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alearicci · 9 months

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“what the hell, ricciardo?!” – DR3

pairings: daniel ricciardo x fem!norris!girlfriend; daniel ricciardo x girlfriend!reader; daniel ricciardo x y/n

summary: You are the older sister of Lando Norris who is secretly dating his former teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. What will the secrets lead to?

warnings: my grammar 🫣, a little bit dirty talk, secret relationship

note: ask me anything <3

reblogs and comments pls ♡

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You stood in front of a large mirror in your and Daniel's house and looked at yourself with interest. Your reflection looked at you expectantly, a mixture of nervousness and confidence flickered in your brown eyes. You spent hours carefully preparing for this event, making sure that every detail of your appearance radiated elegance and sophistication. Your long brown curls fell to your shoulders in loose waves, framing your delicate facial features, and light makeup accentuated your natural beauty.

Your outfit was nothing but luxury. You were wearing a stunning floor-length dress made of the finest silk, its deep royal blue shade complemented your porcelain complexion. The dress hugged your curves in all the right places, emphasizing your slender figure, and a daring thigh-high slit added seductiveness. The bodice was decorated with intricate beads that sparkled under the soft light of the chandelier, as if reflecting the stars in the night sky.

Elegant stiletto shoes decorated with delicate crystals that shimmered with each graceful step completed your look. On your wrist you wore a minimalistic diamond bracelet, the shimmer of which matched the brilliance of your eyes. You have spared no expense in creating an image that would charm and make an indelible impression on anyone who gets in your way.

Today there was a party on the occasion of the recent Grand Prix victory and the last birthday of your boyfriend, the man of your whole life - Daniel Ricciardo. You knew how much he craved it, how he devoted himself to training and came home so tired that he could hardly walk to the shower. Your heart has always ached because of how much he has to go through to achieve heights. Constant discussions, angry comments under posts, wishes about failures at races - does he really deserve this? Your smiling boy, your happiness, your very true love.

Shaking your head, chasing away the unpleasant thoughts that appeared, you smiled tightly and looked in the mirror again. The outfit turned out to be quite good, you really look great. Numerous hours spent in shops and beauty salons have done you good.

Suddenly, out of the blue, there was a knock on the door. You flinched a little, because it was too loud and unexpected.

"Babe?" On the other side of the door, the sonorous voice of your beloved rang out. "The guests will be here soon, are you ready?"

"Oh. Yeah. I'm on my way."

"Can I come in?"

"Yes, you can."

Ricciardo didn't keep himself waiting, and a second later the door opened and you turned to him, smiling to the tips of your ears.

"Ooooh shiiiit. It looks like I'll have to postpone the party until tomorrow, and spend time with my beautiful girl today." He said grinning and walked up to you.

Standing in front of you, he first just stood in front of you and looked into your eyes for about a minute.

Devils were clearly visible in his eyes. Devils that simultaneously showed his love for you and desire to possess you.

Dan grinned, oh my God, just from that grin, you feel like your knees are about to give way, then, smoothly lowered his hands to your waist and slowly pulled you closer to him, as if stretching this moment.

He bent down to kiss you, but you gently stopped him by putting your finger to his lips.

"Hey, hey, hey, take your time, baby. I've already painted my lips with my favorite lipstick, so no kissing!" You explained and witnessed how Dan's playfulness quickly evaporated, replaced by a slight bewilderment. He snorted in displeasure and slid down, squeezing his hands tighter on your hips.

"I hate it when you use this terrible invention of mankind. I love the taste of your lips so much, and you paint them with this tasteless lipstick."

"And this was said by my daniel, who ate my raspberry-scented lipstick the other day."

"Hahaha yeah. But at least it was delicious. And in general, I didn't eat, but used it for its intended purpose."

You laughed and grabbed the strong shoulders of your Aussie. He bent down to your neck and ran his nose over it. His hot breath burned your skin and made your whole body goosebumps. Daniel gently bites the tender skin of the neck, and then runs his tongue over the wound and kisses, as if apologizing without words.

You had very fair skin and it was very difficult to hide such manifestations of love. This could be understood by how carefully you covered up the hickeys left by him last night with foundation and how they still remained visible. Daniel himself knew perfectly well that today you would need to attend his party in the status of a family friend, not his girlfriend, but knowing this did not stop him.

Yes. You've been hiding your relationship. You were the older sister of his former teammate, Lando Norris. As Ric himself likes to say and repeat, he fell in love with you from the very first meeting, but did not dare to admit this to Lando, and to you, of course. Maybe the reason was that Lando took great care of you as his own sister and often jokingly threatened his friends that if they became victims of her love torments, his revenge would be cruel. Or maybe he just couldn't figure out for a long time what he really feels for you.

But at the moment, you've been secretly dating for almost a year. It's amazing how it happened that neither the media, nor the family, nor Lando himself have yet realized that you are together. For them, you continued to be good friends. It was in your favor, because another reason for a secret relationship was just the same media. They are often the cause of the breakup of many couples and it happens that they watch couples too closely. So you continue to work, pretend and live in your secluded house when Daniel is free from racing and training and when you are not busy with your work.

"Oh my God, Daniel!" Finally, you shout jokingly. "Stop biting me, soon there won't be a place on me where there won't be traces of your bites, Ricciardo!"

"Honey, you mean you don't like it? In that case, you need to learn how to lie. You're doing pretty badly right now."

"You're insufferable, Dan."

"I know. And you love me."

"Yes. I love you."

"I know, my beautiful. Well. I will say that you helped me with the selection of the costume, if anyone has questions about how you ended up here among the first." He finished, but continued to hold you in his hands.

"Again, again a lie."

"I know, honey. I hate lying. And, wait a minute, it's practically not a lie, you really helped me pick up this suit."

You smiled warmly and rested your head on his shoulder.

"I'm waiting for the moment when I can officially call you my girl in front of everyone." he said in a hoarse whisper and kissed the top of your head.

"But then my beloved brother will look askance at us."

"Oh my God, I've already endured these looks when we were on the same team, because I often overtook him."

"Hey, he's good too!" you pretended to be indignant and lightly hit him on the leg with your knee.

"But no better than me."

"No one can compare with you, but Lanny is very good both on and off the track."

"Will anyone meet us in this house at all?" A voice was heard from below and you instinctively recoiled from your lover. The grievances belonged to Dan's good friend and his current partner, Max Verstappen. You immediately thought that he probably didn't come alone, but with his girlfriend Kelly.

"Oh, Maxie. Let's go meet."

"Danny. Are you sure? Maybe I'll come out later?"

"He knows that you and I are good friends, there will be no problems. Let's say you're very punctual."

♡♡♡

Time passed, more and more guests came. You and Daniel kept an appropriate distance, no hands on the waist, kisses and other things that could reveal your secret. It was hard, even if it has already become a habit for you. You really wanted to touch him, feel the warmth of his hands, hear the scent of his expensive cologne. You really wanted you to be an ordinary couple.

You've already gone down too and managed to say hello to many who came. First of all, you approached Daniel's parents, who came to celebrate their son's triumph. You were in a very close and trusting relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Ricciardo, they treated you as a close family friend. But they didn't even know that their son was head over heels in love with you.

Grace, Daniel's mom, recently, "in secret", said that Daniel likes you. At that time, you had already met, so you couldn't help but smile shyly and thanked the kind woman for this secret. Now I have to hide a secret from her.

Now you were chatting with her on the sidelines from everyone and she was telling you a funny story from Dan's childhood.

"Can you imagine? Then he firmly decided that he would become a racer. I'm afraid my heart just won't stand it soon, he's working so hard in training and taking risks on the track that I'm not moving away from sedatives."

"Ooooh.. Mrs. Ricciardo, as I understand you. Sometimes you want to hit him on the head with a pillow and..." for a moment you were silent.

... hug him and say that you are very worried.

... kiss him and tell him that you will always be there.

"I... Tell him to stop making his beloved mom nervous!" You finally finished the sentence and laughed along with Grace.

"Oh, you're right, my dear."

"Oh, Mrs. Ricciardo, I have to leave you for a while, I need to powder my nose." You really urgently needed to go to the bathroom to fix your makeup.

"Of course, no problem, sweetheart. I'll go find something delicious for now."

Daniel, who was standing nearby and talking enthusiastically with George Russell, who was also invited to the party, heard that you said you would go to the bathroom.

He realized that this was his chance to be with you for a few minutes.

When you excused yourself to go to the toilet, the urge became too strong to resist. Daniel carefully followed you, his heart pounding wildly. When he saw you disappear into the lavish lavatory, Ricciardo carefully followed you, making sure that no one noticed his departure. He found you standing at the sink, looking at yourself in the mirror.

Unable to contain his longing any longer, he cautiously approached you from behind, hugging you around the waist. You flinched slightly, surprised by his presence.

"I couldn't be in the company of these celebrities anymore. I needed to feel you in my arms. Moreover, I can clearly see how my mother sees you as her future daughter-in-law."

"Danny, you can't go on like this! We have to behave ourselves tonight. Not us, but you!"

"Oh. I know, but seeing that you look so amazing here, all I want to do is hold you to me. Just for a moment."

"Okay, just for a minute. But we have to be careful.

You hugged each other tightly for a few stolen moments, cherishing the intimacy you craved madly, knowing that you would soon have to part again.

Ricciardo tightened his embrace, feeling the warmth of your body on his. You stood there for a few blissful seconds, enjoying the intimacy of the moment. Then he gently kissed you on the forehead, and then went down to your cheeks and lips. But none of you guessed what would happen next.

Meanwhile, Lando also decided to go to the bathroom to fix his tie. Disappointed with the way it sat on his collar, he yanked it, muttered a few playful curses under his breath and headed to the bathroom to get a dose of confidence from the mirror.

To his surprise, he saw Daniel and you, his friend and sister, in a passionate embrace. Lando's eyes widened and a mischievous grin appeared on his face.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" he said, leaning against the bathroom door and folding his arms.

Hearing the voice of your beloved younger brother, you abruptly pulled away from Daniel's lips and felt a blush appear on your cheeks.

"Oops," Dan said jokingly. "I'll explain everything now, Lando. "Ummm... I just came to help y/n with... her dress. It had to be fixed, you know?"

You intervened with a shy smile:

"Yes, yes, the lightning got stuck, and Daniel, being a gentleman, came to the rescue!"

Lando raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by the story, but couldn't help but make a joke.

"And the kiss became a payment for help? Come on, guys. Don't make me regret introducing you to him, Miss Norris!" Lando exclaimed, no longer holding back his laughter.

"Uh... yeah?"

"Of all the people, it had to be my former teammate and my sister? Damn God, how long have you been dating? Do not deny that you are dating, otherwise I will definitely swear."

"Almost a year," Daniel replied and smiled his trademark smile.

"Oh my God, sis, I thought we should share everything!"

"Sorryyy."

When they returned to the event, Lando couldn't help but grin mischievously, teasing Daniel: "Just remember, Ricciardo, I will always watch!"

Winking, Dan cheekily replied: "Oh, I wouldn't expect anything less, Norris!"

#f1 imagine #oneshot #f1 fandom #f1 fanfic #formula one #drabble #dr3 x reader #dr3 #daniel ricciardo supremacy #daniel ricciardo x reader #danny ric #ric3 #daniel ricciardo #formula 1 #lando norris #nor4

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lexxlouuu · 9 months

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How you get the Girl MasterList

Lando Norris x OC friends to lovers

Lily Earnhardt Formula 1’s only female driver and beloved by all. Lily’s dream of continuing the Earnhardt racing legacy and bringing home the championship was the only thing on her mind for the 2023 season. Befriending her childhood best friend Addie Stewart’s coworker and Red Bull team rival Lando Norris was definitely not on her 2023 bingo card but here we are.

I am leaning towards having my writing and release day for the story to be on Saturday’s.

Chapter 1: Never Grow Up

Chapter 2: The Man

Chapter 3: Soft Launch

Chapter 4: You Need To Calm Down

Chapter 5: Girls just wanna have Fun

Chapter 6: Off to the Races

Chapter 7: Anti-Hero

Chapter 8: Anti-Hero Part 2

Chapter 9 : In her Gamer Era

#formula 1 #mclaren #lando norris #f1 #lando norris imagines #lando norris fic #lando norris fanfic #lando norris x oc #ln4 #ln4 x reader #f1 x oc #f1 fanfic #f1 imagine #Spotify

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les-lestappen · 1 year

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35 with Charles X Lando <3

charles leclerc x lando norris

author's note: charles x lando my beloved!! I'm so so happy to write about them and this is cute and fluffy (with a tiny bit of hurt+comfort)

"Stop it! It tickles" Lando said, he was laughing but he was also very aware of the way Charles' hands felt on him, skin and fingers separated only by a thin t-shirt. He had been laughing a lot that night and he was thankful Charles and Carlos came to distract him after a particularly shitty race. When they entered Lando was looking at twitter and barely registered his best friend and his crush's presence until Charles sat down next to him and took the phone from his hands. "You shouldn't listen to them." he said, giving Lando a sad sympathetic smile.

Carlos, who was looking at him with a look Lando couldn't understand, nodded. He knew about Lando's crush so maybe it was his idea to come there and he brought Charles along, but Charles was also just nice like that so Lando couldn't know for sure.

"Lando, they don't know you, but we know you did your best." Charles went on.

"Don't wanna talk about it" he had mumbled, feeling a little embarrassed with himself.

"That's okay you don't have to talk"

"You can just listen, we can distract you, if it's okay" Carlos chipped in and they started to tell him all about their latest Ferrari challenge.

It worked, Lando had smiled, even laughed a bit but then his thoughts about the race came back and he zoned out, feeling his eyes burning a little. Charles obviously noticed and that's when Lando felt his long fingers wrapping around his sides, tickling him.

Charles wouldn't stop and Lando was almost out of breath. He managed to stop one his hands and now they were looking in each other's eyes, faces just centimeters away.

He glanced over Charles shoulder and saw Carlos quickly leaving, pretending to get a call and smiling.

"Oh yeah? Does this tickle?" Charles said before kissing his jaw, then lower on his neck, then again his collarbone. They were soft, fleeting kisses but they were enough for Lando to blush, his eyes wide. Charles felt him stiffen and stopped, looking at him expectantly but this only made Lando blush more. He gained a little courage and managed to say "Not really, it's not like you can grow a beard."

Charles let out a short laugh, never taking his green eyes off the younger driver, it was driving Lando insane.

"Charles" he said, no he whispered,because of how close they still were "Charles please kiss me."

And Charles finally did, a long deep and sweet kiss that turned playful when Charles tried to tickle him again and Lando bit his lower lip.

#request #charles leclerc #lando norris #charles leclerc x y/n #charles leclerc x lando norris #charles leclerc fic #lando norris fic #charles x lando #charles and lando #f1 fan fic #driver x driver #formula 1 #mclaren #ln4 #cl16

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alasarys · 1 year

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Tell me all about Charles - sub and Pato as a snacc

Ahhhh ... the Charles one started with the teddy bear necklace and linen shirt, and ended after five lines. It was going to be a slow and sensual undoing, but I couldn't decide who to pair him with, and having an unnamed protagonist just wasn't working for me. Boo. Maybe one day I'll work out who it's supposed to be.

There’s a soft sigh as Charles tips his head back, guided by the fingers in his hair. “I want …” “Tell me. What do you want?” Green eyes close. Slow inhale and a steady exhale. “I want to … give up.” Open again. “Give in.”

Pato as a snacc ... Pando, my beloved. McLaren really had a moment there and I miss them. I didn't make a lot of headway with notoriously picky eater Lando Norris and committed foodie Pato O'Ward, but the idea of Lando being convinced to try new food by licking it off Pato still occasionally takes up space in my head.

Pato tried to hip check him against the bench but was thwarted by an elbow just under his ribs, the other hand pulling at his knee to unbalance him. It was a fair fight, all things considered – Pato down one arm as he wielded a spoonful of homemade salsa and Lando mostly incapacitated by laughter.

#i cannot go for a run without thinking about pato holding up his underwear #2021 mclaren was a vibe #aggressive cross marketing may have been one of their few good moves #ask game #tag game #fanfic #f1 rpf

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hatsunerandal · 1 year

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part five of my playlist analysis series!!

part 1 <;- part 2 <- part 3 <- part 4 <-

im having so much fun i hope you guys are also liking this bc this would be a massive waste of time if not

afraid - the neighborhood yes this is technically my locklyle playlist but this is SUCH a george song and you all KNOW IT. he feels so left out all the time because lockwood and lucy are. lockwood and lucy. hes afraid that hes just going to fade into the background aND THIS IS WHY I SUGGEST LOCKLYLE + GEORGE QPR IM SPREADING MY AGENDA.

white teeth teens - lorde lucy after shes been in the city for awhile, interacted with all the fittes and rotwell kids, all that sort of thing. she just feels so out of place.

the gold - pheobe bridgers version - pheobe bridgers owie :,( lucy missing norrie vibes. wonderland - taylor swift its so them. its just so them. this is also where my green eyes lockwood hc came from. i just think that they <33. better than me - the brobecks lucy insecurity moment. part 2 i believe?? your favorite dress - lil peep, lil tracy this is so dumb but i love the idea that lucy and lockwood heard this song on the radio once in a cab and jokingly where like 'omg us' and its a running joke now. fourth of july - sufjan stevens OW OW OW OW OW :(((((((((((( much pain so much ow so much cry lucy is missing norrie and feeling like she replaced norrie with lockwood. moment - vierre cloud lockwood trying to hide his emotions and deny his love for lucy, despite the whole world knowing. talking to the moon - bruno mars this song takes me tf out every single time. its so lockwood staring at the moon outside his window, talking to it like its lucy because he misses her after she left. we'll never have sex - leith ross spreading my ace locklyle agenda. they are just so. soft and fluffy and trhrhfdhgdkjfghfg and in no ways am i saying this needs to be everyone elses hc idc what yall hc i just like projecting myself onto characyers KJHDFGHKDFG. video games - lana del rey this one is like diet mountain dew in the way that like. it reallt doesnt actually fit their vibe it just sounds right yk. bored - billie eilish oh my god just imagine lockwood starts to isolate from everyone but especially lucy because hes to afraid of getting to close to her and lucy feels like shes been played because he was so affectionate before and then after she comes back, hes all flirty with holly and just RHFHFHHFG angst. so nice so smart - kimya dawson i just think its a silly song that they might sing in the morning while making breakfast or smth no deeper meaning for this one :). drunk walk home - mitski owie. lucy being extra reckless on jobs after she leaves. just not being safe in general. the screaming is so her. i deserve this - rebzyyx stoppit be quiet i know its rebzyyx ik its kinda dumb but i dont care this is exactly how lockwood felt after lucy left. not necessarily the sound of the song but the lyrics. new flesh - current joys cozy bike ride vibes, all three of them go for a nice bikeride on a nice day in spring :). the lourve - lorde the beloveds exploring a museum (not necessarily the actual lourve but they are on a museum trip be quiet). homemade dynamite - lorde this one doesnt have a specific thing i just thnik its vaguely got a them vibe. if you ask me to explain i wont because i cant. class of 2013 - mitski lucy telling lockwood about her mommy issues :(. money - the drums lockwood vibes i cant explain it specifically but its lockwood vibes. the perfect girl - mareux lockwood simp time but sad edition part 2. softcore - the neighborhood lockwood staying up late laying in bed after lucy left. he cant get his mind off her for long enough to sleep. lovers rock - tv girl THIS IS SO SELF EXPLANATORY BUT I DONT CARE ITS SO CUTE THEYRE JUST LISTENING TO MUSIC IN LUCYS ROOM CUDDLING ON THE BED AND ONE OF THEM IS MESSING WITH THE OTHER ONES HAIR AND THIS SONG STARTS AND THEY JUST GET UP AND START DANCING TOGETHER AND THEY KISS AND ITS DO DOMESTIC AND CUTE SOBBBBBB cigarettes out the window - tv girl thoughts being thought late at night, both end up at the others door at some point or another, but neither dares go in. rises the moon - liana flores hc that lucy is just. an amazing fucking singer and sometimes lockwood has her sing him to sleep <33. wildest dreams - taylor swift i couldnt not its just so silly it so doesnt actually fit with their story but its so funny i love associating them with taylor swift. another part down!! i hope someone is actually reading these so im not doing this for nothing dhfgjfdg part 6 next!!

#lockwood and co #locklyle #lucy carlyle #anthony lockwood #george karim

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deepperplexity · 3 years

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Happy Birthday Snape!

Title: Happy 61st Birthday Severus!

Summary: Severus had spent many birthdays alone and giftless. Rarely was he congratulated nor acknowledged on the 9th of January - his birthday. For many years he endured it, hid his birthday and refused to tell anyone about it. Some already knew of course but he never received anything that told him they remembered. But then you came along, the new assistant at Hogwarts and you just couldn't help but fall in love with the dark man. But it took a birthday and a gift for him that burned a figurative hole in your pocket for a day before you had enough reason and courage to speak with him out of your own accord. Little did you know that that one birthday in January of 1988 would turn into 12 more birthday with him by your side, and beneath you...

A/N: For this day, this wonderful day that our dear professor Snape was born, I have done my best to create something I hope will appeal to most of you. We start off with young Snape and a rather gloomy birthday at Hogwarts while he is a student (just Snape), we head on over to adult Snape and a rather lovely birthday at Hogwarts while he is a professor (Snape x Reader) and then we finally arrive at older Snape as he works as a potioneer (self-employed) and a rather smutty birthday (Snape x Reader) at Spinner’s End! ;) <3

The three fics/chapters follow one another and show Snape’s journey so I do recommend reading all three to get the full experience ^^ The first one is rather short but to the point, while the second is a bit longer and the third one his looong. xD

I hope you all will enjoy this and join me in wishing a happy birthday to our beloved Severus who turns 61 today! <3

+A/N: I believe I mentioned a cake, and messy bed @blog4snape a while ago, so here you go. And, @m0thgutzz, here is the fic you wanted me to link you, I BELIVE YOU THREATHENED ME WITH A WATERGUN IF I DID NOT TELL YOU AND I DO NOT WANT TO BE ATTACK SO HERE! ;)

Setting: Hogwarts -> Your home

Pairing: Snape x Reader

ABBR.:│(y/n) - Your Name│ (y/h) - Your House Of Choice │

Word Count: 9432

Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Kissing, Sexual Content, Nudity, Messy Messes...

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // AO3

Chapter 1: No such thing for a Snape

1977; Last year at Hogwarts, 17 Years

Christmas was over, a new year had begun and it was his birthday. 17 years and free to wield magic when and where he pleased. No longer bound to the confines of Hogwarts; even if he was there. But, despite the fact he was soon an adult and would be thrown into the big world to fend for himself as he longed for, he was still rather gloomy.

Severus didn’t want to celebrate his birthday nor would he. It wasn’t as if anyone else remembered the day or celebrated it so why should he? It was the day he was born and there was simply nothing else to it. At least, that was how he felt. A rather mundane and regular day for the world and there truly wasn’t anything he felt were special about having been born. Some days, he even wished he hadn’t come to the world.

His mother, a broken witch, had stopped wishing him happy birthday as soon as he were off to Hogwarts. Before that, he would at least get one little congratulatory wish in the morning. His father, the irredeemable abuser of a muggle, more often than not pretended Severus truly did not exist and so the day he was born went unnoticed by the man he barely could call a father. His classmates, housemates and professor seemed as oblivious as a stone to his date of birth.

So, as he got up and dressed he wasn’t expecting the day to be any different than any other day. And, he was right. He went through it as if it was just another Monday. Which it was. Another week, more classes, more homework and idiotic people to endure. Such a waste of time, he thought as he walked away from the Great Hall after having had his supper.

The day truly had gone unnoticed just as he thought it would. It felt both good and bad, he felt content and sad about it too. But as he turned a corner heading for the common room of Slytherin he was met by Argus. The man who he had, actually, bonded with during his time at Hogwarts. His lips perked up in a tiny smile as Argus spotted him and headed straight for him with Mrs. Norris hot on his tale.

“Congratulations lad,” he said with a smile that was more of a sneer that showcased his yellowing teeth. “Thank you, Argus,” Severus said as they both came to a halt in the gloomy corridor. “Had a good day?” Severus shrugged his shoulders. “Potter exploded a cauldron in potions, he got an extra set of ears for a few hours. That was fun,” he answered the man and Argus snorted. “Serves him right, awful boy that one. Sneaking about, harassing and disrupting the others. Nasty boy,” Argus muttered in that annoyed tone of his and Severus nodded.

He had barely been able to contain his laughter at his bully, James Potter, as he pulled on the extra ears that sat right above the others. That, well that had been the highlight of his day, to be honest. Some justice in the universe. “Good evening my lady,” Severus said as he smiled a little wider as he thought of the memory and saw Mrs. Norris peeking up at him with her blood-red eyes. She purred out a meow and walked over. He scratched her under her chin and she then took a lap to stroke around his legs.

“Well, we best be off. Got floors to sweep and paintings to dust,” Argus said and the cat returned to his side. Severus nodded. “Good night lad,” Argus continued with a smile that vanished as he started walking away from the boy. “Goodnight Argus, and my lady,” Severus said to their backs before he continued on his way to Slytherin a little ways away.

As darkness settled outside of the castle Severus was sat, cross-legged, on his bed with a potions book in his lap and his wand in hand to give light. He read and read, allowed his mind to drift away from the day and time as his nose leaned ever closer to the pages of the book. It wasn’t until little circles of water marked the pages that he realised he was actually crying. The salty fluid leaked from his eyes, ran down his cheeks and dripped from his chin.

He raised his hand to wipe them away but more tears just kept on coming. He snivelled ever so slightly and even though the dorm was empty he was grateful the curtains around his bed were pulled shut. It gave him at least some sense of privacy as he wept in solitude and near silence. His chest hurt as his stomach felt filled with tiny knots that turned into bigger knots. His lungs felt too tight and it was hard to breathe without shuddering.

What is wrong with me? It’s just another Monday for Salazar’s sake! Stop this infernal crying! His thoughts screamed at him but no matter how hard he tried to convince himself that he did not care, that he was truly not bothered - he couldn’t stop feeling the pain or shedding the abominable, infernal tears.

Argus’s words came back to him and Mrs. Norris's slight purr. They were his only friends. They were the only ones who had remembered. How sad was that? A janitor and a damn cat were the only two who had wished him a happy birthday. But, they remembered, they cared enough to remember and say something. Thoughts of his parents entered his mind and rage replaced the sad ache in his chest.

He wished, desperately, that they had not been his parents. He wished he had not been born into such a family; if you could even call it that. Wished, oh how he wished he had been loved by someone in his life. How he wished there was someone out there in the big world who could love him, cherish him and maybe make his birthday something other than gloomy and filled with tears. A card, a wish or even a gift. Just, someone who did something to celebrate that he had in fact been born and were part of the world. Even if everyone seemed to think of him as much as they thought of a common housefly buzzing about with no meaning. He just wished there was someone out there, just for him. Someone that would care and perhaps love him.

But alas, he had no actual hope for such a person. No hope for such a thing as love or friendship. He had, for his entire life, been taught that there was no such thing for a Snape. There was no such thing as true friendship for a Snape. There was no value for a human that was a Snape. There was no such thing as happiness or joy for a person with the last name of Snape. Such an ugly word, such a horrendous word. Such a useless, despicable name. Snape. Snape, Snape, Snape, Snape, Snape. Despicable name…

He abandoned the book and killed the light from his wand before he huddled under the covers, still fully dressed, and hugged his pillow to his chest. His hooked nose buried into the soft green fabric as he tried his best to suffocate the snivels and sobs that escaped him without his consent. It was, truly, an awful birthday. A lonely birthday. A worthless birthday for a worthless person…

Chapter 2: A stirring of hope

A/N: Here we go, the second chapter and this is where you come in as an assistant that provides help to several professors with grading papers, assisting in difficult classes etc.!

1988; Professor at Hogwarts, 28 Years.

The little box wrapped in green paper with a black string woven into a bow at the top rested in the pocket of your coat. It was terribly chilly at Hogwarts this particular day, this lovely day, this amazing day. You had butterflies in your stomach as you marched from the (y/h) common room as you had been busy grading papers for professor McGonagall after classes had ended for the day and you enjoyed doing it in the common room where there were movement and sound to accompany you.

You had, unfortunately, not sen Severus all day long. Not even in the Great Hall and you found it a bit odd. He was a scheduled man, punctual and precise in his everyday life. Yet this day, this fantastic day you had longed for since you first found out about it, he was nowhere to be found.

So, you had to go to him. The little gift had been burning a hole in your pocket the entire day and you, frankly, just wanted to hand it over and get rid of the fluttering butterflies that swarmed inside you. You hoped he would accept it, that he would open it and be pleased. But with Severus, you never knew.

Truly, you never knew where you had him. You had been flirting with him since late September and sometimes he sneered, sometimes he glared, sometimes he huffed and sometimes (although rare) he smiled and averted his gaze. You had no clue if he understood your affection for what it was. Or, if he even remotely felt anything like what you felt for him. Perhaps you were just a nuisance to him?

Nevertheless, you had decided to purchase him a gift - even if you were likely to receive none in return. You didn’t mind though. You just wanted to make him happy, make him smile. As you thought of his stoic face with the distinct features and his deep onyx eyes heat swirled in your stomach and a light blush crept over your cheeks. Your hand slid down to your pocket and felt for the gift. Yupp, it was still there. Burning a hole with nerves in your pocket.

You arrived outside his private quarters and knocked on the door. You waited, listened, and waited a little more. You didn’t need to knock a second time as Severus always answered his door on the first round of knocking. If he didn’t, he wasn’t there. So, you sighed as the door remained shut and headed to his classroom. Your nerves prickled and made you shiver slightly as you truly did not know how the dark and closed off man would react. But, you’d find out in a minute.

You knocked on the door as you had arrived and it swung open. Your breath hitched as you saw him over by a cauldron in the far corner. Brewing a potion that made aqua coloured smoke slither out and up from the cauldron he hunched over in a focused stance.

You had to take a moment to catch your breath as he had removed his billowing cloak and stood in the tight frock coat that hugged his form and accentuated his waste as it flared out ever so slightly around his hips. Images of popping buttons ran through your head as you were already too aware of how many there were - having counted them too many times to ever be able to forget.

“(Y/n), what gives me the pleasure?” he murmured without looking over at you. You took a steadying breath. You could never get used to that thunderous voice of his that could be heard so clearly even if he spoke with a rather low tone. “Oh, I thought I’d come by,” you said as you suddenly hesitated regarding wishing him a happy birthday. No, I bought a gift, it is his birthday and I don’t think anyone has congratulated him so I shall do it. Yes, yes I shall do it. Move your legs! Come on, go up to him!

You scolded yourself into moving with hesitant steps. Your shoes clicked against the stone floor as you moved closer. “Well, as much as I enjoy your company, (y/n), I am in the middle for brewing a draught of peace. It’s a rather-” “Complicated potion, I am aware.” He arched a brow at you, possibly surprised but it was hard for you to tell. His expressions were shown with small little shifts and more often than not they were hard to decipher. So you simply smiled as you leaned a little closer.

“I see you’re adding powdered porcupine quills, I’ll just wait until you’re finished then.” He arched a brow at you as you sat on top of a desk, that the students used, to wait. You smiled at him and he focused on the potion again. You knew he’d have to stir until it turned white and then allow it to simmer on low heat before adding seven drops of hellebore. He would be finished soon so it wasn’t really a bother to wait. And, it would allow you to look at him unhindered if you stayed and waited in the secluded classroom. “As you wish,” he simply grumbled out and you folded your hands in your lap as you propped your feet up on the bench in front of you.

It took exactly 14 minutes until he was done. For 14, wonderful, minutes you could just look at him. Study his features, the curves of his body and the long black hair he had fastened behind his ear on the side closest to you. He had cute ears, large but peaked and rather narrow with gentle little earlobes. For a moment you wondered how he would look with pierced ears. You found the idea rather intriguing. Perhaps, a silver ring? Oh, that would look rather sexy on him, he could totally pull that-

He straightened and you smiled hastily as your thought stopped n its tracks before it had ever reached its endstation. “Done,” he stated flatly and you lowered your feet to the floor. “Great, may I have a moment of your time now then?” He turned towards you. His face stoic but his eyes looked rather puzzled. You simply kept smiling as you honestly couldn’t stop as he was close by. He always made you smile despite the stoic face, the command of respect and the glaring eyes that sometimes, but rarely, had a gentle shine to them.

“You may,” he said as he clasped his hands behind his back and remained utterly still. You often wondered how he did it. How someone could be so still as to be more of a statue than a living being. You truly did not want to know the answer, but you still wondered. “Well,” you started as you rose from the desk, “I would like to congratulate you if I may?” “Regarding what?” “Your birthday of course!” you giggled out as you shook your head gently on a small sigh.

“I do not celebrate it,” he simply stated and you gaped at him. “But, it’s your birthday, Severus. It’s worth celebrating.” “Not to me, it isn’t.” His words were cold, flat. They weren’t growled or shouted or even said with sadness. They were just empty. Utterly void of emotion. Your heart stung as he seemed so far away and almost lost. I will have none of that nonsense.

“Well I think it’s worth celebrating that you were born, so suck it up.” His brows rose as you spoke, definite surprise in the dark pits that were his eyes and you rummaged in your pocket to retrieve the gift that you now wanted to give not because you wanted to get it over with but because you truly wanted him to feel some form of happy emotion on his birthday. Perhaps he wouldn’t, but perhaps he would.

“Here,” you said as you reached out your hand with the little gift, “and happy birthday Severus.” He stood still for another moment before he slowly unclasped his hands from behind his back and reached his left hand out. His movements were slow yet steady, his fingers graced your hand as he grabbed the gift.

“You, bought me a present?” “Mhm,” you smiled out with a nod as he looked at you, “that is what one does on another person’s birthday you know.” He nodded ever so slightly before his gaze went to the gift that looked even smaller in his larger hand. “Well go on, open it.” At your words, he reached out with his free hand and tugged on the string that released the little bow. He unwrapped it slowly; as if he almost didn’t want to do it or didn’t want the unwrapping to end. You couldn’t quite figure out why. The whole point of getting a gift was what laid hidden beneath the wrappings - not the actual wrappings. You had never seen anyone do it so slowly before.

He finally revealed a little black box that was labelled ‘Brelixion’ with silver-coloured swishy writing. It looked quite elegant and the store was perhaps not well known to the regular magician but you knew Severus was well aware of the little shop that only housed expensive, exquisite and potions exclusive things. You had to be a highly skilled potioneer to use the items as they were not for ordinary magicians. They were for those who understood, commanded and ruled over potions with the utmost understanding of the art that was potion-making.

Severus, you knew, was such a magician. He was an excellent potion creator, a true Potions Master. So, it was the only place you even considered to buy him a gift from. And it appeared you may have been right in your decision. He looked stoic, yes, but there was an odd softness to his sharp features as he looked at the box. Okay, first we unwrap for an eternity and now we just look at the box? Ooookey, well, it’s his birthday, his choice.

You stood across from him, silently smiling as you waited as patiently as you could for him to open the box. But he didn’t. He just held it in his hand and looked at it. You knitted your brows together. “Aren’t-, Aren’t you going to open it?” Severus jerked his head up at your voice; as if he had been deep in thought. “What? Yes, excuse me,” he muttered under his breath as he slowly lifted the lid and peered inside.

For a tiny fraction of a second, you were afraid you had done something wrong as he frowned at your gift. It, well it hurt, to be honest. You had really given thought to the whole thing as it was about a month and a half of your salary that went towards that little gift he so gently held in his hands while his face seemed to show displeasure.

You entwined your fingers in front of you as you looked away from him and down at the floor. “Do you, do you not like it?” you asked with a low voice and you felt disheartened by your own words. You heard him move but you didn’t dare to look up at the dark man. You just bit your lip and nervously wrung your fingers.

“It’s perfect,” he said and you could not believe the softness his voice vibrated through you with. Slowly, ever so slowly, you looked up and found him looking right at you. His eyes were shiny, his mouth gently curved up in a smile and he seemed full of life rather than the statue-like state he seemed to always be in. “Really?” you asked feebly, he nodded. “Truly.”

Your shoulders lowered as you relaxed a bit and let go of the tension that had stiffened you. “Tell me, (y/n), why have you done this?” You tilted your head, now your eyes were the puzzled ones. Had he truly not seen your efforts to get closer? Had he not noticed the fondness and desire you had for him? You thought you had made it quite clear numerous times yet it seemed to have gone over his head, how in the world that was possible when Severus was such a clever man you could not fathom.

It took you a moment to order your thoughts and he waited with curious eyes directed at your own. “I-, I thought you knew?” “It’s my birthday, yes, but that does not warrant such an extravagant gift as this.” You bit your lips and lowered your gaze. Do I have to spell it out? Gosh, I-, I-, oh I don’t want to spell it out. Why can’t he just understand I’m in love with him? Is it really that strange of an idea?

You took a breath and searched for your courage. “I, I am very fond of you.” It wasn’t a lie but neither was it the full truth. Silence lowered over you for a few seconds but then you heard him take a breath and speak - in the nick of time as you wanted to run for it. “Is that so?” Was, was that a purr? In his voice? No, I, I must have misheard him. “Yes,” you whispered as you lowered your head even more, “I am very fond of you and I just, just wanted to tell you, or show you. And, wish you a happy birthday. Not that my efforts will make a difference but-” “It makes all the difference in the world.”

You stiffened as his voice rumbled around you, vibrated through you and made heat swirl in the pit of your stomach where the butterflies had been all day. His voice, his lovely voice was gentle yet firm, measured yet liberated. It was an odd combination but you loved it. Something about it felt private, personal.

He stepped up to you and you saw his hand come in under your chin before you felt it. He tilted your head up and his cold skin against your own, slightly warmer, made you shiver. It felt good. “All. The. Difference,” he stated with pressure on each word. You blinked as he gazed into your eyes and you couldn’t help how your knees weakened, how your heart pounded and your lungs felt too tight to breathe with.

“Thank you,” he said and his breath warmed your face, “for making my birthday something, other than void.” It seemed as if it were the only words he could give you at that moment and you took them with joy. You would forever remember and cherish them. “You’re welcome.” “But, I do have to ask…” “Yes?” you said as you tried to decipher what was hidden in his eyes. “Do you, perhaps, feel something other than collegial friendship and fondness for, me?”

You blushed at his words as he still had your chin in his grasp. You were sure he could feel warmth radiate from your heating skin and it felt as if your heartbeat echoed out around the both of you. “Yes,” you finally stated on a hitching breath, “yes I do, Severus,” you continued as your mouth went dry. “Good,” he said with that thunderous yet soft voice before he nearly gave you a heart attack as he leaned in and planted a gentle yet firm kiss against your lips. It happened so fast it took you a second to react. But when you did, your body softened, your thoughts went silent and all you could feel was his lips on yours for a few amazing seconds as the taste of him and peppermint overtook you.

As you broke apart you drew a deep breath. Air could finally fill your lungs again. But your heart pounded harder and you blushed a deeper shade of red as he smirked at you. “Why, (y/n), I do believe you might have a fever.” It was cruel of him really, to tease you, but at the same time you had never seen or heard him make such a remark and his voice was not harsh. It was gentle and inviting. “Well, I think I might be struck by a sickness,” you said as you looked at him. He arched a brow at you. “I do believe my heart has been struck by sickeningly sweet affection and it does make me suspiciously hot and bothered at times,” you continued and blushed even more as the words were outrageously revealing and never had you dreamt of speaking in such a manner with Severus. “My oh my, perhaps there is a cure for this sickness of yours?” “Oh there definitely is a cure. As long as I get my daily dose of Severus I’ll be fine,” you said with a shy voice as you really felt quite audacious and you had no idea what to do with your hands, how to stand or even how to look at him without wanting to hide from the embarrassment of your words.

But Severus, well he just smiled ever so slightly towards you. “My my, we do have an audacious mind,” he hummed with a gentle thunder to his gruff voice, “I must say, I never imagine you to say such lovely things, (y/n). Feel free to keep surprising me,” he said as he set the gift down on a nearby desk. He took your face in both of his hands, ever so gently, as he looked down at you from his towering position.

His eyes were still harsh, his face still stoic, his lips thin and his jaw so tense. Yet at the same time; he had a light swirl in his gaze, a slight tug at the corner of his mouth, a sort of sensual harshness to his face and jaw that utterly captivated you and spurred on the heat that gathered in your stomach. Your breath shook as you lost yourself in his eyes. As you truly lost yourself to the blooming love that glowed inside of you.

“Severus, I was afraid you didn’t feel like-, that you didn’t like-, that you didn’t-” “Hush,” he said as he leaned in to kiss you again. But his lips never came. He cursed violently and in the next moment you were hidden by him, pressed to his warm chest and you were so shocked you failed to smell the smoke in the room. But there was no missing the sound of an exploding cauldron and, certainly, no way of missing Severus’s hiss as the ruined potion rained down over him as he protected you from the liquid that was heavy and white.

You started to giggle, you tried to stop as he swore and hissed while potion covered him from head to, well to his butt really, but you simply couldn’t help it. He looked so cute as he whipped his arms and shook his head so potion splattered about from his long black hair. You were fortunately still close to his chest so none rained down on you.

He swore a few more choice words. You tried to quiet your laughter as he spluttered and glared at you. “I’m sorry Severus, it’s just, we forgot and you don’t-, you never-” “No, I do not. Apparently, audacity is not your only surprising gift. You’re quite the distraction as well. Obviously.” You blushed again and lowered your head at his snarled words. “But, I do enjoy the way you distract,” he murmured ever so gently as his fingers yet again tipped your head back from where he held them under your chin. “It’s, audaciously distracting to be in your presence like this. With no boundaries of courtesy or distance of caged emotions.” You looked at him with widened eyes, so you do feel as I do? Truly? You thought but you did not dare to utter the words aloud.

“Can I expect you to distract me again soon?” he asked on a deep rumble. You blinked and then swallowed. “If you wish, if, if you allow me to,” you stuttered out with a shy voice and your knees shook a bit. He was the Severus Snape after all. Not only was he a busy man but he was also quite private and closed off. Not to mention feared and even loathed by some students and you had noticed he always avoided spending his free time with anyone. So as he nodded in agreement to your question you could not help but to smile so widely your cheeks hurt and all you wanted to do was to kiss those lips again.

But in that precise moment, a few drops of potion ran down from his hair, down his forehead and then down his nose. You giggled yet again before you stroked away the liquid as he nearly crossed his eyes to watch the movement of your finger and that only made your giggle turn into laughter as he looked adorably ridiculous. Nothing like the notorious dungeon bat of darkness.

“A sweet laugh as well,” he grumbled on a snorting chuckle and you tried to suffocate the laughter. “Well, I’m sorry, you’re just so adorable,” you laughed out and he arched a brow at you while his face hardened to near stone. “Be glad I’m fond of you...” he huffed out as his eyes turned darker. Okay, note to self, do not call him adorable unless you want to make him pissed as the hornets of a kicked hornet’s nest. Even, even if he is adorable. You whipped out your wand to clear away the potion and the hardened lines of his face softened as you smiled at him. He nodded and you flicked your wand. He was clean but your thoughts were dirty as he gazed into your eyes and a warm shiver travelled down your back...

Chapter 3: A line of chocolate

A/N: This fic has a section that is split and marked male gender and female gender - I wanted to give at least a little more explicit content and to do that I felt it was best to do two sections (one for female genitalia and one for male genitalia) so I didn’t have to be so vague and could write a bit more freely. I hope you are okay with this setup! Everything is still GN in the sections except the physical aspects of you and the sections are almost identical except what Snape does to your body.

2000; Potioneer, 40 Years

You were being as silent as you could while you prepared breakfast for the birthday man. Forty years, I can’t believe he’s turning forty. It’s, it’s insane. Where did the time go? You thought as you ordered the table with a firm whipping of your wand. Plates, cutlery, cups and the food gently floated into place. You pointed your wand at the coffee pot and it swayed towards the table before it sat itself down on a little holder with an everglowing flame underneath to keep it warm.

You rubbed your hands together, a slight smile across your face. Your husband was sleeping upstairs with no clue about what you had planned for the day. Well, he did say I was audacious, even if it was quite a while ago now. You chuckled to yourself as fond memories of the first birthday you had celebrated him on floated through your mind. It had been a mess of emotions and potion. But everything had turned out alright in the end as you had now spent twelve years together.

You took a moment to check everything before you nodded to yourself, checked the time and saw it was nearly eleven in the morning as you strode off to wake Severus from his deep slumber. You tipped as quietly as you could through the little house and upstairs, opened the bedroom door and stepped inside of the cosy little bedroom with a bed that was frankly too big for the room; which made the room look smaller than it actually was.

Your heart skipped a beat as he laid on his back, his black hair spread out across the pillow and his chest gently rose and sunk in the midday sunlight that seeped through the little windows. The cover was bunched up at his waist, his upper body on display for you to drool over. He truly was gorgeous. His dark chest hair dusted with greying hairs, his tummy a little softer than a few years ago; but his skin was as pale as ever. You smiled at the sight. You adored him, His body, heart, soul and mind. All of him.

You gave yourself a moment to just appreciate what you had, what was yours. Who you belonged to and lived with, who you were growing old with and made memories with each day that passed. He made you whole. Made life beautiful and heaven felt useless compared to your life. I’m so lucky to have you darling, you thought as you stepped closer to the bed.

You stroked his shoulder, kissed his cheek and whispered to him that it was time to wake up as you giggled out a ‘sleepy head’. For he was. He would sleep the days away if you allowed it. Nights, not so much. He never came to bed before midnight and rarely rose before ten in the morning unless you woke him up - or he had a meeting with a customer or company provider of one sort or another.

He grumbled and groaned as he turned his head away from you. “Come on darling, it’s time to wake up,” you said a little louder and petted his shoulder a little harder. “No,” he groaned out and you rolled your eyes. “Always such a fuss to get you out of bed,” “It’s warm and comfortable,” he grumbled and you smiled. “Well, I made breakfast, your favourite.” His head jerk back towards you and his eyes were suddenly wide open. “Really?” “Really,” you said on a nod and he smiled at you.

You both ate, drank coffee and enjoyed the silence. Severus truly weren’t a morning person and you had learned through the years to be quiet for the first hour after he woke up. It made for a more pleasant day and a happier husband so you really didn’t mind. Truthfully, you had come to be rather fond of the silence as he allowed you to just look at him. The first few months he had been rather annoyed by this little habit of yours but he had come to accept it, as you had done with the silence.

When the table was cleared, the dishes put away and Severus had finished his third cup of black coffee, as he read the news seated by the kitchen table, you turned towards him. “Darling,” you said to get his attention and he looked up, “happy birthday.” He smiled at you while he folded the newspaper and placed it on the table as the clock struck twelve. “Thank you, love,” he said and the difference between this birthday and the first struck you in that moment of time.

“Still think your birthday is not worth celebrating?” you asked and you saw in his eyes that he immediately understood what you were referring to. He shook his head. “No, not anymore. I’m rather, rather fond of it now.” You giggled and went over to him, he opened up his arms and you stepped in between his legs as he embraced you around your waist and you kissed the top of his head.

His hair smelled like sage, copper, smoke and sheets. He needed a shower. Not that it smelled bad, but it smelled of work and you didn't want to be reminded of that on his birthday. “Come on, let’s take a bath,” you mused and he leaned his head back to look at you. His black hair hung down behind him and you ran your fingers through it. “I showered two days ago,” he said with a furrowed brow. You sighed. “Take a bath with me.” You stepped out of his seated embrace and he rose without any further remarks.

The water was warm and felt gentle to your skin as you snuggled into Severus’s chest and his arms folded around you. You hummed in delight as the gentle scent of honey and vanilla filled your nose from the soap you had poured into the water earlier. “I love you, (y/n),” he whispered before his lips graced your head. “And I love you,” you breathed out. He hugged you tighter and his naked skin against your own felt utterly delightful.

You took a moment to just enjoy it, enjoy the cuddling and closeness. But thoughts of his birthday came and you felt a small, slightly wicked smile tug at your lips. You allowed your hands to stroke his legs on either side of you. Up and down, up and down. Gentle movements yet your intent was clear. He grew behind you, hardened and you felt a sense of pride that such simple touch from you could arouse him so hastily.

You turned around as the water sloshed around your body and some spilt over the edges of the tub. Your mouth started tracing kissed over his shoulder, his neck, his throat and eventually your lips joined with his as you straightened and straddled him. You silently thanked yourself for installing such a large tub and then you silently thanked him for allowing you to decorate and remodel your home through the years however you wanted.

He purred against your lips and you silently moaned as his strong hands grabbed your hips. You wiggled a tad and he groaned as you were pressed against his hardening erection. “Happy birthday,” you whispered. “Happy indeed,” he purred back with that deep voice of his. You shivered and heat made your toes curl.

He nibbled on your bottom lip as your hands cupped his face. Your tongue darted out and licked his upper lip as you ground against him again. You felt a hunger so strong you could barely contain a growl, he did that to you. Still. After twelve years of love and making love, growing and changing, evolving and finding yourselves he still made you ache with want. Still made you boil with lust. Still managed to turn you on so badly you feared you had gone mad for him sometimes.

Your hand stroked its way down over his chest, his stomach, until you reached his cock. You scooted back a bit and grabbed him with desperate movements. You began to stroke him, he moaned into your mouth and as you stroked a few more times his lips left yours as his head tilted backwards. His eyes closed in bliss produced by your hand.

He was beautiful, handsome, perfect. Your perfect ideal of a man. That he had a few years on you did truly not matter. That you had been a mere assistant at Hogwarts when the two of you met didn’t matter. That he was so much more than you could ever hope to become did not matter either. All that mattered was that he loved you and you loved him.

“(Y/n),” he breathed out as you continued to stroke him and your mouth left harsh kisses along his neck and jaw. You nearly came by the sound of his voice uttering your name with such need and want. “I love you,” you moaned against his skin and he shivered beneath you. You stroked harder, used the tempo he loved and panted into his ear as you asked him to come for you.

He groaned, tensed, and by your hand, he came undone. You felt such pride, such joy at seeing him unravel beneath you as his face was strained with pleasure and his lips gently parted as he sucked in air to calm himself. “You’re beautiful when you cum,” you whispered as you kissed his cheek with pure love.

He chuckled and raised his head as his eyes locked with yours. They were such beautiful pits of swirling darkness and gentle stardust that spellbound you without fault each time they gazed into your own. You kissed his thin lips and he moved his hand from your hip to your groin. You shivered with delight as he stroked and graced your aching sex with his harsh hand.

~Female Gender~

He encircled your clit, stroked it and made you squeeze your eyes shut in delight. His hand and fingers felt so good against your pussy you could barely take the pleasure. “Look at me,” he said gruffly and you did. You looked at him as his fingers danced between your folds and eventually pushed inside you only to be greeted with hot, wet warmth. You moaned in delight as his thumb stroked your clit while his fingers pumped in and out of your opening. Just how you wanted it.

You bit down on your bottom lip as his eyes held you captive. He wanted to see you, wanted to see all things you felt and enjoy all things he made you feel. He was dominant in his ways with you and you marvelled at his stern command no matter what situation you were in. He made you feel safe and because of that, he could do whatever he pleased with you.

He pumped you harder, pushed another finger inside as his thumb never relented on the onslaught of your clit. Your muscles were tensing, your hands on his shoulders hardened as you felt your climax arrive with a flurry of moans and gasps. Your body shook as he gently eased you of your high with measured pumps and strokes before his fingers glided out of your clenching pussy and he looked too pleased with himself as you panted and shook where you sat, still straddling him, in the tub.

~Male Gender~

He encircled your cock, stroked it and made you squeeze your eyes shut in delight. His hand and fingers felt so good against your hardened flesh you could barely take the pleasure. “Look at me,” he said gruffly and you did. You looked at him as his fingers surrounded your erection and started to pump you ever so gently as your heat radiated against his cool palm. You moaned in delight as his thumb stroked your tip while his fingers held a firm grasp of your most delicate body part and stroked you tenderly. Just how you wanted it.

He pumped you harder, pushed down and pulled up as his thumb never relented on the onslaught of your cocks peak. Your muscles were tensing, your hands on his shoulders hardened as you felt your climax arrive with a flurry of moans and gasps. Your body shook as he gently eased you of your high with measured pumps and strokes before his fingers slipped away from your softening cock and he looked too pleased with himself as you panted and shook where you sat, still straddling him, in the tub.

~Gender Neutral~

You both were dressed in soft clothes and thick robes after the enjoyable bath. Severus sipped on another cup of coffee while reading a book on the newest potions to hit the market as you sipped on a cup of tea and read a rather outrageous book of love and lust. It was quite enthralling, so enthralling in fact that you forgot about the time.

It was past three in the afternoon before you looked up from the crisp pages only to see that Severus’s armchair was empty, the book he had been reading laid on the little side table and the sound of cooking were heard from the kitchen. “Shit!” you hissed out as you threw away the blanket you had at some point pulled over your legs and discarded the book only to hurry to the kitchen.

“Severus, darling, it’s your birthday,” you said as you stepped in and found him busy by the stove. “And?” “You shouldn’t do the cooking,” you said as your arms wrapped around his waist and the delicious smell of boiled chicken with herbs wafted up your nose. He merely chuckled and kept on adding spices to the boiling pot before him.

“Seriously, I can-” “I’d like to survive this birthday, thank you very much.” You pouted at his words, it’s not like I’ve tried to poison you! He arched a brow and you growled at him. He could sense your annoyance with him. “Last time you almost burned the house down, the time before that you nearly flooded the kitchen, the time before that you almost covered yourself in boiling water and the time before that you tried to serve me some sort of concoction that could probably have killed the devil himself if she consumed it and the time before that-” You threw your hands up in the air. “Alright, alright, I get it. I’m a hazard in the damn kitchen Mr Master Cook!” you spat out with a slight hiss to your voice. But yet again, he merely chuckled. You had to do your darndest not to crack up at his little devil joke either. It was clear the devil was a male by popular opinion but Severus firmly believed the devil had to be a woman - even if neither of you believed in such muggle things. You had had a long discussion on the whole thing though, and you actually agreed with him as he had said 'hell has no fury like a woman scorn and if hell can't compete then the only logical thing is that a female rules it, a woman is the devil'.

“Honey, love, you are an excellent baker - as long as it doesn’t involve the stove, so just stick with that. I can cook just fine-” “No, you are not just able to perform the task of cooking just fine, you’re fucking brilliant at it and I’m not as good as you, I am well aware Mr Look At Me Cook Like I’m a Master Chef, so don’t-” But you interrupted yourself as he looked at you with a puzzled look. “What?” you spat. Annoyed at his cheerful features. “Well, I think you might have mastered the art of spiteful compliments, love,” he said on a shrug and you had no words after that. He was infuriating at times but by Merlin how you loved him for all his perfections and imperfections. As he did with you.

“Fine, I will stay out of your hair. Do your swish-swash-stirring in peace.” He laughed at you, a rumbling sound that cushioned your heart in clouds of bliss, and gave your forehead a quick kiss before you muttered some choice words under your breath and left the kitchen behind you.

You ate a while later and Severus poured you a glass of wine before he poured one for himself. It had become somewhat of a tradition. You shared a bottle of wine on his birthday, shared a bottle of cider on your birthday and a small bottle of brandy was shared during Christmas and New Year. Other than those three occasions, you never consumed any alcohol.

Some found it strange, but you both had your reasons for it. Severus’s father had been a drunk, your (relative) and (relative) had been drunks as well. It ruined families, useless overconsumption of alcohol. Neither of you wanted that so you had your three bottles per year and that was all. In all honesty, it only made the stuff taste better to have it so rarely.

You clinked your glasses and took a sip each. You handed over a little gift to him as you had placed your glass on the table. His eyes widened and a slight smirk covered his thin lips. The gift looked exactly like the one you had given him the first time you ever presented him with such a thing. Only a little bit larger. You blushed ever so slightly as he smiled widely at you with soft and warm eyes.

“Happy birthday, Severus,” you said and grabbed your glass. He tore open the wrappings, such difference compare to the first time. Perhaps, I have managed to make him confident in the fact he will always receive gifts on his birthday. Perhaps he feels safe in that, perhaps he truly does enjoy his birthday now. Well, no, that’s not a perhaps. I know he does.

Your thoughts raced through your mind as he was yet again, after twelve years, met with a black box with silver lettering on top that spelt ‘Brelixion’ . The exclusive, expensive shop for potion-making. Not that you had a low income or anything like that anymore. No, both of you could buy most of what you wanted with your own firm doing so well. But still, it was an expensive shop and the object was worth some awe.

Severus opened the lid and peeked inside. His eyes softened and you felt a gentle warmth curl its way through your veins. He was happy. That was all you wanted. “Love, thank you,” he said gently with that deep voice of his that you loved so much. You were the only one to ever be so fortunate as to hear that gentle sound from between his lips. “Do you like it? It goes with the first one,” you said and he nodded. “I do,” he stated as his eyes went from yours and back to the gift.

“I shall take it with me at all times,” he stated and you knew he meant for work. It pleased you to hear as you already knew he always had his first gift with him in that leather bag of his that could fit more things than logically possible. Thank you undetectable extension charm, you thought on a light smile. Your mind wandered and in the silence, you pondered on the next little gift you had planned. Well, it wasn’t so much a gift, more like an experience but still.

The day passed gently, there were a few cards that arrived by owl from around the globe addressed to Severus. Customers, potion masters and old colleagues - old friends even - and you were thrilled for him as he had been such a lonely man a few years back and had so low hopes each time January and his birthday came around. But not anymore. It was all different now. Not only the birthday but he and you as well. Different, the same, but different.

Darkness had crept in nearly three hours ago and you felt a slight tingle in your body as you gathered your courage to try something new. Something Severus would no doubt find audacious. He’d most likely call you wicked and you truly hoped for that as it was a word he rarely used to describe you, actually, it was only uttered by him if you did something wickedly delightful to him that also surprised him. And you hoped, that this evening, would be such a thing so as to garner such praise.

“Darling?” you said to get his attention, he hummed a little. “Come to bed with me.” He looked up from his book. “Love, it’s only seven.” “I know,” you smiled out with sparkling eyes and a slight blush across your cheeks. His eyes widened ever so slightly as he raised his brows. He was most likely thinking about the bath you had enjoyed together in the late morning already. But he nodded and you both got up. You ushered him upstairs, saying you’d only be a minute.

He went upstairs to your bedroom while you headed for the kitchen. In the fridge stood a chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and a few strawberries. ‘Lovely Forty’ was swirled across its top in white chocolate sauce. You grabbed it and put it on the counter. You shed your clothes right there in the kitchen as beneath you wore, well, nothing. “Either he’ll die of laughter or this will go hella good,” you whispered to yourself as you took a steadying breath and placed twelve candles on the cake - one for each birthday you had celebrated with him.

You walked gently through the house with the cake in your hands, all the candles lit and the light danced across your naked skin. With your foot, you pushed the door open just as Severus had removed his shirt. His socks and slippers were already in a heap on the floor. He stood in only silky, black pyjama pants before you and the sight was quite something.

“Happy birthday,” you said again and your voice was slightly low as shyness took over for a moment. He arched a brow, his eyes harshly roved over you and the cake for an eternity before a hint of a smile curved his lips and the dark pits that were his beautiful eyes swirled with want. “Happy indeed,” he said for the second time that day and confidence unfurled and bloomed within you as all shyness melted away under his loving gaze.

There was chocolate everywhere. Literally. In your hair, on your nose, between your legs, on your feet, your elbows and tummy, your shoulder and fingers and knees. Everywhere. You were a chocolate covered mess along with the sheets and Severus seemed to be more than happy to continue making you a complete mess with the cake you had worked hard on. But you had other plans.

As he was busy licking cake off your inner thigh he did not notice you had reached for your wand, the wand you had cleverly hidden beneath the cake as you walked up many moments ago. You smiled as you flicked your wand, a belt came flying from the nearby wardrobe and in the next moment Severus was bound beneath you with his hands above his head and a look of surprise covered his face. “(Y/n), what in the world are you-” Your messy finger covered his lips as you smiled at him with warmth and yearning. “My turn,” you simply stated and he breathed out harshly through that gorgeous hooked nose of his.

You had never bound him before, he had bound you but never the other way around. Well, we haven’t ever played with food in the bed before either so, some firsts being crossed. Still, after twelve years we have firsts, the thought made you excited and you removed your messy fingers from his lips that were messy as well. You giggled as he had chocolate on that pretty nose of his and all around his cheeks. You bent down and licked it off.

With your finger dipped in chocolate from the centre of the cake you began to draw a line, from his chin to his cock. You had to take some new chocolate a few times but in the end, you had a nice little path to travel. “Oh, such a messy mess,” you said as you splattered some extra chocolate over his chest and stomach. He chuckled and sighed at your mischief. “Oh we are wickedly audacious today,” he said and vibrations shot through you from his nearly hoarse voice. The words made you purr. “Guess I’ll have to clean you up, my birthday man…”

You lowered yourself, your lips graced his jaw and you nibbled between soft kisses. He hummed in delight as you worked your way down. Licking, lapping, kissing and nibbling. “You taste good paired with chocolate,” you purred out against his chest as you ground against his cock that you were sure was nearly painfully hard beneath you as you straddled him. “But it’s nearly a shame to pair such a lovely flavour with something so simple,” you breathed out to take a deliberate pause as you knew your words were ambiguous, “as mundane chocolate.” He took a shaky breath and you gave one of his nipples a hard lick. He bucked and you moaned.

“I love you,” he whispered as you continued your journey down his stomach, licking and loving him every bit of the way. “And I love you,” you breathed out against his pale skin as you continued to press your tongue against it. You were devouring the chocolate and consumed him fully in your mouth as you arrived at his erection where the line of chocolate ended. “(Y/n).” You smiled as you licked and sucked. His thundering voice that articulated your name was all you needed to hear at that moment.

You were consumed by lust and love. He was consumed by you until he reached his highest point and released himself with a loud growl of adoration for you and your mouth. It was, for him, one of the greatest birthdays in history. Not because you loved him so audaciously wickedly with cake and licks but because you simply loved him. Fully, wholeheartedly and completely. That was the greatest gift, you by his side through life and you knew it before he ever had to utter the words.

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // AO3

Thank you for reading! Thank you for your time and commitment, I hope you feel it was worth it! :D <3

Let's wish Snape a Happy Birthday once more and I hope you all have a lovely day celebrating with Snapedom! ^^ <3

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[Jan:2021]

#snape's birthday #happy birthday snape #snapedom #snape fic #snape x reader #writing #my writing #deepperplexity #deepperplexity fic #smutty writing #fluffy writing #cake in bed #I have no idea why I made them bathe BEFORE they got all messy but oh well

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omgrachwrites · 3 years

Text

I Missed You - Remus Lupin

Pairing: Remus Lupin x Reader

Request: ‘Hello!!❤ can I request a Remus x fem!reader where Rem and reader haven't got like proper quality time together because of exams. He is like extremely desperate because full moon is close and he just need some cuddles and cute words from his beloved gf.. He gets the risky idea of having a bath with her (just intimate cute moment nothing sexual) in the prefects bathroom at midnight. So he borrows James' invisibility cloak, hide his gf so she won't have problems with the curfew and have the bath of his life?’ - anon

Warnings: fluff, fluff and more fluff!

Words: 1472

A/N: Thank you for this adorable request anon! Hope everyone enjoys it and please let me know what you think! Also, I’m again using Tom Webb as my Remus, I love you all! xxx

NEWT exams were hard, much harder than you had anticipated – and you thought OWLS had been bad – so much so that you hardly had any time to do anything but study for your exams. Your ambition after Hogwarts was to be a Healer, you wanted to help people get better but at this moment you were seriously regretting your decision. What was worse was the fact that you hadn’t been able to spend some quality time with your beautiful boyfriend, Remus.

You were sat on the plush burgundy carpet of the Gryffindor Common Room, getting warm by the glowing fire that was crackling and spitting. Remus wrapped his arms around you from behind and pulled you into his chest; you smiled and turned to kiss his lips lightly, tasting the chocolate and cinnamon notes that lingered on his lips.

As you went back to reading your book, Remus rested his head on your shoulder, pressing tiny little kisses against your warm skin. The feeling of his slightly chapped lips against your skin was heavenly but very distracting. In the space of about five minutes you had read the same paragraph multiple times.

Sighing, you bit your lip and turned your head to look at Remus, entranced by the golden flecks in his hazel eyes, “I have to study, love and it’s pretty distracting with those gorgeous lips against me,” you giggled, pulling on his bottom lip slightly with your thumb. You pressed a soft kiss against his lips to soften the blow.

Remus pouted, “can’t you take a break, baby?” he whined, running a hand through his tousled hair, “please, angel?”

His sullen tone tugged at your heart strings but there was no way that you could fail your upcoming exam, “I’m sorry, Rem, I can’t fail this Herbology exam.”

Remus sighed in disappointment as he leaned away from you and you instantly missed the warmth of his chest against your back, “yeah,” he huffed.

“I really am sorry,” you turned round to look at him properly and for the first time you noticed how tired he looked, the NEWT exams weren’t only taking a toll in you.

Remus offered you a weak, sad smile as he shook his head, and pressed his lips against your forehead, “don’t be beautiful. But, please don’t work yourself into the ground, Y/N,” he bit his lip as he wandered over to join James ad Sirius, leaving you to stare after him.

You knew why Remus was acting like this, he craved your touch even more than usual, because now you hardly spent any time together and the full moon was looming. Every month, the full moon affected Remus differently and you couldn’t imagine how stressed out he must be feeling. Your heart ached for him and you wished that there was something you could do but in the middle of the exam season, your hands were tied.

Over the next couple of days, things didn’t really get any better; you were completely up to your eyeballs in work. The cosy night of lounging around in the common room was a lovely memory of the past. Nowadays, you could hardly see the floor for various textbooks and sheaf’s of parchment that were littered upon it.

Remus got sulkier and sullen as those couple of days passed until he finally got to the end of his tether. When you stepped through the portrait hole one night after study group had run extremely late, you noticed your boyfriend was sitting on the plush couch, watching the dying embers of the fire.

“Remus?” you called out and he turned to look at you, a small smile playing around the edge of his lips, “what’s going on?” you asked as you stood between his legs, raking your fingers through his hair.

Remus hummed as he closed his eyes in bliss, “it’s an intervention,” he laughed, opening his eyes to look at you, “you are going to take a break and we’re going to relax together. Your studying will still be there tomorrow. I miss you, don’t you miss me?” he asked, wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling you closer, “I just want to hold you.”

You traced your fingers against his cheek as you gazed at the beautiful boy. Leaning down, you pressed a deep kiss against his lips, giggling when his tongue brushed against yours. As you pulled away, you smiled as you pressed your forehead against his, “of course I miss you, baby. What did you have in mind?” you supposed that you could take a night off.

Remus beamed at you and stood up, linking his fingers through yours, “come with me,” he kissed your cheek and led you out of the portrait hole.

Once you were at the top of the staircase, Remus plucked a cloak from his pocket that rippled and shimmered like water. As Remus unfolded it, you recognised it straight away and raised an eyebrow, making Remus laugh, “I borrowed it from James.”

“And, everyone thinks you’re the sensible one,” you giggled as Remus threw James’ Invisibility Cloak over the both of you.

“For you, I’ll make an exception,” he chuckled.

The both of you crept through the dark castle, avoiding Mrs Norris and Peeves as you went. Finally, around midnight, you came to a wooden door which Remus promptly unlocked. When you were inside of the room, Remus flung the cloak off you and you took a good look at the beautiful room. There was a bath the size of a swimming pool and there was a stained glass window of a mermaid who was asleep on her rock.

Remus took your hand and kissed over your knuckles, making you smile, “I thought that we could have a bath together,” Remus’ eyes were soft as he flushed, he really was adorable.

You cupped his cheeks, “that sounds heavenly,” you kissed his nose, making him scrunch it up in response, “why don’t you start the water while I put in the scented bubbles?” you gasped excitedly as you ran over to the different taps. Remus chuckled as he looked after you fondly.

You had too much fun putting all the bubbles in; your favourite bubbles were the bright yellow ones that smelt of lemons. It was very satisfying to watch them gush out of the taps. When the bath was full, you blushed as you glanced at Remus.

“Will you turn around while I get undressed?”

Remus smiled as he turned around, “anything for you, angel.”

Quickly, you discarded your clothes and got into the hot bath, deciding to swim a couple of laps while Remus got undressed, “come here, my little mermaid,” he chuckled as he made grabby hands at you.

Giggling, you swam up to him and kissed him before turning around in his arms, pressing your hands over his as he wrapped his arms around you. For the first time in weeks, you felt completely and utterly relaxed as you vaguely wondered why you hadn’t done this sooner.

“How are you feeling baby?” you asked as you rubbed your hands along Remus’ biceps before turning your head to look at him.

Remus gave you a lazy lopsided grin that made your heart flutter as he combed gentle fingers through your hair, “like this is the best bath that I’ve ever had, I’ve never felt so relaxed.”

You smiled, you were glad that he was no longer feeling stressed, you only ever wanted your boyfriend to be completely at ease. But, now you also felt guilty, “I’m sorry Remus, for not doing this sooner, for blowing you off because I was stressed,” you turned your whole body so you were facing him, lifting your wet hand to run through his hair.

Remus gave you a warm smile, his eyes almost glowing in the candlelit bathroom. In your opinion, he’d never looked more beautiful than he did right now with wet hair and a blissed out look on his face, “don’t apologise for that, Y/N,” he whispered as he cupped your chin and gave you a sweet kiss, “it doesn’t even matter.”

You grinned as you trailed your fingers over the scars on his face as an overwhelming wave of love for him washed over you, “I love you, Remus. So much.”

Remus grinned as he pressed his forehead against yours, “I love you too, Y/N. This is forever you know, I missed you so much.”

You flushed as you nodded in agreement, “forever, I missed you too.”

You and Remus lay around in the bath, wrapped up in each other’s arms until your skin began to get pruny. As you dressed, the both of you laughed as you stole sweet little kisses and you knew Remus was the person you were going to love for the rest of your life.

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

@smiithys @elayneblack @amelie-black @fandomxreaders

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lennydaisy · 3 years

Text

EPIPHANY SERIES // OUTER BANKS // CHAPTER FIVE.

(n.) a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand. or suddenly become conscious of something that is very important to you.

“Care to seize the day, my friend?”

Outer Banks Season 1- FEM OC! and ?

Here is a link to the EPIPHANY SERIES MASTERLIST!

"Come on, hurry up!" I shouted over my shoulder, running as fast as my legs would take me. The overhead birds chirping and singing encouraged me to go faster, looking up as they danced and twirled under the clouds, "We're gonna miss it."

"Macy, wait up!" I heard him yell, but I didn't listen. Dodging in and out of the sun beat trees, welcoming the comforting smell of freshly cut grass. The sight of the warm, orange sky meeting the deep, blue ocean made my eyes shine with wonderous adventure. The hot, summer rays beat down on my exposed arms as the humid air erupts my hair into a frenzy.

Beat sneakers skidded to a stop when I reached the edge of the drop. My chest heaved as I watched stones and dirt fall into the pool of water, scaring away the sparkle of fireflies.

"Since when-" my friend eventually caught up to me. His hands planted on his knees, leaning over with tiredness, puffing in and out air with his cheeks tinted red, "-since when did you get so fast."

I paid the exhausted boy no mind, my eyes never leaving the still oceanfront. We couldn't have missed it. I heard the lady at the dock say at sunset. It's sunset so, where are they?

"What am I supposed to be looking at?" He asked, not understanding why he is here staring at practically nothing. As soon as I had heard the news, I bolted to his place, pushing past his shocked mom who yelled profanities at me as I dragged her son out of the house.

"Shush," I hushed the boy, refusing to give up. The sun was slowly but surely setting in front of us, whilst the winds became nippier. Still, there was no sight of what I had been so excited to show my friend.

A few minutes of silence made my optimism fall quickly, "Let's just go," with slouched shoulder and a petted lip, I turn away from the edge feeling embarrassed, wanting to just get back home, "It doesn't matter."

"Macy, look!" I heard his voice chirp with excitement, Spinning around wondering what could be so exciting about this failed adventure. I followed his crooked finger that points outs at the ocean and the bubbling feeling explodes in my stomach again.

They're here!

In the distance, bobbing out from the waves was a pod of dolphins. There had to be at least ten of them. All making their away east of the sun that sparkles off the tip of their fins.

Now sitting at the edge of the drop, our feet dangling over the water as we watched the amazing creatures. I knew that dolphins were his favourite animal and sadly he had never seen them in person before, and neither had I, until today.

It was magically. With the sun shining its last light for the day, everything just felt peaceful. Turning to the boy beside me whose face is lit up with wonder, "How cool would it be to swim with dolphins," I dreamed, waving the last of the animals away. A feeling on contentment fluttered in my chest.

"That would be pretty cool," he agreed before flicking his eyes over to me, "you can't swim though," he teased, nudging his shoulder into mine.

It's true, I never learned how to swim. It's not that I don't want to, it's just, scary, I guess. We have no clue how big the ocean is. To put it into perspective, we have explored more of outer space than we have on our own planet. That's unsettling! It was hard enough for my dad to get me comfortable enough to go on a boat. The thought of teaching me how to swim was completely out of the picture.

If I did one day decide that I wanted to learn how to swim, my teacher would have to be someone I trust wholeheartedly. Someone who wouldn't give up when I complain. Someone who wouldn't laugh at me when I think I'm sinking. Someone who knows my limits.

I just nodded my head, ducking down timidly at my inability being mentioned. He placed a soft hand on my shoulder, "It's okay, Macy," he comforts, but his fingers slowly grip my shoulder tighter. His nails digging into my skin.

I didn't have time to wince before he said in a harsh tone, "Don't want you to drown like your old man."

And then I was falling.

He pushed me roughly off the edge. My legs scrapped against the tough dirt as my arms flap wildly in the harsh winds that dry up my eyes. I couldn't hear anything other than the sound of his distant laughter. The surface of the water getting closer and closer, as I finally let out a scream.

Jumping awake with a gasp, my hands gripping at my bedsheet tightly. Sweat drips down the bridge of my nose causing me to twitch. I look around. I'm in my room. 'I'm safe,' I remind myself.

Pushing my sheet off me, I didn't even want to remember what happened, but spotting my alcohol cover clothes in the corner of my room floods my mind with the memory. Shaking my head, erasing the thought as I place my bare feet on the cold floorboards, a shiver shooting up my back.

My head is pounding, my eyes feel like they are burning, no thanks to the blinding sun, and my throat feels drier than the dessert. 'I'm never drinking again' I thought but knowing fine well that's a lie.

I make my way out my room, the whole shack radiating nothing, but peaceful silence. John B must still be asleep. My knees shaking with the early morning chill as I make my way to the kitchen with one thought on my mind. Warm lemon tea.

Very Kook sounding I know, but that's because Kie introduced me to it me years ago when I had tonsillitis. I was reluctant to try it, but she practically forced it down my throat and it surprisingly helped me. And it tasted good too.

Since then, Kie gave me an emergency stash of lemon tea. It never tastes as good when I make it, but right now I will do anything to get rid of the stinging in throat.

It took a lot of resilience for me not to rip my throat out as I watched the water boil. The whistle of the kettle sounded like a prayer from God. Pouring the water into my ladybug cup, I can't help but scowl as I look out the window at the relentless rooster that's dancing across the yard. That thing is the devil. I nearly need to give it name so I can swear at it with confidence.

Norris.

Do you know who would like Norris? Mrs Adams. Do you think JJ would notice if I got rid of his beloved rooster? At least I gave it a name, he just calls it rooster-

A gentle knocking coming from the front of the house catches my attention. I go to glance at the clock that is nailed lopsided on the wall but realise it’s no use because I keep forgetting to put new batteries in it. Sipping my tea, I waited for a few minutes to see to if they would knock again.

It's too early for social interactions. The thought of having to talk to some chipper morning person is already giving me a migraine. Humming at the warm sensation in my throat, I stop peering around the corner and decided to make myself comfortable. It's my house. They'll just have to go away.

"It's the Sheriff, open up," the sudden voice of Peterkin’s causing me to choke on my drink, wincing as my knee smashes into the cabinet. Throwing my cup in the sink, ignoring the smashing sound as I quickly grab the trash can, running around the house in a fit of coughs, picking up the empty beer bottles, "No one's home!"

"The DCS called," I let out a scream, spinning around to see the woman now standing in our living room, "They want me to check on you," she said, eyeing the half-smoked blunt that was laying on the table.

Trying to hide my discomfort at the officer in my house, I force a smile onto my face, "Well I'm here," I hold out an arm, trying to lead her out the door, "Thanks for stopping by."

I can already she's far from done with me as my attempt to usher her out failed. Peterkins who has had a curious eye on the house since she entered, spots the picture that is hanging on the wall, "Is that Uncle T?" she asks, but I know what she's trying to do, "How's he been."

"He's uh," I clear my throat, picking at my hangnails, feeling pressured under her gaze, "Can I wake up my lawyer before I answer any questions?"

Running past the officer, I bolt into John B's room. The boy was still fast asleep, lying at the foot of his bed. I would have winced at the shiner on his eye, but I have no time. "John B," I shake him harshly. He just waves a hand tiredly in my direction, humming, before turning over away from me.

"John B," I whine harshly, "Peterkins is here, please get up. She scares me," I admit, smacking him with a pillow. At the mention of Peterkins, John B shoots up, wiping his drool on the back of his hand and attempts to make himself look like a normal, law-abiding citizen.

Stopping at the entrance of his door, he turns to look at me. I could see what he was asking me. He wants me to go first. No way. I shake my head at the boy, pushing him into the hallway first. Did he just ignore me confessing that the lady scares me? She always looks like she knows something and that because she knows everything. That's how she gets you.

Peering over John B shoulder, I spot Peterkins shuffling through the pile of letters that we have dumped on the counter. I would have pulled her up for raiding through our personal detail, but again- she terrifies me. And also, the amount of empty beer bottles that are scattered around the place is concerning.

I grab a bottle of the cabinet and pass it to John B with stern eyes. Understanding, he greets Peterkins picking up bottles as he goes along, "Peterkins. How nice of you to stop by."

"How you been John B?" she asks, getting straight to the point, "besides the-," pointing at his eye.

"I'm fantastic," he claims, eventually stuttering out an answer, the ladies early morning appearance shaking him up. "Thanks for stopping by," he excuses her as I rush over to the door, holding it open for her.

"Am glad to hear that," she muses, hat in her hands as she blatantly ignores my kind gesture. She really can't take a hint. "However, I've heard a few things that worried me. Let's see if you two can help me out."

Oh boy.

I let go of the door, knowing that she won't be leaving anytime soon. Listening to the list of worries she has; I walk around the house trying to hide any evidence that she could use against us. "One thing I heard was that your Uncle T, your guardian, has been out of state for three months."

"You think we could survive for three months on our own?" I laugh, trying not to wither under her gaze, "With his cooking, we'd be dead in a week," I point at my brother who turns to me with a look of insult and betrayal.

"As if you're any better, Miss 'can I put tins in the microwave'," He outs me, not wanting to be the only one under fire. And yes, I did put a tinned can in the microwave, but it wasn't that big of a deal, just don't try it at home. I mean it.

"It was one time!"

"The microwave exploded!"

"And we got a new one. Minor details, John B."

Clearing her throat to interrupt our argument, "Give up the act, I called the school," she stated, now leaning against the wall, sheet of paper in hand, "You guys use to be good students, now you're falling all your classes," she flashes the report card she is holding to us as evidence.

Looking at the card all I see is a long line of C's and D's. Her evidence holds nothing against me though. That's John B report card. I was smart enough to shred mine before I even got home.

"Actually, only Johnny boy is failing all his classes-" I start, John B butting in, "-No. Only history, the guys a dick, he's got it out for me," I nod my head understandingly at the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder, "I, however, am a model student. Straight A's"

"Expect for home economics?" she questions smartly, raining on my parade. I didn't have anything to say to that, just pulling a face which probably gives her the answer.

"I also heard there was a fight on the beach yesterday," I bit my lip, finally understanding why she's here. I move to sit on the couch, knowing I was in for the long haul, "and a gun was involved."

Did he really run and tell the police?

"Okay," John B huffs, shaking his head in disappointment, "Did I get in a dustup?" He asks and points his finger at me to answer for him, acting like we were on a game show

"Yes," I nod my head in excitement, smiling brightly when he holds his thumb up confirming my answer. Moving swiftly onto the next question, "But was there a gun?" he asks, acting out like it was a scenario I suppose to play out in my head.

I tap my chin, pretend to think, "Nope, that would make sense," I dwell before crossing fingers, saying my answer, "No."

"Is that your final answer?" John B sits down next to me, hold out the imaginary microphone. You could feel the anticipation rising, along with Peterkin patience, "Yes!" I confirm.

"Congratulation Miss Routledge!" he announces, "You've just won an all exclusive trip to The Bahamas," revelling my award as I wipe away the pretend tears, sniffling with happiness, fully prepared to give my thank you speech.

"I know who it was," she deadpans, ruining my moment, forcing me back to reality, "and I'll get to him."

"All I care about is makin' sure you're in a safe home," she continues, and I see the look in her eye. She thinks we're lost causes. That's a bit harsh, true, but harsh.

"We are in a safe home," I confirm, reaching over to pull the string of the light that was left on from the night before. In a blink of an eye, the blub blows out, short-circuiting with a sharp spark as the drawstring snaps from the lamp, "Super safe."

"And sturdy," John B adds, "besides, Uncle T's coming back," he says in a matter of fact, knowing that's what Peterkins would want to hear.

"Is that what they told you?" She muses but looks at me, already knowing what John Bs answer would be. I glance quickly at my brother, "Yes," I confirm, trying to act nonchalant.

"If he's coming, I think you should be allowed to stay," she shrugs, taking our side as John B and I nod at her, "Thank you."

It feels like the whole world is against John B and I. We're always wrong. We're always looked done on because we're Pogues. We're always pitted because our dad is missing. I want to believe that Sheriff Peterkins is truly on our team for once, but I can feel a strong meaning coming with her agreement.

"But if I stick my neck out for you," 'there it is' I thought, "you have to help me. Tit for tat."

"What does tat mean?" John B asks confused. What I'm more confused about is how did I end up with such a dumb twin. I'm the brains and he's the brawn, I guess?

"She wants something in return," I define the phrase for him. It's a bit corrupt if you ask me. She is basically acknowledging the fact we did something wrong but is willing to kick that under the rug for any information that we might have.

Pointing her finger at me, "Your 'A' in English is showing," she says before falling serious again, "A body was found in the marsh yesterday. Were you in the marsh yesterday?"

"Yeah," I confirm, seeing no point in lying about it, "we went fishing."

"You catch anything?" she asks, suspicion radiating of her voice as she leans against the wall in front of us. I feel like I'm being interrogated. I am being interrogated.

"Nah, we were skunked," Peterkins just laughs under her breath at John Bs reply, "Strange. Fishing's usually good after a storm. All sorts of things get stirred up."

I know where this is going. Scooter Grubbs body was found yesterday morning, but there was no sign of the boat that he supposedly left on. I'm assuming the still haven't found it, that's why Peterkins is here. Of course, she'd question us. With a background that is filled with trouble, it always finds a way into our lives. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume we knew something.

"You come across a wreck yesterday?"

The sheriff sigh as John B and I both shake our heads at her question, "The pair of you are just skimming above the surface," she starts, her patience completely gone, "now, down here is foster care, juvie," she lists off as I watch her twirling finger. My stomach churning at the mention of foster care.

"Pretty big drop for smart kids like you," she compliments, continuing of her sentiment, "Up here is you and your little friends doing whatever you want." I like it up there.

"Outer Banks," she weights in one hand with a soft voice, "or foster care on the mainland," her tone changing at the other option.

It hard to imagines that one singular event led up to all this. After dad went missing our life has just been a downwards spiral. Everything that Peterkin had said is true. John B and I used to be good students. We never missed a paper, or even dared to skip class. Fair we're friends with JJ, but we knew that dad wanted us to have a good future. I'd hate to know if we've disappointed him.

"You are one inch above the surface," she stresses, knowing that she is getting to us, "If I were you, I'd start flapping my wings."

We've had too many close calls. How many more can we have?

"Now, you sure you didn't come across a wreck yesterday?"

"We're sure."

Hopefully one more.

"It's better if you didn't, you understand?" she crouches down, placing a hand on both our knee's, her eyes not flickering, "I'm going to look the other way, as long as you two stay out of the marsh."

I bit my lip, listening to her footsteps heading toward the door. My body finally relaxing, realising she was leaving. "I've got dogs livin' better than this," she insults. Eyes snapping up when the sound of an empty bottle crashes into the overflowing bin, "You might want to think about cleanin' up."

When I was younger, I wanted to be a princess. I wanted to live in a big castle, with the most luxurious ballroom that would hold the biggest and best events of the year, and a huge kitchen with a countless number of chefs and bakers.

I dreamed of swirling dresses and pointed shoes. Dragons and dashing knights. True loves kiss and happily ever after. I would be friends with all the animals. I would have a Fairy God Mother. I would have anything I wanted.

My life would be the perfect fantasy.

The closest I've been to a princess is the one time JJ called me it, and I immediately told him to never do it again. Not because I didn't like it. It just scared me. My whole life I've wanted to be a princess and I like to believe that I know what it takes to be one. I'm not a princess. I don't feel like one.

A princess should never feel the way I feel.

"Watcha doin' out here by yourself?" I hear a voice call out. Turning my head, watching as Pope made is way over to the hammock that I'm occupying. Moving over slightly, I make room for him at the other end.

"Oh y' know, scheming," I joke, looking at the boy who makes himself comfortable. After two minutes of huffing and puffing, he eventually settles into the hammock. My eye catches the thick book that he has held in his hand, "What you reading?"

"Just some autobiography I found in the library," he shrugs like it’s no big deal. The book he's holding had to be at least 600 pages. I don't think I've read 600 pages of anything in my entire life, but this boy could probably read it all in one night. Also, we have a library?

"For my scholarship entry paper, they want me to write 6,000 words about myself and what I intend to do over the summer," I can tell by the tone of his voice that he is not looking forward to writing that and I wouldn't either.

"My name is Pope Heyward," I start, trying my best to mimic Pope's voice, "I have an obsession with dead bodies and this summer I plan to go grave digging-" he kicks his foot against my shoulder as I giggle at the disapproving face.

"It isn't an AA meeting"

"No, but it should be," I shove this foot away from me, "you really have a problem."

Whacking my knee with his ten-ton book, he urges me to stop talking, "With violence!" I exclaim, holding my kneecap with wide eyes. Pope just shakes his head at my dramatics, a small smile covering his face.

"Macy, this is serious," he huffs, "I have no idea what to write."

"Why don't you volunteer at like a youth group or something?" I suggest, now giving him serious ideas. I don't like seeing Pope stressed and I can tell that this scholarship means a lot to him. I might not be the best at advice, but I want to help him, "You can teach them how to dance?"

"Not happening," he deadpans, but I'm not taking no as an answer. Pope is the best dancer I know. I've asked him multiple times to teach me, but every time he declines, stating he 'Can't Dance'. If he can't dance, then what does that say about my dancing ability?

Jumping out of the hammock, I hold my hand out for Pope to take. I shake my hand wanting him to grab it, my eyebrows wiggling, "Come on Pope."

"No," but I didn't listen, reaching for his hand to pull him gracefully out of the hammock. I ignore his objections and helping him back onto his feet, taking both of his hands in mine.

Obnoxiously, I sing a cliché ballroom waltzing song, gliding around the grass with Pope. Pushing and pulling. Spinning and twirling. Both of us red-faced with cramping stomachs, stumbling over each other's toes.

For the first time today, I felt happy. After the mess this morning with Peterkins, John B and I have been in a stumper on mood. She really did rain on our parade. I know that she is only looking out for us, but it just feels forced. Right now, despite the slight overcast that is clouding the Outer Banks, I feel warm and peaceful.

I could feel my eyes shining with childish innocence, as I dragged Pope in circles around the hammock. I was having fun with my best friend.

The clearing of someone's throat caught my attention, halting me from twirling under Pope's arm. He was finally giving in, actually enjoying the silly dance. My hands still clasped tightly in Pope's, I look over to see JJ standing a few feet away, his expression unreadable.

"John B's back, let's go," he says quickly and walks away even quicker. Exchanging a look with Pope, both of us not sure what's up with our friend, we just shrug. It's probably just one of his moods.

Following JJ onto the HMS Pogue, I sit down at the bow of the boat, minding my step as I leap over the gas canisters. JJ had somehow convinced John B to steal from our boss, Ward Cameron. It felt wrong and that's because it is wrong.

I didn't want to agree with JJ, but in some twisted way, he was right. You never see rich kids going to foster care. And with the way, Peterkins was threatening us to not go near the marsh, it means she knows something. Something is down there in that wreck, and we have to be the first one to find out what it is.

Dad used to say that the OBX is America on steroids. You have your haves and have-nots, just multiplied. It's a rigged system we have here. One that makes the rich richer and poor poorer. And with no dad and no money, John B and I have no chance in life. Unless we make it on our own, away from the system.

Since Scooter body was found in the marsh yesterday, the whole body of water that surrounds the island just gives me a bad vibe. Maybe cause it sunset, and the winds are getting nippier or maybe I'm just freaked out because someone died. I don't know. But what I do know this that the marsh is the last place I want to be right now.

"This is empty," Kie complains, looking at my brother who is sitting beside her, "you took empty cans?"

"This one's a quarter full," I say before John B could interrupt, but even at that Kie still complains, "That's only enough for one of us."

"Do any of you even know who to dive?" I ask, moving to sit beside Pope at the wheel. I feel like this question should have been answered before we stole from my boss, but when do we ever think anything through. What I am saying is that there is no way that I am getting in that water, let alone diving down into a dead guys wreck.

"It's kinda a Kook sport," JJ finally answers after pointing back and forward with John B.

"I've read about it."

"Great, Pope read about it, so someone's gonna die," Kie nod sarcastically at her friends comment. I mean out of everyone here, Pope reading about it is more than what anyone else on this boat know. The boy next to me just looks out into the marsh, embarrassed after Kie comment. Placing a hand on his knee, I send him a smile hoping to cheer him up.

"Look, you put the thing in your mouth and breathe," JJ reasons, not understanding that there is more to diving than that.

"Well, if you come up too fast, nitrogen gets into your blood," Pope begins to inform us as I wince at the information, "and you get the bends."

JJ, still not understand what Pope is talking about, he holds onto the pole in front of him and bends over in a laughable position, "Bends like," he strains his voice as his back cracks, "bend over and-"

"The bends kill you."

"Right."

"I can dive," John B announces confidently, but the tone of his voice is telling me another story. Watching JJ nod in agreement with a John B, he's only happy because it's not him that has to go down there.

"No, you can't," I object looking at my brother, "remember that one-time dad took you snorkelling, and you got a nosebleed," I start laughing, remember that day like it was yesterday.

The local pool had just officially opened, and they had an arrange of clubs for the kids on the island to sign up to. One of them being snorkelling. John B was stoked, claim that he had always wanted to snorkel despite never mention it once in his 6 years of living.

I was just peaceful eating my doughnut, watching as the kids my age flapped around in the average-sized pool. Two seconds later, however, they were all screaming and running for the hills except for John B. Not understanding why all his new friends had run away in terror until he saw the crimson colour that danced around in the water.

The entire building had to be evacuated, so the pool could get cleaned. Let's just say that John B never went back to snorkelling club. One good thing came out of that day however, my doughnut. I've never had one like that since.

"I was 6," he argues, still looking determined as ever, "I'll do it," he says.

"Let me do some calculations real quick," Pope says, ripping a page out of his book, pulling a pen out of fine air. He began to write, "So, that boat's about 30 feet down. So, it will take 25 minutes at that depth. Which means you need to make your safety cheek at about ten feet. For two minutes."

I look at Pope calculation in wonder, is this what I missed out on in the Math Team. John B was trying his best to remember all the information that Pope was throwing at him. I glad he's taking it seriously; I don't want my brother to get the bends. I don't have enough money for a medical bill.

The movement of Kie taking off her shirt caught all our attention. All of us watching with confused eyes as she jumps off the boat, into the marsh, "What was that all about?" John B asks.

"I don't know," JJ wonders before looking at me, "but I like it. A lot."

Why is he looking at me?

"Me too," I admit, moving over to the scuba gear, wanting to help John B get it on. Turning around, all I'm met with was curious eyes, "What?" I question, not understanding the sudden silence.

John B just shakes his head, moving towards me to put on the gear. Helping secure the tank to his back, JJ finally speaks up again, "When you're down there, you look for the cargo hold," he explains and holds out a small key, "You stick this thing inside and twist and pull, okay?"

"Stick in, twist, pull."

"Hey!" a voice call out from the water, "I tied my shirt to the anchor chain about ten feet down," Kie says, John B just looking at the girl confused, "It's where you need to do your safety stop," she explains like she's talking to a child. To be fair he does act like one sometimes.

Making sure he is strapped in properly, I grab the monitor attached to the tanks, "Please keep an eye one this Johnny B," I say, showing him how much air, he has, "You need to have enough air to decompress."

John B just looks at me worried, but I place a comforting hand on his shoulder, "You'll be fine," I reassure, "Just don't breathe a lot."

I move to stand beside JJ, just for him to move away from me, 'What is up with him?' "Think zen, you know?" JJ suggests with exaggerated breaths, showing what zen mines in his mind.

Sitting at the control of the boat, my knees resting against the panel, I watch Kie march her way over to my brother. Thinking she was going to tell him he's stupid, I prepare myself for the show, but when she kisses him on the cheek I almost vomit. What? Since when was this a mutual thing?

Sharing glances with Pope and JJ, I see that they're just as confused, both their faces scrunched up at the affection.

"Diver down?"

"Diver down."

Watching as John B jumps down into the marsh, I salute him, "Diver down," I try to smile but I have that feeling in my stomach. Somethings not right.

Once John B was fully submerged by the marsh, the boat fell into an awkward and suspenseful silence. What is wrong with everyone? Kie's sitting at the edge of the boat, probably worrying about John B. Pope is staring intently over her shoulder doing the same. But JJ. JJ is standing at the back of the boat, playing with his rings. He hasn't looked, let alone spoke to me since John B got back.

"What's up with you?" I finally asked, his abnormal silence being unsettling to me. Nothing changes, he just continues to ignore me, clearly finding his hands more interesting than talking to me.

"What's wrong?" I ask again, but the blonde just shake his head, "It's clearly something, you're ignoring me." I stop beating around the bush. Even when JJ is in one of his moods, he still finds it in himself to talk to me and tell me what wrong, but today I can't tell what's got him in such a bad mood.

"It's nothing," he snaps, now looking at me with nothing but anger flaring in his eyes, "Just drop it, Mason."

Mason. What happened to May?

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I spin around, my back facing him. Looking up I earn looks from Kie and Pope which I just shake my head at. Turning my eyes towards the marsh, just wanting John B to come back.

The altering whoop of a siren breaks through the tense air. Coming our way in a rubber boat is two cops. Shit.

"Guys, that's the police," JJ points out what everyone can see.

"Yeah, no shit" I snarl at the boy, trying to move from my spot as subtle as possible, "Guy I'm not supposed to be on the marsh," I whisper, peering over the steering wheel at the cops that are slowly approaching.

Cursing under her breath, Kie grabs my arm and moves me to the edge of the boat, "Hide under the boat," she says before helping me lightly dip into the water, not wanting to cause an obvious ripple.

The warm water usually feeling comforting, now feels completely disgusting. A man died like two feet away from where I'm floating. Trying to block the thought from my memory, I squeeze my eye close and pinch my nose before ducking fully under the boat.

It's not a secret that I'm not the best swimmer, I only learned properly a few years ago. And even at that, I don't actively enjoy diving into open banks of water just for fun. I know that this moment it's detrimental that I don't get caught. Peterkins has probably told every cop on the island about our talk this morning, and I'm not about to get caught. Especially by Shoupe, whose voice I can hear above the surface.

"So, where's trouble?"

"Who?"

"Mason. Don't you guys usually hang out with her?"

Kind of like John Bs relationship with Peterkins, I have a similar one with Shoupe. Not by choice. He just happens to be the cop that always catches me. I don't do it on purpose and besides the last big thing that Shoupe had to turn me in for was the Komodo Dragons. Everything after that has just been minor inconveniences. Naturally earning me the nickname of trouble.

I've never been in a cell before, and I don't ever plan to be put in one either. It's just- when you live the way we do; you have to find your own fun. For example, what we are doing right now. It not exactly breaking the law, but it's not in line with their code of conduct. Also, I don't think Shoupe has the heart to put me in a cell. He might joke about it, at least I hope he's joking, but he would never actually do it. He has a bit of a soft spot for me, especially after my dad went missing.

The constant need to kick my feet in order to stay afloat is starting to take its toll on me. My legs are numb, the hand that I have gripping the bottom of the boat is slipping and I don't know how much longer I can hold my breath for.

Trying to push past my dizziness and ignoring the tiredness that is trying to take over my body, I hear Shoupe's protruding voice speak again, "Beautiful day."

Thinking is wasting too much of my running low energy, but when I hear the engine of the other boat start up again, a wave of relief rushing over me. Watching as the air bubbles push their way through the marsh water, the shadow of the boat getting further and further away.

Using the last of my energy, I swim up towards the surface, my lungs squeeze under the pressure of no air. As soon as I broke the tension of the water and breathed in the warm evening air, a rush of relaxation floods my body.

Floating on my back, I hear the relief coming from my friends, "May, are you okay?" I hear JJ ask, but I only care about one person right now.

"Where's John B?" I begin to panic, realising that my brother hasn't come up yet. He definitely ran out of air. With erratic eyes, I skim the marsh looking for a single sign of where he is, "Where is he."

Seeing the ripples in the water, I swim tirelessly towards them. Watching as John B emerges from the surface again, I let out a sound of relief, "Don't scare me like that, you idiot," I splash water in his direction.

"Did you find anything?" JJ asks John B, running to the back of the boat. Letting me go up first, I except the hand that JJ is holding out for me. I give him a small smile before making my way over to Kie how had her arms open for me.

My teeth chittering cause me to hold the girl tighter, my chin resting on her shoulder, trying to steal her body heat. Looking towards the setting sun, watching as the gulls dive for fish, I notice something come towards us. Squinting at the sight, I quickly realise it was another boat.

"Hey, guy? Boogie, two o'clock," I announce, moving away from Kie to get a closet look, halting the cheering of John B's finding, that was going on behind me.

"Do you recognise that boat?" Pope throws out the hopeful question. Shaking my head, noting that I have never seen it before, "What are they doing here? The marsh is closed"

"Let not stick around to find out," JJ concludes, not liking the idea of another boat being on the marsh. It a bit hypocritical of us to judge anyone who didn't listen to the sheriff's rules, but I really don't like the look of the two men that are making their way t over to us.

"JJ, help me with this," I ask, rushing over to the bowline, pulling up the anchor with the help of the boy, "Don't wait for us. Just go," I urge John B to start driving, not wanting to meet the figure on the boat.

"I got it," I hear JJ whisper, taking the wet anchor out of my hands after noticing I was struggling to hold it.

"Maybe they're fishing," I hear Pope wish as I run over to John B, throwing a quick glance over my shoulder, "Or maybe they're following us," I suggest, more like state the truth noticing that the boat was tailing us out of the marsh.

"John B, please go faster," Kie begs, not happy with the pacing of our boat, "I'm going! Act natural."

Looking back at the men on the boat, them being a good 20 feet away now allows me to see their faces more clearly. There is something oddly familiar about their brawniness. Both wearing all black, a bad choice in the Outer Banks if you ask me. Both very scruffy-looking, with uncut hair and beards that need a serious trim.

The smaller of the two reaches down for something just out of my sight. But when he stands back up, I knew what it was right away, "Get down," my timing just on the beat as he takes his first shot.

Grabbing the person closest to me, I pull them down to the deck, our backs pressed against the floor. My hand clasped tightly over my ears, I turn to my left to see JJ laying close to me, "You good?" he shouts over the sound of the amplified engine. Going to nod my head, but I get interrupted by another shot being aimed in our direction.

Pressing myself further against the floor, I watched as Kie runs to the back of the boat, "Kie get down," I shout, as another shot is fired at us. Watching with a wary eye as Kie grabs the old fish tangled fishnets, wobbling over to the edge. Shots still continuously coming our way, before Kie throwing the net with force into the water.

The sound of the net getting tangled in our follower's engine brings a wave of relief through my body. Pushing myself back onto my feet, I look back at the two men now stuck in the marsh. Definitely familiar. John B didn't slow down, turning the boat just in time around the bend before another shot could land.

"Oh my God!" Kie laughs out, running her hands throw her hair, "That was insane."

"Pogue life, man," JJ cheers, raising both arm over his head. Understanding the feeling, I sit down on the edge of the boat, my heart beating wildly in my chest. I can't believe we were just in a boat race being shoot at.

The ride back home was filled with adrenaline and giggles. All of us felt on top of the world. Like no one could stop us. But I still can't shake away the fact that those two men looked familiar. They definitely weren't from here, from their stance to them shot a gun at a group of kids on a boat. It just doesn't feel right.

I hadn't even realised that we had pulled up to the dock until I felt a tap on my shoulder. The marsh was now shining a deep blue. An unsettling feeling coming from the sudden overcast that roamed above us. Shake my daydream away, I go to step off the boat, but a hand circling my wrist stops me.

"I'm sorry for back there-" JJ apologises, scratching the back of his neck, struggling to keep steady eye contact with me, "-I was, uh, y' know, uh."

Wanting to hear what he was going to say, I try my best to keep the smile that I can feeling creeping on my face away. Raising my eyebrows at the boy, wanting him to continue. For some reason watching the usually cocky JJ stutter over his word is very entertaining and endearing to witness. I don't know why whatever happened back on the marsh happened, but with the way JJ is struggling to splutter out an apologue, gives he the feeling he doesn't either.

"I'm sorry," he manages to say again, letting out a rigid breath.

Against popular belief, JJ and I have never fallen out. Never had a serious argument. Never had any sort of conflict between us. Our friendship has always been smooth sailing. Sure, we've had disagreements, but it ends at that.

With a personality as strong as JJ's, you are bound to but heads sometimes. He does stupid shit, and I've told him this. But does that stop him? No. It often just leads to him pulling me down with him. And I'm not complaining.

JJ and I are very similar but also completely different. We complement and contract with each other. I know his limits and he knows mine. I know what a typical JJ thing to do is and JJ knows what a typical Mason thing to do is.

We might but heads sometimes and tease each other, but JJ genuinely blow up in my face earlier and it was different. I didn't like it. JJ has always been on my side. I like to believe that we have a relationship where we can tell each other anything. If he isn't comfortable with telling me what had him so stressed back on the boat, then that's fine. I won't push him. He doesn't have to tell me everything. I'm just happy he apologised.

My silence must have been unsettling for him, watching as he picks at the edge of his t-shirt, "So, we good?" he asks, his voice sounding as uneven as his thoughts.

"I'll think about it," I tease, blinking innocently at the boy. A small smile creeping onto his face, knowing that we're cool now. Looking over at the dock, I spot, John B, Pope and Kie all waiting for us, "Race ya'" I laugh, darting off the boat, running as fast as I can up the dock.

"That's so not fair," I hear him yell from behind me, the sound of his feet pounding of the deck pushing me to run faster.

"Beat you," I cheer triumphantly, giggling at him when he eventually caught up. "That because you cheated," he whines, flicking me on the nose causing me to push him away slightly. A smile permanent on my face when I feel JJ wrap an arm around my shoulder.

All standing around John B who had placed the black duffle bag from the boat onto the deck, we eagerly watching him unzip the bag, "What do you guys think it is?" Kie asks, excitement still lacing her voice.

"Gotta be money, right?"

"If it's not imma be pissed."

"Could be a couple of keys with street value of a low- to mid-mils!"

We all let out our expectations, the atmosphere high, "Can we please just open the bag!" Pope snaps, our cheerfulness coming to a sudden halt. Shocked by the outburst.

"Wow, Pope," John B gaps, looking up at the boy with impressed eyes, "That's a rare outburst of emotion."

"Yeah, something you want to talk about, Pope?" I ask, false sympathy radiating from my tone as I joke with him.

"You guys are literally killing me with anticipation," Pope whines, his eyes screaming with his pleas, "Open the bag."

I can't argue with his anticipation, almost want to rip the back out of John B hands. How long does it take for someone to unzip a bag?

Finally, John B pulls something out of the dripping wet bag. Another bag. Untying the smaller bag, a silver time capsule falls into his hands. Twisting of the secure cap, the excitement leads me to lean forward, wanting to see what we had almost risked our lives for. It better be worth it.

My gaze softens when I see what lays in John B hands. Kneeling down beside him, I gently take it from his hands, pressing the button delicately, watching at the lid pops open. Ignore the complaints that I hear coming from my friends, I turn to John B, looking for any sign that what we have is what I think it is.

It is.

"What? It's not worth anything."

"This was our fathers."

It was my father's compass.

Chapter Five: FIN!

Ummmmm Hi again... I don’t know if anyone still cares for this fic but I’ve had this in my draft for months and I kinda want to start this back up again because writing the first few chapters geniunely made me so happy and I want to feel that again, so yeah... surprise!

Mason and Pope are cute don’t you think. I want her to have good relationship with all the characters and I want to show that and not just tell, so expect flashbacks and fluffy moments from baby pogues.

I loved writing the scene with Peterkins and the twins, I wanted to show you their dymanic and playfulness especially since I have a rocky future planned for them...

What did you think?

I hope you enjoyed this long-awaited chapter <3

I’m going to start my taglist again, so if you’d like to be tag in future chapters just let me know and I will for sure do that!

Lots of love,

Daisy <3

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isleepundertherain · 4 years

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Brightly Guardian (Murphy McNully x OC)

*Patronus summoning for HPHM character, this is not canon.*

Julia knew very much to herself that staying outside the Common Room premises is prohibited in Hogwarts to avoid any mischief that will happen to the other Common Rooms. Staying in the Quidditch Stands in the middle of the night as a way for her to find peace and tranquillity to herself is particularly odd, especially on how much she got interested in the game itself. It’s just like yesterday when she starts watching her very first Friendly with Penny Haywood as a way to pass time after her adventures in the Cursed Vaults with Rowan and Ben. Then suddenly she decide to participate in the game after a fated Bludger with no knowledge about Quidditch other than competitive board games, ball games, and disassembling electrical components for fun. She met Skye for physical training, then Murphy for strategic training, then there is Orion’s trust training... everyone has their ideas to win and it can end wonderfully. But from her Quidditch journey, Murphy manage to influence much to her victories thanks to his valuable strategies and his cheeky commentary that he always kept poking around Julia’s actions through the pitch. His plans gave her the Quidditch Cup especially the time when she tried to find Rath’s Blindspot, she still winced at the memory.

Murphy’s commentary can be quite, cute... and also unnecessary since that he kept commentating on her very moves that can give an advantage to the enemy players who were also listening to him. Can be creepy as well since she is the almost the only player that he kept commentating through the game which Professor McGonagall found it bothersome especially during the Hufflepuff vs Gryffindor game, Julia shivered at the memory like how Charlie Weasley continue to stare at her in confusion when Julia is being mentioned a lot of times by the blonde haired lad and she just give an unsure shrugged at him in response. The night gave her a cold breeze which she sighed in content, she remembered how she smiled through their first House Match victory and the time as the Beater. Even if Skye is slowly having... a sour relationship to her, she hope that their relationship can still be fruitful and good.

She is a fourth year, and Murphy is a fifth year... and she hoped that their friendship still continue through the years and wished that he will reach his dreams as a professional Quidditch commentator. Lying down the wooden seats with her hands supporting behind her head she slowly stare off the star-sprinkled sky and smile under the peaceful night. It is quiet and she grew quite bored, Julia then swish out her wand twirling around playfully and casting Lumos and Nox as if casting battle spells to imaginary enemies. Spell casting makes her have a peace in mind in all things, it helped her a lot throughout when she had conflicting and frustrating thoughts. While twirling her wand she then pursed her lips in thought. “It would not hurt to try, right?”she whispered to herself. With a flick of her wand she cast out a muttered incantation of Expecto Patronum. A faint jet stream of light flew out from the tip of her wand and slowly forming into a Unicorn, it raised its forelegs and neighed loudly. The unicorn then galloped around her as he continue to lying down, Julia just playfully waving her wand to follow the moving Patronus. As it continue galloping around freely in the air Julia then heard the faint sound of wood creaking, she flicked her wand which suddenly make her Patronus disintegrate through the air.

Julia swore that she heard weight shifting on wood even at the loud gust of air in the Quidditch Stands, she immediately sat up and set her feet on the floor ready to run. Suddenly she heard something creaking towards her, she decide not to check it out and run away to the opposite side of the noise in case if it is Filch and his beloved cat. Her heart increase in beat when she heard the creaking following her behind, it doesn’t sound footsteps... which is a hundred times worse if she can imagine on who is pursuing her. She went to another section of the stand which heads to the Gryffindor box, she went inside and closed the door behind her. Her heart beating loudly inside her and with a smart move she began morphing in her animagus animal, a crow. Julia flew to a wooden stair and hid in a corner, thanks to her black feathers... the dark stairs of the Box can be difficult for her pursuer to find her... especially that she is in her animagus form. The crow animagus just ducked down, wings ready to spread in case the situation gets worse, until suddenly the door slowly open as if it comes from a horror movie.

A tip of a wand seem to peek out from the gap of the door and with a soft male voice cast Lumos. Light shone dimly from the tip of the wand in the stairway of the Gryffindor Box, Julia cornered herself on the corner and stare with her beady dark brown eyes as Murphy entered the darkened stairwell with his wand out, casting light through the dark. His silvery blue eyes glance around the scene in caution, confusion, and befuddlement then fell on to the staring crow who is just cornered to the stairs in surprise. If Julia turn back to human she would scold him, but for the mean time she decide to do nothing until Murphy sighed. “Are you lost buddy?” Murphy asked to the crow who he had no idea is actually Julia in her form. She squawked lightly at him, he gestured his other free hand for her to perch which she hop on to his strong fingers while avoiding her talons piercing his skin. He brings the crow closer to his face and give off a small warm smile. “The box is not a nesting place fella, let’s head out of here before Filch would hurt you by sending Mrs. Norris to eat you.” He sets the crow on his shoulder and rolled out the area with his wheelchair and head out to the open Quidditch stands. The wheels and his weight on the wooden floor is what makes the creaking sound. “I swear I thought I saw Julia back here.” He commented as he stare at her last resting spot, the crow just squawked at him which made the Commentator chuckled. “Aren’t you a noisy fella? Say...” He sets his gaze up to the Commentator’s Box then back at the attentive crow animagus. “You want to spend time in my spot before heading out to the wild?” He offered.

Of course, being a polite person she squawked positively at him in response. “Great, I guess you won’t mind me talking about new Quidditch strategy, eh?” He rolled his wheelchair to his beloved spot.

Maybe being TOO polite is a bad thing.

Julia perched on to the railing as Murphy continue to blabber at her his ideas of strategy, she would squawked loudly when he said some useful tactics and remain silent with a tilt of her head when he suggest some not-so-good strategies. The dark night is nothing for him when he kept casting Lumos with his wand while waving it around his playbooks with his eyes scanning every image and statistics with voracious appetite. After finishing almost three of his thick play books Murphy then gestured his hand, beckoning her to perch on his fingers. Julia just flew on him and perch on his fingers while carefully placing her talons to avoid piercing him. He petted her head and Julia felt the soothing sensation with his fingers brushing her small crow head, if Murphy found out that it’s just Julia in an animagus... he would flip. “You know... for a crow, you seem to be very interested in Quidditch. Have you been watching our Friendlies and the House Match?” Julia squawked in reply. “I guess you like Quidditch indeed eh, do you prefer Rath and the Ravenclaws? But you are a crow... not a raven though...” Julia remained silent. “Gryffindor?” Silence. “Slytherin?” Silence. “Hufflepuff?” “Squawk!” He smiled goofily. “What a traitor to bird kind with Ravenclaw eh?” He chuckled. “For real though... you are pretty smart for a wild crow.” He stated then continue petting her head. If she is in her human form she would glare at him and grit her teeth in anger.

“Say... do you want to hear a secret?” Secret? Julia thought to herself as Murphy smiled to himself. “If you mind though... I know that crows can be loud and so, but somehow I felt so... warm and happy when I’m with you. Like you are a very trusty crow friend.” He said then she just squawked, interested in his secret. “Alright then, so...” He sets her down on his lap. “I liked this girl very much-“ Well, ain’t this juicy? Julia thought and if she is in her human form she would smirk. “I know she may not like me... but I really do fancy her, maybe too much. She is the first person who made me so happy when I talked about Quidditch.” Julia turn her head to a side in further interest. He sighed at the thought and smiled at the black feathered friend. “It’s been quite a while though, lately after having a Butterbeer with her after a Friendly with some friends she always have that shy smile on her lips. It suits her a lot.” He stated then lean back on his backrest. “We’ve been playing a lot of Wizard’s Chess back at the Great Hall, she is the only player that I met who is resilient in trying to beat me although she got bored from it.” Julia then thought to herself who this lucky lass. But somehow she noticed how familiar it is when he said it. “But then one day, she beat me with her Queen.” He stated, keeping up his smile and stop petting her head which he place one hand on to the wheel of his wheelchair while the other hand holding his wand that still cast Lumos. “I can’t forget her proud call of checkmate.” He said then he gasp. “Oh, little crow. I forgot to show you something!” He then began to fish through his pockets and bring out a small sachet bag that Julia is familiar with. “She gave me her lucky charm which I guess as a prize for winning in a game of Go when she grew bored back at Wizard’s Chess in her 2nd year.” He smiled while fondling the little bag. Julia set her eyes on it and widen them in surprise. It’s her lucky Go bag that she gave to Murphy. So what he mean-

“I always bring this bag wherever I go. I manage to have some good memories with it. I got some high grades in Potions which I often lack, Binns being asleep during History of Magic where I can read some of my playbooks in silence, and then winning against Orion in a bet at a Slytherin Friendly.” He then keeps the little bag back at his pocket. “It is almost like Felix Felicis, but in stone form.... but I do say... I’m happy that she gave her trust in me despite on this situation I am.” He stated as he look on to his immobilized legs. “I fancy her but I believe that she won’t fancy back, I mean... look at me. She can soar through the skies with her Cursed Vault friends and solve mysteries and adventures and... EVERYTHING.” He slowly frowned, losing hope. “And here I am, just sitting on a chair and commentating every move she done in every Friendly she participated.” He sighed loudly waving his wand frantically at every word he spewed out from his lips. “I wanted to help her in her search, with Orion and Skye of course... but apparently... I felt this invisible force that prevents me in helping her through her adventures. Maybe it’s my fear.” He said as Julia can see the faint evidence of tears forming on the edges of his eyes.

“I fear that I would be a burden to her when I decide to help her.” Julia then squawked, trying to disagree him. He seem to notice then smiled at the little crow on his lap. “Ah, trying to comfort me little guy? Thanks!” He ruffled her feathers affectionately then stop as a though came in his mind. “I want to ask her out before it’s too late.” He stated then let out a toothy grin to the crow. “Well yeah, if you think. I fancied Julia Dela Rosa, that’s why I’m chasing her through the stands when I saw her casting a bright spell and then found you. I guess she flee TOO quickly when she thought that I must be Filch or something, I don’t blame her though... I would do the same in her shoes.” He then gestured a hand to perch her on. “I guess I must stop my rambling, I should have let you go to your merry way in the wild... you must be sleepy.” He then raised his arm, trying to send her off but the crow remained on his fingers. He chuckled lightly. “You really want to stay?”

Julia just got nervous, it must be now or never. She also feel this weird feelings dancing around her heart when he said that he fancied her... she never felt so... flustered. VERY flustered. She is not really good in these feelings at all! It won’t hurt when she will try to confront him about it. Julia will just... try to talk him out. Did she admire him? Yes. Like him? Maybe... but fancy? She is never so sure to herself and she is very confused about it. She just want to settle this, it manage to distract her... a ton. Julia then starts flapping her wings and perch on one of the wooden seats while staring at him. Murphy raised a brow and suddenly Julia morph back into her human form, hair disheveled after him petting her head and the Commentator stare at her in utter shock. She immediately raised up her hands in front of him, trying to assess the situation. “Murphy, let me explain.” She said as a very dark blush growing on her cheeks in somehow of embarrassment and he as well. She began scratching the back of her head and proceed to sit cross legged on the seats. “I uhm... sorry that I played you like that. Being a crow animagus and all... hehe.” She then looked back at him with his wand up, the light began to grow brighter and closer to her as if he can’t believe in what he is seeing right in front of him. “I’m really sorry.” She stated, Murphy gulped loudly then rolled his chair closer to her. Just beyond touch’s reach, he slowly reached her hand and held her fingers. “Julia... I-“ “I know, I should’ve left and all and... ugh. I really am sorry!” She exclaimed and bolted up on her legs, before she would transform back in her crow form she felt a soft tug from her pant leg. She looked back and stare at the desperate gaze of the Commentator as he grasp tightly on her, begging her to stay. “Julia please stay!” He gasped out his words, Julia froze a bit then slowly turn around to face him properly. “Hey...” she muttered.

He let out a cheeky smile, but Julia knew deep well to herself that he is forcing out that smile because on how much he try to sink in this interaction they are having. The light that has been casted on to his wand gave a sparkle on to his tears. “I’m...” “If you are going to say sorry again I will seriously in a 93.01% chance of deciding in stopping you so I can speak first.” Julia giggled then sat down on the seats which he allow to let her go. He began fiddling his fingers unsurely. “So... you are an animagus?”

“Yep.”

“How?”

“Talbott helped me back in Year 3.” She answered and smiled. “Done a lot of quirky things as a crow.” Murphy frowned when he heard another male friend slipped out her tongue. “I didn’t mean to scare you or something, I just... want some peace here.” He raised a brow then smiled. “Really? I went here to find some peace as well!” Murphy stated then stare back at her, Julia just looks away with her blush evident on her cheeks. She heard him sighed. “I guess I already spoke out too soon eh?” He then started trailing his free hand on top of her hand. Julia’s blush deepens and this made the Quidditch strategist chuckled, she didn’t even try to shake his hand off but he can feel her shivering. Murphy should’ve bring his jacket with him especially that winter is coming to Hogwarts. He tapped his fingers playfully on Julia’s hand and she just hummed in response. “Julia... I’m a 100.99% sure that I fancy you.” Julia scoffed but decide to not look back at him and only gazing out of the Commentator’s Box. Murphy noticed her expression began to frown. “Murphy, I just...” She then moved her head to face him, she look absolutely flustered.

“I...” She seem to trail off. “I want to say how much I admire you ever since you decide to dump your playbooks on me to read.” Her other free hand starts caressing his hand which he start to held on her softly. “I’m very happy how much you decide to help me for winning the Quidditch Cup, with your strategies and knowledge about the game. I really am at your debt.” Murphy continue to stay silent as he stare longingly to the raven-haired girl who kept looking away in flustered gazes. “I maybe like you, my feelings are fully flustered right now to know whether I fancy you or not. I just hoped that you will hear my thoughts out.” He smiled slowly and carry one hand closer to him. He made her caress his face with outmost softness, she can feel a little spark emanating on her fingertips as she felt his warm cheeks under her touch. His brows creased in relaxation and sighed in content. The moonlight haze and the Lumos light gave the Strategist a beautiful complexion with his silvery blue eyes and blonde disheveled hair, he continue to hold on to her hand and brought it closer to his lips. He shyly began lightly kissing her finger tips, unsure what is happening to himself. The action made Julia flustered more. “I’m 92% sure that I’m alright even if it is just your mere presence beside me. All of those Friendlies and matches... watching you on your spectacular broomwork were suffice for me, even if you don’t fancy me.” He breathed out then remove her hand from his face.

“I’m alright with everything that you had done Julia, I was trying my best to give out a 100% of my feelings out so I will not succumb in the 83.41% probability of losing my mind by bottling my feelings to avoid bad judgement when about myself...” He then sheepishly scratch the back of his head. “You know... talking my feelings to your crow form is comfortable even if you know what I mean in my words.” Julia just smiled and her eyes gaze away. She decide to scoot closer to him and their shoulders meet in touch’s reach. “Why do you think that I will look at you as a burden because of your disability?” She asked which she then stare back at him, her brows creased in confusion. “Did I belittle you when you first went up to me and throw your playbooks on me? Did I ignore you when you give strategic advices? Bloody hell Murphy! We did have an adventure together, is our search for the missing Comet 260 not enough? Do you think that I saw you as a burden especially when we try to make the Golden Finch as a Broom? I found it amusing, and even destructive... which is almost like my times in the Cursed Vaults when we experiment things!” She puffed her chest a bit in what Murphy seem to be her anger. “You done quite a lot despite that you can’t move, Murphy! Maybe too much for Hufflepuff! Which is why I am really at your debt.” She exclaimed and then start pinching his cheeks for fun.

“Ack! Dela Rosa!” He laughed while she continue to grab his cheeks playfully. Laughter erupt from the two students and while minutes pass after their laughter silence fell between them. Murphy continue to stare at her in wonder as Julia, with her hands still on his face, blushed uncontrollably. “Can you... close your eyes... McNully?” She asked which he widen his eyes in surprise. Hearing his last name with her voice felt so... breath taking. He wanted to hear his name from her lips, again. “No.” He smiled. “If you call me by my last name again, maybe.” Julia pouted her lips which Murphy found it cute. “Alright, please McNully?” The Quidditch Commentator felt so bliss when hearing it, closed his eyes and waited for her what to do. Julia bit her bottom lip and mustered up the courage to lean closer to his forehead and place a soft kiss on it. Murphy hummed at the contact and she retreated back, still holding his face. “I... don’t know what my feelings are doing with me, McNully. I never felt so flustered with my whole life. Especially when you... said that you fancy me.” He leaned closer and felt his forehead touch hers with intimate connection. “Maybe it’s time that you need to settle your thoughts,” he chuckled and held her two hands, cherishing her soft warm touches. “With the Cursed Vaults and all, you need a time for yourself and stop over thinking.”

Julia scoffed at him. “That’s the problem, I always over think.” He pursed his lips and remove her hands from his face, he looks at her with serious eyes. “Then I will-“ Julia then smacked his head lightly causing the blonde man to wince. “Ow, What was that for?!” “I don’t need much of your help in this night Murphy, you done a lot.” But she placed a finger on her chin, deep in thought. “But if you are really thinking of helping me, spell casting is my only go-to whenever I have conflicting thoughts.” Murphy raised a brow. “Like fighting dummies and such?” She just shrugged. “The normal Lumos and Nox can be enough. But my favorite to cast that made my mind in peace is the Patronus charm.” When Murphy heard the spell he gasped in shock. Eyes widen in sudden surprise at the idea of a 4th year casting the most difficult spell of all wizard kind. “The Patronus?! How?!”

The raven haired girl just sheepishly chuckle at him, eyes looking away in embarrassment. Murphy knew that she often do this as a way to show humility in her work. “Let’s say that a certain friend help me.” Murphy tilted his head to the side in interest. “Let me guess... it’s this Talbott guy?” She shake her head and swish out her wand that is hiding in her sleeve. “Nope, it’s Tonks.” She began waving her wand with a small incantation under her breath and suddenly streams of light sprout out from the tip of her wand and began forming of what Murphy knew as a Unicorn. It neighed then galloped around them playfully until it took notice to the Strategist where it decide to approach towards Murphy with interest. With an awed look on his face, he raised his arms to reach the equine creature and began feeling a brush of warm light on his finger tips. The wand that is casting Lumos began to dim when he lose focus as he continue to stare at the beautiful Patronus. Julia giggled when Murphy tried to pet the Patronus but the Unicorn would shake its head when Murphy is stroking its snout. He chuckled until the Unicorn faded away with a flick of her wand. “I can’t believe that Tonks manage to help you conjure your own Patronus! I thought she is only good at making pranks and such.” Julia just shrugged and flicked her wand that manage to summon her Unicorn once again. “Some people hold amazing talents you know...”

He continue to stare in wonder at the galloping Unicorn, then suddenly an idea came up to her head. “You know... as a payment after all of the strategies that you gave out to us. I will decide to teach you the Patronus Charm.” He then look back at her in surprise, mouth agape. “W-What?” “You heard me right Mr. McNully the soon-to-be professional Quidditch commentator, I will help you conjure a Patronus Charm of your own.” She the flicked her wand to vanish her Unicorn. “Let’s start by focusing your thoughts... specially... your most happiest thoughts. The happiest memory you have in your life.” She stated then began twirling her wand on her fingers and mutter a faint incantation that made the tip of her wand to create light. “Tell me, what is your happiest memory?” She asked then he immediately replied without a second thought. “The time you do the Thimblerig Shuffle.” She raised a brow, waving her wand closely to him but not too much that can harm his eyes. “I’m quite surprised, I thought it will be your mother or Kneil.” He shook his head, “Trust me when I said that I have the happiest memory when you decide the Thimblerig Shuffle to our First House Match.”

“Ever since I began to read I start learning various playbooks of Quidditch results throughout the years. Then I start creating tactics that were useful for Quidditch matches, Kneil is the perfect Kneazle in allowing me to talk about my ideas. I like every Quidditch team, they are the perfect candidates in learning more about their maneuvers especially the Montrose Magpies!” He then shifted a bit on his wheelchair. “By the way, I didn’t even know your favorite Quidditch team.” Julia just giggled. “They are not from Europe though.” This piqued his interest. “Oh really? Who are they?” He asked. “The Toyohashi Tengus are the BEST Quidditch players that I ever watched. Especially their Chasers, it’s like they dance through the air with their Mizuchi Brooms and their intimidating Tengu masks that they wore in every match.” The commentator thought to himself. The Toyohashi Tengus are beasts in the Quidditch world, with the penchant of throwing their brooms to the fire when they lose or keeping them when they won. He remember seeing one of their pictures in a newspaper once in the Quidditch section, their rugged and tired faces filled with intense expressions of pride when beating against a friendly match with Ireland. Words sprouted that they are the absolute monsters to mess with in the pitch, knowing how to bend the rules as they know it. Murphy noticed how she talked about the team with burning passion, her dreamy eyes gazing out the box with a cheerful smile on her lips. “If you get the chance of meeting them, will you take it?” “A 100% yes! Their honor and hardwork is the most admirable thing that they had done in their matches, how they deal with their pride is amazing!” He nodded in understanding and then return back on track.

“So yeah, Thimblerig Shuffle has been born when I tricked Kneil in hiding a treat from him with the use of three wooden cups hiding it from sight. I began imagining the cups as Chasers and the treat as the Quaffle... and the rest goes through history as you introduced it to our First House Match. I’m very happy, like I reached to the heavens when you done it. Now the world will know its name!” He continued. Julia then nodded and placed a finger beneath her chin in thought. “If that is what you prefer as your happy memory, let me ask you one question.” She then look back at him with a serious look on her face. “What is your purpose in this world?” He raised a brow. “Really with that question?” She remain silent at him and he just sighed. “I thought you already know?” She chuckled and shake her head. “I want to hear it again from you.” Murphy just chuckled to himself and smiled. “Just like the time that I use my own ploy against you to make you do the Thimblerig Shuffle. I want to make sure to show everyone in the whole Wizarding and Quidditch world about my abilities. Even despite with my disability, I will make a difference with my intelligence and strategies by creating outstanding maneuvers and ploys. People always look at me with what is shown outside, this wheelchair is what they see and know whenever they hear my name. I want to show them what I’m capable of and make a change.” Silence fell on them as he finished his speech. Julia just smiled at him through the light of her wand, and placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. “You will be a fine strategist indeed. And a Commentator as well.” He held on to the hand that rests on his shoulder, squeezing it lightly then letting it go a little.

“Alright then, let’s start with your Patronus Charm. Raise your wand like this-“ Julia gestured her wand that is still casted Lumos. Murphy followed her and waited for another call. “Then wave it like this-“ She then pointed her wand in a thrust, he followed as well. “Remember to say the incantation, Expecto Patronum.” Murphy nodded. “But...” She stopped Murphy. “Remember my question about your happiest memory? I want it to be the clear and visible focus in your mind right now.” She mentioned. “There are the unfortunate people who were trying to cast the Patronus but failed, which is not a bad thing. I just want to teach you this spell as a way to pay my debt to the things that you had done for me, Orion, and Skye.” She smiled. “Remember, focus on that single memory.” “But what if I can’t?”

Julia crossed her arms and raised a brow. “That doesn’t sound like you at all Murphy.” She stated. “You didn’t even try it then you start to ask negatively? Magic is not just revolving around waving wands and shouting incantations... as like Orion said to me... we need focus.” She stated then Murphy sighed and nod. He look ahead of him and closed his eyes, trying to clear his thoughts. Breath in, breath out. He can feel his heart hammering inside his chest and start clearing his mind. He saw through his closed lids the sight of the first House Match of Hufflepuff against Slytherin; Julia, Orion, and Skye were trying to shake off Slytherin chasers behind their tail. He commented as one of the Slytherin Chasers went up to Julia to snatch the Quaffle but she immediately drop it to Orion who is watching beneath her, he noticed that she made a gesture of her finger that made a swirling motion. It’s a call to do the Thimblerig Shuffle. He watched in memory on how they dance through the air on their brooms, changing positions and tossing the Quaffle around them to distract and head towards the Slytherin keeper. One of the Slytherin Chasers try to bump past Orion to get the Quaffle from the Hufflepuff captain who just dodge the incoming Chaser effortlessly, he then pass it back to Skye. They kept doing the shuffle until the final maneuver of twirling around quickly in a circular motion and pass the Quaffle to Julia who immediately place it in front of her chest. The Slytherin Chasers then reach to Skye who seem to slow down as a bait and were surprised to find her that she didn’t hold the Quaffle, Parkin just smirked at them. Orion and Julia head towards the Slytherin Keeper who were guarding the goal posts, he shifted his eyes to the two incoming Hufflepuff Chasers who were looking back to each other then nodded. Julia passed the Quaffle to Amari where the Slytherin Keeper followed suite then the Quaffle was quickly passed back to Julia who threw it to one of the lower goal posts that were unguarded by the Keeper. Murphy cheered through his microphone. “Well isn’t that amazing everyone?! Dela Rosa, Parkin, and Amari have manage to dance through the air while shuffling the Quaffle around! I will call that a Thimblerig Shuffle! Never forget that everyone, that maneuver is made by a Quidditch genius! 10 points to Hufflepuff!” He can feel his happiness and excitement coursing through his veins, tears of joy seem to well up from the corner of his eyes but he remain composed for the match. He saw Julia who is still on her broom looking at him with a cheeky smile on her face, she gave him a quick salute and flew off to snatch the Quaffle from the enemy Chasers. He never stop smiling ever since and it still smiles him until this day.

“Expecto Patronum!” He swished his wand and suddenly a small burst of light sprouted out from the tip of his wand. Julia gasped in awe at the sight, the light is slowly trying to create a form but it began to vanish instantly. “You are doing it McNully! Do it again, never lose focus!” Murphy can feel his excitement in the pit of his stomach. He swished his wand again, the memory still dancing around in his mind. “Expecto Patronum!” Light burst out from wand and suddenly he can hear... chirping. It vanished before he can create a form. Again, he swished his wand to the air and the light begin to grow brighter. “Expecto Patronum!!!!” The wand spew out large rays of light, slowly becoming to strips and wisps until the chirping sounds seem to grow. Suddenly the light manifested itself into a very adorable bird, a blue jay flew around with the beat of its wings that has a trail of light behind it and swoop down towards Murphy. He laughed a joyous laugh as he watch his Patronus gliding around him playfully, it then start to perch on his lap staring up at him with its glowing beady eyes.

The girl beside him giggled. “Congratulations. You got a blue jay, such a beautiful bird indeed.” The blue jay then flap its wings towards Julia and began dancing around her, she scoffed and wave her hand lightly to shoo the bird but it remain resilient in noticing her. She gestured her hand to call upon the bird and Murphy’s Patronus perch on it with no hesitation. “Do you know what they symbolize?” She just smiled. “From what I read, blue jays are very sassy birds. But they symbolize a person’s talkativeness, intelligence, and communication.” Murphy hummed to himself. “That is 97.06% similar to me, but I really do hope that I have a Kneazle so I can have Kneil a playmate!” He flick his wand that manage to vanish his blue jay. He swish it again to summon the Patronus which it flew out from his wand with vigor. “Are you going to show it to Orion and the others?” She asked and he just shake his head in response. “I’m a 100% sure that I won’t show this spell to others. Because in the same percentage as I said a couple of seconds ago, people would bug me out to teach them the Charm just to test their might and fun. I can teach them but... teaching a lot of people can take a toll on me.” She nodded in understand. “I can see that.” She stated then stood up from her seat, stretching out her arms and yawn which cause the strategist to look back at her with his Blue Jay beside him.

“Are you heading back?” She asked and he shake his head. “Don’t want to.” He said and open his palm to make his Patronus perch on it. “Julia...” the girl hummed as she reach towards the railing, ready to take flight with her animagus form. “Is it okay for a hug?” He asked and Julia look back at him with a raised brow. “Please?” She rolled her eyes but smiled at him, she approach and leaned closer to the blonde man who then vanish his Patronus so he can open his arms to accept her hug. She wrapped her arms around his neck and place her chin on his shoulder, he wrapped his strong large arms around her petite waist. They remain like that for a few minutes and she heard him sigh as he inhale the sweet scent of her hair. “I’m a 100% sure that I want to stay like this... through the night.” She hummed at him and nuzzle his neck. “I’m sleepy.” She commented which cause the Quidditch commentator to chuckle, she can feel the rumbling of his chest on hers and she blushed madly at the feeling. He doesn’t want to let her go but he slowly decides to remove his around so that she can return and rest for the night. She leaned back after the hug and let out a meek smile. “I have to go now. Take care.” She said then morph herself into her crow animagus and took flight away from the Commentator’s Box, Murphy then rolled his wheelchair forward and held his hand on to the railing. He raised his hand and wave a slow goodbye to the raven-haired girl.

She didn’t even asked him why is he at the Quidditch Pitch in the middle of the night without people noticing him head out the castle all by himself with wheelchair and all.

Murphy rolled his way out from his Care for Magical Creatures class and head towards the Quidditch Stadium in his uniform robes. He rolled slowly, the memory of the night still linger in his head, causing his heart to skip a beat. The Commentator sighed dreamily, other Hufflepuff classmates stroll off without him paying mind until he saw Julia who just trotted off with a book and parchment in hand, heading back in the castle. He raised his hand and call her name. “Dela Rosa!” Julia just stopped on her tracks and look back to see the beaming face of a sleep deprived Murphy. She widen her eyes at his appearance and approach him with a concern look on her eyes. “Murphy! Your eyes!” He just sheepishly let out a laugh and scratch the back of his head, the sleeve of his robes moving back past his elbow which shows his white sleeve of his button up shirt covering his whole arm. “I... heh.” He muttered to himself and Julia just rolled a piece of her parchment that is pinned in her book, rolled it into a scroll, and use it to smack him on the shoulder. “You should’ve leave that place! Now how can you commentate for the Gryffindor Friendly?!” He winced a bit but he just laugh it off. “Sorry, I just kept... to myself through the night.” He said then let out a big yawn. She let out an exasperated sigh. “You should rest in your box for a whil-“ She got herself cutoff when Orion pass by in his uniform robes. “Ah Julia, greetings.” She look back at her enigmatic captain then respond him with a nod and a good morning. He sets his brown eyes to the sleepy Commentator, “McNully, I suggest that you need to rest. Our next subject is upon us.” Murphy just nodded and smiled. Orion then looked back to Julia with a smirk, Julia then raised a brow at him.

“A little loud cockatoo told me a rumor that you have a night with McNully which made him to have no rest back at his quarters.” Orion stated which made both McNully and Dela Rosa blush madly. “Wait... what?!” She grasp her book closer to her chest. “But-“ McNully cut off when Orion continued. “The rumor goes into a certain discord I have to say. But worry not, I explained the situation to our Head of House.” Julia cocked her head to the side. “Situation?” Orion gestured his hand towards McNully who just kept blushing madly between them as he gave a somewhat glare towards the enigmatic captain. “Well our beloved Commentator here arrived back our Common Room around four in the morning with nothing but his playbooks and himself.” He said while placing a finger beneath his chin in thought. “He spoke a lot about your encounter, with you being a crow animagus and all... he is quite flustered when he speak about his lo-“ “Aw would you look at the time?!” Murphy said as he look at his wrist where there is no watch present. He look back at the flustered Julia who just stood there awkwardly and smiled unsurely. “Me and Orion have to go to the History of Magic Class. We have a probability of 89.93% of being late!” “But I didn’t fini-“ “GOODBYE DELA ROSA!” Murphy yelled and with his strong arms pull Orion on to his lap which manage to surprise the self-align man. One arm around the neck wrapping his friend in a headlock and the other hand on his wheel where he roll off with such a weight towards the castle in quick speed. The sight made Julia and some bystanders stunned, a Hufflepuff lad approach Julia who still stare off the direction where the two men left. “Hey, what happened the two of them?” Julia just shrugged her shoulders in response. “I don’t even know to be honest. First we are talking then suddenly they just left in a hurry.” Suddenly a familiar face approach her from behind. “Hey Julia!” She look and face the Face Paint Kid.

“Oh! It’s you! It’s been a long time pal.” Some Hufflepuff students approach their beloved Quidditch player in awe who were following Face Paint Kid. Then she heard the rumors that Orion talked about. “Is it true that you fancy Murphy McNully?!” “I heard you two keep meeting in the night!” “How does it feel being with Murphy?! He is such a smooth talker!” “You two are really cute together! Isn’t he a charming lad?!” Julia is very overwhelmed at the rumors that Face Paint Kid notice. “Everyone please stop!” He yelled to the swarm of Hufflepuff students who were bickering to Julia about Murphy. “She is getting uncomfortable, can’t you see?” Julia gulped loudly and sigh, she slowly face to the large swarm of people and smiled shyly. “Murphy is a friend of mine... nothing more.” Her heart is beating so fast that can’t comprehend what is happening. Why does she felt so bad when she said that? She is trying to not let this rumor go crazy until Dumbledore would be involved. “If you hear things about us doing something... forbidden... I’m just helping him for his upcoming O.W.L.S.” She said with a serious look on her face that manage to buy her word. The Hufflepuff students were surprised and look down in shame. “Oh is that so? I’m terribly sorry.” One student said with guilt and she just smiled at them. “It’s alright, I understand your excitement. But please do not spread false rumors that can degrade, hurt, or make embarrassment to the person.” Julia sermon them for a bit and continue. “Words are the most lethal weapon a person have other than a wand.” Julia finished and swayed her body for a bit playfully. “Please guys, return back to your class. I don’t like seeing all of you get late especially to those who were suppose to go to their Potions class.” “Uh... Julia?” She hummed in response. “Is there anyway that we can say sorry? You still look a bit angry.” A Hufflepuff lad asked. “I just want the rumors to end... that is all I want.”

“So how did it go?” Orion asked after he thrashed his way out from Murphy’s grip. To be fair on his behalf, Murphy can be very strong thanks to his physique and his arms... but fate seem to be too cruel sometimes for the blonde man since he can be a Beater only if he can walk. Orion stretched his arms while they head towards the History of Magic, Murphy continue blushing as they entered the classroom only to find out that they were the only people inside the room. Orion took this opportunity to corner up Murphy, he crossed his arms and raised a brow. “Come on, speak up McNully. There is more to it than you spending time with her in your box and back at the Common Room.” Said the captain as Murphy fidgeted his fingers and the wand that is used to be hiding behind his back. “Alright, alright. I will only say this once.” Murphy stated and give a warning gaze to the brunet man. “She played Go with me back at the Common Room as a way for me to make her feel comfortable after beating her a lot in Wizard’s Chess. It is a long game.” He told him while twirling his wand around his fingers. “In the box though... she helped me in thinking about the strategies and showing off that she is actually a crow animagus.” Orion raised a brow in disbelief causing the Strategist to sigh, he knew that the Hufflepuff captain see through his facade with one simple look and observation. Murphy clicked his tongue and he had no choice to lie right in front of him. He swished his wand and chanted out an incantation when suddenly a stream of white blue light flow out from the tip of his wand. A blue jay manifested itself in the light and flew around the empty classroom, Orion just stared and smiled with glee as the bird beat its wings playfully.

With a flick, Murphy’s Patronus disintegrate in the wind. Leaving nothing but fading wisps of light behind. “So she taught you the Patronus Charm?” He gave the blonde lad a mischievous grin causing Murphy to gulp and move his wheelchair to roll back. But Orion shifted his foot to wedge it on his wheel causing it to stop. “I’m just going to say that you are quite strong... all in body, mind, and soul.” Orion complimented as Murphy just rolled his eyes and lean down to remove Orion’s foot that is wedged in his wheel. “Thanks, I guess.” He said then roll down the desks to head to the very front row of the room, once he found his favorite spot he scooted closer to the seat and transfer himself with ease. Orion followed him and sat beside him quickly, he lightly nudge the strategist on his side and smirked. “You should told me all about that Charm last night.” He whispered when suddenly bursts of students entered the classroom with gloomy looks on their faces as they head towards their seats. Murphy rests his chin on his hand while his elbow rests on his desk. As the students gathered, Orion bolt up from his seat when a Slytherin lad came up to him because he is sitting his spot. Before he left, Orion gave Murphy a wink and his lips whispering ‘Let’s meet back at the Common Room’ until he left for good. Professor Binns entered the classroom through the blackboard and Murphy took this as a sign to open his book and sets his page on the Goblin Rebellion.

The droning voice of their ghostly teacher echoed through the room causing some students to lose focus and instead sleep. Murphy let out a sigh, well at least he can take off some things that is running around his mind. But the warm embrace of Julia remain in his touch causing him to blush madly and hid his face by placing an open book in front of him.

#harry potter hogwarts mystery #hphm murphy #hphm orion #quidditch #fanfiction #oc #murphy mcnully x oc #character x oc

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missjosie27 · 4 years

Text

Year 3 Part 6- Tulip Karasu

Hey, guys.

New chapter is up. Sorry it took so long, I've been dealing with some highly personal stuff. It's not going to get any easier so things are going to be a bit unpredictable for awhile.

But that being said, I hope you all like the content as usual and please let me know what you think of my interpretation of Tulip!

Tonks did indeed have a plan, but it was risky, even by their group’s standards. Rowan and Ben were not at all convinced of its merit.

“Let me get this correctly. Tonks is going to pretend to be Snape and report that Peeves is messing up the Transfiguration classroom while you sneak into his office and take back your brother’s quill?” his best friend asked while they ate dinner in the Great Hall.

“Yup,” David replied, taking a bite of his steak. “Pretty much.”

“You seem entirely too unconcerned.”

He gave a nonchalant shrug.

“What choice do I have? I’d have to break into his office somehow and get it back.”

“There are many ways to get Filch to leave his office,” Rowan told him. “But impersonating a teacher is probably the most dangerous. Especially Snape. What if the real one catches you?”

“We’re doing it Friday evening,” David explained. “By that time, Snape will be brooding in his bedroom and won’t even be aware of what’s going on.”

“He could always find out later,” Ben pointed out.

“And how could they prove it was me? Mates, we got every angle of this plan covered. I promise.”

Rowan adjusted his glasses skeptically.

“I just hope Tonks knows what she’s doing. I hope you both know what you’re doing. This could go spectacularly wrong.”

“It’s the only way to find out more about my brother. I’m taking that chance, plus I owe that mean old geezer what for.”

“And what about the cursed vaults? More boggarts keep popping up everywhere. Are you still content to heed Dumbledore and your parents?”

It was the million galleon question. More than ever, David felt the pull to continue to investigate the vaults. But despite what people thought of him, he was not going to purposefully seek trouble. Family mattered more. Not the vaults. But was it time to concede the two were irrevocably linked?

“I’ll have to do a rain check on that,” he told Rowan who looked at Ben.

Neither one of them seemed reassured.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was quite impressive...and bit odd that Tonks knew Filch’s habits so thoroughly. David didn’t mind pointing it out to the metamorphmagus either.

“If you spent half the effort in Herbology as you do tricking Filch, you wouldn’t be spending every other Tuesday with Sprout shoveling dung.”

Tonks clutched her heart in mock offense.

“Merlin’s beard, Dave. You wound me to the quick. The art of hoodwinking this mangy caretaker is an art just as important as any academic mark.”

David snorted.

“Right, whatever you say.”

“Do you want your quill back or not?”

They were in the same corridor as Filch’s office, about thirty feet away, peeking around one of the corners. Tonks wore her usual ensemble of a ripped t-shirt, boots, gray woolen tights, and denim shorts, but she summoned a huge mess of robes from her bag and put them on. The effect was to make her look like a pint sized dementor without the hood.

“Of course.”

“Then follow my lead.”

“Where did you get the robes?”

Tonks couldn’t help but grin.

“Penny has a contact with one of the house elves. Also helps that our common room is right by the kitchen and laundry room.”

“One of these days one of you has to sneak me in there, I swear,” David said eagerly.

“All in good time,” the pink haired witch said with a wink. “For now, it’s showtime. Follow my lead, and stay hidden until Filch is out of sight.”

Without another word, she transformed into an exact replica of Professor Snape, walked promptly down the hall and knocked on the third door to the left.

The jangly, old caretaker opened it immediately, Mrs. Norris purring by his shoes.

“Professor Snape, sir! What can I do for you?”

It was evident that Filch had a great deal of respect as the man bowed as low as his aching joints would let him. David supposed it had something to do with Snape’s reputation as a harsh, no nonsense disciplinarian.

“Yes. It is I: Severus Snape. Potions Master and head of Slytherin. I have a job for you.”

Much as he hated to admit it, Tonk’s acting was atrocious compared to his own stint as the Potions Master. He slapped a hand to his forehead.

“We’re bloody doomed.”

But thankfully, Filch was no Dumbledore when it came to discerning through disguises.

“What seems to be the trouble?”

“Peeves is currently wrecking the Transfiguration classroom and I thought you were just the man to fend him off. I would have done it myself, but I have too many papers to grade.”

“Yes, sir, Professor Snape. I’ll go head him off right now. Come, Mrs. Norrus.”

The caretaker hobbled off, his beloved cat in tow. David was sure to remain plastered to the wall as he went by. When out of sight, he went back towards Tonks, who by now had returned to her normal self.

“That was quite a performance.”

“Thank you, kindly. The Transfiguration classroom is pretty far away but I reckon you still only have fifteen minutes before he realizes he’s been tricked and comes back. Search that office as quickly as you can.”

“Right. You’re amazing, Tonks,” he said sincerely to her.

“Praise me later. Go!” she urged him. “I’ll stand guard and give a signal when you have five minutes.”

Wasting no more time, David used a simple unlocking spell on the door, which opened with a small click, granting him access to its contents.

Inside was a jumbled mess of filing cabinets, papers, and notes that surrounded a heavy wooden desk. Boxes of contraband lined the walls. There was a bowl and sleeping area for the mangy cat as well as a cot for a human being. Hanging from the walls were shackles, which were the best maintained objects in the entire room. They were shiny, well oiled and ominous, as if they were being prepared for use in a seconds notice. On top of that, there was a light draft from an unknown source.

David couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity for the man but there was little time to dwell on that. He needed to find this quill and fast.

“Filch’s office is just as cold and depressing as I imagined,” he surmised to himself.

Peering around the mass of boxes, cabinets, and contraband he gave a frustrated sigh.

“It’s going to take me forever to go through all this rubbish.”

He began looking through the drawers and various boxes, ignoring the damp smell of moth balls and cat hair. There was nothing much to report, files on various students who had attended the school many years ago, confiscated items such as fanged frisbees and nose biting tea cups. No doubt he’d been on the receiving end of many prank items.

“This is taking too much time,” he muttered.

Then David realized he’d been looking in the wrong place. Quills were small items most likely to be kept inside a desk…

Quickly, he turned around and began scrummaging through Filch’s hardwood desk and soon enough in the second drawer from the right, there it was.”

“Gotcha!” he cried out triumphantly.

Just then, there was a knock on the door indicating five minutes left. He’d made it with time to spare.

Time to get the hell out of here

He and Tonks laughed all the way back to the Gryffindor Tower where she saw him off, both surprised the plan went off without any hitches.

“He’s going to be furious tomorrow,” the pink haired witch chuckled. “Peeves was actually in the Astronomy Tower. Oops.”

“I guess it pays being a metamorphagus,” David said with a grin.

“The teachers all know, of course. I’d never try to fool one of them, but Filch is an exception. Plus, this was important to you.”

David felt his heart warm with gratitude. For as clumsy and goofy as she could be, Tonks really was a true and loyal friend. She had proved that yet again.

“Thank you.”

“Any time, mate. So what do you think this quill contains anyway?”

Rubbing his fingers on the soft, smooth edge of the feather, David only had one thought in mind.

“Something that belonged to my brother. And another key to finding him.”

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Back in the common room It didn’t take long for David and Rowan to get started in analyzing the quill. Though it was late, they were careful to stay quiet so as not to be overheard.

“This quill looks remarkably similar to the one we found on Ben during second year. Do you think it’s ‘R’ again?” Rowan asked.

R was still a mystery to them all. There had been no sign or message from the group since last year and without more evidence to go off, finding out who they were would remain unknown for the time being.

“I don’t think so. Madam Rosmerta said this quill belonged to my brother. It was on his person when the Ministry hauled him away for questioning before leaving it behind.”

“Only one way to find out,” his best friend shrugged.

Laying the quill out on one the tables, David cast the untransfiguring spell.

“Repifarage!”

Almost immediately the quill turned into a brown, leatherback notebook. On the bottom right corner was the name ‘Jacob H. Grant’.

“Whoa…”

Wasting no time, the two young Gryffindors opened it up to the first page. It contained a bevy of symbols and a language that looked suspiciously familiar.

“Ancient Aramaic,” Rowan breathed out. “The same inscription we saw in our first year and on the walls of the ice vault.”

“It’s becoming a common theme,” David said. “Can you decipher it?”

Rowan nodded as he picked up the book and studied its contents.

“I can but it’ll take me a few minutes. Not exactly easy to decipher messages in a dead language.”

“Only a few minutes?” David teased him.

Rowan blushed. “Shut up.”

Indeed, the prowess of his highly intelligent and book smart friend proved quite useful as it only took him a short amount of time to work out the message, constantly tapping the pages with his wand while muttering underneath his breath.

“Alright, I think I have the basic gist of it.”

“What does it say?”

Rowan cleared his throat but spoke in a low whisper as a few sixth year stragglers passed them by. No doubt they were returning from a party of some sort.

“‘These boggarts must have something to do with the curse protecting the next vault, which means someone found it first. If I don’t hurry, Hogwarts is doomed.’”

“History seems to be repeating itself, then,” David mused to himself.

“And look at this!” Rowan said in a hushed, excited tone. “A location of where he conducted most of his research. It’s near the greenhouses on one of the lower corridors.”

David’s heart began to race with anticipation. He hadn’t felt a sense of urgency quite like this since the previous year.

“Just like he told me last year in the ice vault. ‘Find my room, David’. We need to get into it, pronto.”

“You go find it while I take Sunday to decipher the rest of this notebook,” his best friend told him. “We can cover more ground that way.”

“Sounds good. I’ll take Bill with me. He’ll be more than happy to do more investigating into this vault. Plus, he can use his prefect status as a cover just in case a teacher comes along.”

“Tell him I said hello!”

“Rowan, we see him almost every day.”

“I know...I just...never mind.”

David smiled and shook his head. He often wondered just how far Rowan’s admiration of Bill Weasley went. But he shrugged off that thought.

It was time to find his brother’s room.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sunday was always a lazy day, even by Hogwarts’ usual busybody standards. Most students were content to lay around, sleep in, catch up on homework, or hang out with their friends. For David Grant and Bill Weasley, however, that time was spent searching for a random room that contained possible information about a cursed vault.

“This is definitely an unexpected development, but not an unwelcome one,” Bill told him as they walked along the lower corridor. “How did you find out about your brother’s secret room, Dave? You never explained that when you asked me to come along.”

“He kept records of his search for the Cursed Vaults. Madam Rosmerta gave me a black quill at the Three Broomsticks that once belonged to him. Turns out it was a hidden notebook. Rowan deciphered one of the pages and we found the location of the room he used for his research.”

“That’s huge,” the eldest Weasley commented, clearly impressed. “I’m amazed you deciphered it so fast.”

“Thank Rowan. He’s a genius when it comes to that sort of stuff.”

“Of course. So this place is somewhere at the end of this hallway?”

“Past the greenhouses. There’s supposed to be an anonymous room with a dark wooden door.”

Bill swelled up with pride.

“Well then let’s go find it. Now that I’m a prefect, I can make sure that students are out of the corridors if we need some privacy. Plus the teachers won’t think to question us.”

“Didn’t think you’d get those kinds of perks, did ya?” David elbowed him with a grin.

“Being a prefect is something I’m truly thankful for. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy being able to move more freely throughout the castle because of it,” Bill laughed.

Moving forward, they scoured the corridor, glancing around for any sign of their quarry. When there was no door to speak of, David had an idea.

“Let me try something.”

Visualizing an old, dark brown, wooden door, the third year Gryffindor cast a revealing charm. And sure enough, in a tiny corner packed away to the left underneath an archway of stone, one materialized.

“Blimey, David. I still can’t believe you know that spell. McGonagall says most students don’t even attempt vanishing and revealing until sixth year.”

“She says I have the chance to be a certified master in the subject before I turn 17,” he replied, trying not to brag. “I dunno, I guess I’m just naturally good at it.”

“Ever think of becoming an animagus?”

The third year Gryffindor shrugged.

“Not really. The idea of changing into a smelly animal isn’t all that appealing.”

“Fair enough,” Bill chuckled. “Now let’s check out this room.”

But they were in for a frustrating surprise. Upon closer inspection, there was a yellow padlock with two keyholes around the handle.

“Well this sucks,” David muttered.

“I’m sure we can get around it with an unlocking spell,” Bill encouraged.

David withdrew his wand and gave an ‘Alohomora’ but nothing happened, much to his chagrin.

“No good.”

“I’ll try busting it down,” the eldest Weasley said, taking out his own wand. “Flipendo!”

It did not have the intended effect. The spell ricocheted off the door narrowly missing his head and creating a scorch mark on the opposite wall.

“Guess we can cross that method off the list.”

“Must be sealed with some kind of spell beyond our means to break,” Bill surmised. “We’re going to have to find another way.”

It was then that David finally noticed something he hadn’t before: scrawled, tiny writing at the bottom of the lock.

“Look at this,” he pointed. “Property of Tulip Karasu. He looked towards Bill for clarification. “Who the hell is that?”

“I actually know of her,” the Prefect explained. “She’s a Ravenclaw in your year. Apparently, she’s always in detention. Bit of an eccentric from what I’ve heard.”

“Oh, joy,” the third year Gryffindor snarked. “Guess we have no choice but to confront the nutter, eh?”

“Either that or we’re not getting through this door.”

There was no question on what to do next. Whoever this Tulip Karasu was, they would have to somehow convince her to give them the key or enchantment to unlock the secrets inside. Another roadblock in the enigma that was fast becoming the next cursed vault.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It didn’t take long for David and Bill to track down their desired person. Tulip was known to hang out in the Transfiguration room after school hours and it was actually Andre Egwu who pointed them in the right direction.

“Just be careful,” he told them at breakfast. “None of us really interact with her that much, but she’s weird even by Ravenclaw standards.”

“We’ll be alright, Andre,” David thanked him. “I’ve taken down an Ice Knight before. I think this shouldn’t be too hard.”

The black teen gave a knowing shrug.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

And so the two boys agreed to meet outside the Transfiguration classroom once lessons were done for the day. Ben had unfortunately landed in detention after Ismelda blew up his cauldron and laid the blame at his feet. Rowan was assisting Madam Pince in the library. Upon meeting in the corridor once more, Bill gave him an inquisitive glance.

“I forgot to ask, David. Given everything that’s going on, does this mean we’re all in on the vaults again?”

The third year couldn’t deny that finding his brother and the vaults were undeniably linked by this time. And what’s more, that inescapable, consuming drive was back. He could feel it in the very essence of his soul. He wanted to find Jacob and this vault by extension. If that meant saving the school from a few boggarts, so be it.

“Yeah,” he replied back with a reassuring look. “We’re back.”

Bill grinned.

“I was hoping you’d say that. Come on, let’s see what we can find out from this girl.”

Sure enough inside, there was a third year girl dressed in Ravenclaw colors. She was writing something on a sheet of parchment, giving no indication she was aware of any other presence in the room.

“That reminds me, how do you want to approach this?” Bill asked him.

“Ask nicely and hope she cooperates?” David whispered to the side. “She can’t be that unreasonable.”

Upon approaching the desk Tulip was sitting in, he was able to garner more of her physical features. She was fair skinned, thin, with dark brown eyes that took on a slight Asiatic quality. Long, red hair draped down past her shoulders and like Merula, took certain liberties with the uniform; her sleeves were rolled up and she wore brown oxfords, light blue socks with black tights underneath. To top it off, she also donned a necklace that looked suspiciously like a dungbomb. On the left side of the desk was a green toad which David thought was peculiar but thought nothing more of.

“Uh...excuse me? Tulip? Hi, I’m David Grant. I know your time is valuable and you’re probably very busy, but I really need your help.”

The response they received was bizarre to say the least. The Ravenclaw girl didn’t even bother to look up from her writing.

“Little flower...smells so sweet, so soft and delicate.”

David and Bill gave each other sideways glances, eyebrows raised.

“Uh...did you hear what I asked, Tulip?”

“I’m very busy. Talk to Dennis until I’m finished.”

“Who’s Dennis?” Bill asked, highly confused. He looked down at the toad in front of them, which gave a loud croak. “And what is that?”

Tulip again didn’t bother to look up from whatever she was writing.

“That’s a toad. His name is Dennis.”

Bill resisted rolling his eyes, while David had to suppress a laugh. This girl was barmy.

“We know what a toad is,” the third year Gryffindor said. “What’s that thing strapped to its back?”

It was only now that both boys noticed there was an object tied around the toad’s midsection, which looked suspiciously like…

“A dungbomb,” came the girl’s reply.

“As a prefect and a Weasley I can safely say that is the case,” Bill affirmed.

“I don’t smell anything.”

“It will when it explodes.”

Sure enough, the detonation timer was already set, a quiet ticking permeating through the odd conversation. It was only then David realized the gravity of the situation.

“Son of a...Tulip! How do I disarm this thing?”

“I can’t just give you the answers to my test. I need to know if you’re worthy of my help.”

He looked back towards Bill, panic growing on both of their faces.

“Wait a minute can you actually disarm a dungbomb?”

“If there's a method, I’m not aware of one. Fred and George set them off all the time. I’d say we only have about 10 seconds before it goes off.”

David was in no mood to be smelling the end of yesterday’s lunch and they had mere moments until the fateful explosion. Mind racing, he struggled to think of a solution.

“Wait, Bill. Use that new charm you were showing me the other day.”

“Which one?”

“The bubble head thingy.”

“You mean the bubble head charm?”

“Yes!”

Bill looked very perplexed now.

“How is that supposed to-”

By now David had cut the smelly projectile from the toad’s back and tossed it into the air.

“Cast it now!”

With precise aim, Bill understood his meaning and hit the dungbomb with a liquid blue bubble, enveloping it at the moment of detonation. Inside a greenish gas swirled about before the charm was lifted allowing the noxious air to pass harmlessly into the air.

“That was way too close,” the elder Weasley muttered.

“We didn’t disarm it but we got rid of it at least,” David offered.

“I assumed you would,” Tulip cut across them. By now she had ceased writing and looked upon both boys with great interest. “Getting rid of a dungbomb is nothing compared to breaking the curse on a Cursed Vault. I was quite jealous to be honest. I’ve always wanted to be told off in front of the entire school at the Welcoming Feast.”

“Er...right. May I ask why?” David asked, still unsure of what to make of this person.

“Because rules are made to be broken and Hogwarts has far too many rules,” came the mischievous reply with an equally mischievous smirk he felt oddly drawn to. “You inspired me David Grant. I knew I had to be the next one to open a Cursed Vault. I immediately scoured this castle for clues until I found an abandoned room that your brother used to research the vaults. To prevent anyone else from going in, I fashioned a key with two locks.”

“Well I’m flattered. But I can only assume you have the means to get inside?”

“I do but only partially. One key is in my possession. The other I agreed to give to my accomplice.”

David didn’t like where this conversation was heading. Every time he thought he had the answer to getting into his brother’s room, something else thwarted him.

“And who would this accomplice be?”

Tulip again gave him a curious, eccentric stare.

“I need to know I can trust you before I tell you that, David Grant. Meet me in the Great Hall tonight for dinner. We can chat one on one.”

David was tempted to put his foot down and just demand for the information and they key right then and there but he withheld his frustration. That kind of tactic wouldn’t work with someone like Tulip, especially since she held the key to his brother and the latest vault...quite literally. Of all the houses, he had the least amount of experience with the Ravenclaws.

It seemed as though he was about to get an education. Bill gave him a shrug as if to say ‘couldn’t hurt’.

“Alright, then. I’ll see you there.”

Tulip gave another mischievous smile in return.

“Excellent.”

#hogwarts mystery #hphm #hphm fanfiction #fanfiction #writing #David Grant #tulip kasaru #nymphadora tonks #ben copper #rowan khanna #bill weasley #gryffindor

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pasteladins · 5 years

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Possibilities

One of my many upcoming Norfonse drabbles. We’ve got a pregnant Norrie dealing with some anxiety~

Also, I mention @lunalove25‘s OC Freya and a little headcanon so shout out to you!

"Do you think it's a boy, or a girl? Or one of each?" The second half of that sentence caused the Askran prince to choke on his tea. "O-One of each? As in... twins?" He sputtered, catching Norrie's uncertain gaze. "I'm afraid it's a possibility." Her hand rubbed atop her stomach, and she smiled when she received a kick in response. Unfortunately, her giddiness was short lived. "Just the idea of two births makes me feel a little anxious..." Upon hearing her quiet remark, Alfonse took Norrie’s hand. "It will be alright, love. I promise.” He gave her hand a soft squeeze. “The odds of two births is quite slim. Even so..." Then, his hand lowered to her stomach. He couldn’t help the warm smile tug at his lips when he felt a kick. "...you are a strong, capable woman, and you have all of us to support you." His words brought a blush to the tactician's cheeks. Despite having been praised by so many heroes this far into the world, she still became a flustered mess -- especially when it came from her beloved prince. She looked away, eyeing the empty tea cup she finished. "I... thank you, Alfonse. I know I can depend on you guys, but... I just... I wish you could be there when I'm in labor..." Her words were forlorn, and Alfonse watched as her shoulders slumped and her gaze was set downcast. "Oh, Norrie..." His whisper was barely audible, but the tactician heard it. "I will be waiting at the door for you. Besides, the room will be filled with healers! It won’t be so lonely." The reply failed to console Norrie, in fact, he spotted the tears brimming her eyes. Alfonse instantly regretted saying anything as he heard the familiar sniffling. "But it’s not you! They won’t hold my hand, or... or give me kisses to calm me down! I'm still going to be all alone!!" His wife sobbed. Tears streamed down her face as she made little effort to stop any of it. Although a simple comment would never make Norrie breakdown in such a manner, her pregnancy had made her more emotional. With that, came more anxiety, and, ultimately, more crying. Alfonse never minded, of course. He was always there to console her no matter what. "No, no, no!" He hurried over to remedy his mistake. "You will not be alone!" He spoke gently. "Isn't Freya a midwife? She did mention it to us a few days ago. We can ask her!" Norrie hiccuped, her lips jutting out in a pout as they trembled. "R-Really?" Alfonse smiled, wiping away her tears with a handkerchief. "Really. How about we ask her together when she and Sharena return from their mission?" This time, his response was met with an eager nod rather than tears. "Good." He finished wiping away her tears. "Thank you, dear." Norrie let out a sigh of relief, her free hand landed on her growing belly as it rumbled. "Er, in the meantime, can we have lunch? I'm hungry..." "Certainly! What would you like to eat?" "Cake! With sausage and tuna inside!" "Er... I'll see what I can do..."

#Norrie #Alfonse #Me? putting stuff in the main tags? I would never #Never #norfonse #make that a tag now #pasteladins writes

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sunshineoptimismandangels · 6 years

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If I Fall For You, I'll Never Recover

Pairing: Klaine Status: Complete Author: Sunshineoptimismandangels Word count: 2,717 Summary: Kurt has the best friend in the world. Blaine is smart and talented and everyone loves him - including Kurt. Now if he could just work up the courage to say something about it. Notes: Another little one-shot that was quickly written for a Tumblr prompt. This was meant to be shorter but it got away from me. :) I hope you enjoy it!

FF.net | AO3 There he was, the cutest boy in all of NYADA – Blaine Anderson. He was heading towards Kurt with a spring in his step, wearing a ridiculously bright yellow cardigan, and looking like a walking ray of sunshine. He caught sight of Kurt and sent him a dazzling smile, a smile that was just for him. Kurt's heart somersaulted in his chest. Someone should find a way to bottle Blaine's smiles to cure cancer or spread world peace.

Kurt sat up straighter eager for Blaine to join him, but Blaine's gaze was averted as two sophomores ran up to him stopping Blaine in his tracks. They practically drooled over him as they chattered animatedly. Kurt wouldn't have been surprised if they whipped autograph books from their bags and asked him to sign.

Kurt's mood soured. Blaine was incredibly popular. Winning the Harold Prince Award for Excellence back in his freshman year, a feat previously accomplished by only two other NAYADA students in the history of the school. He then went on to land a leading role in the school's big end of the year musical while only a sophomore. Now Blaine was a junior and everyone at NYADA knew he was going to be a big star someday – he had students, male and female, fawning after him at all times.

If Blaine wasn't so sweet, humble, and truly, honestly grateful for all opportunities he was given Kurt might resent him a little bit. As it was, Blaine was one of the most sincere and generous people Kurt had ever met. And beautiful. And smart. And funny. And… Kurt was in deep. He'd been in love with his best friend for nearly two years and it was the worst.

Blaine finally peeled himself away from his admirers and hurried over to join Kurt, sitting down across from him and folding his arms on the table, giving Kurt another one of those heart-melting smiles. It was a beautiful and sunny spring day and Kurt had secured a table in the quad, giving anyone who might have thought about sitting down with him a withering glance to keep them moving. He'd saved this space for Blaine. Blaine, Kurt's own personal sunshine.

"Sorry, I'm late," Blaine said turning to the bookbag he'd placed on the bench next to him. "Dr. Norris wanted to talk to me about my song choice for the Spring Showcase."

"Mmm." Kurt hummed and nodded, "Did he want to give you recommendations or get some from you? He probably wanted your advice on the lesson plan for his next class." Kurt meant for his words to come out teasing, but it sounded bitter to his ears. He wasn't actually jealous of Blaine, but seeing him adored by every boy on campus sometimes left Kurt feeling raw.

Blaine looked up from his bag, his brow furrowed slightly. "No, he just thought my choice of doing something Top 40 was risky."

"Right." Kurt looked down at the coffee cup in front of him. Actually, there were two coffee cups – one for him and one for Blaine.

"Is everything-" Blaine started just as Kurt slid a cup towards him.

"I got you coffee," Kurt said at the same time.

Blaine's face softened and he looked from the cup to Kurt's face. "I was going to get you some, but I was already late."

Kurt laughed, "I win this round."

Blaine smiled and picked up the cup taking a sip and sighing with satisfaction. "You went to Pour."

"Only the best."

"Where does that put us now?" Blaine asked setting his cup down. "I think I'm still in the lead."

"You most certainly are not," Kurt said with relish. He and Blaine had a running game of who could buy coffee for the other person more often. It started early in their friendship when Blaine showed up at Kurt's dorm with a non-fat mocha and a bag of ladyfingers after Kurt had a horribly grueling day. Kurt had been so surprised that Blaine remembered his coffee order that he'd fallen a little bit more in love with him on the spot. Now it was a competition that had lasted years.

"I'm in the lead." Kurt continued. "I brought coffee after your midterm with Cassandra July and I brought coffee when we met up after my combat class to go see Rachel in her new off-Broadway play."

"Uh no." Blaine said tilting his head, "We both brought each other coffee and had too much of it before Rachel's play. That was a draw."

Kurt's chest warmed at Blaine's teasing tone. "Okay… but when you were sick last month I brought you soup."

"That isn't part of the game!" Blaine laughed.

"What? You didn't like my homemade chicken noodle soup?"

"Homemade? By who?"

"By the woman at the little corner sandwich shop of course. She said it was her grandmother's recipe."

Blaine laughed again and Kurt couldn't help the wide smile on his face as he watched him. Blaine was all crinkled eyes and bright smile and ruddy cheeks. He made Kurt's heart ache.

"Fine. We will count the soup. Just this once." Blaine conceded reaching out to squeeze Kurt's hand. "You're in the lead, but barely."

Kurt flipped his hand over to hold Blaine's and took a sip of his drink to try and hid the slight blush he knew was spreading across his cheeks. Blaine was always very tactile. Holding hands, linking arms, leaning his head on Kurt's shoulder as they watched a movie or coming up behind him to surprise him with a hug at any time of day. Kurt love and hated it. He was addicted to these sweet little touches, but at the same time, they often left him feeling a little lost and wanting more.

Kurt wanted to turn around in a hug and kiss Blaine silly. Or take his hand and press Blaine's knuckles to his lips. He wanted to tell Blaine how he felt and hear that Blaine felt the same way. He'd almost said something countless times, but the timing never seemed right. First Kurt had a boyfriend and then Blaine did. Then even when they were both single it felt like every time Kurt was about to get up the courage Blaine would say something about what a great friend Kurt was and Kurt would clamp his mouth closed, fearful of ruining what they had.

So Kurt sat in silence. Drinking his mocha and holding his best friend's hand as Blaine started talking about his song selection for the Spring Showcase. Kurt had decided his song weeks ago; he was singing The Greatest Star. Kurt had been practicing almost nonstop, Blaine listening to him on several occasions to help give critiques. Blaine wasn't much help though; he always just stood and cheered for Kurt gushing about how perfect he was. Blaine usually had his song selection made early as well. This time he was struggling. Kurt wondered if the pressure of being the school's golden boy was getting to him.

"I honestly can't choose between And This Is My Beloved and Love Somebody."

"You're still considering a pop song after talking to Dr. Norris?"

Kurt loved Blaine's voice when he sang Adam Levine, but honestly, he had a habit of doing pop songs. It wasn't a necessarily a bad thing, especially in a school that heard way too much of, For Good, Seasons of Love, and other Broadway staples. Still, the idea of Blaine singing the lyrics to And This Is My Beloved made something deep and warm stir in Kurt's chest.

Blaine sighed, running a hand through his dark silky curls… god, Kurt wanted to run his hand through them himself. "I don't know. I mean it's kind of my thing. Doing pop songs when everyone else is doing Broadway. I feel like I have to keep it up."

Kurt shook his head quickly. "No, Blaine. Your thing is picking songs that mean something to you and then singing with your whole heart. That's why you're so good. That's why everyone loves you. Don't pick something because you feel like you have to. What do you want to sing?"

"And This Is My Beloved," Blaine answered immediately, still holding Kurt's hand and looking him in the eyes with a soft, earnest expression that made Kurt's throat feel dry.

"Um… then," Kurt cleared his throat and looked down at their hands. "You should sing that one."

They were silent for a moment before Blaine spoke, his voice full of emotion, "Thank you, Kurt."

Kurt looked back up at him with a smile. "Anything for my best friend."

Blaine nodded and chewed on his bottom lip for a moment. "Let's talk about anything besides school," Blaine said pulling his hand back and taking a sip of his coffee.

Kurt wanted to chase after him, grab his hand again, but he didn't let himself. "Okay." Kurt thought for a minute. "Oh! Oh my god. You won't believe who asked me out!"

Blaine placed his coffee cup back on the table his expression looking funny for a moment before he smiled, "A date? You have a date?"

"No." Kurt laughed, "I do not. I said guess who asked me. I said no."

"Oh." Blaine's smile grew. "Um… that older guy who works at the deli counter?"

"What?" Kurt looked at Blaine speechless before he burst out laughing. "Why in the world would that be your first guess?"

"He flirts with you."

"He is at least fifty!"

"I said older guy."

"Oh my god. No. It was that cute little freshman girl that I was paired with in a mentoring project earlier this year. She walked right up to me this morning and asked me out."

"Really? I mean kudos to her. A freshman having the guts to walk up to one of the most admired seniors in all of NAYDA and ask him out? I'm impressed. Her gaydar is completely broken, but I'm impressed."

Kurt smiled and lifted an eyebrow, "Most admired seniors?"

Blaine waved him off as if Kurt's renown was undebatable. "At least you're being asked out. No one has asked me on a date since… I don't know? Last year before I dated Carlos?"

Ugh, Carlos. He was a perfectly nice and stupidly handsome exchange student Blaine had gone out with for a month last year. Kurt pretty much hated him. He didn't even like to think about that long, lonely November. Still, Kurt was shocked Blaine wasn't getting offers left and right. "Really? No one has asked you out since then?"

Blaine shrugged, propping his face up against his hand. "I guess in a sea of eligible students I'm not cute enough to get any attention. Unlike you, who has freshman girls and deli counter workers falling all over themselves for you."

Kurt laughed wondering why someone like Blaine wasn't knee deep in suitors, but privately a little pleased about it. "Aw Blaine, you're adorable. I'd date you."

The words were out of Kurt's mouth before he had a chance to consider them. As they left his lips Kurt felt as if his soul was leaving his body. As if he was standing next to himself and watching him say something that could shatter the perfect little bubble he and Blaine resided in. Kurt could feel the blood drain from his face and his hands suddenly felt clammy. "I… mean…" Kurt sputtered out hoping Blaine would take what he said in jest.

Blaine looked at him seriously, not skipping a beat. "Then date me."

"Wait…" Kurt blinked a few times, "What?"

Blaine took a deep breath. "You should. Date me. I know you're out of my league. I know. You're Kurt Hummel. Kurt Hummel who everyone at school looks up to. Who everyone wants to be like. I know you could have your pick of any student here… and some teachers for that matter." Blane ran a hand down his face, "But have you ever thought about… us? I mean we fit together so well. No one knows me the way you do and who knows you as well as me?

"I know when you're in an actual bad mood verse when you just need to eat something. I know that you pretend nothing bothers you but your lips twitch a little when you're holding your emotions in. I know that you're endlessly kind well after I would have given up on people. I know that you laugh at stupid reruns of "Millionaire Matchmaker" and that your father is your whole world. I know that when you were eight you asked for a pair of sensible pumps not only because fashion has no gender, but because they reminded you of your mom…" Blaine let out a deep sigh as if these words had been weighing on him. "Kurt, you're my best friend and I… I care about you so much. Haven't you ever thought about us as… more?"

Kurt stared at Blaine, his mouth slightly agape and a flurry of emotions washing over him. "I…" He started and stopped, not knowing what to say. Had Kurt ever thought of them as more? Only every single day for the past two years!

"Oh god." Blaine breathed in sharply when Kurt didn't respond. He stood from the table snatching up his book bag. "Oh my god. You don't and I… I have to leave now."

Blaine turned to leave and Kurt sprang up from the table, finally able to function again and his heart pounding against his chest. "No! Please don't go." He practically leaped around the table to stand face to face next to Blaine. "Please Blaine," Kurt smiled, a laugh bubbling up inside of him. "Yes. Yes. I've thought about it. A lot. I've wanted to be with you so much and for so long… I just convinced myself that you didn't want to be anything other than friends."

"That… that's what I thought you wanted! You're always saying I'm your best friend… like I should remember not to push."

"Oh my god no! Blaine, I'm crazy about you."

Blaine's dark eyebrows shot up and a smile slowly spread across his face. A new smile, a smile Kurt wasn't familiar with and Kurt thought he knew all of Blaine's smiles. This was one different. This one wasn't holding anything back and it was full of something that looked a lot like love.

"Kurt." Blaine didn't say anything else, instead, he just crashed their lips together, dropping his bag on the ground with a dull thud, hands moving to wrap around Kurt's waist.

Kurt's body reacted before his mind had even caught up with what was happening. He looped his arms around Blaine's shoulders and kissed him back. His mind singing, Blaine is kissing me! Blaine is kissing me! Until he wasn't able to think at all and he could only cling to Blaine, lips chasing and mouth opening to deepen this kiss. It was a few minutes before they broke apart, Kurt's whole body warm and trembling against Blaine – he leaned his forehead against Blaine's sighing happily. "How long have you felt this way?"

Blaine pressed his lips briefly against Kurt's again before answered. "Pretty much since we met. Why do you think I brought you coffee that very first time?"

"Jesus, I'm an idiot."

"You were dating someone else."

"No one has ever compared to you, Blaine."

Blaine chuckled in disbelief, his eyes misty, "Then we are both idiots."

Kurt just swooped in to kiss him again. They stood like that for a long time, the sun on their shoulders, arms around each other, and lips locked. A few students walked by and catcalled, but Kurt couldn't have cared less. Kurt brushed his thumb over Blaine's bottom lip as he pulled back. "We should..." Kurt could barely catch his breath, "We should go back to your place and practice your Showcase song."

Blaine nodded, "Yeah. We should go back to my place, but not to practice any songs."

Kurt grinned wildly, that was exactly what he'd been thinking. "Let's go back to your place and make up for lost time."

"Perfect," Blaine beamed, grabbing his bag and then Kurt's hands and tugging him along as Kurt laughed and quickly followed after him.

For the Tumblr post- Tag your OTP

Person A: Aw you are so cute! I'd date you Person B: Then date me Person A: .. what?

#klaine!au #klaine fan fic #written for an OTP prompt #klaine fic #my fic

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