#like on one hand the idea that lily like harry chooses gryffindor is great

[the-phoenix-heart]

Every day I think about how Lily Evans should have been a slytherin

[rainydayhogwartsimagines]

First of all, I want to tell you that you're absolutely amazing and that I love everything you write!! Okay about my request I was thinking about Harry's younger sister x Draco!! I had this idea in my head for days and I'm dying to read something like that! Maybe a no Voldy AU where H and D still have their 'rivalry' and then D falls for his sister ofc. They have a secret relationship and to add a little bit of ✨spice✨ Harry finds them in a ... compromising situation... AND WHEN JAMES FINDS OUT

First off: I absolutely LOVE THIS CONCEPT. I haven’t even begun this request yet and I’m already thinking of James dialogue. Second off: You guys are all so sweet omfg I might actually cry. 

Note: This ended up A LOT LONGER than I anticipated. Hope you guys like it.

Harry. That was your damn brother alright. He was older than you by one YEAR. And my God did that point come up ALL THE GOD DAMN TIME. It definitely didn’t help when it came to the fact that Harry became a seeker in his first year, making him the golden child of Gryffindor. You were honestly kind of thankful you were a Hufflepuff because sharing a common room with your brother would’ve actually made you murder someone. You were a little bit of a loner though, only keeping close to your friend Cedric. Lily told you that she was a little bit of a loner too growing up and then she met your dad James. Here’s the thing though: At least she didn’t have to grow up being overshadowed by an older brother. You didn’t hate your brother. You just hated the environment around your brother. As in: You hated that everyone seemed to focus solely on your brother. To be honest, Harry hated it too. You were talented in so many things and Harry could recognize his achievements overshadowed yours. You kind of lucked out on the big brother front though: At least you weren’t related to an asshole. Harry did care about you and supported you. Sometimes (especially during Quidditch season, when he usually became a bigger spectacle) he’d hide out in the Hufflepuff common room. But he usually refrained from doing that. Because that increased the possibility in running into Draco Malfoy. Harry made this fun little nickname for him. “The Crown Prince of Douchebag, long may he reign” Harry would always say making you laugh. Your dad didn’t seem too keen on Lucius Malfoy either. Your mother though, wasn’t vocal on disliking anyone in the Malfoy family. Lily always did have a way of seeing the best in people. Even your strange professor Snape. Your Uncle Sirius seemed ready to kick Draco’s ass anytime Harry complained about him. The thing you always noticed when talking about Draco though is that no one ever called him “Draco.” it was always “Malfoy” 

You never had any interactions with the boy until your third year. Hermione insisted you study for the upcoming exams. You almost didn’t but when you passed the library her voice kept sounding off in your head and you sighed before walking in. You sat at a table, noticing the place was beginning to fill up with students, all of them most likely prepping for the same exams you were. You were reading intently before you heard someone clear their throat. The silver blonde hair immediately made you recognize the boy. “Can I help you Draco?” You asked. He showed a small reaction to hearing his first name being used rather than his last. “Can I sit here? The other tables are full.” He asked. You nodded and he sat down. You didn’t say anything to him for a good long while, even though you could feel him staring. You finally looked up “Can I help you Draco?” You asked. There it was again. His name. “Aren’t you one of the Potters’?” He asked. You frowned. “My legacy is not determined by my brothers, if you’re going to refer to me you will do it by my name.” You said sternly making him surprised. Not only did you call him by his first name but you showed zero fear in speaking with him. Interesting indeed. “...No offense but... What is your name?” He asked. You started to understand why Harry had such a strong disliking for this guy. “Y/n. My name is Y/n.” You said sharply. He opened his mouth but someone sitting next to you made him go completely silent. “Hey Cedric.” You said. “Hey. Do you have your potions notes with you?” He asked. You pulled out your notes and you went back to reading. Draco didn’t get up for a while. Not until after you left. 

From that point on he began to notice you more. Were you always in three of his classes? You definitely showed an aptitude for taking care of magical creatures after seeing you in Hagrid’s course and witnessing the way Fang was with you. You never seemed to pay anyone else any mind though. You always kept to yourself, very rarely interacting with other students. Sure, Draco would see Cedric near you. But you didn’t really interact with anyone else. Fred and George would make themselves present near you, usually to check on you and see how you were doing. That let Draco know that you did have people active in your life. He noticed your presence was very rare in quidditch though, usually only when Hufflepuff played. But if that was against Gryffindor then you’d be absent then too. Draco was smart. He knew exactly why you never showed up. Harry God damn Potter. You never went because of your brother. Sure, yes: You made it clear by being seen with Harry that you cared about your brother. But you actually didn’t participate in any activities around a lot of people when it came to your brother. Cedric? Sure. He noticed you present for Cedric winning a Quidditch match and celebrating. Harry? No. You weren’t there. Harry didn’t seemed bothered by this set up though. Draco was curious. He HAD to know why. 

Another opportunity came when Draco’s dumbass walked right up to Buckbeak. Of course Buckbeak nearly attacked him but you intervened, forcing the creature to look at you. “BUCKBEAK.EYES ON ME NOW!” You shouted. The creature merely glanced at you before getting ready to attack. You snapped your fingers though and he finally cut his attention to you. You blocked any view of Draco from Buckbeak, calming it down. Draco was mesmerized by your ability. Course the dumbass did actually fall and scrape his arm. “Christ you’re an idiot.” You sighed helping him to his feet. Draco frowned. “Sorry. That thing almost attacks me and I’m the idiot?” Draco asked. “You’re the jackass that ran up to a creature you knew next to nothing about, that is also in a foreign environment might I add, and expected it to act the way you wanted. Yes Draco. I’d say by this point you’re the village idiot.” You said making Harry snort. James. That was ALL James and if your dad could see you right now he’d be pissing himself of laughter. “Come on.” You sighed walking. “Where the hell do you think you’re taking me?” Draco asked. “You scraped your arm you git. I’m walking you there. Come. on.” You said sternly. Draco grumbled the entire time walking. “I swear I’m beginning to really understand my brother when it comes to you.” You sighed. “Excuse me?” Draco asked. “Surprised my brother talks about you?” You asked. “No I’m surprised you actually mentioned your brother with how little you choose to interact with him.” Draco said. You stopped walking, glaring at Draco. “I don’t know what you think you know Draco, but that’s not true.” You snapped. “Really? Because from where I’m standing you barely interact with him and you got offended by association!” Draco pointed out. “Do you have any idea what it is like to have to live in your sibling’s shadow Draco!? I don’t interact with him here because everything I do here is compared to what he can do.” You snapped, clearly very pissed with Draco. “Actually I do know what that’s like, but it’s not a sibling” he admitted. “Who, pray tell, do you live in the shadow of?” You asked, clearly annoyed. “My father.” he said with a sigh. Oh. Oh shit that actually was a reliable answer. “Yeah. It doesn’t feel great does it asshole?” You asked sharply. “No. Which is why I can’t seem to hate you.” Draco said making you halt again. “...What?” You asked. “You always call me by my first name. Never the last. At first I figured you did it because you liked to annoy the shit out of me. Now I think you do it because you know what it’s like to live behind a strong name defined by someone else.” Draco explained. You hated that the explanation made sense. Why couldn’t he be an idiot? It’s so much easier to hate an idiot. You walked into the medical wing and bandaged him yourself. You were used to having to do this to Harry after quidditch games that backfired. 

Draco watched you carefully. “I don’t hate you.” You muttered. “Hmm?” Draco asked. “I don’t hate you. And that pisses me off. Because I want to hate you.” You muttered. “I’d love to hate you too, but that doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards.” Draco shared your sentiment, making you crack a smile. That smile was so... pretty. “you’re good now.” You sighed, finishing the bandage. “You’re good at this.” He said looking at your handiwork. “Harry injures himself all the time. You should’ve seen mum when when he broke his arm playing quidditch. She looked ready to kill someone.” You chuckled. You and Draco exchanged a look. One of mutual understanding. You held out your hand. “I vote that we become friends.” You said. He rose a brow looking at you and then your hand. “...Call me paranoid because of Fred and George. But if this is a prank I will hex you.” he said. You snorted. “I’m not one for pranks.” You shrugged. Draco shook your hand and you smiled. “See you around.” You said walking away, saluting him as you did. You made him chuckle at that. 

The Hogsmeade trip finally approached and you were excited. Sirius was meeting up with you and Harry along with Remus and Peter. You ran into the three broomsticks with a smile. “Uncle Moony!” You said excitedly, hugging him. He chuckled and hugged you back. “Hi Songbird, goodness you’re growing!” He said. Draco was sitting in a booth, reading when he noticed you. “No hugs for me. I’m hurt, saddened. Shocked.” Sirius said dramatically making you snort and hug him. You hugged Peter too and sat down with Harry. You and Remus were close, along with Peter. Don’t get me wrong. Sirius and you were close. But not as close as Remus. “How’s school going?” Remus asked. “Meh. Boring. I swear if Granger tells me to study one more time I might actually fight her.” You groaned making Peter laugh. “You have James’ spark I’ll give you that.” Peter said. “Make any new friends?” Remus asked making Draco listen. “Uhhh... Just one.” You said. “Well, come on now who is it?” Sirius asked. “I’m not saying anything in front of you or Harry.” You said with a laugh. Remus leaned in so you could whisper. You told him and Remus rose a brow. “Come on Moony who is it, I’m dyin’ here.” Sirius said. “I’ve been sworn to secrecy. Can’t say.” Remus said, doing the “Scout’s honor” salute. “Even I don’t know this one.. Oh God it’s not Moaning Myrtle is it?” Harry whined. “No! Harry I have standards.” You said making the table laugh. “Is it someone I know?” Harry asked. “Not saying.” You said simply. “Uncle Moony at least drop a hint.” Harry said. “Nope.” He said, taking a long sip of butterbeer. You and Remus exchanged knowing glances and smiled. He handed you a book and you chuckled. “Thanks Uncle Moony.” You said, him hugging you. “I should go, Cedric is waiting.” You said. “Have fun Songbird.” Peter said making you chuckle. “Thanks Uncle Wormtail.” You said walking towards the exit. You noticed Draco looking at you and you gave him a smile. He felt.. Warm seeing that. You walked outside seeing Cedric with Cho. “Best not interrupt them.” You mumbled. You weren’t bothered being on your own, you actually didn’t mind it. But someone caught up to you making you jump. “Gah! Jesus Draco, say something before just sprinting next to me.” You gasped. “Sorry.” He laughed. “Who were those men in there?” He asked. “My uncles.” You said walking. “Why’d they call you Songbird?” Draco asked. “Were you eavesdropping?” You asked. “No, I just happened to notice it on your way out.” He lied. “Hmm. According to Uncle Remus I can sing. So they just call me songbird because of that.” You shrugged. “Ah... Were you talking about me earlier?” He asked. You stopped. “You were totally eavesdropping, you little shit!” You said. “Little shi-- I’m older than you!” Draco said making you laugh. “How’s Captain Pain in the ass?” You suggested. “God no!” Draco said making you laugh harder. Draco noticed that smug little smirk and decided to throw a snowball at you. “Oh you little--” You threw one at him making him laugh before you threw another one. You two fought on for a while until you tired yourselves out. But that smile just... God Draco’s heart seemed to hammer against his chest when he saw it.

You and Draco were a little on the secretive side of your friendship. Not because he was ashamed to have you as a friend. God no. But your brother was now watching you like a fucking hawk to see who this “New friend” was. Thank God he took after James and was completely clueless to who you spent time with. Well. Until Cedric answered that burning question. “Who do you think she hangs out with?” Harry asked Ron. “I dunno. I don’t really see her much.” Ron shrugged. “Draco.” Cedric answered. “Hmm?” Harry asked turning to Cedric. “She’s been hanging around Draco, last I saw.” Cedric answered making Hermione drop her spoon, Ron nearly choke, Fred and George both exchanging looks of “OH. SHIT.” Harry’s eye seemed to twitch at hearing this and it soon became obvious why Harry didn’t know. Harry got up, walking to the Hufflepuff common room and finding you reading on the couch. “Malfoy!?” Harry asked. You looked up confused. “What now?” You asked expecting to hear about some argument the two boys had. “You’ve been making friends. With Malfoy!?” Harry asked. Shit. “Uhh... No?” You lied. Harry shot you a glare. “Okay fine! But in my defense, I want to hate him. But once you get to know the guy he’s not that bad!” You said. “Christ, Y/n.” Harry said. “You’re lucky I won’t tell mom!” He sighed. “She already knows Harry.” You said. “So you told everyone but me?” He asked. “Do you see the way you’re reacting right now!? Excuse me if I wanted to AVOID this!” You snapped. “Malfoy--” “His name is Draco! For God’s sake Harry just GET TO KNOW HIM!” You snapped. Harry had never seen you this aggravated with him. “Fine! Fine. If it means that much to you I’ll try.” Harry said.

Instead Harry avoided that kid like the plague. Draco laid off the snide comments and snarky remarks because he knew you’d yell at him later if he said anything unwarranted. Harry didn’t want to run into the guy because he didn’t want to have to be nice. Quite frankly, Harry didn’t want anything to do with him. When the summer approached you were not hearing the end of this “Malfoy? Really?” thing. Remus and Peter was your escape and you were grateful for that. Honestly it reminded them of Snape and Lily. Except less dramatic. Hopefully. “I just don’t get it. Harry doesn’t even try with Draco.” You sighed, throwing a ball and catching it as you laid on the couch. “He gets it from James.” Peter said. “This is all just... It sucks y’know?” You said, unaware that Harry was listening from the kitchen. “I finally make a friend and my brother hates him.” You sighed. “All that matters is your opinion of Draco Songbird. Harry might come around eventually.” Remus assured. You smiled at your uncle. “Mum teach you to be this insightful?” You asked. “Life taught me that... And yes Lily did too.” Remus chuckled. 

Lily didn’t have a problem with the friendship. James was of course worried because his baby girl was making friends now with mainly guys. Oh God he was not ready for this year. You rode with Draco on the train. When he saw you he nearly died internally. Your hair was longer, you were taller... Oh God this was a crush wasn’t it!? NO. NO NO NO NO NO-- “Draco? Are you alright, you seemed spaced out.” You asked. “Hmm? Oh I’m fine.” he said. FUCK. FUCKING-- FUUUUUUUUU-- “I heard from dad there’s something weird going on this year.” You said pondering. “Oh. You mean the tournament.” He said. “How did you know?” you asked. “Father works with the ministry division that works with the school.” Draco answered. “Ohhh.” you nodded. Sure enough the boy was right. The cup was introduced. The rules were a little bit odd but you met all the requirements to participate. Sooooo... Why the fuck not? You signed a parchment, stuck it in the cup and it was accepted. Your mindset was “Well plenty of more qualified students are signing up, I’ll be fine.” Well... There was a problem. The Goblet of Fire goes off at random, not by who’s more qualified. So your name DID get chosen making Harry and Draco both FLIP THEIR SHIT. Both boys were well aware of how brutal this competition could be. News got back to Lily and James and they were equally panicked. 

Cedric however had FULL confidence you could do this. He trained you, making sure you were physically and mentally prepared for everything. It felt weird being the only third year in the room but you didn’t have a problem with it. Harry was practically begging you to drop the competition. “Harry! For God’s sake, just SHUT UP!” You finally snapped. He blinked, as did a few students hearing this. “I watch you play quidditch and you get hurt all the time, you do not hear me throwing a bitch fit over this! The only thing I need right now is your support!” You snapped. Harry didn’t argue either. Draco was supportive over you being in this but he was definitely nervous. “And you’re sure... This is what you want?” Draco asked. “I’m sure.” You nodded as you geared up for the first trial. “Okay... I’ll be in the stands... If you need me just... say something.” He said. You nodded giving him a small smile. 

You thought everyone was being a bit ridiculous... Until you found out the first trial. “Oh no.” You muttered watching Krum run for dear life across the field. You felt a hand on your shoulder and you turned. “Dad!” You breathed before hugging him. Lily, Remus, Peter and Sirius all stood there. “Alright. You’ve got this Darling don’t worry!” James said, eyes twitching as he was clearly worrying. Draco ran in. “Draco?” You asked. “Which dragon did you draw?” Draco asked. “Uhm. The Hungarian Ridgeback.” You said. “...Shit.” Draco muttered. “Guys. I’m fine. Really.” You assured. Why in the hell were you so confident. Draco looked into your eyes and you felt your heart pound. Lily noticed the look and rose a brow. “Promise me you’ll play this safe.” Draco said. “Draco--” “Promise me. Please.” He said, looking at you and putting a hand on your shoulder. His feelings towards you were quite obvious to everyone... Except James. “I promise.” You said softly. “Y/n. You’re up.” Viktor said. You held Draco’s hand for a second before cracking your knuckles. You walked out, the arena being loud as hell. How in the world did Viktor deal with this for a living. Harry ran into the tent, noticing his family watching as well... And Draco. You seemed to be completely calm, despite having seen Krum nearly roasted. The Dragon thrashed against it’s chains and Lily swallowed her anxiety. You did something strange. You... Sat down. “What the fuck is she doing!?” James screeched. “Hi.” You said to the dragon. It roared in your face, blowing your braid so it was off your shoulder. You maintained eye contact with it though. How in the hell were you calm-- You didn’t even flinch when this thing roared at you. You stood up, the dragon retreating back before you held out your hand. It snarled making Remus uneasy, but you kept the same calm expression. It sniffed you, before you lightly pressed your hand to it’s snout and smiled. “see. I’m not so bad.” You said softly. Everyone was wide eyed. “I need the egg.” You said looking at the golden egg. It let out a huff but you kept eye contact as you grabbed the egg. It tried to follow but you halted the creature with your hand. “Stay.” You said softly. It did. You walked back out of the arena leaving everyone shocked. Did a fourth year just... TAME A FUCKING DRAGON?

You walked back to the tent and Lily hugged you, “You did so well-- Oh honey!” She said. “Well done Y/n!” Sirius laughed, clapping his hand onto your back. “I’m proud of you.” Harry said as he roughed up your hair, making you laugh and swat his hand away. You looked at Draco and he said nothing, pulling you into a hug. You dropped the egg, hugging him back. James nearly went “PROTECTIVE DAD MODE” On this kid’s ass but Sirius halted him along with Lily halting Harry. “When were you going to tell me you could tame dragons?” Draco laughed making you smile. You pulled away and chuckled. “I just remembered Hagrid rambling on about dragons and I went with what he told me” You admitted. Draco shook his head with a laugh and cleared his throat after noticing all of your family staring at him. “Uh... Hi?” He waved. “Uncle Moony, this is the friend.” You said. Remus smiled and held out his hand, Draco shaking it. “Pleasure.” Remus said. James’ eye was still twitching as Draco sat with you through the rest of the trial. Harry was too. Like father, like son. “Can I punch a kid? Is that illegal?” James whispered to Lily. “Yes James it is. It’s called assaulting a minor. And he seems perfectly fine.” Lily hushed him. James pouted and Harry kept watching you two. 

The next few days were spent trying to figure out what the fuck the egg actually was supposed to do. “What the hell is this even for?” Draco asked, looking at it as it sat on the coffee table in the Hufflepuff common room. “Have you opened it?” Harry asked. “Yes. It screams.” You said. “Charming.” Hermione said sarcastically. “It makes me want to drown the damn.... Wait a minute!” You gasped. “What?” Draco asked. “What if I put it underwater to quiet the noise?” you asked. “Why would you want to do that?” Ron asked. “It clearly makes noise for a reason dipshit.” Fred said, smacking Ron upside the head, understanding your logic. You sprinted off to the baths, doing just that. You listened to it’s riddle, coming back up for air and raising a brow. “Come seek us where our voices sound, We cannot sing above the ground ,And while you're searching, ponder this: We've taken what you'll sorely miss, An hour long you'll have to look, And to recover what we took. But past an hour - the prospect's black Too late, it's gone, it won't come back.” it sang. “What the absolute fuck does that mean?” you pondered aloud. You walked back to the common room, hair still wet. “Any ideas?” George asked. “Well I was right. It gave me a riddle.” You muttered pondering. “Where our voices... sound-- Are there any mermaids on campus?” You asked. “...What?” Fred asked. “In the lake, I think.” Hermione answered. “That’s where the next trial is.” You said, snapping your fingers. “Damn that was quick!” George laughed. “Sure you’re not a lost Ravenclaw?” Fred asked. You sat next to Draco and chuckled. Your eyes were gorgeous when the fire from the fireplace reflected off of them. “I should get some rest. Tell Dad about the competition.” You yawned, leaving. Draco got up. “Sit.” Harry said as everyone else cleared out. Draco frowned. “I’m not going to just--” “I need to talk to you, sit.” Harry said. He finally sighed, sitting down. “I know you like my sister.” Harry said. “...What--” “Don’t play dumb, even my dad can see that you do.” Harry said. Draco looked at Harry. “Let me guess: You don’t want me anywhere near her right?” Draco asked. “Preferably: Yes. But Y/n likes having you around so I will say this...” Harry leaned forward, his eyes piercing through Draco. “If you hurt my sister I will kill you. Am I understood?” Harry snapped. “....Okay.” Draco nodded. “You can go.” He sighed, turning back to the fire. Draco got up and stopped for a moment. “I would never hurt her Potter. She means too much to me to ever do that.” Draco said before leaving. 

The next trial of course had to be on a day where it was FUCKING COLD. Your family all stood outside with everyone else. You looked around noticing Draco’s absence. “Where’s Draco?” you asked. “Mcgonagall asked him to come with her this morning. Haven’t seen him since.” Goyle answered. “Hermione isn’t here either.” Ron noticed. You frowned, remembering the riddle. “Oh no.” You said. “What?” Sirius asked. “I think I know what this trial is.” You said looking at the lake. You pulled your hair back and Cedric handed you something. “You’ve got this.” He said. You cracked a smile, looking at the item. It was going to help you breathe underwater. You took it, waiting for the sound off. It finally rang out and you dived in, swimming through the murky water. You had an hour. You used your wand to provide light, swimming through the lake before you finally found it. They seriously chained students to the bottom of a lake? What the fuck was this competition? You unlocked the chains, gripping Draco’s arm before swimming back. Viktor popped out of the water first, Hermione with him. You popped out, water dripping from you. Draco shivered from the cold water and chuckled. “When Mcgonagall said I was needed for your trial, this is not what I expected.” He said, making you laugh. Fleur came back empty handed. “I couldn’t... She- she’s still down there!” She wailed. You frowned looking at the clock and then the lake. You knew who was Fleur’s challenge was. And that was a child. You shoved off your towel and jumped back in, making everyone run back to the edge. 

“What happened!?” Lily asked Draco. “I don’t know-- She just jumped back in!” He gaped. The clock’s loud ticks did not make the waiting any less anxiety wracking. Remus was staring intently, Sirius gearing up to jump in after you before you finally reemerged with Gabrielle. Draco helped you out and you pulled your hair tie off, your hair falling to your shoulders. Fleur hugged you, thanking you for saving her sister. “My kids are awesome.” James said hugging you and Harry both. You shivered and Draco lifted his arm as to say “Get under here” You did, panting out of breath. The last three minutes of you being in the water were you having to hold your breath because the item wore off. “I’m proud of you Y/n...” Draco said, making you look at him with a smile. His eyes wandered to your lips and you both seemed to be looking at each other. That’s finally when James grasped the situation. Oh no. OH HELL NO. “Lily. That boy likes Y/n doesn’t he?” James asked. “It took you this long?”

You were quickly becoming aware of that damn school dance, as many students were asking others to go with each other in front of you. You were a sappy romantic, sure. But if you saw one more kid with a fucking ukulele or guitar you were prepared to kick someone’s ass. You sat in the dance class, loathing every moment of being there. You definitely had James’ left feet, because you could NOT dance. “Choose your partners.” She instructed. You sighed and Draco extended his hand. “I can’t dance so if I step on you, this is your fault.” You said making Draco laugh. You stood with your hand on Draco’s shoulder and his around your waist. Your face was probably pink from the feel of things. “You can move closer Y/n, I don’t bite.” He teased. You blushed, moving slightly closer and he walked you through it. “How do you know how to do this?” You asked curiously. “My family throws parties where we have to dance. It’s terrible.” He explained. “Sounds like its something out of Pride and Prejudice.” you said. “Hmm?” he asked. “Muggle book that goes over old English customs.” You shrugged. “Ah.” He nodded. “So the Yule ball is coming up.” Draco said, clearing his throat. “Yep. I’m aware.” You muttered. “Not excited?” He asked. “No I am but I’m beginning to despise the ukulele and guitar after this week.” You admitted making him chuckle. “The younger students have... Gotten creative.” He nodded. “Alright Grandpa, calm down.” You teased making him roll his eyes. “I was wondering.” Draco started before twirling you. You did, your back against his chest. “Would you like to go with me?” He asked in your ear. Thank Merlin’s grey ass beard that your face was turned away from Draco. “Y-yeah... S-sure.” You stuttered out. He twirled you back around and you were so red that if you weren’t moving right now, he would’ve thought you were dying.

You went back to the common room, pacing. Do you talk to your mom? No. She’d tell dad and then you’d have to deal with a potential murder. Who could you trust? Then an idea hit you. Next week was Hogsmeade. Remus! Well and Sirius. You loved Remus to death but he did not have that much experience in this area like Sirius did. So you wrote to them and of course they agreed to meet up with you. You went to the Three Broomsticks, sitting at the table as the two men sat down. “What’s wrong Songbird?” Remus asked. “W-well.” You sighed. “Oh... Do you need a pad?” Sirius asked. “What!? No!” You said. “Thank God. I am not ready for that conversation.” Sirius said. Remus smacked Sirius with a book, turning back to you. “What’s going on?” Remus asked. “I... I’ve been asked to go to the Yule ball.” You admitted. Sirius gaped with a smile. “who’s the lucky guuyyyy-- Or girl, I don’t judge.” Sirius asked. “Draco.” You answered. “Ohhhh.” Sirius nodded. “I don’t know what I’m doing guys. I’m freaking out here.” you whined. “Calm down. So he asked you?” Remus asked. “Yeah.” you nodded. “Well then what’s the problem?” Sirius asked. “What do I even say!? OR DO!?” You asked, panic clearly in your eyes. “Shit. Uhhhhhh. Well, the best advice I can give is don’t use too much tongue--” Remus, again slammed his book against Sirius’ head. “Keep doing what you’re doing now and go with the flow. You don’t want interactions with him to seem forced.” Remus said. “Thanks... And.. I hate that I’m asking this but what if he does kiss me?” You asked. Remus sighed and looked at Sirius. “I’m scared of that damn book.” Sirius said looking at Remus’ hand which was resting on top of the book. “Look. The best thing I can tell you is this: If he does kiss you, just go with the flow like Remus says. Unless you don’t want him to kiss you. Then you kick him in the dick and run.” Sirius said. “No hit for that last comment?” You asked Remus. “He’s right.” Remus nodded. 

So there you were. The night of the Yule. Christ could you stop shaking!? You asked Cedric to walk you down the stairs because you had like, zero confidence walking by yourself in heels. “I am going to kill you Draco.” Harry muttered. “I am just taking your sister to a dance Potter, I’m not Fred here and being a playboy.” Draco said. “Hey-- wait no. No that’s fair.” Fred nodded before you walked down. Draco’s eyes went huge, lips parting as he saw you. “Thanks Cedric.” You said. “Anytime. Have fun!” Cedric said walking off with Cho. Harry’s eye twitched and George dragged him off, leaving you with Draco. “Shall we?” You asked nervously. Draco nodded and you took his arm, walking and standing ready with the other champions. “You look beautiful Y/n.” Draco said making you smile. “You’re not so bad yourself Draco.” You chuckled. You’ve been hanging out with Sirius for WAY too long. The doors opened and your grip tightened. “You’ve got this Y/n.” He said in your ear. “Not if you keep whispering in my ear I don’t.” You muttered. “Hmm?” “Nothing!” You lied. You two did that ridiculous dance, you dreading every second of it. But the music finally slowed down and you sighed with relief. You and Draco swayed to the music and you smiled. “Hectic year.” You said. “I bet it has been for you. Though, being held hostage by mermaids didn’t exactly make my year normal.” He replied making you chuckle. “I think it’s been a good year for us though.” He added. “What do you mean?” You asked. “We’ve gotten a lot closer, haven’t we?” He said. “Y-yeah.” You nodded. Form proper words Y/n, Christ. “And... I’d like us to be.. Closer if that’s alright with you?” He said. Fuck. Words can’t even form now. “Y/n?” He asked. “Like.. Dating?” You asked. “Only if you want to.” He nodded. Where was the holy spirit of Sirius’ dating life now!? “I’d like that.” You said with a small smile. His lips seemed to hover over yours, you now being able to feel his breath. You could feel Harry drilling holes into Draco with his eyes. “Uhm... Should I be concerned that Fred is holding back Harry?” Draco noticed. “Very.” You nodded. “Uhm... Wanna get out of here?” He asked. “Yep.” You nodded. 

The two of you walked around campus, the winter air hitting you hard. You shivered and Draco took off his jacket wrapping it around you. You smiled and he slid his hand into yours. “So your parents seem nice.” Draco said as you walked. “Wellll... To be honest dad is more of a jackass. Harry takes after him.” You said, earning a laugh from Draco. “And your mother?” He asked. “Calm. But definitely murders people in her mind.” You answered. He laughed again. “What about you?” You asked. “Hmm.” He pondered. “My mother is very... Patient. She’s nice.” He said. “And your father?” You asked. “Stern. But I know he loves me. If that makes sense.” He answered. “It does.” You nodded. Draco smiled at you and brushed a hair from the side of your face. You smiled at him and he slipped his fingers under your chin, kissing you. Soft. His lips were soft...

“YOU SON OF A BITCH!” You heard. “Fuck.” You sighed followed by rapid footsteps. “I AM GOING TO KILL--” you clothesline Harry as he sprinted towards Draco. “Wow.” Draco gaped. “I have uncles.” you shrugged. “Give this a rest Harry. This is just sad.” You sighed, helping him up. Harry’s nose started bleeding and Draco sighed. “I’ll take him to the medical wing.” Draco said. “Your jacket--” “Keep it. I’ll get it from you later.” he said with a smile. “I am so kicking your ass.” Harry grumbled, holding his nose. Draco walked the idiot down the hall and you turned to go back to the Hufflepuff common room before feeling someone tap you. You turned and Draco kissed you again smiling against your lips before finally dragging your dumbass brother away. 

“You did not just kiss my sister in front of me, you fucking prick.” Harry said holding his nose. “Hey, I’m not the one who got clotheslined by her.” Draco reminded. “I didn’t expect her to do that.” Harry winced. “Yeah trust me, neither did I.” Draco snorted. “I wasn’t lying Draco. You hurt her--” “I’m not going to Harry, I swear.” Draco said. Madame Pomfrey rose a brow. “Did you two fight again?” She asked. “No, this was my sister.” Harry said, removing his hand. She winced at the sight. “Tell your sister she did a good job.” She said before Draco walked away. “Promise me that you’re not going to break her heart.” Harry said making him stop. “What?” Draco asked. “Promise me you’re not going to break her heart.” Harry repeated. “Harry. I swear it. Do you want me to make a blood pact or something?” Draco asked. “...Is that an option?” Harry asked making Draco roll his eyes and walk away. 

The last trial finally approached. You were kind of anxious about it too. Draco however was confident you had the damn thing in the bag. “You tamed a Dragon Y/n. Whatever this next trial is, you’ve got it in the bag.” Draco said. James finally came with the rest of the family. “You ready?” Sirius asked. “Hell no.” You breathed. Viktor walked over, along with Fleur. You let out a shaking breath.. “We just wanted to say... What ever happens... Good luck.” Viktor said. “T-thanks.” You said. “Champions, approach the start!” The announcer yelled. You sucked in a breath and walked forward. You halted and turned back around, kissed Draco before leaving the Viktor and Fleur. Remus, Sirius and Peter hid smiles but Lily, again was having to hold back her idiot husband and son from killing the poor kid. “JUST ONE PUNCH--” “I’M WITH YOU HARRY!” James screeched.

The challenge began and you booked it, sprinting as fast as humanly possible through the maze. Find that damn cup. You took so many twists and turns, stopping for a brief moment to try to figure out where you were. Then you noticed that the maze was pulling you to the wall. “OH FUCK NO” was the only thing Viktor heard before rapid footsteps and you booking it as the maze walls were closing. You sprinted, Viktor right next to you as you ran. He went left you went right. Ironically, right was the right way considering you found the cup. You sprinted and gripped its handle before you seemed to float. 

Your body hit the ground hard and you coughed. “God I’m so feeling that in the morning.” You groaned before getting up. You brushed yourself off unaware to the crowd that was about to scream in celebration of your victory. Well, until you heard “THAT’S MY NIECE MOTHERFUCKERS!” Followed by “SIRIUS!” and a loud smack. You gaped and looked at the cup and then the crowd as they all screamed in victory, Dumbledore holding your hand high before your family sprinted out. “I knew you could do it!” Draco said with a smile you hugging him as the crowd cheered. You panted, looking at Draco as your arms were around him and he kissed you. James didn’t even care by this point because damn it: You did it! Holy shit! You let go of Draco and he smiled before Sirius lifted you onto his shoulders. “THAT’S MY GIRL! WOOOOOOOOHHH” Sirius screamed making you laugh. 

You all celebrated that night, sitting in the Great Hall with the cup. “So what are you doing with the victory money?” Sirius asked. You pondered. “Hmm... Hey, Fred, George?” You called. “Hmm?” Fred asked. “How’s business?” you asked, confusing the group more as you spoke. Did... you not hear the question orrr- “It’s going good, we’re beginning to need more room for the equipment though.” George answered. “Great.” You smacked the check down. “Buy a building.” Was all you said before getting up. The two boys looked at each other and then you. “Are you serious right now?!” Fred asked. “I don’t need it. Take it.” You said walking away. Lily snorted and James nearly pissed himself laughing. “She’s definitely James’ kid.” Peter laughed. Remus noticed one thing no one else did. Draco left with you. He smiled to himself and laughed at a joke one of the kids made. 

You stood in the library looking at the genres. Of course your way of celebrating would be to read. You read a few passages before feeling arms wrap around your waist. You smiled, turning in Draco’s arms to face the boy. “Hi.” You said with a smile. “Hi.” He said. You smiled as he kissed you, sinking into his arms. “I really am proud of you, by the way.” He said after pulling away for air. You chuckled. You kissed his nose and he chuckled, kissing your forehead. “AAaanndd Got ya.” Sirius said making you sigh. “Padfoot. Five more minutes.” You whined. “I believe that is how long it took to conceive your brother.” Sirius said making you gag. “Okay! Moment ruined, I’m leaving.” You said walking away. “Works every time.” Sirius said. Draco smiled, watching you jump on Remus’ back. “She really is something isn’t she?” Sirius said, a hand on Draco’s shoulder. He smiled to himself as you laughed at your dad nearly screaming at the bloody baron popping out of the wall. 

“She really is”

[prongsies]

Helpless

PAIRING: Sirius Black x Reader, James Potter x Reader SUMMARY: Sirius loved you. Loved you enough to let you go. Loved you enough to selflessly step back, allowing you to love someone he knows could give you the love you deserved - even if it hurts. WARNINGS: Mentions of death and the war, language; angst A/N: This is loosely based on Hamilton’s “Helpless” I hope you like it xx. ________________________________________________________________

The Frank-Alice Wedding was in full swing as the sun was setting outside. It was an exclusive celebration, a rushed one. With the war going on, and more people being killed as each day passes, it was no question why a lot of people were getting married - wanting to regard each other as husband and wife, with the uncertainty of the events tomorrow.

Everyone in the Order of the Phoenix was invited - the marauders, Lily Evans, Mad-Eye Moody. It was intimate, full of people trusted by the newly-weds.

Sirius was on his second glass of firewhiskey when you entered, immediately being greeted by Lily as you walked in in your dark blue dress. He had been leaning against the wall, watching James force Remus to dance with him in the middle of the room when you entered.

No one was sure if you were able to come, since Dumbledore had sent you on a mission a few days prior, so your presence was definitely a surprise to everyone - especially Sirius.

He had been so worried about you every since you left on that mission alone. He knew you were beyond capable of defending yourself, but that tinge of wondering where you were, how you were, never left his mind. 

You had known each other back at Hogwarts, him being a Gryffindor and you being a (y/h). You were great friends, even if you’d only gotten to know each other in your seventh year. You knew Remus as well, from the amount of times he had to tell you off for roaming the halls after lights out, but you never got acquainted with James.

Maybe because it was his final year and he worked to get at least one date with Lily before they all graduate - which obviously, didn’t work out. 

Sirius, though, had quite a reputation with women then. He was handsome, no doubt, but he had issues with commitment. His lack of ability to maintain a relationship for longer than a month caught up to him. Soon enough, no one wanted to be with him - preferring to just admire him from afar.

That doesn’t mean he’s incapable of loving someone though - that someone being the girl catching up with Lily Evans and Alice Longbottom as they swayed to the music. He never got the chance to tell her, and probably never will. The war is hard, no doubt, and Sirius - he just doesn’t know what to do if anything happened to him after all this.

Surely, he didn’t want to break anyone’s heart.

Fuck it, He thought, peeling himself off the wall with his glass still in hand. If anything happened to me, I want to die a happy man. i want to die without repressed feelings - without regrets.

He made a beeline towards the girl, heart pounding in his chest as he neared her. He was sure he had waved Peter off, who tried to converse with him, but he didn’t care. He was a man on a mission - a mission to finally let go and allow himself to love.

That was, until, a hand stopped him. He turned to see James, a smile on his face with his brown eyes twinkling as he looked directly at Sirius. He looked out of it to Sirius, and he was getting worried someone had slipped something into the boy’s drink, when he spoke.

“She’s the one” The bespectacled boy stated, eyes still twinkling at he stole a glance towards someone behind Sirius.

Sirius followed his gaze to see him staring at Lily. Confusion washed over the older boy as he looked back at James.

“Prongs, I thought you were over her?” He asked, feeling his hands clam up as ideas started popping into his mind. He wished his intuition wasn’t right as James glanced again, eyes still holding the same expression.

That was until Sirius understood. He stared back at his best friend, frowning upon realizing that his eyes held helplessness - that he wasn’t looking at Lily, but at you. He swore his heart broke in two, now realizing that he was being asked by the universe to choose - to choose between his own happiness or James’.

James had given him all the happiness he has right now - he gave him a roof over his head when his family had disowned him, more than enough food and money the first few months he was cut off financially, and most importantly a family. James had been his family - he had shown him what it feels like to be loved.

Sirius felt stuck. Confused. James - James deserved the world. He knew James loved to love and- and he deserved to feel loved as well. Between them, James had always talked about wanting a family in the future, wanting to get married and grow old. He had never been in a relationship, after all he had spent his time chasing after Lily. And the mention of settling down had brought Sirius into a laugh then. 

But now, now with James staring back at him with helpless eyes. Now when there’s a war going on outside. Now that James had expressed his worries about dying before he even got to experience having a family of his own. Sirius had made his decision.

His heart clenched as he nodded towards his best friend, releasing himself from the grip he had been in to approach the girl he had been dreaming off since seventh year.

“Sirius!” You greeted, immediately pulling him into a hug. He wrapped his arms around your waist, savoring every moment he got to touch you. You had been friends for so long, having feelings for him when you were younger, but giving up when you realized he wasn’t interested in anything serious - far different than the kind of relationship you longed for.

“I didn’t think you’d make it” he said when you pulled away, eyes looking glazed over and unfocused. 

“I didn’t think so too” You giggled, before looking at Alice with a grin, “I couldn’t miss my best friend’s wedding, though”

He pulled you out of your gaze at the call of your name, “I’d like you to meet my friend, James”

“Ahh” You grinned, looking up at the boy who towered over you, “The infamous James Potter. Name’s (y/f/n) (y/l/n). Lily has never failed to mention how much of a prick you were”

Lily laughed from behind you as she led Alice back towards the dance floor, pulling Remus and Peter along. You were left alone with the two of them, smiling up at Sirius who gave a tight-lipped smile back.

“Anyway,” Sirius said, sharing a look with James, “I’ll leave you to it, I suppose” He looked at you, forcing a smile out, thankful you were unaware of how painful it is for him to leave, “It’s nice to see you, (y/n). Really”

Without another word, he left, returning to his spot leaned up against the wall as he watched you and his best friend interact. The firewhiskey in his system multiplied as he watched you and James inch closer and closer together - watched as James wrapped an arm around your waist as you laughed at something he whispered in your ear, watched as you bid Frank and Alice goodbye earlier than everyone else, disappearing out the door with James.

It pained him. It pained him to practically give you away to his best friend, to pretend that he’s never loved you. It pained him when you got married, when you announced that you were pregnant, when you hugged him as you asked him to be the godfather of your child.

It pained him to see you there, lying on the cold floor beside his best friend, risking your lives to protect the most important one in yours - Harry. 

He cried for the first time in years that day, as he hugged the only two people he’s ever loved in life. Cried as he was forced by Dumbledore to take his godson and hide. Cried in your funeral as he made his eulogy, honoring your deaths, how he loved you.

He cried as he was handed a letter by Remus with a smile of pity, wrapping an arm around him before he took Harry from Sirius’ arms to give him time to read - time to mourn. It was a letter from you, dated a few days before yours and James’ deaths.

Dear Sirius,

Word has gotten around that You-Know-Who knows where we live. Dumbledore has borrowed James’ invisibility cloak, which is very untimely since we’re being hunted down. I have a feeling my days are limited, and as much as James had told me not to think about it, not to worry, I can’t seem to let it slip my mind so I wrote you this letter in the event that I die.

I never told you I’ve loved you before - back at Hogwarts when you were quite the heartbreaker. I loved you, but I was discouraged because you weren’t looking for anything serious - despite your name being so - Haha!

The day you introduced me to James was the happiest of my life. Sure, I haven’t really gotten over you at that point, but I slowly did as James and I got to know each other. I mentioned my feelings for you to him before, and he told me he couldn’t blame me for having them - that what matters most is that I love him, wholly. And I do.

If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have met the love of my life. I wouldn’t have had a family as beautiful as James and Harry. Thank you, Sirius, for everything. I didn’t have the chance to thank you properly all these years, I hope this letter is sufficient.

With love, (y/f/n) (y/l/n) - Potter

Sirius loved you. Loved you enough to let you go. Loved you enough to selflessly step back, allowing you to love someone he knows could love you that much in return. Loved you enough to watch in the sidelines as you marry his best friend. Loved you enough to raise your child - your child who has your eyes, who looked a lot like James - your child whom he now loves as his own. He loved you, and he still does, and that’s all that matters.

[champagneandliterature]

OPENING LINES

Opening lines...

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have fewer than 20, just list them all!). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favourite opening line. Then tag some people to take part.

Well, @xinasvoice tagged me and I'll play along because they're great and this is a fun game, regardless of the fact that I don't even have 20 published stories. But let's do this thing!

In chronological order.

1. "The house was in a much more posh part of London than Remus was used to, and it was Muggle to boot." From Always on Top This sentence has little to nothing to do with the story and is just part of the setup to sex. 3/10

2. “Why don’t we do this more often? We used to hang out, just the two of us all the time in school,” Lily asked as she turned to face Remus on the sofa they were sharing." From We Should Do This More Often Again, set up again, but this time it's a shameless excuse for a foursome. 4/10

3. “This is the worst idea you’ve ever had,” Hermione said, looking increasingly annoyed." From Our Secret a story I wrote for a Dramione fest. The story devolves into smut, but the beginning is a bit boring. 2/10

4. "Stop staring, Dromeda, it's disgusting and beneath you," Narcissa said bitingly to her sister." From Secret Rendezvous Kind of a fun exchange here between sisters. And who doesn't love Andromeda Black crushing on Ted Tonks? 6/10

5. “Remus, are you sure we're going the right way?” Sirius asked as he let his boyfriend drag him by the hand further down the shady looking alleyway." From Happy Birthday Sirius Like 2 sentences of set up to what is easily some of my favorite Wolfstar sex that I've written. 7/10

6. "To say that Andromeda Tonks nee’ Black had left her parent’s home in a hurry was an understatement." From The Dollhouse. This story was a prompt for a fest and I got really into it. The opening line isn't exactly exciting though. 4/10

7. "Sirius and James were in their shared bathroom in Gryffindor tower, James trying to tame his always unruly hair, and Sirius getting his shaving kit out, “Sirius, mate, what the hell is that on your face?” James teased as he looked at Sirius in the mirror." From When You Look Like That Ah, a little banter to start a story. One of my favorite little one shots I've written. It was for a prompt about jawline kisses and I really like this one. 7/10

8. "The summer had been long and hot, and Julian was ready for it to be over." From Language! A boring opening line, but a cute little story that I wrote as a gift fic for someone in the #sweaterweather universe by @lumosinlove 5/10

9. “How could you?” James screamed at Sirius. “You’re supposed to be his best friend! You’re supposed to be his boyfriend!” James stumbled a bit on the last word, Sirius and Remus had only told James and Peter the details of their relationship three days ago, and that was only because James had walked in on them in bed together in nothing but their boxers." From The Morning After Oooh this sets the tone perfectly for this little ficlet. Maybe it's my favorite? 9/10

10. “Merlin, I love when you’re like this,” Remus groaned. “You know how much I love you, don’t you?” he asked as Sirius let out a breathy moan." from Maybe It's More Than a Fantasy Did I start a story in the middle of a blowjob? Yep, sure did. 8/10

11. “I know you want a threesome, Sirius. You’ve been mentioning it for years. It’s ok to have a kink for it. I’m right there with you. But, you want it with James?” Remus asked, staring into Sirius’ eyes." From We Can't Live Without You Well, I mean it tells you exactly what the story is about now, doesn't it? 7/10

12. “You’re really going to ask her tonight?” Ron asked as he opened the little black velvet box that Harry had just handed him. “It’s a huge step, mate. There’s no going back if you marry her.” From At Last sets up the story and it's cute. 6/10

13. "Harry stared at the crimson ink. The elegant but familiar script was carefully etched on what had to be the most expensive parchment galleons could buy, and Merlin be damned if it didn’t smell exactly like her. He heard Draco enter his office and didn’t even bother to look up." From Is It Ever Enough? Not the most interesting opener, but still, I like it. 7/10

14. “What does it feel like to be the most beautiful woman in this room?” Sirius whispered into Hermione’s ear.

She rolled her eyes and didn’t bother to turn around. “What’s it like to be the most cocksure twat in this room?” She replied as Sirius stalked around to face her." From Good Boy I don't care that I put more than one sentence here. THE BANTER! 8/10

15. “What the hell are you doing? We are going to get caught, you know,” James says as he is pushed back into the metal bathroom partition.

“Who's going to catch us in here? It’s a Muggle bar in Wales, and don’t act like getting caught doesn’t turn you on just a little,” Regulus says, licking a stripe up the bronze skin of James’ neck." From Promises which I wrote for @phoenixofslytherin. You get two sentences again because I'm not a rule follower. I love this. I love this story and I love the banter (sensing a theme here?) 9/10.

My favorite overall is probably #9 (or possibly #15) I am a sucker for dialog, and I think that is what not only is the most interesting to me for a start to a story but it's what keeps me hooked. My earlier writing is a lot of surroundings and setup, but as it progresses it's almost always dialog.

@phoenixofslytherin it's your turn!

[senadimell]

If you've got time to share, I'd love to hear more about your thoughts around Snape and Lupin.

@deathdaydungeon, here you are!

After a conversation with @frederick-the-great, I’ve been thinking about Lupin, Snape, and what they say about morality in HP. I’m not talking about the troublesome white hats, black hats morality, but am instead looking at from this angle: Lupin is nice and well-liked, but often lacks a backbone, whereas Snape is mean and disliked, but incredibly brave. Which is more important? I find Harry’s last sacrifice to be a useful point by which we measure their impact.

Lupin and Snape useful to compare on several important fronts.

As foils for each others’ teaching methods

The way they deal with social disadvantage

Their connections to Harry’s father and how they pass on James’ legacy

1) They both teach at Hogwarts, and are foils for each other in many ways. Snape is mean and takes away points. He’s seen as selfish. His classes are hard and unpleasant for Harry. He’s mean to Neville, and rather than encouraging him, mocks him and belittles him, which just adds to the overall disaster of Neville’s poor self-esteem mixing badly with potions class.

However, even Umbridge admits that Snape’s teaching methods work, and she’s working for Fudge who doesn’t like Death Eaters and has been defied by Snape in GoF, so we know he’s effective for a lot of people, if not Neville.

Yet, for all that, Snape saves Harry’s life multiple times. On top of that, Snape wants to keep the fact that he saved Harry’s life a secret.

“Very well. Very Well. But never--Never tell, Dumbledore! This must be between us! Swear it, I cannot bear...especially Potter’s son...I want your word!

My word, Severus, that I will never reveal the best of you? Dumbledore sighed, looking down into Snape’s ferocious, anguished face. “If you insist...”

DH 679, The Prince’s Tale

Conversely, Lupin is nice and rewards points. He’s seen as generous. His classes are fun and interesting for Harry. He’s kind to Neville, and expresses confidence in him that leads him to succeed and do well. That confidence is a huge part of Neville’s character development. I doubt he’d grow into the resistance leader in DH if not for the many times teachers expressed confidence in him, like Dumbledore in PS, Lupin in PoA, Fake!Moody in GoF, and Harry in OotP. Harry certainly approves of his methods:

“You’re the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we’ve ever had!” said Harry. “Don’t go!”

PoA 424, Owl Post Again

However, it’s worth noticing that Hermione does worse on his exam than we ever see. She fails the Boggart test, and she and Harry were the only two people not permitted to experience the Boggart in class. Lupin’s teaching methods aren’t foolproof. Despite that, he’s overall seen as a nice guy and good teacher.

Yet Lupin endangers Harry’s life. The secrets he keeps are dangerous: his secret to keep is that he’s a werewolf and  actively endangered three students lives with his negligence, as well as the fact that he hid a secret about a believed and convicted mass murderer to save face with Dumbledore.

“That was still really dangerous! Running around in the dark with a werewolf! What if you’d given the others the slip, and bitten somebody?”

“A thought that still haunts me,” Lupin said heavily. “And there were near misses, many of them. We laughed about them afterwards. We were young, thoughtless--carried away with out own cleverness.

“I sometimes felt guilty about betraying Dumbledore’s trust, of course....he had admitted me to Hogwarts when no other headmasters would have done so, and he had no idea I was breaking the rules he had set down for my own and others’ safety. He never knew I had led three fellow students into becoming Animagi illegally. But I always managed to forget my guilty feelings every time we sat down to plan our next month’s adventure. And I haven’t changed...

Lupin’s face had hardened, and there was self-disgust in his voice. “All this year I have been battling with myself, wondering whether I should tell Dumbledore that Sirius was an Animagus. But I didn’t do it. Why? Because I was too cowardly. It would have meant admitting that I’d betrayed his tryst while I was at school, admitting that I’d led others along with me...and Dumbledore’s trust has meant everything to me. He let me into Hogwarts as a boy, and he gave me a job when I have been shunned all my adult life, unable to find paid work because of what I am. And so I convinced myself that Sirius was getting into the school using Dark Arts he learned from Voldemort, that being an Animagus had nothing to do with it...so in a way, Snape’s been right about me all along.”

PoA 355, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Plan is emphasized because those trips that ended in “near misses” weren’t some impulsive romp. They were planned and coordinated in advance.

“I just saw Hagrid,” said Harry. “And he said you’d resigned. It’s not true, is it?”

“I’m afraid it is, said Lupin. He stared opening his desk drawers and taking out the contents.

“Why?” said Harry. The Ministry of Magic don’t think you were helping Sirius, do they?”

Lupin crossed to the door and closed it behind Harry.

“No. Professor Dumbledore managed to convince Fudge that I was trying to save your lives.” He sighed. “That was the final straw for Severus. I think* the loss of the Order of Merlin hit him hard. So he--er--accidentally let slip that I am a werewolf this morning at breakfast.”

“You’re not leaving because of that!” said Harry.

Lupin smiled wryly.

“This time tomorrow, the owls will start arriving from parents ....They will not want a werewolf teaching their children, Harry. And after last night, I see their point. I could have bitten any of you...That must never happen again.

“You’re the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we’ve ever had!” said Harry. “Don’t go!”

PoA 424, Owl Post Again

What strikes me about this conversation is how Lupin shifts the blame around. This doesn’t start with an admission of guilt. He’s not leaving because the parents are right. He’s not leaving because he’s seen how dangerous he can be, or because he owns up to making an incredibly dangerous decision. He’s leaving because Snape forced his hand. If Snape didn’t do that, he would do the same thing he’s always been doing: sweeping his misdoing under the rug and promising himself privately that he’s going to change, but never doing it.

It’s always someone else’s fault for Lupin. That’s a neat tie in to the next point of comparison:

2. Lupin and Snape both experience marginalization in wizarding society, but in very different ways. Lupin faces socio-legal** marginalization and Snape faces socio-economic marginalization.

Lupin’s a werewolf. We see how prejudice affects his life, from his inability to find a job and his worn out clothes to his people-pleasing nature. He’s always acting nice and harmless. He does nothing to play into the condemning stereotypes he’s faced since childhood. Despite that, he still can’t find a job. Nobody will hire him, and people are scared to interact with him. From the way he talks about werewolves, it’s implied that this prejudice is held blindly across Wizarding society. Both Ron and Hermione are horrified to learn Lupin’s a werewolf. *** Later on, he’s legally limited in the kinds of jobs he holds and the kind of magic he’s allowed to perform. Lupin has no control over his transformations, and did not choose his condition.

Lupin’s not really wrong when pities himself. The odds really are stacked against him when he’s treated as if he’s a wolf 24/7, not just a few predictable times a month. His prospects are honestly awful.

The problem is, his condition is dangerous. Thus, the issue of victim blaming is particularly thorny for Lupin. He can’t just accept that he’s a monster for something he has no say over, and yet he can’t escape the fact that sometimes he is monstrous for reasons out of his control. He feels guilty for the people he could have hurt, but also seems to resent that people blame him for something that’s not his fault. The problem is that he carries that lack of accountability into spheres where he should be accountable, like not taking his medication and endangering children because of it.

Snape’s story is very different. He is poor in both the wizard and muggle worlds, and half-blooded, and was sorted into Slytherin as a child. He doesn’t have one condition against him, but checks boxes that make it hard for any one side to accept him. He’s too impure and poor to survive on his own for the Slytherin, but is a Slytherin with Death Eater friends and housemates interested in dark magic, which means he’s never going to fit in with the Order of the Phoenix crowd, especially when some of its members torment him at school. ****4

 This essay makes a convincing point that the wizarding world is not a meritocracy, and that people like Snape need powerful patronage to advance if they don’t have the money to support themselves.

I don’t consider the sorting a proper choice. I know Harry does, but I’m of the opinion that at age 11, very few people have been taught how to analyze different perspectives and make an informed decision. Most 11-year-olds are trained to obey their parents and accept their family’s ideology. Harry’s choice rests on very little evidence--most of what he knows is what Hagrid told him, and that he doesn’t want to be sorted into Voldemort’s house along with Draco Malfoy, someone who reminds him of Dudley. I don’t think Snape was very informed either (I’d love to know why), because he doesn’t realize why it Lily wouldn’t be sorted into Slytherin.

“You’d better be in Slytherin,” said Snape, encouraged that she had brightened a little. DH 671, The Prince’s Tale

Either the pureblood rhetoric just wasn’t strong in those days, or his mother didn’t tell him about that.

...“Where are you heading, if you’ve got the choice?”

James lifted an invisible sword.

“’Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!’ Like my dad.”

Snape made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him.

“Got a problem with that?”

“No,” said Snape, though his slight sneer said otherwise. “If you’d rather be brawny than brainy--”

DH 671-2, The Prince’s Tale

It seems that most people just follow familial preferences. As to why Snape wants to be in Ravenclaw over Slytherin, my preferred interpretation is that he had a family legacy, knew that Slytherin rewarded the ambitious and clever, and that Slughorn, the head of Slytherin house, had a knack for making the kind of connections that a poor, clever boy would need to succeed.

Nevertheless, once Snape was in Slytherin, the odds were stacked against him. The house in that era was full of people who would later be Death Eaters. “Dark Magic” wasn’t frowned upon among his housemates, and siding with Voldemort wasn’t yet widely acknowledged as a transgression by wider society.

“No, no, but believe me, [Sirius’ parents] thought Voldemort had the right idea, they were all for the purification of the wizarding race, getting rid of Muggle-borns and having pure-bloods in charge. They weren’t alone either, there were quite a few people, before Voldemort showed his true colors, who thought he had the right idea about things.…” OotP 112

Additionally, people like Bellatrix were in the years above him, and given how Fred and George acted with younger students, I think it’s highly likely younger students had to find a place in the hierarchy or be the target of ‘pranks.’ He was a halfblood, after all, and dirt poor.

Snape knew these people. He ate with them, slept with them, and went to class with them. It is so much easier to understand and befriend someone you spend time with. I’d say that most people who subscribe to problematic ideologies aren’t just awful to be around all the time, or else these movements wouldn’t gain any traction. They’re likely funny and nice to be around if you’re not on their bad side.

In addition to strong peer pressure to befriend the people who would be death eaters, he was also bullied four to one. His bullies received protection from the headmaster when he was nearly killed or permanently maimed. They were popular and well liked.

The best analogy I’ve heard to describe Snape's Hogwarts situation is that he’s a kid in a rough neighborhood who joins the local gang. It provides protection and the hope of social mobility, and from his perspective, the other gang fights just as dirty (his treatment by the marauders). He doesn’t stop to think that the system is flawed, or that the gang’s very existence indicates the failure of authority and threatens its members. He just sees himself as a kid with nothing who needs help with protection and advancement. We know that Voldemort hasn’t shown his true colors, and it’s possible he showed different faces to different people.

‘Now, yer mum an’ dad were as good a witch an’ wizard as I ever knew. Head Boy an’ Girl at Hogwarts in their day! Suppose the myst’ry is why You-Know-Who never tried to get ’em on his side before ... probably knew they were too close ter Dumbledore ter want anythin’ ter do with the Dark Side.

‘Maybe he thought he could persuade ’em ... maybe he just wanted ’em outta the way. All anyone knows is, he turned up in the village where you was all living, on Hallowe’en ten years ago. You was just a year old. He came ter yer house an’ – an’ –’ (“The Keeper of the Keys”)

Dumbledore’s cited as the reason they turned him down, not their blood status. I think there’s evidence that the wholesale anti-muggleborn campaign wasn’t a huge part of the first wizarding war, and wasn’t implemented until the second, even if there was anti-muggle propaganda. (Muggle=/=muggleborn). It’s implied that Tobias is abusive and that Snape hates him for what he did to him and his mother; it’s implied that faced class prejudice by the muggles around him as well:

“I know who you are. You’re that Snape boy! They live down Spinner’s End by the river,” she told Lily, and it was evident from her tone that she considered the address  a poor recommendation.

DH 665, The Prince’s Tale

When you read stories about people who are able to escape cycles of gang violence and poverty, there’s almost always someone who lifts them out. There’s someone who pushes them, or extends a hand, or believes in them. There are community outreach programs, or churches, or an English teacher that pushed them to do better and try out for a scholarship. That person is usually someone who knows what it’s like and knows how hard it is to get out.

Snape doesn’t seem to get that support anywhere. Slughorn doesn’t seem to notice him, for whatever reason. Lily doesn’t approve of his friends, but also doesn’t understand at all what the pull is--that it’s hard to swim against the current of what everyone else is saying, despite the fact that she feels the same pressure to end her friendship with Snape.

“… thought we were supposed to be friends?” Snape was saying. “Best friends?” “We are, Sev, but I don’t like some of the people you’re hanging round with! I’m sorry, but I detest Every and Mulciber! Mulciber! What do you see in him, Sev, he’s creepy! D’you know what he tried to do to Marry Macdonald the other day?”

DH 673, The Prince’s Tale

In the very same conversation, the fact that Snape is not allowed to share what happened to him with Lupin and the werewolf incident means that Lily will never be able to understand what Snape is facing: That the leader of the good guys makes excuses for and protects people who recklessly endanger the lives of others.

“And you’re being really ungrateful. I heard what happened the other night. You went sneaking down that tunnel by the Whomping Wollow, and James Potter saved you from whatever’s down there--”

Snape’s whole face contorted and he spluttered, “Saved? Saved? You think he was playing the hero? He was saving his neck and his friends’ too!...”

DH 674, The Prince’s Tale

Later in the year after SWM, she tells Snape this:

“None of my friends can understand why I even talk to you.”

DH 675 The Prince’s Tale

She expects him to reject all of his classmates and stand against the tide, despite the fact that she knows how hard it is to do that and can’t comprehend why he sticks with his classmates. She expects him to be grateful to James Potter as if what he did was altruistic, because the Headmaster swore Snape to secrecy and he keeps his promises, despite the fact that someone else was spreading the story. (The fact that she says she heard it instead of talking about it like its common knowledge implies that she heard it from a friend, so our friends the Marauders likely weren’t keeping their lips zipped even if Snape was.)

I don’t say this to shift the blame away from Snape to Lily in regards to Snape joining the Death Eaters. I just want to point out that Lily wasn't someone who could help him break the cycle. He didn’t squander some chance she offered him. She just wasn’t enough to break him out--not empathetic, motivated, or well-informed enough. (I think the fact that they were peers plays a big role in that).

Ultimately, Snape did choose to join the Death Eaters. He did yield to peer pressure. He did obey his assignment and report the prophecy to Voldemort. He spent his youth yielding, following the path in front of him, and choosing what was probably the easier choice: stick with your group, find powerful friends, do what they want, and don’t ask too many questions about their methods. That’s what makes his decision to betray Voldemort so powerful to me.

Here’s part of the passage when Snape betrays Voldemort:

...The adult Snape was panting, turning on the spot, his wand gripped tightly in his hand, waiting for something or for someone...His fear infected Harry too, even though he knew that he could not be harmed, and he looked over his shoulder wondering what it was that Snape was waiting for--

Then a sliding, jagged jet of white light flew through the air. Harry thought of lightning, but Snape had dropped to his knees and his wand had flown out of his hand.

“Don’t kill me!”

DH 676, The Prince’s Tale

He was terrified. He knew he was caught between the world’s two most powerful wizards, but it was worth it if he could save his childhood friend.

Then when Lily dies:

“Her son lives. He has her eyes, precisely her eyes. You remember the share and color of Lily Evans’s eyes, I am sure?”

“DON’T!” bellowed Snape. “Gone...dead...”

“Is this remorse, Severus?”

“I wish..I wish I were dead....”

“And what use would that be to anyone?” said Dumbledore coldly.

DH 678, The Prince’s Tale

Whatever motivation Snape had before is gone. A person’s life who is not his own is worth more than his own, and he’s drowning in guilt. From now on, Snape works to be useful in saving Harry’s life, and later many lives, at risk of death. His choices are a black mark on his record, likely making it difficult for him to get a job when he’s been tried as a Death Eater, and all of his wizarding connections are Death Eaters or their associates. He has no money or influence. Dumbledore hires him.

So Lupin has a single ailment and faces constant social and legal discrimination. He constantly tries to undermine people’s expectations about werewolves by being mild, but unfortunately is too afraid of rejection and its consequences to stand up against bad behavior or take full responsibility for his failings. He has friends who support him, but do it by engaging in risky behavior. He does not stop them. Perhaps he fears exposure and expulsion. Perhaps he just likes belonging for once. Either way, he does not come clean until forced to.

Snape is different; instead of facing outright rejection, he’s from a poor background and grows up surrounded by peers who join something somewhere between a gang and a cult while being bullied by people groomed by a rival organization. The headmaster of his school supports the rival organization and swears him to secrecy about an incident when they endangered his life, sending the message that his life is worthless. That same group continues to publicly bully him. He continues down this path until he realizes that it endangers something he cares about, and makes a decision that puts him at risk of being killed by the two most powerful wizards alive. He changes course.

Snape seems to view his problems as challenges facing him, whereas Lupin sees his problems as part of who he is, and not something he can change. Lupin seems to accept what happens to him in a fatalist kind of way. He sees what happens as inevitable and somewhat out of his control, whereas Snape never seems to blame his circumstances for him becoming a death eater, even though they clearly limited his options. I think that attitude matters. However, because Lupin’s facing a fictional magical malady, it’s difficult to fully blame him for that attitude.

Both Lupin and Snape have to react to powerful societal pressure that makes it difficult for them to succeed. Comparing them is apples and oranges at best, because their circumstances were so different. I don’t think you can judge either’s morality based on group identity, though.

3. Finally, they both act as a window on James: who he was, and what he means to Harry, who never knew him. That means in some way, they help pass on his parental legacy to orphaned Harry.

Hogwarts is Harry’s home, which means that the teachers are more than just teachers, but play a symbolic parental role in his life.

Hogwarts was the first and best home he had known. He and Voldemort and Snape, the abandoned boys, had all found home here.

DH 697, The Forest Again

You can’t understand Harry without realizing what he lacks: a loving home and living parents. He’s always looking into the past to find his parents, and is saddled with a legacy he struggles to understand--why did he live, who were his parents, and what does he need to do now?

Lupin and Snape also share a connection with Harry that goes beyond a normal teacher-student relationship, unlike McGonagall or Flitwick. Snape and Lupin are more personally connected to Harry than the other professors because they know Harry’s parents and went to school with them. I will mostly focus on James from here on out since we know so little about Lily personally and Harry mostly tries to emulate or avoid his father’s behavior and legacy.

They’re also the last people who knew James to survive, and they die almost at the same time. They’re the only teachers apart from Dumbledore who give Harry private lessons. More importantly, these lessons are all tied thematically to Harry’s past. Harry’s experience with dementors and the patronus charm are his first re-encounter with his parents and his past.

Terrible though it was to hear his parents’ last moments replayed inside his head, these are the only times Harry had heard their voices since he was a very small child. But he’d never be able to produce a proper patronus if he half wanted to hear his parents again.

PoA 243, The Patronus

In the end of PoA, Harry sees himself and mistakenly thinks it’s his father.

“Come on!” he muttered, staring about. “Where are you? Dad, come on--”

But no one came. Harry raised his head to look atet he circle of dementors across the lake. One of them was lowering its hood. It was time for the rescuer to appear--but no one was coming to help this time--

And then it hit him--he understood. He hadn’t seen his father--he had seen himself--

Harry flung himself out from behind the bush and pulled out his want.

“EXPECTO PATRONUM!” he yelled.

PoA 411, Hermione’s Secret

So the patronus itself is linked up with Harry’s past, and his coming-of-age. He doesn’t rely on others to save him, but must do it himself. (Though Harry’s never really trusted the adults to save him.)  It’s interesting to note that Harry actually learns the Patronus charm under Lupin’s tutelage.

On the other hand, Snape introduces Harry to the unpleasant side of his father’s legacy. Through Snape, we see that James wasn’t just a little cocky, but a bully.

“Apologize to Evans!” James roared at Snape, his wand pointed threateningly at him. “I don't want you to make him apologize,” Lily shouted, rounding on James. “You're as bad as he is.” “What?” yelped James. “I'd NEVER call you a--you-know-what!” “Messing up your hair because you think it looks cool to look like you've just got off your broomstick, showing off with that stupid Snitch, walking down corridors and hexing anyone who annoys you just because you can--I'm surprised your broomstick can get off the ground with that fat head on it. You make me SICK.” She turned on her heel and hurried away.

....

He had no desire at all to return to Gryffindor Tower so early, nor to tell Ron and Hermione what he had just seen. What was making Harry feel so horrified and unhappy was not being shouted at or having jars thrown at him; it was that he knew how it felt to be humiliated in the middle of a circle of onlookers, knew exactly how Snape had felt as his father had taunted him, and that judging from what he had just seen, his father had been every bit as arrogant as Snape had always told him. OotP, Snape’s Worst Memory, emphasis added

It’s interesting note that Harry fails to learn Occlumency from Snape. (In fact, we never see Harry use magical skills he learned from Snape apart from Expelliarmus, which is...important). At the same time, he gains an important perspective.

You can’t have James without this part of him. However kind James was to Lupin, however brave James was when he saved his wife, he was neither kind nor brave when he bullied Snape. It’s uncomfortable and awkward, but it’s important.

When he had finished, neither Sirius nor Lupin spoke for a moment. Then Lupin said quietly, “I wouldn’t like you to judge your father on what you saw there, Harry. He was only fifteen —”

“I’m fifteen!” said Harry heatedly.

OotP

Harry rejects the idea that actively bullying someone is just folly of youth. He knows what it’s like to be disenfranchised. Regardless of what Snape and James’ relationship was, he didn’t deserve that kind of humiliation. And Lupin watched, and defends him. Harry has to grapple with that.

Ultimately, Snape and Lupin do more than just connect him to his past. They also teach him his two signature spells, Expelliarmus and Expecto Patronum. One saves his soul, and one saves his life and frees the wizarding world from Voldemort because of Voldemort’s fractured soul.

Snape and Lupin as moral counterpoints

How do we evaluate this:

“I’d never have believed this,” Harry said. “The man who taught me to fight dementors--a coward.”*****5

DH 213, The Bribe

and this?

“Albus Severus, you were named for two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew.

DH 758, Seventeen years later

Ultimately, I don’t think it’s really that useful to pit two people with different backgrounds against each other. At the same time, they represent two different halves of a question: when it comes down to it, should we try to be kind or brave? I don’t think you have to pick one, but when pursuing the two, there are bound to be moments of conflict.

I always come back to the lyrics to Last Midnight from Sondheim’s Into the Woods.******6

You're so nice You're not good You're not bad You're just nice I'm not good I'm not nice I'm just right I'm the witch You're the world

Snape doesn’t care about being nice. I think this is where most non-Snape fans start pulling out the pitchforks and torches. Snape isn’t nice, and he’s not nice to kids. He’s not nurturing.*******7 He’s abrasive, allergic to coddling, and petty when he can get away with it. In fact, most of the people he’s ‘nice’ to are significantly more powerful than him, or someone he needs to be on good terms with.

Lupin is nice. He’s mild. He’s often kind. However, he often picks being liked over standing up for something.

What does that result in? He doesn’t stand up for Snape. The bullying continues and keeps Snape firmly on his path. He wins the respect of the Gryffindors with the Snape Boggart incident but loses whatever credibility he had to tell Snape to ‘put their past behind him.’

On the other hand, Neville’s bravery in DH was nurtured by Lupin’s confidence. Neville kept hope alive and led a rebellion. Lupin is one of the few adults that Harry fully respects and trusts up until the Grimmauld place confrontation. (He likes Hagrid and Molly, but doesn’t necessarily trust them to make decisions in their best interest, while he usually respects Lupin’s judgement). Harry loves him, and it’s because he loved him and watched him die that he needs to act and fight back against Voldemort.

Ultimately, Harry’s relationship with James and the adults who pass on his legacy is one of the most important symbolic relationships in the book. The thematic resolution of the series is Harry’s act of sacrificial love.

He did not know what to feel, except shock at the way Snape had been killed, and the reason for which it had been done....

...He could not bear to look at any of the other bodies, to see who else had died for him. He could not bear to join the Weasleys, could not look into their eyes, when if he had given himself up in the first place, Fred might never had died...

He turned away and ran up the marble staircase. Lupin, Tongs...He yearned not to feel....He wished he could rip out his heart, his innards, everything that was screaming inside of him.

To escape into someone else’s head would be a blessed relief....Nothing that even Snape had left him could be worse than his own thoughts.

DH 660-662, The Prince’s Tale

He rushes to the headmaster’s office to escape into Snape's memories. His memories convince Harry that sacrificing himself is the expedient thing to do, and he heads to the Forbidden Forest. To enable is last sacrifice, he uses the Resurrection stone to witness his parents and his father’s friends. Their combined testimony is enough to ameliorate his personal fears about following through with this final act.

Lupin and Snape leave entirely different legacies behind. Lupin encourages and inspires. As an authority figure, he gives people like Neville space to grow and his compassion towards Harry gives him the strength to face his demons. Harry’s decision in DH to die must have something to do with the kindness he was shown, and the sacrifices people who loved him made for him, of which Lupin is a part. Despite what he saw in Princes’ Tale, Snape wasn’t one of the people who’d make an appearance with the Resurrection stone.

Yet Snape sacrificed his life for Harry and the wizarding world, entities that Snape didn’t seem to like and that certainly weren’t kind to him. His form of bravery is about endurance, tenacity, and willingness to do what is right even when you hate your allies and no one else is going to credit you for what you do. And that’s very Harry. Even if he hates Draco, he’s not about to let him die if he can help it. Harry has much more in common with Snape than Lupin, I think.

Since this is about souls, let’s return to the Patronus charm. Snape’s not the kind of person who typically inspires that kind of emotion required to cast a Patronus in others, at least from what we see in Harry’s perspective. Yet because he has experienced that love, he can cast it and shows Harry what needs to be done. Snape enables Harry to dive under the ice. Lupin’s the kind of person who can inspire a patronus, but isn’t the one to make the sacrifice play until after Harry confronts him about his duty to his family. Ultimately, though, they both sacrifice themselves in the Battle of Hogwarts.

* Ever since I realized how blatantly tangential Order of Merlin must be to Snape’s character motivation, that line has frustrated me to no end. There’s no way frothing-at-the-mouth PoA Snape just really coveted that Order of Merlin. He’s often petty, yeah, but if Lupin believes it’s just about that and has nothing to do with Snape’s real conviction about how dangerous Lupin’s actions were, he’s deluding himself. I hate that he passes it on to his students.

**Yes, I am making up words today. Lupin’s faces prejudice and discrimination on a social level enforced by increasingly powerful discriminatory laws.

*** It’s worth noting that if we take every book as equally valid canon, then there’s either widespread ignorance towards lycanthropy, as Lockhart convinces everyone he was able to “cure” the Wagga-Wagga werewolf, and as teenage Horcrux!Riddle said Hagrid raised werewolf cubs under his bed, or else lycanthropy is actually a wide range of conditions under a wolfy umbrella ranging from treatable to incurable. Lupin is our primary source for lycanthropy: he’s the one who tells us about Greyback, for example. If we hold the first two books as equally valid, then perhaps we only know about Lupin’s particular type of condition. That’s the Watsonian analysis, anyways.

****4 These footnotes are getting ridiculous. Basically, there’s no consensus on what Dark Magic is, and on what basis it’s Evil. This essay goes into things that are labelled as curses. I’m inclined to believe that the vast majority of Dark Magic is just Magic We Don’t Like for Reasons.

The definition of what is and isn't considered Dark Magic is never explained: often it just seems to mean "a curse I don't approve of".  Even "curse" has never been satisfactorily defined, but we can certainly say that not all curses are regarded as evil, since some appear to be on the Hogwarts curriculum, and are certainly performed without censure.

*****5 While I paired the quotes at the top of this section together for dramatic effect, it’d be a shame not to look at the context of the Lupin fight.

“I thought you’d say [that your mission was top secret],” said Lupin, looking disappointed. But I might still be of some use to you. You know what I am and what I can do. I could come with you to provide protection. There would be no need to tell me exactly what you were up to. Harry hesitated. It was a very tempting offer.

Hermione then asks about Tonks.

“I’m pretty sure my father would have wanted to know why you aren’t sticking with your own kid, actually”... ...“I’d never have believed this,” Harry said. “The man who taught me to fight dementors--a coward.”

...“Parents shouldn’t leave their kids unless--unless they’ve got to.”

...“I know I shouldn’t have called him a coward.”“No, you shouldn’t,” said Ron at once. “But he’s acting like one. “ “All the same...” said Hermione.

“I know,” said Harry. “But if it makes him go back to Tonks, it’ll be worth it, won’t it?”

He could not keep the plea out of his voice. Hermione looked sympathetic, Ron uncertain. Harry looked down at his feet, thinking of his father. Would James have backed Harry in what he had said to Lupin, or would he have bene angry at how his son had treated his old friend?

DH 213, The Bribe

Harry feels personally betrayed that someone who has a family and child would abandon them. Here he is unyielding and accusing to someone he cares about in the hopes that they re-evaluate what matters. It’s a rather Snape-like tactic, actually. Or else a Dumbledore one.

I love the dialogue in this scene, but have some major issues with how Harry’s internalization drops out the window for shock value. JKR does the same thing when has Harry pull the Veritaserum trick in HBP. I don’t like it.

******6 The witch and Snape aren’t perfect analogues, since she’s decidedly more amoral in my opinion, but they’re both contractually-motivated characters whose humanity is shown by their (platonic/familial) love for a more “innocent” character and the guilt at the innocent character’s sacrificial death. Guilt doesn’t lead the witch to do anything productive, and for Snape it does, which is where they diverge on the character path.

*******7 Draco may be an exception to this. However, watching Snape struggle to build rapport with Draco in HBP leads me to think that while Snape’s been on Draco’s side, he’s still not “nurturing,” or in other words, good at cultivating trust and encouraging the strong and wholesome parts of someone’s personality to grow.  

[lumos-solemn]

Potty & Wheezy

Summary : Harry Potter has kissed Ginny Weasley, the sister of his best friend and when the rumors spread about Harry Potter kissing a Weasley, People couldn't help but wonder how did they not see that coming considering Harry Potter always hang out with Ronald Weasley. {Hinny}

Before your Read : This drabble is set in an alternate universe where Harry is just a normal teenage wizard who is friends with Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger and is doing his sixth year at Hogwarts. He is neither the boy who loved nor the chosen one.

**********************************************

"Ha..Harrryy...!!", Ginny's hoarse voice ringed in Harry's ears as he trailed down her neck peppering soft kisses there.

"Hmm..", He hummed in response as he stood straight and caught her lips again before pulling her more into him if that was possible. Gosh, She missed her! With Ron hanging out with him all the time, They scarcely had some time to spent alone. All those quick pecks he received when he is alone for a second didn't do any good on him.

"Haa..rry..Stopp..", Ginny pulled away as Harry groaned. She looked at him and saw his eyes full of desire and felt guilty.

"I have to leave..!!", She spoke as if getting angry on herself.

"What? Why..?", He asked frustration clearly visible on his face but still holding her tightly in his arms. "Ron won't be back any time soon. And Hermione's in library."

"No..!!I have to study. Its O.W.L.S. Hermione has arranged a time table for me and I am supposed to see her right now!", She sighed.

Harry was really getting angry now. They scarcely spent time together since he asked her out during the first weeks of his 6th year. Since, James and Lily had to go for a secret mission, Harry spent most of his summer in the burrow and kind of developed an odd friendship with Ginny especially because of her Quidditch skills. Not that, they weren't friends before. But his feelings for her were entirely elder brotherly till that summer. He always saw her as his best friend's little sister. But as she started spenting more time with him by playing Quidditch, he couldn't help but notice how his heart beated faster when she is near or how he felt goosebumps when she smiles at him. After so many negotiations about considering his feelings, He finally found nerve to ask her out when they got an alone time.

"We hardly get to spent time together! You cannot do this when we finally find some time alone.", He tried to keep his anger in control not ready to ruin the moment.

"We would have if you just found the nerve to tell my stupid brother about us!", Ginny spat back. It was clear she was frustrated too. He wanted to tell Ron but he was afraid of risking their friendship.

"After seeing his reaction when you were dating Michael? I don't think so!", Harry spoke.

Ginny sighed, "Its different. Ron never liked him. But you! You are is best mate-"

"And how will he feel when he finds out his best mate has been snogging his sister all this while behind his back?", He asked.

"So you are never going to tell him that? We have to do this for our whole lifetime?", Ginny didn't even try to hide her anger. Harry knew Ginny's temper well enough to know that it is not to meddle with.

"No..No..I will..I will tell him tomorrow. Okay?", He asked softly and saw Ginny smiling at him too.

"Anyhow, I have to leave now Harry! Hermione must be waiting for me.", She spoke sadness definitely visible on her voice.

Harry nodded and she turned to give him one last kiss before leaving. The moment her lips touched his, Harry felt the world spinning. It was always like this. She can make him go wild just with a small kiss and he didn't complain.

"Potty and Wheezy...!!Ehhee..Kissie Kissie...!!", They jumped apart hearing the voice and found Peeves hovering above them with a smug expression.

"PEEVES...!!!!", Harry never felt more hatred towards Peeves than now. Why does everyone want to ruin his moment?

"Harry, I am leaving!", Ginny said and he saw her leave with a swish of her hair before adjusting her dress one last time. Harry let his shoulder fell and walked towards his common room. He saw Peeves zooming out muttering something which he didn't bother to listen. Ron wouldn't be back from his detention. And Hermione must be waiting for Ginny in the library. Sulking he approached the fat lady, "Balderdash!", He said and she swung open.

He walked into the room and saw, to his amusement, Hermione sitting on her usual spot with some parchments in her hand.

"Hermione?", Harry called her out and she looked up from the parchment. He was about to ask about Ginny when he suddenly remembered he shouldn't be so stopped himself and fell on the chair near her.

"Where have you been Harry?", She asked.

Harry looked at her, trying to find a convincing lie, "Huh..? Ahmm..Just taking a stroll. Nothing!", He tried to lie. Though she seemed not really satisfied, she asked, "Have you seen Ginny? I asked her to come so that so that we can study. Her O.W.L.S are nearing!",

"No..No..She must be in the library then if you asked her to come for studying!", He tried to sound innocent and it seemed Hermione took his suggestion.

"Right! Okay Harry. See you later.", She stood up taking the parchments and left.

Harry was sitting alone there. He saw some of his classmates and a few other students sitting there completing homework and chatting. Harry too took his essays thinking of completing it but nothing came into his mind except him kissing Ginny in a lone place with no one to disturb. So, He put away his essays and decided to go to bed though it is a little early. Also, he have to find a way to tell Ron about him the next day.

The sun was bright and Harry struggled to open his eyes as the sunlight peeped into the room. It is Sunday and they had no classes. Harry's hand travelled to his bedside table to find his glasses and put it on. He finally managed to sit straight and saw Ron already sitting looking like just woke up.

"Gummong..!", Harry muttered yawning and stretching himself.

"Good Morning!", Ron said back.

"How did the detention go?", He asked remembering the previous day.

"Couldn't be worse!", Ron said sulking.

"Why? What happened?"

"I had to arrange old stacks of files with Filch Harry! How can that possibly go fine?"

Harry fought back a grin seeing his expression and got out of the bed followed by Ron.

When they reached the great hall, There was a whole lot of murmuring. People were looking at them and was giggling. Ron and Harry exchanged some glances and shrugged not having any idea what was going on. They settled themselves on the Gryffindor table when they saw Hermione coming towards them. She finally took a seat beside Ron and smiled brightly at them.

"Is there any new matter going on?", She asked observing their surroundings and seeing people murmur about it.

Ron shrugged helping himself with some toast and Harry spoke, "No idea! It must be some really good one seeing People murmur like this."

Hermione nodded and then she looked again, "Harry! I think it has something to do with us. They are looking at us and giggling!", She pointed out and when Harry and Ron looked around, they couldn't help but feel a little conscious about themselves.

"Buthwatvedn", Ron spoke, his mouth full of food and when Hermione looked at him pointly, he gulped it hard and spoke, "But what have we done?"

"I don't know! There must be something!"

Harry saw Ginny moving past them and saw her giving him a mischievous smile which confused him more. He saw her taking a seat a little away from them and Luna accompanied her.

They saw Dean and Seamus coming to them with a smug expression and plopped themself beside them. "Congragulations..!!", They said looking at him and Ron and both gave a confused smile at them.

"I have always wondered this possiblity but was never sure!", Dean said and looked at Harry mischievously.

"We are so happy for you Bro! But try to keep things low, you know..we are sharing the dormitory too!", Seamus spoke sniggering.

Both Harry and Ron shared a look! Hermione looked between them and then her eyes suddenly widened as she clasped a hand to her mouth.

Harry looked at her, "What? What's going on?", He said looking at them.

"What do you mean to keep it low?", Ron asked following Harry.

"Harry? Ron? Is it..is it true?", Hermione asked them quietly choosing the words cautiously.

Harry was going frustrated, "What is true? What's going on?"

"You and Ron?", Hermione spoke after a while looking at him and Ron.

"Me and Harry what?", Ron asked who is clearly offended by People's behaviour.

"Uhm.....You..both.. dating?", Hermione asked.

It took some time for Harry and Ron to sink in what she was saying and the moment it did, Both broke into laughter much into the confusion of the other three.

"Me and Ron?", Harry asked in between laughter.

"Seriously?", Ron asked following him.

"Who put that idea into your head?", Harry asked.

"Some fifth year Ravenclaw told me. You guys were kissing yesterday!", Dean said and Harry who was drinking water splattered the whole water into his plate.

"What?", He asked looking at them.

"Well, I heard something like that when I was going to library last night. Peeves were shouting something like Potty and Wheezy kissie and all. I thought I misheard it then.", She said looking between them.

Harry had an idea what is going on and tried to find a convincing lie but his mind was blank.

"So you guys were not?", Seamus asked looking at them.

"No...!! Its rubbish. I was at detention with Filch yesterday. How can I kiss Harry?", Ron asked.

"So the whole students are thinking we both are a couple now?", Harry asked.

"Yeah, It seems so!", Dean shrugged.

"But..But why did you think like that? Me and Harry? Have you lot lost your senses?"

"Well, You cannot blame them for that!", Seamus said.

"What do you mean?", Harry asked.

"Hmm..You and Ron were best friends since first year. You both are always together. You won't let anyone say bad about each other. So...You know?", Dean shrugged!

"What? But Hermione's also always with us. Why did she not in this?", Ron asked.

"Who said she is not in there? You three are always a piece of gossip in this school, mate!", Seamus chuckled. "Its just that you guys don't know it!"

Harry and Ron looked at each other and then at Hermione who was thinking something so hard! "Hermione?", Ron called her out.

"Where are you?", Harry asked.

"Huh? Nothing..I was just wondering if Harry and Ron weren't kissing"- Ron snorted- "then Why would Peeves say like that?", She asked and Harry's face went white as ghost. This is it. There's no escape. Hermione will find out now and soon will Ron. He felt his throat damaged. Hermione looked at Harry and maybe seeing his face like that, her eyes widened and she clasped her hand to her mouth looking at him.

Ron looked between them and then suddenly his expression changed as if someone dropped a bomb on his head. Harry looked at Ron trying to make an apologetic face but Ron was sitting still.

"Ron?", Harry called out somehow managing to find his voice. Maybe sensing it, Ginny came towards them and sat beside Harry. Ron's eyes travelled from Harry to Ginny. Dean and Seamus, who only grasped the thing now, looked at them wide eyed. Through the corner of his eyes, Harry saw Hermione sitting shocked looking at him and Ginny, her hand still clutched over her mouth.

"Ron..?", Harry called him out once more hoping to receive at least a groan but he was still looking at them as if calculating something in his mind so hard.

"Oh..Come off it Ron. I am old enough to decide my boyfriends!", Ginny intervened fed up of the drama and that finally knocked some sense into him as he spoke, "Since when?", He asked looking at Harry. Hermione was looking with fear now.

"Start of the term..", Harry answered. "But I can explain! I tried to think of every possiblity in which I can stop myself from looking her in that way and there were many, one of it, she being your sister but I couldn't. I really like her. I was going to tell you this today. I had no idea this will turn this way!", Harry tried to explain.

"Ron, You can't possibly blame Harry or me. And also you can't find any problem with this. He is your best mate!", Ginny tried to reason.

"But I didn't say anything!", Ron said his lips slowly twitching into a smile. Harry looked at him confused but suddenly heard a loud gasp and saw Hermione has finally removed her hand from her mouth and is beaming gleefully.

"That's alright Mate..!I kind of saw this coming!! But not this soon though!", He smiled.

"What?", Ginny asked in disbelief. "So, You are not gonna point out the different scenarios in which this can turn bad?"

Ron looked at her incredulously, "No..Hey! Harry is my best mate! Why should I say those?"

"So why did you behave like that?", Harry asked not being able to contain his smile.

Ron smirked, "Nothing gives you more pleasure than taking the Mickey out of your friend!"

Harry laughed and turned to Hermione who was literally jumping out of her seat and he couldn't help but chuckle at her, "Ooh..This is so exciting..!!", She said as she hugged Ginny.

"Congrats Harry!", Seamus said followed by Dean.

"Gotta go! But must say, You and Ron would have made a great couple though!", Dean winked at them and left leaving Ron and Harry looking at each other before bursting into laughter.

"Ron, What did you mean you saw this coming?", Ginny asked in between and Harry too looked at Ron curiously.

"Well, For the starter, You couldn't take off your eyes off my sister due to which you received 2 bludgers back to back during our practice!", Ron said and Harry felt himself going red while the others laughed off.

"Aww...!", Ginny said before kissing Harry softly.

"Whoa..whoa..!!", Ron's voice broke them apart. "I am alright with this and all okay? But not before me!"

Harry chuckled as he raised his eyebrows enquiringly at him. "How will you feel if I kissed Hermione in front of you? Huh?", Ron asked making Hermione go pink.

"Well, I don't mind you kissing Hermione which I think you should've done long before but yeah, not before me!", Harry winked at both of them and stood up before running taking Ginny's hand leaving a stunned Ron and Hermione. Both determined not to look at each other!

[snapedefender]

a tidbit for the @snapeloveposts​‘s day 2 prompt - “the sorting hat chooses a different house for snape.” tw for some blood purist thoughts - snape’s eleven here and has yet to outgrow his problematic thinking

-

Severus was shaking. He could feel the trembling and all he could hope was that it wasn’t showing. He already stood out enough thanks to his shoddy, second-hand robes. They’d been his mother’s and they still had bits of the silver and green piping around the hems. That didn’t matter - Severus was sure he was going into Slytherin - but it was embarrassing how worn they looked next to everyone else’s. He didn’t think anyone else had come to Hogwarts with secondhand robes.

The Sorting Hat was still singing. He glanced at Lily, taking comfort in her wide smile and bright eyes. She was excited. He should be excited too, but that didn’t stop the slick well of nerves. This was the moment. Everything about the next seven years of his life was going to be determined by that stupid hat. Where he slept and ate and who his friends would be.

He glanced at Lily again, stomach twisting. He was going to be in Slytherin. That’s what his mother said, anyway. All Princes had been in Slytherin, so it didn’t matter that he had filthy muggle blood. But Lily was a mudblood, there was no way she was going to be there too. Severus twisted his fingers in the overly long sleeves of his robe, wearing away at the ragged hems. He didn’t want to be in a different house than Lily. She was his only friend, the only person who hadn’t run off or called him a weirdo. But he wanted to make his mother proud, too. 

The Sorting Hat stopped. In the silence of the hall, Severus’s heartbeat felt really loud.

“Arnold, James,” Professor McGonagall called out in her stern, no-nonsense voice and then it was just a countdown to the deciding moment of Severus’s life.

His heart beat faster and faster. They moved down the A’s, the B’s, the C’s... Then it was Earns, Hannah and then - 

“Evans, Lily.”

Lily beamed at him. “See you on the other side!” she whispered and squeezed his shoulder before stepping up to the Hat.

Severus watched the brightness of her hair, stomach squirming. And even though he knew that it couldn’t be, knew that it would only make Lily miserable, he couldn’t stop himself from wishing, just for one, selfish moment that the hat would yell out-- 

“GRYFFINDOR!”

Severus’s heart dropped to his toes as the Gryffindor house erupted with cheers. Lily took the hat off with a blush and marched over to her new house, held head high and smile wide. Severus watched her go numbly. He heard a mean snicker behind him.

“Didn’t think you’d really be able to stay friends with someone like that, did you, Snivellous?”

He knew he was flushing, but he didn’t look over into James Potter’s stupid face and refused to acknowledge him even when Potter sauntered past him to get his own placement in Gryffindor. Severus kept his eyes on Lily. Of all the houses, he thought miserably, why did it have to be Gryffindor? If he did go into Slytherin, Lily would never talk to him again. She’d find other friends, people who were less weird and moody, and she’d totally forget about him. He’d be alone again.

The pain of that idea consumed him so much that he almost missed his name being called. He turned dully and marched up to the Hat, barely even acknowledging Professor McGonagall’s raised eyebrows and expectant look. He pulled the hat over his head.

“Well, well,” it said. Its voice was whisper and light, like the rustling of thousands of pages or leaves on a breeze. “Severus Snape, is it? Eileen’s son, yes. Let’s take a look around, shall we?”

Severus squeezed his eyes shut. “Can you make this quick?” he asked.

The Hat made a sound that was almost like a laugh. “This is the most fun I have all year, boy,” it said. “Be patient. Let’s see. Oh, that mind! You’d suit Ravenclaw, there’s no doubt about that. You’ve got that curiosity. And, yes, there’s some Hufflepuff in there too - you know about being patient, don’t you? Poor child.” 

Severus bared his teeth. “That’s private,” he snapped.

“Oh ho ho! Got a bit of a bite to you, don’t you?” The bloody thing sounded amused. “Don’t worry, child. I don’t delve deep. Your memories are safe. Now, let’s... Oh, yes. There’s a thirst to prove yourself, all right. That’s deeper than almost anything else, even that curiosity of yours.” It sounded almost sad now. “You want to show everyone you’re better than that muggle father of yours.”

Severus nearly ripped it off of his head. “Don’t--!”

“But that’s not all that’s there.” There was an odd feeling in his head, like someone was rifling through his memories. Severus shivered. “Oh my. Would you look at that.”

“Look at what?”

“There’s a thirst to prove yourself, child. But beyond that, there’s something much stronger.”

Severus heard Professor McGonagall shift at his side. How long had he been under the hat?

“What’s stronger?” he asked, curious.

The hat laughed. It tickled Severus’s mind. “Your desire to protect, child. You’d stop at nothing to keep your mother safe or that little friend of yours. You’d face any evil, slay any demon.”

Severus stiffened. “What of it?” he spat out.

“Oh, yes. I know just where to put you. Though you may hate me for it for years to come, it’d better be... GRYFFINDOR.”

Severus didn’t take the hat off for a long moment, so shocked his whole body felt like it didn’t even belong to him. What? What?

Professor McGonagall lifted the hat from his head. She looked bemused. Severus realized dimly that she was his new Head of House.

“You’d better go join your housemates,” she told him in a gentle voice. 

Severus stood. His knees felt shaky and loose. He forced himself to walk with his head held high, ignoring the way looks from the Slytherin table were following him. He marched all the way over to the Gryffindors and sat down across from Lily, whose face rivaled the sun. Her pure joy made him relax a little. She immediately reached out and took his hand.

“I know we’d be in the same house, Sev!” she said. “This is great, isn’t it?”

He looked around. Everyone at the table was smiling at him, welcoming and friendly. Not one stink-eye or nasty smirk. He had Lily’s hand in his. He wasn’t alone. Slowly, he relaxed enough to offer Lily a smile.

“Yeah,” he said. “I guess it is.”

- 

funnily enough i was going to write hufflepuff!snape. but even though i think snape would be a good hufflepuff (patient enough to wait 20 years for revenge! hard-working! so, so, so loyal!) i somehow wrote myself into gryffindor!snape. gryffindor!snape is a lot like harry, i think - he’s got a lot of slytherin ways of achieving his ultimately gryffindor goals.

[sortinghatchats]

On Slytherin Primaries

Slytherins believe in the importance of taking care of their own. Everyone else is a person, but so are they, so a Slytherin’s job, before everything else, is taking care of them and theirs. This makes what Slytherin are known for, their ambition and ruthlessness, stand out strikingly even while a Slytherin’s core is not inherently selfish or cut-throat.

All of the Houses contain people with great ambitions and great desire for accomplishment and the furthering of their goals. Gryffindors will take on the world to do what they think is right, and are willing to make sacrifices and overrule those who would compromise on what needs to be done, and that’s nothing if not ambition. What makes the Slytherin ambition stand out so significantly is that it’s seen as a selfish ambition, and a guiltlessly selfish one at that. That drive is tied to personal achievement instead of idealistic achievement, and that makes it easier to point at. 

But this is key: selfish ambition is idealistic ambition for a Slytherin. A Slytherin’s first priority is to their loved ones not because they love deeper or harder than the other Houses (they don’t), but because it is wrong to betray or abandon your people and right to defend and promote them. Loyalty and defense of your own is an inherent part of the Slytherin morality.

A Slytherin does not generally feel guilty for valuing themselves, for taking time for their own mental or physical health, or for sacrificing other things for the safety and happiness of the people they love. They might feel vulnerable, or judged, or guilty for not feeling guilty, especially if they live in the kind of family or culture where humility and self sacrifice are seen as the greatest goods– but without watching eyes and the words of peers and authority figures bouncing around their skulls, a Slytherin would feel comfortable and even validated in the idea that they have both a right and duty to take care of their own selves before anything or anyone else. 

An exception to this is a Slytherin who’s managed to kick themselves out of their inner circle. For whatever reason, they don’t feel like they deserve their own help or kindnesses. Their “me and mine” priorities are still apparent but now it’s only “mine.” They fiercely and selflessly prioritize the individuals they love, value, or feel responsible for, while excluding their own self. A Slytherin like this can look somewhat like a Hufflepuff Primary, erring towards selflessness, but take a look at how they prioritize between their best friend v. a stranger in need. If they feel guilty for abandoning the stranger, they’re probably a Puff; Slytherins feel desperately like they owe things to their people, but they don’t feel like they owe people in general. (Also keep an eye out for a Burned Hufflepuff in this example, though– a Slytherin wouldn’t care strongly about not helping the stranger, except for general empathetic tickles; a Hufflepuff would be survivably eaten up inside; a Burned Puff would force themselves not to care because it’s the only practical thing). 

Not prioritizing their own would feel wrong to a Slytherin. It would feel selfish, and might feel like giving into social pressures instead of standing up for what matters to them. This can hold true emotionally even when logically, prioritizing you and yours is not the best thing to do. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen, a Slytherin Primary who only wants her family to be safe, almost runs away from her place as an important political symbol on the chance that she and her loved ones could make it on their own, hiding from the capitol. She doesn’t– but she really wants to, and when things go wrong she feels guilty for not acting to put her loved ones first. 

Canonical Basis

Individual loyalty is something tied to Slytherins in the books and movies, but isn’t something that gets focused on. “Or perhaps in Slytherin you’ll make your real friends,” the Sorting Hat says in the song from Harry’s first year. It doesn’t explicitly use the loyal like it does for Hufflepuff, but that’s consistent because often, Slytherins don’t look loyal. If you’re not one of their most important people, who you can often count on one hand, they’re not particularly loyal. Loyalty doesn’t have an inherent worth for Slytherins the way it does for Hufflepuffs. Loyalty is less given and more earned.

And we have canonical examples of Slytherin loyalty, extreme and dramatic as it is. Slytherin loyalty is Narcissa Malfoy abandoning her Dark Lord for the sake of her son. Slytherin loyalty is the way Pansy Parkinson freaks out every time something injures Draco, and the way she was willing to sacrifice Harry to save herself and her friends (and the way she expected other people to agree with that judgement call). 

It’s Slughorn’s guiltless willingness to distance himself from Dumbledore’s war–until old Dumbly gave him a reason to risk his own precious skin. It’s Snape, unwilling to let go of Lily Potter even after decades have passed and her son has grown up an orphan; even when there is nothing still to gain from holding onto his loyalty to her, and even when he hates her son. 

Moving outside of canon (because there are nearly no positive descriptions of Slytherins with canon– Narcissa is a bigot, Pansy a bully, Slughorn a spineless creep, Snape a child abuser): 

Slytherin is Ender Wiggin going back to Battle School not to save the world but because his sister asked him to, and Bean going to Battle School because he could get an education there that would save himself and then staying to save Ender. Slytherin is Pepper Potts telling Tony that, to hell with the world, he needs to take care of himself first. It’s Andrea from The Walking Dead pulling a gun on the people who try to get between her and her sister’s body. It’s Toph Beifong not giving any fucks except that hey, Twinkle Toes needs her. It’s Briar Moss of Circle of Magicplunging into death itself, refusing to let Rosethorn go. 

Where Molly Weasley, in HP canon, weeps but drops her son Percy when he turns on them for the Ministry, blood purist and loyal daughter of House Black Narcissa Malfoy betrays the Dark Lord and saves Harry Potter for Draco’s sake. As the final, epic battle of good and evil culminates and commences in Hogwarts, Narcissa takes her family and she disappears. The ideals of her war were only her priority until her son was in direct danger. 

Slytherin v. Hufflepuff

Slytherin and Hufflepuff are the two Loyalist Primaries. People, and not ideals, are at the core of their judgement calls. But where Hufflepuffs tend to bond to groups, Slytherins bond with individuals.

Slytherin Primaries are horrified to see someone let down a friend. To turn on a loved one for words as insubstantial as truth or justice or the greater good feels like a very particular kind of madness. Sure that’s what you’re supposed to do, a Slytherin might say, but that’s not what you actually want, is it? Your person is right here. They are real, and they are breathing, and they need you, and they are yours. It’s an extreme Slytherin who would let the whole world burn for the sake of a friend, but every Slytherin Primary would be at the very least tempted.

We discuss in the Hufflepuff Primary post how when someone is dropped from a Hufflepuff’s group of “people,” it is a dramatic fall into becoming a dehumanized “thing.” This Hufflepuff dehumanization can take many forms– outsiders, “other”ing people, having strong beliefs in the justification behind more institutionalized types of exclusion like racism, sexism, classism. But it’s a divide where there are people who are people, and then there are people who are not-people. 

The Slytherin divide is very different. There is no mechanism inherent to the Primary that removes someone of their personhood. Rather, they are removed of their status. There is a possessive drive to Slytherin, and while that varies in intensity across different individuals, it puts the divide on the basic line of “mine” and “not mine.” We find it helpful to talk about it in terms of being in someone’s inner circle, but it’s not usually that binary. Like it is with everyone, loyalty comes in a gradient. 

But Slytherin’s loyalty is more selective than the other Houses’. Where a Hufflepuff extends some initial degree of loyalty on the basis of your being a person, with a Slytherin any loyalty you gain is earned from the bottom up; you start at 0. 

A Decided House

But when the major part of your moral system that you feel viscerally is to protect yourself and your people, there are a lot of gaps in how you interact with the world and with moral situations. What do Slytherins do when confronted with gross wrongs like slavery, like murder, like unjust war–wrongs that don’t touch their people? It depends on the Slytherin. But this is why we count a Slytherin as a Decided house along with Ravenclaw, despite the core of their moral system being very much felt. 

Some Slytherins simply don’t care–they opt out of the moral complications of the rest of the world and what touches other people and choose a contented apathy about the things that don’t intrude on their space– but other Slytherins construct ways to interact with these situations. 

Perhaps they do so by understanding that other people have connections as strong and important as their own, or by building something more complex. Sometimes Slytherins can build systems that look like Ravenclaw systems– systems based on observational data, on adopted systems, or by keeping the moral guidance that they were taught growing up. The defining difference between these constructed additional Slytherin systems and the Ravenclaw Primary system is that the Slytherins are aiming for function and don’t have the same drive for truth. It matters much less if the system they build is true than if it is functional. The system should optimize for what they care about and what makes them happy, but this moral code is not viscerally driving like a Slytherin’s desire to protect those closest to them. 

Some Slytherins latch specifically on to the morality of their most important person (or people), either because they trust them or because they value them. Samwise Gamgee, the loyal hobbit who follows Frodo through hell and back, adopts Frodo’s system. Sam does great good, bravely and well, but he does it, “For Mr. Frodo! For the Shire! And for my Gaffer!” Jeff Winger from Community also sometimes follows this pattern, absorbing the moralities of his study group and best friends. Both these characters are, to put it simplistically, wearing bracelets that read “What Would Mr. Frodo Do?” and “What Would The Study Group Do?” etc. For Jeff, it’s a bit more because Annie will pout at him if he’s doesn’t at least try. 

Aang, from Avatar the Last Airbender, builds himself a stunning replica of his beloved deceased father figure Gyatso’s ethical system and he lives in it all his life. Latching onto a parental figure or early (sometimes, in media, deceased) influence’s morality is a form of love common for young Slytherins. Train Heartnet of Black Cat (who Saya changes so completely), Kai of Korra (who takes in Jinora’s culture like it’s his own morality), and Edward Cullen of Twilight (who takes Carlisle’s pacifism to self-hating extremes), are all examples of that. 

Alternatively, a Slytherin might spend a lot of their time living in a Primary model–it might matter deeply to them to do good and right. If they have that drive for truth, they might have a Ravenclaw Primary model as opposed to just a Slytherin’s functional construction. They might also have a Gryffindor Primary or a Hufflepuff Primary model. They could even have a Slytherin Primary model– but one that is loyal and dedicated to a larger group of people, like a whole peer group, the population of a whole city, or even humanity in general. (This can look a bit like a Hufflepuff– one major visible difference is that particularly Slytherin sense of possessiveness.) They could live in that model for all conflicts and decisions that are separate from and non-threatening toward their most important people and be very functional with that. 

MCU’s Tony Stark is an example of this type. (He’s also an example of a Slytherin who has kicked himself out of his own inner circle). He is a Slytherin Primary dedicated to Pepper and Rhodey (and, as of Avengers 2, he’s likely coming to value the other Avengers this way), but he has built a driving model to allow him to interact ethically with the rest of the world. It is this model that drives Iron Man and his sustainability and charity projects. This model (we think it’s probably Gryffindor Primary) is likely also what will drive him to one side or the other in Civil War. As long as Pepper or one of his own is not in direct danger (though the danger to himself is irrelevant), Tony will act firmly in service of his model. 

But dropping that model in order to stand by someone you love, or in order to protect yourself, doesn’t feel like a failing. Sticking to that modelled morality at the expense of betraying or abandoning one of their own would make a Slytherin feel guilty and wrong. Being able to put the things and concepts you like aside for the sake of the people who need you feels more righteous than any moral posturing. It feels practical and it feels right, just as strongly as a Gryffindor Primary’s internal moral compass points them. 

It’s a people based system, but it’s still an intuitive model of right and wrong. Betraying your own is the worst kind of crime. Loyalty is precious and terrible; it makes you vulnerable. It’s given sparingly, deeply, and a Slytherin will stand by their loyalties through the same death and fire that a Gryffindor would brave for the sake of doing the right thing, or a Hufflepuff to help someone in need.

In the same vein, when a Slytherin realizes that someone else doesn’t put the same value on the people they profess loyalty to, they might react similarly to a Gryffindor realizing that morality isn’t intuitive to everyone. Some things are just wrong, a Gryffindor might protest. But they’re your child–your spouse–your friend, a Slytherin will cry, confused and unsettled. How could you?

Petrified or Burned Slytherin

While there are certainly Slytherin Primaries who don’t care about any people who aren’t theirs, many Slytherins, especially ones who enjoy being more social, have wide circles of friends and acquaintances; people they will go out of their way to help, and whose company they enjoy, whose confidence they trust (to a point). What defines a Slytherin is not a lack of these concentric circles, but rather how sharply those lines of stratification are drawn. Wanting to help someone doesn’t mean you’re loyal to them. Wanting to help them at the expense of your comforts, your values, your commitments and sometimes even your self–that does. 

You end up with Slytherin Primaries on both ends of the spectrum: ones who have decided that a huge group of people are “theirs” (to the extreme of: the world is my responsibility and I have bonded to every single individual contained in it), and ones who have decided that they themselves are not one of their most important people, but maybe a friend or lover is. 

You can also get Slytherins whose only important person is themselves. This can be done healthily, especially for short periods of times, but when it’s driven by a fear of those close attachments, it becomes a phenomenon we call the Burned or Petrified Slytherin. 

The Petrified Slytherin is a Slytherin who has no inner circle and no plans to get one. Whether through death, betrayal, abandonment (from either side), or through never having had any to begin with, the Petrified Slytherin has decided that having important people is too dangerous. Having those strong ties leaves you open to pain and weakness, and the pleasure of those connections aren’t worth the despair that comes from their seemingly inevitable loss. In this way, they close themselves off to meaningful connections out of what is ultimately fear (though from the inside, it’s far more likely to be experienced as a rational, sensible decision given the circumstances of the world), and gives them a stony exterior that seems impenetrable, resolute, and cold. 

Even when not Petrified, though, the Slytherin Primary often seems cold. This comes not from any actual inherent coldness, but because they often show their warmth only to their inner circle. This is hugely influenced by your other houses, especially when you get the warmth of the Hufflepuff Secondary involved, or have a warm model– but even then, there is a special and somewhat exclusive kind of warmth saved for those who are held the closest. 

A Slytherin Primary in our system is defined first and foremost by the intensity and priority of their loyalties to individual people, however few or many. And the way to break a Slytherin– whether you’re stopping their plans or crushing their will– is to either take away their people or to threaten to. Narcissa betrays Voldemort, fully aware of what that could mean for the safety of herself and her husband, because Draco was more important than anyone or anything. Azula of Avatar the Last Airbender, for all her coldness and lack of mercy, does what she does because she wants desperately to be loved and accepted by her father. When Annabeth, his friends, or his mother are threatened, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson loses all other priorities– his canonical fatal flaw is that he would let the world burn to save a friend. Nothing brings out the fierceness in a Slytherin like getting in between them and their loved ones.

To a Slytherin the inner circle of close loyalties is likely to be a much smaller number than the people they care about and consider friends. A petrified Slytherin is therefore not necessarily someone who is friendless, or who has no social ties, or who lacks affection for people. It’s not even a Slytherin without some sort of a hierarchy of important people.

A petrified Slytherin is a Slytherin who has decided, either consciously or not, that letting people into that inner circle– devoting themselves to someone with that deep, thoughtless Narcissa-type or Azula-type loyalty– is too dangerous. It’s too terrifying. When someone is that close, they become a huge risk. They might die, or you they might stop loving you, or stop liking you, or something awful might happen to them and it might be your fault. Something awful might happen to you because someone might threaten your people and use them against you, and you would be helpless. If you couldn’t find a way to maneuver through the situation, you would have to do whatever was demanded of you to keep your people safe, because nothing would be worse than losing them and having it be your own fault.

Surviving a situation like that (losing someone or having their lives used as collateral against you) is one of the ways we see Petrification often happen. 

Not all Slytherins will Petrify in such a situation– Finnick from The Hunger Games, a Slytherin Primary whose only people are Mags and Annie, has resisted Petrifying even when there are good arguments that it would be a far more adaptive thing to do. The Capitol’s only way of controlling him is by threatening to hurt the people he loves, and even after Mags is killed, he stays resolutely attached to Annie. It gives him the strength to carry on, but is also the weakness that the Capitol is exploiting. If Annie died, Finnick would be very likely to Petrify.

Bean, in Ender’s Shadow, is a Petrified Slytherin for most of the book. He likes people, and sometimes idolizes people, but their main purpose in his life is the utility of them. His connections are a cold, logical thing, closer to an alliance than to a friendship, and often not mutually so. Bean is interesting because we never see the Petrification process. He’s born into a survival situation and is cold and hard and determined to live from the first page. It is only at the very end, when he grows attached to Nikolai and allows himself to consider the possibility that he, too, could have a family who he loves and who loves him, that we see that Petrification begin to melt away. 

Jeff Winger from Community is another example. A ruthless lawyer only out for his own gain and without an attachment in the world except to maybe his car, he’s the perfect example of a Petrified Slytherin. His tentative, slow-moving back and forth journey into attachment to the other characters is a character arc of un-Petrifying. He’s better at it some days than others. 

With female characters in particular, the petrified Slytherin is hugely tied to the trope of the Ice Queen. From TV Tropes: “Her signature characteristic is that she is cold; the ambiguity comes from what “cold” means. She has a cold heart, a frosty demeanor; she attracts but will never be wooed.” Characters who fit this trope are not always Petrified Slytherins, but the trope is an important parallel if not just because of the imagery they share: cold, hard, unyielding, nothing to lose. 

When a Slytherin loses their closest attachments, they are left with only their personal ambitions and with the morality system that is usually constructed around those loyalties. In the sense that the way that they now primarily frame their interactions with the world is constructed, they often appear to look like Ravenclaw Primaries here. The most visible and useful difference here, especially from the outside, is that they don’t have the Ravenclaw drive for truth. Their system doesn’t have to be true or right, but simply functional. If they have a Ravenclaw Primary model that gives them some of that drive, then they might be indistinguishable from the Ravenclaw Primary unless there are are counterexamples of Slytherin loyalty from other points in their life. 

Despite it seeming to at least be a trend, not all Petrified Slytherins look like Ravenclaw Primaries. Petrified Slytherins with models of other Primaries might happily and healthily inhabit those models as their main way of interacting with the world, and this has the potential to be entirely functional. The reason that the model would remain a model though, and not indicate an actual change in Primary, would be that first, there still remains the possibility to un-petrify, and second, even if there is nothing substantial underneath it, the model could still be dropped.

This potential for to drop that model and fall to an underlying lack of structure and direction is part of what gives desperate Slytherins their reputation of being fearsome. Azula is a great, if extreme, example of this when she loses everything at the end of season 3 of Avatar. Mental illness (in the form of at the very least hallucinations and almost definitely a lot more) and trauma also have of course a huge influence on the intensity of everything that happens, but that basic directionlessness, the way that Azula has nothing left after she loses her father, the way she’s so susceptible to being haunted by her mother’s memory, hits so hard because she had structured everything around her Slytherin morality. She had no real goals or ideals underneath that, and so she had no structure to keep her up when that crumbled.

One of the good things about Petrification, as scary and awful as it is, is that it’s a good way to survive a bad situation and it’s possible to un-petrify (see: Defrosted Ice Queen). Because fear of attachment is at the heart of petrification, instead of needing reality to prove your doubts wrong (as the other fallen Houses must), you only need one person to prove that attachment is worth the risk. 

Elementary’s Jamie Moriarty follows a common path here in that, despite her pretending to be un-petrifying for our protagonist Sherlock, the one person she ends up actually attaching to her is her daughter. She is the Slytherin woman who un-petrifies upon becoming a mother. Regina in Once Upon a Time also follows this path, becoming through that a subversion of the Evil Queen, who is often a Petrified Slytherin who does not un-petrify (see her mother, Cora, and the symbolic plot of removing her heart so that no one can use it against her). 

It’s really common in media for characters who have closed themselves off to attachments to be called psychopaths, both by the fans and the writers, when they are, in fact, not. A lot of them have empathy, or at least the capacity for it, and are instead Petrified.The definitive and intentional split between the self and meaningful attachments, due to loss, trauma, selfishness, or fear, is different from the inability to intuitively create those attachments. Calling this “petrification,” rather than inaccurately calling it “psychopathy,” gives the character flexibility to recover from it that doesn’t end up as either a contradiction of established character or as a downplaying of actual serious mental illness.

To sum: Petrification happens when a Slytherin cares about their important people so intensely that pain from their loss, or the potential for future loss, outweighs the positives of having important people. It stops being worth it. Even if it leaves the Slytherin with a directionless system and a cold center where there is an aching potential for great warmth, it feels safer and better to not attach to anyone that strongly.

tl;dr Slytherin Primary

Slytherin is a Decided House, and Internal House, and a Loyalist House. 

As a Decided House, Slytherins, unlike Hufflepuffs (our other loyalists), prioritize "their" people first. Those people are found and chosen by the Slytherin. It's not about who is in front of them,  or who needs them most, but who they have decided to love.

As a Internal House, like Gryffindor, Slytherin Primaries carry a certainty and a moral fortitude inside of themselves. When they are sure they are right, in the defense of themselves or their loved ones, they will not be swayed by outside influence or pressure.

As a Loyalist House, Slytherin puts people first. Unlike the Hufflepuff, they put their people first. They’re content with valuing some people over others without necessarily thinking some people are better than or worth more than others. In fact, putting their own people first feels right. This is something owed. Not valuing the people you profess loyalty to most would be a betrayal, a cowardice, an abandonment. The best thing you can be is there for the people you love. 

Ambitions live in all Houses but Slytherins’ is notorious because it often looks the most selfish– it often is the most selfish. Part of a Slytherin’s morality is understanding that your first duty is to yourself and the people you love– higher minded goals are all pomp and circumstance, trying to make yourself feel good. At the heart of things, this is why we are here: for ourselves.

[hpwipfest-blog]

Masterpost HP WIP Fest, part 1

Hello dear fest participants and exited readers. I hereby give you the first masterpost of the HP WIP Fest, announcing all WIP’s that have entered so far. As it is a long list, I have put it under a cut, with the WIP’s that are already on ao3 first in case you want to start reading already. 

If you signed up for the fest but do not see your WIP in this list, this is probably because I do not yet have a title for your work. In that case, please email me the title so I can include you in the next masterpost.

I hope all the participants find lots of inspiration to finish in the upcoming weeks, and to our early readers, enjoy these wonderful WIP’s!

#1

Skin Deep by @loganaa-fic

Pairing: Drarry

When Harry accepts a job at Dean's tattoo parlor, he never expected that Draco Malfoy would show up, looking for a tattoo. But then again, since when did Malfoy do what was expected?

#2

The Boy Who Killed God by @sirius-black-killed-god

Pairing: Wolfstar

Sirius Black has a secret. Well, no, that's not true. Sirius Black has many secrets. His wand is dying, his parents more or less want to kill him, and there's the small matter of the cursed TOUJOURS PUR tattoo right above his heart, that he's had since he turned eight years old. Sirius Black is no stranger to secrets.

Then, Remus Lupin walks into his life.

Thus, begins a whole new history - one of darkness, of magic, of bravery, of family - as four boys set out to unwind the endings so many others have written for them.

This is the story of the Marauders at Hogwarts and afterwards, and all the love that lies between.

This is Year One.

#3

Apparently by justanotherloser

Pairing: Drarry

Father says apparently I feel too much.

Mother says apparently my mask needs to hide more of my emotions.

The Dark Lord says apparently I'm too weak.

Blaise says apparently I hate too often, and Pansy says I apparently need to let go.

I never get to make choices with them. Not with my family, not with my life, not with my house.

Apparently I can only choose who I hate, and I can't even get that right.

Apparently I love Harry Potter.

#4

Are You Here To Finish Me Off, Sweetheart? by @geekmom13

Pairing: Antonin Dolohov/Hermione Granger

Antonin gets held by the order for the secret he keeps and Hermione is put in charge of him. They end up relying on each other more than anyone had expected.

#5

Children of war by @the-purple-black

Pairing: Bellatrix Lestrange/Rodolphus Lestrange

A promise made by Bellatrix to the Dark Lord seemed unimportant at the time, though years later it seems her loyalty must be put to the test.

#6

Fixed Point by @frumpologist

Pairing: Dramione

Draco and Hermione are Time Unspeakables who travel through time to stop anachronists from using illegal time travel to change the course of history.

Their adventures lead them through the whole of history and the unwritten expanse of the future. Hermione learns about the History of Magic and Draco learns about science, Muggles, and falling in love.

However, there are fixed points in time, events so important that they cannot be altered. Hermione Granger’s tragic life as an Unspeakable is one of those points, and nothing Draco can do will change the path they’re forced to follow.

#7

Not In Love (Letters) by @drarryangels

Pairing: Drarry

It's eighth year at Hogwarts, and Harry is unsurprisingly beyond miserable. Ron isn't coming back for his last year of school, Hermione is suddenly best friends with Pansy Parkinson, and Draco Malfoy won't stop ignoring him. Even all the House unity is going too splendidly to be exciting. Truthfully, Harry wishes he had never come back at all. That is, until he starts receiving letters from an anonymous sender.

#8

Sequel to Palo Alto by @nachodiablo

Pairing: Wolfstar

Modern AU set in Northern California. It's been four years since Sirius and Remus got their shit together. James and Lily aren't doing too shabby, either. Things are going great. Sure, James still hasn't gotten any of his business ideas off the ground quite yet. And yeah, Lily's still not ready to move in with James, even though she spends every night at his place. And okay, Remus might be starting to freak a little about whether his PhD is going to land him in some no-name wasteland town for a job. And fine, Sirius has stalled out a bit since he left work to pursue his dreams of... well, to find a dream to pursue. Regardless. Things are great. Very chill. That is, until a family tragedy brings an adorable bundle of responsibility into their lives.

#9

The End Is Just The Beginning by @the-fifth-marauder

Pairing: Drarry

When Draco decided to join the Auror forces, he knew life would be made hell for him by just about everyone in the Ministry. Yet never did Draco think he would be condemned to a fate like this.

Or

The one where Draco gets the second chance he never knew he wanted. Before he realized that 'Happy Endings' just aren't for his destiny. Or were they?

#10

New Beginnings by @kaarina-riddle

Pairing: Dramione

Hermione comes home to find her husband in a compromising position on the kitchen table and wants to get away from everything, the perfect job opportunity as a professor of Charms at Hogwarts is offered and she takes it. Only to find that there's a surprise Draco Malfoy old school nemesis is the new DADA professor what will happen?

#11

A Girl Worth Fighting For by @saintdionysus

Pairing: Hermione Draco, Hermione/Theo

Due to the events of War, The Ministry of Magic has ordered students to repeat their final year, despite being legal wizarding age and completion of OWLs. Hermione Granger and Blaise Zabini form a friendship as head boy and head girl and find a way to use their authority to challenge the Ministry. Along the way, she finds herself caught between two unexpected love interests, while Blaise plays referee between his two friends.

#12

The Promise by @tofadeawayagain

Pairing: Drastoria, Dramione

When Astoria Malfoy learns she is dying, she asks Hermione Granger to take care of her husband Draco. It's not until the following New Year's Eve that he starts to let her. A tale about the seasons of grief, friendship and love, and moving on after a devastating loss.

#13

All the Stupid Things in Between: A Gryffindor and Slytherin Love Story by ForeverEvan

Pairing: Fred Weasley/OFC

Evangeline "Evan" Carter, the illegitimate daughter of Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange, is moved from Ilvermorny to Hogwarts at the beginning of the 4th Year. She is facing the task of hiding her true identity while falling for a boy from the wrong family. Evan must rely on her brother and her teacher to navigate the dangerous world of being the daughter of a Death Eater and a killer.

#14

Prowler by @goldie-writes-things

Pairing: Harry/Hermione

Harry and Hermione thought winning the war was the hard part. They had no idea how difficult surviving it would be. Newly engaged Lord Potter and Lady Black must navigate the murky waters of parenthood while rebuilding their lives. But when their world starts crashing down around them they are faced with a startling question: What wouldn’t you do for your child?

#15

Stressed Teen to Yes Queen by @drarryandharry

Pairing: Drarry

The fab five sort out post war Harry. That’s it. That’s the summary.

#16

Shockwave by maraudersaffair

Pairing: Drarry

When Harry fled Britain he had no idea murder and Draco fucking Malfoy would follow. Now in Las Vegas, he’s faced with a vampire mystery and a Malfoy who refuses to tell him the truth.

Veelas and vampires! Yay!

#17

Destiny Intertwined by @vinoamore

Pairing: Hermione/Dolohov

In response to a prompt by Anonymous in the DFFandCabalChristmasFest collection.

Prompt: A marriage law is passed just before the Christmas holidays. Hermione is matched with a former Death Eater, Antonin Dolohov...and Hermione is furious. "Why is this happening?!" she demanded. "He tried to kill me!"

#18

The Seven Year Witch by @thelastlynx

Pairing: Dramione

A boy and a girl have been meeting, coincidentally, for seven summers. While they pretty much hate each other most of the year, for those little moments in July or August they manage to see one another in a different light. But will that be quite enough to bring them together?

#19

Distant Stars by @of-stars-and-moon

Pairing: Wolfstar, Jily

(The story of Sirius Black, a Slytherin student as he finds friendship and love from someone he never expected)

'The memory was still so new and clear, feeling like it was yesterday but an eternity away at the same time.

In first year, Sirius would have never ever imagined that on his last day at Hogwarts, he would be lying on a roof, holding hands with Remus and listening to James and Peter.'

#20

A Home For Christmas by @motherbookerao3

Pairing: Drarry

High on a barely legal pain potion, Harry accidentally ends up adopting a child with Draco Malfoy.

#21

The Noble and Most Ancient Guide to Vice and Virtues by grimyoufuck

Pairing: Wolfstar

Toujours Pur; the words had been branded into Sirius' subconscious from a young age. It was a motto he'd never been able to live up to, even when he had tried. But now? Now, he was going to escape his mother's scathing words and his father's ambivalent silence to travel the continent with his best friend, and nothing was going to stop him. His mother was determined to keep the bloodline pure, and uphold the name of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Sirius was determined to do the opposite.

When Sirius Black journeys to France to begin the first leg of his European tour with best friend James Potter, he'd expected a holiday of booze and boys. What he hadn't expected, much less wanted, was an educational trip, including nights out at the opera. But when a particular cast member catches Sirius' eye, he wonders if some good old fashioned fun could be obtained after all.

#22

Serendipity by @mrsren96

Pairing: Harry/Hermione

Like any girl, Hermione has dreamed of her future nuptials, at least once or twice. So far it's not going so well. There's a marriage law, and well, Harry Potter to deal with.

#23

Avignon by bittercape

Pairing: Gen

Voldemort is dead, and Wizarding Britain is controlled by the totalitarian Umbridge Ministry. The resistance, mainly centered around our heroes from the books (with some additions and some changes), is working against overpowering odds to overthrow the government. Think a reversed French revolution meets Cold War-era Berlin. With magic.

#24

A Bond Beyond The Vast Wave by @mangopassionfruity

Pairing: Sirius/Lucius, James/Lily, Lily/Severus

Sirius was a many things, rebellious, lazy, a prankster, troublemaker, lady's man, irresponsible, carefree. Or that is what he likes to appear as. And why break that image he's crafted for himself? Even if it'd make his life easier, especially with his hidden relationship with a certain Malfoy heir.

But things backfire and it leads to making decisions that change his way of life.

#25

Though My Mind Could Think (I Still Was a Mad Man) by Cassiara

Pairing: Drarry

After the war is over Harry thinks it's finally his turn to rest after years of pretending he's fine, and just waiting for the day he isn't needed anymore. He tries to kill himself, but of all people, Malfoy saves him. Harry realises that if he has the courage to die, he should also have the courage to live.

Ultimately this is a story about recovery, but it's also about all the things you sometimes have to go through to get there.

This is a rewrite of my fic "Favourite Scar".

#26

Explosions in the heart by @hp-rbiim

Pairing: Drarry

It's back to Hogwarts and Malfoy is annoying as ever.

Unpublished WIP’s

#27

Time is gone (thought i'd have something more to say) by Thestias

Pairing: Fremione

After the battle of hogwarts, the dead number in the hundreds; the loss of the brightest witch of their age hits hard, and for one wizard, his desperation to fix what had been broken sends him travelling back in time in a frantic attempt to save her. angst, fluff and angst, time travel, alternate universe - canon divergence, slow burn

#28

Encounters by @pottercrew

Pairing: Drarry

Harry is finding it difficult to keep his relationship with Draco apart from his relationships with Malfoy. What if he no longer wants to? Kink negotiation, anal sex, blow jobs, hard sex, bondage, voyeurism, sex club.

#29

The Side Of The Angels by @hiddenhibernian

“Focus,” Hermione told herself, forcing her breathing to slow down. “What's the worst that can happen?”

 Bad question. Her heart was hammering so hard it drowned out the buzz from the bar on the other side of the door to the cleaning cupboard she unceremoniously had been bundled into. The bar was the Hag's Head, and it was usually a friendly place for the Order of the Phoenix. They were still fighting, five years after the fall of Harry Potter, but Aberforth had turned against them... It didn't bear thinking about. 

Then the door opened.

#30

Not Gryffindor…? by Dracomalfoyy_youlittleshit

Harry gets sorted into Slytherin, finding an unlikely friendship in Draco Malfoy. Basically a retell of Harry Potter but with Harry in Slytherin.

#31

A Lotus In The Mud by @kaokumasparkle

Pairing: Drarry

Harry always had problems with common sense, everyone knows this. And now that he's sick with Hanahaki over a certain slytherin blonde, it looks like he may never get the chance to learn. Possible tags: mutual pining, angst with a happy ending, parseltongue Harry, Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, Hogwarts 8th year, Hermione just wants ONE year where Harry doesn't almost die, jealous Draco, protective Harry, Forbidden Forest adventures, minor mentions of blood

#32

It’s A Kind Of Magic by ive_beenfound

Pairing: Drarry

It's 8th year and the war has been hard on everyone. And having a future to think about and look forward to is terrifying Warnings/Tags: 10 year time jump, difficult conversations about lgbtq and war, harry being oblivious, draco being a shite, potentially triggering conversations about family.

#33

Flirting With Chaos by @alexandrao

Pairing: Dramionarry (Draco x Hermione x Harry) 

The Ministry of Magic passes a marriage law, forcing all those above the age of 17 to be married. Hermione, furious with the law, is paired not to one wizard, but two! Determined to change the law, she flirts with the line that could send her relationship into complete and total chaos.

#34

Friendship, Football, and Fireworks by @LegendaryWrighter

Pairing: Deamus

One lazy Sunday morning, Seamus finds Dean going through some old sketchbooks and joins him in reminiscing on several memories. 

#35

The Winder Of My Life by @nuclearnik

Pairing: Dramione

Hermione's special bond with her Snippets of Hermione's life as she grows up raised by a single mother. When Hermione is an adult, their bond grows to include Draco, who accepts him as long as he loves and cares for her daughter. As her mother's health declines, Hermione has hard truths to face and a supportive husband who is smitten by her mother. 

[calligraphist-artemisia]

Of Family and Unexpected Friendship

Summary:  It's Christmas break and Harry is having a difficult time sleeping in the silence of the boy's dorm, so he goes down to the Common Room where he can better relax. There he finds a third year student named Leona Black, who surprises him with the knowledge that their parents were best friends when they attended Hogwarts. He latches on to the chance to learn more about his mom and dad, and the foundation of a new friendship is born.

Also posted on AO3 under the username kishirokitsune.

--

Of Family and Unexpected Friendship

It was the first day of the winter holidays and Harry Potter could not sleep. Whether it was because he was too excited about being able to stay at Hogwarts for the duration or because of the lack of Ron's loud snoring, he'd be hard pressed to say. Either way, it left him tossing and turning until he decided it would be far better to go down to the common room.

He wasn't surprised that most of his fellow students chose to go home over the holidays, his new best friend included. After all, they had loving families to spend time with, so why would they choose to stay at school?

Harry didn't think he could name any of the others who remained behind in Gryffindor. They were all older than he was, and outside of the Weasley's, he hadn't taken the time to talk to them.

The point was, Harry thought for sure that he'd be walking into an empty common room and wouldn't have to deal with any unwanted questions, but when he got there he discovered that he couldn't have been more wrong.

Sitting at the window was a girl with brown hair, loosely braided over one shoulder. She looked startled by his appearance, but quickly recovered to give him a nod and a soft smile. “Hello, Harry,” she greeted.

“Hello,” he responded carefully.

He did recognize her, though he didn't know her name. He'd seen her frequently around the Weasley twins and their friend, Lee Jordan, so he assumed she was in their year. Harry had never had a reason to talk to her, nor her to him.

Harry shifted his weight, fighting the impulse to turn right around and go back up to his dorm. “Sorry if I'm bothering you.”

She immediately shook her head, as though surprised by the notion. “You're not! Of course you're not! Want to sit with me? You don't have to, of course, and I won't bother you if you'd prefer to sit by yourself.”

Harry shrugged, seeing no harm in sitting with her, and was soon settled at the window with her.

“I'm Leona Black,” she introduced, holding out her hand.

And, not knowing how else to respond, Harry grasped her hand and uttered a simple: “Harry Potter.”

Leona grinned at him as she released his hand. “It's nice to meet you, officially. I'm sorry I didn't approach you sooner, I just wasn't sure how. You seemed so lost your first few weeks that I didn't want to overwhelm you.”

Harry frowned in confusion. “Sorry?”

“You don't need to apologize,” she said, mistaking his meaning.

“No, I mean...” Harry shook his head, his confusion building to mild frustration. “I don't understand. Overwhelm me with what? Have we met before?”

“Well, I only have vague memories of it, but it may just be that I've seen pictures and heard stories that I can imagine it pretty well.” She paused, tilting her head as she regarded him, her smile slipping away. “You... you have no idea who I am, do you? No one ever told you? Our parents were best friends.”

Best friends.

Harry hadn't put much thought into it. He knew there had been a war. A war that his parents and a great number of others had died in. Any passing thought about their friends or people they knew when they were alive had been quickly dismissed, especially when Hagrid didn't mention any of them. Then again, the mere mention of James and Lily made Hagrid start to tear up, so maybe that was the reason why.

Leona suddenly stood. “Wait here, I'll be right back!”

Harry watched, completely mystified, as Leona sprinted up to the girls' dorms, returning minutes later with a thick, leather book in her arms. She was beaming as she sat down next to him again and opened the cover to reveal the first page, turning the book so Harry could see as well.

It was full of photographs, Harry realized as he gazed down at a picture of four Hogwarts students, three boys and one girl, all wearing Gryffindor colors. One of them, with his darker skin, wild black hair, and thick-framed glasses (all-in-all, a striking resemblance to himself), could only be James Potter.

“My dad...”

“Uh huh,” Leona said, nodding. She pointed to the dark-haired man next to James. “And that's my dad next to him. They became friends on the train ride to Hogwarts. It's where they met my mum too. And Uncle Peter shared a dorm with them.”

Harry watched her point out each person as she named them. Her mum was a tiny brunette girl, whose second-hand robes stood out against the newer robes of her friends. Uncle Peter was a chubby boy with blond hair, who looked at his friends with awe in his eyes, as though he was surprised they were including him.

“They had this one taken at the end of their first year. Mum has the rest labeled, if you want to look through it. And if you want to know more, I remember most of the stories she told me about them! I can't tell them as well as she can, of course, but I bet she'd love to tell them to you herself if you'd rather hear them from her,” Leona said.

Harry drank in the images of his dad – it was the first he'd ever been allowed to see him and there was a craving to know more, a craving he never expected to have.

Family. A family who loved him. A family who wanted him. And there was someone alive who could tell him more. More importantly, someone alive who wanted to tell him more.

“I... I don't... Would she want to?” Harry asked, hardly daring to believe it.

“Harry, she would love to hear from you,” Leona said seriously. “I can write to her and double check, but the number of times she has asked about you so far this year tells me that a letter from you personally would be the best Yule present anyone could give.”

Harry wordlessly stared at the moving photographs as he took a moment to decide. As his dad beamed up at him, he knew what his decision was.

||

He and Leona sent off two letters at breakfast the next morning; Leona with an explanation to her mum about why Harry was writing, and Harry with a simple letter asking for stories about his parents. It took him several revisions to get it right, but even then he felt nervous about handing it over.

A thousand-and-one worries bounced around in his head, ricocheting off of one another, never staying still long enough for him to dwell on them. Harry watched as Hedwig flew away with the letters carefully attached to her leg and knew that it was out of his hands.

“Hey,” Leona said, gently nudging him with her elbow to get his attention. “Fancy a game of snap?”

Harry was grateful for the distraction and nodded.

They passed breakfast that way as the few other students staying over the holiday break filtered into the Great Hall. Some of them sat down at their houses tables to eat slowly and enjoy their meal, while others came in and gathered up a few things to take with them.

“Fifth and seventh years like to use the peace and quiet of the holidays to study without interruption. I suppose near-unrestricted access to the library helps with that as well,” Leona mentioned as a trio of Ravenclaws walked into the great hall.

Harry crinkled his nose. “Why would anyone spend their holiday studying?”

“It's better to keep up a consistent pace rather than trying to cram everything in at the last minute. Less stressful that way,” Leona answered. “I learned that the hard way during my first year, and had to deal with Fred and George trying to entice me with adventures on top of that.”

Harry considered her words for a moment and had to admit that she had a good point. After all, he'd gotten all of his homework done in the first few days because of the lack of distractions. “Can I ask why you stayed?”

“Mum hasn't been feeling well lately, so she said I should spend time with my friends at school instead of staying with my cousins. And I might have had an ulterior motive for agreeing.” Leona gently set down a card as she glanced up at Harry.

It took Harry a moment to catch on. “You stayed for me? But why?”

“I was hoping to get the chance to talk to you. I figured if we were two of the few Gryffindors staying over break, you'd be more like to approach. And besides, I haven't been keeping up with my etiquette studies as well as I should be, so I'm avoiding cousin Andy for now. She'll be so disappointed in me.” Leona flinched as one of the cards exploded, flinging the others into the air. She and Harry ducked to avoid the rest of them.

“Etiquette studies?” Harry asked once things settled, his curiosity getting the best of him.

Leona tilted her chin up. “I am a daughter of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, and furthermore, it's eldest heir. My sister is too, but I'm the one expected to take up the mantle of Lordship once I graduate, so Andy gives me lessons. She was a Black before she married,” she explained, dropping all regal pretense once she was done. “It's pretty standard for pureblood families. Your lessons aren't much different, I'm sure.”

Harry's confusion must have been obvious, because rather than set up another game of exploding snap, Leona set the cards to the side and gave him her full attention.

“You... haven't been approached about lessons. Whoever introduced you to the magical world should have given you the contact information for someone capable of giving you those lessons. I'm not entirely sure who it would be for the Potter family. Maybe Lady Longbottom?” Leona winced in sympathy at anyone having to take lessons from the intense witch. “No, there has to be someone closer, just let me think for a moment. I haven't studied the Potter family tree in depth before, but I know you're related to a number of pureblood family's. We're all related someway or another.”

“We're related?”

“Mmm hmmm. Your great grandmother was Dorea Black before she married Charlus Potter,” Leona responded, her brows furrowed in concentration.

It was too much to handle over breakfast. Harry felt a little numb as she rambled on about a few other familiar names, all of which were apparently too distant or didn't have the resources to help him. He listened to her without really taking any of it in, letting her words wash over him, until he heard a more welcoming and familiar name.

“...Prewett family, but that would just be Molly Weasley now. And again, it's a distant relation, but the Potters and Prewetts came from similar backgrounds, so she would likely have the easiest time with it.”

He was related to the Weasley's.

The thought came as a comfort to him and he latched onto that above all else. While he'd only met her for a brief moment at Kings Cross, he got the sense from Ron and the twins that she was a caring woman who loved her children very much.

“I have an idea. You can stop me if you're not interested, but I figured, well, I should offer, since no one else has,” Leona told him. “If you'd like, I can teach you the basics. It would be a good review for me and a good starting place for you until you find someone more capable. I can help with that too, so don't worry about that. I'm just surprised no one has talked to you about this before. You're muggle-raised, right? That means one of the professors should have come to talk to you and introduce you to the magical world. Who was it?”

“Er, Hagrid?” Harry responded hesitantly.

Just another oddity of his life, being fetched from the muggles by the groundskeeper rather than a professor like everyone else.

Leona gaped at him, her eyes flickering to the mostly empty Head Table as she struggled to compose herself. It took her a moment and then she took a deep breath and looked at him as seriously as she ever had. “Harry, I know it's our holiday break, but I need you to come with me to the library today. I won't make you study for hours, but there are some good resources there that I'd like you to see. And after that, I won't bother you. I'm sure you have more interesting things to do than hang around with me all day.”

Not really, but he appreciated her for giving him the option to sit by himself for a while. It seemed he had a lot to think about.

[cami-chats]

Fanfic roundup, 2019!

In summary, WOW this was a busy fanfic writing year for me. According to AO3, I published 439,972 words this year (whaaaaaat). About 20k of that is from a years-crossing WIP, so the full word count isn’t accurate, but I feel like after I passed 300k mark, the 20,000 words stopped mattering as much (and I still don’t know how this happened). 

I’ve got at least one fic in the following fandoms: Avatar, Charmed, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Marvel, Shadowhunters, Star Trek DS9, Supernatural, That 70′s Show, and Ultra Maniac. 

None of the fics are particularly long but there’s... a lot of them. So everything’s going to be listed by fandom with the pairing (if applicable), summary, and word count next to it under the cut

Avatar (2009)

I Choose You (10728 words) Tsu’tey/Jake Sully: The night after Jake becomes Omaticaya, he chooses Tsu'tey as a mate and somehow, Tsu'tey chooses him as well. With a little talking and waking up in a different situation, they're able to stop the destruction of Hometree.

Charmed (TV 1998) A Family Man (9744 words) Also Supernatural Fandom, Piper Halliwell/Dean Winchester: With the yellow-eyed demon dead, Dean retires from hunting. He doesn't expect for a routine set-up at his job one night to end with starting to date Piper, but he's not complaining. Cursed (3648 words) Wyatt Halliwell/Chris Halliwell: Bianca was sent to the past to retrieve Chris for Wyatt. Chris knew that as soon as he saw Wyatt again he wouldn't be able to say no to him, but he also knew that he couldn't outrun Bianca. The past is filled with shadows, but the present isn't much better. Your Pain Almost Destroyed You (1148 words) Wyatt Halliwell & Chris Halliwell: When Wyatt was a baby, Leo cast a spell on Piper to keep her from getting upset so that she wouldn’t fall apart. Almost twenty years later, Chris finds out that Wyatt isn’t exactly fulfilling the role everyone cast him in, and Wyatt casts that same spell on his brother.

Game of Thrones (TV) A Line Of Firsts (14086 words) Jon Snow/Sansa Stark: The firsts of Jon and Sansa's lives through their relationship, from getting together to getting it on outside, to having an anniversary. Boy On The Side (3113 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon thinks that things with Tormund are going really well, until one day he sees Tormund shopping with a woman and two kids that are obviously his. What Now? (1197 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon and Tormund are together, despite Jon's occasional stupidity. So with the war over, what does Jon do next? Hint: Tormund thinks it should be with him. After The Long Night (1777 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: When the dragon falls, dead, Jon's only thought is to find Tormund and make sure he's alright. It's An Age Thing (4565 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Tormund only meant to return Jon's book, he didn't mean to find out that his boyfriend was still in high school. Home to the North (653 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon is back at the Wall where he belongs: with Tormund and Ghost and the Free Folk-- but mostly with Tormund. After The Miracle (836 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon died but came back. Tormund knows that, but in his sleep-addled mind, he panicks at seeing Jon look the same way he did when dead. A 'Lord', A Lady, And Their Lovers (6608 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane, Sansa Stark/Margaery Tyrell: Jon and Sansa are strangers, now forced in an arranged marriage. Jon's in love with someone he couldn't marry even though he wanted to, and Sansa found herself falling for her best friend before she was married off.Aka Jon and Tormund are together and Jon getting married is fucking with their relationship. In an effort to fix that, Sansa and Margaery lie about being together so that Jon and Tormund can be happy. Bastard Of A Different Kind (4950 words) Jon Snow/Ned Stark: It is well known that Jon Snow, Lord Stark’s bedmate, is a Targaryen bastard. Lady Catelyn Stark hates him because Ned prefers him to her, but they’ve managed to live with it for years because they are stuck together for life. Everything changes when King Rhaegar and his siblings come for a visit to the north. White Russians And Hot Bartenders (1980 words) Arya Stark/Ygritte: Arya didn't mean to hook up with her favourite brother's best friend, but in her defense, she hadn't known who Ygritte was to him at the time. Your What? (3014 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon's home for the holidays, and he sort of forgot to tell his family who Tormund is. Left Behind (3779 words) Jon Snow/Robb Stark: When Robb left for King's Landing without a word, Jon felt like half of his heart was missing. Robb finally returns, expecting, for some reason, that Jon will be willing to pick up their relationship right where they left off. Abreast (644 words) Arya Stark/Ygritte: Arya keeps messing up in fencing club because she has a crush on Ygritte, the senior leading the club. Not Rock 'N Roll Good (4623 words) Arya Stark/Sandor Clegane: Sandor's life is monotonous but okay until he receives a text from the wrong number. He didn't think that telling someone their date stood them up and lied to them would result in a relationship, but he ends up pretty damn happy. Our Family (848 words) Jon Snow/Daenerys Targaryen: Daenerys burned people living, and sometimes that was hard to remember when she was smiling at Jon so sweetly as she shared news that obviously made her happy. It only made him feel trapped. First Choice (7223 words) Sandor Clegane/Sansa Stark: Trapped in King's Landing, Sansa is offered one choice about her life: who she wants to marry. Picking Ser Sandor Clegane was one of her best decisions. Married (2636 words) Jon Snow/Tormund Giantsbane: Jon had agreed to come to this wedding with Tormund pretending to be his husband. After he sees Arya there though, the situation gets a little complicated.

Harry Potter Not The First (847 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is inexplicably nervous about the ball. Fortunately, James knows him well enough to take care of it before it's a problem. Like Father Like Son (1435 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Harry's nervous about coming out to Sirius, but then he learns that there was nothing to be afraid of. Perfect Morning, Perfect Boyfriend (487 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Anniversary/Valentine's Day morning fluff for James and Sirius. When Is A Door Not A Door? When It's Exploded. (806 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Remus, Lily, James, and Sirius have to run from Death Eaters. None of them were hurt, but the war is starting to wear them down. Engaged, Said Facebook (691 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James and Sirius aren't together, which makes it all the more surprising when Euphemia calls to congratulate them on their engagement. SBDS Founder James Potter (3228 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James is Sirius's Number One fan, and everyone that interacts with him realizes it sooner or later. Write Yourself A Love Story-- And Make It Last (5476 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James and Sirius are ridiculously in love, but no one's life is absolutely perfect. There are good days, bad days, and blah days, but they always have each other and their friends. Healer's Bed (1043 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is doing some secret reading in the dormitory when James decides he wants some quality time. James and his "I love Sirius" rant (785 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius has been trying and failing to talk to James about a kink he has in mind, and James has had enough. What You Lose (2238 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: In the Shrieking Shack in Harry's third year, Sirius learns that James isn't dead, just in a coma. Now he has something other than revenge to live for. Leaving Me In The Dust (2198 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius decided to move out, and James does not like that. Not one bit. Tie Mix-Up (1431 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: It's the easiest thing in the world to sneak Sirius into the Gryffindor dormitory for a little bit of fun, but then they oversleep and have to rush off to class, still trying to tuck in their shirts. Just Come Home (3213 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius's boyfriend is abusive, and James can't understand why he stays with him. Proposing Is A Great First Date (2191 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: On the one hand, it seemed like a mistake to propose to Sirius when they weren't even dating. On the other hand, fuck you Moony this is a great idea. What A Ruin (2414 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James always dives into things too quickly, so after he does that with his new dance partner, he takes a step back before it gets too bad. Only now Sirius is upset with him and he doesn't know how to fix it. Typical Behaviour (749 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: It was pretty typical of James to wake up after a brutal attack that left him in critical condition that was so bad he had to be put in a medically induced coma, and immediately start getting on to Sirius for not taking care of himself. Win/Win (1787 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James has been planning his proposal to Sirius for a while. It was meant to be a surprise, but when he lets it slip a few days beforehand, he thinks the whole thing is ruined-- Sirius loves him far too much for that to be true. You're a virgin?? (3776 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James learns that Sirius is a virgin, and then he can't think of anything else. Not A Prize (2591 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James and Remus both fancy Sirius, and they agreed that neither of them could spend time alone with him until they got it sorted. For his part, Sirius has no bloody idea what's going on, except that his mates are avoiding him like he has dragon pox. The Creepy Professor (3209 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: The newest DADA professor likes Sirius in an entirely inappropriate way. James notices and tells him, but Sirius thinks he’s overreacting and ignores all the warning signs until the professor tries something. Not A Hair (1788 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius gets hurt in rehearsal, but he's too embarrassed to fess up to his friends, leading to Remus thinking that James is abusing him. Fix Your Mistakes (1169 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Instead of James running to stop Snape from seeing Remus as a werewolf, it's Sirius, who gets badly injured while doing so. Et Vous? (1036 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is French, and James quite likes that. Cold And Comfort (1144 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius runs away from home, but James doesn't know it's permanent at first. The Not-Yet Sirius Potter (518 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is bigger than James, and James is a romantic. Reading (892 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is dyslexic, and James does his best to be supportive when he finds out. Speak Now (1365 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: When James says the first, cliche'd line of a breakup, Sirius thinks he's being weird. Next thing he knows, James is telling him that he's about to marry someone else. Sniffles (1172 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James is sick. If Sirius weren't so much bigger than him, it would be easier to run away instead of taking care of himself. Hold Me And Let Me Cry (993 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James knew that Sirius's past had left lasting marks, but sometimes he forgot just how much that affected him. Deserve What You Get (2102 words) Sirius Black/Lily Evans, James Potter/Sirius Black/Lily Evans: Both Sirius and Lily want James, but they know that they’re not good enough for him. Some time together though... that’s not a bad idea. Home and Bloody (604 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is late getting back from a mission, and James worried about him. Breaking Out (1264 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James busts Sirius out of Azkaban, and they're not really careful about Sirius being in public. Why would they be? He was never officially charged with anything. The Little Things (4870 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius was miserable, but he was getting through it. James Potter showed up and decided that 'getting through it' wasn't good enough for Sirius despite the fact that they hadn't talked to each other. Too Cute (582 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is sloshed and he likes to talk about how great James is. Keep Calm. Failed Step One. (1330 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius sees a suspiciously shaped scar on the back of Harry's hand. He deals with it like a reasonable adult. Happy Birthday (741 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James and Sirius have a birthday party for their two year old son. So Happy Together (1687 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Everyone thinks James and Sirius are together. A stupid decision or two later, and they are. Through It All (5951 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: When Sirius gets Sorted in Slytherin, it changes his friendship with James. They're still friends, it's just... different. Not as certain, even if they end up in the right place. Absent (256 words) Lily once described muggle ghosts to Sirius. He didn't expect to be surrounded by them. The Potter's, Both Old And New (22050 words) WIP James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius helped raise Harry with James until they had a fight. Sirius hasn't seen them in years, but he's a teacher at Hogwarts, and Harry is now 11. With the constant danger Harry's in, and the likely return of Voldemort, they can't ignore their issues any longer. Snuggling (2082 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius feels like James is avoiding him, and Prongs (James's daemon) takes the initiative in fixing it. In his own way, of course. Post Prank Depression (2778 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: Sirius is depressed, and the Marauders don't really know what to do. Like and Subscribe (753 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: The Marauders are famous youtubers, and James and Sirius's fans ship them without realising they're already together. Absolute (768 words) James Potter/Sirius Black: James didn't understand how Sirius could constantly ignore his wishes to keep Padfoot off the couch, but talking about it one day made certain things come to light.

Marvel: Abomasum (299 words) Bruce Banner/Tony Stark: Deer Tony is trying to bond with his Brucie-bear partner. Bruce is somewhat disgusted by what goes on in Tony's body. Abominable (354 words) Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Tony and Bucky and Natasha came out about their relationship, so now Tony has to stop them from murdering the judgmental public. Resting Murder Face (6699 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Everyone knows that Bucky and Tony love each other....Except for Tony and Bucky. After watching them pine uselessly, the Avengers and Company do their best to get them together, even if the oblivious idiots make it more difficult than it needs to be. Aboral (473 words) Peter Parker/Tony Stark: Tony finds out that Peter lied to him (it all ends okay). Don't Waste Your Life (2338 words) Tony Stark/Ho Yinsen: Tony had sort of given up hope on meeting his soulmate. And then they met while being held captive by Ten Rings. They made it out miraculously alive, but now Tony's starting to notice that they don't kiss, and they're not really together. The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker--Only not the first and third ones (2231 words) Pepper Potts/Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: Pepper meets a gorgeous baker, now she just has to convince Tony to give a new relationship a try. Aboriginal (559 words) Tony Stark/Thor: Tony thinks that if Thor wants to see him in a pretty dress, there are easier ways than lying to him about wedding traditions on Asgard. In Your Camera Roll (3151 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Bucky was innocently working at home when a wrong text makes his night much more enjoyable. One For You Too (1447 words) Tony Stark & Avengers: Tony gives the okay for someone to make prototypes of Avengers themed sex toys, but he forgot to warn the team. They're more than a little surprised when they're opening the mail and see that. It Was The Soup (3428 words) Peter Parker/Tony Stark: Peter lies about being sick because he's out of suppressants, and he doesn't trust himself to be around Tony without purring and following him around like a puppy. Of course then Tony shows up at his apartment with soup and then Peter goes into a rut. Not Always 20/20 (1545 words) Tony Stark/Wanda Maximoff: Wanda thought she had finally found a home and a friend that wasn't related to her. She doesn't know what happened, but all of a sudden her life came crashing down.Now it's years later, and new information comes to light. Mail Order Bride (2834 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Tony knew as soon as he woke up that he'd done something stupid last night, but it would take a while for him to figure out just how bad it was. As far as mail order brides went though, Natalia was something of a god send. Around The Living Room (1418 words) Avengers/Avengers: The Avengers have a movie night, only more interesting than usual. (Just porn) A Cliche In Love (1745 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Natasha is a prostitute, and Tony mistakenly thinks that she doesn't really like him. My Baby's Got Me Locked Up In Chains (1061 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Winter has a kink that he wants to try, and Tony is 100% on board. Chatroom Meeting (1864 words) Tony Stark/J.A.R.V.I.S.: Jarvis only meant to make Tony feel better. He had no intention of catching feelings, much less a body. Abort (761 words) Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanoff: Wanda doesn't listen during a mission and she gets hurt. Natasha talks to her about it. Aborning (434 words) Pepper Potts/Natasha Romanoff: The death of Pepper's icy reputation, but she doesn't mind. Classroom Play (1033 words) Pepper Potts/Wanda Maximoff: Pepper and Wanda are trying out a little teacher/student roleplay. About-face (628 words) Pepper Potts/Natasha Romanoff: Natasha has been pining after Pepper for a while, and a well placed motivation spell finally gets her moving. Aboveboard (599 words) Matt Murdock/Tony Stark: A villain lets Daredevil hear Tony's thoughts during a fight. Unfortunately, Tony thinks about Matt's ass in that outfit a lot. Fit (1769 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: There were three things that weren't really secrets. 1. Tony was trans. 2. That bulge in Bucky's pants wasn't because of a sock. 3. Bucky and Tony were dating. Tense Date Night (1639 words) Bucky Barnes/Pepper Potts/Tony Stark, Bucky Barnes/Pepper Potts: Tony's wearing a remote controlled vibrator, and when Pepper finds out, she thinks that's hot as hell so she drags Bucky off to have some fun. Abreaction (538 words) Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanoff: Wanda's a bit of a coward, so she finds some courage in a truth spell. Always Friends (1203 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: In which Tony and Rhodey could have been together for thirty years if they learned how to have a conversation. The Man Inside The Armor (8023 words) Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: It's obvious that James Rhodes is the one in the Iron Man armor, right? Steve and Bucky want to add Iron Man to their relationship, so instead of asking Iron Man directly they go to James so there's less confusion. Only now they're rejected, and Iron Man's mad at them. It's Like We're Living In Hell (409 words) Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanoff: The heater's broken, and Nat's stripped down to undies. Bringing You Down (309 words) Pepper Potts/Natasha Romanoff: Natasha has a stomach bug and is being Dramatic. Think Of Me Fondly (1544 words) Wanda Maximoff/Tony Stark: Wanda knew that Tony would miss her while she was helping rebuild Sokovia, so she left him a present to keep him company. Back Against The Wall (636 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Winter pins Tony to the wall and has some fun. Bucket List (1213 words) Clint Barton/Tony Stark: It’s on Clint’s bucket list to have sex with Tony Stark, and now that he’s on a superhero team with him, his chances of it actually happening have skyrocketed. A Love Like This (1762 words) Iron Man Armor/Tony Stark: It's pretty well known that Tony makes his best friends (DUM-E, Jarvis, Friday), but Mark LIV of the armor takes it to a whole new level. Making Me Yours (875 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: It was for the best, probably, that Tony was used to being on his knees so often. He'd gotten used to it before he was sent off to boarding school, working on one project or another, and he associated the ache in his knees with pride of a job well done. Unlikely Invitation (3433 words) Sharon Carter/Tony Stark, Sharon Carter/Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: It was bad enough to be pining after two people, but it just got worse when Steve found out that they were dating each other. Inside The Mask (3060 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony has a secret identity, which doesn't work out super well when he likes Bucky (and Bucky likes him??) and villains have any number of weird powers that could expose him (and let him have a first kiss twice somehow). Spun Onto You (1616 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Tony thought they only played spin the bottle in high school movies, but he's willing to let that go when Rhodey spins it right at him and he thinks that he's finally going to get to kiss him. Dataport (1003 words) Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: On Deep Space Nine, Steve saves Tony from a jail cell once again, except this time they achieved their goal. Just Another First Contact (1886 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony catches an alien disease-- which somehow is the least concerning part of the situation. Bucky wants to spend time with him, only Tony's trying to avoid him so desperately that he gets caught in a lie. Ability (28958 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony knows there's an issue in his company, now he just has to find it and fix it. Easier said than done. His boyfriend is down an arm and doesn't look happy to see him, his best friend is mad at him, and he doesn't know who to trust.He's had better years. I, Tony (10451 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: It was a secret from everyone that Tony was android. Including Tony. When he finally finds out, Howard is long since dead, he doesn't know what that stone inside him is, and he's pretty sure he won't be able to hold a relationship like this. The Sex Tapes (2293 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Bucky knows for a fact that Winter has never had sex-- and especially not with Tony-- so why, exactly, does he know what Tony looks like during sex? Vanilla And Lovin' It (1541 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Tony thinks that he’s old, and he wants to give Natasha a reason to stay with him. Somehow, him fucking it up isn’t even a bump in the road. Truth Is... I'm Not Iron Man (9642 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: The public doesn't know, but the team sure knows that Tony Stark is Iron Man. There are disagreements about getting him to admit it, and of course the biggest problem with that is, well, he isn't Iron Man. Rhodey's Iron Man, and it's a very specific kind of torture for Tony to see the man he's been in love with for most of his life to be in danger 24/7. If Wishes Were Horses (1814 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony's had an obvious crush on Bucky for a while, but it's taken to a whole new level when his imagination manifests a version of Bucky that's all over him. Hidden Winter (4027 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony thinks he has a pretty great life post-Iron Man. Riri's got everything nicely in hand, but he gets worried about Bucky. Bucky hates that he's keeping his Winter Soldier identity secret, but he thinks that he's in too deep to get out. I just wanted some candy (2747 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Rhodey went to the store for candy, and somehow ended up going home with an abused omega and his kid in tow. The Kidnapper's Heart (12787 words) WIP Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Falling in love with one of your kidnappers was definitely a bad idea. Tony could probably blame it on his heat hormones at first, but then Winter goes and rescues him and Tony doesn't let him leave once they get home. Now he has a mate, his parents actually care about him, and he still needs to finish college. Seeing You Again (1667 words) Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff, Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Years after breaking up, Natasha tells Tony that they have a kid. He falls back in love with her and her current boyfriend Bucky, and they somehow end up together. Which Of Us Is The Devil? (4335 words) Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Bucky and Nat cross the line from teasing Tony about their sex life, to being entirely inappropriate. Having sex with him wasn't really an improvement on that, but here they were. Your Coffee, My Libido (1453 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony was definitely not going to thank Loki for swapping his and Bucky's powers, even if it resulted in them getting together. Hold Me Down (652 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Winter wants to try bondage, but Tony has some doubts. They compromise and have a good time. It Wasn't You (2752 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: A month and a half ago, Rhodey was kidnapped and replaced with a Skrull without anyone noticing. In that time, he and Tony got together. Now though, they know he's a Skrull, and Tony tries to figure out how to live with what's happened. Abridge (2255 words) Tony Stark/Johnny Storm: Johnny and Tony are in love, but Johnny doesn't quite realize that. Abroach (451 words) Darcy Lewis/Tony Stark: Darcy catches Tony trying to hang decorations dangerously high. Abroad (1073 words) Tony Stark/Wade Wilson: Tony had a way of showing up at the worst possible moments. Like, when his ex was in the middle of blowing up a building, for example. Abrogate (590 words) Bucky Barnes/Matt Murdock/Tony Stark: Tony thinks there should be a Superhero Holiday, but his partners aren't as into the idea as he is. It's all a blur last night (4498 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark/Clint Barton: Natasha is posing as a stripper, and it works best for everyone when Tony takes a definite interest in her. Clint shows up a while later, and Tony takes it in stride. Abrupt (465 words) Pietro Maximoff/Tony Stark: Getting coffee spilled on you may not be the BEST meet-cute, but Tony's had worse from people that weren't near as attractive. Abscess (295 words) Bruce Banner/Tony Stark: "How many times do I have to say that I'm not that kind of doctor? Honestly Tony, how do you not know better? You've got a doctorate, too." "Maybe-" he said, as if he hadn't gotten his doctorate literally a month ago "-but you took biochem and I didn't, so clearly you know more than me." In Bed (774 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Natasha is asexual, and the conversation with Tony could have happened a little sooner or been a little easier, but at least it happened. A Taste Of Heaven (1926 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony was doing work when Bucky came in, wanting some attention and fidgeting like there was no tomorrow. A Helping Hand (1045 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Winter's on what is basically a filler mission, and he helps the random guy that just escaped a kidnapping. Time to take a shot (1410 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: When Nat's undercover, she doesn't end up as Tony's assistant, but she still catches his attention. At a party. And Tony's offering to show her the Iron Man armor up close, how could she say no? The Red-Head Harem (792 words) Bethany Cabe/Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark, Gamora/Tony Stark, Wanda Maximoff/Tony Stark, Pepper Potts: Tony and all his red-headed girlfriends get along quite nicely. Breakfast fluff and teasing are commonplace. The Lost Twin (1023 words) Wanda Maximoff/Tony Stark: Wanda gets shunted back in time for a little bit and learns that Tony has a twin sister she's never heard about. Turns out there's a reason for that. In Love With Wolves (655 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Natasha gets turned into a wolf, and Tony still thinks she's the best. Both literal and figurative fluff ensue. Field Of Study (3035 words) Bruce Banner/Tony Stark: Bruce is the Hulk, and Tony thought he was keeping a different anger-related issue secret. They break up but get back together when Tony learns the truth. Beside And Below You (602 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Tony gave Winter a necklace, and he's a little confused as to why Winter isn't wearing it when he comes to his room that night. Hot Summer Day (521 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Nat wanted to come to the fair, but it's hot outside. Three Loves Of Life (873 words) Tony Stark/Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff: Tony knew from a young age that coffee was the love of his life. Now he has expanded that list to include the two hot baristas at his favorite coffee shop. Younger but just as in love (826 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Tony gets de-aged, and they're all unreasonably surprised that the best way to keep him in control is to bring in Rhodey. About A Little Boy That Lived In A Blue World (11537 words) WIP, Tony Stark/Loki: The Frost Giants are willing to sign a treaty with the Asgardians, if there's a little marriage with them to solidify it. How Tony got dragged into that when he's just a human, he'll never know. His husband is attractive though. So that's a plus. It Began Like This (406 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Tony thinks their relationship started the first time he kissed Jim. Jim thinks their relationship started the first time they kissed and kept kissing. Your Heart/My Heart (3881 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: When they're young, James and Tony break up for basically no reason. It takes them twenty years to get back together. Abscise (1157 words) Sharon Carter/Tony Stark: Tony and Sharon have been together a while, but being a top-secret spy doesn't let her have much time at home. Of course one day she shows up with Steve in tow and Shield after them, so like, maybe not Tony's biggest problem. Pictures Of You (2085 words) Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: When Tony loses his memories and sees suspicious pictures in his room, he assumes the worst and tries to leave Avengers Tower. An Expectation (4655 words) Matt Murdock/Tony Stark, Matt Murdock/Tony Stark/Foggy Nelson: Foggy drops by Matt's apartment one day to find Tony Stark leaving. As if his crush on Matt wasn't hopeless enough. I've Been Drinking (2249 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony can't remember last night at all, and he can't even blame it on Avengers business. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (2715 words) Tony Stark/Natasha Romanoff: Tony wakes up in Vegas with a hangover and a wedding ring on his finger. He was going to embrace the cliche and make the most of this. Better Than A Ferrari (1384 words) Clint Barton/Tony Stark: Clint often had bad ideas, but they usually didn't include asking Tony to down a lethal amount of caffeine. Fortunately, Nat's only a phone call away to give him more good advice than he bargained for. Stay At My Side (4417 words) Gamora/Tony Stark: Tony gets picked up by the Guardians after an expedition gone wrong and becomes an honorary member. He likes not having to think about the Avengers breaking up, but when Thanos goes to Earth to get the Infinity Stones that are kept there, he doesn't have much choice. Lovin' Me Good (5199 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Bucky loves Natasha Stark so much he forgets that people have shit ideas about her. Chance Encounter (2196 words) Giuletta Nefaria/Tony Stark: When a villain pulls Giuletta into their universe hoping for help, Tony is quick to follow. This universe's Avengers don't really know what to do with them. Iron Man in a relationship with Tony Stark? Yep. (1736 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: James Rhodes is Iron Man. It makes the secret identity less confusing, and if you asked Tony, he'd say that Jim was better at it anyways. Abscond (453 words) Gamora/Tony Stark: Somehow Gamora ends up pregnant. No one will be more surprised than she is. I Always Have You (3932 words) Bucky Barnes & Tony Stark: From Tony's first day on the earth, he had a soulmate looking after him. Not everyone wanted Bucky to be that close with him, but they manage. Abseil (479 words) Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: The team goes to a rock climbing wall, and Tony hates that he promised his girlfriends that he'd go through with it. Absinthe (1395 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony lives, and Bucky gets reborn again and again and again. Tony always finds him. If someone were to give it a label, it would probably be soulmates. Myshka (3767 words) Tony Stark/Natasha Romanoff: Soulmarks are the nicknames your soulmate will call you. Tony has some Russian petnames and guesses wrong the first time, but Natasha’s just happy that Tony asked her on a date, even if he went on one with Bucky first. Business Time (1050 words) Tony Stark/Winter Soldier: Tony promised Pepper that he would stop having sex in his office, but that was before Winter had an idea. Identify Yourself (773 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: All Bucky wanted to do was see his boyfriend after a week long mission. He didn’t want to deal with this random ass person in their kitchen that apparently was Tony’s brother. Not the fun kind of handcuffs (500 words) Kate gets kidnapped by a bunch of amateurs. More embarrassing for them than her, thank god. Here In Your Arms (1702 words) Tony Stark/James Rhodes: Jim goes to the past specifically to save Tony, but he finds himself stealing a kiss or two while he's at it. It's called SOUR cream (481 words) Natasha Romanoff/Tony Stark: Tony thinks Natasha's latkes gave him food poisoning, she thinks it's the sour cream he put on it, and Strange just wants to undo a curse. The Last Candles (510 words) Steve Rogers/Tony Stark: Tony forgot candles, and he finally finds some. There's one little problem: someone else is trying to buy them too. The Meaning Of Chanukkah (353 words) Sam had thought it was a pretty innocent question to ask what Chanukkah was about. He was wrong. Dreidel Cheater (206 words) Kate Bishop & Clint Barton: Clint cheats at dreidel and denies it. Gasp, The Latkes! (389 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: The team gets Bucky latke themed shirts to wear for Channuka. Stop Stealing My Latkes (406 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Bucky doesn't think it's weird that Tony's keeping him company in the kitchen until he notices most of the latkes missing. BYOC (1003 words) Wanda Maximoff/Tony Stark: When Tony forgets to bring a channukiah to a channukiah party, Wanda offers to let him share. No Shirt, No Pants (628 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark: Tony dropping sufganiyot jelly on his shirt ended with Bucky inviting him to his room, so... good Hanukkah party? Operation Metalwork (897 words) Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark:  From Bucky: The plan is WORKING From Natasha: DETAILS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN From Clint: DISH DISH DISH From Bucky: Tony told me that I had to stop growing a beard  From Natasha: What the fuck Barnes I got all excited 

Shadowhunters: Abound (339 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary supports Izzy at a party. Above (289 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Isabelle is taller than Clary, and then she puts on heels. Aboveground (425 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary and Isabelle come out to the Lightwood parents, and it doesn't go well. Ab ovo (1122 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: In Pandemonium, Clary catches sight of Isabelle and thinks she's the most gorgeous person ever. That crush sticks around through demons and getting her mother back. Abracadabra (1006 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary is a warlock, and Isabelle is a Shadowhunter-- that doesn't stop Clary from falling for her. Abrade (462 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Izzy's recovering from the vampire addiction forced on her. Alec and Clary are both there for her. Ditched (390 words) Clary Fray/Maia Roberts: Maia and Clary's friends ditch them during a night out, so Maia opts to go home with Clary. Poison =/= Love (329 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: It's an expected disaster when Izzy tries to cook. Told You So (413 words) Clary Fray/Maia Roberts: Clary and Maia get together after a surprise demon attack. Mistaken Mother (302 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary's glad to find out that this beautiful woman is Max's sister, not mother. Dragged To Hell Kicking And Screaming (477 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary's annoyed that their date got interrupted, and Izzy just wants the attention back on her. A Smoothie And A Kid (337 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Clary walks in with a smoothie in one hand, and a goat in the other. Secrets Told (4988 words) Alec Lightwood/Jace Wayland: Jace makes a deal with a demon to help Clary find her mother, but it was just a truth for a truth, what was the worst that could happen? Chicken Wings (356 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Izzy's costume creation didn't look like she imagined it would. So Pretty (100 words) Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood: Isabelle's singing and braiding Clary's hair. Under A Spell (3387 words) Alec Lightwood/Jace Wayland: Alec and Jace are together. So why the hell is Jace flirting with Clary and ignoring Alec completely?

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine:

About (290 words) Jadzia Dax/Kira Nerys: Jadzia tries to convince Nerys to go on a double date.

That 70′s Show:  Girls Girls Girls Night (1135 words) Jackie Burkhart/Donna Pinciotti: Jackie goes to a strip club after a rough day, and stumbles upon the most gorgeous woman in the world. Well, maybe second, after herself of course.

Ultra Maniac: Pictures Of You (Pictures Of Me) (947 words) Sakura Nina/Tateishi Ayu: Ayu has a crush on Nina the size of America, so when Yuta gives her a magic camera, it's the perfect opportunity to see if Nina feels the same way.

[lovetorn]

Time Jumper [AU] - Part One

– Part 1; The Time Turner

In which Y/N goes back in time, using the infamous time-turner, on a mission to change the fate of James and Lily Potter. In the midst of this, she catches the eye of a certain Marauder.

Young!Remus Lupin X Reader

Word Count: 1.1k

A/N: So, this is going to be a long part series. I’ve always wanted to write something like this and it’s finally happening! So let me know if you like it and look out for future parts!

Also, please do not copy or steal my series in any way. I do not own any of the characters but I did create the idea for my series. I would appreciate if you didn’t copy and paste this elsewhere. Thanks!

Part 2

-

October 23rd, 1997

Y/N was a quiet, timid girl, so it was odd for everyone to see Professor Albus Dumbledore approach her in the library after Charms. The 6th year Gryffindor had her nose in a tattered novel when a sly cough drew her attention away from the book. Looking up, her breathing hitched in her throat as she saw the Headmaster sitting in the chair opposite her. Placing the novel carefully into her book bag, Y/N turned her full attention to the man.

“Good afternoon Professor Dumbledore” She squeaked, toying with her fingers and watching the man twirl the end of his long, grey beard. Albus gave the girl a slight nod and a warm smile, watching how she fidgeted.

“Y/N, I have to speak about something rather important. Would you mind meeting me in my office at half 5?” He murmured while Y/N pondered. After a few moments of silence, the girl nodded, gripping the shoulder strap and standing up in sync with the professor in front of her. Y/N nodded towards him before hurrying out of the library.

5:30pm arrived quicker than Y/N could’ve imagined, heading up the stairs of Dumbledore abode, she rapidly recognised the three teenagers that stood before her. Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Being in the same year, Y/N had cross paths many times with the three Gryffindors before, she had even considered them her close friends.

A million thoughts ran through her head as she eyed Dumbledore inviting her further into his office. Was she in trouble? Trying to recall every action of hers from the past 24 hours, she came to the conclusion that she was in trouble for the ghastly, unforgivable spell she had performed against a 7th Year Ravenclaw after he had ‘accidentally’ knocked her books from her hands. Her steps became quicker, she thought about how she could save herself from expulsion.

“Professor, I know what I did was grim and unforgivable but the boy had been torm-”, Silencing the girl, Albus began to explain what Y/N would have to do. She had gotten so caught up in her thoughts she had been ignoring what Dumbledore had been saying.

“You will be travelling back in time Y/N” He revealed. Y/N stood frozen. Time travel?

“For what reason, may I ask Professor?” Y/N trembled, voice shaking with every word.

“To change the fate of Harry’s parents, James and Lily Potter”. Time stopped ticking by as her three friends observed her. Y/N contemplated on her decision. Why not Harry himself? Or Hermione? Or Ron? She looked up at the 4 pairs of eyes that were watching her.

“I’ll do it” She hesitantly nodded her head, before Harry ran at her, engulfing her in a hug.

“But Y/N, I must let you know of the plan” He warned, stepping up to his desk, retrieving some sort of necklace.

“This is a time turner, you will use it to go back in time to 1977-”

“But sir, that is four years before the attack in Godric’s Hollow” Hermione fretted, questioning Albus’ plan.

“Yes, Hermione, but in order to ultimately change the fate of the Potters, we must send Y/N back to their 6th year so she can gain their trust and rule out Sirius Black as a suspect for telling You-know-Who where Harry’s parents were hiding” Albus confirmed.

“It makes perfect sense, make Y/N the secret keeper instead of Peter Pettigrew” Ron exclaimed, eyes widening at his sudden realisation of the plan.

“We know that the plan is perfect but has anybody told Y/N the consequences?” Harry stated while Y/N became nervous, a thin layer of sweat on her forehead.

“Y/N you must be aware of the effects of time travelling so far back in the timeline and actually living in the era you are travelling to” Albus started, narrowing his eyed at Ron, who gasped loudly.

“When you arrive back in 1977, you will continue to age from there, which means that by the time you reach here, 1997, if you succeed, you will be the age of 36, not 16” Dumbledore explained. She nodded slightly, Hermione grabbing her hand as she started to shake. Y/N had so many questions, hoping they would be answered as he continued.

“You must keep the time turner hidden at all times, who knows what would happen if anyone in that age got a hold of it” He cautioned, rubbing his face with his free hand. Handing Y/N the necklace, she held it with such grace, such chariness. And while hesitantly slipping it over her head and onto her neck, Y/N felt a great sense of comfort.

“The plan is simple Y/N, you will attempt to become friends with the Marauders, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, James Potter and Remus Lupin,” Harry explained, “And once you have earnt their trust, you will then stick by their sides for the next four years, and once the Wizarding War occurs, you must stay with them, even if something separates you, you need to stay” Dumbledore finished, making sure she understood everything they were saying.

“What if they still choose Peter as their secret keeper?” Y/N fumbled with the hem of her robes.

“Then you force them to trust you instead, tell them everything they need to know if you must, although, you cannot tell them you have time travelled. If you do, you may interfere with the timeline and the events that occur” Y/N nodded, shuddering at the thought of it.

“I’m trusting you Y/N, with everything in me, to protect the Potters, that includes Harry” She breathed heavily, shocked and terrified.

“I promise to keep you and your parents safe, Harry” Y/N smiled, placing her hand in his before Dumbledore called her over to teach her the ways of the turner.

After a briefing of the do’s and don’ts of the time turner, Y/N was finally able to start the mission.

“Y/N, your parents are already aware of this, they said that they feel honoured that I have chosen you to protect the Potters and they wish you all the best” Albus whispered before he had let her go back in time. Y/N smiled widely before bidding goodbye to her friends.

“I can’t thank you enough Y/N, I will always remember you and your courage” Harry uttered, bringing Y/N into a hug for the last time. Hermione cried, locked in the arms of Ron, while Y/N waved, tears streaming down her face before playing with the turner at the end of the necklace.

The world around her disappeared into black ink blots, much like the Pensieve, and her body drifted off the ground. What felt like years, Y/N felt dizzy. She felt her feet hit the grass and looked at her surroundings. Standing next to the goliath Whomping Willow, Y/N’s heart dropped. The moon was almost full and she heard the sound of a piercing howl. Sprinting towards the castle, Y/N felt her feet vanish beneath her. Turning to see who had performed the spell, Y/N took note of his white beard and purple robes.

“You must be our new student, welcome to Hogwarts, October 23rd, 1977”

[mirasdarkmaterials]

The Wizarding World - The Coming of the Metamorphmagus - Chapter 5 (Legends & Charms)

THE WIZARDING WORLD of Harry Potter - THE  COMING OF THE METAMORPHMAGUS

   David was still in utter disbelief at what he just witnessed. He thought that he has seen it all: enchanted food, elves, half-giants, freaky water, ghosts! But cats turning into humans, he looks at the cat before him and wonders if this is a poor soul of Mrs. McGonagall…or a real cat.    Reality was getting hard to distinguish in this place…the laws of the Muggle world just don’t apply to this realm! Minerva usually pulls this stunt with all the first year students to gage their ideas, inspiration and to see which students will be trouble. She adjusts her glasses as she addresses the class. “I must apologize for my tardiness, there was an incident in the courtyard prior to class that I had to attend to.” as everyone turns and glances at Rowan, Lily and David. “Please, if I can have your attention for a brief moment longer,” she says as everyone looks at her. “Welcome to your transfiguration class, today we will learn proper wand techniques! All movements should be firm and decisive! Any movements that are weak or indecisive will result in fail transfiguration. Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned.” she begins and get to the subject, “Now, can anyone tell me what one can use transfiguration for?”    Rowan raises her hand as Minerva acknowledges her, “To transform objects into another?”    Minerva nods her head as she explains, “Correct Miss Bagnold, we can use transfiguration to transform one object into another…you all will not be learning those spells until year two however. Any other uses?” as she looks at the many faces looking at her.    David raises his hand and gives it a shot, “What about revealing an objects true form?”    Minerva was surprised to see David take a chance in answering a question as only two days ago, all he knew was the Muggle world. She nods as this brings her to the subject of today. “Correct Mr. Adriatian, we can use transfiguration to reveal an object, or persons...” as she glances at David for a moment “...true form.” as she writes onto the chalkboard…a true artifact! ‘Transfiguration is very hard work and needs a magically scientific disciplined mind!’ “According to Emeric Switch, transfiguring requires decisive wand movements. Do not wiggle to twirl your wand unnecessarily or your transfiguration will certainly be unsuccessful!”    Rowan leans into David’s ear, “You should do great in this!” as Minerva glances at David and Rowan and tries to ignore Rowan’s out of place conversation, knowing it is important for self-encouragement.    “Transfiguration is literally advance mathematics! You need to take all this into consideration before applying your spell.” she writes this on the blackboard: T = (w×c)(v×a)×Z∗    “‘T’ equals the intended transformation…take your cat for example…what would you want to turn your cat into?” Minerva asks as a Slytherin gives a cocky reply.    “How about a pot of gold!” he says as Minerva accepts the idea and continues.    “So ‘T’ equals a pot of gold and to be successful you need to consider first your wand’s power times by your concentration at the moment. At the same time, you need to know the cats viciousness times by the cat’s bodyweight and times that by the power of the spell, which is ‘Z’. Each and every one of you will have 10 minutes to take mental measurements of your individual cat and what you want to turn it into and when I call your name, you’ll write in on the board.” the students remain transfixed on her. "Well, have at it!"    David looks at the foot tall grey cat as he tries to calm the cat, but it wants nothing to do with him and if he tries to touch it, it hisses at him. A few Slytherin’s chuckle as Rowan tries to help, and takes the cat with no issue, but as she hands the cat to David, the cat freaks out! “I think your cat is jinxed!” Rowan says as David looks at his fussy feline.    “Okay Mr. Kitty, we need a truce between you and I!” David says as Lily comments.    “Ah, I think that is a Mrs. Kitty, David!” she says as David smiles as it does not help his problem.    David writes down the equation and then thinks of what to turn this cat into: ‘I know the perfect thing to turn you into…a catfish!’ David thinks as he writes Catfish on his paper and writes: ‘Catfish = Decisive wand movement X Concentration while taking the cats state of mind X the cats weight 2.5 pounds X the incantation.’    “Okay, times up…” Minerva looks around to see many lost faces as science does not come easy to wizards and witches. “Mr. Adriatian, please come to the board and write your answer.” David looks around as he rises and walks over to the chalkboard and writes: (Catfish= Decisive wand movement X concentration + Cats state of mind X 2.5 pounds of mass with X being the incantation.) David lays down the chalk and looks at Minerva as she looks at David’s work and says nothing as she dismisses him back to his chair. David does not know what to think as Rowan and Lily come to the front and add their answers and then the rest of the class. Most of the answers shy away from David’s answer whereas Rowan’s and Lily’s answer are close to his.    Minerva looks at the class as she holds the answer in advance. “Can you use transfiguration on yourself or another?” she asks as there is a mixed response. David shakes his head as it does not sound safe and Lily nods her head as Rowan is divided. “Yes, you can use transfiguration on yourself…but it is very dangerous and if you choose to live as a human transfiguration or are an animagus, you must register with the Ministry of Magic or face a trial and punishment. It is dangerous as if a human is transfigured into a lower class animal, you can become trapped in that form for the rest of your life. Only Animagi retain their mental processes.”    “What about the dead?” asks a student as Minerva shakes her head.    “You are speaking of necromancy, we don’t teach the Dark Arts here Mr. Rowley. Transfiguration is only used on living or inanimate objects…also, to transfigure an item like the size of the Main Table in the Great Hall would require much concentration and power…which most of you will never achieve! Even I cannot transfigure a Dragon into a pot!”    David looks up sharply at the mention of dragons, “Dragon’s? There are dragon’s here?” he asks as Minerva shakes her head.    “Not here…but they do come here from time to time.” she states as David tries to picture a dragon like Smaug clawing around! Minerva continues with lecture, “The second order of Transfiguration is Conjuration and you must follow the five principals of exceptions of Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration…anyone know the first one?”    Lily raises her hand, “There is only one known and it is a restriction that you cannot conjure food.”    “Unless it already made and charmed…” explains a Hufflepuff first year student, hearing about how the elves send the food to the Great Hall.    “Well done!” Minerva says as she smiles. “10 points awarded to Hufflepuff and Gryffindor!” she says as Lily smiles, earning her first points whereas David lost Ravenclaw 50 points for his little stunt with Kalama. “So what is the four branches of Transfiguration?” David raises his hand as she acknowledges. "Mr. Adriatian."    “Transformation, Untransfiguration, Vanishment, and Conjuration.” he says as Minerva nods and asks him.    “Explain Transformation Mr. Adriatian…” Minerva says as she feels that David is doing well and wants to see if he is making connections.    David hesitates as he does not want to disappoint her, “Transformation is the process to alter ones form. Human transformation is split into three subgroups; Animagus, Metamorphmagus, Therianthrope...”    “What about vampires?” asks Mr. Rowley.    “No…they can’t change form at will Mr. Rowley, same with Werewolves.” Minerva pauses to ask a difficult question. “What other subgroup was there before it went extinct?” she ask as David raises his hand.    David hesitates to answer as he isn’t confident in saying the word. “Mermaids?” he says as Minerva nods her head and smiles.    “Well done Mr. Adriatian, for adding a correct answer to the board, answering the four branches and even four subgroups…I award Ravenclaw 50 points.” David smiles as he got his house’s points back…but would have had 50 plus if he didn’t duel Kalama in the first place. “For homework, you are to study and practice the incantation of reparifarge which is used to reverse partial transformations and is required before you can move on to further spells…come prepare next Monday to demonstrate.” as there is a chime and the class is over and the students file out. David, Lily and Rowan stay behind to wait for David as he approaches Minerva nervously.    “Professor McGonagall, for the reparifarge spell, how do we know if we are doing the spell correctly?” he asks as Minerva looks at him and comes up with an idea.    “What you have in your pocket?” she asks as David takes out his cellphone and places it on her table. She takes out her wand and casts a partial transfiguration and turns his smartphone into a partial old fashion brick cell phone. David picks it up and smiles and pockets it.    "Wow...what a downgrade! Verizon will be pissed!" he chuckles as he thinks of question two. “Second question,” David asks as Minerva nods; showing great patients. “Where can I find Mr. Hagrid?” David asks as Minerva squints her eyes at the strange request.    “He is outside of the schools grounds…near the Haunted Forest.” she says as she picks up her books and heads for the door.    “Isn’t that area restricted?” David asks, not wanting to get in trouble again. He just got Ravenclaw’s points back and he does not want to lose them again.    “At night, yes…” she says as she opens the door and leaves as David looks at Rowan and Lily. David brushes off his robes as he sighs and looks at Rowan.    “Any idea where the Haunted Forest is?” he asks as Rowan shakes her head, she will not take him.    “Sorry, I will not risk losing more points for Ravenclaw.” she says as she does not want to leave David all alone in the dark. “I’d check you welcome book…I am sure there has to be a map in there!” as she and Lily turns to go. David understands their reluctance to go. Students are warned to stay away from the woods and lake…wild things lurk there. Inside the Transfiguration class all alone…well except for about 20 cats…he pulls out his book and sure enough, there is a map that shows where he is. Currently in the school wing of the castle…he needs to go back to the dorms, through the courtyard and over the foot bridge that spans the Deep Gorge.    Exiting the classroom and walking along the school’s edge, David follows the map back to the second tallest tower that serves as Headmistress McGonagall’s office from where she watched the duel and the offices of Professor Hermione Granger-Weasley where she can stay in direct contact with the Ministry. Climbing up the tower, he comes to the third floor and takes the walkway across to the dorms. Heading for the Grand Staircase, he goes to ground floor and walks through the cobblestone courtyard as students stand around in small groups talking about their first class.    David goes pretty much unseen as he goes through the main gates and out to the courtyard guarded by the last few surviving sentinels. Many are missing chunks of stone, limbs or even their weapons…but stand guard over the massive foot bridge that crosses the deep chasm.    Stepping off the cobblestone walkway and onto the grass he sees a hut off in the distance with smoke billowing out of the chimney. The hut is a simple structure made of the wood from the Haunted Forest and stones that were rolled here. There is a small garden surrounding the building and a fence surrounding the house. The smoke smells sweet, as if someone was cooking cake mixed with hickory. David walks up to the house and knocks lightly on the door as he waits. The door opens as Hagrid looks down at David and smiles.    “Ah good, yer got the message!” he says as he opens his door the rest of the way and waves him in. David never like to enter another person’s home, but does so out of respect and the fact that he is trapped in a strange land! “I see the clothes fit ya well!” Hagrid remarks, looking at the bright blue trim and black cloth.    “Thank you for getting them for me…plus my books!” David begins as he does not know exactly why Hagrid did so. “Thank you for helping me survive…it was certain by now I would have left and gone home…” David looks grim as he wonders if that is even possible now “…if I even can.”    “Nonsense!” Hagrid says as he checks his boiling pot. “You’ll have the chance to go home by Christmas break…unless you wish to stay?” he offers as David smiles. He really would like to go home to see his mom and dad and ask for their forgiveness for doing something as stupid as going out on his own. “Yer must stay for at least one Christmas here at Hogwarts…it is simply a magical time!”    “I think everything here is ‘magical’, Hagrid!” David remarks as his first class at least had some science in it.    “True!” Hagrid says as he stokes the fire and continues, “So how was yer first class?”    David thinks about transfiguration with Professor McGonagall, surprising, he did well in it. “It wasn’t bad…we are to practice the reparifarge spell.” he says as his cellphone was turned into a useless piece of junk!    “I never did well in transfiguration…" Hagrid says as the embers crackle "...I did well in charms and especially care of mythical creatures…which is why I asked you to stop by…” as Hagrid opens the door to the cottage and welcomes David to follow as old Fang comes over, slobbering. Fang comes up to David to sniffs him up one wall and down the next and then waddles away.    “Glad he is friendly!” David remarks, “Professor McGonagall’s cat really hated me! Even that cat that follows Mr. Filch gave me the stink eye…I don’t know why?” David says as it disappoints him.    “Don’t take it personal, Mrs. Norris is not liked by any of the students…even I would like to give that cat a good kicking!” Hagrid says as they come to the edge of the forest and take the route to the lake. “You have time?” he asks David as he nods.    “Next class is at 1pm.” he says and thinks about the third class. “Hagrid, for flying class…we are not really going to learn to fly!”    “On brooms and all!” Hagrid laughs as David’s experience in the magical world is a breath of fresh air. “Madam Hooch is a strict instructor, but she knows her stuff…you’ll do fine!” he states as they finally arrive to the shore of the lake and hands David a rake. “Need to look for some glass.” he says as David looks puzzled.    “Glass?” David asks as Hagrid nods.    “Glass.” he replies as David decides to do his best and rake the soil and finds nothing that looks like glass…only slate and stone. David helps Hagrid for about 30 minutes until Hagrid gives up. “Looks like no glass!” he says as David wipes the sweat from his forehead and nods.    “Not a shard!” David smiles as Hagrid and David leave the beach and head back to the hut. Tired from all the hiking, “Trebam uzeti disanje!” David calls out as Hagrid glances back at David.    “Huh?” he asks as he does not understand a single word the boy just muttered.    “I need to take a breath!” David replies as Hagrid pauses and is certain that isn’t what David said.    “Do yer speak any other languages?” he asks as David stares at Hagrid as it is making sense, he must have had one of his episodes again! David looks away as Hagrid sees that this has been an issue for him. “Yer don’t have to say if yer don’t want to!”    “No,” David lightly says as he will be honest with the gentle giant “for years I have had this issue of speaking phrases when I am stressed in what Ted said is Croatian…he thinks I am from there!”    “I thought you were from Fort William?” Hagrid says, remembering seeing David’s ticket when he crashed on the tracks.    “I am from Fort William…I was adopted…” David says as this is new to Hagrid.    “Adopted…” he says as he thinks about all that has transpired. “Makes sense, so you aren’t a Gill?” David shakes his head.    “I don’t know my mom and dad’s real name, Professor McGonagall keeps calling me Adriatian.” David says as Hagrid’s eyes open as wide as two full moons as the name sparks a fire in his memory.    “You say Adriatian!” Hagrid says as David nods, “No, can’t be!” he adds as his suspicions are coming true.    “What is it Hagrid?” David asks as the 7 foot tall man will not say. “Hagrid!” David cries out once more.    “Sorry David, I got the wrong name, I thought you said Adriatic!” he says as he looks at his cabin. “Come, I have another gift I have been taking care of for you.” as he opens the shed behind his house and pulls out an Ural owl. “Strix uralensis…” he says as he hands David the cage. “Isn’t she a beautiful creature!” as David looks at the white owl with brown pillars scattered all over its feathers. “Could have gotten you a toad, but those are useless and I hate cats!”    “You’re not alone!” David remarks as it seems cats hate him. “What is her name?” David asks.    “She’s your bird!” Hagrid says as David lightly chuckles, his mom and dad don’t want any pets!    “Mur,” he says as he looks at the bird and then at Hagrid. “I appreciate the gift, but I am not one for caged animals!” David says as Hagrid nods with a gleeful smile as David opens the cage and gently pulls the bird out and with a gentle toss, the bird takes flight and circles around as Hagrid and David watch the owl swore around one silent wings. Mur flies down and lands upon David’s shoulder to his surprise.    “As I said, she is your bird…and with your kindness…I think you two will be good friends.” he comes up to Mur and gently pets her and then looks at David. “Tell her to go to the owlry…there you can go see her and send letters when needed…”    “Even to home?” David asks as Hagrid nods.    “I know how much you miss yer family…” he said as he looks at the Ural owl and smiles brightly.    David looks at Mur, "Head to the owlry, and feel free to fly whenever you like my friend." Mur takes flight as she fly's toward the solo tower. David hears the bell alerting that lunch is near and looks at Hagrid. “Thank you so much for the gift Hagrid, I own you a debt!” he says as Hagrid waves off the notion.    “It was instructions from Helena Ravenclaw…first time she ever came to see me!” he says as David recalls the grey ghost…she must have been the one who coordinated all this! “But I did buy you a few things not on the list…” David smiles, “See you tomorrow in class!” he says as David nods and smiles.    “At nine a.m...” David replies as Hagrid returns to his hut to get cleaned up as David rushes across the bridge and back into the castle. Hurrying off to the Great Hall, he finds a few students have arrived including Rowan and Lily who are sitting at the Gryffindor table, talking. Lily sees David walk into the hall as she waves him over.    “Over here David!” Lily says as David joins the two girls. “Did you find Hagrid?” she asks as David nods, still over joy with the gift of his own owl.    “How is it that owls don’t claw out your eyes or fly away?” David wonders as if he took an owl back at home, he’d be bloodied!    “These are not your typical muggle owls…they were raised by Owlgots and trained to serve until death their wizard or witch.” Rowan says as she too has an own in the owlry. “Was that what Hagrid wanted to see you about?”    “I guess it is required that a student has an owl, cat or toad!” David says as Lily nods her head.    “I have an owl too, dad wasn’t to incline about having a cat and mom hates toads!” Lily says as Rowan smiles and the three sit at the table as Lily plays with her farting gnome she got from Ron. A young boy, Lily’s cousin named Hugo walks over and takes a seat at the Gryffindor table. He isn’t like the other Weasley children, his hair was quite bushy like his dads, but brown like his moms. His face decorated in freckles with the utmost inviting smile that could charm an alligator!    “Bring two over to the Gryffindor side cous?” Hugo says as David and Rowan are aware they are at the wrong table. Lily looks at Hugo, quite annoyed with his interjection as she looks at her two Ravenclaw friends.    “Head to Charm’s after lunch?” Lily asks in her charming voice as Rowan nods and takes David over to the Ravenclaw table as the Prefect glares at them.    “Just some advice,” the Prefect says, annoyed. “I’d start spending more time with your own house then the houses of others.” he looks at David with piercing eyes. “If you start ‘acting’ more like a Ravenclaw Mr. Gill, you would not make glaring mistakes that cost Ravenclaw 50 points!”    “I gained 50 points back!” David says in protest.    “No!” he barks back, “You lost us 50 points for illegal dueling!” he says as some of his roommates stare at David, hearing about David’s fooling ventures with dueling Slytherin and walking off campus. David just stands there rejected as he sighs and nods and turns and walks out of the Great Hall, disgusted as his house sneers and jeers. Rowan looks at the Prefect as she shakes her head.    “How clueless are you!” Rowan says as everyone looks at her. “He only did what he had to do to stop Slytherin from using the flipendo charm on Lily. No one would come to her aid and David did what he had to do to stop the bullying!” There is exchanged of looks across the table as the opinion on the matter of the subject changes in favor of David. Even the Prefect sinks back in his chair as he was not told this. Lunch appears before them as Ravenclaw has lost their appetite while Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Slytherin scarf down their meals. The Prefect has too much pride and ego to correct his mistake as the guilt makes him sick.    David walks across campus to the school as he goes back to the area where he royally screwed up. He does not even know where he learned those spells and he used them on another soul! David worried that if this could happen on day 1…what would happen on day 365? He could have killed those girls! Even his friends look at him like a freak, now! What was he becoming?    David sits on the banister as the water cascades behind him, soothing and calm. It is moments like now that he yearns for home and thinks to himself ‘I’ll give it one week! One week and I’m gone!’ as David tries to fit in, but he just cannot. The clouds fly by as David watches them and then pulls out his book on Charms. He looks at the map and sees that the classroom as just across the court, between Defense Against the Dark Arts and Wand Wizardry. Getting up and walking over, David opens the door and goes inside as he looks around at a classroom divided into two sections. Stadium-like seats on either side look to the center of the room like a stadium with massive windows filtering yellow light upon a staircase of books.    David walks over to the tower of books and picks one up and opens it and reads: ‘Lapses in concentration while charming can result in painful side effects; remember Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself lying on the floor with a buffalo on his chest.’ David chuckles at the idea as he flips through the book. He comes to a charm as he reads it, “The Cleaning Charm, Munda prius, is a charm used to clean the target. This spell is on the W.O.M.B.A.T. test and considered an advance charm.” David places down the book as he picks up a black book and opens it.    “The Spell Of Concealment is considered an advance spell used to hide things from sight and unable to be revealed by a simple revealing counter-spell. There was one spell designed by Adriatic that requires a transfiguration and charm to break and was called ‘A Spell Of Concealment’.” David looks for the incantation, but finds that page is gone. He coughs and for a moment, the book glimmers as the missing page comes into view and then fades again. So David breathes on the book as the missing page comes into view and he sees the words: Cantatio de occultis and then the words and page fade again. “So weird!”    David places down the book and takes out his wand as he swishes and flicks as he says, “Cantatio de occultis as nothing happens. He looks at the teaching lectern and again points his wand and takes a stance and says in a strong voice, “Čarolija uskrsnuća!” just as the lectern begins to flicker and fade away and then it is gone. David stares as he walks over to where the lectern once was and finds that it isn’t there. “Oh no…!” as he realizes that he just vandalized!    “Oh no indeed!” a tiny voice says as a little man walks in from the shadows. It is Professor Flitwick who has been watching from the side and is impressed. “Where did you learn such spells?" Professor Flitwick says as he approaches David.    “Out of this book…mom taught me few before I came to Hogwarts…” David says as he is disturbed by his Head of House’s appearance and looks away. Flitwick, being the head of house for Ravenclaw, he has great interest in helping his fellow Ravenclaw’s excel.    “I’d be impressed if you could break your spell of concealment!” Flitwick says as David looks grim as he shakes his head.    “Sorry Professor Flitwick, but I don’t know how to!” he says as Flitwick nods and takes out his wand to start the lesson.    “One should never use charms that they cannot correct!” he says as he climbs his stack of book and stands beside David. “Hold out your wand and shout passionately, revelio!” as he looks at David take stance and with his wand in hand; Flitwick shakes his head. “No, no, no…holding your wand like that is fancy, but not advised!” as David holds his wand with a death grip. “Let me see your wand!” he says as David passes his wand to the half-goblin half-human as his bushy white eyebrows rise. “What a unique wand! Lot of power!” he says as he picks up the wand and holds the wand at the end where the wand has a depression for secure holding against counter spells. “Like this!” he says as he hands the wand back to David and David holds the wand like Professor Flitwick held it and has the professor check his form. “Good…now swish and flick with the word, revelio!”    David swishes and flicks and says, “Revelio!” as the lectern begins to appear and then fades away.     “Hmm, that is one powerful charm you cast onto my lectern!” Flitwick says as he takes his wand and says, “Revelio!” and like before, the wand casts a white light and his lectern appears and then disappears. David takes his wand in hand and together they cast the revelio charm and this time the lectern appears and remains in form. “There we go!” he says as David walks over to the wooden stand and touches it and it is solid.    “That is a hard charm!” David remarks as the professor chuckles and agrees.    “Most second year students struggle with the charm…you seem to have a natural talent for charms Mr. Adriatian!” he says as David smiles and finally feels good about himself. “If I may ask, why did you not have lunch with your House?”    David walks to a seat and sits down near the center and sighs, “To be honest, I feel like I am wearing shores that are too tight!” David says as Professor Flitwick makes his wand at the ready.    “I can help with that!” he offers as David smiles and shakes his head.    “Nothing is wrong with my shoes Professor, it is a terrible saying apparently that muggles use I guess.” David states as Flitwick accepts that theory as he has little experience with muggles and prefers to simply avoid them. “Ever since I have come to Hogwarts, I feel as if I am constantly at odds with everyone! The Prefect even wonders why I was put in Ravenclaw and I think he has a point…with the trouble I cause, I should be in that snake house!”    Flitwick leans against the books as he has received reports about his student, David. He pockets his wand as he gives some advice. “Did you want to be put in Ravenclaw?” he asks as David nods.    “My mom was in Hufflepuff house and my biological parents…well I don’t know.” as David ponders if they were also in Hufflepuff or in Slytherin! “I did not want to be in Slytherin as I don’t like their message and Gryffindor house seems nice as I have a friend there, but I don’t think I am Gryffindor material. I considered Hufflepuff to please my mom…but the Sorting Hat says I will do wonderful things in Ravenclaw…has the Sorting Hat ever been incorrect?”    “The Sorting Hat is rarely wrong!” Flitwick says as he comes with an answer. “Just seeing your talent with a year 7 spell and mastering a year 3 spell…not to mention the Freezing Spell and Water Spell you used against Miss Kalama...those are both 3rd and 4th year spells!” Flitwick smiles as the door opens and closes, “I think you just need to keep surprising us Mr. Adriatian and be open about being a wizard and not a Muggle!” as the rest of the students flood into the room…this class is packed as the room is much smaller than the wide Transfiguration room.    Rowan finds David and rushes over to him and takes a seat, “David!” she says as she wants to comfort him, remembering how the Prefect treated him. “Are you alright…I told the Prefect to back off!” David grimmest as he is worried that will only make it worse.    “He was right Rowan…I cost Ravenclaw 50 points because…”    “Because standing and doing nothing is far worse?” Rowan says as Lily comes over to David and takes a seat as Hugo sits next to her. Lily looks at David, trying to catch his attention.    “I heard what your Prefect did,” she begins as David looks at her. “I spoke to Mrs. Weasley about it and she said she’ll talk to McGonagall.” Lily feels proud of her actions as Professor Flitwick comes down to the floor.

   “Welcome everyone to your first charms course, you’ll all find that charms greatly differ from Transfiguring spells, and does anyone know why?” Flitwick asks as David quickly raises his hand. “Ah, Mr. Adriatian.”    “Charms add individual effects to an object or creature whereas transfiguration changes the object into something different.” David says as people look back to Professor Flitwick smiles and puts his hands up in a celebratory fist.    “Well said Mr. Adriatian!” he states as David is patted on the back by Rowan for good work. “So what do you call a charm that lasts for hours, days or weeks?” he asks as David isn’t certain, but Rowan is as she raises her hand. “Ah yes, Miss Bagnold!”    “It is called Bewitch!” Rowan says as David writes this down as he did not know that as Flitwick nods and smiles.    “Well done Miss Bagnold…10 points to Ravenclaw for coming prepared!” he says as a few Gryffindor’s and Slytherin’s don’t agree…Hufflepuff could care less as they are like David and feverishly writing notes. “Remember, this class will require you to come prepared and practice outside of the class…everything will determine on your technique…remember always, swish and flick! As you go through your schooling here at Hogwarts, your spells will grow with power and even aid you in daily tasks and defending yourself! Take the Fidelius charm for example, cast properly, you can completely hide a person or a place so no one can find them without the aid of the secret keeper. There are many spells you will learn in the 5 years here at Hogwart’s, and if you excel in your OWLS, you can practice on advance curses, jinxes and hexes.”    David sits there as the idea of learning curses, jinxes and hexes bothers him as he is afraid that he could use them…and before today, using a charm on another individual seemed like something he’d never do! David listens to Professor Flitwick talk about how to successfully cast a charm by concentration, precise wand movements and proper pronunciation of the incantation. “And what would happen if you say it incorrectly?” a Hufflepuff student asks as David looks to Professor Flitwick.    “If you fail to properly cast a spell, the spell can backfire on you.” Flitwick answers as Lily whispers a story to David about her uncle, Ron.    “One time my uncle tried to curse someone to eat slugs with a broken wand and he ended up puking slugs for over three hours!” Lily says as David cringes at the idea of throwing up slugs.    “Eww…why?” David asks as he wonders how many points her uncle lost for that.    “Defense of his friends!” she says as David glances at Lily and understands that he made the correct choice in the Fountain Courtyard.    “Your first charm you will learn is the Levitation Charm. It is the fundamental charm that all wizards and witches learn…to make objects fly and levitate! Now everyone, take out your wands…” as Flitwick and the rest of the class takes out their wands and look at him. “…and swish twice and flick with the words, wingardium leviosa!” he says as the students make an attempt with saying wingardium leviosa while swishing twice and flicking their wands. Flitwick passes out white egret feathers for them to practice. “Now concentrate on the feathers and cast your charm!” he says as he stands on the books as he looks at the class.    Rowan works swishing her wand and Hugo swishes his wand too and the wand flies out of his hand and nearly nails David in the head. He picks up Hugo’s wand and hands it back to Hugo. “I think you dropped this?” David says as Hugo blushes and takes back the wand.    “Sorry!” he says as he holds on tighter to his wand as he tries the charm one more time. “Wingardium leviosa!” as his wand control is a bit messy. Rowan and David take pity on him as Lily, help him on his form. With a few tries, his feather flutters and he smiles as David, Rowan and Lily return back to their own work. Rowan has beautiful form as she works on her concentration and the feather flutters and dances on the table.    For David, he has already did the levitation charm and he picks up his wand and says, “Wingardium leviosa!” as the feather lifts off the table and David uses his wand to put it up into the air. There he leaves the feather floating there as Flitwick looks at the feather floating in the air as he smiles and cheers.    “Well done! Look everyone, Mr. Adriatian has done it!” as Flitwick writes down ten points for Ravenclaw as Rowan and Lily looks at the feather floating there in the air and David loses concentration and the feather gently floats down to the table.    “How did you do it?” Rowan asks as she takes pride in her ability to conduct magic and being shown up by her friend makes her feel inadequate.    “I just concentrated on the feather and after saying the charm, imagined the feather was floating.” he says as Rowan tries this and soon her feather begins to lift slowly off the table and float before her eyes. “Help Hugo and I’ll help Lily…" David says as he turns to Lily as he tells her the same and after a few tries, she manages to get her feather to rise off the table.    With time, David opens his book to year one charms and sees that he will be required to know the following charms: Levitation Charm, Wand-Lighting Charm, Lumos Solem, Fire-Making Spell, Softening Charm, Severing Charm, Unlocking Charm, Locking Spell, Mending Charm, Dancing Feet Spell and the Knockback Jinx…    David flips to the next spell “Wand-Lighting Charm…” he reads as he wonders, “I wonder if this is the same as the lumos charm?” he reads a warning from author, Miranda Goshawk; ‘The Wand-Lighting Charm is simple, but requires concentration. Take care not to accidentally set your wand alight as damage of this kind can be permanent. If in any doubt about your abilities you would do better to buy yourself a magic lantern.’ He looks at his wand, he would be devastated to damage this precious piece of wood, it has been through a lot and he promised to take care of it. He thinks how many times he foolishly performed the charm without education and he could have set his wand and trailer on fire!    David continues to work on his charm casting as he seems to become fluid with the casting and it becomes easier to cast the charm. For about 30 minutes, the class seems to go by quickly as the bell rings to end the class as the first year students are to report to the grassy courtyard for flight as everyone files out as they have 30 minutes to prepare. Flitwick calls out. “Mr. Adriatian, please hold back for a moment.” he says as David looks at his friends and they go outside to wait for him. “I saw what you did Mr. Adriatian, with helping Miss Potter and Miss Bagnold…you have great leadership and skill in charms. For a moment, I thought you might be one of the great to come to Hogwarts…but now I am sure! Don’t overwhelm yourself with so many spells…pace yourself...enjoy the process. Magic isn't suppose to be work, it is suppose to be relaxing!”    “Thank you Professor Flitwick!” David says as he likes the feeling of being on task.    “If you ever need someone to talk to…you know where my office is!” Flitwick says as David nods and he smiles, “I better let you get going…Madam Hooch does not like tardy students!”    “Thank you sir!” David says as he turns and hurries to find Rowan, Lily and Hugo waiting for him as they hope that the conversation went well. “Ready to go?” David says as this next class has worried him since he learned he was signed up to do it.    “Ready!” Hugo says as Lily and Rowan smile and nods as they hurry down the center of the Fountain Courtyard to the gate and crosses under the inner wall between Dragon Science and Advance Arithmancy as they come into a shaded courtyard surrounded by high castle walls and towers. This is the first time David has visited this part of the castle and he looks around as the castle seems so massive in size! Passing through the outer castle gate, they enter the grassy field.    David, Hugo, Lily and Rowan have arrived early as the sun was warm and the air conformable as they sit down in the warm grass. Hugo laid down and closed his eyes as David and Rowan practiced on their charm as Lily watched. “Is it true,” begins Lily as she finally has time to talk with David without having to stay with her house “that you apparited before the train?”    “What does apparited mean?” David asks as he has heard this word, but still is unclear.    “It means to appear.” Rowan says as she uses her book to levitate. David nods as he still has a few bruises from that fall.    “Yeah, broke a few bones too!” he commented as Hugo remarks.    “That is so cool! You have to be the youngest to have ever apparited!” and Hugo was correct! The youngest to ever apparite was Mr. Harry Potter at the age of 13…David was 11.    “It hurt like hell!” David remarks as a woman with silver hair and jaundice eyes walks out onto the field in light black robes with a white trim. She wears brown gloves that look like she just got done horseback riding with a brook pendant necklace hanging on her chest.    “Hey you four, give me a hand?” Maddam Hooch says as she calls over to David, Hugo, Lily and Rowan to help her bring out the brooms. The two Gryffindor’s and two Ravenclaw’s come over to her side as she guides them to a wooden door “Alohomora” she says as the door unlocks and they look inside to see brooms and gear for Quidditich. “Grab three brooms and take them to the field.” she says as they all pick up 12 brooms together. “Thank you.” Madam Hooch says as she looks at them, “For your help, 5 points to Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.” as they lay out the brooms with six on one side and six on the other side.

[azkaabanter]

If The Marauders were Still Alive (headcannons)

(In response to an ask)

-If they were still alive…

•When Harry got his Hogwarts letter James immediately ripped it open without even showing it to Harry because he was just so excited for his son. Without even acknowledging Harry’s presence or Lily’s laughter, he just sits cris-crossed on the floor making little comments about Harry’s school supply list.

“What? You don’t have to read {insert book title}. It was the best! Don’t worry Harry, you can borrow my old copy, though it may have some old doodles in it from Sirius-”

•When Harry is really young he thinks that they have a dog because whenever Sirius is over he turns into his Animagus form and he’s over at the Potters’ so much that it’s kinda hard not to think that.

And James, Lily, Remus and Peter go along with it and one dayJames brings home a bright pink glittery dog collar and asks little Harry to put it on ‘Snuffles’. Harry does it and even though Sirius hates it, he keeps it on because he loves Harry so much (Remus like it too, but for *coughs* other reasons).

•When Harry turns eleven and has to go to Diagon Alley, It’s not just James and Lily that take him shopping, it’s the whole damn Marauders squad. They’re just casually walking through the streets and suddenly someone starts clapping for them, and then more people join in and it turns into just the whole street clapping for the Marauders because most of them remember hearing tales about what the group did, and many parents were friends of theirs.

Needlessly to say James and Sirius take a dramatic bow while Remus and Lily are looking at each other like

“These are the people we chose to marry”

And Peter is just laughing along and buying Harry a chocolate frog off of a street witch while Harry asks him why all those people are clapping for them. Peter just chuckles and goes “We had a bit of a reputation at school”

•When Harry goes into Madam Malkin’s and sees Draco, James immediately steps in front of his son as if to protect him.

“What’s wrong, Dad?”

“There’s a Malfoy there… can’t mistake him. I remember his father-”

But then Lily comes over and whispers in his ear

“Remember Sirius’s parents? They were awful people but look how Sirius turned out?” They look out the shop window to see Sirius with his arm around Remus’s shoulders sitting on a bench in conversation with Peter.

“You’re right”

And James himself introduces Harry to Draco, and the two immediately hit it off.

•Just before Harry is about to leave for Hogwarts, the Marauders get together (without Lily, because she’d definitely disapprove) and tell Harry all the stories they can. Harry just sits there in wonder like

‘How will I ever live up to that’

But at the end of the night, James goes and gets a box out of his room and puts it in Harry’s hands.

“This is yours now. Use it well.”

Harry opens the box and it’s the invisibility cloak. Remus then takes the Marauder’s Map out and shows Harry how to use it, then hands it over (“use it responsibly”)

•When Harry comes home for winter break he talks about how great Gryffindor is and his best friends Ron and Hermione, but also about Draco from Slytherin and how he has “the prettiest hair and his eyes sparkle-” and Remus and Sirius just give each other knowing looks.

And he’s about to say something else after talking about his classes but hesitates; everyone asks him about it, but he denies everything.

•He goes back to school after winter break and some time after his second Quidditch match as the youngest seeker in a century, one morning at breakfast he gets a howler.

He knows fully well what it is because he grew up in a house with the Marauders who liked to send them back and forth for fun-

“WILL YOU PASS THE SALT?”

“I CAN’T THROW PETER THAT FAR!”

But anyway, he gets one and looks at his friends and then at Draco across the hall because he’s absolutely terrified an doesn’t know what he did. Eventually (with much convincing) he opens it.

“HARRY JAMES POTTER! HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME THAT YOU MADE THE QUIDDITCH TEAM?

YOUR MOTHER AND I ARE SO PROUD OF YOU HOLY SHI-” and then it’s Lily’s voice.

“Harry, sweetie we’re so proud of you! You must’ve gotten some of James’s talent-” (you can hear James going crazy in the background; knocking stuff over and generally screaming like a psychopath) “where James got his, I have no idea”

And then it’s just Remus, Sirius and Peter going crazy (yes, even Moony).

When it finally ends, the great hall just sits stunned for a moment, before Dumbledore starts slow clapping and everyone joins in. All the teachers are just rolling their eyes because they definitely remember the Marauders. About 5 seconds later the Potters’ owl flies in with a new Nimbus 2000 and a note that says ‘Don’t tell your mother’

•Harry bringing Draco home in their 5th year to meet his parents over Christmas break, and when he goes home Harry has to remind his parents and uncles that “No, we aren’t dating! That’s absolutely absurd!” And everyone just looking at each other like 'yeah, sure kid’

•Harry choosing to be a pro Quidditch player as his profession after admitting to his parents that he snuck out one night with Ron, Hermione and Draco to go try out for Puddlemore United because they had just lost their seeker and he made the team.

And James and Sirius crying with pride because their little Harry is going to be a world famous Quidditch player.

“There won’t be a person alive who doesn’t know his name” James said while ruffling his son’s hair.

•Harry in his 6th year asking Remus when he knew he was gay and coming out to Moony and Padfoot as Bi and both of them going

“Yeah, we know”

And Harry just looking so surprised and then telling them that he and Draco started dating in October and that he wanted to have him for Christmas but didn’t want to tell his dad why, and James (who was under the invisibility cloak)

“Yeah, sure he can come. But no sex after 11 pm.”

And Harry screaming like a girl from surprise and then sputtering like an idiot in response to the sex comment.

•Peter taking Harry to honeydukes before he was allowed to go with his school and Peter just completely spoiling him and buying so much that they can hardly get it home.

They sneak through the house to get to Harry’s room but meet James in the middle, who of course joins them.

They open the door to Harry’s room just to find Remus and Lily sitting on the bed with the most bored expressions on their faces. Harry looks down in shame and drops all the candy on the floor, but Lily just raises an eyebrow and goes

“Well? Aren’t you going to share?” An everyone eating their fill of candy just on Harry’s bed, and Sirius taking all the good stuff and running from the room and everyone chasing him around the house.

•When Harry turns seventeen the Marauder’s teach him to become an Animagus (and get registered). James is incredibly proud when he turns out to have a stag Animagus form as well.

Draco being terrified because he walks into Harry’s room over summer break and there’s a fucking deer casually chilling on his boyfriend’s bed like what

And Ron riding on Harry’s back to make a stupidly grand entrance picking Hermione up from her house in the middle of a muggle neighborhood

•Just the Marauders being alive please and thank you

[illuminating-dragons]

Fading Scars (6/?): The Sortings

Time: 2009 and beyond

Summary:  The various sortings of the Next Generation, and what happened next.

Teddy Lupin

           Harry and Ginny invited Andromeda to breakfast with them the first morning. Lily was fussy with teething, but between James chattering about the book he was reading with Ginny and Albus’ incessant questions, Harry hoped the woman was distracted from missing Teddy. Her grandson. His godson.

           Harry had been so caught up in Teddy’s own excitement about going to Hogwarts that he hadn’t quite thought through what it would be like when he’d be away.  He’s so young. What if he’s homesick? What if he hates it? What if he has no friends?

           Lily whined in his lap, and Harry cuddled her close. Thank goodness his other children were still years away from Hogwarts.

           A large barn owl swooped into the breakfast room and dropped two letters—one in Andromeda’s hand, one in Harry’s.

           “Moo!” Lily shouted. Harry couldn’t help smiling. Poor Teddy had been trying to be nice when he let Lily pick her name. Trouble was, he’d forgotten that Lily knew a limited amount of words at one, but a great deal of sounds.

           The owl let Lily pet him as Harry passed the letter to Ginny—his hands were a bit full. Ginny opened it eagerly, then beamed. “He loved the feast!”

           Andromeda nodded, her eyes solemn. “He says the Sorting Hat sang about friendship this year. He’s been sorted into Hufflepuff.”

           “Brilliant,” Harry said. “He’s always loved yellow.”    

           Andromeda peered at him. “You’re not…”

           “Not what?” Then it hit him. “Do you think I’d be disappointed?”

           “No, of course not. Perhaps surprised. It’s just in some ways he takes after his father more than Dora.”

           “I wouldn’t have been surprised if he was in Gryffindor,” Ginny said, “but I think he’ll fit in well in Hufflepuff. And anyways, that’s where his mum was, right?” She read on, and she drew in a sharp breath.

           “Ginny?”

           Ginny reached out for Lily, and Harry passed her over, taking the letter in exchange. He read it aloud, his voice getting tighter as he went on.

           And you two won’t believe it, but one of the prefects, Gemma, she took me and a couple of others with Hufflepuff family over to the Hole. It’s a little hole in the floor, right near the fire, and everyone who graduates puts in a stone with their names scratched on them for any of their family who are Sorted here. She gave me Mummy’s. It’s all colourful. Gemma said she thought there might be jewels in it, or something precious, and my Mummy loved it. It’s for me now to keep. I think when I graduate I might put it back in with my name on it too. I’ll ask Gemma in the morning.

Heaps of love,

Teddy the Badger

P.S. I miss you, but Hogwarts is brilliant, so don’t worry about me.

Victoire Weasley

           It took a long time to decide whether or not to send Victoire to Hogwarts at all.

           Fleur and Bill went back and forth. Beauxbatons was a wonderful school too, and Fleur’s family was there, and there were traditions there that were just as important. Fleur had loved school dearly, and actually cried the day she left for England, not just for her family but the lovely long halls and high windows of Beauxbatons.

           On the other hand, the idea of having Victoire so far away made her heart ache (and made her write her mother more often). Bill was willing to do either, but he pointed out that Victoire wasn’t quite fluent in French, and she adored her cousins, all of whom were going to Hogwarts. That wasn’t even a point of discussion in the other Weasley homes.

           Eventually Victoire was asked her opinion. She thought about it quite seriously for three days, and then told them that she wanted to go to Hogwarts right now.

           “Can I change my mind when I’m older?” she asked. “When I’m ready to leave home?”

           Fleur hugged her daughter close. “Bien sur,” she promised.

           (It would later turn out that Victoire would never go very far from home. She wasn’t an adventurer like either of her parents. She stayed home, first with them and then with Teddy, writing music. She only ever sang for her children, but her songs travelled the globe).

           But Fleur didn’t know it that day. All she knew was that suddenly Hogwarts was too far away, and the train was dangerous, and perhaps they could teach her? But no, her daughter had a brilliant mind, and needed to be nurtured by people who weren’t family.

           And when Victoire came home for Christmas wearing Ravenclaw blue and bubbling over about how many things she wanted to learn, Fleur knew they’d made the right decision.

Dominique Weasley

           Dominique’s red hair had always run wild. Unlike her sister, who kept her blonde hair tucked into braids, Dominique let her hair fly free, just like Aunt Gabrielle’s. She was the first up in the morning, the last to sleep, and could never sit still long enough to read a book. Fearless and tough, she roamed each day looking for adventure.

           Dominque cried fiercely the night before she went to Hogwarts, begging to stay home. Bill promised her the same deal as Victoire—when she was thirteen, she could change her mind about school. He would teach her himself if she wanted, and take her on voyages. “My adventuring partner,” he always called her. He was sure she would find her home in Gryffindor.

           She found her home, but it wasn’t in the house of chivalry and nerve. Instead, it was in the house of creativity, of inquiring minds who thirsted for knowledge. And when Dominique opened the trunk her family had packed for her, she found a bronze eagle set with sapphires from Aunt Luna, who’d recognized the need for answers.

           Dominique—Nicki when she got older— would eventually join her dad on his expeditions, but only sometimes. She was searching for curses, and Dad was good at breaking them. Sometimes he was too slow, though, and she would barge on ahead, using spells she designed to bring them down, tame them, catalogue and comprehend them.

           There were people to help, after all—people who’d been hurt by these curses. And Nicki was going to find out how to help them, no matter what got in her way.

Fred Weasley II

           After Bill’s daughters both being sorted into Ravenclaw, everyone started getting used to the idea that not all the Weasleys would be in Gryffindor. No one was upset, of course—it just felt a bit odd.

           So when George and Angelina broke the news that their son hadn’t been sorted into Gryffindor either, people were calm.

           They stopped being calm when they found out Freddie Weasley was in Slytherin.

           George nearly shouted himself hoarse arguing with Angelina that day. She was panicking, terribly worried that they’d done something wrong. Her family was Gryffindor through and through. The statistics for Death Eaters was overwhelmingly Slytherin. She loved her son—loved him deep and strong—but would he survive Slytherin? Would he be the same? And even if he belonged in Slytherin…what if the others, offspring of old pureblood families, didn’t agree?

           “Damn it, woman,” George finally raged, “Fred and I should probably have been in Slytherin!”

           And Angelina knew, in her heart of hearts, that he was right. They’d both grown up knowing red was their colour. Who knew? Perhaps if they’d had a chance to be different, to choose their own way, maybe she would have worn yellow, her husband green. Maybe their son was growing up in a world where he could choose that without worrying. Where he could be where he belonged, and never think that maybe their House was good and they loved their housemates, but it never quite felt like home.

           And that’s what she and George told everyone who looked shocked or worried, everyone who might have wondered what they thought. They thought that they loved their son, and he was perfectly fine as he was, thank you very much. And soon everyone calmed down.

           Freddie always looked well in green.

Roxanne Weasley

           Roxanne loved Quidditch. But she didn’t love it for the game itself. She played, of course, because she was damn good at it and she loved competing against her brother, but it was the minds behind it that were so interesting. What drove people to play? Why did some give up after being injured? What made certain games so exciting?

           It was a lot of numbers, a lot of sifting through stories. But Roxy was patient, and quiet, and knew how to listen. It was useful in a family like hers. All those redheads—but then again, was that true? Did people with red hair really have worse tempers?

           When the Sorting Hat called out Ravenclaw no one was more surprised than Roxy. It wasn’t just that it was Ravenclaw, but that it was so fast. She was sure she was going to be a Hatstall. She had no idea where she belonged.

           But the Hat somehow did. It understood that knowledge seekers aren’t always passionate about learning. Sometimes they’re patient and calm as they work away at an answer. They can stop work, do something else; the question doesn’t have to consume their life.

           And sometimes those knowledge seekers become passionate about the questions of others. They love helping people solve puzzles, they love watching people learn.

           Roxanne was one of those, and Madam Pince knew it. At last she could retire, knowing her beloved library was in good hands.

James Sirius Potter

           James Sirius Potter was the descendant of Marauders and nephew to the founders and owners of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. He was the eldest Potter child, and he had red hair.

           Apparently this meant he had to be the biggest prankster running.

           There was only one problem with this theory, and it wasn’t that Albus was playing jokes on him at the age of three, or that Lily invented a product for the joke shop before she could talk properly.

           No, it was that he simply didn’t want to.

           Oh he retaliated when his siblings pulled pranks, and he and Albus had magnificent wars, but he never instigated. He just had other things to do. His book pile wasn’t getting any shorter, there was Quidditch to play with Mum and Dad, and he loved watching the stars.

           When James was sorted, it took a while. The Hat discussed his options with him—he would find some friends in Ravenclaw, but they were quite intense about it. James had never understood people with only one passion. He’d much prefer being in a group of people that let people be what they wanted.

           The Hat agreed that was best, and put him in Gryffindor.

           When James lay down that night, he did some counting and realized he was in his dad’s room, and quite possibly in his dad’s bed. That was nice—it made him feel closer to home. He hugged his pillow. He didn’t feel very brave.

           It would take him years to realize that being quiet in a noisy family, being funny at no one’s expense, loving the way he wanted to, and being steadfast and polite about it, was its own kind of bravery.

Louis Weasley

           When Louis was little, their favourite cousin was Fred, because Fred understood that they were, well, they. Not a little boy, not a little girl, just they.  

           It was Fred who gave Lou their first camera, and Fred who was their first model. Posed on the beach at high noon, dressed in clothes exactly the colour of his skin, he stood with his head thrown back and arms held high.

           (Years later, Lou would pose another man that way but pose them nude.)

           Going to school worried Lou, worried their parents. Mum and Dad had always been good about using the right words, about letting them wear what they wanted. But Hogwarts had rules, and Hogwarts had dorms by gender. There were already students who had crossed the dorms, girls born boys who could walk up the staircase, boys born girls who made it a slide. The dorms amended for that, but what would they do for someone who was neither?

           However, Lou had a plan. They didn’t want to make a big deal about what they were. It was bad enough that everyone knew they had inherited the Veela gene full force.

           You throw a tantrum in Diagon Alley and turn into a monster one time…

           So Lou forbade their parents from interfering, pretended to be always male around Professor McGonagall and Professor Longbottom, and packed their bags. They sat with their sisters and Fred in a compartment, twisting their hands and trying to pretend that people weren’t staring in.

           When they got to the Sorting Hat, Lou informed the hat that they didn’t give a toss where they were, but if the Hat told anyone that they were…well, a they, the Sorting Hat would become the Sorting Pincushion.

           “Slytherin!”

           When Lou got to the Slytherin dorm, there was a girl’s dorm and a boy’s dorm, but there was also a third room.

           “Oh,” the Prefect said when they asked. “It’s for people who aren’t comfortable in either. Haven’t all the Houses got one?”

           Lou shook their head.

           “Do you want to sleep in there?”

           Lou nodded.

           “Alright then. Go on.”

           So Lou met Kit, who was still transitioning into a male; Elys, whose Mer blood made human concepts of gender confusing; and Aly, who was mostly feminine but sometimes very, very male.

           By the time Lou graduated, each House had a room like that. Sometimes people only stayed a year, some stayed for their whole career, but it was always by choice, and anyone was welcome.

           And Lou stopped minding if people stared. They got used to the idea that they were beautiful. And despite a couple more Veela episodes, people kept flirting.

           And Lou let them, because flirting was fine, and they learned to be careful about keeping it from crossing the line into love, which they had no interest in (it took an unfortunate episode with Kit for that lesson to come across). And when they grew up and became a photographer everyone knew that you wanted Lou Delacour to take your picture and sleep with you, because it would be the best picture and fuck of your life. But crossing them was a bad idea—they could throw fire, after all.

           Sometimes being a Veela was good for business.

           Freddie was very proud.

Molly Weasley II

            Molly was afraid of spiders. Molly was also afraid of the dark, and alligators, and sharks, and lots of other things, but spiders topped the list. She couldn’t listen to Hagrid’s stories about Aragog at all. Uncle George teased her about it, but Uncle Ron always made him stop. He was scared too.

           When she was eight, Molly tried to make a list of her fears. She gave up when she filled two rolls of parchment. Clearly, being afraid of so many things was impractical. But how was she going to conquer so many fears?

           She started with the simple ones. She went outside at night without a flashlight six nights in a row, trembling and scared in the backyard. Her dad stayed near the door, ready to come and get her right away if she called, but by the last night she actually fell asleep under a moonless, nearly starless sky.

           Then she tried to conquer claustrophobia. This one served to terrify her mother; she kept finding Molly in cupboards. She suggested that Molly try going under a bed, at least when Uncle Harry was visiting. It took much longer, but soon she found it was actually kind of cozy under her bed, and she often went under there to read.

           Three years goes by quickly when you’re trying to fit in phobia-fighting along with being a kid, and soon Molly was packing her trunk for Hogwarts.

           “I’m not ready,” she sobbed.

           “You will be,” Dad promised. “Work on your list when you have a chance, but give yourself some credit. You’ll be okay.”

           Molly barely made it on the train, even clutching Victoire’s hand. Victoire and Nicki were very kind and let her sit with them, but Molly couldn’t concentrate on any conversation. She stared out the window miserably. She didn’t deserve any house. She was cowardly, stupid, couldn’t keep a secret to save her life, and clearly she wasn’t working hard enough to solve these idiotic fears. She was going to be sent home.

           The Hat thought for a long time when Molly put it on, and she shrank into herself.

           “Tell me, Molly Grace,” the Hat whispered to her finally, “why do you insist on believing you are worthless?”

           “I can’t stop being scared,” she thought.

           “Have you tried letting yourself be scared?” the Hat asked.

           “What do you mean?”

           “Embrace your fear. Don’t just face it, understand it. Breathe in the world that holds your fears, and love it anyways.”

           “Will that help me stop being a coward?”

           “You were never a coward, Molly Grace. And you will never be.” The Hat cleared its throat, and then, loud enough that the entire Hall could hear, yelled “Gryffindor!”

           Five years later, when Molly was a Prefect, she gave tiny, scared first years the same speech. They were stunned. How could Molly Grace Weasley, famous for her Quidditch stunts and cool head when exploring the Forbidden Forest, ever have been frightened?

Albus Potter, Rose Granger-Weasley and Scorpius Malfoy

           Harry sank into a chair. The house was really quiet now. They’d spent the afternoon at the British Museum with Lily (a special treat for her), but it felt strange to have both their boys gone.

           Ginny perched next to him, and Harry took her hand. She’d been remarkably strong at the station and all afternoon, but now she looked very sad.        

           “He’ll be home for Christmas, love,” Harry whispered.

           “I know. It’s just,” Ginny sniffed, “my babies are all growing up.”

           Harry pulled her onto his lap. “It’ll be okay, Ginny. We still have Lily.”

           There was a crash from upstairs.

           Ginny groaned. “Maybe that’s not a comfort. Lily!”

           “I didn’t mean to!”

           Ginny went upstairs, and Harry stared into the fire.

           Then Ron’s head popped up. “Mate! How are you?”

           “Alright. How are you and ’Mione holding up?”

           Ron’s face fell. “It’s not easy. I feel sort of bad for wanting to go back to Hogwarts so badly when I was a kid. Must have broken Mum and Dad’s hearts.”        

           “Do you want to come over?”

           “Sure! Hugo’s over at Ricky’s tonight and his dad’s away so Hermione will be alright. Give us a few minutes, yeah?”

           “Sure.”

           Ron’s head vanished.

           Ginny came back. “Was that Ron?”

           “Yeah. He and Hermione want to come over. Sorry, I should have asked.”

           “Don’t be stupid. It’ll be nice to see them. Lily’s going out to see Teddy tonight, right?”

           Harry nodded. Lily and Teddy were working on a project together. He was fairly certain that it involved explosions, but completely certain that Teddy would take very good care of Lily.

           Lily came bouncing in. “Bye Daddy!” she kissed his cheek.

           “Is Teddy—”

           The doorbell rang.

           “I’ll get them going,” Ginny told him. “You get drinks set up for Ron and Hermione.”

           Harry got up and went to the drinks cupboard. He’d put sherry, Firewhiskey, white wine and a Butterbeer on a tray by the time Ron and Hermione stepped through.

           Hermione looked fairly calm, but Ron was clearly upset.

           “Did something happen?”  Harry asked. Nothing could have happened in ten minutes, could it?

           “Rose hasn’t called yet,” Hermione explained. “She said she would right after the Feast.”

           Harry checked his watch. “It’s barely eight!”

           “Which is precisely what I told Ronald,” Hermione said exasperatedly. “They’re likely still eating.”

           “I’m sure she’s okay, Ron,” Ginny said gently.

           “What if she didn’t get sorted into Gryffindor and she’s worried I’m angry?” Ron said, still fretting. “I was joking, honestly!”

           “She knows that,” Hermione said firmly. “She knows you love her. Don’t be thick.”

           Ron took the Firewhiskey and poured it into a glass. “I hope so,” he muttered.

           Harry clinked his Butterbeer against his glass. “They’ll be okay,” he promised. “It’s okay to miss them though.”

           Ron nodded and took a huge swallow. “Thought I was ready.”

           Hermione put an arm around his waist. “I don’t think any of us are.”

           A shower of sparks caught Harry’s eye. To his surprise, Draco’s head was in the fire.

           “Hello, Harry,” he said politely. His eyes widened when he saw Ron and Hermione. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had company.”

           “It’s alright, Draco,” Ron answered. He held up the Firewhiskey bottle. “Care to join us?”

           Draco looked grateful. “I would like to, yes. Astoria’s had an emergency with her mum.”

           “Is she alright?” Hermione asked.

           Draco rolled his eyes. “Emergencies with my mother-in-law are a dime a dozen. I believe this time it has to do with the sale of some paintings. Still, Tori wanted to go.”

           Harry went to the fire. “Come on through,” he said, reaching out a hand.

           Draco took hold of Harry’s hand and came through. He didn’t even wobble when he landed on the carpet. Harry wished he had that kind of style.

           They stood together for a few minutes, talking quietly. Harry kept drinking his Butterbeer to make sure that he wasn’t expected to speak much. He was missing his sons badly now, and he wished that Hogwarts wasn’t quite so far away. They could see James in a month in Hogsmeade, but that was only if James wanted them to come…

           “Dad?”

           Startled, Harry looked around.

           “Dad!”

           Harry reached into his pocket for the mirror. Albus’ beaming face was looking up.

           “Hi Dad!” he called.

           “Hello lad,” Harry said. Despite all the Butterbeer, he could still feel the lump in his throat. “How are you?”

           “I’m doing well. Are Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron there?”

           “Yes.” Harry waved the others over.

           “Good!”

            Rose’s face came in too. “Hi Mum, hi Dad!”

           “Hello Rosie!” Ron looked a little astonished. Harry knew how he felt. As good friends as Rose and Albus were, they’d honestly not expected them to be in the same house.

            Albus held up Mad-Eye, the ferret wrapped in a scarf and Rose held up a tie. They were striped blue and bronze.

          “We’re in Ravenclaw!” Rosie cheered. “Together, isn’t it grand?”      

          “That’s lovely, sweet,” Hermione said.

          “Well done, Al,” Ginny added.

          “I wanted to be here,” Albus said, sharing a look with Harry.

          “Then I’m glad you’re there, son,” Harry said firmly.

          “Our whole compartment got into Ravenclaw,” Albus said. “Me and Rosie and Ellie…and—” he broke off when he noticed Draco. “Draco?”

          “Hello, Albus.”

           To Harry’s shock, Albus pulled away. Then—“Scorp, c’mere! Your dad’s here!”

           Draco’s eyes went wide. Scorpius’ face came into view, wearing Ravenclaw pyjamas and looking a bit worried. “Hello, Da.”

           Draco put his hand over his mouth. “Hello, son. You’re in with your friends, then? That’s…that’s wonderful.”

           Scorpius’ face lit up, and he leaned his head against Rose’s shoulder. She patted his head. “Told you he wouldn’t be cross, Scorp.”

           “Rosie!”

          “It’s alright, Scorpius.” Draco cleared his throat. “I know you think my expectations for you are high, and I want you to do your best, but I want you to do that your way.”

           Scorpius touched the mirror, as if he was trying to reach through. “Love you, Da.”

          “And I love you. Your mother and I are so proud.” Draco stepped away for a minute. He wiped his eyes, and Ron put a supportive hand on his arm.

           Albus hugged Scorpius from the other side. “We should go to bed. We want to get up early and watch the sunrise from the top of the tower.”

          “Be careful,” Hermione admonished.

          “We will, Mum, honestly!”

          “Hang on,” Ginny said with a frown. “Where are you?”

           Something in Rose’s face shifted. “The Ravenclaw tower.”

           Draco stepped back into view. “And Scorpius is wearing pyjamas…in the common room.”

           That was odd, now that Harry thought about it. Scorpius was rarely seen without being fully dressed. Even during sleepovers he was found wearing a dressing gown.

           Rose ducked her head. “That’s why we’re a bit late. We had to figure out how I could get into their room.”

          “Aren’t there rules about that?”

          “Maybe,” Rose said, tossing her head. “I didn’t ask.”

            Ron laughed. “That’s my girl.”

           “Try not to get into trouble in the first day,” Ginny said.

           “Wait a week,” Hermione said with a smirk.

           “Mum?!” Rose looked shocked, but Albus laughed.

           “We’ll let you go to bed,” Harry said. “Mind you share what James has, Albus.”

           “I will,” Albus said. “I got one from him at the Feast. We’re going to take turns with each one.”

           “What are you talking about?” Scorpius asked, interested.

           Albus looked quickly at Harry, and after a second’s hesitation, he nodded. “Go ahead and tell them, Al. Just use them well.”

           “Promise. Goodnight Mum and Dad! Say hi to Lily. I’ll write to her tomorrow.”

           “Goodnight sweetheart,” Ginny said.

           Rose and Scorpius called their goodnights too, and then the mirror went blank. For a second Harry was quiet. Albus in Ravenclaw. It really did make sense.

           Hermione touched his hand. “Harry, do you think—”

           He met her eyes, and remembered six years of insane plans, of nights in the Common Room and days in Hagrid’s hut, of friendship and fights and family.

           Then he looked at Draco, and Draco smiled thinly. “I do believe we’ve seen the founding of a new trio.”

           “So…are we saying no Howlers?” Ginny quipped.

           “Are you barking mad?” Ron asked. “Of course we’ll send Howlers. Some of the time.”

           Harry laughed. He was sure Ron wouldn’t send a single one.

           In the end, it was Astoria Malfoy who sent the first Howler near the end of first year when Scorpius dragged/led/was dragged (depending on the account) into the Restricted Section after hours.

           Madam Prince had no idea how they’d snuck into the library.

           The Marauder’s secrets were still safe.

Lucy Weasley

           Lucy worshipped her big sister.

           It was easy to do. Molly was kind and clever and she let Lucy join her on all her adventures. Molly said it was because she was scared, but Lucy didn’t believe that. How could Molly be scared of anything?

           Then Molly left for school, and Lucy was all alone. She didn’t really know what to do with herself. Her other cousins—the Potters and the Granger-Weasleys—liked playing with each other, and Lucy always felt a bit out of place with them.

           So Lucy decided she would find a new friend.

           She wandered around the little village where they lived until she found a boy her age. The boy’s name was Jacob. He was clever, far more clever than Lucy was, but he was just as lonely. No one wanted to play with him because he liked to read big books about computers and physics.

           He had to explain what they were to Lucy, and they read the books together. Lucy was fascinated. Grandad always said that Muggles were clever, but this was amazing! Could they really do all of these things? How did they know how the world worked so well?

           Jacob didn’t understand how Lucy had missed all of these things. Lucy told him she was homeschooled. She desperately wanted to tell him about magic, but it was too risky. Her parents would be cross, and she’d never get to go to Hogwarts with her sister…

           But it wasn’t fair, Lucy realized. It wasn’t fair for Jacob to be sharing all of this with her. He was risking his parents being angry for wasting time on something other than school. He was risking the other kids in his class never being friends with him because he was always with ‘that Weasley girl’.

           So one day when they were out in the woods, Lucy told Jacob about magic.

           And he believed her.

           Delighted, the two of them read through every magic book in her parent’s collection. Dad was glad that Lucy was taking such an interest in magical theory, and bought her new books when she asked. It took him a few months to realize that she was sharing them with the kid down the road with too-big glasses and fidgety hands.

           Lucy and Jacob were having a wonderful time. They looked through the books and argued about how they intersected and whether you could possibly start building machines that worked with magic—not just pulleys, but things like phones, computers…their minds whirled with possibility.

           Then Dad confronted Lucy about what she was doing.

           It was quite a big fight, and Lucy cried. So did Dad. He was terrified that his daughter was going to be in prison before she’d even gotten to school. It was Mum who finally calmed them both down.

           “It’s done already,” she said quietly. “We need to talk about what we’re going to do next.”

           Lucy felt sick. Was Mum going to Obliviate Jacob?

           But no, because Mum was a lawyer, and Mum knew what she was doing. She called in every favour she had and looked up Jacob’s heritage, hoping to find any crossing with a wizarding family. If there was even a chance, the boy wouldn’t count as a Muggle, and Lucy wouldn’t have to lose her friend.

           And there was. He was the great-grandson of a Squib.

           And that was when Lucy lost her temper.

           Not because she hated that Jacob didn’t get to be magic, but that Squibs had no legal standing. They weren’t wizards, but they didn’t get to have wands, and they couldn’t tell their children about magic. But they weren’t Muggles either, so if they did find out, no harm done.

           When Lucy got to school, she spent most of her time in the library. People remarked that it was odd for a Gryffindor to spend so much time there (until Professor Longbottom set them straight about Hermione Granger), but Lucy was determined. She was going to find a way for Jacob and any other descendants of Squibs to find their place in magic. And for wizards to find their place in the Muggle world, because Merlin, people just sort of got by knowing nothing about the outside world.

           (She got into several fights with the Muggle Studies teacher).

           When she graduated, she took off for a year with Jacob and his boyfriend, a Hufflepuff Muggleborn named Dev. The three of them studied like crazy and managed to get into the University of Manchester for physics and computer science. Lucy got into fights with teachers there, but she also found Squibs and descendants of magical families without any magic at all. She recruited them for her cause.

           It took years; it took decades. But by the time Lucy watched her sister’s children go to Hogwarts, they went with magical ‘computers’ and learned about maths and Muggle history, and even Squibs went to Hogwarts if they chose, learning how to use magic not with wands but with science.

           In the end, perhaps it was good that Lucy worshipped her sister. It gave her a chance to feel lonely, to feel like she didn’t belong. She was determined to never let anyone feel like that.

           And her strangest legacy? Lucy Weasley was the only student Argus Filch ever liked.

Lily Potter

           Lily loved cooking with her Daddy. From the time she was three, she stood on her own little stool and helped crack eggs, stir milk and (of course) taste everything. Daddy always asked if she was bored, or if she wanted a break, and never let her touch the oven without him watching carefully.

           He cried when she burned herself by accident when she was seven. Lily was so frightened by his tears she started crying too, and Mummy found them sitting by the oven, sobbing together with a pan of cold cookies on the floor.

           When he calmed down, Daddy explained why he didn’t want Lily to get hurt in the kitchen, or think of it as work. It was three years later when Lily met Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Dursley, but she never forgot, and she kicked their shins before Daddy could stop her.

           Lily loved watching games with Mummy. It started when she was only a baby, and the noise she always associated with her mother was the roar of a crowd and the ‘whoosh!’ of brooms. Mummy brought her and her brothers to games when she could, and when she couldn’t they could watch them on the small sets[1], and listened intently as Mummy explained how things were playing out. She had two whole years when it was just her, Mum and Dad during the year, and Mummy brought her to almost every game. Lily became quite good at knowing when calls were good, and she cheered for both teams. Everyone was always surprised that the tiny, bubbly girl could shout as loud as Uncle Dean.

           Lily felt guilty when she realized that Mummy had stopped playing because she had kids, and she asked if she felt bad. Mummy admitted that she missed playing, but she liked her new job too, and she loved being a Mum.

           “I can always go back to playing, darling. I’d never go back to not having you and your brothers.”

           Lily loved playing with shadows with her brothers. Sometimes they teased her (and she teased them right back, and her pranks were better than theirs), but mostly they were wonderful brothers. Whenever Mum and Dad were having an adult dinner she and Albus would go in James’ room, and James would use the tiny lights Dad gave them and make shadows on the wall. Sometimes James would build little puppets, and sometimes Albus would just use his hands, but all three of them would tell a story together. When they came back to Hogwarts for vacation, it was the first thing they did together.

           Lily loved her cousins, loved her godbrother and her uncles and aunts and grandparents. She loved the ones who were gone, too, and asked for as many stories as the living could bear. She gave her love freely, because it was wonderful to love someone, to spend time doing things together and defend them against anyone who didn’t think they were the best people in the world.

           Sometimes she felt like she had too much love to give, that no matter how many people were in her heart she wasn’t loving enough.

           When she went to Hogwarts, the Hat saw that.

           “You belong with the other loyal hearts,” it said. “The ones who love and work through the bad parts no matter what. HUFFLEPUFF!”

Hugo Granger-Weasley

           Hugo did not start drawing the moment he was born, but it was a near thing.

           Hermione had all his drawings saved. They were hung around the house until the walls were full, and then they went into por-lios, as Hugo called them until he was seven. He drew everything he ever saw: family, friends, sunsets, animals…everything.

           He wasn’t very quick at it, though. Thankfully, he had a photographic memory, which served him well over the years. He was patient, drawing each line delicately, erasing again and again until it was right before moving on. The deep attention to detail startled his viewers; they saw things in his work they’ would never have noticed themselves.

           Hugo bought all his own art supplies. His parents would have bought anything he needed or wanted, but Hugo insisted from the age of six that he could pay himself. So he got an allowance from tugging weeds in the garden with Daddy and helping Mummy organize the bookshelf a new way every month. Then he would look up the best possible supplies he could get for his money, and Mummy would Apparate with him to London after work and he would carefully pick out every last piece.

           Hugo got in trouble a few times at school for not turning in his work on time, but his teachers learned that it might be late but it was brilliant work, nearly as brilliant as his art. They gave him extra time to work, and he rewarded them with diligence, spending hours in the sunny Hufflepuff common room. His grades earned him his choice of careers, and he decided to make a choice that was new, and created his own profession.

           There’d never been an artistic consulting detective before, but Hugo’s carefully drawn crime scenes and suspect profiles helped many a family recover their lost property or to bring a murderer to justice. He still found time to draw for himself and for his husband, and one of his strangest eccentricities was that he still spent hours choosing the perfect supplies, the perfect lines.

           Lives were at stake, after all, and the more attention to detail he paid, the more good he could do.

Lorcan Scamander

           Lorcan was always the big brother.

           It took him a long time to understand that his brother was ‘supposed’ to be nearer the same size as him, even longer to understand that people thought that the difference was a bad thing. There seemed to be two theories; either something was wrong with Mum and Dad, or something was wrong with Lysander. Neither option was correct, as far as Lorcan could see.

           He learned to slow down for Lys, to help him up when he asked, to glare on just this side of politeness at “well-meaning” adults. He took care of Lys, because that’s what he was supposed to do. They did everything together. Lys chose the games, and Lor played along; Lys had grand ideas. He couldn’t imagine being apart from Lys.

           Which was why it broke Lorcan’s heart when he was sorted into Ravenclaw…and two minutes later Lysander was sorted into Hufflepuff.

           Lorcan wanted to protest, but Lysander tracked him down the next morning. “You don’t need to protect me anymore, Lor,” he promised. “We’re in different houses, and that’s okay. We’ll still hang out all the time, okay?”

           Lysander kept his promise, and the first few years the twins were nearly inseparable. They couldn’t, unfortunately, switch places (people would catch on), but they pretty well only slept in their houses. They even ate at each other’s tables.

           Eventually they started making friends outside each other, and suddenly there were days that they didn’t spend together. It was okay, though, it was really okay. What wasn’t okay, Lorcan was starting to realize, was the fact that people didn’t understand that Lysander was fine and happy despite his size, and did not need help unless he asked for it.

           That realization led him down the path to being a Healer; an unusual kind, perhaps. Lorcan Scamander moved through homes for the elderly, hospitals for wizard orphans and places for people who had physical and mental disabilities. He let the patients lead their care, let them choose the games and the conversation, and listened as hard as he could. When people wanted cures, he looked for them. He and Nicky Weasley ended up working together for those who’d survived terrible curses: she provided a breakdown of the curse’s elements, he worked on the cure.

           His greatest reward came the day, two weeks before they died, when Alice and Frank Longbottom opened their eyes and recognized their son.

Lysander Scamander

           The moment he heard the Hat say “Ravenclaw!”, Lysander knew he was going to be a Hufflepuff.

           It was really all the same to him. There were no family expectations—Ravenclaw Mum, Uagadou Dad[2], Gryffindor godparents—and he knew that the House system was at least a little bit rubbish. There was no way that any one person belonged in only one place. Look at him. He enjoyed puzzles and learning, he worked hard (had to with his size) and now, as he approached the Hat, he realized he had a little bit of Slytherin in him.

           Lorcan had to have a chance to grow without him, and he needed to find his place without Lorcan. It was going to hurt; he loved his brother, and would have been happy to stay with him at home and have Mum and Dad teach them. But they were two different people, two hearts, two bodies, two futures. That was important.

           The Hat argued with him for a moment, but Lysander held firm. “I want to be somewhere other than Ravenclaw. I know I fit at least one other place.”

           “Very well,” the Hat sighed. “HUFFLEPUFF!”

           The first day of class, Lysander walked shyly into Charms. He’d never met someone his size before.

           Professor Flitwick was getting very old, but his eyes were as sharp as ever. He examined Lysander’s wand after he made a quill fly the very first day of class. “Very good for Charm work,” he mused. “I think your wand’s trying to tell you something.”

           At first Lysander resisted. He wanted to work with fantastic beasts, like Mum and Dad and Uncle Hagrid. But Charms was fun, and Professor Flitwick took him under his wing, letting him sign books out of the Restricted Section, talking to him about being a little person and even making him a teaching assistant in his sixth year, helping first years. He also told him about his former position as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and as a dueler. “You can always change an open mind, lad,” he said.

           Lysander would study fantastic beasts, but not right away. First he would take a year and travel for fun, seeing beautiful wizarding places. The next year, when Professor Flitwick retired, Lysander took his place. A few people made jokes about the Charms department always being taught by ‘midgets’, and for the first time in several years Lysander let his brother punch some people for him.    

           He was busy. He had students to teach, and he wasn’t about to let his mentor down.

[1][1] Credit goes to annegirlblythe and her awesome headcanon blog (harryjamesheadcanons) for the idea of small Quidditch sets to mimic games going on in the world.

[2] Uagadou is the Wizarding school in Egypt, which serves all of Africa (see Pottermore for a few more details). I’ll expand on this in a later oneshot with Luna and Lysander, but Rolf’s mother is Egyptian, and he was raised there.

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Everyone Lives

Table of Contents beta’d by @ageofzero

Chapter Fourteen Cornelius Fudge

Dear Dad,

Sorry I didn’t write last week, but it’s been really quiet at school. No attacks, no weird noises, nothing. We are picking elective courses for next year, though. I don’t know what to take. Percy said to “play to my strengths” but I’m only really good at Quidditch. Any suggestions?

Love, Harry

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Dear Harry,

I imagine a boring few weeks is a good few weeks. Still, it is nice to hear from you. I wish you could come visit me with your mother on weekends, but I don’t want to drag you away from your friends or Quidditch practice.

For electives, I personally loved Care of Magical Creatures. Sirius says you should take Muggle Studies, though I really don’t know why. And Remus just suggested Divination which is weird because we were all rubbish at it. He says it’s because he enjoyed the incense Professor Cressida used to burn. Well, she’s not even there anymore so I don’t think you should take his advice. He’s also telling me the centaurs are good at Divination. I don’t know what that has to do with anything. I think he’s just irritated with Sirius and I for dismissing his suggestion. It is nearly Easter, so you can guess how he is.

You can ask your mother, too, but I think she took Arithmancy which looked so difficult. I’d look over some of her notes and it was as bad as looking at a sheet of Ancient Runes — also incredibly difficult. Dropped that as soon as I finished my O.W.L.s. It’s really only useful if you want to go into research work.

Best of luck. You’ll do great in whatever you choose.

Love, Dad (and Sirius and Remus)

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Harry was in a good mood Friday night as he climbed the steps to Gryffindor tower after Quidditch practice. He was sure they’d win against Hufflepuff, and that would practically give them the House Cup. Wood was anxious, as usual, but Harry had no doubts.

The Fat Lady didn’t even scold him for the late hour as he stepped through the hole into the Common Room. The dormitory was quiet, most of the crowd early retired for the Quidditch match in the morning. So Harry climbed the stairs to his dormitory, prepared to do the same, and bumped into Neville in the doorway.

“Harry — I don’t know who did it — I just found —”

Harry’s brow furrowed and he pushed past Neville to see what had been done.

All of Harry’s things were in disarray. His sheets had been ripped off his bed, his trunk spilled onto the floor, and the pockets of all his robes had been turned out. His dresser drawer was even upside down on the floor and his cloak ripped in half.

Neville started putting books back together and stacking them on the bookshelf. Harry was trying to put his dresser back together when Ron, Seamus, and Dean came in.

Dean swore. “What happened, Harry?”

“No idea.”

Ron picked up Harry’s robes. “Someone’s been looking for something. Are you missing anything?”

Dean and Seamus started to help by putting the sheets back on Harry’s bed, and Ron and Harry picked up the rest of his books and clothes from the floor. Harry finally realized what was taken as he stacked the last of Lockhart’s books together.

“Tom Riddle’s diary is gone,” he whispered to Ron.

As soon as they five boys had put Harry’s things back together, Harry and Ron rushed to the Common Room to tell Hermione what had happened.

She stared at them in shock. “But only a Gryffindor could have done it. No one else knows our password.”

Harry nodded, and the three glanced around the room suspiciously, but no one in the Common Room looked guilty.

The next morning held no answers. Harry studied the face of each Gryffindor at breakfast, but he couldn’t think of why any of them wanted Tom Riddle’s diary. And all of them looked more excited about the prospect of winning the Quidditch cup than anything else.

“Harry!” he heard Sirius shout from the entrance and he tried to smile as he got up to greet Sirius and Uncle Remus.

“Where’s Dad?” he asked as Sirius pulled him into a tight hug.

“Went off to find your mum,” Remus said. He shook Ron’s hand and smiled at Hermione. “Glad to see you’re feeling better.” He turned back to Harry. “Ready for your big match?”

“Yeah, I just gotta grab my Quidditch gear from the dorm.”

“Oh,” Sirius said, “would you mind grabbing that diary? Moony and I are curious about it.”

Harry’s face fell. “Someone stole it yesterday. We don’t know who.”

“That is disappointing,” Remus sighed. “We thought maybe — well….”

Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked puzzledly at Remus and Sirius.

Sirius said, “We know a thing or two about enchanting parchment to talk to people. We were curious is all.”

Harry had not heard about this and made a note to ask about it again over summer break, when he wasn’t in a hurry to get to a Quidditch final.

But about halfway up the steps he stopped and looked at Hermione and Ron. “I hear it,” he whispered.

From inside the walls came that dreadfully cold and dark voice —

“Kill this time... Let me rip… tear….”

“I don’t hear anything,” Ron said.

“Is it that voice, Harry?” Sirius looked very concerned.

Hermione smacked her hand to her forehead. “Harry — I think I’ve just understood something! I’ve got to get to the library.”

“You’ll miss the match,” Sirius said, but it was too late. Hermione was already halfway down the hall to the library.

“What does she understand?” Harry asked. He was still searching for the source of the voice.

“Loads more than I do,” Ron said with a shake of his head.

“Harry, what’s this voice you’ve been hearing?” Remus asked.

Harry pressed an ear against the wall, but as students poured out of the hall, chattering about the Quidditch match, the source of the voice faded away.

“I’ll tell you about it at the match,” Sirius said. “We’ll see you there, Harry.”

“Yeah.” Harry tried to shake out the cold feeling in his bones as he and Ron ran back to the dormitory to grab his Quidditch gear and then back down to the pitch.

In the locker room, he changed into his Quidditch robes and took his broom out to the field. Oliver Wood was already doing warm up flights around the goal posts and Madam Hooch was getting ready to release the balls onto the pitch.

Harry mounted his broom, but before he could push off the ground, McGonagall came running onto the pitch. She pressed her wand beneath her chin and her voice carried across the stadium.

“The match has been canceled!”

The crowd erupted into protests. Oliver Wood flew down and skidded to a halt in front of Professor McGonagall.

“Professor! The match — We’ve got to play — The Cup — Gryffindor —”

But Professor McGonagall ignored him. “All students are to make their way back to their house Common Rooms, where their Heads of House will give them further information. As quickly as you can!”

Harry started to follow his team back into the locker room, but Professor McGonagall motioned him towards her. “Potter, I think you’d better come with me.”

Harry could not imagine how this was his fault. He imagined the school would find some way to blame him for it, but not Professor McGonagall. She understood he had no idea what was happening.

Ron broke off from the crowd and came running up to them, but McGonagall didn’t send him away.

“Yes, perhaps you’d better come, too, Weasley….”

McGonagall ushered the crowd of disgruntled students and Harry and Ron back to the castle. Then she took Harry and Ron up the large marble staircase. Harry realized suddenly they weren’t going to anyone’s office. They were going to the infirmary.

Had the voice really done what it said it would? Had someone died? Why was McGonagall taking him and Ron? Was it his parents? Remus or Sirius?

“This will be a bit of a shock,” said Professor McGonagall. “There has been another attack… another double attack.”

Harry’s heart dropped into his stomach. Professor McGonagall opened the door and he and Ron stepped inside the infirmary.

Harry saw Uncle Remus and Sirius first, talking quietly with Professor Dumbledore. He was simultaneously relieved they were alright and panicked that seeing them meant his parents were hurt.

He reluctantly looked around the curtain and he felt bad for feeling happy it wasn’t his parents. It was a curly haired Prefect in Ravenclaw robes, the one that they’d met on Christmas Eve — Penelope Clearwater. And on the bed beside her —

“Hermione!” Ron groaned.

She lay on the bed, perfectly still, face frozen in her last expression. His parents stood over Hermione’s bed, and immediately Lily moved around the bed to hug Harry.

“They were found near the library,” Professor McGonagall said. “I don’t suppose either of you can explain this?” She held up a small mirror. “It was on the floor next to them.”

Harry and Ron both shook their heads.

McGonagall frowned. “I will escort you back to Gryffindor Tower. I need to address the students, in any case.”

“One moment,” Dumbledore said, stepping away from Remus and Sirius. “I’d like a short word with Harry.”

“The Minister is —”

“Yes, I know. I’m sure Lily can safely escort him to his dormitory when we’re done, and I can meet the Minister.”

As McGonagall led Ron away, Remus shifted a little and said, “I’d also rather we were gone before the Minister arrives.”

Lily kept a tight hold on Harry’s shoulders as Dumbledore asked about the voice he’d heard before the Quidditch game, and he repeated exactly what had happened, what the voice had said, and how Hermione had run off to the library.

Dumbledore listened patiently, just like he had when Harry first told him about the terrifying voice, and when Harry was done, he looked at Remus and nodded. “I’m glad you came to me immediately, and I think you’re right, but knowing what the creature is tells us only so much about how to find it. It could be anywhere in this castle.”

“What is it?” Harry asked, but Lily squeezed his shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll see to it everything’s taken care of. You’ve got enough to be concerned about. Let us worry about catching the monster.”

“But I’m the only one who can hear it. Maybe I can help!”

Lily kissed his forehead and James said, “This is why we’re here: to do the scary parts so you don’t have to. That’s our job as parents.”

Harry didn’t like that answer, but he had no further arguments as Lily lead him upstairs to the dormitory. They arrived just as McGonagall was leaving.

The dormitory was in an uproar. The older students were suggesting the Slytherin students simply be kicked out. The younger students were huddled close together in tight corners, whispering to each other if they were talking at all.

Lily assured everyone that the teachers were doing everything they could, and repeated that the students were not to worry about it. They had exams coming that begged their attention.

Harry quickly found Ron and told him what Dumbledore had said — the adults knew what the monster was, and maybe Hermione had too. He also told Ron how the adults had told them to stay out of it, and Ron got angry.

“Of course we’ve got to find it,” Ron said. “You’re the only one who can hear it.”

Harry suggested they visit Hagrid — ”I’m sure he’s not behind it, but if he was the one who opened the Chamber the first time, he’ll know where to find it.”

Ron agreed, and they waited until their roommates were sound asleep. Then Harry pulled out his father’s invisibility cloak, and they headed downstairs.

It was slow going. Teachers and prefects patrolled the corridors in pairs, and Harry and Ron had to be absolutely silent as they slipped past their Professors. There was a close call when Ron stubbed his toe, only yards from where Professor Snape and Lily were standing guard. Luckily, Lily’s raised voice covered Ron’s swear.

“Honestly Severus, it’s only for one night, and we could use his help. You’re making a big deal out of nothing, for heaven’s sake.”

As much as Harry and Ron wanted to watch Lily scold Snape, they knew they risked getting caught if they stayed any longer.

The two boys hurried out of the castle and down to Hagrid’s hut. They kept the cloak on until they reached the door of Hagrid’s hut. When they knocked, Hagrid opened the door with his crossbow aimed at them. The boys jumped back a step.

Hagrid lowered the arrow as soon as he recognized them. “Oh. What’re you two doin’ here?”

Harry pointed at the crossbow. “What’s that for?”

“Nothin,” Hagrid muttered. “I’ve been expectin’ — doesn’ matter. Sit down. I’ll make tea.”

But Hagrid seemed rather distracted and anxious. He spilled the kettle on the fire, accidentally smashed a tea cup, and forgot to put tea into the hot water.

“Are you okay, Hagrid?” asked Harry. “Did you hear about Hermione?”

“Oh, I heard alrigh’!” he said. He sounded like he was choking on his fruit cake. Harry was surprised to see him this torn up. Hermione would be alright as soon as Professor Sprout’s Mandrakes were fully grown, which couldn’t be too far off.

There was another loud knock on the door and Harry and Ron quickly hid in a corner beneath the Invisibility Cloak. As soon as Hagrid was sure they were well-covered, Hagrid opened the door.

“Good evening, Hagrid.” Dumbledore stepped into Hagrid’s hut, followed by a round man with thin, gray hair and a lime green bowler hat clutched in his hands. Harry recognized him immediately from his photos the Daily Prophet: Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic.

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August 23, 1976

Dear Regulus,

Congratulations on making Prefect! I’m so proud of you, and I’m sure your parents are too.

Lucius and I truly enjoyed having you over to visit this summer. You made our house so much more lively than it usually is! It was ever so pleasant. I do think it’s made us a little eager for children of our own, now that you’re gone.

But of course, with Lucius’s work at the Ministry, we couldn’t. Not right now. Maybe in a year or two.

He was in a meeting with Minister of Magic Millicent Bagnold. She’s an interesting woman, I hear, but very old. I imagine she’ll be retiring soon. I told Lucius he should replace her, but he said he’s far too young and inexperienced. Maybe someday.

Lucius did join the Board of Education for Hogwarts, though. Did you hear? I’m so happy for him. He has so much he wants to do to make education better. I am not sure if you’ll get to see all the changes, since you only have a few more years, but I certainly hope you get to.

Please write to me about everything this year. I already miss you terribly.

Love, Narcissa

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Dear Dad,

You have friends at the Ministry of Magic, right? Hagrid isn’t opening the Chamber of Secrets. I know it. You have to talk to people and make sure they get him out of Azkaban. It isn’t fair.

And they need to bring Dumbledore back! Mr. Malfoy said all the board signed the paper to get Dumbledore out of Hogwarts, but that can’t be right. You have to fix it.

Can’t you talk to Mr. Weasley, or even Nymphadora or Mad-Eye? Someone should be able to do something.

Without Dumbledore, they’ll never catch the monster. What are we supposed to do?

Love, Harry