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#another weasley
jarriaart · 1 year
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Inktober day 19 - Resemble
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wizardemotions · 1 month
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the question came to mind of "in your ship, how might the larger/stronger party pick up or carry the smaller one?" and these were the answers i came to
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kasieli · 10 months
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Somewhat modern day AU? Aka my excuse to do silly social media shenanigans and drawing Seb in a sweater vest? (p.s. that’s Ominis’ peace sign)
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347-emeraldbitch · 8 months
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Harry: If all pure bloods are related does that mean you might be related to my dad????
Percy: Most likely yes. Distantly I’m sure.
Ron: Harry and I might be cousins?
Percy: Yes, there is a good chance since his paternal grandparents come from old magical families.
Ron & Harry: 👀👀
Harry: *slams down guardianship papers* Percy, you like paperwork right?
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rypnami · 26 days
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boggart headcanons
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this has been rotting my brain for a whiiiile. another completely unoriginal idea but this is my take on the HL npcs’ boggarts. spoilers if you haven’t finished the game!
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sebastian: some say his boggart would take the shape of his uncle, or his uncle’s tombstone. in my opinion though, it would turn into a dementor. although what happened to him throughout his childhood was traumatic and horrible, his uncle can’t hurt him anymore. a dementor, however, certainly could. it’s a manifestation of his guilt over his actions and his fear of being sent to azkaban.
ominis: how does a boggart frighten someone who can’t see it? through sound. there are several things it might make itself sound like to scare ominis. perhaps his aunt before she died. the sound of the scriptorium door opening, mc/sebastian getting crucio’d, his father’s voice, his siblings’ voices… that poor boy has so much trauma that a boggart would have a hard time choosing.
imelda: this one seems very clear to me. the boggart would appear before her as the captain of the holyhead harpies, telling her she didn’t make the team. after all that work, after everything she tried to hard to achieve, she fell short of what she wanted more than anything. that’s scary. she fears failure above all, and that’s the epitome of failing for her.
garreth: i headcanon garreth as a very family-oriented person. we know he has at least 1 younger sister, however knowing the weasleys there are probably several more younger and older siblings. we also know that he loves potions experimenting and often has other people test them out. i think his boggart would appear as something awful happening to one of his family members as a result of trying one of his potions. two things he loves coming together and causing harm is probably the scariest thing to him.
leander: his boggart might he something kind of silly to everyone else. he definitely fears failure, loneliness, and being looked at as less-than. there’s a throwaway line he says about how his siblings are older, smarter, more competent etc so i think above all he fears being a disappointment. his boggart would most likely be his parents telling him he’s a failure, that he’s brought shame to his family, and things of that nature.
andrew: we don’t know much about andrew, but i think he’s the kind of person who has anxiety. i think he takes his house placement very seriously and fears letting down his friends/the people around him. his boggart would probably be his close friends or family members expressing that he had failed them in a big way and that they didn’t want anything to do with him anymore.
amit: through the game we see amit as someone who is somewhat timid but can be incredibly brave when he has to be- main example is the goblin mine quest. so i think in the aftermath his boggart would be a goblin, perhaps even ranrok himself, after the trauma he definitely sustained during that quest.
poppy: her boggart would either been one of/both of her parents, or something bad happening to highwing. we know she must have a lot of (likely unresolved) trauma from growing up in a poacher camp, especially with who her parents are, and after what happened with highwing in the high keep quest, she’s probably also incredibly worried about her closest (creature) friend being harmed again.
adelaide: no one talks much about her but i think she’s really sweet okay 🥺 anyway, if she were to see a boggart it would probably manifest as her uncle dying. she’s already lost her parents and, presumably, has no family left besides her uncle. save her she’s just so cute :((
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also my mcs just for fun :D
jamie: a werewolf. after his mother’s death there is nothing in the world that will make him panic faster. a lot of his fear of werewolves also comes from the residual guilt that he was somewhat responsible for her death. perhaps the boggart would even switch into his mother’s werewolf form..
jack: definitely turns into his father. after everything he went through, especially as a child, nothing scares him more than his father. even tho he did kill him so there’s no true threat anymore. most of it is psychological torment now :D
ollie: when he was small, his boggart would have taken the shape of a spider. now, it takes the form of a dementor- he’s scared of them taking one of his dads away. although he’s still deathly terrified of spiders/acromantulas so perhaps it changes back and forth sometimes.
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moonlightdancer26 · 2 years
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Ron: *sneaking back into his dorm late at night*
Harry, turning around in his chair: Where have you been?
Ron, sweating nervously: I- I was with Ginny
Ginny, turning around in another chair: Try again
Ron:
Ron: Wait… what the fuck are you doing here?
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zetadraconis11 · 2 months
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HL Incorrect Quote #70
Imelda: WHO TOOK MY DESSERT? WHEN I FIND OUT WHO DID THIS, THEY-
Garreth: I did...
Imelda: -will be forgiven because everyone deserves second chances.
Sebastian:
Ominis:
Sebastian: If that were us, we would have been dead!
Ominis: Indeed. ...You didn't steal anything from her, right?
Sebastian: No! I learned from second year to not have a death wish!
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Celestial Beings
Chapter Two: Talking it Out
Characters: Reader, Molly Weasley, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black
Summary: After many, many days of dealing with Moody's visits, (y/n) get two new visitors, who seem to be much much nicer.
Word Count: 2,285
Warnings: Torture Mention, SA Mention (it's mostly glossed over, no major details), Child Abuse Mention
A/N: Just in case I forgot to mention previously, this is not completely canon-compliant. I also have made Moody more of an a-hole, if anyone wants to know my thought process on that matter go ahead in send in a quick ask. Actually, feel free to send in an ask about anything, I would love to answer! I'm enjoying writing this, and I hope that at least some people are enjoying reading this.
Torture and pain were nothing new to (y/n), actually, it rather reminded her of home. She wasn’t sure how long she had been in the small room, nor how many times she’d had her “visits” with Moody. They rarely lasted longer than a few hours. The longest time, from what little sense of it she had, was somewhere around 8 hours.
Speaking of home, she missed it quite a bit. Malfoy Manor was a lot more cruel on the inside than most people could even guess. Not particularly any fault of Mrs. Malfoy or Draco, but rather Lucius. The head of the household, and loyal follower of her father, obeyed any and every command given. Of course, most of those orders were on how to best “raise and properly train” (y/n), which typically involved some form of torture.
(Y/n) of course, followed along as well, it was easier than dealing with the consequences. Out of everything, waterboarding was the worst. Followed closely behind spending any nights with a few perverted men, less as a consequence, more so as a reward for their loyalty to You-Know-Who. She had the scars to prove the ordeals she went through, as much as she would prefer to forget.
Even though she acted nonchalant about it all, she was still a person. She just couldn’t afford to be seen that way. In her opinion, it was better to be seen as an object or a weapon, a mere pawn on a chessboard. Then at least she herself could pretend to have no weaknesses, no breaking point. She preferred that people believed the rumors and lies, that she was as deadly as her father and as crazed as Bellatrix Lestrange.
Mrs.Weasley opened the cell door, a tired look on her face and a plate in hand. She gave (y/n) a sad smile as she set it down near the entrance.
“Couldn’t you just give him something to go off of?” Mrs. Weasley pleaded with her. “Anything so you could have a break from it all? You look downright awful, I’m worried for you.”
“What could I give him that he would believe?” (Y/n) asked, slowly grabbing the sandwich from the plate and taking a bite. “After all, I imagine it’s been at least a few weeks if not a month or so? I haven’t uttered a single thing he’s believed, including that his curses and beatings won’t work. I’m used to it, it’s what I’ve been molded to be.”
“What about something small, something that no one knows about, well You-Know-Who?” Mrs. Weasley tries, leaning against the door frame. “From what I’ve gathered he hasn’t exactly been the most caring of-”
“Don’t.” (Y/n) said flatly, meeting the older woman’s eyes. “Truly don’t go there. He cares, just in his own way.”
Mrs. Weasley is quiet after that, unsure as to what to say. She sighs, picking up the plate and turning to leave. Once the door was shut (y/n) sits back against the cold wall, no longer having the appetite for her sandwich.
“He does care. I just don’t know if it’s about me or the results I give him.” she gathers up the blanket, draping it over her legs. “No, he cares about me, what father wouldn’t care about their children? Even Lucius cares about Draco, and he doesn’t care about much else than impressing my father.” (Y/n) sat in the dark, with nothing but her own thoughts to keep her company and the occasional bug scurrying across the floor.
This time when the door opened it was someone (y/n) had not seen before. Or rather two someones she hadn’t seen. Both men were tall, one with dark, long curly hair and the other with light brown, short-combed hair. (Y/n) recognized one of them as Sirius Black, the first person to escape Azkaban prison. The other took her a few seconds to place, it wasn’t until the light hit his face, revealing the scars that she knew it was Remus Lupin, a werewolf known to be heavily against her father.
“Well, isn’t this a treat?” She said, slowly getting to her feet. “A blood-traitor and a half-breed? What did I do to have you grace my presence?” Remus flinched at the mention of half-breed.
“I came down here to see who could possibly have Moody stumped,” Sirius growled, stepping in front of Remus ever so slightly. “Imagine my surprise when I see you’re nothing more than another idiot, too stubborn and ignorant for your own good.”
“I’m the idiot?” (Y/n) laughed. “Am I the one torturing the same person the same 20 ways over and over in the hopes something will give? No, I’m the one who is with-standing it because the consequences of giving in are worse than dealing with a little more pain.”
“What could be worse than everything Moody has put you through?” Remus mused. “He’s told us some of what he’s done, none of which we agreed with. The real reason we’re down here is because we took a vote.”
“A vote?” She took a step back, unsure now of the situation she was in. “A vote for what? Who gets first dibs?”
“What?” Sirius looked taken aback, holding up his hands innocently. “No, we took a vote over if Moody should be down here with you anymore.”
“We decided against it. You don’t have to deal with him anymore.” Remus conjured up a lantern and hung it on the ceiling. “From now on we’re just going to talk.”
“So we’ve moved on from physical torture to psychological, understood.” (Y/n)’s shoulder relaxed slightly. “I can handle that too.”
“No, no, no. I think you’re still not understanding.” Remus smiled, looking at Sirius. “That’s all we’re going to do from now on. Sirius has enlightened us on what you’ve probably grown used to growing up.”
“Enlightened? What would he know about any of that?” she sneered, feeling even more vulnerable than before. Somehow talking seemed more daunting than hours of Cruciatous curses and water-boarding.
“You’re forgetting what family I, regrettably, belong to,” Sirius grumbled, shutting the door. “I have a feeling your upbringing was at least somewhat similar to my own, if not worse. Your father seems to pay you the same amount of care my mother gave me, which is to say nothing unless you are their perfect doll.”
“I don’t know what you could possibly be-”
“Don’t lie, it doesn’t suit you.” Sirius glared at her, arms crossed. “Besides, you can give everyone else the whole “He cares for me, just in a different way” b.s. like you gave Molly, but it won’t work on me. I tried that too, now I realize how bloody wrong I was.”
“Sirius, we came to talk, not to therapise,” Remus warned, putting his hand on Sirius’s chest. “How about we start small, like cornish pixie small?” he glanced at (y/n) almost asking her for permission.
“Right, apologies.” Sirius took a deep breath. “Let’s just start small, right?” Remus dropped his hand and turned back to (y/n).
“I don’t see what actual choice I have,” (Y/n) sat down on top of her sleeping bag, bringing her knees to her chest. “What’s the rules then?”
“No rules, just talk.” Remus once again said, conjuring up some wooden chairs. “Would you like a chair as well, or are you okay there?”
“I’m fine.” (Y/n) watched as the two men sat down. “So, what would you like to talk about? The weather? To me, it seems the same every day to me.”
“Funny,” Sirius rolled his eyes. “But, to be completely honest I haven’t a clue.”
“What’s your favorite color?” Remus asks. “I prefer blue myself.”
“I like gold a lot,” Sirius mutters, still seemingly uninterested in the conversation. “It’s one of the few colors I can see both in my animagus form and human form.”
“It may seem cliche, but I like green.” (Y/n) admits after sitting in silence for a moment. “Not any green though, I enjoy deep greens, phthalo green is a good one, and so is forest green, and juniper.”
“You seem to know quite a bit about different shades of greens, is there any particular reason?” Sirius asked, sitting up more in his chair.
“Not really, it just comes in handy when it comes to potions and herbology.” she shrugged. The three of them were silent for a moment. “So, did either of you ever, um, I don’t know, did either of you ever find a way to sneak into the headmaster’s quarters? Because I did, plenty of times.”
“And you never tried to kill him for your dad?” Sirius seemed confused. “I feel like if you wanted his approval as bad as you seem to, you would’ve, well you know.”
“Answer my question first and then I’ll answer yours.” (Y/n) responded. “Have either of you snuck into Dumbledore’s quarters?”
“I, well, I tried to once, but not while I was still at the school,” Sirius smiled to himself. “It was after I escaped prison. I snuck into the castle looking for Peter and saw a rat head that way. Turned out to be a normal rat.”
“I never really even thought of the idea. I mean, he’s someone I imagine has a lot of security and spells cast around him to protect him from that sort of thing.” Remus admitted. “Your turn, answer Sirius’s question.”
“No, I never tried to kill him.” (Y/n) smirks. “The idea is quite intriguing though. Could you imagine how funny it’d be, if the daughter of the all and powerful Dark Lord, age 13, manages to murder the one person he fears above all else? Besides I liked school.”
“Why did you sneak in then?” Remus prodded, leaning forwards, studying her as she toyed with her fingers. “If not to kill Dumbledore, why bother?”
“To be completely and totally honest? I wanted to be the best at potions, and Dumbledore just so happened to be very close friends with a certain Nicholas Flammel. In order to be able to make a Philosopher’s Stone one would have to excel in both alchemy and potion-making.” she stood up, leaning against the wall. “He had a portrait of him in there, I would sneak in, ask him a million and one questions about potions, and then by the next time I came back I had tested and confirmed what he told me. I took great joy in Snape watching me get better at his own craft than he was.”
Sirius let out a gruff chuckle, which soon became a hollering laugh. Even Remus couldn’t contain himself, joining in with his own chorus of giggles. (Y/n) didn’t quite understand what was so funny, but watching the two of them laugh as hard as they were made her let out a giggle or two. The three of them talked, just talked for a time.
When the knock came at the door (y/n) stiffened, eyeing Sirius as he opened it. Much to her relief, it was Mrs. Weasley bringing dinner along with a small pillow. Sirius thanked her, taking the food from her arms and holding it out to (y/n), offering it to her. She cautiously took it, careful to not get too close as she retreated to her corner of the cell. Mrs. Weasley smiled and held up the pillow.
“It’s not much, but it’s better than what Alastor was giving you.” The older woman set it next to the door. “Whenever you’re ready for it you can grab it. No rush, dear.”
(Y/n) nodded, whispering a small thank you under her breath as Mrs.Weasley left. The soup and bread she had been given more than filled her up. Remus and Sirius continued talking to one another as she ate, everyone now slightly more comfortable with each other.
“I have to admit, she makes good food. Great food actually, Mrs. Malfoy has never been adept in the kitchen department, nor has anyone she’s hired either.” (Y/n) told them, licking the sides of the bowl as she finished her soup. “And as enjoyable as this has been today, I do have a serious question to pose.”
“What question?” Remus asked, stiffening in his seat. Sirius’s eyes seemed to darken as he looked at her as if he was ready to pounce if needed.
“Well, if I’m not to be tortured or forced to divulge any information, what do you expect to do with me then?” setting down the bowl she met their eyes. “You can’t possibly keep me in here forever, but you also can’t just let me out of here either. Which leaves very little option other than killing me or me somehow escaping and taking as many of you with me as I can.”
The men look both shocked and hurt, perhaps a dash of anger in Sirius’s eyes. Neither of them says a thing as they stand up and walk towards the door. (Y/n) smiles at them, pushing their now empty plate and bowl towards them.
“It’s only a matter of time as to which happens first. Personally, I’ve accepted dying in here. No resources will be wasted on a rescue for me, nor will there be anyone to mourn me. I suggest you make the decision soon before I find a way to slaughter the lot of you in your sleep.” she threatens, meeting Remus’s gaze. “Because you were right, Dumbledore does have plenty of security in his quarters, much more so than the barrier spells that get weaker day by day in here.”
~~{𝘌𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘛𝘸𝘰}~~
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seastarconstellation · 9 months
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Draco Malfoy, the ultimate Diagon Ally according to JKR apparently?Happy Pride🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
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narukoibito · 1 year
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greenhousethree · 2 days
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twenty-two
That year, the seventh month dies on a Wednesday and they leave town.
for dearest @turanga4, if a little belated. thank you for being so wonderfully you.
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preview below the cut, full piece on AO3:
It has them both feeling like kids again, like sneaking out— stuffing his rucksack with shorts and sun cream after work in the dead of night, rolling the top to force it closed around a broken drawstring. By the time he’s shouldering the bag she checks her watch and it’s gone midnight. Twelve minutes into the thirty-first.
She doesn’t acknowledge it, but now he’s looking at her with his brow furrowed and a question forming on his mouth. She kisses it away, sweet and nutty from leftover Thai. Takes his hand from her hip, locks the flat behind them. She’s thinking they just might Apparate somewhere way out west this time— Charlie says California’s beautiful— they could nudge right up to where yesterday’s only half gone, buy him another day before he’s older than his parents ever got to be.
But they won’t. 
He leads the way down the steps and around the corner. There’s hardly a breeze, but the night is cool on the back of her neck as the street slumbers under orange lamplight. A block away, back doors of pubs are clanging open for closing staff, bin bags thrown in the skips, keys and change jangling en route to bus stops. The light over the mouth of their usual alleyway is burnt out, so they slip into the dark.
He’s looking at her now, tugging her close till she can smell the soap and linen from his shower, something a little richer in the crook of his neck like the cologne on his top shelf. He’s motionless, concentrating— it’s always like this for a second before Apparating so far. Last week for a laugh she offered to book a Portkey this time instead, something about him getting on in years. Earned herself a spatter of marinara flicked from a spoon.
“I can do it,” she offers now. She’s already picturing cobblestones and stucco and a blue door.
“S’fine,” he murmurs into her hair.
He twists, and for a long moment they’re somewhere between here and there.
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noe-clara69 · 4 months
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Okay so hear me out: draco as a spy for the order.
He proves himself to the golden trio in fifth year, for reasons I have yet to explain but will figure out soon enough, and runs to Severus during the summer in between fifth and sixth year before he gets the dark mark. Snape calms him down and they figure out what draco wants to do moving forward and what would be the smartest thing to do while keeping his morals in tact. They figure out the spy solution.
So snape takes draco to the order and is like “he should be a spy” and everyone’s like “no 😠” at first but then dumbledore goes “yes 🤓” and everyone goes “yeah we were joking he can join our club 😁” (I’m being funny not serious. I am also seriously minimizing the amount of time all of this will take and the complexity of all of it, but follow along)
Does all of that make sense? You guys obviously can’t read my mind and have no idea what I’m going to do with the characters yet, but this solves a big plot hole that I was trying to figure out a way through.
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wizardemotions · 1 month
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pinterest showed me some screenshots of posts that gave me the concept for an au where both harry and ron are sorted slytherin & draco is just slightly less rude in the first book. i could go into why i think this makes a lot of sense for ron but i won't. i've affectionately dubbed them the platinum quartet in my head and they will not leave me the fuck alone
#quill to paper#draco malfoy#harry potter#ron weasley#hermione granger#romione#drarry#slytherin harry#slytherin ron#golden trio#platinum quartet#actually i'll go into why it makes sense for ron here in the tags.#imho a major slytherin trait is ambition#and ron *has* ambition he's just never had it actively encouraged and fostered#book fucking one the mirror of erised shows him winning the quidditch cup & being head boy and all#he HAS ambition! and by god does he have something to *prove*#youngest weasley boy who desperately wants to do something different from his family#not get lumped in as 'just another weasley'#he's the anti-sirius in this context tbqh. old pureblood family of gryffindors and he's plastering his room at the burrow w green and silver#in my head draco is also in the train compartment when ron walks in and asks to sit there & harry speaks first so draco shuts up#a little tense but draco also relaxes a little bit. he's ELEVEN he just wants FRIENDS.#ron watches the boys he sat with on the train both get sorted slytherin and has just the biggest burning desire an 11 yr old can have#to get into slytherin instead of gryffindor. to do something different from his other siblings at the gryff table. to Prove Something#the hats like 'ohh. a weasley huh. but so much to prove... there's real ambition#and the potential for cunning... slytherin? alright#good luck! slytherin it is!'#and draco's smug little ass is like 'i suppose there's hope for the weasleys yet if they can turn out a slytherin#and ron is psyched out of his eleven year old gourd bc harry fucking potter is grinning and clapping for him#and also because percy n the twins look SHOCKED AS FUCK as do half the profs#snape is over at the table realizing w complete clarity that he's going to be put thru the ringer as slyth head of house these next 7 yrs
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elisedonut · 2 months
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concept
ok so time travel au
but like more then one person who have completely unrelated reasons for being in the past
For example
Draco goes back while trying to fix the cabinet in a freak accident and so gets sent back into his younger body
while Percy plans and plans and does it on purpose after the war in an attempt to save Fred specifically
so now both are just very confused about why the other is the only one not acting how they're expecting them too
like that conversation in the hallway in Draco's second year changes entirely and both are left going ????? about it because most other interactions happen more or less how their expecting with the caveat that they haven't changed anything about it so now their both going what the hell did I do??
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nuggles · 1 month
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, p. 714
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hippogrifffeathers · 9 months
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Mentor Privileges
'What just happened?' 'I just got us out of trouble.' 'No, you just pulled an Ominis.' 'I what' 'Excuse me?' _ When Professor Weasley catches MC, Sebastian, and Ominis sneaking back into the castle after curfew, it seems like only one desperate move might keep them out of serious punishment. Except, before Ominis can even murmur a syllable about his family connections to the Headmaster, MC is speaking, claiming Professor Fig authorised their excursion, and it turns out there's another trump card among their ranks. Afterall, how could a professor argue with another professor?
ao3 link if you prefer!
Not two seconds after the grand doors to the main hall of Hogwarts had swung open, did the room echo with the sound of whispered bickering.
“You know, we could have gotten here a lot quicker if you two didn’t insist on flying the scenic route back.”
“How do you even know we took the scenic route? Not like you could see it .”
“I heard you talking about it Sebastian!”
“Would you both stop it?” MC hissed, voice barely above a whisper as they crept through the school entrance, large doors thankfully silent behind them. Seeing nobody in the entry hall, their posture relaxed, as they raised one hand to massage their neck, pouting, “Oh Merlin, we’re all going to fall asleep in class tomorrow, I’m exhausted .”
“That didn’t stop you from agreeing to fly out to Pitt-upon-Ford this afternoon, did it?” Ominis quipped, falling into step on their left. Sebastian quickly joined the pair, walking on their right.
MC rolled their eyes, a fond smile on their lips, “You both didn’t have to come with me, you know.” 
That was ridiculous, of course they did. “Oh come on, like we were going to let you have all the fun.”
“I want it on the record that invading and destroying a Poacher camp isn’t my idea of fun.” Ominis rolled his eyes.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, “Does that mean you don’t want your share of the loot? Because I’ll gladly take it off your hands.”
“Paws off Sallow.”
“Yeah Sebastian, paws off." MC grinned, "If anyone gets Ominis’ share, it’s me, since I did most of the work.”
“Okay, first of all, nobody is getting my share because it’s mine , and second you only took most of them out because they were already targeting you. It’s a matter of access.” 
“It’s a matter of excuses , Gaunt. Besides, I can’t help it if I’m popular.”
Sebastian raised one eyebrow mockingly, “Oh, is that what we’re calling it now? Cute, and here I was thinking ‘there’s a price out for your capture’ had a nice ring to it.”
“ Funny . I’ll remember that one next time I come across old spellbooks in an Ashwinder camp and need to find them a home.”
Ominis paused momentarily, outraged, “You’ve been giving him what?”
Lost in their conversation, or perhaps the easy confidence that came with spotting no prefects scouting outside the Library doors, the trio didn’t think to cast any disillusionment or remain so vigilant as they crossed the Viaduct hall. Over the sound of their conversation, and the gentle lullaby from the nearby portrait, they fail to hear the click of footfalls until it’s too late, and they’re stopped in their tracks by a familiar, and very displeased, voice.
“And just where have you three been?”
… ”Merlin’s saggy left ball sack.” Ominis’ head turned sharply to right as MC subtly kicked Sebastian in the shin, hoping the already very-cross Professor Weasley didn’t hear his vulgar language, and schooled their expression into one that hopefully looked the picture of innocence as they spun on their heel to face her, Ominis and Sebastian mirroring their actions.
It took all their willpower not to immediately cower back.
She did not look happy, arms folded and her scowling expression may as well have been made of stone, carved with fury. Somehow, the Deputy Headmistress made pyjamas-with-a-cloak-over-the-top look intimidating.
MC bit back a wince as they took in that detail. Pyjamas. Oh, it was late late.
Sebastian turned on the charming schoolboy act, “Professor Weasley! We were just..ah, getting some late night studying done.”
“Oh? And does that studying involve flying Hippogriffs across the Black Lake ?” Sebastian tries not to deflate at being so clearly caught out, and readies himself to ignore the ice in their professor's tone, about to counter with what would undoubtedly be a cunning lie when she cuts him off, “Not another word. My office. Now .”
Wisely, the trio fall into silence, not daring to provoke the Deputy Headmistress any further.
They follow after the furious professor, turning their backs on the path back to their Common Rooms, wishing more than anything to be sneaking their way through the protected doorways and not walking across the chilly Transfiguration courtyard to certain doom.
Sebastian spares a look to his companions, the worrying crease in Ominis’ brow, the almost eerie calmness to MC, and wonders if they’re feeling the same edgings of dread as him.
Detentions and getting into trouble with professors were no strangers to him, but this was different than breaking a simple curfew or sneaking into the restricted section. This was weeks of detentions, points off, and letters-home levels of rule breaking.
Merlin, the last thing he needed right now was Uncle Solomon getting a letter from the school about Sebastian being off-grounds.
They’d been playing with fire this whole school year, especially himself and MC. Breaking into Loyalist Camps, exploring Salazar Slytherin’s Scriptorium and messing with Unforgivables, he supposed it was only a matter of time before they’d been caught- their luck had finally run out, and there was only one desperate card left to play that might save them from the bollocking of a lifetime.
It seemed Ominis was having the same thoughts, judging by the grim acceptance on his face, the stiffness of his demeanour- all part of ‘Gaunt Look’ that had gotten them out of serious trouble a few times too many in their earlier school years.
As they near the Transfiguration Classroom, Professor Weasley doesn’t even bother using magic to open the door, instead holding it open expectantly, her expression unwavering.
Before either of the boys can take the first step, MC takes the lead, head bowed slightly in a marker of shame that Sebastian can’t help but mirror as he follows in their footsteps, forced to confront the disapproving glare of their professor as he passes.
At least Ominis doesn’t have to deal with such awkward eye-contact.
Their footfalls echo through the empty classroom, empty desks seem to judge them as they walk past, only vaguely registering the door being shut behind them.
Ahead, MC’s steps have faltered slightly, the only show of hesitation they’ve demonstrated since the trio were caught. Sebastian is quick to take the lead, brushing MC's side in what he hopes is a reassuring move, as he makes a beeline for the door in the topmost corner.
The office is cool when they enter, the only light coming from embers dying on the fireplace and the pulsing red glow of Ominis’ wand. With the minimal amount of shuffling, the three line themselves up opposite the desk, MC once again in the middle, and wait.
Their silence persists as Professor Weasley follows into her office, re-igniting the fireplace with a wordless flick of her wand. The warm glow should be comforting, but against the dead black of night in the windows, and the way the shadows cast over the Professor’s glare deepen the appearance of her ire, it’s anything but.
She takes her time walking around them, letting her footsteps fill the silence of the room, before standing behind her desk, eyes on them all. For a moment, all she does is stare.
It’s an effort not to fidget under her gaze and act like the guilty students they very much are. Sebastian had never been one to worry about his appearance, least of all after a spirited fight or hippogriff journey, but he suddenly regretted not at least checking for any singed or blood-stained marks on his uniform before entering the Castle.
No , that worry was the exact kind of thing Professor Weasley was hoping her students would act on, more guilty admissions. He fought the urge to check.
Besides, if MC- who was decked out in one of their usual (and very flattering) adventuring outfits wasn’t concerned about looking suspicious, then surely he had no need to be. 
Finally, the professor spoke, her tone icy cold, dripping with repressed anger. Even with the Gaunt-protection failsafe, Sebastian felt very unsafe.
“Three students out of school grounds, unauthorised, breaking curfew, I have never seen anything like it,” She seethed, and Sebastian wondered for a moment if they were about to witness their professor breathe fire, maybe being charred alive would be less painful than this , “What have you got to say for yourselves?”
A pause. 
Sebastian’s eyes darted to the side, watching his friends carefully. MC hasn’t moved, not even the slightest fidget of their hands, while Ominis’ posture straightens even further as he opens his mouth, preparing to intervene with a smooth diversion and not-so subtly drop his family’s connections, get them out of here with as much showboating to the Headmaster as will be necessary.
But it’s not Ominis’ poised and perfected tenor that speaks next.
“I’m sorry, it’s my fault, Professor. I asked for their help and we completely lost track of time.” MC sounded so sincere in their apology, their tone didn’t waver for a moment. Sebastian tries not to let his surprise register on his face, and sees Ominis do the same, momentarily jared from his earlier plan. What are they doing? “I was working on one of my catch-up assignments, for Professor Fig.”
Sebastian hopes he doesn’t look like this story is of any news to him, but judging from the way Professor Weasley’s gaze had narrowed in on MC, he needn’t have bothered.
“ Professor Fig gave you an assignment that requires you being off-grounds in the middle of the night?”
The lie sounded ludicrous even to Sebastian, no professor would ever assign a student homework that required leaving the Castle grounds, let alone to venture into the Highlands in their free time.
He should know, it had been a fight for him to be allowed to return to Feldcroft to see his sick sister during term time. There was no way MC genuinely thinks that Weasley is going to believe a fellow professor would let them leave the school so freely-
“Yes, Professor, he did. Staying out so late was an accident though.”
- Merlin, they are fucked.
Clearly, from the sudden tension in his frame, the slight upward turn of his eyebrows, Ominis feels the same way. The pair of them stand to either side of their friend, and wait for the lashing down to begin, for Professor Weasley to accuse them of thinking her to be so dim as to believe such an outrageous lie, to attempt to implicate another professor in whatever rule-breaking scheme they’ve concocted. Sebastian wonders if it's possible to intercept a Hogwarts Owl before it reaches Feldcroft- or maybe MC can do it for him, it’s the least they’ll owe him for provoking the professor like this.
Except, instead of a raised voice, threats of punishments and letters home, Professor Weasley only sighs, the fight leaving her body like a snidget on a Quidditch Pitch.
At the mention of the Professor of Magical Theory, something seemed to have changed in the Deputy Headmistress’ demeanour- it would have been funny to observe in any other situation. Her posture slouched slightly, as if suddenly overtaken by exhaustion, but the look in her eyes had become razor focused, a glint in them as she regarded MC.
Something had changed, and Sebastian longed to know what.
“What in Godric’s name is Elea-Professor Fig asking you to do, that requires you travelling away from the Castle?”
MC shrugged, the picture of casual honesty, which was jarring to watch when Sebastian knew they were being everything but, “Professor Fig emphasises real-world applications to enhance my understanding. I do have a lot to catch-up on.”
The counter didn’t seem to surprise Professor Weasley, almost as though she had been expecting such an argument. “Yes, he has mentioned as much. It would certainly be a more school-focused explanation for the rumours of your activities in local hamlets.”
There’s a tone of false lightness that Sebastian is familiar with- one of a Professor who knows more than they’re letting on, who is giving you the opportunity to come clean.
(Personally, it was one he’d never fallen for)
There’s so many rumours surrounding MC and where they go when they’re missing from the Castle- which is nearly all the time these days- that he can’t even begin to speculate about which ones have made their way to Hogwarts Staff.
MC doesn’t even appear phased by Professor Weasley’s suspicions, or the possibility that rumours of their more dangerous stunts have reached the ear of the faculty, “There’s so much still to learn, I’m lucky to have Professor Fig’s guidance in navigating my studies- it’s been very helpful.”
It’s such a perfect answer. The kind professors would expect from a dutiful, high-achieving student such as MC, one that might make them perk up with pride in their pupils.
Professor Weasley only narrows her eyes, and Sebastian suspects this isn’t the first time she’s heard MC pull such a line, “Indeed, you two are quite the pair.” Understatement , “Between your absences, and Professor Fig’s, it’s a miracle either of you still know your way around the Castle. Although, I suspect sneaking in late at night from your various, ah- assignments , is plenty of practice.”
Wow . Sebastian tries not to look too surprised at the subtle dig, unaware the Deputy Headmistress was capable of such underhandedness. Then again, Fig and MC had been sneaking about the Castle after curfew?
Perhaps in light of Fig’s involvement with MC’s restricted section mission, he shouldn’t be surprised.
MC had no such unawareness for the Deptuy Headmistress' tactics and continues, unphased, “Catching up on my studies is certainly a busy task, Professor. It’s true, we spend so much time learning new spells in Professor Fig’s classroom that I haven’t had much time to explore the castle yet.”
Sebastian wishes he had stood next to Ominis, if only to nudge his friend while they watched this conversation- no, interrogation unfold, see if Ominis had picked up on the same thing he had.
Whatever this was about, it clearly had absolutely nothing to do with tonight’s excursion.
“No? That’s a pity, Hogwarts is full of wonderful magic. Considering you’re excelling in your classes, I’m certain you can afford to take some time away. I never see you around the Castle, it seems you’ve made some good friends here, yet I seldom see you enjoying their company outside of studies. I'm concerned your, ah, extracurriculars are taking up all of your time.”
It felt like the world’s longest, most confusing exploding snap game, two players taking it in turns to put a card down- except all the cards were blank and Sebastian didn’t know what would happen if there was a match.
“I have plenty of time to enjoy school, Professor, and have fun with my friends- everyone’s been so supportive in helping me learn more about magic.”
MC hadn’t provided any specifics, Sebastian wasn’t remiss to notice. It really was an entirely new level of vague- even for them, who had entered Hogwarts surrounded by mystery and cloaked in secrets, and hadn’t changed much about that impression since they got here. 
He wondered why MC was so hesitant to elaborate- was it a hesitation to share anything with Professor Weasley, or did they really not have many examples of ‘fun’ times at Hogwarts, that didn’t include danger or rule-breaking? Come to think of it, when had he and MC done anything together that didn’t include danger or rule-breaking?
Merlin, he’d make them relax even if it killed them. Drag them out for a fun day at Hogsmeade where they were banned from helping any locals retrieve their spare robes or whatever ridiculous request they’d force on his friend.
Although, that had been their plan for today- and look how well it turned out.
“I wonder, what academic prospects could have drawn yourself and Professor Fig all the way to Feldcroft?” Despite himself, Sebastian jolts at the mention of his home, and from his periphery he sees Ominis’ head snap to the side to stare in his direction, questioning. “It is a rather dangerous area, you know, I’m sure Mister Sallow can attest to the current occupation of Goblin Loyalists in the Hamlet.”
Professor Fig and MC, in Feldcroft? He’d heard some rumours, of course, but this was all but confirming it as true- especially as he saw MC momentarily falter at the direct questioning.
Questions burst forth in the back of his mind, irritation pricked at his skin with the knowledge they hadn’t told him - Sebastian of all people, what they’d been doing back in Feldcroft, without him and with Professor Fig no less. He endeavoured to ask them, later.
MC quickly regains their composure, hands folded delicately at their front, and tilts their head to the side inquisitively, “Is it? Professor Fig was showing me some ruins ,” Fractionally, the corner of MC’s lip curled, a flicker of amusement they quickly squashed, “We didn’t come across any trouble, certainly no Goblin Loyalists. We are always very safe when we leave the castle.”
Now that Sebastian knew was a bold-faced lie. MC hadn’t told him everything they and the enigmatic Professor got up to, but they’d shared enough about their pursuit of Ancient Magic knowledge and Ranrok. Whatever the pair got up to when they were absent from the castle, it was far from safe .
Judging by Professor Weasley’s unwavering expression, the stone cold doubt and suspicion written clearly across her features, she shared the same sentiments.
“I see, so yours and Professor Fig’s trips away from the Castle have absolutely nothing to do with the reason your mentor has been spending so much time in contact with the Ministry lately? Particuarly, the Auror Department and the Minister himself?”
That was news to Sebastian, and not for the first time in this coversation  he wondered if Professor Weasley had forgotten he and Ominis were here too.
As if feeling the weight of his friend’s gaze on him, Ominis tilted his head in Sebastian’s direction and gave a small shake of his head, before staring fixedly down at MC.
One thing's for certain, they weren’t letting MC get away with not answering their questions as easily as they seem to be Professor Weasley’s.
Honestly, Sebastian was tempted to take notes on their artful evasions, his old tricks with the faculty were getting….well… old .
“I wouldn’t know, Professor.” MC shrugged, “Professor Fig doesn’t talk about his work outside of our tutoring sessions,” Then, as if realising some lies were too obvious for even them to get away with, “The Headmaster sent him to the Ministry a few times earlier this year, perhaps Professor Fig is in contact with them on orders of Professor Black.”
Did they really just bring the Headmaster into this?
Either this whole topic went a lot deeper than either of them thought, or MC is pulling all the strings to get out of this tense exchange.
The funniest part was that it was working.
Bringing up the Headmaster seemed to snap the final thread of Professor Weasley’s patience, and suddenly she seemed exhausted, grimly accepting of the fact that clearly she would be getting no answers out of MC tonight.
“I see, well it’s already very late and you all have classes in the morning,” She sighs, before pulling her shoulders back, still the picture of staunch authority you wouldn’t dare cross, “You’re free to go, but don’t think I won’t be speaking with Professor Fig to confirm your story,” At this, Sebastian sends a panicked look MC’s way but they don’t notice, eyes only on Professor Weasley as she continues, “That said, I am still taking twenty points from each of you, and if this happens again I won’t be so lenient- 'assignment'  from Professor Fig or not.”
MC still doesn’t appear worried, not as much as they should be- given they absolutely will be doing this again. Then again, Sebastian and Ominis weren’t any better.
Still, they all had the courtesy to look abashed, and ducked their heads, echoes of their ‘thank you professor’, ‘sorry professor’-s following them out of the Deputy Headmistress’ office, and away from her disapproving glare.
Seconds later, the door swings shut behind them with an echoing ‘thud’, and Sebastian whirls on MC, but before he can speak, there’s a hand over his mouth. Over MC’s shoulder, Ominis looks distinctly amused.
“Not here.” MC whispers, with a knowing tilt of their head in the direction of the office they had just left. Then their hand drifts from from Sebastian’s mouth to wrap around his wrist, mirroring the same action with Ominis, as MC pulls them both away from eavesdropping range.
Feeling MC’s warm grip on his, Sebastian praises himself for not licking their hand earlier when they silenced him. This was much more satisfying.
They don’t stop until they hit an alcove just to the side of the Main Hall entryway, hidden from view but the perfect spot to detect Professors on the pry. 
“I cannot believe we got away with that.” Sebastian grinned, revelling in the adrenaline rush that always came with getting out of trouble punishment-free. He takes a moment for them all to bask in the easy way they had all just avoided what could have been a nasty punishment, before his attentions turn to the mastermind of their escape, looking quite smug with themselves, “So, make a habit of lying to the Deputy Headmistress, do we?”
��No idea what you’re talking about.” MC retorted cheekily, but their wide smile was a giveaway against their words, just as quickly dropping the faux-denial, “Besides, it worked, didn’t it?”
They punctuate their words with a knowing poke at his shoulder, and he doesn’t deny it.
“Please, like you had any doubts. You could have warned us you had a plan!”
“Funny, that doesn’t sound like ‘wow thanks for getting us out of trouble MC, you’re such a good friend MC, to show my gratitude I’m going to write your potions essay next week MC!’ ”
“Even if I was going to thank you for nearly gaslighting our Deputy Headmistress- artfully done by the way- I certainly won’t be writing your potions essay for you.”
MC grinned, “Good, I didn’t mean you, I meant Ominis. His potions essays are way better, plus he never leaves it till the last minute.”
“Don't even try it, MC, flattery won’t work on me.” The pleased flush to Ominis’ cheeks said otherwise, but nobody was about to point that out, “But I at least am grateful for your intervention. I wasn’t looking forward to using my family name to get us out of trouble.” His nose scrunched at the thought.
“It was almost comical, the way Weasley immediately dropped it and all you had mentioned was-“ The realisation struck Sebastian like lightning, a wide grin threatening to split his face, “Oh Merlin- you pulled an Ominis!”
“I what?” “Excuse me?”
Not getting the hint from Ominis’ outraged expression, or simply not caring, Sebastian continued, “You pulled an Ominis! All you had to do was drop Professor Fig’s name and we were never getting into trouble! I can’t believe there’s two of you now!”
“We are not calling it ‘pulling an Ominis ’ for Merlin’s sake Sebastian!” Ominis hissed, looking thoroughly displeased about the expression, and Sebastian immediately endeavoured to add it to his vocabulary from now on, “That said, I was surprised at how effective it was.”
“I didn’t…I mean….it wasn't like that!” MC stared between the pair, lost in the sudden direction their conversation was taking. Sebastian continues rambling, grin growing in his face.
“What do we even call that? Is it still family privileges or… mentor privileges? Playing favourites? I mean, half the school thinks you're both secretly related anyway, so I suppose it doesn’t really matter-”
MC’s mouth dropped open, “Half the school thinks what?”
“Weasley was right, you need to get about the Castle more if you haven’t heard that one yet, it’s old news at this point.” Sebastian waved it off, like the fact half the school was gossiping about MC was nothing. Maybe it was, it’s not like they got involved in school gossip enough to have a comparison point.
Ominis frowned, “Speaking of Professor Fig, it’s all fair and well to name drop him like that, but what happens when Professor Weasley actually does go to him to confirm your story? She’s going to find out we lied.” He can’t help the worry from bleeding into his tone, and Sebastian frowns at the reminder of the hole in MC’s plan. At most, they’ve been bought time, and the punishment could end up being so much worse if Weasley finds out they deceived her.
To the boys’ shared surprise, MC chuckles lightly, shaking their head, as if their friends had missed some huge point. “She won’t- I’ll be surprised if she even talks to Professor Fig about it.” Okay, they were definitely missing something, by the knowing tone in MC’s voice, “Even if she does, he’ll cover for us, so don’t worry about it.”
They sounded so assured about exactly how this would all play out, the staff dynamics at work here- Sebastian and Ominis longed to question them further on it.
That easy confidence that Professor Fig would lie to one of his colleagues for them, covering up serious rule-breaking with no questions asked? The Professor of Magical Theory was known for being somewhat enigmatic and mysterious, someone with so much practical skills for a supposed expert in theoretical knowledge, but the idea of a professor blindly covering for a student was too much, even for him.
Then again, MC wasn’t exactly ‘just a student’. Not if the pair were sneaking out of the Castle and being spotted near Goblin Loyalists areas, of all places. Deceiving all the other professors, telling lies to cover one another’s backs- because that had been the other side of this, Professor Fig wouldn’t be the only one lying to the Deputy Headmistress to protect another.
“He’ll cover for us, like you covered for him in Professor Weasley’s office, you mean?” Ominis felt the pieces falling into place. “His contact with the Ministry has nothing to do with the Headmaster, does it?”
MC grinned, shrugging lightly, “I mean, technically that wasn’t a complete lie- Black did send him on fools errands to the Ministry at the start of term, as some sort of ridiculous punishment for what happened on our journey here.” Bitterness bled into their tone slightly at the memory, and Ominis couldn’t quite blame them. Being attacked by a dragon was hardly something you could control. MC’s tone brightened as they kept talking, an edging of mischief creeping in, “But since then? No, it’s got nothing to do with the Headmaster, but I doubt Professor Weasley is going to question it.”
He wonders what it’s actually got to do with, but this wasn’t the time to ask them about that.
“It’s no wonder Weasley looked so tired, you’re both menaces .” Sebastian laughed.
“Oh like you’re both any better, Misters ‘I have a way with the faculty’ and ‘My father is friends with the Headmaster’. I didn’t stand a chance at having good influences around me.” MC playfully rolled their eyes, recalling the fact that they weren’t the only ones who had their ways of getting out of trouble.
Sebastian whirled on Ominis, seemingly choking down another laugh, “You did not say that to them.”
“Oh, be quiet. Both of you.” Ominis wasn’t pouting, he wasn’t, “Besides, don’t turn us into your excuses, sounds like you’ve been lying to the faculty well before we became friends.”
“I prefer to think of it as keeping a few secrets. Not lying, just not telling the whole truth.”
Ominis couldn’t bite down on the smile their antics caused, and hoped a small head shake would hide his fond amusement, “That’s called lying, MC.”
“Semantics.”
They were so casual about it. From the moment Professor Weasley had begun with her vague-yet-intense questioning, MC had obfuscated and dismissed her every suspicion with a shamelessly vague answer, hadn’t shown weakness for even a moment, and now they stood joking about the whole affair, like lying and keeping dangerous secrets from professors was an everyday activity.
Well, for MC, they supposed it was.
Then again, given their recent exploits, perhaps Ominis and Sebastian were not in a place to cast judgement.
Merlin, what a group they made.
“I’ll admit, it was surprising how much Professor Weasley knew,” MC confessed, the edgings of worry outlining their now furrowed brows, “I honestly didn’t think she was paying that much attention, I knew she’d been keeping her eye on us but…where does she get her information?” Their gaze drifted off in the direction of the Transfiguration classroom, worrying at their lip as they thought.
“You see, it’s this magical thing called ‘The Hogwarts Rumour Mill’- you’d know what that was if you actually spent any time playing normal student, you know.” Sebastian mocked, and delighted in the way his teasing interrupted whatever journey into overthinking MC had stepped into, as their face playfully scrunched up in confusion.
“‘Normal Hogwarts student’? Like ‘student who learns non-curriculum spells in a super secret undercroft’ or ‘student who picks fights with goblin loyalists and poachers’?”
“Hey, I never said we were normal Hogwarts students.”
MC grinned, gently knocking against Sebastian and Ominis’ shoulders, “I suppose that’s why we all get along so well.”
Sebastian’s expression softened as he registered their affection, warm fondness spreading across his features, “I suppose it is.”
For a moment, they all stay like that, three students hidden behind a corner of the Transfiguration courtyard, packed so tight their arms press against each other, warm with the rush of their evening adventures, and share in the peace they so seldom get to appreciate.
How fortunate they all were, to have found each other.
“It’s getting late, we should be heading back.” Ominis’ voice breaks through the quiet, sounding almost regretful to have done so, as the warm press of his friends was stripped from him, replaced with the bitterness of the outdoor air.
Lightly, MC laughs, and takes the lead to start walking back towards the Viaduct hall, Sebastian and Ominis at their side, “I think we went past ‘getting late’ flying over Upper Hogsfield, but you won’t hear me complaining about getting some sleep- even if it is just a few hours.”
“Better than nothing, and we always have History of Magic to get some extra sleep in.” MC hummed in agreement, Ominis smiling already at the prospect, their shared naps during the notoriously dull class has admittedly become something of a highlight in his school curriculum. A few hours where he knows he’ll sleep unhaunted (mentally at least) and utterly at ease.
“Oh do rub it in, why don’t you?”
“It’s not our fault you didn’t take History of Magic, Sebastian.”
The walk back was over far too quickly, light taunts becoming wishes of well rest and promises to meet again at breakfast, as they parted ways- finally laying rest to the evening’s events.
______________________________________
MC’s promise proved to be good and true, when the trio managed to make it through their first class of the day without being summoned by Professor Weasley for a sequel to the previous night’s ‘punishment’. Whether the Deputy Headmistress had actually confronted Professor Fig about MC’s claims remained a mystery for the entire morning, however by midday, Sebastian was starting to have his suspicions that Professor Weasley had at least been talking to someone about his, MC, and Ominis’ out-of-grounds escapade.
“Is it just me, or are the other professors…watching us?”
“Sebastian, think for a moment about who you’re talking to, then ask me that again.” Ominis rolled his eyes, completely oblivious to the dubious look Professor Hecat had been giving them with all class.
“Oh right, sorry,” He cast a quick look to the Defense Professor, and when she wasn’t facing the class, he elaborated, “Since this morning, it’s like every Professor we see is expecting us to do something wrong, waiting to catch us out. Hecat’s been looking at us like a Kneazle to a Sneakosope since we walked in here.”
“Well, we were caught breaking curfew last night, Sebastian.”
“This is different! All the times I’ve been caught breaking the rules, not once have the staff watched me like this. I feel guilty and I haven’t even done anything yet.”
They didn’t get an answer for their suspicions until after class, making their way through the Tower, MC now joining the duo at their side. Lost in conversation, they almost didn’t spot the Professor until it was too late, side stepping just as Professor Fig rounded the stairs.
It wasn’t uncommon to see the Magical Theory Professor, but he was renowned for his elusiveness- Sebastian would know, he’d tried to talk to the Professor on several occasions last year as he searched for a cure for Anne, but Fig had always been too busy to stick around for long. 
Despite himself, and MC’s earlier reassurances Fig wouldn’t be upset his name came up the previous night, his heart hammered in his chest, and from the corner of his eye Sebastian spotted Ominis’ posture stiffen, as he so often would whenever they were about to get scolded by a Professor. 
They waited for the gentle expression to fall into one of disappointment, or anger, for the reprimand they knew would be coming.
MC too, had changed, but in notable contrast to their friends they brightened up, energised to see the Professor- and Sebastian supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised that the fondness was reciprocated. What he was surprised by was how Fig’s warmth extended to their friends, greeting them all cheerfully.
“Ah, MC! Mister Sallow, Mister Gaunt, good morning!”
Momentarily taken aback by the unexpected friendliness of his tone, one which they absolutely hadn’t anticipated after using him as a get-out-of-punishment-free pass the night before, they were delayed in wishing him a good morning back, compared to MC’s spirited response, “Morning, Professor Fig! Are you on your way back to your office?”
It was kind of cute, the way they perked up in Fig’s presence.
“I am, and I suppose you’re all off for lunch?” 
“Actually, if you have some free time, I was wondering…”
Fig smiled, understanding, “My door is always open, come, I’ll have some sandwiches delivered! I had a very interesting meeting with Professor Weasley this morning, perhaps you can catch me up on the finer details of yours and Misters Sallow and Gaunt’s excusion while we’re there.”
Ominis startled, “Ah, yes, Professor, about that-”
“I’m afraid I can’t award points, Professor Weasley might have my head, Mister Gaunt- even if it would be well deserved!” Fig is quick to interrupt whatever apology Ominis had been about to offer, a sly smile on his face- one that strongly reminded Sebastian of MC’s expression after they had gotten out of Weasley’s office the night before, “I am glad MC has such supportive friends to help them with their studies, excellent work boys!”
Fig caught Sebastian’s eye and gave both himself and Ominis a knowing wink before continuing on towards his classroom, MC falling into step beside him easily, the pair immediately locked into a lighthearted conversation. Sebastian and Ominis stayed put for a moment, baffled by the casual interaction.
Ominis spoke first, “Did he just….”
“Yep.” He’d definitely covered for them, had seemed amused by it, no less.
Not a word was mentioned about last night’s escapades, no dubious look thrown their way like the rest of his colleagues had been doing all morning. Instead, all there had been was immediate recognition as he crossed paths with the trio, even though he hadn’t taught two of the three pupils in years, and a wink.
Suddenly, they had the sneaking suspicion they were in on some sort of conspiracy.
“Good morning, Professor Hecat!”
“Good morning, Professor Fig, good to see you about the Castle.” 
Sebastian and Ominis jump at the voice, turning around to see Hecat at the top of the stairs, where she had no doubt just watched the four crossing paths, the spirited exchange before Fig and MC had whisked away. 
Suddenly, the professors’ earlier attitudes towards himself and Ominis made a lot more sense, and Sebastian suspected that Professor Weasley wasn’t the only one who had her suspicions about MC and Professor Fig’s extracurriculars.
And, if the way they had been keeping an eye on him and Ominis was anything to go by, the staff’s conspiracy had just gained two new suspects.
“Ominis, I think we’ve become accomplices.”
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