#probably Hermione is secretly happy as well though she will never admit it

[metalomagnetic]

Either must die snippet

***A dear friend asked on discord if I have some EMD writing left, so here it is.***

----

Harry hadn’t stopped screaming since he entered the kitchen; he’s furious. It’s been a long time since he exploded in such righteous anger.

Cheeks red, jaws set, and those damned eyes of his glinting. Why, it’s almost like before, back in the war. Of course, now at least he can appear somewhat intimidating, what with the size of him. He doesn’t intimidate Voldemort, but it is easy to imagine he could make a random individual cower. Voldemort would like to see Harry going off like this on some pesky journalists or one of his stalker fans. It would be entertaining.

As it is, it’s not entertaining at the moment. It irritates Voldemort to be screamed at.

One flick of his wrist, and he could silence Harry. Another flick and he can send him crashing into the wall. To resist temptation, he drums his fingers on the table, reaches inside to find patience. It’s getting harder and harder to be patient these days. He had to suffer it for a while, but now he’s back in power. A Minister, not a war lord, yet people learned not to trifle with him, not to glare at him, not to talk back.

Even Harry learned, as the years passed by. He minded his business, and he let Voldemort be. Yet it’s not worth the trouble to put him in his place, now. He can already imagine the dramatics that would follow. Harry would break again, and Voldemort will either have to lock him in an attic, never to be allowed in public, or he’d have to put in the effort to build him back up, and he certainly lacks the patience for that. Hermione would be insufferable about it. Delphini would cry.

Harry must be aware of these unpleasant outcomes, too, because while he screams, he doesn’t dare do more than that. He cries, too, tears of pain and frustration and pure despair. That improves Voldemort’s mood a tad. Harry always looks good when he’s crying. “I asked for one thing!” his voice breaks, rough. “One thing! You have everything, and I said nothing- you use me, you use my name, you- I only asked for one thing.”

What a lie. Harry might not verbally ask for much, but those pitiful eyes of his ask plenty, and Voldemort gives it to him. The ungrateful brat.

“And you couldn’t let me have it! You’re a monster!”

Show him, a voice begs, a voice that was dormant for so long, but it’s waking up lately. Show him the monster. Show him how patient you’d been with him all these years. Show him how it could have been.

Voldemort ignores it. His fingers curl around the table, momentarily, because just drumming them isn’t enough anymore, he itches for his wand, but then the crisis is avoided, and he is in control, he won’t snap. He does stand, because it’s safe to do it, his temper is in check, and Harry tired himself out with his tantrum. “You asked for her life,” Voldemort reminds him. “She is alive.” Moly Weasley lives. Thought it seems a misfortune befell her earlier that day. Well earned. Delicious revenge. Harry, sadly, is not the type to enjoy the poetic justice, the mastery in this delivery of punishment.

She lives, like he wanted, she isn’t even in pain, but the score was settled. Fleetingly, he wonders if Bella is happy, if she laughs gleefully in the afterlife. Perhaps not- Bella was never one for poetry, for subtlety. She got her vengeance in blood and screams. Harry stares at him, shaking his head. “I hate you,” he whispers. Voldemort did not want to break him, but he broke, anyway. So fragile, this boy of his, despite his impressive muscles, he shatters like glass. “Nothing new,” Voldemort replies, and walks out of the kitchen.

As soon as he reaches the garden, he feels his anger rising, now that he isn’t focused on not hurting Harry until he explodes into a pile of blood and bones. He gets angrier and angrier with every step. He feels as impotent as Harry must feel. No matter how mad the boy was, how obviously hurting, he did not even think to draw his wand at Voldemort, or punch him, like he once did. He would have- for Molly fucking Weasley, he would have. Harry has few limits, but the Weasleys are one. Harry would crash and burn with them, for them, the world be damned. He didn’t, however, because he must know, deep down, that it wasn’t Voldemort. But he can’t admit it to himself, not consciously. Voldemort is a convenient scapegoat. Voldemort is a monster, rotten and evil, and it’s easier for Harry this way. Easier than the truth.

He Apparates to Lestrange Manor, and he thinks of Bella again. How odd- he hadn’t truly thought of her in years, but now he feels her around; when he walks to Lestrange Manor, is feels like before, like when he’d walk this path and knew he’d find her and Rodolphus inside. He doesn’t, of course. He finds a copy of her, instead. Bella left him copies of herself, echoes that remain to dwell the earth in her absence. Voldemort walks past Andromeda, strolls through the Manor, until he finds Rodolphus’ copy.

Voldemort knows Rabastan is guilty as soon as he lays eyes on him. That stiff posture, the fear in his eyes, even if he keeps his chin up, defiant. “Your wand,” he snarls. Andromeda followed him, she’s frowning, confused, asking what the matter is. The matter is that Voldemort was disobeyed. “Leave,” Rabastan begs her. “Leave,” Voldemort snarls at her. Andromeda is a cheaper copy of Bella, in all senses. Tamer, sadder, broken. But wiser. She leaves.

Rabastan gives up ‘his’ wand. It’s not his, of course, just like Voldemort suspected. He knew, as Harry was screeching, as Voldemort sat there trying not to snap, he was thinking how all this could have been accomplished. Delphini is at Hogwarts, after all. Impossible for her to also be at the Burrow. Unless she Apparated there. But she wouldn’t risk doing all that with her wand. It became quite obvious who would have given her a wand. “It had to be done,” Rabastan dares to speak. “You moved on, but I can’t; not until justice was served. You moved on, but Delphi couldn’t.” Delphini is a far better copy of Bella, compared to Andromeda. But, as Voldemort feared- you do not fear!- as Voldemort suspected, she is no true copy of her mother. Oh, she’s her spitting image, she has some Black traits in her personality, but no- Delphi is his copy. The anger reaches its peak. Voldemort always treasured Rabastan over most others, awarded him more leeway than most others. But Rabastan is no Harry, he’s no Delphini, and Voldemort snaps.

He reminds Rabastan who he serves, whose mark is on his arm. Useless, of course. Rabastan was never one to cow for pain, nor learn from it. Yet his pain serves to soothe some of Voldemort’s anger, lets him take it out on him. Another convenient scapegoat.

(-)

She does walk like Bella, a confident, defiant tilt to her hips. She walks loudly, proudly, as if used to have others look at her in awe, covet her. She brought her heels, even if the path to the Forbidden Forest is not exactly best suited for heels. Whenever she angers him, she knows to make herself look even more like her mother.

Once, when he searched her mind, he saw Rodolphus teaching her this, on the night before he left her at Rowle’s. “It’s best if you look like her,” he told her, advising her to let her hair free, to wear the dresses Bella favoured. “He treasured her above all others, and, in time, I hope he’ll treasure you, too.” She doesn’t stop at a respectable distance, like Bella would have done when she knew she messed up, when she angered him. No. Delphini comes close, closer than anyone dares.

She’s taller than Bella already, and the heels almost bring her up to his chin. She looks up, and those are his eyes, that is his glare, his defiance, his stubbornness. “What potion did you give her?” “My own invention,” Delphini says, and pride flushes stronger on her face. “They won’t detect it.” “And if they do, then what is the problem, no?” Voldemort asks. “Who is going to suspect a perfect school girl? And if they do suspect her, who is going to blame the Minister’s daughter? Who would dare arrest her?” Delphini shrugs.

“If you plan on using my influence to stay out of trouble, if you know you can easily fall back on me to protect you, then you should discuss things with me before you do them.” “Why bother,” she spits. “You would have said ‘no’. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” He should have tortured Rabastan more, because not all the anger is out of his system. Furry comes back hot, coursing through his veins, going to his head. “Ask for forgiveness, then,” he hisses, and he takes the step that separated them, towers over her. If she wants to play these games, he’ll play them. She will lose. It’s time for her to learn to lose- Harry spoiled her, far too much. He ignored Voldemort’s warnings that Delphini shouldn’t get away with everything she does, that he should push back, whenever she tests them.

As always, Harry’s kind, tolerant heart, explodes spectacularly in his face.

Delphini doesn’t cower, not truly, but he can detect the current of fear that passes through her. Strangely, it does nothing to improve his mood. Terrifying people usually soothes his fury, but now it just taints it with an unknowable feeling. “I thought you loved Harry,” he says, softly.

“I do!” Her fingers curl into fists at her side. Her neck is bent back uncomfortably, trying to keep Voldemort’s gaze. “She’s alive, isn’t she? Like he asked. She loves Harry, didn’t forget him, and she’ll no doubt dote over him, like a mother. In fact, now that she only remembers loving him, she’ll love him even more! I took nothing from Harry! He can have his pretend mummy! I only took away the memories of all her living children! It’s only fair!”

Delphini’s voice gets louder. Defensive. “She stole my mother from me! So it’s only fair she forgets all the beautiful memories she has with her children, memories she didn’t let me form with my mother. It’s only fair she will only remember her dead son, like I have to remember my dead mother, every time I step foot into the Great Hall, where that harpy took her from me. From us! You lost her, too! And now Molly Weasley cannot remember her husband, either! It’s fair, it is!”

It is beautiful, he agrees. It is poetic and it is just. It is perfect. However.

“You knew he’ll blame me for it; you understand he’s devastated; you understand how he’ll avoid me now, how he’ll suffer, how he’ll moan and whine at me for months on end, start drinking again, retreat into his spare bedroom and rot there for who knows how long. You are perfectly aware Hermione will blame me, too. That it could potentially harm my work. You knew this would affect me. And you did it anyway.” He cups Delphini’s face, and she finally flinches, though she doesn’t draw back.

So beautiful, this child. So intelligent. She loves Voldemort, understands him like no other. His perfect girl. If Voldemort would have ever wanted a daughter, if he’d have been given the chance to make her, build her from scratch- this is what he’d have imagined. Only, he still wishes she would have been more like Bella, or Rodolphus, or Harry; it would have been easier. For him, and for her. Alas, she is not like them. She is like him.

“She deserves it,” Delphini insists. “She hurt me!” Ever her tears are perfect, pretty shapes, clear, trailing down her cheeks. “That never works with me, Delphini,” he reminds her, using his thumb to brush one tear away. “I know!” she hisses. “Nothing works with you! That’s why I didn’t ask! Because you give Harry everything he asks, you are so attentive to provide him with what he needs, but you never care about what I want. What I need. I asked you to punish her, you promised me, remember? When I first met Ron. You promised me! But then Harry asked you to spare her, and you did what he wanted. You forgot about me, about my pain-“

“Shut up,” he says, softly. “I allow you far more than I would anyone else. Harry is my prisoner, he does only what I allow him to do, even if he deluded himself into thinking otherwise. I give you freedom. I don’t make decisions for you. I accept you as you are. But-“ he takes his hand away. “Do not trespass against me, Delphini,” he warns her. “If you want to hurt others, don’t use your mother as an excuse to do it. More importantly, don’t hurt people that are useful to me. Ask before you pull something like this again. And when I say ‘no’, better heed it. Or leave. Go far away, and make trouble there. This is my country, and nothing happens inside it without my say so. I worked for sixty years to subdue this island. If you want that kind of power, you will have to work for it, too.”

[merlinpotterandtherandom]

Harry and Draco have been secretly dating since 4th year and they manage to hide it pretty well, so well that not even his friends know they're in a relationship.

By the end of 5th year Harry and Draco have this huge argument, Draco knows that Voldemort will probably want to recruit him to the Death Eaters as a punishment for Lucius' failure so he tells Harry he wants to let that happen so he can be a spy to Harry and Harry, who has just lost Sirius, is not happy about it at all, Harry refuses to let Draco do it, Harry refuses to risk his boyfriend's life for something like this. But Draco manages to convince Harry to let him do it, Draco tells Harry that it's the best if Harry has his own spy so he can get unfiltered information. Harry still isn't happy about it, but after Draco did an unbreakable vow to run straight up to Harry if he felt he was uncovered or if Draco just feels like his life is in way too much danger, Harry ended up agreeing with Draco that it would be nice to have his own spy in the Death Eaters.

6th year comes around and Draco is a bit distraught by the task Voldemort gave him, so he tells Harry everything and shows Harry that Voldemort really did mark him, which he wasn't expecting Voldemort would do. Harry just gently presses a kiss close to the mark, 'cause he's afraid he's gonna accidentally activate the mark if he touches it, and then pulls Draco closer and kisses him and tells Draco he's gonna help him to fix the vanishing cabinet so Draco doesn't have to do it all alone. Harry really couldn't keep his eyes out of his boyfriend, he knew Draco was worried with his mother and with everything so Harry was really watching Draco like a hawk to make sure Draco was eating and sleeping. Hermione, Ron, Neville, Ginny, Dean, Seamus and basically all of the Gryffindors thought Harry was obsessed with and/or stalking Draco, and Harry was just like "No! I'm not stalking him!" and Hermione was like "So you admit you're obsessed then?" and Harry really didn't deny that he's obsessed, Draco is his boyfriend! Of course he's obsessed with his own boyfriend! But he couldn't tell Hermione that, so he just shrugged and moved on with the conversation. During all of this, Harry also insisted that Draco learns the Patronus, 'cause it's useful.

While Harry is with Hermione and Ron hunting Horcruxes, Draco is between Hogwarts and the Malfoy Manor. Draco sends Harry his patronus with information. Harry just smiles everytime he sees Draco's patronus, even though it usually brings bad news.

The battle of Hogwarts happens. Harry saves Draco from the Fiendfyre and Harry just can't control himself anymore and ends up pulling Draco closer and kissing him when they're out of the fire. Hermione and Ron are shocked when Draco actually just lets Harry kiss him and even kisses back. So when Harry finally kills Voldemort, he keeps ignoring everyone around him and keeps looking for Draco, Hermione pops up on Harry's side and points to a direction and says she saw Draco in there. Harry thanks her and runs to Draco, who he finds all alone outside the castle just staring at it and Harry just wraps his arms around Draco's waist and kisses Draco's cheek, Draco turns around after that and kisses Harry properly in the lips and then blurts out a "Marry me" and Harry is shocked so he doesn't answer immediately so Draco just starts trailing off about how scared he was when he saw Harry in Hagrids arms and how relieved he was when he noticed Harry was alive and how all of this just made him realize how short life can be and how he wants to spend the rest of his with Harry. Harry kissed Draco before he could say something else and said yes.

Harry testified for Draco, saying that Draco was his spy since the beginning, that Draco was never a real Death Eater and it was all part of their plan.

Harry and Draco's wedding happens just a week before they go back to Hogwarts for the "8th" year.

[messrmoonyy]

The fluff 49 with Remadora!!

I literally used to always just write from Doras thoughts yet here I am now obsessed with writing outta Remus’ head. Jealous Remus. We love to see it. Prompt from this list.

Prompt: ‘ is somebody jealous? ‘

Pairing: Remus lupin x Nymphadora Tonks

Warnings: mild language

You can find all my other writing on my masterlist and remember my ask box is always open, so drop me a request! Check my masterlist for who I write for!

Remus didn’t think he was a particularly jealous person. And he had plenty to be jealous of when he thought about it. But it just… never crossed his mind to be jealous. He was too far past having an emotion so useless, jealousy would never get him anyway. Being jealous of a man with more money than he had wouldn’t magically make a hundred galleons appear in his pocket. Being jealous of other people his age who were settled down with families wouldnt make his family return from the dead. Yet…. There he was, sat at his desk in the Grimmauld place library, practically seething.

He knew he was being ridiculous. Completely. But watching Sirius and Nymphadora laughing on the other side of the room was making his blood boil. He felt a little stupid in fact, they were related after all. But. The Blacks did have a bit of reputation for that didn’t they. And there was the matter that he’d heard Harry talking to Hermione about how he thought Nymphadora and Sirius were secretly a couple. And of course to top it all off Sirius had, and probably always would be, an absolute ladies man.

He didn’t really have a right to be jealous. Yes he and Tonks had been getting very… close, if that was even the best choice of words. He didn’t think close did justice right the several bouts of snogging he had found himself in a multitude of places around Grimmauld place. Only the previous night on the exact sofa she was pratting around on with Sirius now. Not to mention the nights Tonks snook into his room, or cornered him in the back of the library. And there was that one time he’d practically jumped her in the drawing room after a meeting. But there hadnt been any real discussion on what they were.

The only vague discussion being after their first kiss, when Remus has avoided her for a good four days after. Wracked with guilt that he’d let his self control slip. But she’d cornered him in the kitchen and forced him to confront the situation head on. He’d tried to tell her it was probably a mistake. That he wasn’t exactly the best of choices for her. But she’d told him he was ridiculous, that she didn’t care about his age. His condition. But there hadn’t been a talk on their situation since. He didn’t like to bring it up. Maybe it was simply casual for her. A late night hook up when she had stress form work to blow off. So he couldn’t be jealous could he.

But he was. Insanely so. His grip tightening on his quill as Sirius flung another awful joke at her and she threw her head back with laughter. Remus didn’t get it but she clearly did. He tried to distract his jealousy away by focusing on just how beautiful she was when she was laughing, how her eyes crinkled at the corners and her cheeks flushed pink. But it didn’t work as well as he hoped. Because if he noticed those things. Sirius must too.

“ if you two are going to continue being so noisy then would you just leave. Some of us are trying to work “ he snapped, slamming his fist to the desk for good measure. Sirius made some grumbled remark about Remus being a bore. But he didn’t care enough to pay attention.

“ ooo Tonksie that’s his professor tone “ Sirius said in a loud whisper before laughing again and nudging Tonks with his elbow “ sorry sir. Detention for talking in class? “ they both burst into laughter, Tonks steadying herself with a hand to Sirius’ shoulder. Remus sighed and tried to ignore them, his knuckles turning white around his quill. “ oh come on Re. Have a drink, lighten up “

“ I’m not in the mood. I’m trying to work “ he grumbled, purposely not looking over at she’d Sirius now had his arm slung around Tonks shoulders. He was being ridiculous. Though Tonks seemed to pick up on it.

There was then some hushed talking between the two of them, that his heightened senses would’ve allowed him to hear if he cared enough. But instead He huffed and looked back down at his mission report. There was the creek of the library door as Sirius left with another remark about how boring Remus was and then quiet. Assuming that Tonks had followed Sirius out of the room he debated on going to find her. But a few moments later her arms looped around his neck from behind him, her nose brushing against his cheek.

“ is somebody jealous? “ she said quietly, mischief evident in her tone. He’d hoped he hadn’t been so obvious. Clearly he had. Of course he had. He wasn’t exactly well practiced in the art of hiding his affections for someone. And besides, Tonks could read him like a book.

“ I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about “ he felt her smile against his cheek and she tightened her hold on him, bringing her chin down to rest on his shoulder.

“ he’s my cousin Remus. I might technically be a Black by name, but not by nature. Not really into the whole ‘ fuck your family members ‘ thing you know? Especially not Sirius. Merlin. It’d be like shacking up with a brother or something. Nasty. Ugh now you’ve put that imagine in my head “ she shivered at the thought and he couldn’t help but smile.

“ you said yourself he’s handsome “ he pointed out, remembering the conversation that had actually lead to their first kiss, in a much similar situation to the one they were currently in. His so thought non existent jealousy coming out to bite.

“ doesn’t mean I wanna shag him Remus “

“ you always have such a way with words “ she laughed lightly and moved around in front of him, hopping up onto the desk and folding her arms.

“ I’m quite offended actually “ Remus sat back in his chair and watched her intently. Her cheeks were flushed slightly from drinking “ I mean come. On. Remus. You’ll be saying I’m shacking up with Arthur next because I laugh at his dad jokes “ when she put it like that he guessed he had been a bit irrational with his thoughts.

“ I heard Harry talking about it with Ron and Hermione. I think most of the kids believe you and Sirius are up to something “ she scoffed at that and quirked an eyebrow.

“ so you’re listening to the theories of the most unobservant boy in the entire country? I mean I love the boy I do, but I think he needs a new pair of glasses. His clearly aren’t working well “ a small smile tugged at his face then, Harry was a bright boy but he did have a tendency to be quite…. Oblivious. To everything. Tonks was quiet for a few more moments before tilting her head to the side inquisitively, chewing lightly on her bottom lip. She looked deep in thought “ so what’s this really about then? “ Remus frowned and raised his hands as if in mock surrender.

“ nothing. I told you I heard Harry and the way you were with Sirius.. it’s nothing “ she rolled her eyes and hopped off the desk, stepping either side of his legs and wiggling to get comfortable in his lap. His hands flew to her waist, unable to stop himself as she placed her hands to his shoulders and titled her head again.

“ Remus “ her voice was slightly sterner but she was smiling at him “ you can talk to me. You know you can “ he debated telling her the truth. That he was just getting jealous because she could do far better than him. She could have whoever she wanted, whenever she wanted. And he was scared to lose her. What they had, whatever it really was, was great. Remus hadn’t been so happy in a long. Long. Time. He didn’t want to push too far and send her packing. But he didn’t want to hang too far back and have her run off to someone else. It was a constant dilemma in his head.

“ you and I “ he started, not really even sure where he was going with his speech “ it’s good. It’s. It’s marvellous “ she laughed a little and nodded with a tight lipped smile.

“ it is. Though I sense a ‘ but ‘ incoming “ he sighed and fiddled nervously with one of the beads on her shirt. They were haphazardly sewn all over it and he wondered if she’d added them herself.

“ I’m just waiting for the inevitable “ he said after another short moment of silence. Deciding now was a better time as any to tell her. She was stubborn and she had him right where she wanted him. So it was going to come out there and then whether he liked it or not really.

“ ‘ the inevitable’ being?…. “

“ finding someone better- no now before you make that face let me finish. Please “ she had sighed as soon as the words left his mouth, sitting back slightly with an eye roll.

“ Remus we’ve talked about this. Can you just get it into your head, that I fancy you. Not Sirius. Not some random ‘ someone better ‘. You “ he couldn’t lie that the words made his heart pound just that bit faster. The confirmation being all he’d really needed. But there was always going to be that worry in the back of his mind. It would never go away.

“ I know. And maybe I’m a fool to keep bringing it up. But you have to admit that I’m not exactly at the top of most peoples most eligible list “ she took his face in her hands then, making him look her in the eyes. He’d noticed she didn’t change their colour very often anymore after he’d made an offhand remark about how beautiful her natural brown eyes were. They were captivating.

“ no one else bloody matters though. You’re at the top of my list. That’s all that matters. Maybe I’m mental. Maybe I’m not. All I know, is you’re one of the only truly decent man I’ve ever met. You don’t make me morph. You’re so respectful it’s practically dripping off of you. And you’re proper fit too which is totally just a bonus “ he hoped she couldn’t feel his cheeks heating up under her hands. But her smile told him she probably could.

It was odd for him to look at her and think that some one could ever even have the nerve to make her morph for them. To fit their idea of what was perfect. He thought she was marvellous in whatever form she thought was best fitting for her each day. He’d never dream of making her change. In his eyes, there had never been a more perfect specimen of a person to walk the earth. She made him laugh. Made him feel normal. Cared for. He couldn’t believe she would ever have eyes for him. But she did. And he guessed that miracles must truly be real.

“ I’m sorry for being so jealous “ her face softened again and the backs of her fingers brushed over his cheek.

“ it’s fine. I mean. At least it shows you care? “ she laughed a little and he felt his tension melting away a little.

“ I do “ her hand crept towards the back of his neck, her fingers slipping into his hair and she shuffled a little closer again.

“ good. Now stop being a mope and realise we’re on own again “ she whispered the last part, her face inching closer so he felt her breath on his lips. And with a smirk she caught his lips in hers.

[rhenuvee]

The Heart in You pt2 (Fred Weasley x reader)

Request: Could you do something along these lines? Love you soo much <3 your imagines make me happier. It would mean the world to me if you could do this!! Request: Could you write a Fred Weasley imagine where the reader is Fred's best friend but they never really show affection, they insult each other all the time and occasionally Fred flirts, teasingly. But Fred gets all nervous and goes soft when y/n is visiting their home since its so small and you know.. they're poor and stuff... thanks <3

Link to pt1: Here

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

You were peacefully walking through the corridors, ready to spend a cozy Sunday afternoon being warm from the cold with your friends. It was quite surprising how little disturbance there was, as if you were in a scene in a movie. 

That is, until you heard the sudden roars of laughter, clapping, and awe. You gritted your teeth- you knew that the peace was too good to be true. You decided to change your direction, hoping that this path would bring an end to this once and for all. 

This was something you’ve been dealing with for the past week, and it’s been pissing you off. You found the source of the crowd of noise, seeing that it was coming from out in the courtyard. It was just as you expected. 

“-and then there I was, cornered! Like a poor gazelle standing out in the open!” narrated a voice you knew too well. You stood watching from a distance with your arms folded, seeing as a specific redhead told a story you almost knew by heart by now.

Just as rehearsed for the past seven days a week, you saw the same dramatic gestures by none other than Fred Weasley. His stupid chocolate brown eyes which you couldn’t bother to look at, his stupid smile which you swore he had on 24/7- Although you had to admit, something even more stupid was the first and second years genuinely interested and believing in his anecdote. 

“I almost died, but I stayed strong!” you facepalmed as he scrunched up his face way too dramatically. “She- the lion, sneaking up, ready to jump out and-”

“WEASLEY!” you yelled interrupting him, hearing enough of his crap. It seemed to scare some of the first and second years as they jumped and turned to see you.

“It’s the lion! Run!” shouted Fred. The kids yelled their lungs out and ran in all different directions all to get away from ‘the lion’. You marched your way to Fred, trudging your way towards him. You didn’t care about your shoes getting wet from the snow, all you cared about was slapping that smirk off his face.

“Yes?” he said rather casually from his spot, leaning against the wall.

“Yes? That’s all you have to say to the ferocious lion?” you asked incredulously. He chuckled.

“Actually, I do have something to say, though we may need a spell to translate between your roaring.” You scoffed at his terrible joke.

“I hate you.” 

“We know that’s a lie, love.” You rolled your eyes. You knew that the reason the story started in the first place was because of that day you asked him to the yule ball. He tricked you, and his ego was just getting bigger. 

“And what makes you think that?” you retorted.

“You’re the one who asked me to the ball, love.” he said scoffing. You mentally slapped yourself for having a question with an obvious answer. The term of endearment definitely didn’t help in trying to hide your embarrassment. 

“I was drunk.” you replied quickly. Fred in turn laughed at your quick statement, causing you to laugh a little.

“Really? Then you should get drunk more often.” 

“I think you’re drunk, gazelle.” you said poking his chest then turning to leave. Though, this didn’t stop him from hopping from his place and catching up with you.

“Am I now?” he asked pressing further.

“Yes Fred, bye.” you said as you were about to leave him and turn a corner.

“Alright, don’t miss me too much darling!” 

“Fred!”

---

“Hey (y/n)!” called someone from behind you. You stopped and turned to see George who was slowing down to stop near your spot. 

“Hey George. What’s going on?”

“Are you doing anything this holiday?” he asked.

“Hm, probably just gonna go home for the break, same as every year... why?” 

“I was wondering if you’d like to come to ours for Christmas.” Your eyes widened at his offer. You had never been to the burrow before.

“You don’t have to, but I know it would make a certain gazelle really happy.” he teased. You rolled your eyes.

“If it would make him happy, why couldn’t he ask me himself?” 

“Well riddle me this, would a gazelle purposely perch itself out in the open where any predator- ow!” You playfully punched George in the arm, seeing as the story was starting to rub on him.

“Sorry- what I meant to say was, it would also make myself, Ginny and Ron really happy. You’re our best friend (y/n)... also, mum’s been asking for you as well.” 

“Your mum? Asking about me?” you said shocked.

“You’ve been mentioned here and there.” he said casually. You bit your lip, trying to supress a smile. You were invited to the burrow, which you’ve heard only good things from Harry and Hermione. 

“Alright, I’ll send an owl to my parents and ask them.” you said. He nodded with a grin, knowing his twin would be ecstatic to hear this. 

---

Your parents were a little surprised that you were going to spend the holidays at the burrow. They’ve never met the twins, just like how Arthur and Molly only heard a few things about you. Nonetheless, they were glad to see you so happy to be with your friends. On another note, you were very very nervous. Maybe it was because of seeing the rest of the Weasley family, but also for very stupid reasons. 

“Oh (y/n), it’s so good to finally meet you dear! Come inside now!” You were welcomed by Molly herself, engulfing you in a tight and warm hug.  You smiled, instantly relieved that Molly liked you enough to hug you.

“I’ve heard so many things about you.” she said maintaining a bright smile. 

“And I’ve heard that you heard many things, all good I hope.” you said.

“Only the best.” she said swiping your cheek then turning to lead you deeper into the house. You walked in, and your eyes couldn’t help put to move left and right. 

“(Y/n)!” You then saw Ginny appear, running as fast as she could down the stairs, then jumping and hugging you just like her mother did. You both squealed in excitement. 

“Hey idiots! Your favourite person is here!” Ginny yelled calling for the twins. 

“Ginny!” scolded Molly with her arms crossed. You giggled. You watched as the two tall figures stepped down to where you were.

“Well look who it is.” George said smirking and leaning in for a hug. Once you pulled away, you saw Fred, but you couldn’t help but notice something was weird about him.

“Hi.” he said curtly, but with a small smile. 

“Hey...?” you greeted, letting your confusion be slightly present. He also went in for a hug, though it was a lot lighter than the ones you’ve received so far.

“Do you want any food?” asked Fred. 

“Um sure.” you shrugged. You thought it was a little strange that Fred was being so ‘nice’ to you. I mean, like George said, would a gazelle let itself stand in the open and offer food for a predator? But you decided to brush the thought off, besides, you really ought to get that dumb story out of your head.

The first evening with the Weasley’s went well. You were able to meet the rest of the family as well as Harry and Hermione which you realized later that they were here. Molly’s cooking was delicious, and you were glad to be apart of the holiday gathering. You were glad that everyone was willing to welcome you, despite being new to the burrow. 

It wasn’t until a couple hours after dinner, when it was late and you spotted Fred and George sitting on the couch, fiddling with what you expected was some of their future joke shop products.

“Hey.” you said heading over to sit with them. George smiled, then quickly jumped up to leave.

“I gotta go to the bathroom. See ya!” he said a bit too joyfully. I mean- tis the season, but one could not be that excited to go to the bathroom. You then scooched closer to Fred, and he noticed with a small grin. 

“Hey you.” he said bringing his lanky arm to wrap around you and bring you even closer. You blushed at the extremely close proximity between you two, but if you were being honest, you didn’t mind one bit. This was secretly what you wanted, right?

You remembered the day you asked Fred to the yule ball quite clearly. After that incident, he was a huge ball of chaos and energy. You remember him skipping down halls, and how you had to chase him to shut up when he started the gazelle story.

And when the night of the ball finally arrived, you were a big bundle of nerves- and Fred was being a cocky little shit as usual... but aside from that, there were things he did that made you have the most fun you’ve ever had in your life. You didn’t forget how much he made you laugh and smile that night. 

And now, you let the thought of his silence creep over again. He spoke and cracked jokes during dinner, but he was still quieter than you’ve experienced. You sat in the same silence as he seemed to be fixing a product.

“Fred...?” you said looking at him, a little surprised that your faces were closer than you expected. 

“Hm?” 

“Uh, are you okay?” you asked. You tried to ask it in the most subtle way possible. He only looked at you with an unreadable expression. The weirdest thing being that he had no witty comeback, or any line to start your typical banter. 

“Yeah.” he said giving a closed mouthed smile again, then looking back at the joke products. Jeez, why did boys have to be so hard to read? To you at least. 

“I just, ‘m surprised you accepted when George invited you here.” he muttered, but you heard it loud and clear. 

“And why would you be surprised?” You didn’t know what to feel. His head pointed downwards- suddenly this moment felt really familiar. You were a bit skeptical if you were being truthful. After a long pause, he suddenly chuckled awkwardly to himself and sat up, leaned back until his head was tilted back on the top edge of the couch.

“I’m mad for you.” he said shifting himself so that his head was still tilted back but facing you. All your jumbling thoughts couldn’t force itself out of your mouth. You just sat there, your eyes bulging out of your head, and mouth in an o shape.

“W-what?” you managed to say. Now you were very very skeptical of what was to happen. You do not want to be tricked by him again, and leave you a blushing mess. 

“I’m mad for you- do you need me to spell it out?” he asked. With the dim lighting you couldn’t see the slight flush of red on his cheeks. He brought his hand to cover his eyes, still showing his lips which were curved up in a flustered smile. 

“I- are you being serious?” you asked in confirmation. 

“Am I- yes I am (y/n), I’m mad for you. I said it three times, now you gotta believe me.” he said taking away the hand covering his face. You didn’t even try to hide the pink tinting your face. You shook your head, not knowing what to say.

“You still don’t believe me do you.” he deadpanned. You didn’t answer to that. He chuckled, already knowing your answer. In one swift motion, he cupped your cheek with his hand and brought you in closer for a kiss. You closed your eyes as his lips pressed against and moved in sync with yours. 

You moved so that you were able to put both your hands on his shoulders to bring him closer. You could feel the hum from his lips when he heard you let out a little noise. Both of you were speechless blushing messes once you pulled away with the ‘smooch’ sound.

“Believe me now?” he said in almost a whisper. You nodded frantically, earning a smirk from Fred, as well as a beckoning gesture to ask you to cuddle next to him. You followed, snuggling up to his side, resting your head on his shoulder.

...

“I always knew you had a heart in you.” 

...

“Excuse me?” 

You tried burying your head further inwards, as you attempted to stifle your giggles about to erupt. Yes, you really did just pull that card on Fred Weasley.

“What did you just say?” asked Fred ducking his head to your level, trying to get a glimpse of what he hoped did not just come out of your mouth. 

“Nothing!”

“You did not say nothing, princess.” he said trying to pry your hands clutching your face as you finally gave in and let out your laughter. You made the split second decision to bolt out of the living room and into the dining room to run away. Fred of course had no problem running after you. 

You were both giggly as heck as you both circled the dining table, which happened to be the only thing protecting you.

“Take it back!’

“No!”

And once you said that, he made a dash for the tight corner and was able to capture you from behind. You squirmed with your legs kicking out as he held you tightly and swung you in a circle.

“Take it back!” he said in your ear.

“I won’t! This is what you get Weasley.” 

“What I get? For what?”

“For...-” You realized then that if you said the reason, he would know that he was the reason you got flustered in the first place.

“What? Am I too handsome for you?” he asked as he placed you down, but still pinned you to the counter. 

“In your dreams!”

“And in real life too.” 

“Ugh, you’re so annoying.” you huffed crossing your arms. However, your attempt at trying not to smile failed horribly when you turned your head away from him.

“That means I won, princess.” he said smirking and tilting your head back to face him.

“Oh shut up Fred, you-”

“Make me shut up-”

“Whoa whoa whoa!” You and Fred both jumped when you saw George and Ginny intrude. And worse, when you were both getting riled up at each other. 

“There will be no ‘make me shut up’ in this house.” said George mockingly as Ginny stood next to him laughing. You deadpanned at Ginny clearly not helping the situation.

“You’re not going to encourage them? It’s about time.” said Ginny.

“Gin, if you knew me, you’d know that I’m not even surprised.” replied George sarcastically.

“Oh sod off, both of you. Bein’ two creeps.” said Fred shooing them away. George and Ginny gave each other a knowing look and did as told. Fred then immediately turned back to focusing on you.

“So, what were you thinking on making me shut up?”

[a-simple-imagine]

The Smarter Witch

Synopsis: You like to consider Hermione your academic rival but things begin to fall apart between the two of you when Malfoy and friends start asking questions. The reader is in Slytherin sorry.

Pairing: Hermione Granger x fem!reader (can be read as romantic or platonic)

Words: 3.5+

A/N - I’ve been rewatching all the Harry Potter Movies at the cinema recently and I think i like it more now than I ever did before. This is my first HP story so go easy on me, okay? Comments are appreciated and requests are open!!

Warnings - Swearing, excessive use of the word mudblood... i think that’s it. 

"Granger," You call out, shoving your things into your bag as quick as humanly possible before charging after her. The crowd of other students growing the distance between you as you slip between them but not without almost crashing into people a bunch of times along the way. "Granger- wait." You try but she continues to walk away with Potter and Weasley beside her. You eventually manage to push your way through until you're walking in step with the trio. The girl stands in the middle, guarded by her two best friends.

"Hey," You offer them a smile, "Guess who got a perfect?"

"How?" It's instinctive to turn your nose up when it comes to Ronald Weasley. Not because of his social status like Malfoy suggests but you just found him rather... irritating. You completely ignore his question; breaking formation, you get ahead of the group and begin to carefully walk backwards so you can focus on the girl. She looked anywhere but at you, however, she had a smirk on her lips. Small but visible.

"Only because Snape favours you," The brunette proclaimed. This was routine for the two of you as of late. Always making excuses as to why the other came out on top. Only because of this. Only because of that. It was never as simple as just studying and doing well.

"You're just jealous that I'm a genius." You insist, your smile growing as you teased your own brilliance. Her head shakes a little.

"Since when were you, two friends?"

"Nobody said anything about friends Weasley-" You growl, your once happy expression morphing into one of pure distaste as you look at him. Spinning gracefully on your heel, you begin to walk normally again. "Since I'm so much smarter than you, I can help you study if you need it."

"I don't need any help from the likes of you, thank you," The likes of you? Did she mean a Slytherin? Or just someone who was smarter than her? Although you didn't actually believe you were smarter... well, not entirely anyway. Hermione Granger was often proclaimed as the smartest in your grade, didn't matter how hard you worked; you'd never quite be the promising young witch everyone seemed to think she was. Which is why you find yourself constantly competing. If you can prove to her you were smart then maybe everyone would see you as more than just a Malfoy crony.

You slap your hand against your chest just above your heart; stumbling backwards as if she just shot an arrow straight through. "Oh, how you wound me, Miss Granger. Care to share how well you did? One hundred percent?" She wouldn't have done badly at least not by everyone else's standard of bad. "Ninety maybe?" You turn back to them, coming to halt directly in front of the girl. "Merlin's beard Hermione, don't tell me you got less than eighty? That would be a travesty."

"if you don't mind, we're a little busy." She hadn't answered the question and as she walked around you, you expected she wasn't going to. "Come along Harry," she took his hand. "Ronald." And his before marching away. You watch them as they go, a smirk lingering before slipping off in search of your friends.

Come Friday afternoon and you found yourself in the great hall. The busy castle was beginning to calm and few people sat in the tables alongside the two of you. You take a sip of some water as you watch the gears in her head turn, debated her next move. At this point you already knew you would win; you always did. While everything else was more of a competition; Hermione Granger surprisingly wasn't all too hard to beat at Wizard's chess. Your Fridays together we're brilliant times to chat though, you'd often sum up any achievements from the week just to see who's doing better.

"I can't believe you beat me in history of magic again- I spent hours on that stupid essay. I basically lived in the library."

"I can help you study if you like," she offered, her eyes not leaving the board as she ordered her bishop forward. You watch as the chess piece moves along the board.

"You're not funny Granger," you tease, ordering your knight forward to take down her bishop. "Check,"

A paper ball hit the back of your head, drawing your attention away. Pansy stood with a wide grin on display, you ignored her and returned to your game but Hermione was also focused on your friend. "I think she wants your attention."

Another paper ball collides against your head. You sigh loudly before turning and mouthing 'what?'

"We're going down to the black lake? You coming?" She asked. "Or are you too busy with the Gryffindor?"

"just give me a sec." You wave her away, turning back to the other girl. "Have you moved?" She nods a little, her hair bouncing with the movements. You examine the board trying to figure out who she had moved but it didn't really matter. With a final move of your queen, the king was knocked off the board. "I do believe that is checkmate."

"I'm beginning to think you're cheating."

"Me?" You ask, pretending to be offended by the notion. "Never. How little faith you have me in, Granger."

"Slytherins are known for being cunning."

"We're not all cheating monsters, my dear sweet Gryffindor. Some of us actually have a conscience."

"I find that hard to believe," Her lips were curled into a cheeky smile. You'd never quite noticed the way her eyes crinkle when her smile is so big or how teethy it was. It was adorable. 

"I gotta go- same time next week? Maybe I'll even let you win."

"I don't need you to let me win,"

"You sure?" Nothing more than a harmless joke as you stand. "How many times in a row have I won now?"

"Slither away," Hermione smiles as you back away towards Pansy. You had to admit, you did firm Hermione to be intriguing.

Being in the same year, meant you actually saw Hermione rather frequently, however, your actual interactions were limited. Yes, you played Wizard's chess together every Friday but other than that, you basically only had very short conversations. It was like being in two completely different worlds simply because you were put in different houses. This school had a weird obsession with separation by houses. You were a proud Slytherin as were you friends but your ambition to branch out was often looked at as beneath some of the others. It was dinner time and you sat at the Slytherin table but your focus was pulled towards a certain familiar Gryffindor student. She just happened to be sat in your eye line, so you couldn't help but amuse her from afar. With funny faces and playful winks. Her most common reactions were shakes of the head or rolling her eyes but you knew secretly she enjoyed the teasing.

"Are you even listening?" A sharp elbow slams into your side. You bite back a groan as you shove the boy gently.

"The hell Draco,"

"What are you staring at?" There was a particularly bite behind his words but you'd grown used to how aggressive he could come across. He was always trying to be the alpha and frankly, everyone let him be. You simply shrug at his question; grabbing an apple and taking a bite.

"What did you want?"

The grey of his eyes flickers in curiosity as he tries to figure out what had you so distracted. When you look across at Granger, she's chatting to Ginny Weasley about something.

"Sometimes I wonder if the sorting hat got it wrong with you," He muses. "Should have put you in Gryffindor since you're so obsessed with Potter."

"Says the boy who never shuts up about him." You fight back. You couldn't care less about Harry Potter or his chosen one status. You knew Malfoy hated him though; it was a little weird just how much.

"You gravely misunderstand my interest in potter."

"I don't care if you have a crush on him Malfoy," There are a few snickers around the table but he's definitely not laughing.

"Don't be ridiculous." He growled, leaving the table. It was only a joke. You follow after him along with the others.

After dinner, you're lounging in the common room. One leg hooked over the arm of the couch as you read a book all about dragons. Fascinating creatures.

"So are you and the Gryffindor friends?"

"Who?" You question. Not even looking at the blonde as he sits down beside you.

"Granger." He confirms. "Pansy thinks you have a crush or something?"

"Pansy is a liar." The joke isn't as funny when it's against you. Your feelings towards Granger was nobody else's business but your own. You were often left conflicted when it came to her. You roll your eyes, sitting up straight. "I just like proving that I'm better than her."

"You spend a lot of time with her," Goyle adds.

"So?" You finally lower your book. Your brows knitted together in a clear frown as you scan the room. A few people had invited themselves into the conversation. "I spend a lot of time with you but doesn't mean I wanna get into your pants,"

"I don't know why you associate with any of them." This was beginning to feel like a lecture. Why do they even care who you hang out with? You didn't care much for the boys but you liked Hermione. She was kind, funny and really smart. You enjoyed the little time you ultimately spent together but if you admitted that, they would crucify you.

"They'd probably say the same about you lot," you state. Bringing the large book back up to cover your face. "Now if you don't mind, I'm trying to read here,"

"You can tell us if you like her," Pansy contributes. "I mean we all know you have a soft spot for the weak."

"Are you taking pity on her?"

"Maybe she wants to start hanging out with Potter. Can you imagine?"

You grit your teeth, not at all reading the words on the page in front of you. They're just trying to get a rise out of you.

"I can't imagine anything more pathetic," Malfoy chuckles followed by a few of the others. "They're an embarrassment to the wizarding world if you ask me. Parading around like they own the place-"

"We're nothing okay?" You slap your book shut. "Not friends or secret lovers or anything, I would never date someone so.... dirty." The word slipped out before you had a chance to stop. You didn't see her that way; she was much too grand to be considered dirty. And you couldn't care less about pure bloodlines. It didn't make her any less of a fantastic witch. "I'm not joining Potter's Merry band of monkeys, so just drop it okay." Ignoring the snickers and hushed whispers, you march off to bed.

It's the Friday following your little session in the common room. You forgave them all of course; you always did. There was no point in being angry at them over some harmless teasing. You had the chessboard set up and even brought along a pack of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans but she was running late. Normally it was you showing up late; very unusual behaviour from someone known for punctuality. But as time ticked on and you were still left alone, you began to realise she wasn't going to turn up. Packing everything up, you decide it'll be best to search for her; something bad must have happened for her to not show at all.

"Weasley," you shout, jogging up to Harry and Ron who seemed to be missing their third arm. "You seen granger?"

"Why?" Asks the redhead. Harry presents you with a smile.

"None of your business," you spit at Ron. "Have you seen her or not?"

"Last we saw her she said she was heading to the library," Harry answered. You offer a grateful smile but you can't help but wonder why she's decided to head to the library. Was there a test you didn't know about? Was she trying to get the upper hand? Surely she could have just told you that instead of having you wait.

"Thanks, Harry," You skip along to the library but the journey proves pointless when you discover she isn't there either. You would be lying if you said you had searched particularly hard before giving up though. There was always next week. With a defeated sigh, you head back towards the common room. Luck must have been on your side because you spot her on the way back. Perched on a ledge with her head in a book. Typical Hermione Granger.

"I've been looking everywhere for you," you announce as you walk towards her. "I thought we were gonna play wizards chess so I could annihilate you again." The faintest sniffle hit your ears and you froze. Was she... crying? Shit. You don't do well with criers; you never know how to handle situations when people cry. It's always so... awkward. "What's wrong?"

"Go away." Her voice is quiet but echoes through the empty corridor.

"Granger?" You closer to her now, leaning against one of the stone columns.

"I said go away," Her words are harsh; she shoves her face further into the book. Was she trying to hide the fact she had been crying? It was pretty obvious at this point.

"What's up with you?" You wonder, folding your arms over your chest.

"I don't want to talk to you,"

"What did I do?" The confusion is very clear in your voice. You'd hardly even spoken to the girl recently so how could you have possibly upset her.

"You're as bad as the rest of them, now leave me alone," Sharp words as she grabbed her things and stormed off. As bad as the rest of them? What did that even mean? Pushing yourself upright, you follow after her.

"What's gotten into you?"

"Just some filthy mudblood am I?" Venomous words spat at you with the speed of a viper. You stumble back a little; she's never been so angry with you. Tears spill down her rosy cheeks."Malfoy told me what you said- Guess I should have known better considering your so-called friends. You're just as cruel as the rest of them."

"Hermione..." you sigh softly. You couldn't exactly defend your fellow Slytherin friends. "Why do you believe him anyway?"

"So you didn't say it then."

"No, I did," you shrug a little. "Well I said you were dirty, I didn't say... that word."

"Mudblood- Same thing though right? You think you're so much better just because you're of Pure blood."

"I didn't say that, I-"

"Just stay away from me." Her tone has you backing down from the fight. You consider following her as she charges off down the hall but instead, you go back to the dorms.

"You're a right git," you exclaim, storming into the room, grip tight on the book you launch at his head. Platinum blonde hair darts of the way.

"What the hell."

"You told her?" All eyes are on you as you confront him.

"What are you on about?"

"Hermione- you told her I thought she was dirty."

"Your words, not mine." Draco shrugged a little. A huff of a laugh passing his lips which pissed you off even more. 

"I-," you look around, picking up a pillow and tossing it at him. "You are such a pain in the ass."

"Why do you care about that filthy mudblood, you said you don't even like her?"

"I don't even like you and yet we're best friends," You shout, looking at the coffee table you grab a mug and aim at the boy. Draco's hand shoots up in defense.

"Don't you dare throw that at me or I swear-" He fought back. You lower your hand and so does he then you throw it anyway, hearing it break as you collapse on the couch. "You don't need someone like that." He muses as he cautiously approaches the couch.

"We can't all be insufferable snobs Malfoy," you grumble, rather casually considering what just happened. "You mess up everything for no bloody reason"

"Probably shouldn't go around calling her dirty then," He argues. "I didn't make you say that..."

The boy hovers over the back of the couch and you shove him away. "I hate you."

You realise you have to be the one because Malfoy's not about to admit he did anything wrong. And you know at the end of the day it was your fault for saying it in the first place. You retire to your bed, no longer watching to deal with other people.

For the next week or so Hermione avoids you like the plague. You'd obviously see her in some of your classes but when you'd try to speak to her after, she'd rush out before you had a chance to so much as saying hi. If you managed to catch her gaze, she'd stare daggers; if looks could kill you'd be six feet under by now. You'd sometimes find her in the library, it was the one place she could cause a scene but neither could you. When you tried to whisper to her, she'd completely ignore you. You were beginning to miss the limited interaction you hard; Half the fun of studying was ultimately doing better than her in the end.

The girl was alone today, searching the shelves. The library was fairly empty and it was getting late. You take the opportunity to make some paper birds and send them fluttering over to her. One by one until she whispers yells at you to stop. You chuckle. Doing it again. This develops into a habit throughout the next couple of days. You'll send paper birds her way, just to get a reacting out of her. You start writing little messages on them too but you don't think she ever reads them before setting them on fire.

It becomes abundantly clear she's not giving in and therefore one day during breakfast you abandon your table and enter what Malfoy would consider enemy territory. Pushing Neville aside to sit next to Hermione. A bunch of lions look to you like you'd just entered their den without permission; in their defense, you never sit here. Hermione gets up to leave but not before you can grab her wrist.

"Can you please stop ignoring me," she yanks out of your grip, walking away to leave you surrounded by kids you've only ever spoken to in passing. You groan loudly.

"What happened between you two?" Ron asked.

"Do you ever keep out of other people's business Weasley or do you have some obsessive need to weasel your way into everything."

"Just tryna help, jeez."

"If you must know, Malfoy told her that I referred to her as a... y'know."

"Mudblood?" Harry continues for you.

"I called her dirty but I didn't mean it."

"Thought you weren't friends anyway," Ron wore a smirk like he caught you out or something so you just ignore him.

"Now she's ignoring me. I just want her to talk to me."

"Have you apologised?"

"How can I apologise if she won't bloody talk to me, Harry? I thought you were supposed to be smart." You comment, dropping your head against the table. "I've tried writing notes but she burns all of them. I'm running out of ideas, I can only be so charming."

"Can't really help you there," Ron replies.

"All the boys in this school are so bloody useless," you sigh dramatically, slamming your hands on the table to push yourself up. "You’re her best friends and you can't help? Pathetic."

You debate joining the others but you decide against it and leave the great hall. You're not hungry anymore.

"You really should stop sending paper birds," The voice catches you off guard, whipping your wand out before realising it's her.

"I'll stop if you talk to me again," You counter, lowering your wand.

"I'm not ashamed of my parents."

"And you shouldn't be." Your head falls, "I really am sorry for what I said, it was definitely a peer pressure thing and I was stupid." You blurt out. "Malfoy can just be a lot sometimes and I was trying to study so... I don't think you're less than just because your parents are muggles Hermione. Not even a little." You take a deep breath. "I just want my friend back."

She hesitates. "Oh, so we're friends now huh?"

"Only if you want to be," You shrug. There was part of you that wanted to say maybe you like her as more than that but you kept it to yourself; at least for now. "I understand if you don't like... I was really shitty."

"So Friday then?"

"What?"

"Wizards chess? I think I may be able to beat you now, I've been practising."

"Pfft not likely," You tease, your smile growing. "Friday sounds good."

// NEXT

[adenei]

Day 5: January Word Challenge

A/N: HBP - Ron is released from the Hospital, and Hermione is trying to work through where their mending friendship now stands

 Starting

“I brought you your school bag, and Neville found your uniform. It’s all in there,” Hermione said as she rushed into the hospital wing. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t want to go back up to the common room yourself before Transfiguration.”

Ron took the bag from her as his ears and face flushed.

“You’re going to have to face her at some point,” she said before he had the opportunity to give his own reasoning. “I’ll meet you outside the hospital wing.” She turned and walked out so he could get dressed. 

She was glad Ron was finally getting out of the hospital wing after his poisoning, but was worried what would happen with their new dynamic. He couldn’t continue avoiding Lavender. What would happen when she finally approached him? Would he drop her again and go back happily into Lavender’s arms? Hermione shuddered at the thought. She didn’t think their friendship could handle that. Him ignoring her, that is. She’d have to come to terms with Lavender being another important person in his life, even if she didn’t want to.

She heard the door open and Ron came out, looking good as new. “Ready?” he asked. She nodded as they headed down the hall toward the staircase that would lead to the transfiguration classroom.

“Think McGonagall will go easy on this essay?”

“Probably not, but she’ll probably appreciate that you attempted it,” Hermione reasoned.

“Only because you made me,” Ron joked as he rolled his eyes.

“Oh, please, you were secretly happy about it. You probably missed my help,” she said lightly.

“You have no idea,” Ron admitted. 

The words cut through Hermione like a knife, bringing her back to second year when she thought Ron and Harry only kept her around for homework help. Had they really digressed that far? 

Ron must have noticed her reaction because he quickly responded with, “That’s not the only thing I missed, though.”

“It’s okay, Ron, you don’t have to lie,” Hermione said bitterly.

“I’m not! I’ve- I’ve missed you,” his ears were scarlet. “You could refuse helping me with classes for the rest of the next two years, and that’d be fine with me. As long as we’re friends again.”

“Really?” she asked. As quickly as she thought her heart had been slashed open, she was mended and her insides melted. Ron Weasley was an anomaly she never thought she’d figure out. When had he learned to say something sweet like that? They’d reached the classroom and Hermione stopped short of the door, waiting for his response. She couldn’t get her hopes up to believe that again. 

“Yeah.”

A faint, relieved smile crossed Hermione’s lips. “Well, shall we?”

“Do we have to?”

“Yes, we’re already late. You have Madam Pomfrey’s note, right?” she asked.

“Yeah. Don’t worry, your name’s on it, too.”

Hermione nodded. She took a deep breath as she opened the door and walked in, Ron following behind her. If looks could kill, Hermione would have been dead in an instant when Lavender saw them enter together. She took her regular seat at the double desk in the middle of the room as Ron walked up to the front to hand Professor McGonagall the note and turned to find a seat for himself.

Harry was absent, considering he was still in the hospital wing from the quidditch match debacle with McLaggen the previous Saturday, so Ron didn’t have his normal partner to join. The desk behind Lavender and Parvati was empty, and Hermione assumed he’d choose to sit there, but Ron surprised everyone in the room when he slid into the empty seat next to her. She wished she could feel relieved by his decision, but the anger on Lavender’s face and the attention of everyone around them left her feeling self conscious.

Professor McGonagall quickly brought the attention back to the lesson, and as Hermione took out her books, she whispered, “Are you sure about this?”

“Positive,” he whispered back, as he gave her a reassuring glance.

Hermione let out a silent exhale as she organized the parchment, ink bottle quill in front of her. As she bent over to start her notetaking, she let out the smile she’d been holding back as her hair covered her face. She was sure the road to rebuilding their relationship, whatever it may be, would be long and winding, but at least they were starting to heal.

[acnelli]

Bearded Glory

I finally found the time to put my one-shots on Tumblr too. I wrote this one for @hillyminne who organised and still organises these lovely hangouts. Here’s the masterpost with all the fun and lovely things which had been created as a thank you for Hilly <3 I would also like to thank @manny-bgm and @abradystrix for beta-reading and Brit-picking this story. You might detect some things inspired by Hilly’s art and @rijsamurai‘s Auror Ron.

When Ron came back from Auror training, Hermione found herself being quite fond of a certain change in Ron's appearance.

This story is also available on FFN and AO3.

Two bloody years finally over, Ron thought, as he robbed through thick, cold mud, already able to make out the finish line, which should be not even a mile away, according to Ron’s calculations.

Through the splashing and gurgling of their muddy underground, Ron could make out Harry’s heavy breathing and the occasional swear word from somewhere behind him. “Just one more mile, mate.”, Ron shouted, craning his neck towards his friend, almost hitting his head on a tree trunk above him. “One mile and we’re done with this shite.” Harry didn’t bother to answer as he was quite busy to ignore the burn in his lungs.

As Ron reached the end of their last obstacle, he leaped up from the ground, trying to get a footing with all the muddy water in his shoes. Not an easy task, since the ground was slippery and a fountain of water made its way down from his hair and drenched clothes. Careful to not lose his trainers, he ran towards the finish line with wobbly legs and what seemed to be a thousand tiny needles attacking his lungs. With a slight jump, and something between a groan and a cry of relief, he finally made it, immediately breaking down onto the ground.

“Well done, my boys.”, a chipper female voice broke through Ron’s awareness, though it honestly surprised him he heard it in the first place, considering he was wheezing his lungs out.

“Elly…please.”, Harry groaned, who must have collapsed beside him just a few seconds ago. Ron couldn’t tell for sure though, since he still tried not to pass out. “I…Just go away.”, his best mate demanded between heavy breaths. Ron only gave an agreeing grunt. Elly, their mentor and trainer for the last two years of Auror training, just laughed, kneeling between Harry and Ron, smiling down at them.

“You did it.”, she sang completely out of tune, while giving both men what probably should’ve been an encouraging pat on the knee. Although Ron and Harry yelped in pain from this pat on their scraped skin, and were still being unable to move a muscle, Elly stood up, clapped her hands and demanded of them to stand up.

“We just have an hour until you leave for home, and you will certainly not take this Portkey until I have a proper picture with my two accomplishments,” the young witch stated, hands on her hips, but still that annoying smirk in place.

Ron and Harry knew better than to argue with her about that. Truth be told, they didn’t have a problem with this particular picture, since they both wanted to have a reminder of the day that marked the ending of both the most annoying, but also the greatest two years of their lives.

“Alright, alright.”, Ron sighed, trying to muster up the little energy he got left to stand up, reaching his hand out to Harry, who did the same. With the two men standing in an upright position again, Elly gave them both one of her famous bear hugs, while telling her trainees how proud she was of them. Despite the still aching muscles and side stiches from hell, they returned the hug in earnest, while only just realizing that this was the start of a whole new adventure.

“We could’ve never done this without you.”, Ron smiled at Elly. “But you surely could’ve warned us about this last run, as you liked to call it. Honestly, we could’ve died or something.”

“You Gryffindors sure have a tendency to exaggerate, haven’t you?”

“I rather think you Hufflepuffs have a tendency to underplay,” Harry countered, cleaning his glasses.

“Said it before and I’ll say it again, you Hufflepuffs are barmy,” Ron said with a playful voice. “Before you drag us off to brag about us, where are the showers, woman?”

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

After taking a well-deserved shower, Harry and Ron changed into their formal Auror robes. And not their everyday work attire either, but the fancy black robes, which Elly insisted them on wearing. The two friends were both secretly happy to parade these around, since they looked bloody good in them.

Two years of Auror training lay behind them, and Ron was torn between feeling relieved and strangely sad. Those last four months happened to be their final Boot Camp, as Elly liked to call it, which mainly consisted of training for their Auror test. Due to the painful shortage of staff in the Auror Office, their training got shortened to two years, making it much more intense as a result. This last run though wasn’t part of the test, but nothing less than an Auror training tradition, so of course, it had to be done, much to the young men’s dismay.

“I have to admit…I kind of like this.”, Ron mused, running his hand over his beard, as he watched his reflection in one of the mirrors of the changing room.

“Suits you quite well, mate.”, Harry said, as he closed the last silver button on his cloak.

Neither of them had bothered to properly shave this last four months. Their days usually consisted of waking up, training and learning all day, and sleeping as soon their heads hit the pillow. As a result, they both looked quite wild in the end, hair and beard much longer than usual. Of course, Elly wouldn’t have any of this, so she had given Ron and Harry a complete make-over the day before their test, ignoring their protests all together. As it turned out, she happened to be quite talented with beauty charms, so they didn’t exactly hate the way they looked now. Even though Ron usually never let his facial hair grow beyond some three-day stubble, Elly surprised him with only trimming his unruly beard, leaving it just well-groomed.

“Come on, let’s get this picture, and then we can finally leave for good.” Harry suggested. So, they both gathered their wands and made their way towards the rest of their group.

After what seemed to be a thousand blinding flashes, Elly had been satisfied with the result, promising them to send copies of the pictures as soon as possible.

Harry and Ron were ready to take the Portkey home, saying goodbye to everyone and promising to make it on time for the official festivities next weekend.

In all the hustle to get the Portkey on time, Ron completely missed the mischievous glint in Harry’s eyes.

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

Hermione tried not to stare. Actually, she figured that she never tried harder to not look at Ron. Of course, she failed spectacularly.

Harry, you sneaky little monster., Hermione thought, sending one of her death glares his way, which he successfully didn’t notice all evening.

That bloody picture was my undoing, really. And Harry is well aware of that, isn’t he?

Around midday, a couple of hours before Ron and Harry came back from their last day of Auror training, Harry’s owl Athena arrived at her parents’ home, delivering a small envelope. After taking the letter, she fed the exhausted bird some treats, and let her relax in her room for a while. She came all the way from the Isle of Skye after all.

What was so important that Harry couldn’t tell her in person tonight? As she opened the white envelope, there was just a single photograph falling out. She picked it up from the floor, reading the note on the back of it first.

Dear Hermione,

thought you might appreciate this picture Elly took of Ron, minutes before his wandless magic demonstration. Honestly, look at him Hermione…you got some fine ginger snack coming back to you.

See you later,

 Harry

As she turned over the picture, she couldn’t help but agree. Ron clearly hadn’t noticed, or hadn’t cared that Elly took pictures of him, as he looked concentrated and nervous. His eyebrows knit, and eyes slightly narrowed, he held up his right hand, obviously practicing the lightning charm, as lightning bolts evolved from his half-closed fist.

This alone could’ve resulted in Hermione starring at this picture forever, but what really got her obsessing over it, had been Ron’s beard.

Ron with a beard. An actual beard. And by all that’s holy, he looked so incredibly good with it.

Merlin, she already had been more than a little frustrated the last four months, not being able to see him. Of course, this hadn’t been the first time they were separated for so long, but this last training session sure felt torturously like forever. Seeing a bearded Ron, illuminated by lightning, looking highly dangerous, made her want to take Ron right up to Grimmauld Place, skipping the dinner Mrs. Weasley was hosting tonight, and just snog him senseless. Naturally this wasn’t possible, so here she was, trying to get her thoughts under control.

Hermione swore to herself to never talk to Harry again about Ron, drunk or otherwise.

 Just before Harry and Ron were leaving for Auror training, the three of them met up with the old D.A. members. While Ron still had been busy with one of Seamus’ famous drinking games, being the only one of the Trio to still keep up with it, Hermione confided in Harry that she wished for Ron to grow a beard.

“I love his stubble, but I’m sure he would look quite sexy with his beard a little longer.”, she had told Harry.

He looked at her funny for a second, before breaking out in a fit of laughter.

“What’s so funny?”, she asked angrily, since Harry seemed to be unable to stop.

After several minutes of Harry trying to control himself, and Hermione getting more and more annoyed, Harry was able to speak again. “You know, I just had that thought.”, he whispered, clearly still trying not to laugh. “Since you obviously have a thing for bearded men, I wonder how you could control yourself around Hagrid.” Another fit of laughter broke out, but it didn’t stop him from wheezing out “Or Dumbledore.” That was Harry’s undoing then, because after that, he couldn’t form a coherent sentence anymore, and already got himself a nasty side stich from all the laughing.

Needless to say, that Hermione ended this conversation right then and there.

Of course, Harry hadn’t forgotten about Hermione’s little confession, and decided to send her a tease right before she would see Ron again.

Would it be too obvious to pretend a stomach ache at this point?

As Hermione mused about the possibilities to sneak away with Ron, she stole another glance at him, only to discover that brilliant blue eyes stared right back at her. His eyes happened to have this certain glint, which always meant he was up to something. Hermione sincerely hoped it would include leaving early tonight.

After what seemed like forever, Ron finally beat Ginny in a mean game of Wizard’s Chess.

Although still being quite impatient to get home, Hermione put the time to good use in unashamedly ogling Ron, her former intends not to stare long forgotten.

“Finally, some decent competition again. I got bored out of my mind only playing against Harry and Elly the last four months”, Ron said while pulling Hermione onto his lap. He loosely slang an arm around her waist, and Hermione immediately leaned into him, feeling all warm and cosy as she started to trace his brain scars with her fingers. Merlin, she really missed him.

“I’m still better than Elly though”, Harry pointed out, helping Ginny to put the chess set away. “So, I guess Ginny and I call it a night then. Are you sure your bed is large enough for the both of us?”

“I admit that you got yourself some fine definition being away, but you didn’t exactly gain a ton of muscle, Harry. You’ll fit”, Ginny raised an eyebrow at him, which Harry answered with an eyeroll.

“Maybe that had been the polite way to say you got fat over the last couple of months.”, Ron offered Ginny another explanation, earning himself a blow to his shoulder.

“You better stop being cheeky, if you want Grimmauld Place to yourself tonight.”, his sister countered.

“Wait, what?”, Hermione asked Harry. “You’re not staying at Grimmauld Place?”

“Nope. Ginny and I are kipping at the Burrow tonight. The house is all yours, under the condition to have it to ourselves tomorrow.”, Harry clarified.

Hermione couldn’t hold back her grin as she looked up at Ron. These are fantastic news.

“That’s very…considerate of you, thank you.”, Hermione smiled at Ginny and Harry, which made Ron bark out a laugh.

“Yes, thank you Harry.”, the red-head said. “As you did this out of pure nobleness and chivalry, and certainly not because you lost to me tossing a coin.”

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

“So…after you won the house for us, what are your plans?”, Hermione murmured between kisses, her hands busy with Ron’s beard.

Ron gave her his trademark lopsided grin as he hoisted Hermione up in his arms, eliciting a surprised squeal from her.

“Well, what do you think about a long, nice bath for a start?”, Ron asked while carrying her up the flights towards the bathroom. “It had been an awful long time since we had one together.”

“True that. As long as it doesn’t make us too drowsy for some…night-time activities.”

“You know, it’s adorable that proper Ms. Granger still can’t say bad words.”, Ron laughed, kissing her reddening cheek.

“I can say bad words, you just wait.” Hermione tried to put up a glare, but failed due to the smile she just couldn’t put off her face.

“I’ll take you up on it.”, Ron said, sitting her down on the edge of the bathtub. With a flick of his wand he began to fill the tub with hot, soapy water, which gave the room a rich scent of pine needles and something delicious Hermione couldn’t quite place.

A few minutes later, she leaned against Ron’s chest, completely relaxed and ridiculously happy. Hermione enjoyed the vibration of his chest as they talked about Hermione’s last project at work and about Ron’s plans regarding the Auror department. Every now and then, Hermione reached up to stroke his beard, and if Ron noticed her sudden interest with his gin and cheeks, he didn’t say anything about it.

“Alright, enough about work. This is supposed to be romantic.”, Ron laughed, slightly tightening his grip around her middle. “Should’ve lit some candles.”

Hermione giggled as she wiggled out a little of Ron’s embrace to grab her wand, intending to light the chandelier behind them. Just as she freed her wand from the pile of clothes beside the bathtub though, something else fell out.

“Oi, that’s me!” Ron quickly snatched the picture up from the ground and settled back into his prior position in the bathtub. Hermione tried to hide her blush behind her hair, as Ron read Harry’s note on the back of the photo. Something between smugness and embarrassment appeared on his face, and the longer he looked at Hermione, the more it seems to become smugness.

“Do you like my beard, Hermione?”, Ron asked, his voice an octave deeper than usual, as he put his arms around her again, pulling her against his chest.

“I might have told Harry that a beard would look good on you.”, Hermione sighed, and forgot about her embarrassment, when Ron started to kiss the side of her neck. “And he obviously didn’t forget about it.”

Ron caressed her cheek to turn her head towards him. He gave her a long, heated kiss that left Hermione breathless, before retreating again, looking at her with a huge grin on his freckled face. Before Hermione could snog the smug grin away, Ron had to say one more thing.

“Well, feel free to enjoy it. All this Bearded Glory.”

[wwitbeyondmeasure]

Summer at the Burrow / Ron Weasley fan fiction

Previous Chapters

Introduction / Author’s Note / Chapter 1: The Journey to the Burrow / Chapter 2: Hidden Letters / Chapter 3: Ron’s Return / Chapter 4: Nighttime Conversations / Chapter 5: A Morning Surprise / Chapter 6: The Quidditch Match / Chapter 7: Girl Talk / Chapter 8: Aphrodite’s Push / Chapter 9: Mistakes and Love Potions / Chapter 10: You Would Be Fine / Chapter 11: Spell It Out / Chapter 12: Long Overdue / Chapter 13: Always Want You

Chapter 14: A Magical End and a New Beginning

When you woke up the next morning, Ron's arms were wrapped tightly around you and his snores were loud enough to wake the entire Burrow. Giggling at him, you turned around to kiss him on the cheek. At this, he started stirring in his sleep.

"Wake up, Won-Won," you teased.

Ron groaned sleepily and nuzzled his nose into the crook of your neck.

"Never, call me that," he said, his speech thick from sleep. His morning voice instantly made you feel hot and light headed.

"What would you rather me call you?" you asked, a playful smirk appearing on your lips. "Sweetheart? Lover of mine? Honeykins? Sex Wizard Supreme?"

"My boyfriend will do for now," he responded, kissing your lips. After a moment he pulled away, pursed his lips and said, "On second thought, I kind of like Sex Wizard Supreme."

You laughed, playfully nudging him off of you as he tried to kiss you again. In response to this, he wrapped his arms around your waist from behind and attacked your neck with thousands of kisses. You were giggling and gasping under your breath when suddenly, Ron's bedroom door was kicked open. Both of you froze.

In marched Ginny, Hermione, Harry, and the twins.

"I see we've come full circle," Hermione said with a smirk once everyone got a glimpse of you and Ron, tangled in the bed sheets. You self consciously pulled the sheets higher up around your body to cover up for the fact that underneath the red comforter, you were butt-naked.

"I told you this was where she was," Ginny said, lightly slapping Harry on the shoulder.

Fred made a great deal of dramatically holding his hand out to George, who dug two galleons from his pocket and slapped it into Fred's open palm. George glared at you for a second, presumably for making him lose his bet, but before long he was back to smiling and joking.

"You're welcome for those fireworks, mate," George told Ron. "Without them, I would've bet you never would have told y/n you liked her."

"Bet? Would you like to make another? I could use some extra cash," Fred said, turning to his twin with a smirk. George responded with an eye roll and a shove to Fred's shoulder.

"Ron! You never told me you liked y/n!" Harry protested in disbelief. "I'm your best friend," he added afterwards, obviously a little grumpy that Ron hid this from him.

You felt Ron shrug behind you, his arms still in place on your waist.

"You never told me you fancied my sister," he responded. His voice was still deep from just waking up and it made you wish everyone would leave the room so you could attend to other activities.

Harry's face turned the color of Ginny's hair. Ginny, who was now grinning like an idiot.

"Come on then, Harry," Ginny said, taking him by the hand and pulling him towards the open door. "Ron and y/n had their conversation, now it's time for ours."

Once they left, Hermione and the twins stayed grinning at the two of you.

"Get out," Ron grumbled at them.

"Please," you added with a sweet smile.

Hermione winked at you as she left. The twins followed, but not before shouting "Use protection! Wrap it before you tap it!"

Ron groaned at their words but you knew he was secretly as excited as you were when his bedroom door slammed shut, leaving you alone.

"So," you prompted, rolling onto Ron's stomach. His hands instinctively found their way to your hips, moving up and down the sides of your body, giving you shivers.

"So," he replied with a smirk.

You leaned down to press your lips against his.

"Whatdoya wanna do on this fine morning?" you asked, mumbling the words against his mouth.

Ron's hands trailed from your waist downwards, cupping your bare bottom.

"I could think of a few ideas."

...

After about three rounds of mind-blowing sex, you were really making up for lost time, the two of you headed downstairs for breakfast. Well by now, it would probably be lunch.

Ron had insisted you wear one of his t-shirts, which had been exactly what prompted round number three, so you walked, more like limped (for obvious reasons), down the stairs wearing your jean shorts and his red Chuddley Canons shirt. His hand was pressed against the small of your back to keep you steady and it made you feel warm and fuzzy inside. You wished he would never stop touching you.

"Morning," George said, lifting his mug of tea and smirking at you.

"Y/n!" Mrs Weasley said, brightening once she saw you. "You missed helping at breakfast this morning, but no matter, please sit down! We're having sandwiches for lunch."

You thanked her, sliding into the nearest chair, praying to Merlin she hadn't noticed the way you were walking. Ron sat beside you and before long, the whole Weasley family was at the kitchen table. Plates of food were passed around and everyone started digging into the meal. Talk at the table was joyful and full, and you couldn't have been happier. You were sitting around the table with the boy you loved, your best friends, and the nicest family you had ever met. It was in that moment that you realized, this was the happiest you had ever been in your whole life. All thanks to this wonderful summer, you knew more moments like this would happen again.

After lunch, you played a game of Quidditch with the family and after an astounding match (you had scored at least 7 goals) you found yourself under the familiar oak tree, playing wizard's chess with Ron.

His knight piece had just smashed your pawn into a dozens pieces and you let out a low sigh.

"I've never been very good at this game, Quidditch is more my speed," you admitted.

Ron grinned, happy to have found a game he could beat you at.

"If I let you win will you stay in my room again tonight?" he asked with a giddy look in his eyes.

You laughed, pushing his shoulder. The instant your skin touched his, it was like the same sparks from your first kiss were ignited again. Ron rolled over on top of you, cradling your face with his large hands as he kissed you breathlessly. You couldn't help the sigh of happiness and love that escaped your lips.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said.

Rolling your eyes, you asked, "Won't your parents get suspicious?"

Ron shrugged, kissing your left cheek, then your right, and finally your forehead before pulling you into his side. Now you were cuddling under the oak tree, the summer sunshine illuminating his red hair, and you couldn't have been happier.

"Maybe they will, I dunno. I think they suspected us to be banging for years," he replied.

"Such romantic word choice," you quipped with a laugh.

He kissed your shoulder before responding, "Fucking, making love, bumping uglies. Whatever you want to call it, as long as we get to do it again."

You laughed again and he joined in, the sound like music to your ears.

"I'm serious though," Ron finally said, turning to you with a much more mature look on his face. "Not just about the sex thing. Even though that is very good. But I mean in general." His eyes scanned yours and you had the feeling he was nervous about what he was going to say next.

"In general?" you asked.

He nodded before continuing. "I don't want this, us, to be a just summer thing. I've loved you for years, and I want to keep loving you for years. That means during our last year at Hogwarts, and afterwards."  

You were stunned by his vulnerability to say that. In response, you kissed him, trying to pour all of the love and words you didn't know how to articulate into the kiss.

"I want that too. I want you, too. For years to come."

He grinned at that before repeating, "For years to come," as he kissed you again. And again. And again.

the end.

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Soooooooo... because I’ve completely lost my mind: “Light and L in Hogwarts during the year that Harry Potter was” AU ideas (and I know a lot of people have already written them into Hogwarts, so I’m probably just unknowingly copying people’s ideas. But shh).

Light is a Gryffindor and L is a Slytherin (same year). Really, Light should also be a Slytherin, of course. But this helps them to be rivals better. He probably asked the Sorting Hat to put him in Gryffindor--ala Harry--and the Sorting Hat took his choice into consideration.

And they are rivals. Because like in canon, they’re very much the same and Foils to each other. They both definitely become prefects and Head Boy of their year (sorry, Ron. I guess I’m stealing prefect from you for this AU. I’m so sorry, baby!). And everyone is constantly comparing the two, so they hate each other at first. They’re also both on their respective Quidditch teams, because of course they’d be. I’m imagining they’re Beaters, because “he who attacks first, wins”, and since Harry’s still got to be Gryffindor Seeker.

And getting the obvious out of the way: L loves Honeydukes, of course.

But I imagine the reason these two start to become friends is this: Light realizes there’s something wrong with Snape jumps down Harry’s throat on his first day. Like, he reads fear and humiliation on Harry’s face or something--or knows that even the most basic wizard should have known the answers Snape was asking about--he questions him about it... To which Harry admits that he didn’t even know he was a wizard--or about the wizarding world--until a few days ago. Though I doubt Harry would be this open about it to a stranger, but shh. And this ticks Light off--to know that Harry’s aunt and uncle treated him so dirty, and that Professor Snape just made this poor, defenseless kid look like an idiot--and he plans to go to Snape about it. But anyway, L had secretly been listening this whole time--but hiding like a cat--and he makes his appearance known now. He’d come to the same conclusions and also wants to help Harry out, because he’s “justice” too, after all. And it’s here that Light and L develop a grudging respect for each other. And they probably do go to Snape. But Snape being Snape doesn’t listen to them, and he takes points from both Gryffindor and Slytherin for their “insolence”... At which point, they might decide to make Snape’s life a living Hell, and thus a friendship begins.

The two of them totally become aurors when they graduate, and enjoy seeing Harry and Ron at work.

Light and L may think that Ron isn’t the smartest wizard in the world--and somewhat un-deserving to hang out with Harry and Hermione--at first, but their opinion of him changes pretty quickly. And even when they did think this of him, they didn’t dislike Ron. They liked the dude pretty well, since Ron’s pretty sociable, but just didn’t think he would ever be a rival to them. Let’s put it that way. But when they learn about all that Ron does in his, Harry, and Hermione’s adventures, they give him mass respect.

Light and L are the biggest supporters of Neville Longbottom that you’ll ever see, as they both saw his potential and realized pretty soon that it was abuse keeping him from unlocking his full potential. 

Light and L are “fans” of Harry at first--though not starstruck--and then just flat-out respect the Boy Who Lived once he just becomes one of their peers. Granted, they don’t think baby Harry really did anything to earn all his fame... but you’ve still got to give it to the infant that somehow tripped up Lord Voldermort and stopped his reign of terror.

Light and Hermione... get on pretty well. I’d maybe go as far as to say they’re acquaintances. And, naturally, everyone thinks they should date: since they’re the two smartest Gryffindors and prefects. But this would never happen. They probably even laugh at the idea together. Hermione has just never had any interest in Light, for whatever reason (maybe because she had a crush on Ron pretty early on). And Light is most definitely gay.

I forgot to mention that L in this is probably a clue to the Golden Trio earlier on that Slytherins aren’t all bad.

Speaking of: L and Draco are friends (but only because Draco’s pretty much the best person he can find in Slytherin house). And this maaaaaaaaaybe convinces Draco to switch sides earlier than in canon.

As he would, Light definitely loves to use avada kedavra against evil people... Though no one really has a problem with this, because most people use that spell during a war (in fact, even our heroes in Harry Potter often don’t understand why he won’t use the killing curse). L maaaaaaaaaaybe tells Light that he thinks this is a bad thing. But it isn’t something they’re going to turn into enemies before. And L’s certainly used the spell himself in dire situations. But similarly to Death Note canon, Light thinks that all criminals should be avada kedavrad. L questions that one time, though, in asking Light, “You want them to suffer for what they’ve done, yes? So wouldn’t it be worse for them to live out their years in Azkaban? Or have their souls sucked out by the Dementors?”

But back to Light and L still being rivals... There’s one time where they’re both in the halls after curfew--probably because Light and L sometimes get roped into the Golden Trio’s adventures, or their own adventures, because they’re too smart not to be--and L leans over to Light and says, “Know that I love you,” before kissing him on the lips... He then gets on his broom, or something, and quickly flies away so he won’t get caught, but Light is and Gryffindor loses points. So the game is on.

I feel like Light and L would probably hate and dislike Dumbledore, after they realize some of the shady stuff he does. L might somewhat respect his cleverness, but ehh.

Also, Light and L are brilliant... So they never once doubt that Voldermort is back when Harry says he is. And they do, in fact, join Dumbledore’s Army and help Harry teach... Even though they probably hate the name. They also help bring it back with Neville, Luna, and Ginny, when the Golden Trio are away in year seven.

They fight in the Battle of Hogwarts, of course. And in the battle in Hogwarts at the end of book six.

L is probably the first Gryffindor to stand up to his house, like “Uhh, no. We’re not going to sacrifice Harry to Voldermort to save ourselves.” And speaking of... there’s a chance that a good portion of L’s house hates him for clearly siding with Harry over Voldermort when the war begins.

I had some ideas about Misa, but I’m sort of forgetting them now. She’s definitely a Hufflepuff... But I want to do something different with her, than most people usually do. Yes, Light is kind of annoyed by her because he thinks she thinks they’re dating or is trying to force it? (She probably does something to help him? And then Light thinks she’s insinuating he owes her. IDK?) But what if in reality, she’s ace or something and just wants a friend? And Light is just assuming the worst--and for once, being dumb--by just not talking to her? But eventually he does, and then they’re sort of cool with each other. And she then sometimes helps Light and L, because this is the happy Death Note AU (in Hogwarts), everybody.

...I feel like I had so many ideas, but now I think I’ve forgotten them all. Oops. I’ll add to this if I remember them, I guess. 

Also... there’s a good chance that Light and L figure out the Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew thing before anyone else--near instantly, when they learn about it--but I also don’t know if I want to commit to that? Because I don’t want to steal the Golden Trio’s thunder too much here? But at the same time, if I’m not going to have the Death Note characters slightly change things, what’s even the point?

Edit: The two geniuses probably do create some new spell or potion or something together. 

Edit 2: Harry and L totes bond over being orphans.

Edit 3: All the students in Hogwarts know that Light and L are gay for each other. And are constantly like, “Where’s your boyfriend at?” to their annoyance, probably because even in this universe Light and L are in denial about their feelings for each other for the longest time for some reason.

Edit 4: Light and L have the same patrous (to their annoyance. And at first, it’s not because they love each other--though maybe later it partly is--but because they’re that much alike). And it’s probably a cheetah or something.

Edit 5: Back to the whole Light and Misa thing, L actually realizes she doesn’t want to be Light’s girlfriend and is cool with her before even Light is. Since, oddly enough, it seems that Slytherin and Hufflepuff are close, and Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Later, when Light asks how he figured it out first, L sites his deductive reasoning schools and this as the reason.

Edit 6: I just thought of how this gets dark, and how Light and L maybe turn against each other... Light being tempted to create horcruxes by using the kills he makes in self-defense. L tells him not to do it: to not be like Voldermort. And Light perhaps listens to that... or doesn’t, in being so arrogant that he thinks he won’t become a dark wizard if he’s tasted immortality. On one hand, I feel like Light wouldn’t want to rip his soul apart. But if he thought it was for the greater good--so he could continue fighting crime as an auror--then he might do it...

Edit 7: Light and L do probably resent their professors some, in thinking that they’re more capable than they are.

Edit 8: Light and Hermione might actually go on one “date” together. To “The Slub Club”, because they want to make Ron and L jealous.

[fanfictionaries]

Oh So Many Years: Ch. 5 - It Was You

Pairing: Hermione Granger x Fred Weasley

Summary:

Just when Hermione thought nothing worse could plague her than her constant nightmare, she has a very different kind of dream. How is she ever going to look Ronald in the face again? All she wanted was to do well in her classes, get S.P.E.W. off the ground, and finally get a good nights sleep.

Fred continues to find himself more than amazed at the infinite facets of Hermione Granger.

Warnings: Swearing, Death, Smut/18+ NSFW

Author’s Note: A second update this week because I like you guys so much! :) 

I will now be updating this story every week before midnight on Sundays (US MST)! Please feel free to like, comment, and reblog! xoxo

Masterlist

<< Chapter 4

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Moments fall like crimson nights Some stick to my skin tonight Take a breath and shake them off Eyes ahead, don't you wait too long

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“If I have to write one more word about the goblin rebellions, I think I might off myself.” Ron threw down his quill, ink splotching across this parchment, and let his head fall into his hands.

“Be careful. If you do, I guarantee Professor Trelawney will say she predicted it all along because Venus was in retrograde and you’re a Pisces,” Harry responded flatly, resulting in a smile from Ron.

Hermione would never admit it, but she secretly agreed with Ron. While not quite as distressed as her ginger friend, she did find the weekly essays assigned by Professor Binns tedious and incredibly lacking in challenge. Perhaps she found the whole thing tiresome because she already knew everything there was to know about the goblin rebellions, but it also didn’t help that the ghostly professor was about as exciting as an old shoe.

“Hermione…” Ron drew out her name like he had just come to an idea. Hermione, very familiar with this tone, knew exactly what his idea was.

“No,” she responded sternly, scribbling away at her own parchment about the various defense tactics utilized by the goblins.

“Pleeeaaase?”

“No.”

“Pleeeeeeaaaaaaase?”

She sighed. “I will edit and revise Ronald Weasley, and nothing more.”

“You’re the best, honestly.” Ron grinned and picked up his quill again, dipping it in his ink and scribbling away with renewed energy. His stupid grin made Hermione smile and roll her eyes before returning to her own essay. While she wished that Ron and Harry could just do their own work themselves, she did realize that not everyone had the discipline that she had. However, that didn’t mean she had to stop trying to get them to work harder. She knew for a fact that their potential far exceeded their marks.

They worked in silence for a while, the scratching of quill on parchment and shuffle of students walking past filling Hermione’s ears as her brain turned over, pulling out fact after fact.

In a blazing sense of pride, she finished her last sentence, tying her conclusion together perfectly, and placed her quill down on the table. At the click, both Ron and Harry looked over to her with wide eyes of disbelief.

“You’re finished already?” gaped Harry.

“I’ve barely gotten three paragraphs written. How can you possibly be finished already?!” exclaimed Ron. Hermione shushed him, glancing over at Madame Pince’s disapproving glare.

“Some of us, Ronald, utilize our time efficiently,” Hermione responded coolly as she placed her things back into her bag. She didn’t bother mentioning that she spent her last three hours in the library as opposed to their meager thirty minutes, or that she took her break after morning Transfiguration to study as well. Her eyes itched from staring at off-white pages and black script and for once she finished all her work and read ahead in all her classes. It probably had something to do with the fact that she was attending five less classes than the previous year.

There was also the small fact that she no longer slept. Nearly a month into school and she still barely slept four hours a night. When panic inducing nightmares weren’t causing her to toss and turn, she was studying. And when she wasn’t studying, she was working on her new endeavor – the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, otherwise known as S.P.E.W. Ever since the Quidditch World Cup and the horrid treatment of Winky, the house elf, she knew she had to do something. This became even more clear when she found out Hogwarts was run almost entirely on house elf labor. In all her years never did she imagine that her beloved school used essentially slavery to cook and clean. It was wrong. It was barbaric. One would assume that in a world filled with magic, where one was only limited to the bounds of one’s imagination, they would be a bit more progressive. Unfortunately, though, it seemed to be the opposite. In fact, Hermione had never met a group of people so routed in their ways as the wizarding world. Of course, it would be foolish to assume that an entire world would be impermeable to prejudices when the muggle world was not.

Therefore, where all of her time was normally spent in the Gryffindor common room with Harry and Ron or watching the Gryffindor quidditch team practice on the pitch, she now spent it nose deep in a book or attempting to recruit new S.P.E.W. members. Her absence had not gone unnoticed – in fact, it became so blatantly clear that Harry confronted her outright between Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures.  

“I don’t understand Hermione, is it something I’ve done?” Harry ran a hand through his unruly locks, distress obvious on his face.

“No, it’s nothing you’ve done Harry,” Hermione picked at her nails, feeling uncomfortable.

“Was it, Ron? I’m sure whatever he said, he didn’t mean it.” Hermione ignored the grating irritation at Harry’s blind defense of Ronald.

“No, it’s not Ron.”

“Then what? Come on Hermione, you know you can tell me anything.”

Hermione looked at her best friend and sighed. His kind eyes shone from behind his round spectacles with sincerity and concern.

“I’m not avoiding you or Ron. I’m just stressed about our O.W.L.s next year—" she paused “—You can never be too prepared, and I need to do well on them.”

Harry looked at her with a confused expression, “Hermione, they’re not for another year! Are you seriously stressing over something so far away?”  

“Yes? No? I guess…I guess I’m just used to studying all the time. You know, what with the time-turner last year and all. And then of course there’s S.P.E.W. No one seems to care at all that these poor elves are being worked day and night without any pay. I mean, it’s horrendous!” Hermione half-lied, feeling stupid as the words left her mouth. She wanted to be honest with Harry, but she didn’t know how. The real reason felt stupid. What was she to say? Sorry I’ve thrust myself into my work more than ever Harry; I just can’t stop having nightmares about something that happened nearly two months ago and I’m trying to distract myself.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, “I get it.”

“You do?” His remark caught her off guard as she wasn’t even sure if she understood it.

“You’re an absolute swot. Don’t get me wrong, we all love that about you, but you need to learn when to relax and have some fun,” Harry finished with a grin.

“You prat—” Hermione hit his arm with the back of her book “—Don’t call me a swot. But you’re right. I need balance.”  

“And I guess as appointed Secretary of S.P.E.W., I could do a bit more for the cause.”

Hermione lit up at the words. “Really? Oh Harry, thank you so much! I’m making more buttons tonight, maybe you could help me? Then tomorrow we can try and canvas some of the other houses for new members!”

“Well, if you’re so efficient, you should be able to help me finish mine!” argued Ron desperately, bringing Hermione back to the present.

“Ronald, I told you before. I’m not doing your assignment for you. You have to learn it on your own,” she whispered.

“When am I ever going to need to know about all the goblin leaders? Besides, you like doing this sort of stuff.”

“Ronald, I said n—”

“Lovers’ quarrel?”

Merlin, Hermione thought at the sound of unified voices. Rolling her eyes, she turned to see Fred and George standing behind her.

“Hey Fred, hey George,” Harry greeted them cheerfully, placing his quill down – happy for an excuse to stop working.

“Hullo Harry,” they responded in unison.

“Any progress on entering our names for the tournament?” Ron asked expectantly. Much to Hermione’s disproval, Fred and George promised him a try at whatever they whipped up as soon as they knew it was successful, and Ron had not stopped talking about it.

“We’re nearly there,” George grinned.

“So, we’ll know in about two days whether it works or not,” said Fred, leaning against a bookshelf casually. Two days? Hermione thought with alarm. Was it really the 29th of October already? That meant the students from Beauxbaton and Durmstrang, the other competing schools, were to arrive tomorrow evening! She needed to go back to her dormitory and rework her schedule. She had no room to pencil in excitement and new student arrival that week. She opened her planner to begin revising.

“How confident are you that it’ll work?” asked Ron, leaning forward in excitement.

“Extremely,” the twins answered.

Hermione let out an indecent snort and rolled her eyes again. Fools.

“Something you’d like to add Granger?” asked George, looking over at her.

“Yes, hullo to you also. So nice of you to acknowledge us in a friendly manner,” accused Fred sarcastically.

“I think some lessons are best learned through experience, rather than lecture,” said Hermione, carefully picking her words before tucking her planner into her bag and slinging it over her shoulder.

“But you love to lecture us, are you sure you aren’t raring to tell us how wrong we are?” asked Fred, fluttering his eyelashes sweetly.

Hermione gave a short laugh, “Please. I know a lost cause when I see one.”

“A lost cause? You hear that Georgie? We’re a lost cause.”

“I don’t know…sounds to me like she’s just afraid of a challenge Freddie.”

“It’s not a challenge if all I’m doing is slowly melting my brain trying to reason with the pair of you,” scoffed Hermione.

“Oh, I can melt your brain just fine, if that’s what you’d like,” stated Fred, stepping forward cockily.

“Is your wit really so primitive that you have to resort to sexual innuendo all the time?” Hermione asked, her heart rate picking up in her chest as their conversation turned more heated.

“Sexual innuendo? I have no idea what you’re referring to Granger. I was merely saying I might be smarter than you think. Are you sure you aren’t projecting a bit there?”

“You’re a child,” Hermione bit back, feathers ruffled that Fred seemed to be over his initial shock response to her comebacks and instead was meeting her beat for beat. His eyes held a shine to them as he smiled down at her in excitement.

“Resorting to name-calling now? I thought higher of you,” sighed Fred, tapping the end of her nose condescendingly. Hermione batted his hand away, feeling her hair begin to crackle. She was getting too upset. She needed to calm down and show him that she was better than him.

Taking a small, calming breath, she straightened her posture before replying, “That doesn’t surprise me Frederick. I’m sure it’s easy to think highly of me when your potential is so low.”

Hermione took that moment to make her exit. Turning on her heel, she walked out of the library, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone. A warm flush covered her face and bled down her neck as she scurried through the halls. Adrenaline pumped through her system. Despite his ample fight, she felt quite confident that she won the battle. His lack of biting response as she left, supported as much. Departing before he could speak might have been a cheap way to go about it, but she reasoned there was no clean way to fight when it came to the Weasley twins. A small giggle bubbled up in her chest as she replayed the conversation in her head. Invigorated by the whole event, she ran the rest of the way to the Gryffindor tower. Rounding corners and sprinting up staircases, exhaustion filled her small frame by the time she came upon the portrait of the Fat Lady. Her lungs ached from the exercise and her shoulder and back ached from the heavy books weighing her bag down. She gasped the password through pants and entered as she tried to catch her breath. Fellow Gryffindors cast odd looks in her direction as she scurried up the stairs to the girls’ dormitories, but she didn’t care. Her room was empty and for that she was grateful. The last thing she wanted was a forced conversation with Lavender or Pavarti. Perhaps the physical exertion would act as a sleeping agent and she would finally fall into a deep and peaceful sleep. Best to ride the wave and go to bed while I’m still tired¸ she thought. Sluggishly, she changed out of her uniform and crawled into bed. Nagging thoughts tugged at the back of her mind, telling her to brush her teeth, but the exhaustion in her body told her to sleep. Ultimately her body won, and sleep took over.

Hermione’s mind swam the next day as she sat in double potions with the Slytherins. It was nearing the end of class and Professor Snape was taking the time to explain to them why their potions had been improperly brewed in one way or another. Hermione’s hadn’t of course, but that didn’t stop him from berating her for being an ‘insufferable little know-it-all’, and then accusing her of helping any student that didn’t manage to burn a hole in their cauldrons. She diligently took notes as Snape droned on and on, but her mind failed to connect to the words she was writing down on the parchment. All thoughts and worries were currently focused on an embarrassing personal crisis. The dream.

While Hermione thought nightmares were the worst thing, she could possibly endure in her sleeping state, she had to admit she had been wrong. No, apparently there was something much, much worse stewing in her brain waiting for vulnerable unconsciousness to leap out and take form.

She had been in the library, wandering through the sections of towering shelves when she appeared in a section, she was unfamiliar with. Turning a corner her eyes grew wide at the sight of two older students locked in an intimate embrace. Her heart started to race, and her breathing began to pick up as she felt a tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach. She tried to leave but found herself unable to move – her feet glued to the floor. That’s when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist and a pair of lips kissing up her neck. Her hands went up, one grabbing at the fingers that dug roughly into her flesh and the other threading itself through long thick hair. She turned her head only to see that the hair between her fingers was a brilliant shade of ginger. The realization was so shocking to her that she awoke from her dream, sitting ramrod straight – heart pounding, sweat-slicked, and breathing heavily.

Her face blushed just thinking about it. Turning her head casually to the right, she spied one of her best friends. Ronald Weasley sat next to Harry, slumped forward in his seat, head resting in his hand. His long hair hung way past his eyes, concealing them completely. Hermione, knowing Ron, would bet on her life that they were closed, and he was verging on sleep. She knew he wasn’t fully asleep though, because if he were there would be loud snores coming from his direction. Him. He was the one her mind decided to fantasize about. Why? She studied him, her eyes tracing the freckles on the bridge of his nose. He wasn’t bad looking; she always quite liked his hair and pale complexion. He had a kind heart and could be quite charming when he wanted to be, the problem was that rarely did he want to be. He could be quite cruel and insensitive without knowing it, and he didn’t care for much other than Quidditch. Is that really what she wanted in a partner? Hermione scoffed at her mental ramblings. Here she was, wondering if Ronald Weasley were her potential first love without considering that he would probably never be interested in her. After all, her hair was a bushy, frizzy mess, her teeth were far too big for her mouth, and her otherwise plain features left much to be desired. Not to mention her overall swotty personality. Still, hadn’t he told her that she was ‘the best’? And he certainly didn’t mind being her friend. What if he did like her?

“Miss Granger, is there something on Mr. Weasley’s face that’s so interesting that you cannot be bothered to pay attention?” The sound of Professor Snape’s voice brought Hermione out of her thoughts, and she looked up to find all eyes on her. The Slytherins snickered around her, and Ron and Harry looked at her in surprise. Hermione felt her face flush with embarrassment.

“No Professor, my apologies,” she mumbled, looking down at her notes.

“Five points from Gryffindor for Miss Granger’s lack of interest. Class dismissed,” snipped Professor Snape as he turned towards his office. Hermione packed her bag and exited the classroom as quickly as possible.

“What was that all about?” Harry asked, him and Ron catching up to her with ease.

“Sorry guys, I got lost in thought and didn’t realize where I was looking. I guess I should have been paying attention,” Hermione stammered, readjusting her bag on her shoulder.

“No problem Hermione. Snape’s a git and no one blames you. I was almost asleep near the end there too,” Ron piped in with a friendly smile. Hermione felt her stomach flip.

“Thanks Ronald.” She smiled back.

“Looks like we’ve got ourselves a couple of love birds, boys,” Draco Malfoy sneered as he came up beside them. “When’s the wedding? I’m sure it’ll be just lovely, or at least as lovely as five knuts’ll get you.”

Hermione scowled at the silver-hair bully, with all his sharp pointed features and disgustingly greasy demeanor, as he laughed along with his goons. She rolled her eyes and grabbed both Harry and Ron by the arm, leading them on towards the front of the castle. Ridiculous. That’s what she was being. It was ridiculous to waste her time worrying about some absurd dream when that’s all it was – a dream. Besides, she didn’t know for certain it was Ron who she dreamed about. There were plenty of red heads in the world.

Outside the main entrance they found Ginny next to Neville in a crowd of students.

“Did we miss anything?” asked Ron, looking excitedly about.

“Nothing yet, you’ve made it just in time I think!” Ginny exclaimed in glee. The castle was in a fit of excitement. Even the Slytherins, who didn’t find much joy in anything school related, seemed to be chomping at the bit for their guests to arrive and the Triwizard Tournament to finally take off. Hermione, too, was excited but more at the thought of getting to meet students from other magical schools. She had taken the liberty of reading as much as she could on the histories of both Durmstrang and Beauxbaton and was informing Ginny on their key similarities and differences when several gasps and shouts erupted around them.

“Look!” Ginny yelled, pointing up at the sky above them. Hermione followed her finger upwards to see a large horse-drawn carriage flying through the clouds, pulled by a dozen flying horses the size of elephants. She watched as they soared through the air, their wings pumping up and down in synchronization. The size of the horses was comparable to what they were pulling, for as it got closer, Hermione estimated the carriage to be at least twice the size of her home back in Hampstead. The carriage floated prettily, a pale cream embellished with pastel blue designs and gold trim. Obviously of French provincial style, she concluded that this was clearly the Beauxbaton students. So enthralled by the ornate and bordering ostentatious carriage and the horses pulling it, Hermione failed to notice heads turning and mouths gaping at the Black Lake. In fact, her gaze only broke away from the magnificent beasts when Ron elbowed her from behind. She turned to scold him, but caught her tongue when she noticed a daunting, black ship floating on the lake. It rocked back and forth, sending large waves crashing away from it on the usually glass-smooth surface. Hermione thought it very much resembled what happened when you dropped a large rock into a pond and wondered how it got there. Someone was sure to tell her later – there were plenty of witnesses.

“Way to make an entrance!” exclaimed Ron, followed by loud whoops and cheers as he clapped.

“A bit flashy, if you ask me,” Pansy Parkinson sniffed from a nearby group of Slytherins.

“She’s one to talk,” Hermione mumbled under her breath.

“Hah!” a boisterous laugh sounded behind her. Hermione swiveled and caught a pair of hazel eyes looking at her.

Fred leaned towards her. “Nice one Granger,” he complimented over the babble of conversation around them. His warm breath fell on her neck, all too reminiscent of her dream. Her body jerked to attention, heat creeping up her face before she smiled politely and turned away from the older boy.

“They’re coming up to the entrance!” Seamus Finnigan announced. Hermione thanked Merlin for the distraction and looked down the path leading to the front of the castle. Sure enough, there was a large group of individuals walking towards them. As they neared, the Hogwarts students cheered and applauded them, trying to welcome the foreign students like Professor Dumbledore advised. Hermione clapped softly as the first students approached. A tall and unsettling man led the group. His dark hair, speckled with bits of silver, sat heavy on his head, slicked back from his angular face. The sharp features and the long, grey goatee gave him an ominous appearance fueled even further by the deep scowl set into his mouth and piercing black eyes. He wore midnight black robes paired with a brilliantly white fur pelt over his shoulders. Igor Karkaroff. Headmaster of Durmstrang. The students behind him wore robes of deep crimson, the color sharing an eerie resemblance to the color of blood. Like their headmaster, they too donned thick furs to fight the crisp cold, only theirs held a rich color of brown. They looked incredibly warm. Subconsciously, Hermione pulled her wool robes closer around her as a strong breeze blew around them.

“Bloody hell! It’s him!” Ron shouted, his voice taking on a hysterical tone.

“Who?” asked Harry.

“Victor Krum! It’s Victor Krum! Right there in the front!” Ron pushed himself forward and past Hermione to get a better look at the famous Quidditch player coming towards them. With Ron’s tall figure in front of her, she failed to confirm whether the Bulgarian seeker truly lead the group of Durmstrang students. Ron’s excitement only increased as the visiting students got closer and then passed them into the castle.

“Ronald! I can’t see!” Hermione pounded lightly on Ron’s back with her fists until he snapped out of his star struck trance. The ginger boy turned around, a sheepish grin across his face.

“Sorry about that Hermione. Here.” Awkwardly, Ron shifted over and led Hermione to the front by her waist. For the second time that afternoon a Weasley boy reminded her of her dream, Ron’s touch all too like the arms that held her sensually the night before. She took a small step forward, putting distance between herself and Ron’s grasp. The students from Beauxbaton were the next to make their way down the path. The crowd gawked at the elegant French students as they walked poised and beautiful down the cobblestone in their blue silk uniforms. Hermione, on the other hand couldn’t help but find them annoying. They shivered and chattered their teeth in such an exaggerated manner and looked up at the castle with such disgust and judgement that she immediately took a disliking to them.

“For Merlin’s sake! It’s not that cold,” Hermione groaned as the boys and girls huddled together for warmth. Hermione thought them incredibly rude and found it idiotic that they did not think to wear warmer robes. However, someone in their party evidently had sense, as their headmistress sauntered up the path in a heavy shawl, completely unbothered by the cold. Although, Hermione wasn’t sure anything could bother the woman as she stood twelve feet tall and sturdy. A neutral expression, bored some might even call it, covered her face and despite her size, she too glided gracefully across the ground. As they walked past, Hermione could hear little bits and pieces of snide remarks from the Beauxbaton students. Apparently, they thought Hogwarts would be much nicer than it was. Hermione couldn’t believe her ears. She assumed that as guests, they would have much better manners.

“Honestly, can you believe that rubbish?” Hermione exclaimed, turning to Ron and Harry behind her. Instead of meeting commiserating sentiments like she expected, the pair continued to stare at the Beauxbaton students until they disappeared completely into the castle. Their mouths hung open widely, making them look quite dumb, and Hermione turned to Ginny with a questioning look. Ginny shrugged, also confused over her brother and Harry’s behavior.

Hermione waved her hand in front of the pairs’ faces.

“Hullo! Are you two listening to me?” she asked, frowning.

“Bloody hell, did you see her?” Ron asked, in more of a trance than when he saw Krum.

“Yeah…” Harry said dreamily.

“See who?” Hermione questioned. What was wrong with them? They hadn’t acted like this since…oh goodness. Not since the Veelas at the Quidditch World Cup.

“Ahhhh it seems our poor baby brother has fallen victim,” George stated woefully, placing a hand on Hermione’s shoulder. She looked up at him and then back down at his hand.

“Why are you fine?” she asked, shrugging off his hand.

“Oh, Alicia and Angelina were sure to snap us out of it,” Fred stated, then placing his hand on her shoulder.

“And how exactly did they do that?” She raised an eyebrow, shrugging off his hand as well.

“Like this!” the twins shouted before reeling back and smacking both Harry and Ron in the back of the head. The two fourth year Gryffindors yelled out in pain, grasping at their heads before spinning around and glaring at Fred and George.

“What the hell was that for?!” Harry barked.

“You were drooling mates,” George smirked.

“And it’s time to go back in,” Fred pointed behind them at the entrance to the castle where most of the students were filing through already.

They followed the crowd back into the castle and through the corridor into the Great Hall. It seemed the Durmstrang students took a special liking to the Slytherins as almost all of them were seated at their table. The Beauxbaton students seated themselves at the Ravenclaw table, much to Ronald’s disdain. And it was Ronald’s unhappiness that also fueled Hermione’s sore mood as well. Silently she ate her dinner and watched as Ron fawned and drooled and ogled the girls from Beauxbaton for the entirety of the night. When a particularly pretty one approached their table asking him for the bouillabaisse, Ron was left speechless.

“Honestly, Ronald. She’s just a girl. You know, like every other girl in this school. Including myself,” Hermione tried to reason with him.

Eyes still trained on the French beauty, Ron responded with incredulity, “That’s ridiculous Hermione. She’s no girl. That right there is a woman. Leagues above any girl here at Hogwarts.”

A woman? What did that even mean? She was only a few years older than Hermione. She didn’t even look that much older. Hermione turned her attention back to the food on her plate and found that she had lost her appetite. So instead, she pulled a book from her bag and buried herself behind it, slowly sinking lower into her seat as the night went on. She missed the moment they revealed the cup that competitors were to put their name in, too engrossed in the words on the page, and when dinner was over, she was the first to leave the Great Hall. Only, she didn’t head straight for the common room like she usually did. Instead, her feet carried her through the castle until she found herself in the library once again. As she seated herself in her favorite corner, she was reminded of something Professor Trelawney had said her third year. ‘Oh you may be young in years, but the heart that beats beneath your bosom is as shriveled as an old maid’s, your soul as dry as the pages of the books to which you so desperately cleave.’

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“Another potion successfully made brother.” Fred grinned, stretching the muscles in his neck and back.

Fred and George Weasley currently sat in an abandoned classroom as they finished the answer to all their problems. Well past curfew, the pair had just filled two vials with the clear aging potion and capped them triumphantly.

“I’d say that one was particularly easy, wouldn’t you?” George replied, standing up.

“As easy as beating Percy in a game of wits.”

“Off to bed then?”

“Actually, I think I may pop down to the kitchen and grab myself a bite to eat. Clean up here?” Fred asked, motioning around the room. The classroom was their own personal haven; tucked away in an old corner of the castle that few ventured it was their go-to space for all their inventing and brewing needs. It was only thanks to their time with the Marauder’s Map that they knew about it.

“Yeah. See you in the morning Freddie.” George waved goodbye as Fred exited the classroom and headed down towards the kitchens. The low light of the hallway candles washed the castle in a soft glow that contrasted with the icy chill of nighttime. The castle was always cold at night. However, the frigid temperature didn’t bother Fred Weasley as much as usual that night. He was far too excited to be bothered by much of anything, really. Tomorrow was the big day. They were going to enter their names into the Goblet of Fire, and it was going to be glorious. Fred had no idea if one of them would even be picked to compete, but just the idea of winning the prize money was enough to keep a spring in his step and a surge of determination coursing through his veins.

He kept quiet as he tip-toed through the halls, just in case Filch was lurking around corners. Turning down the last corridor he was surprised to see, not the scraggly old Mr. Filch, but the familiar figure of a bushy-haired fourth year. Hermione Granger stood in front of a picture on the wall, the torches in front of her illuminating her and making her hair glow like an ethereal halo.

“Hermione?”

She spun around, glancing back and forth, looking like a frightened animal. Fred stepped closer, out of the shadows so she could see him more clearly. He watched her relax, her shoulders dropping from her ears and slumping forward. She laughed lightly.

“Merlin’s beard, Frederick! You scared me!” Hermione exclaimed with an edge of relief in her voice.

“Shhhh!” Fred hushed her, rushing forward, and covering her mouth with his hand. “Do you want to wake the whole castle with your yelling or just Filch in particular?”

Hermione’s eyes widened in alarm. She stiffened beneath him, the two of them silently listening for any signs of Filch or his wretched cat, Mrs. Norris. When Fred failed to hear anything, he let out a breath of relief and looked down at the little witch in his arms. Suddenly he was awash with the memory of the last time the two of them had been that close. The night in the forest when they were hiding for their lives. He removed his hand and stepped back.

“I didn’t realize it was so late. I was coming back from the library and decided to go for a bit of a walk,” whispered Hermione, looking up at him under the glowing light of the torches. “How are we going to get back to the tower without being seen?”  

“Simple. I know a shortcut. Come on.” Fred grabbed Hermione’s hand, pulling her along with him down the corridor. Her hand was small and cold but fit surprisingly well in his own. His stomach growled, and mournfully he thought of the late-night snack he originally set out to get. He continued down the halls at a quick pace until they reached the tapestry he had been looking for. Tapping his wand five times at its center, he pulled back the tapestry to reveal a hidden passageway. He let go of Hermione’s hand and the two slipped behind the tapestry, letting it fall back into place behind them.

“Lumos,” Fred spoke softly, lighting the dark space with the tip of his wand.

“Amazing, this must be one of the secret passageways on the Marauders’ Map,” marveled Hermione.

They made their way down the narrow passage, taking up a leisurely pace, not feeling the pressure of getting caught by Filch or his cat. The shuffling of their feet on the cold stone filled the silent space around them as they climbed up stairways and weaved around corners. As they walked, a nagging thought pricked at the back of Fred’s mind until he couldn’t help but voice it.

“So, walks about the castle past curfew. I didn’t take you for the type Granger,” Fred teased. Hermione let out a loud and vulgar scoff. Fred turned, looking down at her incredulously, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

The young witch lifted her chin in indignation, “What sort of type did you take me for?”

Fred shrugged, “You know, the good girl type. Doesn’t get into trouble. Doesn’t break rules. Perfect Prefect material.”

“I’ll have you know I break plenty of rules.”

“Yeah, but only when it’s Harry or Ron’s idea,” pressed Fred, hoping to goad her into revealing something he didn’t already know.

“That’s not true!” She turned her head and glared at him.

“No, don’t believe it.” Fred shook his head.

“Well, believe it because it’s true.”

“Prove it.”

“Prove it?”

“Yeah, tell me one rule that you’ve broken that wasn’t Harry or Ron’s idea.” He glanced at the younger witch out of the corner of his eye. Her brows were scrunched together, her pink lips pouting as she thought. Then her face opened in excitement, eyebrows lifting and mouth opening, revealing her large front teeth below her upper lip.

“In first year, it was my idea for Harry to sneak into the restricted section of the library over Christmas holiday,” she stated proudly.

“That doesn’t count! You only thought of the idea; you made Harry do all the dirty work,” countered Fred.

“Alright, in second year I brewed Polyjuice in the girl’s lavatory and nicked lacewing flies from Professor Snape’s office to do it,” said Hermione triumphantly as they reached the end of the passageway, coming out the other side right next to the portrait of the Fat Lady. Hermione spun around, crossing her arms in front of her as she waited for his response.

“Who’d have thought that the Hermione Granger was such a delinquent,” praised Fred, grinning widely. He was truly impressed. He had no idea that the bright little witch had it in her to steal from a teacher.

Hermione sniffed haughtily. “That’ll teach you to underestimate me, Frederick Weasley,” she stated coolly, but her golden brown eyes shown with flee, like he had just given her the best compliment in the world. He then watched in awe as she turned around, mutter the password, and disappeared through the portrait into Gryffindor tower.

“It sure will Granger, it sure will.”

Chapter 6 >>

Taglist: 

@theworldisugly-22

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okay becky, you asked for an ask and posted a cheryl gifset so riddle me this: glee characters as riverdale characters - gender and relationships dont matter. go.

I sure did and you sure did deliver and wow this is a tough one oh god here we go (thank you so much for asking, this was a super fun thing to think about even though I have gotten Very Sick of Riverdale lately lmao)

Archie Andrews as Finn Hudson. I feel like this one is obvious. They’re both kind of the “main” guy, they’re both jocks with a musical flair, they’re both kinda dumb at times and get into fights they shouldn’t. This one was easy.

Jughead Jones as Kurt Hummel. This might just be because Jughead is my favourite Riverdale character and Kurt is my favourite Glee character, but I also kind of see the resemblance. They’re both introverts, they’re both sarcastic and quick witted, they’re both smart and really passionate about the things they’re interested in. Kurt would hate that Jughead always wears the hat, though (or at least, he’d outwardly hate it; eventually he’d probably grow to love it, though he’d never admit that out loud).

Cheryl Blossom as Santana Lopez. Both cheerleaders, both can sing, both don’t take anybody’s shit. They’re ruthless and will do what they need to do to get what they want, but they also care deeply and fiercly about the people they love, and would do anything for them. All that without even considering gener and sexuality, and I don’t think we need to get into that because if you’ve seen the shows the resemblance is right there.

Veronica Lodge as Quinn Fabray. They’re both much more palatable than Cheryl/Santana, but can be just as cut-throat when they need to be. They’re also a little more... conniving? I’m not sure if that’s the right word They’re good at putting on a nice face and acting like everything is fine when really they’re secretly plotting. This all sounds negative, and to be fair I’m actually not the biggest fan of either character (is this an unpopulat opinion? I definitely think it is for Quinn, oops), but I think their good traits line up pretty well too. I think at their hearts they’re both good people, but are a little fucked up because their families are Not Great.

Toni Topaz as Mercedes Jones. I know you said relationships don’t matter, and this isn’t a relationship, but Santana and Mercedes are amazing together, so I think it works out nicely that Cheryl and Toni are a couple. Both of these ladies are great people, they’re very smart and talented but they don’t rub it in your face. I think they also are good at sort of grounding people in reality? I’m not sure if this point makes any sense, but what I mean is they’re both no-nonsense type of people.

Betty Cooper as Blaine Anderson. We’re getting to the point where I don’t have as good justifications. But both of these people come off as very nice, sweet, and bubbly at first glance, whereas getting to know them better you realize they have some deeper things going on underneath the surface. Blaine has a lot of insecurity issues that come up in later seasons, and Betty has some struggles that she’s dealing with as well that she does a good job of hiding from most people. Also, we don’t get any of Blaine’s family life, but I headcanon that his dad really sucks, so that’s a nice parallel. And I know you said not to care about relationships (again!) but this does give us Klaine. :)

Kevin Keller as Sam Evans. They’re both fun and generally happy/upbeat guys who are just... very nice and wholesome and don’t seem to really care what other people think. Sam was fine singing a duet with Kurt (although it didn’t happen :( ) and Kevin did the whole Hedwig and the Angry Inch thing at school, so that’s cool.

F.P. Jones as Noah Puckerman. Really grasping at straws now here, people. They’re both pretty rough and tumble, have a criminal history, but they shape up and end up going in similar career directions (sheriff/army). Not afraid to punch someone if that’s what has to be done.

Alice Cooper as Brittany S. Pierce. Still grasping at straws. They both are generally nice and good hearted but also a bit nuts and when they get their mind sent on something they go for it and don’t really care too much about the consequences of their actions.

Reggie Mantle as Artie Abrams. I do not have a good reason for this. I feel like they’re both kinda dicks who have a little bit of a superiority complex but really aren’t that great lmao. I don’t remember enough about Reggies, and I don’t care that much for Artie. They both have good moments though.

Jellybean Jones as Tina Cohen Chang. They’re both quiet and spunky and I dunno, they just give me the same energy? I don’t remember that much about Jellybean to be honest and maybe that’s also a reason, I feel like she’s a great character that deserves more screentime, just like Tina.

Hermione Lodge as Rachel Berry. Both think they’re great people and think they’re hot shit but really they kind of suck and only get the great things they get because of the people around them or because they got lucky.

Principal Honey as Sue Sylvester. Because they both try to ruin everything. No further explanation needed.

Francis DuPont as Will Schuester. He kinda runs a club and he sucks at it? Idk.

Jason Blossom as Matt Rutherford. Because they both were, like, kinda there in the beginning, but never actually got to do anything LOL.

[annerbhp]

"Harry just woke up as I was writing this letter. Demanded that I read it aloud and then told me to stop exaggerating." We discovered that Hermione here was already sure about their closeness, but i find this part so "Harry" it hurts

Ginny-

Hope your practices are going well. We’re all looking forward to having you back in England for the holidays.

Had a bit of a scare today. The curse apparently worked its way past one of the binding spells again. It was horrible, Harry just going ashen mid-sentence, and then starting to scream. I thought I had seen dark magic, but this curse, it’s the most horrible thing I have ever seen.

Don’t worry, the medistaff were quick to intercede, putting the spells back in place, but we’re all a bit shaken up. Even if they say the curse is far weaker now and it definitely shouldn’t happen again, it was still in—

Hermione looks up from her letter at the sound of Harry groaning. His eyes are still closed, but his face is creased in pain.

“Harry,” she says, reaching out to touch his hand.

“Christ,” he rasps, voice weak and shaky. “What happened?”

“The curse,” she says, leaning closer. “It apparently escaped the binding spells, which they still don’t know how, and really, if they were competent at all they would have been watching for something like this–” She knows she’s rambling, just can’t manage to stop, her heart thudding away as she remembers the sound of Harry screaming, the scrambling panic of the healers.

“’m fine,” Harry slurs, patting her hand absently.

“Yes, you are,” she says firmly.

“Gonna maybe pass out again though.”

She lets out a shaky laugh. “Yes. Go on and do that.”

But sleep must prove elusive, because he shifts slightly in bed, no doubt in pain but refusing to admit it. She isn’t sure if he’s allowed more pain potion at the moment. Flicking her wand, she triggers the request for a mediwitch’s attention.

She knows Harry must be suffering when he doesn’t protest.

“What’re you doing?” he asks as they wait, clearly looking for a distraction.

“Writing a letter.” 

Harry cracks an eye open. “To who?”

“Ginny,” she says lightly, as if she isn’t closely watching his reaction.

“Oh,” he says, almost too perfectly nonchalant.

Hermione’s eyes narrow. It’s on the tip of her tongue to push, to demand to know exactly what is going on–what that brief kiss Ginny may or may not have pressed to his forehead while he was asleep meant–but she also remembers how furious Harry was with her for ‘sticking her nose in where it doesn’t belong’ as he’d snapped at her after his break up with Cass. Not long after which he’d left, come back to England on his own rather than be around her. And here, so close to death yet again. All of them so close to losing him again.

Besides, Hermione tells herself, it doesn’t really matter anyway. Ginny isn’t here. She isn’t going to be here, has chosen not to be. Living abroad and chasing her dreams is clearly more important to her. Even if Harry does secretly have feelings for her, bringing it up would only be salt in the wound. Harry has enough things to be miserable about.

“What did you say?” Harry asks.

“Nothing.” She’s been very careful not to!

“In the letter,” Harry says, voice impatient.

“Oh,” she says, immediately feeling a flare of curiosity when she has just so faithfully promised not to stick her nose in it. “Just giving her an update.”

“What did you say?” he asks again, a dark look crossing his features, and truly, there has never been a worse patient in the world than Harry James Potter.

“Since when is my private correspondence any of your business?” she asks.

“Hermione,” he snaps, immovably stubborn for all he looks like a half-drowned, angry kitten at the moment.

“Fine!” she says, knowing better than to fight Harry when he gets like this. He’ll probably try to get out of bed and take it from her, end up getting himself killed in some other inventive way. She reads it off to him, not sure if the frown on his face is from hearing what his relapse looked like to her, or because of the recipient.

“Happy?” she asks when she’s finished.

“No,” Harry says. “You’ve clearly exaggerated.”

Hermione rolls her eyes. She hasn’t. If anything, she’s played down how terrible it was. Not that it would be the worst thing for Ginny to see what exactly she is missing. What kind of state Harry is in. And now she is convinced all over again that she read too much into it.

If Ginny actually cared a whit, she would be here.

Hermione writes another line. Harry just woke up as I was writing this letter. Demanded that I read it aloud and then told me to stop exaggerating.

“Give it here,” he says, gesturing for the quill.

“Harry, really,” she huffs, even as she reluctantly hands it over.

She gives him a book to put under the paper, and he frowns down at the words before lifting his trembling hand to write. His forehead creases with the effort, his tongue sticking out between his lips. His breathing gets more and more labored as he inks in painful letter after painful letter, and just as Hermione is going to demand he stop, he lowers the quill, letting her take it from him.

Fortunately the mediwitch arrives then, Ron quickly on his heels.

While Ron distracts him and the mediwitch hovers, the two of them coercing him into potions he definitely needs, Hermione reads what he’s written.

I’m fine. See? I can even hold a quill. Now please go back to flying around on your broom and kicking people’s arses for those of us who are saddled with overbearing babysitters.

Hermione doesn’t know what she hoped to read, is only disappointed and slightly angry, though she isn’t sure why exactly. Clearly Harry doesn’t want Ginny here anymore than Ginny wants to be here.

With a sigh, she crosses out ‘overbearing babysitters’ and inks in ‘loyal, caring friends’.

Because Hermione will be here. She will stand by Harry no matter what. And that, in the end, is all that matters.

[wheresmyletterhogwarts]

Ron Weasley-Yule Ball Part 1

Lol this is probably really bad but here we are! 

It’d been towards the end of third year. It seemed the friend group was falling apart around you, Ron blaming Hermione for Scabber’s disappearance, Harry upset Hermione had the Firebolt confiscated, and Hermione a bundle of stress every minute of the day. The tension had driven a wedge between almost all of you. But you and Ron stayed just the same. You even got closer, you thought. And that night, Ron had been hopelessly searching for Scabbers in the hallway when you stumbled upon him. His red hair was mussed all about his head and he wore an old sweater Molly had made him. Your heart nearly tugged out of your chest as he softly clicked his tongue, calling for the rat.  

“Find anything yet?” You asked.  

Ron nearly jumped from the floor, swearing, before looking up at you. It took a moment before he responded and he stood. “No.” He swiped the dust off his sleep pants. “I shouldn’t bother anymore, right?” He paused. You didn’t know if he wanted you to answer. You took a step forward. “Harry says I shouldn’t. It was just a dumb rat, after all.”

“He,” you emphasized as you walked closer to Ron, “was your only friend and you know it.” You smirked up at him—it was crazy how tall he’d gotten over the summer holidays—and he scoffed, a concealed smile barely visible in the dark. “You’ll find him, Ron.”

“Not if Hermione’s demon cat ate him.” You stiffened at that comment. Though Hermione had been almost avoiding the group completely, you weren’t exactly eager to jump into her fight with Ron.  

“Let’s keep looking,” you said. “We’ll look as long as we have to. Dumb pest has to be around here somewhere.” Ron chuckled a little and again, your heart performed some Olympic level flips in your chest. You scolded yourself, and dropped lower to the ground, calling for Scabbers. Ron would never admit it, he’d much sooner damn the rat to the deepest pits of hell, in fact, but he was rather attached to Scabbers. You’d seen him plenty of times sneaking him into class in one of his robe pockets, passing him bits of cheese and dried fruit he’d kept from meals. It must have been killing him to not know where the rat was, let alone if it was still alive.  

You both searched in silence for well over an hour. It was rather boring, but every time you almost went to leave your eyes found the red-headed boy crouched beside you. Through the darkness you could see the furrowed brows, lip trapped between his teeth, and anxious eyes. Even if you didn’t have the stubborn affection for the boy, you couldn’t have left him like that. Eventually though, Ron stopped. The two of you had shuffled through dozens of hallways, far from the Gryffindor dormitories, and if Filch and that cat found you, you’d have detention for the next month at least.  

Ron turned to you, rocking from his shins to sit back against the wall. You maneuvered next to him. Your shoulders pressed together and you could hear his uneven breathing.  

“We should go back.” He turned his head to face you and it suddenly hit you how close you two were.  

“You sure?” You asked. Just a moment before you’d cursed your lack of self-control for keeping you out this late, crawling around looking for a mangy rat. Now though, you couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness this time with Ron would end.  

He nodded. “We can look tomorrow.” He smiled a little, and though you knew he wasn’t at all happy you two hadn’t found the rat, your heart beat a little faster at the promise of more time searching with him.  

“Sounds great,” you smiled back at him.

The walk back to the dormitories was silent, not because you two had nothing to talk about, but because you knew that if Filch found you there would be no late-night rat hunts for a very long time. You wouldn’t give up the chance to do this again for the world. Finally, you’d reach the common room, and as you began to walk up the stairs to your room Ron called your name.  

You turned with your hand still on the railing, “yeah?”

“Uh, thank you.” He stood behind a couch, his hands fidgeting on the back of it. “Thanks for the help. It was um,” he paused and you could feel your heart beating fast against your ribs, “less worse with you there.”

“No problem.” You smiled at him and continued up the stairs.  

Less worse? That was neither grammatically correct or anything close to what you’d been secretly hoping to hear. A seed of disappointment had blossomed in you, but it was hardly enough to overcome the whole evening. Even if Ron only thought of you as a friend, which had already been clear and was reinforced by the goodbye, tonight was enough. It was enough. You kept repeating that as you walked up the stairs and it almost completely appeased the ache in your chest.  

Hermione had been awake when you reached the room, waiting for you, and with the glow of the evening mixed with the pang of “less worse” hanging around you, you poured out all the feelings you’d been subject to since meeting the ginger on the first day of school.  

That had been a little less than a year ago. And Ron had only gotten more attractive, more all-consuming, and more unattainable. You never got to search with Ron again, as he found Scabbers just the next day, and neither of you had ever brought the night up again. If Hermione hadn’t been awake that night, you were sure you would’ve been convinced it was all a dream by now.  

Hermione sat beside you, bent over a book as she murmured the words aloud to herself. She still hadn’t touched her plate and already you, Harry, and Ron had finished your last helpings. This wasn’t altogether unusual, however. You smiled as you watched Ron eye the roast beef dish in front of him. He was sure to go back for more.

“’Mione,” Harry stretched back in his chair, “eat something or your stomach will be growling all through potions.” The brunette tossed him a look and set back into her book. He turned to Ron and grumbled something about Snape docking Gryffindor if her stomach does growl in class. You chuckled to yourself and started stacking your dishes, a habit Hermione had tried to instill in basically the entire student body, to make the house elves’ jobs easier during cleanup. It’d only really stuck with you.  

Ron frowned at his plate. “I asked a Hufflepuff to the Yule Ball today.” Crap. Hermione tensed next to you, turning from her book for the smallest split second to gauge your reaction.  

“What does she look like?” Harry asked, sipping from his glass of pumpkin juice. Harry didn’t know about your very unfortunate liking for Ron. It was better that way, sometimes you even wished Hermione didn’t know. It’d be much easier to forget if she wasn’t always checking in about it.  

Ron shrugged. “Blonde, short. I don’t know, she was the first girl I saw in the hallway.” Charming.  

“So,” you swallowed the unreasonable amount of dread in your throat, “did she say yes?” You shouldn’t be this worked up about this. He asked a girl he probably doesn’t even know the name of. Somehow, though, that makes the pressure in your chest twist tighter. He’d ask a stranger and not you.

“No, she has a date already. Going with some other Hufflepuff, had a stupid name.”  

You absolutely hated the way relief flooded through you. You despised it. Here was your best friend, upset, albeit ridiculously, that he couldn’t find a date, and you were happy he’d been turned down. It was awful. But you still couldn’t find it in you to feel badly about it.  

It was later that night, sitting on Hermione’s bed and talking with her as she proof-read her essay for the fourth time, you voiced a thought you’d buried deep inside of your mind.  

“Everyone’s in such a fuss about the ball,” Hermione dashed her quill through an offending phrase. “About a dozen girls asked me if I had a date.” She huffed a little, rolling her eyes. “As if that’s any of their business.”

You weren’t really that upset about all the attention the ball was getting. You might even have been one of the girls Hermione was complaining about if you would be going with Ron.  

“Jokes on them,” you said to her. “They’ll be stuck slow-dancing with some guy while you and I raid the desert table.” You winked at her. It’d been a long-standing joke and plan, partly to distract yourself from who you really wanted to go with, and mostly because Hermione was your absolute best friend, that the two of you would go to the ball together and only eat food, avoiding boys and dancing altogether. So, you were surprised at the way her neck and cheeks flushed.

“Unfortunately, I think we might have to factor at least one dance with a boy into those plans,” Hermione said. It took you a moment, but when you understand what she meant you almost screamed.  

“Hermione! You have a date?”  

“Yes, I do,” she smiled slightly. It was just like Hermione, to be calm, cool, and collected in every situation. But the teenage girl in her showed through as she set her quill down and smiled softly at you, a blush warming her face. “Victor Krum asked me this morning.”  

You couldn’t contain your grin as you tackled Hermione in a hug. You didn’t think she’d be necessarily happy at that response, but you could hear her laugh as you pulled away. She was really happy. “Hermione that’s great.”

“I don’t know why you’re so surprised!” She was smirking. “You’ve no faith in my feminine abilities.”  

You laughed. “I must say, I’ll miss you at the desert table, but I think being able to live vicariously through you as you dance with your Durmstrang will make up for it.” You’d meant it as a joke, but Hermione’s smile wavered.  

“Have you been asked yet?”

You laughed a little. “Ron hasn’t exactly mentioned anything, no.”  

“Y/N, I mean by someone else.”  

“Well, Nick Raywood did. But I said no.”  

“Oh, Y/N, why?”

You paused. You knew why not, you’d run it over in your head a million times before, but you also knew Hermione wouldn’t understand. She was your best friend though, and she was waiting for an answer. “Well, Ron doesn’t have a date yet.” Hermione frowned. She knew where this was going. “And, maybe if he can’t find one, he’ll finally ask me.” She opened her mouth, about to cut in. “And I know, ‘Mione, I know that it wouldn’t be a date. We’d go as friends and just hang out with you and Harry and everyone else but I’m okay with that. It’s enough.” You paused, repeating it in your head before repeating it again, aloud. “It’s honestly enough for me.”

“That’s not enough and you know it,” she said. “Y/N, you deserve better than a guy who only thinks of you as a friend. You deserve love.”  

You can feel your stomach turn and you paste a smile to your face, a joking tone to your voice. “Hermione, we’re still in school it’s really not that serious.”  

“You know what I mean.” And you did. As usual, she had a point and that point was absolutely right. “Wouldn’t you rather go to the ball with a guy like Nick who actually wants to go with you?”

“Maybe,” I said.  

Hermione looked down at her deserted essay. “I think we’re going to have to talk about something a little less dramatic if I’m ever going to turn this in.” You both chuckled a little, neither one completely past the conversation yet, but by the end of the night you’d fallen asleep with a smile on your face.  

The next day Harry and Ron were still searching for dates. Naturally, that meant Ron still hadn’t asked you. Nick Raywood was sitting at the Ravenclaw table, laughing with some friends thoughout dinner and you couldn’t help but glance over at him a few times. Nick was attractive and nice. The type of guy that was always uplifting the people around him. When he’d asked you earlier that week, he’d smiled and complimented your hair. He was nice, he was cute, he was interested.

And Hermione had never been wrong before, had she?

Your mind was made up just as the boys and Hermione stood to leave.  

“You coming, Y/N?” Ron asked, looking down at you. Hermione quickly scolded him and stacked his dishes up.  

“Um,” you watched Nick’s friends begin to leave. Nick was still sitting, finishing his dinner. If you stayed, maybe you could catch him alone on his way out. Save yourself any embarrassment of being turned down in front of people. “No, I have to uh,” your eyes searched the room, looking for some sort of excuse. Your eyes landed on the twins. “I have to talk to Fred about something.” Harry and Ron lifted their eyebrows, but didn’t say much. It wasn’t at all unusual for you to talk to one or both of the twins, but it was strange for you to actually have a reason to talk to them. If Hermione knew why you were actually staying she didn’t say, but she quickly ushered the boys to the common room and you were thankful for that.  

You felt vaguely stalkerish waiting for Nick to finish eating. You tried not to completely stare at him, but as you were no longer hungry and almost all of the Gryffindors around you had left, you were left with little else to do.  

It felt like forever before you saw Nick begin to gather himself up. You almost laughed when he stacked his dishes—Hermione must have gotten to him too. Quickly, you began leaving too and were glad when the few friends Nick was leaving with turned to opposite way in the hallway.  

You moved up so that you were walking next to him. “Hi, Nick.” You smiled up at him. He was taller than Ron. A little too tall, if you were being honest.  

“Y/N!” He grinned back at you.

“Uh, where are you headed?”

“Ravenclaw common room.” He high-fived an older Ravenclaw in the hallway before turning back to you. It was slightly unnerving how he walked, facing you, and didn’t run into anyone.  

“Oh, me too,” you said.

“You’re going to the Ravenclaw common room?” He looked genuinely confused.  

“Crap, uh, no. I mean mine. Gryffindor.” He let out a solid laugh and you chuckled a little. Crap, this was awkward. But Hermione was right. You had to do this.

“Uh, Nick, I have a kind of weird question.”  

“Ask away.”

“Do you have a date yet to the Yule Ball?”

He slowed to a halt. “Well, no.” He chuckled almost silently.  

You shouldn’t have been so disappointed. That was stupid, you thought. “Oh, um, well would you still like to go with me?”

For the first time in all your years at Hogwarts you say Nick Raywood frown. It was a very strange sight. “I asked you earlier this week if you wanted to go with me. Why didn’t you say yes then?”

You didn’t like lying. It wasn’t something you ever were okay with doing and your head had already begun to ache from lying to Ron earlier. But you couldn’t exactly tell Nick that you wanted to go with him to get over the guy that would never ask you to the ball. So, you lie. “I just, I was really nervous. I, um, never expected you’d want to go with me.” He still didn’t look sold. “I thought it was a joke, to be honest.”  

His eyes softened and he turned to face you completely. “I’m really sorry you would think I would do that. But I’d love to go with you, Y/N.” The two of you sorted out details of when and where to meet before going to the ball, and when you parted, he left a kiss on your cheek that made your skin crawl with guilt.  

When you returned to the common room, you found Harry and Ron upset, and a missing Hermione.  

“What happened to you two?” You ask, dropping into the seat across from them.

Harry’s arms were crossed. “How am I supposed to lead in the first dance with no date?”  

“Maybe you shouldn’t have turned all those girls down,” you said. He shot you a look. Beside him, Ron is frowning at you. “Ron?”

He didn’t respond at first, just uncrossed his arms and tucked his hands beneath his legs. “Will you go to the ball with me, Y/N?”  

You’d pictured him saying those words a hundred times in the past week. You’d even expected those words a few times. “What?”

You hated how collected he was. How put together and at ease. Nothing about this was scary to him but he’d been shaking asking other girls. “Go to the ball with me. You don’t have a date, I don’t have a date. Just as friends.” A part of you had almost said yes. Screw Nick, screw Hermione’s advice! Because Ron finally asked you to the ball. But those last three words crushed you. And though you’d been reminding yourself all night that you didn’t want to go with a guy who didn’t feel the same way, you finally understood why you couldn’t go with Ron.  

You’re not sure how you do it because it takes every last ounce of strength and will power in you, but you shake your head. “No, Ron. I have a date.”  

You don’t remember what he says or what you say as you trail up the stairs. You also don’t remember if the cries you heard as you fell asleep were Hermione’s or yours. Maybe it was both.  

[hillnerd]

I just wanted to ask how do you imagine Ron and Hermione getting together if we have fem!Harry. How do you think it will affect the dynamics of the Trio. Can you write a headcanon for this situation just like you did with genderbend Ron and Hermione?

Fun!

Ok, well fem!Harry would have different gender dynamics happening. Harriet Potter- prefers to go by Harry. Ron and Harry being best friends from the get go would turn more heads, given how very prone to boy and girl clannishness we see in school age kids, where they tend to stick to their own group. (This dynamic still holds strong- but is being more actively challenged today.) I think Ron would be even MORE protective of Harry, given how Ron is so chivalrous. I think it would throw Ron’s mothering into overdrive when she’s being attacked.

Harry might not initially LIKE Hermione- but she does have a bit of a kindred-ness with her, as in their dorm they’re the two girls who aren’t as traditionally feminine. I see Harry having rejected traditional femininity a bit because 1) Petunia is all about that 2) she wasn’t allowed to even meet those standards with Petunia as she was still just given Dudley’s hand-me-downs etc- so decided to reframe it for herself that it was more a ‘choice’ to reject those standards.

After the troll incident, they have Hermione as a friend, and Ron finds himself with two girls as his best friends- something that makes him stand out as a bit odd- so I can see him sort of saying ‘well, Harry’s practically a boy!’ as sort of a justification he puts forth when given flack.

Ron gets on with Harry much more naturally at first- but finds Hermione to be a lot more fun than he originally thought she could be. She’s fun to debate with, way more talkative than Harry about all sorts of stuff, likes to get into observing people and indulging his more ‘analytical/deep’ side than most people have ever bothered with him. The two of them are able to have a lot of fun without Harry around, actually. He loves to bro around with Harry though, as the two of them can just have fun and BE without any expectations for behavior, and they have a ton in common.

Harry and Hermione end up being a bit closer than they were in the books, as she and Hermione share a dormroom, and Harry is socialized that it’s more ok to open up about emotions and things like that- so she might confide a bit more in Hermione than she ever did as male!Harry.

Ron would not have that ‘I’m competing with Harry’ dynamic going on- so he’d actually be a lot more confident. He’d be the ‘lead male’ of the Gryffindor boys in this scenario, which would help him to feel like he does indeed stand out a bit more.

Now, when it comes to shipping, I think of Harry as a bisexual disaster in this scenario- and Ron’s little sister Ginny is taken with Harry. They think it’s just she looks up to her- after all Ginny is super into quidditch and being tough- and there’s this girl who embodies all of that! She’s a rolemodel she’s been looking up to! And Ginny is fairly convinced that’s all she’s feeling towards Harry- as this is the 90s and being queer is not talked about very much.

Second and Third year go as they did in the books for the most part- not much different.

Fourth year is when things would really be different. Ron has these two female best friends- and they’re all growing up and junk. Stupid hormones! He gets flack from Harry and Hermione about his reaction to Fleur- (as I’m just going to pretend that veela magic is as heteronormative in how it works as it was in the books :P) Rita Skeeter quickly writes a story about Harry and Ron being together, and Hermione is starting to shut down a bit on them after wards. Then there is the yule ball. Harry asks Ron immediately to be her date as she doesn’t know any other boy she’d rather go with. He says yes, and Hermione is even colder towards Harry.

Ron realizes if he could have chosen a date, he probably would have chosen Hermione. Afterall, he’s always ‘seen her as a girl,’ vs with Harry he sort of looked at her as a sister figure? Another bro? He finds out Hermione is going with someone else, and feels torn about it. I mean- he was already going with Harry- he should be fine. Why does it matter who she’s going with. He asks Harry about it and Hermione never told her a thing and is being very cold with her for some reason. Ron thinks maybe she’s a bit jealous of the champion/yule ball stuff? But until this point Hermione had seen normal about it all. Harry and Ron decide all girls are weird, and Harry is the exception. :P

They go to the yule ball, and she and Ron have a good time- though Ron is a bit embarrassed by his robes. Harry is looking pretty- and so is Hermione- who turns out to be with Krum of all the random people. Ron’s put off seeing Hermione with him, but it’s not quite as miserable as he has Harry with him. Harry’s a bit pining after Cho, but she doesn’t know what to do with this information really- as you’re not supposed to like girls, right? She turns her attention to Ron- who she’s always just thought of as a mate. Maybe their closeness is something… more? She doesn’t know. Growing up is hard.

They go outside and Harry sees all the couples around them, and decides she should ask Ron if he’d ever thought about doing coupley things with her, and Ron is thrown for a loop. He hadn’t, in all honesty, thought about it. Harry quickly says she feels the same way, and they leave it at that. Though now they’re both wondering if there IS something to explore between them.

Hermione finally confronts Harry towards the end of the year- is there any truth to the rumors Rita had put forth about Harry and Ron? At first she had dismissed them, but she started to get more and more worried- after all Ron and Harry get along so much more peacefully than she and Ron. The two of them have so much in common. Harry tells her how they have never done anything romantic… but Hermione pushes and asks if maybe they would. Harry has to admit, she couldn’t rule Ron out. Hey have so much in common after all… And he is cute. Hermione seems uptight about this but seems to be back to normal with Harry.

Fifth year it all starts coming to a head- the romantic tensions happening with the trio. Ron is taken with Hermione, thinks she’s beautiful amazing wonderful etc- but is too afraid to try anything, as she has never demonstrated much in the way of romance with him (that he could detect)- but Harry has.

So one night they’re done with a disastrous practice- and Ron is feeling utterly gutted, so Harry stays with him to comfort him, and she is telling him how great he is, and it feels so nice to be told all this- and Ron and Harry kiss. It’s nice, they guess, and comforting. So they give it a go of things. Might as well, yeah? Everyone always teased and thought they would get together. They’re each other’s first kiss, and first romance. Hermione is completely heart broken.

She goes to cry somewhere, and Ginny finds her - Hermione ends up telling her everything. Ginny is secretly jealous of her brother- as she’s beginning to recognize how much she like Harry as more than just girl friends- and Hermione is hurting so badly she never wants to see her friends again- but Ginny talks her round.

Ron and Harry try to do the romance thing- but it ends up being weird. Like, it’s nice in a lot of ways- but then in others they just don’t seem to mesh- it’s like something they can’t name is missing between them. And Ron keeps thinking of Hermione, every time they kiss. It’s so messed up and he doesn’t know what to do. It makes sense to be with Harry, right? He and Hermione make so much less sense on paper. Half the time he thinks she barely even likes him!

So Rarry date for a few months before Harry asks him if they're dating just because everyone thinks they SHOULD and it’s easy to do since they��re best friends, or if they genuinely are wanting to be romantically involved? Ron has to admit after thinking about it that he’s not sure. He was comforted in the attention and kissing- and Harry is very pretty and everything- but yeah… Do they romantically love one another? Neither know, as they’ve never been in love before. They decide to break up to see- I mean- if you break up and you don’t long to be together then that’d answer it, right?

The experiment works- they liked being together- but don’t particularly miss it other than the comfort it brought. Plus, Ron still has feelings for Hermione he hasn’t been able to forget. Hermione is forced to confront how she has approached things with Ron up to this point- as she sees a clear example of how you go from from friends to something more. She’s also even less certain, though, how Ron could ever ever like her.

Ginny’s been watching all this nonsense going on, along with Harry’s PTSD and how depressed she is, and how the trio have seemed ‘off’ since everything that went down with all this Ronarry Romione stuff happening. She reaches out to Harry to talk to her, and Harry finds Ginny to be very comforting. She’s upset over wanting to see Sirius, she’s upset because Hermione is being weird with her, and she’s upset because Ron has been a tiny bit more distant from her- and she’s feeling so isolated! So Ginny is a good person to talk to in all this. They bond a bit more closely than they did in OotP due to the added isolation on Harry’s plate.

Romione have great romantic tension happening that is way more at the forefront than it would have been. By the end of the year it seems to have almost peaked- but the two are too afraid to go for it. Harry is afraid to say anything, as she feels she is the cause for everything going so wrong between them all in the first place.

Sixth year Harry starts to realize how integral to her happiness Ginny is- and she and Ginny are steadily growing closer and closer. This leaves Ron and Hermione together even more, and Hermione is realizing that she needs to make a move with Ron. Obviously Ron and she could go back to being friends if it didn’t work out- just like Ron and Harry had. She keeps getting close to saying something then chickens out- Then the big push happens when Lavender starts showing signs of liking Ron. SHE’S NOT GOING TO LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN!

So she pulls Ron aside one night when Harry has a lesson with Dumbledore and the common room is somehow empty. She can’t contain herself and straight up confesses.

‘Ron… I think I like you…’ she confesses, just knowing he’ll burst out laughing at her.

‘You do?’ Ron asks feeling something amazing filling him- some sort of overwhelming feeling.

‘I…do’ Hermione can barely bring herself to say anything else, she feels so vulnerable and crazy and afraid and-

And then Ron leans in and kisses her. It doesn’t feel anything like when he and Harry kissed. It’s not a mechanical sort of pleasure- it’s something deep and fulfilling and beautiful. It is passionate, perfect, they’re giddy from it. They talk a bit- decide to make a go of it- and are kissing again when

Harry walks in on them.

They have a moment filled with fear- will this hurt Harry? Will she be ok with this? Will she be angry? But after a moment of stunned silence, she smiles at them. A broad open smile. It’s not forced. She’s genuinely happy for them.

They’re happily together from then on- and Harry is very happy for them, though feeling a bit lonely and a lot like a third wheel- but she has Ginny to indulge in- and the romantic tension builds over the year between Hinny- coming to a head with their Gryffindor victory- and they are hugging each other to celebrate, then there is something heated in their glance- they don’t quite lose themselves so much they kiss in front of everyone (again 90s and internalized worries about showing queerness is a thing)- but as soon as they are outside the common room they are kissing- and much like with Romione above- they feel whole and know this is very very real between them. The passion, love, comfort and feeling of wholeness can’t be denied. Harry finds that missing piece of happiness when she’s with Ginny.

Harry and Ginny would not be public about their relationship, except to Romione and a few close friends- given how young they are and how queer relationships were taken in at that time, and they would be very supported by the people that know. Romione ships they harder than anyone. So do Luna and Neville.

Harry doesn’t have to break up with Ginny since the relationship is hidden. So with the Locket- it DOES pray on Hermione’s uncertainty of Rarry- Hermione almost leaves- but she and Ron have been dating so very long at this point that it can’t break the trio up.

Everything else plays out the same- and they all live happily ever after- with Hinny having the cutest lesbian wedding ever and Romione equally having the cutest damn relationship you can imagine.

[crimsonslytherin]

I’ll Be Your Reason - Chapter 19

(First) - (Previous)  

Words: 5373

A/N: Please note I use some parts from the book.

It was morning in Divination class, the students all sat around their table’s crystal ball waiting for Trelawney to start the class. Harry turned to Fiona who sat behind him and up a level.

“Hey,” he whispered. Fiona leaned down.

“What’s up?”

“The other night, where were you?”

“What are you talking about? When?”

“I saw you on the map a few nights ago-”

“I thought you lost the map,” Fiona asked with a frown. Harry shook his head.

“Professor Lupin confiscated it but before he did I saw-”

“The twins aren’t going to be happy about that.”

“Fiona-”

“Good morning class!” Trelawney greeted everyone once she saw everyone was seated. Fiona sat back up and Harry turned around reluctantly.

…

Harry was looking into the crystal ball on his table, clearly bored, while Ron looked like he was asleep. Fiona was leaning her chin in her hand as she and her partner looked just as bored and tired as the rest of the class.

“The art of crystal gazing is in the clearing of the Inner Eye,” Trelawney said. “Only then can you see. Try again.” She came over to Harry and Ron’s table making them sit up. “Now, what do we have here?” she asked leaning to see their ball. Hermione was suddenly next to Ron.

“Do you mind me trying?” Hermione asked. Trelawney nodded. “The Grim, possibly.” Trelawney turned to look at her.

“My dear, from the first moment you stepped foot in my class…” she took Hermione’s hand. “I sensed that you did not possess the proper spirit for the noble art of Divination.” She examined her palm. “No, you see, there.” She traced a line on her palm. “You may be young in years, but the heart that beats beneath your bosom is as shriveled as an old maid’s, your soul as dry as the pages of the books to which you so desperately cleave.” Trelawney closed Hermione’s fist and patted it. Hermione pulled her hand away before picking up her things, standing and knocking the crystal ball to the floor before storming out. “Have I said something?”  

…

After class Harry, Ron and Fiona headed down the stairs of the tower.

“She's gone mental, Hermione has,” Ron said. “I mean, not that she wasn't always mental, but now it's out in the open for everyone to see.”

“I’m sure Professor Trelawney didn’t mean any harm,” Fiona said. “Though she was out of line…” she added.

“Hang on.” Harry stopped and picked up the crystal ball that had rolled down and stopped in front of them. “We better take this back.”

“I’m not going back,” Ron said.

“Fine. See you later,” Harry said before looking at Fiona. She gave him a sheepish smile.

“See you later,” she said. Harry nodded.

“Alright…” he said.

“See you,” Ron said. Harry headed back up the stairs while Ron and Fiona went down.  “Are you avoiding Harry?” Ron asked.

“What?” Fiona looked at him. “I’m not avoiding him. You’re seeing things,” she added with a chuckle. Ron frowned then shook his head.

“Never mind.”

“Should we find Hermione then?” Fiona asked.

“Are you mad?” he asked with wide eyes. “Let her calm down first.” He let out a sigh. “I don’t understand girls,” he muttered.

“Not surprising even thought you’ve got two for friends.”

“Yeah, you’re a girl-”

“Ron, don’t make a habit of saying that to girls,” Fiona said cutting him off.

“Let me finish…” he said with a frown. “Why did Hermione flip out?” They reached the bottom of the stairs and Fiona turned to him with an exasperated look.

“You’re joking right?”

“I’m serious,” he said with a frown. Fiona shook her head with a sigh and walked away. “Hey! Fiona!”

  _________________________

The match between Slytherin and Gryffindor was quickly approaching and fortunately that meant Harry was almost constantly at practice or surrounded by the team.

“Now, I know you can’t cheer for me or my team out loud,” Draco started as he spoke with Fiona behind the stands before his practice. “But maybe just a few cheers could be secretly for me?”

“Only you though, not your team.”

“I can live with that; I like that idea better actually,” he admitted with a grin.  

“Have I ever told you that you look handsome in your uniform?” Fiona asked as she played with the green over robes. He grinned.

“You haven’t but I don’t mind hearing it.”

“You’ll try not to get hurt this time, right?”

“It’s a dangerous position,” he said with a comedic-serious face.

“Oh, I know, last year you fell on your bum,” Fiona said with a dramatic gasp.

“I flew through the air!” Draco protested.

“How about this, so you don’t get hurt again,” Fiona leaned up onto her toes and kissed his cheek. “For luck.”

“Might not be enough, I might need another,” he said as he turned his face so the opposite cheek was facing her. She rolled her eyes but took his face in her hands and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. He blinked down at her as a silly grin came to his face.

“That enough luck?” she asked with a smirk. He opened his mouth to reply but couldn’t seem to find words. It took him a moment but he finally managed a reply.

“You know, I don’t think it’ll have the same effect seeing as I’m only going to practice.”

“Well, I then I guess I’ll just have to meet you before the game,” Fiona said.

“I guess you will.”

…

The day of the match Fiona snuck to the locker room Slytherin was assigned. She didn’t dare go inside or even stand too close. Getting Draco’s attention without gaining the attention of his entire team wasn’t something she had thought of before hand. Fortunately – or unfortunately depending on how you look at it – she didn’t have to worry about it for long.

“Malfoy, your girlfriend’s here!” Marcus Flint, the team Captain, called when he saw her. Her eyes widened and the older boy only grinned. A moment later Draco came out to meet her.

“He knows?” she asked.

“Uh, well… technically speaking… they all do.” Fiona’s eyebrows shot up. “One of them saw us in Hogsmeade. They know not to say anything though; I told them I wanted the moment Potter found out to be just right and they agreed to keep it to themselves.” Fiona shook her head slightly.

“If one of them saw us, who else did?”

“He hasn’t asked you about it, has he?” She shook her head but then remembered Harry mentioning seeing her on the map. “Then we’re probably fine. Besides I’m not going to stop seeing you just because Potter throws a fit.” Draco put his arms around her and pulled her closer. “Now, about that lucky kiss.” Fiona chuckled and rolled her eyes but put her arms around his neck as she went on her toes to kiss him. Whistles and catcalls came from the locker room behind them. “Alright!” Draco shouted back at them. He shook his head with a sigh.

“I’d better go,” Fiona said. Draco pouted at her. “Good luck,” she added before giving him another quick kiss. He grinned as she slipped out of his arms and went out of sight to find a spot with Ron and Hermione.

 …

“I’m just glad you didn’t get hurt this time,” Fiona said that night. Draco let out what seemed like the millionth groan.

“I was right there.” He held his arm out as if he were reaching for the snitch.

“I would say I’m sorry but seeing as I’m from the winning house…” She gave him a sheepish smile.

“Make me feel better,” he said bluntly.

“How do you propose I do that?” Fiona asked with an amused smirk. He tapped his lips with a slight pout. “How could I say no to that face?” Draco grinned as she put her arms around him.

  A week later the four Gryffindor third years were getting ready for their end of the year exams. Ron and Harry were confused by the schedule Hermione had written for herself. She had two exams at the same time almost every day. As Fiona helped Hermione get all of her things together, Hedwig arrived with a letter from Hagrid asking the four to meet him when they could.

…

Hagrid, wearing a gigantic, hairy brown suit and perhaps the world's ugliest yellow and orange polka dot tie, stood knee- deep in the shallows of the Black Lake. He was skimming rocks as big as flagstones across the water's shiny gloss. Harry and Fiona sat on a rock a few feet from the water while and Ron and Hermione stood.

“How did it go, Hagrid? The hearing?” Hermione asked.

“Well, first off, the committee members took turns talking about why we were there,” Hagrid said before tossing another rock. “And then I got up and did my piece. Said how Buckbeak was a good hippogriff, always cleaned his feathers. And then Lucius Malfoy got up. Well, you can imagine. He said, Buckbeak was a deadly dangerous creature who would kill you as soon as look at you,” he said with a scoff before tossing another rock.

“And then?”

“And then he asked for the worst, did old Lucius,” Hagrid said.

“They’re not sacking you!” Ron exclaimed.

“No, I’m not sacked.” He tossed another rock and took a breath. He couldn’t help but start crying. “Buckbeak’s been sentenced to death!” Harry and Fiona quickly stood. Hagrid threw his last rock in the water with a loud kurplunk.

…

Later on that afternoon the four entered the clock tower courtyard to hear the sound of scraping metal. They walked across the courtyard and saw a man sharpening an axe. He smiled at them as they walked by while Hermione glared at him. They headed across the bridge.

“I can’t believe they’re going to kill Buckbeak,” Hermione said. “It’s just too horrible.”

“It just got worse,” Ron said as they stepped out and saw Draco and his lackeys.

“What did I tell you?” Draco asked. “Father said I can keep the hippogriff’s head. I think I’ll donate it to the Gryffindors’ common room.” Hermione started to storm over, the others quickly followed.

“This is going to be rich.”

“Look who’s here.” The group turned to face the four.  Draco’s smirk faltered at seeing Fiona but turned his attention to Hermione. “Come to see the show?” Hermione whipped out her wand.

“You! You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!” she shouted before pointing her wand at Draco’s neck.

“Hermione, no!” Ron said. “He’s not worth it.” Draco whimpered as he turned his head away. Hermione lowered her wand and started to turn. Draco started to laugh before she turned and punched him in the nose.

“Malfoy, are you okay?” Crabbe asked.

“Let’s go. Quick.” The three started running.

“Not a word to anyone, understood?” Draco asked the two.

“That felt good,” Hermione said with a slight smile.

“Not good, brilliant,” Ron said as he and Harry grinned. Fiona frowned after the retreating Slytherins.  

…

The four headed down to Hagrid’s hut. Buckbeak was lying in the pumpkin patch and looked up when they four walked by.

“Oh, look at him. Loves the smell of the trees when the wind blows through them,” Hagrid said as he looked out the window at him.

“Why don’t we just set him free?” Harry asked.

“They’d know it was me, and then Dumbledore would get into trouble. He’s coming down, Dumbledore,” Hagrid said. “Says he wants to be with me when they… when it happens. Great man, Dumbledore. A great man.” He turned away from the window.

“We’ll stay with you too, Hagrid,” Hermione said.

“You’ll do no such thing!” Hagrid exclaimed. “Think I want you seeing something like that? No. You just drink your tea and be off. Oh. Before you do, Ron…” He walked over to a shelf and took something out of a box.

“Scabbers!” Ron got up as Hagrid came over with the rat. “You’re alive!”

“Keep a closer eye on your pet,” Hagrid said.

“I think you owe someone an apology,” Hermione said walking over.

“Right. Next time I see Crookshanks, I’ll let him know,” Ron said. Fiona smacked his shoulder making him flinch and look at her with wide eyes.

“I meant me!” Hermione said. Suddenly a jar on the table broke, spilling its contents everywhere.

“Blimey. What was that?” Hermione picked up a rock.

“Ow!” Harry held the back of his head and turned to see what had hit him. “Hagrid!”

“Oh, crikey.” Hagrid went to the window to see Dumbledore, Fudge and the executioner coming down.

“No, minister. Over this way,” Dumbledore said.

“It’s late. It’s nearly dark. You shouldn’t be here,” Hagrid said turning to the four. “Someone sees you outside the castle at this time of night, you’ll be in trouble. Particularly you, Harry.” There was a knock at the door. “Be with you in a minute!” Hagrid called out before covering a creature that was half in an egg. “Quick. Quick!” The four hurried to the back door.

“Hagrid.” Harry stopped and turned to him. “It’ll be fine. It’ll be okay.” Hagrid nodded.

“Go on, go on!” he said. Harry followed after the others. Hermione opened the back door before peeking out. She saw Hagrid let the three in before the four slipped out to behind the pumpkin patch. A twig snapped behind them and Hermione turned but saw nothing. Fiona looked at her.

“What?” Harry asked seeing the two looking back.

“I thought I just saw…” Hermione shook her head. “Never mind.”

“Let’s go!” Ron said before the four ran up the pathway. Buckbeak made a noise and Harry looked back at him for a moment. They got to the top and saw the executioner go outside to the pumpkin patch. He raised his axe and Fiona bit her bottom lip. The axe swung down and hit with a sickening slice making the nearby crows fly away.

“Oh no,” Hermione whimpered before putting her head against Ron’s shoulder, her arms around his neck. Fiona turned away and Harry pulled her into his arms. The two girls cried softly. Suddenly Ron gasped and dropped Scabbers.

“He bit me. Scabbers.” Ron turned to pick up the rat but it was running away. He quickly ran after it.

“Ron. Ron!” Hermione called.

“Ron!” Harry shouted.

“Scabbers, come back.”

“Wait!” Fiona called as the three ran after him. “Ron, stop, you’re heading towards-!” The three stopped as the whomping willow came into view. Ron landed on the ground, grabbing Scabbers.

“Scabbers, you bit me!” he scolded the rat.

“Harry, you do realize what tree this is?” Hermione asked.

“That’s not good,” Harry said. “Ron, run!” Ron looked up and pointed at them.

“Guys! Run!” The three turned to see a large black dog. “It’s the Grim!” The dog ran at them but then jumped over them and headed straight for Ron. The dog grabbed a hold of Ron’s leg and started to drag him away towards the tree. “Harry!” The three started running to him.

“Ron! Ron!”

“Harry!”

“Ron!”

“Help!”

“Ron!” Harry dove to the ground and reached for Ron’s hand but it was just out of reach. He was dragged into a hole in the tree. “Ron. Ron. Ron!” Harry stood right before a tree branch knocked the three back. They hit the ground hard and quickly got up. The tree was twisting and turning and they could hear Ron yelling from inside. “Come on!” The three ran to the tree, dodging a branch slamming down next to them. “Move!” The three split up, diving to the ground, as a branch came between them. Fiona quickly pulled Hermione up.

“Duck!” Hermione shouted before she and Fiona ducked but Harry was knocked back, his glasses falling off.

“Jump!” Fiona shouted and the two jumped over another branch but just in time to get hit by another. They grabbed on and held on tight. Harry rolled to avoid getting smashed. Hermione was screaming as she and Fiona were flung around. Harry looked up at them but they were blurry to him. He stood, ducking in time to avoid getting hit by the branch. The two girls were brought through the tree, getting wacked and scratched by branches. Harry found his glasses and stood right before Hermione grabbed his shirt.

“Harry!” she shouted. She held onto his shirt until she could drop him into the hole. He fell down and hit the ground below with a grunt. A moment later Hermione came down and landed on top of him. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry,” Harry said as Hermione got up. “Where’s Fiona?” Just as he said that she came sliding down into the hole and landed on him pushing him down once more.

“Sorry,” she said as she quickly got off. Harry shook his head.

“Are you alright?” he asked. She gave him a look and he nodded. “Sorry.”

“Where do you suppose this goes?” Hermione asked seeing the path ahead.

“I have a hunch,” Harry said. “I just hope I’m wrong,” he said as they followed the path. When they finally reached the end they climbed up out of the floor and into an abandoned building.

“We’re in the Shrieking Shake, aren’t we?” Hermione asked.

“Great,” Fiona whimpered. “Of all the places…”

“Come on,” Harry said before they headed up the stairs. They reached the top and Harry looked into the rooms. “Ron. Ron you’re okay.” The three ran to where he was sitting with Scabbers in his lap.

“The dog. Where is it?” Hermione asked.

“It’s a trap. He’s the dog. He’s an Animagus,” Ron said pointing. The three turned and followed the dog prints on the floor to Sirius Black, in rags and his prison uniform, who had been standing behind the door.  He started to approach. Hermione and Fiona got in front of Harry, Ron struggled to stand and do the same.

“If you want to kill Harry, you have to kill us too!” Hermione said. Sirius looked to Ron.

“Lie down,” he said quietly. “You’ll damage that leg even more.”

“Didn’t you hear her?” Ron asked. “You’ll have to kill all four of us!”

“No. Only one will die tonight,” Sirius said.

“Then it’ll be you!” Harry said as he pushed between the girls to grab Sirius by the throat. They fell to the floor and Harry took out his wand. Sirius laughed.

“Are you going to kill me, Harry?” he asked. Suddenly Lupin burst into the room. Ron sat back down in relief.

“Expelliarmus!” he shouted. Harry’s wand went flying and he stared up at him. Lupin motioned for Harry to move. “Well, well, Sirius. Looking rather ragged, aren’t we? Finally, the flesh reflects the madness within.”

“Well, you’d know all about the madness within, wouldn’t you, Remus?” Sirius asked. Lupin lowered his wand before smiling and helping Sirius up. The two hugged while the four teens watched in shock. “I found him.”

“I know,” Lupin said.

“He’s here.”

“I understand.”

“Let’s kill him!”

“No! I trusted you!” Hermione shouted. “All this time, you’ve been his friend.” Hermione turned to the others as she pointed at Lupin. “He’s a werewolf! That’s why he’s been missing classes.” Lupin turned to her.

“How long have you known?” he asked.

“Since Professor Snape set the essay.”

“He’ll be delighted,” Lupin muttered.

“Why didn’t you tell any of us?” Fiona asked motioning between herself and the boys. Hermione gave her an apologetically sheepish look.

“Well, well, well, Hermione. You are the brightest witch of your age I’ve ever met,” Lupin said.

“Enough talk, Remus!” Sirius shouted. “Come on, let’s kill him!”

“Wait!” Lupin said.

“I did my waiting! Twelve years of it! In Azkaban!” Sirius screamed. Lupin looked at the standing three before holding out his wand to Sirius.

“Very well. Kill him.” Sirius took the wand. “But wait one more minute. Harry has the right to know why.”

“I know why,” Harry said. “You betrayed my parents. You’re the reason they’re dead!”

“No, Harry, it wasn’t him,” Lupin said. “Somebody did betray your parents, but it was somebody who, until quite recently, I believed to be dead!”

“Who was it then?” Harry asked.

“Peter Pettigrew!” Sirius shouted. “And he’s in this room! Right now! Come out, come out, Peter! Come out, come out and play!” Suddenly Snape came running into the room.

“Expelliarmus!” Lupin’s wand went flying and the two turned to see Snape. “Vengeance is sweet. How I hoped I’d be the one to catch you.”

“Severus-“ Lupin said taking a step towards him but Snape pointed his wand at him.

“I told Dumbledore you were holding an old friend into the castle. And now, here’s the proof.”

“Brilliant, Snape,” Sirius said. “Once again, you’ve put your keen and penetrating mind to the task and, as usual, come to the wrong conclusion. Now if you’ll excuse us, Remus and I have some unfinished business to attend to.” Snape put his wand at Sirius’s throat.

“Give me a reason. I beg you!”

“Sirius, don’t be a fool,” Lupin said.

“He can’t help it. It’s a habit, mate,” Sirius said.

“Sirius, be quiet.”

“Be quiet yourself, Remus!” Sirius shouted making Lupin walk away.

“Listen to you two, quarrelling like an old married couple,” Snape said.

“Why don’t you run along and play with your chemistry set!” Sirius shouted.

“I could do it, you know,” Snape said. “But why deny the dementors? They’re so longing to see you. Do I detect a flicker of fear? Oh, yes. A dementor’s Kiss.” He started walking forward making Sirius walk back. “One can only imagine what that must be like to endure. It’s said to be nearly unbearable to witness, but I’ll do my best.”

“Severus, please,” Lupin said. Fiona slowly, and subtlety, pulled Harry’s hand behind his back before slipping her wand into his hand.

“After you,” Severus said before looking to the students. He nodded for them to go. Harry walked forward and held up Fiona’s wand at Sirius. He quickly turned it on Snape.

“Expelliarmus!” Snape went flying back into a bed that collapsed on him.

“Harry! What did you just do?” Ron shouted.  

“You attacked a teacher!” Hermione shouted.

“That’s not why I gave you that!” Fiona hissed.

“Tell me about Peter Pettigrew,” Harry said turning to Lupin and Sirius.

“He was at school with us.” Lupin said. “We thought he was our friend!”

“No. Pettigrew’s dead. You killed him!” Harry said pointing the wand at Sirius.

“No, he didn’t,” Lupin said going in front of the wand.  “I thought so, too. Until you mentioned seeing Pettigrew on the map

“The Map was lying then-!” Harry said.

“The Map never lies!” Sirius said. “Pettigrew's alive! And he's right there!” He pointed at Ron.

“Me?! He’s mental!” Ron shouted.

“Not you! Your rat!”

“Scabbers has been in my family for-“

“Twelve years?” Sirius asked bitterly. “A curiously long life for a common garden rat. He's missing a toe, isn't he?”

“So what?” Ron asked.

“All they could find of Pettigrew was his-” Harry said.

“Finger!” Sirius shouted. “The dirty coward cut it off so everyone would think he was dead! Then he transformed into a rat!”

“Show me,” Harry said. Sirius went to take Scabbers but Ron wasn’t letting go. “Give him to him, Ron.”

“What are you trying to do to him?” Ron asked.

“Ron, just give him the rat!” Fiona shouted.

“Scabbers!” Ron cried as Sirius got the rat away from him. “Leave him alone! Get off him! What are you doing?” Ron shouted as Hermione held him back by his arm. Sirius held up the rat and picked up Lupin’s wand while he picked up Harry’s. Sirius let the rat go on the piano and the two tried to hit it as it ran away. The rat ran off the piano and jumped through a hole when one of the two hit him with a spell turning him back into a man. The two pulled him out and up. Ron looked shocked.

“Remus? Sirius. My old friends!” he held up him arms before trying to run between the two. They grabbed him and shoved him back. Pettigrew looked around the room before looking at Harry. “Harry! Look at you. You look so much like your father.” He said walking over to him. “Like James. We were the best of friends, did you know-“ Sirius ran over and pointed his wand at him making him run away.

“How dare you speak to Harry! How dare you talk about James in front of him!” Pettigrew ran behind the piano and the two ran on either side of it.

“You sold James and Lily to Voldemort! Didn’t you?” Lupin asked.

“I didn’t mean to! The Dark Lord… you have no idea the weapons he possesses!” he said. “Ask yourself, Sirius! What you would have done? What would you have done?”

“I would have died!” Sirius shouted. Pettigrew crawled under the piano. “I would have died, rather than betray my friends!” Harry moved in front of the door. Pettigrew came at him and grabbed his shoulders.

“Harry, James wouldn’t have wanted me killed!” he said. “You dad… your dad would have spared me! He would have shown me mercy!” Sirius and Lupin pulled him away and he screamed.

“Should have realized, Peter, if Voldemort didn't kill you, then we would. Together!” Sirius shouted.

“No!” Harry shouted.

“Harry, this man-“ Lupin started, turning his head to him.

“I know what he is,” Harry said. “But we’ll take him to the castle.”

“Bless you, boy. Bless you!” Pettigrew fell to his knees and went to touch Harry’s shoes.

“Get off!” Harry shouted taking a step back. “I said we’d take you to the castle. After that, the dementors can have you.” Harry moved back over to the others as Lupin pulled Pettigrew up. He gave Fiona her wand back and Sirius handed Harry’s back to him. Harry took it and nodded. Ron glared at Sirius as he and Harry started to help him up.

“Ladies first,” Sirius said nodding to the door. Hermione and Fiona looked at one another before leaving the room to go to the tunnel entrance.

…

“Sorry about the bite,” Sirius said as he and Harry helped Ron through the passage way. “I reckon it twinges a bit.”

“A bit? A bit? You almost tore my leg off!” Ron shouted.

“I was going for the rat,” Sirius said. “Normally, I have a very sweet disposition as a dog. In fact, more than once James suggested that I make the change permanent,” he said. “The tail I could live with. But the fleas, they’re murder.”

They helped Ron out of the tree and sat him down on a rock. The tree was still calmed from Snape pressing a knot on it. Fiona and Hermione sat beside Ron to check on him. Sirius walked away.

“You better go,” Ron said to Harry.

“No, no. Don’t worry, okay? It’s fine. I’ll stay,” he said.

“You go, we’ll stay,” Hermione said.

“You okay?” Harry asked Ron.

“I’m fine. Go,” Ron insisted with a nod. Harry stood and walked over to where Sirius stood.

“That looks really painful,” Hermione said looking at the bite.

“So painful,” Ron said. “They… they might chop it.”

“I’m sure Madam Pomfrey will fix it in a heartbeat.”

“It’s too late. It’s ruined. It’ll have to be chopped off,” Ron said as he shook his head.

“Stop being such a drama queen,” Fiona said.

“Look at my leg,” Ron said with a pout.

“You’ve have worse, haven’t you?”

“Worse?” Ron’s eyes widened.

“Blown to bits by a chess piece, attacked by spiders.”

“Do you always have to bring up the spiders?” he whined. The three turned to see Lupin pulling Pettigrew out of the hole in the tree. Harry and Sirius turned to watch.

“Turn me into a flobberworm. Anything but the dementors!” he cried. “Ron! Haven’t I been a good friend, a good pet? You won’t let them give me to the dementors, will you? I was your rat!” he turned to Fiona who was closest. “Sweet girl, clever girl! Surely you won’t-“ he put a hand on her shoulder.

“Get off of her!” Harry shouted as he took a few steps towards them. Sirius noticed how Harry looked ready to run over, wand ready, if needed and put a hand on his shoulder. Lupin pulled Pettigrew away and had it under control. Harry relaxed. Lupin pulled Pettigrew so he was standing before pointing his wand at him. Hermione stood her eyes widened. Fiona stood as well and turned to saw what Hermione was staring at.

“Harry!” Hermione shouted. Sirius and Harry turned to see her pointing at the rising full moon.

“Remus, my old friend,” Sirius said as he and Harry hurried to join the others. “Have you taken your potion tonight?” Lupin stood rigid, shaking slightly. Sirius hurried to hold his arms down. “You know the man you truly are, Remus!” Hermione and Fiona rushed to get Ron standing. “This heart is where you truly love! This heart here!” Lupin let out a cry. “This flesh is only flesh!” Lupin dropped his wand and Pettigrew picked it up. Harry was quick to disarm him.

“Expelliarmus!”

“Ah!” Pettigrew looked over at him and waved before turning into a mouse and running away. Harry went to run after him but Hermione pulled him back.

“Harry!”

“Remus! Remus!” Sirius shouted. Soon Lupin’s fingers grew claws and his back started to arch and grow as his face changed. “Run! Run!” Lupin roared before he fully changed and threw Sirius off of him.

“Come on,” Harry said.

“Wait. Wait,” Hermione said.

“Hermione! Bad idea. Bad idea,” Ron whimpered.

“Come back!” Fiona hissed.

“Professor?” Hermione asked. The werewolf whined before looking at her. “Professor Lupin?” He suddenly howled making the four step back. Hermione hurried to join the others who were holding onto each other.

“He hasn’t taken his potion, he’s not in his own mind,” Fiona explained.

“Nice doggy. Nice doggy!” Ron whimpered. Snape suddenly came out of the tree.

“There you are, Potter!”

“Professor!” Fiona shouted. He turned to see Lupin and immediately held his arms out to the sides in front of the students. Lupin went to swipe at them and Snape pushed everyone back making everyone fall over, the girls screaming and Ron yelped in pain. Lupin went to strike again but Sirius, in dog form, jumped at him and knocked him over. The two faced off as Snape made sure the students were behind him. The two went at it, Sirius kept Lupin away from the others.

“Sirius!” Harry ran after them.

“Come back here, Potter!”

“Harry!” Fiona shouted. He stopped still within their sight before running further out of their sight. “Harry!”

“Gaunt!” Snape went to grab Fiona’s arm but she moved out of the way in time and hurried after Harry.

“Harry, are you insane?!” she hissed and grabbed onto his arm to pull him back, her eyes locked onto Lupin.

“Fiona, go back, run!” Harry hissed as he threw a rock with his other arm. Lupin turned to them. Fiona grabbed onto Harry’s arms. The two stumbled back as Lupin came at them. A howl sounded and Lupin stopped.

“That sounds like…” Fiona muttered with her eyebrows furrowed. It sounded again before he went after it. Harry and Fiona saw Sirius as a dog fall over before seeing him stand as a man and stumble down a hill.

“Fiona, go back to the others!” Harry said urgently giving her a slight push before running after Sirius.

“Harry!” She watched him run until he was out of sight before running to the others.

“Where’s Harry?” Ron asked with wide eyes.

“Professor Lupin ran off but Harry went after Sirius, he’s hurt!”

“Potter or Black?” Snape asked.

“Sirius is hurt.”

“You three return to the castle, now. Get Mr. Weasley to the hospital wing,” Snape said.

“But Harry and-“

“Go. Now.”

“Come on, Ron,” Hermione said. The two girls put their arms around him to help him limp back to the castle.

_____________________________

(Next Chapter)

[probably-lucifer]

Scenes I've written to fics I'm trying to write

Draco stood there next to his mother, both covered in dirt, grime, and blood. He was still in mild shock at bring hugged by The Moldy Egg, could you blame him? It was then however that he would find out that life doesn't wait for the shock factor to fade, she doesn't give a singular flying fuck in any honest observation. So when he notices his mother trying to gain eye contact he's really not as surprised as he should be when his mother uses her legillmens to say what she does. It does surprise him though, that he's being given a choice, to be given a chance to do what he, in proper hindsight, really should have done ages ago. Probably would have if they didn't have mother, but alas, they did, and he didn't. At least, not before. It wouldn't be hard to put the wand where Harry can see it, and get to it. As a matter of fact, if you were to ask Draco Lucius Malfoy he would very honestly tell you that if you where to hold this wand where Harry could see it Harry could leisurely stroll past The Moldy Egg and make polite small talk he could still get the wand in time because in all honesty there is nobody more prone to bragging without having anything to even brag about then The Moldy Egg. It's actually a bit of a running joke between the not entirely terrible death eaters, who funny enough, are none here by choice this war around. Perhaps though this is what will surprise you, his mother, Narcissa Malfoy has broken a vow, and unless that creature that is... 'Still ranting oh my Morgana x Merlin!' unless it, because it has certainly lost even that way of identification, if the fact that he never went to the bathroom or even around it is anything to go by. 'I wonder why anyone would- wait wrong thought process. To help the guy who is obviously going to win, or not to help. Hmm, well that's a hard one. Ah look Harry's dramatics would make Salazar Slytherin himself proud. Godric to if I'm honest.' Harry isn't as surprised as he should be when he notices me, matter of fact when I shout his name it seems he already knows my plans. When he catches the wand there is a barely noticeable smile, probably meant for reassurance, but it's entirely to soft to be such. The Moldy Egg is in shock when I sit on the ground and watch as my friend that I'd been very secretly, and quietly reporting to for his sanity, shows the, or nearly the wizarding world that Tom Marvalo Riddle Jr. is just that. A name, and a man. When it's done, when he's probably, hopefully, dead I stand up, get closer, and poke him with my boot. "I hope no one is surprised you did it, honestly it should be expected by now. Should've been expected in 4th year really." I say to the calm, yet powerful presence behind me. I can always feel Harry's magic when he's near, must be a result of our "loving" relationship previous to That Night at The Manor when this all really began. "Fair enough, do you know any hiding spots Remus won't find us in, I think the four of us should have a nice, long sleep. And you're still unnaturally comfortable for such a pointy git. Hey where's Pansy, I heard she actually used her acting for good." I point to the girl who is leaning into a Luna, Ginny, and Neville pile on like she's passed out. Come to think of it she might have. Their problem. When we start walking back into the castle she's already began repairing herself, and me and Hermione are not at all surprised, because we read. 'I mean Harry got an excuse, sort of, but Ron doesn't, he should read more, I bet I can challenge him to it.' Honestly it's in the first chapter of Hogwarts A History. Regardless of my musings I lead Harry to the room we got trapped in for an hour last year that was probably the actual turning point just before school let out. Harry nods when he gets it, and hisses out "Open" in parsletongue, probably one of the only words I know, and that's only because it's obvious, and he told me. It'll be nearly three days before we wake up longer then it takes to eat, and use the bathroom, and by then we've all been given nutrition potions by madam Pomfrey, and strict instructions to rest by McGonagall, which means our families know we're fine. Fred and George dropped off clothes as the only ones they told about the room, Pansy and Blaise have brought me my dragon chess set, the only ones I trusted with the location of our safe place. It became as such after That Night at The Manor, he sent me a recording of him hissing open and I started furnishing the rooms past just the library's entrance. If anyone is surprised Salazar created several hidden rooms, some that you don't even need parsletongue for, they're not that intelligent. We've all been laying around in a bed roughly the size of a dormitory for days on end, exhausted, though I tend to wonder why I'm so tired, i barely did anything I'm sure of it. Harry and Ron say it's just what happens after saving the day, and it's best not to question it. Me and Harry don't talk about the barriers put on him by Dumbledore, nor that they were broken by the currently comatose Severus Snape, nor do we bring up my father locking away my veela instincts this summer. We just lay in bed, and rest, and make random observations that one would think means we're high. We're not. Trust me I'd know. Once three days pass, we take turns showering, and then I run the bath, big enough to be a pool, and add the infinite bubbles specifically designed for intersex bathing, or in our case splashing, I've teamed up with Hermione to charm the bubbles to hide "those bits" so we can relax and splash each other, we've done so good even underwater they stick. When we're done making a mess we get dressed, and I send for Crabbe, and Goyle. Goyle, gentle soul he is, is so happy to see me he nearly squeezes me to death, I'm not surprised, I missed him too. They're not the most intelligent, or cunning, or ambitious really, but they're still some very close friends of mine, we did after all grow up together. "How was the infirmary then?" Ron asked slight awkwardness to it, not surprising all things considered. Crabbe was as oblivious as always as he said "The only difference is the amount of people there, the headmistress wants you in her office by the way." Things from there went by easily, me and Harry got married with a one month difference, him to Ginevra (if I can't call her the Weaslette then I've got to annoy her somehow), me too Astoria. He had two kids before I had my first, which he quickly followed by a third, James and Lily were certainly the devil incarnate. Remus on the other hand was an angel. I sometimes wonder if that's literal. Him and Scorpious grew up together, and finally attended Hogwarts together (though me and Harry nearly wanted them sent off to Beauxbaton, Durmstang is just to military minded for them. Now James Sirius Potter on the other hand, let's just say his mother is the only reason Harry was convinced not to send him there.) which means the only child left for us to spoil new exactly how to milk it. Lily Luna Potter will rule Slytherin mark my words. Even I spoil the girl. Life was good as a curse breaker for me, and an auror for Harry, we ended up working together very often, though it does take a toll. It wasn't until after we'd been divorced by the girls "It's nothing personal love, we're just better as friends is all." and Harry had been told to quit his job a month after we moved in to our condo that McGonagall came to us with a proposition. We'd work at Hogwarts Harry as the DA professor, and me as the ancient runes professor. It wasn't difficult for either of us to say yes, though it was surprising that I'd end up as Head of Ravenclaw considering I was only there for a year, more surprising that Harry ended up Head of Slytherin actually. Our sons all blanched at seeing us in class their first day (James bought charmed beans from a fellow classmate and long story short they all spent the first weekend speaking various animal sounds, though Remus and Scorpious were fine talking to each other in Snake tongue, Harry said it was about whether there was a way to make it permanent without taking away the ability to speak in human tongue. The student who made it was incredibly enough the offspring of Greg, his nack for potions makes him very popular, Greg's son Henry is a very brilliant Hufflepuff, and me and Harry are determined to introduce him to Severus, the man needs an apprentice whether he admits it or not.) It was magnificent. A few years passed, Harry and I were enjoying our jobs, but we'd come to embrace our summer break with love.