#what even is remus side “name” ? title???

[anteonnix]

Not clickbait: This is why the family broke up 😔🙏

[sunnami]

you'd be the love of my life when i was young

summary: gryffindors wear their heart on their sleeve when they fall in love. slytherins keep their heart locked far away to keep it from breaking.

pairing: poly!marauders x reader (sirius x reader, remus x reader, lily x reader, and james x reader)

tags: slight angst, fluff, lucius malfoy, happy ending

note: i have a chemistry quiz due in 50 minutes but this takes priority. . . i haven't written in a while so forgive my rusty writing skills, they've only been let out from the basement today. not proofread, we die like the marauders. (title is taken from the song, 21 by gracie abrams, because that's roughly around the age jily die. hehe.)

They said when you fell in love with the right people, everything would fall in place after.

What a load of bullshit.

You had come to a conclusion one winter morning, laying in the Gryffindor common room dressed in your woolly, green jumper. You rested on the worn-out leather seat, nervously fiddling with your fingers as you stared at the ceiling, thinking about how it was going terribly wrong. How funny it was, that the 30th of December greeted you with an existential crisis instead of presents and hot chocolate. 

There was something quite wrong with you, you had noticed for the past few months. 

Every time Sirius Black smiled at you, showing off his pearly canines and the crinkles by his deep-grey eyes, you would experience a painful, tightening sensation in your chest — like someone was squeezing at your heart. Most people knew Sirius Black, the prankster, but you were lucky enough to know Sirius, the kind and spirited boy who had a heart that loved fiercely more than anyone you knew.

Cosy afternoons found you in the library with Remus Lupin, and a strange feeling would erupt in your stomach whenever Remus leaned down, and you’d catch a whiff of pine needles and fresh mint. Shaggy, blond hair falling over his eyes as he came to life, talking about your common love for muggle books. He made time feel like an illusion, minutes fading away into hours as the two of you shared stifled giggles, cheeks numb by the time you left the room. 

And James, oh James Potter. It was difficult to describe what you felt with him — but with James, the brightest colours in the world couldn’t even compare to him. James was like putting on a pair of brand-new eyeglasses and seeing everything clearly for the first time. And without a doubt, you knew that James would never let you get hurt. But these days, you were weak in the knees as you’d see him across the Great Hall, waving at you excitedly as he bellowed your name, and to come and sit next to them. 

Last, but certainly not the least, Lily Evans. Her sweet, airy voice was a warm hug on a cold day. And her actual hugs were second to none — don’t tell Sirius, however, he liked to shift into Padfoot to steal Lily’s title as the queen of cuddling. Lily flowers were delicate, she was anything but. The spitfire of Gryffindor, who would raise her chin and defy anyone who would harass you for hanging out with them. 

(“You’re our emotionally constipated Slytherin,” said Lily as she mushed your cheeks, cooing when you tried to glare at her, and the three boys guffawing in the background. They liked to tease you often, being a year younger than them.) 

Were you dying?

That was the only plausible explanation to your palpitating heart and rickety knees. 

No, it was definitely not because you had gone and fell in love with your best friends. 

That was absurd. 

You had tried venting to Lucius Malfoy once. Narcissa often doted on you, sneakily leaving treats on your desk before she left for her class, and fussing when you got sick — which was quite often. That meant, when you weren’t with the marauders, you were trailing after the Slytherin power couple, or Severus.

(Lucius curled his lips in disgust, Narcissa sipping tea by his side, failing at hiding her knowing smirk. “I am above such childish matters,” hissed Lucius, scowl deepening when Narcissa laughed heartily, looking happier than she had been since returning home for the holidays. “I do not know why you’d even think to come to me for this.”

You huffed. 

Maybe you’d try Severus next. 

Naturally, he stormed off the moment Lily’s name fell from your lips.

Your resident seventh-years were confusing.)

Fortunately, you were stripped from your thoughts when the entrance to the common room slammed open, the paintings clamouring as they were disturbed from their slumber. One by one, the marauders piled inside the room, a string of melodious laughter and boisterous conversations following their arrival. Hastily, you sat up, heart thudding against your ribcage. Silence, you wretched beast, you told it. Don’t let them see how I burn for them.  

“There you are!” Sirius came into view first, grinning widely as he crossed the room to reach you. “Who said you could be this pretty in the morning, love?” 

Ba-dump!

Sirius plopped down head first onto your lap, manoeuvring your hand to comb through his hair as he sighed in contentment. “Bloody hell,” He exhaled shakily, “Last night was the worst one we’ve ever been through.” 

Your fingers ghosted through the new scar etched across his sharp cheekbones — it was nothing Madam Pomfrey couldn’t fix, but you still didn’t like the sight of them bruised and wounded. Swiftly, Sirius grabbed your hand and intertwined your own with his. “I’m sorry,” You whispered. 

Sirius chuckled tiredly, tightening his hold on you, as though you were a tether that kept him afloat in his sea of nightmares. 

(And you were. If only you knew.)

“It’s not your fault,” said Sirius. 

Then, your eyes landed on Remus limping towards you, his bare skin littered with scrapes and marks, supported with an arm around James’s broad shoulders. He sent a toothy smile your way, despite the tired lines on his forehead and deep bags beneath his eyes. “Waited up all night for us, huh?”

“I just couldn’t sleep knowing you guys were out there,” You whispered sheepishly. “It’s too dangerous, what happens if something goes terribly wrong, and it costs you your life? We need to tell someone.” 

“Everyone who needs to know, already knows.” Remus bit down a pained expression as he sat by your side, head lolling on your shoulder. “This is the best we have for now.” 

You didn’t like it.

You didn’t like it at all.

Before you could reply, Remus turned his head, lips feathering against your exposed skin. His voice was low as he said, “‘Sides, it’s our job to worry about you, not the other way around.”

“Well, I apologize for interrupting your job,” You whispered back harshly, wondering if that was all you were to them, a younger friend they felt the need to look after. Oh, how mortifying that would be.

James chuckled from behind you, bending over the back of the couch, he pressed a kiss to the side of your head, lingering for a few moments that felt like an eternity. “You’re too adorable,” said James, tweaking your nose. “Our angry, little Slytherin.” 

“I’m not little.” You glowered at him.

“Perhaps not.” James smiled cheekily. “But you’re ours.” 

Often times, you had wondered how the five of you came to be so tight-knit, knowing their disdain for most of the Slytherins. 

(Little did you know, you smiled at them once in Potions, and they were a goner.) 

Something stirred deep in your belly. 

You sucked in a breath. “Don’t say things like that, James.”

People could get the wrong idea.

You could get the wrong idea.

“Well, why not?” Lily appeared in your peripheral vision, the scent of blooming wildflowers and fresh rain filling the room. Like the three boys, her skin was sallow from lack of sleep, but her bare face and blinding grin left your heart racing. “It’s true, isn’t it?” 

It could be, just not in the way you wanted it to be true.

You sighed. “Class is going to start in a few hours, I should get going.” 

“Or,” James began wickedly, throwing a thick blanket onto the floor by the fireplace, and tossing a bunch of throw pillows at Sirius’s face. “We could have a sleepover right here.” 

“Sounds good to me,” said Lily merrily, stealing James’s blanket as she placed a pillow beneath her head. 

“I really have to go—” You reasoned pathetically.

“Stay,” whispered Sirius without even opening his eyes as he curled his lithe fingers around your wrist. “You being here makes us feel better.” 

They were too cruel, saying all these sweet words, not knowing how it drove knives through your heart. 

James yawned as he laid on the carpeted floor, hiking the blanket up to his shoulders as he threw a leg over Lily, pulling her close to his chest, nuzzling the crook of her neck. “D’you have your textbooks with you, love?” He asked you drowsily. 

“No,” You answered, any other words lodged in your throat. 

“That’s fine.” James hummed. “I’ll just get the cloak and sneak into the dungeons later to get the books for you.” 

“Sleep,” Remus urged you, unaware how you shivered at his words. 

“You can’t be comfortable like that,” You told him in disbelief, watching his neck bend at an angle to lay on your shoulder. 

“Trust me,” said Remus gently, eyelashes tickling your skin, “I’m right where I want to be.” 

You had grown silent for a few beats, unaware how Sirius’d opened his eyes, staring at your worried expression. 

(How could one person be so perfect, he wondered.)

“You alright, darling?” He reached out to trace the curve of your jaw with his thumb, the palm of his hand holding your face as though you were a pureblood’s antique treasure. (Mine, mine, mine, his heart screamed.)

But like the Slytherin you were, you lied as easily as you breathed.

“I’m fine.”

As you laid in between Remus and Sirius, watching the peaceful rise of Lily and James’s chests, you had come to a daunting realization. 

You were irrevocably and agonizingly in love with your best friends. 

And because fate liked to spit in your face, the four of them were already in a beautiful, committed relationship. 

Who were you to get in the way of that?

—

They would understand, you convinced yourself. 

They would understand that you had to stay away from them. You had to protect your heart and keep it safe. The marauders were a dangerous bunch, and they had played the biggest prank on you, and by Merlin, would you fall for this particular prank over and over again if it meant you could hear their voices and fall into their embrace. 

But you couldn’t stay. They would only crush your heart otherwise. 

If Gryffindors wore their heart on their sleeves when they fell in love, Slytherins protected theirs with every fibre of their being, locking it in a cage where no one else can have the power to break it. 

Like what any love-stricken teenager would do in the face of heartbreak, you began to ignore the objects of your affections — ignoring the way your soul called out to theirs. 

It wasn’t as obvious the first few days. You would escape their company under the ruse of studying for McGonagall and Flitwick’s practical tests. 

(“They’re notoriously difficult after all,” You told them, a nervous laugh accompanying your lie. Peter eyed you curiously, noticing small details the others could not see — your quivering lips, your nails digging into your palms, and the way your eyes wouldn’t meet any of theirs. “I just don’t want to fail.” 

You could have cried at the way James held the back of your head as he placed a soft kiss on your forehead. “You’ll do well, love. You always do.” 

“You can study with me, if you want,” Remus quickly offered. “I’m not as good as James in transfiguration, but I can definitely teach better than those two.” 

“Hey!” Sirius exclaimed in mock offence.

“Thanks, it’s sweet of you to offer,” You told them, shifting your weight awkwardly from one foot to the other. “But—”

“Say less, darling,” Lily interjected kindly, wrapping her scarf around your neck. She smiled at you, holding both your cheeks in her palms. “They’re the worst lot to study around, I know. Just don’t study too hard, okay? Take breaks, have a cup of tea now and then, and remember it’s okay to ask for help — don’t give me that face — if it gets too overwhelming, just ask. We’re here for you in every way you need us.” 

Oh.

You were well and truly screwed. 

“Thanks,” You croaked.)

But it was getting harder and harder to come up with excuses. 

(“Wotcher!” Sirius grinned, encasing you in a tight hug after bumping into you in the corridor. “Haven’t seen you in a while, busy bee. Fancy a lunch with us in Hogsmeade?” 

You scrunched your nose, red and bitten from the winter frost, stepping away from him and ignoring the way his face fell. “I. . . I can’t. I’ve got practice with the Frog Choir.”

Sirius shoved his hands in his trouser pockets. “S’alright. I can wait and pick you up right after, then we’ll swing by that shop you really like—”

“I can’t, Sirius,” You interrupted harshly, wrapping your arms around your chest as your gaze dropped to the ground. “Sorry. I just. . . I’ll just catch you some other time.” 

Sirius flinched. “Sure, love. Other time, yeah?”

But only the wind replied.

Saturday came, and along with it was the long-awaited match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. James, decked out in his uniform, bounded over to you at the Slytherin’s side of the Great Hall, oblivious to the death glares some of your housemates had sent his way. He wrapped his arms around you from behind, lifting you from your seat. 

“It’s Quidditch day, pidge!” James tilted his head, awfully resembling a lost, confused puppy. “Why aren’t you dressed yet? It’s the game of games! Even Remus is announcing the game later.” 

You bit your lip before responding. “I’m not going, James.” 

“What?” He furrowed his brows. “Why not?” 

Ever since you had become friends with James Potter in your first year, you had never missed a single game of his. Except for the one time you had fallen sick during his match against Hufflepuff — and the moment he knew you were ill, the game ended in less than two minutes, by his sheer determination to get by your side quickly and make sure you weren’t alone. 

You sighed. “I don’t know, James, I’m just not feeling up to it today.”

It was a big, fat lie, and he knew it too. 

You didn’t go to his match later that day.

It was one of the biggest losses James had ever experienced — he wasn’t talking about Quidditch.)

Your housemates were beginning to realize was something was off as well. They might not be particularly fond of the Gryffindors that captured your heart, but they were fond of you, and they guarded their own. 

You had a stare-down with Regulus Black in the common room — and you weren’t about to lose — before he blinked and asked, “What did my brother do?”

“Nothing,” You replied, pretending to be engrossed with your herbology textbook. 

Severus rolled his eyes before plucking the book out of your hands. “Spit it out, woman. We’ve had to watch you mope around pathetically for days now. It’s irritating the rest of us.”

You sniffled. “Then just leave me alone! No one asked you to check up on me!” 

“Unfortunately, we can’t.” Severus took a seat beside Regulus. With a pained grimace, he said, “So you can. . . pour your heart out to us.” 

“I can’t.” You wailed. “I’m a Slytherin, we’re the worst at that.”

Regulus shrugged his shoulders. “It’s true. We’re hopeless.” 

“But,” He raised his wand, “We do speak in jinxes and curses.” 

“Don’t you dare!” You blubbered, wiping at your tears — but somehow, without having to express it in words, they understood, and you had felt lighter.

Still, you missed them. 

“This is pathetic.” Lucius enters the common room, Narcissa holding onto his arm, watching the scene before him with blank eyes. “Black, Snape, get out, you’re only making whatever this is, worse.”

Narcissa was by your side in an instant, dabbing at your wet eyes and cheeks with a handkerchief that cost more than your life. “Hush now, darling. What’s wrong, hm? Was it that idiot cousin of mine? Don’t worry, Lucius can tell his father, and we’ll have them begging at your feet by tomorrow.”

You cried louder. 

“I jest, I jest.” Narcissa softly chuckled, pulling your hair away from your face as she tugged you close. “Please tell us what’s wrong. It’s been awful seeing you like this for the past few days.”

Lucius sat on the loveseat across you, resting his feet atop the glass coffee table. “Yes, I beg you — do as she says, for the love of Merlin. But, really, what else did you expect, associating yourself with that ragtag of miscreants?”

Narcissa glared at him.

Lucius raised his arms in surrender. 

Narcissa clicked her tongue before returning her attention to you, eyes softening at your tear-stricken face. She smiled, albeit sadly, as she said, “Perhaps, I know what is wrong.” She gestured to the way you clutched at the front of your shirt. “It is the matters of the heart, is it not?” 

You nodded weakly. “I love them.”

“And they, you,” said Narcissa. “So, what is wrong?” 

“I love them!” You hiccuped.

“Unfortunately.” Lucius handed you a tissue. “The whole of Hogwarts knows this already, so I do not understand why you’re blowing snot all over my fiancé’s robes about it.” 

“They don’t feel the same way about me,” You confessed with a sob. 

Lucius stared at you incredulously. “Please do not tell me that you are this daft.” 

“What do you mean?” You asked him through narrowed, teary eyes, Narcissa rubbing the tips of your numb fingers from crying so much. 

“I did not sign up for this.” Lucius rubbed at his temples as he stood up. “I will only say this once, so make sure you are listening. Those Gryffindor idiots are so disastrously in love with one another — let me finish, damn you — and if you cannot see that they love you too, then it is your own fault. It physically pains me to see the way they smile when you are near. They would move the earth for you, and they would shake the heavens for you.” 

—

Gryffindors must have hearts made of steel, because you didn’t know how they could be so brave, to look fear right in the eyes and say: I’m ready. 

Because you surely weren’t. You were headed towards your usual spot in the courtyard by the clock tower, legs heavy and swell deep in your throat. Then, you found them, looking so achingly beautiful under the sunlight, huddled together for warmth as they smiled and laughed at lame puns and mistimed jokes. 

Did you have a place with them? 

You were about to find out.

“Hey,” You greeted once you were right in front of them. A month of evading them, and now you were here. It was like finding a piece of your soul that you had lost.

(For them, seeing you was like finally being able to breathe again.) 

“Hey,” said Lily, devoid of any warmth, and that broke you. 

Bravery was poison, you decided. A trap for weak-hearted fools like you. 

Sirius shot James a look before clenching his jaw. “No choir practice today? No study sessions with Cissa or Reg? Wait, no, I’ve got it. Slughorn’s dinner party? Or is it detention with McGonagall today? Does her highness finally feel up to talking to the peasants?”

You inhaled sharply. “Never mind. This was a bad idea.”

But this — is what you deserved. You had hurt them badly, so it was only right for them to stomp on your heart for everyone to see, just as you did to them many times this month. 

A sob tore from your lips as you swivelled on your heels, ready to flee the scene and never show your face to anyone else ever again. Yet, before you could leave, Remus clamped his hand over your wrist. 

“Why?” He stared at you, searching for anything that could explain your sudden behaviour. Remus looked at you with such emotion, tightly holding onto you — but never enough to hurt, because Remus could never be capable of hurting you. He’d die before he would ever cause you pain. 

 (You made him feel unafraid of the moon.) 

“Was. . . was it something I did?” Remus asked, laying his wounds bare for you to see. “Was it me?”

“I love you!” You shouted in the midst of panic — you had never wanted to cause Remus to doubt himself. Your loud declaration had caught the attention of some, but you stood on, curling your fists firmly. You needed to do this. 

“I love you.” You said once more, breathlessly, staring right into James’s eyes. Such a beautiful shade of hazel. “I love each one of you. And it. . . it hurts right here.” Tears dripped from your eyes to the side of your chin as you splayed your hand over where your heart rested. 

“Because you don’t feel the same.” 

The four of them simply gazed at you, slack-jawed and wide-eyed. 

You took that as confirmation for what you had been fearing all along. 

“And that’s okay if you don’t,” You snivelled, unable to see clearly with the streams of tears in your eyes. You thought of how Sirius melted at Lily’s touch and how Remus was the anchor to James’s wild streak. How they all complemented each other and fit perfectly like puzzle pieces. “Just give me a few months, and I’ll get over it. It’s a stupid crush anyway, it’s my fault. The four of you are perfect together, how could—”

“Shut up,” James hissed before cupping your face and pulling you in for a kiss. Cherries and pumpkin pasties. He kissed you deeply once more before pressing his lips to your eyes, desperately washing away your tears with his devotion. “Was that it? We could have been doing this ages ago.”

“What?” You rasped, knees buckling at the weight of his gaze.

James only smiled, stealing your third kiss. 

Sirius pulled your hand, his arm encasing your waist as you stumbled to his chest. Like James, he kissed you fervently, like he wanted to chase off all your fears and doubts. His lips were warm against yours — firewhiskey. You wanted to be burnt by his flames again and again. He held you close, committing every inch to memory. 

(You were art that he wanted to worship.)

He kissed your forehead. “We love you, daft girl.”

He kissed both of your eyes, chuckling when a new wave of tears came. “We have loved you ever since you burnt my mother’s howler in fourth year, and gave us poorly-knitted sweaters for Christmas.” 

“I love you,” said Sirius. “As certain as the spring that arrives after winter, I love you.” 

You snuffled. “I. . . I don’t understand.” 

Remus stepped in your line of sight to place his jacket over you — it was Sirius’s leather jacket, really, but Remus liked to claim it occasionally. He bundled you in earmuffs and rested his chin atop your head, exhaling in relief. “I thought it was me.” 

You shook your head, clinging to the front of his shirt. “No, never. It was me. I’m sorry.” 

Remus grinned wolfishly, eyes swooping down to your kiss-stained lips. (There you were, standing in the snow that threatened to melt, eyes rimmed with tears, hair wildly ablaze from the cold breeze, cheeks damp and red — but how devastatingly beautiful you were.) “May I?” 

You nodded. “P-Please.”

Blueberries and dark chocolate. Remus whispered against your lips, “If it wasn’t already clear, the feeling is bloody mutual — we love you, just as the moon loves the sun enough to chase after it every day.” He grabbed your hand and placed it over his heart, you were surprised to see him holding back tears of his own. “All my life, I thought I was this monster who didn’t deserve to live. But you, all of you, make me selfish enough to want to belong here.” 

He kissed you desperately, words of adoration and love falling from his lips. 

Finally, your eyes settled on Lily. You waited for her reaction with a bated breath. 

You hadn’t expected for her to burst into tears as she rushed over to you. 

“Don’t you ever do that again,” said Lily angrily before circling you in her embrace, burying her nose in your hair. You hugged her back, drowning in her scent and warmth. “You are deserving of all the things you want, so don’t run away — if you run, we’d follow you, idiot girl.” 

Then, Lily captured your lips with her own. 

She tasted like happy endings.

note: 4k words and 6 hours later, here we are! let it be known i was THE poly marauders enthusiast years ago. i always wanted one with lily in the polycule so here we are. this is me manifesting my college romance, y'all. look away. anyways, i hoped u enjoyed it!! brought a smile to your face and all!! might make a part two for more fluff and to establish more relationship dynamics since this was written on a whim ;D also i planned a cute scene with peter as well, so i'll just write that in part two el em ay yo.

[glamourscat]

CELESTIAL BODIES | POLY!JEGULUS X READER

as the title says | three fools in love | 7th year | fem reader |

I. The Moon

"I think I'm in love with two people," Regulus announced to his two best friends as he stared the ceiling of his dorm room, sprawled dramatically on his bed. While Barry was resting his head on Evan's thighs, pretending to read a book.

"Finally admitting it, then?" Evan didn't look up from where he was braiding tiny plaits into Barty’s hair. "Only took you half year."

Regulus shot up, side eyeing Evan. "What do you mean 'finally'?"

Barty snorted, abandoning any pretense of reading. "Reg, darling, you're about as subtle as an elephant. The way you look at Potter and Y/N..."

"I do not look at them in any particular way!"

"No? Shall I refresh your memory? You literally walked into a wall last week when we were our way to class, because Potter flew past the window during Quidditch practice," Evan pointed out.

"And you spent three hours in the library yesterday 'studying' while Y/N read poetry," Barty added, using air quotes.

Regulus buried his face in his hands. "It's impossible anyway. They're... they're together."

"And?" Barty raised an eyebrow, exchanging a look with Evan. "We're together, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't be open to—"

"That's different!" Regulus protested. "You two... it makes sense. But me? With both of them? It's complicated enough being a Black who's in love with a Potter, but adding another person..."

"Love's always complicated, petite étoile," Evan said softly, using the nickname that he gave Regulus as a joke during their first year but it stayed up to now. "But that doesn't mean it's impossible."

Regulus looked between his best friends and felt something in his chest. "I just... I want what you have. But I want it with them. Both of them. Is that selfish?"

"No more selfish than wanting the sun and stars," Barty smiled. "Which, coincidentally..."

"Oh, shut up."

But he was smiling now too, even as his heart raced with a new found possibility.

II. The Sun

James Potter had a problem.

Actually, he had two problems, both currently sitting under a tree by the lake – his girlfriend, you, reading poetry to his Quidditch rival (and frequent source of confusing feelings) Regulus Black.

"Prongs, mate," Sirius said from beside him, "you're staring again."

"Am' not," James muttered, definitely staring, as Regulus laughed at something you said. "Just... making sure they're not plotting anything."

"Right. Because my brother, who blushes every time you say his name and your girlfriend, who writes you love notes in Ancient Runes, are definitely plotting against you."

James turned to his best friend, surprised. "Regulus blushes when..."

Sirius groaned. "Merlin's pants, you're both so oblivious. Just go talk to them!"

"But what if—"

"James Potter," Sirius grabbed his shoulders, "my brother looks at you the same way I look at Remus. Trust me, I would like to say some.. a lot of things about this, but s'not the time. Nor the place. I see it in the way he looks at you, at her. In the way she looks at him the same way she looks at you. And you? You've been pining after both of them for months. So please, for the love of my sanity, go talk to them before I hex you."

James blinked. "Oh."

"Yes, 'oh.' Now get your ass up, you absolute moron."

III. The Stars

You weren't blind.

You saw the way James watched Regulus during Quidditch matches, the way Regulus's grey eyes followed James across the Great Hall. You noticed how they both gravitated toward you, how their touches lingered, how they seemed to orbit around each other, despite claiming they cannot stand each other.

It was rather fitting, really. James with his bright energy, lighting up every room he entered. Regulus with his quiet grace, reflecting that light in his own beautiful way. And you, somewhere between them, trying to bridge the gap.

"Your boyfriend's staring again," Regulus murmured, eyes flicking between your book, the black lake and definetly not James.

"Is he now? Must be staring at you I suppose." you replied without missing a beat.

His head snapped up. "I- what?"

You smiled, closing the book before turning to face him. "Oh, come on, Reg. You can't tell me you haven't noticed."

"Noticed what?"

"The way James looks at you. The way you look at him. The way you both look at me. The way I look at the both of you"

Regulus went very still. "I... that's..."

"Complicated?" you suggested. "Maybe. But the best things usually are."

"But you and James..."

"Are very much in love," you agreed. "Just like we're both very much in love with you."

The confession hung in the air between you, as delicate as starlight.

"Oh," Regulus breathed.

And then James was there, dropping down beside you both with his usual grace (or lack thereof). "So," he said, running a hand through his perpetually messy curly hair, "Sirius threatened to hex me if I didn't come talk to you both."

"About?" Regulus asked, voice slightly higher than usual.

James looked between you both, golden in the afternoon sun. His eyes catched yours and you nod reassurning. You two haved talked about this before, and it seems it was finally time to let the cat out of the bag.

"About how... I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you. Well, the both of you. And how that should probably terrify me, but somehow doesn't."

"And maybe…" James continued while grinning, "we should continue this conversation somewhere more private? Like, say, a certain someone's dorm?" as his eyes flicked back to your figure.

"Subtle, Potter," Regulus rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.

"You love it."

"Merlin help me, I do."

Later, tangled together in your satin bed sheets, you three fit perfectly together. James's warmth, Regulus's cool touch and your steady presence between them. Their kisses tasted different. James like sugar quills, Regulus like mint and the rich English black tea he always has in the afternoons, but they go together so beautifully.

"We should have done this ages ago," James murmured against your neck while Regulus kissed patterns across your collarbone.

"Better late than never," you gasped as Regulus nipped at your skin.

"Much better," Regulus agreed, reaching up to tangle his fingers in James's hair.

And really, what were a few months of pining compared to this? The sun, the moon and the stars, finally aligned just right.

© GLAMOURSCAT (all rights reserved. do not share, modify, translate and re-upload my work outside of tumblr)

[easterbonnet]

Big Bad Wolf

f!muggleborn!reader x prof!remus lupin - both of age

{{ after introducing remus to the world of muggle literature, y/n is surprised as to what she finds awaiting her... little red riding hood inspired // lana del rey - big bad wolf }}

CW: student teacher relationship, flirting, prey-ish?, touching each other, mention of hard on, suggestive

happy world book day :D pls don't let this one flop it took me ages, might even do part 2 ;p

. . .

Once upon a time, there was a sweet little girl, and that girl's name was Y/n. Everyone who saw her liked her, but most of all, her DADA professor. At 10:15am on a Monday morning, between her classes, Y/n snuck a visit to her favourite teacher, Professor Lupin. That's right, she decided to hop, skip and jump into the wolves den. It went as follows...

A fresh batch of sprightly first years were lined up nervously outside the defence against the dark arts classroom, awaiting to be let in. As Y/n, a good few inches taller then them, strolled by, they looked up at her, clearly impressed by her boldness, as she entered the door without a knock.

Immediately, she noticed the room was a gloomy-looking grey, half of the draped blinds were drawn, with only a few windowpanes letting the sunshine through. In the corner, Remus was sat rather undisturbed on an old wooden chair. Her benevolent professor instantly looked her way as she entered, announced by the creaking of the door's brass hinges. "Good day to you, Y/n", he said resting his chin on his palm, drumming his fingers on his stubbled cheek.

Smiling politely at the harmless man, she walked over to where he sat, her black Mary-Jane’s rapping the cold floors.

In one polished movement, Lupin tapped his wand toward the windows; the curtains drew back and the windows opened consequently. Suddenly, an aurora of natural light spilled over the desks and furnishings. Y/n watched the twinkling dust dancing in the air, then looked back upon her professor, whom was now accentuated by said light. His eyes had a glint in them she did not see before, and his hair looked extra grey today, if that were possible.

"I don't believe you can hear how beautifully the birds are singing, listen.", he tilted his ear toward the open windows on the other side of the room as a sweet, high-pitched melody drifted through them.

A moments silence lay heavily between them as they savoured nature's pure song, yet Remus’ eyes never left her effeminate form. In fact, they traced over the smoke-coloured cardigan she wore, as well as her noir skirt and matching, sheer tights.

With the bird’s quaint chirping as her soundtrack, Y/n glanced over at the small circular table on Lupin’s left side, "I see you're finally getting into my recommendations", she nodded toward a modern-looking book perched on the wooden table, it stood out amongst the dusty antique books he was usually adorned with. She knew he'd taken her muggle book recommendations to heart.

The man smiled up at her and crossed his leg over the other, rested his ankle against his knee, exposing his knit socks, "Now now don't get cocky, I wasn't too fond of this one", his slim, lengthy fingers held up the novel, the title read 'little red riding hood'.

Having read the fairytale many times in her childhood, Little Y/n approached the situation cautiously, "... and why are you reading a children's book, may I ask?" Her brow was raised with inquiry and she folded her cardigan-clad arms across her chest, whilst she tried to decipher his labyrinth of a mind.

"Thought I'd start at the beginning, didn't I?" he smirked, tapping the top of the closed book he'd now laid back down on the table prudently. Lupin loved winding her up when he was in this kind of mood, especially on topics like this, it was his way of making light of the dark that he so lived with.

Thoroughly entertained, he watched her squirm at his self-deprecation and the somewhat taboo subject of his werewolf nature. "Speak up, I promise I won't bite", he goaded.

Professor Lupin's grin was telling her a very different story and so she remained voiceless, watching him curiously, her eyes narrowed faintly.

"No takers? fine..." he took in a parting breath and got up out of his chair, guiding his hands to her elbows. He lead her to the door, knowing it was about time she got to her next class, and he started his, even if all he wanted was to carry on this game of cat and mouse…

"Though, I will say,” he continued, now smoothing his palms across the backs of her cashmere-covered arms, “-can see why some geezer named Grimm wrote them..." he playfully nibbled her neck before soothing the faint marks with a lick and a kiss.

Y/n felt the prick at her skin and closed her eyes, almost forgetting she was late for Snape’s potions class, the moment lasted a tender few minutes. Remus' ambrosial scent eased her intruige toward his stirring behaviour.

Y/n gradually opened her girly eyes and looked into the prematurely aged ones of her teacher just inches away, his un-manicured eyebrows framing them melodically. "Actually, now I’m seeing you in the light...”, she said examining him. “I’ve just noticed…what big ears you have" she smirked quoting the twisted fairytale, toying with her professors ear, pulling on it jokingly.

Lupin chuckled deeply in his chest at the unexpected turn, a noise she believed to be a panacea to all her woes. His eyes crinkled at the corners before taking her hand in his, lovingly, "All the better to hear you with, my dear", he whispered, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

"And, oh sir, what big hands you have!" she continued the jest, portraying a feigned shock expression and marrying up his palm with hers. His scarred hands were nearly double the size of hers and his nails, whilst short, came to a point.

"All the better to grab you with", Remus had a wicked look on his face, and attacked her with playful squeezes to her waist and behind. The pair burst into immediate squeals and giggles, with Remus' devilish laugh in the background. Y/n tried to free herself from the teacher's merciless tickles but he was too large to let that happen.

After they'd caught their breath and stopped laughing, Y/n chewed on her lip, making her pout as pink as her rosy, flushed cheeks. By the expression she pulled, Remus knew she’d had a sudden idea...

Peering at his roguishly handsome face, her hand slid down his veiny forearms, skating over the pale hairs on his arms, and across his lap until she placed it over the bulge in his tweed trousers. "My my professor, what a big-"

Remus let out a sort of cough-choke-splutter, "Andddddddd I think it's time for you to get to class now little missy. Don't want you to be late now, do we?" he caught her wrist and pulled it away, heading over to the door again, amused by her forwardness.

The girl gave an over the top pout but followed him obediently, "Come on sir, we both know it’s true-" she wheedled.

He tapped the end of her nose, she could see a slight bashful crack in his prey-like demeanour, "C'mon Little Red, get moving or the Big Bad Wolf's gonna eat you all up". As soon as he said that he knew it would tempt a shameless grin from her, "Ah, I forgot, you'd like that wouldn't you", his thumb brushed her rounded bottom lip as he eyed it hungrily. His little student was just too good at tempting him.

"You know me so well Sir" she threw him one last bedabble look, then practically skipped out the door.

The wolf watched, hands in his pockets, running his tongue over his canines... “Don't you forget, Little Red, the sweetest tongue has the sharpest tooth.”

[part-time-zombie]

Does anyone else talk about how the different ways the sides names were revealed can often be analogous to the different ways folks come out about their queer identity?

Logan didn't reveal his name by choice, patton did it for him. Thomas was surprised by logans name, mostly by the implications of the sides having names instead of just titles and nicknames. Patton didn't seem to think too much about revealing logans name, and logan didn't seem too worried/upset about it either. His relationship with his name seems awfully casual, like it doesn't bother him if people know his name or not.

Patton in turn waited for a little later to reveal his name, finding the best timing. He even took advantage of the opportunity by using his name reveal as pun ammunition, reveling in the chance to now make more puns based on his name. He was excited to reveal his name, especially now that it can pave the way for more fun and bonding with the others now that they know more about him.

Roman kept it quiet for a bit, holding it close to his chest until he was ready. When he and thomas were alone, sharing their thoughts on self worth and value, he revealed his name so as to help them both get closer. This was a private, emotionally intimate moment where they were opening up about sensitive topics, and roman figured there was no better moment than this one.

Virgil was scared about the whole thing. It was a huge step for him to be so open about such a personal secret, and he avoided it for as long as he could. But when the others reached out to him and made him realize his importance with the group he's grown to call a family, he knew he was ready to share this with them. It was a big step and he was clearly scared, but his trust was well placed.

Remus came into the scene loud and clear. He was ready for people to know and see him, because whatever they thought about him was their problem. He played along with the nickname game for a bit, but when the others expressed confusion about exactly what he is supposed to be/represent, he gave them the answer, bluntly and clearly. His lack of tact and fear actually surprised everyone, since the others were more reluctant to share their names, but remus didn't care about keeping secrets.

Janus loved to keep secrets, especially his own. The less people knew about him the better. He knew more than anyone that people can be gossipy, judgemental rumor mills that spread sensitive secrets like pollen in the wind, and he wasn't about to let himself get caught up in the drama of it all. Besides, with how the others have been treating him, why should they know anything about him? He felt that they didn't care about him, so a name reveal would be unwarranted. When it was proven that he had a seat at the table like the rest, and that his input was indeed wanted, he knew they would be willing to trust him. It would only be fair to trust them in return, starting with his name.

Idk where I was going with this, something something signs of trust and openness with the group and the complex relationship people have with a secret that they feel can define their identity.

[fluffyneondinosaur]

a little oneshot that I wrote

It's basically Harry finding out that his father and co were bullies, and features snape crying. Maybe tw: implied rape, but it can really be read as any bullying that involves physical contact. I don't actually write, so apologies if it's not very good. Everyone can rewrite it, or write a companion fic, if you do, tag me!

Also, I need a title for this, if you have any ideas drop it in the comments!

“It’s not bloody fair!” Ron exclaimed, gesturing angrily as they walked out of McGonagall’s office. “She’s all like Oh, Professor Snape is responsible for his students, and he is free to discipline them however he sees fit! We’ll be scrubbing cauldrons every night for the rest of the month thanks to that greasy git!”

Hermione frowned over at him. “A month is a bit much, but don’t you think you could’ve focused any better? You and Harry really did make a rather spectacular explosion.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “Even if I hadn’t done anything wrong, he’d still have given me detention. Ruining my potion just made it better for him.” Hermione opened her mouth with a disapproving look.

As she was about to speak, a door slamming ahead of them caught their attention. Dumbledore was hurrying down the hallway with an abnormally worried and upset expression casting shadows over his face.

“Professor Dumbledore?” Hermione asked cautiously. “Is something wrong?”

A sharp pang of fear shot through Harry.”Did Voldemort do something? Is someone hurt?”

Dumbledore slowed his pace, looking down at them, and sighed. “No Harry, he has not.” He glanced over at Hermione. “Professor Snape was hit by a ruined potion during class this morning, which exacerbated his injuries from his latest, ah, excursion.” Harry had to suppress a feeling of vindictive satisfaction that Snape hadn’t gotten away from his Death Eater mates unscathed. The feeling quickly mixed with one of mild shame when he registered the first half of the sentence. 

“He is in critical condition right now, I must go visit him.” Dumbledore said, striding quickly in the direction of the infirmary.

Hermione ran to catch up to him. “Could we come with you Professor?” Dumbledore hesitated for a moment, before nodding.

Harry’s and Ron’s eyes widened comically. “Hermione!” Harry hissed under his breath.

Hermione turned to glare at both of them. “What? Who’s potion was it that hurt him? And made the injuries that he got spying for us worse?”

Harry shifted uncomfortably. Ron, on the other hand, scowled. “Maybe he spills all of our secrets to You-Know-Who, serves him right.” Harry elbowed him. 

Hermione angrily turned her nose up at him. “Professor Snape is on our side, whether you like it or not. And your potions disaster is the reason that he’s dying right now.” She turned and stormed off, following Dumbledore in the distance.

Harry’s stomach twisted painfully, and even Ron looked uneasy. “Wait! We’ll come with you.”

The three of them followed the headmaster to the infirmary, into one of the private rooms. Madam Pomfrey was standing by Snape’s bed, casting protective charms around him. She looked up as they came in. “Stay by the door, the potions that I gave him will cause him to hallucinate, and he might attack if you come too close. The hallucinations are from real moments of his life.”

Dumbledore nodded somberly, and the children exchanged a look. Madam Pomfrey finished casting the spells, and left the room, presumably to retrieve more healing potions. The room was silent for a long moment.

“Potter!” Snape’s voice rang out. Harry jumped, spinning to look at him in shock.

“Professor- ”

“Back with your little friends aren’t you?” 

Dumbledore frowned. “Severus- ”

“Don’t use my name like you’re some kind of friend Lupin! You’re just as bad as the rest of them!” He sneered.

Snape was talking about his father, Sirius, Remus, and Pettigrew, Harry realized in shock, before it turned to anger. He opened his mouth to retort, when Snape continued.

“Four on one appeals to your Gryffindor honor doesn’t it? The house of the reckless and stupid. You four are prime examples of it. Trapping me in a loo, don’t you think it’s below you Black?”

Ron snorted. “What’re they going to do, give him a swirly?”

Harry frowned, discomfited. Dudley and his friends used to do the same to him, and it was disturbing to think that his father may have done the same. He watched Snape closely, as his sneer vanished suddenly, his face darkening in horror with a flicker of fear crossing his eyes.

Dumbledore stepped forward with an uncharacteristically afraid expression. “Severus? My boy, what happened?”

Snape didn’t seem to hear, staring in front of him in shock. He suddenly shrieked, yanking himself backwards, thrashing on the bed. “No! Don’t touch me!”

Dumbledore’s face paled, and Harry felt like vomiting.

Snape stared ahead for a moment, before his face collapsed, and he let out a choked sob. “Please stop, I can't do this anymore. Lupin, you’re a prefect, stop your friends please… please.” 

Harry felt like a knife had been plunged into his heart. No wonder he hates me so much, if whatever my father did destroyed him enough to make him cry.

Dumbledore’s face was ashen, and Hermione had her hand over her mouth, her eyes glassy. Ron was staring at the floor.

Snape let out a shuddering breath, tears freely falling down his face now. He looked up at his imaginary attackers. “Why can’t you ever just leave me alone?”

[dumblr-account]

Orange Side Theory

So I’ve been trying to think about what this Side can represent that no other Side has quite embodied. I knew it couldn’t be Anger; a, that’s more of a feeling than a personality aspect, and b, we’ve seen plenty of other Sides get angry (i.e. Roman, Janus, obv Logan)!

Then I thought it could relate to Thomas’ feelings for Nico, since that arc and the Orange buildup arc has been quite intertwined thus far! So I tried to think of aspects that could relate to those things: Desire, Jealousy, Lust. But none of these quite fit either, since Roman has been a common source for such feelings for Thomas in the past! Someone on YouTube even suggested that this new Side might be Irrationality, but that is also a part of Roman’s package as the ego!

Then it hit me. Out of everything we seen from the Sides thus far, we never really seen a Side that blames others. Most of the Light Sides blame either Thomas himself for issues (Logan reprimanding him for not making a schedule, Patton and Virgil accusing him of wanting to do Remus’ ideas) or blame some other Side(s) (Roman is especially guilty of this habit). Even Janus and Remus, who act like they don’t care about other people, are sooner to point fingers at the other Sides for their repression than at external factors! The closest we get is Janus criticizing the concept of society, but he seemed more like he was attacking the system rather than the individuals participating in it!

The other closest to blaming others could be found in LOGAN of all people! In DWIT, while he concluded Virgil and Patton as the source of Thomas’ anguish, he also emphasized how Thomas’ childhood upbringing and religious education as the original reason why the split between the Creativitwins and the repression of Intrusive Thoughts happened in the first place! While this could arguably be critiquing a system rather than people, this felt more personal and specific compared to Janus’ “W E L I V E I N A S O C I E T Y” speech in SvS!

With all of this in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised if this Orange Side will embody this “blaming others” aspect Thomas has been missing. After all, no matter how kind we think we are or try to be, every human feels angry with others every now and then. And it doesn’t help that Orange surfaced from Logan when Thomas started looking upset that Nico hasn’t texted back!

So what would be the name of this Side, if this is the case? My best guess is it would be Resentment. Other possible names are Judgement, Blame, Wrath, Vengeance, or Bitterness. If anyone else can think of other words that would fit this Side, by all means share down below!

I’m not sure if I’m even close to deducing what this Side would represent, but I just wanted to throw my two cents in before who knows when the finale will drop! That, and I’m low key tired of seeing the Anger theory.

Edit: I’m not saying Sides can’t encompass feelings! I’m aware Virgil embodies fear, and Patton is the core of many feelings! I just mean the feeling isn’t standardly the concept TITLE given to a Side! The closest we get is Virgil being called Anxiety, and even that seems more like a state of mind than just feeling anxious. Same with my Resentment Theory. I didn’t mean to antagonize anyone, emphasis on the “low key” part of my dislike for the Anger Theory. It just feels too on the nose for me, that’s all. I’m sorry for offending people.

[marlsswrites]

Books and beautiful eyes

Ice skating AU, part 3!!

August 3rd - words: 666

First part Previous part

Regulus let his hands smooth over the books stacked onto the shelves, some rough, some soft, all with pretty writing scrawled on the sides with the book title on it.

Bookstores were Regulus' favourite place to be - slightly less than the ice rink actually - they were just so calming. He spent so much time in this particular place, they'd offered him a part time job, which worked with his uni timetable - because he could do with making some of his own money and stop borrowing from his older cousin Andromeda.

He began to slot some of the new books he'd gotten in stock this morning, making sure to slide every single one into the right area - because god it was infuriating when the other workers clearly didn't do that.

Light music played through the speakers, Lana Del Rey's voice echoed beautifully around the small shop.

The place was rather quiet, just a few people curled into arm chairs as they read through a certain book they'd picked up, coffees in hand and eyes completely trained on the book.

There was a small cafe in the corner of the bookstore, letting people sit and get a drink while they read if they felt like it - that's mostly how Regulus spent his spare breaks.

As he stood on the tips of his toes to reach a certain high shelf, he felt a soft tap on his shoulder and the clearing of a throat. He placed the book on the shelf and turned around the fave whoever needed him.

Fuck.

He had the most beautiful eyes, brown and wide, pupils gradually dilating as Regulus stared him down, at utter loss for words at how his gold frames fell slightly low on his nose. Even the way he messy brown curls framed his face like they were aiming to mesmerise Regulus.

The man looked at him with a certain recognition to his face, then his oh so very gorgeous eyes flicked down to Regulus' name badge that was pinned to the right side of his forest green jumper.

Eyes lighting up with an answer, the man ran a tan hand through his messy hair and finally began to speak. Regulus really wishes he hadn't, because his voice was so raspy and biting and so attractive - it wouldn't leave Regulus' brain, bouncing and echoing around his ears for a lifetime or two.

"Regulus, right?" The paler of the two nodded slowly, still in a slight sense of shock. "I'm James." He added with a tilt of his head, while Regulus just fought away a smile and listened to him contently. "Right, so do you have any book recommendations I should get for my friend Remus..." he trailed off into thought.

"What does he like?" Regulus queried as James eyes seemed to grow even brighter.

James pointed at a book over Regulus' head, getting a bit too close for Regulus to cope with as he held his breath and waited for James to pull the book from the shelf.

The picture of Dorian Gray, the title read - that's a good one.

"He likes this one, oh! And little women I think it's called?"

Regulus hummed in response, a smile quirking into the corner of his mouth as James smiled such a genuine smile at him. "He's got good taste, has he read pride and prejudice?" Regulus asked as he turned his back to the man, walking over to the classics section and pulling out a copy of the book he mentioned.

He showed James the book cover, to see if he recognised it. He only shook his head. "No, I don't think he has." He took the book from Regulus' hands, their finger touching for a split second - sun-kissed tan meets pale, milky, silk skin - before Regulus pulled his hand away quickly and nodded. "Thanks."

"No problem." Regulus chewed on his lip.

"Bye Regulus!"

The raven haired boy chuckled, rolling his eyes and offering a wave of his hand. "Bye James."

Next part

[collecting-stories]

When Emma Falls In Love - Remus Lupin

A/N: I totally didn’t intend to make this as long as it is (6k+), it sort of got away from me while I was writing. Despite the title and the lyric, the reader is gender neutral.

Summary: Remus and the reader take a trip to Hogsmeade after Christmas break. Marauder’s era cause I'm a sucker for that whole time period.

TS Anthology Masterlist | Harry Potter Masterlist

…turns out her heart fits right in the palm of his hand…

“What’s this?” Remus asked, long fingers smoothing over the newspaper that concealed the object you’d handed him. The funnies, he noticed, eyeing up Hogan’s Alley with a nostalgic grin. “How long have you had this newspaper, by the way?”

“A gift for you, obviously,” you replied, tugging the bow on top of the rectangular package. “Are you going to open it?”

“I’m reading,” he teased, tilting his head to see the underside of the package and the conclusion of the Hogan’s Alley comic strip.

“Remus!” You laughed, “you absolute mong, open the package!”

“Alright, alright,” he slipped a finger into the folded edge and tore the paper away from itself, beginning to reveal what you had wrapped inside weeks ago. You’d been waiting for winter break to be over and a good excuse to give Remus the christmas present you’d bought him while you’d been home.

You’d heard him earlier, recalling some story of debauchery that the marauders had gotten up to while at James’ for winter break and you’d listened in shamelessly, minorly jealous that they got to see so much of Remus and you were confined to shared classes and passing in the hallway. You were friends of course, be odd to give a stranger a present, but only school friends. The sort of friends who work on homework together if they happen upon one another in the library. Who chat about the turn in the weather, a particularly difficult assignment, or plans for hogsmeade (plans that never include the other person, of course). You wanted to be more than friends and you had been hoping he’d get the hint since fifth year but he was either extremely stupid (which you knew he wasn’t) or he didn’t like you back and didn’t want to embarrass you. Which was perfectly alright because you were pretty hellbent on embarrassing yourself with no help from outsiders.

“I saw it in a bookshop near my house,” you explained as Remus stared down at the cover of Arsene Lupin by Maurice LeBlanc. “I thought of you.”

“Because his last name is Lupin?” He inquired, holding the book up against his chest, front cover facing you.

“No,” you replied, “because he’s a gentleman thief and master of disguise.”

Remus burst into laughter, clutching the book tighter to himself. The newspaper and bow had fallen to the ground and he stepped back, accidentally crumpling the paper further. “Brilliant.” He sighed, looking at the cover again, “thank you…I don’t have anything for you, I’m afraid.”

“Oh no, it’s alright. I just saw it and thought you might enjoy reading it…I’ve only read the first two myself but I do love them quite a bit.” You explained, trying to sound nonchalant about the present. You’d spent the entire two weeks at home mulling over whether you should buy it, whether it was something he’d like, whether it was appropriate to even give him a gift, and then, when to give it to him.

“Well, thank you,” Remus stepped back further, off the newspaper, and bent to pick it up off the floor of the hallway.

“I can toss that in the bin for you,” You mentioned, reaching a hand out for the rumpled paper.

Remus shook his head, tucking the book between his arm and his side, and began to smooth the paper out and fold it. “Oh no, I quite like the funnies. I’ll enjoy reading them. You can have the bow, however.” He peeled the red bow from the top of the folded newspaper and pressed it against your head, the tape sticking to your hair.

“How does it look?” You joked, reaching up to rub a finger against the velvety ribbon. You’d tied and untied the bow nearly five times before you were happy with it.

“Supreme,” Remus replied, “say, are you going to Hogsmeade on Saturday?”

“Probably, I’ve promised mum taffy from Honeydukes.” You had gifted her some for christmas and it was already gone.

“Ah, perfect. We’ll go together, as my present to you, what do you say?”

“You really don’t have to change your plans around for me,” you replied. It wasn’t so much that Remus had concrete plans, just that everyone knew he spent his Hogsmeade days with the rest of the marauders.

“No change,” Remus promised, glancing down at the folded newspaper and licking his lips, “in fact you’d be doing me a favor. Sirius and James have detention, and Peter’s…busy.”

“If you’re sure,” you began.

“Absolutely,” he lied. They’d only been back to school a week, too short for detention, or at least in this one instance they had seemed to keep their noses out of trouble. He was sure they’d fudge a detention for the greater good, or at least for him getting a date. Though probably it didn’t sound like a date.

“Of course it doesn’t sound like a date Moony, you said ‘let me take you to Hogsmeade as a gift because I was an oblivious twat and didn’t get you anything and I feel bad but also I’ve got no one to go with, which is a lie, so come to Hogsmeade with me?’ when you should’ve just asked them to Hogsmeade properly.” Sirius remarked around a mouthful of chocolate orange.

“It scares me to say this, but I agree with Padfoot,” James replied, sprawled across his bed in the dorm, looking over at Remus with a concerned expression. As if he didn’t always agree with Sirius about everything.

“I’m sure James,” Remus said, his gaze wavering, wandering back to the book that sat on his nightstand. Arsène Lupin looked up at him, gold foil embellishments and silhouetted profile begging to be read. He ran his fingers over the cover as he picked it up, imagining briefly what it might’ve been like to have seen you over break. To have wandered together into a little bookshop in Cambridge, searching through titles and reading aloud bits of summaries that intrigued you. He thought of getting tea, or coffee as he knew you preferred, somewhere quaint and quiet where you could sit at a corner table and whisper with each other.

A real date, not some fallacy.

“Are you off in your own head there Remus?” Sirius asked, eyeing his friend suspiciously. “Don’t go too far honey, you tend to ruin your daydreams before you can romanticise them.”

“I’m not doing that,” Remus huffed, reaching for the curtain on his bed, “you’ll steer clear of Hogsmeade this weekend, swear it?”

“Swear it,” Peter piped up first, looking to James and Sirius for confirmation that they were, actually, going to leave Remus’ plan unscathed.

“Of course,” Sirius’ voice sounded sickly sweet as he smiled, “swear it.”

“Me too,” James replied, a side glance at Sirius ensuring that they were both thinking the same thing. There would be no keeping their promise.

Remus pulled the curtain closed, settling into his blankets and enchanting the light on his wand so that he could read. He read eagerly, devouring the story, or at least as much of it as he could before he felt himself falling asleep. He knew it was probably a bit crazy on his end but he wanted to finish the book before the weekend so he could discuss it with you.

By Friday afternoon he’d selected a whole list of topics and written them out on a piece of parchment, testing the ones he thought might have the best result on Sirius and James (though they were unsurprisingly not helpful).

“Is Herbology an especially favourable subject?” Sirius asked, looking over the parchment as Remus scribbled a note in the corner about muggle books you might’ve read.

“No, actually, I think they were failing until last year…” Remus replied, looking at the word scrawled across the page in his usual neat cursive.

“Perhaps not a good subject then, eh?” Peter asked, straining to see the list.

“True.” Remus scratched it off and looked through the rest of them, “any ideas?”

“Tell them you fancy ‘em and want to snog their face off.”

“Has that worked for you James? Ever?”

“Actually…no.” James frowned, “sorry mate, I’ve got nothing I’m afraid. Quite new to this relationship business myself.”

Remus groaned, not close to being in the mood to hear his friend drone on about Lily Evans when he was meant to be helping. “Let’s stay on task, shall we Prongs?”

“Alright, alright…what about…why are these all school subjects Remus? Surely they don’t want to walk around Hogsmeade talking about classes all afternoon.” James said, plucking the pen from Remus’s fingers and crossing off anything that resembled a school subject. He left muggle books, the only category not related to Hogwarts directly.

“Sad list,” Sirius admitted, clapping Remus on the shoulder.

“I realize that,” he snatched the pen back from James and crumpled the list. “I just want to have a nice afternoon.”

“And you will.” Sirius assured, “they’re absolutely mad about you honey, it’s obvious. Embarrassingly so.”

“Compliment them, it always works for me,” James offered, reaching into his pocket for the leftover candies Peter had brought from home. They were softer than they were meant to be because of the time spent in the pocket of James’ corduroy trousers but no less delicious.

“Has it always worked for you?” Remus levelled, taking a lolly from James’ outstretched palm and peeling away the red and yellow wrapper.

“It eventually worked for him,” Sirius replied.

“Exactly, thanks mate.” James nodded to him.

“Anytime.”

“If you two are done,” Remus interrupted, “perhaps we could get back on track.”

“You don’t need our help Moony,” Sirius assured, ruffling his hair, “you’re a catch, honest. They’d be lucky to get a moment alone with you!” He grabbed Remus’s cheeks in his hand without warning, turning his head as if to show James and Peter, “look at him, regular model face, that is.”

“Get off me Sirius!” Remus huffed, swatting away his friend’s hand.

He crumpled the piece of parchment he’d been writing the list on into a tight ball before tossing it away. It rolled off to a corner, stopping at the edge of a bookcase.

“Looks like your quidditch arm is out of practice there hon,” Sirius teased, sitting down beside Remus.

“None of you are helpful, I hope you’re aware of that?” He replied beginning to gather all of his papers and books together to put in his bag.

“Leaving us?” James asked, chewing on a particularly gummy piece of the taffy lolly.

“I am,” Remus replied.

“Oh come off it Moony, don’t be a sourpuss,” Peter said, earning an approving nod from Sirius.

“How do you expect us to help Moons?” Sirius asked, laying a hand over Remus’ bag to stop him from leaving, “you’re friends with ‘em. I mean, don’t get me wrong, we all love ‘em and think the two of you would make a lovely pair-“

“Brilliant, really,” James piped in.

“Exactly Prongs, but you’ll know what to say better than us. Just don’t overthink it, alright? Any other day with them, yeah.”

“It’s not any other day though Sirius.” Remus sighed, leaning back in his chair.

“You see them in Hogmeade plenty.” He argued, which was technically true.

Remus had run into you plenty of times in Honeydukes or at the Three Broomsticks. On occasion, more in fifth year and then hardly in sixth and now never in seventh, you’d ask if he might want to get a butterbeer with you but he always declined because he was with James, Sirius, and Peter. It was unfortunate and he wished everytime that he just put aside whatever niggling self-doubt existed in the back of his head because he really could be quite charming when he wanted to be (when there were no strings attached…or feelings, more accurately).

“Getting in your head again honey?” Sirius asked, drawing him out of a daydream. A rather bleak one, as it stood.

Remus hummed, “You think it’ll be alright?”

“I’ve never known you to worry this much over a date,” James replied, “what about that bird you went out with over christmas?”

“Exactly my point James,” Remus replied, “I tend to avoid going on dates with people who matter a great deal to me. It’s let’s messy that way, but it’s given me zero training in what I ought to do on a real date.”

“What about all the dates we’ve been on?” Sirius posed and Remus shoved him gently.

“We’ve not been on dates you mong,” he replied.

“That’s truly hurtful hon, can’t believe you would wound me that way when I’m here offering you support in your great hour of need.” Sirius teased.

Remus rolled his eyes at his best friend, finally pushing his chair back and standing up, “I’m heading back to the common room.”

“To wallow in your bunk Moony?” James called, earning and immediate shushing from Madam Pince.

Remus paused monetarily to offer James his middle finger in reply before making his way out of the library. The corridors were empty all the way back to the gryffindor common room and Remus spent the walk trying to rehearse talking points with himself in his head. As much as his friends drove him mad with their advice, he knew they were half-right and fully looking out for him. He just needed to calm down his brain, it was you after all. His darling study partner and an absolute vision in yellow.

You wore a lot of yellow; even Peter had commented on it once in the library (“you wear an awful lot of yellow” “yes, well, I am a Hufflepuff”) but Remus thought of it more like Marigold. Like a flower sprouting up to reach the golden rays of the sun, Remus felt the warmth of the color radiating off of you every time he was near.

It was no surprise then that you turned up in yellow on the morning of Hogsmeade. Black doc martens inherited from your father, yellow corduroy pants and a striped sweater that looked soft and felt softer when he hugged you.

“You look very excited this morning,” you mentioned in a teasing tone, smiling at him.

“Do I?” He asked, looking down at himself as though his excitement was a coat he could simply shed himself of.

“For someone who didn’t have anyone to go to Hogsmeade with,” you replied, “you’re very cheerful.”

“Well, not no one,” Remus insisted, “we’re going together.”

You smiled, tilting your head back as if you were turning your chin to the sun. “That we are,” you agreed.

As other students gathered in the courtyard began to depart for the long trek to Hogsmeade, Remus held his arm up, bent at the elbow, as if presenting it to you. The gesture was an inside joke that probably wasn’t truly funny and that neither of you could accurately recall the origin of but you laughter all the same. You took his arm, fingers pressing into the fabric of his plaid blazer, and allowed him to begin the journey. Mostly it was an enjoyable silence, you didn’t feel any pressure to fill the space (and you almost always felt pressure to fill empty air with some rambling assortment of nonsense) and Remus let his daydreams be far more romantic in nature than he usually allowed.

Remus was a bit of a cynic, more than a bit if any of his friends were queried on the topic, though he was wont to blame his lycanthropy for that less charming quality. Whether he would’ve been prone to cynicism without the affliction or not, Sirius was right. He did tend to let himself talk circles around any good thought that passed through his head until it became absolutely, unbearably, negative.

“Are you having a conversation with yourself there?” You asked, drawing his attention to you. The both of you had passed into Hogsmeade and when you’d begun asking which shop he’d most like to go in you’d realized he wasn’t paying the least bit of attention.

Remus hummed in reply and then shook his head as his brain caught up with the question you’d asked him, “no, sorry. James tells me I’m prone to daydreaming though I don’t often realize I’m doing it, I suppose he’s right.”

“There’s nothing I love more than a good daydream,” you replied, “Did I ever tell you, I zoned out on Alice’s hat when I was being sorted…imagined myself unraveling the whole horrid thing and fashioning it into a cute little top, I’m quite the crocheter, if you don’t know, and the sorting hat thought it was a trip…stuck me in Hufflepuff over the whole thing. Said I had too much going on between my ears,” you laughed as you finished the story and Remus couldn’t help smiling at you.

It was a nonsensical story but it had seemed to ease the tension in his bones, relaxing him enough to let him banish the niggling cynicism that made a home in his head.

“Are you positive it didn’t say Ravenclaw and you misheard, being so distracted as you were?” He asked.

You huffed out a laugh, “I heard correctly! Surely if I hadn’t someone might’ve mentioned it.”

Remus hummed in response as if he was weighing the validity of your argument, “I suppose.”

“I should crochet you something, it probably would’ve made a nicer gift than a silly book,” you mentioned, changing the subject, already thinking how nice Remus would look in a wool sweater. Maybe a maroon or a deep brown, he seemed to always be in earth tones and mismatched plaids.

“I quite like the book, actually,” Remus replied. He’d finished it within the three days between when you’d gifted it him and today. He wanted to be sure he cloud talk to you about and was thrilled to find that he throughly enjoyed the story (and his namesake, though Arséne sounded much classier than Remus).

“Have you started it?” You asked, passed beneath his arm as he held the door open to the Three Broomsticks. As he followed you in he caught sight of Rosemerta, watching him with a smirk as though she knew something he didn’t. Or perhaps she was more insightful than he gave her credit for and she could tell from across the crowded tavern that he was bumbling his way through a first date, hoping that you thought it was a first day to.

“Yes, I started it the other night, really very good,” he replied, taking a window spot.

You sat on the stool beside him, eyebrows pulling together as you looked out the window, your expression half way between surprise and confusion.

“Something wrong?” Remus asked, looking out the window himself but seeing only some younger students he wasn’t familiar with.

“No,” you shook your head, “just thought I saw…can’t be though. Anyway,” you changed the topic quickly, “I tried making butterbeer at home over the holiday but it turned out rather poorly.”

“I’ve never tried making it…don’t think it’s crossed my mind,” Remus replied. He turned in his stool, “just realized I’ve to get the drinks,” he slid off his seat and headed over to the bar to order.

You looked out the window again as he weaved his way through the crowd. Outside, against the backdrop of the snow you thought you saw something, blinking away the image at first and then…you realized you weren’t seeing things at all. Sirius was standing there, looking as if he didn’t know quite how he was visible to you but he recovered quickly, offering a wave and a wink. You waved back and then he pressed his finger to his lips before pointing over your shoulder and you understood the silent request. Don’t tell Remus. You smiled and nodded and then, practically before your own eyes the boy seemed to disappear.

“Here we are,” Remus set the butterbeer in front of you and resumed his spot. “How was your holiday? I don’t think I properly inquired before.”

“It was alright,” you shrugged, taking a sip of your drink, “my sister’s had the baby, so everyone was in a state over it. You would’ve thought it funny, the little devil puked all down the front of my party outfit on Christmas Eve!”

“Did he really?” Remus hid his mouth behind his glass, taking a somewhat stunted drink as he tried not to laugh at your misfortune.

You nodded in reply, unable to contain your own quiet laughter. “It was quite becoming too, my party outfit. Sirius owled me about coming to a Christmas party, which I was really very surprised by, and I’d picked it out just for the occasion.”

The flush that Remus had felt on his cheeks colored his neck and ears at the thought of Sirius inviting you to their Christmas party. His best friend had been particularly rowdy that evening and Remus had suspected that he’d had something up his sleeve but nothing had ever come of it. Now he knew; Sirius had been trying to get him to “make a move” on you since fifth year, when he’d first caught wind of Remus’ crush. Or infatuation perhaps.

“I’m sure it was lovely,” Remus replied, trying to fit you into what he thought you might wear to a fancy dress party. Something golden and soft and glittery, if he was asked to bet money on his assumptions.

“It really was!” You exclaimed, “I tried a spell to clean it off but i’m rubbish at household magic and ended up melting it! I looked like I was wearing a baby’s bib after they’ve thrown up on it!”

Remus laughed at the image your words produced, taking the final sip of his butterbeer, “I didn’t know you were planning on coming to the party, mishap aside I would have loved to see you there.”

Your heart swelled at his use of the word “loved” and you smiled, “Well my night was just as chaotic, I’m sure. Do you mind popping in to Honeydukes? I don’t want to keep you.”

“I wouldn’t mind it.” Remus muttered, the words slipping out before he could stop himself.

“Sorry?” You had busied yourself with pulling your coat back on and looked up in confusion, having not fully heard him over the commotion of the tavern.

“Oh, I was just uh…I have plenty of time. All day really.” He insisted, standing himself and taking his hat off the table so he could follow you back out to the village street.

“Damn!” You stopped suddenly, recalling with all the annoyance of someone who had forgotten something vital to their daily life that you had left your second present for Remus in the refrigerator at home.

“Are you alright?”

“I’d forgotten, because of baby Lucifer…not his real name ‘course…I made a batch of fudge for you. I was going to sneak it to you at the party but I obviously did not attend and so it’s sitting in the fridge at home.” You replied, already thinking of what you would say in an owl home to your mother.

“That’s alright, honest,” Remus replied, laying a hand gently on the back of your coat. The pressure of his touch seemed to get you moving again. “Wait, why would you need to sneak it to me?” He asked, his mind catching up to the entirety of your situation.

“Well, Sirius invited me to the party, as I’ve said, and he said you’d be there, very specifically too, and so I made you the fudge…this was before I saw the book of course…but I didn’t make anything for anyone else. I hate people feeling left out, naturally, but it didn’t even occur to me until I was getting ready to come over. And then, of course, I suppose it worked out because my sister handed me Fredagar, that’s his real name by the way…a doozy if you ask me…and well, you know the rest.” You replied, “I was looking forward to going though, I thought about owning you over the holiday but I didn’t want to seem like that nagging friend who didn’t know the boundaries of their friendship, you know?”

“You could never,” Remus replied, “I’d like to think there are very few boundaries on our friendship, if any.”

“That’s very sweet of you,” you said, plucking a cellophane bag of taffy off the shelf in Honeydukes for your mum, “I’m not completely clueless though Remus, I know you’ve got a couple secrets up your sleeve.”

Despite the smile when you said it, Remus felt the flush that had been staining his cheeks rush away as he paled. He looked almost nervous, you thought, far more serious than you’d intended. You had a few ideas about what his secret might be, and you knew he had one, but you would never wager a guess out loud. His business was his and if he wanted to share, when he wanted to share, you knew he would.

“Sorry,” you apologized, taking his hand in yours and giving a squeeze of reassurance, “I didn’t mean to upset you Remus, I was only teasing.”

“Of course,” he nodded, squeezing your hand back. “I didn’t mean to-“

“Don’t think anything of it,” you replied, “now, tell me how your holiday was? Did you lot get into any trouble?”

Remus tried to refocus, shaking his head gently to clear his thoughts, “With Sirius and James?” He reached for the candy in your hand, “here, let me get this for you.”

“Oh no, you got the butterbeers,” you replied, “besides the taffy is for my mum. I’m only getting the sherbet lemons and the chocolate frog. Hoping it’s not Dumbledore again, got a load of him.”

“James’ got a whole shoebox full of Dumbledores,” Remus replied, “Sometimes he lines them all up and watches him go back and forth between them all.”

You laughed at the thought of James sprawled out with his wizard cards, staring at Dumbledore passing through them. “Sounds like him.” You replied. “No, Remus, really-“

“I insist,” he placed the candies on the counter with his and then realized he’d need his other hand, “sorry I-“

“Oh, gosh, sorry…didn’t even realize I was still hanging on to you.” You let go, crossing your arms and looking around the shop while he paid.

“It’s alright,” Remus took the bag of sweets from the lady behind the counter and then reached over, deciding that maybe a bold move would be the right one, and took your hand again. “Do you want to walk a bit? Maybe?”

“Sounds good,” you agreed, letting Remus lead you back out onto the streets and through Hogsmeade.

The companionable silence from before seemed to fall over the two of you as you made your way around the small village. Remus let himself focus on the feeling of holding your hand in his and not the nerves that were still eating at him from your earlier comment. If he thought too hard on it he’d follow his own rabbit hole to the conclusion that you had figured him out and though you were still very obviously right here beside him, your motivations for wanting to be his friend if you knew were murky at best. He knew he was catastrophizing, even if he didn’t intend to, and that was probably why he didn’t realise exactly where he was until you finally spoke up.

“My sister used to tell me she would lock me in there when she was still at Hogwarts.”

Remus looked up in confusion, the Shrieking Shack standing a few meters away behind an old rickety fence.

“The shrieking shack,” he said, just for good measure.

“What do you think of it?” You asked.

“What do you mean?” His grip on your hand tightened ever so slightly and he looked as uneasy as he had back in Honeydukes.

“Oh, just like, do you really think some murderous hermit lives there? That’s what my sister used to tell me, that he built the house on the bones of his victims and that it was their screams you could hear on the anniversaries of their death.” You replied, gravely. Just as quickly you smiled, “or something like that.”

“I’ve heard a different one then,” Remus laughed.

“Have you? Suppose it’s not a murderer then. That’s a relief.” You replied.

“I should tell you,” Remus began, clearing his throat, trying to calm his nerves. “I uh, well, Sirius and James didn’t actually have detention today. And Peter wasn’t busy either, I sort of…well I wanted to come to Hogsmeade with you and I didn’t know or I was too nervous to ask.”

You bit your bottom lip to stop the smile that was threatening to spread. “I sort of, guessed about the Sirius and James bit. Not that I knew you were lying just to go out with me, if that is what your saying-“

“It is. It…how did you know about James and Sirius?” He asked, perplexed.

“I think they might’ve been following us, I saw Sirius outside of The Three Broomsticks,” you replied.

Remus looked around quickly, as if he could somehow see them, hiding out in the open, when it was just the two of you. “You swore you’d stay out of Hogsmeade!” He called to the empty space around you.

And despite Sirius and James appearing seemingly out of thin air you only felt mildly surprised to see them both. “Did your sister really name her son Fredagar?” Sirius asked as he ran a hand through his hair and straightened his jacket.

Remus looked absolutely peeved, though you weren’t sure if it was because they broken their promise or because they’d been following the two of you around Hogsmeade all afternoon. “Oh, come off it Moony, we would’ve closed our eyes if you two started snogging.” James said, pushing his glasses up his nose.

You chose to ignore him and focus on Sirius instead, “afraid so. According to her husband it’s a family name.”

Remus still looked bother and perhaps now a touch embarrassed, the red coming back to his cheeks in full force. He let go of your hand in favor of crossing his arms, looking about the clearing as though someone else might be there as well.

“Peter didn’t come, the spoilsport said ‘we promised Remus we’d stay behind’.” Sirius answered the unspoken question, pitching his voice higher to sound like Peter.

“At least one of my friends actually listens to me.” Remus huffed.

“It’s alright, really,” you promised.

“See, they aren’t bothered,” Sirius pointed out, “can’t believe you weren’t going ti give Jamesy and me a present though. Really gutted over that one. You don’t even know how you’ve wounded me.”

“You’ll get over it, I’m sure.”

“Never. Take it to my grave is what I’ll do.” Sirius joked, clutching at his heart dramatically, “it’s betrayal really, I thought I was your favorite.”

“My favorite what? Pain in the ass?” You laughed.

“And the hits just keep coming!”

James smacked Sirius’ arm, “it’s alright, we all know who your favorite is.” He looked over at Remus, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

“Christ, can’t you two find something else to do?” Remus asked, “where’s Lily?”

“She said something about someone breaking up with somebody else and having a nice Hogsmeade trip to mend them up…can’t remember specifics.” James replied.

“Good to know you listen to your girlfriend.” Remus snarked.

“I do listen! It’s just that we were making out and she always tells me things when we’re in the middle of it and then I can’t remember what it is she said.”

“Maybe that’s why she does it,” you pointed out, “to see if you’re paying attention.”

“I am!” He insisted, “to her!”

“Let’s just go back,” Remus tried, gesturing for James and Sirius to go ahead.

Sirius looked surprised at the suggestion though, a devilish smile coming to his face as he looked passed Remus to the shrieking shack. “We wanted to check your theory,” he said, looking over at you, “about the murderer in the shack.”

“Sirius!” Remus snapped, the scarlet of his cheeks suddenly giving him a furious look. He was no longer feeling embarrassed or annoyed or even smitten as he had been in The Three Broomsticks. This Remus was pissed off.

“It’ll be fun,” Sirius insisted. He and James were excitable and charming when they wanted to be but sometimes they were downright cads. No regard for anyone’s feelings and taking jokes just over the line until they weren’t funny anymore.

“I think I’d rather just go back to Hogwarts,” you replied, worrying your bottom lip as you glanced over at Remus. He wouldn’t meet your eyes though.

“Just a minute or two, like a dare,” James teased, grabbing your shoulders and pushing you toward the break in the fence where others had clearly manipulated the wire to get in.

“I think-“

“You two are assholes sometimes, you know that?” Remus snapped, hurt more than anger fuelling his words, “I told you to leave me alone for the day and you can’t even fucking do that? You insist on ruining everything!”

You looked over your shoulder, passed James (who was also looking over his shoulder) and realized Remus was trudging back toward Hogsmeade. Sirius had turned to watch him go, picking up the discarded bag of sweets that he’d tossed as he’d stormed out.

“Remus!” Sirius called, still sounding jovial though mildly confused, as if he couldn’t fathom why his friend was upset.

James seemed to have caught on, his hands falling from your shoulders, “sorry, we just thought it’d be a laugh.”

“It’s okay,” you weren’t really sure that it was okay but you didn’t know what other platitude to offer them. “I’ll go see if I can catch up with him?”

“Think that’s best, he might sock us if we follow him now.” James replied.

You took the candy from Sirius and started after Remus, following his tracks in the snow. By the time you got to Hogsmeade, his footpath had muddled with everyone else’s and it was impossible to know exactly where he’d gone. You thought about asking around but then that seemed silly, you had misplaced someone in a village this small? Wouldn’t that just mean they didn’t want to see you? Hogwarts seemed logical, he’d show up there eventually, at least. So you hiked your way back to Hogwarts and were almost immediately reminded why you disliked coming to Hogsmeade most of the time. The treacherous uphill climb back to the school was daunting, especially when you were forced to trek on your own through the snow.

By the time you got back to the castle your knees, shins, elbows and the bottom of your jacket were all wet and icing over. Luck took pity on you though and you found Remus on the bridge, over looking the lake and gorge.

“I‘ve saved your chocolates, which turned out to be quite a feat because I lost my footing at least three times on the walk back,” you called, “you’ll be relieved to have abandoned the day, then you didn’t have to be embarrassed by my clumsiness.”

“I,” Remus sighed as he turned toward you, “I didn’t mean to abandon anything…I uh, I’m prone to a temper every now and again.”

“Is that what that was? You seemed so calm and collected,” you teased, “Sirius was right though, I’m really not bothered. I’m sorry that you were.”

“I just wanted it to be a nice date,” Remus admitted. “I fucked up the ask and then…well I made a whole list of things we could chat about and it was complete rubbish so I tossed it and then I couldn’t come up with anything noteworthy to say-“

“I had a lovely time,” you cut him off, laying your hand on his arm, “you don’t need a list of topics Remus, we’re friends…we talk all the time.”

“Yeah, but not…I mean, not the sort of talk that leads people to think you’re interested in them, in a more than friendly way.” He admitted, “we always chat about friendly things.”

“Well, I could start telling you how gorgeous you look in your vest, would that help?” You asked, reaching out to gently tug the hem of his vest as you spoke.

“Yes, I suppose.” He nodded, “I, as you can imagine, I was planning on kissing you…perhaps, if you wanted to, of course. Not by the shack, that would be unromantic. I was thinking maybe just in the woods but then we wander further than I intended too and, as you know, James-“

You tugged his vest again, a little rougher this time, and leaned in to kiss him. “You know you sound an awful lot like me right now?” You almost laughed, “you’re supposed to be the confident one aren’t you?”

“You should try being me when you’re looking at me like that.”

“What am I looking at you like?” You asked.

“Like, well,” the thought occurred to Remus suddenly, like someone pulling a lightbulb string inside his head and bringing a lamp to life, “like you always look at me.” He said it softly, as if he were afraid to admit what he’d really known all along.

“You’re very clever,” you teased, kissing him once more, “are you positive you aren’t in Ravenclaw?”

[dramioneasks]

Novel Length Fics (> 200,000 words) (Part 8)

Title: Unsinkable Author: Gingersoup  Rating: T Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Angst Chapters: 38 Word Count: 250,812 Summary: After a fight gone wrong in the Department of Mysteries, sworn enemies Draco and Hermione are thrown into a mysterious pensive-like portal and come out the other side onto the RMS Titanic. In a race against time and without their wands, the unlikely duo will have to fight against the binds of their new identities as well as their animosity toward each other in order to survive.

Title: Anchor and Rose. Author: sixth_senses Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Angst Chapters: 38 Word Count: 200,220 Summary: "Is it really a good idea to run away from war with the person you despise the most?"A hotel, A boathouse, Narcissa Malfoy's safe-house, and the world's most powerful wand left behind by Regulus Black. What else could Hermione add to the list to make her absolutely insane?Ah yes, Draco fucking Malfoy.ALSO AVAILABLE ON MY WATTPAD (sixth_senses)

Title: selfxconclusion Author: spicyxpisces Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Angst Chapters: 40 Word Count: 424,687 Summary: One year after the death of her husband, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger is trying to navigate her way through her loss. While trying to discover who she is without her husband, her friends move through their own forms of grief within their relationships.

Title: The Stars Above Us Author: embersofapril Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Fluff, Angst Chapters: 40 Word Count: 200,988 Summary: He remains silent at first, clearly unsure of what to say next. The temperature feels hot, he thinks, especially for the dungeon's standards. He feels as if he can see the air particles between them, perhaps even count how many separate them from one another.It feels odd for him to be alone with Granger in the potions lab after all this time.He catches the faint scent of strawberries and honey, reminding him to order the ingredients for his lesson on Amortentia for his NEWT classes next week.-A slow-burn, flashback-filled dramione fanfiction with a side of wolfstar.

Title: A Game of High Stakes Author: in_dreams Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Angst Chapters: 51 Word Count: 263,110 Summary: In theory, the task is simple: kill Draco Malfoy. In practice, putting a curse through the Dark Lord's favoured lieutenant will take everything Hermione has―especially since he's trying to kill her, too. Even more so when the lines between them start to blur. Sometimes, the only way out is through.

Title: Who We Are Now Author: LiloLilyAnn Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Angst Chapters: 60 Word Count: 398,717 Summary: She lived through the war, but did she actually survive it? She didn't recognize the girl who looked back at her in the mirror, sunken eyes and protruding ribs, covered in scars. This wasn’t Hermione Granger. She died alongside Lavender, Fred, Sirius, Remus... Her name wasn’t up on any walls in memoriam, but she felt like a casualty nonetheless.*****When Hermione can't seem to get past the trauma of the war and all that happened to her, she's convinced to get help for her mental health issues. Unfortunately, the Wizarding World has none... yet.

Title: Redemption/Atonement Author: LordoftheManor Rating: E Genre(s): Romance, Angst, Drama Chapters: 75 Word Count: 448,946 Summary: Draco Malfoy has had a crush on Granger for years. When Blaise tells him he's heard Granger has a crush on him--Draco decides to seize the opportunity. The only problem is, Granger wants to keep things quiet. Oh and he's a Death Eater working for Lord Voldemort. Hermione Granger has been secretly pining after Draco for years, telling no one. When he suddenly confronts her after class her world turns upside down. This is a 7th year fic as if Dumbledore hadn’t been killed and Voldemort hadn’t taken over the ministry yet. Draco redemption arc. This will cover books 6 & 7.Really just an excuse to write smut about a curly haired witch and her platinum haired beau. There will be dark themes, I’ll try not to stray too far from the books with that though. Explicit sexual content.

Title: A Dangerous Collection Author: Lia_Redrose Rating: E Genre(s): Romance Chapters: 34 Word Count: 208,277 Summary: Eight years after Voldemort's defeat, Draco Malfoy has left England for good. He has become a potioneer and works in a Potion Shop in Florence. He thinks he has done with the past, until one day a famous girl with messy curls and curious eyes storms inside and asks for a cure.The words and the newborn smile died as the woman turned to face him. Her mouth opened and her facial features became confused and astonished. “Malfoy?” There were surely some deities - three at least - that hated him and conjured for that to happen, because there was no other explanation to what was happening to him. It was a catastrophe. A catastrophe Draco couldn’t escape unless he bolted out of the shop to never come back again, which was something he couldn’t do. That’s why he cleared his throat and proceeded to greet his customer with a simple and clear “Granger.”

Title: Redemption Author: gnrkrystle  Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Drama Chapters: 45 Word Count: 237,960 Summary: As an Unspeakable, Hermione has been tasked with a very complicated case. All the Marked Death Eaters in Azkaban are falling ill - Draco Malfoy and Theo Nott the worst among them. She has to find out why and cure them.

Title: Finding Hermione Author: ebookdragon Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Drama Chapters: 51 Word Count: 217,753 Summary: Fifteen years after the end of the Second Wizarding War, former Hogwarts' students are sending their own children off to school for the first time. As the train leaves, Hermione makes a startling discovery about her husband and the secret life he's been living. Draco witnesses Hermione's world shatter and comes to her rescue, helping her pick up the pieces and find herself again.

Title: The Education of a Lady Author: thewanderers'wanderingdaughter  Rating: M Genre(s): Drama, Horror Chapters: 34 Word Count: 365,605 Summary: Fourth and final (for real this time) part in the His Little Bird series. The story of survival, betrayal, and tragedy. A monster took everything from her. Now she's expected to be a willing participant in the world he's built for them. They want her to become one of them. She only wants vengeance, and now that she has her power back, she can make that a reality.

Title: Snow Angel Author: SunflowersXx Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Drama Chapters: 31 Word Count: 353,142 Summary: ‘To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves’- Federico Garcia Lorca. Hermione hated secrets, she hated the idea that their lives were already decided in the stars; but mostly, she hated that she had to break Draco Malfoy’s heart.Draco didn’t think he would ever know what love felt like, he didn’t think he would find it in the sun, in whiskey and in that one curl. He certainly didn’t think he would loose it just as he had it in his grasp.

Title: The Hardest of Hearts Author: WillowingScribe1709 Rating: M Genre(s): Romance, Humour Chapters: 34 Word Count: 219,508 Summary: Hermione, driven to become Minister of Magic, reluctantly joins a matchmaking agency, only to discover Draco Malfoy as her top match.Initially scoffing at the idea of marrying her old nemesis, Hermione is forced to reconsider when their paths intertwine, unraveling not just their past but also new layers of deceit. Among these Draco's connection to the Seven Devils, a group wrapped in secrecy and rumoured to have been founded by his father, Lucius.What starts out as a simple match of convenience soon blossoms into a profound connection that catches Hermione completely off guard. With a menacing new threat casting a shadow over their future, their growing bond becomes the crux upon which destiny hinges.---------“It’s not that simple,” he said, and his eyes flashed with something dark that curled around her airways and choked the breath out of her. “Even if we never consummate our marriage, I need to know that I can touch you in public without you flinching. That you can touch me in return without looking green in the face.”“Of course I can,” she said with more bravado than she felt.“Is that so?” Malfoy asked, more darkness swirling in his eyes. “Care to demonstrate?”

[accio-sriracha]

Hii! @bradleysass thank you so much for tagging me in Your Post!

It looks like a super fun wip game, and I think I'll ask @silence-between-seconds @regulusblxxk @equippedtolove and @menwrittenbywomen ONLY if they want to do it, because I'm curious about their wips🧐 but open tags!

Tell us the name of your/ one of your WIP(s)

I have SO many, but I'll go with If Not For Wings

Describe your wip/one of your wips in the format of “___ + ___ =___”

Jegulus + Icarus = ... depressing southern poetry?

What tags or warnings will your / one of your wip(s) need?

Well... there's a few, but Major Character Death, Multiple Pie Addictions, and Southern James Potter I feel might be the most important

An alternative title to your/ one of your WIP(s)?

The acronym "INFW" was decided, but originally (in the VERY beginning of the project) the fic was going to be named "The Tragedy of The Sun"

Which wip you're most likely to finish next?

This is funny because I'm literally working my way down a list right now, trying to finish them all. The next is a drarry fic called "A Heart For The Holidays"

What is your document of your wip called? (not the story's actual title but what it's saved as)

Technically it's called "☀️ The Draft" but the entire doc is just labeled "If Not For Wings"

Post any sentence from your wip:

I couldn't choose so...

“Whatever you say, cowboy.” Regulus smiled back, grabbing James' black hat from the countertop and putting it on his own head.

And, of course:

James looked away, a single tear rolling down his cheeks. He had never been a fan of poetry anyway.

A scrapped idea for your WIP

Well, there was actually only one throughout the entire thing. I originally had Sirius overhear a conversation from his mother...

She was talking about Regulus.

Sirius felt his heart race, fear overcame him in waves.

They found Regulus.

What’s a story you’d love to write but haven’t even started yet?

I actually only have one wip that doesn't have anything written down yet. It's called If It Comes To It:

A zombie apocalypse has torn humanity to shreds. With less than half the population still alive, survivors need to band together in order to keep safe from the spreading infections.

Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew couldn't be less alike. But in times like these? They were the closest thing to family they had.

How many Wips?

HAHAHAHAHAHA

122...

Is there a scene or anything in the WIP you are struggling with right now?

Right now the full rough draft is done so I think my main struggle is trying to edit😭

And because I'm a sucker for sneak peaks, this is a small side plot from Chapter 10:

Sirius shouted for Evan to play the song again and he did.

Barty’s laugh was loud, infectious, Sirius found himself laughing too.

Sirius lifted his free hand into the air, letting the force of the wind push it backwards.

It was like magic, the way his whole body seemed to come to life all at once.

He was going to find his brother.

The thoughts made him laugh again, letting out a shout into the open air, swallowed by the wind and the swell of the music. Barty whooped loudly as well, raising his own hand into the air.

Even Evan was laughing, cranking up the volume on the song until it drowned out everything but this feeling humming in Sirius’ very soul.

[orionlakehastodie]

Why I Love Maxton Hall (And Why James Is Not The Toxic Hero People Paint Him Out To Be)

If you've been in this Tumblr page for a very long time you will find that I love contrasting characters.

I love Kylo Ren and Ben Solo but I hate Snape (James is the superior Potter)

I love Peter Kavinsky but I hate Jeremiah Fisher (Team Conrad all the way)

And while many may argue that it's contradictory the boys I love, sometimes the bad boy, sometimes the good one, I do think that there is something inherently similar in Ben Solo, James Potter, Peter Kavinsky, Conrad Fisher and now James Beaufort - it is that innate shard of light and softness that shines through all the bad.

It's in the way that their actions may be perceived as evil or toxic, but they were actually doing it for a purpose: -James Potter was a bully but he only bullied those who were bullying others who were weaker. He bullied freaking death eaters and defended the weak. He sided with Remus Lupin and Muggles for Merlin's sake -Ben Solo killed all those people because he was brainwashed by freaking Palpatine, and his uncle tried to murder him, and his parents cast him out. Despite that he died to save the galaxy and the girl he loved -Conrad was hurting because his mom just died and he's always been there for Belly. ALWAYS

It's the same with James Beaufort, who let's be honest, before this moment was staying on his lane, and bullying no one. He only picked on Ruby because he was protecting Lydia. It was not for sport or because she was poor, it was because she was a threat to his sister. And once he found out that she was not ever going to tell on Lydia, he was intrigued by her.

His friends are also super non-toxic. They're boys and loud and brash, but ultimately they were decent people who didn't judge him for "dating a scholarship poor girl". Alistair stuck by him even though his sister is like obsessed with James, because Alistair understood that Ellie is only in it for the name, not the man.

The other thing that I really love about these men are the fact that their women (maybe with the exception of Conrad) love them fiercely and will probably kill anyone who says a bad thing about their tall, soft hearted, tortured heroes.

I think it's often overlooked when the male characters are so passionately and completely and irrevocably in love with the women, how much the women are equally passionately and completely in love with the men.

One of the things I love the most with Ruby is how much she does consider what James wants. She loves Oxford but instead of forcing James to use his privilege to just go to Oxford, she encourages him to find what he's passionate about, even if it means not going to Oxford and I think that's a really beautiful thing because it shows she loves James and not James Beaufort. I honestly think I can't be with someone without an advanced university degree, and part of the draw of James for me is the fact that he's rich, and smart and can go to Oxford, but Ruby doesn't care for any of that. She cares about James, and if James is happy (and this is why James fell for her and not for someone like me who cannot see beyond his looks and his titles and his wealth)

I know bad things happen in book 2 and 3 but I hope they clean up the writing and keep this pure James trait, that he may lash out because he's hurt but he will never ever deliberately hurt Ruby.

And I hope they keep Ruby's love intact too, that she will always have his best interest at heart, and that all she wants is for him to be happy.

[pain-in-the-riri]

I would love to know what dishes is about!

Thank you for asking! Dishes is the working title of a fic I started almost exactly two years ago and never finished. The premise is, the entire fic is a letter that Remus is writing to Sirius after he's returned from Azkaban and they're attempting to live a normal life again. (Assume sirius survives and the war's over, and now they are forced to be domestic, and all of the old wounds reopen) Re-reading it now I really need to go back to it even though it will break my own heart 😩

wip game post

Snippet

It's when I'm washing dishes and you're in the other room, reading or listening to records, that I feel the most overwhelmed.

Your mug clinking on the coffee table, you shifting on the couch, you turning a page. Living your life so casually just out of sight, and through the small domestic sounds you make and the rush of water flowing from the tap, all I can hear is the hundreds of ways I let you down.

Every chip I put into a plate when you weren't here is evidence of my failure. Every worn out sole on a pair of shoes, every book I added to the shelves without your input, grains of sand to the desert named "Should Have Been" — you should have been there when I fixed the squeaky hinge; you should have been there to help me plant the maple seedling in the side garden; you should have been there and it's my fault that you weren't.

[ some text crossed out, incomprehensible scribbles scribbled over twice more]

I’m not even sure why it is I’m writing this. I know I’ll never give it to you, and it feels like emotional masturbation. Or, more accurately, self harm in prose format.

Sometimes I get stuck here, in the other room, like today. I can hear you stirring your tea right now and I can’t bring myself to get my ass off this kitchen chair and walk over to you because it feels like I no longer deserve your peaceful moments.

[creativia10]

Interesting Sing-through Part 1: Assigning Roles

Epic the musical is a concept album that has a way of getting a hold of it's listeners. Thomas and the Sides are no exception to this. Roman leads the sides into an 'Epic the musical' singalong. Virgil has some interesting realizations and observations as they do so.

word count: 4608

Notes: I've gotten really into 'Epic the Musical' lately. (Title may change.)

So I don't know how many parts this will have yet or how often I'll update. I currently have checks notes maybe six ideas related to Epic. One is a crossover with sanders sides, others are Epic fics.

The sides watch Roman as he sits at the desk muttering to himself out loud. Writing something out, the Epic playlist on YouTube already pulled up on the computer. Thomas had recently discovered the concept album of ‘Epic the Musical’ on YouTube. It didn’t take long for Roman to become obsessed. They had all already heard Roman singing these songs often. Not to mention some of the other sides doing so as well such as Patton, Janus, and Remus. So with this in mind, Virgil was filled with a sense of dread when he heard Roman muttering. As he had heard their names and Epic character names. Roman sat up straighter and nodded to himself before turning to face the others. 

“Okay, so I have some ideas on who can sing what for the next sing along,” Roman said.

“Seriously?” Virgil asked.

Logan sighed.  “We know how Roman gets when he’s really into a new media. It will be hard to get him to focus on much else,” Logan said.

Roman pouted. 

“It might be best to go along with this for now,” Logan continued. 

Virgil blinked and looked at Logan. “I didn’t expect you of all sides to be on board with this,” Virgil said.

“I didn’t say I was particularly enthused. But going with this could help get it out of his system. Thus making it easier to get productive things done after,” Logan said.

“But that’s not a guarantee,” Virgil said. 

“I mean, I can’t predict the future Virgil. However, I do think the length of the musical could aid with this as well. It’s rather lengthy, with more songs than the typical musical. So singing through it would be spending a good amount of time doing so. Which has a better chance of ‘scratching that itch’, you could say, for the content,” Logan said. 

Virgil sighed and nodded. “Yeah alright,” Virgil said. 

“Oh come now, Virgil. We are all fans of this musical after all,” Roman said.

“Yeah, but…” That didn’t mean he wanted to sing in front of everyone.  When Virgil didn’t continue, Roman got out the paper he’d been writing on.

“Okay, so I’m going to sing for Odysseus,” Roman struck a heroic pose after he said so, “Obviously.”

Patton giggled a bit. Logan just rolled his eyes. 

“So I think Virgil should sing for Zeus,” Roman continued. 

Virgil blinked.  “Wait really?”

Roman nodded. “Mhm! You have the low voice for it, and would be good at playing a menacing role.” 

“Roman, we have the same voice.”

“But you tend to sing the lower parts though!”

“I guess. I would have to tell someone to drop a baby from a building though,” Virgil muttered.

“Technically, he doesn’t specify how to get rid of the boy,” Logan said. 

“Not really the point, the Logan,” Virgil said.

“Virgil, it’s not as though Thomas hasn’t played a bad guy before. And this isn’t even a bad guy. Odysseus just does things that are questionable to us, but for the good.  Anyways, Thomas has been JD in Heathers after all,” Roman said.

“True…” This felt different somehow though.  “You think I can sing for a powerful god?” Virgil asked.

“Yeah! You can definitely have  a big presence when you chose to,” Roman said.

“…thanks?” When he thought about it though, it might be fun to pretend for a bit. Like he actually had control in something. Especially with how he often felt as anxiety. He was still nervous about doing Zeus’s big song, ‘Thunder bringer’ justice though. It was an epic song, and a good one. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the attention he’d get from the others when it came up as well.

“Patton will be Polites, of course,” Roman said.

“Oh! Yeah that makes sense,” Patton said with a smile. 

“So because there’s so many parts, some of us will sing for more than one. I’ll try to put it so they don’t conflict though,” Roman said.

“I want to play all the villains!” Remus exclaimed with a manic laugh.

Roman sighed. “I’m sure you’ll be good at that. I don’t know if it will work for you to play all of them though,” Roman said.

“Prometheus?” 

Roman paused for a moment then nodded.

“Yeah, you can be Prometheus.”

“Antinous?”

Roman huffed out a bit of a laugh at that, “Yeah you can definitely be vicious enough for him. Not to mention some of the rough stuff Jorge has released in his later songs. I don’t think anyone else here would be comfortable singing those. But we don’t have to worry about that today anyways, since we’ll only be doing the released stuff. Now-!”

Roman turned to Logan.  “I think you should sing for Poseidon.”

Logan blinked. “Oh really? I figured I was a better fit for Athena,” He said.

Virgil was a bit surprised by that as well.

“Athena matches you more in actual personality. But I’m considering other factors as well for who sings what. For one, his big song ‘Ruthlessness’ is a very angry song, and we know you have experience with getting very angry.”

“FALSEHOOD!” 

Roman had already leaned back as though expecting that reaction. Logan paused for a moment then huffed.

“Fair enough. Why else?” Logan asked.

Roman hesitated, mulling over how to phrase it.

Remus just snickered.  “He’s trying to say you could pull off a very masculine role well,” Remus said. 

Logan’s eyebrows raise at that. “Ah…I see,” His expression was a bit hard to read, but he seemed contemplative. 

“I’ll be Circe,” Janus said. The other sides looked at him. He smirked and raised an eyebrow.  “What?”

“That’s just, not what I would have expected from you,” Roman said. 

“And why not?” Janus asked. Roman seemed unsure what to say. Janus smirked. “What, is it because you’re surprised I’d volunteer to play a role where I have to pretend to flirt with you?”

“Uh, well…I mean-“ Despite his stuttering, the look on Roman’s face seemed to confirm that. 

Janus straightened up and waved a hand around himself. His outfit transformed into a red toga-like dress inspired by some Circe fanart. He started to saunter over to Roman. 

“There are other ways of persuasion. There are other modes of control~,” Janus sang. Virgil expected Roman to back away, but was instead surprised to see Roman freeze.  “There are other means of Deceit~” He hissed on the cee part of the word. Roman’s eyes trailed Janus as the other came closer. “There are other roads to the soul~” Janus got to Roman and lightly trailed his hand up his arm. “There are other actions of passion~” He leaned closer to Roman. “You have so much left to learn~” Janus sang as almost a whisper that time, close to Roman’s face. Virgil saw Roman’s breath catch and how he blushed. 

Virgil frowned.   “Okay! You made your point or whatever,” Virgil called. Whether the point was about him playing Circe or something else, Virgil wasn’t sure. 

Janus glanced to him with a satisfied look, not moving away for a moment. Then he let out a bit of a chuckle before leaning back away from Roman. Janus waved his hand again, transforming into a more casual outfit. Then he walked back over to his initial spot.  Roman cleared his throat, still looking a little flushed. Then his eyes widened and he looked to Virgil.

“Virgil, I…”

Virgil sighed and waved him off.  “It’s fine, I guess.” He wasn’t mad at Roman after all. He wasn’t thrilled, but he understood. It’s not like he hadn’t been there. 

Roman seemed unsure if he believed Virgil, which was fair. The animosity between him and Janus was clear to everyone. 

Remus snickered. 

“You know, some of the fans of Epic have talked about a manwhore au-“ Remus said.

Roman sighed.  “This is a serious sing through! We can check out things like that later,” Roman said. 

Remus pouted a bit but shrugged.

“Okay, let’s get back to it!” Roman looked back to his paper.  “Uhh,” Roman hummed.  “Hermes I guess could be Remus?”

Remus shrugged. “As long as I get to play destructive villains, I don’t care who else.”

“Why Remus?” Patton asked. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that of course! But-“

“It does seem a bit tame for Remus, doesn’t it?” Janus cut in. Patton nodded a bit hesitantly. 

Roman sighed. “Yeah, I know. Aside from that, I think he could easily match the almost wackiness of the character though. I mean, I can’t really picture Logan busting a move,” He said. Virgil laughed at that, along with a couple of the others. Logan hummed but didn’t disagree.  “Okay, so Tiresias or the prophet can be Patton. I think he has a soft enough voice for that,” Roman said. 

“Alright, sounds good,” Patton said.  Roman looked back at his sheet, and seemed unsure about something as he furrowed his brows.  “Okay, um…” 

Remus looked over Roman’s shoulder at the song list pulled up on the computer. “Oo, I can be Scylla!” He exclaimed. 

Roman hesitated.  “Character-wise that works, I’m just not sure if you can voice her.”

Remus snickered. “Did you forget we’re imaginary, genius?” He shook himself out and then transformed so he now looked like the voice actress of Scylla. He still wore his usual getup otherwise though. Remus cleared his throat with really nasal sounds before taking a deep breath. 

“DROWN IN YOUR SORROW AND FEARS,” Remus belted out loudly with a powerful female voice and continued, “CHOKE ON YOUR BLOOD AND YOUR TEARS BLEED 'TIL YOU'VE RUN OUT OF YEARS WE MUST DO WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE~”

They all stared at him, impressed. Patton’s eyes were wide, but he did clap enthusiastically. Remus gave him an unsettling grin and bowed. Patton’s face grew a bit nervous at the grin.

“Alright, Remus has got down Scylla then,” Roman said, writing that down.  Remus transformed back. 

“Yay!”

“No killer tentacles for the scene!” Virgil, Janus, and Roman all yelled at the same time.

Remus frowned a bit at that. “Aww, fine! But it loses something without that sense of danger.”

The other sides let out sighs of relief at that. 

“Okay, so-“ Roman started. 

“You forgot Athena,” Logan said. Roman nodded. 

“I didn’t forget her…I just wasn’t sure who she would go to yet.”

“There’s also Eurylochus,” Janus pointed out. “You can hardly be all the crew when there are songs they have conversations in.”

“Right, right…” Roman thought as he looked around at all of them.  “Hmm…you know, I think we need more singers actually,” Roman said. Then he made an upwards motion with both of his hands, bringing two new presences into the room. 

“Gurl, what the hell!?”

“Whoa, what!?”

Now in the room was Remy who represented sleep…and character Dr. Emile Picani from the cartoon therapy series?

The sides looked at Roman then. Roman shrugged. 

“What? He was already an active character in the imagination. I know he’s only had like three episodes, so I threw a bit of Logan and Patton in there. You know, it seemed fitting.” Patton and Logan both looked at Emile after that. Logan seemed unsure how to take that. Emile blinked, looking very confused. 

“Roman, if you were just going to bring in someone from the imagination, why not create an Epic figment?” Logan asked. 

Roman shrugged again.  “To stay on theme?” He said. Logan huffed and rolled his eyes.

“Oh, well uh, do you how do folks? Mind telling me what’s going on?” Emile asked. 

“We’re assigning people to sing different parts in Epic the musical for a sing along. I needed more singers so I brought you two here,” Roman said.

“Oh! Well that sure sounds fun. I’d love to join,” Emile said.

“Mhm,” said Roman.  Remy smirked and sauntered over to Emile. “Well I’m never going to complain about seeing your pretty face,” Remy said with a wink. He took Emile’s hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. With his free hand, Emile covered his mouth and giggled, turning pink. The sides looked to Roman again. 

“I mean, it’s a popular ship with fans. Not too surprising this happened,” Roman said. 

Remy scoffed.  “You don’t need to take credit for this. I spend time in the imagination too after all. Besides, he’s a cutie,” Remy said. 

Emile shook his head, smiling shyly through his fluster.

“Okay, anyways!” Roman clapped.  “Roles!” Roman pointed to Emile.

“You’re Athena.

“Oh! Okay.”

“Why did you wait for Emile before placing Athena?” Logan asked. 

“I was unsure who would fit, but I think it works for Emile. He’s a smart guy, and can have a soft edge to him as well,” Roman said.

Logan hummed as he considered that and then nodded. 

“I’m smart too,” Janus said. 

“Did you want to be her?” Roman asked.

“Well now I’m curious to see how therapy boy does with it,” Janus said looking curiously at Emile. Emile smiled at him.

“Okay then,” Roman said. 

“There’s always another time,” Patton said.

Virgil groaned at the thought of doing this whole thing again, even though they hadn’t even started this one yet.

Roman ignored Virgil as he then turned to Remy and pointed to him.  “You’re Eurylochus.”

“Who?” Remy asked.

“Remy, how could you not know Epic the musical by now? Roman sings it all the time,” Virgil snarked. 

Remy scoffed and looked to him.  “Of course I know it. Doesn’t mean I know all the characters though.”

Logan answered, “He is the second in command of Odysseus’s crew and army. His role is often the voice of the crew.”

“Kay, cool,” Remy said as he slurped on his coffee.

“Uh, speaking of not knowing things, are we supposed to have the songs memorized?” Emile asked nervously. 

Roman waved.  “Do not worry, this is meant to just be a fun sing-through. I will provide the lyrics for the songs for everyone,” He said. 

“Okay, good. Thank you,” Emile said.

“Of course. Oh and we’ll all sing the ensemble parts when it doesn’t conflict with our assigned roles,” Roman said.

“Oh, alright! That makes sense,” Emile said.

“So I didn’t need to have solos?” Virgil asked.

Roman frowned at him.  “Aw, come on Virge. It will be fun!”

“Yeah yeah, I’ll still do it,” He just felt the need to point that out.

“Okay, great!” Roman hummed. “You know, Remy might be a better fit for Hermes than Remus,” Roman said. 

Patton turned to Remus then.  “Is that alright with you Remus?” He asked. 

Remus was…using something unidentifiable to pick at his teeth.  “Yeah, I don’t care,” He said. 

“Cool,” Remy said. 

“Hermes has some cool dance songs,” Emile added. 

Remy smiled. “Oh hell yeah, I’m so down for bringing the party,” He said.

Emile giggled at that. 

Roman looked back at Emile but hesitated. 

“Would you be good singing for the sirens and Penelope?” He asked.

“Oh, uh, yeah I think I could pull that off,” Emile said. 

“You don’t have to do the siren screams,” Roman added.

“Yeah I wasn’t going to,” Emile said.

That was one thing that was different about Emile compared to Patton. He was better at asserting boundaries for himself. Which might seem strange since Patton has often acted authoritative like a dad. But that has always come from what he thinks he has to enforce. Patton was not great at taking care of himself still. Which said something for why it took a lot for him to be convinced to do better for Thomas. Not that he wasn’t trying of course. Virgil may not be thrilled with a lot of the things Patton has done, but it was clear he needed to care for himself better. Whereas is makes sense that Emile, a cartoon therapist, knows how to assert himself.  Roman simply nodded at that comment. 

“Fair enough,” He said.

“Why did you need someone else to join for those other characters? Why not assign them to say, Patton?” Janus asked. 

Roman blinked and glanced from Patton to Emile.  “Oh! Well uh, Penelope reminds me of a softer version of Athena in some ways. Clever like her husband. Also, despite the siren being disguised, there’s still the part of pretending to be such a character. Which I have a hard time picturing Patton doing. Not hissing without laughing that is. Er, no offense Patton,” Roman said.

“Oh that’s okay, ki-Roman. I don’t mind,” Patton laughed a little, “You probably have a point there. Besides, I’m going to have plenty fun with what I have.”

“And I still have ideas for other parts you can sing as well! I just haven’t gotten there yet,” Roman said. 

Janus then cut back in, “So what I’m hearing is you don’t think Patton fits smart characters? Are you saying you don’t think he’s smart?”

Roman’s eyes widened.  “What, no! Of course not! It’s just-“  Roman looked around from Janus, to Patton, to Emile, and back. 

Virgil glared at Janus and hissed at him. Stupid snake. He was flirting with Roman earlier and now he went back to teasing him. What was the deal? Janus just raised an eyebrow at him, but he looked way too satisfied with himself to play innocent. Bastard.

Patton looked like he wasn’t sure what to believe, but Janus’ suggestion clearly upset him. 

Logan sighed and adjusted his glasses.  “Honestly, Janus. There is way more to assigning a role to someone than their intelligence. Especially since it is a façade. All that matters is if they can convince the viewer of their character’s intelligence. Roman knows more about this stuff works than the rest of us. Not to mention there are stereotypes for intelligent people. Which I myself have been said to resemble.”

Janus blinked, apparently surprised that Logan came to Roman’s defense. Roman sighed in relief.

“Thank you, Specs!”

“It was nothing,” Logan waved off, but Virgil caught a small smile there. Virgil half-smiled as well. 

He knew Roman wouldn’t cast someone a role just to be mean. He’d even taken Janus’ seriously, and let Remus be who he wanted. Roman took assigning parts for something like this seriously. He wanted to do so fairly, even though this was simply a sing-along among them. 

“So after the sirens-“

“Oh, wait. Sorry, but, what about Odysseus’s mom in the underworld song?” Patton asked. Roman cleared his throat and glanced away. 

“I was actually going to skip that part of the song,” He said.  That wasn’t too surprising. Roman usually didn’t include that in his individual sing-throughs. Thomas cried every time he heard it, so it would fit that Roman would do the same. They could all probably guess that was the reason.

Patton nodded. “Alright.” 

Roman nodded too. “Now, as I was saying,” He hums a bit as he checks where they were.  “I think I’m a good fit for Telemachus,” He said.

Logan nodded. “Yes, his song does sound very much like something you would sing,” He said.

“Thank you, Logan. Although, eventually it should go to someone else. Since Odysseus and Telemachus had songs together. Probably Remy,” Roman said.

“Yeah alright,” Remy said, giving a thumbs up with his free hand. 

“What about Thomas?” Emile asked. 

Roman looked over at him. “What about Thomas?” He asked.

“Couldn’t he sing a role?” Emile asked. 

Roman paused. “Well,” he waved to the room around them, “This is going to be in his head.” 

“I know…” Emile started. 

“The thing is, were Thomas to join us as one of the singers he would probably be a better fit for Odysseus. So I would be Telemachus,” Roman said.

“And Roman doesn’t like having less songs to sing,” Janus added.

Roman frowned and looked at Janus.  “That’s not the only reason,” Roman said.

“Ah, but you did admit that is a reason though,” Janus said.

“Thomas singing through an entire musical out loud with the sides who only he can hear would make him feel crazy,” Virgil cut in. 

“But Thomas has sung with us before though,” Patton said with a frown.

“Yeah, but this isn’t for a Sanders Sides video though,” Virgil said with a shrug. 

“Okay, so we’ll just continue as we planned,” Roman said.

Virgil knew Roman didn’t usually concede so easily after Virgil contributed. He also figured that unfortunately, as much as he hated that Janus was the one to say it, the snake was probably right. Roman wanted to keep singing for Odysseus. Virgil didn’t think there was anything wrong with that though. So he decided not to comment on it. Emile frowned a little but didn’t argue.

“I think Calypso would be a good fit for Patton,” Roman said turning to face him. Patton blinked.

“Oh, really?” Patton asked.

Roman nodded. “Mhm! I think you could match her softness well.”

Virgil had a feeling there was more to this assignment than that though. Calypso portrays herself as loving but is pushy. She insists that being with her would give Odysseus everything he’d need. Patton would never do that in a romantic relationship of course. But there could be some allusions there.  Despite this, Virgil could tell Patton was unsure about this choice though by the look on his face. It was probably her pushiness that made him uncomfortable. He would never encourage trying to break up a marriage after all. Not to mention it wouldn’t be surprising if Patton had read some things fans had said about her time with Odysseus. He wouldn’t want to be associated with that.

So there were similar concerns to what Virgil had with the actions of a character he’d sing for. He probably needed to be reassured that this was just a role and didn’t have real life repercussions. But Virgil wasn’t good at being comforting like that. Not to mention they weren’t as close as they used to be. Thankfully Virgil wasn’t the only one who picked on this conflict. 

“Patton, can you look at me?” Logan asked, using that gentle voice he did when he was reassuring someone of something. 

Patton turned to face him.

“This is only a role. You are still Patton singing a part, a character who is not real and whose actions you do not emulate. Have fun with the singing of course, but this activity is not meant to cause distress,” Logan said. 

Patton took a breath and nodded. 

Emile chimed in, “You also don’t have to do something you don’t want to do.”

Patton seemed to struggle with that one and didn’t affirm the sentiment. Yeah that figured. It was probably something Janus had been trying to help Patton with, as much as Virgil hated the snake side.

Roman blinked.  “Yeah, of course.” He seemed a bit surprised by the attention this was getting.  “It is merely a suggestion. I wouldn’t force you to do anything.”

Virgil imagined Roman had thought of Patton for this to get some satisfaction from it. But well, it was still hard to see Patton distressed. The emotional side probably hated the attention being taken by him like this. Another thing to work through. Not that Virgil liked that either, but he thought he could get away with that more as anxiety. Emotional regulation and care was important. 

“No, it’s-it’s okay,” Patton force a bit of a laugh. “I think I just needed the reminder about this being a part, you know? Probably seems silly.”

Virgil shook his head at that.  “It’s not silly if it distresses you. Trust me, I would know,” Virgil said. He wasn’t always the best with that, but it was still a good reminder to have.

Patton blinked and looked at Virgil. He definitely seemed surprised that Virgil was comforting him. But then he gave him a small grateful smile.  “Right. I am okay singing for her though. It could be fun, I like her singing style,” Patton said.

“And remember, you don’t have to sing for her every time,” Janus added, softer than he usually spoke. Even Janus could get softer when it came to Patton it seemed.  “We can switch things up.”

Patton nodded. “Right.” 

Roman seemed to be waiting around for them to finish with an uncertain look on his face now. When Patton turned back to him, Roman nodded.

“Okay, last we have-oh, we forgot Aeolus, the wind god!” Roman exclaimed.

“I can be them,” Janus said. 

“Yeah you seem playful enough for them,” Roman said as he wrote that down. Janus playfully hissed and winked at Roman. Roman rolled his eyes as he turned back to face everyone.

“So the last parts to assign are from God games. I’ll be Apollo, since Odysseus isn’t in this one.”

“You don’t think it should be Remy?” Patton asked hesitantly. “Since you’re singing a lot and-“

“Gurl I literally don’t care how many parts I got,” Remy interrupted, still casually slurping his coffee. 

Emile frowned at him. “Remy, you didn’t have to interrupt poor Patton. You should apologize for your rudeness.”

Remy groaned dramatically, but he turned to face Patton. He did lift his sunglasses up to look at Patton first though. “Like, sorry,” He said.

“Oh, uh, i-it’s okay,” Patton said. Remy snapped and put his sunglasses back on. Emile sighed but didn’t say anything.

“Right, so Remy’s fine with it.” Roman looked between Virgil and Logan as he hummed. 

“I think Logan would be good for Hephaestus.” 

Logan hummed as he considered this.  “Alright.”

“Aphrodite will be Patton,” Roman said.

“Oh, okay,” Patton said with a smile. 

Roman opened his mouth again and then paused.  “Virgil shouldn’t be two different parts in the same song, so Remus can be Ares,”

“Okay!” Remus exclaimed as he threw his hand up holding his Morningstar. Emile’s eyes widened at seeing the weapon waving around. He scooted closer to Remy. 

Oh right, Emile probably wasn’t used to Remus shenanigans. Let alone seeing a weapon be casually swung around. Remy apparently found it in him to be protective, because he wrapped an around arm Emile. He did seem slightly amused by Remus though, given the way he looked at him. 

“Now for Hera…” Roman tapped his chin as he thought about it.  “Well, I’m already Apollo, so I shouldn’t be Hera…honestly I could see Remy or Janus for this. I’m not sure Remy would get into this one as much as Hermes though.”

“Why’s that?” Virgil asked.

Roman shrugged.  “I don’t know, a different vibe while both dancers. Oh, that’s another reason you couldn’t be Athena, Logan. Cause she would dance in Hera’s part.”

“Ah, I see,” Logan said.

“Logan can dance though,” Patton added.

Logan hmmed. “I do not wish to though.” 

“I think you answered your own question there,” Janus said with a smirk. 

“You’d be fine with dancing?” Roman asked.

Janus shrugged. “I can get into a part, have a good time.”

“Alright then-“

“Hang on,” Virgil raised a hand.  “I thought we were just doing a sing along, why are we talking about dancing?” He asked. Roman smiled at him indulgently. 

“Well, they don’t have to of course. But there are some parts that are hard not to dance to, you know? Don’t worry my dark and stormy knight, this isn’t a performance of any sort,” Roman said with a wink. 

Vigil sputtered a bit but then didn’t respond. Simply nodding. Patton put a hand to his mouth and giggled a bit. Traitor. Logan more looked exasperated at their antics but didn’t comment.  Roman stood up from his seat and clapped his hands. 

“Alright! Is everyone ready?” 

Virgil took a breath. He hoped this would go okay. 

[potentialbreakupscng-a]

@wizardingsouls continued from here.

it isn't just her that's noticed the tension between the marauders. it started last year, something had changed about remus that even made her question what was going on with him. halfway through the year the marauders suddenly weren't speaking anymore, remus shut himself off from everyone -- including her. she'd put a stop to that almost immediately. his attitude was probably the reason he didn't get head boy -- and why james was given the title. the two of them had gotten on well, he seemed more focused on rekindling whatever happened between the four of them. despite working together in close proximity, he had given her whatever space she needed -- she assumes because he's distracted by rekindling whatever happened between all of them. at least remus was talking to her again -- but even she can't get him to tell her what happened. he won't let her help.

lily rolls her eyes at his smug comment. "you haven't tried to flirt with me at all, and we are a few months into the school year, so something is wrong, potter." a part of her almost misses it. she knows that she should get up and leave, but something makes her stay. she'd seen a different side of him, they'd become friendly. that's the part that makes her stay. knowing that there's something behind the cocky, charming james potter that everyone's known. he and his friends seem to walk around eggshells around remus, as if trying not to tip the scales. the co-dependent group aren't around each other as much. which, in hindsight means she gets more time with remus and james which is a win for her. but there's something off, something wrong, and she's stubborn enough to poke and prod until she gets a peek at something.

her fierce expression visibly softens when she sees the smug grin almost immediately fall from his face. emerald eyes watch as he just shrugs and rubs at tired eyes. it's the way that his voice wavers and cracks that makes her shift from the arm of the sofa to sitting down next to him -- legs tucked under her skirt as she faces him completely. her hand gently rests on his arm, watching him silently. watching as he struggles to keep his composure. this is new. this is something she's never seen before. someone who has a smile plastered across his face at all times -- with tears in his eyes and desperately trying to keep it together. her brow furrows in concern when his voice breaks and she can't stop herself. arms wrap around his shoulders and she pulls him against her. an ink stained, manicured hand moves to rest on the back of his head -- fingers curling into surprisingly soft locks. "james," his name falls past her lips in a sigh, the arm around his shoulders tightening, "you -- don't have to tell me what happened," even if she so desperately wants to know, "but you're my friend and whatever happened is eating you alive." she doesn't think she's ever seen james potter cry -- and she decides that she doesn't like it. she prefers when he smiles and laughs -- even if he's being a cocky asshole. there's a pause as she allows him to do whatever he needs to do to get the comfort he needs. fingers move through his hair, gently scratching at his scalp as she's seen the others do. "tell me what to do. let me help."

[in-the-dark-collabfic]

Sanders Sides AU Information

Title: In The Dark

Ships: Currently none

Rating: Teen (for right now, it might change later, but I hope to keep it as teen)

Genre: Modern Fantasy

Content Warnings: I'm not too sure on these because they will change especially with the prompts but there will probably be, violence, death(no mcd), queerphobia, and fantasy racism/discrimination.

I will update as these change.

Now for the specifics:

This is a modern fantasy au. They don't have the internet necessarily, but other than that they do have some of the technology we have today. Namely plumbing.

There are Twelve Kingdoms, each presiding over different regions. The months of the year are named after them(January, February, March, etc.)

The 7 days of the week are the 7 big meetings that supposedly helped bring about world peace.

Now, there are those with magic and those without.

Those with magic are ranked based on type of magic and how powerful the magic is in that specific user.

Light/life

Fire

Wind/Air

Animal

Plant

Water

Earth

The there's the forbidden magic of shadow/death. All but the Kingdom of December bans it, and even in that kingdom it is prohibited.

How powerful a magic user is, is tested at the age of 16. 1 is the highest rank, and 20 is the lowest.

Those ranked below 20 are considered non magic users.

Those without magic are considered less important than magic users, except in the cases where shadow/death magic is involved.

A lot of active shadow and death magic users secretly meet up in various places to practice, in order to not get caught.

Ranking how powerful someone's magic is not required, but it is strongly encouraged. Those who are unranked are treated like those without magic.

The only time it is required is in certain positions of power where it's needed in order to verify the person's capability of performing the job. In those positions, the person's powerfulness rank is constantly rechecked every year, as it can change. Usually only changing one level lower or higher depending on the circumstances.

For the purpose of this story, none of the main characters have their magic ranked.

For the purpose of this story none of the sides are ranked. Neither are Emile or Remy who might show up. However this next list is to show you what their magic is.

Emile, life

Remy, death

Roman, fire

Patton, plant

Logan, water

Janus, animal

Remus, earth

Virgil, shadow

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