#theroomofreq

[florenceafternoon]

━。゜✿ jily fic recommendations ✿ ゜。━

Featuring coffee shop, neighbours and historical AUs because everyone deserves to find their next comfort read.

For reference, anything in italics is taken from the summaries.

Provisionally Yours by snapslikethis

Lily Evans discovers she’s been married off to James Potter without her knowledge. She and the spoiled count (in whom she appears to have finally met her match) have three days, for better or worse, to decide whether to accept the contract. With her sister adamant to make her life miserable, and a husband who seems equally determined to repel her, what else can possibly go wrong?

I think this fic captures their inquisitive nature perfectly. Through their banter, you can see just how compassionate and selfless James is and how he can be very sincere despite his antics. Lily is described in canon as vivacious and this fic illustrates how her reserved nature dissolves when in good company.

Till Death Do Us Part (Let It Be Quick) by @wearingaberetinparis

“Till death do us part,” she concluded, all air sucked from her lungs. Her fate signed, sealed and delivered. As the priest spoke his final words, she found herself ensnared in her adversary's gaze, trapped by the weight of it, her mouth opening as she spoke under her breath - almost subconsciously: “Let it be quick.”

A Jily Arranged Marriage AU in which Lady Lily never imagined she would fall for the husband she was forced to wed. Inspired by My Lady Jane.

I'm so excited about this, you guys don't understand!! Mary's writing is always phenomenal but her historical AUs have a very special place in my heart

all the king's horses, all the king's men by @jilyss

As queen, Lily Evans faces the suffocating weight of isolation and loneliness that comes with the crown. The only constant in her life is James Potter, her loyal and ever-watchful royal guard.

Wizarding Betrothal by pasmosa

Lily’s parents arranged her marriage to a wizard when she was born, and sealed the deal with a binding magical contract! Nobody counted on Lily choosing not to cooperate! Someone’s heart will get broken. Will it be her own?

oops I did it again by Anonymous

Annoyance, a deep, visceral annoyance that only Potter seems capable of generating, stirs up within her. Part of her still wants to storm out and away from him, another part wants to smack that smirk off his face, and a third very secret part that should never have existed in the first place can’t stop thinking about that photo, about her mouth on his, about his long fingers rucking up the hem of her shirt.

If she leaves now, she reasons, he’ll have gotten the last say, and that’d be absolutely no fair.

So she stalks over, plants her hands on her hips, and looks up at him. “Alright, new deal,” she says. “One kiss — one real kiss — and then you get it out of your system.”

(Spoiler alert: Neither of them gets anything out of their system.)

It's got everything you'd want from a uni AU

Literary Sophistication by @andromedabooks

Bookstore AU where an English girl enjoys Great American novels and her date has correct opinions regarding film adaptations

Customer In Law by @annabtg

James Potter is young, handsome, the proud owner of a coffee shop, and tragically - according to his mother - single. In an attempt to stop her from trying to set him up with her friends' daughters, he decides to go along with his best friend's plan and recruit his regular customer Lily Evans to play the part of his girlfriend during his mother's birthday party. Of course, the fact that he’s got a huge crush on her is entirely irrelevant…

The amount of pinning in this...

Golden Lights by PotterandEvans (on ao3)

James Potter, competition-winning figure skater has a crush, a crush on the redhead that works at his favourite coffee shop. When he finds out that she also teaches children how to skate on the weekends, he finds himself on the rink to join her.

throwing chances (requires an ao3 account) by @theroomofreq

prompt: “I’ve spent the summer climbing through your bedroom window so no one sees, please won’t you give me a chance?”

Or the one where both of them are early birds but Lily needs coffee

A Cashmere Christmas Miracle by @oyprongs

"Lily doesn’t really have an excuse for why she does it. It’s completely unprofessional - not that that matters much at her workplace - and probably constitutes some form of light stalking. But the jumper’s been in the bin at work for weeks, and she’s tired of tossing it aside whenever she clears out the other clothes, and Mary’s on holiday so she doesn’t have anyone dropping in to say hi, and she has to stress this: Lily’s job is very, very boring."

or Lily finds a jumper at her work's lost and found and decides to text the number stitched to the label.

This fic read like a recount a friend would text me and I mean this in the best way

Can't you see (you belong with me) by Boggarts_butterbeer (on ao3)

"I love your eyes" she says it so softly, so earnestly and his heart absolutely melts. "It was you" she carries on, resting her forehead on his, "it was going to be you all along"

he's about to say something (and it isn't going to be complete mush) when the door bangs open and they turn to Effie holding a tray of biscuits, absolutely grinning from ear to ear shouting "Fleamont, Oi Fleamont get your arse up here it's happened! it's finally happened, Oh and bring the camera!" and behind him is Sirius, recording the whole thing doubled over in laughter, and lily flushed red, hiding her face in his chest as he groans

Or Jily muggle au inspired by the You Belong with Me music video because it is the best video of all time- Lily pines secretly whilst James pines not so secretly

Because at my core I'm a friends to lovers girl

Covet Thy Neighbour by @beedaily

There are lots of ways to introduce oneself to a new neighbour, but breaking into their flat, perhaps, is a road less travelled.

Reunion also by @ /beedaily

The last person Lily expects to see at her law conference is the first boy she'd ever kissed.

Shout Out To My Ex series also by @ /wearingaberetinparis

James and Lily work for Phoenix Radio, a radio station that finds its existence threatened by the successful Riddle Radio. When asked to brainstorm an idea for a new show, Lily comes up with a show in which two exes discuss the aftermath of their break-up. Obviously, so Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall decide, she and James are perfect to play the part. The only problem? They never actually dated. A fake exes AU that leads to so much more drama than you might expect.

A Jily Modern AU inspired by Rachel Lynn Solomon’s "The Ex Talk".

The ending was just perfect

I Spy, I Spy With My Little Eye also by @ /wearingaberetinparis

Potter. James Potter. It sounds like a joke. It most certainly isn’t.

A Jily MI6 Spies AU in which James Potter and Lily Evans attempt to take down Tom Riddle.

Too Young to Have This Kind of Epiphany by @tinyluminaryzombie

Lily's a badass legislative director at a climate non-profit. James is a sweet, funny, and gorgeous co-owner of Three Broomsticks, the cafe Lily's started visiting. They're kind of obsessed with each other (but also refuse to make a move).

her favourite regular by @arianatwycross

A little doe-mestic moment for our two love birds with a sprinkle of my favourite: coffee

The Phoenix: A Coffee Shop Story by hp_poppet_writer (on ao3)

Lily gets more than she bargained for at the new coffee place her roommate recommends.

Lily feels her mouth go dry. If this is the view, this tall, chiseled specimen with the perfect amount of scruff on his face, she would gladly drink a cup of the worst coffee in the world every day. Her caffeine-deprived, still-asleep, drooling brain manages to squeak out “coffee” as she continues to openly stare at him.

His smile turns into a smirk, hazel eyes lighting with a mischievous glint. He pushes his glasses up before responding.

my mind turns your life into folklore (i can’t dare to dream about you anymore) by petitecanard (on ao3)

Lily had not been the reigning belle for twenty miles around Cokeworth without learning to distinguish between a flirt and a man who was in earnest. She replied instantly: “I know very well that Lord Potter means nothing by his compliments! Indeed, I am in no danger of being taken-in like a goose. And I still think he is odious, and a toerag, and a bully, and – and everything of that sort!”

Or, when the impoverished Miss Lily Evans embarks to London to find a husband, she impetuously engages in a battle of wits with the eligible Lord James Potter.

Quintessential jily

moppet (requires an ao3 account) by @gryffindormischief

Sometimes it's the unexpected things you love the most (feat. singel dad James).

heuristic also by @ /gryffindormischief

Bad restaurants, texting, DDR, pet apartments, more texting, nachos, and bookstore dates, all normal in the early days of a relationship, right?

may i borrow some sugar by oneofthesirens

Lily sits up so fast she’s surprised she doesn’t get whiplash. She recognises him, vaguely, in that way that sometimes they pass in the street and awkwardly nod. He’s tall – really tall, and she definitely has not developed an obsession with that – and wears glasses that are either dorky in a cool way, or hipster in an uncool way. He’s kind of exactly her type which was the first thing Marlene had pointed out when she’d seen him in passing.

Her naked and, more importantly, oblivious neighbour spins around to grab something from behind him and Lily sees… well, everything. More than she wanted to and, at the same time, not enough at all.

So, she does what any reasonable, twenty-five-year-old girl would do; snatches her phone from the bedside table, pulls the duvet up above her head so her naked neighbour can’t see her looking, and texts her friends.

Or: Lily and James are semi-neighbours, somewhat acquaintances, and she might have hosted a pretend-party just to talk to him

The Return (requires an ao3 account) by cwannabe5 (on ao3)

When Lily returns to her old university town for a weekend reunion with her university friend group, she naively expects old feelings and relationship dynamics to stay where they belong: in the past. However, it becomes immediately clear to her that being drawn towards James isn't something she can run from forever, and in fact, if she can manage to admit it to herself, sometimes addressing the elephant in the room leads to a happy ending.

Also, (not so) reluctant bed-sharing.

Life and Lemons by @lovesickjily

Harry loves his parents dearly, but he would love it even more if they were together. He decides to play cupid in an effort to have a happy family.

[startanewdream]

Do you have any recommendations for Jily blogs/ fic authors to follow? I'm pretty new to Jily fandom and just recently discovered your amazing fics 🥰

This kind of ask makes me nervous because I'm sure I'll forget someone, so please take this as a non-exhaustive list:

@maraudersftw @mppmaraudergirll @constancezin @missgryffin @blvnk-art @annasghosts @annabtg @petalstofish @blissfuljily @sunshinemarauder @joyseuphoria @allthosedarlings @charmsandtealeavess @charmingwillow @abihastastybeans @tiffanytoms @sweeethinny @theresthesnitch @the-dream-team @chdarling @silly-little-writer @booksarelife-stuff @relyingonoldships

@blitheringmcgonagalll @ohjesombre @ohmygodshesinsane @kates836 @futuristiclawuniversityy @wearingaberetinparis @hotlatinospacerebel @itsjamespotter @stonecoldhedwig @dizzy--bird @harryissuchalittleshit @theroomofreq @all-things-jily @nat-reads-jily @jilyaya @jilyesplz

@tumbledfreckles @practicecourts @isahorcrux @siriuslychessi @chierafied @ghost-of-bambi @bcdaily @frustratedpoetwrites @chiechie97 @scriibble-fics @smileyjily @moonawrites @athenasparrow @uncertainwallflower, @merlinsbbeard @arianatwycross @kay-elle-cee @merlins-sequined-hotpants @nought-shall-go-ill @shhhhharpat @up-to-some-good

Honestly, Jily Fandom seems to be growing all the time! Follow some blogs, keep your eye for their reblogs, reblog yourself to spread the word, and keep this beautiful ship alive 💖

[narukoibito]

7-Up

@takearisk-ao3 tagged me to share seven lines from a current WIP then tag seven others! This is a continuation of my Muggle FWB AU.

"Why don’t we start small?” “Small,” Ginny says. The statement comes with an undercurrent of a question. “With a kiss,” Harry says, and God, he feels awkward and foolish and strangely enough like a pubescent teenager, feeling a strange swoop in his stomach the first time he realized Cho Chang was pretty. Not knowing what to do with his hands, he clenches and unclenches them on his lap. “We can work up to things, slowly.” “I’ve kissed guys before, Harry. We’ve already kissed,” she points out, her lips quirking up devilishly. “I’m well aware,” he says dryly. He doesn’t need the reminder; he’s had no issue remembering with all the ways that kiss has haunted his dreams, thank you very much. “I’ve done plenty of other things too, like—” “That’s—not the point,” Harry interrupts, not keen on hearing this a second time.

Tagging @nuatthebeach @gryffindormischief @wackus-bonkus-maximus @katie-with-the-tea @sybill-the-seer @whathefawkes @theroomofreq

[liiilyevans]

WIP Snippet Shares

Thank you @practicecourts for the tag! I'm working on a few oneshots, challenges, and one multichapter fic right now.

Invisible String

“You know French, yes?” she said.  “Oui,” Bill answered cheekily.  Fleur rolled her eyes, but he saw the corners of her lips tug upwards. A good sign.  “You will teach me English then.” He was sure she met it as a question, but that was not how it came out. After glancing up and down at her, Bill realized that she was very sure of his answer — yes. Normally, he would have agreed to teach her, but the Order and his family had monopolized his time recently. Though the goblins hadn’t noticed, it was starting to effect his work. Adding English lessons onto his plate would not lighten that load.  “Fleur.” He interlaced his fingers and leaned forward. “I don’t think I’m the right person to teach you.” 

Run

“You going to tell me what I did, or am I going to have to guess?” he asked. “It’s not you, Oliver.” Her tone was so despondent, so unlike Angelina, that it gave Oliver pause. He studied her for a moment, watched as she turned toward the fridge, and noticed the slight puffiness of her eyes. Ah. He could guess what had caused that. Oliver crossed his arms. “What’d he do this time, then?”

Question . . .?

When she landed, Bill was waiting for her on the back porch. It still surprised her to see the deep scars running across her oldest brother’s face. In her mind, Bill was still the cool rebel brother who went to Egypt to break curses. But he was a father and husband now, which was still hard for her to fathom. She still admired his fang earring though. Out of all of her brothers, Bill’s opinion mattered most to her. Ron could hate her, George could scream at her, Charlie could berate her choices, and Percy could abandon her, but all of that paled in comparison to Bill’s disapproval. Ginny squared her shoulders in defense as she ascended the steps.  Bill simply offered her the jacket she’d left behind earlier.  Quietly, Ginny slipped it on.  “Where is he?” Bill asked, his gaze locked on the horizon.  “At Fred’s grave,” Ginny answered softly as she buttoned up her coat.  “You shouldn’t indulgence him like you do,” Bill said. “He’s got to learn to deal with his grief on his own.” 

Tagging: @annabtg @alohaemora @sirenicc @thejilyship @siriuslychessi @theroomofreq

[ashotofogdensoldfirewhiskey]

Fan/Reviwer Appreciation Post: Mention one or more fan(s)/reviewer(s) who brighten your day. We all know that all reviewers are special, but I'm talking about the ones who make you grin, giggle, and get thrilled when you read their review because it's so comprehensive, and you look forward to it every time. It simply motivates you to keep writing because they appreciate it so much.

Thank you to whoever submitted this. I can't express how happy it makes me to share my writing; every little piece of engagement brings a smile to my face, whether it's a heart or a comment or a kudos or a reblog or a smash keyboard tag. The idea that people out in the world have read and enjoyed something I've written is still truly crazy to me, so I genuinely appreciate every single one. Knowing what joy it brings me, I am trying to make an effort to make sure I reciprocate and spread that joy back. People in this community are so freakin' talented, and it continually amazes me at the quality of content that just is splashed casually across my dash on a daily basis. So, I appreciate EVERYONE, but particular shout outs to:

@takearisk-ao3 whose support has genuinely, genuinely made me want to write more and branch out to try writing different things; @sybill-the-seer who leaves the most thoughtful comments on EVERY CHAPTER; @nuatthebeach who has also sent the loveliest messages that have inspired me to write more, @theroomofreq who is such a positive force in the fandom and reblogged my stuff when I had barely posted anything. Also so many have been regularly engaging in my little hinny april microfics, i've noticed and it has meant the absolute world, (@corneliaavenue-ao3, @fizzyginfizz, @brightlybound, @redrobyn285, @narukoibito, @fairsquare16, @greyashowl, @whinlatter), your reblogs and tags and your own beautiful writings keeps people posting, myself included, and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to spread love the way you do. And if I didn't list you specifically it's not because I haven't noticed, it's because if I did this would be a novel.

TL;DR: I APPRECIATE U.

[hufflepuffronstan]

Getting to Know You Tag Game

Thank you so much for the tag @lynnelupin 💖

Relationship Status: Single

Favourite Colour: I don't have a favourite but I love fresh grass green and peacock blue!

Song Stuck In My Head: It's All Coming Back to Me by Celine Dion

Last Song You Listened Too: Aga Naga composed by A R Rahman

Three Favourite Food Items: Love any good vegetarian food actually. But if I had to choose, it would be noodles -any kind, be it Chinese Schezuan or Italian Spaghetti or Veg Ramen or Chowmein... I could go on and on, honestly 😂

Last Thing You Googled: Lily Evans middle name 😩

Dream Trip: In India, Ladakh has been a dream for years. Also, Thanjavur because I am reading a book called Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki (It's a five-volume book series, now adapted into a two-part movie. Check it out if you're interested in centuries old Indian history, royal schemes and romances.) Anyways, the place is so beautifully portrayed in the books, the characters are so well written, and everything is just brilliant that I want to visit the places described in the books that I fell in love with.

Internationally, there are so many beautiful countries. But I've wanted to visit Ardmore, Ireland ever since I read Nora Robert's Gallaghers series (14-year-old me dreamt of picturesque country roads, abandoned castles, faeries and cliffs rising from the seas) 😋

Tagging @theroomofreq @maraudersftw @acnelli @pottermum @hufflespostsboy @edie-k @bjornthorsson20 @joyseuphoria @startanewdream @sweeethinny @pebblysand @remedialpotions @restandbloom @questions-forthe-marauders @velvethopewrites @thejilyship @ginnyheadcanons @petalstofish @liiilyevans

PS: Tagged and don't want to do this, please ignore and not tagged but want to do this, please do! I'm sorry for either of the cases. 😶‍🌫️

🤍Eyra

[hyperfocuscentre]

I’M GLAD YOU ASKED!!!!

i think there’s loads more by thejilyship too, if i remember correctly (:

sapphic wolfstar and sapphic jily are the angels that combat all my demons 🫶🫶🫶🫶

[tiffanytoms]

Could you share some of your favorite fanfics? I have read all of yours SEVERAK TIMEA AND NEED new recs from the queen!! Thank you 💘

Hi! 😁🤩

Ooo, have you already checked out all of these?

Here’s a list of some of my all time favs I posted last year.

I made this list back in January of my fav smuts with @bcdaily and @firefeufuego works. But I would definitely like to add Things that go bump in the night to that. It’s a short little one shot but so sexy 🤤

Here I list some cute coffee shop and celebrity stories by @moonawrites and @theroomofreq

And I got another list of all time favs here with stories by @smileyjily @elanev91

And I’m sure you know this, but you can never go wrong with a @scriibble-fics story! Truly. All of them. Masterpieces! ❤️

As for what I’m reading right now, I can’t stop thinking about @maraudersftw Tracing You — which is only one chapter in and already has me by the feels 🥰

Sorry I got some repeats on there. I really love yelling my love for my fav stories from the rooftops 😉😘 (and I hate knowing that I’m definitely forgetting a couple… 🙇‍♀️)

EDIT: STAGE LIGHTS by @chiechie97 (faaack, I knew I was forgetting ones) !!! The pining is so good, and it’s always got me on the edge of my seat!

[displayheartcode]

💌💯😂

💌 A fic that inspired you to create something for it

@lullabyknell's tell me whether he is dead inspired me to write along the churchyard green. it's spooky and cool! a unique and refreshing take on the master of death trope! instead of harry being overly powerful, weird shit happens and he has to learn to roll with it. i am also deeply in love with the concept of haunting yourself, as seen in some of my favorite published books.

💯 A fic that makes you think #writergoals

anything by @yellowocaballero! Meg is ridiculously talented. like, genre-shifting in mid-step while holding onto several plot threads and distinct narrative voices talented. best life merges my favorite aspects of the moon knight series with the absurdity of the comic's canon while Listen To Your Heart (No!) is equal parts cathartic and also romantic?? like, damn, she knows exactly how to write the beats while also providing a deeply satisfying ending. I was biting into my knuckles hard for the last few chapters!

😂 A fic that made you laugh out loud

@andrea-lyn's Let's Do The Time Warp Again. I had just moved into my new apartment unit, the AC wasn't working, but damn could I laugh thanks to andrea. everyone is in on the fact that they're a time traveler on the pirate ship and they have to keep it a secret from the oblivious stede. every time i look at my billy bookcase, i can't help but chuckle because of a line.

[jilytoberfest]

Author - @theroomofreq

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! You can find her on ao3 !

1. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Perhaps how I interact with other readers/authors. My favorite part of writing is interacting with readers, and the best part of reading fanfic is interacting with writers. There is nothing quite like conversations in the AO3 comments :')

2. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your stories?

There are so many grammar rules, so many.

3. Do you have any suggestions to help others become better writers? If so, what are they?

Find a Beta reader!! It makes a world of difference to have a second set of eyes on your work!

4. What do you think makes a good story?

I believe many things make a good story, characterization, dialogue, plot, world-building, etc. Most of all, I believe we create wonderful stories when writers and readers share experiences through reading and writing.

5. What is the first book that made you cry?

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA

6. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It depends on the day. Energizing writing days are brilliant, and exhausting writing days are difficult. I find taking breaks on both occasions to be incredibly beneficial.

7. Have you ever gotten reader’s block? If so, what are your tips to overcome it?

YES. Create a cozy environment. I like to snuggle up in a nice chair, a warm blanket, and my favorite snack. Sometimes I will set out a large blanket outside under the shade to do my reading. Other times I need to drive up the canyon and find a quiet spot. If all else fails, a trip to the library does the trick.

8. Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

ABSOLUTELY. Only you can tell the stories in your head. What a person may sell themselves short on could be what makes their stories fantastic.

9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Practice! Don't be afraid to take classes, reach out to others, and practice. (also, stop writing all that rhyming poetry!)

10. What was your hardest scene to write?

Honestly, all of '2am'. It was the second Jily fic I ever wrote and my first fem!Jily fic. I agonized over it for ages. I had the hardest time getting all the prepositions to make sense. I also wanted the fic to be really well done, and I worked on it for a long time! I am forever grateful for @magic-girl-in-a-muggle-world who was an exceptional beta reader for this fic and taught me so much!

11. What is your favorite childhood book?

Matilda !!

12. How long on average, does it take you to write a one-shot or a chapter of a fic?

Weeks. (r/writing: what magic does it require to write a coherent story in less than a month?)

13. A fic that inspires you?

It's best if I just link my AO3 bookmarks, all of which I love dearly. https://archiveofourown.org/users/theroomofreq/bookmarks

14. How do you edit your work?

After I finish the first draft, I do a really quick rough edit/read-through. Next, I wait a day or two and reread/edit with fresh eyes. I usually add more to the story change plot points, add character/scene details, and characterization elements. I wait another day or so before I drop the story into my favorite web editor, ProWritingAid. Which is a HUGE help and where a majority of my massive editing takes place. After a day or so of editing, I find someone to beta the fic. Once I get the fic back from a beta reader, I do another edit to fix everything needed. I wait AGAIN, (and this is the one that nearly kills me) before I do a final read-through and post the story.

15. Where does inspiration come from?

A lot of my writing inspiration comes from my daily life or previous experiences. But it also comes from random thoughts, shows, books, and other fics.

16. Who has been helpful to you as you write for the fandom?

Readers who read my stories, readers who leave kudos/like my stories, readers who comment on my stories, and friends who beta read for me. Readers who come on anon to ask questions about my story, friends on discord who support my stories, and friends in group chats about writing. Anyone who reblogs my writing or recommends it in any forum. Writers who respond to comments with anything like, "I wanted that to come across, I am so glad you noticed it!" I could create an endless list of individuals who are thoughtful and incredible friends. The remarkable thing about the Jily fandom is everyone is like that, which is why is such a treat to be here.

17. What is your fav POV to write from?

Lily Evans!

18. What is a fic you would love to write but are worried you won’t be able to accomplish it/nervous it wouldn’t work out?

Any Hogwarts-era Jily fic makes me extremely nervous! Jily canon is a lot to work through!

19. Do you ever self-insert in fics?

Absolutely!

20. What is the story you are proudest of?

"All I think about is you" & "Personality before Punctuality" (shout-out to hinny 'simple things you do')

21. Do you prefer writing canon jily or muggle au?

I love both, but I adore Muggle AU's most.

22. What do you do to keep you writing when you feel you have a block in creativity?

I remind myself of my writing goals/motivations with the mindset that taking a break can be healthy. I haven't found anything that works every time but I run through a good list when this happens. (Reading old stories, typing out silly dialogue, looking up prompts, reading old comments, rereading my fav fics, starting a new book, writing a very long journal entry, yoga)

Thank you very much for doing this!

[narukoibito]

Thank you for the tag @takearisk-ao3! 💛

“We should fuck.”

Tagging @nuatthebeach @displayheartcode @wackus-bonkus-maximus @theroomofreq @whathefawkes @gryffindormischief @sybill-the-seer @secretkeeper13

Favorite Sentence

Thank you for the tag @indigo-scarf!

A little challenge: pick out your favourite sentence that you've written recently. One sentence. No context. Tag some friends.

"Harry, the Boy-Who-Won’t-Die, defied death again."

I'll tag @merlins-sequined-hotpants, @artemisia-black, @incalculablepower, @ashesandhackles, @evesaintyves, and @messrmoonyy

[clare-with-no-i]

thinking about ‘spice and honey’ again. that fic is beyond perfect and I can hardly get through it without laughing so hard I cry

lots of love to u! that story holds such a special place in my heart. also psst don't tell anyone but I've written like 2 paragraphs of the sequel ok shhh that stays between us ok

[theesteemedladydebourgh]

your new profile pic is spot on

thank you!!! 🥰 I watched the Aristocats yesterday lol, and was struck with inspiration and ngl my new layout is tremendously satisfying to me

[narukoibito]

WIP POLL GAME

Rules: make a 24 hour poll with the names of your wips and then for whichever wins, write one sentence for every vote it gets.

Thanks to @annerbhp and @displayheartcode for tagging me!

I feel like so many people have been tagged already!

Tagging @nagemeikenu @could-have-beens @wackus-bonkus-maximus @sybill-the-seer @ashotofogdensoldfirewhiskey @theroomofreq and anyone else who hasn't played!

[ofmermaidsandmarauders]

“I haven’t seen (her/him/them) smile like that in ages.”

Just one of many (appreciated) prompts you requested, hope you enjoy!!

read on AO3 instead

“Wow, I haven’t seen her smile like that in ages,” Sirius commented to James just after they entered Three Broomsticks, dusting the light covering of snow from their shoulders. Peter had detention for the day and Remus was recovering from a harsh full moon in the hospital wing, meaning Sirius and James had set out for a brother’s day in Hogsmeade. James had forgotten how nice it was to spend time with just Sirius, having been distracted since their sixth year began. 

James looked up at what Sirius had been pointing to, only to spot Lily Evans tucked into a corner booth in the back with that Ravenclaw, Blake something-or-other. James had refused to learn his last name the minute he started showing an interest in Evans, despite the fact that the bloke was a decent student in Charms and was probably a useful person to have around.

It was then that James realized what he was witnessing: Lily Evans on a date. 

Lily had refused to date anyone since the incident last year when Snape called her a Mudblood. In fact, she seemed rather distrusting of any student at Hogwarts, other than her tight inner circle. James couldn’t blame her. If Sirius suddenly used Remus’ status in the world against him, he’d probably feel betrayed too. He knew that as grimy as Snape could be, he had been the Padfoot to her Prongs. That kind of betrayal didn’t just disappear overnight. 

Looking at the couple again, James tried to clear his head but found it difficult. What he was seeing baffled him as he tried to wrap his mind around t. Lily was smiling up at Blake from across their small table, her hand tucked beneath Blake’s as he spoke rapidly at her. James studied her face for a moment before his own lit up with a grin.

“Have you suddenly moved on from Lily Evans, the love of your life, as you proclaim? Did I miss something in the last two hours?”

“That’s not her true smile, Pads. That’s her fake smile. Merlin knows she’s sent it my way about a thousand times.”

“You’ve gone loony, Prongs. She’s grinning and batting her eyelashes at the lad while holding his hand. Don’t think Evans gets much more intense than that in public,” Sirius commented, slinging an arm over James’ shoulder. “Oi! Evans! Are you suddenly part of some nudist colony I’m not aware of?”

Lily’s resounding answer was a flip of her middle finger in Sirius’ vicinity, though her cheeks burned as she focused her attention on her date.

James also felt his cheeks growing hot as he tried to pry himself out from under Sirius’ grip, navigating his way towards the bar. 

About an hour later, James excused himself away from Sirius as he chatted up some Hufflepuff that seemed to be fawning all over him, despite being well aware of his reputation as a loudmouth charmer.

James decided he was done for the day, having been ditched one way or another by all of his best mates, heading back to the castle on foot. It was a long walk, but he figured the cool air would do him some good.

“Oi, Potter, wait up!” That voice was like music to his ears, stopping him in his tracks as he turned and spotted Lily jogging towards him, the ends of her scarf trailing behind her. “What was that about with Sirius back there? Does he get off on making me feel uncomfortable?” 

“No, he just likes to make my life as miserable as it can be at any given time, and that includes teasing you with me in earshot,” James explained, running a hand through his hair as he slowed down his walk so that Lily could keep up. His smile was sheepish as he peeked a glance at her, watching as her teeth bit into her lower lip.

“Well, he’s an arse but he’s your best friend, so I think that you have some responsibility there,” Lily teased, bumping him with her hip. 

“You’ve got me there, Evans.”

The two continued their walk back in silence, hands tucked into their pockets for extra warmth. Occasionally their elbows would brush and James would find himself willing it to happen again, knowing how pathetic that line of thought was.

“Hey, why aren’t you still with Blake?” James asked abruptly, almost surprised that the question had not only been one in his mind but that it had come out of his mouth. The follow up why are you with me almost came out, but he stopped it just in time.

“I just...” Lily trailed off, obviously trying to think of something diplomatic to say. “It was a fun day but not something I think I’ll be pursuing in the future, you know?”

James nodded, though he wasn’t entirely sure what she meant by that.

“Sirius thought you looked really happy but...” James trailed off, holding back what he was thinking. Lily prompted him to continue with a sharp look and an arch of a brow. “I thought you looked... just okay to be there. I’ve seen you happy before. You should be happy. That’s all.”

Lily looked as though she was pondering over what he had said until a small smile was forming on her lips.

“Thank you,” she whispered quietly, ducking her head as they approached the school’s gates. 

“Anytime, Evans.”

They continued their ascent in silence, though Lily stopped him just at the large doors with a hand on his arm.

“I am happy,” Lily reassured him with a smile on her face. “Now.”

As she skipped ahead towards the staircase, James was able to recognize one thing. The smile on her face when she spoke wasn’t the fake smile he saw earlier that day. No, he finally got a glimpse at her genuine smile. 

[orderofthepygmypuff]

“Do you even know what a whisper is” for jily please :)

This is way longer than the drabble I had planned on, hah. You can read it on AO3 here.

“Potter.” 

James’s favorite person glared at him from the entrance to the head office. “Alright, Evans?”

“You have us partnered for rounds tonight.”

“Er, yeah. Remus isn’t feeling well.”

“Oh.” The annoyance fell away from her expression immediately, and James fell in love just a little bit more. “Is he in the hospital wing? Does he need anything?”

“He’s just in bed for a bit,” said James evasively. “Sorry about the last minute switch though.”

“Oh no, that’s alright. I thought you were just being — you know…” she trailed off, looking flustered.

“I wasn’t trying to annoy you on purpose,” said James, feeling miffed now. Why was it so hard to have a normal conversation with her? Every time he thought they were on friendlier terms, something like this happened and it became all awkward again. He hadn’t tried to annoy her on purpose for at least a year now; he thought she’d have noticed.

“No — of course you weren’t. I’m sorry for assuming. I’m still getting used to James Potter, Head Boy,” she said with a little smile. 

Yeah, he still loved her. “I’m very grown up now. No more immature, juvenile nonsense.”

She laughed. “I’ll see you at rounds, Potter. Meet you at the portrait hole?”

“I will be at the portrait hole at nine, being extremely mature and serious.”

“You can’t be Sirius though; you’re James.”

James honest-to-God gasped. “You — what — you made a Sirius joke.”

She grinned. “Maybe Head Girl Lily Evans is into a little immature, juvenile nonsense.”

It was all James could do to not swoon.

He was at the portrait hole at 8:45; a decision that Sirius found both deeply amusing and highly annoying. “You’re just going to stand there for fifteen minutes? Without doing anything or talking to anyone?”

“I am waiting for the love of my life,” said James firmly.

“You’re just doing rounds, oh my God —” 

“I think Remus mentioned wanting some help with that bandage on his calf earlier.” Remus had said no such thing, and Remus was more skilled with healing charms and tricks than any of them, but Sirius still turned towards the stairs to the dormitory.

“Enjoy standing around like an idiot for a quarter of an hour.”

“Thank you, I will.”

He only waited five minutes though, before Lily walked out of the stairwell. His palms felt suddenly sweaty.

“You’re early.”

“I told you, I’m very mature now,” said James, adopting a lofty voice that he associated mainly with Sirius’s mum.

“No more joke-y James Potter, I guess.”

Unfortunately, that particular veneer fell through almost immediately because Lily led them straight to the dungeons, because she liked to start her rounds at the bottom and work her way up.

“Er. What’s happened here?” she said, crossing her arms at the knot of Slytherins that had gathered in a hall. 

“Some moron charmed our Seeker into the portrait,” burst an angry fifth year. “And he’s supposed to play in the Slytherin/Ravenclaw match tomorrow! This is sabotage!”

“Okay, okay, calm down. We’re going to get to the bottom of this.” They approached the offending portrait — and sure enough, there was Regulus Black, sitting furiously on an upturned bucket in a painting of a stable full of horses. James turned his laugh into a cough. 

“Black, how did this happen?”

The Slytherin boy glared at them. “I’m not telling a couple of Gryffindors,” he spat.

Lily rolled her eyes. “We’re Head Boy and Girl. We can help you get out of there.”

“Get me out, then!”

“Very helpful, thanks,” said Lily drily. “Come on James, we better go get Flitwick. This looks like a charm.”

James followed her around the corner — and then suddenly he was being forced into a broom cupboard. 

“Oof! Evans, what —”

“Did you do it?”

“Er.”

“JAMES. POTTER.”

“Sshhhh, the Slytherins are right around the corner!”

“Did you do it?” she demanded, not bothering to lower her voice.

“Lily. Please whisper.”

“But why?! Gryffindor’s not even playing tomorrow! Why sabotage the Slytherin Seeker now?”

“Do you even know what a whisper is?!”

“We are having entirely different conversations!”

“Okay, okay. I may have had something to do with it. But he didn’t see me, so there’s no way he would know! We were extremely stealthy.”

Lily groaned, her hands over her face. “You are just the most, James Potter.”

“It’s not what you think,” said James quietly. Her fury seemed to be quickly giving way to disappointment, and that made his stomach hurt. “He — he did something really shitty to Sirius. We had to get back at him.”

“This is all just about some sibling drama then? Are you kidding?”

“It’s not just drama! Sirius was disowned by his parents two years ago. And Regulus told him that their mum wanted to meet at Hogsmeade to make amends last weekend, but it turned out to be an ambush. There were literal Death Eaters there! It was lucky Remus and Peter and I were there too, and Peter, of all people, managed to talk them down and let him off without a fight.”

Lily went pale. “That’s horrible.”

“Yeah. Regulus is a spineless little shit, so I’m sure he was forced into it. But we had to get him back. I know it seems like immature nonsense, but —”

“No, I get it. You can’t very well go attack the Death Eaters back.”

James sighed. “Yeah, well. Not yet.”

Lily looked up sharply. “What does that mean?”

“I mean, we can’t go fight them while we’re still in school and risk putting the other kids in danger. But once we’re out — well, there’s nothing stopping us, is there?”

“That doesn’t sound like you’re just angry about the ambush.”

“What? Of course it’s not! There’s a war on, Evans. Do you think I’m going to stand by and let You Know Who finish round up all the muggles and muggle-borns? I know you think I’m shite, but come on.”

He looked at her, miserable. But she was looking back at him through the dark, and in the dim light of her wand, her expression was — unexpected. Fierce. Determined. And then she leaned right up and kissed him.

James was still catching his breath when she said, “I don’t.”

“What?”

“I don’t think you’re shite. And I’ll be with you.”

“Be — what?”

“On the frontlines. In the Order. Wherever, however I can help.”

“Oh.”

“Good, that’s settled then. Come on, let’s go find Dumbledore.”

“Wait. I thought we were going to find Flitwick?”

“We can let the little beast stay in that painting a while longer,” she said, flashing a grin. “You’re about to join the Order of the Phoenix. Dumbledore’s asked me to keep an eye out for promising recruits, and it looks like I’ve found one.”

“Wait — you’re working for the Order? Already?”

“There’s a war on, Potter.”

“You kissed me.” 

“Yeah. I like you.”

“I like you,” said James. She grinned at him, and he felt his heart thudding in his chest. 

“I’m sorry I’ve been a prat to you. I guess boys aren’t the only ones who act out when they’ve got a crush.”

James laughed, mostly in disbelief. She thought she had a crush? “Go out with me, Evans?” 

She took his hand. “Come fight with me, Potter.”

The look on her face took his breath away — her smile, and the resolution underneath. “You’re on. Let’s go.”