#s: Leaky Cauldron

[queerwolflupin]

Remus & Open The Leaky Cauldron

A wince escaped the moment Remus settled at the bar, leaving him shifting uncomfortably until he found a position that best suited the aches along his spine. He had made it through the workday with a forced smile so another hour longer shouldn’t have felt so challenging. He likely would have been better off skipping the detour altogether but he hadn’t been able to shake the craving for fried food all day.

“Fries and whatever they’re drinking,” He murmured when the bartender approached, offering a sheepish expression at the person seated beside him. “Too long of a day for decision making past that.”

[petitemistletoe]

Mamma Mia

Pairing: James Potter x Reader, Sirius Black x Reader, Remus Lupin x Reader

Warnings: smut!

Word Count: 4.2K+

A/N: Basically Marauders Mamma Mia

Massachusetts

“I’m going to find myself,” you said, examining the items in your trunk before nodding and slamming it shut.

“That’s not a proper response to the question ‘where are you going?’” Your cousin, Lily, was lying on her stomach on your bed, thumbing through the latest edition of a British newspaper. 

“Yeah,” Mary said with a shrug of her shoulders, popping another piece of your maple candy in her mouth.

“Don’t eat all the sweets!” Marlene said with an indignant huff, handing you her remember-ball. 

“Thanks Marls,” you said, popping open your trunk again and wrapping the ball in one of your sweaters. 

“What kind of sweet is this again?” Lily asked, leaning over and grabbing a piece of maple candy from the box in Mary’s arms. 

“It’s maple candy. They make it up in Vermont.” You said with a shrug. Your trio of British friends always appreciated your American candies. Lily had introduced you all during a summer excursion and the girls had decided to move to America to attend a post-graduate certification program at your alma mater, Ilvermorny alongside you. You had finished a year ahead of the other girls since you were able to combine your NEWTs with introductory courses to the program. You had been living in an apartment, you insisted to the girls that it was an apartment not a flat, with the girls for over a year. You thought about entering the workforce after graduating, but you decided that you wanted to take a three month long trip to ‘find yourself’. 

“Are we close to Vermont?” Mary asked. 

“Yeah, it’s right above us.” You nodded, drumming your fingers on your chin. 

“What are you thinking about?” Marlene looked up at you. 

“Do you think I’ll be able to find a place in the train station to exchange my dragots for gallons?” You hummed. 

“Galleons, love, and no. You’ll have to go to Diagon Alley. It’s in London, not too far from the station. I’ll draw you a map.” Lily said, summoning a piece of parchment. 

“No Lily,” you held your hand up, “that defeats the whole purpose of what I’m doing. I’m going to travel across a few countries in Europe and find my way myself.” You shut your trunk again and nodded. 

“Is it time?” Mary asked, setting down the candies. 

“Okay,” you said with a sad smile, “no tears! It’s only three months! I’ll be back at the end of the summer.” The girls are wrapped their arms around you, hugging you tightly and placing kisses on the top of your head. 

“Good luck, darling.” Lily smiled. 

“Be safe!” Marlene called. 

“Have lots of hot sex!” Mary laughed. You laughed and gave a small wave before taking a deep breath and apparating to the center of London. 

London

It was the middle of June in London. You had packed dresses, and skirts, and shorts, and tank tops, and tops that barely covered your midriff. But it was the middle of June in London, so it was pouring rain and it was very chilly. Within a few minutes of you being outside, you were soaking wet. You were wiping the rain from your eyes and scanning for somewhere to duck into when you saw a sign that said: The Leaky Cauldron. Somewhere, in the deep recesses of your mind, you could vaguely remember Mary mentioning something about having a pasty and a pint at the Leaky Cauldron. You never could remember what the hell a pasty was, but you figured any magical place with beer was a good place to start.

You ran into the bar and seemed to attract the attention of everyone inside. You sent everyone a small smile before taking a few wet, sopping footsteps to the bar and pulling yourself onto a barstool, your trunk at your feet. 

“What can I get ya, love?” The bartender asked, quirking an eyebrow at your appearance.

“I know I must look kinda crazy,” you said, raking a hand through your wet hair, “this is my first time in London. I wasn’t prepared for rain.”

“Happens to the best of us,” the bartender shrugged, “fancy a pint to warm up?”

“Sounds good. I’ve heard Guinness is popular here.”

“It is. A pint of that then?”

“Yes thank you! Oh, I heard that you might be able to change my American money.” You said, digging around in your wallet. 

“Sure. You have one of those green dollar bills?” The bartender asked. You placed a dragot on the table. 

“Can you change that for a galleon?” You asked. The bartender released a huff of respect. 

“An American witch? Welcome to Diagon Alley.” He winked and you suddenly became far more aware of the other witches, wizards, and magical folk in the bar. “We have rooms upstairs. Fancy to stay a night or two? We can send your bags up and you can warm up by the fire with a nice glass of firewhiskey.” 

“Thanks. I’ll meet you over by the hearth then.” You said with a wink, taking a moment to wave your wand and dry yourself before snuggling into a chair with a thick blanket. The bartender floated over your drink and you held it up to him in thanks before taking a large sip. You thumbed through a volume of Quidditch through the Ages that had been lying on an empty table. Quidditch had always fascinated you. It wasn’t very common in the states, Quadpot being the more popular sport. 

“You are reading my absolute favorite book in the world.” A man said, sitting on the plush seat in front of you. 

“Oh is it?” You asked, setting your book down and taking in the sight of the man in front of you. Although Mary had been a little crass, you had every intention of riding around Europe…and you weren’t only talking about the trains. Your first candidate was an incredibly promising one to boot, he was tall, with messy dark hair, warm brown eyes, and a pair of round glasses. 

“You really have no idea who I am, do you?” The boy gestured to the bartender for another firewhiskey. 

“Am I supposed to?” You asked with an easy chuckle. The boy leaned in close and flashed you a smile. 

“I’m kind of a big deal.”

“What makes you such a big deal?” 

“I’m the chaser for the Ballycastle Bats.” The boy looked at you expectantly, waiting for you to swoon. But you didn’t. 

“Oh!” It hit you, “Oh! That’s a quidditch position! Right?” You thumbed through your book until you found the page that described all the positions. 

“You really don’t know anything about quidditch?” The boy quirked an eyebrow. 

“I’m American,” you shrugged, “I’m more of a quadpot girl.”

“Well, Miss America,” the boy leaned in closer so his nose was practically touching yours, “I’m James, consider me your guide to Diagon Alley for the foreseeable future.”

“James, I have a question for you.” You said, tucking one of James’s unruly dark locks behind his ear. 

“Anything love,” James’s voice sounded breathy.

“Do quidditch players fuck better than quadpot players?” You said with a grin. James nodded and matched your smile. 

“Why don’t we find out.”

You realized at some point later that James had never paid for his drink but you really didn’t care because James had taken you up to your hotel room and was deep inside you while rubbing your clit. You were on your back, his face close to yours as your right hand rested on his sharp jawline and your left hand was gripping his bicep. You didn’t cast a silencing spell and you were sure the other patrons of the Leaky Cauldron were cursing your name because you were screaming so loud. The firewhiskey was a warm blanket across your skin and your cheeks were hot as James pounded into mercilessly. 

“Godric, you’re so fucking hot.” James said, his glasses foggy and his hair sticking to his forehead. 

“Keep rubbing my clit,” you moaned as you jacked your leg higher and James was able to hit a deeper angle inside you. James connected his lips with yours and you moaned loudly into his mouth as you came. You squeezed tightly around him and James came a little after, burying his head in the crook of your neck and whimpering as he came, hot white ribbons inside you. 

The two of you talked for hours after, he tried to explain the rules of Quidditch to you and you would just laugh. James made good on his promise, too, he gave you a tour of Diagon Alley and wizard London before you apparated up to Scotland. 

The Scottish Highlands

The girls told you all about the quaint village next to their school in the highlands. You spent your days traveling the highlands, sitting in sweet cafes with a scone and a mug of milky tea, reading on a boat on Loch Ness, and visiting all the historic and gorgeous castles. You were going to spend your final day in Hogsmeade before making your way to your next destination. You spent the day wandering Hogsmeade, dipping in and out of sweet shops, joke shops, and little book stores. You settled yourself in a pub called the Three Broomsticks and sipped on a hot butterbeer while reading a book that you had found at Tomes and Scrolls: The New Edition of the Patronus Spellbook. 

“That’s a great book you’re reading,” a voice said, disrupting you from your thoughts. You rolled your eyes. Did all British wizards use the same pick up lines?

“Oh really?” You were sort of tired after all the days of apparating around Scotland and wanted a quiet night in the corner of the pub. 

“Yes. It’s one of my favorites.” The stranger said, sitting next to you. You looked up at him finally and took him in. He was tall, skinny, with thin light scars on his face and hands. He was wearing a knitted sweater and a very worn in pair of trousers. 

“Why’s that?” You asked, still uninterested. 

“I wrote the forward.” He said with an easy shrug, “Remus Lupin. Nice to meet you.” 

“Oh wow,” you were interested now, “it’s a pleasure.”

“I didn’t mean to disturb your reading, I was just a bit excited. The new edition came out yesterday, I was just nipping to the shops to purchase a copy for myself and have a drink to celebrate.” 

“So Remus, do you do other things besides writing forewords?” You asked, asking for another drink from the barkeep for Remus.

“Ah thank you,” Remus accepted the pint and took a long sip, “I am a professor at Hogwarts, I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.”

“Oh, so you’re Professor Lupin then, aren’t you?” You said, leaning in. Remus looked down at you and gave you a wolffish grin. 

“That I am.” 

You had many, many more drinks with Remus as he told you all about his first few years of working as a professor and the various difficulties that came with it. He talked all about his new patronus research until patronus didn’t sound like a real word anymore. 

“I have a confession for you, Professor.” You said, a goofy smile on your face.

“Anything love.” Remus rested his hand on your thigh. 

“I have a fantasy,” you said, leaning in so your nose was practically touching his, “about fucking a professor in his office.”

You and Remus stumbled back on the path that lead from the village to the school. It was a gorgeous, gargantuan castle that was unlike anything you had ever seen before. You made a mental note to tease your cousin about her downplaying her school. He had a gorgeous office, with high ceilings, books and bars of chocolate strewn about various tables. There was a large wardrobe and about three cups of discarded tea resting on a nearby trunk.

“This is a gorgeous office,” you said, sitting on the corner of one of the large trunks. Your fingers ran over a long skeleton candle that rested on his desk. 

“Thank you,” Remus said, setting his book down and standing so his body was between your legs, “can I get you a cup of tea?”

“You could get me something else,” you pulled Remus down by the collar of his sweater until his face was level with yours and you kissed him hard. He kissed you back, pulling at the hem of your shirt until it was up and over your head. You stood and had to extend your neck all the way to account for the distance between you and him. His large hands went down to cup your breasts, gently. You realized that his hands were shaking. You pulled back and gave Remus a small smile. 

“We don’t have to,” you said, softly, “if you don’t want to.”

“No,” Remus said with a light shake of his head, “I do want to. I’m just a bit nervous. You’re so beautiful.”

“Oh Professor Lupin,” you said, pressing a sweet kiss to his lips, “you are quite a charmer.”

Remus lifted your head with his finger and kissed you again. You helped him out of his sweater this time and saw the long, thin pale scars that traced around his chest like the ones on his face. You kissed along Remus’s jawline and down his neck to his chest. Remus threw his head back and exhaled a soft moan. 

You kissed down Remus’s chest until your nose bumped against his belt buckle. He looked down and you and gave you a small nod. You unbuckled his belt and kissed up and down his length. Remus released a strangled moan and you placed a bit of pressure on his balls. 

“You can be loud for me,” you said before taking a deep breath and taking as much of him as you could into your mouth. 

“Oh fuck,” Remus gasped, gripping the edge of his desk. You continued blowing him until Remus’s breathing picked up and you pulled off. Remus whimpered softly and looked at you as you stood and slipped out of your own pants. You moved Remus so he was standing over you while you had your back to the desk and you hoisted yourself on, spreading your legs wide and dropping your panties to the floor. 

“Come on Professor Lupin,” you said with a smile, “dive right in.” 

Remus grabbed you by the waist and spun you around, pushing your front into the desk harshly. You felt him rubbing the head of his cock against your folds before pushing in deeply. You moaned and grasped for purchase on the desk. Remus’s fingers dug into your hips as he snapped his hips against you, again and again and again. 

His lips attached themselves to your neck and one of his large hands left your hip to grasp harshly at your tit. 

“Rub your clit,” he rasped. You started rubbing your clit rapidly, your moans jumping off the cavernous walls. Remus came and you came after moaning and sweating. Remus stayed inside you, resting his head against your shoulder. 

Remus left for a moment to nip to the toilets and you tried to apparate out of his office and back to your room in Hogsmeade but couldn’t. You didn’t feel that drunk, why couldn’t you apparate?

“You can’t apparate inside Hogwarts, so stop trying. You look like you’re going to pop a blood vessel.” Remus said, walking back in and holding a bar of chocolate out to you. 

“Thanks,” you took a bite from the chocolate and smiled at Remus. He walked you back to Hogsmeade and left you standing in front of your tavern with a lingering kiss and a bar of chocolate. 

Paris 

Everyone had always talked about dirty Paris was and you had honestly considered cutting it from your program altogether. Sitting on Rue Victor Hugo at a cafe with a croissant and the deepest, creamiest hot chocolate you had ever tasted as you took in the sights and sounds of the French capital, you were very happy that you decided to keep Paris on your list. You were even happier to watch the various European men make their way to and from work and pass by the cafe in their tailored suits, finely pressed trousers, smart sweaters, and loafers. You looked around you for a moment before snapping your fingers to light your joint. You waved your hand a second time to disguise your joint as a cigarette-a trick you had learned from one of your friends at Ilvermorny.  Lily would have had a cow had she known that you were smoking weed in public, but she what she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.

“Une autre chocolat chaud s’il vous plait,” another hot chocolate please you gestured at the waitress. She came around with a fresh cup and you set your sights on a very attractive man who looked a bit out of place. He had rode up on a motorcycle and took his helmet off, securing it to the bike. His ran a slender, ring covered hand through his long dark and shook his head as he got off the bike. He was wearing an expensive looking leather jacket with a thin dark t-shirt underneath, a pair of distressed looking jeans, and a pair of Doc Martens. He took his jacket off to reveal thin, winding tattoos on his arms and chest. You hoped he would cross the street and take one of the seats at the cafe. He was digging around in his jean pockets for a cigarette when another boy turned the corner onto the street of the cafe. The other boy looked quite a bit like the motorcycle boy but…cleaner. He was wearing a tailored pair of trousers, a crisp white button down, and a smart jacket. His dark curls were nicely styled and his thin, long fingers gestured down quickly so the cigarette between the motorcycle boy’s fingers fell to the ground. One of the second boy’s crisp loafers stamped on the cigarette and he pursed his lips. 

“Sirius, what are you doing?” The second boy shook his head.

“Shove off Reg,” motorcycle boy, Sirius, said, raking a hand through his hair. 

“Don’t call me that. My name is Regulus, you know that. You can’t keep running, Sirius. It isn’t sustainable.” Regulus looked at Sirius with an expression of pity.

“I just…I don’t care about it, Reg. I don’t care about any of it. You’re better at this anyway. You can deal with all that family stuff better than I can. Just let me grab a coffee and a cigarette and I’ll see you later.” Sirius did not wait for Regulus to respond. He marched across the street to the cafe you were at and you had to force yourself to pretend you were very interested in your menu. Regulus sighed and threw his hands in the air before coming back the way he came. 

“Madame, un cafe. Merci.” Ma’am, a coffee. Thanks. Sirius barked at the waitress. 

“Oui Monsieur.” Yes sir. The waitress responded, rolling her eyes. 

“Do you always eavesdrop?” Sirius asked, taking a seat at the table next to yours. 

“Sorry,” you shrugged, “you and that other guy put on quite a show.”

“Oh my brother Regulus? Yes we’re quite the pair.” Sirius rolled his eyes as the waitress set down his coffee. He took a sip and then paused. 

“Something wrong with your coffee?” You asked.

“You’re smoking weed.” He said, sniffing in your direction. 

“How do you know that?” You asked. 

“You’re a witch, aren’t you.” Sirius grinned at you.

“So you must be a wizard then.” You laughed. 

“You have to teach me that trick,” Sirius moved his chair so it was close to yours. You ran your tongue the bottoms of your front teeth.

“I bet I could teach you a lot.” 

Turns out that Sirius got off on pissing off his family so in hindsight it wasn’t all that surprising that he took you back to his family’s chateau in the middle of the afternoon. They were gone, out, at some event but Sirius pulled you to the middle of the drawing room in front of a roaring fireplace. You sat down on the rug and took in the warmth and glow of the fire. 

“So you’re a rich boy, then?” You said teasingly as Sirius pulled off his shirt and laid down in front of the fireplace with you. 

“Filthy rich,” Sirius responded, pulling you close to him and connecting his lips with yours. You did not break apart as he laid you down in front of the fire, pulling off your clothes with an animalistic intensity. Sirius was devouring you, his teeth and tongue all over your face, neck, and tits. He barely prepared you at all, just pushing in without warning. Your nails pressed into his shoulder blades as you looked at him, ready to snap about his hasty action when his thumb began rubbing hard on your clit. You had your legs wrapped around him as you were biting his collarbone to keep from moaning. 

Sirius pulled out of you and flipped you over so you were on top and he turned you so you were facing away from him. 

“Get loud baby. Use me,” he said, his hands planted firmly on your hips as you sunk down on him. You were moaning intensely as you moved up and down, the new position providing a new angle for you. You came hard, your fingers searching for purchase on the rug as Sirius fucked you through your orgasm. 

“Are you close?” You turned back to look at Sirius. He looked gorgeous, his sweaty curls plastered in his forehead and his hands heavy on your waist, a look of concentration in his eyes. 

“Uh, not yet.” He barked out, a vein popping in his forehead. 

“Spread your legs a little further,” You said, pushing at Sirius’s ankles. He did what you said and you sucked on your finger for a moment before pushing it between his cheeks and into his asshole. Sirius was moaning loudly now. It sounded like a name or something, he was moaning “Moony” over and over again. He was so loud that you didn’t hear the door open and notice people entering the house until Sirius was cumming intensely inside you as Regulus and a woman who could have only been Sirius’s mother were glaring down at you. You gathered your clothes quickly and apparated out before Sirius had finished lighting his cigarette. 

Massachusetts 

You were exhausted and thoroughly ready to sleep in your own bed by the time you arrived back home. You threw your trunk by the front door and called out, 

“I’m back witches!” 

Lily, Marlene, and Mary swarmed you, peppering you with hugs and kisses and beginning to hear all about your travels and see the souvenirs you brought back for them. You filled them in and by the time you were talking about your escapades with the athlete, the professor, and the heir, you were even more ready for bed. 

“Well have a good night darling. Also I’m so sorry but I used the last tampon a few hours ago, I’m going to nip to the shops in the morning,” Mary said. 

“Leave it to Mary to use the last period product in this house knowing full well that we’ve all been synced for the past few years.” Marlene playfully tossed a pillow at Mary. 

“Wait,” something dropped in your stomach, “you’re all on your period? Right now?” 

“Yeah, started two days ago. Why? You haven’t started yours?” Lily asked. 

“No. No I haven’t.” You started chewing your lip, “Anyone have a pregnancy test?”

“In the last drawer of the bathroom,” Mary pointed out as you shot up out of your seat to take the test. Your leg bounced anxiously as you waited to see the results of the test.

“Okay love, I’m sure your period is just all messy from traveling and-oh my…” Lily’s jaw dropped as she looked at your positive test,

“Who’s the father?” Marlene asked. 

“I…uh…I have no idea.” You said as you thought back to the athlete, the professor, and the heir.

[bobluvbot]

birthday blues

pairing: sirius black x f!reader  summary: first time godfather sirius goes shopping to find the perfect first birthday gift (jily + baby harry ♥️) wc: 5k a/n: me tryna heal canon trauma ❤️ because in my world everyone lives happily ever after !!! my lil celebration piece for hitting 200 followers! thank u all <3 not proofread, english is not my first language so plz be nice heheh

“What’s the store called again, sweets?”

even as a young kid, one of your biggest pet peeves is repeating yourself for more than four times. three is pushing it. your parents told you its a bad habit to take to adulthood because you’re bound to meet people who just don’t get what you’re saying the first or second time around. But one Wednesday morning, when you asked from upstairs where your favorite periwinkle socks were and your parents downstairs said something that the loud dishwasher and vacuum covered up, you asked them to repeat it again (still can’t hear), and again when you moved closer to the staircase down (barely heard any), then you heard your father’s heavy footsteps up, personally shoving in your waiting hand the said pair of socks.. only damp. “Honey, I said three times already, that they were still in the dryer,” your dad had huffed before heading back downstairs. That’s when you knew it was genetic. 

But, you love Sirius Black. It’s gotten to the point where in the honest, sensitive hours past midnight, while there was nothing much to do as you let sleep creep up from your tired limbs to your fluttering eyelids, but to watch peace settle on the raven-haired boy’s sharp features, ethereal and glowing like an angel even in the dark of the night; that you realize he may be the love of your life. It’s a scary thought, with fears of being too eager, too soon, too much—- so you tuck it in a little pocket and give it a nudge when you need a reminder of how big and true its growing with each second spent together. 

You love him, so you breathe out the snarky irritation away in slow heavy puffs and inhale peace, choosing to exercise patience because you know Sirius is nervous. 

“It’s Spintwitches Sporting Needs, love. ‘s right across Ollivanders if I’m not mistaken,” you say, taking his free hand in yours and rubbing small circles on his knuckles to calm some of his nerves down, while he drives through busy muggle London streets to park by the Leaky Cauldron. He throws you a soft smile and gives your hand a quick squeeze as thanks, grateful to the heavens that you’re here to keep him from going insane.

You know him enough that, while the day in question is not about him, or you, or your relationship, it meant a great deal to Sirius. 

He had one chance (even if you’d argue otherwise) to make things right, do things the right way the first time around with Harry. James knew this fact by heart, which is why he and Lily agreed in a heartbeat that Sirius should be little Harry’s godfather, as it was meant to be. He would do anything, go beyond means, hell, even against Merlin himself just to ensure the safety and happiness of his godson. 

No one, however, was expecting it to backfire and it caught you and Sirius off guard. Once the tears dried and elation diffused, the anxiety kicked in for Sirius, and in turn you. He knew what the opposite was, parents who robbed their own sons of happy childhoods and disowned him when he got brave enough to find happiness and protect it, he had lived it. And now that he has a chance to save an innocent soul from a similar fate, he was determined, but this fact scared him shitless.

He wanted everything to be perfect (who wouldn’t?) and gave everything he physically could to make James and Lily’s Harry’s life easy and happy. Seeing Sirius buy ‘How to Dad?’ books and pour over them at night or on his free time at work was undoubtedly an attractive and loving sight. In a span of a week, he knew which is the best formula to supplement with breastfeeding, toys to pick that stimulate early brain development, even clothes made with hypoallergenic materials that won’t irritate the sensitive newborn skin. It came to a point where James would ask him for advice when Lily’s at work, and Sirius would put on his trusty reading glasses and point at a specific passage of ‘How to Dad?’ that answers James’ question perfectly. 

Eventually, you did have to put your foot down when you found Sirius writing a howler to a baby food company when rumors started going around that their baby snack puffs (which Harry was obsessed with) had harmful chemicals in it. In typical Sirius fashion, he wasn’t convinced that easily. You’d bet that what pushed him off the howler letter route (and in turn protect the statute of wizarding secrecy) was seeing you spend lots of time in the kitchen to perfect making banana and strawberry baby snack puffs from scratch until the recall was over and the food was deemed safe to be consumed again by experts and Sirius himself. 

Hearing many iterations of how the newborn days and months go by so fast was difficult to believe at times, especially when you and Sirius were babysitting to let the exhausted parents get some sort of reprieve multiple times a month. It was almost always the same. Harry would sleep for four hours straight during the night, and almost hourly right after; and while you and sirius had gotten pretty good at dividing up the tasks like bottle feeding and nappy changes equally, the shrill cry of a hungry baby is difficult to ignore and sleep through. 

So despite of Sirius’s best efforts to crawl out of bed and tip-toe to the bassinet quietly not to wake your sleeping form, he gets sad but unsurprised to see you pad towards him and the baby, yawning soundlessly as you squeeze yourself between the soft armrest and Sirius’s side, head resting on his shoulder. It was his idea to get a spacious, soft recliner in the bedroom and it came in handy for situations like these, where getting back to bed once Harry sleeps is too risky as the boy would just wake up with the slightest movement, so the next best option was to try getting rest wherever you ended up in. The cries that once overpowered Sirius’s hushed whispers and cooing finally quiets down. A sigh of relief leaves both your lips, basking in the comfortable silence and bodies finding solace in each other’s warmth. 

You want to say so many things to your lovely boyfriend, things he just has to hear: that he’s doing such a great job, that you see him and all the extra steps he has to take to become and do better than what he was raised for, that you love him for every single bit of it— but the right words don’t come easy when sleep-deprived and exhausted at 4:25am in the morning. So you lift your lips up to meet his temple, the side of his mouth, then his lips; hoping it’d convey what words couldn’t at the moment. 

But time is an experienced thief. It was a Saturday afternoon in the middle of May and it was warm enough for you to whip out the frilly spring dresses that had been pushed to the back of your closet by the thick woolen coats from colder months. The boys had gone on a day trip to help Peter move into his first solo apartment, assembling furniture and stocking up on necessities to ensure he could survive on his own. Without the booming voices and bumbling energy of his father and godfather, little Harry had no choice but to match the calm and peaceful ambiance that you and Lily curated inside the Potter house. While it’s certainly different from what his everyday looks like (living with the likes of James), he seems to enjoy it. Gentle breeze from the windows Lily left open while she baked carry the smell of lemons and vanilla throughout the entire house, making it smell heavenly. You’d been sat on the floor by the dining table, surrounded by toy trains and colorful blocks, watching the ten-month-old munch on a toy graphorn adoringly. Recently, he’s been on a phase where he has to run anything he could get his hands on with his mouth. Some secret test or screening must be up there or something because that’s how Harry decides which toys are deserving of his attention for the day.

You’d picked up a toy set of magical creatures after work yesterday, and it won the almost toddler’s attention for the whole day. James had to snatch the toy niffler away from Harry’s grasp so he could say goodbye to his son and ask for a kiss. Safe to say there were no kisses exchanged because the little boy was too busy wailing and screaming at his father’s face. Lily had to create physical distance between her two boys so the younger one can calm down while the older got mopey. Sirius had to whisk his best friend away from the scene of the crime so that they can get on with the day, but not without leaving you a kiss. 

The said niffler had soon been replaced with the hippogriff, then now the graphorn, and it’s been sitting on your lap since. Harry suddenly pulls the toy graphorn out of his mouth with a resounding pop. You both share a second or two of shocked eye contact and silence, his bright green eyes wide with surprise, before triggering a belly flipping laughing fit. This child could shock himself with a sudden burp or an unexpected sound of hitting random things with a fork, and you’d laugh every single time like its the funniest cutest thing you’ve seen in your life. It’s likewise for the rest of the marauders. Being the first baby of the group had all the adults wrapped in his pudgy fingers and he has no idea. 

Harry’s eyes drop from your smiling face to the Niffler on your lap, and makes grabby hands. You almost, almost give in, but you decide to encourage him to go get it himself. Maybe today’s the day he starts to walk. You move to him a bit closer, probably a good seven baby steps in between. 

“You want the Niffler, bud? You have to go get it from me!” You make a show out of grabbing the toy from your lap multiple times, hoping it’d make sense to the little boy. 

He whines something sounding like your name and does more impatient grabby hands. But you weren’t giving up without a fight. “C’mon, Haz! You can do it,” you say enthusiastically. 

Harry did know how to stand and good thing you were both sat near the dining table chairs, so to alleviate some of your aunt guilt you tuck the niffler away and out of Harry’s reach, before helping him up to his feet and urging him to grab one of the chair legs for support. 

He stays upright, eyes still on the toy that you place again on your lap as you return to your original spot, and you clap with glee. “Great job, buddy! Okay, only a few steps to me and you’ll get the toy!”

Lily, curious to see the commotion happening on her kitchen floor, leans against the counter for a better view. Harry sees this and does the same thing, he looks at her pleadingly while making grabby hands and pointing to the niffler on your lap. You can tell the redhead’s fighting the mom urge to make her child’s life easier, but thank the heavens when she gives your same answer. She even moves to kneel beside you, waving to get her son’s attention and pointing at the niffler on your lap.

“C’mon, my sweet boy,” Lily says. “Mama knows you can do it!”

Motivated by frustration as his aunt and own mother won’t just hand him his goddamn toy, Harry whines angrily but makes a sideways step closer, death grip still on one of the chair legs. You and Lily squeal and clap in delight, urging the boy to do it again.

He makes a move for another step, but realizes that there’s no more legs to grab onto. Reluctantly, his right hand lets go and in turn faces you and Lily. This results in another round of applause, which serves like a drug to these little babies. 

An anxious expression fleetingly appears on his face as he looks to you both, but the encouragement and cooing seemed to scare those big feelings away. Determined, Harry makes an unsure step forward without support, which then makes both yours and Lily’s heartbeat jump. It all happened so quick, the fear of losing balance triggered Harry’s other leg catch him on impulse, then the same on the other leg, then the other. Harry’d made four successful steps on his own before his mom catches him in her embrace before he topples over to the floor.

You and Lily were a sobbing, exultant mess. Harry, clearly confused about the commotion, whines for the niffler while Lily kisses him all over his face. You hand it to his waiting palms like a trophy before ruffling his unruly hair.  An attempt for words has been made, but all that came from your mouth are garbled phrases about the miracle that just happened. Lily nods in agreement and you hug them both back. 

This ten-month old just walked. This is the same baby that kept you and Sirius up at night for his feedings. The same baby responsible for the drool and spit up marks on your shirts. The same baby that  laughs and babbles with you like he understands when you tell him random stories. The same baby that squeals in delight when you blow raspberries on his belly. 

It felt like he had just been born a few days ago, memories of changing hundreds of nappies and preparing bottles of milk still vivid in your mind. But it’s earth shattering to consider that he’s closer to being a one year old than to the little bundle handed to you by James in the hospital room. 

Time is unrelenting, stealing mundane moments behind your back and when you realize the loss, poof! The newborn you held in your arms is now a walking toddler. Soon, he’ll be the one talking your ears off, going to Hogwarts, driving a car.. You shiver at the thought. He was growing up so fast that blinking felt like cheating, afraid that you’ll miss a precious moment that you’ll never get back. 

His first birthday came in the same manner— too fast for both yours and Sirius’s liking, but the wistful feelings came with excitement as Harry being a toddler opened up lots more opportunities to play and discover the world around him. James and Lily had spent the whole month planning a big birthday bash to celebrate the kiddo’s life, inviting all their loved ones to share the special day with them. And with that, the pressure was on for Sirius, as the self-proclaimed best godfather to get the perfect first birthday gift.

It’s like the heavens knew it was a special day for you both that it made sure to put out the best shopping weather one could ever ask for—- not too warm or too cold. It was a Tuesday afternoon, which meant the adults were kept in workplaces and children sent to Hogwarts or in homeschooling, leaving Diagon Alley nearly deserted, minus the occasional stray shoppers entering and leaving shops here and there. Clad in color coordinated couples outfits (that was your thing recently, Sirius more than happy to oblige) and hand in hand, you begin the mission to locate Spintwitches Sporting Needs. 

Nostalgia always finds a way to seep into your bones whenever you find yourself in Diagon Alley. One blink and suddenly you’re ten again, both hands tucked in each parent’s as your mom pours over the list of school supplies you’ll need again for your first year at Hogwarts. You and Sirius see Ollivanders at a short distance and hear the entrance bell chime, the very same sound you heard when entering the shop for the first time, the shopkeeper taking one good look at you before immediately rummaging around the store, grabbing a specific box located on a random shelf four stories up. The look of confidence when he says it’s made just for you, a magical glow enveloping your tiny frame while opening the magenta box. That same magic guided you to a world where you truly belonged in, a castle that felt so much like home, and friends that soon became found family and lifelong partners. The thought of Harry soon experiencing these moments leaves a giddy feeling in your chest. 

The smoky sweet scent of freshly roasted chestnuts catches your attention and you discreetly look for the source of your favorite warm snack. This doesn’t go unnoticed by Sirius (hardly nothing ever does, even the things you wish he’d miss or forget), and he gives your hand a small tug. You try to be aloof as you return his waiting gaze, complete with a quirk of your eyebrow, to which he responds with an impish smirk towards your bad acting.

“You’re not fooling anyone with that look, sweets.” The amusement in his voice is palpable as he steers you away from the main walkway and towards the small chestnut stall tucked in an alleyway, almost hidden by the bigger shops surrounding it.

“But, the store’s right there, Siri,” you try to protest. He had been anxious and stressed out about this day in particular, you knew if you were in his shoes, you’d be beelining to the store as soon as you get off the car. But he just shakes his head like its the obvious choice and nods towards the cart. “Can’t have my girl hungry now.” 

After a failed attempt of trying to pay for the warm brown bag (you were no match for Sirius’s lithe, agile fingers in basically everything), you accept it with a sigh, giving yourself a few seconds to sulk before starting on the chestnuts. You weren’t the best at accepting things from other people just because, it always felt like you had to do something in return for them just to deserve it. Maybe that’s why the universe conspired to have you meet and fall for Sirius, who is a very enthusiastic giver, teaching you hard lessons on the daily.

As you begin the journey back to the shop, you carefully crack open one and hold it up to Sirius’s mouth, to which he happily obliged. “Mm, somehow chestnuts taste better when you handfeed me, dove. Do it again.”

You roll your eyes in response, but you find your fingers starting to peel another. “You’re lucky you’re good looking, Black,” you mutter to save some face, that you weren’t head over heels for this man and he to you. That’s a conversation to be had in another, less stressful day. 

The shop, painted electric blue and orange, wasn’t hard to miss. One step in and the welcoming aroma of broom polish, rubber, and smoky wood brings you right back to the Quidditch locker rooms; memories of frantically lacing up your boots a minute or two after James called you as backup for an injured beater, helping Marlene comb out the tail end to fix the broom alignment after practice, and getting pinned to the cool lockers during post-win celebratory makeout sessions with Sirius, replaying vividly in your head. 

It looked deceivingly small on the outside; aside from the expansive selection of different broomstick models, they had books and magazines about Quidditch strategies and featured famous matches, repair and maintenance kits for maintaining broomstick qualities, complete Quidditch gear for all shapes and sizes, and tiny practice snitches flying around the room. Squint and it’ll just be like how each Hogwarts common room would be decorated when there’s a big Quidditch match between houses or international ones in the world cup: streamers and accessories like horns and banners representing each team, posters of Chudley Cannons and Holyhead Harpies (in opposing corners to prevent unsolicited fights) accompanied by autographs of famous players and collectibles littering almost every surface of the walls. It was Quidditch dreamland. 

Still in awe admiring the displays as you both walk through aisles hand in hand, Sirius breaks the silence first. “What do you think Harry will play as in Quidditch?”

You hum in response and he continues, running his hands through the bat display they had for little kids.  “I bet he’d be a beater like me. You remember how that punk hit me straight on the face last week?” 

You nod in amusement. Sirius had played it cool as he gently laid Harry back in his playpen, still laughing and cooing, then as soon as little Harry turned his back on his uncle, Sirius ran to you for first aid and whined the whole time you were healing the already forming bruise. But not a few hours later, he’s bouncing the baby in his arms again as he gave him a tour of the backyard. 

“Yeah, those little fists definitely pack a punch.”

“How about you, love?”

Sifting through a year’s worth of memories, it was surprisingly easy to find your answer. “I think he’ll follow James’s footsteps and be a seeker.” 

Sirius’s pout becomes evident, making you giggle and tug on his arm in efforts to cheer him up. “Think about it. Ever since prongslet got those glasses, it’s harder to hide anything from him now because his eyes are so quick. Poor Crookshanks too, that cat can’t catch a break now when Haz wants to play because he tracks its movements.” 

Sirius lets out a soft chuckle and slings his arm around your shoulders to hold you closer. “Good point, good point,” he repeats, seemingly deep in thought as his fingers run up and down the small of your arm. “We shall see, whatever he decides to play as, or if he even plays at all, I’ll be proud of him.”

You look up to him as he absentmindedly stares at the Quidditch gear sets for little kids, a light, wistful smile on his handsome features. He might not say it out loud, but the love he has for his godson reverberates through his being, and its a warming sight to see. 

Before you confess your love for your boyfriend in the middle of a Quidditch store, you whisk him away and towards the toy broom display, the only thing you were both here for. Only the big bright signs directed you to the right place, which didn’t prepare you at all for the heart exploding sight.

You’re about to burst into tears seeing how cute and tiny the little toy brooms were, and how they came in complete with tiny versions of the headlights, seats, and bag compartments the usual adult broom comes with. Both you and Sirius stood with mouths agape for a solid minute as you took in the expansive display, before your lovely boyfriend proceeds to pick out the most expensive one with the most features on it from the batch.

Surprisingly, it was you who reminded him to grab a helmet before running off to purchase the toy broom, the giddiness and excitement spreading between the two of you. The cashier gives both of you a knowing look as you and Sirius both mellowed down from full giggles to bashful smiles, examines the broom to be purchased, and asks, “For your little one?”

Now, you were no stranger to conversations like these with former lovers in the past, and you could almost hear the typical response of denial that comes swiftly with the question. It used to hurt, even if you knew by heart that that person didn’t have the fifth date potential or that it just wouldn’t last. It’s that unexplainable feeling of shame and rejection when they’d realize that it won’t work with you before you would, or if they answer with a laugh, as if having a future with you is an appalling thought. You’ve gotten better with it throughout the years, but for some reason your skin crawls with the thought of Sirius saying the same things. Years of desensitization down the drain, you find yourself bearing your entire soul to the man beside you the entire relationship, and he can easily break you into two with his response. You cross your fingers that he won’t.

He was already looking when your gaze met his, a look of softness and tenderness from him so profound you wondered if you were deserving of it. The surge of butterflies in your belly was all consuming. 

Sirius shifts uneasily and shakes his head, you prepare for the worst. “For our nephew, not for our own child..,” he pauses, glancing back at you for a quick second. “Yet. But if all goes according to my sneaky plan, we might be back sooner than she thinks.”

The cashier chuckles at your stunned reaction as you shift your focus between him and your boyfriend who was both furiously blushing and actively avoiding your stare. Did you just get a marriage proposal? 

Taking advantage of your confusion, Sirius pays for everything including the gift wrapping, which you had previously argued about who was responsible paying (you won, not that that matters now). You let him tug your arm and guide you out of the store, saying a quick thank you to the amused cashier. The influx of butterflies were back, tickling your insides and spreading warmth in each crevice. Just seeing Sirius handle the rambunctious mini James with care and glee, makes it so easy for you to imagine a life with him, and eventually have a little bean that’s equal parts of you and him. You hope they’d get the best parts of both.

No one brings it up as you began your journey back to the car and you’re grateful. Gift bag swinging on your arm, you drag Sirius to go get ice cream to which he happily obliges. 

A gentle quiet settles on accomplished shoulders like a warm blanket as you settle in the car. Strawberry and vanilla fudge ice cream sticky sweet on each other’s lips as you exchange cones every once in a while. It would be enough to lull you to sleep, if not for Sirius’s deep breaths and sighs, the thundering of his heart that he tries to quell by discreetly scratching a small part of the steering wheel where his thumb usually lay. 

He breaks the silence first, an uneasy tone making his voice seem small. “Do you think he’ll like it, dove?”

“Yes, Siri. I know he’ll love it.” You try your best to enunciate the right words, but a conflicted expression marrs his handsome features, sending a twinge to your heart. 

It comes to you before he speaks. This was something that had been plaguing Sirius’s mind for a while, occupying his dreams and thoughts, embedding itself to his mind and causing unwarranted amounts of stress. You resist the urge to fill in the blanks for him because it has to come from him and him only. 

But after everything he’s been through, what seems easy for most sometimes is the hardest to muster. “Siri,” you pause, waiting until he looks up at you and you keep his gaze. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

His gray orbs still before the dam breaks. “I’m sorry, love.” He chokes. “If I’m being so difficult, irky, irritated, anxious, everything.”

Hot tears run down his cheeks and it’s a painful watch. wanting nothing but to wipe it off and tuck him in your embrace and promise him he won’t be hurt as long as you’re there, but you can’t. The best thing you could do for him is to let it all out and finally feel.

He stares ahead on the city road with fingers trembling on the wheel. “I’m just so scared. So scared. James and Lily have been amazing parents, I can’t say same thing for myself but I try my best. Sometimes I still feel like he deserves someone better to be his godfather,” he sobs. “I just love him so much. I want only the best for him. I just want him to be happy and healthy all the time.”

After a while, you say with a bittersweet tone. “You know we can’t promise that, Siri,” you sigh. “Storms will come and will do damage and hurt and things that we can’t undo,” you pause, sniffling as you take your right hand to guide him to face you again, vulnerable gray eyes meeting yours. “But you know what?”

You give him an assuring smile, speaking the truth. “He’s gonna be alright because little as he is right now, he is so loved and adored by so many people, so loved by his parents. And so loved by his godfather.”

It wasn’t said aloud, it doesn’t need to. Loud as it could be, Sirius knows what you’re about to say; that his ability to love despite of everything he’s been through, despite of his own family ruthlessly trying to rob him of the ability to do so. That’s the type of love that Sirius gives, a love that withstands rain and abandonment; a love that stays after a rough storm, offering a home always open to go to when times are rough and feelings are still hurt; a love that tells the truth even when its hardest to hear. 

You know all this as an easy fact because you’re at the receiving end. Even if you hadn’t heard it from his lips yet.

“Have I told you I love you?”

A watery smile spreads on your face as you shake your head. “No, but i feel it everyday.”

“I love you, Y/N.” It leaves his lips like breaths, naturally and easily. 

It’s the same thing for you, too. “I love you too, Siri.” 

And it ends with sticky kisses that taste of vanilla fudge and berries.

[sitp-recs]

My AO3 Wrapped: Drarry Recs

This year I’ve embraced a change of pace and read way less than I intended to. This made me feel a bit disconnected from fandom but also allowed me to put this list together in record time so let’s not complain too much 😂 this is shorter and lacking my usual commentary but I didn’t want to break the tradition of sharing my fave reads of the year! Be it for their creativity or peak romance, these 16 amazing fics made my heart beat faster and got me even more in love with Drarry. I’ve read most of them in the first half of the year and it was interesting to see so many fics over 40k, as my usual sweet spot is 10k - 20k. I love the mix of tropes featured here and am very excited to rec authors I’m reading for the first time. ps: I haven’t included any Erised fics since the fest is still ongoing.

Thank you dear creators for sharing so many brilliant works with us this year! 2023 wasn’t my best year fandom-wise, but life has been so generous in other areas that I can’t help but feel humbled today. I wish everyone a lovely start to the new year! As always, please mind the tags and take some time to shower these authors with the appreciation they deserve. Oh, and stay tuned for a rare pair list sometime soon ;)

🍆 Snug by @moonflower-rose (E, 6k)

8th year | touch-starved Harry | soft cock kink

Potter can't keep his hands off himself. Draco can't look away.

🧩 Muscle Memory by @corvuscrowned (E, 8k)

curse breaking | partners to lovers | memory magic

There's something just beneath the surface, just at the periphery of Harry's mind. They've been here before — they've done this before. If only he could remember it.

👹 draco malfoy's substitute murder service by @oknowkiss (E, 10k)

odd jobs | D/s undertones | open ending

When Harry joins the Curse Breakers shortly after his twenty-fifth birthday, he’s surprised to find himself assigned to the Department of Creatures, Cryptids, and Associated Calamities.

🏰 the earth from a distance by spqr (E, 15k)

time travel | Wizarding history | only one bed

“Well,” Harry said gamely, once they’d managed to find the Leaky Cauldron – still under construction but mercifully open for business – and he’d turned up a few knuts from his pockets, enough to get them a room for the night, “it could be worse.”

🎚️ O Come, All Ye Faithful by @toomuchplor (E, 20k)

vicar Draco | established relationship | Church of England

Aunt Petunia died, that was what began everything. Or rather, Aunt Petunia was dying. In the act of dying. In which Draco finds faith in the church, and Harry finds faith in Draco.

🎄 Waking Up Slow by @sweet-s0rr0w and @ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm (E, 22k)

shop owner Draco | summer romance | light angst

'Twas the night before Christmas, although it’s July / Draco’s a shopkeeper, no-one knows why / There’s hiking and witch caves, freak snowfalls and more / Bad Christmas jumpers, nosy neighbours galore / Narcissa’s here too, but… something’s amiss / And what’s in those chocolates that’s making them kiss?

🚬 Sun Thief by @floydig and BlackRose532 (E, 28k)

slice of life | fast sexual burn | dark humour

It’s 2005, and Draco Malfoy says, “Fuck the Ministry,” Harry works as a handyman in muggle London, and Draco should really stop pissing off the Squib gangs.

🍷 Winner Takes It All by @skeptiquewrites (E, 41k)

break up make up | down & out Draco | hurt/comfort

As with all his friends’ wagers, it starts small. Fifty Galleons for one kiss from Harry Potter is easily done.

🏖️ LA, Who Am I To Love You? by @epitomereally (E, 42k)

Draco in the Muggle World | pining Harry | recreational drug use

Harry’s summer in LA is not going as expected. Pansy Parkinson keeps inviting him to parties in the Hollywood Hills and harassing him to finally go to the physical therapist, Blaise Zabini keeps slipping new strains of his company’s magical weed into Harry’s pockets in hopes of an endorsement, and Draco Malfoy keeps having sex with everyone but Harry.

🫃Shine On, You Crazy Diamond by @lagerloutfic (E, 42k)

fwb to lovers | gay awakening (Harry) | mpreg (Draco)

Harry has probably always wanted Draco, it just took him a few years to figure that out. A story about the joy of discovering exactly who you are and how easy it can be once you do.

🚣‍♀️ Our Objective Remains Unchanged by @citrusses (E, 46k)

rowing AU | enemies to lovers | university setting

Harry Potter, returning member of the Oxford University Boat Club, has two goals for the spring of 2005: beat Cambridge, and beat Draco Malfoy. Perhaps not in that order.

🧶 Polar Night/Midnight Sun by @toomuchplor (E, 54k)

cabin fic | wintery vibes | only one bed

Harry travels to arctic Norway on the trail of dragon egg poachers, only to find he's been assigned to work alongside the only NorMagPol Auror north of sixty: one Draco Malfoy.

🎩 Nights With You by @the-sinking-ship (E, 58k)

holiday fic | fake relationship | mutual pining

Draco is mortified when moments prior to departing for the most anticipated destination wedding of the year, he is cruelly dumped. But when he learns that Harry Potter has, at long last, split with his horrible boyfriend, Draco is certain his luck has changed.

👮🏻‍♂️Rookie Moves + Again And More So by peu_a_peu (E, 75k)

auror partners | slow burn | humour

Aurors Potter and Malfoy crack the case.

🖼️ where all the veins meet by @saxamophone (E, 146k)

sad bois | Grimmauld Place | found family | 8th year

It's the summer of 1998. The battle is over, and Voldemort is dead, but Harry still has more questions than answers. Who is he without a piece of Voldemort's soul in his head? What is he supposed to do now?

📼 Always Already by @aibidil (E, 170k)

time travel | forced proximity | mutual pining

Harry and Draco are perfectly fine, separately minding their business in 2004, when the Unspeakables conscript them into service... in the First War against Voldemort.

[hjparisian]

always yours-harry j potter x reader

p: harry j potter x fem! reader w: TW !!! toxic relationship, abuse, fluff ending, cussing, not proof read summary: harry and (y/n) come across each other a bit after the war and reconnect. a/n: another request from a lovely follower! so sorry this is so late. i haven't had motivation to write and couldn't figure out what to even write. if any of you guys are in an abusive relationship, please try to reach out to someone! i know it's better said than done but you all deserve the best.

The light breeze felt perfect to (Y/N). It was her day off of work from the Ministry today, so (Y/N) decided to use this day for herself to relax. Merlin knows that her work and her boyfriend has her feeling drained.

(Y/N) had just exited Flourish and Blotts, nose in one of the new books she bought. Her focus was disrupted when she bumped into a large figure, making her drop her book.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, I should've been looking where I was going," (Y/N) said to the person as she went to pick up her book but someone else grabbed it first.

"Oh it's alright, no worries," a familiar voice said to her.

(Y/N) looked up to the person handing her her book back.

"Wait, H-Harry?"

"(Y/N)?"

The girl was in shock. In front of her was her old friend and former crush, Harry Potter. The last time they've seen each other was at the Battle of Hogwarts. Though she had returned to Hogwarts for her eighth year, Harry did not.

"What are you doing here?" (Y/N) asked the man.

"I was just grabbing some stuff for school."

"School?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "I'm teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts."

"That's amazing Harry!" (Y/N) said to him. "I mean you were the best at the class. Plus you were such an amazing teacher when you taught Dumbledore's Army so it doesn't surprise me."

"Thanks, (Y/N). And what are you doing?"

"Oh, I just came from Flourish and Blotts. It's my day off from the Ministry and I was looking for new books."

"Well," Harry says. "What else do you have planned for today?"

"Honestly, nothing else."

"Do you want to come over to my place?" Harry asked her. "I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to. I was just hoping we could catch up maybe?"

"I would love to," (Y/N) said without a second thought.

Harry and (Y/N) exited the Leaky Cauldron and apparated to Harry's place. It was an apartment not too far from London. Harry unlocked the door and let (Y/N) enter.

It was a rather simple but clean apartment. There were a couple photos on the walls from Harry's years at Hogwarts. One that caught (Y/N)'s eye was a picture of Dumbledore's Army during their fifth year. Harry was in the middle of the photo and (Y/N) somehow had a spot right next to Harry.

"Bring back memories, huh?" Harry said as he stood behind her.

"Yeah. I still remember the first meeting." (Y/N) said. "I wanted to punch Zacharias in the face."

Harry laughed at your comment. "Me too, but he did come around."

Harry guided (Y/N) to the couch in his living room.

"Did you want anything to drink?" Harry asked her. "I got water, butterbeer, firewhiskey."

"Some butterbeer please."

Harry left to the kitchen and returned with two bottles of butter beer, handing one to (Y/N).

"So, how are Hermione and Ron?"

"They're good. They got engaged recently."

"Really?" (Y/N) said in awe. "That's wonderful! I remember talking with Hermione about Ron back in sixth year. Finally got her to admit her feelings for him."

Harry nodded his head, grinning at the memories. "They were both too stubborn to realize it."

(Y/N) nodded before taking a sip of the butterbeer. "What about you Harry? You were with Ginny last I heard."

"I was but not anymore." (Y/N) had a shocked look on her face. "We broke up a while back."

"Really? And Ron hasn't killed you?" (Y/N) asked.

Harry chuckled a bit. "It was actually Ginny who ended it. It was mutual so no bad blood between us."

"That's good then."

A question had been burning on the back of Harry's mind. Thankfully, they were on the topic of it.

"What about you? Are you with anyone?"

(Y/N) set down the bottle she was holding before she answered. "I am actually."

Harry felt his heart drop a bit. "Who is it?"

(Y/N) started messing with the hem of her top, feeling a bit nervous. "Do you remember Cormac McLaggen? He tried out for keeper our sixth year."

For some reason, Harry felt his heart crumble a bit. That bloke Cormac is with (Y/N)? Those two couldn't be anymore different. How could that troll earn her love?

"Harry?"

(Y/N)'s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Are you alright Harry? You were zoning out a bit," (Y/N) pointed out.

"Oh, yeah I'm fine. I remember him, bit of a jerk from what I remember in sixth year." Harry said. "Is Cormac good to you?"

(Y/N) avoided eye contact and kept messing with her shirt. "Oh yeah. I mean we have a few arguments here and there, but he means well. Do you mind bringing another bottle of butterbeer please?"

Harry nodded before getting up to the kitchen again. He didn't necessarily believe (Y/N), but he wasn't going to prod on their relationship.

The two had been enjoying reconnecting. Harry told (Y/N) stories from his first year teaching at Hogwarts, one including how a third year girl sent him a singing card on Valentine's Day. (Y/N) also told Harry about her job at the Ministry and how her coworker spilt coffee on Kingsley Shacklebolt's robes.

(Y/N) looked at the clock on the nearby wall to see that it was a quarter past twelve am. She couldn't believe that she's been talking to Harry for this long. She had to get home.

"Hey Harry, I have to get going," (Y/N) told the man sitting next to her.

Harry looked at the clock to also see how late it was. "Oh, sorry. I didn't realize the time."

"It's quite alright Harry, I had a wonderful time with you anyways."

"Will you be apparating home?" Harry asks her. "Don't want you to head home by yourself if you aren't."

"Yes, I am. You don't need to worry," she said to him. "Besides, I know a few spells thanks to a certain Gryffindor."

Harry smiled a bit, knowing she was referring to him.

"I'll see you later Harry," (Y/N) said while handing him a paper.

The girl disapperated, returning to her home.

Harry unfolded the paper, which revealed some numbers. It was (Y/N)'s phone number. Right under it, she left a small message.

Call me! :)

The next morning, (Y/N) woke up to hearing noises coming from the kitchen. She put on a sweater and walked out to find her boyfriend Cormac cooking.

"Good morning," he said to her.

"Morning," she said.

"Thought I'd make us breakfast before you go to work," said Cormac. "Also where were you last night? You got home pretty late."

"I was catching up with an old friend."

Cormac hummed before asking her the dreaded question. "Who?"

"Oh it's no one special," she nervously said.

Cormac raised an eyebrow at her before asking again. "Who were you with, (Y/N)?"

(Y/N) cleared her throat before speaking. "Harry."

"Potter?"

"Yeah him."

(Y/N) looked at her boyfriend, seeing a look of resentment in his eyes.

"I never really liked that bloke." Cormac said while handing (Y/N) her plate. "Gave the keeper spot to Weasley just because that's his best friend."

(Y/N) just nodded, not wanting to say anything to make Cormac upset.

The two ate until (Y/N) had to go to work. While heading to work, (Y/N) felt her phone buzz. She saw it was a number she didn't recognize, but the back of her mind was hoping it was a certain boy.

(Y/N) took chance and answered it. "Hello?"

"Hello?" A familiar voice said. "Is this (Y/N)?"

(Y/N) laughed a bit before responding. "Yes it is."

"Oh good. It's Harry."

"I know," (Y/N) said, smiling. "I recognized your voice."

"Ah yeah," Harry said. "How are you?"

"Good. Just heading to work."

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize. I can call later."

(Y/N) felt herself smiling more.

"No it's alright! I have time. Besides, it makes the travel to work less lonely."

And so began a new routine of Harry calling her on her way to work. Which then went into them calling each other after work. On nights Cormac was away, Harry and (Y/N) would call each other.

Harry and (Y/N) began seeing each other more in person too. He'd join her on trips to Diagon Alley for more books or to grab a bite after a long day of work.

This change did not go by unnoticed by Cormac, though. He noticed how distracted she became, how she smiled at her phone more, how she left for work earlier and came back later, how she'd go out more.

The boy had enough.

One day, when (Y/N) had returned from work late, Cormac was sitting in her living room, waiting for her arrival.

"Oh! Didn't know you were here Cormac, I thought you wouldn't get home 'til later," the girl said upon noticing her boyfriend on her couch.

"Where were you?" The boy asked her.

Cormac had gotten up and walked towards her, glaring at her.

(Y/N) had begun to feel a bit nervous, knowing Cormac wouldn't like the reason she had returned late.

"I-I was at work," (Y/N) stammered out.

"What about after work?" Cormac questioned her. "Where did you go?"

"Just went to grab a bite."

Cormac began pestering her. "With who? You had to have been with someone if you've taken this long."

(Y/N) felt herself starting to shake. She had never enjoyed when Cormac began to act like this, knowing he was getting angry and a bit emotional.

"I was just out with a friend," she meekly said.

"I wanna know who you were with (Y/N)."

"It was just a friend, Cormac."

"Don't bullshit me. Was it with Potter?"

(Y/N)'s hesitation was all Cormac needed to get his answer.

"It was with Potter, wasn't it."

(Y/N) couldn't lie to him, knowing he figured her out. She nodded.

"Yes, but he's just a friend."

Cormac laughed at her. "Oh really, (Y/N)? Doesn't look like it to me. All those days you came home late, were on the phone for hours. Probably all with fucking Potter. Wouldn't be surprised if you went and shagged him."

--TW description of physical abuse--

"Cormac, I didn't shag him! We were just reconnecting, that's all. Please let's just tal-"

A loud smack echoed through the room.

Cormac had hit her.

"Shut up you bitch!"

Tears welled up in (Y/N)'s face. Cormac took noticed of this and began laughing at her.

"You're crying?" The boy shoved her against the wall. "What if I give you something to actually cry about?"

"Cormac, stop!" (Y/N) sobbed.

He let go of her and let her drop to the ground. (Y/N) had begun sobbing loudly, hyperventilating.

"Get out (Y/N)! Go to your fucking boyfriend Potter for all I care." Cormac screamed at her.

--TW end--

(Y/N) had pushed herself up and got out the door before Cormac slammed it behind her. She decided to use her strength to apparate to the only person that could help her.

She knocked on the door and waited a second before it opened to reveal her former schoolmate.

Harry stared at her before bringing her inside and embracing her. She flinched, but began melting into his embrace after telling herself that it's just Harry.

"I just need to know," Harry began. "Did Cormac do this to you?"

(Y/N) just nodded, not wanting to speak.

Harry felt himself become angry. How could Cormac do this to her? She was an angel, unlike that asshole. He never deserved her. But did Harry himself deserved (Y/N)? He couldn't protect her, keep her safe. This could've been avoided if Harry was with (Y/N).

He couldn't think about that now when (Y/N) was in his arms needing care. He brought the girl to his bathroom, doing his best to try and tend the bruises that littered her skin. Harry drew a bath and brought a change of clothes for (Y/N).

"I'll be right outside, I promise." He told her. "I'll have to finish checking your bruises when your done."

Once (Y/N) decided to get out of the bath half an hour later, Harry made sure he didn't miss any other injuries before bringing her to his bed. He was just going to let her rest until a hand grabs his.

"Don't leave. Please."

Harry would always listen to (Y/N).

The boy stayed with her until sleep finally took over. As much as Harry wanted to stay with her, he had business to take care of.

Thankfully, he remembered where (Y/N) lived after dropping her off multiple times so he apparated in the night to her door. He banged on the door hard until it opened, revealing his new worst enemy.

"What do you want Potter? (Y/N) isn't here."

"Oh I know." Harry told Cormac. "Just came for a chat."

Harry stepped forward in an attempt to enter the house until Cormac stopped him.

"I'm busy right now."

"Well I guess I can try to make this quick," Harry said.

A punch was thrown at the older wizard, catching him off guard. Harry grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pushed them into the apartment, shoving him up against the nearest wall.

"I know what you did to (Y/N), McLaggen. How dare you hurt her!" Harry screamed at him.

"I didn't do such thing." Another punch was thrown.

"Don't you dare lie to me! I know you did it. You hurt her! You never deserved her."

"Oh but you think you do?" Cormac scoffed at Harry, while trying to push him off.

"I would've treated her way better than you ever have."

"You want a slut like her? You're pathetic Potter."

Those words had enraged Harry more than ever. The two continued fighting, Harry having the upper hand. One more punch landed on Cormac before he fell to the floor.

"You better stay away from (Y/N). If I hear that you stepped one foot near her I won't hesitate to punch you again," Harry spat at him before making his leave back to his home.

Harry headed for his room, wanting to make sure that the girl he loves was still there. Fortunately, she was, but she was awake.

"Where did you go Harry? I was getting worried."

"I just went to take care of something," he said, trying to reassure her.

"What do you need to take care of at this time?" (Y/N) said while walking toward him.

A small gasp slipped her month before her hand made contact with his cheek. Harry would be lying if he said it didn't feel nice.

"You're hurt Harry!" (Y/N) exclaimed before dragging him to his bathroom.

"(Y/N) love, I'm fine." He kind of wasn't. Harry looked at his reflection in the mirror and saw the marks Cormac apparently left him. He was too focused on getting vengeance for (Y/N) that he ignored it.

(Y/N) began cleaning his face. "Harry, you have dried blood on your face. I don't think that's considered fine. What were you doing?"

"If I tell you, you have to promise you won't be upset," Harry said to her.

"What?" (Y/N) paused, confused.

"Just promise me."

"Fine. I promise I won't get upset."

"Alright, well," Harry began. The adrenaline was gone and he began feeling nervous. "I went to visit Cormac at your guys apartment."

"You went to see Cormac?" (Y/N) squeaked. "Why would you do that Harry?"

"I couldn't stand what he did to you (Y/N). He hurt you. You didn't deserve what he did. I had to teach him a lesson."

"So you went to beat each other up?"

"Well, him more so than me," Harry joked.

"Why? Why would you beat him up for me?"

"Because (Y/N). I love you."

(Y/N)'s eyes widen in shock. "W-what?"

"I love you. And I think I always have. Seeing you brought back those feelings I've had back when we were at Hogwarts. I would do anything to protect you (Y/N)."

"Oh Harry," tears welled up in (Y/N)'s eyes.

Harry noticed and got a little bit worried. "It's alright if you don't feel the same way. I know you just had to deal with Cormac so-"

Arms wrapped around him and lips met his. Harry froze for a second before melting into it, gently placing his hands on her waist.

(Y/N) was the first to break the kiss, to respond to Harry's declaration of love to her.

"I love you too, Harry."

(Y/N) finished cleaning up Harry before heading back to his bed. His arms wrapped around her, keeping her warm and safe.

"I promise to protect you no matter what," Harry said to her. "I would do anything for you."

"And I will do the same for you, because you're mine."

"And I will always be yours."

[sheeple]

Miracles don't exist | 8: Friends? Friends

Genre(s): Riddle!reader / Slytherin!reader / kinda slowburn / little happy moments Fandom(s): Harry Potter Pairing(s): Theodore Nott x Reader / Harry Potter x Riddle!reader Summary: Being the Dark Lord's daughter and raised under the strict supervision of the Malfoy's is no easy life. Especially if you start crushing on your father's arch-nemesis, Harry Potter. And that while being engaged to one of his follower’s sons. Warning(s): None this chapter [Masterlist] [Mini masterlist] [Playlist]

Sirius fusses over you, making sure your scarf is correctly tied and your mittens are in your pockets. "Rember, steer clear of Knockturn Alley. And if you don't trust something, just run in the opposite direction."

You laugh, pushing his hands away. "I'll be fine, Sirius. Don't worry. I promise to bring something delicious when I return."

Your cousin nods, anxiously chewing on the inside of his cheek. You grab Lupin's arm and gone you are.

"Remember, six o'clock at the Leaky Cauldron. Not a minute later." Lupin gives you a stern look before he disappears.

You let out a deep breath. Staying with Sirius is fun. He's kind and really interested in who you are and what you do at Hogwarts. He is also very happy to tell about the shenanigans he and his friends got up to during their school days.

But he can be quite a lot sometimes. Understandably, he wants some company after being imprisoned for so long.

You browse the shop windows, searching for Christmas presents you can give to your friends when you are back home. The thought makes you laugh. Friends. Yeah, you have Harry. And Draco is your cousin, so you have to count him. But who else? Gjol? Theodore?

No. Theodore is not your friend, no matter how much it hurt to think he's only friendly to you because he is forced by his family. All to get in good graces with your father.

Sugarplum's is where you go first, getting some tasty treats for Sirius. The inside of the shop smells sweet, like chocolate and sugar and you welcome it with a smile. 

Going row after row, you grab all sorts of cakes and candies. As you wait for the cashier to wrap up a box of chocolates, you spot a familiar face coming into the shop with his friends. You groan and turn around, praying to whoever is in the heavens above that he won't notice you.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here," Theodore smirks, leaning against the counter.

You sigh and turn to him. "Hello, Theodore. How is your Christmas break?"

He pushes himself off the counter so he towers over you, closing the distance. "A lot better now I've seen your pretty face." 

You feel your face heat up and turn away from him, biting on your bottom lips. Come on, you're better than this. He has grown a lot more flirty after the Yule ball.

The chocolates are finally wrapped up and put into a bag, so you take it and turn around and walk out of the shop. You hope Theodore gets the memo, but he's as stubborn as he always is.

"I was very sad to hear you're not at the Malfoy's Christmas party this year." He stuffs his hands in the pockets of his coat as he catches up to you.

You try to sigh irritated, but something inside of you just can't. "Shouldn't you be with your friends?" You not with your head towards the sweet shop.

Theodore shrugs, "they'll manage. Besides, I'm hanging out with you." He bumps his shoulder against you and you laugh. He gasps dramatically. "Was that a laugh? A genuine laugh from (Y/n) Black?"

You hush him. People around you are giving both of you weary looks at the mention of your last name. For as far as they know is Sirius Black still a mass murderer.

"At least don't shout if you're coming", you say while playfully rolling your eyes.

Theodore beams as he happily walks next to you, a triumphant look on his face. "So... where to next?"

You look around and decide on the bookstore. Theodore follows you through the crowd. He doesn't leave your side when you're in Flourish and Blotts. He looks over your shoulder to the book covers you study and even grabs a couple of books he deems interesting.

"What would you like for Christmas?", you ask him suddenly.

Theodore is a bit perplexed. He would have never guessed that you would do something for him, let alone buy him a Christmas present.

"Well...", he begins with a grin, wetting his bottom lip, "you could go on date with me."

You groan, pushing past him and continuing up a pair of creaky wooden stairs to reach a different section in the bookstore. This level is much quieter with almost nobody lingering around. 

"Theo, you don't have to pretend because of the whole arranged marriage deal."

A sigh leaves Theodore's lips as he corners you against one of the bookshelves, one hand placed next to your head. "How many times do I have to tell you that it has nothing to do with that? I just want to get to know you better, darling."

Your cheeks heat up as you look up into his eyes. "Darling?", you ask.

"Yeah", he smirks, "if you are calling me Theo, I am calling you Darling."

You want to sputter out that it was an accident, but a cough makes the both of you turn around. A witch stands next to you, her face beet red. "May I please..?" The motions for the shelf behind you and Theodore quickly takes a step away and grabs your hand to pull you with him. 

"Sorry", you say sheepishly and take your hand out of his. You both exit the bookstore, he with his cheeks flared up and you with heat creeping up your neck.

"Why are you so against the idea of me wanting to date you?" 

You turn your head abruptly towards Theodore, eyes big. "What makes you say that?" Were you that obvious?

You pull Theodore towards an empty alley and lean against the wall. You run a hand over your face. "It's not that I'm against it. It's the fact that our free will is taken away from us, again. There is, for me at least, this pressure to be perfect. The perfect daughter, the perfect Slytherin, the perfect heir.

"But you don't know how it is growing up with who my mother is. She may be locked up. But everybody I got close to ended up scared of me, abandoning me, or dead. Dead, Theodore! I don't want- I can't do that to you."

Theodore knits his eyebrows together, a frown forming on his forehead. He reaches out but stops just before his knuckles graze your cheek. "What about friends?", he asks in a whisper. 

"What about them?" You've chewed and nibbled at your bottom lip so that it started to bleed, the metallic taste hitting your tongue.

Theodore huffs in a mix of humour and frustration. "You and me, Black. At least give me that." A sly smirk grows on his face as he watches the corners of your mouth twitch. He's got you.

"Fine", you say in faux irritation, "friends."

He holds out his hand for you to shake. And when you do, he takes hold of your hand and tucks you under his arm. "So where to next friend?"

You laugh, shaking your head. "I was thinking of going to a muggle bookstore."

Theodore gasps dramatically, "a muggle bookstore? How very not perfect heir-like of you, (Y/n)."

A smile grows on your face as you and Theodore step through the portal to get back to muggle London. You know, if this is what a friendship is with Theodore, it might not be as bad.

Theodore lets you drag him all over muggle London, store after store. And before you knew it you had to run back to the Leaky Cauldron, bursting just in time through the doors.

Your eyes scan around the pub and don't spot Lupin. Thank Merlin. 

Theodore drops next to you on a bench all out of breath. "Why", huff, "did we", huff, "need to be here", huff, "again?", huff.

Catching your breath yourself, you wheeze out, "I agreed to meet my ride back here at six o'clock. Looks like he's not here yet."

"Where are you even staying if not with the Malfoy's?"

You still for a moment. You can't tell him the truth. Or at least, not all of it. "I'm staying with a cousin", is your simple answer.

At that moment the door opens and in steps Lupin. He spots you immediately and nods towards you, a silent way of saying 'wrap up your conversation and let's go.'

"I'll see you back at Hogwarts, yeah?" You stand up and grab the shopping bags you accumulated. "Have a nice Christmas, Theo."

You wave and walk out of the pub, grab Lupin's arm and gone you are.

Once your feet hit the ground of the entrance and the dizzyness has ebbed away, you gasp out. 12 Grimmault Place is decorated from top to bottom in Christmas regalia. it's all a bit dusty and wonky, but the house still looks absolutely stunning. There is even a Christmas tree in the front room next to the fireplace.

Sirius anxiously stands at the end of the hall, hands wringing together. "I thought I- you've─"

Lupin steps forwards when his friend stumbles over his words. "Sirius thought you deserved a nice Christmas. Or at least a Christmas tree."

You can't help yourself and go to hug Sirius. You've known this man for a couple of days, but you already know he is the kindest person on this earth.

"Thank you, Sirius. It's amazing."

Sirius wraps his arms around and you return the hug. "No problem, kid. Merry Christmas."

Taglist (bold means I couldn’t tag you): @the0doreslover @lqndkxlmqma @st4rrry @choppedpartymuffinwinner @dianaswanda @literallyobessed @lestat-whore​ @vanishingcherry

[merlinsbudgiesmugglers]

Fresh Out the Slammer

I blame this entirely on @starlingflight who convinced me to write something for @corneliaavenue-ao3's TTPD fest Several Sunlit Daylights.

I guess I'm a Swiftie now??

Words: 1074

Read on AO3

Snippet:

The holding cells at the Ministry of Magic were down on level ten, near the courtrooms. It was an inconvenient distance from the Auror office, but one that Harry Potter had travelled many times before.

He hadn't been planning to travel the familiar path tonight, though. He’d been out at the pub, the Leaky Cauldron to be precise, when Dunn, one of the new first year trainees had appeared, out of breath and requesting his urgent presence at the Ministry.

“You’d better come too, Minister,” he’d said gravely to Kingsley as he drained his beer, but the Minister of Magic had shook his head with a too gleeful grin and clapped Harry firmly on the shoulder.

“Sounds like a job for the Head Auror to me.”

Harry grimaced at the reminder of his recent promotion, which had meant more paperwork and less time in the field, and tonight was surely to add to the pile of parchment waiting on his desk.

When they arrived in the atrium, he dismissed Dunn to return to her night shift post in the Auror office and made his way downstairs.

Two Magical Law Enforcement officers were waiting for him at the holding cells, not looking any more thrilled to be there than he was. 

“Quite a handful, this lot,” Jameson, the taller bloke muttered as he led the way.

Harry had no doubt they were.

[mrssnivellussnape]

not my gif, creds to original owner(s)

Indiscretion

Requested by Anon: ‘ANGST PLEASE🙏’

An: you got it! I tried a different take on this one with Severus. He’s a little softer I guess. Lmk what you think!

Pairing: Severus Snape X Reader

Words: 1.3k

Warnings: Angst, infidelity, cursing

“Took you long enough.” Admittedly hadn’t been the first words you’d expected to hear. Maybe loving words, or an offer to help remove your outer robes, surely not complaints.

You softly shut the door, turning around momentarily to be sure the lock was latched. You didn’t say anything in response to his ignorant expression, though, that didn’t mean it hadn’t bothered you.

Severus took note of that and chose to change the topic, “Did you remember this time?” He asked.

You didn’t answered before pulling out the aged, yet crisp, oak-barreled wine you’d brought with you. “I made sure not to leave without it.” You supplied.

Nothing else has been said as you followed Severus to the kitchen. He’d set the table, lit candles, and there’d been a tune playing from somewhere within the walls of the house. The only thing missing was the piece you’d brought with you.

You both sat down, with Severus helping you to your seat, “How was your day?” You tried inquiring. Although, Severus hadn’t seemed as if that was what he wanted to hear.

“It was consumed by petulant children I’d rather not talk about.” Came his curt answer. “I can assume yours was spent well?” He’d noticed your expression briefly change.

Again, you hadn’t responded, except this time he wasn’t going to let the question hang in the air. He knew it hadn’t been a good one, your lack of punctuality being a factor.

“Y/n?” His voice was both stern and concerned, yet his face remained impassive.

A heavy sigh was heard across the table and you sat back into your seat, “Nick and I didn’t have the best day.” You admitted.

Severus had to keep from showing the lack of distaste he held for the aforementioned man.

Nicholas Bradbury was a man Severus wasn’t very fond of. It wasn’t due to anything other than pure jealousy. His job at the ministry hadn’t been what Severus was jealous of, no. Nor was it how much wealth he seemed to obtain. The only reasoning Severus had to back up his hatred, was the matching wedding ring you adorned on your left ring finger.

“I see.” Was his simple return.

You didn’t hold back from rolling your eyes, though, “Honestly, Severus, can we not do this tonight.” You were tired of the same tirade that would somehow inevitably be slipped in on these nights.

He could sense that you weren’t appreciative of his tone, still that hadn’t held him back. “Do what?” He countered, “Talk about how unhappy your husband makes you?”

The room felt as if any ounce of contentment that had been inside, had left. It wasn’t a blow to the face, exactly, but you hadn’t been expecting him to be so abrupt with his words. You knew Severus was tired of the sneaking and lying, but it wasn’t as if he didn’t agree.

You’d started seeing Severus amorously months back.

You two had stumbled upon each other at random on a late night out.

He’d happened to be at The Leaky Cauldron - already appearing in an intoxicated state. You hadn’t come toppling in, but you’d stumbled onto him on his way out. He’d caught you in his confused daze - not understanding how you appeared to be more inebriated than he had.

He’d felt bad, oddly enough. Your cheeks had been tear stained, and when he followed them to your eyes, they’d shown how swollen they were. You were, undoubtedly, a mess; yet something in Severus couldn’t let you go. A room for the night had been offered and despite you being frazzled and dizzy, you’d accepted.

It began as a nice gesture that had soon become a regret once the two of you were alone in the dimly lit space. The light casted off of the oak wood furniture, creating a warm ambiance within the room. The fireplace had already began to roar as it quickly started to heat the two of you.

You’d traveled over to the mirror attached dresser and had taken your outer clothes off.

You’d made note of the mysterious stranger you were now seeing in the mirror. His hair was long, as were his slender, dexterous appearing fingers. His attire was both put together, and unkempt.

He intrigued the curious part in the back of your mind, although you knew it wasn’t right, and you needed to know him.

As if his own mind had been in tandem, you hadn’t noticed he was then behind you, standing a short distance away.

The rational part of you had been gone long before that specific night, you knew it wasn’t right and you still ignored it. Whether you’d come to regret in the morning hadn’t been a thought. You had been tired of your thoughts and needed something for the moment.

At least, that had been the plan.

One night of passion turned into months of more drunken nights, slipped kisses; moans and whimpers of more.

Your secret was known, not that it could be called that, or that you’d cared. Severus had given you things - feelings, that your husband hadn’t. You had felt bad on certain occasions, and then Severus would have you forgetting once more.

Brought back to reality, “Oh, so now me having a husband bothers your?” You scoffed. He’d tried bringing it up before, but you’d negate it with the fact that he’d already known. “You hadn’t seemed to mind any of the other times we’ve been together, recently.”

“When are you going to be honest with yourself and admit that that man can do nothing for you?” His words spewed out like sounds of hatred and his face had contorted into one of disgust.

You now stood to your feet, there was no appetite left in you. You had come on an empty stomach and it appeared as though you might’ve been leaving the same way. “Where, in your mind, did you think this was going to lead to!” You shouted.

Severus couldn’t be serious; he knew you were married. There had been no plans for the future, no promises of leaving and starting something anew. The base of your relationship had been built on being sneaky and lying - hiding in the dark and only telling each other.

It was his turn to rise to his feet now, “How can you be married to a man you hate?” He was now yelling.

“That doesn’t concern you.” You countered.

Severus adamantly shook his head, “No.” he argued. “You don’t know how to love anyone but yourself. You’re a selfish woman. You’re too scared to admit to yourself who’s right for you, and who isn’t.”

“As if you’d be the one to tell me that.” Came your low words.

Your demeanor shifted and he saw how the same woman he thought he’d come to know, was now nothing short of a facade. Your eyes had taken on a dark look and your eyebrows were sat angrily.

“We were never meant for a happy ending.” You promised. “Did you think this was some kind of fantasy world? You thought I would leave my husband for a man like you?” You were stepping closer to him.

He knew how fast a person could change. He’d seen both men and women use what they have to get just what they need; it was an evil world they lived in. “I should’ve never helped you, I knew against my better judgement. You’re nothing better than what you think you are. You’ve already ruined yourself for me.”

You stormed towards the door, because no matter the rude words you’d said to him, he was right. You’d cheated on your husband, you’d stooped low and stepped out. Severus would always have a part of you.

You weren’t going to let him know, though, “What made you think I ever cared for you.” You rhetorically asked. “You’re a sad, lonely man who’s never had love. I can so easily see that. Forget how we once were, you mean nothing to me now.”

Severus went to open his mouth, looking unusually defeated. He didn’t know what to say or was expected to say - nothing according to you. He hadn’t expected the night to go as poorly as it had.

He watched as you didn’t gather your things, instead taking nothing, and leaving everything except your love.

[joka13]

FANFICTION (REQUEST): George Weasley x Squib Reader (Female) - Empathy - Part 3

WARNINGS: none

The wait was only a few days, but Thursday couldn't come soon enough. And by the time it did come, you were more than ready to go with George to Diagon Alley.

You sat in the dining room at 9:30 a.m. with your shoes on and purse hung over your shoulder, staring at the clock on the wall. George had said he'd pick you up at 10:00, but you wanted to be prepared in case he arrived early.

You anxiously fiddled with your hands. You were certainly excited for what the day ahead might hold, but, of course, you couldn't help but worry something would go wrong. You wished you could talk to Mum to distract yourself, but she was at work.

You then realized that George wouldn't pick you up in a car. He was a wizard, after all, and would travel by other means. This made you even more anxious as you anticipated how you might get to Diagon Alley. Would you apparate? You remembered that was your father's preferred method. Could you use floo powder? You once saw your father use it in the fireplace. Should you get a fire started just in case? George would need to bring his own powder...

Three knocks on the front door startled you. You quickly got to your feet, but stopped yourself from rushing and took in a deep breath to calm your rapidly beating heart. You tried your best to walk casually to the door and put on a smile as you opened it.

"Good morning, y/n! You ready?" George greeted you enthusiastically. You were pleased to see him wearing fairly casual clothes: a pair of blue jeans, a light sweater, and walking shoes. You had wondered earlier as you got dressed for the day if he would wear something more... wizardy because you'd be going to a wizarding place. You had worried that you'd stick out in your muggle clothes, but seeing George's outfit made you much less concerned about that.

"Good morning, George!" you replied, grinning wider. "I am!" You then noticed a little, blue car that was unfamiliar to you parked by the curb. "Is that... your car?" you asked, puzzled.

"Indeed it is!" George laughed. "Though, I don't know how to drive it... legally. According to muggle laws at least. It flies, but I thought we... you could drive it the normal way if that'd make you more comfortable."

George's thoughtfulness touched you, and much of your uneasiness slipped away. "Thank you... I really appreciate that actually. Wait one moment while I get my driver's license." You went back inside to grab your license. When you came back out, you locked the door behind you and eagerly exclaimed, "Here we go!"

George smiled. "Off we go!" He led you to the car, opening the driver side door for you, then walked around to sit in the passenger seat.

Out of habit, you first fastened your seatbelt. George copied you with his own, though you wondered if he knew being without a seatbelt in a moving car was illegal.

From that point forward, George directed you as well as he could (knowing as little about road laws as he did) for about twenty minutes before you arrived at an inn and pub called the Leaky Cauldron. You parked down the street.

"Well done," George complimented as you both got out of the car. "I don't know much about it, but driving seems complicated without magic."

You laughed. "Thank you!"

You followed George to the front of the inn. He stopped before entering, looking about the area.

"Something the matter?" you asked.

"We've got to be clear of muggles," George said. There weren't any that you or him could see, so George went inside with you nervously on his heels. "To them, this building appears to be nothing but a solid wall. If you weren't used to such things, you can imagine our entrance might look rather... odd."

You giggled at the thought. "That's an understatement."

As you took in your surroundings (which weren't much to behold; the pub was dimly lit and musty), you silently appreciated being able to see the inn from the outside. It was something that separated you from muggles and (sort of) included you with the rest of wizardkind. You became distracted by a couple of bottles floating slowly back to their shelves as the bartender finished preparing a drink, and you accidentally bumped into George's back.

"Sorry," you apologize.

"No worries. I thought you'd like to see this," George said, stepping to the side so you could better view the brick wall in front of him.

"Er..." You weren't sure what he was talking about, and you began to wonder if he meant the rubbish bin at your feet, until he lifted his wand and tapped its tip against the wall.

You jumped back in surprise when the bricks began to move on their own, clicking against each other as they went apart to create a doorway that revealed an entire street with buildings and people.

George laughed at your reaction. "Welcome to Diagon Alley, y/n!"

"Wow..." you breathed in amazement as you stepped out of the pub and onto the street.

Witches and wizards bustled around you, and you quickly turned around to hold George's arm as you worried you'd be split up. He seemed to enjoy this, but didn't say as much.

"What would you like to do?" he asked, gazing contentedly out over the crowd.

You noticed the brick wall closing back up behind you and felt there was no turning back. "I don't really know where to start..." You took in another deep breath to calm yourself. "Oh!" you gasped excitedly, remembering that George owned a joke shop here. "I want to see your shop!"

George smiled. "Then we'll go see my shop!"

You continued to hold onto him (though you had to remind yourself to loosen your grip sometimes) as George happily strolled through the marketplace. As you walked, you began to recognize some things that your father showed or told you about when he was still around, though most of what you saw you couldn't help but gape at. You saw talking, moving gargoyles. There was a store selling potions and elixirs. An advertising wizard performed a jig with mini fireworks. A strange, furry, ball-shaped creature rolled on the ground instead of walking or flying.

You didn't want to bother George but wanted to ask so many questions at the same time. He realized this this, and he insisted that you ask away.

"That's a puffskein," George said, referring to the rolling animal. "They make very low maintenance pets... though they should be put away at night. They enjoy eating bogeys and find that easiest to do while you sleep."

You snorted. "That's hilarious...! It'd be nice to have a clear nose in the morning if the cleaning process wasn't so disturbing."

You and George laughed together.

He went on to answer any questions that you had. He was in no rush to show you his shop, kindly letting you wander around as your attention was had by one thing to the next. During this time, George's name was called out now and then by regular customers or friends of his.

"It's almost impressive how many people you know," you said as George waved to an old wizard who apparently worked with his father.

He looked back at you with a crooked grin. "'Almost'?" George teasingly repeated.

"W-well, I can see that it comes easily to you," you chuckled, becoming flustered and looking away. You pretended to be captivated by a store with brooms sitting in the window. "It is impressive, really. I myself find it difficult to make friends... or even talk to strangers."

"I can understand that," George said, and it surprised you. "All throughout my schooling years, it was easiest to just talk with Fred. He was my... permanent friend," George laughed. "I never needed to wonder if he... might leave me..." You glanced up at George. His expression was tired for only a moment before he put on another smile. "So, I never had any practice making friends. Well, real friends anyway. Fred and I were the biggest class clowns; we had other students lining up to watch or get in on our jokes... Speaking of which, here we are!"

You goggled at the vibrantly designed structure in front of you. It was themed with bright purples and oranges and was welcoming in a lively kind of way. You read, "Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes" below a large, grinning, mechanical man with red hair (who you assumed was supposed to be Fred, George, or both). The mechanical man popped off his top hat to reveal a white rabbit. The hat was donned once more, but when the hat lifted again, the rabbit was gone.

"M'lady..." George held the door open for you, bowing low as you walked passed.

"Thank you, my good sir," you giggled.

What you had already seen so far in Diagon Alley was plenty magical, but all that seemed like nothing when compared to the contents of George's shop.

TAG LIST: @tomhockstetter7-111 @jasm-1ne @costheticbabe @luthien-elvenia-asher @megablonde22 @thecuteavocado @weasleylady92 @websfromallthespiders @rubyintheforest @weasleylover4eva @georgeweasleyslostearhq @im-coolrat @them-cute-boys @xmadigurlx @keirasinbin @huayan @deathtonumber7 @elmolovesw33d @coffeebeans11 @dumb4person

[the-ellia-west]

Fantasy Names For Dummies

@fanntasy131 (You said you wanted it)

So... Y'all liked My Map Making For Dummies Post. Here I go again! I will Showcase Methods that work for me on each category,

1. Character 1st and Last names

2. Places (Rivers, canyons, mountains, cities, ect.)

3. Continents

4. Languages

Let's begin! So you want to know how to do Character names? Well you're in luck, because I have a few methods for you!

Method one: Keyboard smash like this - cehbfwgfveukshvg Then you will want to refine it a little to make it more pronounceable, examples include - cehfveukshvg or Ehbfwgveuk Next, you'll want to determine whether you want a long name or short names. For Long names use your keyboard smash and make it fully pronounceable (You can scramble the letters around if needed) - Ebveukhe (Eb-vey-youk-hey) For short names you'll just want to segment the keyboard smash and then refine those if you can't pronounce those - [Cehf Veuk shvg] turns into [Seph or Ceph] [Veuk or Veyuk] [Shyg or Shiveg]

Method two: Use a Fantasy name generator and smoosh names together until it sounds good. Examples Include - Bane, Soren, Redcap, Driscoll You'll want to take syllables and smoosh - [Barenso or Sorane] and [Redcoll or Drissca]

Method three: Modify existing names For example - Victor, Savannah, Sky Next you'll need to take your favorite syllables, sounds, or letters from each name - Vi, ah, Sk Play around with adding Vowels - Viahsk = Viask or Viohsik Continue modifying until you like the sound of it - Viask = Viasaki (A name of one of my characters)

For last names use one of these methods, or smoosh two words together like Silverthorne

Places: In nature

If you need places in nature, you can do Method one from above, or you can use this method: Take the describing words for the location and then what it is at the end - Big, deep, wide, water, scary, Ravine Then take letters from those words and shuffle them around - I, dep, ie, at, s, Ravine Now Moosh - Idepieats Ravine Edit it until you like - Idepiat Ravine

Places: Cities, buildings, ect.

If you need cities or buildings you can use any of the above methods, or this.

Specifically, Taverns in media and Irl usually have kind of weird names. For example: The Leaky Cauldron or Three broomsticks in Harry Potter If you want something like that, you just take an adjective - Wild, bright, golden Then take a noun, usually a thing or animal - Dragon, brush, dove Combine - Wild Dragon, Bright brush, Golden Dove (Golden Dove is an inn in my book)

You can use these combos for lots of restaurants, inns, stables, ect.

Languages: NO TIPS USE VULGERLANG! BY GOD IS IT HELPFUL - Use youtube to find how it works

[tomjamesavery]

Reconciliations (Part One) Written for the Ginnyversary Bingo with the prompt: #O69 — "With her faded dress and worn shoes, she knew she couldn't go."

This is Chapter One of a two-chapter story, I will post over the coming few days :) Read on: AO3

Ginny stepped into the headmistress’s office in Hogwarts, as McGonagall greeted her with a curt nod. She was in a great mood. The weekend at home would bring her some much-needed relaxation, even with the whole wedding commotion.

“Miss Weasley,” McGonagall exclaimed in greeting. Her blue eyes observed her with what Ginny liked to call, The classic McGonagall look.

“Professor McGonagall,” Ginny replied, smiling at the Headmistress.

“The Floo is ready for you, and like we agreed, I expect you to be back on Sunday, no later than 8 pm. Is that clear?” The teacher sternly declared as Ginny nodded in confirmation.

“Well with that out of the way-” McGonagall gave Ginny one of her rare smiles. “-I wish you a nice weekend at Mr. Percy’s wedding. Please send him and Ms. Audrey my dearest regards.”

“I will! Thank you for letting me go!” Ginny replied, grinning at the Professor, just before disappearing into the flames.

A second later she was stumbling into the burrow living room, quickly dusting herself off in the process, struggling to get the soot out of her long hair.

Preparations were already in order, even though Percy and Audrey wouldn't marry at the Burrow like Bill and Fleur did, the whole kitchen and living room were filled with precooked dishes, desserts, and cakes for tomorrow. The smell was heavenly, and Ginny could basically hear her stomach yelling for something.

But that wasn’t on Ginny’s mind right now, she was glad McGonagall had let her go early since she still needed an outfit for tomorrow. Her dress for Bill’s wedding last year, had been destroyed in the fighting, and with the rest of her faded dresses and worn shoes, she knew she couldn’t go.

And there was another thing Ginny was nervous about. Harry would be there. And while they had mostly made up after what had happened before the battle, and over the time where he was on the run with her brother and Hermione. There was still palpable tension in the air between them.

The last time she had seen him was over a month ago when he had come to visit Hogwarts to help with some of the last bits of repair work that had to be done after the battle had destroyed large parts of the castle.

But the two of them had only exchanged some brief words, a heavy tension lying in the air throughout the whole conversation.

But right now Harry needed to wait, first Ginny needed to visit London for a dress new dress. There was no dress code for the wedding, Audrey-, to Percy’s dismay, -wanted to leave the choice up to each individual liking's, stating that it was just more fun, with which Ginny wholeheartedly agreed.

After Ginny had greeted her mother, who had been working in the garden, she quickly threw her bag onto her bed. Before taking the Floo to the leaky cauldron, where she met up with Fleur who would help her with picking out a fitting dress for the wedding.

The two women had quickly grown closer after the battle, as Fleur had been there for the family every single minute after they had lost Fred, and Ginny would be forever grateful for that.

Ginny greeted the older women with a wave, as Fleur stepped into the Leaky cauldron. Squeezing past a group of slightly tipsy goblins.

“Hello Ginny, you look great, I am happy to zee you!” She called out, quickly closing the distance before the two hugged tightly. Ginny could smell Fleur’s familiar lavender perfume, and it reminded her of the many evenings her sister-in-law had sat with her in the Burrow living room, listening to Ginny sharing all her favourite memories of Fred.

“Hi! I am so happy to see you too.” Ginny told her. “Thank you a lot for doing this, I would’ve been totally lost without you, dresses and I don’t go well together.” She chuckled, only making Fleur shake her head.

“Zis is so wrong!  On mine and Bill’s wedding, you looked more than stunning in your dress!” Fleur honestly told her. “You have become a beautiful young woman, Ginny!”

Ginny slightly blushed under the praise as they made their way outside, and Ginny almost stumbled over a dancing Goblin.

They talked about Hogwarts and how the Wizarding and Witching world was recovering from Voldemort’s tough reign. Fleur and Bill had been promoted, and now both lead new rebuilding and subsidising departments at Gringotts. Things were looking up all around.

They walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, and Ginny used the chance to take in the muggle architecture of the big city, still not feeling comfortable while these blasted muggle machines raced past them. Brooms were so much more convenient she thought.

They stopped in front of a red light at a crosswalk and Fleur stared at her for a second, before she spoke up.

“What is with Harry? Have you spoken to him rezently?” The blond woman observed her carefully and Ginny only stared out into the distance as she spoke up.

“No… Not really.” She paused for a while.

“I guess things between us are still complicated…” She started.  “It’s just… I guess…” Ginny paused again.

“So much happened while he was gone, and we both went through so much, it takes time. We both still love each other, that I know. But we don’t want to rush things now.” She sighed, staring at the traffic light which had just turned green, as the two women crossed the road.

“See, I understand that.” Fleur began. “But there is taking things slow, and there is basically not doing anything at all.”

They had reached the other side and Fleur stopped to look at her as Ginny met her sister-in-law’s clear blue eyes. “Ginny, it has been eight months since the battle, you two can’t keep avoiding each other.” Fleur pointed out. “You two are made for each other, you love each other, you need each other! Every day you aren’t together you’re missing out on so much love and happiness.” She finished.

And Ginny knew she was right, she loved Harry, and she knew Harry loved her just as much, they had this bond, this connection neither of them could explain, they were drawn towards each other, every second of every day, every moment that passed her heart yearned for him.

But they needed to speak, and neither of them was especially great when it came to talking about their feelings. Ginny sighed, as she brushed her red hair from her eyes, the wind was blowing strongly and she was struggling to keep it under control.

She met Fleur’s gaze again before she spoke up. “You’re right…” Ginny admitted. “But how? We are just so bad when it comes to talking about what moves us and goes on in our minds.” She asked, making Fleur chuckle.

“Ginny, think back, your bond was so special, you told me that you and Harry could share anything, and there was nothing you two couldn’t talk about. You two just understood each other! Being able to talk about anything is so rare, and it just shows how much you are made for each other.” Fleur explained bluntly.

“You just both need to get over this mental blockade that things are suddenly different. Because they aren’t, you still love each other, you still get each other.”

Fleur was quiet for a second as she seemed to think before a grin crossed her features. “I think you are both just scared to discover that things between you have changed, that you have grown apart, and that you don’t love each other anymore. But all of that couldn't be further from the truth! You still are so alike, you still are so in love, and I think those months of hardship you both endured will just bring you two even closer together than you have ever been before!” She finished, looking at Ginny in understanding.

And Ginny knew Fleur was right. She had been scared to find a different Harry, a Harry she couldn’t love anymore, a changed Harry. And she was scared Harry would see her differently, and maybe would lose interest, moving on to someone else. But that was all wrong, those months of darkness had infected them with doubt and insecurity. Fleur was right, they needed to talk, as soon as possible, he was the love of her life, every day they weren’t together was a day without the person she loved most on this planet.

Her face broke out into a wide grin as she spoke. “Fleur, You are so- “-Right. I know!” The blond woman cut her off, smiling, making Ginny roll her eyes as she couldn’t contain her laughter.

“Yes, yes, you are right,” Ginny admitted. “Me and Harry need to talk, as soon as possible-” She stared ahead, the early spring sun bathing the houses in a slight tinge of orange. “-because I love this man more than anything else…”

[myharrypotterfanfics]

Chapter 4. Diagon Alley.

The magical world Hermione had dreamed about was even more amazing than she had imagined. Magical shops, mysterious creatures, and strange, intriguing objects everywhere — everything caught her eye. But beneath all the wonder, there was something a bit unsettling: whispers in the Leaky Cauldron, unfamiliar, sometimes unfriendly looks she couldn’t ignore. Even so, the day was exciting. And to top it off, Hermione picked up a plain-looking amulet that, for some reason, grabbed her attention. Little did she know that this small purchase would end up impacting her life far more than she could have expected.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54539995/chapters/139649950 FFN: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14333809/4/Hermione-Granger-and-Sky-Vortex

[nevernike]

Pathways Chapter 19

Hermione recovers from a coma and heads home, her mind swirling with recovered memories. She decides to go to the Leaky Cauldron to see what has happened to the world she loved so much.

On FanFiction.net at: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13721930/19/Pathways

on A03 at: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33260251/chapters/127908844

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

The Other Evans Girl [Part Sixty Two] OLD VERSION

Fandom: Harry Potter [Marauder’s Era]

Pairing: Sirius Black/Original Female Character, Sirius Black/Daisy Evans, James Potter/Lily Evans

Characters: Sirius Black, Original Female Character, Daisy Evans, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, James Potter, Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Alice Fortescue, Frank Longbottom, Marlene McKinnon, Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort, Peter Pettigrew, Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix LeStrange, Walburga Black,

Word Count: 6845

Rating: Explicit

Summary: Hogwarts is a safe haven, a home for many. But it’s often a place where heartache, love and complex emotions dwell and none know that better than the Marauders. Lily Evans just wants to make it out as a successful witch though the oncoming war and the ongoing advances of James Potter threaten that. Daisy Evans, her twin, has other goals. Join the Evans sister’s as they make their way through Hogwarts, prepare for war and eventually find love.

Tags/ Warnings: My Writing, The Other Evans Girl, Sirius Black Fic, Sirius Black/You, Sirius Black x OFC, OFC, Marauders Fic, Eventual Sirius Black, Sirius Black x Reader Fic, Sirius Black Fic, James Potter is a bit of a dick but we LOVE it, Hogsmeade, Friends, Hate, Love, Angst, Fluff, Kissing, Implied Sex, Potters, Babies, Weddings, Dating, Friends to Loves, Slow Burn, Eventual Sirius and Daisy, Teenage Angst, Insecurities, Fighting, Arguing, Bullying, War, First Wizarding War, Marauders, Marauder’s Era, 1970’s, 1970s Fashion, Canon Character Deaths, Loss of Virginity, Crying, Voldemort, The Other Evans Girl, Marauders Era to war, Multiple Parts, GORE, injuries, harm, fighting, blood, The Potter’s Mansion // Daisy’s Dress // NYE Lily’s Dress // NYE Daisy’s Dress // Lily’s Ring // Daisy’s Ring

Notes: this will be the last chapter until the new year as im busy with other fics/christmas etc etc so i thought i’d make it a long one for yas

LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST // LINK TO ALL PARTS

TAGS - @maeisafangirl@mysteriouslydelicateface

‘And you must come straight back, you understand that?’  ‘Yes Professor,’ Daisy and Sirius said in unison.  ‘And you know exactly where you are going?’ she said.  ‘Yes Professor,’ they repeated.  ‘Right,’ Professor McGonagall said her beady eyes watching them both. She was sitting behind her desk but stood as she finished speaking. Then she gestured to the large fireplace in her office and walked towards it, her students close behind. She gestured for them to step inside which they did, Sirius taking a handful of floo powder as he went.  ‘Just one more thing,’ McGonagall said, ‘please don’t do anything silly. Daisy, I’m trusting you.’ ‘Of course Professor,’ Daisy said sheepishly feeling Sirius roll his eyes beside her. McGonagall nodded throwing them a tight smile before Sirius dropped the powder to the floor and said, ‘the Leaky Cauldron.’

Seconds later they were spinning through countless fireplaces, catching glimpses of all the wizarding lives going on throughout the country, until finally they became stationary and the dimly lit main room of the Leaky Cauldron came into focus. As Daisy stepped out there were a few glimpses from people sitting throughout the pub but they were more or less ignored. Sirius stepped out quickly after her, slotting his hand into hers, as they headed for the entrance of Diagon Alley. 

It wasn’t too busy in the Alley today. Whenever Daisy had been it had been the summer holidays meaning that most of the street was jam-packed with students who had flocked to it in their downtime as a way to flee their homes and get some much-needed relief from their families. 

‘Do you know where we’re going?’ Daisy asked turning to Sirius who was looking at the piece of parchment McGonagall had given him with the solicitor's address on it. ‘Yeah I think so,’ he said as they headed down to the end of the street. Daisy felt a flip-flop in her stomach as Sirius lead her down Knockturn Alley. She’d heard about this place but she’d never been there before. Knockturn Alley wasn’t forbidden as such but the calibre of wizard that frequented the shops down here was definitely not the type she was used to. They were the type Sirius had known. The ones he talked about with disgust. And as she thought about that worry overcame her. If his uncle was associated with a solicitor down here maybe he wasn’t as far from the Black family as Sirius thought. 

‘Up here,’ Sirius said as they got to an old rickety metal stairway. Tacked onto the bars of the bannister was a sign that said ‘J.M Thicknesse and Associates first floor’. Sirius started walking up the old staircase and Daisy followed until finally, they were at a door. Sirius pressed the buzzer and waited, looking at Daisy with a small smile. She smiled back and slipped her hand back into his, her thumb caressing the back of his hand gently. Then the door opened and a thin-faced middle-aged man was facing them. 

‘Mr Black?’ he said.  ‘That’s me,’ Sirius said. ‘And you are?’ he said eyeing Daisy suspiciously.  ‘My girlfriend,’ Sirius said with a tight smile. The man looked between the pair of them for a moment and then nodded, opening the door fully so they could walk through. He shut it as they entered a long thing hall which was decorated with ancient wallpaper and old oil paintings of various witches and wizards. He led them down it without a word, turning into a room at the end o and gesturing for them to take a seat. There were two rickety chairs in front of the desk that he went to sit behind shuffling through the countless files and papers which were cluttering it. As he rifled through everything Daisy looked around. It was a small room made even smaller by the fact that bookshelves and filing cabinets crammed two walls of it. The man however didn’t seem to notice the chaos of it all as he produced a file and opened it. 

‘So you’re Sirius?’ he said looking at Sirius who nodded, leaning forward in his chair, ‘and you’re aware of why you’re here.’ ‘I’ve been named in my uncles will,’ Sirius said.  ‘Yes, yes, awfully sad business all that,’ Thicknesse said. Sirius’ eyes narrowed at the statement, ‘he wasn’t much older than me but alas we never know when our numbers up.’ ‘Right, yeah,’ Sirius said.  ‘Still, it doesn't do well to dwell on things when there's business to attend to,’ he said shuffling his papers, ‘now I don’t suppose you’ve been to many will readings before.’ ‘No,’ Sirius said.  ‘Well, I’m going to read through your uncle’s last will and testament and then we’ll chat about what’ll happen afterwards, okay?’ he said receiving a nod from Sirius, ‘well then. Let’s get to it.’

He popped his glasses on and thumbed through the papers in front of him before clearing his throat. Daisy and Sirius shared a look but turned back to him as he started to speak, ‘I, Marius Perseus Black, resident of the city of London, being of sound mind, not acting under duress or undue influence, and fully understanding the nature and extent of all my property and of this disposition thereof, do hereby make, publish, and declare this document to be my Last Will and Testament.’

He paused for a moment, looking at Sirius and Daisy who were watching him their brows furrowed, and said, ‘with me so far?’  ‘I think so,’ Daisy said. ‘Yeah,’ Sirius said.  ‘Well, let me make it a little simpler,’ he said, ‘first to be dealt with is expenses and taxes. Your uncle already saw to his own funeral and burial and that was already prepaid so there’s nothing to worry about on that front. I bequeath my property both real and personal wherever situated as follows. Sole beneficiary; Sirius Orion Black, my nephew, currently of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Property to be bequeathed; my motorbike, my flat and all its contents as well as the contents of my Gringotts vault in its entirety. I do declare that Sirius is free to do as he likes with these assets once he comes of age. Until then I require my assets to remain under the supervision of J.M. Thicknesse and associates.’ ‘Wait, he’s left everything to me?’ Sirius said dumbfounded.  ‘That’s about the top and bottom of it,’ Thicknesse said, ‘obviously things will have to remain under my care until you come of age but that will give us time for everything to go through probate.’ ‘Right,’ Sirius said stunned.  ‘I know it’s a lot to take in,’ Thicknesse said.  ‘Yeah just a bit,’ Daisy said.  ‘Why me?’ Sirius said, ‘I mean there’s like ten people he could’ve left everything to.’ ‘Lineage isn’t everything Mr Black,’ Thicknesse said placing the papers down on the desk. Sirius continued to look confused. Thicknesse interlaced his hands in front of him and leaned in, ‘I know this is a lot to take in and it may not make a lot of sense right now. But I’ve known your uncle for some time now. And whilst you may not have been close I can assure you that he saw the best of the Blacks in you.’ ‘You mean I’m the only one that’s not an outright idiot?’ Sirius said earning a small smile from Daisy and Thicknesse.  ‘That’s not for me to comment on,’ Thicknesse said, ‘but there's a reason he chose you. A reason he bestowed you with these assets.’ 

As Thicknesse leaned back Daisy slipped her hand into his and squeezed it earning a smile from Sirius. Thicknesse relaxed in his chair and took off his glasses before he said, ‘so shall we talk about your new assets?’

✵✵✵

‘And the bathroom is just through here,’ Thicknesse said gesturing through the french doors that led from the living room to the bedroom, ‘now the bike will take a little longer for me to arrange. It’s currently in a storage facility and it’ll take a few days to transfer it to your name, but seeing as you cannot ride it yet, I don’t suppose there’s much harm in it.’

‘No, I guess not,’ Sirius said as he ran his fingers across the dusty table that stood behind the couch. They were at his uncle’s flat. It was a small thing, one large room seemingly separated into three pieces. The main chunk of it was the living room which held a couch and tables as well as an old desk and some rickety old bookshelves. Attached to that, in a somewhat open design was a tiny kitchen that barely seemed to be able to fit two people in at once. And separated by double doors was a bedroom which held a large four-poster bed and an ornate wardrobe. 

Daisy meandered through the room taking in every inch of it until she was by Sirius’ side. After meeting with Thicknesse, they’d gone back to Hogwarts and explained to McGonagall the long and short of it. And to their surprise, she had agreed to the terms that Thicknesse was suggesting, that she and Sirius be allowed to go and see the apartment themselves and sort through any items they may or may not want. Anything they decided against keeping would be sold on with the money going back to Sirius though Daisy was sure a tidy percentage would make its way into the solicitors' pockets. So, a couple of weeks later they’d travelled to Thicknesse’s office once more and he had used his floo network to take them to the apartment. 

‘So, I don’t think there’s much else to tell you,’ Thicknesse said slipping his hands in his pockets, ‘you’ve got the day to sort through everything. I suppose you’ll want to keep the basics cutlery, furniture etc it’s just the personals that you’ll have to go through so it won’t take too long.’ ‘And what do we do with the other stuff?’ Daisy asked. ‘Bundle it into those boxes and I’ll come back in the morning to collect,’ he said, ‘I’ll keep your house mistress up to date with any progress as it's all very boring.’ ‘I’m sure Minnie will love that,’ Sirius smirked.  ‘Yes well,’ Thicknesse said clearing his throat, ‘I’ll leave you two to it. Just floo yourself back when you’re done. I’ve made sure the network is hooked up to Hogwarts so there shouldn’t be any issues.’ ‘Right, thanks,’ Sirius said walking him towards the fireplace. Thicknesse stopped just short of it and paused, reaching into his pocket and producing a set of keys, ‘you’ll be needing these.’  ‘Thanks,’ Sirius said taking it from him.  ‘I’ll be in touch,’ he replied and then he stepped into the fireplace and dropped a handful of powder into it and disappeared into green flames. Daisy watched as the flames burned and slowed down revealing the now empty space he had habituated. Sirius turned and smiled at her, ‘let’s see what we’re working with shall we?’ 

They worked for a good few hours in that small apartment. Thicknesse had been right. Most of the stuff they needed to keep but the personals needed going through. Whilst Daisy busied herself with the bedroom Sirius stuck to the living room. She figured it would be easier for her to go through clothing and toiletries than things that might actually hold some sentimental value. She worked hard and by the time the room was complete, it looked quite bare. She’d stripped almost all the clothing out, most of it was wizards' wear which she doubted she’d be able to give to any of the boys, and there wasn’t much else in way of trinkets and knick-knacks. She did however snag a couple of nice blankets and pillows that she thought about taking back to school for the clubhouse. 

Once she was done she headed out into the living room with the boxes she had packed to find Sirius. He was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of a coffee table which was jam-packed with stuff he’d decided to keep. A half-full box sat beside him and he was holding a book in his hands. Daisy slid down beside him and put her head on his shoulder, peering down at the book he was leafing through. It was a photo album, mostly portraits of old stoic witches and wizards but as he went on it became more recent more relaxed photographs. 

‘Who are they?’ Daisy said pointing at a picture. There was a blonde-haired witch standing by a man with hair just as bright and straight as her own. She recognised one of them from somewhere. ‘My cousin Narcissa,’ he said ‘Do they go to school with us? I feel like I know them,’ she said.  ‘You’ll know him,’ Sirius said thumbing over the picture of the blonde man, ‘can’t help but get his ugly mug in the paper. A right-hand man to the minister it seems.’ ‘I take it he’s not quite the upstanding citizen he appears to be?’ Daisy said leaning up off him.  ‘I can’t fault him,’ Sirius shrugged, ‘but that’s because I haven’t spent any time with him on principle. In fact, this is from their engagement party which I refused to go to.’ ‘How do you know its from then?’ Daisy asked curiously.  ‘Because my mother couldn’t help but show me all the perfect cousins I have. Just had to boast about how wonderful it was that Cissy and Bella had found such extraordinary wizards.’  ‘Bella?’  ‘My other cousin,’ Sirius said curling his lip in disgust. He flipped through a couple of pages and showed a picture of them. It was a large group, all kids. Narcissa was there, hair pin-straight, standing looking at the camera with a pouted smile.

‘A maniac who’s more in love with what’s his face than my mother despite the fact she’s just got hitched,’ he said pointing to the witch standing beside Narcissa who was looking at her from the page with bedraggled black locks and an eerie self-satisfied smirk.  ‘Who’s the other girl?’ she asked. ‘Andromeda,’ Sirius said with a soft smile, ‘about the only one worth anything.’ ‘She’s not…’ Daisy started realising mid-sentence that she didn’t know how to phrase what she wanted to ask. ‘What stark raving loony?’ Sirius chuckled, ‘no. She got out. Well, not so much left as forced out.’ ‘Why?’ Daisy asked. ‘She married a muggleborn,’ Sirius said looking at her with sad eyes. Daisy felt a small pit form in her stomach, ‘oh.’ ‘Did she want to leave?’ Daisy asked quietly. ‘As much as I  did? I don’t think so. I don’t think she hated them but she wasn’t all gung ho on blood status and what have you. She was actually alright to hang out with…about the only one of them I could stand,’ he said quietly.  ‘Do you miss her?’ Daisy asked.  ‘A bit,’ he shrugged, ‘never really thought about her much. She’s got a sprog and her and Ted are happy. Guess I’d rather her be happy than inside the nuthouse with me.’ ‘Well you’re out now,’ Daisy said. Sirius nodded. Her gaze fell on Andromeda for a moment. She looked like a mix of her sisters. Except there was no smile on her face. Like Sirius, she wore a neutral expression. One that couldn’t be determined as feeling either way about being on parade in front of the camera. But as Daisy peered deeper she could see the look in their eyes. The pair of them. Trapped. Both in the picture and in the family. Luckily, one was forever the other not. Her eyes moved off Andromeda until she noticed her hand was on the shoulder of a boy. He had familiar grey eyes and wavy brown hair but he was too young to be Sirius.

‘Is that Regulus?’ she asked. Sirius nodded. He was by far the youngest in the picture. He was beaming a smile, his two front teeth missing, as he stood front and centre as if oblivious to the others behind him. Out of all of them, he seemed to be the only one showing his true feelings. Sadness struck Daisy. Not only that the four of them could be no more than thirteen in this picture but all of them seemed aware of the facade they were meant to be showing. Stoic and proper. But sad as she thought about pictures she had of her and her sisters. Her relationship with her sisters wasn’t perfect, she’d never claim that, but there wasn’t a photo of them together where they weren’t smiling. Another wave of sadness hit her as she looked at Regulus once more. That cheeky grin and the smiley young boy were something she had never seen before. Since he had come to Hogwarts he had always been a moody teenager. Reserved and cold. The opposite of his brother or perhaps Hogwarts was the only place Sirius didn’t have to wear that mask. She ached for them all. 

‘You okay Dais?’ Sirius said after a moment. He had been watching her quietly, watching as the sadness danced across her features. ‘Yeah,’ she said.  ‘You sure?’ he said raising an eyebrow. Daisy rolled her eyes. ‘It’s silly,’ she said.  ‘Try me,’ Sirius said closing the book and placing it on the coffee table.  ‘I just….don’t you miss them?’ she said. ‘What my cousins?’ he snorted, ‘hardly.’ ‘No that’s not what I mean,’ she said pulling away from him and moving to kneel beside him. Sirius leaned against the couch, turning to look at her. 

‘They’re your family Sirius,’ she said, ‘I mean surely somewhere you’ve gotta miss them. I mean…even on her worst day. Even when she’s driven me up the wall or I’ve made her face turn purple from winding Vermin up I would never give up Tuney. And looking at that book it's like you don't even care.’ ‘What you’re getting mad at me because I don’t love some muggle-born-hating scum?!’ he scoffed turning his head away from her. ‘No I just,’ she said biting her lip and placing her hand on his bicep, ‘that’s not what I meant…I just don't want you pretending you don't care because of what they're like. It’s okay you know…if you do…even a little bit.’ ‘Dais,’ he said turning to look at her, ‘I don’t miss them. Cissy and Bella are horrible people. And Andromeda? Like I said I’m happy she’s happy in her own world. Just because we’re family doesn’t mean I’d want to tear her away from that.’ ‘And Regulus?’ she said nervously. ‘If it was going to be anyone I’d miss him,’ Sirius said truthfully. His eyes closed for a moment before he peered back at her and continued, ‘he’s my little brother and sure I love him. But you gotta understand my life wasn’t like yours. Me and Regulus weren’t like you and Lily. Hell, we even make you and Tuney look like best friends.’ ‘Now that takes some doing,’ she giggled making Sirius smirk as he carried on, ‘the only feeling I have for him is that I failed. I tried so hard to steer him out of that narrative but it was no use…’ ‘You tried your best,’ she said.  ‘Yeah but I could’ve done more. The truth is I gave up on him…because I’d found my own family. When you talk about missing them? It doesn’t resonate. I don’t miss them like you’d miss Lily or Petunia. But if it were James? Rem? Pete? I’d miss them like that…they’re my brothers, Dais.’ 

Daisy nodded. Sirius dropped his gaze for a moment, fiddling with his fingers before he placed a hand on her knee and looked up at her with a sheepish smile, ‘and you Dais. You’re my family.’ ‘You’re mine too,’ she said leaning in so their heads were touching.  ‘I mean it y’know,’ he whispered, closing his eyes.  ‘I know,’ she said quietly. Sirius shook his head and pulled back, Daisy watched him carefully. ‘I’m not just saying it…’ he said with a little sigh, ‘I know we love each other and everything…and I know we’ve got the boys and Lil and whatever. I know that we’re part of a family. But for me…you’re it. You’re my family. Wherever you go whatever you want I’m right there behind you…you’re my home.’ ‘Sirius,’ Daisy said in barely more than a whisper as tears glinted off her lower lid. Her heart was swelling with happiness. She loved Sirius. With all of her heart and she knew he loved her too but this felt like something else. Something more. She felt something burning deep within her forcing an idea to the surface. ‘You don’t have to say it back,’ he chuckled shakily, ‘I won’t break if you don’t profess your undying love for me.’

Daisy didn’t let him finish. Instead, she fell towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him in for a heartfelt tender kiss. Sirius kissed her back, pulling her onto his lap for a moment as they made out before the pair of them pulled back breathlessly. 

‘I guess that’s your answer,’ he said with a small chuckle as they parted.  ‘Yeah,’ she chuckled, moving a strand of hair out of his eyes, ‘and I feel the same too.’ ‘Good to know,’ he said, his fingers idly dancing against her hips as he watched her.  ‘And that being said there’s something I want and I hope you want it too,’ she said.  ‘Anything,’ Sirius said. ‘Good,’ Daisy said, ‘because I’m ready.’ ‘Ready?’ Sirius asked watching as she stared at him pointedly, ‘oh ready.’ ‘Yeah, that’s okay, right? I mean I know I said I wanted to wait and stuff but what you said made me realise. I want everything with you. The whole of our lives. What am I waiting for?’ she said. ‘If you’re sure,’ Sirius said. Daisy nodded. ‘Yeah,’ she said kissing him quickly. And again. And again, ‘in fact, I do believe we have a whole flat to ourselves right now.’ ‘What now?’ Sirius said. ‘Like I said why wait?’ she giggled as she peppered kisses along his jaw before pulling back a little, ‘unless your uncle like died in that bed then definitely not.’ ‘I think we’re good,’ Sirius chuckled capturing her lips once more. 

This kiss was slower than the last but just as loving. Sirius’ hands held onto her hips, his thumbs tracing gently against her skin. Daisy’s hands knotted in his hair enjoying herself as they made out for god knows how long. She could feel that spark from before inside her bubbling away gently. She couldn’t believe how scared she’d been of this. Eventually, she pulled away. Sirius watched her his eyes the darkest grey ever seen. 

‘You alright?’ he asked. Daisy nodded and pulled back, hoisting herself up until she was standing and offering a hand for him which he took quickly following her movements. She didn’t say anything, instead, she led him through the living room to the bedroom. Once they were standing beside the bed she moved back into him, her hands around her neck as she kissed him. Then she pulled back. Sirius watched in awe as she pulled her shirt off over her head, marvelling at every inch of her. Daisy dropped her gaze, a little embarrassed before she unbuttoned her jeans and kicked them aside pushing herself back onto the bed. Sirius was following her movements in a shot. He flung his t-shirt off and dropped his trousers faster than he ever had before climbing onto the bed until he was hovering over her. 

‘Sirius?’ she said quietly. ‘Yeah?’ ‘Kiss me,’ she said. It wasn’t a question. It was an order. And it was one Sirius couldn't ignore. It was hard to ignore the switch that had been flicked on between the living room and the bed. Everything seemed to be much faster now. Not with speed but with want. Sirius’ lips coveted every inch of her neck and chest. Daisy could feel herself becoming slicker by the second. Especially as she could now feel him, hard against her thigh. As Sirius unclasped her bra and pulled it off replacing where the fabric had covered with his mouth Daisy reached her hand down and palm him through the thin fabric of his boxers.

‘Dais,’ he groaned as she did making a tingle run through her.  ‘Is that okay?’ she asked as he pulled up to look at her. ‘Very,’ he said capturing her lips as she carried on. The more responsive he was the braver she got until she was pushing his boxer shorts down. Sirius moved back so he could remove them and Daisy moved to do the same with hers. He was back in a flash, kissing her neck, as her hand clasped around him. She teased her thumb across his head, smirking as his breath hitched, allowing the stickiness to coat her hand before she moved it. His hand was cupping her breast gently, his thumb running across her hardened nipple every so often causing that heat in between her legs to get all the stronger. 

She moved her hand slowly, building up a steady rhythm as they kissed. Sirius was enjoying the way her dainty hand wrapped around him but as nice as it felt he was acutely aware they were on uneven footing. He wanted to even the playing field so against every urge he was having he pulled back. Daisy looked at him confused.

‘Did I do something wrong?’ she asked. Sirius shook his head. ‘No but I wanna do something,’ he said pulling back and kissing down her body until he was between her thighs.  ‘Pads,’ she moaned as he teased a finger through her folds. ‘You alright?’ he said chuckling as she nodded. He kissed along her thighs until finally, he licked hesitantly. He was nervous. For all his bravado and talk he’d never actually gotten this far with a girl. He’d had it done to him and he knew what he was doing with his hands but he’d never gone to this. He’d never had the interest, why bother if the girl was up for getting him off? 

But as he tenderly lapped at her, watching as she squirmed underneath his touch he realised he’d been missing out. It was like nothing he’d ever tasted before but he couldn’t get enough. Daisy was breathing heavier, making little moans every time his tongue hit a new sensitive spot, making him hard as a rock. He rocked his hips against the bed, his cock leaking onto the bed sheets as she writhed underneath him. As his confidence grew he introduced a finger, knowing that at the moment she’d never be able to take him. He worked in rhythm, his tongue spelling words out on her clit as he pumped two fingers gently in and out of her tight pussy.  She was coming undone, her hands knotting in his hair as she moved in rhythm with him. Then he changed tact, sucking on her sensitive bud for just a second.

‘Pads, do that again,’ Daisy whimpered. She had never felt this good before. She’d enjoyed everything they’d done up to now and she’d touched herself in the past but this. This was otherworldly. As Sirius obliged with her instruction and combined it with his fingers curving up against her she felt a wave crash over her. Her legs trembled around him, toes curling into the mattress as white-hot pleasure ran through her core and out to her extremities as if finding a way out of her body. She was panting heavily now, whimpering as she became tender against his touch, so much so she had to tap him on the shoulder making him pull back. He moved back towards her until they were laying on their sides facing one another

‘Did that feel good?’ he said with a small smile. Daisy nodded still unable to string a sentence together, ‘am I gonna get words or?’ ‘Shut up,’ she giggled pulling him in to kiss her. Her hand slipped between them both, coming back to where she had left off, except now he didn’t want that. He wanted her.  ‘Dais,’ he mumbled, reaching down to stop her. ‘Do you not want me to-’ she said nervously though she stopped as he shook his head. ‘I want you,’ he said, ‘if you’re ready.’

Daisy nodded and pulled him into kiss her as he rolled her onto her back. They stopped for a moment, as Sirius pulled back and lined himself up with her entrance, pumping himself a couple of times. ‘You’re sure?’ he asked. Daisy nodded watching as he eased in gently.  ‘Just go slow,’ she said feeling a slight sting as he did. Sirius nodded and tried to ignore the blissful way she enveloped him. He didn’t want to hurt her. Instead, he inched in slowly though he stopped as he heard her hiss. ‘Dais,’ he said but she shook her head. ‘I’m fine,’ she said. ‘I can stop,’ he said, he would if he had to but he longed that she didn't ask him to.  ‘It’s fine,’ she said, ‘just kiss me.’

Sirius nodded and leaned back towards her kissing her deeply. When he finally bottomed out he didn’t move. He couldn’t believe how incredible she felt around him or how unfair it was that she wasn’t feeling as blissfully happy as he was. ‘Are you sure you want to carry on?’ he asked, her eyes were closed but he could see the glisten of tears underneath her lashes, ‘Dais you’re crying.’ ‘I’m not,’ she sniffled. She wanted this. She wanted him. She just didn’t expect it to hurt so damn much. Even with the warm-up act, he was just so big. ‘You are,’ Sirius said, ‘that’s it I’m stopping.’ ‘No!’ Daisy said opening her eyes and throwing him a weak smile, ‘no it’s fine just go slow okay? I’m sure it’ll get good again.’ ‘Right,’ he said moving his hips just a tad. Daisy took a shaky breath. They watched one another, analysing every flicker of emotion that came across their faces. Sirius couldn’t believe how good it felt and he couldn’t stop himself from moaning softly. That made Daisy smile. It was feeling better now, not like before, but enough that it didn’t hurt.

‘Feels better now,’ she said stroking his cheek softly as if encouraging him. He moved a bit quicker now, that familiar feeling in his lower belly rearing its head. Though it wasn’t complete bliss for her Daisy was enjoying herself. Watching Sirius chase his high was enough. The way his eyes closed when stroked his cheek. Or the way his head hung as he uttered a little moan. 

‘Dais, I’m not gonna last much longer,’ he panted looking at her. His grey eyes were almost black with lust. ‘Okay,’ she nodded.  ‘Need to pull out,’ he said though he longed not to. He knew that was too risky though. Daisy’s eyes went a little wide as she realised what he was talking about but then she nodded. As his hips started to falter he pulled back. Just as he pulled out he came, coating her as he fell against her. She ignored the stickiness on her inner thigh as she allowed him to tuck his head into the crook of her neck, running her fingers through his hair as his breathing returned to normal. As he pulled back she swore she saw the hint of a blush on his cheeks as he looked at the mess he’d made. 

‘Sorry,’ he said bashfully. ‘It’s okay,’ she said, ‘quick thinking to be honest.’ ‘Yeah, I suppose it’s better than risking it,’ he said pulling back onto his knees, ‘one minute.’

He shuffled off the bed and headed to the bathroom. He brought back some loo roll and cleaned them up before grabbing his boxers and putting them on. 

‘Pass us your shirt,’ she said. He bent down and handed it to her. She slipped it on over her head and as she pulled her hair out of the collar she found him standing by the bed something lacy in hand. ‘Your knickers,’ he smirked. ‘Such a gentleman,’ she said yanking them off of him and shimming them on as he climbed into bed beside her. Daisy came to cuddle into his side, her head on his chest. They stayed quiet for a moment. Sirius’ arm was wrapped around her his thumb stroking her arm as she traced shapes on his chest. He glanced at her but her eyes were closed a slight smile on her face

‘Dais,’ he said making her eyelids flutter open, ‘you okay?’ ‘Yeah,’ she said with a small smile as she leaned up to look at him. ‘You sure? Everything was alright?’ he asked. ‘Yes Sirius,’ she said rolling her eyes, ‘it was better than I could have hoped for.’ ‘Babe you had tears in your eyes,’ he said nervously though she waved him off. ‘I know, I know but that wasn’t important. It’s not like you meant to hurt me or anything you were just bigger than I thought,’ she said blushing as Sirius's face broke into a smug smile, ‘oh shut up.’ ‘No, no, continue,’ he chuckled, ‘where were you up to? Biggest and best you’ve ever had right?’ ‘I don’t think it counts when it’s the only one,’ she giggled. ‘Harsh Dais,’ he said, holding his hand on top of his over his heart. ‘Anyway,’ she said rolling her eyes, ‘I mean it. I’m happy this happened.’ ‘Me too,’ he said. ‘I think it was better this way,’ she said earnestly, ‘Lily freaked out before, during and after. At least this way we weren’t all in our heads about it.’ ‘Yeah, I get that,’ he said, ‘Lil alright?’ ‘Yeah,’ she said, ‘I think she just got her expectations up.’ ‘So I’m the best and biggest and a better shag than James Potter? This day is getting better by the second’ Sirius chuckled. ‘I didn’t mean it like that!’ Daisy said smacking him on the chest making him laugh even harder, ‘Sirius don’t you dare tell him that! I swear to god.’ ‘Or what?’  ‘Or we’ll not be doing this again any time soon,’ she said with a smirk which grew wider as Sirius’ face turned into a scowl. ‘Oh that’s harsh Evans, cruel really,’ he said.  ‘Well at least I know I’ve got that in my arsenal now,’ she giggled. Sirius’ eyes narrowed and then he was on top of her, flipping her onto her back as his fingers terrorised her sides making her laugh.

‘Sirius stop!’ she giggled as he carried on tickling, ‘pack it in!’ ‘Take it back,’ he smirked. ‘Sirius!’ ‘Dais,’ he challenged as she laughed, her breathing getting harder and harder by the second until she panted, ‘fine! Now gerroff!’ Sirius stopped and pulled back onto his knees watching as she pushed her hair off her face and sat up opposite him scowling as he smirked at her.  ‘You’re a right git you know that,’ she said trying to hide a smile. ‘A loveable one though,’ he said.  ‘Maybe,’ she said as he leaned down and kissed her. ‘Come on then,’ he said climbing off the bed as they broke apart, ‘Minnie will be out looking for us if we’re not careful.’ ‘We’re lucky she didn’t come looking for us ten minutes ago,’ Daisy giggled as she slinked off the bed and shrugged Sirius’ top off so she could change.  ‘Poor girl would’ve never recovered,’ he smirked. 

Once they were back suitably dressed and everything they wanted to get rid of was stacked neatly in its boxes they crammed the stuff they wanted into a remaining box.  ‘Ready?’ Sirius said as Daisy took a spot beside him in the fireplace. ‘Yep,’ she said juggling the box into her other arm so she could slip her hand into his. Sirius dropped the floo powder into the grate and they were off, whizzing through the network until the familiar backdrop of McGonagall’s office came into view. 

Though as they stepped out they realised that she wasn’t there. They shared a confused look figuring she’d be waiting for them as she had been last time, eager for every drop of information she could get, but he was nowhere to be seen. Nevertheless, they headed out of her office and  made their way back to Gryffindor tower. However, Daisy couldn’t help but notice the corridors were less crowded than usual on any given weekend. 

‘Where is everyone?’ she said ‘I was thinking that,’ Sirius said, ‘it’s not a Hogsmede weekend is it?’  ‘No,’ Daisy said as they climbed the stairs.  ‘Probably too cold to be out. I’m a bit nippy even with my jacket on,’ Sirius said. ‘Maybe,’ Daisy said though her tone was still unsure. They were coming up on the portrait hole now and Daisy noted that they hadn’t seen anyone since McGonagall’s office causing worry to form in her stomach. ‘Mimbulus Mimbletonia,’ Sirius said causing the Fat Lady to swing open. 

Sirius allowed Daisy to climb through first and she was no sooner through the hole before Lily was on her, throwing her arms around her sister, her red hair burying Daisy’s face. As she pulled back Daisy saw her sister’s face and the pit of worry grew to a chasm. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot and her nose was red from sniffling. She noted James beside her, his hand on Lily’s arm as he tried to pull her back. 

‘What’s going on?’ Sirius asked. He had taken in the scene quicker than her, not having his vision blurred by Lily’s mane of red hair. As she looked around the common room he could tell something had happened. It was full of students all huddled in different groups though all of them had the same sombre faces as Lily. 

‘There’s been an attack,’ James said, ‘in London.’ ‘What kind of attack?’ Daisy said. ‘Death Eaters,’ Remus said appearing at Lily’s side, his hand sympathetically on her shoulder. ‘They’ve killed three muggles in broad daylight,’ Lily sniffled, ‘and a witch, muggle-born and young they said on the radio. I’ve been worried sick.’ ‘Oh Lil,’ Daisy said handing the box to Remus who took it form her graciously so she could hug her sister once more. ‘We said it wasn’t you,’ James said earning a scowl from Lily, ‘but they didn’t name her so.’  ‘I’m fine Lil,’ Daisy said pulling back.  ‘Yeah and anyway I can’t believe you’d think I’d even let them scum get a chance at hurting her,’ Sirius said putting his arm around them both. Daisy smiled at him sympathetically her heart swelling as she watched him trying to comfort her sister.  ‘I know it’s silly,’ Lily said, ‘I just panicked.’ ‘Well, we’re fine. I’m fine,’ she said as Sirius moved away to where the boys, Marlene, Alice and Frank were sitting ‘Right, right, yeah,’ Lily said wrapping her arm around her sister’s waist so they could sit down. James patted the seat beside him and Lily sat down though she didn’t lean into him as she normally would, instead she stayed stuck like glue to Daisy. 

‘What else have they said?’ Sirius asked, he was perched on the arm of the couch beside them. ‘Not much,’ Frank said, ‘only that they can’t confirm it’s a specific group of individuals.’ ‘That’s bollocks,’ Sirius said. ‘They were wearing masks,’ Alice said, ‘so they couldn’t be identified.’ ‘But it has to be them,’ Marlene said. ‘How do you know?’ Daisy asked. ‘Because they’ve got a new signature,’ James grumbled, ‘that stupid tattoo they have is burned into the sky right above it.’ ‘They’re getting braver,’ Frank said. ‘Sirius was right,’ Remus said solemnly, ‘there’s a war coming.’

The group fell quiet for a moment after that. Thoughts spun around in Daisy’s brain like a washing machine on a spin cycle. She couldn’t take it all in. In the space of ten minutes, she’d gone from absolute happiness to utter terror. She couldn’t get a grip on it. She wanted to cry. Or scream. Or run back to that flat with Sirius and stay in there forever. 

But she couldn’t. And she couldn’t go anywhere with him at the moment because her sister’s hand was still interlaced with hers, white knuckles peeking out from the end of her jumper. Lily noticed her looking and smiled at her, the weakest smile she’d ever received. Daisy smiled back, trying to be strong for her twin, but as Lily turned away she placed her other hand on Sirius’ thigh and heaved a sigh of relief when he placed his own over hers, stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. She could be Lily’s strength. As long as he was hers. 

[sunnyrealist]

Chapter 11: Forget-Me-Not

The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars

Summary and Details...

Chapter Background and Summary: Kate and Sebastian parted ways due to his refusal to give up the dark arts. Some time has passed. Neither of them can stop thinking about the other. Sebastian finally broke down and wrote a letter to Kate, begging for forgiveness, telling her he still desperately wants to be with her, and asking if they can meet. In this chapter, Kate sorts through her conflicted feelings as Sebastian sends messages in the form of flowers.

Pairing: Aged-up, post-Azkaban Sebastian Sallow x female OC (Kate Mayflower)

Trigger warnings: None for this chapter. Please note - while minors can pretty safely read this chapter, this story is quite explicit and minors shouldn't be reading the entire thing.

The full chapter is available below the cut, along with the AO3 link. Any kind of feedback would be greatly appreciated. A comment, like, or Kudos would make my day.

Chapter 11: Forget-Me-Not

“...and now he sends a flower stem to me daily,” Kate explains, setting down the teacup.

It’s an unseasonably warm Sunday morning in Hogsmeade. Kate sits outside of Steepley and Sons tea shop with her best friend in the entire world, Pearl Abbott. Aptly named, Pearl’s gray eyes sparkle in the light. Her striking white-blonde hair is pulled into a bun. She holds a parasol to protect her delicate alabaster skin from the sunlight.

Kate had asked her to visit, wanting to get her advice about what to do about Sebastian. Pearl had listened intently as Kate told her the entire story of how they met and got to know each other. Kate even told her that she and Sebastian had slept together. Pearl didn’t interrupt much at all, simply nodding in understanding to everything Kate detailed. However, she did make a comment that Kate had not been very stealthy on her birthday. Pearl and her boyfriend - now her fiancé - Felix were the last ones in the Leaky Cauldron at night; they had noticed Kate speaking with a handsome man, and then, coincidentally, he left just a few moments after she did. Pearl just knew these things - Kate couldn’t hide much from her dear friend.

“Just a stem?” Pearl asks with a confused tone. “A single flower stem every day? That’s odd.”

“Yes. I’m positive they are from him,” Kate replies confidently. “I think he is trying to send me messages through the flowers. He told me the night that we met that he knew all about the meaning of flowers.”

“Really? Then what message did he send you?” she inquires, sipping her tea.

“Several. He’s been sending them since Tuesday,” Kate explains with a little smile. “The first was a purple hyacinth. It means he is seeking forgiveness. Then, he sent Sweet William. That symbolizes a broken heart - the pain of rejection. I think he wanted me to know how sorry he is and how sad he feels that I won’t accept him as a lover.”

Pearl’s eyes widen. “Wow. I’m surprised a man knows that much about flower symbolism. But, then again… he’s potentially your match, and you know everything about plants and flowers, Kate… it makes sense. Did he send more?”

“Yes. Then, a Forget-Me-Not, which is self-explanatory. A Dianthus came on Thursday - that one symbolizes gratitude. It’s like he wanted to say that he either hopes I won’t forget him or that he is still thinking of me, and he feels thankful we met. On Friday, a Daffodil - those symbolize rebirth, new beginnings. He wants to start over again,” Kate stares off into the distance as she speaks. Now, she looks down, blushing. “Yesterday, there were two. They were pretty intense - Larkspur and Coreopsis. Larkspur is code for first love; Coreopsis symbolizes love at first sight. I don’t know what to make of that. He is being quite forward…”

“Wow,” Pearl responds, lifting her eyebrows. 

“And this morning, I received honeysuckle. That means longing for a lost love and continued devotion.” Kate paused. “You know me. I overthink things… but I put it all together because I just had to. So far, Sebastian is basically telling me, through flowers, that he is sad and sorry and longing for my love. He is saying that he fell in love with me at first sight and that I am the first person he has ever loved. He’s grateful to me, still devoted to me, and will never forget me. He very seriously wants another chance.”

Pearl inhales. “And what are you going to do?”

Kate is quiet for a moment, looking distressed. “I don’t know, Pearl. I really don’t know. I… I don’t know what to do…”

“Kate. Stop waffling. What do you want? Right here and now?” she demands in a firm tone.

Kate exhales, and as she looks at the ground, she finally says, “I want to be with a Sebastian that doesn’t lie. A Sebastian that is willing to change because he wants me that badly.” Her eyes suddenly grow wet. “But I’m so afraid, Pearl. He will probably just hurt me again. I need to be smart. I always make mistakes with love…”

Pearl takes her hand. “You love him, don’t you?” she asks in a quiet voice.

A tear falls from Kate’s eye. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly… we only knew each other for half a day…”

“Kate… are you sure?”

She meets Pearl’s gaze. “No…” she whispers. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone. I can’t stop thinking about him. But… Pearl, don’t you think he’s dangerous? Should I really be in a relationship with someone like that?”

Pearl shrugs. “Why do you care what I think? It’s your life. Live it. Stop thinking about me. Stop thinking about what other people are going to say.”

Kate barks out a laugh. “Pearl. Imagine my parents. My mum. How could I ever tell them? I couldn’t do this to them…”

“When has anything they thought stopped you before?” Pearl retorted. “They didn’t want you to move out, but you did. They didn’t want you to live so far away, but you do.”

“I guess…” Kate hesitates. “Pearl, please just tell me what you think. I need help.”

“Look, if you want my advice, this is what I say. Don’t dive into a relationship right away. Make him work for it. See if he sticks around. See if he changes. And don’t sleep with him until he does,” Pearl tells her.

Kate nods, considering this. “Pearl, I think you’re right…”

Pearl chuffs. “Posh… I know I’m right!” She holds out her hand to point out the shiny new engagement ring. “Trust me. I know what I’m doing!”

They both crack up.

The week passed by slowly. Anxiety ruled her daytime thoughts like a tyrant, but dreams of affection and desire staged a nightly coup. Most nights, she touched herself, imagining Sebastian on top of her, his freckle-dusted face pink with exertion, his lips pressed against hers, his brown eyes filled with adoration. 

Monday morning: A pink camellia. Longing.

Tuesday evening: Honeysuckle. Devotion.

Wednesday evening: A cornflower. Hope in love.

On Thursday morning, Kate surveyed the eclectic collection of flowers she had placed together in one vase. All of his messages, ones he knew she would understand, were sweet and thoughtful, but the rational part of Kate’s brain rang alarm bells. Two warring sides constantly occupied her mind. 

I might love him.

It couldn’t be love. 

I can’t stop thinking about him. 

I barely know him.

Sebastian will do anything for me.

He won’t. He’ll disappoint me.

I can’t deny my feelings.

You might have to.

Sebastian will change for me.

He’ll always choose dark magic over me.

He’s my soulmate.

He’s a criminal. A murderer.

The past doesn’t define the future.

History repeats itself.

I just want to let go and love him.

Be careful, Kate. Guard your heart.

Catching Kate staring into space for what must have been the eighth time over the course of a few hours, Madam Scribner eyes her suspiciously. “What has gotten into you today?”

Kate smiles dreamily. “I’m meeting someone tonight. A man I really care for.”

Madam Scribner cracked a rare smile. “Well, may he be worthy of you, dear.”

Kate’s eyes went wide, reminded of the logic she was missing in the moment. 

“Who is he, Kate?” she asked curiously.

“Oh… you would know him, Agnes,” Kate began cautiously. “You definitely know him. I don’t dare say his name - he says he was in trouble with you often.”

The head librarian frowned, furrowing her eyebrows. “That doesn’t narrow it down much, but most of my former students grow to be mature like you with age.”

Kate gave a half smile, sighing. “Yes. People change…”

As Kate’s work hours came to a close, she whispered a goodbye to Madam Scribner, then darted out the door. She couldn’t get home fast enough. There was so much she wanted to do before meeting Sebastian, and she had only a little time. She wanted to wear a beautiful dress, to style her hair, to dust just a bit of makeup on. At the same time, she didn’t want to overdo it, to tip him off to her feelings.

Nerves set in as Kate stands in front of a full-length mirror, suddenly feeling as though it looks like she is trying too hard. The silken crimson dress is more appropriate for an elegant formal dinner at someone’s home. We’re going to the Three Broomsticks, for Merlin’s sake! Kate huffs, unbuttoning the dress quickly and stepping out of it as it falls to the floor. 

She surveys her undergarments, then shakes her head. Why the hell am I even thinking about my corset? He will not see it!

Kate rushes into her closet, trying to find a more casual dress, one that is appropriate for walking around Hogsmeade during the day. She settles on a pale yellow dress embroidered with tiny white flowers. As she fastens all of the buttons, she rehearses in her mind what she will say when Sebastian inevitably asks if she could accept him as a lover. 

Several minutes later, Kate angrily tries to get her hair to cooperate with so little time left. She styles her hair half pulled back, half down, tying a white ribbon around the little ponytail on the back of her head for a feminine touch.

Glancing at the clock, she is painfully aware she has to leave. Now, she doesn't have enough time to walk there, which was her plan. She’ll have to apparate.

Kate hurries towards her front door but stops as she sees the bouquet once more. She takes a moment to smell the sweet flowers, sighing in delight. What a lovely message they convey. 

She calms herself, thinking as clearly as she can about the entrance to the Three Broomsticks, and suddenly, she is there. Approaching and opening the doors breathlessly, she gathers all of her courage. As Kate’s eyes adjust to the dim lighting of the pub, she searches for Sebastian. Eventually, she spots him sitting in a corner, intently reading a book. 

Kate’s breath hitches as Sebastian’s brown eyes flick up to hers.

[freetobcubed]

Frickin Dumbledore

Ok so some groundwork.

Some of my detail-remembering may be off.

There’s not a chance in J K’s world (see what I did there?) that other wizards haven’t been conceived with the influence of love potions (see: rape drugs,) so that is no real reason for Riddle to have become Voldy. Like, I’m sorry, but there are sociopaths contributing to society everywhere. So he can’t love. So what? He still chose to be beastly.

HOWEVER. Riddle did NOT choose all of his beastliness. He was horrified by the idea of returning to the orphanage. BEGGED to stay at Hogwarts. A little countryside orphanage in, what, the 30’s-40’s, where we KNOW kid-to-kid abuse happened, that Riddle the terror was scared to return to? Let’s face it, Tom Riddle was a severely abused child who never got counseling, on top of being a sociopath and who only ever got the comfort/attention he wanted needed out of being abusive to his peers.

But. BUT! Here’s the thing: Professor Dippet (two t’s?) didn’t see all this damage. Idk, maybe the ministry deliberately put idiots in charge at Hogwarts, or maybe he was just less involved. He very likely had no idea why Tom didn’t want to leave over the summer. (Especially, re: my PS on this post, the wizard/muggle cultural divide.)

You know who did know?

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Screw-you-Dumbledore.

He saw it. He knew.

Dumbledore was deputy headmaster; he could have intervened on Tom’s behalf. Could have found a wizarding family or even a less-awful orphanage for him to go to. Could have CONFUNDED A FAMILY INTO BELIEVING HE WAS THEIR SON (ok a stretch but he could’ve.) Could have TAKEN TOM RIDDLE HOME WITH HIM HIMSELF, or SET HIM UP WITH A ROOM IN THE LEAKY CAULDRON, or, basically, done ANYTHING HE WANTED to spare Tom Riddle further abuse.

So why didn’t he?

Ego.

Dumbledore, for all he pretends to recognize his own need for needing “seemly modesty,” is the most egotistical butthead ever. And, in this case, he perpetuated his own abused/witnessing abuse childhood (idk if it’s *exactly* canon but are you suggesting Albus, Aberforth, and Ariana we’re abused? Nvm that’s a different rant.) to hundreds or thousands of kids at Hogwarts.

Kids including Tom Riddle.

Dumbledore refers to Voldy as if he were destined to be evil. As if no one could have prevented it. Some unstoppable tragedy. But—HE could have. Dumbledore. He could have invested in Tom Riddle, preventing the rise of Voldemort and, what, MILLIONS of deaths? He was perfectly poised to do so—he had access. Intelligence. Influence. Funds. But because of his “I-survived-abuse, clever-people-survive” style ego, Dumbledore failed. He FAILED Riddle and, in so doing, all of England.

And you know the worst part? Literally the only thing he learned was to be sneakier. So when a young Mr. Potter was being abused? Dumbledore burrowed deeper into his secrets and lies and kept doing what he had always done.

P. S. My bestie would like me to remember that Tom Riddle was sent back to an orphanage in LONDON during the LONDON BLITZ that poor broken child.