#like you were born in 2011 shush

[crashqu1nn]

my favourite animal is me when a little year 7 yells "EMO" at me from across the yard and i pretend to start giggling

[irisstory2021]

be pricked with a few shots. I assumed the parents approved any vaccinations that their child would eventually need anyway and that this would just save a doctor’s visit in the future. I assumed I was pricked like that when I was first born. It all seemed so mundane; any shifting looks at my father were shut down and I was shushed, told by his eyes to not only keep watching, but to pay attention.

I didn’t know how much harder I could pay attention, but I obeyed anyway, forgetting my carrot mush and pushing my chair out from underneath the table, fully facing the television. I hunched forward, leaned my elbows on my lap, and amused my father. 

In the next clip, the baby slept soundly as the father sang to her; his voice drifted away in a matter of seconds and it looked as if he was about to turn the camera off when the baby began to shriek. She wasn’t fussing in a sleeping state; she was wide awake, shrieking as if about to lose her life and somehow aware of the consequences of that, and her complexion -- even in the dim light of the hospital nursery -- was, within a second, completely drained of its color. Her veins, however, which were shades of red and blue and purple, stood out so vividly, despite the age of the footage. They throbbed, resembling a fast-beating heart, as her father panicked inaudibly in the background.

“Hey, what the hell is going on?!” he demanded from the nurses, who were quick to whisk him away from his child. The camera was the last of his worries now, and yet he still held on, capturing every moment, even if it was all blurry and nonsensical. 

“Mr. Ruth, you’re going to have to leave the nursery and let us take care of your daughter. She’ll be fine.” The nurse’s consolation sparked more outrage from the father as he was shoved out of the nursery. In the big windows up front, a gaggle of people in lab coats -- the very same ones my father and I donned -- surrounded the baby’s bassinet. Her shrieking could be heard outside of the nursery. I wondered if any other newborns were in there with her. 

The father yelled, banging at the window. Unless it was completely soundproof there, I wondered if there were any other newborns in the nursery. And if there were, why hadn’t they begun crying, too, at all of the noise? As soon as someone noticed his banging, they shut the blinds, and shut the father out. 

“What, so the baby had a reaction to one of the shots?” I tried rationalizing it in some way in my head. Though I was far removed from having any maternal instincts, the event was bizarre -- what happened to the child was bizarre and concerning to say the least -- and yet I looked at it through a scientific lens, not letting my emotions cloud my judgment. What vaccination could have that reaction on a newborn? 

“Yes, it did. But think hard, Iris. What immunizations could cause a baby to practically die like that?” 

Hepatitis B, influenza, varicella, measles, mumps… Those had been used and administered for nearly a century and had as much time to be perfected. The only one in that list of vaccinations that could have a chance of malfunctioning and having such an abnormal reaction would be--

“The serum, Iris. The one you and I work on, every day.” My father must have noticed my brain going a thousand different directions, all trying to avoid the only answer in the middle. 

I wasn’t understanding. “So the baby died?” I asked. 

“No, the baby lived,” he said, shaking his head and removing the disc from the television. He placed it back in an unmarked case and set it down on the dinner table with a sigh. Our food had been forgotten and cold at this point. “They gave her an antidote and within 12 hours, the parents could see her again. I’m showing you this because--” he sighed, feeling very much defeated. I felt somewhat guilty for not following this string he’d put out, but even he should have recognized how difficult he was to keep track of. 

“If you look in the database, there are no known records of the serum failing on who it’s meant for, right? The babies.” He leaned close to me, and looked around the room before inching forward. His glasses hung over his nose and I could see his sunken, sleep-deprived eyes; they lost their warmth when his glasses didn’t cover them up. “There are records, sure, of it failing on the animals, but if you look, their symptoms or causes of death have nothing to do with whatever happened to Susie. They either die when they fall asleep for the first time since taking the dose, lose appetite to starvation, anything like that -- eventually. Susie’s case stuck out to me because it happened right away, and it’s nowhere to be found in our system.”

I pushed out a breath and looked at him. “So, how did you get this? How do you know that our serum did this?” 

He flipped the DVD case around and it turned out there had actually been something written on it: Susie’s birth, New Year’s Day, 2011. A silver stamp was smudged on the corner, reading Property of Plethora. That was the year that started off with him having longer days at work than usual, sometimes never even coming home, up until the point Plethora asked him to begin living at the lab. The extra money would pay for my college, he said -- now I knew they swindled him in for some damage control. 

It was then that I remembered the image of that infant. This wasn’t the first time I had seen footage of Susie’s shift. I remembered the first weekend of the new year; it was snowing, and my parents and I would take a walk through the neighborhood to watch the inaugural snowfall. When I tugged on my father’s sleeve to pull him out, ever excited despite being in my tween years at this point, he berated me for even setting foot in his office. He had paused whatever he’d been watching, and it froze in a frame of the baby, the cameraman pointing down into her bassinet, catching the exact moment as her veins sprawled out like roots all over her tiny body. 

After I was sent to my room, the frame haunted me, and I’m sure my father didn’t want me to see it then. It looked as if it came out of a horror movie. At the time, I didn’t understand much about my father’s work, only knowing he could be protective of it at times when he felt severely under pressure. It was surely one of those times. He apologized to me the following day. 

“The girl is still alive to this day,” he said. “I’m not supposed to have a copy of this. Only one other copy might exist, and this one -- well, they probably meant to toss it years ago or forgot I had one with me. It’s proof that something could go wrong with the serum again if we’re not careful, and more importantly, it’s proof that Plethora knows how to hide anything they do wrong.”

❧

I didn’t realize I’d been focusing so hard until I heard the petri dish crack underneath my tool. I used a metal scalpel to mix it every morning, checking for irregularities -- I wondered how long I’d been swirling the scalpel in the plastic dish, lost in my thoughts, for me to have pressed down enough to crack it. “Ah, shit.”

Maybe my father was right. I cared more about this job than I was willing to admit, and more than the indifference I feigned. Or maybe he’d shown me that footage the other night to light a fire under my ass, send me down a spiral he knew would lead nowhere but at least would rejuvenate in me some dormant passion for the career again. The truth is, I had been feeling more unhinged about working as a biologist, working for Plethora, working in general. I felt I didn’t have much time -- if any time, at all -- to grieve my mother’s death and in the last six months, it had left me feeling off-kilter. From my father I inherited the grit to work through anything, and from my mother I inherited the ability to feel it all at the end of the day, when the work was done. I was probably depressed.

I transferred the sample into a brand new petri dish and sighed. I reached across the counter for a wire-bound booklet we kept on hand at all times of lab protocols, flipping through it haphazardly until a folded-up piece of paper fell out. It contained instructions on how to make the very first version of the serum, Serum Zero, written in the scrawl of its founding scientists almost three decades ago. Of course, it was a photocopied version of the actual written page, and the company’s logo -- along with the word “confidential” -- was printed on it in see-through ink. If the company had known it was there, it would likely get rid of it and suspend whoever stuck it in there. Of course, my father had done it. 

He told me he kept it in plain sight because no one would ever think to look for it in the protocols handbook, and no one would even suspect a want for the very first record of Serum Zero. After all, the alpha was the most recent, most improved upon, and therefore the best version of it -- why bother backtracking? To study its components, of course. 

I dumped the replaced petri dish into the biological disposables bin, along with the serum. There was no need for it; besides, when I cracked the dish, I might have accidentally contaminated it if it touched the counter. I wiped the counter again, grabbed an empty dish, and unfolded the piece of paper, holding it in place on the counter using a paperweight. I wasn’t sure what the alpha version of the serum contained now (it always seemed like valuable information to me, given that I would be experimenting on it and wouldn’t want to add the same components -- but with more thought, I wondered if Plethora kept it that way so as to preoccupy us scientists from poking our noses so much) but having the original formula for Serum Zero would be a start. I knew what the end result did and that was all that mattered in this new quest of mine. 

One by one, I pulled out the components -- all clear liquids, all minuscule samples -- and laid them out on the counter in a mise en place that my mother might be proud of, and went to work.

[thevampslyssa-blog]

C18- A Much Needed Break

{August 4th, 2011 Los Angeles, CA Nick-18|Mel-17}

It had been one hell of a year, Nick and Melissa had finally had a full year where they hadn't broken up at all. It was quite the success for the amazingly adorable couple.

Right now, they were currently in LA, have been for a few months as Nick was staring as Link Larkin in the musical, Hairspray alongside some of the biggest names in the business at that moment.

Melissa had never been this starstruck in her life, yeah, she had met many different stars because of the life the boys have... but this was different.

I mean, come on... Corbin Bleu... John Stamos...

They were hand in hand as they made their way into the Hollywood Bowl, as Nick had one more dress rehearsal before the real shows start the next day. This musical was definitely one of Melissa's favorites... so she didn't mind seeing the show over and over again.

"Are you getting nervous?" Melissa asked, looking up at her boyfriend. She smiled big, leaning a little closer to him.

A few seconds passed and Nick nodded, "definitely am. Even though this show is amazing, it definitely is out of my comfort zone. But I love playing Link." he grinned, as he walked them towards the dressing room. "I think mom and dad just got here if you want to go find them." he suggested, knowing that this wasn't like the JB concerts... she couldn't just waltz right into the dressing room.

She nodded, leaning up to kiss him gently, "love you." she whispered and squeezed his hand once before walking away.

"I love you more." he whispered back, watching as her figure disappeared. ——- {August 5th, 2011 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl}

It was the day, the day that everyone on the Hairspray cast had been anticipating. Melissa was bouncing off the walls, beyond excited for the performance tonight.

Even though she could basically recite the musical word for word, and dance every number. Hell, she could probably go up there and be Tracy Turnblad herself.

Melissa was just getting out of the shower in hers and Nick's hotel room, and was drying herself off. She didn't realize how much her scars could be seen on her small frame.

Not to be a debby-downer, but she had a past of self-hatred... still has flare ups all the time. But with how good things were going between Nick and herself, she was happy. She didn't have a need to hurt herself, to mark-up her pale skin.

There was a soft knock at the door and she saw Nick come in, "Hey baby, we have to leave within the hour...— mhm, angel." he smiled, chewing on his plump bottom lip.

She gasped, wrapping herself in the fluffy towel immediately and looked over at him. "B-Babe!" she exclaimed and felt the tears spring to her brown eyes.

He noticed her change in demeanor, coming up to wrap his arms around her, looking her right in the eye; not caring that he was gonna have to change his clothes before they left.

"You are beautiful Lyss. I don't want that pretty little head of yours worrying about anything. You are to precious to this world... to me, to have those bad thoughts." he told her, resting his forehead against hers.

"I-I..." she stuttered out, her little hands clutching onto him. "But when you're not with me..." she cried.

"...then I won't leave you. We can move into mom and dad's house in Wyckoff, and you can finish school. Since they are living primarily in Dallas now." he told her, "I mean mom and dad will have temporary custody of you once school starts back up."

She nodded slowly, taking in his words, and her anxiousness practically disappeared from listening to his calming voice. He always knew exactly what to say and how to say it.

"You... you s-sure?" she mumbled, looking down at her shaking body.

"Positive angel. Remember, it's you and me forever. I promised you that 3 years ago, and I fully intend on keeping that promise." ——- {March 15th, 2012 Wyckoff, NJ Nick-19|Mel-17}

"C'mon babe! We have to be at Kev and Dani's by 4pm... it's almost 3:45." Nick called up to his girlfriend. She had spent the last hour getting ready and trying to pick out the perfect outfit.

"I'm comin', I'm comin' babe." she giggled and made her way down the stairs with some cute skinny jeans on and one of Nick's nice sweaters that fit her perfectly.

"You look so beautiful." he smiled big at her, kissing her cheek.

"Did ya leave out enough food for Elvis?" she asked, and smiled down at the golden retriever that stood in between the couple. "Always do, angel." he replied, they walked out the door and he locked it behind them. ——- Soon enough they were pulling up in Dani and Kevin's driveway. "Ready for this?" Melissa asked, looking over at Nick. He grinned, nodding at the love of his life, "yup, hopefully you and Dani get along well. You two haven't seen one another in forever." he said softly.

At that moment, the rest of the Jonas family was pulling up. "Hey!" Frankie exclaimed as Nick opened the door for his girlfriend, helping her out.

"How ya doing?" Aunt Denise came up to the couple, hugging Melissa and then hugged her son.

"We're doing well. Nick's rehearsing for How to Succeed and I'm still doing good in school. How are things down in Texas?" Melissa smiled as the whole family walked up to the front door.

"Hot. It's super hot, all the time. But that's Texas for ya—" Denise smiled as Kevin answered the door.

"Hey guys! Come in, come in!" he opened the door wider for everyone to make their way in, as the married couple's puppies were yapping away, excited that people were over.

After the normal chit chat, everyone sat down to dinner, and the family said grace that was led by Kevin Sr. Melissa sat beside Nick with Joe on the other side of her. "So, there's something important we need to talk about... quite a few things actually." The eldest Jonas began, as the boys looked at each other, knowing where this talk was going immediately.

Joe knew that his father would go on and on, so he just cut to the chase, "is this the time that you two are telling us you're about to have a baby?" Joe simply put it.

Kevin sighed, looking down at his food, "we don't know where we're at..." he looked over at his wife, who was staring into space, a very uncomfortable look on her face.

"...as far as kids go." Nick interrupted his brother, and Melissa gasped softly at how rude her boyfriend was and slapped his thigh lightly, "b-babe!"

"Yeah, as far as kids go. Even though we have a responsibility to get back on the road and to do different things." Kevin continued, and saw the surprised look in his wife's eyes, as she couldn't believe they were actually talking about planning their first baby with his family.

"Well, that's part of the bigger conversation, is what that timeline looks like because it affects, ya know the two of us. And the decisions we make within that." Nick said, and pointed at Joe and himself.

"You need to get back out there and tour, obviously." Denise said, budding her way into the conversation.

Kevin Sr. nodded along with his wife, "You-you're first call is to protect your wife, but there's also the reality that—it's your career."

Nick looked over at his father, finishing up the point they were trying to make, "...and towards the end of the pregnancy you will be with Dani for three or four months of that."

Kevin agreed with his brother, "I'd hope so, and that's what I've been trying to," he looks over at his wife, grabbing a hold of her hand lightly, "explain to her, is that God's one gift to us is, that we know the timeline."

Nick spoke up again, "Yah, and that's pretty far in advance, if we can plan that out." Melissa sat there quietly, knowing it wasn't her place to bud in, so she just kept her hand on her boyfriend's thigh, while eating with the other.

"I took Nick on tour when he was just six weeks old. Denise said, almost trying to reassure Dani that it is possible to have a baby on the road like that, that young.

"Six weeks?" Dani questioned, quite amazed at that thought.

Denise nodded, "You obviously married one another to have a family. You didn't just get married because you like each other, want to hang out, and be together... and build a cute, you know... little mansion."

Melissa's eyes went wide as she was looking down at her food, she couldn't believe the statement that the boy's mother just made.

Kevin Sr. shushed his wife, "now, onto the other topic. It looks like the only show you will have in the US this year, will be at Radio City Music Hall. On 10-11-12, October 11th."

"That's amazing.." Melissa said under her breath as she looked up at Nick who was grinning proudly. ——- Once dinner was finished:

"Hey, Mel, can I talk to you for a second?" Danielle asked as they were beginning to clean up the dishes from dinner. Melissa's head shot up and she smiled at the woman.

"Of course." Melissa smiled, and grabbed some plates to take to the kitchen. Nick watched as his girlfriend's figure disappeared behind the door.

"So... uhm, how do you have such a good relationship with Denise?" Dani asked, just going head first into the conversation.

"Well, I-I... I've been apart of the Jonas' life since the minute I was uhm... born, our mom's are best friends." Melissa smiled weakly, "and you just have to not get that offended when she seems like her bitchy side is coming out. She can get territorial when it comes to me and the boys... especially their career. So you have to take almost everything she says with a grain of salt." she explained, as she cleaned up everything with the older woman.

Dani nodded, taking in a deep breath, "thank you. Now... you know if you ever get lonely when Nick is off doing things with the boys, or performing in How to Succeed, you are always welcome here." she said, looking over at the 17-year-old.

Melissa smiled at her, knowing that the relationship between the two of them has never been all that much of a good one, "thank you. Yah, when he's working... I sometimes don't know what to do with myself." she giggled, knowing that this was just the beginning of trying to build with Dani, and she couldn't wait to see how close they would be in the future. ——- {August 23rd, 2012 Jonas Family Compound Dallas, Texas Nick- 19|Mel-18}

The boys, Dani and Melissa were all said to come down to Dallas, to the Jonas Family Compound to be make a visit to Denise and Kevin Sr. Everyone was super excited to all be together for almost a week.

Melissa had flown down with Nick as he had to finish up a few work-related things then would be on the next flight there.

As the rental car was parked in the driveway by Kevin, Melissa smiled up at them, taking in a deep breath, she was nervous... she really didn't know why she was nervous. "Is it bad that I'm shaking so much?" Melissa mumbled to the married couple.

Kevin grinned back at his "honorary" little sister and shook his head, "You're nervous Mel, I can see it written all over your face. Once Nick makes it here, I think you'll be better." he said, a sparkle in his eye.

Did he know something Melissa didn't?

She nodded and opened the door, getting out and went to grab her suitcase out of the trunk.

They walked up to the front door, and Melissa's small hands clutched onto the suitcase handle so tightly, she grimaced in pain.

As they opened the door, Kevin let the girls inside first, "Hey!!" Kevin called out, and at that moment Denise, Kevin Sr. and Frankie all came up to the door. "I just put out a little bit of snacks and such." Denise smiled at the three of them.

"Oh good, I am so hungry, and I have got to pee so bad." Kevin chuckled, hurrying off to the nearest bathroom.

Melissa and Dani giggled as they looked at Denise, "That's how your dad greets me all the time." she joked, "Hi, I love you, I gotta go to the bathroom." she recited, giggling herself.

The older woman pulled both girls into a hug one by one, "Nick just called, he just got off the plane, should be here within a few hours, depending on how traffic goes." Kevin Sr. said as they all walked into the kitchen.

Joe made his grand appearance about an hour after the others had gotten there. Along with Denise's parents, Fran (Mama), and Jerry (Papa), who had come for dinner.

"So, I was talking to a friend back home, and they were like, 'so you're going to your parents house?' and I was like, 'Yah, I am...' but I stopped myself, and went, 'no, actually, no it's my-my house too, actually.'" Kevin said, his voice going higher with excitement.

Kevin Sr smiled over at his eldest son, "this is the Jonas Compound." Melissa smiled up at her Godfather, knowing that was the truth.

Melissa soon felt her phone vibrating and she looked down seeing Nick's picture, "I think he's here." she said, stepping away to answer the call, "Babe?" she said into the phone.

"Hey Angel, sorry it's taken me longer to get there. I had to stop off after the flight to do a few errands. I should be there soon, how was your flight, are you okay?"

Immediately after hearing his voice, she smiled big, all of her nerves and worries immediately vanishing, "Yah baby, I'm okay. It was good. Your brother kept nearly the whole plane up with his loud snoring... but what else is new?" she giggled, peeking over at the family.

"That's Kevin for ya." He chuckled, "So I'm about 10 minutes away, see you soon? I love you." his voice went a tiny bit deeper there for a second as he got all sincere and shit.

"Mhm, can't wait to see you, I'll go wait outside for you. I love you." she said, a grin on her face.

The line went dead, and she made her way back out into the Texas heat, playing on her phone as she waited for her boyfriend to make his arrival.

As soon as the black vehicle showed up, Melissa's head shot up, even though the couple had been apart for not even 24 hours... she missed him. Hell, when she was with him, she missed him.

"Babe!" she exclaimed and right when his feet got back on the ground, she engulfed him in the biggest hug ever. "I missed you." she whispered, pressing her head into the crook of his neck.

"I missed you more." he replied and grabbed his suitcase, then locked the car. The couple ventured into the humongous house, ready to get this mini vacation started. ——- Dinner and everything went well, everyone got to take a dip in the pool and just spent some quality family time together. But soon it was almost 9pm, and Melissa was dozing off, her head in Nick's lap.

"Baby, we should get you up to bed, yah?" Nick whispered, running his hand through her hair.

Melissa whimpered, looking up at him, "no, you should spend time w-w-with..." she tried to say, but was almost a goner.

"Let's go angel." he demanded softly, picking her up and they said goodnight to the family. Nick walked them up to his room, effortlessly carrying the sleepy girl.

"Now, don't fall asleep just yet baby. I got something for you." he stroked her cheek lightly, trying to wake her up just a little bit.

"Hmm...?" she mumbled, looking into his eyes as she leaned into his loving touch.

He got down on his knees... well practically one knee... holding a small ring box in his hand. "So, I was going to do this tomorrow, but I just can't help myself when it comes to you..." he started, "but don't freak out, I'm not proposing." he tried to calm her nerves. "You and I... we got something special. Something that amazes me every day, and I'm beyond thankful for you... for us. But this is me, promising you right now, Melissa Lynn that I will marry you one day. When the time is right, and we're old enough to understand exactly what marriage is all about. But will you marry me... one day?" he asked, opening the ring box that had a small diamond ring in it.

Melissa felt the tears immediately spring up in her brown eyes, "I-I..." she mumbled, not looking away from Nick's hopeful face, "of course I will. You indeed are the one for me." she grinned, as he placed the ring on her finger, and kissed her lovingly.

——-

{October 11th, 2012 New York City, NY Trump International Hotel & Tower Nick-20|Mel-18}

3 hours before the show:

"How are you doin babe, you okay?" Melissa came up to Nick who was standing by the balcony, nerves settling in. Melissa was sporting the really cute concert shirt they had made just for the show, and some jeggings.

"Yah, I'm okay. Just starting to get the normal jitters... this show is being broadcasted all over the world, Lyss." he said, his voice cracking.

She wrapped her arms around him from behind, burying her face into the small of his back. "I know baby, but you boys will do amazingly well up there. You always have... after the first song, you guys will find your rhythm and everything will be the way it was before the hiatus." she promised, she had complete faith in the boys... in Nick.

"You always know exactly what to say." He smiled back at her, turning around and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you, ya know that?" he asked, and kissed her lightly.

"And I love you, ya dork." she giggled, chewing on her lip. ——— 2 and a half hours before the show: {Radio City Music Hall}

The car pulled up by the side entrance, with fans waiting patiently, Melissa looked over at Nick with anxiousness filling her. "Just stand by me, don't let go of my hand, okay?" he asked, kissing the side of her head before getting out. When a few fans asked for autographs, Melissa knew exactly what to do, and that was to clutch onto the back of his shirt as he signed a few things and took some pictures.

Even though it didn't mean anything, Melissa looked down as a few fans glared at her... out of jealousy... or was it pity? Yah, it had to be pity, or at least that's what Melissa thought it was.

"Alright, lets do this." Nick grinned as he reached for her hand again, smiling at her reassuringly before walking them back to the entrance. ——- 2 hours before the show:

"That shirt's awesome." Joe said to Kevin, who was standing beside Phil McIntyre-the boy's manager- and Nick, and Melissa were on the other side of Joe. "Why don't you just wear that?"

"I like that, put that shirt on, with the jacket." Nick said, as Melissa watched on, never budding into these sorts of situations.

"Alright, if I'm gonna wear this, I'm gonna take this off right now.. cause I'm already starting to sweat." Kevin said, shrugging on the leather jacket.

Nick nodded, "Yah, that looks cool."

"Are you sure, you'll be like dying, Kev." Joe said, then went into a "gay male model" kinda voice, with a fake European accent, as Nick laughed, "Spin around."

"Spin... I said spin, Goddammit!" Joe grinned, laughing as Kevin gave him a look and did as he was told. "You have guitar, show me guitar in hand."

Kevin held out his hands like as if he was holding his guitar, and Nick looked over at Melissa, then over at Joe, "we hate it." the younger Jonas said.

"We hate it, change." Joe said, finishing off the accent with a hand wave to Kevin. Everyone in that little corner began busting out laughing.

Kevin took the jacket off, "alright, so this is what I'm gonna wear tonight?"

"Yes."

"Perfect." Kevin grinned.

"Can this show happen like right now? I'm so pumped..." Joe said. ——- 30 minutes before the show:

In the dressing room that had, "Nick/Mel" written on the outside, the couple was sitting in there. Melissa perched on his lap, leaning against him, "We need this show to do well... what if it doesn't?" Nick asked anxiously.

"What did I tell you in the hotel baby? It will... you boys know what you're doing. It will be the most amazing show you've ever put on." she promised him, looking him straight in the eye.

"You think so?" he asked, his grip on her waist tightening slightly.

"I know so." she smiled big, kissing his lips as the boys were all called to get in-ears on, and get hooked up.

Melissa was beaming at Nick as they stood behind the big curtain, ready to do the one thing that she always did before a show he was in, kinda like as if she was his good-luck charm.

"I love you." they each said to one another and she leaned over to kiss him lovingly, hoping that he could feel the love radiating off of her. ——- The show went amazingly well, nothing went wrong, the fans were the loudest anyone had ever heard them.

They finished with Burnin' Up of course, cause what other song would they finish with?

As they got off the stage, Nick immediately handed someone his guitar, then looked for his girl, "where is she?" he asked.

Once his eyes landed on her, she blushed deeply, and he took her into his arms, "you did it babe. Congrats." she whispered in his ear, kissing him.

"I was able to get through it all because of you. I love you." he grinned at her, kissing her once again. ———

[littlerose13writes]

Little Girl by LittleRose13

8th May, 2008

When Lily Luna Potter was born, she had almost no hair at all.

Harry accepted the tiny bundle of blankets from his beaming wife as she settled herself more comfortably against her pillows and breathed a sigh of exhaustion. He looked down admiringly at their little girl, feeling that familiar newborn rush swell inside his heart coupled with another sensation of fierce protectiveness, impossibly stronger even than Harry had felt when he had first held James or Albus.

The baby’s eyelashes fluttered softly and her round eyes found her father’s, locking onto his face with apparent fascination. Harry stared back at her in awe, savouring this very first moment as a father to his little girl. Their little girl.

He moved closer to Ginny, placing one arm around his exhausted wife and adjusting the tiny baby to rest nestled between their bodies. The couple shared the briefest of looks before instantly being drawn back to the newborn who was wriggling gently where she lay in her father’s arms, her entire body fitting snugly into his forearm. She was impossibly tiny, smaller by far than Albus or James had been.

“She’s a fighter.” Ginny breathed, on the same wavelength as Harry.

“You’re a hero.” Harry stated, the enormity of the situation only just settling with him. The calm and joyful atmosphere also played host to the distinct feeling of relief. For only hours before, the pacing and muttering had taken hold as Ginny was whisked away by a team of healers and Harry was left gripping Ron’s forearm so tightly he left marks, trying not to consider the thought that this hadn’t happened the first two times, that he had been allowed by her side the whole way.

“Our little Lily Luna.” Ginny said, the faintest of questions in her voice as she tested out the agreed name of their baby. Neither parent could take their eyes off the baby and there was silence for a few moments.

“Welcome to the Potter Family, Lily Luna.” Harry confirmed that the name was perfect for the silent baby cuddled into him as he stroked the soft, downy surface of her head.

“You have to sit very still James.” Harry lightly reprimanded his three-year-old who immediately obeyed, sitting bolt upright with both arms outstretched as though he was about to be handed a quaffle. His two-year-old brother squashed into his side, looking past James’ arms, and Teddy chuckled as he gently handed baby Lily back to her father, a grin on his face.

“Now?” the little boy asked expectantly, his eyes fixed on the bundle in Harry’s arms.

“Here. This is your sister, Lily Luna” Harry said, gently lowering James’ extended arms to his sides and placing the tiny baby between them, keeping one hand supporting her head as he settled on the sofa beside his eldest. James gazed at the baby in silent wonderment, broken by Albus who had pulled himself up to his knees, using Teddy as a lever, to peer at the baby in his brother’s arms.

“Little sister.” He stated confidently, pointing his finger in the direction of Lily. He clambered off the sofa and toddled towards his mother. “I hold?” he asked innocently as Ginny pulled him onto her lap and held him close.

“After James has had his turn.” Ginny said to the contented Albus, who was watching his brother holding his baby sister.

James sat proudly, looking as pleased as anything with the baby across him. He grinned up at Teddy who sat beside him on one side and then his father who was sat on his other side before returning his gaze to Lily, who seemed to have captured her big brother’s heart. “Why she got no hair?” James questioned the room at large, finally looking up from his baby sister. Harry laughed, remembering that James’ only other experience with a newborn baby was Albus, who was born with a full head of trademark Potter jet black tufts.

“You looked like that when you were born.” Teddy told James seriously and the little boy stared confusedly at his sister, his eyes flicking up to his own messy, dark red fringe as if wondering how that could be possible.

“Some babies take a little longer James.” Ginny explained, Al still cuddled into her with a thumb in his mouth.

“Do you think she’s gonna be a redhead?” the ten-year-old asked enthusiastically, screwing up his face slightly as he changed his own hair to match his question.

“Going to.” Harry corrected absent-mindedly. “What do you reckon Gin?”

“I think we can rule out the Potter hair genes.” Ginny joked, stroking Al’s dark hair as she spoke, and Teddy laughed. “Mum thinks so Ted, that’s how we all looked as babies.”

And sure enough, shortly before her first birthday, the Potters awoke one morning to a little girl with decidedly red strands.

12th August, 2011

“No!” the little girl’s voice carried through the house, accompanied by the pattering of socked feet on carpet. Ginny sighed wistfully as she re-entered the kitchen and shared a look with Harry.

“What happened to our little angel of just a few months ago?” she questioned and Harry chuckled, fastening his cloak. “We’ll never be there on time now.”

“And everyone said the terrible twos were bad.” He sighed meaningfully, leaving the room to locate his stubborn daughter. Not a difficult task when the sounds of gleeful giggling made her hiding place quite obvious. Harry dropped to his knees beside the quivering, redheaded lump curled on the carpet in the big space behind the sofa and placed a hand gently on her back. “Found you.”

Lily’s head popped up, still giggling, and she faced her father with an innocent look, her gaze dropping instantly to his hands and relaxing when she saw they were empty. “Where’s Mummy?” she enquired suspiciously.

“In the kitchen, Petal.” Harry started gently. “Where we should be too!” he said, grabbing the little girl around the waist and lifting her high up and over his shoulder, tickling her mercilessly. Lily laughed joyfully from her father’s arms, not caring that she was being returned to the very place she had run away from.

“Now Lily, my best girl,” Harry spoke very seriously to his three-year-old who giggled again at his voice. He settled himself at the kitchen table with her as he spoke. “I want you to be good for Mummy and sit here on my lap all nice and still while she brushes your hair and then we can leave for Grandma’s before Al and James think we’ve forgotten about them.”

“Don’t want mummy to brush my hair.” Lily muttered but she obeyed her father and stayed still on his lap, leaning back comfortably into his arms. A mischievous glint appeared in Lily’s eyes. “Want Tebby to brush my hair! Tebby is soft!”

“Teddy’s at Hogwarts!” Ginny said, exasperated, the hairbrush ready in her hand. “He can’t brush your hair today.”

“Then no hair brush.” She commanded wilfully. Harry turned his daughter to face him and gave her a very serious look, all ready to reprimand her for speaking to her mother that way. Lily turned her gaze to her father and stared at him glumly and Harry’s resolve broke in an instant.

Ginny scoffed and Harry heard the words ‘wrapped around her little finger’ as she muttered to herself and placed the hairbrush on the table, going to retrieve her own cloak. Harry picked it up uncertainly, Lily side-eyed him.

“Daddy can brush my hair.” She finally stated matter-of-factly, as if bestowing a huge honour. Harry grinned and began to carefully pull the brush through Lily’s soft, fiery locks, still curling up into ringlets at the very end where her baby hair remained. Ginny returned with Lily’s coat to see her daughter sitting angelically on her father’s lap, allowing him to neatly brush her hair out until it sat in pretty waves just past her little shoulders. He pressed a kiss to the top of Lily’s head and replaced the brush on the table, standing up and swinging Lily onto his hip.

“Now Lily can brush Daddy’s hair!” Lily cried gleefully, waving the hairbrush from where she had swiped it from the table and brandishing it towards Harry, tugging the neat knot in the back of his head free with the bristles of the hairbrush. Harry sighed and reached up to remove his daughter’s hand from his own, now dishevelled, hair.

“At least one of you looks presentable.” Ginny grinned from the fireplace as she opened the jar of floo powder.

1st September, 2014

“Morning.” Ginny’s voice was the first thing Harry heard as he stirred and noticed she wasn’t beside him but was instead at the dressing table, a steaming mug of coffee sat in front of her. She pointed to the bedside table. “I made you one too.”

Harry felt around for his glasses which sat beside an identical coffee mug and pushed them onto his nose hurriedly. “What time is it?”

“Much too early.” Ginny replied. It was a rare occasion that Ginny awoke before Harry did; it was normally him who made the coffee.

“Big day for you today.” Harry said, pushing himself up on the pillows and gripping the coffee in both hands.

Ginny let out a breath as she straightened the collar of her dress. Today marked Ginny’s first day of her new career as sports reporter for The Daily Prophet, a job which brought with it an early start time. “Big day for me? Harry, I think you’ve got the biggest challenge today.” She teased.

Harry reflected on his upcoming day. The first day of the new school year for James, Albus and Lily who attended the local muggle primary school was often an interesting experience. After a summer of not having to remember to keep conversations about magic to a minimum, the first day often presented itself with at least one awkward conversation with a teacher.

Ginny checked her watch and picked up her wand. “I’ll say bye to the kids, and then I’ll meet you at King’s Cross at 10:30?” she enquired from the door.

“Right, for Teddy’s sixth year.” Harry nodded. “Although I think he’s too cool for us these days.”

“Oh shush, you know he’ll want you there.” Ginny commented and left the room.

Harry checked the clock: school starts in an hour and a half, how hard could this be?

An hour later, Harry was cursing himself for being so relaxed.

“No Al, you cannot take your pygmy puff to school, no James, you can’t have the day off to see Teddy and no Lily, you do need to wear your school uniform.” Harry sighed. “James, help your sister with her shoes please. Al, finish your breakfast.”

“What’s year two like Daddy?” Lily asked from where James was doing her shoe buckle up obediently. Harry ran a hand through his long hair, hurriedly trying to fix it back into its usual knot in the first moment of calm he’d had all morning, and considered Lily’s question. He thought back to his own school days, trying to distinguish which one was year two. It was a blur of Dudley chasing him around the playground and hiding behind things.

“You’re going to love year two.” He told her carefully and Al nodded his agreement from the breakfast table.

“You have my teacher from last year Lily, she’s the best!” he grinned, swallowing his last mouthful of toast.

“It’s almost as good as year six!” James announced, straightening up from Lily’s shoe and taking his little sister’s hand to pull her to her feet. “I’ll look after you Lily.” He said, and Harry felt a rush of pride for his eldest.

“I don’t need looking after.” Lily replied stubbornly, approaching her father and sitting down at the chair in front of him. “Do a plait please.” She added as an afterthought and Harry started, jolted from his thoughts about his eldest.

“A plait? Right, yes, a plait.” Harry said uncertainly, brushing his daughter’s long, red hair and carefully weaving it together down her back. Ginny had taught Harry how to do their daughter’s hair for school when it became apparent that she would need to leave first for work in the morning.

The Potter family left the house on time, all three children in uniform and their summer homework stored safely in their bags, lunchboxes swinging from each child’s wrist. Harry looked quite pleased with himself as James strode on ahead, Al hung back and Lily swung on his arm.

“Bye dad!” James said within an instant of arriving at the school gates, a few minutes’ walk from the house, as he rushed off to see his friends.

Harry raised a hand in a wave and looked down at Albus, who had spotted a friend on the other side of the playground and was waving shyly. The school bell rang and Al and his friend walked towards each other and into the school entrance. Lily clung to Harry’s hand tightly and kicked at the ground in her new school shoes.

“Lily-Lu?” Harry noted the uncharacteristic behaviour of his daughter. “You okay?”

Lily sniffed. “Gonna miss you Daddy!” she threw her arms around his knees and he stroked the top of her head before bending down to her level.

“I’ll see you very soon when you’ve finished your first day.” He explained kindly. “Let’s go and meet your teacher.” And he took her little hand in his and walked his daughter to the entrance of her classroom, breathing normally for the first time that day.

31st August, 2019

Harry knocked gently on the door and pushed it open when his son responded. James’ room was lit only by his reading light but Harry could see that a second figure was present in the room, lounging relaxed across James’ bed. “Brilliant, you’re both in here.” His sons, thirteen and fifteen, grinned sheepishly and Harry decided not to ask what he had walked in on.

“Now, I wanted to talk to you both about tomorrow.” Harry began, sitting on the end of James’ bed.

“Ah, here he goes.” James nudged Albus, who snorted. “I did think you were leaving it a bit late.”

Harry looked confused.

“Lil’s first day.” James stated. “That’s what you’ve come to talk to us about isn’t it?”

“It’s okay Dad, we know what you’re going to say.” Al started as Harry looked slightly flustered.

“Look after your little sister.” James began.

“Make sure she stays away from Peeves.” Albus added.

“Don’t let her get lost in the first week.”

“Remind her to write to you.”

“Make sure she’s eating properly at meal times.”

“Take her breakfast in bed at weekends.”

“Do all of her homework for her.”

“Recommend her Ministry of Magic career options.”

“Hex any boy who looks at her.”

Harry gaped as the boys’ suggestions got wilder and wilder.

“That sort of thing yes?” James eventually stopped, grinning.

Harry sighed and chuckled at his sons, placing an arm around each of them. “Your mum did a good job with you two.”

“Mum?” Albus responded, surprised.

“Dad, that’s all you.” James said seriously. “You and your Lily-Lu.” He teased.

“Your Petal.” Albus added.

“Your Raindrop.”

“Your Flower.”

“Alright, enough.” Harry stopped them with a look but he was still grinning. “Just promise me you will okay?” Harry knew this question was unnecessary but it was one way he could make himself feel just a tiny bit calmer about his little girl leaving for Hogwarts in the morning.

“Dad, she’s our little sister, of course we’ll look after her.” James said and Al nodded. Harry swelled with pride for his sons.

9th April, 2022

The colourful stands were alive with an electric buzz of excitement, a sea of red and green visible surrounding the enormous pitch. Although there no players yet visible, the crowd were already relentless in their chanting and taunting, banners waving from all angles. Harry glanced around, taking in the atmosphere and noting that it was possibly more charged than any Quidditch game he had ever attended, including some of Ginny’s matches with the Harpies. He caught her eye and she seemed to be thinking a similar thought.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so conflicted in all my life.” She said, not for the first time that day, in response to a question from Neville, who was on Harry’s other side.

“It had to happen someday though,” Neville said kindly, “the Quidditch cup final between Gryffindor and Slytherin and all of your children playing.”

Harry grimaced and stared out over the still-empty pitch in thought.

“Harry,” Neville addressed him directly, “wait til you see James!” Harry thought this was an odd thing to say, as though Neville was implying Harry had never seen his own son fly before, let alone taught him in their own back garden when James was a little boy. Similarly, Gryffindor had made it to the final before (which parents were invited to) and Harry had now twice experienced seeing his eldest swoop around the Hogwarts stadium in red and gold robes with Potter emblazoned on the back, living up to both his namesake and his mother’s legacy as he scored time after time with the quaffle.

“Neville, what do you-?” Harry began to question his old school friend.

“Oh I don’t mean see him play!” Neville corrected himself quickly. “I mean, wait til you see James the captain.” He said this phrase with a sense of reverence in his voice. Harry grinned widely at Neville and thought about this statement; knowing his son, the sight was likely to make Harry burst with pride.

“And now we welcome to the pitch, GRYFFINDOR!” Hugo Weasley’s voice boomed out from the commentator’s stand as the crowd increased further in volume and a mass of red and gold entered the pitch, their brooms over their shoulders and grins on their faces. Not one member of the team appeared nervous.

Leading them proudly to the middle of the pitch was James, his dark red hair looking neat for once, his captain’s robes immaculate. Right beside him, perhaps closer together than any two other members of the Gryffindor team, was Lily, the smallest on the team and the only third year. Her eyes scanned the huge crowds, taking it all in with a smile on her face, and they stopped when her gaze reached the stand Harry and Ginny stood in, flanked by Neville and Teddy, who had come up from work in Hogsmeade. She gave a cheery wave.

“Her first Quidditch final.” Ginny murmured, gazing down at her daughter from their great height. Harry squeezed her arm and followed her gaze. Lily seemed miniscule from where they were, dwarfed by her tall, elder brother who whispered something into her ear and gave her shoulder a squeeze.

“Here to defend their title, it’s SLYTHERIN!” Hugo’s voice carried across the stands again and the opposite side of the pitch became home to a green and silver blur as the Slytherin team hurried out. Harry cheered just as loudly as he had for Gryffindor, searching for his son in the group. Sixteen-year-old Albus strode along confidently with his broom resting casually over one shoulder. He stopped and exchanged glances with James, one eyebrow quirked upwards. James grinned back.

Harry knew his boys and there was a very good reason they hadn’t been allowed to share a room growing up. Al playing as Keeper with James as Chaser was one of the most highly anticipated aspects of the upcoming match. He could practically feel Teddy fizzing with excitement as James and the Slytherin captain shook hands.

The whistle blew and all fourteen players mounted their brooms. Lily’s face was set as she stared down the Slytherin seeker, the whistle blew again and the teams ascended into the air. The quaffle was released and the game immediately took action as James swerved effortlessly to catch it and tore up the pitch towards his brother.

Neville was right. Harry watched his son, his performance as an excellent Chaser taking on a new dimension as he over saw the rest of the team. He seemed to communicate with the players without having to say anything, himself and the other two Chasers seamlessly switching formations as the quaffle switched possession.

They grew nearer and nearer to the goalposts, the Slytherin Chasers fighting desperately to intercept the quaffle. Al covered the hoops, his face set with a determination Harry hadn’t seen since he had taken his first steps. Harry internally echoed Ginny’s previous sentiment about never having felt this conflicted in all his life. He was gripped with a desire to see James succeed in planting the quaffle through the hoop at the same time as fiercely wanting Albus to make the save; it was a very confusing emotion. James scored while simultaneously managing to alert his beaters of a bludger heading straight for Lily.

Lily neatly skimmed out of the way of the oncoming bludger and whizzed away from the beater who pursued it. She flew faster than anyone else on the team, her light, speedy build allowing her to whip past and up above the Chasers, her long, red hair streaming behind her like a banner, her eyes constantly scanning for the snitch. Suddenly, Harry was 13 years old again, steering his Firebolt on the path Lily was currently taking in this very stadium, his heart beating fiercely with pride for her.

Suddenly, Lily rose upwards, higher than before so Harry was forced to look up to keep watching her. She had taken both hands off her broom in a move that made Harry grab tightly onto both Ginny and Neville. “What is she doing?” he breathed in panic nobody else was seeming to share.

“Has she seen the snitch?” Teddy questioned excitedly, tearing his eyes away from the most recent Al/James showdown (Albus had saved it rather impressively and James was clapping him on the back as the score was updated).

“She’s fixing her hair.” Ginny sighed casually, her gaze flitting between her daughter above her and her sons who had resumed play.

Lily gripped her broom tightly with her knees, her arms raised as her hands expertly and swiftly pulled her loosened, long hair out of her face and wrapped it into a messy bun in seconds. The whole time, her eyes scanned the pitch for any signs the Slytherin seeker might have spotted the snitch.

Almost immediately after her hair was secure in a red top knot, Lily was streaking downwards again, painfully fast as she rocketed vertically towards the grass. The Slytherin seeker was on her tail.

“She’s feinting, she’s feinting come on Lil!” Harry was gripped at the scene, willing his daughter to pull out of the dive, even though he knew himself he would have waited a bit longer. At the last second, she pulled out of the dive smoothly, leaving the poor Slytherin seeker with a mouthful of pitch. “That’s my girl!” Harry yelled, feeling a prick of tears behind his eyes as Lily shot off again, taking advantage of the Slytherin seeker’s temporary absence.

“Now she’s seen it!” Teddy yelled and Harry checked the score. It was 90 points apiece and was all resting on the seekers. Even though Lily’s success would now mean a disappointment for Albus, Harry could hardly back the other seeker.

Lily sped towards a far corner of the pitch near the Slytherin posts, her eyes fixed on a point ahead of her where Harry recognised a familiar gold glint. The wind whipped around her, dislodging her hair once again and allowing it to stream around her, obscuring her vision. Her arm stretched out blindly to hold her hair back, and then the other arm joined it, fingertips just grazing the fluttering wings and as her hand closed around it, she was thrown backward and off her broom with the force of a bludger from ahead.

As the bludger made contact, Harry didn’t breathe. He immediately went for his wand, Auror instinct kicking in as he went to soften his daughter’s fall. But just as the incantation left his mouth, Lily’s path was blocked by something else: a flash of red and green swooped in below her and caught her before she even came close to the ground. The relieved and bemused faces of Albus and James found their father’s gaze as they held their little sister between them across both of their brooms.

Harry was basically on the pitch, he was hanging so far over the edge of the stand, yelling himself hoarse at all three of his children as the Gryffindor stand erupted with cheers.

“Lily Potter catches the snitch and, er, James and Albus Potter catch Lily Potter!” Hugo spoke over the cacophony of cheers. “Gryffindor win the cup!” The huge, Quidditch cup began to levitate from its stand to be collected by Professor McGonagall who was looking for James. But Harry could only focus on one thing: the alarmed expressions on both of his sons’ faces and the fact that they were still heavily supporting their sister between them despite being back on the ground. The golden snitch was rolling feebly away from the scene.

Ginny had noticed too and was all too keen to follow Harry as he urgently grabbed her hand and sprinted down the back of the stand and out onto the pitch, Teddy not far behind. As he approached the players, they scattered, leaving a free path to where Albus and James were gently lowering Lily to the ground, James on his knees resting Lily’s heavy head across his lap, staring at her in horror.

“Lily!” Harry said urgently, throwing himself down beside his son. Both her eyes were closed and she didn’t respond. Without thinking, Harry placed both arms under her body and scooped her up towards him, cradling her as if she were a baby again.

“Harry, Madam Pomfrey!” Ginny said breathlessly, gesturing to where the matron was hurtling towards them. Teddy had his arm round Albus and a hand on James’ shoulder and he moved to let her through.

Madam Pomfrey took one look at Lily and withdrew her wand, pointing it at the red-haired girl curled in her father’s arms. “Ennervate!”

There was a moment of silence, the whole stadium seemed to be holding its breath.

Lily’s eyelashes fluttered and slowly opened, revealing her bright, brown eyes which took in the scene around her. “Daddy.” She said softly and chuckled into his chest. “I caught the snitch!”

Harry let out the biggest sigh of relief he’d ever known himself capable of achieving and lowered to the ground, Lily still held to him. “Lily-Lu you frightened the life out of us!” he gently reprimanded, even though he knew he could never be angry at her. As Harry spoke, his family closed in around him; Ginny swept Lily’s hair from her face, Albus looked shaken and James had tears on his face, still clutching onto Teddy. “Why did you let go of your broom with both hands?”

“I couldn’t see the snitch, my hair was in the way.” She complained feebly. Harry sighed.

“Please will you plait your hair next time, like I keep telling you.” Ginny said after placing a kiss on her daughter’s forehead.

“I can’t plait it by myself!” Lily retorted.

“I’ll teach you, we can practise together. Anything. Just don’t ever do that again, Petal.” Harry told her, and he even managed a soft chuckle now he knew his little girl was alright.

“We won the cup James!” Lily twisted in Harry’s arms, pushing herself upright slightly and facing her brother. “Why are you crying?”

“C'mere, you absolute donut.” He brushed his cheek with one hand and pulled Lily up with the other, wrapping her into a tight hug which he dragged Albus into at the last minute. “You’re lucky you have brothers with such good reflexes.” He grinned as he pulled away.

“Hey! I was in the middle of a cushioning charm when you caught her.” Harry replied, mock offended.

Professor McGonagall seemed to sense it was now the moment and gave Hugo a thumbs-up. “Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for this year’s Quidditch champions, GRYFFINDOR!”

James ambled over, Lily still clutched to his side, and reached his team mates as the cup was placed into his hands and his eyes filled with tears again as he beamed around at them all. Harry took Ginny’s hand and pulled her towards him as Albus rushed over to congratulate the winners.

“That,” he said, wrapping an arm around her, “was bloody terrifying.”

2nd July, 2024

The familiar platform was filled with the usual bustle of busy families and the early summer sunshine was still apparent despite it being evening.

“Seems strange that we’ll only have one left at school next year.” Ginny said as the train could be heard approaching. Harry considered her statement, reflecting on just how quickly the recent years seemed to have gone. Lily was going to be a sixth year. His little Lily-Lu, a N.E.W.T student!

The train rounded the bend and slowed as it pulled up to the platform. Doors flew open and children began to rush from each carriage, looking for their parents. Albus emerged almost immediately, Scorpius in tow, and Harry pulled them both into tight hugs. Ginny mirrored him.

“Where’s Lil?” Harry asked, scanning the crowds of students for his daughter. Albus and Scorpius exchanged looks.

“She’s, er, just coming.” Albus responded with a slight hesitation and looked at his mother, who grinned.

“There she is.” Ginny pointed to a spot in the distance where Lily could be seen emerging from the train, holding hands with a boy. Harry felt his heart freeze as the scene before him unfolded. His little Lily Petal? She couldn’t have..? No!

Harry gave a bewildered look back at his family, who all looked rather sheepish.

“You all knew didn’t you.” He said shortly.

“We thought you’d be happier ignorant Dad.” Albus grinned and Harry turned back to where he could still see his daughter bidding farewell.

“But she’s… she’s…” words failed Harry as he felt Ginny appear by his side and slip an arm around his waist. “my little girl.” He finished lamely.

“She’s not so little anymore Harry. In fact,” Ginny grinned playfully, “she’s the same age I was when we got together.” Harry felt the remaining blood in his face rush away and looked again at his steadily approaching daughter.

“Her hair!” Harry erupted again, rounding on Ginny. “What has she done to her hair?” Lily’s red waves which had previously fallen to the middle of her back now stopped above her shoulders.

“Relax, she’s wanted it like that for ages, ever since that Quidditch game in her third year.” Ginny left his side and went to envelope Lily in a hug, Harry stood shell shocked.

“Did you know about this?” Harry enquired of Albus.

“Well, yeah.” Albus looked confused at Harry’s expression of distrust. “Teddy did it for her last month. Dad, what’s the big deal? Should I be writing to you every time Teddy cuts my hair?” Albus laughed.

Harry paused for a second, trying to figure out why he felt so strongly about this. His Lily-Lu had always had long hair, ever since she was a little girl and Harry started to realise that seeing her like that was a sharp reminder that she wasn’t a little girl anymore.

“Dad!” his thoughts were interrupted by Lily throwing herself at him and kissing him on the cheek. He gathered her up into a hug so tight her feet left the ground.

“Lily-Lu!” he greeted her as he lowered her back to the ground. “Er, I like your hair. New friend too?” He gestured vaguely to where he had seen his daughter wishing her new 'friend’ goodbye.

Lily narrowed her eyes slightly and shook her head at her father. “Oh Daddy.” She sighed and threw an arm around him, the top of her head just reaching his shoulder as the family started to leave the platform. “Is Teddy coming for dinner?”

“Like always.” Harry started as they walked arm in arm. “And I’ll be having a word with him about influencing my little girl.” He half-joked, nodding at her hair.

Lily rolled her eyes at him. “Dad! As if anyone could influence me? This was my idea! It took most of this year to convince Teddy to do it, he kept being mysteriously fully-booked every Hogsmeade weekend.”

Harry grinned to himself, knowing he would have been just as powerless in Teddy’s position.

“And Dad?” she stopped and turned to face him. “I’m still your little girl, promise.” Harry smiled and kissed the top of her head.

“Just don’t tell James ok? I’m not sure he’ll cope.” Lily chuckled and ran off to her mother leaving Harry at the back of the group. Harry watched her go, smiling to himself at his little girl.

[lizardbeths]

5 headcanons meme #1

Sifki AU where Ullr was born before the first Thor movie - @gaslightgallows

and an anon asked:   How about au where Sif and Loki were together during the events of Thor?

These are basically the same, so I’ll answer them together. First, as a note, I did sorta write this: The Littlest Star, is an AU where Loki&Sif have a one-night stand before Thor(2011) and Ullr is born after Loki falls off the Bifrost.

In general, I see this as ...quite a happy ‘verse.

Specifics: 

1. I think a ‘verse where they’re already together and especially with a child, would have to be a more contented Loki, first of all. Partly because it’s pretty clear Sif wouldn’t put up with him otherwise, and also because I think an earlier outside form of validation, such as someone distinctly choosing him over Thor (esp adding in a popular headcanons that Sif was always sort of ‘intended’ for Thor) would help him recognize his own value. I mean, he’d always be the second bro, but at least he’s got a family of his own (and Thor doesn’t) that takes the sting out of it, a bit. 

2. Additionally, because I also headcanon that Loki’s actual bloodline would appear in any child, he must find out earlier. So when Odin and Frigga tell him, either he freaked out or not, but at this point he’s come to some acceptance. He still won’t like it, but learning the truth earlier and having help to deal with it, would help a lot push him down the road past the self-loathing/disgust stage. So another plus.

3. Because Sif is still a warrior, she often goes adventuring with Thor. Sometimes Loki goes with and Frigga dotes on her grandbaby, but other times he stays in Asgard with Ullr. 

4. Thor is, at this time, still reckless, and Loki doubts he’ll be a decent king. But because Loki’s more responsible in this ‘verse (and because he knows Asgard’s throne won’t be his, and yes, occasionally he get s little bitter that adopted sons aren’t heirs), Odin also has him do more of the day-to-day, which Loki finds pretty boring, but he does it. That eases some of Odin’s concern that the boys will be prepared, plus it’s not such a strain trying to keep it all running himself, so he’s not so anxious to hand it all to Thor right away. Loki is trying to convince Odin to let the other Realms govern themselves more (Odin listens to this, hiding his relief that this black-and-green clad child opposes conquest, but shush that’s still a secret he wants to put off, preferably forever). 

5. Loki wants nothing to do with Jotunheim, or Laufey. But Odin still has dreams that both his sons will rule, and first stage of his plan is to have Loki to negotiate a true peace with Jotunheim. He goes, Sif at his side with the W3 and Thor as backup and to learn. Loki’s not very impressed with his first view of Jotunheim, but he doesn’t hate it either, to his surprise. 

Thor acts impulsively to an insult and there’s very nearly a war and really I should just write the rest, because it’s now a story in my head and *shakes fists at you people*. HOW DARE U. 

[viralhottopics]

Fox & Friends in the henhouse: how Trump’s beloved show wields power

The president and the Fox News morning show have built a symbiotic relationship: the program defends Trump as it helps set his agenda

I like that group of three people, Donald Trump said this month. They had a man who was saying: Trump is the greatest president ever and there will never be one like him.

Trump was referring to Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade the hosts of Fox & Friends and a segment he had seen on the show. Its one of the presidents favorite programs, and it may well be the most influential television program in the world.

On 7 March, the president tweeted five times in direct response to topics discussed during the three-hour Fox & Friends, on the Fox News Channel. It wasnt a one-off.

On 29 November, Trump suggested that anyone caught burning the American flag should lose their citizenship or spend a year in jail. He sent his tweet at 6.55am ET 30 minutes after Fox & Friends ran a piece about a protest in which someone burned the American flag.

At 6.04am on 26 January, Trump blasted off a tweet about Chelsea Manning, the whistleblower whose sentence was commuted by Barack Obama. Manning had just published an article critical of the former president.

Donald Trump visits the show in 2011. Photograph: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Ungrateful TRAITOR Chelsea Manning, who should never have been released from prison, is now calling President Obama a weak leader, Trump wrote. Terrible!

At 5.50am, Fox & Friends had carried a banner that referred to Manning as an ungrateful traitor. Mediaite noted that the anchor that day, Abby Huntsman, had said Manning was slamming President Obama as a weak leader.

The next month, Trump echoed a Fox & Friends suggestion that UC Berkeley should not receive federal funding. He also mused that Obama had been too soft on Russia 12 minutes after Fox & Friends held a discussion about how Obama had been too soft on Russia.

Fox News turned down an interview request for this piece, but by any standard its morning show has had a remarkable year. As Trumps popularity soared, so too did the number of people watching.

According to Nielsen media research, between February 2016 and February 2017, the program increased its viewership by 46% averaging 1.7m viewers a day last month. It is by far the most popular morning show on cable; on average, MSNBCs Morning Joe brought in 847,000 viewers this February, while CNNs New Day reached just 639,000.

Fox & Friends, which airs every weekday, is in some ways a typical breakfast show. It combines light, fun features a recurring item on Monday was a video of a toddler getting swept off her feet by a door; on Thursday the show celebrated National Puppy Day, with harder news and commentary favorable to Trump.

On Monday, Trump was being criticized in much of the mainstream media as he has been for weeks over alleged ties to Russia among his campaign aides. In the Fox & Friends studio, efforts were being made to tell viewers why Russia connections dont matter.

FOX & friends (@foxandfriends)

“Put the narrative aside. Report real news.” -Mom Deborah Antignano on media’s coverage of alleged Russia-Trump campaign ties http://pic.twitter.com/kn1kJhqCyh

March 20, 2017

The people tasked with this were the Security Moms a group of four women, presumably mothers, who are sporadically wheeled out to discuss national security issues.

Appearing above a chyron that said News You Cant Use, the four women set about trying to convince themselves, and viewers, that American families are just not interested in reports that Trump advisers may have been colluding with Russia to help him win the election.

Earhardt kicked off proceedings by asking the Security Moms, who were seated in tiers like the members of Queen in the Bohemian Rhapsody video, if any of them were concerned that President Trump and his campaign colluded with Russia to get elected?

No, the moms said as one.

They want to uphold this narrative as if its factual and its not factual, said Deborah Antignano.

A caption popped up, identifying her as the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

Report real news. Do away with the fake news. Because Americans, quite frankly, were all tired of it.

That was the end of that. Except later that day came a bombshell.

The FBI director, James Comey, told the House intelligence committee the FBI was investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. He added that there was no basis to support Trumps claims that he had been wiretapped by Obama.

For Fox & Friends, this presented a problem. They had to address Comeys testimony: it was the news of the day. But they had to do it in a way that told the viewers including the president there was nothing to see here.

They had already deployed the Security Moms on Monday. They couldnt summon them again. There are no Security Dads. Something else was required.

The solution was to clip together 20 instances of Comey declining to comment and tell viewers: You didnt miss much.

FOX & friends (@foxandfriends)

If you missed yesterday’s congressional hearing with FBI Dir. James Comey, you didn’t miss much… http://pic.twitter.com/AnJdtWcGxK

March 21, 2017

A hostile work environment

In Fox & Friends world, Trump is never wrong and everyone always loves Trump. Its quite a contrast with the liberal world of New York City, where the show is filmed.

The Fox News studio is one block south from where NBCs Today show is broadcast, and four blocks north of ABCs Good Morning America. Those two shows average about 4.5m viewers and their studios are common tourism spots.

People stand at windows behind the presenters, waving frantically and calling family members to tell them to turn on the television. The shows encourage this both have sections on their websites giving directions for fans. Every day, scores of people line up outside. Its fun. Its convivial.

Fox & Friends, despite also being filmed against a backdrop of midtown Manhattan, does not do this. If anything, the studio is hidden away. If you manage to find the address, all you are met with is the imposing grey concrete of Fox News brutalist headquarters.

Theres no opportunity to stand outside. No ogling through the windows. The backdrop of the show is a view of Sixth Avenue but filmed from 50ft up. If youre committed, you can still get onscreen, as the Guardian did on Wednesday. But youll never be more than a blob in the distance.

Unwelcoming and fortress-like, Fox News HQ stands in stark contrast with Fox & Friends the show. With those videos of toddlers toppling over, the puppy visits and the reassuring asininity of the Security Moms, its a warm and cozy place.

The three hosts seem to get along well. Doocy, who looks a bit like a scarecrow whos just had his hair done, is the alpha male. Kilmeade, a New Yorker with close-set eyes and a childlike curiosity, is the everyman. Then theres Earhardt, a former CBS reporter who is probably the most intelligent person associated with the show.

But despite the apparent intimacy, Fox & Friends has not always been a happy place to work. For seven and a half years, Gretchen Carlson got to sit alongside Doocy and Kilmeade. But she was bumped in 2013 and then, in June 2016, fired from Fox News altogether. She brought a lawsuit against the channels then chairman, Roger Ailes, accusing him of sexual harassment. Fox News settled for a reported $20m. Ailes resigned in July.

Carlsons complaint was filed against Ailes, but it also named Doocy. Her fellow presenter had created a hostile work environment, Carlsons claim said, by regularly treating her in a sexist and condescending way, including by putting his hand on her and pulling down her arm to shush her during a live telecast.

Doocy stayed on, apparently unpunished. Fox News did not respond to questions about whether he ever faced disciplinary action.

Do you love Trump?

The mutually beneficial relationship between Trump and Fox & Friends you provide feather-smoothing, ego-boosting coverage, I agree to tweet positive things about your program and sometimes appear on it did not spring out of nowhere.

For four years before running for president, Trump had his own slot. He appeared weekly, usually by phone, on Mondays with Trump.

The segment was a platform for the kind of rambling, free-form missives that came to characterize his 2016 campaign. Trump would call up to weigh in on a variety of issues sometimes war, sometimes jobs, sometimes the Oscars and, increasingly often, Barack Obamas birth certificate.

Fox & Friends would air the billionaires claims without criticism, and with no acknowledgment of how damaging they were.

In a March 2011 clip discussing the issue of whether Obama had been born in the US he was Trump said, without evidence, that the then president had spent millions of dollars trying to get away from this issue. At the end of the conversation, the hosts chuckled.

Donald Trump, who we all know was born in this country. All you have to do is read the side of his building, Kilmeade said.

The Fox & Friends hosts would frequently ask Trump if he was going to run for president. At times, they seemed to be actively encouraging it.

A celebrity stroll with Donald Trump.

In a clip from 7 May 2015, Kilmeade went on a celebrity stroll with Trump a walk down Fifth Avenue that was essentially an exercise in showing Fox & Friends viewers just how popular, and how electable, Trump was.

You seem to have this natural relationship with the so-called blue-collar worker, Kilmeade told Trump, who pointed out possibly using alternative facts how many people on the street seemed to like him.

Look at the response, Trump said, pointing at five people who remained silent as he walked past.

A little later, a truck drove past and the driver leaned out of the window.

Do you love Trump? Kilmeade shouted.

I know you, the driver responded.

If he did love Trump, he had a funny way of showing it.

I enjoyed being with you. I love your show, Trump told Kilmeade.

Then the future president, not known for the consistency of his views, showed that when it comes to Fox & Friends, at least, his commitment has never wavered.

The three of you are fantastic people, he said of the hosts. I wouldnt do this for anybody but you.

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