#sorry this was supposed to be about all the marauders and i made it about greycrow

[kwxnnxn]

a lot of the marauders have a weird colorism thing going on huh.

Honestly yeah. Which I guess almost every character of colour in comics gets that, like in the Marauders Harpoon and Greycrow obviously get the worst of it. With Harpoon he was introduce with that really racist colouring that indigenous characters were given back then and since then he's mostly been really pale.

With Greycrow he was always coloured really pale even when he was introduce (which made me unsure if he was originally supposed to be indigenous, maybe the weird codename was simply just a codename). However something I've noticed with Greycrow is that colourist seem to make him a lot darker now that he's a good guy vs when he was a bad guy.

And it’s not even old colouring vs new colouring he’s paler at the beginning of hellions vs the end of it once his redemption arc is mostly complete. Obviously, this wasn’t done on purpose I think someone must have tapped the colourist on the shoulder and told them to fix the colouring in the later issues.

[luveline]

jadey you write poly marauders in such a special way it feels so realistic i love it so much 🥹 how do you think it would go if reader and one of them get into a fight/argument? like how would it affect the overall dynamic? (if this inspires anything pls go for it 💕💕💕)

thank you for requesting! fem

Remus lays with his head on your shoulder, but he’s not happy about it. James and Sirius aren’t subtle. They’d forced the two of you together and yes, Remus has missed you, but he doesn’t want to speak to you and he’s sure you’re feeling the same. 

You have put your hand atop his, not holding but resting there. He might be forgiven. He hopes he’s forgiven, but he doesn’t forgive you, so. 

James has made Remus’ favourite popcorn, freshly popped and doused in butter and caramel he made himself with sugar over the hob. Remus takes great grateful handfuls, given the added benefit of James’ smug smiling. Each piece he eats is like James’ receiving a job well done, and Potter’s can’t help but preen. 

Sirius sneaks bits of it over you. You don’t eat any, pointedly, your leg on Sirius’ knee and your foot wagging constantly. Restless. Annoyed. 

“Will you be angry with each other forever?” Sirius asks. 

“Sirius.”  

“What? I’m just asking.” 

“You’re being abrupt,” James says. 

Remus sighs until they both stop talking. He doesn’t know how long you’ll be angry with one another. For him it seems to come and go, and it doesn’t always help that James is neutral about it while Sirius’ loudly complains that you’re not yet over it after a frosty weekend. He wishes one of them would’ve backed him up, but then, he can’t imagine how that would feel for you. It’s not like he wants you to be upset. It’s just an unfortunate consequence of the whole thing. 

You’d cried when you argued but you’d been angry, too, quipping at him with a sharp tongue, not afraid to say what you’d felt, just overwhelmed enough to come to tears. They weren’t, you know, devastated tears or anything, but Remus had felt a pit open where his stomach was supposed to be as Sirius (Sirius, and not James, which felt important at the time) curled his arm around you and encouraged you to take a breather. 

James had stayed, giving Remus a good hug as he’d murmured, “That got too heated, huh? You okay?” 

Remus gets weird about James. About all of you, but James had been his first crush, so sometimes he feels rather daunted in the face of his affection. James likes that he can make Remus blush, but nobody’s acted very fond these last few days. It’s weird. It’s all off. The love is still there, but it’s like everyone’s afraid of showing it. 

You argued about something Remus said, and you misunderstood, and then something you said and Remus understood very well. Never the end of the world, but Remus is stubborn. He shouldn’t be. 

Remus turns his hand slowly under yours. To his relief, you let him do it, sliding your fingers between his. 

He lifts his head a touch. You don’t look at him. Sirius grins from the other side of you, and Remus ignores him. 

You slip further down into the sofa, Remus going with you, the whole group of you tired from a weekend on eggshells. 

Having seemed rather far away for the afternoon, you begin to relax. You force Remus’ head up to tuck yourself into his neck. When the movie ramps into a loud scene of gunshots and high speed car chase, you lift your lips to his ear and say, “I’m sorry, Lupin, but don’t you ever speak to me like that again.” 

He’d bristle if you didn’t sound teasing. Remus squeezes your hand, turns to see your face, and whispers back. “I’ll talk to you any way I like.” You huff a laugh. He’s so pleased to see a smile on your face that his resentment drains away completely. “I’m sorry, too,” he says. 

You nod at him. You accept his apology as he’d taken yours. An hour of being sat arm to arm and a half hour of hand-holding has reminded you both how much you really, really like the other. 

“Can we kiss and make up?” James asks. 

“I think that’s usually saved for the arguing parties,” Remus says. 

“We can argue, if you like,” you tell James. 

“Shall we?” James asks. 

Sirius argues with Remus once a week at least —nothing serious— and he knows the potency of a rough makeup kiss, sending him a knowing, inviting smile. “We can argue, Moony,” he says. 

Remus hugs you with one arm. “I’ve had enough arguing. I’m never doing it again.” 

“Good. I’m very tired, playing peacekeeper and all,” James says, slouching away from everyone. “Exhausted, even.” 

“What shall we do to make it up for him?” Remus asks you, having quickly descended into sickly sweetness, a murmur pressed into your cheek. 

“What does he want?” 

“What do you want, James?” 

James sits up. “Well, it wasn’t just me, you know. Sirius has been comic relief two days running. He’s not usually this funny otherwise.” 

“I resent that.” 

“Luckily for you both, there’s two of us,” Remus says.

You laugh, because you know what Sirius will say before he says it. “No!” you say, lifting a foot to kick at his leg. 

“Don’t be so rude,” Sirius says, grabbing you by the ankle. 

James decides you’ll celebrate with a takeaway and Sirius decides he’ll pick which one for being so diligently well-behaved this weekend, leaving you and Remus alone for the first time all day. Things feel a bit more raw, less soothed, but not bad. Remus peels away from you to look at you properly. 

“You okay?” you ask. 

“I was about to ask you the same thing.” 

“I’m okay if you are.” 

Remus taps your under the jaw, a little to the left, encouraging you to turn your head. He kisses you on the cheek. 

In the kitchen, James and Sirius giggle like school kids. Somebody gets a good whack in with a tea towel, and the other shrieks. “You thing!” Sirius says. 

Remus feels your side shake with laughter.

[fairytaleendingss]

Room for One More?

Chapter 9

Summary: Secrets are revealed on New Years Eve.

CW: Alcohol consumption, sexual references, mention of cigarettes, swearing, lots of drama.

Pairing: Poly!Marauders x fem!reader

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8

--

"YOU SLEPT WITH SIRIUS?!"

"Shh! Mary keep your voice down," you uttered, looking around to see how many of your coworker's heads had swivelled towards you in response to Mary's loud exclamation.

"Sorry," she grimaced. "I'm just.. I'm in shock."

You sighed and leaned back where you were perched on the corner of her desk. "I think I am a bit as well."

There was a pause.

"Well, was it good?"

"Mary! Oh my god!" you groaned and threw a hand over your face to hide your mortification.

"What? I'm just asking. I can't say that I haven't imagined it once or twice myself-"

You slapped her gently across the shoulder with the back of your hand. "You're distrubed. You know that?"

She smirked. "You know you love me."

You rolled your eyes affectionately at your friend. "Anyway, we'd been drinking and it was Christmas and we were having such a wonderful time. I think we just got swept up in it all and now I don't know what to do. Things have been kind of... weird between us."

"Well have you guys talked about it?" Mary inquired.

"That's the thing. Afterwards he just kind of moved on like it never happened. I don't know if he thinks it was a mistake or something but it's stressing me out."

"Hmm," a thoughtful look crossed Mary's face as she took everything in. "Well how are you feeling about it? Do you think it was a mistake?"

You bit the inside of your cheek. "No? I-I don't think so. I dont know."

A look of realisation washed over Mary's face. "Do you like him??"

"I mean, of course I like him. I'm just not sure I like like him."

Your friend sighed exasperatedly. "Oh my god! We're not in Primary School, just answer the damn question!"

"Fine! I guess the answer is... yes?" you sighed. "But whatever! Does it even make a difference? He's made it exceptionally clear that he doesn't feel the same way."

"Look," Mary huffed, her expression growing sincere. "Sirius is great. He's fun and friendly and a total flirt but he's also been known to be a little emotionally constipated. Just be honest with him. Talk to him about it. He's not going to be able to pick up on any signals you're trying to send him."

You squeezed your eyes shut and let out a breath throught your nose. "Ugh fine."

"Good girl," Mary smiled. "Now go away. I actually have some work to get done today."

"Oh fine. I suppose I know when I'm not wanted," you teased, getting up and walking back towards your desk.

"Love you!" Mary called lightheartedly as you walked away.

"Yeah, yeah," you joked in response.

As you arrived back at your desk and slumped down in your chair, prepared to get back to work, a head peaked down at you over the cubical.

"Oh, you're back, I see."

You jumped slightly at the unexpected voice and looked up to see its perpertrator.

"Yes, Glenn. Hi. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Glenn was a new employee in your office and he sat in the cubical opposite yours. He was only a few years older than you and he was tall and fit with short blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. In the few weeks you'd known him for, he'd been particularly friendly towards you and recently you'd been getting the idea that he had taken a liking to you.

You weren't interested of course. He was an attractive guy but not really your type. And with everything going on with Sirius over the last week, you'd been making a effort to put some distance between you. You definitely weren't looking for anything of that nature right now and you didn't want to give him the wrong impression. However, Glenn was nothing if not persistant.

"Actually, I was just wondering if you had any plans for new years tonight? A few of my mates are throwing a party and you're welcome to join us if you're interested."

You sent him you're most empathetic smile. "That sounds lovely but unfortunately I already have some plans with my friends."

He sighed, flashing you a grin that looked suspiciously rehearsed. "Oh well. No problem. It was worth a shot. You have fun tonight."

"You too, Glenn."

As the man dissapeared back over the divider, you let out a heafty sigh. Tonight was surely going to be interesting.

--

The view was impeccable from the bar where your friends had gathered to spend New Years. In fact, seated beside a huge floor to ceiling window, you suspected you'd have a clear view of the New Years fireworks.

It was a classy joint, one that Dorcas had managed to get you access to through one of her fancy lawyer contacts.

Everyone was assembled on stools around a table, looking out over the London skyline. It was about four hours until midnight and the group was chatting excitedly in the lead up.

"I've got shots!" Mary called out and everyone cheered as she returned to the table with a tray.

She passed the drinks around and then took her seat beside you.

"Well, I suggest a toast!" James called out, grabbing the attention of the group. "To a wonderful year ahead, and many more memories with old, and new, friends!"

He emphasised the last line with a pointed look in your direction and you felt your cheeks growing hot.

"Cheers!" Marlene shouted enthusiastically and the others echoed her sentiments, clinking glasses and swallowing their drinks.

The burning of the liquor was welcomed as the drink ran down your throat. You'd been thinking a lot about what Mary had said to you in regards to your situation with Sirius. And as he sat beside you, laughing animatedly at one of Peter's stories, it only confirmed your worst fears. Maybe you were starting to develop feelings for your roommate. You grimaced at the thought. Things were bound to get messy in situations like this.

"So guys," Sybil piped up from across the table. "Let's all go around and say our New Years resolutions."

"Oh, I'll go first!" James volunteered. "I hope my team continues to play a great season annnddd... I want to work out more."

There was a collective groan.

"Come on, James. That's not a real one!" Mary complained.

Sirius chuckled, taking a pointed sip of his drink. "Yeah! You already work out like 7 times a day!"

"Ugh, okay fine!" James responded with groan. He thought for a moment. "How about this one. I'd like to fall in love this year."

You didn't miss the way his eyes flickered across the table towards Lily and you felt your heart sink. Lily seemed to take notice a well as she averted her eyes, taking a heafty gulp of the drink in her hand.

"Aww, James. Always the romantic, aren't you?" Marlene chuckled.

"Shut up." James rolled his eyes playfully. "Your turn then, Marls."

"Okay," She took a deep breath. "My goal this year is to become super rich and famous and sucessful."

"I second that!" Mary called across the table and you giggled as they clinked their glasses.

"Y/n. Your turn," Dorcas announced.

"Oh okay, um..." you thought for a moment, your gaze flashing to James and Remus across the table, then over to Sirius, who was watching you expectanly, a playlful glimmer in his stormy eyes.

You then looked back towards the rest of the group. "This year, I'd like to spend some more time with you lovely people."

A round of cooing echoed across the table and Mary threw her arms around you.

"Well aren't you just the sweetest!"

"Oh, and I'd like to work more on my novel," you added.

"Alright, alright. Sirius, you're up!" Marlene chimed.

The boy beside you pursed his lips, looking off into the distance as if deep in thought. Then, after a long moment, he turned back to all of you with a mischievous smirk on his lips.

"This year, I want to have lots of amazing sex!"

"Ew. Sirius, you're so foul," Lily exclaimed, followed by a symphany of similar sentiments from the other members of the group.

While everyone else was distracted, grumbling and groaning about Sirius' bluntness, the man leaned down towards you.

"You look great tonight, by the way." He whispered into your hair.

You gulped thickly, not quite sure what to do with yourself. You opted for downing the remainder of your Vodka, Lime and Soda.

--

As the evening drew on, you found yourself growing more anxious in Sirius' presence. You weren't quite sure what his game was, whether it was the alcohol or he was just feeling extra bold tonight, but he'd been suspiciously flirtatious.

You didn't know how to respond. Part of you wanted to let him. To let him woo you and go crawling back for more of what you'd had together on Christmas Night. However, the other, more logical part of you, told you that was a terrible idea. He was your roommate afterall. The last thing you wanted was to start some complicated friends-with-benefits situation with a guy you lived with, especially one that you had sort of, maybe, possibly had caught feelings for.

You downed another drink, feeling the alcohol grip you and hoped it would help to ease the nerves ever so slightly. You realised then, that you were staring.

Sirius had gone to the bar to order another round of drinks and you'd been watching with bated breath as he sent his signature smile to a girl wearing an explicitly tight black dress. You noticed the way she leaned forward, pressing her cleavage up against the bar as she spoke to him. God, could she be anymore obvious?

"Calm the hell down, y/n!" You thought to yourself. "It's not like you guys are together. He can flirt with whoever he wants."

"Hey, are you okay?" you raked your eyes away from the scene as a voice came from beside you.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine," You muttered absently, too distracted to notice that it was Remus who asked the question.

"Okay, never have I ever... made out with more than one person on the same night!" Mary's voice rang out and you forced your attention back to the group.

You weren't sure when this game had begun but you suspected it was suggested by one of the girls (likely Mary or Marlene) as a way to pass the final hour until midnight. You hadn't participated in this game since probably highschool, but you were all a few drinks in at this point so you figured, what the hell?

You watched as Marlene, James and Dorcas all took a sip. Then Lily sent Mary a pointed look.

"Come on, Mary. That's not how the game works. You have to say something you haven't done."

"I haven't!" Mary responded. Then she paused. "Oh wait, yeah I definitely have."

Everyone chuckled as she took a drink.

"Alright! Dorcas! Your turn." Mary nudged the girl in the side.

Dorcas rolled her eyes. "For the record, I just want to say, I think this game is stupid."

"Come on babe. Don't be a party pooper!" Marlene exclaimed, leaning in towards her girlfriend. "How else are we supposed to learn everyone's deepest darkest secrets."

Dorcas sighed and shook her head but there was a hint of a smile on her face. She really could never say no to Marlene.

"Ugh, fine. Never have I ever stolen something."

"Well that's a hard one," Mary muttered. "What do we count as stealing? Because I've stolen stuff from James a ton of times."

"Oi!" James shouted, looking positively affronted. Mary sent him an apologetic smile.

"No, not like that," Dorcas clarified. "It had to have been from an actual shop."

You all sat up straight for a moment, curiously looking around the group to see if anyone had. Hesitantly, Peter lifted his glass to his lips.

"Pete! What the hell!" James exclaimed.

"I don't know, I went through a phase in highschool!"

"What sort of stuff did you take?" Marlene pressed.

Peter shrugged. "Chocolate and ciggarettes, mostly."

There was an eruption of laughter that rippled across the table at Peter's revelation.

"Wow, I didn't know there was a degenerate among us," Lily teased, watching Peter's face flush bright red.

"Okay, okay. My turn!" Marlene said, once the laughter died down. "Never have I ever... gotten really sloshed and fallen down the stairs at my 18th birthday party"

"Hey! That's not fair!" James moaned, taking a sip of his beer. "You can't do targeted ones!"

Marlene just shrugged. "Sorry, but I don't think that was established in the rules."

James smirked. "Fine then! Never have I ever had sex with someone at this table."

Your blood ran cold for a moment as you glanced back towards the bar. You sighed in relief when you saw that Sirius was still over there. In that case, you technically hadn't slept with anyone at the table. You were off the hook for now.

Marlene rolled her eyes at James and took a drink, as well as Dorcas, Peter and Sybil, however, you watched James' eyes widen as Mary also took a long sip.

"Mary!" Lily hissed across the table. Your heart plummeted.

"What?" Mary shrugged, the alcohol clearly having gone to her head. "We have to! It's the rules."

"Wait! Hold on," Marlene murmered, her eyes drifting between the two girls. "Did you guys..."

There was a heavy anticipatory silence that hung over the table as you all awaited Lily's response. The girl grimaced, as she tried to muster some kind of explanation.

It was then that her eyes drifted up to meet James' pleading ones.

"Lily?" the boy asked softly. Your heart broke for him.

"So I guess the cat's out of the bag huh?" the girl sighed. "Mary and I have sort of been seeing each other. Romantically."

"Holy shit!" Marlene shouted, candid and straight to the point as she usually was in these situations.

"How long has this been going on?" Dorcas questioned.

"It's still really new," Lily explained.

"We were just trying to figure out the right time to tell you guys," Mary added.

"So you're the one Mary has been seeing?" James murmered.

"Yes," Lily responded. "I'm sorry James but you had to know it was never going to work out between us."

The boy sighed, running a hand through his unruly curls. "Yeah, I know."

Then he started to stand. "I think I just need some air for a minute."

"James, wait-" Remus reached out to grab his arm but James shook him off.

"I just need minute," he repeated, grabbing his coat from the back of his chair and hurrying towards the exit. Part of you wanted to go after him but the other part recognised that he probably needed some space to process things.

"Sorry, everyone. I didn't mean to ruin the night," Mary murmered folornly.

"No hun! you didn't ruin anything," you comforted.

"Yeah, we're really happy for you two," Dorcas added.

"Really?"

Everyone nodded.

"Absolutely. You both deserve to be happy," Remus confirmed.

Wide smiles crossed over the girls' faces.

--

It was two minutes until midnight and Sirius was nowhere to be seen. Despite your better judgement, you couldn't help but feel slightly disapointed. You supposed that there was some small aspect of your mind that hoped Sirius would be your New Years kiss.

You knew it was wishful thinking, especially when you hadn't even spoken about what happened between you, but with how he'd been acting towards you throughout the night, you'd allowed yourself to nurture that flicker of hope.

As people crowded around the window and the countdown began, you found your eyes searching the room for the dark haired man, wondering if just maybe, he'd make a last minute appearance.

"Five, four, three, two..."

You scanned the space one last time.

"One!"

You're last flicker of hope died out as your eyes finally landed on his form.

"Happy New Year!"

The shouts and cheers faded into the background as you watched Sirius press his lips to those of the boob-y blonde you'd seen him flirting with before.

The moment seemed to go in slow motion. You watched from afar as he tangled his hand in her hair, just as he'd done in yours only a week prior.

"Of course," you thought. "Typical"

It was Sirius Black you were talking about. You were stupid to think you meant anything more to him than a casual night of fun.

In an instant, you turned on your heel and walked towards the door, the sounds of the party fading into the background. You decided, instead of bumming around waiting for Sirius to notice you, you'd go look for James, just as you should've done much earlier.

The cold hit you like a block of cement as you stepped outside onto the street. It didn't take you long to find him.

He was sitting on the curb, outside of he bar, arms resting on his knees as he looked up towards the sky. Another explosion sounded and a flash of colour filled the air. In the distance, you could hear the cheers of excited people all around as they celebrated.

"Happy New Year, James."

He turned to look at you and in the flash of light, as another firework flickered across the sky, you were able to notice the faint tear tracks that lined his cheeks.

"Oh hey." he sniffled, rubbing a hand beneath his glasses and trying to regain a semblance of composure.

BANG!

You flopped unceremoniously onto the ground beside him as another flash filled the sky. You gave him a sympathetic smile. Funnily enough, in that moment, you knew exactly how he felt.

"Are you okay?" You asked him gently.

He let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah. I will be."

BANG!

"Good."

You both turned your gazes back to the display, taking in the beautiful array of colours filling the air. It wasn't quite the view you'd expected for the night, but somehow, that didn't seem to matter.

As you continued to watch the fireworks, you felt the gentle touch of a hand wrapping around your own. You smiled slightly as your fingers intertwined.

BANG!

Slowly, you shuffled closer and leaned into him, gently resting your head on James broad shoulder.

You stayed like that a while, just taking in the show, and each other's company.

--

Taglist:

@hisparentsgallerryy @navs-bhat @shushbruv @magicwithaknife @eeviee4 @notapoetjustscar @gugggu6gvai @robertsmithclone @ilovesugurugeto69 @taytayy178 @its-notkiee @bugworldsworld @switchingfandomslikecrazy @evangelquill, @delusional-4-fake-people, @ch4rlotte35, @insideoutjulie, @hiireadstuff, @laniirackssss, @starrystormwritings, @strategicsweetheart, @1800brat, @sammyreid, @frootloops1213, @ill-be-okay-soon-enough

[bookishdreamer28]

𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓'𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒔 ❣

Happy new Year everyone! May this new year bring new goals, new achievements, health, happiness and a lot if inspiration to your life!!

And here's my poly!marauders x reader fic! I had no idea what to write or what was going to be the plot in this one, but since it's new year, I thought of writing something sweet and a bit funny to match the vibe! Hope you'll like it, cause I'll post more fics with these boys ^3^

"Oh, she fell asleep?!" Sirius approached your sleeping form on the comfy couch of your dorm room, and kneeled down next to Remus, which he softly brushed your soft hair through his long fingers.

"Yeah..." Remus replied in a dazed look, as he continued keeping his eyes on you. You didn't even had to do anything and he was already hypnotized by you.

"But it's already 23:30! I was waiting for my new year's kiss!" Sirius all pouty, crossed his arms over his strong chest and James laighed lightly at how childish Sirius could be at times. These boys were just obsessed with you. You are their precious little thing and they can't ever get a minute without wanting your love and affection. Just like you do too with them.

"Sshh! Don't you dare wake her up guys or else I'll punch your guts." He said sternly at them and the instantly turned to you again when he heard a soft whimper. When he made sure that you were still asleep, he got up slowly from his crouched position next to your sleeping form, and went to bring your favorite fuzzy blanket to cover your body.

"She's really something else huh?" James said adoringly as he watched you.

"Our precious little thing." Sirius kissed your forehead and held your hand in his, caressing it gently. Remus came back again and covered you with the blanket.

"Can't believe it's been already a year since we met her. It feels like i was just...supposed to happen, you know? We were meant to be together." Sirius continued and Remus smile softly at his boyfriend's words, placing a kiss on the raven haired boy's lips.

James joined them and all three were there with you, like a strong shield to protect you even in your sleep. Sirius placed a comforting arm around Remus shoulder.

Suddenly your body moved making the boys stop talking.

"Look what you've done! You've woken her up!" He furiously told them and he then changed his angry look into a softer one when his eyes fell on you again.

"But we didn't-"

"Sh."

"Oh don't shush me-"

A groan left from your lips.

"Sweetheart? Are you ok?" His voice low and soft, trying not to scare you in your sleepy state with loud noises. When you didn't replied, Remus got nervous. He knew he was overreacting again, but the nonstop scenarios in his head could calm his nerves.

He shook slightly your body, not caring about ruining your sleep now, since his only concern was to see your beautiful eyes open.

"Remus, just a minute ago you were about to chop our heads off for waking her up! Don't tell me that you start maling scenarios that something is wrong because as you can clearly see she's fine! She probably got a bit tired-" He tried to push his hand away from your shoulder but then a sudden movement caught him off guard as he almost lost his balance.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Your head knocked on Sirius forehead and you both groaned at the impact.

"My goodness you're ok?!" James approached you, with a worried look on his face. You looked up at Sirius touching his forehead and instantly climbed on his lap. His arm instinctively wrapped around your waist and held you.

"I'm so sorry Sirius. I thought-"

"I'm ok pretty baby don't worry about me. Are you ok though?" His fingers traced on your forehead to see if there was a pump forming.

"I'm fine." You chuckled and the sound was like a music to his ears. Not being able to resist, he cradled your face and kissed you like you were the oxygen he so desperately needed.

"Did you have wine before us or something?" James teased and you rolled your eyes at him, which made him pinch your cheek in return softly.

"No! I just felt a bit tired." You yawned and Sirius let you lay your head on his chest, as he placed one hand on the side of your face to keep you close to him.

"Remus? What is it?" James voice broke you from daydreaming with Sirius and turned to look at him. Hsi hand was on his chest and you instantly got up from Sirius lap and went to his side.

"Remi what-"

"Can you please stop scaring me like this?!"

"But i didn't-"

"You'll sleep on my bed tonight."

"Hey she'll sleep on mine tonight!" Sirius angrily said but James pushed him to the side.

"Nope it's me. She's sleeping on mine."

"What I say goes. She'll sleep on mine and that's final." Remus placed you on his legs and hugged your waist tightly. You laughed at how ridiculous he sounded but he pinched the soft skin of your thighs slightly making you flinch and glare at him playfully.

"Stupid dorm rooms having so many beds." Sirius murmured but instead of arguing more, he laid his head on your thighs, placing a kiss on them.

"Remi there's no need to be this dram-"

"Don't make me repeat myself baby." He breathed against your neck, making you squirm in your seat, pulsating with need for more affection.

James sat next you, ans held your hand in his giving it a small lingering kiss.

"I think it's my turn to kiss you now." He mumbled against your lips and you sighed at how perfect felt against yours. Too busy kissing and hugging your boys, you didn't notice how it was already midnight. But that was until the noise of the fireworks outside the room's window could be heard, making you all stood up to take a better look at the magnificent sigh of colorful lights filling the sky.

"Happy New Year my loves!" You happily said as you all shared more hugs and kisses. But in the moment of exchanging wishes and love words, Sirius grabbed your hand and pulled along his side to his bed.

"Sirius what-" the other two boys had now a frown on their faces, and you tried to hold back a laugh.

"Nah ah. She's all mine now." He said and laid you ont top of him making you yelp, as Remus and James rushed in to "save" you. It was all perfect.

[fandomlit]

veritaserum (sirius black x reader)

summary when you're volunteered to test your potion class's veritaserium, you're bombarded by your classmates with questions to test how much you'll tell. sirius takes the chance to ask what you really think about him..

warning mentions of hookups (is that a warning?)

gif cred belongs to @finnwrld

"and our lucky tester is..!" professor slughorn teased, drawing a name out of the bewitched hat. "miss y/n l/n!"

"aw, what!" you exclaimed as your friends giggled around you, james and sirius going as far to cheer and clap for you. despite your frown, you stood and made your way to the front of the potions classroom. some slytherins snickered as you all watched slughorn ladle some of the potion into a small vial.

"that much should do the trick!" he presented the vial of white potion to you. "bottoms up!"

you let out a heavy sigh through your nose before taking the potion with a determined gaze and downed it in one go. sirius and james started cheering and clapping again, earning a good fit of laughter from the gryffindor side of the class.

veritaserum is the strongest truth serum known to man--made to work nearly instantly if it was brewed right. the entire class had been in charge of correcting preparing and dosing ingredients, slughorn insisting that having them all focus on one thing would only contribute to the quality of the potion when it all came together. in your opinion, it just made it taste more like static in your mouth.

you grimaced, holding the back of your hand to your lips. "bit heavy on the frog liver, ay?" marlene threw her hands up at you.

"alright miss l/n," slughorn grinned. "let's ask you some questions, shall we? see if we got this thing right?" he waved you to sit on a stool in front of the class, and you abided. "what do you think of professor mcgonagall?"

"brilliant," you answered instantly. "she's the most talented witch in this entire school. wouldn't be shocked at all if she got the headmistress position in a few years' time. though headmaster dumbledore is perfectly fit for the position, mind you. i suppose he's got more experience to help for that, being as old as he is, suspect he'll be in it for a while-"

"the mark of a proper truth serum," slughorn spoke to the class and cutting off your babbling, "is when the drinker is unable to stop speaking. one question will send them down a pit of honesty, whether they know it or not! you'll begin to notice, as well, as the potion kicks in that the taker will be in a sort of mindless haze, where they look and seem to be more than happy to be spewing the truth." you smiled, though it was wary and very fake-looking. "miss l/n, who would you say are your closest friends?"

"lily potter and marlene mckinnon without a doubt." the two girls cheered quietly. "i'm honored to be as close as can be with them; from day one in gryffindor we've been glued to each other's sides. except for that one stint when marlene was positively infatuated with trevor silas-"

"y/n!" marlene called, her face a bright red as the class snickered around her. trevor silas was grinning a few rows in front of her. you pressed a hand to your mouth.

"sorry! at least i didn't talk about your crush on stanley reed, now THAT had you-"

"no more!" marlene moaned loudly, burying her head in her arms amongst the calls and laughs around her. "professor, when does this potion wear off?"

"well, by the quickness and efficiency of the effects we can see we've successfully brewed a strong and successful potion!" the professor announced excitedly. "you should all be proud! that being said, miss l/n here should be telling nothing but the truth for a few hours time."

"hours?!" you exclaimed, hopping up from the stool as the four marauders exchanged devious glances. "oh godric, marlene, all of your secrets will be out by then! no one's safe! i'm a terrible gossip, i'm going to tell everyone you've been seeing liam yennic in the charms classroom during break!" the class howled with laughter as marlene jumped from her seat to grab you and drag you back to yours, holding hands desperately to your mouth. professor slughorn, slightly pink, looked positively like he had no clue what to do with that information.

"well.. i think you've all earned an early dismissal! enjoy your weekend!"

....

it was two hours later and you showed no sign of stopping your honesty at the gryffindor lunch table.

"i rather like herbology! it's fun to work with a lot of different things, it's one of the more peaceful classes.. hagrid, the gamekeeper? nice enough fellow, though i suspect he's not all wizard sometimes. did you all hear how he got expelled? always been curious.. oh i would love to own a niffler, for sure! i'd be rich in seconds, could finally bribe that new darks arts professor to smile for once.."

you had drawn quite an interesting crowd around you with your babbling, but you hardly seemed to notice as you made no break in your speeches, pausing only to eat when someone prompted you onto something else.

"oh, severus snape is not that bad! i think you guys give him more hell than he deserves just because he wears a green tie.. wouldn't be surprised if that guy got you all back one day.."

it was another two hours and though the crowd was less and less, you were still venting your mind out as you lounged on the grounds with your friends; it was a late spring afternoon, and the sun was getting closer and closer to horizon, but you were all soaking in the last moments of sunshine together. james was grinning as he picked your brain, sirius, remus, lily, marlene, and peter chuckling as they lounged in the grass.

sirius had been racking his brain for nearly the entire day about what he wanted to ask you. it seemed everyone else in the castle had asked you whatever they could think of, from your favorite class to the color of your underwear, but sirius wanted something more hard hitting. he wanted something that would satisfy the admiration in his heart for you--maybe a hint that you felt something similar.

"y/n, be brutally honest with me," james smiled. you were laid out in the grass like a therapy patient, smiling innocently in your honest haze as your friends sat around you in the shade of a large oak. sirius couldn't help but think of how sweet you looked in that moment, with the late sunshine reflecting in your eyes. "what do you think of me?"

"james potter, i think you're brilliant," you spoke earnestly with a grin. "you've got a brain to rival dumbledore, if only you used it for more than jokes and mindless flirting. though, i do think you're getting somewhere, with the whole lily situation. i think you two would be a proper match, if she just-"

"that's enough, y/n," lily spoke over you, standing as james looked at her delightedly. "i'm off to wash up.. good evening." james hopped up to follow her, asking hurried questions with a cheerful tone.

marlene and remus cackled at the retreating pair and you gave a sheepish smile, turning your head in the soft grass to gaze at marlene. "dearest, will you ever forgive me for today?"

marlene huffed out a sigh, red creeping up her neck at the memory of potions that morning. "i suppose. only because i know you're my best secret keeper otherwise." she gave you a wink that made your grin grow.

"right, 'cause you know i would NEVER tell about that time you and r-" marlene's hands slapped over your mouth as the boys howled with laughter, james sauntering back to your group with an amused grin.

"that's enough of that!"

"sorry," you laughed out when she removed her hands and wisely remus thought to ask you another question before you could babble on.

"you're speaking a lot about marlene's business when you're not so keen to talk on your love life, y/n," remus teased and you let out a giggle, not seeing how remus shot sirius a wink. sirius grinned.

"well, what's there to know?" you sighed, staring at the leaves canopied above your group. "besides what i presume you all can guess."

remus tilted his head at you as james snorted, "i don't know how you can manage to be vague about that but in depth about literally everything else!" you all laughed out.

"well," you giggled, lashes fluttering as you thought, "everyone has their fancies, and i've had my share, but clearly none of them have gone anywhere otherwise you lot would be on my case about a specific person." they nodded to each other knowingly. "for a while now it has just been one specific person on my mind, though, but i'm not sure they're the type of person to settle down with a good ol' girl like me." you shrugged in the grass and sirius felt his heart skip a few beats faster.

could it be him? or worse, could it be someone else?

"the potion must be starting to wear if you're able to withhold," remus chuckled and they all voiced their agreements. "any last things you'd like to confess to the world, y/n? you likely only have an hour or two left."

you considered, pursing your lips in a way that drew sirius's eyes right to them. "well, i think i'm going to blow the OWL on astronomy.. i've always wanted to visit australia because i think their accent is cooler, you all already found out my underwear is grey.." you looked up to your friends. "yeah, i think that about sums it up." you all laughed again.

there was a beautifully comfortable silence as the spring breeze swept over the lawn, and sirius couldn't help but smile at how your eyes closed to embrace the feeling.

"we should start heading in the castle for dinner," marlene quipped quietly, and everyone began to gather their things to head inside. sirius figured it was now or never to ask his burning question.

"say, y/n, before we head inside.." your beautiful gaze flicked to him as you sat up and he smirked at you. "what do you think of me?"

"i think you have a beautiful mind, sirius black," you smiled. "you're quick-witted and one of the most loyal people i've ever seen; suits your padfootedness." they all chuckled at your made up vocabulary. "you're fierce and passionate in a way that's mellow, and i don't know how you do it but i'll be damned if it isn't wonderful." he smiled sweetly, heart filling with gratitude at your sincerity. "and i think it's quite rude how you stare at my lips all the time and never have the wit to kiss them."

jaws instantly dropped, pausing the actions of your group.

"and i wish lily had been here to hear me say that," you nodded. "she would've been quite proud."

sirius picked his own jaw up off the floor. he prided himself on being a man hard to fluster, but a heat that he couldn't suppress was creeping up his neck. trying to regain his cool composure as james muttered 'oh my merlin, oh my merlin', he scooted toward you and spoke, "one last question. could i make it up and kiss you right now?"

"i think you'd be a fool not to," you grinned, and he reveled in the flush on your own face before placing a hand on your cheek and kissing you sweetly as james exploded with a cheer, remus and marlene still laughing with disbelief.

"i can't believe y/n made the first move!" he was shouting, hands tangled in his own hair, when you both pulled away to smile at each other.

as james continued to babble, sirius tilted his head at you, "you seriously didn't think i'd like a good ol' girl like you?"

you laughed at your own words used against you, but shrugged at him. "i didn't know if you were the type to settle. you're young and you love to embrace that in your escapades, sirius." you shrugged again. "i didn't think settling with a girl was your thing."

he nodded at the explanation, but spoke, "the only girl i would think of settling for is one i think is worth sticking around. someone who can take my jokes and snap them right back at me, and a girl who manages to steal my attention from anything else in the room." he grinned at you, "and, love, there's no better than you. never has been."

james blurted, finally drawing sirius's attention from you, "we've brainstormed for weeks how to make the perfect moment, and she just called him a desperate bloke and he kissed her!"

you all laughed and sirius helped you stand, keeping your hand in his as you all started toward the castle, james still babbling as remus clapped sirius on the back.

"i knew that was going to happen," you hummed, smile still a little dazed from your truth haze.

"what?" he chuckled. "james blowing up?"

you shook your head. "no. i knew i'd let that truth slip before the potion wore off."

[ahqkas]

♯ PUPPY PRINCESS ; remus lupin

PAIRING! young!remus lupin x fem!reader

SYNOPSIS! every gift of yours is something remus tends to cherish, especially your love for creating from nothing (based on this req.!!)

WORD COUNT! 3.1k

WARNINGS / TAGS! pure fluff, remus is nothing but smitten and wrapped around your finger

NOTES! autumn’s coming and my obsession with the marauders is slowly defrosting ☹️ all the credits to the pretty devider below belong to @aqualogia !

© ahqkas — all rights reserved. even when credited, these works are prohibited to be reposted, translated or modified

I. A TANGLED WEB OF YARD AND ADORATION

THE LATE AFTERNOON SUNLIGHT FILTERED THROUGH THE TALL WINDOWS of the Gryffindor common room, casting a warm glow across the stone walls. You're sitting comfortably on the couch, your legs tucked beneath you, with your hands working steadily, creating a rhythm with the yarn and crochet hook. The familiar motion of looping the yarn through the hook brought a sense of calm, a quiet joy that you've always found in crafting.

Remus Lupin sat nearby with a thick textbook in his lap, but the words kept getting tangled in his mind due to his lack of attention on the subject. He was supposed to be studying — there's a Transfiguration exam tomorrow that he really should be preparing for — but he couldn't seem to tear his gaze away from you. He watched the way your hands moved, the smooth, practiced motions that seem to come so naturally to you. There was something about it that fascinated him, though he couldn't quite put it into words.

"You're staring again," you say, glancing up and meeting his dark eyes with a small, knowing smile. Your tone is light, teasing. You're used to it now — how his attention drifts from his studies to you whenever you're engrossed in one of your hobbies.

Your boyfriend looked slightly embarrassed, flushed cheeks caught in the act, but he smiled back at you. "Sorry," he replied, though it didn't sound as sincere as it should. He wasn't sorry for admiring you and your skills. "I just . . . I don't know how you do it."

"Do what?" you asked, your hands never pausing in their work. The yarn slides smoothly through your fingers.

"Make it look so easy," he said, genuinely curious. "It's like you're weaving magic with your hands."

You gave him a soft chuckle at that, shaking your head as you finish off another row. "It's not that complicated, really. It's just practice. Anyone can learn if they have the patience."

The werewolf nodded thoughtfully, though he was not entirely convinced he could manage it. The heavy textbook was set down, the revision long forgotten. "What are you making this time?" he asked you, leaning forward slightly, his curiosity piqued which charmed a smile on your lips.

"A scarf," you answer, keeping your focus on the yarn as you hold up the length of your still unfinished work that's slowly but surely taking shape. The stitches were tight and even and the colour of the fabric shined in the fire of the fireplace. "Winter's coming soon, and I figured you could use something warm."

Remus' brows lifted in surprise, eyes flickering between your face and the scarf in making. "For me?"

"Of course," you said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I wanted to make something you'd actually use. Plus, it's a good excuse to work with this colour."

He couldn't help but linger at the scarf — a deep burgundy, the color of his tie, which reminded him of autumn leaves and Gryffindor pride. It was a shade he'd always liked, and the thought that you'd chosen it specifically with him in mind made him feel a quiet sense of gratitude. 

"Thank you," he said quietly now with sincerity lacing his every word. "I really appreciate it."

You looked up then, meeting his gaze with a smile, the kind of smile that made something warm unfurl in his chest. Something unspoken passed between the two of you — an understanding, a quiet connection that didn't need words to be felt. "I enjoy making things for people I care about," you replied. "And you can't go wrong with a good scarf."

There was a comfortable silence as you returned to your work, and Remus found himself drawn once again to the way your hands moved with such practiced grace. He'd always been fascinated by the kind of magic that doesn't come from a wand — the quiet, everyday magic that you brought to life with your hobbies. He watched as the yarn twisted and turned, forming something tangible and warm, something that wasn't there just moments before.

After a while, you glanced at him again, your eyes thoughtful. "You know," you started, voice casual but inviting, "if you ever want to learn, I could show you how to crochet. It's not as difficult as it looks."

Remus hesitated, caught off guard by the offer. He'd never thought of himself as particularly crafty — his talents have always leaned more towards theoretical things, like books and spells. But the idea of sitting with you, learning something new together, was oddly appealing. "I don't know if I'd be any good at it," he admitted, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. A part of him was terrified his hands weren't stable enough for such work as your own were.

But you just shrugged lightly, focus still on the scarf as it grew longer with each stitch. "It's not about being good at it," you exclaimed. "It's just . . . something calming to do with your hands. A way to focus your mind on something simple."

The werewolf considered this, watching the way your hands moved with a steady, comforting rhythm. There was a kind of peace in it, a meditative quality that he couldn't help but find appealing. "Maybe I'll give it a try," he said finally, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small smile. "If you promise not to laugh at me."

"I would never. I think you might surprise yourself."

The hours slipped by as the common room gradually emptied, students heading off to their dormitories as the evening wore on. The fire burned low in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls, but you and Remus remained where you were, content in each other's company. The scarf in your hands grew  longer with each passing moment, the yarn slowly transforming into something tangible, something with weight and warmth.

Eventually, you finished your work, holding up the completed scarf for Remus to see. The stitches were beautifully done, the pattern simple yet elegant, and the color — rich and deep — seemed to glow in the firelight. "What do you think?" you asked, a hint of pride in your voice at your boyfriend's speechless reaction.

Remus reached out, his fingers brushing over the soft fabric. It's perfect, he thinks, not just because of how it looked, but because of what it represented — your care, your thoughtfulness, the time and effort you put into making something just for him. "It's . . . perfect," he opened his heart to you, voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

You gave him a sweet smile, pleased with his reaction. "I'm glad you like it."

II. THE ART OF CLAY

THE SOUND OF RAIN ECHOED SOFTLY AGAINST THE GLASS WINDOWS OF THE HOGWARTS GREENHOUSE, creating a gentle rhythm that blended with the faint rustling of leaves and the occasional drip of water from overhead plants. The air was thick with the earthy scent of wet soil and blooming herbs, an atmosphere so comforting to you that made the space feel like a world apart from the usual hustle and bustle of the castle. You were seated at a small worktable near the back, a lump of cool, gray clay before you, your hands already beginning to shape it into something more.

Remus Lupin stood quietly nearby, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed casually as he simply watched you. There was a sparkle in his gaze, the kind that comes from someone who finds fascination in the smallest details, in the quietest moments. His curiosity was piqued by the sight of you working with the clay, your hands moving with a practiced confidence that hints at countless hours spent honing your craft.

The room was otherwise empty, giving the two of you a rare moment of privacy amidst the bustling school and your friends who were constantly full of life (named James Potter and Marlene McKinnon). The greenhouse, usually a place for Herbology classes, had became your private studio, a place where you could indulge in your love for pottery — a hobby that was as grounding as it was creative.

"Do you ever get tired of making things?" Remus asked, breaking the comfortable silence. There was no hint of judgment in his tone, only genuine curiosity. He'd seen you immersed in various crafts before — crocheting, jewelry making — but each time, you seemed as passionate as ever.

You glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at your lips. "Not really," you replied to his question, your hands still working the clay. "It's like . . . I don't know, a way to clear my mind. I like the idea of starting with something so simple, like a lump of clay, and turning it into something that wasn't there before."

Remus nodded thoughtfully, his eyes following the movement of your hands as they smoothed the surface of the clay. There was a certain grace in the way you worked, a rhythm that was almost hypnotic to him. "What are you making today?" he questioned again, this time moving closer to get a better look.

"A bowl," you explained, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Your fingers pressed gently into the clay, shaping the walls of the bowl with careful precision. "Something simple, but useful. I thought it might be nice to have one for our common room. We could use it to hold things — keys, cigarettes, chocolate frogs."

A charming smile appeared on his lips at that, the idea of something as ordinary as a bowl bringing a sense of homeliness to the often chaotic Gryffindor common room. "That sounds like a good idea," the praise left him naturally when it came to you, pulling up a stool to sit beside you. "Do you mind if I watch?"

"Not at all," you replied, glancing at him briefly before returning your focus to the clay. "But be warned, it's not as exciting as it looks."

Remus didn't agree. He'd always been intrigued by the way you found joy in creating things, in bringing something new into the world with your hands. As he watched, he noticed the subtle movements of your fingers, the way they coaxed the clay into shape, turning a shapeless lump into something with form and purpose. It was a process that seemed almost magical to him, though he knew it was nothing more than skill and practice.

The rain continued to patter against the windows, a soothing backdrop to the sound of your hands working the clay. Every so often, you dipped your fingers into a small bowl of water, smoothing out imperfections and keeping the clay pliable. Remus had never seen you look so beautiful; hands dirty, hair messy, and you clothed in one of his favorite sweaters.

"You make it look easy," he commented after a while, his voice low so as not to disturb your concentration.

You laughed softly, shaking your head. "It's not always. There's a lot that can go wrong — air bubbles, cracks, the clay drying out too quickly. But that's part of the fun, I suppose. It keeps you on your toes."

He gave you a nod, understanding the appeal in a way.

After a while, you sat back slightly, examining your work with a critical eye. The bowl was nearly complete, its shape smooth and even, the walls sturdy yet delicate. "What do you think?" you asked, turning to Remus with a small smile.

He leaned in closer, studying the bowl with a thoughtful expression. "It's an excellent work," he said, his voice sincere. "You've really got a talent for this."

You blushed slightly at the compliment, but there was a pleased look in your eyes. "Thanks, love. I'm glad you think so."

III. CRAFTING CONNECTIONS THROUGH SILVER AND STONE

THE CASTLE WAS QUIET AS EVENING SETTLED OVER HOGWARTS, the usual loud of students giving way to a serene calm. The Gryffindor common room was dimly lit, with only the flickering fire casting warm shadows across the burgundy rugs and tapestries. You were seated at a small table by the window, a soft light of the moon illuminating your workspace, where an array of tiny tools, shimmering beads, and delicate chains lay spread out before you.

Remus Lupin sat nearby, his attention drawn to the intricate work you were doing. He had always been fascinated by your hobbies, each one opening a door to your soul. But there was something particularly mesmerizing about watching you make jewelry — something in the way you handled the delicate materials with such care, transforming them into beautiful, wearable art. Watching your smaller hands mend the delicate pieces stirred a feeling in his chest.

"Doesn't it get frustrating?" the werewolf asked, leaning forward slightly, his eyes following the careful movements of your fingers. "Working with such tiny pieces, I mean."

You smiled softly, not taking your eyes off the silver chain you were holding. "Sometimes," you admitted, carefully threading a small brown stone onto the chain. "But there's something satisfying about it too. It's like solving a puzzle, finding the right combination of stones and metals to make something that feels just right, y’know."

He nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting to the array of materials on the table. Tiny glass beads of various colors sparkled in the firelight, alongside small stones and bits of silver wire that would soon be part of some new creation of yours. "It's impressive," he said quietly, more to himself than to you. "How you can take something so small and turn it into something so . . . meaningful."

You glanced up at him, a pleased smile on your lips. "Thank you, Remus. I think that's what I love about it — how something so simple can become something special, something that can be important to someone."

He watched as you carefully threaded a few more stones onto the chain, your fingers moving with the kind of ease that came from years of practice. There was a kind of magic in it, he thought — a different kind from what they learned in class, but no less powerful. It was a magic that didn't come from wands or spells, but from the heart and soul, from the desire to create something beautiful and meaningful.

"What are you making now?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him as he leaned in a bit closer.

"A bracelet," you replied, holding up the nearly finished piece for him to see. It was simple yet elegant, made of fine silver links with small brown and black stones interspersed between them. The stones caught the light as you turned the bracelet in your hand, their colors shifting subtly in the firelight. "I thought it might make a nice gift for someone."

Remus took in the bracelet, admiring the craftsmanship, the way the silver and stones complemented each other perfectly. "It's beautiful," he said, a note of awe in his voice. "Who's it for?"

You hesitated for a moment, your eyes flicking up to meet his. There was a softness in your gaze, something almost shy. "I was thinking . . . maybe you'd like it," you said, your voice quiet, almost hesitant.

For a moment, Remus was taken aback, surprised by the offer. He hadn't expected you to be making it for him, but now that he knew, he felt a warmth spread through his chest, a feeling of gratitude and something more, something deeper. "For me?" he asked, his voice laced with surprise.

You nodded, a small smile playing on your lips. "I wanted to make something that would remind you of our time together," you said, a hint of nervousness in your tone. "Something you could keep with you."

Remus felt his heart swell with emotion, a mixture of surprise, gratitude, and something else — something tender and profound. He looked at the bracelet again, seeing not just the beauty of the piece, but the thought and care that had gone into it, the meaning behind every detail. "I . . . I don't know what to say," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "It's . . . it's perfect. Thank you."

You smiled, the tension easing from your posture as you saw the genuine appreciation in his eyes. "I'm glad you like it," you said, your voice soft. "It's not much, but I wanted to give you something special. Something that's from the heart."

Remus reached out, his larger fingers brushing against the cool silver links as you handed the bracelet to him. The metal was smooth under his fingertips, the stones cool and solid. He could feel the weight of it, not just the physical weight, but the emotional significance it carried. "It's more than just 'something,'" he said, his voice quiet but firm. "It means a lot to me. Really."

You watched as he carefully slipped the bracelet onto his wrist, the silver and stones catching the light as they settled into place. There was something incredibly intimate about the moment, the quiet exchange of a gift that held so much meaning. It was more than just a piece of jewelry to him.

As Remus fastened the clasp, he looked at you with deep, unspoken gratitude in his eyes. The bracelet fit perfectly, resting comfortably against his skin, the cool metal and smooth stones a constant, reassuring presence. "I'll treasure it," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I promise."

You felt a warmth spread through you at his words, a sense of contentment that came from knowing you had given him something truly meaningful. "I'm glad," you replied softly, your eyes meeting his.

For a long moment, the two of you sat there in silence, the only sound the crackling of the fire and the occasional rustle of the curtains as a breeze drifted through the window. There was a sense of peace in the air, a quiet understanding that didn't need words to be felt. Surrounded by the warmth of the fire and the soft glow of the evening, he knew that this — these simple, heartfelt moments with you — were what he would carry with him through the darkest nights, a light to guide him through whatever lay ahead.

[ghostedgwen]

can we have the marauders protecting reader who got drunk during a party and was being taken away by some boys or something? sorry if it's triggering!

note : oh my god, this ask had me rolling on my bed thinking of how I am gonna go about this - thank you so much for trusting me with this request! warning/s : themes of s/a, sensitive content, nothing graphic but heavy implications are there, the marauders are very angry - and protective, mentions of alcohol and parties

You don’t mean to get drunk. It’s not like you came to the party with bad intentions or a heartbreak to drink through - just a need to loosen the weight of the week off your shoulders.

The Hufflepuff common room is filled with golden light, music echoing off the stone, and warm, laughing voices that blend together into something safe.

Marlene handed you a drink, kissed your cheek, and said, “Have fun, yeah?” before disappearing off with Mary toward the exit. You hadn’t minded.

She invited you earlier but you weren't sure if you wanted to attend, you were reviewing your answers to the N.E.W.T.s exam that just took place - but figured it would be better to go party a bit than worry over it.

You arrived around 10 in the evening when the party had started around 7, and Marlene is off to guide a drunk Mary back to the common room where Lily will surely chastise them for getting drunk on a school night.

She was very much against you going, you supposed she was right to.

You remember dancing. Spinning in slow circles with a drink in your hand, head tilted back, lips curved into something that could pass for joy.

The burn of the alcohol made your skin feel warmer. Your arms looser. Your thoughts fuzzy around the edges. You remember boys - older ones = leaning over you at some point. Hufflepuffs you think, and at least one Ravenclaw, judging by the bronze-and-blue bracelet he had on.

They seemed kind at first. Too kind, maybe, but you didn’t notice. Not when they laughed at your jokes or kept filling your cup or told you you looked pretty, which felt rare enough these days to let your guard slip.

You only notice something’s wrong when they start steering you toward the back of the common room - where the hallway narrows and bends toward the dormitories.

“Wait,” you murmur, blinking slow. “I don’t - the exit is that way - ”

“You’re pissed,” one of them chuckles, his hand firm on your lower back. “You’ll just get lost. We’ve got a spare bed upstairs. You can lie down.”

“Or not,” another one says under his breath. You catch the tone before the words.

You freeze. “No - I need to go back.”

The laughter sharpens. You try to step back and bump into someone’s chest. Hands close around your elbows. They’re not hurting you, not exactly - but they’re not letting go. Not listening. There’s too many of them, and your limbs are too slow, and your head feels too full.

You open your mouth to say something else - anything else - when a voice cuts through the corridor like a blade.

The Marauders have taken up residence near the far wall - Sirius perched on the arm of a chair, James cross-legged on the floor with a butterbeer, Remus half-listening to a conversation about Quidditch stats, Peter already dozing lightly against a pile of pillows.

It’s been a good night, by all accounts. A perfect way to send off their N.E.W.T.s exams that they slaved over for months.

At least, until Sirius stills beside them.

His eyes narrow, expression twisting slightly as he tilts his head, watching something across the room. “Isn’t that ____?” he says finally, nudging James with the toe of his boot. “The other Gyiffindor - the one that’s always with Marlene and Mary.”

James looks up, squinting through the firelight. “Merlin, I forget she exists sometimes. Since when was she here?”

“I don’t know. But that’s definitely her.” Sirius’s voice is low now, distracted. “Thought she left already. with Marls.”

Remus follows their line of sight - to a dim corner of the common room, where you’re half-supported by a group of boys from other houses. One of them has his hand curls around your waist, another murmurs something close to your ear that makes you flinch slightly before laughing it off.

James frowns. “She looks. . .drunk, absolutely pissed.”

“She looks done,” Remus says quietly, and something sharp enters his voice.

There’s a beat of hesitation. The kind that stretches taut.

Sirius then surprises his friends when he hops off the chair.

James glances at him. “What's wrong, Pads?”

“We should go get her.”

Peter stirs beside them. “Wait - is she alright?”

“No,” Remus says - uncharacteristically looking like he's about to break something, already on his feet. “She’s not.”

The four of them move, a pack without needing to speak. James starts walking first - not running, not causing a scene. Just moving fast enough that anyone watching would sense something was wrong.

By the time they round the corner, they’ve already watched you try to turn back. Already seen you brushed off. Already watched someone guide you further, not toward the exit - toward the dorms.

That’s all they need to see. And then:

“Let her go.” James' voice broke into your struggle with the other boys.

It’s not loud. But it doesn’t need to be.

The boys pause. The one behind you lets go, not out of guilt - more out of instinct, like he'd been caught wrist deep in the proverbial cookie jar. Something in the tone makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

You turn your head - the corridor seems brighter now - and see four figures at the end of the hallway.

James Potter is at the front, wand in hand, shoulders squared like someone raised to command attention. Sirius Black flanks his left, wild-eyed and sharp-jawed, hands clenched into fists. Peter Pettigrew hovers behind, uncertain but alert. But it’s Remus Lupin who moves forward first - and he is furious.

You’ve never seen Remus angry before. Not really. You’ve sat in class beside him once or twice, heard him answer questions in that low, steady voice, seen him nod politely in hallways. But this - this is a different person.

He walks up without hesitation and steps between you and the nearest boy. “I said, let her go.”

“She’s fine,” the Ravenclaw mutters. “We were just helping her back. She can’t walk on her own - ”

Remus cuts him off. “She’s not going anywhere with you.”

James moves in now, calm but firm. “Back off,” he says, voice levelled like a Prefect giving a final warning - the fact remains that he's currently Head Boy. “We’ve got her.”

“You don’t even know her,” one of them scoffs. “This is none of your business.”

“Wrong,” Remus snaps. “I'm a Prefect and James here is Head Boy, the welfare of fellow students is our business.”

There’s a flicker of movement - Sirius stepping forward now, lips curled in something that isn’t quite a smile. “Go ahead. Try saying that again.”

You feel like you’re swaying. Your knees are buckling under you, head too heavy to hold upright. You reach for the wall, but someone steadies you - James. His arm slips around your back gently, guiding you away from the others.

“Let’s not hex them here,” he mutters to Remus, who is still glaring at the boy who spoke up, like he’s imagining a dozen creative curses. “She’s our priority. We can duel them another day.”

Remus doesn’t respond. But he doesn’t lunge forward, either.

You’re shaking. You don’t know why. No one hurt you. They didn’t even say anything cruel. But something about it - the way you’d been cornered, touched, steered like you were furniture - rattles something deep in your chest.

Your eyes are burning. Your throat’s tight. You didn’t think this sort of thing would happen to you.

“I didn’t know,” you whisper, not sure who you’re talking to. “I didn’t think - ”

“Don’t,” James says quietly, steadying you again. “You don’t owe anyone an explanation.”

Remus still hasn’t looked away from the boys, but he speaks - his voice low, furious, directed to them more than you. “You knew what you were doing. Every step of the way. Don’t pretend you didn’t.”

One of the boys sneers towards your direction. “She’s the one who got drunk.”

“Yeah,” Remus breathes. “And you’re the ones who thought that gave you permission.”

James grips your shoulder more tightly. “We’re done here. Let’s get her back to the tower.”

They turn you around carefully, shielding you with their bodies. Sirius walks slightly behind - silent, but furious in the way his eyes stay locked on the boys until you’re safely out of sight.

You don’t say anything as they lead you through the corridors. You’re afraid if you speak, the tears you’ve been holding back will come flooding out.

And something about their silence - angry, awkward, but oddly gentle - makes you feel safer than you’ve felt in hours.

end. masterlist

choosing to end it here as I don't know where else to take this - feel free to send me more requests <3

[msmk11]

This is Fucking Stupid

Poly!marauders x fem!reader

WC: 1k

CW: fluff; mentions of food; mentions of nudity (non sexual); cursing

Summary: You sleepover at your boyfriends’ flat for the first time

Day 23 of mk’s mad dash

(sirius in this fic ^^)

Tonight would be your first time sleeping over with the boys and you were beyond thrilled. You’d been to their flat many times, but never to spend the night.

You arrived promptly, standing outside their door at 6 exactly. You only got to knock once before the door was yanked open, two of your three boyfriends stumbling over each other to reach you first.

“Doll! Angel!” James and Sirius cheered in unison.

They ushered you in, pulling your bag from your shoulder and taking your coat before you had time to even offer a hello.

“Maybe let her breathe?” Remus, your third boyfriend, offered.

You huffed a laugh at James and Sirius’ protests.

“Sorry we’re actually excited to see our darling,” your most dramatic boyfriend retorted.

Sirius pulled you into his side and gave you an embarrassingly loud smack on the cheek. James sidled up to your other side and paced a slightly more gentle kiss to your lips, “hello, my angel.”

You then escaped from their arms, making your way to Remus whose face was adorned with fond exasperation.

“Hullo, dove,” he greeted softly, wrapping you in his arms. You felt a kiss placed to the crown of your head and you responded by nuzzling further into his chest.

“Hello, Remmy.”

He swayed the two of you back and forth and you sighed happily.

“Oi! Stop stealing her away for yourself!” Sirius scolded.

You pulled away and stared at your long-haired boyfriend with a pouty lower lip, “is someone jealous? Never paid enough attention around here?”

Sirius nodded at you dramatically.

“My poor baby, come here.”

You pulled Sirius onto the couch on top of you and he instantly cuddled into your chest. You motioned for Remus and James to join you two and they obliged happily, James more outwardly so, jumping on top of you both like an excited puppy.

“Let’s watch a film,” Remus decided.

*****

A night in with your boys was just what you needed- takeout and a lazy night on the couch rejuvenating you after a long week of work. You’d just finished your second film of the night, and having been fed and smushed between your warm and comfy boyfriends, you were already ready to go to bed.

You fought bravely against your heavy-lidded eyes, but it was ultimately a losing battle.

“Dove, let’s get ready for bed, okay?” Remus prodded gently, sweeping back strands of your hair.

“Mmkay,” you muttered sleepily.

Though you’d been naked in front of them before, you still made your way down the hall with your overnight bag to change in the bathroom. As you readied for bed, you heard your boyfriends rustling about outside, doing the same.

You went to slip on the cute pj set you’d set aside just for this occasion and realized that you’d forgotten to pack it. You supposed that in your excitement to get to your boyfriends’ flat, you’d completely missed one of the most important parts of sleeping.

Sleeping naked was not an option- even though you knew Sirius would be more than thrilled- so you decided to go for your next best option.

James.

You slipped from the bathroom into James’ room right next door and admired his bare, muscled back as he put on his plaid pajama pants.

“Jamie?” You implored quietly.

Your boyfriend turned to you, a big smile on his face, “yes, angel?”

“Could I wear one of your shirts to bed? I forgot my pjs at home.”

The way James’ face lit up, you’d think he was a kid on Christmas.

“ANGEL! I would love to!!”

He barreled towards you and wrapped you up in his muscular arms, peppering kisses all over your face. You giggled loudly at the action, “Jamie, stop!!!”

“Baby, you have to know that you just made my day.”

You pecked him on the lips in reply and allowed him to pull you over to his dresser where loads of soft shirts were piled up, calling your name.

You picked out a soft, red Gryffindor one, one you remembered him wearing often at school. You tugged your own clothes off and tossed them aside before putting on his shirt, not caring about your nudity. James stared at you, not lustfully but lovingly, and pulled you back in with a sweet kiss when you were done.

“Woah! Don’t get started without us,” Sirius protested, walking into the room.

Remus stood behind him, one arm around Sirius’ waist and the other propped up on the door frame.

You blushed bashfully at the attention, “What do you mean? We’re just getting ready for bed and I figured I’d just sleep with Jamie?”

“Just Jamie?” Sirius mimicked, almost a shrill tone to his voice, “like hell he gets you all to himself. We’re sharing a bed!”

“What?!”

“Yeah, dove. It’s a sleepover, we’re all gonna share,” Remus told you, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“But how are we all gonna fit?”

James squeezed your waist gently, “we’ll just have to cuddle.”

“Okay,” you agreed, albeit hesitantly.

Many minutes and unnecessary elbows to the face later, you four had finally settled into bed, lights off and covers up.

As much as you hated to admit it, you were dreadfully uncomfortable.

With three other bodies in the same bed, you were heating up like a furnace. Additionally, being used to sprawling out, your scrunched limbs were screaming for a decent stretch.

If you tried to shift even a little you cringed, the fact that you were disturbing somebody always crossed your mind.

Finally, after a few minutes of laying there miserable, you decided to speak up.

“Guys, this is fucking stupid,” you huffed loudly.

“Oh thank god,” James mumbled, “I was starting to sweat.”

“And my bones were starting to ache from laying in the same position,” Remus agreed.

Sirius contributed nothing, and you started to wonder if you’d hurt his feelings. But when a little snore permeated the air, your fears were assuaged.

The three of you looked at your fourth partner fondly. He was more peaceful than you’d ever seen him before and it made your heart swell.

“Maybe this wasn’t so stupid after all.”

[marauder-misprint]

Date

Series Masterlist

Sirius Black x Fem!Slytherin!reader

2k words

cw: fluff, mention of Walburga's A+ parenting

Dorcas watches as you pace around your dorm. You look ready for your Hogsmeade date with Sirius. Mentally? You’re a mix of freaking out and angry. You aren’t sure why you’re freaking out but you know why you’re angry. Regulus. You knew you shouldn’t be too mad at him. It was just one date and then Sirius would be in his debt for some unnamed favor. But it was going to be a wasted day. This was a sentiment you repeatedly reminded Dorcas. She was waiting for you to get out of your own head so the two of you could meet your dates outside the Great Hall. 

“Is it too late to fall mysteriously ill?” you ask, pausing your pacing momentarily. 

“Yes,” Dorcas answers curtly. “And we really should get going. They’ll be waiting for us.”

“Marlene is always waiting on you. We’re in the dungeons, remember?”

“Yes, I’m aware. But Black doesn’t need to be waiting on you.”

You make a sound that says he does. 

“He doesn’t. Come on.”

Dorcas grabs your hand and pulls you toward the door. Pandora, Barty, Evan and Regulus are all sitting in the common room. You send Regulus a death glare as Dorcas continues to drag you out of the Slytherin Dungeons. You swear you can hear Barty and Evan’s laughter through the common room door after it closes behind you. 

“So sorry we’re late,” Dorcas says, finally releasing your hand outside of the Great Hall. She kisses Marlene’s cheek. “Someone,” she gives you a pointed look, “was dragging her feet.”

You roll your eyes before giving Sirius an unapologetic look. He just smiles and throws an arm over your shoulder.

“Nervous for our date, are you?” he asks cheekily. He knows it’s not nerves.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” you grumble. 

Sirius steers you out of the castle and to the path to Hogsmeade. Dorcas and Marlene linger back, letting Sirius put some distance between them. The girls had been recruited to ensure that you at least got to Hogsmeade with Sirius. It wasn’t exactly a secret that you yelled at Regulus for saying ‘yes’ to his brother.

“So, what do you usually do in Hogsmeade?” Sirius asks. 

You shrug. “Aren’t we just going to Honeydukes and Broomsticks?”

“If that’s all you want to do. That was just supposed to get you here”

“Here,” you repeat. “Under your arm, is that where you want me?”

“It’s a nice place to have you.”

“What a line, Black…” 

“What?” he asks, cocking his head slightly. “It’s the truth. I wasn’t lying when I said that I enjoy myself when I’m around you.”

You snort a laugh as you pull out from under his arm. “Name someone you don’t enjoy yourself around.”

“My parents.”

The immediateness of the answer throws you off guard. As does the answer itself. You had heard some of the horror stories from Regulus, but you didn’t know how deep it went. Regulus seemed… fine. 

“Yeah? That was a quick answer. Want to elaborate?”

“Are we getting into the deep stuff right away?” he asks with a raised eyebrow. “We haven’t even made it to Hogsmeade yet!”

“Just curious how bad your parents actually are. Regulus only opens up so much about them.” 

If you had been looking at Sirius, you would’ve seen his face go stoney. It was one thing to talk about his parents and childhood with the Marauders; it was going to be another to discuss it with you. You knew Regulus. You were friends with him, and in Slytherin with him.

“There’s more than one reason I ran away over the summer. There’s only so much a person can take.” 

“So much of what?” 

“The abuse.”

You expect him to leave it at that and finish the walk to Hogsmeade in silence. But he doesn’t.

“The yelling. The curses. The bigotry. The goddamn blood purity mindset. I had to get out of there. And I’m not leaving him behind, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m going to get him out of there too.” 

“I wasn’t going to-”

“It was just so spur of the moment this summer. I just snapped. I needed to breathe. And now that I can, I can help him get out.”

“Sirius-”

“I didn’t want to leave Regulus behind. He’s my brother. I hated leaving him in that house. And-”

“Sirius!” This time you interrupt him. “Are you okay?”

You reach up and wipe a tear off his cheek. He isn’t sure when he started crying. He stops walking and wipes the rest of his face on his sleeve. He chuckles but it sounds wrong. It sounds sad.

“Yeah. Yeah. I’m good. I’m fine.” He pauses to take a deep breath. “Very cheerful way to start this date, huh?” 

“‘Fraid that’s my fault, isn’t it? I asked you to elaborate.”

“And how could you know about Walburga and Orion?”

“You said it was deep stuff. I should’ve left it…”

Sirius shakes his head as you approach the small bridge to Hogsmeade. 

“Just don’t go treating me and Reg differently now that you know. He’d hate it.”

“People walk on eggshells around you?” you ask softly.

“It flips a switch and suddenly I’m back to being a child who needs taking care of.”

You laugh. “Well, you may be a child, but you certainly don’t need taking care of.”

“Oh, if you want to see a child…” Sirius says, a happier look returning to his face, “then we should start at Honeydukes.”

“Lead the way, Black,” you say rather nonchalantly.

He grabs your hand and pulls you through the village toward the sweets shop. Once inside, you understood fully what he meant. He flits around the store like a hummingbird, never at one stand for too long, but soon enough, he has his arms full of candy. You followed him around and picked out your own treats. As promised, he buys everything you picked out.

“Black family fortune,” he says casually as he hands several galleons to the shopkeeper. 

“Would you mind if we went to Scrivenshaft’s?” you ask Sirius.

“Anywhere you want to go, we’re going.”

You smile and this time you lead him to the store. He holds your bag of candy as you wander the quill shop. He diligently follows you and listens to you ramble on about the pros and cons of different quills, which tip types you preferred and which feathers you thought were the prettiest. After you picked a gorgeous set that came with a fresh ink pot, Sirius insists on paying again. 

“You’ll be using them to write to me over Christmas. It’s the least I can do.”

You roll your eyes but oblige him. Could you really complain about not having to spend your own money? Sirius saw it as a win that you didn’t retort with something about not writing to him. Maybe you were warming up to the idea of him. Maybe he was converting you to a Sirius Person.

Once you leave that store, you and Sirius make your way to the Three Broomsticks. Your conversation is lighthearted and teasing. He asks about your family, which is quite different from his. You tell him about your mother’s disdain for pets. You talk about what careers you’re thinking about for after Hogwarts. You talk about his life at the Potters’. 

“So James’ parents… They don’t mind Padfoot?” you ask with your butterbeer in hand. 

“As long as I clean up after him,” Sirius says, which he tells himself isn’t a complete lie. 

Effie and Monty didn’t really know about the animagus forms of the teenages in their home. Any mess the boys made in their animagus forms could easily be a mess they made in their human forms. They never got too irritated with the boys as long as they helped clean up. The Potters liked animals but thought pets required too much time and energy. And James had never asked for one growing up. Sirius was certain that if James had, the Potters would have had a pet. 

“There is one thing I’d like to know,” Sirius says semi-cautiously as you work through your third butterbeer. 

“Shoot.”

“Do you think I’m attractive?”

You choke on the butterbeer you had just sipped as he asked his question. Your mug slams into the table loudly. You’re coughing. All Sirius can do is look at you concerned. 

“Excuse… me?” you manage to rasp between coughs. 

“Regulus said…” Sirius says quietly as if regretting bringing it up.

You squeeze your eyes and take a cautious sip of your drink in an attempt to soothe your burning throat. 

“You’re asking if I think…” you say after a moment. 

“If you think I’m attractive. Pretty. Handsome. Dashing. Ravishing?” 

“You’re quite forward, you know that?”

“That’s not what I asked.”

You shake your head in disbelief. Embarrassment floods your features as you realize that he might interpret that as you saying he wasn’t attractive.

“I don’t want to feed your ego,” you say quickly. Then you sigh defeatedly. “Yes, you’re attractive, Sirius. I don’t think you need me to tell you that though.”

“Oh, but it’s so nice to hear it coming from you.”

“I’m sure it is.” You pause as a deep blush covers your face. “Regulus told you?”

Sirius laughs. “Yeah. He said that you think I’m pretty and then threatened to murder me if I hurt you.”

“How nice of him to warn you.”

“Let’s be honest. He didn’t need to threaten me. It was understood when you made me get his permission.”

“I wouldn’t call it permission. He just had to think it’d be a good idea. Which I’m unsure if he actually thinks it is.”

“It’s permission,” Sirius asserts. “If he had said no, we wouldn’t be here.”

You hum. “And what a shame that would be.”

“It would be,” he says solemnly with a nod. “This has been a lot of fun. Genuinely.”

“It wasn’t as horrible as I was expecting.”

“I told you it wouldn’t be.”

You roll your eyes. “You could still ruin it.”

“Hmm, don’t think I will though. I like being right.”

“As do I.”

“You’ll just have to be wrong this time, darling.”

You raise your mug in a toast and take a drink. Sirius mirrors you. He asks you about an essay Professor Flitwick assigned earlier in the week and the conversation begins to flow into light topics again. After you finish your mugs of butterbeer, Sirius pays and you head out of the pub. He walks you back to the castle and you’re half expecting him to try to kiss you. You know his reputation. He doesn’t until you’re at the Grand Staircase and about to split ways, but it isn’t in the way you were expecting. 

“Good night, lovely,” he says before he gently presses his lips to your knuckles. “I truly had a lovely time tonight.”

Then he drops your hand and turns toward Gryffindor Tower. You’re left to stand in utter shock for a moment. Then you turn and slowly walk to the dungeons. Once back at the dungeons, you avoid all of your friends. They watch in slight confusion as you book it to your dorm rather than collapsing on the couch to complain to Regulus. You essentially go straight to bed and close the curtains around you. Your head is spinning. You hadn’t hated the date with Sirius. It was pleasant and, god forbid, fun. You couldn’t figure out if it was just friendly fun or something more though. 

Regulus’ intention of you figuring out how you felt about his brother on this date didn’t go quite as planned. If anything, you were more confused about your feelings for him than before. And you had to debate with yourself if you wanted a second date with Sirius to figure it out or if you should just tell everyone it was fine and you survived and that was it. You knew which was your gut was leaning, but you didn’t want to accept it. 

tags: @2dloveshp, @yearninglustfully, @made-for-oliverwood, @ilovejamespottersomuch, @hisparentsgallerryy, @itsseaberri, @corawithfanfiction, @devilslittlehelper, @jllyunn, @barnes70stark,

tags: @crowleythesexydemon, @flow33didontsmoke, @navs-bhat, @louweenier, @l0g0phobe,

@ellouisa17, @theendofthematerialgworl, @marina468, @bmyva1entine, @ravisinghs-wife

my brain hurts and I'm blaming the stress from visiting my parents for Christmas

[daenysx]

hi love <3

first off i wanted to say that i find myself lurking in your blog way too much than I should (i mean i have a life and i cant spend all day reading your fics, OR CAN I?) and i love how you write and hejsusjsjsj you just make my day, so i hope you’re having a wonderful day gorgeous💗

second of all, can i please request either a poly marauders or a sirius (or James whichever you think fits the story better) x fem reader where her birthday passed and just no one seemed to really care except for the boys? Some of her friends forgot and some others gave a half hearted birthday wish and she just feels sort of unloved? and just lots of hurt/comfort/cuddles/fluff hehe thanks

if u cant tell, im projecting🤧 my birthday was on the 9th and lets just say it was not that important of a deal for most people :)

you are the sweetest angel, my love, happy late birthday!! i'm really sorry, you deserved the best birthday and i hope you can accept this little fic as your birthday gift!! ♡

it's my first time writing for poly!marauders, please share your thoughts with me!!

poly!marauders x fem!reader, fluff + a little hurt/comfort

your cheeks ache from giving smiles to your boys all day.

it wasn't an eventful birthday for you, but it was so so nice. you woke up to kisses from james, his whispers of sweet nothings as remus came back to your side from kitchen. sirius's hair was wet from the shower he took as he does every morning, you and james watched how remus took care of his curls from bed. you spent more than an hour just staying in bed, feeling more loved than ever with their words and kisses.

when remus finally convinced you to leave the bed, james offered to carry you in his arms all the way to kitchen. "anything for my birthday girl." he said, your lovely boy. sirius kissed your lips as he handed you a cup of coffee, pancakes and fruits were just like you enjoy. a perfect birthday breakfast, you laughed at every joke sirius made, accepted every forehead kiss from james. remus was giving you heart eyes, you blushed from the attention you got. he gave you an easy smile and you blew him a kiss.

the boys had plenty of offers for your birthday celebration but you decided to stay at home. you wanted a quiet day with them, just being lazy and careless. thinking about wishes and dreams about your new age. you liked how easy it was to do as you wanted with them, no explanations or excuses needed.

you could hear the whispers coming from kitchen when james got you comfy on his chest, cuddling on the couch. he kissed your hair, your arms tightened around his body. legs tangled, fingers curled up on his shirt.

you checked your phone, the screen was bright, showing there's a birthday message from lily. you smiled, replied her long text. there were other texts from a few of your friends. well, technically they were birthday messages but- none of them felt like they actually wished you the happiest birthday. why would people text like celebrating someone's birthday is a chore? you frowned, couldn't accept the fact that you were in fact, waiting for something better. didn't you deserve it?

james noticed how your smile fell, he could see the texts on the screen. "happy birthday, love u." that girl was supposed to be one of your closest friends. you really were expecting something more- heartfelt? you always tried to make sure people you like know how much they are liked by you, texted the sweetest messages to them, cared about their birthdays more than yours. it didn't feel fair. still, you didn't want to jump into conclusions and ruin your day. you let go of your phone to wrap your arms around james.

he held you gently, kissing you again. "anything wrong?" he whispered. you shook your head. it was nothing important. he nodded, giving you a little time to collect your thoughts.

"angel." he said, "there's something here you may want to see."

you looked up, saw your boyfriends holding a birthday cake for you. it was beautiful, covered in silver colored candles. remus held the cake for you to see better as you sat up, the candles were definitely sirius's choice. you forgot about the texts, seeing them smile at you like you were the most precious thing in the whole world was making your head dizzy with affection.

you blew the candles, making a wish. james's fingers were drawing circles on your arm. you kissed your boyfriends thank you, a slow but happy tear rolled on your cheek. "come on, sweetheart, there's nothing to cry about. you're still young." sirius said, winking. his lips were curved into a playful smile.

"let's eat the cake." you said. "god, it looks so good."

"you remember remus's friend who owns a bakery? we got the cake from his shop." james said.

"who, charles?" you asked, remembering details about charles for a second. "i always see the cakes he makes on instagram, he's really good."

"first slice for the birthday girl." remus said, giving you your cake. "happy birthday, sweetheart. we love you so much."

"i love you so much." you said before taking a bite. "it's delicious. thank you."

sirius ate his own slice in three seconds. "this is better than i expected. another slice, please moony."

you kissed his chocolate covered lips fondly. hours were spent on eating cake, gossipping about sirius's workplace, drinking tea, and changing into different cuddling positions. your phone was silent, no one called. there were no other texts. it's weird, you thought. even the people who celebrated their birthdays with you didn't bother to give you a small text.

the day is almost finished, you are full with cake and sweets. james insists on doubling up the princess treatment he gives you every day and helps you with your skincare. you are sitting on bed as his fingers apply your night cream on your achy cheeks, sirius and remus brush their teeth at the bathroom after you and james leave for bed. your hand reaches to your phone. nothing.

"i think," james starts. "it's time you should tell me what's been on your mind all day."

you shrug. what can you tell? expecting birthday wishes from people feels weird. maybe they forgot. maybe they didn't care enough. should you remind them it's your birthday? no, that's stupid. is it? you don't know.

"what's upsetting my baby on her birthday?" he says. "tell me."

"there's something upsetting our baby?" sirius steps in after remus. "what happened?"

you give them a smile that says you're okay. "nothing." you start. remus's eyes find yours, worry sparks in them. "it's just- the girls and my friends from work- some of them forgot about my birthday, and other messages were a bit weird."

"i'm sorry." remus says, holding your hand. "i'm really sorry about that, angel."

"it's okay." you say. "i mean, no one has to remember."

"um, yeah, they kinda have to at some point." sirius says. "you do your best to remember things about your friends and you have every right to expect the same from them."

"i know." you say. you know, but what can you do?

james leans in to kiss your cheek. "i know it's terrible. you don't deserve it. i think- it's not your fault, yeah? you didn't do anything wrong. you deserve the best."

he says the last part silently like he's sad and it breaks your heart. they tried to make your day perfect, they don't deserve to end it sad. you don't deserve to sleep upset on your birthday. you look into james's eyes. "i already have the best." you say. "have you seen our boyfriends?"

you are being sweet on him. "have you seen yourself?" you say, pulling his face to kiss him. he smiles into the kiss. "i'm okay, really." you say.

"of course you are." sirius says. "in what world the birthday girl goes to bed upset?"

remus brushes a kiss on sirius's curls. they are lovely, sitting up in bed to comfort you the best they can. you need a bit time, you think. it's a hard thing to carry, feeling like you are not loved by some people you care about. it's not fair to the boys though. you are so incredibly loved by them and you feel it in your every breath. you can think about the others later. for now, you only need to show your love to your boys. the three people who deserve it the most.

[novanox88]

Between the Midnight Walls

Regulus Black x Reader

Summary: You and Regulus have never gotten along. Honestly, you'd barely even talked - but you knew of each other. He was a Slytherin pureblood and was friends with the Marauders. You really weren't going to talk anytime soon.

But what happens when your late-night Prefect duties push you into the younger Black's attention?

Warnings: fluff, kissing, no smut, slight mentions of blood and fighting

(w/c 6.2k)

A/N: I'M BACKKKK! I'm sorry for disappearing for so long 😭 but uni was kicking my ass. Anyway, here's a little one-shot I hope you guys will enjoy, and I'm working on getting my writing schedule back on track.

For whatever reason, Madame Melafawe had decided it was essential that the infirmary had a constant supply of muggle medication. It wasn’t like she could cure injuries with a wave of her wand, but who were you to judge? You rolled your eyes and groaned as you closed yet another fully stocked cupboard. Just one more to go. You moved groggily, grabbing the various bandages and unrecognisable salves from the open box by the floor. You’d been at this for around an hour and judging by the silence in the corridors it was around midnight. Why had no one told you being a Prefect could be so boring.

A sudden noise at the door had your body freezing in place. Reflexively your wand found its way to your hands as you crept towards the closed door. The noise disappeared for a moment, only to continue seconds later. It was somewhere between a knock and a scratch like someone was dragging their open palm across the door.

“It’s past curfew, you should be in your dorm,” you forced as much false courage into your voice as you could and it seemed to have worked. The noise stopped, silence filling the air, but you didn’t hear any shuffling on the other side of the door, no movement. Whoever or whatever was on the other side of the door hadn’t left. Wand grasped tightly in your right hand, you pressed your body against the door. You could hear breathing on the other side. Merlin help you with all the weird shit that goes down at this school today might be your last day on this Earth. You screwed your eyes shut hoping this didn’t go sideways before steeling your body and gritting your teeth. You were a Prefect godamnit, you weren’t going to die scared shitless.

You turned the handle and swung the door open to be met with a grunt and a thud as someone fell to the floor.

“Shit sorry!” you dropped to the floor and helped them up apologising profusely as you moved. The person grumbled but didn’t speak as they brushed you off and made their own way into the infirmary. “I’ll go get Madame Melafawe, she can help you out,” the person groaned again but this time it was in irritation.

“What I would like you to do is sit your ass down Prefect and let me handle this,” your tensed as your brain registered the person’s voice. You blinked rapidly, trying to adjust your eyes to the low light, but when that didn’t work you cast a quick charm, lighting up all the lamps in the room. A less than pleased face turned to look at you.

“Oh, it’s you…” Your voice was flat as you scanned Regulus' head to toe, more so trying to figure out what he was doing out here than take stock of his injuries. Regulus pursed his lips in response, giving you an unimpressed once-over before limping his way over to the newly stocked medicine cabinets.

“The one and only love,”

“What are you doing here?”

“What does it look like I'm doing,” he gestured vaguely between himself and the medicine cupboards he was currently ransacking. You rolled your eyes, moving so you were leaning against one of the beds.

“It’s past curfew, you’re not supposed to be out here,” you grit your teeth as he pulled out some of the bandages and creams you’d just stocked.

“And what are you going to do about it Prefect, dock my house points,” his eyes flickered up to yours, eyebrows raised in a silent dare. That was why you finally noticed his black eye and the small cut in his lip, crimson droplets of blood dripping down his chin.

“What happened to you?” the change in topic seemed to surprise Regulus for a moment, as the steel in his eyes disappeared momentarily and he looked at you like you’d figured out some secret. Silence stretched between you, the soft glow of the lamps casting a shadow over Regulus’s guarded face.

“Nothing,” he spat the word out like you’d asked him something scandalous but you had hardly expected him to give you an actual answer. The silence in the room thickened and Regulus walked over to the couch against the wall, arms loaded with bandages and ointments. You noticed the various other injuries that littered his body. From your position against the bed, you could clearly see the long gash that went up from his ankle and the nasty bruise on his arm. You had no love lost for Regulus, he treated your friends like shit and you had made a conscious effort not to interact with him but it felt wrong to turn him in like this. You sighed, moving to the cupboards that he’d left open and a mess.

“Right, ‘cause your limping looks like a whole lot of nothing,” you grumbled as you repacked everything that he moved around and dropped on the ground. You felt like you were cleaning up after a child.

“Why so interested love? You gonna snitch to McGonagall?” Regulus rolled up his sleeve and began treating the small cut on his arm.

“I hardly think you licking your wounds is a pressing issue,” you replied, closing the now re-tided cupboards.

“Someone’s going soft, your friends would be so disappointed in you?” he put a pout into his words, intending to goad you into a fight. It worked.

“Fuck off Black, you should be thankful I’m letting you loiter around in here at all,” your words were sharp as you glared daggers into Regulus’s head. He didn’t look up from what he was doing, instead just scoffing at your words, “Your prissy ass got what it deserved, I should go thank whoever did this to you,” that got a reaction out of him. His head snapped up to meet your gaze, ice in his eyes, as he slowly stood up, taking two curt steps towards you. His body loomed over yours but you didn’t give in, staring up at him with just as much disdain.

“You need to learn when to stop talking,” you raised a single eyebrow in question, daring him to keep speaking. You would not yield to a spoiled asshole who thought he could get away with anything he fucking wanted.

“And you need to learn not to be a dick,” you sneered and Regulus’s gaze faltered ever so slightly, noting the anger in your eyes and moving back onto the couch. You could feel your jaw straining as you unconsciously ground your teeth together. “Hurry up and finish whatever you need to do so I can get out of here,” you bit out, housing your body up onto one of the infirmary beds. You had no idea how long this was going to take so you might as well get comfortable.

“I don’t need babysitting, you’re more than welcome to leave,” Regulus didn’t look up as he spoke, eyes narrowed in concentration as he moved to another scrape on his body.

“As much as I love to leave, I can’t,” you waved the set of keys that Madame Melafawe had given you up in the air “I have to lock up,”

“No need, I can do it,” he stuck his hand out – still not looking at you – like he expected you to just toss him the keys and skip off. You scoffed, griping the keys tighter in your fist.

“And let you fuck up and get me in trouble. Yeah right,”

“Believe it or not, I can manage locking a door,”

“I’m not so sure,” Regulus muttered something harshly under his breath – probably something less than nice about you – before dropping his outstretched hand.

The room settled into a tense silence as Regulus continued to tend to whatever cuts and bruises littered his body and you pretended not to be watching. You didn’t know what had happened to him and as curious as you were, you knew he wouldn’t take well to you pushing. But god you wanted to know. The Marauders naturally weren’t fans of Snape and by extension most of the Slytherins that he hung around, but with Regulus it was different. Being Sirius’s brother, everyone chose to keep out of his hair more so to make their friend’s home life easier than because they cared much for Regulus. Anything that happened to Regulus would get back to their parents, especially if it was because of Sirius. No one wanted him to go home to whatever his angry parents had in store. But that brought you back to your current question. What had happened to Regulus Black that he was in this state right now? He didn’t seem particularly pissed, at least not any more so than usual, in fact, he was almost acting as if this was normal. You frowned and stopped yourself from getting carried away. This wasn’t your business to meddle in, you were perfectly content watching this unfold from the sidelines. If anyone was messing with Regulus, you were sure he knew how to deal with it himself.

“I don’t think we’ve ever spoken to each other,” your voice was tentative as it broke the silence in the room, but the quiet was starting to get to you.

“It’s not like your group particularly likes me,” you raised your eyebrows, in all honesty, you hadn’t been sure he knew you hung around in the Marauders’ circle. “Don’t look at me like that just because I ignore your lot doesn’t make me ignorant,” that got a small chuckle from you, as you pulled your legs up onto the infirmary bed and tucked them underneath you.

“I just mean that I’m surprised we’ve never interacted given all the time we’ve been at Hogwarts,” you sighed falling back onto the less-than-comfortable bed to stare at the ceiling. Regulus hummed at your comment, wrapping up his last bandage and standing up. “Given the opportunity, would you have even tried to speak to me?”

“I don’t know do you have a less bitchy setting,” you asked grinning and hopping down from your perch on the bed. Regulus’s eyes lit up in amusement, the slightest hints of a smile dancing across his lips.

“Unfortunately, not love,” you shrugged following his lead as he moved towards the door.

“I’m sure I could knock you down a few pegs,” Regulus scoffed but didn’t respond. You could feel him rolling his eyes even as you walked behind him.

The cold air bit at your skin as you closed and locked the infirmary door. You could feel Regulus still hovering nearby. You weren’t sure why, you’d expected him to leave as soon as he could, yet here he was waiting for you. You weren’t scared but your shoulder tensed. You had no idea what he was thinking and you hated that. Letting out a slow, measured breath, you turned around, eyes locking with Regulus’s cool grey ones. You didn’t speak, just raised a singular eyebrow, waiting for him to say whatever was on the tip of his tongue. He hesitated – he didn’t even bother to hide it, which was surprising – but you could see the turmoil in his eyes as he mentally formed whatever sentence he was trying desperately to get out. Just as you opened your mouth to speak, Regulus spun on his heel, turning his back to you. But he didn’t move. So neither did you. You could barely hear his breathing, cutting through the silence of the corridor, the cold air was sharp on your skin, and you really wanted to get back to your warm common room, but Regulus needed to say something, so something in you forced you to wait.

“Is Sirius-” he finally spoke and you noted the slight crack in his voice but chose to ignore it. Whatever Regulus wanted to say, it was far more important than pointing out his vocal mishap. “Is Sirius happy?” you knew he couldn’t see you but as soon as he said those words your shoulders relaxed and a soft smile graced your face. You knew the relationship between the two brothers was strained but you also knew how much Sirius still cared for Regulus. Knowing that Regulus reciprocated that care, even if it was only the tiniest bit, made you think maybe Regulus wasn’t as bad as everyone had decided.

“Yeah, he’s happy,” your feet stayed rooted to the floor, but a small part of you wanted to close the distance. “You could be happy too. You should talk to him, I know he’d like that,” you heard him scoff and for whatever reason your smile widened. You hadn’t expected him to roll over and follow you just because you’d asked but knowing he was thinking about his brother was enough for you. Neither of you moved, both trying to preserve the tentative peace that stretched between you but it was late and the cold was spreading through your body. “Good night Regulus,” he didn’t respond as you turned on your heel to head back to your common room but you heard his retreating steps. The sound was oddly comforting.

It was two days before you heard those footsteps again. You were sitting at the back of the library, tucked in a corner between two towering bookshelves with your nose buried in a potions book. You had an essay due and although Lily had promised to help you out she had to cancel last minute because James needed something. Stupid Potter. In all honesty, you’d helped James plan and set up the cute dinner in the astronomy tower for their anniversary but that didn’t quell the anger you felt for your potions essay. With a huff, you dropped your book onto the table and that was when you heard them. Soft but decisive footsteps, moving away from the chatter of the main library area and towards your reclusive corner. Regulus rounded the corner, mild surprise colouring his face as his eyes scanned over your slouched body. You hesitated between smiling and scowling, settling on some misshapen in-between.

“Hey,” you spoke softly, acutely aware of everyone else in the library. Regulus paused, gears shifting in his mind as his eyes flickered from you to your book to the empty seat at the desk. Something close to a resigned sigh slipped from his mouth before he dropped his bag onto the table and sat down opposite you. “You know most people ask before sitting down, I could be waiting on some friends,”

“Well, are you?” you had no response to that, grumbling and picking your book up instead which Regulus seemed to find hilarious. His laugh wasn’t soft but rather a deep resounding noise that rolled over your body like the tide. You found yourself drawn to the sound as it drew an imperceptible smile to your lips which you hid behind the contents of the potions book clenched in your hand.

“So you’ve been left here all alone have you?” he didn’t even try to hide his smile this time.

“That seems to be the case, just this stupid potions essay for company,” you gestured vaguely to the untouched parchment rolled up on the table.

“I believe an essay requires some form of writing,” Regulus nodded to the blank parchment “That’s just paper love,” you rolled your eyes, slouching further back into your seat.

“Fuck off Black,” you weakly brought the parchment towards your, reluctantly picking up your quill. “It’s potions, I’d get the same grade if I turned in a blank sheet as I would if I actually wrote an essay.”

“That’s horrifically disappointing. How can anyone be that bad at potions,” you groaned, dropping your head to the table.

“If I knew I would’ve fixed the problem by now,” he smiled and you almost got lost in the way his face relaxed and shifted to create such a pleasant sight but you caught yourself before you started, swooning. God forbid this man turns you into a blushing fool.

“Hand it over then, let’s see what we’re working with,” you pushed the book towards him, trying to ignore how Regulus was helping you and what exactly that meant.

“It’s on the aspects and effects of Amortentia or something,” you whined falling impossibly further into the table. Regulus ignored your spectacle flicking to the relevant pages in the books you were supposed to be reading. He hummed, dragging his chair around the table and next to you.

“This isn’t too complicated we should be able to get through it soon enough,” his gaze flicked up towards you leaving no room for argument.

“Don’t you have your own work to do,”

“Yes, but this seems to be more important, We can’t have Slughorn thinking you’re completely incompetent,” you scoffed but didn’t argue letting him grab quills and papers. “Come on then we’ve got work to do,”

“Feel free to start lecturing me on Amortentia, I’m listening,” you sat up straight, cocking your head to the side and waiting for him to begin.

“Not from there you’re not,” your eyebrows furrowed as Regulus shuffled reaching one hand out to the base of your seat. Then your eyes went wide as, in one smooth and confident motion, he pulled you and your seat right up next to him. Oh, that was definitely something. You desperately ignored the way your face flushed and how his thighs felt brushing against yours, instead focusing all your attention on the potions book laid out in front of you. “Don’t think I haven’t seen you drifting off in potions,” you could’ve sworn he moved closer, his breath ticking your ears as he spoke. “This way you have to listen to me,” you sat frozen in your seat, too scared to move lest it ruin whatever this moment was. You could feel his lips curling into a smirk as your entire body heated up from his proximity. The bastard was enjoying this. “What’s wrong love, you’re awfully quiet,” he moved impossibly closer, lips barely brushing the tips of your ears. You fucking shivered. Merlin help you, you wouldn’t be opposed to the ground opening up and swallowing you whole but unfortunately, you were granted no such escape. Instead, Regulus let out one of his gorgeous laughs and it took every ounce of will not to let your head tip back so you could revel in the way the sound wrapped around your body. You swallowed thickly before opening your mouth to speak, you didn’t know what you were going to say or what you wanted to say fortunately you didn’t have to worry about either because no words came out. Regulus snorted, shifting his body so he could pull the books toward you and just like that the moment was over. “Let’s get started shall we,” his face was blank, like the past few moments hadn’t even happened but you could see the mirth swimming behind his stormy eyes. What was this man doing to you?

Seconds quickly turned to minutes and soon enough you were crossing the hour mark. You wished you could say you were still paying attention but between the boring contents of the potions book and the near melodic qualities of Regulus’s voice your mind had drifted far far away. You’d tried to ignore it at first but your mind did what it wanted to. It wandered to the astronomy tower which you occasionally visited late at night. It was always so quiet up there a sort of peace that was hard to find elsewhere. And the stars – god they were something else. Somehow the night skies from the tower were always so clear, you assumed it was some type of Hogwarts magic so you didn't question it – just appreciated it. No one really knew you’d visit from time to time, you weren’t particularly secretive about it but no one had noticed your midnight rendezvous and you were grateful for that. You hadn’t been up there in a while, maybe it was about time you visited. Your mind wandered, mentally running through which night you had the time to go visit the tower and completely forgetting what you were supposed to be doing in the library.

A slight pain, like a bee sting, pricked at your hip and you jumped in surprise, a strangled cry escaping your mouth as your head snapped to the side, glaring at Regulus. “You pinched me,” your eyes were wide in disbelief.

“You weren’t listening,” he stared back at you, face relaxed like you should have been expecting it.

“You pinched me,” you were still reeling from his actions partly because he’d fucking pinched you and partly because he had pinched you. A gradual, almost calculated smile spread across his face. He thought this whole thing was funny.

“Yes, and I’ll do it again if you don’t listen,”

“Asshole, you can’t just go around pinching people,” you slapped his hand away that was hovering near you menacingly.

“I wasn’t pinching people… just you,” his voice dropped an octave and you froze unsure how to respond. Fire rushed through your veins, the warm kind that made your body shiver and you looked up at Regulus through your lashes. The man in question stared down at you, something akin to confusion briefly flashing across his eye. You’d never seen him like this before, so solely focused on something. You.

“You’re immature,” the words were barely a whisper on your lips but they drew a tiny smile from Regulus.

“And you’re not?” Regulus raised an eyebrow but didn’t move from his position you were almost certain he moved a fraction closer, neck craning ever so slightly to cage you in. You scoffed at his murmured words but you were hardly paying attention. You were focused on his eyes, the way the grey colour swirled like smoke, effortlessly capturing the emotion in his eyes. You were so used to the expressionless, passive Regulus but right now you weren’t sure whose eyes you were gazing into.

“What are you doing Regulus,” you spoke, more air than noise but he heard you anyway. Regulus leaned in closer, moving so his lips hovered just above your ear.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” and just like that he moved back, putting distance between the two of you. Your mind was whirling, having no idea how to process any of what just happened. “Back to being quiet I see,” hearing his more than amused voice snapped you back to reality and your face immediately shifted into a scowl.

“You know what I think I’ve learnt enough about Amortentia for today,” you hurriedly shoved your books and papers back into your bag. Regulus’s smile faltered and you almost felt bad but you ignored whatever sense made you want to stay.

“Come on love, I was just playing around,” yeah I know you wanted to stay but you held it back, simply giving him an awkward nod, lips pressed into a thin line. “I should get going but I’ll see you around,” the words were weak to your own ears and Regulus noticed it too but neither of you made any effort to breach the tension that was slowly building between you. It was like you could see the walls that he had let down slowly building back up. You grit your teeth and turn away.

“He’s fucking annoying is what he is,” you groaned, throwing your head back against the arm of the couch. Remus hummed in response, eyes not leaving whatever book he was reading. “And he thinks he can just waltz around wherever he wants and do whatever he wants and he just sucks,”

“Mhm,” you couldn’t tell if he actually wasn't listening or if he was just acting to spite you but whatever it was he got a response. You threw your legs out – gently – kicking him in the side drawing a startled grunt from Remus who promptly looked up from his book to glare at you. You smiled.

“Anyways as I was saying, what’s with him just cornering me in the library like that,” Remus rolled his eyes but sat up straighter, bookmarking his book and placing it off to the side. He reached out and grabbed your legs, throwing them over his lap so you weren’t bent awkwardly on the couch.

“Who’s this about?” he raised a single eyebrow and you groaned again.

“Regulus. Pay attention Remus,”

“Right, right,” he stretched out his back before turning to you again, lips pulled upwards into a lopsided smile. “So let me get this straight, you don’t like him because he gives you… attention?”

“Fuck you Moony,” you whined lobbing a pillow at his head which he barely managed to dodge. The sound of his amused laughter filled the room and as much as it was nice to lounge around laughing with your friend all you could think about was that his laugh sounded nothing like Regulus’s.

“No really explain it to me. I don’t understand the issue here,”

“It’s just- I don’t know- I mean he’s just-” you whined as you stumbled over your words, unsure how to properly articulate what you were feeling.

“He’s arrogant,” Remus started talking, staring up at the ceiling.

“Yeah,” you agreed, also dropping your head back to look at the ceiling. “And he’s so full of himself like he can do whatever he wants,” Remus hummed.

“It’s a type of confidence that’s more irritating than appealing,” you raised your eyebrows at his words.

“I don't know if I would call it confidence,” silence stretched between you as Remus didn’t respond and even though you couldn’t see him you knew he wasn’t convinced with what you were saying – and neither were you. “I mean I suppose you could call it that, but it just grates on my nerves you know, how he thinks he so entitled to everything,”

“I think that’s just because you’re not used to all that entitlement being focused on you,”

“Shut up asshole,”

“Has anyone ever told you to wash out your mouth with soap,” you could feel Remus laugh as he spoke and you chuckled with him. It was a comforting noise, a familiar one. Nothing like how you felt around Regulus, he was unpredictable and new. You weren’t sure if you liked it or hated it and honestly the more you thought of it the more of a headache you got.

“I’m just saying maybe he isn’t annoying but rather he makes you uncomfortable, you know new territory and whatnot,” Remus’s voice sounded far away so you shifted your body up to look at him. His eyes were soft, an equally soft smile on his face as he looked upwards at the ceiling. He hadn’t seemed to notice that you’d moved and you were looking at him. “I mean he is a Black, that’s kinda what they do,” it took you a moment but you put it together.

“You're kidding,” whatever stupor Remus was in he broke out of it, turning his head slightly to look at you. “Is this what Sirius was like before you two got together?” you laughed eyebrows raised but his tight-lipped smile told you everything you needed to know. “I guess being irritatingly conceited is just a genetic trait huh,” Remus laughed, eyes fluttering closed momentarily to enjoy the peace.

“Unfortunately so,” Remus sat up fully turning his body to face you “But whatever your dumbass decides to do I’m glad this happened. I know Sirius is too,” your eyebrows furrows and Remus paused like he wasn’t sure whether he should continue or not.

“What do you mean, what have you been telling Sirius,” you wanted for a response unsure what to expect.

“I haven’t been telling him anything, not that I have to you go and blab everything to him anyway,” you chucked another pillow at his head, this one hit him square in the head but he just rolled his eyes. “Actually Regulus came and talked to Sirius,”

“Shit really,” you dragged your legs underneath you, sitting up impossibly straighter.

“Yeah it was yesterday I think, Regulus cornered him in the evening and they had a good talk, couldn’t get Sirius to stop smiling afterwards,” your mouth unconsciously tipped into a smile thinking about the two brothers reconciling. “He’s coming around, it looks good,” you opened your mouth to speak but paused, hesitating. Remus noticed the shift in your demeanour and immediately started grinning again. “Want to know if he mentioned you?” his tone was teasing and amused. You really wished you had another pillow to throw at him.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you shrugged, tilting your head in mock disdain.

“Well if you say so,” Remus stood up from the couch – the grin never dropping from his face. “I should really get going,”

“Wait Remus come on,”

“Nuh-uh, you gotta say the words,” he was enjoying this far too much and you swore to Merlin that you’d get him back somehow.

“Didhesayanythungbaoutme,” you muttered under your breath, almost inaudible.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I got that,” he lead forward amusement clearly written across his face. You grumbled, throwing yourself back onto the couch.

“Did he say anything about me,” you asked with little more conviction but an equally large amount of curiosity.

“I honestly have no idea, I didn’t think to ask Sirius,”

“REMUS!” you propelled yourself up from the couch but Remus had already made his way across the common room bounding up the stairs to the boys' rooms.

“Good luck,” he called out behind him as he turned the corner and out of sight. You sighed lying down on the couch, one arm flung across your eyes.

It would’ve been a lie to say you weren’t looking for him. You’d come to expect him at every turn. You sighed, kicking a loose stone as you climbed the stairs up to the astronomy tower. It had been a while since you’d come up here and it seemed like a nice night today although the cold did bite at any bare skin but that was hardly unusual. You pulled your robe tighter before opening the door. Immediately the chill air washed over you, grabbing at any loose hairs and scratching at the exposed skin of your face. Most people found the cold uncomfortable and maybe it was to an extent but you found solace in it. The cold was as gentle as it was unforgiving and anything that gave you an excuse to snuggle up under a blanket was a good thing in your books. You let your eyes flutter shut, embarrassing the familiar sensation but someone clearing their throat broke you out of your feeble trance. 

You wanted to say you were surprised when you saw the grey-eyed Black sibling standing in front of you but you knew the truth.

“Regulus,” your words were curt but not unkind, rather they were filled with hesitation, the same hesitation that no doubt coloured your face.

“Hey,” his words were soft and warm and all the things you wanted right now. Any less resolute person would’ve melted then and there. It turned out you had very little resolve. A slow and gentle smile crept up your cheeks as you looked at him through your lashes. You were still gripping your robe tightly to fight the cold but now you held on to anchor yourself from all the feeling you felt in Regulus’s presence. You scanned his face eyes falling on the small cut at his lip and above his eyebrow. Your eyebrows furrowed and you took an unconscious step forward, arms automatically reaching up to inspect the wounds. Regulus didn’t move, letting your hands graze over the small cuts. His eyes fluttered shut and your heart picked up speed.

“Do you want me to…” your repentance trailed off, an unsaid question hovering in the air.

“Please,” his response was breathy and your legs almost gave out. You let your hands properly settle on his face and other than a small jolt from the cold touch of your palms Regulus didn’t react. Like your hands were meant to cradle his face.

“Sit down, I’ve got some stuff on me,” you pulled out a small pouch from the inside pocket of your cloak and moved to kneel in front of Regulus’s seated form. You started with the cut above his eyebrow, cleaning the cut with an antiseptic wipe before moving to bandages. “You want to tell me how you got these this time,” you raised an eyebrow without looking at him. You weren’t sure you were ready to look at him just yet. Not when you were less than two inches from his body.

“It’s this thing the Slytherins do,” you honestly hadn’t expected him to say anything but you didn’t react and let him talk. “The parents all say it ‘builds character’ whatever that’s supposed to mean-” Regulus hissed as you moved to the cut at his lips, his hand reflexively lifting to cradle yours. You didn’t move.

“Sorry,” you mumbled still not looking directly at him. Regulus didn’t seem to like that. The hand that was hovering above yours traced its way across to your jaw and you had nothing in you to resist when he tilted your head to look at him.

“-It’s a duelling club,” it took you a moment to realise he was still talking about how he got his injuries, too lost in whatever this moment was. “But it’s just Slytherins so it can get… messy,” you paused a moment before responding, taking a second to process all the information.

“Fuck Regulus, that’s not good,” you had no idea why but he smiled up at you, leaning back on his arms. You couldn’t help but smile back. “Stop smiling it’s not funny,” your words were supposed to be chastising but they came out more amused than anything.

“I missed your voice,” your cheeks heated up at his words and you honestly contemplated jumping off the tower.

“Shut up,” you rolled your eyes, trying to focus on anything but the man sprawled out in front of you. 

“Don’t be like that love,” he reached out grabbing one of your hands and tucking it into his cheek. His eyes closed as he fucking nuzzled into your hand. You wanted to fall into the man in front of you. Pull him close and never let him go but you weren’t sure he’d let you.

“Regulus,” you breathed out and the way he looked up at you through his lashes had you turing into putty in his hands.

“Yes love?” he purred, eyes flicking hesitantly between your eyes and lips. Fuck it.

You lunged forward capturing his lips in a chaste kiss. His entire body was tense and for a moment you hesitated, pulling away from his body but whatever he felt was gone in an instant as he brought one of his hands to the back of your neck, stopping you from retreating. Your body followed your movements, legs straddling his as you deepened the kiss to feel more of him. Your body pressed against his and he groaned as your lips parted, giving him access to your mouth. You brought your hands up to his head, one holding the side of his face, exactly where he’d been holding it before, and the other going behind to tangle in the loose curls at the base of his head. You tugged experimentally at his hair earning you another earnest groan. You smiled into the kiss when you heard Regulus mutter incorrigible under his breath. Your head tilted to the side, letting Regulus pepper kisses across your jaw and at your neck.

“Fuck I didn’t think I’d be doing this tonight,” you giggled when he lifted his head, eyes filled with adoration as he gazed at you.

“So this isn’t why you asked Sirius where I liked to hang out?” Regulus had the sense to sheepishly look away when you called him out but he didn’t let go of your body and for that you were thankful. You were starting to think that you could get used to feeling his body pressed against yours.

“So you found out about that did you,”

“I made an educated guess,” you smiled down at him placing a soft kiss on his temple, right on top of the cut you’d just bandaged. A cold gust of wind blew over you, goosebumps rising up your neck as you shivered. Regulus smiled and pulled you impossibly closer, lying back against the stone floor so he could wrap both arms around you. He slid one hand up to tangle in your hair as the other rubbed soothing circles on your lower back.

“So is this going to become a regular thing,” your eyes fluttered closed but you listened to his words, grinning into his chest as you spoke.

“What the kissing or the cuddling,” Regulus laughed and you shivered at the sound. You could die happy if you were surrounded but that blissful noise.

“Both ideally,” your smile grew wider,

“If you play your cards right Black I’m sure we can make that work,”

[luveline]

I love your writings about the marauders, and I recently had a thought about the boys first coming in contact with a vibrator or any sex toy really. Not even a like smut thing but just then walking into a muggle sex shop or they made a friend with a muggle girl and they stumble upon in some way lol idk, just a funny thought that’s been making me giggle a bit. If you have any thoughts I guess?? Hope you have a good day :)

this isn’t smut but it is explicit - mdni please! fem, 1k

“What is that?” Sirius asks.

You get yanked back. “God, sorry,” James says, letting go of your hand. You’d been in a weird fugue state of joy with his fingers twined in yours; it’s the first time he’s held your hand. You can’t tell if it’s platonic or romantic, you can never tell with the boys. “Wait, what is that?” 

“What’s what?” you ask, trying to follow their gaze. You’re on a crowded high street divided by a two way road. It’s so loud you can’t hear yourself think, and stopping as you have has diverted foot traffic around you poorly. 

“There’s a cock in the window.” 

Remus yelps a laugh. You smile, befuzzled, as he takes your shoulders into his hand and turns you bodily to the right shop window. “Oh,” you say. “Oh! There really is.” 

There is a vast array of the aforementioned appendage in the window, and in a variety of sizes and colours. A mannequin in dark lingerie holds a fifty percent off sign to the left, while a poster brags a multitude of ‘stimulating pleasures’ to be found inside. 

“What am I looking at?” Sirius asks.

You forget sometimes how sheltered they all are. They’d gone to a rather elite boarding school, and they all lived in rural England and Wales for their summers. This is as city as they’ve ever been, and you’d thought they’d seen everything there is to see by now, but apparently not. 

How are you supposed to explain a sex shop? Better, why is fate making you? They all turn to you for an explanation. 

“Remus, you’re twenty three,” you say hopelessly. 

“We’ve only recently relocated,” Remus argues. 

“You’ve lived here for nearly a year.” 

“And yet we’ve never seen that,” James says, pointing at the lingerie. “You’re such perverts in the city. Why are there rainbow cocks in the window?” 

“Can we stop saying that?” you ask. 

“Sorry,” James says quickly. “Lovely girl, why are the dicks in the window?” 

“They’re toys,” you say, feeling a little part of yourself shrivel away in shyness, their eyes like heat from your face and neck. 

“For kids?” Sirius asks, disgusted. 

“No! God, no, they’re for grown ups.” You shake your head uselessly. “Are you messing with me? You’ve really never seen them?” 

“We’ve seen some rather tasteful underwear in our time,” Sirius says, to James’ delight and Remus’ derision. 

“Stop,” Remus says. 

“We have to go in. I must understand these toys,” Sirius says, ignoring him with ease. There’s something to his usually nice smile you don’t know, some burning excitement that will likely end in innuendos and teasings galore for you. 

You make your way into the sex shop, shoes dragging, cheeks hot. James and Sirius seem as though they could burst into laughter at any second, but Remus is more understanding. He offers you his hand when he realises you’re behind them. You don’t have the strength to refuse him. 

They’re the weirdest friends you’ve ever had, but also the best ones. They love holding hands and crossing legs and laying half on top of each other when they come around to watch a film. You’re pretty sure you saw James and Remus kissing a few weeks ago, but they’ve yet to say anything about it to you, so what do you know? You’d been jealous, but each boy has continued to love on you just a little too much considering the parameters of your ‘friendship’. 

This lies firmly outside of your parameters, you decide. 

Sure, you’ve thought about them sometimes as more than friends, but they don’t know that. Can you be blamed? They’re all so handsome in awful ways —Remus classic, Sirius Grecian, and James devilish. James. You shake your head in an attempt to dispel thoughts of their good looks while in close proximity to lacy knickers, turning your attention to the ridiculous gasps of awe the two idiots are letting out. 

“What is that?” Sirius asks delightedly, knuckling at a row of plastic sex toys, all with different functions. 

“That’s a…” You blow a breath up your face in an attempt to cool down. “Read the label, Siri.” 

“Most of this stuff is for girls?” James asks you. 

“I guess so.” You poke at the pink packaging of a glass massage wand. “I mean, not always. I think anybody can use all this stuff too. Or most of it.”

“What about that?” 

James points at a vibrator in clear blister packaging. “A vibrator? What’s that do?” He turns to you with a surprisingly innocent curiosity. 

“It vibrates.” You don’t want to say anything else, but they’re your friends. They’re nice to you, and they respect you, so it’s not like you think telling them these things will put you in an uncomfortable position. “You know how girls have a harder time finishing sometimes?” 

If they’re surprised to hear you say it aloud, they don’t show it. “Not in my experience,” Sirius jokes. 

“So the vibration helps?” 

“It’s very intense. It makes the… climax come much quicker,” you say. 

Remus seems very grateful for the energy your explanation takes, giving you a caring smile. He’s about to say something when Sirius interrupts, and asks, “Do you have one?”

“You don’t have to answer that,” Remus says, hitting Sirius in the arm. “She doesn’t have to answer that, don’t ask her stuff like that, it’s private.” 

Sirius’ eyes go wide. “I’m sorry,” he says to you, all joking gone from his face. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way. Just forget sometimes that you have boundaries we don’t have.” 

You’re not expecting such a genuine and sudden apology, because maybe Sirius shouldn’t ask, but you totally understand what he means. You feel like you’ve known them all your life. “It’s okay, don’t worry. I know what you’re like.” 

“So it’s a good time, hypothetically,” James says. 

“What do you reckon that feels like?” Sirius asks, already moving on. 

“Sirius,” Remus pleads. 

“Sweetheart, can I ask you, hypothetically,” —Sirius taps his converse to yours, grinning— “what do you mean, it’s quicker? How does that even work?” 

You frown, “You don’t know how it works?” 

Remus and James laugh like bellows beside you. They laugh so much the woman behind the counter glares at you all, undoubtedly tired of people coming in here for a laugh. 

“Awful girl,” Sirius says, frowning. 

You smile back. “It just stimulates the nerves, Sirius. I don’t know how to explain it. I guess it’s kinda like magic or something.” 

“Magic can’t do that,” James says. Remus elbows him hard, and you’ve no idea why. 

[moonstruckme]

Hi Mae!! I would love to read more about the dynamic between poly!marauders and reader. Like maybe some domestic fluff just showing the interaction between the boys and with reader. I love the way you write true poly with the boys together too 🥹🤍

Hi lovely, thanks for requesting!

poly!marauders x fem!reader ♡ 1.2k words

“Shit!” Sirius hisses, another piece of popcorn splintering off his string. It’s nearly all cranberries at this point, and half the length of either yours or Remus’. “How are yours not breaking?”

“Patience,” Remus preaches, eyes on his needle as he slides it smoothly through yet another popcorn kernel. 

“Sounds made up,” James scoffs. The remains of his own popcorn are littered about his lap and his fingers are stained pink with cranberry juice. His problems lie in inaccuracy as much as impatience, constantly getting ahead of himself and pricking his fingers rather than his target. Fortunately, Rugby Captain James Potter is no stranger to pain, so he only extends the injured finger towards where you sit on the floor for you to kiss each time before resuming his work. 

“Completely agree.” Sirius is quick to hop on James’ half-constructed bandwagon. “They’re conspiring against us, keeping the real secrets of success to themselves.” 

“They’re focussing on their work,” you say, grinning when Sirius’ foot nudges your shoulder meanly, “which is how they keep from messing up.” 

“Cruel,” he murmurs, but you only hum, a wordless You know I’m right. And he does, because he goes quiet. 

James could never stand silence. “It’s almost cold enough for a fire,” he remarks after nearly five seconds of it. “Maybe we could have one tomorrow?” 

“You just want to chop firewood,” Remus accuses. 

“I don’t mind,” you say quietly, looking down at your hands, and Sirius nods emphatically. Another piece of popcorn shatters in his hands, bits of it hitting your shoulder.

“Yeah, don’t deter him.” 

“I don’t even get to chop it anymore since you started buying it at Tesco,” James complains, shooting Remus a resentful look. “Now I just want to watch fire. It’s the last caveman’s pleasure you’ve left me.” 

You glance over, and Remus is looking downward, trying and failing to quell his smile. “Fine,” he relents. “We can pick some up tomorrow and have a fire.”

“Yes!” James leans around Sirius, planting a smacking kiss on Remus’ cheek. “Thank you.” 

“S’no problem.” Remus has gone all soft and blushy. You and Sirius exchange a fond, knowing look. 

“Hey, do you think we could pick up some of those gingerbread house kits while we’re there?” you ask the room. “We didn’t get a chance to do those last year.” 

“Patience,” Remus reminds you, recovering. “It’s hardly the end of November, we’ve got a whole month for that.” 

Your mouth pulls dissatisfiedly. “Yeah, but last year we thought the same thing and then we ran out of time.” 

“You know what we should do?” James perks up. “Have a competition! Whoever makes the best gingerbread house in under an hour gets—”

“No,” you all say on top of each other. 

You shake your head. “It’ll take all the fun out of it, Jamie.”

“You can’t put a time limit on creativity,” Sirius agrees. “Hey, I got three in a row!” He beams, holding his garland up for Remus’ approval, and the other boy appraises it for a second, nodding sagely. 

“Well done.” 

“Sorry,” you tell James, who’s still pouting after the hasty shut-down of his idea. “We can race at something else if you want to, but that sort of stuff is supposed to be more…”

“Peaceful,” Remus supplies, and you nod relievedly. 

“Exactly.” 

“S’fine,” James sulks. He sticks his needle through a cranberry, a pitiful whine escaping him when it comes out the other side harsher than he’d expected. He extends his hand toward you palm up, and you take it, pressing a gentle kiss to the tip of his finger. “Mm, now here.” He leans down, tapping the corner of his mouth. You smile, pecking him sweetly on the lips. He tastes like the peppermint chapstick he uses this time of year, which you love and Sirius abhors (he thinks all mint tastes like toothpaste). “Alright,” James says, lips curving against yours, “now it’s actually fine.” 

“Scoundrel,” Sirius accuses. “My poor darling, do you feel used?” 

“Not terribly,” you admit, but it’s no deterrence to Sirius, who reaches down to haul you into his lap. Your garland trails after you, overlapping with his. You settle in contentedly. 

“Who’s the scoundrel now,” James objects. “You can’t just move her about like she’s got no will of her own.” 

You’re perfectly happy to be wherever they want you, but you aren’t going to say that. “Does anyone fancy a hot chocolate? I just got those peppermint marshmallows.” 

Sirius makes a face. “No thanks. James, make the girl a hot chocolate.” 

“Why me?” James objects. 

“I’ll have one too,” Remus says. 

“It’s her idea, why doesn’t she make them?”

“Because she,” Sirius says, weaving his arms under yours to resume stringing up his garland in front of you, “is occupied. Go on.” 

James grumbles, but sets down his work. 

“Sorry,” you say, making your eyes extra big. It’s half sincere apology, half completely unapologetic beguilement, and James cracks quickly, kissing your cheek to show he’s not really upset. Then he kisses Sirius too, just for fun. 

“I wanted a hot chocolate anyway,” he says, heading into the kitchen. 

You fall into an easy silence as he works, the kettle gurgling in the background while you relax against Sirius’ chest, nearly finished with your garland. You wonder if you should offer to do his for him, even though you know the other two will definitely make fun of you for letting him off the hook. You think you will anyway. 

“Oh!” Sirius straightens, causing you to shift against him uncomfortably. He ignores the slighted look you send him, bringing a hand to your shoulder to hold you more securely against him. You’re easily pacified. “If you want to have a competition, you and y/n should have a race for who can wrap the most presents.” He looks at you. “You’re always saying you love wrapping, yeah sweetheart?” 

The endearment only slightly softens the look you’re giving him. Must everyone try to ruin your holiday rituals with racing and competitions? You know he’s only brought it up out of selfishness, too; Sirius hates wrapping gifts, and this is just another way for him to push the labor off on James and you. 

James, unfortunately, lights brighter than the tree you’d set up earlier that day. “Yeah!” He’s bouncing on the balls of his feet. Remus eyes the boiling water he’s pouring out at the same time warily. “What do you say, lovie? Maybe a couple of days before Christmas we can divvy up the presents that aren’t for us, then we just see who finishes first!” 

“Didn’t you already lose that competition the other night?” Remus quips. Sirius erupts in laughter behind you, but James only shoots him a hostile look (or his version of a hostile look, more of a squint than anything) before his eyes flit back to you hopefully. 

You roll your eyes, but this is one competition you think you might actually win. “Fine,” you say, smiling when he pumps his fist. “But I don’t think you know what you’re getting into, Potter. My gift wrapping skills are legendary.” 

“Oh, my love,” James croons, grinning as he carries in two mugs of hot chocolate. “My sweet, naive girl.” He passes one to Remus and the other to you, dropping a kiss on your temple. “I won’t go easy on you this time.”

[miapotterismyfav]

Innocence

———————————————————————————

Summary: Sirius Black thought he had Y/N all figured out—until one offhand comment sends his world into a tailspin and unearths far more than he bargained for.

Matching: Siriusxfem!reader, Remusxfem!reader

Previous part, next part

Masterlist

It’s my bday so here’s an extra long chapter xx VERY ANGSTY

———————————————————————————

Chapter Seven: You Can’t Keep Burning Like This

Y/N cast the hex before she even heard her name.

Mulciber stumbled back, arms flailing, as a swarm of miniature, screeching birds erupted around his head, clawing at his ears and eyes. The corridor stilled.

"You filthy little—" he started, but the screeching drowned him out.

“Say one more thing about Lily,” Y/N said coolly, wand still raised. Her voice was low, but it carried.

A few students stared at her like she’d sprouted horns. Not because of the hex—because of who she was. Carrow family, pureblood, Slytherin. She wasn’t supposed to protect the Muggleborns. She wasn’t supposed to hex Mulciber, of all people.

The spell dissolved when McGonagall appeared around the corner with an uncanny sense for tension. She took in the scene in seconds: Mulciber red-faced and dishevelled, Y/N composed but sharp-eyed, and Lily standing halfway down the hall with wide, stunned eyes.

“Miss Y/L/N,” McGonagall said, quietly. “My office. Now.”

—————————————————————————

Fifteen minutes later, Y/N sat stiffly in a straight-backed chair, chewing the inside of her cheek.

McGonagall didn't speak right away. She conjured two teacups, added a spoon of honey to one, and slid it across the desk.

Y/N blinked.

“I don’t need—”

“You need something,” McGonagall interrupted gently. “Drink it.”

The tea was warm, sweet, and unfamiliar. It made her chest hurt.

“You know the rules about duelling in corridors,” McGonagall said, sitting. “But I also know what he said. And what he’s said before. So you’ll get detention, yes—but not a letter home.”

Y/N stared down at the teacup. “Doesn’t matter. They’ll hear anyway.”

McGonagall looked at her with something like sorrow. “I’m sorry about your family, Y/N. But I’m not sorry you’re choosing to be better than them.”

It was the first time she’d heard anyone say it like that. Not whispered in fear or anger—just said, plain and sure.

And she didn’t have a single word in return. —————————————————————————

She didn’t eat in the Great Hall anymore.

Some days she claimed she was busy. Others, the Marauders wordlessly brought her a plate and let her eat on the floor of their dorm, legs crossed, Sirius reading upside-down beside her while James lectured Peter about the importance of protein.

Remus didn’t sit too close. Not like he used to. But he’d pass her things—salt, pepper, a copy of the Daily Prophet—without being asked. Their eyes met once. Just once. And something cracked open between them, but neither of them reached for it. —————————————————————————

She spent more time in the Forest. The edge of it, anyway. Always with a slip from Pomfrey in case she was caught. Brewing wolfsbane was delicate and deliberate and familiar.

It kept her hands busy. Her mind quieter.

Regulus passed her in the hallway one night—late, after curfew. He didn’t look at her. Didn’t even slow. But his hand brushed hers for the briefest second and tucked something into her palm.

It was a tiny note, folded into the back cover of The Picture of Dorian Gray. He’d underlined a passage.

“There is a luxury in self-reproach. When we blame ourselves, we feel no one else has a right to blame us.”

She read it three times. Then tucked it in her pocket. —————————————————————————

The whispers were louder now.

“She’s turning on them.”

“I heard she hexed Rosier last week.”

“She sleeps in the Gryffindor Tower now.”

“Is she even in Slytherin anymore?”

The answer was complicated.

Her own common room was like a war zone—cold stares, muttered insults, shoves when no one was looking. Her bed was torn once. She stopped going. She told Slughorn it was a temporary arrangement for “safety reasons” and he didn’t press.

Now she drifted between the boys’ dorm beds like a ghost in borrowed jumpers. Some nights Remus read to her until she fell asleep. Others, Sirius gave up his bed and crashed with James, who made a whole scene about how “his back is basically a national treasure” and refused to give it up twice in a row.

Once, Peter slept on the floor and woke up covered in sock lint.

She loved them in a way she didn’t have words for.

And hated that she needed them so much. —————————————————————————

It was a Saturday morning.

The kind where the enchanted ceiling above the Great Hall mirrored soft clouds and late autumn light. Students lingered longer than usual over breakfast, dragging out conversations and laughing with full mouths. Y/N had just slid onto the Gryffindor bench beside Sirius, eyes a little heavy from a sleepless night in the Astronomy Tower, when a heavy owl landed in front of her with a thud.

The table fell quiet around her.

The owl was unmistakable — pristine white, far too elegant for a school delivery, its leg bound with heavy cream parchment and a wax seal bearing the Carrow family crest. Old blood. Impossibly cold. Her family's.

Sirius froze beside her. “That’s from them.”

She didn’t respond. Just untied the envelope with a steady hand, breaking the seal that held back everything.

James looked up from his toast. Remus and Peter went quiet.

She unfolded the letter.

Y/N,

Your continued defiance and disgraceful associations with blood traitors, half-bloods, and worse have left us no choice. Your actions — including aiding a known werewolf and being seen fraternizing with Muggleborns — are an embarrassment to the Carrow legacy.

Effective immediately, your Gringotts vault is frozen. Your wand will be reported for replacement and reassigned under supervision. You are no longer welcome at any Carrow estate or under our name.

Transfer arrangements to Durmstrang are underway. You will be extracted from Hogwarts within the fortnight. Do not contact Reginald or Lavinia again. We are not your family.

This decision is final.

— Father

She read it once. Then again.

And then she folded it in half, creased it cleanly, and placed it down in front of her plate.

She didn’t cry.

She just stood.

No sound. No outburst. She rose like it didn’t hurt at all and walked straight out of the Great Hall.

Sirius was on his feet a heartbeat later. James after him. Remus, too, lips pressed into a thin line. Peter shoved aside his goblet, knocking over juice in his hurry.

Even Lily got up, following faster than she probably meant to. —————————————————————————

They found her just outside the Hall, leaning against the corridor wall, arms crossed tight. Her face gave away nothing — not rage, not heartbreak. Just stillness.

“You alright?” James asked carefully.

She nodded. “I’ve been disowned.”

“We figured,” Sirius said. “You’re not going anywhere.”

She gave a hollow laugh. “They’re transferring me. Durmstrang. Imagine me trying to blend in there.”

“You’re not going,” Lily said.

“Even if I wanted to, I don’t think I could. I have no money. No wand. I’m not technically a Carrow anymore.”

“Good,” Sirius snapped. “Carrows are bastards.”

She didn’t disagree. —————————————————————————

That night, she stayed in the Gryffindor Tower again.

Remus was already sitting cross-legged on his bed, reading. She wordlessly climbed in beside him, shoulders tight, eyes distant. He didn’t ask anything — just handed her one of his old, threadbare jumpers and pulled the duvet higher.

Across the room, Sirius dropped himself onto his bed with a dramatic huff.

“She can take mine tomorrow,” Peter offered.

From Remus’ bed, Y/N gave a small, tired smile.

And in the dark, with the quiet breathing of boys who had somehow become her family, she realised it didn’t matter what her last name was anymore. —————————————————————————

Sirius had been brooding for the better part of the morning.

Remus had noticed it—of course he had. He always noticed things, especially when it came to Sirius. Like the way his cereal had been viciously stabbed rather than scooped. Or how he'd snapped at James for humming. Or how he’d accidentally singed the edge of his Defence essay with his wand when Y/N had wandered into the common room that morning, wearing one of Remus’s jumpers.

Remus had noticed that too.
And he’d looked far too pleased about it.

“Since when does she wear your clothes?” Sirius muttered as the two of them headed down to the courtyard together, James trailing behind with a Quaffle and no clue.

Remus didn’t look up from the book he was flipping through, but there was a flicker of smugness in the corner of his mouth. “Since she started falling asleep in my bed more than yours.”

That shut Sirius up for all of five seconds.
“Yeah, well, she’s always in mine first.”

Remus gave a quiet laugh, like that was a child’s argument. “She likes to talk to me before she sleeps. Said I make her mind quieter.”

“I make her laugh.”

“You make her loud,” Remus corrected. “There’s a difference.”

They stepped out into the sunlit courtyard just as James launched the Quaffle into the air, calling for them to get their arses in gear. Sirius barely moved. His eyes were locked on something across the lawn.

Or rather, someone.

Y/N.

She was perched on the low stone wall, legs crossed elegantly at the ankle, one hand propping up her chin, the other tracing lazy circles on someone’s thigh.

Remus followed Sirius’s stare and stopped dead.

The someone was Benjy Fenwick.

And Benjy—charming, annoyingly attractive Benjy—was laughing at something she’d said. His head tipped back, sun catching the streaks of auburn in his hair. And then she leaned in, smile curling like smoke, and kissed him.

It was a soft thing. Slow. Familiar.

Remus blinked.

Sirius swore under his breath. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I thought she hated Hufflepuffs,” Remus said faintly.

“She said he smelled like hay once,” Sirius hissed.

Across the lawn, Y/N pulled away and tucked her hand into Benjy’s collar, straightening it with a sort of intimate focus that made Sirius feel like he might combust. She laughed at something else, carefree and entirely unaware of the emotional crisis unravelling twenty metres away.

James, catching up and thoroughly unimpressed with their complete lack of Quidditch enthusiasm, glanced between them. “What’s up with you two?”

“Benjy Fenwick,” Sirius snapped.

“Ah.” James followed their gaze. “Y/N and—oh. Oh. That’s… wow.”

“She’s touching his hair,” Sirius added bitterly.

Remus folded his arms. “It’s too clean. No one’s hair is that clean. It’s suspicious.”

“Do you think she likes him?” Sirius asked, clearly hoping the answer was no.

“She’s kissing him, Padfoot. What do you think?”

“But maybe she’s just practising.”

“Oh, come off it.”

They stood in tense silence, all three of them now watching like the world’s worst spectators.

“She kissed me last week,” Sirius muttered.

James blinked. “What?”

“Only on the cheek. But it felt… significant.”

Remus snorted. “She fell asleep on my shoulder. And kept mumbling about how warm I was.”

Sirius wheeled on him. “That’s because you’re a human radiator, not because she wants to shag you.”

James raised a hand like a mediator. “Should we maybe… I don’t know… talk to her?”

“Absolutely not,” Sirius and Remus said in unison.

Across the way, Y/N stood and handed Benjy something—his jumper, maybe? Her hands lingered on his chest for a beat too long before she turned to go.

“Act natural,” Sirius hissed, nearly toppling over a bench to sit.

Remus adjusted his collar and opened his book again like he hadn’t spent the last five minutes having a silent breakdown.

Y/N spotted them, smiled, and wandered over.

“Hey,” she said lightly, the sun making her eyes gold at the edges. “What’re we up to?”

“Definitely not watching you snog Benjy Fenwick,” Sirius blurted.

Y/N’s smile widened, wicked. “Oh, so you were watching.”

“Hard not to,” Remus added coolly. “You were practically in his lap.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t faint, Remus,” she teased. “All that public affection. Must’ve been traumatic.”

James, ever unhelpful, gave a low whistle. “So, uh. That a thing now?”

Y/N shrugged. “We’re just having fun. He’s sweet. Smells like—what did I say once? Hay?”

Sirius grunted. “And yet you kissed him anyway.”

“I kissed you once and you still smelled like smoke and regret,” she replied breezily.

Remus choked on his own breath.

James actually dropped the Quaffle.

Y/N winked and leaned in to kiss Sirius on the cheek again—exactly where she had the week before. Then turned to Remus, gave him a look that was impossible to read, and plucked the book from his hands.

“Try page 394,” she said, flipping to it and handing it back before strolling off.

Remus stared down. The passage was highlighted. It read:

“Love is not always loud. Sometimes, it’s the hand that stays when the room clears.”

Sirius leaned over and read it too. Then scowled.
“Bloody hell.”

“Yeah,” Remus muttered. “Tell me about it.”

And from across the courtyard, Y/N didn’t look back.

She didn’t have to.
They were both already watching.

—————————————————————————

James and Sirius were wrestling in the corridor outside the Great Hall. Not fighting—just bored. Sirius had stolen James’ glasses five minutes earlier and was now ducking around stone pillars while James blindly swatted at him like a furious bat.

“You look brilliant,” Sirius called. “Truly. Very chic. Retro.”

“Give. Them. Back.”

“I’m helping you build character, Potter.”

Remus emerged from the library just in time to see Sirius vault onto the bench like a cat and James crash gracelessly into a tapestry. Peter trailed behind, chewing a sugar quill, expression unreadable.

“Do we ever… act normal?” Remus asked.

Peter shrugged. “What’s normal?”

Then Sirius froze mid-taunt.

Across the courtyard, just beyond the carved archway, there she was.

Y/N.

Perched on the edge of a low stone wall. Wind in her hair. One leg crossed over the other. And a girl beside her, leaning close, whispering something in her ear. Y/N said nothing in return. She just smiled — slow, unreadable — and lit a cigarette with a flick of her wand.

The girl looked smitten.

Y/N looked... absent.

There was something about her posture, her eyes. Detached. Like she wasn’t really there at all. Just performing herself. Cool and composed in her combat boots and black jumper, but the boys exchanged a glance. Because she looked more like a ghost than a girl.

Sirius’s smile faltered.

“That’s the third time this week,” Peter muttered.

“She’s just—” James started.

“She’s not,” Sirius cut in.

Remus said nothing. Just kept watching. A tiny crease between his brows.

“Maybe it’s just her blowing off steam,” James offered, halfhearted.

“She hasn’t stayed in the Tower in four days,” Sirius said. “No one’s seen her in classes. She’s not even showing up to Pomfrey anymore.”

“Maybe she doesn’t want to be found,” Peter added. Quiet.

They kept watching as the girl leaned in for another kiss and Y/N obliged, patient, a little bored. When the girl tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said something that made her laugh, the boys saw it: the way Y/N’s eyes didn’t crinkle. The way her hand gripped the stone edge of the wall just a bit too tightly.

“She’s pretending,” Remus murmured.

They didn’t approach.

Not then.

Instead, Sirius dropped James’s glasses into his hand without a word and walked back toward the castle. The rest followed, slower.

No one said it aloud, but they all thought it:

Something’s wrong.
And none of them knew how to bring her back.

—————————————————————————

The Room of Requirement pulsed with music and candles that hovered mid-air like sleepy stars. Bodies moved through the haze, laughing, spinning, pouring cheap firewhisky into goblets like it was lifeblood. The Marauders hovered near the back wall, drinks in hand, half watching the crowd.

“She’s here,” Remus said, quietly.

James followed his gaze. “Bloody hell.”

Y/N stood near the enchanted window, wearing combat boots and a tiny black slip dress, glitter smudged beneath her lashes and a drink in her hand like it was the only thing keeping her upright. She was leaning into the curve of a tall Slytherin — Rosier. His hand was already on the small of her back.

Her smile was wide. Too wide.

“She’s wrecked,” James murmured.

Sirius was already pushing through the crowd.

He reached her just as Rosier murmured something into her ear that made her laugh — sharp and hollow.

“Y/N,” Sirius said, gentle but urgent.

She turned to him, smile lighting up her whole face. “Sirius!” She said it like it was a beautiful surprise. “You came!”

He blinked. “Yeah. Are you—are you alright?”

She touched his arm lightly. “I’m great. Don’t worry about me, okay? It’s a party. Have fun.”

Sirius searched her face for something — pain, warning, even a flicker of performance — but she looked… happy. Tipsy. Warmed by drink and noise.

Rosier leaned in. “Problem, Black?”

Sirius ignored him. “Y/N, can we talk?”

She smiled again. “Nothing to talk about, sweetheart. Really. I’m fine.”

And then she was walking away, fingers entwined with Rosier’s.

Sirius stood frozen.

Remus appeared behind him seconds later. “She okay?”

Sirius shook his head. “No. She just doesn’t know it yet.”

—————————————————————————

Rosier pushed her against the wall of a cold, empty corridor near the Transfiguration wing. They were half in shadow, half breath.

“Filthy little Gryffindor, whore” he muttered against her throat. “Bet you love the way they all look at you. Like you’re ruined.”

She didn’t flinch.

“I bet you spread your legs for all of them first. Bet they didn’t even have to ask.”

Still, she didn’t move.

“You’re lucky I’m even—”

“Don’t stop,” she said softly, even though she hated the sound of it. Hated herself.

He laughed. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

She didn’t cry. Not until it was over. Not until he left her — skirt rumpled, hands shaking, lipstick smeared — hunched in a cold stone alcove.

She pressed her forehead to her knees and tried to breathe.

And that was when Sirius found her.

He didn’t say anything at first. Just crouched in front of her, eyes taking it all in — the bruises blooming too quickly, the hollow look in her eyes.

“I’m disgusting,” she whispered.

Sirius shook his head. “No. You’re hurting.”

“I let him talk to me like that.”

“I know.”

“I thought it might… cancel something out. That maybe if I—if I made it worse, I wouldn’t feel anything anymore.”

“You don’t have to punish yourself.”

She broke.

Right there, in front of him, in the cold corridor. Shoulders shaking, tears falling silently. Sirius wrapped his arms around her, pulled her against his chest and just held her.

“I didn’t even like him,” she whispered.

“I know.”

“I thought if I could feel something—” She broke off, voice hitching. “It just made everything worse.”

That was when she looked into his grey eyes with her tear stained ones.

And Sirius, who didn’t cry, not really — not for himself — blinked hard against the sting in his own eyes.

“Come on,” he said, voice rough. “We’re getting out of here.”

He carried her through the castle like she was weightless. No one saw them. No one needed to. He whispered the password (stolen from Remus weeks ago) and kicked open the door.

Sirius drew the bath himself, warm and full of rose-scented steam, and helped her out of the wreck of her clothes without ever looking too long. He let her cry. Let her talk. Let her say nothing. He sat on the floor while she soaked, head resting against the cold tiles, and when she was ready he helped her into an oversized Gryffindor jumper and pulled her into his chest again.

“Come back with me,” was all he said. She nodded her head, and laced her fingers with his. She didn’t speak. He didn’t push.

They climbed into his bed in the dark Gryffindor dorm. James and Peter were snoring. Remus’s bed was empty.

Sirius slid under the covers beside her. She turned into his chest without a word.

He stayed awake listening to her breathing. It slowed, then hitched, then slowed again.

Eventually, she fell asleep.

And when he let his hand run gently through her hair, he realised he was crying too.

When morning came, she was still tucked against his side, makeup long gone, eyes swollen, and Sirius was still awake, eyes red, arms locked around her like he might lose her too.

The others found them like that. And something in all of them shifted.

They didn’t make jokes that morning.

No teasing.

Just quiet looks, furrowed brows, and James pulling Peter aside to whisper, “We need to do something.”

—————————————————————————

Tags:

@bache3, @amatoanima, @captainlunaxmen, @sodavrr, @mayuwolfstar, @the-lavender-girl, @beekeepingageissome, @starmaniii, @infinitely-astro, @cupidblyss, @alexandra-001, @aqua0928

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[beyondallodds]

𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘! ｜ 𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥.

[ 𝗦 ] • 𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 ｜ in which James then realizes as to why he kept pursuing Lily for so long despite her constant rejection; he finds that it's not because he was in love with her, more so that it was due to his pride that he never faltered.

[ 𝗪 ] • 𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 ｜ [ third ] person's point of view, profanity, misunderstandings, false assumptions, realization, self-doubt, presumed one-sided attraction; overall fluff!

[ 𝗔 ] • 𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲｜ English isn't my first language, I'm so sorry!

Despite the odds of getting an assigned seat near the literal Lily Evans, his eyes stray to the person that sat a few seats away from her.

Unbeknownst to the young man, he has been unable to move his attention away from you since the beginning of class – however, the other Marauders most certainly did.

His eyes were fully immersed in your frame, his elbow firmly propped up on the desk as he leans his cheek against his fist.

Sirius slid closer to James, careful to not arouse attention from their professor as he discreetly nudged James' side, causing him to painfully grit his teeth before snapping his head at him.

"what?!" James whisper-yelled at Sirius, which made the corners of his lips twitch into a smile that he could no longer push down.

Sirius grinned at him, an apparent twinkle in his eyes as he 'discreetly' wiggled his brows. "you couldn't even be more obvious if you tried."

"Actually, he could." at that, both males jumped back in fright – almost squealing out in fear of the sudden voice that joined their conversation.

Remus suddenly appeared before them, alerting the both of them of his presence from behind their assigned seats.

"what the– when did you even get here?!" Sirius squeaked out, hand tightly gripping his shirt in fright as he wheezed.

Remus scrunched up his nose in slight offense, softly bonking Sirius' head with a rolled parchment, "I've been here since the beginning of class."

James finally calms, composing himself before then giving Remus a lopsided grin, "sorry... I– we were just too distracted."

Remus blankly stared at him, awkwardly looking around before nodding in acceptance, "yeah, I can... I can see that."

"Why are you all stalking someone?"

"AH!"

Sirius and James jumped back against their seats once more, loudly yelping in fright – which caught the professor's attention, yet he merely gave them a warning glare before going back to his lecture.

Sirius and James' head snapped towards where the voice came from, which they soon found to be Peter that came from behind the two, who was blinking rather innocently at them as he awaited for their response.

James heavily breathed as he widely stared up at Peter, who sat next to Remus, visibly wheezing as he tried to calm his speedily beating heart.

"I am... I am not... stalking anyone!" James weakly hissed out in defense between harsh breaths, hand tightly clutching his chest.

Sirius, despite still panting to rid himself from the previous shock, breathlessly chuckled at his defense.

"That's the biggest lie of the century, Prongs..."

James scrunched up his nose with a grin, playfully pushing Sirius back with a small laugh. "oh, quit it."

Remus and Peter chuckled at their playful display, softly grinning at the two before Remus shakes his head with a simple smile.

"don't suppose that you've already given up on Lily?" Remus curiously asks, smile never lifting from his face.

James then shook his head, looking rather confused, "no, no... what are you even talking about?"

Remus and Peter shared a look, simultaneously turning back to him with quirked brows.

"I don't know if you noticed, but you weren't looking at Lily." Peter habitually tapped his desk with the tip of his quill, awkwardly looking anywhere except for James' baffled expression.

"what?" James eyes widened in disbelief before he immediately covered it up with an unbelievable cough, "I wasn't looking at anyone."

"well, clearly, you were looking at someone–"

"You four, in the back! Pray tell, what might be so interesting that you must interrupt our lesson?" The professor yelled out quite abruptly, his wearied expression deepening into a frown of disapproval.

Approaching the startled students' that found themselves frozen up, desks with much displeasure, he then abruptly stopped in his tracks.

With great displeasure, he then trudged near the horrified males before promptly being halted.

"Professor, I believe they were just conversing about the task you had given us. They hadn't been talking about anything else," in an apparent attempt to defuse a tense situation for the remainder of the class, you startlingly covered up.

Fearing for their lives, the four men held their breath.

The professor, in clear need of some rest rather than having to deal with impassioned students, he then listlessly relented — walking back to the board with an irritated hiss of a sigh trailing off his lips.

James was just strolling through the halls of Hogwarts before he then caught sight of you, which immediately brought a wide smile to his face.

"[ n / n ]!" James called out with an excited wave, the bright grin that overtook his features widening even further when you waved back.

You smile, pushing your hair back to move it away from your face as he ran towards you in a jogging pace – yet, it was still notable that he had an excited bounce in his steps.

"sup, lover boy." you casually greet him, somehow making his smile grow larger as he walked in a steady pace with you.

James nervously chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck as he stuffed his sweating hand into his pocket. "you're... really still gonna keep calling me that, huh?"

You jabbed a finger to his chest, grinning in a joking manner, "not my fault that you keep chasing after that Evans girl."

James laughed even more nervously, feeling rather awkward due to the sudden topic, "right, right... that's the reason why you call me that."

James awkwardly coughed, pulling at his tie to lessen the sweat that kept sliding down his neck.

You quirked a brow at him, smirking the slightest bit at his nervous attitude, "of course. what other reasons are there?"

James merely shrugged his shoulder, not finding any need to respond to that if he were truly being honest with himself.

"so, uh... any plans this weekend?" James then asks of you rather anxiously, might I add; though, he found there to be no reason.

"no, no. not at all." a teasing grin then appeared on your face, cheeky it even appeared to be – amused by his poorly covered up nervousness, though you weren't sure what was the cause of it.

"why? Evans still hasn't taken you up on those dates you keep promising her?"

"haha– yeah, yeah. you caught me." quite nervously, James began to rub his nape, feeling a tad bit awkward.

It was rather difficult on James' part as an uncomfortable awkward pause then occurred in the middle of your conversation, which often happened when it came to the oh-so close proximity James tend to have with you.

"so, uh... are you available for Hogsmeade then? y'know, since it... only happens every two months or so." James soon asked, unable to walk alongside you with such an awkward air surrounding the both of you.

Beginning off your response with a bit of a hum, you tilt your head to the side – feeling rather curious of his intentions as it wasn't often he personally invited you to an outing.

"I don't know... are you only asking me because Evans refused to go out with you?" awfully teasing, you then grinned at him, a tad bit expectant as you watched him begin to stammer at the assumption.

Though you had meant to initially come off as playful, James seemed to think otherwise as he panicked over what you assumed his invitation may have been.

"What– that's not what I meant at all! I just wanted, uh, to have fun with you. Is it really that hard to believe?" a tad nervous, James began to chuckle lightly when he finally took note of the teasing underlying tone you used.

Finding hilarity at the sight of him turning into a nervous wreck, a bit of a laugh was pulled out of you before you shook your head in amusement.

"No, I was just kidding. I'd like to–"

Rather sudden, the booming sound of the Hogwarts bell then rang through the corridors – inevitably putting your interaction into a halt.

Having recovered from the interruption, you then turned to him with a snicker, "well, that's my cue... anyways, yeah. I think I'm free this weekend."

"Cool! Yeah, yeah... see ya! see you..." James waved you farewell, watching your departing figure until you've left his line of vision – assuring that you've reached your destination before his own.

Awkwardly, he pursed his lips after having caught on to his rather odd staring, one that will most definitely forever be engraved into his memories as a moment of embarrassment.

Merlin, what was happening to him?

Long after classes had ended, after having long since finished assigned tasks; the Marauders find themselves prattling over a variety of subjects, one of which became their main topic of the evening.

"Prongs, as much as it's a good thing for you to move on, I don't think it would be a good idea to move on... with [ name ]." Remus slowly began, making James frown.

"and, uh, why?" James reluctantly asks, pondering over what he just might say.

"I mean, [ name ]'s a free spirit – like you, sure, but I don't really think that..." Remus pauses, not quite wishing to speak out about his opinions.

"[ name ] rarely comes with us when it comes to our pranks and stuff, don't you think you should take in the possibility of them... you know, not romantically seeing you in that way if they think you're... childish?" Sirius continues for him, finally grasping what he had in mind.

Truly, Sirius didn't mean it in an offending way, he just wanted to save James from going through the high possibility of getting brutally rejected once more if he truly believed he moved on from Lily.

James frowns deeper at that, which only Peter seemingly noticed.

"well, they scold us sometimes, but I don't think they outright hate our 'childish' pranks. I might even say they enjoy it." Peter nervously says, hoping to bring back a bit of light into James' eyes, which visibly dimmed even further.

"we–" Sirius began, nudging Remus's side as he referred to the both of them – which received a pained grunt from the latter.

"–just think that we all should be aware of the fact that there's a high possibility of [ name ] rejecting you because they'd think you're using them as a rebound." at that, James practically blanched at such assumption.

"what? I'd never! why would they even assume that? I'm not that much of a prick!" James defensively retorted, feeling much offended.

"It has little to do with your personality and more so.. your reputation." In hopes of lessening the impact of the confrontation they were hoping on achieving, Remus continued on with an awfully tense smile.

"They're an awfully honest person. And seeing that you're.. you've pinned for Lily an ordeal lot of time now," Peter peered from the shoulder of Remus, throat scratchy with the feel of his heart hammering against his chest.

This already felt as though it wouldn't go quite well.

A brief laugh left James, having calmed his nerves with the intent of shaking off the concerned thoughts of his friends – tender smile eased on his face.

"Who says I'm still not pinning over Lily?" A concerning crack held within his tone was much apparent despite the insistence of James.

"You know, I feel quite crossed with you, Prongs," Sirius then began.

Their question concerning James's rather abrupt change of attitude had struck a chord within him.

"It's going to be... al-right."

There James stiffly stood in the great hall; urged by his friends to pursue Lily once more due to their fear of him getting blatantly rejected by their best friend, which they feared might result of her leaving their friend group.

Nervous, he felt. James was suffering through conflicting feelings whilst trying to organize his perplexing thoughts.

Sirius nudged his side, handing him a flower of sorts, "you know we can't have you accidentally making [ name ] run away from us. this is just a precaution."

James sighs in dismay, accepting the flower as he mindlessly followed the other Marauders to their table despite wishing to run away.

Truly, James didn't understand what issue the other three had with him taking the chance to move on from someone who barely even showed interest in him.

It was understandable for them to fear losing their connection with you, yet James couldn't help but feel as though he was the reason why they didn't agree on the idea of asking you out.

Perhaps they knew something, perhaps it was even possible that you had a secret lover of sorts and he never stood a chance in the first place.

Perhaps James was just the problem in general; far too childish for your specific type, possibly eliminating any chances he could've ever had with you.

James' eyes hesitantly looks around, partly believing that he shouldn't have allowed himself to get dragged off by his friends without first organizing his own thoughts.

Now, he had to recount the times he unrelentingly asked out Evans without care of how he came off to her – which he was sure to happen once again.

However, the only reason why James agreed on trying to pursue Lily once more was because he couldn't even understand his own feelings.

He wasn't quite sure if he truly even moved on from Lily or if it was merely a temporary distraction from her.

Which James believes to be one of the many reasons as to why the other three didn't think it would be a good idea to 'rashly' ask you out.

Remus lightly tugs on James' robe, discreetly pointing at a familiar girl that sat among her friends in the Gryffindor table, "there she is!" Remus whispered in his ear.

James nervously gulps down his nerves before tidying up his uniform, tightly gripping the single flower in hand.

Here goes nothing.

Continuously tapping his foot underneath the table, James frustratedly fiddled with his thumbs as he stared hard at his food – gritting his teeth in worry as his eye twitched.

Frustrated, he now feels. Dare James even say he felt anxious as his eyes trailed over to the redhead that sat a few feet away from him.

Now, James ponders over how he'd go about this.

Perhaps James should resume his usual unrelenting and rather arrogant attitude, perhaps even act a bit more romantic than what's usually expected of him.

James' eyes trailed over to the flower he was twirling in his hands, causing him to heavily sigh.

Remus frowns in worry, elbow lightly nudging his arm to get his attention away from the poor flower.

"Prongs, don't worry. nothing wrong's going to happen, you've done this before." yet, even so, Remus knew that the chances of James possibly messing up in some way or form was heightening by the minutes that passed spent wastefully.

James gave a disgruntled grunt, eyes having yet to tear away from the flower held loosely in his hands, "why do I have to do this again?"

"because you might fuck it up with [ name ], and if you did fuck it up–" Sirius merely shrugged, expression much notably blank – pausing for dramatics before then continuing; “who knows.”

Visibly deflating, James felt even more disheartened by such implication – grip tightening around the fragile stem of the flower; just how bad did they think he could've possibly messed up?

Even though their concerns were meant to be as such, concerns that should've pushed him on, he felt incredibly discouraged.

Though, with the comforting hand Remus laid on his shoulder, alongside the daring looks Sirius and Peter sent him – his competitive side chose to take on their challenge, not seeing the upcoming events as an issue at all.

So, with a pretend confident expression, he finally abruptly stood from the comforts of his seat – finally gaining the pretense courage needed to act upon what was needed to be done.

An obligation, this felt to be.

Yet, he much feared what would come to be between the two of you if he were to actually take accountability for his conflicting feelings – much more than he feared the crowd that awaited for his mischiefs to come into play.

With a shaky breath, James' eyes drifted to the redhead that sat a few seats away from the Marauders, his grasp on the flower tightening.

He could do this. He could do this.

James felt himself awaken of sorts when the entire great hall quieted down, a few snickers shared amongst his peers as his cocky demeanor faltered while he stood on the Gryffindor house's dinning table.

Embarrassed, he felt. That must've been a first after all those years he spent terrorizing most students of Hogwarts for a laugh – a feeling James had never felt even when he was caught doing dangerous acts that were mostly pranks.

From the corner of James' eyes, he found you in the crowd of gossiping students, catching the curious and rather amused look you threw at him – which made his thoughts scatter even more.

Part of James wondered whether or not you actually believed that he was retaking his nonexistent chances with Lily, wholly believing that, perhaps, you had no chance with him.

Perhaps the part of him wishing that you'd gaze upon them in jealousy was nothing but wishful thinking.

Perhaps, he finally came to terms that he merely continued pursuing Lily because he wanted to receive a certain look from you.

Yet, clearly, James wouldn't be getting it any time soon.

With a pained gulp, James abruptly backed away from Lily as he tightly gripping his uniform, eyes never meeting Lily's own worried ones.

I can't do this, James could only think to himself before he immediately left the great hall, away from the prying eyes of his schoolmates.

Soon after he left, laughter began to erupt from a handful of students, with a few remaining beginning to whisper about his abrupt exit.

The other Marauders shared looks of worry before then following after him. Questioning looks were thrown at them, yet they paid it no mind.

Meanwhile, as your peers chattered amongst themselves, you remained seated with a rather calculating expression, which was soon replaced with an amused smirk of sorts.

James laid sprawled over his bed with numerous pillows stacked up to create a comforting barricade around him, where he then proceeded to bury himself in. The doors were even locked to disable anyone from entering.

Pride, he now knew. That must've been what James had initially felt in the first place. The significant drain of his self-esteem. That must've been what James had been trying to replenish through the years by relentlessly pursuing Lily.

Sudden hurried knocks were banged on the door, which made James groan before he then covered his face with a pillow.

"James! open the door!" he heard Sirius worriedly yell from outside the dorm, which made James groan even louder as he squirmed around in an attempt to block of his yells.

"James, come on... we just want to talk to you." James then heard Remus calmly say, tone laced with anxiousness as Sirius repeatedly banged against the door.

"James Fleamont Potter, I swear, if you don't open this damn door – I will break it down!"

"no, get out..." James' muffled voice weakly replied, face still stuffed with a pillow as he rolled to his side.

Clearly, his voice was far too quiet as Sirius' knocking hadn't relented and even began to get louder soon after.

James gritted his teeth, burying himself further into the stack of pillows before he suddenly heard an explosive blast.

He hastily sat up in a panic before immediately calming at the sight of Sirius exaggeratedly panting after having exploded the hinges off the door with a spell.

James soon fell right back against his bed in an ungraceful manner, arm reaching out to cover his face with a pillow once more.

"just leave me alone..."

With much baffling speed, Sirius pried off the pillows that acted as a barrier around himself – leaving him groaning in annoyance, dreading the confrontation that was about to take place.

"James, what the hell happened out there?" though that came off in a criticizing manner, Sirius made it much apparent that he was merely worried about him.

Remus seated himself near James' curled legs, gently stroking one of them in a comforting manner.

All while Peter cautiously neared them, yet he kept his distance with his forehead creased in worry, frown kept in place.

Worried he may be, Sirius have become less lenient with James' constant changes in mood – he knew plenty of those conflicting thoughts could get to a person, but he fears that this may just be James' breaking point.

"That never happened before," Sirius began with note as his tone quieted down in fear of further jolting the man, his hand reaching over the blanket sprawled over James, pulling it up his body to provide a bit more comfort.

James began fidgeting from within the loose blanket, hands clasped together before he released a shakey sigh that appeared rather pained.

With much exhaustive effort, James rose from the bed before leaning back against the stack of pillows.

"Yeah.. that.." he took a strenuous swallow of saliva upon feeling an inch in his throat, "never happened before."

James then raised his head with much unswerving determination that utterly baffled the others, his brows deeply furrowed as a grin graced his cheeks.

"guys.. I think I'm in love."

The breathless tone had silenced the few in mere seconds, the room being uncomfortably empty yet filled with much rushing thoughts of its occupants.

"You've said that before, Prongs." win the beat of the silence, and with much confusion apparent, Sirius had risen his arms – finding little qualms of concerning himself with the sudden yet often proclamation of his friend.

"I know! I know.. but this time, it's different, you know?" Ever so joyous, a notable grin began spreading across the man's face; his cheeks flushing as he released a breathy laugh.

"It felt so wrong earlier.. with Lily, I mean."

"Maybe.. I've been wasting my time with the wrong girl, afterall," James meekly stated with little hopes of them having heard him, casting a forlorn glance to the side.

A rather thoughtful yet undeniably pitiful look was shared among the group, an audible brief sigh erupting from within the peace.

James had felt his breath hitch upon feeling a sudden hand firmly placed over his sagging shoulder, and with much utter unwavering support, Remus had merely shared a tender smile with him.

"Then do what you gotta do,"

James snapped his head upwards with great shock, finding the other two providing the most supportive grins one could make.

A brief smile of relief left him, "okay."

With a sway of your hips, you strutted into the room with no care apparent in your features due to the shades covering your eyes, catching the eyes of those in your surrounding.

With your hands kept inside your pocket, posture giving off the feel of arrogance, and head thrown back in an uncaring manner – many would even say that you were simply a rich person with no care of anyone around you.

Yet even so, James eyes couldn't leave you at all. By no means did he think that he came off as a creep, but the other Marauders sure thought so.

"i'm getting slightly disturbed." Sirius awkwardly whispered to the other two, his hand continuously poking his food as his eyes never left James.

"James' giving heart eyes to [ name ], he never gave heart eyes to Lily!" Peter harshly whispered to the other two, his eyes unblinking as it went back in forth between you and James.

Remus softly exhales, biting the insides of his cheek as he turned away from the others, "maybe we should just let him be... I mean, I honestly think he actually does like them."

"Well, what do you suppose we do? What if he messes up with [ name ]? What if he drags us into that mess?" Peter then relentlessly questioned, fearing the outcome the plausible path they're pushing James to take.

Peter then abruptly leans forward – his face unbearably close to Remus' own, "they'll never talk to us ever again if he ruins everything between them!"

"You don't actually think that James would drag us into his love life, right?" Remus felt bothered by the fact that they were doubtful of James' capabilities, even if he had failed a few dozen times.

"uh, well–"

With much apparent sarcasm, Sirius then jabbed a finger at Lily's direction for emphasis – dramatically gesturing towards her to further prove his unstated point.

Briefly reminded of James' persistent pursue of the redhead, the oddity of his former infatuation towards Lily Evans, Remus merely pursed his lips.

"Okay, but he involved the entire school with that one, she doesn't count."

Having thrown on the invisibility cloak over himself, he had began to follow you around as you went about your usual schedule throughout the day.

He had been doing so for the past couple of days, the other Marauders had even commented about how lucky James seemed to have been as you've yet to even notice his suspicious acts.

Cheeks heavily flushed, he clumsily hid behind the wall to hide from your view when you had began to look around.

In a cautious manner, James slowly peaked behind the wall before then sighing in relief when you began to walk away without having noticed him.

He then slowly began to sit down with his back against the wall, shoving off the invisibility cloak as he hastily wiped away the sweat that had began forming on his neck before then loosening his tie.

Bloody hell, he felt like a creep.

James began to wonder as to how you have yet to take notice of his constant presence around you, practically stalking you whenever you were near like some sort of obsessed predator.

Depressingly, he sighed. James knew that if you had known about his tendencies to creep around you, you would've beaten him with a flying broom by then.

He fears that if you knew, it would lessen his chances of receiving a positive reply when he finally gets the courage to ask you out.

The thought of it all was sending painful shivers of fear down his spine.

Though, James find himself not being able to blame the hypothetical version of you – because if he knew someone was stalking him, he would also beat that same person with a broom.

He released a disgruntled groan, contemplating on what his presumably next step should be.

There were plenty of possibilities to take into account, many of which his paranoia have already partially corrupted with the bizarrest of insecure thoughts.

James weighed on the option to perhaps casually converse with you about his particular dilemma in an equally casual manner instead of downright confessing, as if referring to someone else.

However, this then led him to fearing that he just might accidentally utter out a confession, which he would then have to counter with a pretentious cover before then pretending that he had just pulled a harmless prank.

Which he fears that it just might force you to push down your hypothetical feelings for him – which meant he'd lose all his hypothetical chances altogether.

A mess, James felt himself to be. Hair disheveled as his hand went through the twisted tangles from within his curls, chest heaving ever so slightly as he thought over his next move.

One that would preferably avoid the same reactions he often received from Lily when he genuinely pursued her from before.

Releasing a soft sigh, arguably looking much stressed as ever, James then sluggishly raised his head – taking a moment to process what was currently happening.

Soon turning rigid after a moment passed, a sudden jolt coursed through his entire being.

"AHH—"

Scrambling to his feet in a frantic manner, a nervous laugh then left him as he rushed to boot away the invisibility cloak behind him.

Backing up against the wall, James leaned against it with his arms crossed in hopes to not having come off as bizarre and instead feigned a suave stance.

Though known for being charismatic, he wasn't one to succeed in fooling those he felt attracted to – especially not one who was as observant as you.

Standing before him, there you were with your posture looking rather lax with a bit of a teasing grin stretched across your face.

Paying no mind to his rather skittish behavior, you further neared his personal space to keep as much little distance between the both of you.

"H-hey, [ name ]! What's, uh... what's got you here?"

"What's got me here in the halls... near divination class?"

You've considered the probability that he could barely function, so much so that he failed to take notice of the fact that classes have long since ended, giving few reason for you to near any classrooms.

James then scrambled a response, realizing he might possibly be discovered for his somewhat strange behavior — hoping to prolong a much-needed diversion to avoid blurting out his long-awaited inquiry. "Oh! right, right..."

However, you cared little for continuous pleasantries and small talk, "But what are you doing here?"

Ever expected, you awaited an immediate response to your question and was highly irritated by his current lack of confidence.

"A date!" unexpectedly, James practically squeaked out as his pulse raced — choking back a pained groan. "I want to take you to Hogsmeade… o-on a date!"

James's shoulders stiffened with bated breath; he could almost feel a frown set over his face.

"A date, it is, then."

"Huh! A-a date? A date..."

Ever so slowly, a genuine grin then starts to stretch across his face at the revelation – paying little mind as you made your way off, his mind then drifting.

"Huh... a date. heh..."

©𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙒𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿𝙎 – reposting, editing, and plagiarism (whether it be in another website or any other) is strictly prohibited. ⚠︎

[everythingisromant1c]

It's Always Been You - Chapter 7

james potter x fem!reader

summary - Now that things were seemingly going back to normal with James, the time had come for the marauders' next prank. But that doesn't mean you weren't in for some surprises of your own.

wc [5.0k]

all chapters | <- Chapter 6 - Chapter 8 ->

Classes for the next day went remotely better, considering the fact that no more potions had exploded and you'd given up on trying to avoid James. It seemed like it was physically impossible to do. You supposed that made sense, since you'd had him in your life for as long as you were old enough to form proper sentences. It was hard to imagine your life without him, no matter how much it may hurt to be around him.

You were forcing yourself to ignore that feeling now and focus on this impossible prank you were trying to pull off. You and the rest of the Marauders were stationed out in one of the hidden passageways within Hogwarts' walls, one that led you right in front of the Slytherin common room.

You lit the dark passage with your wand, the others having lugged the shampoo bottles you'd filled with red hair dye in a makeshift sack within the invisibility cloak, much to your displeasure.

"Remind me why we can't just accio all the shampoo bottles to us and get the hell out of here?" Sirius dropped the invisibility cloak and the bottles with a cringe-worthy slam to the floor, a sound that echoed through the dark passageway.

"Of course, Sirius," chimed Remus, smacking a sarcastic hand to his head. "Why hadn't we thought of that before? Let's just accio every single bottle at the same time and-"

"Okay, I get it," Sirius grumbled, rubbing at the shoulder that'd been carrying the bottles. "Someone's cranky."

James rolled his eyes at him. "No arguing with Moony, it's almost that time of the month."

"I wasn't arguing, only asking a reasonable question."

"Enough talking you guys," you butted in. "If we want this prank to work we need to start as soon as possible, alright?" You took their silence for compliance. "We remember the plan, yes?" From what you could see in the darkness, the four of them gave you a nod, albeit unsurely. "Okay, good."

You peeked around the corner towards the Slytherin common room and watched as the door swung open, a first-year girl walking through the doorway. With urgent eyes, you gestured for Peter to carry out his part of the plan. He didn't budge.

"Peter," you whispered, nudging him in the arm.

He turned to you cluelessly. "Hmm?"

You held back a groan, watching as the heavy door shut behind the first-year, your opportunity disappearing. "Okay, so we don't know the plan then?"

Peter looked at you guiltily. "Sorry, I spaced out when you went over it the first time."

"It's okay Pete," chimed Sirius. "I did too."

It took everything in you to stay quiet and not scold the two of them. You were already nervous enough. "I'm gonna go over it one more time, so everyone listen this time." You heaved a breath in. "First we need to make sure we can get the common room door open. Pete, you're going to wait until a Slytherin opens the door, and then run out in your animagus form and nudge that stone on the ground over there into the doorway. Got it?"

You turned to Peter, who was listening this time rapt with attention. He nodded.

"Good. Then, all we need you to do is make sure the Slytherins' bathroom doors are open, and that way James can hold the main door open so Remus can summon the bottles, about a dozen at a time."

"What?" Peter's eyes were wide and shifting around unsurely. "I have to go into the dorms? No way."

"It'll only be for a quick moment, Pete," you said, trying to comfort him.

"Yeah," encouraged Remus. "And you'll be in your animagus form, so nobody will even notice you. You don't even have to go inside the bathrooms, just make sure they're opened a crack. You'll be in and out."

You all stared at Peter expectantly, watching as he seemed to mull over the plan in his head. "I don't know."

"What's the worst that can happen?" sang Sirius. "If anything, they notice a rat in the dorms and go yelling. But this school has had rats before, so."

James stared at Sirius with widened eyes. "Don't give him any ideas, Pads." He put a hand on Peter's shoulder. "It'll go great. If anybody can do this, Pete, it's you."

James's determined words mixed with the sincerity in his eyes seemed to work, something you figured came from all his practice giving pep talks as Quidditch Captain. It took him a moment, but Peter eventually nodded, though he still didn't seem perfectly convinced.

You you looked at him meaningfully. "We won't let anything happen to you Peter, promise." That seemed to help, and you finished explaining the rest of the plan to your friends hurriedly.

You stared at the four of them once you finished. "Is everyone good with the plan now?" You rolled your eyes as Sirius raised his hand.

"All I'm saying is, everything would been a whole lot easier if we just drank Polyjuice Potion and turned ourselves into Slytherins like I said."

Remus sighed. "I already told you that Polyjuice Potion takes at least a month to brew."

"Yeah," you countered. "And besides, did you want to morph into Marcus Craggy, or were you planning on making one of us do it?"

"Oh please," Sirius laughed like you were the crazy one. "Don't be silly. Everyone knows I would've turned into a girl. That way I could-"

You held up a hand, cringing. "Don't finish that sentence, please."

Another ten or so minutes went by, though the way some of the others were acting would've had you believe it'd been close to ten hours.

"Remind me again how much longer we're going to have to sit here for?" Maybe it was the stress you'd been feeling for the past couple of days, but Sirius's sass had never been as irritating to you as it was then.

You sighed. "We could've been halfway done already if you'd all listened to the plan the first five times I said it."

"Well, we wouldn't need the plan if you'd just gotten the passwords to the Slytherin common room from Vance like we asked you to."

You reeled at the aggravating topic that he and James seemed to love to bring up. "Are you kidding me?"

"No, I'm serious."

You squinted your eyes at him and whatever joke he was trying to make in a moment you did find funny whatsoever. "How would I have even gone about asking for a thing like that anyway? It's completely ridiculous."

Sirius barked out a laugh much too loud for the setting you were in. "Oh please. The bloke obviously likes you. All you would've had to do is bat your eyelashes and he would've handed it right over."

You squinted at him annoyedly in the dark lighting. "What the hell are you talking about?"

To your surprise, James groaned, leaning back against the wall. "Enough Sebastian talk, please." His tone was grim and tight, contrasting Sirius's overly loud drawl.

"Come on Prongs, just because you're jealous that-"

"Shh, look."

You all stopped arguing at Remus's call, turning to peak back towards the hall where a Slytherin boy was entering. You didn't have any time to think over whatever Sirius had begun to say, your mind settling itself on putting the plan you'd spent so much effort trying to formulate into action.

"Pete," you whispered. "That's your cue."

Ignoring the fact that he looked like he was going to be sick, you watched as Peter took a shaky step away from the group and, before your eyes, morphed into a measly rat at your feet. The sight was never something you could get used to.

Just as you'd told him to, Peter scurried across the hallway behind the Slytherin boy and, right as the door to the common room was about to close, rolled the stone you'd placed on the ground into the doorway. When it shut behind the boy, you could see the gap in the doorway that told you your plan was a go.

"Alright Wormtail!" Sirius whispered from across the hall, and you all watched silently as the little rat looked back toward the four of you before scampering into the Slytherins' common room.

"Bless the lad," you heard Sirius say from behind you, sounding overly sentimental.

"Let's hope he won't need any blessings if everything goes according to plan." You let out a breath. "Okay, next step. We need to see where the prefects are on their rounds. Who has the map?"

You looked between the three boys, watching as they all stared back at you with blank eyes. Your mouth hung in disbelief. "Don't tell me we forgot the map again." At that point, it was getting harder and harder to keep your voice to a secretive whisper.

"Relax," said James, voice hushed. "Padfoot has it."

Sirius scoffed, turning towards the brunette. "Prongs, I think I would know if I had it-"

"Turn around."

Sirius frowned. "What?"

James stared back at him with a confident set in his eyes. "Just turn around."

"Really?" Sirius fawned with a smirk. "In front of all these people?"

James shook his head, though you knew he could never resist a dirty joke. He hid his boyish grin and cleared his throat, gesturing to Sirius curtly. "Pads, c'mon."

At that, Sirius turned around with his back facing you, and lo and behold, you could see the corners of the map peaking up helplessly from the back of his pants.

You put an exasperated hand up to your forehead, features twisting painstakingly. "Why the bloody hell is it in your pants, Sirius?"

Sirius looked back over his shoulder towards the map, face screwed up in confusion. "I honestly don't remember putting it there."

You stared at him for a moment in disbelief. "Well, can you take it out please so we can finish the prank?"

"Of course, m'lady." He flashed you a grin you absolutely did not like the look of. "You sure you don't wanna do it yourself?" James elbowed Sirius in the side, his smile swapping itself out for a roll of his eyes. "Alright, alright."

The three of you looked on as he contorted his body to reach for the map, his struggle not seeming anything but overdramatic to you as you waited impatiently.

"C'mon Pads," chided James as he went to reach for the map despite its location.

"No, almost got it." The site of him losing a match against his own pants threatened to make you laugh even with how on edge you were, though you dropped your smile when he finally pulled the map free, only to drop it. You watched with horror as it slid onto the ground, out into the middle of the hallway.

"Great." You sighed at the site of the folded paper sitting unguarded out in the open and the fact that you had no idea where the prefects were on their rounds.

"Don't worry," cooed Sirius. "I'll get it." He took a confident stride forward, but you put a hand out just as fast.

"No," you warned, not having faith in his stealthiness after what you just witnessed. "Just- just stay where you are. I'll get it."

With that, you checked that the coast was clear on both sides before stepping out of the hidden passageway and into the open corridor, ignoring the irritated look you knew Sirius was giving the others at your orders.

With your heart beating fast in your chest and a glance at the slightly ajar Slytherin common room door, you bent over swiftly and picked up the map. Once it was secured in your hands you could already feel your senses returning to normal, though that feeling left as soon as it came.

You stood back up and were face to face with a body in Slytherin robes, your reflexes hiding the map behind your back right away.

"Sebastian!" you put on a cheesy smile in greeting before you could even think straight, though maybe it was because seeing the familiar face gave you some relief.

"Hey," he greeted back, and then you watched him process the fact that you were in the dungeons all alone. "What're you doing down here?"

You spoke before you even thought about what to say. "I was, uhm, seeing Slughorn for some extra help. Felt extra motivated after yesterday." Nice one. How easily the lie came to you concerned you.

"That's great." Sebastian's voice was warm, though there was a tug between his brow as he glanced over your nervous figure. "Are you alright?" his frown deepened. "Did Slughorn say something?"

It took you a second before remembering what he was referring to. Your lie, right.

"What? Oh, no, he didn't say anything bad. I'm great, really." You nodded at him and watched his features lighten up again, and then you felt bad because of how much he seemed to really care, and about the fact that you were lying straight to his face. You'd been doing more lying than you would've liked as of late.

Right when you were about to say something else, maybe wish him goodbye, you heard a small clang come from the knight armor to your right, and you mentally cursed because it came right from where you knew the boys were hiding.

Crap, you thought as you remembered they were listening to everything. You'd almost forgotten. You spared a glance over to where you knew they were hiding out, and luckily couldn't see anything. Hopefully, that meant Sebastian couldn't either as he surveyed the source of the noise.

You turned back to him, offering a smile you hoped looked as genuine as you meant it to as you freaked out internally. "Well, it was nice seeing you, Sebastian," you said through tight lips. "Night."

He looked back at you with the air of confusion at your rushed tone but didn't question you. "Yeah, goodnight." He nodded back and you, trying not to look suspicious, walked past him as if you wouldn't turn around in a second once he left.

"Actually," he called, and you turned right back around fast enough to give you whiplash, trying to keep the map hidden behind your back. "I've been meaning to ask you something. I wanted to yesterday, actually, before we got interrupted."

"Yeah," you rushed in, cringing at the memory and mentally cursing James. "So sorry about that. James feels sorry too, about the whole potions thing, in case he hasn't apologized already." You said the last bit with emphasis because you knew he hadn't, even after all your chiding.

"It's alright, Madam Pomfrey didn't even have to do anything. And, I hope you fixed your emergency, by the way." He was referencing the 'emergency' that James had interrupted you over, one that made you fight shaking your head at the memory.

You only smiled. "Yeah, we did, thanks."

"Great," said Sebastian, and he put his hands in his pockets, looking visibly tense. Then he took one hand out to rub it over the back of his neck, not saying anything for a moment as you both stood in the hallway.

"Sebastian?" you called, and that seemed to bring him back to life.

"Right, sorry." He exhaled, looking at you meaningfully. "I guess what I've been meaning to ask was, would you want to go to the Hogsmeade trip this weekend? With me?"

You paused your thoughts, stilling at his words. Whatever you'd expected him to say before, it was certainly not that.

You didn't know what to say right away, or how to react. He was waiting for you to say something, and you definitely wanted to, but you just didn't know what. Something warm did bloom in your stomach though, and the shadows of a smile grew on your face because someone was asking you on a date. Sebastian Vance was asking you on a date.

"So?" Sebastian asked softly and you turned your attention back to him. You didn't know how long you'd left him standing there as you became lost in your thoughts, but looking at his hopeful eyes and friendly smile, you felt like the answer you came up with was plain as day.

"Yes."

"Yes?" he asked, and maybe you hadn't spoken loud enough, or maybe he was in disbelief, but you could see a smile breaking out on his face and it felt almost contagious.

"Yes," you repeated through a smile of your own. "I'd love to go on a date with you, Sebastian." Your eyes widened. "It is a date, right?"

He laughed, soft and quiet in the empty hallway. "Yeah, it's a date. That is, if you're alright with that."

You chuckled shyly, feeling unfamiliar in your own skin. Was this really happening? "I'm alright with that."

"Great." Sebastian clapped his hands together low in front of him, chest rising and falling steadily as if some great weight had been lifted from him. He looked almost radiant—he was a good-looking boy, might you add. "You know, I wasn't exactly sure you'd say yes with Potter and all."

You paused, smile swapping out for a confused frown. "What?"

Sebastian looked at you like then like he'd hit a nerve and was suddenly cautious. He put his hands in his pockets again, shrugging it away. "It's nothing, never mind."

You tried to make your face more casual and less alarmed. "No, really. What do you mean?"

Sebastian seemed to pause for a second in thought like he was weighing his options, before letting in. "It's just that, I don't know, I thought you and Potter were kind of an item. At least at one point. A lot of people do." His words seemed to flow out endlessly and you couldn't believe you were hearing them right. "And you know, with the rumors about you guys, er, in the broom closet and all, I wasn't sure-"

"On my God no," you cut in quickly, feeling both mortified with flames at your cheeks and angry at whoever started them. "Those were just rumors. Godric, I don't even know how they started. James and I are friends. Just friends."

Even if Marlene and Lily had always poked fun at you about the topic, you'd never actually thought about what others thought of you and James. Could they see your crush on him during all these years too? The fact that Sebastian had assumed you might be together made you feel ... you didn't know how it made you feel.

But none of that mattered now. What you said was true: you and James were just friends. You wouldn't let the possibility of anything else interfere with your love life, or your lack of one, rather. At least not anymore. You thought about what Sirius had said to you the other night and hated him slightly less for it.

"Well that's good to know," said Sebastian contently, taking you out of your spiraling thoughts. "So, I'll see you then?"

You were about to say "yes," and finally wish him a goodnight until a high-pitched and truly ear-cover-worthy scream sounded from the Slytherin common room. Not more than a second sooner did you watch as a rat, not just any rat—Peter—scurried out of the small crack in the doorway and down the hallway.

You'd momentarily forgotten where you were and exactly what you'd been in the middle of doing before Sebastian had stopped you, and the site of Peter was a blaring reminder. You thanked Merlin that Sebastian had his back to the door because somehow he hadn't noticed Peter running panicked right past his feet.

He turned to you in confusion and some horror. "What the hell was that about?" he looked between you and the common room door, laughing, and you laughed too, albeit nervously to mask your horror.

"No idea."

Thanks to the commotion that the rat spotting had caused in the Slytherin dorms, your carefully planned prank had, for lack of a better word, gone to shit.

Peter had returned to the boys' dorm early after the chaos of his being discovered and hadn't come back. None of you blamed him very much, though. Especially not after Filch's cat Mrs. Norris made an unexpected appearance on the Marauder's map, and you all watched anxiously as she chased him all the way back to the dorms.

"'Was bloody horrifying," shuttered Peter as he took a seat on his bed. You'd all headed back to the dorms once you realized there was no way you'd be able to finish the prank after that.

"We're so sorry Pete." You sat down on the bed next to him. "I really didn't think they'd notice you. They usually don't."

"Yeah," added Remus. "And I don't know how we missed Mrs. Norris on the map. It's our bad, really."

"Some first-year girl threw a book at me. Nearly missed my head!" Peter rubbed at the back of his skull as if he could still feel the almost-impact.

Sirius walked over, patting him on the head. "We'll get our revenge soon, Wormy. Don't you worry."

You stared up at him wryly. "We will not be 'getting revenge' on an eleven-year-old, Sirius."

"Of course not," he rang, patting you on the head too, which you batted away. "I only meant with the hair dye, is all." You ignored the wink you saw him give Peter as he went to sit on his own bed.

You watched as James walked into the dorm room last, sitting on his bed next to Peter's wordlessly. You all had a defeated air to you because of the failed prank, though James looked the worst.

"C'mon guys," you urged. "It could've gone a lot worse."

Peter shook his head from next to you. "Could it have? I almost got eaten by a cat."

"Yeah," Sirius said, tone sour. "Excuse us for being so down about that disaster of a prank. Not all of us scored a date from it, you know."

You looked down at your lap with a scoff. "I knew you wouldn't let that go."

"Did you really expect us to? I mean, really? That Slytherin bloke?"

"Oh my God." You shook your head. "I am done listening to you all groan about your house rivalry. Him being a Slytherin has nothing to do with whether or not I should date him."

Sirius looked squinted over at you, looking like he had a thousand responses on the tip of his tongue, but then he shrugged. "Okay, fine. But house aside, Vance is a total player."

You scoffed again in annoyance. "He is not." You traced back all memories of the boy in your mind and could think of maybe two other girls that he's dated. You rolled your eyes. "And I find it pretty ironic that you of all people are calling someone a player, Sirius."

He laughed, obviously finding the conversation much more amusing than you were. "Do you even like him?"

You were getting more worked up than you would've liked, confused as to why Sirius was challenging this so much when he was just lecturing you about never going on dates. "What is there not to like?" you retorted. "He's nice, smart, he's a great Potions partner-"

"But do you like him?" Sirius cut you off with a seriousness in his tone, looking at you challengingly. A silence filled the room for a moment, the others all sprawled around it as an audience to the argument you wanted nothing to do with.

You stared back at him, considering things in your head for a moment before answering. "Yes, I do." You put a hand on your hip. "Are you happy?"

Sirius didn't respond to your frustrated question, shifting his gaze to something behind you. "Prongs, what do you think about all of this?"

You frowned at the unexpected change of focus, following Sirius's eye-line over to James, who sat on his bed, hunched forward with his elbows to his knees. He looked pensive, maybe still defeated from the prank, but something unidentifiable simmered behind his gaze, seeming to harden it. You didn't know what it was and you didn't know what Sirius was trying to do by involving him either.

He was silent for long enough that you were beginning to think he hadn't heard Sirius, until he shrugged. "I just can't believe you're missing our first Hogsmeade trip of the year."

If there was anything you were expecting James to say, it wasn't that. You ran a hand through your hair. "I guess I hadn't really thought about that." You turned to James thoughtfully. "It isn't like I'll be gone the whole day. And there will be other Hogsmeade trips for us to all go to, right?"

"We always spend the first one together, though," James said, tone heavy.

"He's right," Peter agreed. "It's practically a tradition."

You sat back down on the bed, feeling tired. "What do you guys want me to do? Tell him I can't go out with him?"

"Of course not," Remus chimed. "We're happy for you. They're just saying they're gonna miss you being there on Saturday, is all." He stared at the others expectantly. "Right guys?"

It took a second, but they all nodded, some apologies muttered, and you'd never been so thankful for Remus.

"Thank you," you said sincerely. "That means a lot." You sat in thought for a moment, before an idea sprang into your mind. "Why don't we all go get butterbeers from the kitchen like we always do after a prank?"

"After a successful prank," Sirius corrected.

"Yeah, I don't know if I'm in the mood to celebrate." Peter looked like he was reliving the horrors of the rat fiasco in his head again.

"It would cheer you up though, wouldn't it?" You nudged Peter's side before standing up. "Come on." You pulled on his arm until he was standing up lazily, though you knew he was fighting a smile. "Let's go. The house elves would love it if we paid them a visit." You motioned for them all to follow as you walked towards the door, Sirius and Remus doing just that, but James stayed put. "James?" you called. "You coming?"

He looked up at you from where he sat, face seeming drained of any excitement at the prospect of his favorite drink, eyes avoiding yours. "I think I'll just stay back."

Your brows furrowed in concern at his dejected voice and unconvincing flash of a smile, and you took a step closer to him. "Are you sure? You never turn down a butterbeer."

His face had gone stonelike and revealed little to nothing, but you knew something was off. "Just don't feel up to it. You guys go."

You didn't budge right away, looking at your friend more closely in an attempt to figure out what was wrong, but Remus stepped in front of you.

"You guys head to the kitchens. James and I will catch up, just give us a minute."

You stood there, looking back and forth between Remus and James unsurely like there was some unspoken secret they both shared. Remus met your eyes, nodding at you assuredly, and you relented, glancing back at a confused James before leaving the dorm room. Sirius and Peter followed behind you.

"What do you think that's all about?" Peter asked as the three of you walked through the common room to the portrait exit.

"It's James," Sirius responded naturally. "It's probably either about Quidditch or Evans."

By the time the three of you all made your way down to the kitchens and ordered up five butterbeers, Remus had followed through on his promise and had James following him into the kitchen, though he looked a tad off. Not his energetic James self, his head was slightly hung forward with his hands in his pockets.

Remus took the spot next to Sirius at the table you sat at, and James took the spot next to you. You peeked over at him concernedly, but he didn't look up from wherever he was staring off.

"Alright," Sirius announced. "Now that we're all here," he picked up his butterbeer, "let's make a toast, shall we?"

"To what exactly?" asked Peter. "Not like we can toast to a good prank."

"I know," you said as you raised your glass. "To a great school year and successful future pranks."

"Yes," agreed Sirius. "And to many more hot Hogsmeade dates."

Laughter bubbled from Peter and Remus with your lips parting in alarm, though you were holding back laughter too. "Sirius," you chided, and he shrugged.

"Only being supportive."

With a roll of your eyes, your glass collided with three others, one glass missing from the toast.

"James?" you called. His eyes snapped up like he hadn't even noticed the conversation going on. You turned to him with a lowered voice that revealed your worry. "Is everything okay?"

He cleared his throat slightly, eyes not meeting yours, though you could've sworn he shared a look with Remus. "Yeah, sorry." He hurriedly raised his glass too. "Cheers," he added, and took a sip of his butterbeer that had his head tipping back.

The others seemed to overlook James's odd mood and conversation flowered regularly for the rest of the night, though you noticed time and time again James's offness in the way he talked less, or the times he'd space out or seem distant.

After some time the five of you headed back to the common room. Even during the walk back James was a few feet ahead of the group, veering off into his dorm room before you could even say goodnight. You stood there in uncomfortable thought, staring at the staircase he'd just climbed before Remus came to stand by your side.

"You alright?" he asked, and you could see from your peripheral the way he peered at you in curiosity.

"What happened back there with James?" You shifted to face him, watching as he waved an arm casually.

"Nothing, really." You gaped at him disbelievingly at his obvious avoidance of your question. "He'll be alright," he added under your scrutiny. "He's just having an off night."

"What'd you say to him to get him to come with us to the kitchens?"

"You just have all the questions lined up, don't you?"

You glared at him and his sudden annoying sense of humor. "Remus."

"Alright, alright," he chuckled, putting his hands in his pockets. "I just told him to lighten up," he shrugged. "Be happy for you, is all."

Your mind faltered, eyes widening. "You think he's upset about me?"

Instead of answering your question, Remus simply tipped his head down, a one-sided smile tugging at his lips.

"What?" You pried, feeling like there was some big joke you'd been left out on. Remus looked back up at you, shaking his head, but you were feeling more irritated than playful. "No seriously, what?"

With a knowing glint in his eye, Remus bowed his head before taking a step back towards the steps. "Night."

It took you a second to realize he was going off to bed and ignoring your question, leaving you clueless in the common room.

"Remus Lupin!"

Your shouts only met his back as he disappeared up the steps. You huffed. When Remus really wanted to, he had it in him to be even more aggravating than Sirius in a bad mood.

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