#like snape must have actually been happy before the events of the book

[lilithofpenandbook]

Something I can't stop thinking about is that Snape began the series being perfectly okay

He was actually at his best. He'd spent ten whole years in Hogwarts without the Marauders and before Harry Potter walked in.

Of course it wouldn't have been easy for him to adjust, but he did. And I just can't help but think of those first months where the other teachers got to know him, and got to realise that this boy needed them, needed their help, and took care of him. I can't help but think of how they promised him that it's okay, it's over, everyone's safe and he's not what he thinks he is. He's okay.

Like, for ten years he would have been happy. He had friends. He had a job. He had a home. Hogwarts was his home.

And then Harry Potter came and everything went wrong.

Can you imagine, him seeing Harry's face for the first time? After so many years of actually being content and happy, suddenly he sees James Potter's face, Lily Evans' eyes. Suddenly he's reminded of Voldemort who will return now, and now he's got a ticking clock, a countdown warning him that that's it, time's up, everything you've built in these ten years are soon going to break. And then come the events of the first and second year. Okay, so they're chaotic and stressful, but it's fine, they're all stressed, they're all in this together.

Then it's Harry's third year.

And that's when everything falls apart.

Remus Lupin, one of his abusers and a serious gaslight, is here in the job he wanted, and acting like everything's fine between them while simultaneously disrespecting him and forgetting to take the potion and being a huge risk to them all. Sirius Black, one of the two main abusers, is on the loose. And no one is ever gonna believe him about Lupin, are they? Suddenly it's Lupin's home. Lupin's safe space. But what about Snape? Do the past 13 years mean nothing? It seems so. And in the end, he has a complete breakdown because it's all coming down.

Then comes the goblet of fire. Okay, normal, right? But then there's moody. And there's the visiting schools. And then there's Kararoff who will not leave him alone! And then...

And then Harry Potter comes with the dead body of a teenage boy, crying and screaming that Voldemort's back.

And now Snape knows that time is up and things only get worse. Everything happens after that, from spying to dealing with that wretched Umbridge who's trying to destroy the school.

And then...

And then he has to kill Dumbledore.

And that when it all ends.

All he built in the past 16 years....

All the promises that they'd never leave him...

That they'd always look after him...

That they know he's not that person he used to be...

That everything will be okay because he has them to look after him...

They mean nothing now.

He's not okay anymore.

[kerie-prince]

butterfly fly away

Dad!Sirius Black x Reader (platonic)

requested: (anon) may i please request ( platonic ) sirius black x daughter ! reader where the reader is about to start another year of hogwarts but she doesn’t want to go because she’s worried something will happen to sirius and he’ll miss another 12 years of her life 🥺

warnings: none

summary: Now that you've reunited with your father after years of being in Azkaban, you're worried about his safety and overall well being when you start another year at Hogwarts (song inspo: Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus' Butterfly Fly Away)

a/n: uh this is me announcing that i'll be using the fancast for all marauder fics, ty <3 also what is it with me and making everything into a song fic? am i gonna stop tho? no

(gif cred)

Things were happening all too fast in your third year of Hogwarts. You found out that your best friend, Harry, is your fathers’ godson, your father had escaped Azkaban, and your friends found out that your Uncle Remus is a werewolf. You've known for a long time as he's raised you in stead of Sirius while he was imprisoned and your mother who had unfortunately passed when you were born.

It was hard to lie to your friends about your real name, especially during the course of the last year. That you're actually Y/N Black, not Y/L/N. But when Sirius’ name was cleared, the weight of the lie was a relief off your shoulders.

Your friends, especially Harry, were upset that you hadn't told them the truth but eventually understood where you were coming from. You kept going by Y/L/N for a while and only your friends, Dumbledore, and a couple professors knew of your true name.

Meeting Sirius for the first time since you were a baby was a shock. In the Shrieking Shack after following Ron to save him from the dog that dragged him in, Sirius met your gaze and immediately pulled you into a hug.

‘Let her go!’ Harry yelled, not knowing what was going on and thought Sirius would kill you first. He was about to stun him off of you before Professor Lupin ran in and disarmed Harry. You ran back to Harry and Hermione’s side when you were let go.

Sirius and Remus were talking amongst themselves and you heard your father say 'Let's kill him’ before Hermione started talking. She exposed Remus’ truth to Ron and Harry.

Then all the chaotic events followed. Snape was stunned by Harry, Ron’s pet rat was actually Peter Pettigrew and was the one who had actually turned the Potters in to Voldemort, and Remus turned into a werewolf. And in between all of that, Sirius said that once everything was all said and done, he’d take you and Harry to live with him and be a family.

And for summer, you were actually able to do that. Harry stayed with the Weasleys, which was better for you as you picked the biggest room at your father’s place in Grimmauld Place. Well… it's your place as well now. Remus even moved in and you felt at home. You never wanted to leave your fathers side. The whole summer was spent catching up the past twelve years with your dad.

When you read in the newspaper what had happened at the Quidditch World cup, you were beyond scared and worried for Sirius. He could be a person of interest to Death Eaters now that they were on the move again.

Hermione wrote to you that everyone was fine, but that Harry has been having nightmares for a good duration of the summer. He hadn't mentioned anything to you, but Sirius had. His reasoning for not telling you was to prevent you from worrying even more.

Now, there were three days left until the new school year started. You hadn't done any packing and your dad noticed. “Hey love, what’s going on? We still have to get your books. It will be my first time taking you to the platform. I know you must be used to it, but it’s our first time going as a family.”

“I’m not going. I sent an owl to Professor Dumbledore that I will be skipping out on this year,” you stated as it was normal.

“No, you’re not,” he had stood in silence for a moment, but when he said that, Sirius’s voice was stern. “Y/N, you have to go. School is important.”

“Being with you is more important,” you stood up from your desk chair in your room, “I don’t want to miss out on being with you anymore. Uncle Remus said it would be fine–”

“Remus isn’t your father, I am. You’re going, so start packing.” Sirius left your room and went to check on Kreacher about dinner. You groaned and jumped face down on your bed. You thought he would be happy to spend time with you, but it turned out to be a surprise to you that he isn't.

There was a knock on your door which got you out of your bed to see who it was. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be your best friends. You gave them each a big hug, “What are you guys doing here?”

“To see you, of course,” Ron pointed out. Harry was the last one to hug you and you held on to him the longest. “Your hair grew out,” you stated. He laughed in response. Kreacher came upstairs and looked disgusted at the sight of your friends, “Kreacher is here to tell Young Mistress Black and her… friends that dinner is served.”

“Thank you Kreacher,” you sighed. He was always mean to you and spoke ill about you and your friends to the portrait of your grandmother in the halls. Sirius explained that it was just from the views that his mother passed on to every house elf that served the House of Black. Sure enough, you heard Kreacher talking to the covered portrait and your grandmother saying something about a “blood traitor granddaughter.”

Remus and Sirius were talking in the dining room in hushed tones and stopped as the four of you walked in. Sirius sat at the head of the table with Remus to his right and you to his left. When you sat down, he leaned over and whispered, “Nice try, but Remus never approved anything.”

Dinner floated from the kitchen onto the table, ready for everyone to dig in. Of course, Ron was the first to grab food and ate as he had been starved for days. “I hope everyone is alright after the games ended,” Remus started.

“We've been better, but we’re fine,” Harry spoke. You squeezed his hand and smiled at him. Harry’s always been a good friend, almost like a brother to you and it’d break your heart if anything happened to him. You were sad about skipping out the new school year, but right now, you could only worry about one person at a time and since Harry has not only Ron and Hermione but the entire Gryffindor house and Dumbledore to look after him, he should be fine.

Your father just got you back and started living a normal life again. You couldn't miss that. Not again, and he shouldn't miss out on new memories with you.

“Are you all ready for school?” you could tell what Sirius was doing. They all nodded as they ate. Hermione talked about her classes and what she was excited for. “What about you, Y/N? What classes are you taking?” the curly headed girl asked.

“Y/N says she's not going to Hogwarts this year,” Sirius butt in.

“Why?” Harry had wide eyes when he looked at you.

You cleared your throat, wiped your mouth with the cloth napkin in front of you and explained, “I just want to get to know Dad better. A couple months of summer isn't enough.”

“But you can always write to him during school,” Ron added. Sirius gave you an ‘exactly’ expression. “C’mon, Y/N/N. I hear that this year is going to be really fun,” Hermione pleaded, “I can help you pack if you need help–”

“I'm not going!” you felt bad for snapping at everyone, but your mind was made up. “Well, why not?” Harry asked.

“Because I don't want to be gone if something happens to Sirius!” Everyone at the table looked at you. There was an awkward silence, the only thing you could hear was Ron chewing his food. You abruptly stood up and went upstairs to your room.

“Excuse me,” Sirius followed after. Your door was locked so he knocked on your door, “Darling, can you open up?” The door opened, and he walked in to see that you were laying on your side on your bed facing the other way. Sirius took a seat in the open space next to you and patted your arm. “Talk to me.”

You laid in silence waiting for him to say something again. A few minutes has passed and he let out a deep sigh, “What's going on?”

“I just got my dad back, and this summers’ been great. But I'm scared that when I'm having fun with my friends at Hogwarts, you'll be vulnerable with Death Eaters out loose again,” you still faced the opposite way. He tapped your shoulder in place of vocally asking you to face him which you listened. He pulled you in for a hug and felt you crying softly. He soothed your back and hummed slightly.

You pulled away and wiped the dry tears on your cheeks. “Darling, nothings going to happen to me. I’m perfectly safe and I have Remus here with me. You have nothing to worry about, okay?” you nodded in response. “I’ll write you everyday and let you know if anything happens. Harry, too.”

“Okay. I love you, dad,” you pulled him in for another hug.

“I love you more. Now let's get you packed.”

—

requests open!

[futurebicon]

Can we please please please have a Drarry coming out fic for the next gen series I miss them

I miss writing these

“Can I talk to you guys about something?” Harry asked his parents nervously.

“Yeah what’s up?” Lily put down the book she was reading.

Harry walked in and sat on the soft chair across from them.

“I’m dating someone”

James laughed “We know. Remember the whole sneaking out to be with Ginny event.”

“No, umm. It’s not Ginny”

“Did you two break up?” Lily asked in concern.

“We, we were never dating or had anything- going on.”

“Okay” James drew out the word in confusion. “Than why did you say tha-”

“I’m gay.” Harry blurted out. “Or bi at least.”

“Oh. You know we have no problem with that.” James told him.

“It doesn’t matter who you love as long as you are happy.” Lily smiled at him. “Who’s the boy you’re dating?” Her smile turned into a smirk.

“That’s, umm, well see, that’s kind of the problem. You wouldn’t-” He struggled with the words.

“What? Who is it?” James asked.

“You can’t be mad. I mean, I know you probably will be but I really, really like him so please try and at least understand.”

“Oh honey. We don’t care at all who it is” Lily told him.

“Like your mom said, as long as you’re happy we’re happy for you. As long as he treats you well we’ll support your relationship.” James added.

“Okay.” Harry took a breath. “I’m dating Draco. Draco Malfoy.”

His parents fell silent.

“Malfoy? Draco Malfoy? As in Lucius Malfoys son? Severus Snapes godson? The godson of the man who snapped your godfathers ankle in half?”

Harry nodded and looked down at his hands. Tears filled his eyes as he waited for his parents to tell him he had to break up with his boyfriend.

“Thats, uh, yeah.” James nodded his head once. “That’s fine”

“Wait, really” Harry snapped his head up. “You’re okay with it?”

“Does he make you happy?” Lily asked.

Harry nodded.

“Does he treat you right?”

Harry nodded again.

“Then we’re happy for you.”

“Yeah.” James agreed with his wife. “And I promise I’ll try to like him, well not like. Tolerate, yeah, I’ll try to tolerate him.”

“Thanks dad” Harry smiled.

“Just wondering how you’re going to tell your godfather” Lily smirked.

“Oh my god I don’t even want to think about it” Harry laughed and put his shaking head in his hands.

+++++

“Are you going to tell him?” Fizzy bumped Harrys shoulder with her own teasingly.

“No.” Harry said as he looked at his godfathers, who were cuddled up together on the couch.

“H, they love you. Just tell them. If my Papa gets mad, my dad will reason with him. You’ll be fine.”

“I don’t know and even if you’re right, how do I tell them?”

“You can bring D over and just start making out.” She smirked.

“Absolutely not. I don’t want him murdered.” Harry insisted.

“Just tell them, H. You’ll feel so much better after you do.”

“Okay.”

“Really?” Fizzy perked up.

“Yeah” Harry nodded and split his face with a smile. “Yeah.”

“Yay!” She threw her arms around him. “Let’s go” She dragged him into the living room.

“So...” Harry started. “Actually nevermind.” He tried to go back to the kitchen but Fizzy turned him back around.

“Tell them or I will.”

“Can you?”

“No” Fizzy scoffed. “This is yours to share and yours to share now before you make yourself sick worrying. Now I’m leaving and giving you three bonding time. Dad and Papa, tell me what he told you so I know he didn’t chicken out. Goodbye, love you all.” She left with a wave.

“What’s going on?” Remus asked as Harry sat down on the opposite couch.

“You can tell us anything Haz.” Sirius told his godson.

“I-I’m gay.”

Sirius laughed. “Were you really worried about telling your gay godparents that you liked guys? I thought you got a girl pregnant or something, oh mon Dieu.”

“He means, we support you and we’re happy you told us.” Remus smiled.

“And I’m dating Draco Malfoy.”

“What?” The smile fell off their faces.

Harry looked down, not able to meet Sirius’s eyes. He could see the flash of anger and what Harry could only describe as disappointment, in his eyes when he said his boyfriends name.

“Harry...” Sirius began.

Tears fell before Harry even knew they were filling his eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He sobbed.

“What? No. No.” Sirius walked over and pulled him into a hug. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“H-he’s like you. He hates-hates then. All of them. He’s fuck-fucking terrified of them.” Harry sobbed into his side.

“Shh, it’s alright. It’s alright. I know you wouldn’t be with him if he was like the rest of them. It’s okay.” Sirius rocked him back and forth.”

Remus walked over and rubbed his back soothingly. “We don’t care who you date, Haz. As long as you’re happy.”

He let his godfathers comfort him for a few more minutes before sitting up and wiping his eyes. “Sorry”

“It’s okay” Sirius smiled at him. “When did you two start dating?”

“Um, a little over a year ago.”

“A year” Sirius blinked as his eyes got wide.

“Wow. You must really like him.” Remus said.

“Yeah. Yeah, I do.” Harry smiled at the thought of his boyfriend.

“I know that look” Sirius pushed him teasingly. “You love him, don’t you?”

Harry nodded. “A lot”

“We’re happy for you” Remus told him.

“Thanks Remus”

“Do your parents know?” He asked.

“Yeah. I told them a few weeks ago. They met him last week.”

“Well, you should let us meet him soon.”

“Really?” Harry asked.

“Of course.” Sirius agreed with his husband. “Though I’m sure he’s already been here.”

Harry blushed and looked at the ground.

@lumosinlove

[fallingfor-fics]

Teachers Pet- chapter 10: around the corner

All chapters

chapter 9

It was the next day and I was heading to Snape’s for my private lessons during lunch. And I had so much on my mind. I still haven't given Dumbledore an answer about the Yule ball, I had private lessons with Snape, and I had another detention. Crap. I have to tell Snape I can't go to his lessons after dinner because I had to go to Lockhart’s for detention at the same time. How was I gonna tell him that he would probably be so angry and think I'm wasting his time. I stopped by the Great Hall and snagged an apple to tie me over til dinner, taking my time to think of how I was gonna tell Snape.

 I don't know why I cared so much, I'm sure he's not really gonna care that much. I stopped outside Snape's room and knocked on the door and waited for a response. Instead it just opened and I saw him working at his desk. I walked in and sat at my seat. "Good afternoon Sir, how's your day been?" I asked, smiling at him and taking a bite of my apple.. He ignored me and continued what he was working on. We sat in silence for about five minutes till I spoke up again. "Professor?" I said looking at him. "L/n will you give me one moment?" he said annoyed and more of a fact then a question. "Yeah of course sorry." I said looking down and taking another bite. "And must you crunch so obnoxiously?" he added. "Wow someones in a mood" I muttered to which he glared in response. "Some annoying first years I presume? They really are awfully annoying" I said as I played with the fabric of my robes. "Yes, very much so, much like a sixth year I know." He retorted looking back up at me. I just smiled in response.

He spent the time going over the half written essay I turned in and helping me understand the material better until I could successfully finish writing it. He was still knocking off 10 points for it being late now but I'd take what I can get. Before I knew it the bell rang startling me a bit. I gathered my things and prepared to head to DADA. "Oh Professor I wanted to tell you something" I said walking back up to his desk holding my books across my chest. "Well spit it out" he said, not looking up. "I can't make the lessons after dinner" this caused him to look up and I could tell he was not happy. "You mean to tell me I take time from my day just for y-" "Wait wait let me explain first please!" he gave me a look for interrupting him but waited for me to continue. "So you know Professor Lockhart?" I asked looking into his eyes, I could see the shift in them when I mentioned that awful man's name. "I'm afraid I do, I also know he's a fool, but what about him?" "Well in class yesterday he made me be partners with him and be an example for the class for the spell Petrificus Totalus and he just left me on the floor for almost the whole class," I could see Snape's eyes turn from annoyance to some other emotion I hadn't figured out just yet, and his face dropped a little, almost as if he was concerned? He was probably just tired though, I told myself. "And when he finally stepped away from me, Harry was able to undo it, and so towards the end of class..." I paused for a moment scared he might agree with Lockharts punishment. "Yes?" he drawed out looking at me with a look that was definitely concern this time. "I cast the same spell on him and then eventually once everyone left I undid it and then he gave me detention and so that's why I can't make it to our lessons!" I spat out in one breath. His expression seemed to lighten a bit, relief washing over him and call me crazy, but it looked as if the corners of his mouth raised a little. Was he..about to smile? Just then he slowly pinched the bridge of his nose. "Merlin Y/n" he said and it almost sounded like he wanted to laugh. Wait did he just call me Y/n. I think that's the first time he's done that. "Anyways I wanted to say sorry." I said trying to hide my own smile after reliving the events from yesterday. "Dont worry about it, and inform Lockhart that you will not be serving your detention with him, instead you will serve detention with me. And we will use the time to work" he said getting up and preparing his class for the students that would soon flood in. "You're not angry with me?" I asked turning to look at him writing stuff on the board. "No Ms. L/n I am not, I actually completely understand, that idiot did that to himself, you just needed the practice, that's all, now get out and go to class." he said back in his normal stern voice. I nodded "Thank you Sir." and left his room.

I exited his room and a small smile appeared on my face, he was so..nice for doing this for me, he didn't have to, but he did. Maybe Dumbledore was right after all, he can be reasonable, and sweet almost. He saved me from an awful afternoon with Lockhart and this kind gesture would not go unrewarded. I felt heat rise to my cheeks and I just shook it off as I entered the DADA classroom. I walked up to Lockharts desk and he looked up at me smiling as if yesterday never happened. "Ah Y/n i'm excited to see you in detention later, I hope you have not forgotten" he let out with a smug look on his face. "Actually, Professor Snape ordered me to serve detention with him instead." I said smiling. His smile dropped quickly, "What?! No You are to serve it with me!" he said, raising his voice a bit causing a few students to look his way. "Sorry, you'll have to take it up with Professor Snape" I said, now I had the smug look as I shrugged my shoulders and walked to my seat. The rest of class Lockhart gave me disappointed looks any chance he could get.

Potions had ended and I was in the library studying with Draco during our free period for a test Snape had assigned for tomorrow, and I was determined to pass this one. Well I was studying. He was just being distracting, but we agreed to do this everyday and then just walk to Dinner together after. "Y/n I wanted to ask you a question" he said looking at me. "Shoot" I said as I continued studying. "Well I was wonderi-" he was cut off by Hermione coming up and tapping me on the shoulder "Y/n can you come with me?" she said. "Beat it Granger y/n and I were talking!" Draco spat at her. "Dont worry Draco you can ask whatever it was at dinner ok? I'll see you later." I said excusing myself and following Hermione out of the library. "Whats up?" I asked as we walked to the great hall since dinner was gonna start soon anyway. "Well two things actually, one is it true that you cast a spell on Lockhart and then got detention?" she asked shocked. "Wow news travels fast, um yeah its true, and then snape took over the detention so I actually have to go to his room, which worked out cause of our lessons" "You are crazy its like youre trying to be thrown out of Hogwarts!" she said, shoving my arm gently. "Well i'm not and he deserved it! He did it to me first and wouldn't undo it so I didnt back, for practice" I said smiling "anyways what's the second thing?" she grew quiet and began blushing a bit. "Hermioneeee tell me!" I said poking her. "Ok well, um, Ron asked me to the dance!" she said with a grin. "OH MY GOSH that's so EXCITING!" I practically yelled "I know and I said yes!" "Well I would hope so!" I said, hugging her. "Wait isn't the dance not for like another two months." I asked. "Um y/n where's your head gone! It's already November 30th! The dance is in 25 days" she exclaimed. "Oh crap. I still haven't given Dumbledore an answer. I don't know where the time went!" I said stressing out a bit. "Wait, give him an answer about what?" she asked, confused. "Oh yeah there's something you should know, I never mention it because it's not really relevant, but he asked me to sing at the yule ball..." I said almost in a whisper. "You can sing?" "Yeah I used to take lessons and everything, but I haven't done it in front of people in 2 years, but I know he'll be upset if I decline.." "Well you don't want to disappoint the Headmaster not to mention your godfather." she responded. "Yeah I guess you're right, I guess I'm gonna be singing at the yule ball.

[palegoopbearlight]

Mistletoe mishap.(Snape x reader)

(So idk how to do things on here lmao so I'm just gonna go with it. Ill take requests for snape x reader if you would like. But here's a short story I wrote for snape. Lol )

*summary: "you can't fix this?" "Can't you use a counter curse?" *

Warnings: none~

Christmas was approaching, well, it was actually here just a few days away, students had already began decorating the great hall with lights and colorful Christmas decorations.

Snape, of course, wasn't a holiday person anyway. He never cared for them since he didn't have anyone to share them with.

The mean brooding potions professor preferred to spend his holiday in his class or at the 3 broomsticks reading while having a coffee, or tea. But this year was different. There was a new defense against the dark arts teacher and she was truly a lovely sight, y.n, l.n, was pure eye candy for snape and nomatter how much he pushed that feeling away, deep down he knew he liked her. Y.n was a smart teacher but oblivious to snapes advances.

He's asked her several times if she would accompany him to an event or just to hogsmade on its own. And oftenly she would say she couldn't due to term or owls exams approaching. Snape never knew the right time to ask. He wasn't mad y.n had said no to his requests, only a little upset she had said no, but still, she was seemingly oblivious that snape had a feeling for her.

McGonagall saw clearly between the two, she saw snapes feelings towards y.n and y.ns cluelessness for those feelings. Mcgregor law the young love flowing for snape, he never really showed feeling but yet it was obviously different for the new professor y.n, he would purposely leave one seat next to him open for her and she would oftenly take it. And the same had happend for this night.

Y.n sat next to snape reading her book at the head table minding her business when she noticed snape looking over her shoulder. "Professor, can I help you?" She gave a small smug smile to him as he moved his face from over her shoulder. "No, I was only reading behind you, I've read that particular book a few times, The Great Gatsby." He spoke, his monotone voice sent a shiver through y.ns spine. She nodded when McGonagall stood from her seat. "Students! Listen up please." About 15 students were at each table since most had went home for the holidays. "Since there are few students here this year for Christmas, we all will be taking a small trip to hogsmade this afternoon since there are few to maintain, Dumbledores Christmas present for you all." She smiled as the students that were there cheered and smiled all getting up to go get prepared for the afternoon trip.

Snape sighed standing, he wasn't upset about the trip, he was actually quite happy that he could go back to his table at the 3 broomsticks and have a tea. He glanced to y.n whom also stood up. She caught his eye and smiled a sweet smile. Walking up to him as he looked down at her frozen in his place. "Ms.l.n whats the matter?" He spoke as she stood infront of him. "I'd be happy to take up your offer on the trip to the 3 broomsticks with you if its still available." She smiled and snapes eyes widend. Did she actually say yes to him? The woman whos rejected his advances finally said yes to his offer? His face rested again to make it seem like he was at a mutual agreement instead of jumping with joy, "of course its still available." He gave a small smile and walked with her to the great halls exit. Before they could step through they both froze. Not by seeing anything. They were just stuck. They couldn't move. They couldn't do anything.

Y.n looked upward to see the Mistletoe hanging above them, her face flushed red not of anger but of nervousness. Snape must have noticed to because his pale cheeks were now a red blush. "U-uh.." y.n stutterd as McGonagall approached them. "Oh dear. The two of you seem to be stuck in a small entanglement." She slightly chuckled and snapes brows furrowed "can you undo this odd sercumstance?" Snape spoke his voice gradually getting lower with emberassing anger. And McGonagall chuckled. "Those weasley twins have been pulling mean pranks like this haven't they. I believe this is their doing." Minerva smiled a sly smile "so, you can't fix this?" Y.n spoke her voice slightly cracking as she knew what she would have to do to get out of this tangle. "Unfortunately." Minerva spoke. "Can't you use a counter curse. Something, anything at all?" Snape practically pleaded. Not that he hated the thought of kissing you but the thought of doing it at the wrong time could ruin all chances for him in the future. Minerva thought for a moment and hummed shaking her head. "Im afraid not. Im afraid the only way to get unstuck in to...well you know." She made a kissing gesture with her hands and turned away smilling to herself. Minerva knew The counter curse for the twins shenanigans such as this one. But didn't want to do anything about it because she wanted the both of them to end up together. And she knew they had to start somewhere.

Snape looked down at the blushing y.n and gulped he didn't know what to do. Y.n thought "screw it" to herself and reached up grabbing ahold of snapes face kissing him unexpectedly and shockingly soft. She pulled away and moved out the door. The hex prank was done and they could move again. And as y.n moved, Snape stood shocked, baffled, and a blushing mess. He didn't expect what had happend even though he knew it was the only way to get out the trap. Y.n smiled to herself at his reaction, as he adjusted himself he looked at her still a blushing mess, y.n chuckled speaking up "so I guess this 3 broomsticks trip is more of a date, professor."

[fagundescamila]

Power Couple (Severus Snape x Reader)

As odd as it may seem, I like the idea of imagining how Lily and James would react to Severus finding someone and how they would “behave” about it, so it’s an AU where the Potters survive... I mean to write and add more parts to this, if you want me to do so, just let me know! I might do it anyways, though hahahhaha As always, english is not my native language, so please, be kind xD Hope you like it! 

Severus walked into the kitchen with Dumbledore only to hear the end of a conversation held by the other members. The one who was speaking was Y/N, the new member, who worked at the Ministry and graduated from Hogwarts just a couple of years after the rest of them. Snape didn’t really know her yet, but Dumbledore was thrilled by the fact that she was joining the Order.

“...I mean, I felt genuinely ashamed for the guy. I don’t think of myself as an expert, I really don’t. In all honesty, my skills as a potion maker go as far as a decent beginner… In a good day, at the best of my performance, I could pass as a poor intermediate. And I swear to god, I could have done better than him. The man is a total and complete disaster.” That got his attention, absolutely, but he wasn’t sure of the subject they were discussing. 

“Don’t you think you’re being too harsh on him?” Lily asked with a fond smile.

“Oh no… I’m being kind to him.” Y/N stated as she drank another sip from her coffee. “There were so much better essays that could have been published instead of his. I’m telling you, some of the researchers were really on the verge of having a brilliant book released by the Ministry’s publishing company. But all those stupid people voted on Lockhart’s poor attempt of a fairy tale.” 

“Auch. I guess that was a big insult for a nerd, right?” James asked trying to make fun of Y/N’s annoyance. 

“Oh yeah, we - nerds - tend to take our fairy tales very seriously.” Y/N said rolling her eyes at his joke. “But that was it. I had to go to that event nonetheless and pretend to be proud of the result of the voting. Absolutely ridiculous.” 

“I’m sorry to intrude, but what was it all about?” Dumbledore asked with an interested grin. Also, he could tell Snape was also interest but would never summon the will to ask about it. 

“My god, you’re gonna make us all hear that again?” James asked before Y/N could say anything. 

“I’m just expressing my loathing of Lockhart’s last achievement, that’s all.” Y/N answered rolling her eyes again and pretending that James never interrupted. 

“You mean that essay the Ministry published today?” Severus asked. Dumbledore was quite surprised by his sudden participation. 

“‘Poor attempt of a fairy tale’, I believe was the actual term, Sevy.” James teased with a grin. 

“Yeah, the essay those ignorants chose to publish.” Y/N confirmed, again ignoring James’ remarks. “It actually got me feeling bad about being a member of the voting staff.”

“It was odd that it actually got as far as being submitted to voting.” Severus said sitting by the table, in a corner far from the others. 

“Precisely! Thank you very much.” Y/N said finally happy that someone would agree to everything she was saying just moments ago.

“What were the other researches submitted to voting?” Severus asked.

“Oh god, no.” James said and gained a small slap from Lily. “What?” She stared at him, trying to make him shut up with just a look.

“We received lots of abstracts, but actual researches came down to five. There was Lockhart’s, which… Well, you read it. Then there was an essay written by a Beauxbatons’ substitute teacher about the issues of the legal uses of Amortentia, which was terrific from an ethical point of view, but didn’t get my vote, ‘cause well… It didn’t quite fit the requisites. There was a research on a new ingredient cataloging method… Can’t remember the author, though… It was interesting, but if you’re presuming to propose a new method of doing anything, it at least…”

“Should be better than the one that is currently being used.” Severus completed. 

“Yeah! My point, exactly.” She confirmed with a smile. “Then there was this really technical one about stirring processes and its effects. Kinda boring, actually…”

“Oh, don’t say! How come boring? I can’t believe it!” James exclaimed feigning surprise and gaining another slap from Lily. 

“And the one that got my vote, which was a research from that potion master of Castelobruxo, you must have heard of her, the woman is a genius.” Severus confirmed with a nod and a discreet smile. “She described this brazilian herb which is already largely commercialized and the possibility of using it to substitute almost 50% of the ingredients used on calming draughts and other potions of the sort. She showed the maths of it, which quite frankly I could only partially absorb, but it seemed accurate. And her writing was so brilliant it could be a potions’ essay or poetry, I can’t really tell.”

“You seem very passionate about the subject, Y/N.” Dumbledore stated, looking forward to hear Severus’ remarks on it later.

“Well, not really…” She said with a chuckle. “As James so thoughtfully stated, I’m a nerd.” She shrugged. “Potions is not exactly my forté, but I do find it interesting. And when you get to vote on the next publishings of the Ministry, the least you can do is really take some time to study. Otherwise you could vote for Lockhart’s awful excuse of work.” 

“I see…” Dumbledore smiled. 

“Do you still have access to those other essays?” Severus asked. 

“I guess so, yes… I must still have them on my office.” Y/N said. “They are not meant to be read yet, but I won’t tell if you don’t.” She chuckled and Severus smiled just a bit wider than before. “We can go to my office after this meeting and I lend it to you.” 

“Fine.” Severus confirmed. 

“Okay, it’s a date! Now can we please get started with this meeting? I swear to god, if I hear one more word from the nerd power couple, I’m out.” James asked and Lily slapped him again. This time actually chuckling a bit at his joke.

[ahufflepuffranting]

The Mistakes of the Half-Blood Prince Movie

Disclaimer: These are my opinions not facts. I haven’t watched this movie in many moons so some scenes may be spotty/inaccurate. Also a lot of them are going to be derived from the book so if you haven’t read them, read the series, rewatch or watch the movies and then come back. Also major spoilers for this movie. You have been warned.

So…the HBP. I remember watching this movie in middle school/early high school. Now after a few years. I have a lot of thoughts on this movie and I felt that this would be a good first post. Enjoy!

1) Snape as the DADA Teacher. For those who read the books you know Snape has been eyeing the DADA (Defense Against the Dark Arts) teaching spot for years. We learn this in the first book and it’s mentioned in the first movie as well. But he is overlooked year after year after year. Now he finally has it. AND THERE’S NOT EVEN A MENTION IN THE MOVIE. In fact we barely see  him at all during the movie. Snape as the DADA is such a fascinating topic of the book and would’ve been amazing to see in the movie. Plus we would’ve gotten the iconic sassy Harry line “There’s no need to call me, SIr Professor”. 

2) Draco Malfoy. Now before I begin, let’s just say Tom Felton’s hair and wardrobe were at its peak during this film. Anyway, as readers and watchers all know, Draco is a death eater now and has been tasked with killing Dumbledore. In the book, we see these events through Harry’s perspective only which makes sense; it’s not Draco Malfoy and the Year He Tried to Kill Dumbledore. But a movie is an opportunity to expand and explore different characters and I wished they had done that for Draco a bit more. I would’ve loved to see the scene where is initiated and given the task by Voldemort. There were a few scenes but I wished to see the internal struggle that Draco was going through. Up until this point, we have always seen Draco as the opposite of Harry, the dark side and the enemy. But now with the Wizarding World at War, we begin to see a different side to Draco as he has a battle of doing what’s right and do what he is supposed to do. 

3) Remus and Tonks. This is another topic that is rarely touched on during this film. Remus and Tonks is such an interesting dynamic and its another topic that I wished was expanded upon. In the book towards the end, Harry finds out that Tonks was in love with Remus when he thought it was Sirius she was mourning over. After the Battle at the Astronomy Tower (more on that later) there is this wonderful, heart-tugging and romantic scene where Tonks is trying to convince Remus that they can be together. Remus tries to rebuff her.  

““You see!“ said a strained voice. Tonks was glaring at Lupin. "She still wants to marry him, even though he’s been bitten! She doesn’t care!”

“It’s different,” said Lupin, barely moving his lips and looking suddenly tense. “Bill will not be a full werewolf. The cases are completely-”

“But I don’t care either, I don’t care!” said Tonks, seizing the front of Lupin’s robes and shaking them. “I’ve told you a million times….”” 

And the meaning of Tonk’s Patronus and her mouse-colored hair, and the reason she had come running to find Dumbledore when she had heard a rumor someone had been attacked by Greyback, all suddenly became clear to Harry; it had not been Sirius that Tonks had fallen in love with after all.

“And I’ve told you a million times,” said Lupin, refusing to meet her eyes, staring at the floor, “that I am too old for you, too poor….too dangerous….” (Half-Blood Prince, pg. 623-624)

This highlights another aspect of Remus that is not easily shown in this movie, his ability to let others in. So afraid of being loved, Remus tries to shut out Tonks, thinking he is a monster, unworthy to be loved. But Tonks refuses to give up and tries to show him that she loves him for who he is, werewolf and all. This scene is iconic and to remove it from the movie is a crime. Also in the movie, they were already a couple…..??? #REMUS DESERVED BETTER #REMUS NEEDS A HUG

4) Ginny. I have many thoughts on Ginny. Bonnie Wright is an amazing actress so this is in no way bashing her.  Ginny in the book is sassy, assertive and loveable. She stands up for herself and others and doesn’t get pushed around by anyone. 

Movie Ginny on the other hand is kind of one dimensional and there was so much potential for her to grow. In the book, her relationship with Harry is an actual relationship. They spend time to together. It’s cute and it’s everything. The breakup scene is so sad but beautiful in its own way because it’s so like Harry to break up with her because he loves her so much. And that kiss scene in the book!!!! Oh my gosh do not even gte my wheels GOING! Like all Hinny shippers must have been like “FINALLY!!”

But in the movie, they just kiss in the ROR (Room of Requirement) and she just disappears and nothing happens after that. So they just never dated????? Like what????? A kiss doesn’t equate to a relationship, like ever. I realize now that Rowling was trying to create a normal atmosphere you’d get in any high school/teen universe because despite being in a middle a war, they’re still growing up and being teenagers with all thier angst. Harry pining for Ginny is a HUGE part of the HBP and its a huge part of that trying to be normal vibe (whatever that means in a middle of a war and you’re the Chosen One).

5) Battle at the Astronomy Tower. In the book, after Dumbeldore’s death, a battle erupts between the Death Eaters, who infiltrated the school with Draco’s help-and the students and the Order. I remember not appreciating when I first read this but now looking back, I wish I had. This event is considered a major battle and is the climax of this book. Everything has led up to this moment. AND THEY JUST TAKE IT OUT AND REPLACE IT WITH SOME MEDIOCRE ESCAPE SCENE. Bellatrix just blows out the windows of the Great Hall and sets Hagrid’s hut on fire but he’s NOT EVEN THERE! In the book, when she flamed up his hut, Hagrid was there and was PISSED because Fang was inside. DOn’t worry for all the dog lovers, Fang survives. It just seems so wrong to take it out. The scene that takes its place is bland in comparison and they should have just followed the book instead.

6) Fleur For those who didn’t read the book Fleur is engaged to Bill Weasley and the family…for the lack of a better word absolutely despises her. Behind her back they mock her and give her the oh-so-wonderful nickname Phlegm. Even though I don’t particularly care that it didn’t make it into the movie, there is one scene that I wished they kept that ties into my previous point. During the battle at the Astronomy Tower, Bill is mauled by Greyback and is scared for life. The scratches he sustained meant he would suffer but never fully transform. Molly despairs and assumes that Fleur would no longer want to marry him because of his marred face. But Fleur angrily berates her saying that Bill’s scars are proof of his bravery and she “was good-looking enough for both of them” (HBP, pg. 623). This scene is such a heartwarming scene after such a tragic event and I would’ve been more than happy if they included it.

 THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING THE WHOLE THING! I MIGHT DO ANOTHER RANT FOR OTHER HP MOVIES! PLEASE REBLOG AND ADD NOTES! 

[halothenthehorns]

All in the Family

Chapter 45: Grim Defeat

For once, Sirius' shock was so much he didn't even notice the change of scenery, including the sleets of icy water now poring down on him. He just stood there, quaking in one spot, gasping again and again, "I, I'm sorry, I-"

"Sirius!" James finally broke into his line of sight by shaking him, honestly it was a miracle he could see where he was going. His hazel eyes weren't even visible behind the rain smeared glasses, his unruly hair was plastered to his face. "Padfoot, come on mate! Let's get below the stands at least for some cover!"

When Sirius didn't respond, James grabbed his elbow and began physically pulling him along. Sirius stumbled and nearly fell down below, James twirled on the spot and caught him before he could. He kept his hands in place until he was sure Sirius wasn't going to fall over, than caught an even stronger grip on him. Sirius stalled him for only a moment, bending down and picking up what he'd slipped on, nearly lost in the pounding torrent, the purple book. James nodded in understanding, the two now galloping down and underneath the stands where Remus and Peter were waiting, bouncing uneasily on their toes and huddling close under their robes for whatever warmth they could.

"Pads, you okay?" Remus still had to speak a bit louder than normal to be heard, especially as thunder rolled not to far in the distance. "We saw you just standing up there for a whole minute."

"Yeah, we know you're sorry, alright," James clapped him on the shoulder, his face looked scrunched and almost painful between the chattering teeth and his eyes squinting to focus on anything. Sirius just blinked, he hadn't realized he'd still been saying it.

"Really mate, there's ah, there must be some logical explanation for this," Peter tried to reassure.

Sirius couldn't think of anything to say to that. He hadn't even bothered to shake his hair out of his face, it looked like a shaggy mess dripping down all around him.

"Oh, I spot Regulus!" Peter suddenly yelped as a distraction. He was nearly falling down the steps, eyes scanning for some way to slip beneath the bleachers. Peter darted out this time to snag him and tow him inside. He was ghastly pale and looked like a drowned victim, but at least his black eyes were alert.

"Thanks," he panted, taking in their surroundings. "This must be some kind of sick joke," he sighed, turning back to look just as a flash of lighting captured the sky. "We finally get put into the Quidditch stadium, and this madness is happening!"

"Guess we'll have to wait a little longer to get back in the air," James sighed in agreed disappointment.

"Seen the other three about?" Peter asked, trying not to poke his head too far out into the icy rain to scan for them.

"Yeah, opposite end of the field, they were ducking out of this just fine," Remus reassured, finally dragging his eyes away from Sirius, but going right back to eyeing him as he still said nothing.

"Sirius, you're scaring us," James finally whispered.

There was still water leaking down from overhead, steady drops dripping and plopping on exposed skin, trickling down their collars and leaving them just as shivering and miserable. The four of them kept swiping at themselves every few moments, shivering to try and keep themselves warm, bundled close to each other, except him.

"We can't pretend this isn't real anymore," he finally managed in a croaky, unfamiliar voice. They would all swear he'd been standing in that rain for years, his face gaunt, eyes focused on nothing. "I, I did something. I, I tried to-" he turned wretched eyes to his best friend. "Prongs, I'm sorry."

James could swear his breath was misting around him, but he didn't even notice as he returned as calmly as if this were still about the weather. "There's nothing to be sorry for Sirius. You haven't done anything, nor will you. Not while I'm here for you."

There was a spark, like a light suddenly got turned back on inside his gray lit eyes. Then he blinked and it was as if nothing had ever happened. It was as simple as that, he shared a smile with him and nodded, clutching the book with new life. "Right then, let's get out of this mess shall we?" He cracked the book open and began reading like it was any other, despite the black words smearing slightly, though his brows ruffled and a slightly unpleasant smile returned as he got out the chapter title.

"Grim Defeat? Blimey, must be Harry's first loss in this mess," Remus shivered, still sidled up as close to Sirius as he could, fighting the urge to stuff his hands in Sirius' pockets for warmth, they weren't doing him any good chasing away the goosebumps.

"If one person on that team gives him grief for it, I hope Harry pulverizes them," James scowled. "This will be a nightmare of a game."

"I hate Quidditch!" Even shouting at the top of her lungs, Lily was barely heard in the sharp sounds of the pattering water. She pushed her sopping wet hair out of her face, which looked nearly black hanging around her.

"Normally I'd like to say otherwise," Alice tried to say between chattering teeth, wrapped in Frank's arms and still shivering as hard as anyone. "On this particular occasion though, I feel compelled to comply."

"Still wanting to try out for the team next year love?" He managed to ask in her ear.

"Let me get back to you on that," she managed a genuine laugh. Lily couldn't help but smile at the two, the temperature just a few degrees warmer she was sure just for the air between them.

The three heard quite clearly the school being corralled into the Great Hall while a search for Black went down.

"Did you see his face?" Alice knew it was pointless to whisper in this downpour, but she couldn't help it. She had to clear her throat twice before trying again in a more stable voice. "Just before we got sent here, when he realized it was him who'd done it."

Frank and Lily both had stoic expressions, but she swore she saw the unease plain in their eyes.

"I think we're being too harsh on him," Alice insisted, trying to bring their hesitation further out. "He hasn't done this yet, and this future's clearly getting to him."

"I just don't know Alice," Frank sighed, brushing her dark hair away from her face repeatedly in the gale winds. "I can't feel safe in a room with him now because of all this, I can't get it out of my head. I'll take this," he needlessly gestured to the ink black sky and another roll of thunder crashing in, nearly shaking them out of their boots, "than be stuck in an enclosed space with no way out."

"It would help if he'd show a little remorse," Lily sniffed, purposefully this time, as she kept sniffling just to make sure her nose was still attached instead of frozen on the ground. "Instead, he just gets this look on his face, like he's daring us to tell him to do it or something."

"We've hardly been around him since we found out, and I still remember his face when we first heard," Alice tried to insist. "Come on Lily, I know you've got bad blood for him and his lot, but-" she broke off as a fork of lightning looked as if it was going to tear the sky in half, and she shivered harder than ever for the bone deep cold around them all.

For the whole of Sirius running through the kids discussion of the events, Sirius felt almost normal about it all. Yeah, this would be exactly what he and his friends would be doing during that time, making up wild theories! He effectively pushed this bizarre behavior of some future of his as far away as he could for now. It's not as if he'd done anything...surely his friends were still right and there was a huge misunderstanding...well until then, he had Quidditch to focus on!

Wood was being a maniac about the whole thing, which was entirely understandable. Sirius looked up and around to mock James for this, he just knew his best mate was going to be just as bad when he made captain!

Then he spotted Peter and Regulus, pacing back and forth to keep warm and chatting quietly, snickering even.

He put up with it as long as he could, but then his frustration boiled over when they found out Moony was skipping one of his lessons, and Snape was taking over! He snapped the book shut and decided he needed a break, leaving James and Remus to mutter quietly to each other with worry as he stormed over to the pair for a distraction.

"So what are you two on about? Regulus, if you're trying to sweet talk Peter into giving away our Quidditch secrets, it's going to take a lot more sweets than this," he smirked.

Regulus gave him a look of pure disdain and marched off, Sirius swore he even stomped in a few puddles as he went around a bend and vanished into the gloom.

Sirius stood there for several moments, glaring after him. That hadn't exactly been his goal, though he should be happy, now they could worry about what Snape was doing in private. He couldn't help it though, he turned to Peter with a look of absolute bafflement. "How do you keep-" he waved vaguely to where his friend and his kid brother had been laughing of all things. He couldn't ever remember making Regulus laugh, and he was the funniest person that little shit knew.

"Sirius, you've been ignoring him long before all this started, it's not my fault I'm actually enjoying making someone laugh." Sirius opened his mouth to protest, but Peter cut to the throat and said what he knew was really bothering him, "it's not as if you've been the best influence. I figured I'd try while I could to show him not all Gryffindors are terrible."

"You're being a terrible mate right now!"

"For, telling the truth?"

"Yes, no, wait...dammit Peter, just say something to make me feel better or I'll go find James or Remus."

Peter shook his head in disbelief at his dense friend as he spelled it out for him while keeping an eye on where Regulus had vanished. "Try being nice to him."

"I did," Sirius protested.

"Yeah, sporadically! Great job there Pads," Peter rolled his eyes. "You just insulted his Quidditch ability, like you two are on good terms, which you're clearly not. I know you were joking," he quickly tacked in for the flush of color managing to come in to his frozen face, "but I'm honestly not sure he did. You could have followed him just now and we would have joined you. You could have congratulated him on helping me prank you instead of continuing to ignore him. You've had an abundant opportunities and you still seem far more invested hanging around Moony now you've got him back than bothering to try connecting with your brother."

Sirius toed the weeping ground without looking at him now, stuffing his hands in his pockets and amazingly not having a response for that.

"Why do you suddenly care anyways?" Peter asked with surprise, in all the years he'd known Sirius, he hadn't even mentioned he'd had a brother until the day he was sorted. Sirius hated talking about anyone who shared his last name, so this sudden interest in him was quite odd.

"I, he," Sirius blustered for a moment. "At least before when I could ignore him in a whole castle I could pretend I didn't know what he was turning into, now it's in my face! I, I mean, it won't kill me to try and fix him while I've got the chance."

"Fix him?" Peter demanded. "Well you aren't starting off well mate, thinking you can turn him into you. What do you even want from him? If he never laughs at a word you don't like again, will you go back to ignoring him?"

Sirius opened, then closed his mouth again without response.

Peter just nodded, his point made, and sauntered over to the tense conversation between the last two Marauders.

"-but he might!" Remus' voice sounded like the shriek of the wind, his dark green eyes wild with panic. "Who's to say Dumbledore didn't tell all the staff! Merlin, we already know he knows thanks to Sirius-" Who winced and muttered another apology for that recent slip, but for the first time since it happened, that wasn't what Remus was focused on. "I can't believe I even got this job, he's probably told the whole world by now!"

"Relax Moony," Sirius threw his arm around Remus at once, letting his hand rest protectively on his neck. "Doesn't matter what Snape does for an hour in your class," he emphasized the last two words. "Those kids love you, Harry's made that clear, and they're a bunch of teenagers who already hate Snape. No matter how many snide comments he makes, no one's going to think twice about it."

"Yeah mate, just got to treat it like another day, except instead of sitting in the back with us, you're teaching the class," Peter said eagerly. "Brush it off, laugh, pretend you have no idea what's going on, or all of the above."

"Dumbledore didn't spill your secret now, he's not going to do it then," James agreed at once, picking up his earlier point. "If some like McGonagall still know, than those are the only people who will know! Not that it matters," he finished with a hard smile. The protective flare for both of his friends, simmering just below the surface constantly lately for how attacked they felt, was reaching its boiling point.

Remus swallowed uncomfortably still, but finally nodded. There was nothing for it, they had to get through this to get out of this blasted weather. Sirius had to release him and put both hands back on the book, and he instantly missed the warmth, his confidence wavering again at once. He swore he could still hear the echoes of the screams from his youth playing on a loop in his head, his father shouting, his mother screaming, the pain from that bite the most vivid, all because Snape had to fill in his role as teacher for the day.

At first Sirius seemed to be right though, despite his snide comments, none of it was particularly new to any of them. They seemed to get through half the class with just his crude critiques before he declared today's lesson. The four of them went very still, hatred for what that slimeball was doing leaving them breathless.

"Come on Lily, you've got to admit it's kind of harsh," Frank insisted to her defense. "He is skipping around a lesson plan I have confidence Lupin would have set up."

"So he's pushing them a bit, some like Hermione have surely studied ahead. I'm sure he, ah, does it in his own class all the time," she crossed her arms and hopped in place, though this did nothing to help either her understanding of more brutal tactics by him or the still declining temperature.

"I don't particularly care for his teaching methods to be put in other classes," Alice returned coldly, words even icier than the little icicles hanging beneath the stands now.

Lily grimaced and muttered a soft apology as she remembered all that had been done to Neville, then she blinked back tears and repeated herself in a stronger voice. "I am, so incredibly sorry for him, for how awful he is to your son-"

"You haven't done anything," Frank politely cut across her. "You've been apologizing for him for the past year Evans, if not longer, how long are you going to keep doing it?"

Lily brushed across her face, trying to make it look like she was batting more hair away than the hot tears before they froze in place. She had no answer for him, though she needed one, soon. If she didn't get some sort of explanation for Sev's behavior through this, she didn't know what she was going to do.

"I can't just, judge him because of this future!" She pleaded with them to understand. "He's still my friend in that castle!"

"Yet you seem to find it inevitable this is Black's future," Alice said pointedly.

Lily deflated and shuffled back from them a few feet, the flash of shame at her own hypocrisy finally causing her to give in to the sob bursting from her throat.

Regulus listened to the story progress alone now, mostly tuning out the petty drama Snape was causing in the class, but suddenly very interested in Ron sticking up for Hermione. It wasn't an unheard of thing, Slytherin's had to stick up for each other all the time against the rest of the school it seemed, they all had to band tightly together or be picked off. The difference was, these were Gryffindors, who had plenty of options.

Honestly, Harry's friends baffled him, they had plenty of opportunities to go be friends with others and Harry seemed their only unity. Yet here the pureblood was, sticking up for that know it all Muggleborn despite constantly berating her everywhere else. He would have liked to put it down to the Weasley's and their blood traitor status just wanting to make some ghastly scene like he'd been taught, but there seemed no motive. Ron in fact got a detention for his little show and didn't even seem angry at Hermione for it. He suddenly wondered if he was missing something between Harry's friends.

They finally got to the pumped up Quidditch match, and Sirius put as much enthusiasm into his voice as he could while reading of this. It didn't much work at first, Harry wasn't having much luck in this game. Thankfully Hermione stepped in and gave them all some interesting insight into a new spell, James's face looked positively gleeful at the idea.

"Prongs, hold off on trying that please!" Peter suddenly said, snatching his wrist as he began twirling his wand in his face. "Remember the last time you tried a spell that you'd just heard of? It took Madam Pomfrey three hours to get your face to flip back right side up."

"Oh, fine," he pouted, finally taking his glasses off and tucking them inside his robes. "They weren't doing me any good anyways," he grumbled. "I'm demanding your robes to clean them off with though in the next place."

"Fair enough," Peter looked highly pleased with himself for getting Prongs to listen and continued with, "hell, I'll give you my whole shirt."

The other three all laughed at him, but then stopped quickly in surprise at another, possible, Sirius sighting.

Of course, they had no proof this black dog being up in the stands watching Harry play Quidditch was Sirius, it could just be another figment of Harry's mind what with that Grim Trelawney told him about being on his mind, but the odds! All four of them were convinced Sirius was indeed hanging around this castle for something...and hanging around to watch Harry play Quidditch was frankly the best option available.

They dared not breathe a word of this, already on tenterhooks about Moony's secret so recently being brought up, their own didn't need anymore whispers. It didn't stop them from sharing smiles with each other as Sirius casually kept going now, feeling absolutely elated at this mention of him.

That was ruined, of course, not a few moments later by the arrival of dementors. Not just one, of course not, it seemed every foul creature that was supposedly guarding this school was suddenly in attendance far above, and the four of them shrunk into each other protectively.

"Why, why haven't they arrived yet," Peter hissed, fighting back the urge to poke his head through the stands and check to make sure they weren't hovering right above them now.

"I, I think they are," Remus stuttered, abandoning any pretenses and finally burying his face into Sirius' shoulder. "I, I've been hearing screaming, in, in my head for awhile now. I, thought it was just," he swallowed painfully, "but apparently, th-they, they're up-"

"Up in the air, where Harry would be after the Snitch," James finished in a diminished voice, hands trembling anyways.

"A good fifty feet away, yeah, let's keep it that way," Peter moaned, the effects of those monsters still lingering on them all the way down here.

Sirius adjusted himself comfortably so Moony didn't have to move, but felt like a detached soul himself as he tried to finish as fast as possible. Whatever magic was keeping them away from those below the stands may not last after all...and things only got worse as they were forced to hear Harry's experience, yet again.

Lily's knees buckled as it all sank in around her, a cascade of water went up around as she lost her fight and sunk to the flooding ground right along with Harry.

"Lily, oh you poor thing," Alice crooned softly, tearing out of Frank's arms and wrapping herself tight around the other girl. The two clung to each other, Lily even sank into the embrace for a moment as she couldn't fight this feeling of isolation anymore, not alone. A stronger pair of arms was suddenly on her other side, and it took her a moment to realize it was Frank. For just a moment, she'd half expected Potter, to pop up in her life like he always did when she least expected it.

They weren't even halfway through this chapter in Harry's life yet, and somehow it all kept growing worse as Harry woke up in the hospital wing and was told the news of what they'd all grasped. Now his broom was gone as well, and as Sirius finished, none of them could imagine how it could get worse than this.

[bush-viper-cutie]

“Tea and Omens” || YEAR 3 – Ch.9 (HP au)

                              Chapter List

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Day posted: 8/7/2020

Word count: 4,560

Relationship: EVENTUAL severus X oc (slow burn)

Rating: E for everyone

Warnings: none

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A/N: This is my first fan fic I’m writing mainly as a way to practice. This is a retelling of the hp books with an inserted character. Although most every character will be written about, this is mostly for the pro snape fandom. Please do not fear, although this is a severus x oc story, it is an incredibly slow burn as I do not intend for them to get together at all until after the final book events. Chapters will be posted twice a week.

This derivative work follows the events of the Harry Potter books by Jk Rowling and is intended as a fun way to practice my writing. Thank you for reading :D

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Heather woke with a start, realizing it was officially the first day of classes. She quickly ran to the bathrooms, took a bath, brushed out her hair for once, and brushed her teeth all before anyone she knew was actually up. She exited just in time for Pansy to wake up and walked out into the common book with her bag, successfully avoiding her entirely.

She was heading to the door when she spotted Marcus talking to two Slytherin boys she didn’t recognize. She spotted an open seat close to Marcus and sat down, taking out her new potions guide to pretend to look through.

“– Right. That shouldn’t be a problem. They’re usually the first to hold them. I doubt the Gryffindor captain will hold any this year since no one’s left, so I’ll see soon enough. Probably after the Hufflepuffs hold theirs.”

“Can’t wait.”

The three boys passed by and Heather’s mouth fell open. It was Graham Montague and Cassius Warrington who were talking to Marcus. She was pretty sure they were fifth years now, and they were huge. They must have been working out all summer long. She was puny compared to them and probably had better chances at becoming the next Seeker than being a Chaser again.

Draco walked out of the boys’ dormitories, so she quickly put her guide away and caught up to him just as he exited the door with his friends.

“Draco! I think Graham and Cassius are going to try out for chasers this year,” she walked beside him waiting for him to say anything, but he just shrugged. “What, you won’t help me?”

“Potter, just face it. You can’t beat any of them. You should be glad, actually. We’ll have better chances at winning this year,” he laughed and walked on with his friends.

“Fine. I don’t need your help.” She slung her bag over her shoulder and headed over to Gryffindor tower.

After a few minutes of waiting by the portrait hole, Hermione, Harry, and Ron came out and they walked down to the great hall for breakfast. There were less spots open but Heather managed to squeeze into the Gryffindor table like always.

“Oh man,” Ron put several muffins on his plate and started picking at all of them. “I hope our schedules aren’t awful this year.”

Heather giggled, “They weren’t bad last year. You and Harry just need to do your assignments not last minute.”

Hermione nodded and covered her mouth, “I agree. This year we’ll make sure you two – ”

“Hey, Potter!”

They turned towards the Slytherin table.

“Don’t forget a pillow in case you feint again!”

Draco laughed at his friend’s joke and pretended to feint onto Crabbe.

Pansy stood up. “Oooooo! Careful! The dementors are out to get you, Potter!”

Hermione knocked on the table, turning their attention back to her. “Ignore them. They aren’t funny.”

“I don’t know how you can stand to be a Slytherin,” Ron glared down at his half-eaten muffins.

“Slytherin isn’t the problem. It’s just stupid Pansy and Malfoy.”

Harry put his hands up, “We all know that. They’re trying to make us mad. We can’t let them make us mad.”

Hermione smiled, “Precisely. Oh! Here come our schedules!”

Professor McGonagall went by handing them out to her Gryffindors and walked back to the High Table. Professor Snape was much slower with his, and she had to stand up to go get hers. She cleared her throat behind him and caught the paper as he dropped it over his shoulder.

“Were the Weasleys out of flying cars this year?” Professor Snape looked over his shoulder at her, glaring.

She held her head up higher and mumbled a thank you before returning to her seat to unfold the schedule. She looked over her shoulder again and sighed, “I’m never going to beat Malfoy.”

Ron laughed, “You should just face the fact that no one can kiss Snape’s shoes better than Malfoy, and focus on other classes like Harry and me.”

“And what classes are you two focusing on?” Hermione laughed.

Harry unfolded his schedule, “Magical Creatures looks promising…”

Ron shook his head, “Fred and George tell me Divination is the class we’ll like. They said it’s the easiest class – ”

“Hogwarts classes aren’t EASY. I bet Divination is going to be challenging and very informative.”

They all ignored Hermione’s intense optimism for classes. Heather unfolded her own schedule and was very happy to find all their classes lined up. She bit her lip and reached for Hermione’s, looking at all the classes listed one after the other. “How many classes are you taking?”

She pulled it back before Heather could look too closely at it, “All of them. They all looked so interesting I couldn’t pick and…”

Ron snatched the schedule from her, “You’re sounding like Percy when he – hey! Some of these you can’t even go to – ”

Hermione pulled it away again and stuffed it in her bag. “Will you two stop worrying about my classes? I talked to Professor McGonagall and she approved all of these.”

Heather and Ron looked at each other but left Hermione alone the rest of breakfast. What did she care if Hermione’s schedule was all messed up? If anything, Hermione would be putting less time in herbology and potions which would mean less competition.

They had to venture into a part of the castle they hadn’t yet seen or been in before. They went through corridor after corridor trying to ask portraits for directions and it was a suit of armor that finally pointed them the right way.

They found the north tower stairs and started their climb all the way to the very top. It would have been much faster if there were only one set of spiral stairs, but there were at least four. One of them led half way up and then took them back down, the other one started on a different second floor corridor and led to a third one that only went to the other side of the very same tower. The fourth one had steps that retreated into the wall, so they had to quickly descend to the landing at the halfway point.

“Who built this castle!” Ron sat on the landing and huffed hot air out, trying to cool down.

“We should just ask for directions,” Harry pushed everyone back down the steps.

They stepped off at the third floor and looked for a painting. Heather spotted one and called everyone back. A tiny knight on a horse rode passed yelling and screaming half-intimidating things until he calmed down after getting flung of his horse.

“Err… how do we get to the top of the north tower?” Harry pointed up as if to let the knight know he knew the direction they should be heading was ‘up’.

The little knight rubbed his metal gloves together and nodded, “Indeed! Follow! Lost children, follow me!” He hopped back on his horse and ran to the left and disappeared.

They stood around until they realized they could follow the sound of clanking metal and bolted after what they assumed to be him. There were a few paintings where they could spot him momentarily, glad to see it was still him they were chasing. They ran across the corridor to the fourth floor and to a new set of spiral stairs in a much more contained and compact chamber that looked to lead all the way up.

“Our quest is now complete! Good day! And should you need Sir Cadogan…” he rode off, his voice trailing quietly behind him.

They took a break at the base of the stairs until more third years sounded around the corner and before they got stuck in a giant crowd on the tight stairs, they started the climb for the fifth time. They rested against the white painted stone walls of the landing and looked around as more students made it.

Heather looked over some heads and spotted Neville looking confused and disoriented. “Neville!” she waved at him, “Here!”

He made his way, looking relieved to find them. “I thought I was going to be late. My shoelace got stuck on a stair when it pulled in. You’d think there were six north towers…”

Ron pat his shoulder, still unable to say anything until his breathing regulated.

Harry looked at the time on his watch, “Class is soon but… where’s the door? Is it going to reveal itself when the clock chimes or – ”

A shabby brown door above their heads opened inwards and a shiny silver ladder fell onto the floor with a thud right behind Neville. He jumped back and looked up.

“Well go on…” Hermione pushed him up.

One by one they climbed and stepped into what looked like a circular attic with tiny windows all over the wall like picture frames, letting in odd colors of light. There were circular tea tables everywhere with two chairs per table and a circular base in the middle that reflected as clearly as any mirror. The windows all closed suddenly and lamps turned on, glowing dimly behind sheer red scarves.

They squinted and made their way into their seats next to one another. Ron and Harry in one, and Heather and Hermione in the other. Everyone waited for something else to happen but for a long minute nothing did, except mist seamed to be coming up from creaking floorboards.

“Class! Welcome!” a woman’s voice boomed loudly.

“Where is she?” Ron looked around and almost jumped out of his seat when one of the colored curtains moved and revealed their teacher.

She waved her arms as the curtains slid off her on her way to the center of the circular room. She adjusted her glasses and folded her hands in front of her, smiling widely at everyone. Her glasses were huge on her head and very think and round. She looked like an owl that had been dropped in expired glitter and vintage streamers.

“So, we physically meet,” she looked every student in the eyes. “Let’s sit and let our spirits converse!” Being the only one standing, she sat down on her small cushioned reading chair and drank some tea off her table. She moved her beady necklaces around to jungle and closed her eyes, breathing in some of the mist.

“Hmm,” Hermione tilted her head at the teacher.

“Hmm?” Heather wanted to ask what on earth that meant. Hermione was frowning and had her arms crossed in front of her.

“I am Professor Trelawney and I will be teaching you the very serious art of Divination.” She took out the divination textbook as if to talk about it but set it back down. “I must warn you all. Before we get into this class, you must know just how serious and difficult this art is. In fact, I would say the most difficult.” She pushed up her glasses again. “Some of you,” she looked at several students, “will have the necessary ability like me. Some of you… have the Sight. So, no matter how hard you study… many of you will not be able to venture into the field of divination ever.”

Ron and Harry looked up at them and raised their brows. Heather and Hermione stuck their tongues out and told them to turn around and pay attention. Heather couldn’t believe it was day one and she might already be doing worse than others just because she’s used to studying things hard. How could the textbook not be enough?

Professor Trelawney stood up and looked around. “Let’s allow for your physical beings to meet your partners for the class, although spiritually I’m sure we have all met. Go on.”

Heather turned around to Hermione. “Hello, this is my physical being talking.”

Hermione crossed her arms again, unamused. “What did she mean about the studying bit? Why would she make us buy a textbook that wouldn’t help?”

She shrugged, “Maybe it’s just required? Like for potions?”

“Oh my,” Professor Trelawney approached Neville. “Your grandmother is looking quite ill.”

Neville shrunk back in his seat, “She was fine yesterday…”

“I’d check on her.” She tapped her chin and pressed her lips staring at Neville. She turned her attention away, continuing with class. “This term we will be covering many things… Beginning with Tea leaf reading, which will likely be very difficult for many students – ” She turned to a Gryffindor girl near the front and bent down close to her table. “You should beware a red-haired man, dear.”

The Gryffindor girl turned to look at Ron with the rest of the class.

Ron’s ears went red. He frowned. “Technically my hair’s orange.”

Harry’s tried muffling his laugh, “But in certain lights…”

Ron gave him a mean look as Professor Trelawney took the center of the room again and everyone but the very concerned Gryffindor girl turned their attention back.

“The next term we will be looking at crystal balls. Palmistry will be a very interesting subject. And I hope to finish fire omens – they’re very, very insightful – but with the flu everyone will be dealing with in February who’s to say. Of course, I’ll lose my voice which will be another interruption and some time around Easter someone here will leave us forever.”

Heather looked around at everyone else who, too, were scanning the room for any hints of who that might be. She looked at Neville and he shook his head, but she wasn’t so sure. Last year Professor Snape said they’d be brewing more explosive potions this year and she doubted he’d have suddenly gotten less clumsy over the summer.

“Now, we should get ready. You dear,” she pointed at a different Gryffindor girl, “Please pass me that silver teapot just behind you.”

The girl looked relieved and stood to grab it, handing it carefully as if coming into contact might trigger a prediction. Unfortunately for her, it looked like Professor Trelawney already had a prediction ready for her.

“I see that you’re dreading something. Well I’m so very sorry to say but on Friday the sixteenth of October, it will happen.” She smiled and took the tea pot down to her table by the fireplace and cushioned chair, sitting and sliding her teacup nearer. “Now, there are teacups on that shelf so please everyone collect one and come down to the teapot to fill it.”

Heather stood up with Hermione and followed Harry and Ron up to the teacup shelf with everyone else.

“Can you believe anything she’s saying?” Ron whispered, looking back at Professor Trelawney who was staring down at her teacup, swirling her tea. “Now everyone’s going to hate me and my hair isn’t even actually red!”

Heather put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. “Very unfortunate prediction.”

“You looked at me when she said someone would leave forever,” Neville leaned into them.

Heather sighed, “Just be careful this year with your ingredient labeling, ok?”

The line was moving fast and they managed to all get their teacups, fill them from the floating teapot by Professor Trelawney, and return to their seats.

Harry leaned back and whispered to Heather, “What if it has to do with Black.”

“What?” Heather groaned and shook her head violently. “Harry don’t start now. If we stay in the castle how could we get hurt?”

He shrugged and turned back as Professor Trelawney as she stood and continued on about how to properly prepare the leaves. Heather drank until the leaves were lightly coated in tea and swirled it around three times with her left hand like she had instructed. Everyone placed their teacup upside down on the saucer and waited a few minutes for more liquid to drain down.

“Please switch with your table partner and interpret the patterns. Page five of the textbook will be helpful for this if you do not yet have the Sight. Oh and,” she turned to look at Neville again, “make sure to grab a blue teacup after you’ve broken that one. Thank you.”

Neville nodded and reached over to give his cup to his table partner but it slipped out of his hands and toppled to the floor, breaking into several sharp pieces. The class started laughing, and Heather did her best to hold it in for him out of support which Harry and Ron couldn’t manage to do even when Hermione give them very stern looks. Neville stood to get his second teacup and start all over.

Heather swapped cups with Hermione and laughed, “What if it tells me something really embarrassing? Should I pretend not to have noticed?”

Hermione rolled her eyes, “It won’t tell you anything. They’re just tea leaves.”

Heather opened ‘Unfogging the Future’ to page five and ran her finger down to look for any familiar clumpings. She stared at the tea leaves that were slowly gathering back at the center bottom from being tipped upside down and she wasn’t sure if she should wait for them to settle.

From her chair Professor Trelawney cried out, “Look past the ordinary of the world and into the extraordinary! Broaden your minds!”

Hermione huffed and frowned into Heather’s cup trying to search for something. Heather turned the cup around and spotted a clump that looked a bit like a blade of grass or maybe a curved stick or string. She looked for any type of swirly line resembling that and found at least five that could work.

“So… I think maybe you’ll fall down or something? Or something will fall around you… making you sad? And,” she looked for two clumped circles to the left of the cup, “and something about running.”

Hermione sighed and set the teacup down, “According to this you’re going to get swallowed up by something small.”

“Right. I’ll look out for that.” She glanced down at Harry and Ron who were doing a very poor job at stifling their laughs. “Will you two take it seriously?”

Ron covered his mouth with his arm and Harry half snorted and nodded, trying to look through the options again. Unfortunately for Harry, Professor Trelawney heard him and came up to see what all the fuss was.

“Let’s see your prediction, dear.”

Harry cleared his throat and looked down into the teacup. “This lump here means trials and suffering,” he checked the book, “and this one is happiness… so he’s going to suffer… but be happy about it.”

The class started laughing quietly and Professor Trelawney took Harry’s teacup from Ron. As she studied it everyone looked over intently. She moved her fingers over the mouth of it as if counting and muttered to herself.

“The great falcon, my dear. You have a deadly enemy.” She set the cup down and pressed her lips shut into a line.

“But everyone already knows that. Everyone knows about Harry and You-Know-Who.” Hermione sunk further into her chair under the eyes of the whole class and Professor Trelawney.

Heather stared at her wide-eyed. She couldn’t believe Hermione had just spoken out like that. And to a teacher, no less.

Professor Trelawney looked back down at Harry’s cup, ignoring Hermione’s outburst, and turned it clockwise. “I see here the club, meaning you’ll face an attack. And, oh dear, this is a very sad cup.” She leaned in closer and frowned. She turned it one more time and gasped very loud and sharp suddenly. She twisted it slightly and screamed, almost throwing the cup back down on the saucer. “Oh dear, dear boy… no… I shouldn’t say… It would be better that way.”

Harry took his cup and looked into it, shrugging at Ron.

One of Harry’s dorm mates, Dean, raised his hand but spoke anyways. “What is it?”

Several people were leaning over trying to look into Harry’s cup. He placed it back upside down on the saucer.

“What I saw… My dear, you’ve received the Grim.” Professor Trelawney shook her head sadly and picked the cup back up to examine it more.

Some people were looking around confused and others had clapped their hands to their mouths.

“What’s the Grim?” Harry looked up at Heather who shrugged.

“The Grim? Dear, it’s… It’s a giant spectral dog that haunts churchyards! It’s a very serious omen! It’s… the worst… It’s an omen of death!”

Heather closed her eyes and sighed. Of course Harry had to get a death omen. And of a scary dog like the one they’d seen. Now she was sure he’d be overthinking everything again. She turned to look at Hermione and saw she was gone from her chair. She looked back down and saw Hermione looking over Professor Trelawney’s shoulder.

Hermione shook her head. “It doesn’t look like the Grim at all.”

Professor Trelawney set the teacup down and crossed her arms, looking Hermione up and down. “Your aura… it’s very small and weak. That would explain why you are unable to be receptive around the art of divination. I would suggest meditation to increase your reception of the future.”

Dean was squinting into the teacup pulling it away and bringing it back, “No I see it. There, like this… but then again if you hold it out here it looks like a donkey…”

Heather stood up and took the cup from him to inspect it herself. She looked down and saw a clumpy mush of wet leaves. “I don’t see anything.”

Dean turned the cup around for Heather and pointed. “See those ears?”

“Are we done deciding if I’m gonna die or not?” Harry took back his teacup and hugged it tight so no one else could see inside it.

“I think we shall finish this class early today. Pack up and put the teacups in the back.” Professor Trelawney looked at Hermione one last time and walked back to her chair.

Everyone packed up and silently left the classroom.

Hermione still looked very upset as they were making their way down the spiral stairs. “It wasn’t the Grim. It was a mushy clump. She only said that because she’s heard of you and would have known about last year and the year before.”

“I agree.” Heather bumped Harry encouragingly.

He nodded but kept quiet the rest of the way down. They stood outside the transfiguration class in silence until more students gathered and Professor McGonagall let them in. Harry immediately sat down in the back and Hermione grumbled but didn’t say anything.

As class went on it was hard to pay attention to Professor McGonagall when Harry was looking so down. She took extra detailed notes for him since all he was doing was doodling in his notebook. Class was coming to an end and Professor McGonagall got to the last listed subject they would learn about.

Professor McGonagall circled the last word on the chalkboard and turned to the class, “Animagi. That is the name for wizards who can transform into animals, at will.”

Heather’s ears perked up. That definitely sounded cool.

Professor McGonagall continued, “The transformation process is very dangerous and any wizard who wishes to attempt it should have a healer standing by. Animagi are registered with the Ministry for safety. We shall touch more on this later in the year.”

Out of the corner of Heather’s eye she saw Harry drop his head on his desk. She looked around and saw several eyes looking over at him. Even sitting in the back he was getting lots of attention. She turned back to Professor McGonagall and just caught her mid-transformation from a cat back to herself.

“Really? Not that it matters but this is the first class no one has clapped…”

Hermione raised her hand. “We’ve just had our divination class and – ”

“Ah.” Professor McGonagall leaned on her desk and shook her head, fixing her hair. “And, may I ask, which one of you is it that’s supposed to be dying?”

After a minute Harry broke the silence, “I am.”

“Of course. Well let me inform you all… Professor Trelawney has predicted the death of a student every year. Not one of those predictions has ever come true. Seeing death omens is her way of greeting each new class. I don’t speak ill of colleagues… so I will leave it there.” Her nostrils flared as she sighed and shook her head. “There are some branches of magic that are incredibly imprecise. True Seers are very rare to find, and Professor Trelawney – Well.” She looked over at Harry, “You look in fine health, Mr. Potter. And I shall expect your homework in on time, however, if you die, I won’t take off points from Gryffindor for your late work.”

The class laughed and spirits were higher than they’ve been in the last two hours. Harry was back to talking as they made their way down to the great hall and Heather was sure Professor McGonagall had fixed whatever Professor Trelawney had done. They sat down for lunch together, but Ron was still looking unsure.

After they had all started eating, Ron turned to Harry. “And you’re sure you haven’t seen the Grim anywhere?”

Heather groaned.

“I have.” Harry set his fork down.

“What!” Ron stared at him.

“He has not! We saw a stray dog. And I didn’t even recognize it as a dog when I saw it.”

“There are lots of strays everywhere, Harry.”

Ron shook his head, “If he’s really seen a Grim then that’s very serious! My uncle died of one!”

Hermione laughed. “He died of seeing a Grim?”

“No he died after.”

“Look. Divination seems like its all guesswork and coincidences. It’s no different than with muggle fortune telling.”

“Sure. If you don’t have the Sight.” Ron stabbed his stew.

Hermione huffed, “You didn’t even see the Grim when you read his tea leaves! Divination is all nonsense.”

“You just don’t like things you’re bad at. Professor Trelawney said your aura was too weak for divinations.”

Heather and Harry stared at each other.

Hermione stood up from the table, “If being good means pretending to see nonsense in wet clumpy leaves then I’m not sure I want to study it any longer. My arithmancy class was way better!” She took her bag and walked away out of the great hall.

They all stared at her as she turned the corner out of sight.

Heather turned back. “Did she say she’d been to her arithmancy class?”

Ron frowned, “She can’t have been.”

They continued eating in silence. Heather went over Hermione’s schedule in her head. She couldn’t have been to arithmancy. That was at the same time as Divinations. The rest of the day studying and doing homework with Harry and Ron was very boring and quiet. Ron was upset, Harry was thinking to himself probably about that Grim, and Heather couldn’t figure out when Hermione would have had the time for her extra class.

By the end of the day Heather was extremely tired with all the worrying and thinking from the most eventful first day they’d had yet. She hadn’t seen Hermione since she left and wished she had asked more questions about her classes. With a groan she dropped to the floor after everyone in her dorm was asleep and did barely any exercises before crawling back into bed. She closed her eyes and hoped classes tomorrow would go smoother.

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[eastonia-blog]

I’m going to do a weird.

I know a whole lot of us are stuck at home due to the COVID19 outbreak and all our respective governments attempting to flatten the curve. So I’m going to break out my VAST library of fanfiction recommendations for you to read! Please bear in mind that my tastes in fics are not necessarily like yours so the following 15 Fandom reccs might be hit or miss. All ships and above T ratings will be tagged with brackets, all crossovers will be mentioned in those same brackets. Also, if I mention it’s part of a series, I’m not just recommending the fic I mentioned, I’m recommending the whole series. I’ve tried to recommend a different author’s fic each time. So! Let’s start with the 3 fandoms I mention in my blog description.

1) ATLA Fate Deferred (Zutara) Aang remains in the iceberg ten years longer. Sozin’s comet comes, the world keeps turning with no Avatar to save it, and by the time he’s finally found by a waterbender and her Fire Nation husband, a lot has changed. [Zutara established relationship full series rewrite; Now on Book II: Earth]  Cheating at Pai Sho (Canon Divergence) “You said you were the Avatar!” “…I lied?” Aang doesn’t get rescued in episode two, and no one’s seen him go glowy yet… so he starts bluffing. Hard. Or: “The Avatar joins Zuko’s quest to find the Avatar.” In which Zuko doesn’t join the Gaang, the Gaang joins Zuko.  The Undying Fire: Blood and Fire (First in the Undying Fire Series, eventual Zutara) Book 1. In which rescuing the Avatar from Pohuai Stronghold doesn’t end so well. It’s a tough life being a banished prince trying to get home, especially when the Avatar just wants to be your friend and keeps making everything confusing. Oh, and did Zuko mention he somehow healed the kid? Yeah, that happened. Stalking Zuko (First in the Stalking Zuko Series, eventual Zutara) Katara has developed a new hobby. At the Western Air Temple she takes to stalking Zuko. Much silliness and shenanigans follow. In chapter 20: Katara and Zuko return home to the others. Katara hates the F word and she comes to a decision regarding Zuko.  Embers (Canon divergence) Dragon’s fire is not so easily extinguished; when Zuko rediscovers a lost firebending technique, shifting flames can shift the world…  2) Percy Jackson and the Olympians The Father (Percabeth in the GFFA, eventual Anidala) It all started with a wish, but because it was Percy Jackson it couldn’t have been a friendly goddess granting him a wish. No, it had to be Nemesis, goddess of revenge and balance. Now Percy and Annabeth are stuck in a strange new galaxy right when an ancient and powerful darkness finally begins to stir.  Glass Figures (MCU Mashup) I lifted my gun, pointing it towards the minefield of shattered fragments, and kicked the small coffee table out of the way.Only to stare down at an awfully familiar face, which split into a somewhat lopsided grin. The intruder raised his hands in a mocking surrender. //“Long time no see, dude.” //I lowered the gun. “What the hell are you doing in South Peru?” //Or in which Clint Barton and Percy Jackson have a long personal history that starts in high school. All Together, Cousins (Canon divergence) When Thalia ran away with her toddler brother, Jason, she slowly gathered her cousins: she and her cousins being Big Three children. As Jason gets older and their motley group expands to six, Thalia resigns herself to the fact that she won’t always be the leader of the pack. As she accepts that, something more is coming, able to challenge even the gods above. A Crown of Golden Leaves (Historical AU) Annabeth, a Lady from the declining polis of Athens, must marry the Heir Apparent of Rome to save the rapidly expanding world from a threat even the gods couldn’t foresee.  Deluge (Percy in the Arrowverse) Barry has to deal with yet another Metahuman that Zoom has pitted against him. But this ‘Metahuman’ is an unwilling pawn in Zoom’s plan and really wants to find a way around killing the Scarlet Speester. But how can he when Zoom is holding something against him? 

3) DC Firework (First in the Sparks in the Dark Series) Orphaned and removed from the only life he’s ever known, Dick feels like there’s no light left for him in the world. His new benefactor, however, still sees something worth saving… Chronological beginning of the Spark in the Dark series.   Iron, Fire, Mirror-Glass After a brutal confrontation with Bane, Bruce comes away with a broken spine and the certainty that his days as Batman are over. An unexpected discovery offers him another chance—but at what price? The story of a man who risks his soul for the sake of his mission, the dangerous creature he names Robin, and the unlikely partnership that will shape the legend of Gotham’s Dark Knight.  Get Back Up There was a mole, one who played a long game. The team was betrayed, crushed. Robin nearly died. What are they going to do now? Only one chirped the answer. Get back up. WARNING: lots of talking, little action, many follow ups  Five Times …Five times Damian thought of Dick Grayson as his father, and the one time Dick thought of Damian as his son. Future-fic. YJ characters will show up later. Batman!Dick and Damian as Robin. With guest appearances from Jason, Tim, Cass, and Steph.  Unveiling the Mystery Series of one-shots about the team learning a little about Robin (Dick Grayson).   With all the fics, I heavily suggest you also read what else these authors have to offer in their archive.

And now here’s the plethora of other fandoms I read fics in under the cut!

4) Harry Potter The Horse (Mature) Looking after a Muggle animal should be easy compared to saving Hogwarts from Voldemort. Harry and Draco might disagree with that. Featuring Luna, Marauders, peppermints and, of course, a tall, black, badtempered horse named Simon. The Potions Master’s Nephew An accident occurs and Professor Snape finds himself trapped in his fifteen-year-old body. Enrolled into Harry Potter’s fifth year, he is forced to hide his true identity. Girls, drama and teenage angst do not bode well with Severus. Keeping Up with the Grangers (Dramione, Mature) Mr. Malfoy, I invite you and your mother to tea next Tuesday, May 25th at 2o’clock to discuss recent events. Dr. Helen Granger //…  …// He glances at the boxy too-uniform numbers flashing on the face of Richard’s radio. It’s nearly noon, and he should be getting ready to leave; but there is still a harsh tension in his shoulders and neck that he wants to work out before Hermione finds him. It is, after all, Tuesday; and while his Tuesdays were designated ‘tea with Helen’ days previously, they are now ‘lunch with Granger’ days, ever since the chance meet-up with the Weasel’s wife and the insufferable swot herself. Faceless (Dramione, Mature) New year. New love. New threat. A powerful enemy is on the rise, and Hermione Granger finds herself intertwined in a relationship with Draco Malfoy – only she doesn’t know it’s him. / / RUNNER-UP: Enchanted Awards Summer 2017 for Best Relationship Development 

5) Devil May Cry And the Rest is Silence (Mature) The destruction of the Saviour wasn’t the end. Too many people had too much invested.  An Uncle’s Thoughts Dante’s thoughts and feelings regarding one particular quarter-demon kid. Vignettes that span from the start of Devil May Cry 4 through Devil May Cry 5, and beyond. Fortuna’s Fool Events after DMC5 with flashbacks to the events we briefly see in DMC4SE only with Vergil telling Dante all about Nero’s mother. Family ties are so complicated, aren’t they? Family of Happenstance Some orphans have happy endings, getting adopted or finding their family. Having a demon slaying half devil for a father tends to throw a tiny monkey wrench in the process. AU Father!Dante, Son!Nero. Rated because hunters don’t exactly have clean mouths.     

6) Power Rangers (Focus on Might Morphin’ and Dino Thunder teams) Of Love and Bunnies Set just after Dino Thunder. When Angel Grove announces another Power Rangers Day, Tommy takes the Dino Rangers to Angel Grove for a reunion with the original team… including Kimberly. TommyKim, JasonTrini, KiraTrent. The Reason (Part 1 of eclyptyk neo‘s Dino Thunder AU) COMPLETED. DT. AU. Years go by as Tommy Oliver becomes accustomed to his job as a teacher. A person from his past returns. The new ranger team grows interested in its outcome. How will these new changes between rangers young and old be? Sequel: Ordinary World Change of Hearts (Wild Force)   PRWF: When Jindrax and Toxica set out to find themselves, they had no idea that their greatest adventure was only beginning. Chronology Conundrum DT/MMPR - After a strange mutation is released in Reefside, the five Dino Thunder Ranges find themselves thrown back into the past, circa 1995 Angel Grove. Somehow, they have to figure out how to make it back to their present without destroying it or themselves. And if they succeed, they must navigate the consequences of their actions in the past, while still protecting Reefside. 7) Merlin (Mergana leaning) The Other Version of Events What if Merlin and Arthur had met when they were children? What if a mysterious illness fell over Ealdor and Merlin was blamed? What if Arthur had actually felt sorry for him? What if destiny was thrown at them in a whole new way? AU, no slash, Bromance, A/G M/M… You get the idea.  Flipping the Coin, Part 2 of Coins (2nd story in the Coins Sage but 1st multichapter) Merlin and Gwaine are sent on an adventure to discover their past and stay one step ahead of Morgana. Fearing for them, Arthur and the other knights set out to find them, but soon discover much more than they bargained for. Alt version Season 5. Sequel to “Two Sides of the Coin” Angst, Adventure, BAMF, Bromance, Redemption, Twists on Arthurian Legends.  The King’s Legacy “I hope you are rolling in your grave brother, I will find your son, and I hope he is like you. I will ruin him and gain a lovely weapon in the process.” Cenred spat on the grave, “I win Balinor.” .Sequel posted.  The Warlock’s Quickening (First in the Albion Cycle) Merlin might have come to Camelot to master his magic, not to end the Purge, but he’s not going to sit idly by while his kin suffer. Oh no. Whether it’s releasing a chained dragon, smuggling sorcerers out of the city, or trying to change Arthur’s mind, he’s fighting back. Now. Series rewrite beginning after 1X02 featuring Proactive!Merlin. AU. 

8) Dragon Ball Under the Radar (Gohan/Videl) Gohan is living life as a secret superhero, but Videl is making it her business to find him out! How will Gohan manage her and Saiyan hormones? Will he fess up? Or will he try to live his life -puts on sunglasses- “Under the Radar”? *applause* Thank you! Thank you! And GOODNIGHT! G/V obviously. Rated T because adult situations and language in later chapters. COMPLETE! Golden God (Mature) To save the lives of millions, Gohan is forced to expose himself as a Super Saiyan, proving that his tricks are indeed very real. And it drives the whole world to insanity. Warning; becomes a little graphic goes as it on. Walking Towards the Sunset Bardock’s curse sends him to a mysterious place where weaklings are abundant and an odd trio claim to be his family. Eventually giving in, he stays with them to discover that Earth is more unlucky than Planet Vegeta. Impatiently waiting for his son’s arrival, Bardock has to survive a new life with his estranged family and a certain girl set on finding the truth. (Saiyaman-Buu Saga) Plus One (Gohan/Videl, Mature) Tired of being pursued by the gold-digging, glory-seeking, Satan obsessed freaks of the world, Videl will resort to the only method open to a celebrity like her to find Mr. Right. 9) Sailor Moon (Mainly SenshiShitennou) The Crystal Age (Rewritten) In an alternate version of Season 1, as a result of Beryl’s curse at the end of the Silver Age, Tuxedo Mask and the reincarnated Shitennou are fighting a losing battle to save the city and find the lost princess. Sailor Moon has disappeared, Sailor V is working on her own, and the other Senshi are still just ordinary girls. Sequel to The Silver Age. MxU, SxS. Please R&R. Hooligans It’s after Galaxia and time for University. The Senshi and Mamoru settle into life in Great Britain and meet some old friends. Inner Senshi x Shitennou and Usagi x Mamoru. Modern Timeline. Strong language, crude humour, hilarity and sexual situations abound, be warned, there will be some heavy angst later on too. Never Gone R A single choice can change the course of Fate: a choice, say, like waking up on time. If that choice were made, Chiba Mamoru would never meet Tsukino Usagi; but, he WOULD meet Unami Seiya and the burden of Terra’s future would fall onto his shoulders. Never Gone AU. The Dinner Hour (Part of The Dinner Series) It can be hard to be patient in the face of eternity. But good things come to those who search and refuse to give up on their dreams. R/J. (Sequels: Dinner And Again, Dinner at Last completed!)

10) Les Miserables (Warning: Enjonine ahead) When Apollo Met Persephone (1st of the 1830s AU) The revolution, or at least the first part of it succeeds. Enjolras confronts political and personal realities. Eponine is suddenly faced with more opportunities than she ever thought. Can they guide each other in a world that needs them as much as they need it? Les Choses Qui Sont Arrivées Après “You must flee Paris at once.” Enjolras and Eponine. The thief and the leader, the marble Apollo and the dark street girl… two wholly different survivors of the Revolution are forced together under a dangerous circumstance. Can they successfully fight their demons as well as each other? Neither of them knows quite what is going on, or what will happen when they figure it out.     Teacher of Man The first time Enjolras and Éponine meet, it is their wedding day. (arranged marriage AU) My Best Friend’s Wedding Éponine Thenardiér always thought that Marius would eventually come back to her, until the wedding invitation came in the mail. Now she is going to do everything that she can to get him back from that blonde tart Cosette. Nothing goes according to plan and even her partner in crime Enjolras is becoming an obstacle. E/E. 11) Naruto Beginnings  Naruto was six years old when he met the man who changed his life. …Now he’s kind of just hoping he survives it.  An Inch of Gold (Part of the Legacy of Fire series) Team 7 is sent on a mission to investigate a disturbance outside of the village, where they encounter an unconscious girl in a crater. The mysterious Sarada insists she’s a shinobi from the Hidden Leaf trying to rescue her teammates. When the team discovers she possesses a Sharingan, things become even more unbelievable. [Part of the Legacy of Fire Series]     Guilt of Innocence Uchiha Sasuke abandoned Konoha in his persute of power to join Orochimaru. However, this was only a cover story. In fact, on Tsunade’s orders, Sasuke is to act as Konoha’s spy within Otogakure. One agreement and his path had changed forever…  Blind (SasuSaku) It was almost time, Orochimaru was going to take his body as a vessel. He hated being used…he refused to be used. With that thought, he took the kunai in his hand and slashed across his eyes.     

12) Legend of Zelda (Zelink) The Conviction to Save The princess is dead. Those are the words being whispered in the streets. A great shudder sweeps across the land of Hyrule as news of its beloved monarch’s passing spreads like wildfire. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, a humble village doctor happens upon the body of a gravely injured young woman on the road. Legend of the Miraculous (Concepts taken from Miraculous Ladybug)   A legend retold through many a tale, but when a darkness resurfaces after so long, Athena and Sheikhan Wolf must return again! Will Link and Zelda be able to combat this threat? and will they figure out each others’ identities? Come inside and take a look! Hit List AU. It all started as a typical day at Ordon High, until a sudden school shooting turns the life of Link Hero upside down. Now, surrounded by enemies, can Link save his friends and escape the school alive? (Edit 10/2015) Counting Stars Link finds himself caught in the middle of an elaborate gang war. Lucky for him, being a B-list superhero makes that predicament a tiny bit easier. / Modern AU ZeLink, inspired by Spider-Man. Under Revision! 13) Hunger Games Vox Libertas Due to things playing out a bit differently in the last few minutes of the Quell, the rescue also goes a bit differently than expected. Now Peeta has the responsibility of representing the Rebellion thrust upon him. No pressure. *AU Mockingjay. Part I of Dandelion in the Storm AU. Mainly Peeta POV.*     Someone To Watch Over Me (Everlark, 1st in the Series) A HG rewrite. What would happen if Peeta was just a little bit bolder, and Katniss a little less emotionally confused? You’d be surprised. Let the Games begin. This is an AU, but I’ve tried to stay as canon as possible. Rated T to be safe.     Enthralled (Everlark, Gadge, Mature) Thrall (þræll), n., a slave or serf in Viking Age Scandinavia. After a successful raid, Gale is rewarded with a slave girl: the Saxon noblewoman Madge. Meanwhile, shieldmaiden Katniss grows closer to captive monk Peeta. Gadge/Everlark historical AU with background Odesta and other pairings.   Katniss, Vampire Slayer (Mature) “Into every generation a slayer is born.” the man droned out slowly, quietly, in a way that made her think he was quoting something. “One girl in all the world. A chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number. She is the Slayer.” //  Haymitch mocked. “One girl in all the world. Ain’t I just lucky it had to be you.” 14) How To Train Your Dragon Becoming Lífþrasir (Hiccstrid) People often wondered what kept Hiccup going during those early years. When that single, most-treasured thing is taken from him, there is little left to keep him on Berk. The day Stoick returns, and the day before the best recruit is finally chosen, Hiccup leaves Berk; little knowing that he would one day return under … strange circumstances. H/A, R/F, rated for violence.     HTTYD Easter Special Sequel to “The Unholy Offspring,” set after the season finale. When Alvin the Treacherous threatens Asgard with a rogue demigod’s help, Hiccup and Berk’s Dragon Riders must prevent an early Ragnorak. It doesn’t help that Alvin has learned to tame dragons, and that the only god that can help Hiccup is a sullen, suspicious boy named Mud. Happy Eos week, Hiccup!     The Blacksmith’s Apprentice (Hiccstrid) AU. Hiccup never took the shot on that fateful night-and the war continued. Three years later, Berk is beset by dragon raids and hostile tribes while the boy who should have saved the island is merely the assistant in the forge. With only Astrid as his friend, fate gives Hiccup one more chance to end the war and become the hero he was meant to be. Hiccstrid. Snap (Hiccstrid, Mature) He was just supposed to fix her back, and she doubted that at first. She definitely didn’t expect to get dragged into the ethics of a girlish crush. Modern AU. 15) Star Wars Double Agent Vader The one where Vader turned double agent for the Rebellion about three years after ROTS, and Leia is now his primary contact with the Rebellion. Or,  a man attempts to escape slavery by turning into one of his culture heroes, teaching his daughter how to do magic, killing people, and flower arranging. A New History During a heated battle, Dooku escaped into the past! Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker follow to stop him, but discover that Dooku went to the past where Obi-Wan is a young padawan to a very much alive Qui-Gon Jinn. Now, the two must go undercover to stop Dooku’s plans from coming to fruition in order to save not only the future, but also young Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn. Pulse AU for ROTS. As Padme’s life hangs in the balance on Mustafar, a stream of brilliant light causes Anakin to reconsider his choices. Jedi Shmi AU Shmi leaves Tatooine with Anakin and goes to the Jedi Temple.

[quidfree]

hi! hope you're well and that you're having a good day:) I absolutely adore LMV - I genuinely think it's the best fic I've ever read. anyway, the point of this ask was that I was wondering whether you had any thoughts about sirius as a godfather? like, was he suited for the job, did he actually do a good job... idk, maybe you've answered that question before, in that case, sorry! and ofc don't stress abt answering:))

this is so nice of you ty!!!

ive never talked about dogfather sirius, actually!! what an interesting pair of questions.... i would have to say a qualified yes to both?

was sirius suited for the job: personality-wise, maybe not entirely (raising a child alone in the event of jily deaths would have been Rough, and he’s not exactly a stable parental unit, not to mention he would have spoiled harry rotten), BUT he has the most important prerequisite, which is undying love and loyalty for the potters and for harry, and that means he would have done everything in his power to be a good parent figure to him, which is what really matters, so. not to mention that jily realistically weren’t contemplating he would have to be godfather alone for the majority of harry’s life- with jily around he could have been just The Coolest Godfather Ever instead of harry’s first living parental figure who didn’t treat him like shit.

did he actually do a good job? i would say a resounding yes. bearing in mind he was stuck in azkaban for twelve years (let’s not get into that), we only actively see him godparent harry for three years (plus when he was a baby). obviously baby harry was spoilt v much by his dogfather; what we see of sirius + teen harry also speaks favourably of him, i think. ok, little bit of a rough start what with the unhinged prisoner vibe, but the FIRST thing sirius does when free is go check up on harry- and he keeps tabs via crookshanks etc once at school, knows his interests well enough to send him the firebolt, and he values harry’s opinions enough to not murder peter on the spot despite his thirteen year revenge vendetta. obviously, the fact harry is the spitting image of someone sirius hasnt seen except for in his nightmares for over a decade doesn’t hurt, but he’s just so awkwardly sweet to harry afterwards- when he offers harry to come live with him, expecting him to refuse and completely understanding of it, it’s so endearing (and it always broke my heart how excited they both were about it- i bet sirius was thinking about another time a potter asked to live together). and from the start sirius ALWAYS speaks to harry like a whole person, not a child to be kept in the dark (which, if everyone else had done, looking at you dumbledore...)- the speech he gives him before he escapes is so important for harry to hear, especially from someone who knew his parents. sirius is always so careful to tell harry things about james and lily. now, it’s not that sirius treating harry like an adult would be ideal on its own, and i do think in part the issue is that he skipped his entire childhood and harry looks so much like james, but i also don’t think sirius actually treats harry too much like a grown man, apart from slipups- just like a grown teen. he advises him against threats, tells him the edgy backstories harry SHOULD know (and no other adult ever wants to tell him), looks after him as best he can (HE LIVES IN A CAVE EATING BONES TO LOOK OUT FOR HIM), listens to his teen melodrama. even when he’s fucking up by encouraging harry’s risk-taking i don’t think he’s treating him like an adult- he’s treating him like a *marauder*, because at that age, that’s what he or james would have done; being able to make informed choices is what sirius would have wanted at his age. i don’t think molly or sirius necessarily have the better argument- both make good points; sirius gets what harry wants and molly gets what harry might need even if he doesn’t want it, but that makes perfect sense- molly is an older woman who’s raised seven children, and sirius is in his early thirties and lived with kids for (1) year. james and sirius were order members by age /eighteen/ and sirius was in azkaban at /twenty-one/- he was basically a kid HIMSELF before he got put in the torture prison. i always found it so unfair that literally none of the other adults ever mention the debilitating mental issues he must be suffering from- remember the lifelong PTSD hagrid got from a MONTH there???- and that’s without even mentioning dumbledore’s purposeful exacerbating of them. not to say that mental health excuses poor parenting, but sirius both /isn’t a parent/ and really does very well at filling that role anyways, on the whole, so i think he can be cut some slack for once in his life. harry loves sirius SO MUCH and sirius loves him right back- and sirius teaches him some of the most important lessons in the whole series, even if he himself never managed to learn them- lessons that i really think shape the adult harry becomes, and the kind of lessons his parents might have taught him. so overall i’d give him kudos- and considering the absolute bullshit he’s living through, with james and lily dead, azkaban sucking the light out of him for over a decade, peter running free, and dumbledore QUARANTINING HIM IN THE HOUSE WHERE HIS ABUSIVE DEAD MOTHER IS (?!?!), i would say he does a stellar fucking job.

anyways harry & sirius’ relationship is so important to the series- even the GP was upset when sirius dies in OOTP, largely because everyone could see how bad it hit harry. that scene in dumbledore’s office? oof. they just care about each other so v much and we were robbed of a lifetime of sirius as harry’s absolute fav adult. if sirius had held onto harry that day- if dumbledore hadn’t decided to place him with abusive bigots for a plan which would only pay off by OOTP- i honestly think sirius would have outlived the series. because with harry he’d have been less unhinged by grief, able to testify properly, gotten support from other order members, not gone to azkaban- and with harry he would have had a reason to live. thirteen years of raising harry would have made harry the snarky little fucker he is at his core by age eleven, confident and happy and very good at quidditch indeed; thirteen years would have made sirius as whole as he can get. they would have patched things up with remus. there’d be no OOTP tragedy of errors. sirius would have punched dumbledore at some point. harry would have sent a pic of him and his new friends over week 1 of hogwarts and sirius would have punched through a wall and then calmly strolled over to hogwarts and taken ron’s pet rat over to minerva mcgonnagal, where unspeakable things happened to it. he would have gently butted heads with hermione (but won her over via crookshanks if nothing else) and gotten on very well with ron; snape would barely have been able to be such a dick to him because sirius would have gleefully sent him howlers for every minute of his day until he cracked. lucius on the school board terrorizing the other parents? not on sirius “billionaire heir to the toujours pur line” black’s watch- he’d happily invest even more obnoxious wealth into the school fund to get first call, not to mention lucius’ imperius excuse would not get very far with sirius around. “who’s nicholas flamel? we can’t ask adults- we’d get in trouble with the teachers and our parents are either muggles or wouldn’t know- oh wait nevermind, sirius, who’s nicholas flamel?” no more expelliarmus-ing for four years; harry Trained Duellist By Age 11 more like. dobby the house-elf? oi dobby sirius is family too- now spit it all out, won’t you? chamber of secrets? yeah, sirius knows what that is. parseltongue? yeah, sirius is familiar, and fuck those other kids for being weird to harry about it, does he want to come home for the holidays? weird creepy diary? oh, sirius’ family will have Magicke Moste Evile around somewhere. book 3 is just Harry’s Holiday: The Book because there’s no sirius subplot. you think snape would have dared treat remus the way he does with sirius hovering around paying half his checks? i think the fuck not. you bet your ass they had box seats for the whole of gryffindor house at the Quidditch World Cup. barty crouch? yeah, sirius knows THAT asshole- and remembers his son. catch harry whizzing through all the challenges minus the nerves ahead of time while sirius and remus do half the investigating for him. yule ball? no sweat, just go with ron; that’s what james and sirius would have done. if the maze went the way it goes in the books, “moody” wouldn’t even have been able to drag harry off without sirius intervening. and sirius “ptsd” black would have been The One Person who Got harry’s feelings in OOTP- not to mention sirius Skilled Legilimens black could have coopted that shit from snape and gotten harry up to scratch. sirius-raised-harry would have given umbridge twice as much shit. no kreacher lying here- and harry has sirius’ mirror anyways. so no massive drama in the ministry, and no suicidal recklessness / desperate first taste of freedom on sirius’ part means no veil incident even if they got there. hence book six through seven going Quite Differently. sirius shows up book six to be DADA teacher, why not. him and remus think it’d be funny, and besides he’s petty enough to steal the job from snape. move over firenze, new hot teacher in town. half the books are avoidable.

[averagesmw]

Penny Haywood x MC- Doodles and scribbles

Game: Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery

____________________

Doodles and scribbles

It was a nice day in Hogwarts, felt like any other, with not many troubles to go around, well, there was that rumour about magical creatures running around in castle grounds, but I haven't seen any

Currently, I was on my way to the potions classroom to get to the lesson of the day, when just around the corner, I bumped into someone in particular

It was Y/N L/N, the charming student I've dubbed "the star of Hogwarts", for more reasons than the obvious ones

But there was something wrong about their appearance, their clothes were slightly tattered, messed with, and they had cuts on their hands and even one on their left cheek

"Merlin's beard, Y/N! What happened to you?"

They didn't even stop to look at me, instead, they gave me an answer while running away, in a hurry to complete something, it would seem

"No time to explain, going to help Hagrid, talk to you later!"

... alright then

I would obviously have to investigate just what was going on, but later, I still had a class to attend, and my favourite, nonetheless

Just as I was about to take my leave, however, I spotted something in the ground, a small notebook, no, more like a journal. It had witnessed the progress of time, but it was well kept, for the most part. Curiosity got the better of me and I chose to pick it up

It was so intriguing, there was no name of  who the owner might be, but upon inspecting the notes written here, I was able to recognize the author just fine

This was Y/N's journal, they must've dropped it when they ran away. Funny, I didn't even know they had one, but given everything that they have experienced here, it was logical they needed something to help them cope with bitterness or tragedy

I... guess I would have to keep it safe with me until I see them again, Y/N did seem to be in quite a hurry anyway

Without further due, I went ahead and took my class to continue with the day

At first, everything was alright, the potion we had to brew was quite easy for me, so easy that I had plenty of time to spare once I finished mine and got points for my house for that

...and now I found myself bored

Perhaps it was the routine or lack of any deadly threat lurking around, but I couldn't find myself enjoying this class as much as I usually did

And it was there that one of my demons manifested itself, the overwhelming sense of curiosity, not staying down no matter how hard I tried to drown its voice

It was aching to see what secrets lied within the pages of the journal I had just found. Normally I wouldn't care about a journal that much, just for the sake of gossip

But this was Y/N L/N, a person so vast that you might feel like you know them well enough to write a biography, only for yet another astonishing fact to pop up just a couple of seconds later

Of course, I wanted to know their opinion on so many things, and who knows? Maybe I'll find my answers there and--

No, no, what kind of friend would I be if I snooped through their personal notes?

It was a battle of wills going on in both my mind and heart, my eyes going back and forth between the journal pocketed in my robes and the class itself

I mean...Y/N has made it quite clear that they trust me with their life, literally sometimes. I don't think they'd mind if I take just a quick peek at it

...right?

Just when I was starting to express curiosity, I found myself already holding the journal, and even worse, opening it. Forgive me, Y/N

My eyes glued to its contents,  the journal transported me to another time just seconds after starting to read it. The first page had the same date as the day we first stepped into Hogwarts itself! They must've bought it to write down their experiences in this school

Can't blame them for that, Hogwarts does promise an endless supply of adventures, both death-defying and normal ones

I sighed, finally putting my curiosity to rest as I began reading the first entry

September 1st, 1984

This is it, the day I finally get to study in Hogwarts! I can hardly keep my hand from shaking, the emotion is overwhelming!

The entire day was quite magical, auntie Jane took me to eat the most delicious breakfast I've had in months, dad even sent me a letter congratulating me for being enrolled

It would be much better if he had shown up to say it, but I understand his work keeps him from even leaving

But then again, I was not the only one excited for this, he and auntie bought me this journal to write all my adventures in that school

So I better write the best of the best in this!

This is the day I've waited years for, to visit the school where my parents studied, and get to make my own adventure

Just you wait, Jacob, I'm on my way!

-

...The entry concludes here

I...I honestly didn't know how I feel about this. On one hand, it was cute to see how excited Y/N was, the page contained so much raw emotion, almost like a child, and it was so cute

On the other hand, however, I can't help but feel terribly sorry their experience, seeing as it turned out much more sour than what they were expecting, especially under so many promises of happiness

It brings up the question, how does Y/N manage to maintain that hopeful, cheerful attitude after all of this? Maybe I could ask them...

"Class dismissed"

Professor Snape's unmistakable voice wrecked my train of thought, no way I would stay reading something as personal as this in this classroom. I was on Snape's good side, but I doubt he would trust me that much

I gathered my things and left for the library, a place actually intended for reading. I was so immersed in my own thoughts about this entry, that I barely even noticed the people around me

This was astounding, the first entry of this journal and I already learned something big!

But it does make sense, Y/N has never been one to bring up the family during a conversation, but this? This deals exactly with it, I can't stop now

Giving it no second thought, I made my way to the library and sat immediately to continue reading, opening the journal once again, and hopefully, with fewer interruptions other than Snape's ominous voice

The next entries where much shorter, but certainly numerous, mainly dealing with Y/n's experience with their respective house, their prefect helping them dealing with Merula and the consequent duel with her, that  ended up being how we met

Hey, there's a small entry on me as well!

September 15th, 1984

Just after my duel with Merula, I was summoned to discuss what happened, but along the way, I was stopped by the most popular girl in school, Penny Haywood!

I have to say, her reputation does precede her, only five minutes of chatting with her and I already liked her.  Who knows? Maybe I'll get a chance to talk to her after dealing with the vault that keeps cursing the school

-

...Well, we certainly got to talk again, and I even got to help Y/N break the curse of the ice plaguing Hogwarts. I have to admit it, I was a bit nervous when I first chose to approach them, but it's nice to see how well they took it!

The feeling of understanding Y/N like this was like being taught how to brew your first potion, a feeling so strong, or at least in my case, unforgettable

I mean, not even when we ate lunch together did I get them to talk so much about themselves

My, so much learning, so many different ways to see things, people and even the events from the perspective of the one student who got to deal with it first hand!

Out of the corner of my eyes, I spotted Rowan Khana, Y/N's best friend and local book lover, but also, a friend of mine. They brought along a huge book and sat next to me

"Hello, Penny! How are you today?"

Unlike with Snape, I was able to gather my thoughts quickly enough for it to look natural, and so I greeted Rowan with the usual "Haywood" charisma

"Hello Rowan, I'm fine, what is that you have there?" I asked using the book as an obvious distraction, but also, out of curiosity

"Oh, I'm studying a little earlier for our O.W.Ls, you can never be too prepared"

My friend stated proudly, but then I saw them stare at the little book in my hands. Oh no

"Is that?..."

I got nervous immediately after I saw how shocked Rowan was by this, meaning this journal must be as important to Y/N as I thought. However, in order to keep us both from being kicked out of the library, I tried my best to keep my voice down

"I-I can explain it, it fell from Y/N's pocket a-and I...well...-" Smooth, Penny, real smooth

Rowan made a gesture that caught me off guard even more, a smirk. They threw their hands up in surrender and kept a cool demeanor

"...I believe you will take care of it for Y/N, just don't abuse its contents, alright?"

By Merlin, for a moment I genuinely thought there was going to be trouble because of this, but clearly, Rowan knew me better than that

"Of course! Thank you, Rowan, I owe you one"

They just smiled back at me and took the book they needed, then they wrote something on a piece of paper and passed it to me before standing up and leaving. I looked at the note, found myself surprised by what it said

"You might want to check page 47, though"

This behavior from them told me Rowan knew so much more about either the journal or Y/N that I didn't, and maybe they wanted me to discover it for myself

...Who am I to decline a challenge, then?

There were plenty of other entries after that, mainly detailing Y/n's dealings with the cursed vault of ice, the way it was written could put many novelists to shame, although there were some things that were best kept in the dark

Y/N had always been a busy student, it worries me a bit just how little time do they have to themselves, just today I saw them run away as if they were in a hurry to help someone

Oh Y/N, I wish you would take care of yourself as much as you do for us...

As I kept reading, I decided to leave the library and fetch me a couple of sandwiches from the great hall, especially since it was getting late. I would most definitely look up the page Rowan suggested next

So far, my favourite entry of the journal had to be the Christmas one. Y/N didn't say much that day, but their happiness spoke volumes to me

However, what is written here, it somehow manages to topple that. In it, they remark how grateful they are for having us as friends,  but most importantly, gives me details about why they were so sad in the first place

Apparently, Y/N's mum died just a couple years before his brother disappeared, and his father's work at the ministry keeps him far too busy to spend time with his own children

That leaves Y/N themselves with their aunt Jane, with whom they spent a vast majority of the time, and seems that she is actually nice, but had to stay over with some relatives in America, hence why Y/N staid at the castle with us

I'm just glad Y/N has someone else looking out for them outside Hogwarts

The journal's pages were so inviting, I sat alone to eat lunch for the first time ever, wishing to have only the book's company. I was going to follow Rowan's advice and head towards page 47 of the journal, didn't know they had numbers

But then, among its contents, I found something else, a mention to me in a lonely page, with much less ink in it than the others, yet structured so differently, it was a must-read

October 11th, 1987

I helped Talbot get back his necklace after a wholesome adventure, who knew he was so, well, alive. Among one of our stops was the library, where I learned that he likes to write poetry, but of course, denied me the right to read his work

Can't blame him for that

Instead, he actually convinced me into writing some poetry for myself, I got Rowan to help me study the structure and rhymes, I have nothing but respect for poets, now...

Anyway, I wanted to try and write something of my own, and I'm supposed to follow a feeling, perhaps think about something that inspires me, or someone for that regard so... I'm going to use this crush of mine as a muse

Here goes nothing...

-Haywood-

Her locks of gold

And a spirit so bold

I could stay a while

Just watching that smile

And it would never get old

Flawless in her potions

A girl of pure emotions

She calls me a star

But she's better by far

A reason for my heart's commotions

-

The...the entry concludes here, it seems that it is a work in progress but... I think just two stanzas were all it took to make me blush like a tomato, I could feel my face get warmer because of it. Y/N says It's not perfect, but I don't think I've ever read anything so wonderful before...

I've never had someone write something so beautiful for me either, but now ...I...I don't think I I would have it any other way

Oh, how I'd love to take this with me, perhaps I could write a copy, or...Did I just hear my stomach rumbling?

My, I came here to read and eat, but so far I had only done one of the two. Perhaps I could get myself a couple of sandwiches before resuming this, wouldn't want to stain the pages and  give myself away

I stood up and walked to get some food, whilst helping my mind off from such a...beautiful piece of work. I mean, it said so much about how Y/N sees me and I, honestly, couldn't find myself more flattered by it

Heh, so this is how being speechless feels like

With food on my plate, I returned to the table I was using, but as soon as I did, I felt my heart sink down, my eyes go wide, and I almost dropped my food as well because as it turns out...

...the journal was gone

Who could be so vile to take advantage of my flustered state and steal something so valuable just like that?!

Focus, Penny, Rowan trusted you with Y/N's own journal without giving it a second thought,  it's time to prove why

I approached one of my fellow Hufflepuffs, I tapped his shoulder to get his attention

"Yes, Penny?"

"Excuse me, did you happen to see someone take the journal that was over there?"

He looked at the place I pointed at, then started to recall recent events with a 'hmm' for a couple of seconds and finally, he looked at me with an answer

"I think I saw a pale Slytherin girl take it, she might be leaving, though"

I thanked him for his help and then turned my attention to the entrance of the great hall and saw one particular girl leaving it, I could recognize her from afar. Ismelda

No time wasted, I ran out of the great hall to catch up with her, and by the time I did, she was already halfway through the halls

"Ismelda, give it back!"

My voice made her stop to look at me, that mischievous smile only confirmed her as guilty

"What are you talking about?"

"This is really not the time for this"

My serious tone only fed her amusement

"Oh, my, I'm so scared"

Sigh...

"Look, if you want this precious diary, then you'll have to read it out loud in the gre--"

"Immobulous"

Ismelda didn't even finish her sentence before I cast the spell, there was absolutely no way I would do this to Y/N, and I sincerely wasn't in the mood to play games like that

So I walked up to her and took the journal from her hands, stored it and began to walk away

"The spell shouldn't last long, don't worry"

And with that, I left the scene

While that encounter was short-lived, it was still a mistake from my part, I believe that the best thing should be to deliver this to Rowan, in case they see Y/N before me

While I stored the journal in my robes, I felt a small piece of paper, I took it out and saw that it was the one Rowan gave me

And also the reminder that I hadn't checked that specific page

Perhaps I could check one last entry before I return the book...

To avoid any trouble, I headed to one of the corridors, one of the least frequented by students and teachers, perfect for some alone reading

I opened the journal carefully and without disturbing the pages, I located page 47 of it, but what I found was much different from what I was expecting

...well, I didn't even find anything

Strange, why would Rowan want me to check this in particular?

Wait, there was something in here, a date, but not just any date, but the date of the celestial ball!

How did Y/N manage to find time to write something? They spent most of the day helping me with the decorations!

Now that I think about it, I hope I wasn't too harsh on them

Returning to the page, there was a date here, and a blank page that Rowan wanted me to check out, but what if it wasn't empty?

What if, perhaps, it was hidden?

Taking out my wand, I pointed it at the page and calmly chanted

"Revelio"

Slowly, the contents of the page were becoming visible, but these were not words

No, it was a drawing

It detailed two people dancing with grace, joy, without a care in the world

One of them was wearing a dress made for twirling, and the other never looked so perfect

This was us

The traces were so delicate, yet so lively, nothing but pure happiness was emanating from this picture

Well, I did find another emotion in this drawing, it was love

Under the drawing, a brief note was written with the same passion

"Thank you for giving me the happiest night of my life"

Y/N's POV, the next day

I was on my way to the artifacts room to meet Penny, maybe she wanted to know what even happened to me during the entire day

Truth to be told, I was helping Hagrid and professor Kettleburn with some magical creatures that escaped into the castle

Needless to say, the Hippogriff didn't go down without a few scratches and cuts, but it came to trust me enough to give me a ride on its back

Was it worth it? I think so, yes

Madam Pomfrey said my arm should be good as new for tomorrow, so no major problems there

I opened the door for the artifact room and saw Penny alone, holding...my journal?

So there it was...

"How is that arm coming along?" She asked in that motherly tone of hers

"Should be good for tomorrow"

She smiled at this, but then her expression turned a bit nervous when she continued the conversation

"You... you  dropped this yesterday, but I didn't have the chance to return it to you"

She handed it over to me, avoiding eye contact with me

"Did you read it?"

Penny's blue eyes became riddled with shame and remorse as a sigh left her lips

"I did, sorry..."

A hand placed on her shoulder made her look at me, surprised

"It's fine, I was going to let you see it anyway"

She was taken back by this, only gaining a smile from me. Her reactions were too cute sometimes

"Y-You were?"

I nodded while maintaining the smile

"Yes, I recall you being so curious about me, and I don't know if you noticed, but I don't do a good job at it, so I thought lending you the journal would do a better job"

She sighed in relief, a smile creeping it's way back to her face, then she saw my tired expression and gave me a look of sympathy

"We should talk later, for now, just get some rest, okay?"

"I'll do my best" I joked, making her giggle

"Thank you, Y/N, I mean it"

Her tone sounded more serious, but before I could answer, Penny leaned closer to me and gave me a peck on the cheek

Needless to say, now I was the shocked one, my face was surely as red as it could, not to mention warm

She pulled back and smiled at me, not saying a word before she left the room, leaving me alone

Instinctively, I put my hand on that same cheek, I just couldn't believe what just happened

N-Not that I didn't like it, but because perhaps, I liked it too much

And all because of this journal

I wonder, did she leave a note or something whilst reading it?

I opened the journal and started searching through the pages. So far everything was as it should, no signs of tampering

...until I got to that special page of mine

Not only was the drawing visible, but there was also a note below mine, written by someone with far more delicate penmanship than mine

The message read:

"No, thank you for making me the happiest witch in the world~"

[violent-optimism]

A Brief Ranking of the Harry Potter Films

Hello everyone! My family and I have recently accomplished something that I don’t think we’ve ever done before. We watched all 8 of the Harry Potter films in consecutive order (not in one day of course). It was really amazing to sit down and watch each film, one after the other, almost like we were watching one long movie that was split into 8 parts.

It made me realize that even though I do consider myself to be a big Harry Potter fan, I don’t think I watch the films (or read the books) nearly enough. I enjoy something in all of them, although I do prefer some installments more so than others. That being said, today I’m going to rank all 8 Harry Potter films and give a brief reason as to why each film takes their respective spot on my list.

Keep in mind that these won’t be full on reviews of each film (that would take way too long), just a brief little paragraph that summarizes how I feel about the film. For simplicity’s sake, I’m also going to focus purely on the films without reference to the original source material. I hope you guys enjoy it!

 #8 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1)

 Working our way up from the bottom of the list, I do feel bad calling any Harry Potter film my “least favourite” since it is something so near and dear to me. However, I have to talk about the empty and depressing feeling that this film gives me, which is the reason why I think I’ve only watched it 3 times total. I know that it’s a dark turn in the story, but I just wish that there had been a little more humor and a little more fun to balance out the darker elements that consume the entire film. The positive aspects include the acting (Rupert Grint in particular) and the cinematography in the forest chase sequence which is super riveting. I have no problems with a Harry Potter movie being dark (the series is no stranger to that), but Deathly Hallows Part 1 does it in a way that feels relentless and miserable. Simply put, it’s not a Harry Potter film that I find myself wanting to watch very often, if at all.

 #7 – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

 Next on our list is another Harry Potter movie that I don’t exactly find myself drawn to. However, I can understand and appreciate what the 6th installment was going for. Considering the dark events that happen in films 4 and 5, Half-Blood Prince is a breath of fresh air for the story and characters. Our young protagonists can relax and behave like teenagers again. Hogwarts is whimsical once more. This almost sounds unfair to say, but I actually think Half-Blood Prince swings a little too far in this direction. For a good portion of the film, the movie feels like a classic teenaged drama/romance fiction. Jealousy ensues, hearts are broken, that sort of thing. There are times where you sort of forget that you’re watching Harry Potter, and the magic is somewhat lost. Overall, this installment is pretty enjoyable and harmless. The third act does a good job at bringing us back to the main storyline and setting up what is going to happen in the final films.

 #6 – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

 Next up, we have the 5th installment in the Harry Potter series. Once again, this is another HP film that I don’t find myself drawn to, although I think I’m slowly coming around to it. If Goblet of Fire was Harry’s most physically challenging year at Hogwarts, Order of the Phoenix is his most mentally challenging. Harry’s struggles with identity and morality are introduced and resolved in a very satisfying way by the end of the film. Daniel Radcliffe is amazing as always, but the most entertaining character, in my opinion, is the sickly sweet psychopath known as Delores Umbridge, played by Imelda Staunton. She is so wickedly good (no pun intended) in this film; the kind of villain that you love to hate. This film feels like the stepping off point for Harry and his friends to become true players in the big picture. Although I don’t find Order of the Phoenix to be quite as engaging as other Harry Potter films, it is still a well-executed installment with some really emotional and satisfying moments.

 #5 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)

 Now we’re getting into the territory of Harry Potter films I thoroughly enjoy and love. Deathly Hallows part 2 might not have been the most perfect concluding chapter, but in my mind, it achieved the impossible task of tying together all the previous films in a coherent way. Everything has been building up to this film, and the last act shows us that Harry’s struggles and sacrifices have finally paid off. Key highlights include Alan Rickman’s final performance as Snape, the beautiful soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat and the incredible sound design. The film is packed with nostalgic and emotional moments that remain so with age. I do have a couple minor nitpicks about the film, but nothing can take away from how incredibly suspenseful and engaging this final installment is. Overall, Deathly Hallows part 2 feels triumphant and satisfying. All things must end, and yet the movie closes on a new beginning, showing us that the magic of the story will live on.

 #4 – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

 I know a lot of people consider this one to be their favourite installment, and I can definitely see why. It might not be my personal favourite of the Harry Potter films, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful and artistically appealing movies in the series. The change in directing styles is noticeable, and yet none of the magic is lost. The best qualities of this installment include the stunning cinematography and a charming performance from David Thewlis as Professor Lupin. Otherwise, this Harry Potter film has all the usual suspects; new creatures, new places and a mystery to be solved. Speaking of new creatures, I think the Dementors will always scare me just a little bit no matter how old I get. This is a good example of a dark Harry Potter movie that still finds a way to weave fun and humor throughout the story. From a technical standpoint, Prisoner of Azkaban is the ideal Harry Potter movie that leaves extremely little to be desired.

 #3 – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

 My relationship with the 4th installment has had its ups and downs. When I was younger I think it was my least favourite at the time simply because of how dark and scary it was for me. However, seeing Goblet of Fire through adult eyes, I realized just how much I enjoy it and I actually consider it to be very high on my list, yes…even higher than Azkaban. My favourite thing about Goblet of Fire is how exciting the film is. From the Quidditch World Cup, to the Tri-Wizard Tournament, there is so much that happens in this movie and yet the pacing is exceptional. There’s something morbidly fascinating about the way this film takes a nosedive into such dark territory, particularly in the third act. The darkness is brutal, and yet, it feels right. This film also contains what I believe to be Daniel Radcliffe’s most impressive performance. His acting goes to such intense and emotional depths that had not been seen prior to this installment. Overall, Goblet of Fire is exciting, dark and bold; and I appreciate that.

  #2 – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

 I know it might be surprising that this one is not my top favourite, because what’s not to love about the first installment of the Harry Potter films? It’s charming, witty, funny and full of wonder. Philosopher’s stone is an absolutely perfect first chapter that really captures the magic and spirit of the world of Harry Potter. Chris Colombus is by far my favourite HP director. There is something about his particular directing style that is super immersive and allows you to imagine what it would be like to actually visit Hogwarts. I also have to mention John Williams’ incredible score which is almost as iconic as the movie itself. Literally every aspect of this film is so well done; from the casting to the set design and everything in between. I think if there was anything to criticize, it would be that some of the human CGI is starting to look outdated. Overall, Philosopher’s Stone is extremely enjoyable on many levels. It always provides a sense of comfort whenever I start watching.

 #1 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

 For me personally, I believe the second installment of Harry Potter is the most underrated film in the series. Without basing this too much on nostalgia, I do have to mention that this was the very first HP film I ever saw in the theatre (twice!) and so this movie carries a lot of meaning for me. However, with that aside, this one has been my favourite Harry Potter movie for a long time and still continues to be. It takes what was good about Philosopher’s Stone but adds an element of dark mystery that I really like. It might not be as dark as the movies that come after, but Chamber of Secrets was definitely the first Harry Potter movie to take a darker turn, while still keeping things pretty light and family-friendly for the most part. The CGI is also a bit better in this one, and I cannot get over how real the VFX shots of the Basilisk look even to this day. Despite being the Harry Potter film with the longest runtime, the movie is paced beautifully and is super captivating. To some, it might seem weird that Chamber of Secrets is my favourite HP film, but to me, it makes perfect sense.

 Well guys, thank you so much for taking an interest in my list! I hope you all are staying happy and healthy. Take care :)

[obviously-best-potions-master]

Christmas Present

Chapter 16

Word count: 846

You decided not to attend the Ball, because you didn’t expect anything from it. You had something more important to do. You wanted to leave your Professor a Christmas present. You’ve spent several evenings knitting a wide black scarf for him. Since you didn’t hope to see him before departure, you wrote him a note which said:

"Dear Professor!

No one deserves to feel lonely, especially on such a holiday like Christmas. Although you’re pretending to be cold and indifferent (which, I must admit, you are doing great), I know that you are wonderful, kind and delicate person. I’m really happy to be the one you showed this other side of you.

Merry Christmas, my very best teacher, mentor and friend!

Always loyal to you, Y/N Y/L/N."

You quietly headed to Snape's office, opened the door and went inside. It was dark here, so you had to cast Lumos. You carefully walked to his table which was surely the best place to leave your present. With a gentle hand you pushed the ink bottle and a couple of books aside, wrapped your note in a scarf and put it on top of the nicely decorated box with chocolate you’ve also prepared for him.

You noticed that one of the drawers was ajar and there was a sheet with one line written on it: “Thank you, Professor! You are the best person I’ve ever known. And the most human.”

You realized it was that very note you left him last year when you fell asleep in his backroom. He kept it all this time! You stood and smiled remembering that day, you felt so warm and joyful.

But suddenly you heard the sound of steps rapidly approaching from the corridor. You casted Nox and rushed to the lab to hide behind a half-open door.

Snape as Professor had to participate in the official part of the Ball. He was searching for you in the crowd, but unsuccessfully. When he realized you didn’t come, he lost all the interest on this event he’s never actually been enthusiastic about, and went to his office. He needed to see you. He was thinking where to find you. “But what shall I tell her?” He asked himself.

Having approached his office, he saw a dim light, seeping from the gap under the door, but it suddenly doused. Snape got inside, lit the lamps and cautiously examined the office. You watched him in the doorway slot. Your heart pounded wildly. You couldn’t wait to see his reaction, but at the same time you scolded yourself for lingering and having no time to leave.

Professor walked slowly to his table and froze looking at the gift you left. He carefully took a scarf, and a note fell from it. He picked it, looked at the box, running his hand over its top. Then he unwrapped the note and started reading with a serious look. After a moment, a sad smile appeared on his face. Snape didn’t expect this, he was deeply and genuinely touched.

“Y/N, I know you’re here...” He quietly called you. “I saw the light...”

“Forgive me, sir, I shouldn't have come here without your permission.” You smiled guiltily, coming up to him. “But I really wanted to make you happy.” You blushed and timidly lowered your head.

Snape was so touched by your attention, that he barely restrained himself not to let tears slip from his eyelashes.

“Y/N... I ... I don’t know what to say...” He whispered.

“Don't say anything, Professor.” You approached him. “Every word written here is true.” You said quietly, pointing at your note.

He put everything on the table, freeing his arms, and hugged you tightly. Without hesitation you hugged him back.

“Thank you... my dear...” He said faintly, pressing your head to his chest and kissing your temple.

“You really liked it?”

“This is the best gift in my life.” Snape admitted honestly.

You leaned closer to him.

He patted you on the head and pulled back a little to look at you. He smiled gently.

“Why didn't you go to the Ball?”

“I didn’t want to spoil the memory of dancing with you.” You replied with a happy glimpse in your eyes.

“Want to repeat?” Without waiting for your answer, he gently grabbed you around the waist and, looking into your eyes, groped your hand, carefully taking a step. You were spinning smoothly between the desks in complete silence. He led you with the same confidence, and you felt that you entirely belonged to him.

He desired to kiss you so badly, but he was afraid that you’d reject him, and this would ruin your warm friendly relationships which he valued above all.

Having made several circles around the class, Snape stopped slowly.

“Want some tea?” He asked softly.

You nodded affirmatively.

He took you by the hand and led you to his backroom. You spent a wonderful time drinking a few cups of delicious flavored tea and chatting about everything. This was the best Christmas Ball’s night you could ever dream of.

[taynuz]

Chapter 3, Staff Only Christmas Party

December 1995

The next three months seemed to have flown by. You assisted Pomona during her classes and even got to teach a couple of first years when she had developed a case of Mumblemumps. Calling professors by their first names became much easier every day; you were finally on a first name basis with everyone which made you feel more like an equal. It had taken you the longest to call Professor Snape by his first name and from time to time you still felt it appropriate to keep his title when addressing him.

The new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was an amphibian-like woman who was obsessed with the colour pink and cats, two things that you despised. Sufficed to say you and Dolores Umbridge did not seem to get along well at all. She had questioned your apprenticeship and even threatened to turn you over to the Minister of Magic for being an “illegal instructor” since you hadn’t been out of school for the minimum three years. However, you had something on your side that she didn’t, Dumbledore. Luckily, Dumbledore had given you the proper title of “Student Teacher” apparently there is no rule against how old you have to be to shadow an actual professor. Umbridge didn’t take kindly to not getting her way and would throw you the stink eye and make snide comments whenever she could.

You weren't about to let an irritating colleague ruin your mood because Christmas was fast approaching and you were so excited to have your first break of the school year. Christmas had always been your favorite time at Hogwarts and it wasn’t just the decorations or the feast. Every year, your parents would travel to some obscure country for the holiday and it was the only time that they didn’t mind your absence from a family event.

You were in Sprout’s study, she was helping you learn how to develop lesson plans when two letters slid under the door frame and landed in the middle of the room. The letter inside had fancy gold calligraphy at the top that read,

1,005th Annual Staff Only Christmas Party

December 17th, 1995 8 p.m.

Headmaster’s Study

Inside the envelope, there was a separate slip of paper that had a list of names whizzing around as if it were the end credits of a movie.

“Pomona, what is this exactly?” You held the sheet up to show her.

“Ah, yes, that is the Secret Santa drawing. When you tap it with your wand it stops on a name and that's who you are the Secret Santa for. Every time someone gets a name it is removed from everyone else’s list to prevent duplicates! So you better pick fast or there won't be much left to choose from.”

You pulled out your wand, closed your eyes and tapped the paper. You were excited but nervous about who you would get, you had a few ideas in mind for certain people but you were hoping to get Minerva. She had been talking about needing to resupply her teapots and dinner plates to use in her classes. You slowly opened your eyes, when you saw the name in front of you felt your cheeks go red.

You knew exactly what to buy and headed off to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade the next day to buy some things for Pomona as well as your Secret Santa gift. You made your stops at Gringotts, Dogweed and Deathcap, Ceridwin’s Cauldrons, and you even stopped for a little treat for yourself at Honeyduke’s before returning to your room to assess your goods.

The students became more and more anxious about the holiday coming up and it had become difficult to maintain focus in class. Professor Sprout tried to keep to a productive lesson plan but found that to be nearly impossible, instead, the students ended up learning about the magical properties of poinsettias and mistletoe. You were just as excited for Christmas as the students were and on the last day of term, you had convinced Pomona to cancel class and let the students have a free period. Once word spread you were the one that had persuaded Professor Sprout to take a day off you instantly became one of the favorite “professors” of many students.  

The day had come, at last, the day of the Staff Only Christmas Party. You, Minerva and Septima Vector (the Arithmancy teacher) had taken a girls day to get your hair done and buy new dresses for the occasion. The first stop was to the hair salon across from Honeyduke’s, after the appointment Minerva had to run into the sweet shop to get a last minute gift for her recipient, which at this point you guessed was Professor Dumbledore. Then you went to Twilfitt and Tatting’s for new dresses. Minerva had picked a beautiful sapphire dress with silver embellishments while Septima had gone with her obvious color of scarlet. You were still oblivious to fashion so they helped you pick out an emerald dress with an elegant golden design going down the back.

As you were leaving the shop you remembered you also needed to make one more stop for a last minute addition to your gift. Minerva and Septima waited outside Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment for you before disapparating back to the castle.

There was only an hour left until the party, you decided to start your makeup and wrap the box containing flasks and bottles. When you looked at the time you panicked, you only had 15 minutes to get dressed and up to Dumbledore’s study.

You arrived at the entrance of the Headmasters office five minutes late and was greeted by the gargoyle, who looked festive in a Santa hat and an ugly sweater. It was then you had realized, you hadn’t gone into Dumbledore's office this year and you didn’t know the password.

“Fizzing Whizbee.”

The gravelly voice behind you made you jump. Luckily, Severus had arrived just in time otherwise you were sure you would have missed the entire celebration.

“Thank you, Professor Snape.”

“Feel free to call me by my name seeing as we are equal to a certain extent now and we are in an informal setting.” His voice serious but lighter than usual.

“Thank you, Severus.” Your face felt hot as you climbed the winding staircase to the brightly decorated office. The party was absolutely gorgeous, you had complimented Dumbledore on his excellent choice of decor and music.

The night was full of wonderful small talk and the occasional Christmas carol lead by Albus. Once the party had started to wind down, the time had come to open presents. Pomona opened a new set of trowels, which she had guessed were from Professor Flitwick, Albus was ecstatic to receive a pair of wool socks and packs of peppermint toads and exploding bonbons, and Professor Trelawney nearly cried at the sight of her new handmade tarot card deck. When your turn came you realized you never talked about things you had wanted and were nervous to see if you would like the gift. You opened the small but heavy rectangle and realized it was a book, when you turned to the front you realized it wasn’t just any book. It had been a near mint version of Moste Potente Potions, you wished this was a part of your collection since your sixth year but were unable to find a complete copy. (Most pages in the books you found had been ripped out or illegible due to age).

“I’ve been trying to get a decent copy of this for over a year! Thank you so much!” You didn’t even try to hold back a wide smile.

You were too busy skimming through your new favorite possession to notice almost everyone else opening their gifts, though nobody seemed to care you weren't paying attention.

“Severus,” Dumbledore’s voice startled you out of your daze. “I believe yours is the final box there.”

Severus walked apprehensively over to the giant tree in the corner and grabbed the green and black wrapped present. When he opened the top his face went from doubt to surprise as he pulled out the newest Collapsable, Self-Stirring, Hex-Proof Gold cauldron and placed it on the table looking it over as if he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“This is truly a magnificent cauldron.” He said resorting back to his serious tone as if he had caught himself showing emotion.

“I believe that’s not all,” Dumbledore said as he looked in the box.

Severus check again and pulled out a set of flasks and bottles.

“Thank you. I really appreciate these gifts.” He kept staring at them so as not to make eye contact with anyone.

“Thank you all for participating in the festivities! Another successful year in the books! Feel free to relax and enjoy another drink. Unfortunately, I must retire for the evening; I have some business to attend to immediately. Happy Christmas to you, if you are going home to enjoy the holiday with your families and I will see you in the new year.” With that Dumbledore disapparated.

You took a spot on the couch and began reading through the potions. The staff slowly started saying their goodbyes as they left one by one. An hour later it had just been Minerva, Madam Pomfrey, Severus and yourself left in the room. Madam Pomfrey came over to you with a tipsy McGonagall on her shoulder.

“(Y/N), my dear. Would you mind bringing Minerva's gifts back to her study for me when you get a chance?  I’m going to put her to bed.”

“Of course!” You were happy to help.

Seeing Minerva in this state was funny as she had completely dropped her eloquent tone and replaced it with drunken babble.

“Happy Curshmis to yah (y/n)! You look sssso pretty in your dress! Doesn’ she look sooooo pretty Poppy?” McGonagall garbled.

“Yes dear, very pretty.” Pomfrey agreed, giving you a smile that said ‘Don’t mind her’.

“Isn’ she pretty, Sevrus?” She hiccuped and giggled.

Snape had pretended to not hear her as Madam Pomfrey helped her down the steps.

You finished reading about slow acting venoms when you decided that was enough for tonight. You grabbed Minerva’s teapots and dinner plates and put them in your bag that had an Extension Charm on it.

“Good night, Severus.” You said turning to leave.

“Collapsable, Self-Stirring, Hex-Proof Gold Cauldron. The exact one that I just so happened to save an ad for from The Daily Prophet.” His tone was sarcastic but not rude.

“Well, your Secret Santa must be observant.” You were trying to play it off like it wasn’t you but you were sure that he knew.

“Quite. I do hope you enjoy your book, Ms. (Y/L). You are welcome to come by if you would like to attempt to make any of the potions. I have made them all at least once.”

How could you have been so oblivious?

“Where were you able to find such a near perfect copy? I’ve been searching for ages,” you asked.

“I wouldn’t have guessed a witch like yourself would ever make a trip to Knockturn Alley. A bit dangerous for a young witch to wander the shops alone.”

“I think I can handle myself just fine. It also helps that nearly everyone there knows my father.” You tried to come off as brave even though you were always a little nervous about shopping there and always made sure you went during the day.

“Well, the shopkeep at Ye Olde Curiosity was a siphon of information about someone who came in looking for an old book only to be disappointed at the nature of its condition.” He gave a sly half-grin.

“And how pray tell, did you know about my shop of choice when inquiring about rarities?” You have never told anyone of your adventures down the infamous alley.

“You aren’t the only one that shops in Knockturn Alley, Ms. (L/N).” He finally met your gaze and seemed to have accidentally cracked a smile. He turned back to his cauldron quickly, embarrassed by his moment of vulnerability.

You stepped closer and caught his eye again.

“Happy Christmas, Severus.”

“To you as well, (Y/N)” He gave a nod and began to pack up the gifts you gave him. You walked to the stairs sleepy and merry, his voice made you stop right you before you went down the steps.

“Ms. (L/N)?” He sounded more serious now. “Please let me know the next time you would like to venture to Knockturn Alley. I’d like to see to it that you are protected, you never know what could happen there.”

Your cheeks flushed bright red.

“Of course, Severus.”

Falling asleep had been easy with a belly full of Firewhiskey and Pumpkin Pasties. Unfortunately, your sleep had been interrupted by the sound of someone apparating into your room.

“(Y/L)! Take my hand, we need you at Grimmauld!”

Your eyes hadn’t quite adjusted to the dark but you knew that voice. You took Dumbledore’s hand and disapparated from your bed.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

[mylatinlinernote]

A Discovery of Witch(es) Part 2

Initially written for @snapeloveposts last challenge of AU!Snape/Snape lives

In this installment, a pointed lesson from Dumbledore has unexpected consequences

Ellie was ensconced in her favourite chair in the lounge, reading one of her school textbooks while Severus was in the kitchen, beginning the preparations for dinner. As he chopped onions, a vivid memory surfaced.

It was the early days of teaching, soon after his defection. His affiliation with the deatheaters was secret amongst all but the most senior staff and a rumour amidst students. Lily and James were still alive and still in hiding.

Dumbledore had accepted Severus’ change in allegiance but still found it within himself to make Severus endure some sort of punishment in exchange of a reprieve from Azkaban.

That night, Albus had a particular lesson in mind and assigned Minerva to the task. It was the time of year when she would review the names in the book acceptance and prepare the dearly awaited Hogwarts letters in advance. She balked at having the young man assist her but Albus had insisted that Severus would need to be familiar with all aspects of school operations. It was a deceptively simple job that robbed Severus of peaceful sleep for years afterward.

While the quill and the book worked in concert to accurately identify any child who had undeniable magical ability, neither were diligent in removing names of those who were undeniably dead.

“In a normal year, approximately 7 to 8 names are removed across all 11 upcoming intakes,” Minerva said primly as she drew a perfectly straight line through the name Lester, Duncan in red ink. From what Severus could see from the book the boy was a muggleborn born in 1972. In Minerva’s hand was a thin folder containing a birth announcement, muggle newspaper clippings, a death notice, and an official looking document from the ministry.

“This boy here, died in a car accident. Many of the muggleborns who die before we reach them perish this way. Accidental magic and motorised vehicles are not a good combination,” Minerva waved her hand over the various bits of paper in her hand “It is important to thoroughly investigate whether a potential student has died. At best, they are alive and they are late receiving their letters and at worst, we have upset any surviving family members with what clearly appears to be a tasteless joke.”

Minerva vanished the file into thin air. And pulled another from the box she had brought with her. As she reviewed the contents, Severus took some time to review the book and turned the page to births in 1960. His name was one of the first recorded for their year group, according to the notation but there was a question mark beside his name and what looked like the fragments of several different red lines that halted just before his name.

Just after his name, several different addresses also crossed out with the exception of his Spinner’s End address. He remembered moving frequently around Cokeworth and Manchester; sometimes with his parents, sometimes without. There was the spinster who had a house that smelled like cats on Magnolia Way, the family with too many children on Canton Row, the house in a slightly nicer part of town where his only memory of his parents were truly happy occurred. Other children worried if Santa Claus would find them; Severus worried that his Hogwarts letter would find him but clearly, he needn’t have worried.

Severus fought the bitter temptation to quiz Minerva why the left-hand margin of his entry looked so worn; He knew what it meant and his stomach lurched at the memories. There was a spiteful part of him which wanted her to see that he had seen, to explain her inaction, to beg for forgiveness on behalf of her precious Gryffindors for their unceasing torment, to beg for herself for letting the torment continue unabated when she had some inkling of what he might be experiencing at home.

He tried to conquer the temptation by quickly turning a few pages away. There was nothing to be done for it now and he was here, alive; that couldn’t be said for Mulciber, Avery, or poor Duncan. Severus barely held back on asking Minerva exactly how many years this has been her responsibility when he heard a sigh of relief as Minerva resumed her place by his elbow with a 14-inch scroll.

“The war has made this a weekly chore. Here is this week’s list of children from known wizarding families. Only 6 this week, an improvement in this line of work. I would prefer it to be zero.”

Some of the names were very familiar to him as the children and siblings of former housemates but not as deatheaters. It shocked him, to be honest. He always avoided going on raids, instead preferring the cleaner, bloodless work of spying and brewing. Or so he thought. He wanted to think that these names were of those killed by overzealous aurors but Severus knew they were the collateral damage of their parents’ refusal to submit to the Dark Lord.

“Remember your first year, Severus? Almost 25 students per house! We nearly created a fifth house to keep you from being stacked head-to-toe in your rooms. Well, the Dark Lord took care of that!” Minerva angrily sat at a nearby desk, fixing Severus with a scowl before commencing her letter writing.

Now that was completely untrue, Severus sneered to himself, he personally knew of several students who had transferred to Drumstrang due to Dumbledore’s anti-dark arts policy, another lucky handful who were able to escape the Marauders bullying through home schooling, and the usual attrition of witches and wizards going into the trades instead of NEWTS. At least, that’s how it was in Slytherin…

Minerva wordlessly finished crossing out the remaining names and moved on to finalising the letters of acceptance. It was still a grim task as a few dozen names had just recently been struck through in red but as the final envelope was addressed, sealed, and stored for future use Severus decided to break the silence with a question that had gravely worried him as a child. He felt foolish as if he were asking how Santa could find him if the house didn’t have a chimney.

“Professor McGonagall, I know that muggleborns are visited by a member of staff and receive their letters in person,” Severus took pains not to mention Lily “but what of the half-bloods? How does the staff distinguish between a half-blood that has grown up with knowledge of the magical world and one that has purely, or mostly, lived as a muggle.”

“Severus, I assure you, that has not been a problem, not in the years I worked here anyways. In fact, during these troubled times we actually have an influx of owls from witches and wizards married to muggles who want reassurance that their children are on our books. They see Hogwarts as a much safer place then their own homes. It is a pity we are unable to house such families during these times, or even keep the children over the summer.”

Severus wondered if his mother ever sent such an owl.

“Nevertheless, there is a contingency. In the event of no reply to the owl or an offer of place has been declined, regardless of blood status, a representative of the school is sent to discuss the decision. A small number tutor or chose to send their children to other magic schools, but I can be quite persuasive, if I do say so myself. ”

While Minerva sounded proud, she could not, would not look Severus in the eyes lest his supposed occlumency skills uncover the growing disquiet he caused within, the wretched poverty and chaos she knew he had lived in, the failure of his mother to meet her promise, the scrolls of medical reports from St. Mungo’s, his recent unexplained change of heart.

She needn’t have worried. Severus wasn’t interested in Minerva’s unease just yet. His attention was back on the book of acceptance. He tried to appear casual as he flipped forward to the most recent pages.

There it was. In clear, unadulterated black ink. “Harry Potter – The Blue nursery with the snitches on the wallpaper, Potter Summer Home, Godric’s Hollow”.

It nearly put Severus over the edge when a thought caught him…

“Minerva, would an address still appear if the child was under a fidelius spell”.

“What in the world are you talking…” her words died in her throat. The wellbeing of baby Potter had been on her mind since they young couple had gone into hiding. There had been no address since Harry’s name was entered and Minerva had been there almost daily.

Minerva snatched the book from under Severus’ hand.

“We must inform the headmaster immediately!”