almost painful to look at it before it was gone. There was no discernible emotion on his face. Behind Michael, Malfoy blanched.

”I wanted to play,” Amycus continued, a disgusting leer on his face. “Your mother especially… She wasn’t bad looking for a filthy Muggle-lover. I hear things about those women - would have been nice to know if they were true.”

”Please stop talking,” Luna begged, voicing Harry’s thoughts. She was also staring at Michael, eyes wide and something like terror beginning to form.  It was the first time Harry had seen that emotion on her face tonight. “Please.”

Amycus didn’t look away from Michael’s terrifyingly impassive visage. “Your father died too quick—” His voice cut off in a strangled gurgle, his eyes bulging. He scrabbled at his throat, making an awful gasping noise.

”You have no sense of self-preservation, do you?” Michael’s voice was blank and all the more horrifying for how there were faint flickers of silvery, too-bright light in his eyes. Something about his body seemed almost shimmery, his skin almost glowing. “I would have let you go. I would have let you live.”

”You - you won’t.” Amycus sounded like he was choking, grasping at his throat. “Not with the Malfoy boy telling you no.”

Harry looked at Malfoy, at how he was so white so as to look ill. Even still, he looked dark next to the shimmering aura around Michael. 

He didn’t know how Malfoy could move, but Malfoy did, touching Michael’s arm. He didn’t seem at all affected by the terrible pressure weighing down on Harry’s shoulders - on the desire to make himself as small as possible.

”I won’t stop you,” Malfoy said, eyes on Amycus.

Harry didn’t blink but suddenly Michael was no longer where he had been before. No, he was before Amycus, one hand diving into Amycus’s chest and then emerging with a white something that almost seemed to be screaming. It looked vaguely humanoid shape but fizzled at the edges, like it had trouble keeping its shape.

The ethereal glow of Michael’s body had strengthened, along with the silvery sheen to his eyes, though the worst of the glow was centered on what he was holding. At his feet, Amycus looked to be dead.

”Did you never think about why your master told you to send someone in your place?” Michael asked, seeming to be speaking to the thing he was holding. His voice was emotionless yet Harry had the impression he was utterly furious. “Why he told you to do it quickly and without giving them time to call someone? Without giving you time to alert me?”

There was something that hurt Harry’s ears, and he could see the others flinching back. Snape shook his head, though Neville was full on covering his ears with a pained wince.

”I’d throw you into Hell,” Michael continued, almost nonsensically except at this point nothing seemed impossible for him, “but there’s no Hell here for me to reach. So while that option isn’t available…I did pick some tricks up from my brother.” His other hand sunk into what looked like the middle of the thing he was holding, and Harry’s ears rung with something that was almost on the edge of his hearing. “You might know him as Lucifer.”

Lucifer? Harry was inundated with images of red-skinned devils with horns, beaky noses, mustaches, fangs, and slitted eyes. Lucifer the devil?

At this point it was all just going to happen.

There was a shriek that pierced through Harry’s head, and the ground shook beneath his feet. He wobbled, one hand covering an ear while the other kept a firm grip of his wand.

Harry couldn’t hear anything else over the sounds of that agonized shrieking, but he saw Luna lunge forward to clutch Michael into a hug from behind,  seeming uncaring of how brightly he was glowing and what he was doing to whatever he was holding.

There was only the slightest hint of emotion now on Michael’s face, something Harry couldn’t entirely interpret but seemed hard.

Then another moment passed, and the emotionless mask broke to something else, Michael’s eyes closing and his mouth twisting. The shrieking abated slightly.

Luna still held onto Michael, though Harry had trouble seeing her with the light around them.

Suddenly the terrible pressure was gone and whatever Michael was holding just floated there, suspended in midair. It looked almost fractured, fading in and out like a bad TV connection, and it coalesced into something more like a ball than the humanoid shape from earlier.

Michael had curled in on himself, one hand pressed to his mouth and his eyes still tightly shut. “Let - let go.” His voice was strangled, nothing like the blank tone from earlier, “or I’m going to hurt you.”

If Luna said anything, Harry couldn’t hear it, but he did see Malfoy reaching out to touch Michael’s shoulder and actually stepping closer.

It was a moment before Michael gave a breathless laugh, one that sounded more genuine that the last one he’d given to Voldemort. “I’m not sure those lucky potions were designed with angels in mind.”

Angels?

A look back at Michael’s friends showed no surprise on their faces. Naturally.

The terrible glow around Michael had faded with the pressure, and it was now only the glow from the crackling, fractured thing before him. Harry could see that Luna was no longer holding onto him as tightly.

“It worked tonight, didn’t it?” Luna said, presumably in response to Michael’s comment on lucky potions.

Michael said nothing else in response, looking down at the glowing ball. His expression was complicated. For an instant that blank look was back again before it shifted to weariness. He pulled away from Luna, picking up the glowing ball and then just shoving it into Amycus’s chest. (That had been Amycus?!)

Crackling light burst through Amycus’s chest at the same time as he dragged in a heaving breath and let it out in a pained moan that had Harry’s chest aching in sympathy for an instant before he reminded himself of what Amycus had been responsible for.

(Guiltily, Harry didn’t know if he would have done any different if he’d been in Michael’s position.)

“I’m leaving,” Michael said, looking at some point off in the distance over the grounds, “before someone else decides they’d like to test their luck.”

“You’re leaving?” Malfoy sounded panicked. He looked almost like he wanted to reach out and take hold of Michael’s arm.

Michael’s answering smile looked ridiculously normal for someone who had just single-handedly taken care of Voldemort and his Death Eaters and also tortured Amycus. “Just for now. And you..if you want something…just call my name. I’m going to go somewhere that’s not Pluto.”

Pluto? Harry took a moment of thinking of the animated dog before Michael disappeared and Harry thought of the other Pluto that had actually disappeared for a little earlier this year. ….At this point why was he even surprised that Michael was talking about Pluto the planet? Was it hyperbole? Could he actually Apparate to Pluto? If he was an angel as he claimed, that would be possible, right?

…Did angels even Apparate?

Harry pressed his fingers to his eyes, feeling tension press in at his forehead. This night hadn’t gone at all as he expected, in both good and bad ways.

“Are you okay?” Ginny asked Luna. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“He wouldn’t hurt me.” Luna said it with absolute faith and in complete contradiction of everything they’d seen earlier tonight.

Harry did not look at Greyback’s corpse.

“Did the potion tell you that?” Neville asked.

“No.” Luna turned then, looking at Malfoy, who was staring at the space where Michael had been only moments ago. “How are you?”

Malfoy startled, head jerking up. He seemed only half aware of things, a little dazed. He looked between Ginny, Neville, and Luna, glanced at Harry, looked at Dumbledore and Snape, and then looked between all the Death Eaters that were in various states of incapacitation on the ground. “...Yes,” he said eventually, nonsensically.

Luna frowned, though Dumbledore clearing his throat stalled her from saying anything else. “A change in locations is in order, I believe. As is contacting the Ministry so they can take everyone off our hands.” He frowned down at Nagini, who hadn’t said a word or even moved since Michael had destroyed the Horcrux in her. She seemed to be unconscious.

Snape seemed supremely uncomfortable, clenching and unclenching his hands before finally crossing his arms over his chest.

Well, everyone was uncomfortable. A change in locations would be good. Along with answers. Answers would also be nice.

Ron and Hermione weren’t going to believe him.