#ministry employee AU

[victorluvsalice]

What about au where smiler was partially marmalised and works for the ministry and is trying to manipulate Victor and Alice into getting marmalised and becoming advocates

*waggles hand* So, not opposed to such an AU, but it would have to end with Alice and Victor getting Smiler out of the Ministry instead of Smiler successfully getting them to become Advocates. Reason being is, well, a Smiler working for the Ministry and trying to manipulate Victor and Alice is an unethical mind controller! And we know what Alice does to unethical mind controllers:

[ID: Animated gif by thedestinysunknown of the moment in A:MR when Alice, in her Wonderland form, shoves Bumby off the platform of the Underground station and into the path of an oncoming train]

Yeaaah, if you've ever thought my Smiler seems a little nice when compared to the coaster's actual theme, that's the reason. I had to give them ethics, otherwise they were going to get stabbed. So yeah, an AU like that would have to be along the lines of Smiler trying to get Victor and Alice to join up, only for Victor and Alice to instead show THEM how the Ministry is actually not really interested in happiness and is pretty evil honestly and get them out of there. (Which is actually not dissimilar to what happens in my Londerland Bloodlines AU (after the events of the game), where Smiler THINKS they've joined a group interested in making people happy and helping them through rough patches in their lives, but in fact the Ministry they've fallen in with is Ministry as in "Formerly The Followers of Set," and THEY'RE more interested in corrupting people with false joy...awful shame that they end up targeting Victor...)

[draqo-pctter]

mysterious thing about love, chapter eight: just a dream

“I’m going to ask him to send Harry and me now.” Draco spit the words out as if they were poison in his mouth. “And I need you to back me up on it when he asks for your opinion.”

Keeping her composure was easier said than done. To say no would be selfish and potentially cost them apprehending the criminal before he enacted whatever plan had Draco anxious enough to risk being sent into the field on such short notice. Saying yes would mean being alone in the house, alone in the world — a world she still didn’t quite believe existed.

“Oh.” Hermione hated that all she could manage was a single syllable. “Right.”

chapters: 8/?

tags: accidental love, parallel/alternate universe, love potion/spell, strangers to lovers, falling in love, auror draco malfoy, background ronald weasley/hermione granger, mild hurt/comfort

click here to read chapter eight on ao3

[jlhynde-insanitybrilliance]

chapter 14 WHEN

Oct. 12, 1944 to Oct. 19, 1944

I know this isn’t what you’re asking, but I’m currently still working on it. Looks like it’ll be a long chapter with events taking place over a week. It’ll probably be around the length of Tom’s first pov chapter of being 18 pages with is close to 10,000 words. I’m currently 3483 words in. I have posted a brief excerpt though, which you can find under the UDLTTOM tag on my blog.

[hotreadingwitch]

James x Reader - After Hours (Auror AU)

A/N - Happy Kinktober y'all horny folks, here's my first submission for this month! xx

Content Warnings/Kinks: boss/employee relationship, bondage, use of “sir” (authority kink), hair pulling, light choking, bondage, spit, nipple play, cum swallowing/tasting, oral sex (both receiving, unprotected vaginal sex

After Hours 

“Sir” Y/n greeted, standing behind her desk as her boss walked into their open office space at the Ministry of Magic, “Lock up anyone bad tonight?” 

“Two Death Eaters” James responded, continuing as Y/n’s eyes flitted to the dried blood on his cheek and collar, “It’s nothing bad don’t worry”

“Are you sure?” She fretted, wringing her hands, “I—I could help you clean the wound if you’d like…”

James loosened his tie, making Y/n gulp, “Yes, that’d actually be quite helpful, thank you”

Y/n came toward him after wetting a small napkin with a flick of her wand and a small whisper of a spell, 

“Aguamenti” 

She placed the wet material onto his cheek, rubbing lightly at the bloody spot, making James wince. 

“Sorry!” She exclaimed, cautious of the pain she was causing him. 

He grabbed her wrist just as she pulled away before quickly releasing it as if thinking better of himself. 

“It’s okay, don’t worry love” 

She nodded nervously, then began to clean the small wound again, tracing the light lines of blood that had trickled down his neck, watching his veins pulse. She saw his Adam’s apple bob in his throat as he gulped. 

“Done” she affirmed, still standing incredibly close to him, between his spread legs as he leaned back slightly on the desk. 

James’ eyes flicked up to meet her lust-filled gaze. She felt self-conscious as if her boss could read her now naughty thoughts. 

“James…” she started, turning away embarrassed, heat making her cheeks flush.

He huffed frustratedly before coming closer to her from behind, trapping her from both sides with his muscular arms. His two hands, planted on either side of her body, were gripping the mahogany surface of the desk with force. 

“Fuck Y/n, I swear sometimes you know exactly what you’re doing to me” 

She turned to face him, looking over her shoulder, her eyes widening in shock. 

“I’m—Merlin, I’m sorry Y/n” he then huffed, “I shouldn’t have said anything—” 

“Please sir,” she hushed his protests as she leaned closer to him, until they were mere inches apart, “You don’t have to apologize to me” 

“Yeah?” He chuckled before groaning, “Fuck love you’re gonna get me in trouble…” 

“Maybe trouble is exactly what I want…sir” 

He ran his large palm across his mouth while shaking his head, “‘Can’t be fucking the secretary now can I…?” 

“Can’t you?” She looked up at him with doe eyes, grinning when she noticed the bulge in his pants, 

“Y/n…” 

“You’re the boss James…well, you’re certainly the boss of me” she stated plainly, “Now tell me what it is you want”

“You know what I want, you know” he mumbled as his hand caressed her soft cheek, “Get on your knees” 

Y/n obeyed, allowing his thumb to flit against her bottom lip as she lowered herself before him, making him groan at the sight. She unzipped his pants, slowly pulling them down, grinning when she finally had access to his freed bulge. James gripped his base, guiding the tip to her pillowy lips. She puckered them instantly, placing light kisses on his tip, then down the sides of his shaft. 

“Yes” he groaned at the small contact, “fucking tease me, yes” 

Tucking her face below him, she ran the tip of her tongue up his length, making him curse. She did this, licking and kissing him, until he could barely focus on her pretty face, his eyes rolling back into his head. 

“Put it in” James begged, placing a steadying hand on her cheek, “Please love” 

“You’re begging for it?” Her eyes shone playfully. 

“Yes” he gritted out before submitting with a low whisper, “Merlin, I need to be in your mouth” 

She placed another soft kiss on his tip, spitting onto his cock, getting it wet before sliding the top half of his considerable length into her mouth. 

“Fuck” he gripped his hands in her hair, tugging desperately at the strands. 

She bobbed up and down, wetting him more with her tongue as she sucked obediently. “Mmm,” she moaned onto his cock, the vibrations making him twitch in her mouth. Y/n found James felt so good, thrusting in and out of her, that she thought she was enjoying herself perhaps as much as he was. She grabbed his bare thighs, pushing him farther into her mouth, down her open throat. As he groaned with pleasure, she twisted her head with each motion of her mouth, with each slurp, her lips puckering as they spread to accommodate his girth. 

“You’re so good love, so fucking good” James praised, his rumbly voice an echo in the silence of the office. 

His grip on her hair grew stronger as he got closer and closer to his orgasm. Finally, he came, the white substance coming out of his tip in bursts, squirting down her throat. 

“Swallow” he commanded dominantly, one of his hands sliding down to grip her throat. 

Her eyes rolled back at the acidic taste, making him groan. She whimpered as she stood, the look of intensity in his eyes practically piercing her. 

“I need to taste you now love—fuck, please let me” 

“Yes James, yes” she consented quickly. 

He practically ripped her blouse off, not caring about the delicate fabric or the pearly buttons. James was acting like a man possessed, like he was made by some god or another for the sole purpose of eating her cunt. Her skirt was next, he unzipped it without even looking to find the zipper at the back, palming her ass for good measure after he slid the material off her. 

“So pretty love, so damn beautiful” 

His praises continued, tiny murmurs of passion, as he pulled her now naked body to the edge of the desk, attacking her chest down to her cunt with aggressive, wet kisses, stopping to focus on each of her nipples. He sucked on both of them one by one, making her body shiver and need build between her legs. 

“James—please” she begged. 

“One second love” he then grinned, loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt, revealing hardened abs beneath. 

She watched him undress in awe, she knew he was fit, having watched him prance around the office in his tight white button-ups and trousers that left little to the imagination, her wild imagination, but nothing could’ve prepared her for the sight of him naked. With his tie in his hands, James curled his fingers slowly, beckoning for her to give him her wrists. When she realized his intentions she quickly obeyed, thrusting her hands forward. 

James tied the tie into a tight knot that rubbed against her skin, the slight friction instantly turning her on. He didn’t attach the tie to anything so she was free to move her arms, her hands simply restricted. He lay her down then, pressing her against the wood of the desk, before making his descent lower. 

The first long, languid lick of his tongue over her clothed cunt was all Y/n needed to moan loudly. 

His eyes widened at her apparent sensitivity, “You’re so pretty when you moan for me love, you know that?” 

He pressed his fingers onto the fabric, groaning to himself at the wetness that had already accumulated there. 

“So wet” he pushed her panties to the side with one swift motion, leaning down until he fully connected with her cunt, making her whimper. 

James began, licking one single stripe up from her hole to her clit. He spread her folds with his strong fingers, kissing both sides before focusing on the place where she was most sensitive. She threw her head back, releasing a low groan at the feeling that was starting to build. The way that James kissed at her clit, flicked at it, licked it, was like nothing she’d ever had done to her before. He was pleasing her as if he knew her body’s every need, could sense exactly what she wanted, could maybe even read her mind for all she knew. 

“James” she whimpered, threading her hands in his curls, as much as she could with the restraint, “Merlin, you’re good” 

James chuckled, cool air hitting her clit. He pulled back for a second to look right into her eyes, shocking her when he spit, letting the salvia drip down from his mouth and onto her clit. Without breaking eye contact, he reconnected with it, licking upward with teasing motions. 

“Arch for me” he commanded, then praising her when she obeyed, “Yes, yes, you’re beautiful, such a good girl” 

With her back arched and James’ mouth on her, she moaned and moaned and moaned, her body responding to every single flick of his tongue. He cradled her from underneath, his hand pressing onto her skin where her back lifted from the desk’ hard surface. Shamelessly she begged for more, 

“James please” 

“What do you want love? Tell me what you need” 

“Faster, more, please” 

This time it was he who obeyed. James used the full flatness of his tongue to cover the entire area around her clit as he licked up and down, satisfying her completely, making every nerve stand at attention. He transitioned from there, starting to suck on it, more roughly than before. He attached and detached the suction his mouth created, making a popping sound against her wetness. 

“Fuck” her back arched even more and as she moved James only pulled her closer, gripped her tighter. 

“Cum for me” he ordered between sucking, “I know you’re close love, I want you to cum for me”

She moaned and gasped, the overstimulation making her orgasm come nearer by the second. His moustache tickled her as he continued to push her closer to the edge. Crying out with pleasure, her release finally overcame her body. She shuddered as the feeling pulsed through her like an electric current, centred at the tip of James’ powerful tongue. 

“James, James, yes” she groaned through gritted teeth. 

She ground her cunt up to meet his tongue as he slowed, chasing every second of her orgasm until it was over, leaving her wanting more, knowing exactly what she needed from him next. When James finally detached from her, his chin covered in her slick, Y/n couldn’t help but pull him towards her, pull him in for a kiss. 

“Mmm,” she moaned, tasting her cum on his lips. 

“Y/n…” James groaned, his voice a low rumble. 

The energy between them immediately shifted, going from hot to even hotter. James tucked loose hair behind her ear, his eyes searching her as if trying to figure out what she wanted next. 

“I—Love—“ he started, “I really need to fuck you now” 

His hands slid down to her waist, deceptively gentle at first before he lifted her back up onto the desk. He pushed papers, pens, anything and everything that was on the wooden surface, onto the floor in one rough motion. His breathing was heavy when he looked down at her, admiring her naked form lying before him. 

“Fuck you’re so beautiful” he practically whined, “Now be a good girl and spread your legs for me” 

“Yes sir” she obeyed his command, exposing her slick cunt to him, smiling when she saw his cock twitch in response. 

“You’re sure you want it?” He questioned. 

Her hands were still restrained, the tight knots of James’ tie tugging at her wrists, making them sore. He untied the bounds, allowing her to run her fingers through his chocolatey brown curls. He paused for a second to kiss her stinging wrists, looking up at her as he did. 

“Yes” she kissed him then quickly, sweetly, before whispering, “Yes, yes, yes”

As she whispered her desire to him he slid into her, his forehead pressed up against hers. 

“Oh fuck” he cursed as he slid deep within her.

He fit perfectly, his cock curving upward as he started, slowly pounding into her. Y/n lowered her back onto the desk, moaning as she arched for him. 

“Lift your hips up for me love” he commanded gently before slipping back into her with more force, “Yea—mm—that’s it”

Her ass was over the edge of the desk, all her extra weight balanced in his palms as she shook with the force of his thrusts. 

“James” she cried out, her voice strained. 

“Rub it love” he commanded then, “Rub your clit for me” 

She spit on her fingers, making James groan at the sight, before sliding them down her body, connecting them with her sore clit. Her pleasure only increased from there, turning her to putty in his hands. He fucked her and fucked her until her hole opened more to accommodate his size and harsh pace. 

“Be a good girl for me now, eh love?” he breathed unevenly, as he flipped her so that her front pressed down onto his desk.

He slid back into her quickly causing her eyes to roll back into her head and gasp, “James” 

Her toes curled and her legs shook as he began to pound into her again from behind, his cock hitting somewhere deep within her. She moaned loudly, her cunt drenched his cock, but it all only turned James on more, making him fuck her rougher and rougher. His hands gripped her hair tightly, pulling and pulling until her back arched up towards him, almost unnaturally. 

“Fuck you take me so well—so fucking good love” 

James slammed in and out of her cunt relentlessly, just the way she liked it, filling the air with the lewd sounds of skin slapping against skin, moaning, groaning, and panting. He thrust in and out of her at an almost erratic, feral pace, a series of movements so fast she was seeing stars and the next so torturously slow her legs shook.

Y/n smiled as she came, biting down on her lip trying to keep her moans in, James’ perfect cock and her own rubbing fingers overwhelming her body completely.

“C’mon love” he groaned, pulling her hair, “Let me hear you…I want to hear every pretty little moan you make”

“Fuck…fuck, James” she murmured, groaning, the intense feeling making her mind loose and blissed out. 

“Yes, that’s it” he praised as her cunt pulsed around him, sending him over the edge. 

He kept thrusting in and out of her, slowly, making her shudder until all her sensitivity was gone. Without pulling out of her James kissed along her shoulder, down her spine, before turning her over and removing himself from her. He groaned at the sight of his cum spilling out of her. 

“Looks like I’m the one who needs to clean you up now huh?” 

[thanathicca]

Pathologic Fest Day 1: From the Other Side

Are AUs allowed on @pathologicfest ? Regardless, we are submitting an illustration of our 22nd century Thanatica AU, "imperare sibi maximum imperium est", anyway (ft. transfem Haruspex) :)

Image description is in alt text. News writing, as well as no text versions of the art, are under the cut.

The text:

(note, the fic itself may or may not have this version of the news - we will definitely edit it later)

Is this the end for Thanatica Labs?

THE CAPITAL, 1 OCTOBER 2165

Daniil Dankovsky, founder of Thanatica Laboratories and lead scientist of the first successful mind-uploading device AVA Project, has once again declined an offer of cooperation from a multinational company. The cooperation deal by Vector Tech, which would have netted Dankovsky a record XXX billion, would have Thanatica Labs give away their exclusive rights to the AVA blueprints and let the company build new AVA units with a tiered subscription program.

"We regret that the deal couldn’t be done," Mr. Telman, CEO of Vector Tech, has gone on record to say. "It’s a shame that Thanatica hoards all their progress under Dankovsky’s influence. Our company would have brought your AVA to the whole world! What kind of scientist are you?"

When requested for an interview, Dr. Dankovsky responded, “Thanatica has, and will always, stand with ethical practices. We are scientists who would not gate one’s life behind paywalls. The deal would have made a version of AVA with proprietary Vector Tech operating system, which has gone on record to sell people’s data to third parties, including intelligence agencies. Would you want data submitted the AVA, which would contain your most vulnerable memories, to be sold to the highest bidder? Would you want targeted advertisements in your brain? Moreover, the deal also mentioned using the subscription programs to access certain memories or even brain functions, which meant you could randomly forget the most important moments in your life, or even forget how to solve a crossword, just because you are a little short on money.”

Vector Tech has not responded to an interview request.

.

Plague “Panacea” safety put into question

While the so-called “panacea” for the plague has been lab-tested for human consumption with 100% efficacy, the contents has so far eluded researchers. A scientist of Thanatica Laboratories has been suspected to be its discoverer.

.

Thanatica founder indicted after siege

THE CAPITAL, 2166

A nation-wide warrant has been released for Thanatica Laboratories founder Daniil Dankovsky, 30, who is wanted by our Nation for unethical experimentation, medical negligence, and leaking classified documents from both governmental bodies and private companies.

Dankovsky has fled his laboratory in the Capital alongside his employees after the month-long siege of Thanatica, where he has been requested to reveal the contents of the so-called “panacea” of the plague. The creators of the “panacea” is also wanted for medical fraud and negligence, as well as rejecting government mandate to explain themselves in court, the Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Research and Development.

[holdupjack]

The Assistant

——————

Pairing: Hermione Granger x Fem!Reader

AU: Minister Hermione

WARNING: None

——————

Third Person P.O.V:

First Month As Minister

Hermione let her leg shake as piles of paper and documents were scattered around her desk, some had fallen off onto the ground at some point.

She had spent her whole life trying to make a name for herself and she had finally done it. Yet, that didn't mean things got easier.

It got more difficult. Much. Much. More difficult.

She had no one to lean on anymore. Ron had moved out last year after their divorce was finalized, and they never had children so...

She was alone now.

Harry had convinced her to at least splurge on hiring an assistant at work. Hermione could be less stressed and maybe make a new friend.

After a week of going through resumes, she found the perfect person for the job. A woman named Y/n Y/l/n, she's had outstanding recommendations from her former employers.

They had a phone call interview, and Hermione enjoyed talking to her and learning about Y/n's goals and strengths in the workplace. The older woman was quickly swayed into hiring her.

Knock! Knock!

Hermione's eyes flicked up to find a young woman at her office door, she had a nice shirt and dress pants on. Very much on the masculine side of fashion, but the Minister thought she pulled it off quite nicely.

"Yes? May I help you?" Hermione asks as she raises an eyebrow. She should have been panicked to find a random person in her office, but she knew her security wouldn't have let her in if she didn't have clearance.

"Good Morning Minister! My name is Y/n Y/l/n, your new assistant" she explains and Hermione quickly stood up to greet her as she walked in.

They shook hands as they beamed at one another, happy to finally meet.

"Oh, Y/n! I completely forgot that today was your first day, please forgive me" Hermione chuckled nervously as their hands dropped, but the new assistant still grinned.

"It's quite alright, I'm ready to work" she replies as Hermione seems scrambled to think of something for her to do. Y/n immediately took notice.

"May I help you organize?" Y/n asked as she stepped towards the side of the desk, watching as the brunette was frazzled slightly from her panic.

"If you can figure out a system, I will be forever grateful," Hermione says with a small sigh as Y/n looks over the piles of work that are scattered all around the room. She made sure not to step on anything.

"Let's see..."

——————

Y/n spent the day sitting on the ground next to her desk as she figured out the best system for the new Minister.

Hermione was mostly out of the office for the day, but when she returned from her meeting with the head of the Law Department. She was surprised to find her office clean and organized, with even a bag of food from the local Chinese restaurant.

Her eyes looked around to find her new employee and soon found her eating at her desk in the hall across from her office door.

How hadn't she seen her when she walked in from the elevator? She must really be in her mind today.

"Did you grab food for yourself as well?" Hermione asks. The last thing she'd want was for her assistant to not take advantage of free food on the Ministry's dime.

"Yes Minister, how was your meeting?" Y/n replied as she ate her food, her eyes shifting to meet her boss.

"Long." Hermione states as she chuckles softly and sits on the corner of Y/n's desk, a quiet sigh leaves her lips.

"I love my job, but arguing with a man with an inflated ego really puts a damper on it" she continues as Y/n looks up at her with a small smile.

"Weren't you married to a man with an inflated ego?" Y/n asks to which Hermione blinked a few times before she responds. Then her face flushed.

Y/n almost apologized immediately for such an intrusive question, but something held her back.

Sometimes Hermione forgot that her life was back in the spotlight again after being so long in the shadows.

"I was" Hermione chuckled in return she cleared her throat from her initial shock from the question. Granted, it was inappropriate to ask, but the Minister didn't see any harm from answering truthfully.

"Then you can handle the likes of these man-children with ease" Y/n grinned as she leaned back in her desk chair, it tilted slightly.

Hermione began to laugh, covering her mouth for a moment, acting like they weren't the only people on this floor.

"You're right, if I can survive seven years with Ron, then I can survive a few hours with them," she says with a smile of her own, Y/n noted in her mind that this was the first time she had smiled genuinely today.

Y/n nodded in agreement, appreciating Hermione's ability to find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

"It takes a strong person to handle difficult situations with grace," Y/n remarked, her admiration evident in her voice.

Hermione smiled warmly at Y/n's words, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her newfound acquaintance.

"Thank you," she replied sincerely.

"It hasn't always been easy, I've learned to navigate through the challenges." She paused for a moment, reflecting on her journey.

"I suppose it's a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of standing up for what you believe in." she finishes, as her mind goes back to Hogwarts. Y/n nodded, their eyes meeting in understanding.

"Yes, I can see how your friendships have played a significant role in shaping who you are today," she said thoughtfully.

"And it's inspiring to see how you've used your platform to advocate for change and equality," Y/n says as she gazed into Hermione's eyes. Hermione's smile widened, her eyes shining with gratitude.

"Thank you, Y/n. It means a lot to hear that." She took a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing, her voice filled with determination.

A soft blush did make its way onto her cheeks though.

Hermione took a deep breath as she went back to her desk, feeling a surge of confidence wash over her. It was time to dive headfirst into her role as Minister, to embrace the new responsibilities that lay before her.

The challenges she faced were immense, but she was determined to make a difference and lead with integrity.

As she settled back into her office chair, she glanced around the room, now neat and organized thanks to Y/n's efforts.

The piles of papers that had once overwhelmed her were now neatly stacked, ready to be tackled one by one. It was a small victory, but it gave Hermione a sense of control amidst the chaos.

With renewed focus, Hermione turned her attention to the stack of documents on her desk. Each file represented a different issue, a different decision to be made. She knew that her decisions would shape the lives of countless individuals and impact the future of the wizarding world.

She picked up the first document and began to read, absorbing the details and considering the potential consequences of each choice.

It was a delicate balance, weighing the needs of the community against the limitations and resources available. She knew that she couldn't please everyone, but she was determined to make decisions that were fair and just.

As the hours passed, Hermione found herself engrossed in the work. The weight of her responsibilities was both exhilarating and humbling.

Y/n watched from her desk across the hall, observing Hermione's dedication and passion. She admired the way Hermione approached each task with a meticulous attention to detail, never wavering in her pursuit of justice.

Y/n had seen many leaders in her career, but there was something different about Hermione. She possessed a rare combination of intelligence, empathy, and unwavering determination.

After a long day of decision-making and policy review, Hermione finally leaned back in her chair, feeling a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. She glanced at the clock on her desk and realized it was already late in the evening. The day had flown by in a blur of paperwork, meetings, and discussions.

Y/n, sensing Hermione's weariness, stood up from her desk and walked over to the small kitchen near their work space and began to make a kettle of tea. She whistled as she sat on  counter and waited for the water to boil on the stove.

Hermione's eyes flicked up for a moment when she heard soft whistling, and when she didn't spot Y/n at her desk, she furrowed her eyebrows.

"Y/n?" She called out, but when she didn't get a reply back, she almost stood up to investigate, but another document caught her eye.

"For fucks sake, another high insurance cost for the Jinx Removal floor?" Hermione mumbles to herself.

Y/n soon walked towards her office. She knocked gently on the door before entering, a tray of tea and biscuits in her hands.

"I thought you could use a break, Minister, you've been working tirelessly all day." Y/n said, setting the tray down on Hermione's desk.

Hermione smiled gratefully, appreciating Y/n's thoughtfulness. She poured herself a cup of tea and took a sip, the warm liquid soothing her tired mind.

"Thank you, Y/n," Hermione said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

"I couldn't have made it through today without your support...I honestly probably would have been a wreck" she chuckles fo herself as Y/n nodded, a soft smile on her face.

"It's my pleasure, Minister. I'm here to assist you in any way I can." Y/n replies as Hermione offered her a cup as well. She watched as her assistant sat on the loveseat in her office and gave a quiet sigh of relief.

As they sat there, sipping tea and enjoying a moment of respite, Hermione felt a sense of camaraderie and trust between them. Y/n had quickly become more than just an assistant; she had become a confidante and a source of support.

"I must admit," Hermione began, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"Being a Minister is more challenging than I ever imagined. But I'm determined to make a difference." She sighs softly as Y/n's eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked at Hermione.

"And you will, Minister. Your dedication and passion are evident in everything you do."

Hermione's resolve strengthened, fueled by Y/n's words of encouragement. She knew that the road ahead would be filled with obstacles and difficult decisions, but she also knew that she had the support of her team and the unwavering belief in her own abilities.

As she finished her cup of tea, Hermione couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism. The first month as Minister had been a whirlwind, but she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With Y/n by her side, she knew that together they could make a real difference in the wizarding world.

And so, Hermione closed her eyes, taking a moment to savor the quiet before the storm.

——————

A couple months later...

In the months that followed, Hermione found herself drawn to Y/n in ways she couldn't quite explain. It was more than just admiration for her work ethic and intelligence. There was a connection—a spark—that seemed to grow with each passing day.

As they worked side by side, discussing policies and strategies, Hermione felt a sense of ease and comfort in Y/n's presence.

Their conversations went beyond work, delving into personal anecdotes and shared interests. Y/n's wit and charm were captivating, and Hermione found herself looking forward to their interactions.

One evening, after a particularly long day, Hermione sat in her office, reflecting on the events of the day. Her thoughts kept drifting to Y/n, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was something more between them.

The idea both excited and frightened her—excited because she hadn't felt this way in a long time, and frightened because she didn't want to jeopardize their professional relationship.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione decided to confide in her closest friend, Harry. She knew he would provide the guidance and support she needed.

The next day, during their lunch break, Hermione found herself sitting across from Harry at a small café near the Ministry. She hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up.

"Harry, I need to talk to you about something," Hermione began, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"Of course, Hermione. What's on your mind?"

Harry asks as he raised an eyebrow, his green eyes curious. Hermione took a sip of her tea, gathering her thoughts.

"It's about Y/n, my assistant," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I think... I think I might be falling in love with her."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself, clearing his throat and leaning forward slightly.

"Well, that's quite a revelation, Hermione. Have you spoken to her about your feelings?" He asks quietly as he stared at her. Hermione shook her head, her curls bouncing slightly.

"No, not yet. I wanted to talk to you first, get some perspective." She replies as Harry leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Well, Hermione, love can be complicated, especially in a professional setting. But I've seen the way you two interact, and there's no denying the chemistry between you." He states with a small smile as he thought back on the times he gone up for a quick chat, and found them in such a deep discussion that they didn't even notice him there.

A blind man could hear their longing and teasing whispers back and forth were much more than casual banter.

Hermione's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of hope and fear flooding through her as she took in his words.

"Do you think it's wise to pursue this, Harry? What if it doesn't work out? I don't want to lose her as a colleague or a friend." She asks, thinking of all the HR department meetings she's been in recently.

Harry reached across the table and placed a comforting hand on Hermione's. He had his comforting smile shining brightly, like he use to when she was to much inside her head,

"Love is always a risk, Hermione. But sometimes, the greatest rewards come from taking those risks. If you truly believe there's something special between you and Y/n, then it might be worth exploring." He says as he leaned back and took a sip of his coffee, which was now a bit cold. Hermione nodded, her mind filled with swirling thoughts and emotions.

"Thank you, Harry. Your advice means a lot to me." She replies with a soft breath as she ran and nervously hand through her curls.

They sat in silence for a few moments, Hermione contemplating her next steps. She knew that she couldn't let fear hold her back from what could potentially be a beautiful connection.

But she also didn't want to lose her job and be known as the Minister with the shortest time in office.

As the days turned into weeks, Hermione found herself unable to shake off her growing feelings for Y/n. She longed for a deeper connection, a chance to explore what lay beneath the surface. She knew that it was time to have an honest conversation with Y/n, to lay her cards on the table.

Question was, would Y/n fold?

Hermione was currently in her office, going through this months expenses spreadsheet. Her eyes darted over the too many zeros that landed on the total sum, which only made her want to run her head through a wall.

"Are you alright, Minister?"

She jumped and looked up to find Y/n leaning against her doorframe, a small raise of her eyebrow.

"What? Yes! No! Wait, what was the the question?" She coughed out in surprise,

Smooth Hermione, smooth.

"I asked if you were alright" Y/n chuckled as she walked in and sat at one of the two chairs in front of Hermione's desk.

"Oh! I'm fine. Just looking over the expenses" Hermione sighs out as Y/n grinned slightly, a glint of understanding in her eye.

"You saw that number too? I don't think I'd ever make that much in two lifetimes" She chuckled as Hermione began to smile, her hair falling slightly in her face.

"You think you could have that much in three lifetimes?" She asks and Y/n sighed, a soft smile on her lips.

"Fine. Six lifetimes." She admitted, making Hermione snicker softly as she put the paper away in one of the piles. She'd deal with it later.

Her eyes flickered to the clock that hung on her wall and she was surprised to see it already 9 p.m. Their eyes reconnect as Hermione straightened her back and took a small deep breath.

"You should really get home Y/n. It's so late now." Hermione sighs as she grabbed another stack of folders from her 'IN' box. How she wished she still was able to go home at regular times.

"I don't go home till you do" Y/n hummed as she rested her leg over the other and watched her Minister stress about things that could very much wait till tomorrow.

Hermione looked back up at her with a soft chuckle, this wasn't the first time Y/n had said this, and it probably wouldn't be the last.

"You're loyalty to me is unmatched" Hermione whispers as Y/n grinned even more, making the Ministers face feel hot as she could hear Harry's words from the Cafe echo somewhere in the back of her mind. She had to confess her feelings, it was now or never.

"Of course" Y/n replied as she stood up and walked over to Hermione's desk, grabbing half the stack of folders, and walking back to the seat.

Hermione took a steadying breath as Y/n sat back down, their eyes meeting once more. In those piercing eyes she saw kindness, dedication, and something else she dared not name, at least not yet.

But the hours were growing late and she knew her courage would fade with the light if she did not speak her truth now.

"Y/n, there is something I must confess." Her voice came out soft yet resolute. Setting her quill down, she folded her hands as if in prayer to steady them.

"These past few months working together, I have come to rely on you not just as my assistant but as...as someone very dear to me. Your support and friendship have meant more than I can say." She paused, afraid to continue yet knowing she had come too far to turn back.

Would Y/n understand? Return her feelings? Or would this truth destroy the bond they had built? Only one way to find out.

"What I'm trying to say is...I care for you as more than a colleague or friend. My affections have grown beyond what is appropriate. I understand if this makes you uncomfortable and of course nothing needs to change. Your friendship is most important to me. I simply couldn't bear not speaking the truth, for fear of what might have been." She states, her words hung between them, freighted with vulnerability and hope.

A gentle smile spread across Y/n's face as Hermione spoke, her own cheeks flushing pink in response. One did not earn the position of Ministry assistant without possessing a cool head in delicate situations, yet even she found herself momentarily flustered by such raw honesty.

"Hermione," she began, settling into a relaxed yet attentive pose as if to set them both at ease.

"I must admit I had hoped my own feelings were not so transparent. You have been quite inspiring to work for, though 'inspiring' fails to capture all that I feel." Y/n whispers, her eyes held Hermione's gaze steadily, conveying warmth and care beneath the subtle tease.

"Say rather that serving you has allowed me to see your true heart - wise, compassionate, and now open to me in a way I dare not have dreamed. I would be remiss in my duties if I did not return such openness in kind." She states with as a playful glint entered her eye then, lightening the mood.

"So is that permission to call you something other than 'Minister' once we've left this office behind...? I believe the day calls for a walk, if you're agreeable." She asks with a grin, her smile lingered hopefully. Hermione jumped up with alacrity, her chair toppling backwards in her haste.

"Of course, I - oh shit!" She whispers as papers scattered far and wide as a thick dossier slipped off the edge of her desk, sending important documents fluttering every which way.

Y/n couldn't suppress a lively peal of laughter at the sheepish expression on Hermione's flushed face, and soon the two women found themselves giggling uncontrollably like schoolgirls caught in mischief.

"I do believe the Ministry can spare its esteemed leader for an evening," Y/n teased, rising to assist in the cleanup.

Her gentle fingers brushed Hermione's as she passed over a fallen piece of parchment, and their eyes met once more - full of mirth now, and something sweeter behind it. What a sight they must be, the usually steadfast Minister reduced to this giddy state!

Yet in that moment, surrounded by paperwork and possibilities, any shred of propriety seemed a small price to pay for the joy of Y/n's company outside these walls.

At last the disaster area was tamed, and with a flourish Y/n opened the office door.

"After you, Minister." She says, her tone held only warm affection now. As they embarked into the lamplit corridors arm in arm, a whisper of what delights the night might hold hung tantalizingly in the air.

But for the present, a stroll beneath the stars with good company would be magic enough. Our story's lovebirds had earned an evening of carefree happiness.

[snarryauctoberfest]

The Week 1 roundup can be found here. The Week 2 roundup can be found here. The Week 3 roundup can be found here.

Week 5 commences posting Monday the 28th October.

Day 15

Title: Synthesis Creator: ??? Prompt: 2024-21 - Non-magical AU: “You’re a wizard, Harry.” Rating: Explicit Word Count: 11.2k Summary: Severus is a brilliant but hard-to-work-with chemistry professor, who only teaches because he has to but would much rather spend all his time doing research. Harry is the grad student that either Albus or Minerva - the head of the chemistry department on paper, even though everyone knows Severus always gets what he wants - has assigned to essentially follow Severus around and tell him “no” when he’s being unreasonable. Harry is tasked with keeping Severus on budget and preventing all his students from quitting his class. Severus takes this as a personal affront.

💚❤️ Read on AO3 💚❤️

Title: Bad Ideas Creator: ??? Prompt: Prompt 2024-82: An alligator features prominently in the fan work Rating: General Audiences Word Count: 684 Summary: A romantic weekend gets run aground when a hunt for mythological creatures finds “something.”

💚❤️ Read on AO3 💚❤️

Title: Muggle Adventures (Alligators Edition) Creator: ??? Prompt: 2024-82: An alligator features prominently in the fan work Rating: General Audiences Word Count: Artwork Summary: You want alligators? I'll give you alligators.

💚❤️ View on AO3 💚❤️

Day 16

Title: Reckoning Creator: ??? Prompt: 2024-51: Corporate Snarry! CEOs, IT guys, or just regular employees finding love. Rating: Explicit Word Count: 31.2k Summary: Harry discovers that there is something wrong at his company and sets out to visit it undercover, pretending to be the new Happiness Manager.

💚❤️ Read on AO3 💚❤️

Day 17

Title: baring my arse (baring my heart) Creator: ??? Prompt: 2024 09 - Naked wedding. That's it, that's the prompt. Rating: Explicit Word Count: 5k Summary: "Why do we have to be naked again?"

💚❤️ Read on AO3 💚❤️

Title: Raven King Creator: ??? Prompt: 2024-78 - James warned Harry not to go. Rating: Explicit Word Count: 5.4k Summary: Against his father's wishes, Harry and his friends, freshly graduated from Hogwarts High, visit the elusive Euphemia Club. Where for the right price, dreams come true.

“The head is too wise. The heart is all fire.” ― Maggie Stiefvater, The Raven King

💚❤️ Read on AO3 💚❤️

Day 18

Title: A Prize Worth Any Price Creator: ??? Prompt: N/a Rating: Explicit Word Count: 7.7k Summary: Defeated by the Rogue King and his army, the remaining nobles of Voldania sacrifice omega Severus Snape as a war prize. They know the propaganda about the Rogue King's marauding ways and discarded lovers. The nobles laugh about sending an old, 'ugly' omega and taunt Severus with predictions that he'll be hate-ravished or killed outright for the insult. Meanwhile Harry thinks he's agreed to an arranged marriage for the peace contracts. He knows about the spy who worked for the resistance during Voldemort's reign. He's excited to have such a dashing spouse.

💚❤️ Read on AO3 💚❤️

Title: Wasting Away Again in Margaritaville Creator: ??? Prompt: 2024-80 - A fanwork inspired in some way by the works of the late, great Jimmy Buffett. Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Word Count: 2.1k Summary: Severus Snape hanging out in a resort, life in shambles, enjoys a frozen margarita or three and eyes the bartender.

💚❤️ Read on AO3 💚❤️

Day 19

Title: Too Hot To Handle: Wizarding Edition Creator: ??? Prompt: 2024-102: wizards discover reality TV. Rating: Explicit Word Count: 92.7k Summary: In a world where Voldemort died during the blitz and the Wizarding War, led by Bellatrix Lestrange, ended for good in 1981 when the attack on the Potters led to the Death Eaters being captured without incident, the Ministry is at a loss. The younger generation are not showing any inclination to settle down and have children, as their parents did before them. They considered a number of ideas but the development of the two-way mirror allowed for reality television to become a viable option. Welcome to Too Hot To Handle: Wizarding Edition, a show designed to encourage contestants to form deep and meaningful connections, punishing anyone who breaks the rules. Making more meaningful connections often has unforeseen consequences and what people intend to happen isn't necessarily what actually happens.

💚❤️ Read on AO3 💚❤️

2024 Snarry AUctoberfest Entries || HOS Tumblr || Discord

[elisedonut]

What do you think about Kingsley Shacklebolt x Percy Weasley?

I have read a couple of fics about them and they are like, Percy is still the Minister's secretary and Kingsley starts to see his secretary and goes "Mmm he is cute, I should make a move but be subtle about it, don't want him to go away" and Percy is just "OMG my boss is hot and I don't know what to do"

I like the idea that Percy has a thing for older men but I would like to ask what do you think of them?

I've been thinking about this since I got it and honestly like i don't really have much to say on it??

I want to have something to say but its like

Yeah- ok I see where you're coming from

really Secretary/boss relationships are not actually something I tend to like much like on their own

like Barty Sr./Percy for example is less about the dynamic and more about how Obsessed with him Percy seems to be if that makes sense so I'm kind of picky about it Like I don't actually want anything to happen i just want pinning until death

and Kingsley doesn't really have that in the same way like i can't really see Percy being like that about any other boss (unless its like an au where his first boss was just a different person) because after the war he's too jaded over everything

but all that said Yeah I think i could be convinced

just not in a Boss/Employee stich for them probably

or at least not like a true one i think they would be pretty fun in a "Percy decides not to go back to the ministry post-war" scenario

where Kingsley as new Minister ends up being one of very few who really know about the lengths that Percy went to try to help during the war and now keeps having to talk to him because by the end Percy was handling a decent chunk of paperwork

And was not doing it in a way that was easily to understand for people who were not him

so no one really seems to know where anything is anymore and maybe he keeps trying to get Percy to just come back and work for him because he is a really good worker bee but

Percy just can not set foot in there anymore

anyway yeah idk i think it could be cute

also yeah i do think Percy's got a bit of a thing for older men but ngl i typically give him more of just having a thing for people stronger then him like in general that can be physically, Mentally, being in a position of power over him

[danpuff-ao3]

Snarry-a-Thon 2015 Recs

Snarry-a-Thon is an annual fest of Snarry goodness that always brings so much creativity and joy in the Snarry community. I am forever blown away by how much talent and passion Snarry-lovers have. With that in mind, I wanted to create some special recs for a fest near and dear to my heart.

With that, here are my Top 5 picks for the 2015 fest! But first...

Disclaimer: my rec lists are created based on my personal experiences and preferences. There are plenty of other stories and authors who are quite good and deserve just as much love. This is not meant to be an objective “best of the best” list, but the subjective opinion of a longtime reader and fangirl.

Painted in the Worst Light

by asecretchord. Rated: E. Words: 98,457. Trials. Wizengamot.

Severus survived Nagini's bite and is now on trial before the Wizengamot. Due to a weird loophole in the law books, he has the right to choose any Ministry employee to defend him, and he chooses Auror-trainee, Harry Potter.

Under the Cover of Darkness

by avioleta (@avioleta). Rated: E. Words: 22,515. Muggle AU. First Time. Slow build. Masturbation.

Harry is a graduate student studying criminal psychology; Snape is an investigative reporter with a questionable past. Together, the go undercover to research the nefarious Scottish cult headed by Tom Riddle. They discover far more than they bargained for.

A House, a Home

by elmyraemilie. Rated: T. Words: 20,072.

Snape and Potter have gone their separate ways after the war. Snape is shocked to find that the builder he's contacted to do some minor repairs on Spinner's End turns out to be Harry Potter. That's not the only shock he's going to have, either.

The Builder

by sra_danvers. Rated: M. Words: 8,051.

Ten years after the war, Severus has saved enough Galleons to renovate Spinner’s End. He's stunned to find the work will be done by none other than Harry Potter.

ProtoSnape

by suitesamba (@suitesamba). Rated: E. Words: 13,342. Humor. Mystery.

When WWW decides to add Headmaster Snape to their Wizarding Heroes Action Figure line, Harry begins a correspondence with Snape’s cousin to iron out the details of the prototype. Albert Prince Jr. has some very specific ideas, and Harry soon finds himself counting buttons and measuring cauldron bottoms in a bid to get the action figure to market, and to find out a bit more about this mysterious cousin.

Snarry-a-Thon 2015 Masterlist

[finitepeace]

last week on me reading dramione

trying the oneshot ones because if I keep reading the longer ones I will have no life but reading dramione lol  (well, not a bad scenario though). 

Coloured Perceptions by another_lonely_writer | 17k words | years through hogwarts AU | Hermione can see colors on people and Draco’s piqued her interest. 

i have gone at dusk through narrow streets by i forgot to blink | 4k words | a moment of dramione on 5th year Hogwarts 

Eye of the Beholder by eilonwy | 2,5k words | a dramione fragments on 6th year hogwarts 

The True Master by Margot_le_Faye | 11k words | deathly hallows AU if draco realized the true power of elder wand in his possession | 

Epiphanies and  The Gift by eilonwy | 7k and 5k | 6th year dramione being cute over assignment and on valentine day

The Thing About Biscuits and epilogue  by eilonwy | 4k and 1,5k words | divorced dramione bonded over sending gift for their kids in hogwarts 

Notice me three times by darkeningskies | 7k words | moments when draco fell for hermione

Beer, Potions, and Unwise Notions by HeyJude19 | 13k words | magic-drunk hermione spilling her secret crush on draco 

To Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth by Onyx_and_Elm | 6k words | ministry employees dramione, hermione offering to teach draco how to conjure patronus

Kiss Me, Haunt Me, Kill Me by LovesBitca8 | 4k words | draco returned to hogwarts as potion master and to his surprise, hermione is now a ghost haunting hogwart halls. 

Draw Constellations On My Spine by actanonverba7 | 3k words | malfoy manor incident AU, prepare your heart 

By the Book by DarkoftheMoon | 12k words | jaded draco is now a muggle bookshop keeper, hermione accidentally went to his shop. 

Never Have I Ever by meditationsinemergencies | 12k words | dramione in arranged marriage, sexy time. 

Blindsided By: secretdiary | 9k words | 6th year Hermione challenged by the whole gryffindor to kiss Draco. 

here are the long ones that I read: 

Apple Pies and Other Amends by ToEatAPeach |  72k words | [recommended by @orchita, thanks!] hermione bakes and shares it with everyone, including the Malfoys (where their paid, well-dressed elf said, “mister draco looks at missus hermione like drowning man looking at air” 

Best Shot by AccioMjolnir | 23k words | 8th year hogwarts hermione visited by a time travelling hermione keen on saving draco, her husband (and probably make them together faster) 

Between Certifiable and Bliss by HeyJude19 | 97k words | in 6th year, a dream of hermione helped draco through the year, after the war, the real hermione helped him through his life 

Kiss, With Tongue by tamlane | 59k words | 8th year hermione had a race with Lavender and Pansy to finish their sexy to do list |

Pros and Cons by ChaosAndCrumpets | 47k words | Minister of Magic Hermione is accidentally pregnant, the father? her highly competent political strategist Draco malfoy. 

Just one more by emotionalsupporthufflepuff | 93k words | in which dramione took a page from Weasley family and had a horde of beloved children in their Granger-Malfoy clan.

Presque Toujours Pur By: ShayaLonnie | 173k words | in which  hermione is a secret member of the so called pureblood Black family. The fic has all my favorite trope: Snape has friends, Sirius and Lupin are alive, Buckbeak’s reappearance, and Hermione being happy. 

The Troublesome Thing About Time by LadyKenz347 | 38k words | time travelling Draco trying to save his wife, involving present hermione who is definitely not in love with current Draco Malfoy

*looking at the amount of fics in this list* huh, maybe I  dont have a life already...  

[sitp-recs]

Do you have any recommendations or tags for stories that have a dramatic love declaration?

Of course! I listed below my absolute faves as they left a big impression when it comes to love confessions. Whenever I get asks about this I crave for a Grey’s Anatomy AU emulating this scene with Lexie *sigh* (I always think of Far From the Tree when I see it though…)

An Emerald In The Sky by @corvuscrowned (M, 6k)

The hardest part about shagging an Unspeakable is that they’re not allowed to speak of anything. All Draco knows is that Harry works in Time. Harry works in Time, and while he’s out there in all of that time, it is as unforgiving to him as it is to anyone.

The Eighth Tale by lettered (E, 12k)

Draco Malfoy tries to fix the past, but instead mucks it up some more. For Harry, it all becomes quite clear.

What Real Thing? by @l0vegl0wsinthedark (E, 12.6k)

They don’t cuddle, they don’t talk about their relationship (or lack thereof) and they certainly never fall asleep in each other’s arms.

White as Snow by @bixgirl1 (E, 19k)

After a quick escape from danger, Harry and Draco find themselves trapped in a blizzard, a small cabin their only refuge from the storm. It's the perfect place to recover and regroup — and to have a long-overdue conversation or two.

The Boy Who Only Lived Twice by lettered (E, 54k)

Harry Potter is an Unspeakable. Draco Malfoy is the wizard who shagged him. Adventure! Intrigue! Secret identities, celebrities, spies! It's all right here, folks.

We Are Young (I'll Carry You Home Tonight) by Femme (E, 68k)

Harry and Draco have been falling into bed on and off again since the last election five years ago, much to the amusement--and financial gain--of their circle of friends.

Tea and No Sympathy by who_la_hoop (E, 70k)

It's Potter's fault, of course, that Draco finds himself trapped in the same twenty-four-hour period, repeating itself over and over again. It's been nearly a year since the unpleasant business at Hogwarts, and Draco's getting on with his life quite nicely, thank you, until Harry sodding Potter steps in and ruins it all, just like always.

Azoth by @lol-zeitgeistic (E, 88k)

Now that Harry is back at Hogwarts with Hermione for eighth year, he realises that something’s missing from his life, and it either has to do with Ron, his boggart, Snape, or Malfoy. Furthermore, what, exactly, does it mean when one’s life is defined by the desire to simultaneously impress and annoy a portrait? Harry has no idea; he’s too busy trying not to be in love with Malfoy to care.

Far From The Tree by aideomai (E, 112k)

The arrival of Harry Potter’s children—snapped back in time, the children themselves guessed, twenty or so years—was the most interesting thing to happen at Hogwarts for years.

What We Pretend We Can't See by gyzym (M, 131k)

Seven years out from the war, Harry learns the hard truth of old history: it’s never quite as far behind you as you thought.

Dwelling on Dreams by @the-sinking-ship (E, 135k)

Draco thought he could avoid Potter for the duration of his brief return to England. He’d stick to his schedule and be back home in Paris, where he belonged, in a few short months. No trouble at all. He had plenty to occupy him, what with the opening of the London branch of his successful apothecary, his innovative research, drinks with Pansy, a backlog of unread potions periodicals.

By the Grace by lettered (T, 140k)

Harry is an Auror instructor. Malfoy wants to be an Auror.

These Secrets In Me by Femme (E, 357k) - part 3 of Tales from the Special Branch series

Auror Special Branch team seven-four-alpha--Sergeant Draco Malfoy, Constable Pansy Parkinson, and Constable Blaise Zabini led by their SIO, Inspector Harry Potter--must handle personal and political fallout from the implication of Ministry employees and Aurors in the scandal around escaped Death Eaters and a Dementor uprising at Azkaban. On top of that, their original target, Antonin Dolohov, is in the wind.

[dhr-ao3]

Ephemeral

Ephemeral https://ift.tt/iRqOgbU by vannminner EPHEMERAL /uh·feh·muh·ruhl/: (adjective) lasting for only a short time. - The British Ministry of Magic was founded in the year 1707 and was eradicated by a group of rouge vigilantes on the Fifth of November 2024. Or it wasn’t. Nothing is decided, until it is. - Rated - E | Mind the Tags | Fix-It before it happens, eighth-year, corruptMinistry!AU | Words: 637, Chapters: 1/22, Language: English Series: Part 1 of éphémère Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Theodore Nott, Astoria Greengrass, Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Pansy Parkinson, Neville Longbottom Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: Time Skips, Time Loop, foresight, Hogwarts Eighth Year, Timeline Shenanigans, Divergent Timelines, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Non-Consensual Touching, Explicit Sexual Content, Explicit Language, The Ministry of Magic is Corrupt (Harry Potter), nothing is real, Angst and Tragedy, Inspired by V for Vendetta, Hermione Granger & Pansy Parkinson Friendship, Draco Malfoy in Azkaban, Additional Warnings In Author's Note, Ministry of Magic Employee Hermione Granger, Post-Battle of Hogwarts, runic magic, Characters Re-Sorted Into Different Hogwarts Houses, POV Hermione Granger via AO3 works tagged 'Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy' https://ift.tt/jYNFeXz May 05, 2024 at 09:32PM

[eastwindmlk]

AO3 tag game

Thank you for tagging me @so-scarlett-maroon

How many works do you have on AO3? 35 open and 4 hiddenAs

What's your total AO3 word count? 247,636

What fandoms do you write for? Harry Potter Dramione and Jily as a main. And sometimes I sprinkle some other ships there too.

Top five fics by kudos:

Desk Delights - Dramione Smut, ministry employees with a little hint of sub!Draco, Oneshot

Dragon in the Deep - Dramione creature smut, dragonshifter!Draco, Oneshot

Boy (in the bedroom) Next Door - Jily No Voldemort!AU where they meet later in life. Complete

Echoes of Tuning Hearts - Jily Band!AU Lily is tour manager. A little forced proximity and idiots in love, Complete

Astral Alignments - Dramione, E rated post-warm with accidental pregnancy. WIP

Do you respond to comments? I try to, but sometimes I get really overwhelmed and don't know how to answer.

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? Oh that will be a toss up. Either Développement, which is a James Potter in his last moments. Or Blessed in Darkness which is Dramione creature smut with feelings.

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest endings? I write very little that isn't a happy ending! I know Astral Alignments will have a traditional HEA ending. So, I am going to highlight a Ren Faire AU which is just silly and funny. Dillweed in a Fancy Metal Can

Do you get hate on fics? I have gotten two unkind comments, but I don't know if that really counts as hate. People have been very kind to me and my mid writing.

Do you write smut? I do! I don't think I am great at it, but it helps me reset a little.

Craziest crossover? I did a silly Harry PotterxPercy Jackson. But I have not yet really dipped by toes into a real crossover.

Have you ever had a fic stolen? Not that I am aware of. But I am also not well known enough. There are a million more incredible stories to steal.

Have you ever had a fic translated? No, I have not.

Have you ever co-written a fic? I would love to, I think it would be really fun! But I have not.

All time favorite ships? Jily was my first love and will always be special. Then there is Dramione, Jilypad, Lilypad, Prongsfoot and the occational Wolfstar.

What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you will? I have a Royal!AU Jily just sitting around that I am not sure will ever get published.

What are my writing strengths? Dialogue and I think I am decent at coming up with interesting plots. Not writing them, but I have ideas.

What are your writing weakness? The actual writing. And my self-esteem is really an issue. I doubt myself a lot and it really hurts sometimes.

Thoughts on dialogue in another language? I do it in roleplay, but I will more than likely not write full sentences. Only words here and there.

First Fandom that you wrote in? Either Glee or The Vampire Diaries.

Favorite fic(s) you've written? Ouch! Uhm! That is a good question! I really like Dillweed in a Fancy Metal Can. But TB(itB)ND is also clsoe to my heart since it was my first gift fic ever.

If you read this far thanks so much for checking this out!!

I am tagging: @nena-96 @nodirectionhome-ao3 @melbellelove @siobhanhazel @annabtg

[bridgertonbabe]

Hogwarts AU is one of my favourites!! If you get multiple asks from me on this… well Im not sorry 😂😂

I’d love love love to see how they are on Sophie’s first day at work, with Edmund showing her around the Minstry like “this is my daughter in law” and Benedict being the proud boyfriend whilst trying not to worry and the three boys being the same (though Colin being an ass still with Benedict 😂)

Edmund would insist that Sophie stay the night at Aubrey Hollow before her very first day at the Ministry and she takes him up on the offer so she can have someone to walk into work with and thus ease her brewing nerves. Of course with their relationship now out in the open she and Benedict come as a package deal so naturally he joins her back at the family home and they share his old bedroom together.

She is woken up the next morning, not by the alarm she had set, but by a gentle forehead kiss from her boyfriend and when she opens her eyes she's met with a cup of tea he's just made. Sophie's touched not just by Benedict's thoughtfulness but by the fact that he had gotten up far earlier than he prefers to all in the name of making a fuss of her ahead of her first day.

When they get downstairs Violet's gone all out with breakfast to ensure Sophie is well fed and has even gone to the trouble of making her a packed lunch. Even though there's a staff canteen and plenty of local eateries, Violet wanted to prepare a lunch for her just in case she was overwhelmed while finding her bearings within the Ministry; an act which Sophie shows her gratitude by hugging her maternal figure tightly.

While Sophie hadn't wanted to cause such a fuss ahead of her first day, naturally that went against the Bridgertons plans, as she spent most of her breakfast opening a stack of good luck cards and unwrapping a bunch of presents, most of which were stationery that would probably see her through all the way to retirement.

Phillip and Michael arrived shortly before she was set to leave so they could wish her luck in person and see her off along with the rest of the Bridgertons currently residing in Aubrey Hollow. Sophie couldn't help but feel it was all slightly over the top as one by one she hugged everyone gathered but nevertheless it meant the world to her to know just how loved she was by them all. After a departing kiss from Benedict (and ignoring the disgruntled look on Colin's face as he watched) she stepped foot into the fireplace and seconds later found herself in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic. Edmund then showed her to her office but since they had arrived well over thirty minutes before her department would begin their daily operations, she was marched about the Ministry by the Bridgerton patriarch and proudly introduced to practically every last person who worked there as his daughter-in-law. (She would attempt to correct Edmund after the first couple of introductions and say she was his son's girlfriend, only for Edmund to refer to her as his daughter-in-law-to-be and before Sophie could object he'd snort that it was a given and Sophie simply accepted defeat.)

After a successful first morning Edmund swings by to show her the canteen and also introduce her to the few Ministry employees they hadn't met earlier on in the day. She spends her lunch break with Edmund and his colleague Miles Sharma and she is kept entertained as the two men eagerly discuss their favourite topic; Muggle inventions. She answers all of their questions and is then amazed when Miles points out that the light-up skechers she bought for Edmund several years ago for Christmas are what all the pureblood wizards wear at the Ministry after Edmund wore them to work and set the trend.

At the end of the day Sophie is once again picked up from her office by Edmund and the pair return to Aubrey Hollow together where Violet, Benedict, and the rest of the Bridgertons are keenly awaiting to hear all about Sophie's first day. She's barely opened her mouth to respond when Edmund begins proudly boasting about her and how well liked she already is and how her head of department praised her work ethic. Edmund's lauding continues into the roast dinner Violet's prepared specially and despite the slight embarrassment she feels by the extents Edmund is going to in hyping her up, she cherishes his unconditional pride of her dearly because while she might not be one of his daughters, he's never treated her anything less than being one of his own and for that she's eternally grateful for having Edmund Bridgerton in her life.

[manyfacesmanynamesx]

Hello! I'm Chris, and Im looking for some hp rp au partners (21+) My main boys are; Mathew Daddario - Sirius Black 20/ex Gryffindor/barman Max Irons - Barty Crouch Jr - 19/ex ravenclaw/ministry employee/unspeakable. Nico mirallegro - Ted Tonks - 19/Ex Gryffindor/Auror

[ammg-old2]

When Wagner Group paramilitaries marched into Rostov-on-Don on Saturday, many residents responded by offering food and water. In one video, a young woman offers a soldier masked in a balaclava and wielding an assault rifle a packet of crackers. When asked why, she answers, “It’s a humane thing. They look tired.”

Those soldiers must be tired, and now their future is even more uncertain. The ones who participated in Yevgeny Prigozhin’s failed coup will escape prosecution because of their “heroic deeds on the front,” according to the Kremlin, while those Wagner paramilitaries who didn’t participate will be offered Russian Defence Ministry contracts. Although Prigozhin was able to negotiate a safe exit from Russia (at least for now), an early casualty of this coup seems to be the Wagner Group itself; Vladimir Putin is unlikely to keep it intact.

Over the course of a single weekend, Prigozhin and Putin have jointly done what the Ukrainian military and its NATO allies have failed to achieve in 18 months of war: They’ve removed Russia’s single most effective fighting force from the battlefield. Wagner Group fighters have, since 2014, combatted a long line of adversaries including the Ukrainian armed forces, the Free Syrian Army, the Libyan army, and even elements of the U.S. armed forces. Although many of those Wagner Group fighters may now be folded into the regular Russian military, their power will be forever diluted.

Wagner’s potency was derived both from its experience as a fighting organization and from its status as a private entity, one that has operated apart from the state. The grief of a mother mourning the death of her mercenary son doesn’t resonate politically the same as the grief of a mother mourning the death of her conscripted son. One is an employee in a private enterprise; the other is the responsibility of the nation. Outsourcing dirty wars to mercenaries is a practice as old as war itself. If it checks political costs at home in the short term, it increases long-term political risk. When loyalty to a commander eclipses loyalty to the side for which the soldiers are fighting, the result is a mercenary army that marches on its capital—as Putin has just seen.

Up to this point, Putin’s pathway to victory in Ukraine has relied on a strategy of attrition, both of Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield and of the political will of Ukraine’s allies. The most effective tool Putin had for the former has now ceased to exist. When it comes to the latter, before this weekend, Putin seemed to have a chance at sustaining his war in Ukraine longer than the West could sustain its interest; this was a strategy he pursued effectively in Syria. But the loss of the Wagner Group necessitates that Putin rely wholly on the Russian military. This reduces his ability to insulate the Russian population from the costs of war, diminishing the political space for such an approach.

Authoritarians aren’t the only heads of state fixated on the costs of war. We’ve all heard the term boots on the ground. It’s a fixation among American leaders in times of war. The Pentagon even bestowed an acronym on this concept, BOG, pronounced “bog,” as if it correlates with getting “bogged down” in a war. American presidents have long relied on special-operations forces, CIA paramilitary forces, and mercenary forces like Blackwater to reduce the U.S. military’s footprint in countries where we’ve been at war. But the stakes are different for democratically elected leaders. Unlike in authoritarian nations, the cost of a lost war for a president is likely a lost election, not the loss of his life.

We live in an age of rising authoritarianism. Those authoritarians have little respect for international order, and wish to redraw maps. This has made Ukraine a global, not a regional, concern. The greatest current authoritarian regime is China, and the ease or difficulty that Russia faces in Ukraine today informs the decisions that President Xi Jinping might make tomorrow in Taiwan. The biggest threat to any authoritarian is one from within. An autocrat considers his decision to wage war alongside his appreciation for whether that war will consolidate or weaken his power. Putin’s troubles in Ukraine are already a cautionary tale for autocrats the world over. This latest chapter highlights the existential threat from within that hired armies pose. Strategists in Beijing, Tehran, and elsewhere will likely be redrafting aspects of their war plans.

But there’s still an actual war going on in Ukraine, and it isn’t over because Putin is facing a political crisis. Ukraine is in the middle of a summer offensive. It’s still early, but gains in that offensive have thus far proved underwhelming. Even if Ukraine hasn’t yet retaken meaningful swaths of territory, it’s taken back something every bit as important: the strategic initiative. The strain Ukrainians placed on Prigozhin’s forces in Bakhmut, Kherson, and a host of other places contributed to this rebellion, and this rebellion is again placing the Ukrainians in the driver’s seat of the war.

Prigozhin ostensibly turned against Putin and marched on Moscow because of the insufficient support of the Russian military. In the opening hours of the coup, he said, “Those who destroyed our lads, who destroyed the lives of many tens of thousands of Russian soldiers, will be punished.” The coup attempt we’ve just witnessed was a profound punishment for Putin and Russia. In this regard, Prigozhin was successful. The question we should all be asking now is how to capitalize on Prigozhin’s success.